Bantu knots are said to have been worn by the Zulu tribe in southern Africa centuries ago. You can wear bantu knots overnight for a bantu-knot-out and wake up to luxurious and defined curls. Or you can wear them out as a style.
Mastering these twisted buns might sound difficult, but with these four steps, you’ll be a bantu master in no time.
1. Start with washed and detangled damp hair
You don’t want your hair to be greasy or too wet for your bantu knots. If you bantu knot your wet hair, you run the risk of waking up with wet hair in the morning. You’ll want your hair detangled and partially stretched, which will make it easier for you to part and twist your hair into bantu knots. Defined parts are especially important if you’ll be wearing this style out. You can even get creative with zig-zagged parts and detailed designs!
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2. Part your hair with a comb
Parting your hair is a crucial step when creating defined bantu knots. Use smaller sections, depending on the length of your hair. For shorter hair, your bantu knots can be as small as ½-inch wide with many knots across your head. For longer hair, aim for 3-4 inches wide per knot.
3. Twist with setting lotion or gel
Once you’re ready, twist your hair until it forms a small coil. Add setting lotion or gel to keep definition. Once it’s a springy coil, wrap this section around itself and keep wrapping until the hair is close to your scalp.
4. Secure
If you feel the coils are secure enough, you can tuck the ends of the hair under the gaps in your hair. However, for extra security use a bobby pin to set in place. Bantu knots are admittedly difficult to sleep in, but comparable to sleeping with a roller set or large braids. When you’re going to sleep, use a satin scarf or bonnet to protect your hair at night. In the morning, simply unravel the coils for a cute wavy look!
Do you have any master tricks for bantu knots? Share with us in the comments below!
