Bantu knots on 4c hair
If you are looking for an edgy and creative 4c hairstyle, then you have come to the right place. Bantu knots on 4c hair are not new but for some reason, they are not common either.
And part of me thinks it’s because this protective style looks much more intimidating than it is. So, I figured I want to burst the bubble and show you how to do Bantu knots on short 4c hair.
What are Bantu knots?
Bantu knots are a traditional African hairstyle that originated from the Bantu people. A group of people encompassing roughly 350 million people throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Bantu knots have become a popular styling technique for women with the 4c hair type. A hairstyle where you divide your natural hair into small sections, twist them, and then coil them into knots close to the scalp.
You can achieve Bantu knot styles using your natural hair, by adding a small amount of extension hair, or even with your box braids. In addition, you can use this hairstyle to achieve a Bantu knot-out which gives you a super cute curly hairstyle.
Are Bantu knots good for natural hair?
Yes, Bantu knots are a great hairstyle for natural 4c hair! They are considered a protective hairstyle because they tuck away the ends of your hair, leading to more moisture retention and less hair damage.
Moreover, they can easily last a few days. That makes them a great low-maintenance style to rock until your next wash day.
Bantu knot outs also help define your curls and add texture. This makes them a great alternative to hot tools, such as flat irons and curling wands. Because they protect your hair from breakage and moisture loss during the styling process.
Do Bantu knots cause breakage?
Like every short 4c hairstyle, Bantu knots can cause breakage if they are done improperly. Especially, if you put too much tension on your hair during the twisting process.
In order to minimize breakage, make sure to detangle and moisturize your 4c hair properly before styling.
Don’t pull too tightly when securing the knots. Depending on the length of your natural hair work with smaller sections. And lastly, take breaks from wearing Bantu knots to give your hair a break from the pulling and tugging.
Is it better to do Bantu knots on wet or dry hair?
It is generally better to do Bantu knots on damp or wet hair. Because it helps the knots set and holds better.
When hair is wet, it is more malleable and easier to manipulate into the tight twists and knots in Bantu knots. Additionally, applying leave-in conditioner or curl-defining cream to damp hair can help add moisture and definition to your curls.
That being said, some people prefer to do Bantu knots on dry hair. It gives them more control over the placement of the knots and helps them achieve a more defined, polished look.
If you prefer to do Bantu knots on dry hair, be sure to mist your hair with water and a leave-in conditioner. That will help your hair retain moisture and avoid damaging your curls.
How to do Bantu knots on 4c hair?
Now that we got all the FYI’s covered, let’s get to the Bantu knot tutorial you came for. In order to follow these steps you will need two packs of extension hair. Make sure that it is pre-stretched braiding hair.
1. Clean and detangle your hair
Like with all the black hairstyles I feature, you ideally want to start with freshly cleaned hair. Wash your 4c hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and a good deep conditioner to infuse your hair with maximum hydration and prep it for the style.
After air drying it for a while, use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush to gently detangle your hair. Start from the roots all the way to the ends. Work in smaller hair sections as it makes it easier to get through your natural curls and coils.
2. Moisturize your hair
Next, apply a leave-in conditioner of your choice to add moisture to your hair. Whenever I style my hair in a protective style I like to use the LOC method. That ensures that I retain as much moisture as possible. To do that add a natural oil and cream after your leave-in conditioner.
3. Section off your hair
The most creative part of Bantu knots is the parts. Here you can decide what shape you want your sections to be. I love when girls divide their hair into triangle parts, as it gives the hairstyle a unique look. The size of the sections will depend on the length of your hair. If you have short 4c hair, you will need to make smaller sections.
When parting the hair, you want to use an edge control or gel to create clean parts. That helps with flyaways and lays down the hair beautifully. Use rubber bands for each section of hair.
4. Create your twists
Once your hair is prepped, it’s time to create the twists. Grab a piece of braiding hair that is about the size of your thumb and add it to the section of hair. Then braid the extensions onto your hair at the base three times.
Once it’s securely attached, start wrapping it around itself. Because the extensions are pre-stretched, you will be able to simply tuck in the stringy ends. Repeat this process with the rest of your hair until all sections are knotted.
5. Style your edges
Last but not least, you want to lay your edges with a gel or edge control. This will make the hair look neat and slayed. And voila voila – you’ve achieved the perfect Bantu knots on your 4c hair!
Keep in mind that if it’s your first time doing Bantu knots it can take a while to get it right. So be patient and take your time to ensure the best results. With a little practice and a good youtube tutorial, you will get it right in no time.
How long should Bantu knots stay in?
The amount of time that Bantu knots can stay in depends on your hair length and how well you take care of them. If you have long hair, the Bantu knots can hold up for a few days and serve as a solid protective style. If you have short hair, however, the Bantu knots might unravel faster.
In order to make them last longer, make sure to sleep with a silk scarf to avoid unraveling and frizz. And follow the step-by-step instructions above regarding the prep. The better your hair is moisturized and detangled, the longer the knots will last.
If you’re looking to use the Bantu style to create defined, voluminous curls, it’s best to leave them in for several hours, or even overnight. This will allow the knots to set and hold in place, resulting in bouncy, well-defined curls.
Remember to listen to your hair and not overdo it. If your knots start to feel tight or uncomfortable, or if your natural hair starts to dry out, make sure to refresh your curls with some water and conditioner in a spray bottle or remove them altogether.