How To Do Bantu Knots

I don't know if you noticed but Bantu Knots have been my go to style for this air drying heat free summer. (Say that 10 times fast.) Here's a breakdown of how I get my big fluffy curls. 

1. Detangled and Air Dried: I start with detangled air dried hair. I get the best results when my hair has been washed 24-48 hours before I try to install the knots.

2. Large Sections: I prefer my curls in big sections because I love volume. Big hair; KLP don't care. Ha-ha! The smaller your sections, the smaller the curls. You can experiment to see which curl you like the best. I usually end up with 10-12 knots. My knots take about 15 minutes to install.

3. Cocktail: Moisturizer + Oil + Holding product. Use whatever floats your boat. My go to cocktail has been Jessicurl Too Shea! Extra Moisturizing Conditioner + Argan oil + Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie. I do believe that order of operations matter on this one. I've found that many products that "hold" aren't particularly moisturizing and can make my hair feel or look very dry over time. Layering on a moisturizer and oil prior to the holding product traps that moisture in and keeps the frizz at bay.

4. How to knot: Bantu knots can be best explained as mini coiled buns that are twisted around itself and secured in place. It's easier seen than explained. Anybody else in love with Whoissugar on YouTube? She is hilarious honey! *in my best whoissugar singing voice* She has some of the best natural hair tutorials on the block and her bantu knot tutorial can not be beat. Watch it a few times, until you get the hang of the technique. 

5. Troubleshooting: Chicas, I can not count how many bantu knot fails I've had since I started my HHJ. One time, my knots were so bad that I had to go and re-washing my hair just to leave the house with my hair in a high bun. Simply. Terrible. Here are the 3 biggest reasons that my knot-outs were so awful:

• Poor product selection- My cocktail selection can make or break my curls. The wrong products make my hair dry, frizzy or won't provide enough hold. End result: chia pet.
• Not drying completely- I've attempted wet bantu knot sets and well----y'all will never see pics of that. I waited 8 hours and my hair never dried. When I took them down, I looked like I got stuck by lighting. *shudders* I achieve my best results when my hair has been air dried. Also, note that if you use too much of anything in your cocktail, the knots either won't set and it will frizz. End result: chia pet.
• Knots un-raveling: First, be sure that your knots are coiled tightly. Not so tight that your scalp hurts, but tight enough that your ends are tucked securely near the base of the knot. When in doubt, use a pin to secure your ends. If your knots unravel unbeknownst, in that section your curl will be wonky. End result: chia pet.

So your first set was awful. No sweat. You're totally not alone. Throw it all up and rock a curly bun or tuck it under and work a faux bob. Whatever you do, do not give up!

Besitos!
KLP