How to Reduce Single Strand/Complex Knots

Single strand knots and complex knots are a very common phenomenon for those with natural hair. There are definitely ways to limit them, but there is no way to completely escape them — especially if you have a tighter curl pattern.

In most cases, the only way to get rid of single strand knots once you have them is to cut them out. Complex knots can usually be pried through and manipulated apart — however, this is not always the case.

Here are a few tips that may help you reduce the presence of single strand/complex knots:

1) Keep your hair moisturized

Dry hair is more likely to tangle and mat together than hair that is adequately moisturized. Be sure to stay on top of your game when it comes to moisturizing your hair. We personally recommended pairing our Butterfly Secrets Luxury Scalp Elixir with your favorite moisturizer during the LOC or LCO to help seal in moisture and reduce split ends, which can also lead to single strand knots.

2) Stay on top of your trims

How often you need to trim your hair will vary for each person. A few signs that your hair needs to be trimmed are: single strand knots, split ends, breakage, dry/coarse/rough ends, thinning ends, heavily tangled ends, etc. Don't try to "save" straggly ends. Cut them off and start with a clean slate. Your hair will thank you!

3) Keep your hair stretched

Stretching your hair helps in preventing your hair from curling up on itself. The more frequently you are able to keep your hair stretched, the more effective you will be in preventing knots.

4) Wash in twists or sections

Washing your hair in twists or sections (the length of your hair will determine how many sections/twists are necessary) can highly reduce the amount of tangles and complex knots you encounter. It may take you a lot more time to wash your hair, but it is definitely well worth it in the end. If you find that you roots still tangle in twists, dry plaiting the roots and twisting the ends. This technique may end up being a game changer for you.

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5) Pay attention to ingredients

Try to avoid products that contain drying ingredients (e.g. ammonium laureth/lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth/lauryl sulfate, drying alcohol). Products that dry your hair out is not a friend worth having!

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