Start with a horizontal line across the center of your head and clip the back section up. Divide the top section into the number of sections/knots you want (3 shown here). She enjoys researching and educating others on everything regarding natural healthy hair. Hot vs. Use the tail of your comb to neatly tuck the ends of the knot under at the base. If youre referring to different natural hair types and or relaxed hair, then yes. You can find her work in xoNecole, The Everygirl, POPSUGAR, Travel Noire, and more. Lets start by taking a look at some examples of Zulu knots on different hair types and a few unique ways to style them. Add a little gloss or serum if you want some shine in your finished style. Bantu knots have a cultural and ancestral association, and for just anyone to opt for this look ignores their significance. You can wear your Bantu knots as a style for up to 2 weeks at a time. I have thick hair and learned that I, "I just loved the information given. Twist until its tightly coiled, then tuck the ends underneath the knot and pin with a bobby pin if desired. That said, some care should be taken when twisting the hair, as twisting too tightly could result in damage. Her caption explained that her Bantu knots were "an expression of [her] radical Blackness." The best thing about Bantu knots is that you essentially get two styles in one; when you unravel them, you are left with gorgeous curls. Erykah Badu. If youve got burning questions, weve got answers. How to Do Bantu Knots (with Pictures) - wikiHow If you love interesting updos but want something that oozes attitude, then you need a Bantu knot mohawk. Keep some oil sheen on hand. Keep a continuous spray water bottle nearby to rewet the hair. Use the tail of your comb to neatly tuck the ends of the knot under at the base. Keep in mind, a tight twist doesn't mean tensionit's a delicate balance. Long or thick hair may take even longer to dry. If you have long or thick hair you can create jumbo Bantu knots. Bantu, Zulu, or Nubian knots are traditional African tribal hairstyles for women. Twist in one direction until the section becomes a coil that spirals in on itself. You can opt to do bantu knots on your lace front wig. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,148,169 times. Part you hair into as many sections as youd like to have keeping the number of Bantu knots you want in total in mind. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016. The History Of Bantu Knots Is Important To Know - Byrdie 4 How to Do Bantu Knots. I noticed my hair was breaking some or had. Nigella Miller is an NYC-based natural hair and grooming expert with over 13 years of experience. Check it out when you get a chance. Hydration and low manipulation are my two priorities. 6.1 How to Do Bantu Knots on Natural Hair; 6.2 How . In many African cultures, women bond over hair, which has a great deal of significance and pride. Now youre ready to twist! Long hair also lets you get creative with accessories, including gold beads or cuffs. No. Keep a spray bottle around while you style Bantu knots. Our content is for informational purposes only. Zulu is a tribe in Africa that loosely translates into from the heavens. If your hair is fairly straight, however, you will probably need to rely on hair pins or elastic ponytail holders. Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle, meaning they're not damaging to your hair. They can be traced back to the Zulu tribes in South Africa and can be worn with pride because of their cultural and ancestral association. Rubber bands can cause breakage, stick with bobby pins. You then twist it up and wrap it. 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. Since fine hair wont hold or grip as well as coarse, textured hair, you will need to use a bobby pin or two to secure each knot. Check out the videos here, here and here for tips on how to smoothly transition out of one gorgeous hairstyle to another with very little drama or even effort on your point. 4C hair tends to experience more shrinkage than others, but Bantu knots is a style that is not restrictive and can absolutely be worn by those with 4C hair. Apply shine n jam on your roots and use a bristle brush to comb down all the fly aways. But Bantu knots can be a pretty and protective style for fine-haired women to either wear out or overnight for next-day curls. Bantu knots can be traced back to the 2nd millennium BCE throughout 1500 CE to what at the time was the Bantu speaking community that originated from Southern West Africa and spread out through Central, Eastern & Southern Africa during the Bantu migration. For a cool twist on the traditional style, try styling only the top half into Bantu knots! You dont want your hair to be stiff so stay away from butters, pomades, or anything with hold. Bantu knots on locs are no different. Repeat on the other side. This will result in a tall, sculptural look. Its important to consider the end result youre trying to achieve before you start on your knots. I have watched other tutorials using the two-strand twist, which leaves my hair, "Great job and explanation as well! If you want to maintain the look for one or two weeks, clean your scalp with witch hazel or another astringent every three or four days while following this procedure at night to keep your curls looking great. One of my favorite things about bantu knots, hands down, is the fact that the maintenance and upkeep of them tends to be easier than a lot of other hairstyles. Thick dreadlocks can also prevent the proper winding technique to create these knots. Note that you should also apply the same styling product to each section before beginning to twist and wrap the knots in place. It is also advisable to take care when sleeping to help preserve the style for as long as possible. The knots should be unscrewed gently as though you are unscrewing a cap. How to Create Bantu Knots & Bantu Knot-Outs - Perfect Locks Plus, it is a great way to show off your facial features. That can likely be credited to the minimal daily manipulation and the hydration my Bantu knots lock in. Try to avoid re-twisting the hair daily, this will only cause over-manipulation and breakage. A twist out refers to the process of installing twists and then unraveling them the next morning, resulting in a stunning curly pattern. A continuous spray bottle will ensure you keep the sections evenly wet without soaking one part while another stays dry. Two things that can help you to sleep more comfortably, all the while knowing that your knots will remain intact, is if you secure your knots a little more with the help of some bobby pins (or additional bobby pins>; make sure the tiny balls on the bottom of the pins are secure. Wear a silk bonnet or scarf to bed at night. Many thanks! Twirling each section into a Bantu knot is a popular method. The origin of Bantu knots is also important. You can style the hair with different colors and accessories to make it unique and to best suit your preference. 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. This front section will become your face-framing braids. However, you shouldn't twist too tight, and you also need to ensure your hair is well-moisturized prior to knotting. For many, this hairstyle is more than just a hairstyle its an honored tradition. This is why it is controversial for caucasian women to try out the style and you can be accused of cultural misappropriation. 22 Best Bantu Knots Hairstyles For All Hair Types To Try - STYLECRAZE You can also experiment with the style, adding accessories and color, or trying out different looks like a half-up half-down hairstyle or a Bantu knot mohawk. STEP #1: PREP YOUR STRANDS First things first, your hair needs to be properly moisturized to create the perfect set of Bantu knots. If the goal is to do a bantu knot out eventually, you can leave them in for upto 5 days depending on how long it usually takes your hair to form defined curls. Begin twisting one ponytail until it forms a coil and starts to twist around the base of the ponytail. The look is less subtle than smaller knots and demands attention, making for an eye-catching hairstyle. I use to love me some Bantu knots when i was much younger and I still do. wikiHow is the best site there is!". 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. Keep twisting until the coil wraps around itself and forms a tight spiral. Your knots will be smaller in size because of the thickness of your hair, but this is an excellent option because it is a protective style. You can add a bobby pin to better secure it, especially if you plan on wearing your knots for a few days. You Probably Need a Haircut is reader-supported. Use braiding g hair or your preferred hair extensions to create jumbo bantu knots if your hair is short. Yes, anyone can wear Bantu knots. Gently twist the knot in the opposite direction it was knotted in, taking care not to be too rough. Dove Dermacare Scalp Invigorating Mint Anti-Dandruff 2-In-1 Shampoo & Conditioner. Bantu Knots Tutorial on Short Natural Hair - YouTube Like the Design Essentials custard, Morgan also recommends my fave, Miss Jessie's Honey Curls, for its custard-like base. The reason why I say that is because another name for bantu knots is Zulu knots. As you reach the end of the coil, bring it toward the base and tuck the ends underneath. They are simply knots that are created with your hair and/or the assistance of extensions to create knots all over your hair. Keep in mind that with longer hair, you need fewer sections; this will determine the size of your curl and the number of curls you will get. Don't forget to detangle your hair. Clip each section, leaving the last one loose. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. How much is a shuttle service for a wedding? As a bonus, oil sheen is a great way to soothe the parts in your scalp as well. How to Do Bantu Knots Here is a 5 step routine to create Bantu Knots: Step 1: Start with a clean scalp. Youll love your results so much more when you work these tips into your routine. They are also incredibly versatile and can be created using various hair textures and lengths. Bantu knots will last around for around two weeks. Turn them into a bantu knot-out once they get old. You can even top it off with a little gloss to seal your ends all in the shower! Do not pull the knot apart. So, you know what that means, right? Tracee Ellis Ross. Bantu knots look great, but you also get a gorgeous head of curls when you let them unravel. Bantu knots with short hair are just one of the options with this versatile style. Twist the section in one direction until it forms a coil. Natural hair experts recommend experimenting with product application in the shower to improve your hairs absorption. This funky take on the style leaves the bottom half down and loose. You can create this look with hair extensions, a weave, or your natural hair, depending on its length. Plus, when you do unravel your hair, you can expect lovely curls. When working with shorter hair, the knots will look more like rosebuds or baguettes. According to The Knot Real Wedding Study, the average couple spends about $980 on wedding transportation. Bantu knots can be created on curls and can also make styling your curls easier as you do not have to worry about tangles. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Bantu knots on straight hair can give you more length; it can also make styling easier and prevent frizziness. Use the tail of your comb to neatly tuck the ends of the knot under at the base. Dripping wet hair will not dry while knotted, however, and the knots or knot-outs may become limp as a result of being over-saturated. Among the many benefits of Bantu knots is that it lends itself well to various styles and can be created on both long and short hair. Style natural-looking knots by starting with a good moisturizer and a product with a little hold (gel or curl cream). 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. If you plan to wear your hair as a Bantu knot-out, your parts can be a bit messy, as they won't be noticeable once you take your hair down. These knots are not really knots at all, though they appear that way. Bantu knots are a fantastic and versatile style, but they are not meant to be worn for too many days before unraveling. This style is soft, moisturized, and bouncy. Thank you. You do not need to use any special shampoo for this task, but using a sulfate-free option will help reduce frizz. 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. However, you will have to take more care when creating the Bantu knots to make them look as natural as possible as this is a style that draws attention to the scalp. Repeat the twisting and securing process for each section. How To | Jumbo Bantu Knots Tutorial On Natural Hair 449K views 4 years ago Hey Babes! If youre doing bantu knots with the intention of transitioning them to a bantu knot out natural hairstyle, leave them in for a week or more for the best results. Bantu knots are a traditional African hairstyle that has been around for over 100 years. You can create Bantu knots on straight hair, and this can be appealing because the texture is less prone to frizz. WIll work on natural and. The process will keep your hair away from your face and is a fantastic alternative to a headband or hair clips. Lindsey is a New York City native, born and raised. Use your pinky finger to create irregular, casual part lines. Twist in one direction until the section becomes a coil that spirals in on itself. I wear bantu knots regularly. Donaldson breaks it down: "The style involves parting hair into sections, twisting the sections, and wrapping the twists around themselves to create neatly separated buns or knots," she explains. Jumbo refers to the thickness of the knots, and these are large and oversized. However, I prefer to two-strand twist, then wind my twist into a knot. Repeat the twisting and securing process for each section. Use the tail of a rattail comb to create clean sections and parts across your head. Bantu knots are one of the easiest protective styles to do and require little maintenance. One of the best things about Bantu knots is how versatile the look is, and it lends itself well to a variety of hair textures and styles. By using our site, you agree to our. Forms a loose S very easily straightened, Forms a definite S shaped like a corkscrew, Very tight curl when stretched creates an S, Hair intentionally matted to form "ropes", Guides and resources for easy product selection, Learn how to read your hair product labels, Easy-to-make recipes for all your haircare needs, Community member favorites make up this coveted list. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Personalized hair care and natural hair styling for textured hair. Some women find that applying moisturizing products in the shower works best and better absorbs into the hair. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, How to Pick the Right Suit Colour, Fabric and Pattern, 15 Sexy Hairstyles for Men With Straight Hair in 2023. Clip each new section as you go. This is a great style for women with round or square faces as it gives the face a more elongated appearance. Morgan suggested an additional pro-tip: secure each knot with a Blend Rite Toy Pin at night. Bantu Knots Tutorial on Short Natural Hair | Perfect for Heat Damaged/Transitioning Hair AlishaWilliams 133K subscribers 514K views 5 years ago WATCH IN HD Hey loves, it's Alisha! We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. 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. Allow it to air dry for a few minutes to ensure its not soaking wet. This method keeps my hair from getting tangled, which happened to me on my first try with this style. They are a symbol of Blackness, self-love, and power, and are worn with pride. Sometimes I end up with eight knots, but there are also times when I end up with more. What is not to love about this? I've tried mini twists, braiding my own box braids (which was an epic fail), installing faux locs (this was also a fail), and Bantu knots. Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com. Bantu* knots are a cute, flirty style traditionally sported by African woman of certain cultural groups and some women of African descent. Conditioner offers a layer of protection for your hair, which can help prevent breakage as you coil, twist, and wrap it into knots. A Rattail comb is usually the best tool to use when separating your hair. You want to avoid breakage as much as possible, so try not to twist too tightly. If you love definition, this is the look for you. Bantu knots have also inspired various hairstyles, with women getting creative and experimenting with updos and options that work with various hair textures and lengths. 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. Wrapping your Bantu knot in a way that works for your hair density and length takes a little trial and error. Janet Jackson. Repeat the parting process for the back, drawing straight lines from the central part down to the neckline. Bantu knots themselves are not offensive, although some people dislike the term. The right cocktail of ingredients helps ensure your hair stays hydrated and set without unraveling. Style traditional Bantu or Zulu knots by starting with clean, moisturized hair. Here, a horizontal line is drawn across the head instead of a vertical middle part. Some accused her of cultural appropriation, others applauded her. For instance, if you happen to notice that one of the knots is frizzy or messier than you would like, you can always take the knot down and redo it. Bantu knots are the only hairstyle that worked out. Draw straight lines from the horizontal center line toward the front hairline. Unless your hair is super thick, you wont be able to achieve the jumbo Bantu knots look without adding extra hair. You can add a bobby pin to better secure it, especially if you plan on wearing your knots for a few days. You can definitely style Bantu knots in fine hair with a few tweaks. They are created by sectioning off hair, twisting and wrapping it, to create mini knots. Make sure your bantu knots keep their glow by having a little oil sheen on tap. Here, the part is started with a horizontal line across the center of the head. It is also a way to aid natural hair growth and will percentage breakage and friction. Unsubscribe at any time. This includes women with braided hair and dreadlocks. You can Bantu knot freshly washed hair, but remember shrinkage is real! A rinse-out conditioner is recommended if your hair dries out easily but is not notably prone to flyaway strands, while a leave-in conditioner is recommended if the hair gets especially dry and frizzy when you work with it. Being mindful of the areas where your hair is thickest will help you create symmetrical, balanced knots that dont vary too much in size. One of the coolest parts about naturally curly hair is the endless style options. Take the twisted/braided hair and start wrapping it around your base as you move upwards. Finish the style by unclipping the smaller front section. The first reports of Bantu knots were as far back as the Middle Bronze Age 2000 BC. Relaxing the hair will also give you more length than springy curls and this will give you versatility with how you style your 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. Youre done! Rihanna is one of the most stylish women in the world, so when she tries out a look, the world takes notice. You can achieve Bantu knots on straight, wet, or . Use a rattail comb to make the part lines clean and precise. This front section will become your face-framing braids. 1) Using a crotchet needle to loop the braiding hair in. I imagine there are quite a few different ways to achieve Bantu knots. A website called My Hair Care Couch has a feature article entitled, Top 13 Best Hair for Box Braids that can also be used for bantu knots as well. 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. Jada Pinkett Smith. Bianca is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in natural hair and skincare. Doing so prevents friction from hands from causing your hair to become frizzy. Alternatively, use hair pins to stop the coils from falling out. Plus, it doesnt require heat or chemicals and therefore wont cause damage. Continue twisting and wrapping the coil tightly until it feels secure, then tuck the ends under the knot. If you are looking for a way to get waves or tight, springy curls without heat, then Bantu knots are the alternative you have been looking for. When working with longer hair, the knots will take on a pyramid or funnel shape. Your hairstyle is automatically from the heavens, right? Bantu knots look great with natural hair. The end of each section must be as close to your head as possible in order to hold the knot in place more effectively. The style can be created using natural hair, but you can achieve this by using a weave if you want more length. This can be done by using a silk bonnet or a satin or silk scarf wrapped around your head. Secure with another elastic at the base and bobby pins if you need extra stability. The sulphate and parben free system is gentle on chemically-stressed, brittle, or color-treated hair. Everything you need to know about Bantu Knots - EBONY However, I prefer to two-strand twist, then wind my twist into a knot. Apply the medium-hold gel or curl cream of your choice to the rest of your hair. How to Do Bantu Knots: A Step by Step Guide | ATH US | All Things Hair US She also styled her baby hair to be front and center, which adds a softness to the look. Don't judge me too harshly. Celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian and Adele have previously created a debate about who can and cannot wear Bantu knots. Bantu knots can be stunning for any occasion and can be dressed up or down. Then, I follow-up with Miss Jessie'sHoney Curlsand add a touch of Bread Beauty Supply'sEveryday Glossto seal my ends. Tuck in the ends of your hair under the knot and place the pin under the knot to lock it in place. In terms of cultural appropriation, the decision to wear Bantu knots as a non-African person is purely up to you. 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. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. At a time when Blackness, specifically Black hairstyles, are appropriated for fun by celebrities, fashion designers, and everyday peoplebecause you know, Black hair is ghetto until Bantu knots, cornrows, or box braids, etc.