Protective Hairstyles 101: Bantu Knot Out

The Bantu Knot out has become one of my staple protective hairstyles. It is a great style for relaxed or natural hair if you are looking to try something new and like curls, but do not want to deal with rods, straw sets, or the hairdryer. This hairstyle works with almost all hair lengths as well. This hairstyle can be done on wet, damp or dry hair. My personal recommendation is to only do this style on dry or damp/almost dry hair. I attempted this style on wet hair and even after a day of hair drying and an hour under the hair dryer it still wasn't dry and the outcome was frizzy and so not cute. I ended up brushing my hair into my trusty bun. Here’s how to create this easy and versatile hairstyle:

Step 1: Wash, and dry hair. (I typically air dry to avoid the heat damage).

Step 2: Part the hair. Begin to make parts in the hair. (I don’t like to make my parts too defined so that the curls or waves don’t look so manufactured). Use smaller sections for shorter hair (around ½ inch wide), and larger ones for longer hair (up to 3-4 inches across). To get wavy hair for a looser, free-flowing effect, use fewer medium sized to large knots (about 1 ½ to 3 inches across). If you want to get curlier hair or more curl definition, create smaller knots, and more of them (1-2 inches across).

Step 3: Use your favorite styling products. I use Organic Root Simulator Olive Oil Smooth-N-Hold Pudding (some people prefer to use gel or setting lotion, but i find that this product leaves my hair soft and holds just as well without the flaking and drying effect of gel). Work it into each hair section one at a time.

Step 4: Begin the knot. Some people prefer to do a two-strand twist first. I prefer a different method. Starting at the roots twirl each section around your fingers, working your way down the shaft. Keep the tension high until you are holding the ends of your hair like a rope.

Step 5: Complete the knots. Next coil the twisted section around itself and secure in place, by just giving a few extra turns. The hair should actually start to coil on itself like a spring. After a few turns you should get a nice base coil that you can wrap the rest of the lock. Wrap each layer closer to your head than the previous one. The ends of your hair should be closest to your scalp. This will make it easier to secure the knot. I like using hair pins (some people use rubber bands, but I find that this leaves creases) to secure the knot (but sometimes you do not need any help to hold the knot in place. (On long hair it will look like little pyramids, and on short hair it will look more like rosebuds). Repeat until all hair is in knots.

Step 6: Dry the knots (if knotting on damp hair). You can do this by air drying, or sitting under the dryer. DO NOT blow dry the knots.

With knots in sort of sloppy, but you get the picture

A view of the knots with messy parts

Step 7: Finishing Up! Once the hair is completely dry, unwrap each knot. Then separate coils with your fingers. (first I like to put a little oil on my hands to help reduce causing frizzies and help keeping curls and waves defined). You may even want to finger comb your hair. Be careful because too much handling with reduce your curls to a frizzy mess. Since doing this style does not take long to do. I like to redo my knots nightly so that it looks fresh every morning (plus I sleep really hard and don’t like having to “sleep cute” to maintain the style. But if you want to simply maintain your curls and can sleep appropriately, simply cover your hair with a satin bonnet or if your hair is long enough pineapple it and wrap with a silk/satin scarf.

Alright ladies go forth and style. Please post comments and pics and let us know how this style works for you. Also let us know if you find some tips, products, or tricks for your own Bantu knot style.