Severely matted hair ‘can be saved’ says salon owner

Those battling with severely matted hair are frequently struggling in silence, believing their sole solution is to completely shave their heads. However, according to salon proprietor Jo Bevilacqua, numerous cases can be successfully resolved through patience, specialist knowledge and understanding.

Jo, who founded Serenity Loves, has created a specialist hair detangling and dematting service following an increase in clients grappling with severe matting connected to mental health difficulties, medical conditions and challenging personal situations.

She said: “Behind every case of severely matted hair is a person and a story. This isn’t about vanity or neglect. Often, it’s a visible sign that someone has been carrying an invisible burden.”

Throughout the past year, Serenity Loves has assisted more than 50 individuals experiencing severe hair matting. Cases have been associated with depression, anxiety, bereavement, hospital stays, disabilities, chronic illness, caring responsibilities and neurodiversity. What has astonished Jo most is the sheer number of people who feel too mortified to reach out for assistance.

She said: “We’ve met people who have been living with matted hair for months or even years because they were too ashamed to ask for help. Many have told us they felt isolated, judged and completely alone.”

Following the sharing of several transformations on social media, Serenity Loves has been contacted by enquirers from all corners of the UK, with videos receiving hundreds of thousands of views. For those wrestling with severe tangles or matting, Jo’s guidance is straightforward: remain calm.

“Many people assume shaving their hair is the only option, but in many cases far more hair can be saved than they realise,” she said.

She also cautioned against yanking knots apart forcefully, which can lead to breakage and scalp injury, and urges those experiencing severe matting close to the scalp to seek professional assistance as soon as possible.

Among Serenity Loves’ most unforgettable cases was a young girl whose profound mental health challenges had resulted in her hair forming what her father described as a “solid ball”. Following two-and-a-half days of meticulous work, a substantial amount of her hair was salvaged.

Jo said: “The emotional impact of these transformations is often far greater than the physical one. Seeing someone look in the mirror and recognise themselves again is something our team will never take for granted.

“We want people to know there is no judgement and that help is available.

“We are also fundraising to build a support pot so that people who desperately need help, but cannot afford the service, are not left suffering in silence.”