A salon owner is urging people with severely matted or tangled hair not to despair, insisting that shaving it all off is not the only solution. Jo Bevilacqua, founder of Serenity Loves, has created a specialist hair detangling and dematting service after noticing a growing number of clients struggling with severe matting linked to mental health difficulties, chronic illness, and challenging life circumstances.
Behind the Tangles: A Human Story
Jo explained that every case of severely matted hair represents a person with a story. 'This isn't about vanity or neglect. Often, it's a visible sign that someone has been carrying an invisible burden,' she said. Over the past year, Serenity Loves has helped more than 50 people with severe hair matting, with causes including depression, anxiety, bereavement, hospital stays, disabilities, chronic illness, caring responsibilities, and neurodiversity.
Breaking the Silence
What surprised Jo most is the number of people too embarrassed to seek help. '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,' she said. Since sharing remarkable transformations online, Serenity Loves has received enquiries from across the UK, with videos amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
Expert Advice: Don't Panic
Jo's message is straightforward: do not panic. '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 warned against forcefully yanking apart knots, which can cause breakage and scalp damage, and urged those with severe matting close to the scalp to seek professional help sooner rather than later.
Memorable Transformation
One of Serenity Loves' most unforgettable cases involved a young girl whose severe mental health struggles had caused her hair to form what her father described as a 'solid ball'. After two-and-a-half days of painstaking work, much of her hair was preserved. 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.'
No Judgment, Help Available
Jo emphasised that there is no judgment 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,' she added.
