How to Tie Bantu Knots

Call it a bantu knot, a protective style, or a 90s look making a hardcore fashion comeback—it's certainly making waves lately!

I often wear bantu knots as a hairstyle leading up to an even better and curlier fro. Normally, that means they're worn late at night, covered with a scarf, and hidden from everyone except me.

Up until recently, I never even thought of wearing my bantu knots out. I would see them on a passing stranger or two, but still, the style didn't seem like it was one I would wear out and about. I'll admit, I feel as though it takes a certain level of confidence to rock a bunch of knots in your hair. But once you do, it really becomes this threshold of style and hair confidence. It was something I had yet to reach… until now.

Truthfully, it's day four or so, and I am still in love with this look. It's holding up well, and is so incredibly easy to create and to keep up…something I really look for when creating any style as a busy mom.

Here's an easy to follow bantu knot tutorial I created with the help my sister.

Supplies:
wide tooth comb
Denman brush
almond and aloe oil
Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
Eco Styler Aloe Vera Gel
bobby pins
hair ties

Step One: After washing or co-washing your hair, separate it into four parts using a t part. Oil and then gently comb through each section with your Denman brush.

After combing each section through and tying it back up, part each section according to the amount of bantu knots you'd like in each one. My sister created around four knots for each section.

Four was great for me because I wanted larger knots, but also because of the thickness of my hair. If you happen to have thinner hair, you would probably like less knots for each section.

Step Two: Using the "praying hands" technique, apply all of your products to each section one by one. After applying your products, comb through your smaller hair sections gently and thoroughly.

Step Three: Using your hair tie, tightly tie one of your smaller sections creating a ponytail. Then, separate that ponytail into two once it's securely in the hair tie.

Once you have your two pieces of hair in your hands, begin a two strand twist. (Some people create a braid for a different curl pattern. Personally, I prefer a two strand twist. You can choose whatever you like best.)

Step Four: After twisting the two strands together, take the whole twist and twist it in a knot clockwise. To secure your knot, you can use a bobby pin or tuck it under the knot.

I really do love the way the parts came out as a whole. I love that the bantu knots look clean, and also kind of weird and cool.

I have to say, despite it's craziness, this style is one of my favorites! I think what I love most is that it's actually doing a lot for my hair while it's in.

As a natural girl, it's protecting my hair by keeping it twisted and tied during a long period of time. But also, this style can be worn by anybody! Straight hair, fine hair, blonde, brunette… you name it! It also gives most people a great curl once they've taken it out.

Now that you know how to create this super easy look, will you give it a try? xo. LaTonya

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Bantu Knots

easy to follow bantu knots tutorial

1. After washing or co-washing your hair, separate it into four parts using a t part. Oil and then gently comb through each section with your Denman brush. After combing each section through and tying it back up, part each section according to the amount of bantu knots you'd like in each one. My sister created around four knots for each section. Four was great for me because I wanted larger knots, but also because of the thickness of my hair. If you happen to have thinner hair, you would probably like less knots for each section.

2. Using the "praying hands" technique, apply all of your products to each section one by one. After applying your products, comb through your smaller hair sections gently and thoroughly.

3. Using your hair tie, tightly tie one of your smaller sections creating a ponytail. Then separate that ponytail into two once it's securely in the hair tie. Once you have your two pieces of hair in your hands, begin a two strand twist. (Some people create a braid for a different curl pattern. Personally, I prefer a two strand twist. You can choose whatever you like best.)

4. After twisting the two strands together, take the whole twist and twist it in a knot clockwise. To secure your knot, you can use a bobby pin or tuck it under the knot.

Credits // Author: LaTonya Staubs. Photography: Nneka Salmon.

How to Tie Bantu Knots

Source: https://abeautifulmess.com/easy-bantu-knots-for-all-hair-types/

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