22 Best Bantu Knots Hairstyles For All Hair Types To Try
Learn different ways to sport this protective hairstyle without losing your style quotient.
Quarita Futrell is a Licensed Master Cosmetologist, trichologist practitioner, transformation specialist, and the founder of On the RUNNN salon and Girl Next Door Hair, the preferred hair brand of select A-List Celebrities, on-air news personalities, and models.
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Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 7 yearsMadhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.
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Experience: 2.5 yearsBhumika is a content writer with 2.5 years of expertise in crafting articles across diverse genres. She graduated from the University of Delhi and completed her post-graduation from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Delhi.
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Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle. They look like mini twisted buns. Bantu knots come to us from South Africa. The hairstyles that hail from there are truly magnificent. Those African women really know how to style their hair without compromising haircare! A twisted (or braided) portion of hair wrapped around itself to form a bun is called a Bantu knot. Bantu knots are also used to coil or curl hair. The partitioning of hair plays quite an important role when styling Bantu knots.
Before You Get Started- Those experienced with styling natural hair make the knots on wet hair to retain moisture. However, for beginners, it is ideal to let your freshly washed hair dry for at least 40 minutes before making the knots. If you are not gentle or careful enough, styling wet hair may lead to breakage.
- Section the hair depending on how you want the hair to look. Bigger and fewer knots will give wave-like coils, while more knots will create tighter curls.
- Never use a rubber band to secure the knots. It may cause breakage.
- Avoid re-twisting your hair, as it may cause hair breakage and scalp damage.
In This Article
How To Do Bantu Knots
If you want to know how to do bantu knots, this tutorial will help! Here is everything you need:
Materials Needed
- Wide-toothed comb
- Hair oil/mousse/gel/ cream for styling
- Hair sectioning clips
- Hair ties and pins
- Spay water bottle (optional, to re-wet hair between the steps)
- Silk or satin scarf
Once you have gathered the tools, check out the following section to learn how to create Bantu knots.
How To Style
- Make sure your hair is washed and conditioned. Don’t forget to detangle your hair.
- For best results, make sure your hair is damp, not wet or dry.
- Create partitions by sectioning off the hair.
- Take the first section and apply oil, cream, mousse, or gel to it. Do not use any heavy cream, oil, or butter to your hair as this might lead to hair breakage.
- Twist or braid all the hair in that section. You can add in extensions or colorful ribbons if desired.
- Then, twist and tightly wrap the hair around itself to form a bun. You can twist and wrap simultaneously; it depends on what you’re comfortable with.
- Keep coiling the hair around until you reach the end. Tuck the end off inside the bun and secure it in place with a pin. If your Bantu knots are tight, then your hair might stay in place without a pin.
- Wrap the coiled Bantu knots in a silk or satin head scarf. The next day, when you remove the Bantu knots, your hair will be in perfect curls. This hairstyle is called the Bantu knot-out.
Richelle, a blogger, shared her experience of doing Bantu knots on her hair for the first time. After uncoiling the knots, she was happy with the resulting curls. She wrote, “I was really impressed with the way it turned out. It was very easy to do and a safer alternative to heat curling (i).”
Did You Know?Key Takeaways
- Bantu knots are a versatile protective hairstyle that can enhance your appearance and maintain hair health.
- These knots originated in South Africa, hold a great cultural significance, and symbolize pride and self love.
- There are many hairstyles you can try with Bantu knots like half-up half-down braids, jumbo crowns, braided and accessorized knots.
22 Best Bantu Knot Hairstyles
1. Half Up Half Down Braided Bantu Knots
Get creative with the traditional Bantu knots and try the half up half down look. You can recreate this look with fewer Bantu knots – two at the front and two at the back of the head. You can let your natural fall free or twist them at the sides and the back. Voila!!! You are ready with an easy breezy, and bold look.
2. Jumbo Bantu Knot Crown
Photo by: Chidimma peace
Wear your Bantu knots like a crown! Channel your inner goddess, who you are, with these big Bantu knots by placing them diagonally instead of straight parts.
3. Braided Triangular Bantu Knots
Braids, Bantu knots, and triangle partings come together to make this stunning hairdo. Split your hair into triangular sections. Take small portions of hair and braid two stitches, then separate that braid into two braids. Do this randomly on different parts of the hair. Twist the rest of the hair into Bantu knots and wrap the braids around them. Accessorize for effect!
4. Faux Tri Bantu Knot Mohawk
This hairstyle is a gorgeous three-line faux Bantu knot mohawk with baby hair on the sides. The red color makes this hairdo look fiery. You can achieve this hairstyle with the help of hair extensions if you do not want to commit to locs. Wrap the extensions around your natural hair, twisting them as you go, and make three columns (from the hairline to the nape of the neck) of Bantu knots.
5. Twists And Braids
Blend twists and braids to get this killer Bantu knots hairstyle. The braid going from the top to the bottom knot and the color adds pizzazz to it. Part your hair in square sections with a rat-tailed comb. In one square section, braid feed-in cornrows in such a way that all the braids point towards the center of the square. Braid your hair only a little in the beginning. To make the Bantu knot, twist and wrap your hair around itself. Towards the end, braid some of the hair in the Bantu knot.
6. Basic Bantu Knots
These basic Bantu knots hairdo look terrific. Take a small portion of hair and twist it. Repeat the same with three or four other small sections, then merge those twists to form one Bantu knot. Repeat the same with all your hair to mimic this look.
7. Braided And Accessorized Bantu Knots
Braided and accessorized Bantu knots only add to the beauty of this hairstyle! Part your hair in triangular sections and braid each section of hair. Wrap each braid into a Bantu knot. You can accessorize these Bantu knots with clip on beads and trinkets of jewelry.
8. Cornrow And Bantu Knot Wheel
This wheel of down-to-up cornrows and braided Bantu knots looks so fierce! Part your hair in triangular sections and take a bit of hair from the sides of each section. These side sections of hair will make up the ten braids (two each on the sides and six making the wheel). Braid the rest of the parts and make Bantu knots, merging them with the six-wheel braids.
9. Frontal Bantu Knots
Bantu knots just on the front look laidback and chill. Part your front hair in three sections, making the middle section a triangle. In the middle section only, twist the hair into a Bantu knot. On the side sections, make smaller Bantu knots, how many is up to you.
10. Small Bantu Knots
Multi-colored small Bantu knots look uber cool. The half updo is sure to stun! Make a middle parting. Near the parting, braid two angular Dutch braids that will end in twisted Bantu knots. With the remaining hair in the middle section, twist a few smaller Bantu knots to complete the look.
11. Tall Bantu Knots
Tall Bantu knots look gorgeous. And we know how awesome braids and Bantu knots look together. Let me tell you how this random combination of braids and twists come together to form this chill hairdo. Make random partings all around your head while taking about an inch of hair on either side to make braids that will drop down. Twist the rest of your hair, leaving some sections. Braid the rest. Wrap all the twisted and braided parts together to form blended Bantu knots.
12. Small Braided Bantu Knots
Small Bantu knots look amazing!! Braid cornrows upward only half way. Twist the remaining part of the braids, merging three or four cornrows together to form one Bantu knot at the top. Repeat the same for all the other sections of hair.
Trivia13. Side Bantu Knots
These side Bantu knots are epic! Make a triangular partition on one side of your head. Divide that part into three sub-triangles. Twist and wrap the hair in each section to form three Bantu knots on the side. Fluff up the rest of your hair, and you are ready to win the world.
14. Mini Flat Bantu Knots
Mini flat Bantu knots are just stunning. Part all of your hair into mini sections and then twist each section into a Bantu knot.
15. Micro Bantu Knots
Micro Bantu knots all over the head look amazing. Section your hair in small diamond partitions, then twist and wrap each partition of hair into little Bantu knots. You can also braid your hair into Bantu knots. Once you remove these knots, you will have perfect curls to flaunt.
16. Loc Bantu Knots
This style is a combination of locs and Bantu knots and it looks incredible. You can either get your dreadlocks first and twist each loc into a Bantu knot; or you could section your hair and try a combination of braids and Bantu knots. Please note that this style is a process over several months as dreads take a lot of time to lock.
17. Halo Braids And Bantu Knots
Cornrows, halo braids, and Bantu are a brilliant combination. Cornrow your hair towards the center of your head. Once the cornrows are a few centimeters away from the center, merge them two-by-two or three-by-three and braid them. Section off the braids in such a way that the most significant braid is left out while the others are wrapped around into three Bantu knots at the center. Now, wrap the big braid around the three Bantu knots to form a halo.
18. Spirally Braided Bantu Knots
Spiral braids ending in Bantu knots look amazing. Part small sections of hair spirally and cornrow them. Wrap the cornrows around themselves to form Bantu knots.
19. Blended Bantu Knots
Small and long Bantu knots in rectangular parts are here to dazzle! This hairdo is absolutely marvelous!
20. Four Bantu Knotted Mohawk
Stun with this Bantu knot mohawk. To mimic this badass hairstyle, section your hair into four parts. Twist and wrap each section into Bantu knots while adding in extensions.
21. Bantu Knots With Braided Ends
Braids left at the end to be twisted into Bantu knots are terrific. Part your hair into triangular sections. Braid each section and wrap it around itself to make Bantu knots. Leave a hanging braid on each side to add to the style.
22. Reverse Braided Bantu Knots
Take the front half of your hair and make two Bantu knots. Then, braid two down-to-up braids and twist the ends around the Bantu knots. Very chic, wouldn’t you say?
It is indeed awe-inspiring to see that traditions of old Africa are still being followed by the descendants. There were a lot of questions regarding Bantu knots. So, I’ve answered them down below to help you get some clarity.
Infographic: Cool Facts About Bantu Knots
We understand if you can’t wait to try out some Bantu knots. After all, they are cool and fashionable. But before you begin, wouldn’t it be great to learn a little about the history of these knots?
To get you started, we have collected some facts about Bantu knots. Find them in the infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The key to achieving Bantu knots without much hassle is washing and detangling your hair. Yes, although all your hair will be rolled into mini buns, you cannot let your hair strands remain tangled. If you do, you may experience hair damage. So, gently detangle them and then put them in buns. You have a wide range of options to choose from. Now, without further delay, follow our tutorial and say hello to some fun hairstyles because it is time for you to grab your shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you keep Bantu knots in?
Bantu knots ideally last up to one week with scalp care and nourishing touch ups.
What products to use for Bantu knots?
Use a cream, gel, mousse, oil or edge control cream to help smooth out your hair near the edges. Make sure not to overuse these products; you don’t want your hair to be slippery. Don’t use heavy oils, pomades or butter on your hair as they will make it heavy.
Can Bantu knots damage hair?
Twisting your hair too tight while wrapping a Bantu knot can lead to hair breakage.
Is it wrong to tie Bantu knots every day?
Tying Bantu knots on a daily basis can cause hair breakage.
Can I do Bantu knots with natural hair?
Yes! Bantu knots can be done on natural or straight hair as well to make them textured. Just make sure your hair isn’t dry as that will make your hair look frizzy rather than curly after you take the Bantu knots out.
Can I still do Bantu knots on hair that is not naturally curly?
Yes! Bantu knots are used to manipulate hair into being curly or wavy.
Do Bantu knots do a certain thing to your hair or is it just a style?
Bantu knots are not only very stylish, but they are a protective hairstyle too. Bantu knots are also used to make hair curly or wavy.
What is Bantu hair?
Bantu hair or Bantu knot-out is how your hair appears after leaving a Bantu knot overnight.
Can I try Bantu Knots with wet hair?
Tying Bantu knots with wet hair can lead to hair breakage if you have fine or damaged hair. Make sure your hair is damp while tying a Bantu knot.
What about transitioning hair?
If you want your hair curly, Bantu knots are perfect as they don’t use heat to curl or wave the hair.
Is it safe to tie my hair with an elastic band when wrapping a Bantu knot?
Tying your hair with an elastic band might lead to hair breakage. It’s better to secure your hair in place with a pin.
Banner Image Credits: Instagram
Illustration: Best Bantu Knots Hairstyles For All Hair Types To Try
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Wondering how to create beautiful, bouncy curls without using any heat? Watch this video as it explores ways to achieve the perfect Bantu Knots.
Personal Experience: Source
StyleCraze's articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Trying Bantu Knots for the First Time!https://comm350.wordpress.com/2020/05/13/trying-bantu-knots-for-the-first-time/
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