Hi guys, I am back in Dakar and I tried something new: Bantu knots! As you could see from my previous videos and pictures, I initially wore a wig to Senegal. This was mostly because I knew I’d be very busy during the FundWell program to do my hair on a daily basis. However, I’m back in Dakar and I am wearing bantu knots! Honestly, I actually LOVE it! Also, it has been a while since I updated you on my hair. In my last hair related article, I told you all about braiding myself. Let’s get into these perfectly crafted knots, shall we?!
Bantu knots
The name bantu knots may be misleading, because they are actually cutely wrapped buns and not knots. What I love most about them, is that if you’ve worn them for a while and you’ve used the right products, you can create a new curly style. This is mostly known as a bantu knot-out. I remember doing a one on my straightened hair. So, to create a Bantu knot, all you need to do is wrap a section of hair around itself. Remember to do this tightly, so that they don’t come loose. Another important point is to actually use the right products. I wish I used some EcoStyler Gel, however, I only had coconut oil and shea butter. If you’re lucky with your product combination and tautness of the knots, you can rock a great curly knot-out.
origins of our favorite knots
Bantu is a blanket term that is used to describe about 300 to 600 ethnic groups within southern Africa. Bantu means people and this is consistent among all the languages of these different ethnic groups. In addition, Bantu knots are also known as Zulu knots and they are actually the originators of Bantu knots. Zulu people are one of the 300-600 ethnic groups within the Bantu people. How cool is that?! African tribes and countries never cease to amaze me.
all about my bantu knots
This may not surprise you, but I did mine by myself. It didn’t take a long time to create this style. However, I only regret not having some Eco Styler gel with me. Therefore, I was not able to wear curls after taking them out. Another thing I want to share is that sleeping with them can be hard. Mostly, because they might poke your head when you lie on them. Also, if you do them too tight it might actually hurt to lie on them. Other than that, they will most likely come loose. However, the next day, you can just redo those that have come loose and go about your day. This is a picture of me wearing them the very next day during brunch at Mawa’s Taste of America.
Do you want to know how these Bantu knots looked in real life? Definitely check out my vlog where I’m wearing them!
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