These knots will be the death of me!

[SVT]

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AARRGHH!

I'm so frustrated with these itty bitty knots that form on my ends. I've tried using better quality tools (combs, brushes), I've tried washing my hair differently (less shaking/sloshing of the head). Even my prized Elucence can't get rid of 'em. Nothing is a definite remedy except scissors. I don't have to cut off much when I do cut but it's still aggravating none the less.

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Anyone have suggestions before I completely go loopy?

 

[londongirl3]

I have 4a hair and I don't have many knots. It might be an idea to wash your hair braided in 4 to 6 plaits to wash it. This prevents it from tangling.

You don't necessarily have to detangle(At least in my opinion) but if you do, use a brush and undo the plaits and brush with conditioner in your hair.

The direction in which you wash is also important. Avoid back combing. Try to wash your hair in one direction(if in the shower or bent over a tub.)

I have lived in braids for the last year since slowly chopping off my relaxed hair so maybe because I don't manipulate it much I don't have knots.

Additionally something else that I'm sure you know is curl activator. Shrinks the hair but is great for a combout.

 

[CurlyCrly]

Do you do hot oil treatments regularly? I found that when I was slacking (for months) with my hot oil treatments, I got knots. I also follow the curly girl routine, except for approx 1 shampoo/month and I think that helps to provide more moisture and slippage when the hair rubs together.

 

[Lindy]

Personally, it seems like when my ends are damaged and thin, I get those little knots at the ends...

I recently got a trim at the salon, and trimmed a little bit more off myself, and I don't get the knots any more!! You might want to try giving yourself a little dusting and see if that helps.

 

[NAY007]

maybe you have build up..... just a thought.

 

[SVT]

Thanks! I appreciate all the advice!

CurlyCrly mentioned hot oil treatments. I haven't been doing those like I should. The last time I had one was last fall!

I'm gonna get back on the hot oil bandwagon and see if that will alleviate the problem. If it doesn't, I'll give the other suggestions a try.

Thanks once again to everyone!

 

[Faith]

Are you talking about the knots on each individual hair?

 

[SVT]

Exactly, Faith! Teeny, tiny knots on the ends of individual strands.

 

[coilygirl]

Ugh.. i get those also: Single-strand knots.

The knots are more abundant if I manipulate my hair too much or if I really, really need a trim.

I will try the hot oil treatment.
Thanks for the suggestion and thanks for starting this thread/

 

[babyblue]

i know this may seem weird but i've sucessfully been able to undo some of those single strand knots by using a dress pin to take out the knot if its not too tight. maybe you should try it. if all else fails just trim it.

 

[Ipanema]

I used to have to cut off inches at a time to get rid of those knots. This was years ago when I wore two-strand twists all of the time. It was a mystery to me how they got there in such abundance. Now I don't have that much of a problem anymore because I make sure to comb &amp; brush my hair out every day (starting from the ends &amp; working my way up) &amp; I keep it braided while I sleep. I don't know if not combing often enough (especially type 4 hair) is the cause of the knots, but this has been working for me so far.

 

[SVT]

[ QUOTE ]
I don't know if not combing often enough (especially type 4 hair) is the cause of the knots, but this has been working for me so far.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ya know, the only time I comb really good is when my hair is soaking wet with conditioner (almost everyday). I dare not attempt to comb it when it's completely dry though. Nuh, uh.

 

[Jade21]

Such A Vibrant Thing,

Girl, let's have a party and kill all those little suckers

Usually, I will get these in the winter months. Haven't had too many the last couple of winters, but I KNOW exactly what you are talking about. You find them at the end or nearly at the end or somewhere up a strand. Sometimes, they are so tiny, you can barely tell, but when you see them, you know them

Definitely try some hot oil treatments. That should help and the same thing with double conditioning the ends. I have found that that is a faster route. Maybe check out that Clairol Herbal Essences Intensive Blends Conditioning Balm. It works extremely well and QUICKLY.

I would also suggest using toenail scissors IF you have to cut them out. In other words, when you cannot unravel them.

Let us know if anything helps in particular for you.

Much love to you,

Jade