Get This Bantu Knot Out In Just 5 Easy Steps
I'd like to say my signature style would consist of a classic two-strand twist out.
It works every time, and I pretty much have the technique down to a science. But, occasionally I do get bored with this style and want to achieve a different type of curl. Enter stage left, the Bantu Knot Out, a style I've been eager to try for quite some time.
Now, what are Bantu Knots, you ask?
Bantu Knots result in the style of springy “curly q" curls or a pretty loose wave. I've noticed they are springy on girls with shorter natural hair (think ears and up) and more of the wave or loose curl on girls with longer natural hair (think mid-neck/shoulder length down). They can be done on any hair texture or type, and will totally change the look and curl of your hair.
This was my experience. Excuse me in advance for the low resolution, these photos were taken with my iPhone and not my camera.
How To: Bantu Knot Twist-Out On Natural Hair
What You Will Need:
- A spray bottle filled with water and part leave-in conditioner of your choice
- Bobby pins or pin curl clips
- A comb or Denman brush (I used my fingers to separate into sections, and detangled with the brush.)
- Styling product of your choice (I used a light mixture of Lottabody Curl Milk and Curls Blueberry Bliss Control Jelly)
- A styling serum or oil for the takedown (I used Castor Oil)
- Patience and a lot of drying time
Bantu Knot Twist-Out: Instructions
Step 1:
Courtesy of McKenzie Renae
I started with dry, semi-dirty hair. Probably a little over a week old.
Step 2:
Courtesy of McKenzie Renae
I parted my hair into sections and took a spray bottle filled with water and part leave-in conditioner, sprayed each section and applied a little curl milk and control jelly section by section. Because my hair was dry after spraying, I detangled with my Denman brush before applying additional product.
NOTE: The sections should be damp, NOT soaking wet. This will save you a lot of extra drying time.
Step 3:
Courtesy of McKenzie Renae
After separating, twist the hair around in a circular motion until it's in a coil. Almost like twisting a wet towel into a coil before you smack someone with it (or am I the only one who's done that? lol). Tuck the ends of your hair in the coil, and use a bobby pin or pin curl clip to hold them in place so they don't unravel as they dry. Repeat this step all over.
I would say I had a total of maybe 25 knots once I was done. I made the back and sides a little smaller so my curl pattern would be a little tighter around that area, because that's just how I like it. It's important to allot plenty of time and patience and to keep your coils neat because this will determine how they dry in the end style.
Step 4:
Courtesy of McKenzie Renae
You have two options once your knots are finished. You can sit under the dry for a couple of hours, or you can let your knots air dry for 24-48 hours. Remember, your hair will be tightly knotted up, so air will take longer to get in to actually dry your hair. If you take them out before they are dry, you will not get the desired look you want.
Step 5:
Courtesy of McKenzie Renae
I took them down similar to how I take out my twist-out. I applied a little castor oil onto my fingertips and gently took them out and separated them one by one. I don't have the photo of how they looked before I fluffed them out, but I used my fingers again to fluff from the roots and made sure no sectioned parts were visible.
Learning Lessons:
- Although I thought my hair was completely dry after sitting under the dryer, it wasn't. What resulted was frizzy curls around the crown of my head. I'll probably devote a whole day to this look next time or sit under the dryer a tad bit longer. So please allow ample drying time!!
- Honestly, I felt like a little baby doll with this style. I already look younger than my age, so that's not exactly the look I'm going for.
- The style lasted three days for me then I was over it. There wasn't an easy way for me to maintain the look at night, and like my twist-out, it just didn't get better at three day "old old" hair.
I'm glad I finally did this look and tried something different, but it's just not for me. I might give it one more shot considering this was my first time doing this style. Who knows, maybe a longer length or knotting on clean hair will make a difference.
Better yet, next time maybe I'll leave my hair in the knots and rock it Rihanna-style.
How do you think I did on my first attempt?
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
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THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images