What Causes Knots In Hair?
Hydrate your hair for knot-free living.
You may have noticed that certain types of hair seem to be more prone to knots and tangles than others. But what is it that actually causes your hair to knot?
Tangles are caused by the exterior layer of your hair, which is known as the cuticle, getting damaged. This means that instead of laying flat and closed, your cuticles are open and get caught on each other, causing knots.
Another way that tangles are caused is by your hair not being sufficiently hydrated. Always make sure to keep your hair properly hydrated by using the right shampoos, conditioners and hair care products for your specific type of hair.
Top 3 Ways To Undo Knots In Hair
1. Undoing Knots While Brushing
Brushing your hair the right way can help keep it smooth.
If you have knots in your hair and you don’t want to end up looking like a frizz-ball, try applying a small amount of oil based or silica based serum to your hair before brushing it.
This will help the brush go through your hair more easily, which will help detangle your tresses. Otherwise, you can opt to use a regular detangler. Start from the ends of your hair and work your way up, then brush out your hair gently.
2. Undoing Knots Caused By Products
Olive oil can help smooth your hair.
Yes, you use products to make your hair better. Sometimes, though, you may have applied more product than intended, especially when it comes to hairspray. It’s so easy to spray too much or to spray too close to your hair. This can often lead to unwanted tangles.
If that’s the case, your best bet is probably a bit of oil. Use a natural oil, such as argan oil or olive oil, or a serum, and apply it around halfway down your hair. You don’t want your roots to look like an oil bath. Work the oil through your hair until the tips, and then brush it gently. The oil will break down the product and help add moisture to your hair, making it softer and more manageable.
3. Undoing Knots In Wet Hair
Wet hair doesn’t have to be knotty.
After coloring your hair, you want to be careful on untangling the hair. Its just gone through a chemical process and is fragile. Same with hard water, these are ph imbalances in the hair that you want to be careful - as they build up over time, dry the hair and can cause it to snap.
If wet, knotty hair is your struggle, apply a good conditioner and use a wide-toothed comb to work it through your tangles. When drying your hair, blot or squeeze it dry rather than rubbing it. Rubbing your hair dry can cause it to tangle, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid here.
How To Prevent Knots In Hair
But as the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This rings true when it comes to knots in your hair as well. I mean, rather than having to deal with knots, it’s even better to prevent them in the first place, right?
Change Your Hairstyle
Shake up your hairstyle to reduce knotting.
The same hairdo day in, day out, was actually contributing to my knots and tangles. When you tie your hair in the same place all the time, it causes stress to your hair.
Over time, this can build up and cause hair damage – which you might recognize as knots. So, do yourself a favor and have a few different hairstyles for every day. It’s also best to use a scrunchie that’s covered in material, as these types are softer on your hair than elastic hair ties.
Sleep With Your Hair In Mind
I like to put my hair in a soft bun when I got to bed, not allwoing it to tangle.
Also, while cotton may be cheaper, silk pillowcases are best for hair that is prone to tangling.
Condition, Condition, Condition!
A good conditioner is important for your hair.
Yes, knotty hair is all about conditioner, ladies. Make sure you’re using a good quality conditioner, and use it regularly (at least every time you shampoo) to keep the knots at bay.
You want equal parts moisture and protein. Take care to condition the ends of your hair to keep them healthy and strong. A leave-in or deep conditioning once a week is also a great idea for keeping moisture in your hair and preventing tangles.
Use A Hair Mask
Besides helping to detangle your hair, a weekly hair mask will also help it become shiny and silky and even help it to grow faster. It’s not a huge amount of effort, and it’ll give you some downtime to relax while your hair soaks in all the goodness.
Why not try our Evoq Hair Mask? After you apply it to your hair, leave it under a shower cap to sit. Run yourself a hot bath, turn on some soft music, and just let yourself be. Besides helping to condition your hair and prevent knots, you’re also unwinding and releasing your stress. Win-win!
Brush Those Locks
If your hair is super prone to frizzing (which generally comes along with knotty hair, unfortunately), you may be tempted to skip brushing. Don’t, though! Use a wide-toothed comb to get rid of knots, and brush gently and regularly to achieve (almost) tangle-free hair.
Go Easy On The Heat
Let your hair dry naturally.
Consistent heat is one of the main causes of hair damage – and one of the ways hair damage manifests itself is in the settings on your appliances, so your hair isn’t getting literally fried.
Conclusion
Knots are knot a life sentence! True, you might have to get used to some new hairstyles or pillowcases, or find ways to style your hair without subjecting it to heat all the time.
But in the end, you only stand to gain. Because healthier, shinier hair is not something that just happens.
With a little effort on your part, your knotty struggle can become a thing of the past.
To prevent and unknot your locks, head over to Evoqbeauty.com and receive 25% off your first purchase. Code: "awaken"