Bantu Knots Styles: 40 Ideas To Inspire You

Bantu knots are not only gorgeous, but they also have a rich history behind them. Known as a staple among African hairstyles, they date back hundreds of years. Their origins are in Africa, among the Zulu tribe. For these reasons, they are also sometimes referred to as Zulu knots. Bantu knot styles can be worn with the twisted buns in place or unwrapped in big, soft curls.

How To Style Bantu Knots:

• Make sure your hair is washed and conditioned. Don’t forget to untangle 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 tight 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 Bantu knots in a silk or satin head scarf. The next day, when you unravel the knots, your hair will be in perfect curls. This hairstyle is called the Bantu knot out.

See below for Bantu knot hair styles you can rock!

1. RED COLORED KNOTS :  Why not add a bit of color to your African hairstyle? There are plenty you can choose from, but this deep shade of wine red is a great way to start. Feel free to use your favorite hair color. Wedding soon? click here for beautiful bridal hairstyles

2. HALF UP HALF DOWN STYLE :  We’re accustomed to seeing a full head of Bantu knots, but there aren’t any rules when it comes to this hairstyle. Bantu knots can be worn in a half-up half-down style, as seen in the beautiful images below:

3. BLACK, GOLD AND BABY HAIRS : If your hair has blonde highlights, you can get a unique set of Bantu knots. Slick down your baby hairs on the sides for an even more urban look.

4. BANTU KNOTS ON SHORT HAIR :
Even ladies with short hair can enjoy this hairstyle. If you’re growing out your natural hair, it’s a great way to protect your hair and encourage curls later on. Twist tightly, tie and rock it. Click here to see more helpful tips for short hair

5.  ALTERNATIVE BANTU KNOTS SHORT HAIR :  Another example for Bantu knots and short hair. Even if you have longer hair and you want to get a similar look, all you have to do is tie the knots tightly. 

6. KNOTS ON NATURAL HAIR :
Arguably one of the best benefits of Bantu knots is that they can be created with natural hair. It’s an excellent way to protect your natural locks while having a funky and fresh appearance.

7. CREATIVE DESIGNS :
It is actually encouraged that you get creative with the design of your knots. You can part your hair strategically to get curls in all the right places after you unravel them. Click here to see more hairstyle ideas for little girls.

8. BANTU KNOT-OUT CURLS : This is a delightful example of how these knots look when unwrapped. Even more so, the look is unique by leaving a few knots on top for a half up half down hairstyle. Click here for useful tips on growing your hair long.

9. CORNROWS AND KNOTS :
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).

 

10. PIGTAIL KNOTS: For a truly special African hairstyle, try mixing the following techniques: Bantu knots, a few cornrows and braided pigtails. The baby hair in the front is the icing on the cake for this exotic look.