What are 'Pocket Knots'
It is a protective style you can wear for those busy days when you want protection for your hair and move on in a snap. It's quick, to be honest, 20 minutes at best, but if you're really quick and possibly in a hurry, you can do them in 10 minutes.
They are super easy and comfortable to wear around the house—no strain or stress on your hair. Your ends are safely tucked and cushioned in this sort of pocket you created. I love it. And best of all, it can be done by most, but not all hair lengths and stages.
Essentially if you can do a two-strand twist on your hair or a Bantu knot - that won't unravel - then you can pull off this protective style. And if you're confident enough or it's done neatly, you could try rocking it in town. I have taken them for a spin at the grocery store a few times.
On another note, I tried researching the name of the style, but I haven't managed to find it. I am calling them Pocket Knots for the time being. If you know the style's name, please let me know in the comments. I would love to know. As I said, let's go with Pocket Knots for now.
Before you try the Pocket Knots, let's take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of this particular protective style.
Benefits of Pocket Knots
they are quick to do 20 minutes is all it takes, depending on your speed and familiarity it could be less or more
they stretch your hair
length retention with your hair ends safely tucked into the pocket
easy to do and maintain.
No constant manipulation is necessary,
gives your hair a cute curl when unraveled
super comfortable to sleep in, you forget its there
safety from ever-changing weather conditions
you can wear it for a week or two weeks
easy to undo for wash day or when you want to change styles
Drawbacks of Pocket Knots
must be unraveled for wash day
strands may break off when pulled too tightly
if the coil hangs out of the pocket ends may be damaged
left any more than two weeks, hair will start to tangle badly, break or split
constant discomfort when done the wrong way
How to make Pocket Knots
Now we know the pros and cons, so let's find out how to do the Pocket Knots. Exciting stuff.
Step 1: Part your hair into four sections. It varies based on your hair's length. You can increase or decrease the number of hair sections according to your hair's length. Basically, with the number of hair sections you have, if you can make a complete and solid two-strand twist from each, then you're good to go, and I don't mean a wobbly two-strand twist.
Step 2: Apply moisturizer, cream, or oil, whichever you prefer or usually use to get moisture into your hair before protective styling. Target the ends; we don't want them chaffing and breaking off. That's counterproductive as the goal is to retain length with this style.
Step 3: Grab one section and hold your hair at a third of its length from the root. Do not begin to twist near the roots of your hair. Leave that third of your length for the pocket we want to create.
Step 4: Start to twist your hair as you would for a Bantu knot. Twist to the ends of your hair and take a moment to adjust the tension of your pull. Loosen where it feels tight and tighten if it feels too loose. This step is vital because it will ensure that the pocket doesn't cause constant discomfort, pull strands or destroy edges. Make sure the section feels good enough to sleep on comfortably and soundly.
Step 5: Coil the twisted section on your finger while maintaining a hold on the ends of your hair. Curl the length of the twisted hair towards your roots.
Step 6: Part the base of the hair section - the third we left and did not twist from Step 3 - into two halves and stop halfway into the section. Open the pocket through the partition and create a nice hole to stuff the coil wrapped on your finger.
Step 7: Stuff the knot inside the pocket and take a moment to adjust the nesting of your knot relieving tension from strands in the pocket. Essentially move the knot around until it fits. When the first hair section has finished, repeat the steps for the following hair sections until complete.
Step 8: You are done. You have nice cute Pocket Knots ready for bed or staying in the house. I swear you can't even feel that it's there. If it is painful or unbearable, then it's not done right. Redo it and repeat each step to ensure you safely style your hair. It is so precious, don't be reckless with your hair. You're hair's ends could snap off anytime if you are careless.
Fundamental Protective Styling points to consider
In order for the Pocket Knots to be considered a protective style it should at least check off some of the key things a protective style does for our hair.
does it protect your ends
is it a low-manipulation style
they should not cause tension in your hair
they should not hurt
they should not break hair strands
do they lock in moisture
do they allow access for you to moisturize your hair
These are some points to take note of when trying to find a protective style that will retain your length. If we want to have long healthy hair, then picking the right protective style is something to consider carefully. If the style does not suit your needs or does not fulfill the key fundamentals of protective styling then you should avoid using it.
Things to Consider
While the Pocket Knot checks off most things on protective styles it is important to evaluate what your hair needs the most from a protective style before making a decision. I have worn this style when my hair was shorter - like in the black and white pictures above - and I still wear it today. I would recommend you try it at least once before ruling it off to the side.
This style does not mean your hair automatically should be left unattended. No, it does not. You need to take care of your hair even when it is in a protective style. It still needs moisture. It still needs to be washed. It still needs your attention. Do not assume that it will take care of itself. It will not. That is your job and no one else's.
Beyond that, always remember to celebrate every accomplishment with your hair goals. Try your best to enjoy every stage of your hair growth even though it may not always be easy, try to anyway. Believe in yourself and don't be beaten down by failures. We love our hair, they are our crown.
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Stay True. Stay Fabulous.
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