Bantu Knot Curls

If any of you are like me, getting up early to do your hair is one of your least favorite things to do. However, bed-head isn't always the best way to go out in public. This is where no-heat curling comes in. This tutorial is a super easy and inexpensive way to have cute curls on the go!

What you will need:

-A Hairbrush/Comb

-Bobby-pins

-Hairspray (optional)

-Volumizing Mousse (optional)

I always start this style with freshly washed hair. After I've brushed through my wet mess, I apply mousse and blow-dry my roots. The only reason I do this is because I have no body to my hair whatsoever. The mousse gives me a little volume; therefore skip this step if it's not needed. Then let the rest of your hair air-dry.

Once your hair is dry, spray a light layer of hairspray to help hold the curl. Again, I say this is optional because not everyone's hair needs help from hairspray.

Now. This is where the fun part starts.

Grab a section of your hair (not too small or you'll look like a fuzz ball & not too big because it won't curl) and twist it like so:

Next, coil the hair twist. Basically you're just wrapping your hair around itself while twisting. It will start to naturally do this when your twists are getting tight.

When you have the coil, just add Bobby-pins to the ends to hold it in (example in bottom right picture above). It's really that easy.

Repeat these steps until all of your hair is up in coils.

NOTE: I suggest doing them in places that won't be in the way when you sleep; ie: the top of your head.

After all your little curly-bobs are in (I usually do five) spray them with some hairspray.

Now many of you probably know that this method has actually been around for centuries originating from Africa. It's usually done on shorter hair and they leave it in as an actual hair style - and it looks adorable on many. However, I feel like I end up looking like a moose (and I prefer the curls they produce); so I usually hide in my room until morning when I take them back out.

In the morning I spray them one or two more times with hairspray (because my hair is stubborn) and then I simply uncoil and separate each twist with my fingers!

Like everything it will take some practice, but once you know what you're doing you'll never go back to a curling iron. Experiment with different amounts in which you separate your hair and, soon enough, you should find the perfect amount for your hair.

Enjoy!