The search & destroy method (S&D) is a term used to describe “searching” your hair strand by strand for split ends, and “destroying” them by snipping them off with trimming shears. Well I wasn’t really looking for splits (although I did find a few), rather I found that I was suffering from an influx of Single Strand Knots (SSK’s) while moisturizing my hair after a weekend wash.
A single strand knot is just that, a single strand of hair that knots on itself. Since my hair is very kinky, the strands love to curl up onto themselves to form knots. SSK’s, also known as “fairy knots” are prevalent in dry hair that is worn “out” a lot and left “unstretched” for too long. At least, that’s what I’ve noticed for my hair.
Keeping your hair “lubed”/sealed and your ends in good shape are also great ways to avoid single strand knots.
Armed with my trimming shears, I searched out/felt the knots and snipped them off while my hair was still wet with my leave in. I usually trim my hair while it is dry and stretched because I’m better able to see old ends etc, but I just couldn’t wait for my hair to dry. I snipped a little way above the knots to ensure I got them all. This, together with the fact that I’m generally “scissor happy” ended up turning into a mini-cut. ☺
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| I apologize for the sideways pic. My editing software decided to throw a tantrum 🙂 |
So here it is, my current length. If you’ve been a subscriber for a while, you’ll know I don’t really do length checks unless I’m part of some challenge that requires them, but I added this photo for “show and tell” ☺.Since my aim is, and will always be healthy hair, I don’t feel any “loss” over those SSK’s, because if left on the ends of my hair they would only reek havoc.
I know my hair actually breathe a sigh of relief once it was free of the knots, plus it feels awesome. 🙂
Do you do the Search and Destroy method? Please share your experience below.
Until next time
