Single Knots

I know people have posted this information before but I can't seem to locate it. How do you avoid single strand knots? I have so many, I am very upset :-(

Sometimes its hard to entirely avoid them but you can cut down on them by keeping your hair in a stretched state by doing: twists, twistouts, braids, braidouts, banding hair. Keeping your hair moisturized can also cut down on ssk's.

KC is right. I also found that using some version of kimmaytubes leave-in mixed with oils has helped me with the knots (ex. knot today with jojoba, castor oils mixed into it). My hair stays moisturized longer and I have less knots when I'm using it. I had quit using it for some reason, but when I restarted- they began to lessen greatly.

i get ssk's in my hair and although i havent avoided them entirely, keeping my hair stretched and moisturised has definitely help reduce them. i used to loads of ssk's and get upset too but its not that bad anymore.

Kim, this natural hair journey does have its share of frustrations, doesn't it? My suggestion is for you to note when you are experiencing the knots. Remember, any issue/problem that arises, observation (and for me documentation in my hair journal so I can identify patterns) is essential to solving the problem. I suspect you will notice this occurs either when you wash or when your hair is loose. Curly hair is prone to getting tangles on itself. I like to say the strands find themselves aimlessly wandering. This works for me : Wet hair SSK prevention: 1) prepoo w/ coconut oil overnight and finger detangle and braid in 6 sections 2) cleanse next day in sections (1 at a time) 3) oil rinse/deep condish ( I use AOWC, which is a smoothing conditioner and it does what it says it will do. (all these measures while hair is in sections) 4) detangle w/ KCKT If needed, I have a marshmallow root spritz I make and keep in the fridge. Like KCKT, apply a small amount of this and let it work for a couple of minutes. Always keep hair as smooth as possible and in sections when working with it while wet.

To avert SSK on dry hair, I use KCNT in my Kimmaytube leave-in and I use various oils throughout the week as I see certain oils with emollient qualities are effective just like oil rinsing. Keep hair properly moisturized. These interventions have saved me from SSKs /tangles and frustration.

Keeping hair stretched and moisturized and ends sealed with oil/butter.....all have helped with the SSKs.

I don't do W&Gs as often for this very reason.....SSKs!

I too am very frustrated with single strand knots. I've tried everything. Here's a little run down of my hair routine, please let me know where I'm going wrong: first I usually wear a protective style such as large twists or a bun, I'll then do a prepo on damp hair with olive oil and let that sit for at least an hour, then I'll shampoo my hair, next I'll apply trader joes conditioner and detangle my hair with a detangling comb (I used to use the denman but I swear it was ripping the hair right off my head), I usually let conditioner sit for a couple of hours under a plastic cap while I take a nap because I work nights and I like to wash my hair on my first day off, finally I'll apply a leave in based loosely on the kimmaytube recipe followed by my shea butter mix (shea, coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera juice, aloe vera gel). Any suggestions?

Victortheroots, try not to be frustrated, this can be worked out. I have a few questions?

1. Do you shampoo in sections? Gravity can be helpful--hair smoothed downward is a good thing.)
2. What type of shampoo/cleanser do you use? (Some encourage tangles)
3. Do you detangle in the shower under running water? (Force of the water is a beneficial accomplice!
4. Do you do any type of pre-detangling with your fingers when the olive oil is in?
5. To your knowledge, do you have alot of split ends or otherwise damaged hair where your cuticles may be raised? (trim/protein/etc. treatments may be needed if this is the case)

Points: Some conditioners seem like they melt tangles away (they are the ones with tons of slip or in some way have "smoothing ingredients."" Examples: KBB Luscious Locks, AOWC, KCNT or anything with marshmallow root and/or slippery elm HIGH on the ingredient list. Personally, I do keep a homemade spritz of marshmallow root in the fridge just in case I need it after certain treatments.

Consider starting a hair journal to document everything you do and put on your hair and the results (bad or good). This will allow you to see patterns.

With the additional details you provide, others will be more able to give you suggestions specific to an ingredient/product or technique that could benefit from being modified.

I get these a lot. Even after going through a pretty major cut I have now found (felt) a bunch of single strand knots in the back and front of my hair. I think it must be due to rough handling. I know I should be more gentle, but I don't always take my time. But there's not much you can do to keep all of them away. There will always be a few no matter how gentle you are.

I'm cosigning on the the Kimmaytube Leave-In and stretching the hair. I wash and detangle my hair...put in the leave-in and band my hair overnight...BIG difference. I have 4a/b (more b than a, LOL) and my hair is extremely dense which of course wasn't making it any less difficult. I have seen a noticeable difference in my hair's behavior since I've started doing this....we're getting along much better these days

naturallynola,

Thanks for the tips. After considering all of your suggestions I'm kinda thinking that my problem may be the fact that I wash my hair in sections that are too large( I usually part down the middle and shampoo each section individually). I do finger detangle with the olive oil before I shampoo but I tend to focus mainly on cleansing my scalp when under the water. Also I could probably be using a better shampoo; I use EO Essentials Chamomile Lemon and Honey which I can't say that I'm so jazzed about. I tend to shop at Ross, Marshalls, & TJMaxx for products and I generally pick up whichever product that's sulfate free and contains natural ingredients and this one fit the bill; but like I mentioned I'm not impressed with it, it makes my hair feel stripped. Any shampoo suggestions?
To my knowledge my hair isn't damaged; I trim on regular basis and I don't tend to see split ends just those dang knots. I'm very happy with my conditioner, it has excellent slip and it leaves my hair feeling moisturized.
I will take your suggestion about the journal too because I tend to use various products and hair care methods. Thanks again.

I have notice that i get knots in my hair often also. Usually when i braid my hair on wash day I never take the time to braid my hair all the way down to the very end. Well the very end may not be possible, but I know I'm not braiding it as far as I possibly can. I was wondering last week if because the hair down there is loose if that was the reason I was findings these knots? Now I see some of u ladies say it can be from washing. Well i will try all the suggestions because I just want to get rid of these knots. They are costing me lots of growth.

Single strand knots drive me up the wall. I just had a bunch of my hair cut off because I can't deal with them. They were everywhere, and I mean everywhere. I'm going to try some of these tips the next time I wash to see if they make a difference. Maybe I'm not moisturizing enough.

Also-- I typically wear twist outs, and I don't re-twist every night, but do wear a satin cap. Do you think that could be the culprit?