Bantu knots are heavily tethered to cultural identity and blackness. Today, the protective style is also a mode of creative expression.
The “Bantu” in the name Bantu knots is derived from the “Bantu” people in Africa. The term actually translates to “people” and is a moniker for over 500 tribal languages and dialects across Africa. Though the legacy of Bantu tribes predates when European researchers discovered a word for it in 1960, the German philologist Wilhelm Bleek, coined the term ‘Bantu’ in the 19th Century as a label for “a vast number of people speaking related languages.”
Image Source: @jada.riddle
Research supports the idea that they originated in West Africa over 4,000 years ago. As early as 1983 BCE, they were technologically advanced agriculturalists, farmers, and herders. Regardless of the term’s usage in academia, the Bantu people are a very real tribe of indigenous people located across central Africa. Today, the modern Bantu people are located in sub-Saharan Africa, still farming the land.
Bantu knots are also known as Zulu knots because they originated from the Zulu people, an indigenous group of Bantu people in Southern Africa. Throughout Bantu history, Bantu knots were used to preserve hair in hot, humid clients and as a form of social status in different tribes. The style is believed to have been brought to American culture through the transatlantic slave trade when many Indigenous people were captured and brought to the Americas.
Designers have styled models in Bantu knots at runway shows, and countless celebrities have sported their looks. Whether the weather is heating up or political unrest is high, we’ve noticed a resurgence in people sporting bantu knot styles. Here are 15 that will inspire your summer hairstyles.
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Image Source: @tinashe
Bantu knots aren’t limited to natural hair. Looking to try new styles to try on your knotless braids? Take some inspiration from pop star Tinashe. Depending on the size of your braids, you can throw as many bantu knots as you like without spending too much time on them. Leave a few braids down for some extra flair.
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Image Source: @shanicecox
While bantu knots are super cute, they can be time-consuming with all of the parting. Luckily, you can opt for bigger sections to create the cutest chunky, full-looking knots. Part your hair down the middle and section for three knots on each side. Add a cornrow to the middle knot and leave yourself some bangs, and you’re good to go.
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Bantu knots’ beauty is that they are for US, meaning they look great on every hair texture and length. Try an original Bantu knot style on your hair. To get Rihanna’s look, sleek your hair into as many parts as the heart desires and tightly wrap the hair around itself.
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Bantu knot crowns are a personal favorite style of ours. If you’re rocking straight hair this summer, this style is for you. Part the front of your hair evenly six ways and simply wrap the knots up. Leave two bangs out in the front for a feminine feel.
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Bohemian-themed hairstyles have been all the rage this summer. Why not incorporate the aesthetic into a Bantu knot style? Pick up some Marley hair (or use your own if this resembles your texture) and lightly wrap it into knots. The key to creating the knot shape without making it too neat or perfect. A couple of curly pieces left out will add to the boho vibe.
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Asymmetrical parting gives Bantu knots an edgy feel. Logan Browning’s hair is a good example of how the style can look on longer hair, but it will work on any length, color, or texture.
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Image Source: @coileray
You can make up your own rules when it comes to your Bantu knots. We love this messy look on Coi Leray. The juxtaposition of the sleek ponytails and laid edges with the messy knots screams cool girl. Try it out.
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Image Source: @marsaimartin
We’ve already talked about the craze surrounding boho braids. Marsai Martin’s messy, chunky knots are a great example of the versatility braids offer. The straight strands add an alluring feel.
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Half-up, half-down hairstyles are classic. Bantu knots are a cool way to spice them up and they can be done with straight or curly hair. Take Cardi B’s red carpet style with a side swoop, a Bantu crown, and flipped ends.
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Image Source: @teyanataylor
Teyana Taylor is always a great source of inspiration for beauty as she’s never afraid to experiment with her look. This eccentric style includes three Bantu knots paired with two extended ponytails. She added gold wires to elevate the look.
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If you’re someone who likes to experiment with different hair colors or hair accessories, try adding those elements to your Bantu knot style. These sparkly butterfly clips in Lizzo’s ginger knots are just the right amount of mature and cute. Clean, sleek parts are best with this style.
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Platinum blonde makes every hairstyle look cool. The color, paired with the beaded and jeweled braids, makes this bantu knot style a must-try for the blonde baddies.
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Image source: @Queenofthenightco
Want a protective style that will last you a while? Try styling your bantu knots in small parts.
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Image Source: @nae2curly
Bantus can be an easy way to spice up your wash-n-go, twist out, and braid out. Add as many as you like in the front with soft baby hairs to get the look.
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Image Source: @toddlerstangles
The options are endless. Add some cornrows in between your knots to personalize your Bantu knot style. Hair jewelry like beads is another way to elevate your style.
Which Bantu knot style is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!