Yahoo Lifestyle Thinking about Bantu knots? Inspo and tips right here
If there’s a hairstyle that never fails to leave our jaws on the flaw it’s Bantu knots, and from Rihanna to Yara Shahidi, the striking geometric look has been worn by celebs for many a red carpet moment. But what actually are Bantu knots? Can you do them at home? And probably the question on the tip of all of our tongues: how do you sleep in them?!
We spoke to Jennie Roberts, Afro-textured hair educator and hair expert at SheaMoisture (and the stylist behind Mel B’s signature Bantu knot look in the 90s) and Umunique Jamison, Head Stylist at Kurl Kitchen, to get the low-down…
What are Bantu knots?
Bantu knots, also called ‘Zulu knots’ or ‘Nubian knots’, are a traditional African hairstyle hailing from the Zulu Kingdom of Southern Africa. “They’re small coiled buns created by twisting small sections of hair and wrapping them into a bun. When unravelled, they leave behind a beautiful wave pattern,” explains Jamison. But they’re so much more than just a timeless and versatile style - they’re a centuries-old celebration of heritage, resilience and empowerment.
Originally used as a derogatory term for native South Africans during the apartheid, the word ‘Bantu’ (which, FYI, translates to ‘people’ in many African languages) was reclaimed by the diaspora to refer to the large and diverse group of ethnic communities across sub-Saharan Africa that speak the Bantu language. Now, the knots are worn by black women (and men) as a symbol of pride and identity, revered for their sacredness in many African regions due to the upward-reaching knots supposedly giving the wearer greater proximity to the cosmos. Pretty cool, if you ask us.
What do I need to create Bantu knots?
Tick off this handy list from our experts before you get started:
A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush - for parting and smoothing.
Hairbands or clips - for sectioning.
A hydrating leave-in conditioner or styling cream - Jamieson advises prepping with the Kurl Kitchen Hair Oil and Leave-In Conditioner for hydration.
A setting product, such as a mousse or a styling gel - For a polished look, Roberts suggests using an alcohol-free gel like the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil & Flaxseed Strong Hold Styling Gel for long-lasting hold.
Hair extensions for extra volume - optional
Wide Tooth Comb
Black Crocodile Clips
Baobab Wheat Okra Leave in Conditioner 350ml
Hair-Gel Curl Defining Styler
How do I create Bantu knots?
The good news is that Bantu knots are a bit of a catfish: easier to do than their impressive appearance suggests. With the right tools and products, practice and patience they can become a go-to DIY hairstyle. Follow this 5-step routine from Jennie Roberts (the stylist behind Mel B’s iconic 90s knots) to master the look in 5 steps:
Start by sectioning clean, detangled hair, applying heat protection and gently blowing out on a low heat.
Section the hair according to your desired knot size, and apply your choice of setting agent (a mousse, curl cream or a gel works best)
Twist the section tightly from root to tip.
Wrap the twisted section around itself at the root of the section to form a knot (it should build up from the root and look like tyres stacked on top of each other - the secret is to twist the hair at the roots and NOT wrap it around the hair).
Secure the knot using a hair grip or elastic band.
For Roberts, the real fun starts once you get the hang of the basic principles, leaving room for creativity. “Adding cornrows above the ears creates striking detail while incorporating additional hair can enhance length and volume. Use different colours and textures to switch it up and make the look your own!”
How long do Bantu knots last?
Unlike braids and twists, which can last anywhere from two to eight weeks, Roberts pins the life span of Bantu knots at about 5-10 days.“The longevity depends on factors like your hair texture, maintenance routine, and the products used,” she explains, so they’re probably best reserved for special occasions if you’re keen to avoid over-manipulating your curls.
Are Bantu knots a protective style?
Protective styles are commonly used in the Afro-textured hair community to minimise exposure to environmental elements, prevent breakage and promote hair growth and Bantu knots do exactly that.
“They help minimise hair manipulation, reduce breakage, and shield the ends of the hair, which are the most fragile,” says Roberts.“This makes them a great option for maintaining hair health, especially for textured and natural hair,” so, in short: yes.
Do Bantu knots help hair grow?
Hair growth is a hot topic in the Afro hair community, with entire social media accounts and blogs dedicated to documenting hair growth and a host of products promising longer tresses. But are Bantu knots a hair growth-friendly style? Jamison reminds us that hair growth primarily depends on genetics and care and while Bantu knots won’t directly make hair grow, they prevent breakage, allowing hair to retain length.“Combined with a healthy hair care routine, they can support longer, healthier hair over time,” adds Roberts.
How much do Bantu knots cost?
We’re all familiar with the sting that professional hair styling can have on our bank accounts. And with the cost of living crisis, well, crisis-ing, keeping costs down has never been a bigger priority. Doing your research is key, as prices vary depending on the salon, location and additional services but our experts concur that good stylists are worth paying for to preserve the health of your hair. Don’t know where to start? Check out our handy guide to booking braids for some intel.
How do I care for Bantu knots?
Keeping your hair hydrated with a moisturising spray or oil, sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wearing a bonnet to maintain the style are methods both stylists swear by, but Roberts also stresses the importance of good prep and starting the style on a clean, moisturised and healthy scalp: “Consider using a moisture-rich hair mask after washing, followed by a hydrating leave-in conditioner. It’s the best way to keep hair hydrated in a protective style.” Noted.
How do you sleep in Bantu knots?
This style doesn’t exactly look conducive to a good night’s shut-eye, but sleeping on a soft pillow that absorbs the knots is Roberts's top tip for quality zzzs. Wrapping your hair with a satin or silk scarf or wearing a bonnet to reduce friction and keep the knots intact is also advised. The bottom line? Always. Sleep. In. A. Bonnet. Period.
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