"Bantu" is a comprehensive term used to describe the 300 to 600 ethnic groups within southern Africa that spoke the Bantu language, according to the South Africa History Organization (SAHO">. Today I'm doing a easy step by step Bantu Knot Tutorial for you guys. Bantu Knots | 2023 Complete Style Guide & Tips. To find out how to create the perfect knots in the comfort of your own home, see this YouTube video tutorial below. You may want to straighten or stretch your hair beforehand for extra length, but this is not a requirement. Bantu Knots on 4C Hair. Theycan be done on finer-textured hair, but a few tweaks are required to really help the style hold without the grip of natural coily or kinky hair. Use the tail of the comb to help securely tuck the ends. Whether you know them as Bantu knots, Zulu knots, Nubian knots, or chiney bumps (if youre in Jamaica), it all refers to this traditional protective hairstyle for women. Use the tail of a rattail comb for perfectly tucked ends. Enjoy, and share your Bantu knot tips and tricks with us in the comments! Or go for a more relaxed and glam half up and half down style. 7. Bantu knots can be traced to the Zulu people of South Africa and have great cultural significance. If youve got burning questions, weve got answers. Brush one side upward and gather it into a ponytail. Bantu knots are a hairstyle that has been around for a lot longer than the 90s and has been worn by the Zulu people for decorative and symbolic purposes. The appeal of Bantu knots is they are incredibly easy to create and be done in various thicknesses and lengths. I was able to do different styles that lasted a week. Sign up for your newsletter to get more tips and tricks. Get ready to grab everyones attention and make a statement! As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. While pinching the very ends of your knot after wrapping, hold them at the base of your knot and push them under the base with the tip of the comb. Bantu knots will last around for around two weeks. How many knots you end up with is totally up to you, but if its more than two knots, that technically qualifies as a bantu knot hairstyle. With curl cream or gel with adequate hold and frizz-minimizing power, you can get the full 2 weeks of wear out of this hairstyle. As you reach the end of the coil, bring it toward the base and tuck the ends underneath. @ loganlaurice | Design by Zackary Angeline . Today I'm showing you how to do defined Bantu knots on medium length 4 type hair. 6.1 How to Do Bantu Knots on Natural Hair; 6.2 How . You will have less versatility with how you style the hair, but it will still look gorgeous and last for around two weeks. Women have taken inspiration from the traditional style and adapted it to suit their preferences, resulting in a wide variety of different looks that are perfect on all hair lengths and textures. The Best Transitioning Hairstyles for Black Hair, How to Create Your Best Bantu Knot-Out Yet, Straight From the Pros, Jennifer Lopez's 40 Most Iconic Hairstyles Over the Years, 35 Humidity-Proof Hairstyles to Wear All Season Long, 45 Long, Wavy Hairstyles You'll Want to Wear Immediately, 24 Bantu Knot Hairstyles That Are Seriously Inspiring, How to Curl Hair with a Straightener, According to a Stylist, The 13 Different Types of Braids and How to Create Them, According to Stylists, Braid-Outs and Twist-Outs Are Similar StylesWith Some Key Differences, 35 Stunning Braids Inspired by Beyonc's Iconic Lemonade Album, 12 Loc'd Hairstyles That Are Jaw-Droppingly Gorgeous, 24 Low-Maintenance, Twist Hairstyles to Try Right Now. Use the tail of the comb to help securely tuck the ends. Finishing Bantu or Zulu knots is often one of the areas beginners get hung up on. of a traditionally African hairstyle. Entertainers like Mel B., Rihanna, and Beyonc have made them look effortlessly regal. Enjoy! Lindsey is a New York City native, born and raised. The knots are a versatile hairstyle and can be adapted to suit all hair types and textures. Then, separate the top half from the bottom and clip or secure the bottom. Begin twisting one ponytail until it forms a coil and starts to twist around the base of the ponytail. I have thick hair and learned that I, "I just loved the information given. target: "#hbspt-form-1682999768000-2748883953", It is also a way to aid natural hair growth and will percentage breakage and friction. This is referred to as a Bantu knot out. ", http://www.curlynikki.com/2012/09/how-to-bantu-knot-natural-hair-styles.html, http://www.perfectlocks.com/blog/how-to-create-Bantu-knots-Bantu-knot-outs/, https://www.perfectlocks.com/blogs/all-tressed-up/135495495-how-to-create-bantu-knots-bantu-knot-outs. This can be done by using a silk bonnet or a satin or silk scarf wrapped around your head. For many, this hairstyle is more than just a hairstyle its an honored tradition. A little frizz is okay! But Bantu knots can be a pretty and protective style for fine-haired women to either wear out or overnight for next-day curls. Combining Bantu knots with straight hair creates an interesting contrast if you opt to do a half-up, half-down, or ponytail look. Oil sheen is dope because you can get the shine that you want without having to put your hands all up in your head in the process. Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. In recent years, women have taken inspiration from the traditional style to develop a wide range of looks to suit their preferences, from various updos to experimenting with different hair textures. Use your edge control and edge brush to lay your edges. Now you know how to do a bantu knot, you can play around with the finish. Note that you will need to keep the tension of the twist fairly high to maintain the shape. Also, make sure to tie your hair up on a silk or satin scarf (or that you put on a silk or satin bonnet>. Twirling each section into a Bantu knot is a popular method. Bantu knots can be stunning for any occasion and can be dressed up or down. Twist in one direction until the section becomes a coil that spirals in on itself. It is a technique in which the hair is sectioned off, twisted, and wrapped to create a knot. the use of the word "Bantu" in this article is not intended to cause any harm. Make sure the pins have rounded tips to avoid scratching or scarring your scalp. Your hairstyle is automatically from the heavens, right? Next, make small coils of hair at your scalp from each section before twisting the rest of your hair around the coil. Large knots will definitely get you noticed and is a great option for someone with long or thick hair. However, these knots work well with just about all hair types. Depending on the length of your hair and how thick you want the bantu knots to look, youll need a couple of things. When you take your knots down, youll have a full knot-out (similar to a twist-out) with beautifully voluminous, uniform curls. If you have longer hair, you can create sections that are roughly 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10 cm) wide. If you feel the knots tugging on your scalp or creating too much tension, take them down and wait a few days before re-twisting the knots a bit looser than before. With this in mind, you can opt for only a few knots, leaving the rest of your hair loose, or go big and bold. I'm very pleased with the results. Dove Dermacare Scalp Invigorating Mint Anti-Dandruff 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner. I make it so . Twist in one direction until the section becomes a coil that spirals in on itself. So make sure youre only twisting until the hair begins to coil when you do this hairstyle. Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site. Rocking Bantu knots is a time-honored tradition for African women, and now this culturally significant protective hairstyle has taken on a new level of popularity. Do not pull the knot apart. If youre doing the style for heatless curls, remove the pins in the morning (or once your hair is fully dry) and unravel the twists to reveal big, voluminous curls! formId: "7dbe5114-703e-4037-acbe-d10b0751a06d", Repeat on the other side. A weave can help you get big Bantu knots; it is also a way to update your weave and can be done using curly or sleek textures. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. At this point, the Bantu knot-out is ready to sport around town. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Plus, when you do unravel your hair, you can expect lovely curls. As a bonus, oil sheen is a great way to soothe the parts in your scalp as well. Apply your hair products in the shower for better absorption. Bantu knots carry with them a rich history of past, present and current communities and it is important to continue carrying this on by using the right term for them. Bantu knots are an excellent option for giving the hair a break from heat and chemical styling. Begin by twisting the hair in the section in one direction until it starts coiling back in on itself. This unique parting is perfect if you dont like the way a traditional middle part looks on you. We promise not to spam you. Personalized hair care and natural hair styling for textured hair. Continue doing this in each section you've created around your head, and you're all set. Use a rattail comb to create precise part lines all over your head in the pattern you want and secure them temporarily with small hair clips. However, the hairstyle did enjoy popularity in the 90s because it is easy to style and can look incredibly stylish and youthful. Oil your rubber bands to prevent hair breakage and use the rubber bands on your parted sections. ", her smile at the end says it all! Plus, it is a great way to show off your facial features. Dip your fingers into a little of your curl cream and begin twisting an unclipped section from the front. When working with shorter hair, the knots will look more like rosebuds or baguettes. This will help you ensure your hair doesnt dry out while you work. You can Bantu knot freshly washed hair, but remember shrinkage is real! Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle so no they are not bad for your hair. While Ill be the first to say that it takes a lot of self-confidenceand a dash of boldnessto pull this particular style off, as youre about to see in just a moment, there is something thats truly beautifulmajestic evenabout this hip-yet-always-classic hairstyle. If you love interesting updos but want something that oozes attitude, then you need a Bantu knot mohawk. Twist the section in one direction until it forms a coil. This article received 23 testimonials and 90% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. As the tribe migrated, the style spread throughout Africa. Bantu knots are so adaptable and can also be worn with other hairstyles, including dreadlocks. Avoid heavy oils for your bantu knot-out. There is a sense of pride for many individuals that comes with wearing these knots as they have cultural and ancestral significance. Just incase we forgot to make it clear earlier, while the visual description of this hairstyle is mini buns, this hairstyle is called bantu knots. However, I have felt apprehensive about trying them, since I wasn't sure if I had the correct face symmetry to pull off the centuries-old style. 2) Using a rubber band to section the braiding hair into 2 halves then tying it around the roots of your parted natural/relaxed hair section. Create your Bantu knots with freshly washed and well-moisturized hair to lock in the moisture and prevent frizziness. Repeat for the remaining sections. A wig will let you use your desired length and texture and can be gentle on the scalp. You can create Bantu knots on straight hair, and this can be appealing because the texture is less prone to frizz. ", shouldn't use too much water/moisture to cut the drying time. Refer to the step by step tutorial below. window.hsFormsOnReady = window.hsFormsOnReady || []; Tracee Ellis Ross. It is also a way to achieve curls without heat or chemicals, which is an incredibly appealing option. The appeal of Bantu knots is that they are a protective style that can aid natural hair growth and give the hair a break from heat and chemical styling. With the exception of locs and braids (since you wont need to add extra hair), the part, section, twist, wrap around the base & tuck the ends method is the same. Start Here Haircut Ideas Women's Haircuts Bantu Knots | 2023 Complete Style Guide & Tips, Written by: Author Debra Carpenter |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. If you want to grow out your natural hair or youre looking for a great protective style, then look no further than Bantu knots. If you want to make Bantu knots, start by washing your hair, applying conditioner, and brushing it to detangle. To learn how to do a knot-out, read on! This will seal in moisture as you twist and baby your ends as well. It is a really fun look that is also relatively easy to achieve and maintain. You should also sleep on a satin pillow to avoid damaging your hair as much as possible. If you have shorter hair, keep the sections about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) wide or smaller. For a detailed visual, refer to the video below. However, I prefer to two-strand twist, then wind my twist into a knot. Whichever bantu knot-out option you choose, there are a few dos and donts to remember to get your desired look while maintaining the health of your hair: If you decide to do a bantu knot-out on freshly washed hair, you still need to allow your hair to dry for at least 40 minutes. "This worked like magic. You should have even, uniform sections all clipped in place when youre done. Now youre ready to twist! Simply use the same hair care products you always use when shampooing your hair. You can also try Bantu knots on stretched, dry hair, too. This includes adding a cornrow foundation to the hair and then working it into Bantu knots. All services include shampoo and conditioner. The one thing that all of them had in common is, no matter what their hair texture may be, they all looked absolutely fabulous in them! Take the first section and apply oil, cream, mousse, or gel to it. Bantu knots have a cultural and ancestral association, and for just anyone to opt for this look ignores their significance. Rihanna is one of the most stylish women in the world, so when she tries out a look, the world takes notice. Use the tail of your comb to neatly tuck the ends of the knot under at the base. For a detailed step by step visual, refer to the video below. Embracing my hair's natural texture and styling my hair in styles traced back to Africa help ground me in my roots, even if I can't see how far they stretch. Less is more. You can wear your Bantu knots as a style for up to 2 weeks at a time. This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, 5 Alternative Ways to Wash Your Curls That Actually Work, Curly Texture: 5 Vloggers to Follow on YouTube, Hair Porosity: The Basics Every Natural Should Know, 3 Must-have Products to Care for Box Braids, The Pineapple Method for that Awkward Length, Homemade Deep Conditioner for My Daughters Natural Hair, 4 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Love Their Natural Hair, The Doux: SUCKA FREE Gentle Cleansing System. After you remove the shower cap, your hair will still feel slightly damp. In this basic version of the traditional style, the knots are created with uniformly-sized sections created with precise parts all over the head. This adds shine and makes it easier to gently separate the hair for styling. Plus, you can get super creative with your appearance, for example, combining Bantu knots with braids. Use extensions as needed. However, you can also use a wig if this is something that you prefer. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Her caption explained that her Bantu knots were "an expression of [her] radical Blackness." A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Bantu Knots - Byrdie You can add a bobby pin to better secure it, especially if you plan on wearing your knots for a few days. Finish with a gloss spray for a little shine boost and youre done! For this step, we'll use the second method. This will aid your natural hair growth by preventing friction and breakage and giving you a break from the heat and chemical styling. These styles were originally used to signify that a woman belonged to a certain community or group they were a symbol of sisterhood and community. Bantu knots can be traced back hundreds of years to the Zulu tribes of South Africa. Rihanna opted for large Bantu knots and a middle parting, which drew attention to her face and highlighted her features. Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox. Prices do not include cost of hair . Unclip the center front section first. Thank you for the detailed tips regarding how to keep it looking good for more than one day as well.