I had the same problems. I know locking is not your thing; but it was my only solution. 4b hair has SO much movement, shrinking, expanding, coiling, there's NOway to avoid knotting. Of course adding products with slip n hold help deangle the knots...but won't prevent the knotting. If I want length, I HAVE to do protective styles....so far, Year 3.9 with this set of locks....

Detanglng 20+ hrs a week is a drag and became a no o for me....my hair was still ripping up...I hope you find a solution that works for you??!