Let me ask, Do you use a separate conditioner? Knotts are generally worse at the nape where the shorter hairs get caught with the length. Try this: 1/2 c. white vinegar in a large cup and fill the rest with warm water. After shampooing, rinse with mixture, leave on 1 min., rinse and condition. The vinegar is a pure acid (ingrediant that makes cond. a cond.). It will close the cuticle smoothing it out and making it look healthier..You may have a build-up, that makes the hair more clingy to each hair. If it's extreme, use a build-up remover,acid rinse, and follow it up with a clear color glaze. Agood remover is :1/2 c. baking soda W/ 1c. club soda. shampoo, rinse, add mix to hair 5 mins & rinse, condition. Keep in mind the new growth at the crown sometimes appears as breakage.