Curly Hair Styles: Bantu Knot
/ Wednesday, 21 November 2012 / Published in African Hair Care, Curly Hair Styles, Hairstyles, Natural Black Hairstyles
Bantu knots are a convenient style that can be worn by any curl type, and at most stages of your natural hair journey. They are a perfect solution to a hair styling dilemma – this is why I get them done often! Once set, bantu knots can be worn for days, and even weeks, making them a great low manipulation hairstyle. Now here’s how to create my Bantu knots, they are sexy, funky, edgy and best of all versatile.
| Styling products I use, include: rose water, Giovanni Leave in conditioner, coconut oil or sweet almond oil. |
- Thoroughly, wash, condition and detangle your hair. Pay particular attention to your scalp, since much of it will be exposed. (1)
- For best results use the end of a rat-tail comb to divide hair. You can style on damp, wet or dry hair. This combs allows for precise parting, which is a crucial component in having great bantu knots. (1)
- The length of your hair, plus the final look you wish to achieve, will determine whether you part your hair into small, medium or large sections. (1)
- My stylist does a two-strand twist first and then gradually wraps the hair close to the scalp. The ends are then tucked away into the coil. [Because I have a sensitive scalp and wish to avoid the tension rubber bands and/or hairpins create, I avoid using them all together in securing my ends].
- Wearing bantu knots is a chance to show creativity. You may choose to divide hair into interlocked triangles, diamonds, or squares. Just make sure to be consistent around your whole head, and have fun with it. (1)
- Maintenance generally involves daily misting with a spray moisturizer to keep the twists/knots fresh throughout the day. Sealing the knots with an oil or butter product will give them additional polish and will help lock in important moisture.(2)
- I wear this style for up to 3 weeks…which is a great option if you want to avoid the handling associated with parting and re-parting a new set of twists after wash. (2)
- Wear a silk/satin cap at night to preserve hairstyle and retain hair’s natural moisture.
- Lastly, water is a natural girls best friend, so for optimum moisture, I co-wash every 7-14 days.
Duration: 2-2 ½ hours to style
Cost: $60.00 CAD
Bantu Knot-Out [after 3 weeks of wearing style]
References:
- Perfectlocks. “How to Create Bantu Knots & Bantu Knot-Outs.” Perfectlocks.com. 3 September. 2010. Web. 12 November. 2012.
- Davis-Sivasothy, Audrey. The Science of Black Hair. Texas: Saja, 2011. Print.
(c) Shakara Natural Tips 2012
YOUR THOUGHTS?
Comments
I love it! Bantu knots is by far my favorite hairstyle!
Thanks Viviane! Me too! 🙂
I just love this style on you sis! Glenna is a true artist. My only issue with Bantu Knots is bedtime. The are not the most comfy to sleep in, so kudos to you for keeping them in for 3 weeks
LOL…I sleep easy on them…I throw on my satin cap and off I go. It is understandable though. Glenna does it so well I don’t feel a thing. Definitely my signature go-to style.
thanks for a great time visiting your site. it’s really a pleasure knowing a site like this packed with great information.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading!!
This is a wonderful hairstyle! My baby girl loves this style and it does last for a couple of weeks. I’m just starting my natural journey and will be rocking this style as well! Thanks!
It is important to make your curly hair in the best style. Lovely!
Wow . I love that! I’m transitioning and I create curles with the Bantu knots. Lovely. I live in South Africa and first time I saw that this is done also in America..i was shocked. Bantu means people in the Zulu language. But not many people do this now. We used to de them as children back in the day. Lol
IKR! all the wonderful hairstyles that are resurfacing due to us going natural! Many thanks for reading Bailey, I look forward to visiting SA sometime in the near future. S.
will try this a.s.a.p lol 🙂
thanks for Sharing