How to Prevent Single-Strand Fairy Knots, According to Hair Professionals

      Imagine this: You're in the shower, following your hair care routine, and as you run your favorite paddle brush through your hair, you feel something snag. You take a closer look and, unsurprisingly, discover a knot on a single strand of hair. Then comes the all-too-familiar moment of reflection. If you ignore it, will the knot worsen? Should you snip it out with scissors? Is it even possible to undo such a tiny knot? This recurring internal conversation is quite common among those dealing with what hairstylists refer to as single-strand knots, or fairy knots. "Fairy knots may appear small, but they can have a significant impact," says Stephanie Hinkle, a textured hairstylist and Keranique partner. "These tiny, tangled loops create knots that are difficult to detangle and often overlooked until they lead to breakage." While managing these knots might seem nearly impossible due to their size and frequency, there are methods to prevent and eliminate them (but more on that shortly). First, it's essential to understand what these knots are and their causes. Luckily, Who What Wear spoke with two expert hairstylists who shared insights on how to handle these frustrating knots like a professional. Read on for all the details.

      What Causes Fairy Knots?

      If you experience fairy knots, you've likely wondered how something so small can form. However, understanding the causes makes it clearer. "Fairy knots occur when a single strand of hair loops around itself, forming a tiny, tight knot," explains hairstylist and licensed cosmetologist Ebony Gordon. "This typically happens when hair isn't adequately moisturized or detangled, causing strands to snag on themselves or one another." In addition to dryness, fairy knots can arise from friction against pillowcases, towels, and frequent manipulation. Hinkle adds that shrinkage, skipping protective styles, and insufficient "slip" from conditioners and detanglers can also promote the formation of single-strand knots.

      Who is Prone to Fairy Knots?

      Fairy knots are most commonly found in individuals with textured hair (like types 3b to 4c with fine strands and high shrinkage). Hinkle explains that this hair type "bends and curves per inch, heightening the likelihood of loops." Hair with high porosity or those that have been chemically treated tends to absorb and lose moisture rapidly, making it more fragile and susceptible to tangling. The lack of natural oil from the scalp contributes to overall dryness, as the oil struggles to travel down the hair shaft, leaving the ends dry and more prone to knots.

      How to Avoid Fairy Knots

      Given how single-strand knots form and how frequently they can appear, completely avoiding them is unlikely. However, a few strategies can help reduce their occurrence. First and foremost, hydration is crucial. This means incorporating products like conditioners, detangling solutions, leave-in conditioners, and hair masks into your routine. Hinkle advises against attempting to detangle hair while it's dry; it should always be conditioned and sectioned beforehand. Regular trims with your stylist every eight to ten months, as recommended by Gordon, can minimize split, dry, and rough ends that often contribute to knots. For styling and post-wash care, Gordon suggests low-manipulation or stretched styles like twist-outs, braid-outs, or low buns to "keep the hair stretched and decrease shrinkage, which in turn lowers the chances of single-strand knots forming." Wearing these styles to bed can also lessen friction when paired with a satin bonnet or silk pillowcase.

      How to Get Rid of Fairy Knots

      Consider Scheduling a Trim

      Chances are you have a pair of hair-cutting scissors at home, but unless they're salon-quality and you have experience, it's best to let your stylist handle the cutting method. "Cutting [the knots out] at home without the right technique can lead to uneven ends or unintentionally removing more length than necessary, which might impact the shape or health of the hair," cautions Gordon. Trusting your stylist with this ensures a clean and even cut that won't compromise your hair health over time.

      Try Detangling the Knots

      In most situations, single-strand knots are nearly impossible to detangle due to their size and tightness. However, Hinkle notes that it's not entirely unfeasible if you catch them early enough and soften them with conditioner. "Once they tighten, especially at the ends, they're better off trimmed to prevent split ends or breakage from traveling up the hair shaft," she explains. "Rather than ripping or tearing them off, saturate your hair with conditioner and gently work around the knot with your fingers." If it remains stubborn, it's best to leave it to your stylist.

      Hydrate and Detangle Consistently

      While this is already essential for preventing these types of knots, prioritizing moisture at all times is critical. Indeed, being susceptible to single-strand knots suggests your hair requires even more moisture