Single strand knots as a protective style? Just hear me out.

[Sui Topi]

Okay so I was always wondering why my hair felt so weird at the end. I thought maybe it was damaged, but they still curled up and I haven't really used any heat so I didn't think it was that. Maybe scab hair? Well I've trimmed a couple times since my BC so I didn't really think so. Well, upon inspection I realized apart from the few that maybe just needed to go, I have tons of single strand knots and they give my ends a yucky, rough feeling. So immediately I started reading up on LHCF trying to figure out how to remedy this, knowing in my heart they would have to be cut because there is no way I could untie all of those microscopic knots lol. For some reason, I really don't want to cut my hair right now, even though it is under a wig pretty much every time I leave the house. I was thinking, if I continue to hide my hair until June when I will get it all evened out and trimmed, and if I start taking preventative measures against future single strand knots by cornrowing my hair before it shrinks up onto its self and just leave the ones that already are there, do you guys think I will get them higher up on the strands? If I have any splits starting or anything, won't they stop at the knot? I think I already may have to cut an inch - 1.5 inch and I don't want to have to cut anymore. Would it be wiser to just get rid of them now and just stick to preventative measures?

 

[Sui Topi]

I know its not a REAL protective style, but I hope you guys get what I mean anyway

 

[msa]

I get what you mean. I think it depends on personal preference. I cut them when I find them, but I don't look for them very often because they don't bother me.

The only issue is that other hairs can get caught up in the knot and you end up cutting more than you originally needed to. Shed hairs especially, get caught in the knots and then pull in 3 or 4 other strands. I've had that happen a few times. So, it's really up to you.

Now I prevent them by keeping my hair stretched and making sure my ends are oiled so that they slide against each other instead of coiling up on one another. That has helped a lot.

 

[theprincess098]

I would just get rid of them. I was natural for a while and I had alot of single strand knots. They bothered me so much that I ended up relaxing and i am still finding some even though I relaxed about 5 months ago. I dont know about it stopping the split ends being that your hair can end up splitting anywhere on the shaft, but thats a very interesting thought.

 

[ShaniKeys]

If I have any splits starting or anything, won't they stop at the knot?

I get what you mean, I've thought like this too. But it wasn't the case for me. I ended up with up to three single strand knots on one single strand of hair, just one after the other. I would trim them immediately, but eventually, I think you will have to trim.

 

[Sui Topi]

^^ So they do just hop higher lol. I think I will just cut them and start wearing my hair straight more often.

 

[anon123]

Before you cut you might want to get JustKiya's opinion. I know she has them but they don't bother her much. I think if you wear your hair straight, they will be more annoying because they are more visible on straight hair.

 

[TrustMeLove]

For my hair this would be a horrible idea. See single strand knots in my hair causes other hair to catch on and tangle and knot. Than when if I take my time getting to the knot I am cutting lots of hair that wrap and knotted in one single strand. Also my hair breaks off below the knot.

And lastly split ends start to begin right above the knot. So ill have a knot hair below the knot and a split forming right about the knot. I can pull the hair apart. At this point when the split end forms I can't just cut right at the knot I have to cut above it to stop the split end from going any further.

 

[Sui Topi]

Before you cut you might want to get JustKiya's opinion. I know she has them but they don't bother her much. I think if you wear your hair straight, they will be more annoying because they are more visible on straight hair.

I will ask her lol you just reminded me I had to ask her something else too. The straight hair thing, I would cut them and then keep my hair straight as a preventative measure in the future so hopefully I wouldn't have them to mess up the style.

For my hair this would be a horrible idea. See single strand knots in my hair causes other hair to catch on and tangle and knot. Than when if I take my time getting to the knot I am cutting lots of hair that wrap and knotted in one single strand. Also my hair breaks off below the knot.

And lastly split ends start to begin right above the knot. So ill have a knot hair below the knot and a split forming right about the knot. I can pull the hair apart. At this point when the split end forms I can't just cut right at the knot I have to cut above it to stop the split end from going any further.

Wow it seemed so simple in my head lol. I can't believe how hectic they can be! So far I haven't noticed any extra tangling like, other strands in the mix. It is pretty much just on one strand, but I will definitely take what you are saying in deep consideration lol.