Protective Styling With Bantu Knots

Bantu knots are a cute way to show off your hair in a protective style. Even though they are referred to as "knots", Bantu knots are actually small-coiled buns that sit snug and secure against your head. Bantu knots also double as two hairstyles, because once you let them out, your hair will have a coily effect. You can try Bantu knots on any hair texture.

In order to achieve the most desirable Bantu knots, make sure that you start with freshly washed hair and a clean scalp. This hairstyle leaves large portions of your scalp exposed, so if you have severe dandruff or other scalp issues try using a shampoo with tea tree oil or you can even add the oil yourself!

Make sure that you follow up with conditioner. This can be leave-in conditioner, deep conditioner or just your regular conditioner that you chase your shampoo with. A rinse out conditioner is recommended if your hair tends to dry out easily but is not prone to flyaway hairs. Leave-in conditioner is recommended if your hair becomes frizzy and dry when you try to work with it. Either way, using a conditioner helps to offer a layer of protection from the twisting of the Bantu knots.

After you're done washing and conditioning your hair, pat your hair for excess water and detangle. Make sure not to pat your hair dry as it is best to work with damp hair for Bantu knots. Also, detangling your hair will ensure smooth and shiny knots.

To start out, section your hair using a rattail comb. Make the sections about 1/2 inch wide or smaller if your hair is on the shorter side and if your hair is on the longer side make the sections about 3 to 4 inches wide. Apply a setting lotion or curl cream to the section that you're about to style. Twist the section until it coils and makes a doorknob shape at the base of your scalp. Repeat this for all of the sections on your head. After your Bantu knots are set you can wear them as you please or unravel them for a fun and flirty knot out style.