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Single Strand Knots...  why???  :(

1/25/2013

11 Comments

 
                                                                       


                                                                      Other names for "Them"...

                                                                                       *SSK
                                                                                    *Fairy Knots
 
                                                                            What they are...

    Single strand knots are very tiny knots that form on a single strand of hair.  They are very common in 
type 4 natural hair.  Sometimes several knots can form on a single strand.  Seriously!?!?! 

                                                                      Ways to deal with them...

 Cut them out
     You can snip just above the tiny knots to get rid of them completely....for the moment lol.  Since you are only snipping a little off of a single strand, length loss isn't noticeable.  

 Unravel them

    Umm... this will require a lot of skills!  I have attempted this in my bangs and I was VERY unsuccessful lol.  

Let them be

    I've come to the realization that single strand knots in my 4C hair are just going to happen.  
It's inevitable :(    With such a tight curl pattern, my hair can help but ravel onto itself at some point in time.  

                                                                          



                                                                      Ways to prevent them...
*Keeping the hair moisturized
  Butters, oils, and conditioners are a must for moisturizing my 4c hair :)


*Frequent deep conditioning 
    Try using oils added to your conditioner


*Use protective styling 
    Updos, braids, buns, etc are great to keep knots at bay.  However, even if your hair is up and out of the way it will still need to be moisturized.


*Keep hands out of hair!  LOL  
    I seriously FAIL at this! 


*Detailed detangling
    I don't use a comb on my hair daily.  In fact, I comb my hair only when I'm feeling lots of knots.  My hair get very bushy when ever a comb touches it and I get knots regardless!  lol


*Keep up on trims
    I tend to only trim my hair when I notice the ends are scraggly or when I have too many single strand knots and tangles.

*Use gel 
  From time to time, I try to see what my fail would feel like if I don't use gel.  My results thus far have always been soft hair with a little to no hold and more knots and tangles...  so using gel makes a huge difference for me.


*Use heat
  I have not used this method to prevent single strand knots but if you choose to blowout your hair or straighten it, it will cut down on knotting.  I don't know when I will flat iron my hair.  I've been thinking about doing a light blow out...but I'm not sure lol.  I've been able to avoid heat (except my hooded dryer)  since big chopping and I don't miss using it :) 



                                                                          How I feel about them...
  I do not like that my hair gets single strand knots.  However, I'm just going to keep moving forward in making sure I keep a steady regimen.  I only cut knots when they are large or when there are several knots on a strand. ( I will be doing a "search and destroy" on my single strand knots soon...)  Other than that , I leave them alone.  I don't wear my hair straight at this time, so I don't need ultimate smooth strands. But it is very frustrating knowing that they are there...lol.  


What do you do about your single strand knots?  




Check out my YouTube video on SSK's  :)

SINGLE STRAND KNOTS! (Hair Talk)- NaturalMe4C 

11 Comments
Derika
1/29/2013 05:24:07 am

It seems like I can never get a break from them! I try to snip them every wash day but it seems like they always come back like weeds! lol I may just let them be! Knowing they are there annoys me though!

Reply
naturalme4c
1/29/2013 06:07:54 am

Hi Derika!
It's always like "They're Back!!!" Lol

Reply
Derika
1/30/2013 02:50:35 pm

Lol I know! I am considering getting a steamer or the new handheld steamer(Qredew) to help with SSKs. Do you think it will help? Since doing my BC, my hair is extremely dry.

Reply
NaturalMe4C
1/30/2013 07:49:38 pm

Hi Derika!
I would love to get a steamer too! Lol they look awesome for moisture. I know what you mean about a super dry twa lol. Mine felt like an old rug when I first chopped! Lol. I think the steamer could do great things for the hair. ...hopefully ssks too!

Reply
Derika
1/31/2013 01:09:55 pm

Lol thanks so much for your feedback! God bless!

Naturalme4C
1/31/2013 11:18:43 pm

God bless you too Derika! Have a great day!

Reply
14Months4C link
6/17/2013 11:00:12 pm

I've learned that Naturalistas enjoy touching the coily goodness of their hair. That's how I recently realized that my beautiful coif is FILLED with horrible tiny knots! It freaked me out at first because there were so many. I kind of panicked and trimmed one side of my head where the knots were most plentiful. Not such a great idea. Now my hair is uneven. lol

After I calmed down a bit, I did a little research. I think dryness may be a big part of the problem but also wash and style technique seems to also play a part. Below is my plan of action. I hope it helps someone. Let me know.

*** DO NOT WASH & GO EVER! ***
(If your hair is super coily or tends to knot, don't wash & go)

1. Trim Single Strand Knots with scissors right above the knot
(If you pull the knot to pop it off, you may create split ends)
2. When washing or co-washing, use oil and conditioner
3. Detangle and Braid or twist hair into sections
4. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo
5. Wash hair downward strokes
6. Deep condition with oil
7. Pat dry
8. Moisturize then oil while wet
9. Detangle and stretch damp hair into protective style
10. Allow hair to dry completely before wearing loose styles

** Optional: Use alcohol-free gel to style (per NaturalMe4C, thx!) **

Although STKs are not exactly harmful individually, they quickly become a knotted nightmare when tangled up with shedding hair. It seems the best way to deal with STKs is to prevent them with an effective wash, moisturize and style plan along with periodic trims. Would you agree?

Reply
That4Cmama
8/20/2016 06:01:45 am

My hair is a SSK and tangles hub, I was reading through the don'ts with my hands on my hair then i got to "keep your hands out of your hair...", i was like...ooops lol

Reply
Alexandria B link
9/28/2016 12:41:56 pm

Mannnn, I'm reading this as I rub my darn knotted hair. These knots irk my nerves and I can't friggin deal! Thanks for this helpful post and maybe I should just do a protective style for a while to take a break from the sadness that is my hair right now.

Reply
Tahlia
10/9/2017 02:44:53 am

I am glad to know I'm not the only one suffering from these little knots, but I hate knowing that they are there. And I am constantly running my fingers through my hair as if subconsciously hunting for them, but I think I'm going to just let them be.

Reply
Fizzy
3/19/2018 01:58:57 pm

Same! It’s like the more your touch your hair the more knots you find that eventually break off. I’m close to cutting my hair again really short because it feels like my whole head of hair is going to break off at this stage

Reply



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    About Me

    Crystal aka Kriss

    Hey!  I'm Crystal, an energetic married mother of two who is on a journey to become the woman God has meant for me to be.  I'm sharing my journey in hopes to inspire others to be comfortable with who they are. Here you will find lots of things ranging from natural hair care, beauty, marriage fun, spirituality, and more!


     Remember to be who you are and not the person others think you should be! 


    Last Relaxer Date: 

    February 3, 2012


    Big Chop Date: 
    August 5th 2012




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