How To: Bantu Knot Out
Hiii CurlBosses,
I have found my favorite hair style & its the Bantu Knot. It gives me the perfect afro every time so I have decided to share how I achieve the look step by step. (Coming Soon: my Bantu knot video).
But before I give you steps, here's a picture of when I take my bantu-knots out.
I also love this style because it is a protective style and requires little maintenance. My ends are off my back/shoulders and are not given the opportunity to rub against anything. The next morning, I simply re-fluff & go so no pulling or harsh styling is required.
HOW TO:
STEP 1. Start with freshly washed/conditioned hair
STEP 2. Apply your leave in conditioner/oil/cream. Do so by parting your hair into multiple sections to ensure that the product gets through to most parts of the hair.
STEP 3. Create your first part for your first knot. I usually start with the front and part a triangle on my scalp. (I put the rest of my hair in a ponytail to keep out of the way).
STEP 4. I wet my hands and put a little water on the section/strands I am about to twist (usually if my hair has started to dry out). Follow up with a little curling cream that you will rake through with your fingers.
STEP 5. Apply LottaBody setting lotion to the same section. Rake through with your Denman Brush.
STEP 6. Dip your fingertip in oil and apply to section. This will help control frizz. Apply a little gel which will also help tame frizz and define your curls
STEP 7. Flat twist your hair to the scalp. I usually flat-twist the front of my hair downward so when I release the style, I'll have bangs/ my hair will lay falling down. You can flat twist your hair in whichever direction you want your hair to lay.
STEP 8. Double-strand twist the ends. As you are twisting, make sure to smooth the ends. If you need to add more cream and re-use the Denman brush, do so!
STEP 8. Once you have completed the entire double strand twist, start finger twirling the twist until the the hair starts to bend on its own.
STEP 9. Wrap the hair into a knot in the same direction you finger twirled. Example if you twirled your hair around your finger in a clock-wise motion, then you need to wrap your hair around itself in a clock-wise motion.
STEP 10. When forming your knot, make sure with each go round, the hair goes underneath each other, making sure your ends are out of sight. This will keep your curls shapely, organized, and also helps with drying time.
STEP 11. Secure the bantu-knot with an oiled rubber band or tuck the ends under.
STEP 12. Let your hair air dry or sit under the dryer. Your drying time will vary by person. My preference is to air dry for about a full day or two. The bantu-knot can be worn as a style itself which is 100% protective and requires 0 manipulation. Gel your edges and rock yo knots.
This style needs to be 100% dry before you remove the twists. I am sure you all know how hair looks from a style that is still wet! For the takedown, make sure your hands are coated in oil (again to reduce frizz). Use a metal pick to fluff your hair and lift your roots. && thats all folks.
IF indeed your hair was not fully dry and you need to do something quick, try opting for the mohawk.
For any questions/clarification regarding this style please comment below or send me an email. =)
Love thy mane,
Akilah