How to Do Bantu Knots in 7 Easy Steps

• By Martha O

Bantu knots are cute protective styles for natural hair. They are also a great way to get heatless curls in no time when unraveled or knotted out.  Bantu knots also known as Zulu knots are hairstyles primarily worn by African women. They are basically small coiled buns made by twisting small sections of hair and putting them in a secure knot. I like that they help to retain moisture and prevent frizziness when coiled up.

Looking to try out this hairstyle and do great at it? Here is how to do your bantu knots in 7 easy steps.

How to do Bantu Knots

This quick tutorial by Samira Orelus would be your easy guide for this hairstyle.

What you need

  1. Leave-in conditioner
  2. Styling gel
  3. Bobby pins
  4. Edge control
  5. Fine tooth comb
  6. Denman brush
  7. Wide-tooth comb
  8. Spray bottle of water
  9. Toothbrush
  10. Hair accessories

Step 1: Part your hair

  1. You should start with freshly washed hair.
  2. Using the fine-tooth comb, part your hair in small sections starting from the back.
  3. Work on that section you took out and put the rest in a bun.

Step 2: Detangle and Moisturize

  1. Spray the small section of hair with water and apply the leave-in conditioner to it, starting from the root to the end.
  2. Make sure you moisturize well and then thoroughly detangle with a wide-tooth comb.
  3. Apply a small amount of styling gel to the section to ensure your Bantu knots come out smooth and sleek.
  4. After you are done with that, brush gently with the Denman brush.

Step 3: Twist your hair

  1. Start twisting your hair from the roots to the ends, making sure to get all the hair and not leave a single one behind. Twist like you are making your hair into a taut rope.
  2. You can also apply products to the ends and brush if you have dry hair. 

Step 4: Wrap your hair into a knot and secure it

  1. Then twist your hair around the opposite way so it becomes a knot or small bun. Don’t do it too tight so you don’t hurt your scalp and do not make it too loose so you don’t lose all that definition.
  2. Now, use a bobby pin to secure your Bantu knot in place.

Step 5: Accessorize your Bantu knots

  1. If you like, you can also accessorize this hairstyle the way Samira did with hers.
  2. Take some gold hair strings or any color you prefer and wrap it around your Bantu knots. Besides hair strings, you can also use hair cuffs, colored elastic bands, or yarn threads.

Step 6: Do the other sections of hair

  1. Repeat steps 1 – 5 for the rest of your hair.
  2. When you get to the front of your hair, make sure to leave out your edges so you can lay them later.

Step 7: Flaunt your look

  1. After you are done with the rest of your hair and edges, flaunt and own those Bantu knots, sis.
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