FGlenn’s Bantu Knot-Out Style on Natural Hair

Hi CurlyNikki World,

I am Frances and a huge Curly Nikki Fan – I have tried all of her great hair advice and ideas. I have done the Henna treatment, Twist-and-Curl, Braid-outs, and now I am on to the Bantu Knot Set. Okay, believe me when I say, it definitely takes practice, but once you get the hang of it – it’s smooth sailing. Oh-yeah off of the subject – since I am 5 months pregnant (me and Nikki are belly buddies…Smile) convenience and simplicity are very important.

Anyway on to the how I did my Bantu knot set, results, and pros/ cons:

• Washed my hair once (Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo)

• Co-washed once with (Pantene Pro-V Intensive Moisturizing Conditioner, sometimes I use Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner)

• De-tangled in the shower, with conditioner still in hair then rinsed

• I applied Pantene Pro-V Deep Conditioning Mask and left in for 45min-1 hour and rinsed

• Applied White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Conditioner (handful) and Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifer (Handful) – raked through my hair with my hands until nice and soft

• Then I started with the front and worked my way to the back parting as I went

• Right before I two-strand twisted each knot, I applied a squirt of Nairobi Wrap-It Shine Foaming Lotion (love this stuff as it hold my curls for at least 5-7 days) combed out and began twisting, remembering to wind them until they began to knot themselves or corkscrew. I kept wrapping with each loop below the next one and tucked the end under the last row (same as Nikki’s process). With the difficult knots, I used a bobby pin to hold the end of the twist in place

• Complete entire head (I had about 18-20 knots total) – takes about 1 hour

• Sit under the dryer for about 1 hour and then go to bed – this helps to ensure they are dry by morning

• Go to sleep (I used an airplane pillow and put it around my neck, which allowed me neck support -without anything touching my head, because it is a little uncomfortable to sleep directly on the knots

• In the morning take down by unwinding slowly to keep curls in tact

• Then fluff as desired….sometimes I let my curls hang the first day and then fluff the second day so the style will last longer….Smile

• The end

It’s a lot I know – but I love the results and this style lasts me for about 5 to 7 days depending on if I put a satin cap on at night (helps preserve style longer). In the mornings when I wake, I just shake and go.

Pros- cute hair style, lasts a week or more, shake-and –go hair

Cons- sleeping on the bantu-knots, mastering the bantu knot procedure (it took me about 3 times to master, but once you get it you are a pro…)
FGlenn’s Fotki