Something that I have come to notice since I have been natural is Single Strand Knots,( not to say that relaxed heads do not have them) But I have noticed them alot more since I have been natural and as my hair grows longer. I assume it comes with the territory?
Alot of people seem to think that a regular schedule of straightening natural hair will keep the single strand knots at bay, but that can also lead to ir-reversable heat damage, A change that I am not willing to take. I have also done some minor research and Ive come to my own conclusion on how to keep single strand knots at bay. All be it you have to be diligent.
1) invest in a good detangling
2) invest in good trimming shears
3) find a OIL you are fond of
Why?
I say to invest in a good detangling comb because this is going to be your bestfriend. My fave are Jibere shower comb and the Ouidad double detangling comb.
I say invest in good trimming shears because there will be single strand knots that you nomatter how patient you are, you will not be able to undo them and you should ever pull or break a single strand knot beause you will create a split end. You should always trim right above the single strand knot.
I say find a oil of your preference because everyone has a different smell preference or what works best for them, I prefer coconut oil, jojoba or olive oil.
How to (prevention)
Catching and stopping them before they happen starts with your wash routine, curly heads should never shampoo upside down and should never tousell their hair in a wet state it will create tangles and matting.
Curly heads should:
section their hair off in 2-4 sections
shampoo hair section by section
Rinse (concentrate on ends) with oil for 5-20 minutes (smoothing hair as you go)
condition section by section smooth conditioner through hair in a downward motion)
detangle hair in shower while dripping wet with conditioner in section by section and braid up hair.
deep condition hair for 20-30 minutes with heat.
Rinse out deep conditioner and apply a leave in.
When ever you rinse out conditioner you should always use cold water (as cold as you can stand it)
After you have done this routine and you have rinsed out the conditioner make sure to seal your ends and edges (we can get single strand knots there too) with your oil of choice, I use coconut oil!
Now if you have done this and you still find single strand knots the next step is to take your trimming shears and trim right above the single strand knot.
I hope this post has helped!
