Hair Matting & How Best to Deal With Them in 2025

What “hair matt” means
When people talk about hair matt or matte hair products, they’re referring to styling products that create a matte finish — meaning your hair looks natural, without shine or gloss. Matte products give texture, definition and hold, but your hair won’t look wet or shiny like when you use gel or traditional pomade. They’re often clays, pastes or waxes that absorb light and make hair look more natural and textured.

How matte products work
A matte styling product usually has ingredients like lightweight waxes, clays (like kaolin), or starches. These add grip and structure but keep your hair looking dry rather than oily. They can:

• add texture and separation so strands stand apart instead of flattening together
• provide control and hold so styles stay in place
• give hair a fuller appearance without making it glossy
• be easier to restyle over the day because they don’t harden like some gels do (Hairhouse Warehouse)

Types of matte styling products
There are different ones, but all aim for the same matte effect:

• Matte clay / matte mud: Thick in texture, often gives strong hold and lots of texture. Great for creating messy, textured, or natural styles that look like little to no product is in your hair. (VITAMAN USA)
• Matte pomade / matte wax: Usually easier to work with in short or medium hair and adds texture and definition without shine. These are good for everyday styles that need some control but still look natural. (Pro Kosmeetika)
• Matte paste: Often a middle ground — buildable hold and texture with a matte finish. It’s flexible and works on lots of hair types for casual styles. (Smart Beauty Shop)

Why people choose matte finishes

• Natural look: Your hairstyle looks like your hair rather than product. (MCCP COIFFURE BIO)
• Texture and depth: Matte products make hair appear thicker and add separation, which helps with styles like messy tops, textured crops, or piecey looks. (Dear Barber)
• No greasy feel: Because there’s no shine, hair feels lighter and less sticky than with some gels or shiny pomades. (MCCP COIFFURE BIO)

How to use matte products

• Start with a small amount: A little often goes a long way.
• Warm it in your palms: This softens the product so it spreads evenly.
• Apply to dry or slightly damp hair: Dry hair helps texture stand out more.
• Style and shape with fingers or comb: You can tweak throughout the day. (Hairhouse Warehouse)

Things to keep in mind

• Because the formulas can be drier, some matte clays can leave hair feeling a bit dry or harder to wash out if you use a lot. Using a conditioner with your shampoo helps remove buildup and keeps hair from feeling brittle. (Reddit)
• Matte products can vary in hold — some are light and flexible, others are strong and firm — so choosing one depends on how much hold you want. (Daytona Supply Co)

If you want, I can recommend specific matte styling products that match your hair type (for example for thick, curly, or fine hair).

When you ask about “hair mats/matting,” it generally refers to tangled masses of hair that have become densely knotted—forming clumps that resist combs or brushes.

Let’s explore:

1. Hair Matting (Knotted Hair)

What Is Matting Hair?

• Severe tangling where hair strands, both shed and attached, twist and bind into dense clumps.
• Feels stiff, rough, and often resembles a “bird’s nest” or felted mass.

Causes of Hair Mats or Matts

• Hair type & length: Long, curly, coily, or dry hair tangles more easily.

Photo credits: Melbourne Detangling