Bantu Knots are not only a popular protective style in the black community, but they are also an excellent technique to produce heat-free waves or tight curls on all hair types. The tighter the curl, the smaller the knot. Large knots will produce a sloppy wave. The knots can also be combined with another hairdo. For example, you could do half-up tails and then braid your hair when it's time for work or an event and leave out the other half for night time beauty sleep. There are two ways to do Bantu knots: wet or dry. With wet Bantu knots, there is no need to use any products to keep the knot tight; instead, water is used to help shape the knot. To create a wet Bantu knot, pour some cold water into a bowl and soak a long-haired elastic band (about 2 inches wide) in it for 5 minutes. Remove the band from the water and squeeze the excess water out. Repeat this process until the band is almost dry. Next, take sections of hair and wrap one end of the band around it 11 times. Use your other hand to gently push down on the wrapped section of hair, creating a small ball. Repeat with the remaining sections of hair and band. Finally, pull the ends of the band through the first loop you made to complete the knot. You should now have a series of balls connected by strings. Gently tug on the strings to release the knot if it has become too tight.