Classic Bantu Knots

These classic Bantu knots are the perfect low-key style to add to your natural hair repertoire. For a super smooth look, add a few drops of pure marula oil to your hair and smooth it through your strands before you twist each bun.

Tiny Knots

If your hair is on the shorter side, opt for these tiny knots instead. To keep your mini knots in place, use Proclaim’s Black Super Stretch Braiding Rubber Bands around your twists.

“Because these knots are so small, she could easily wear a durag to sleep and keep this style fresh,” Courtney says. “Olive oil edge control would be great to help her baby hair lay for the duration of this style.” 

Bob and Knots

After you’re done staring at that gorgeous blue eyeshadow, can we talk about how fun Jodie Turner-Smith’s twists-meet-bob-meets-Bantu-knots hairstyle is? All this look requires is a few Bantu knots in the front and letting your hair down in the back.

Stacked Bantu Knots

Iman Ogundeko’s stacked trio of Bantu knots takes on a more minimalist approach to the style. The linear positioning of each knot creates an interesting interpretation of a modern faux-hawk.

Love Knots

Gabrielle Union’s tender take on Bantu knots couldn’t be any sweeter. The addition of a heart-shaped braid gives us all the feels.

Braided Bantu Knots

If your hair is long, you can opt for this braided look. Instead of twisting your hair into buns, first, braid your hair, and then twist. This will result in a tall, sculptural look. For the finishing touch, slick down your baby hair using edge control.

Knots and Pigtails

Rahel Brhane pairs her glossy Bantu knots with low braided pigtails. We love the juxtaposition between length and height.

Loosely Twisted

Here, Tracee Ellis Ross takes a more laid-back approach to Bantu knots. Her loosely twisted knots are paired with minimal makeup, a bold lip, and classic gold jewelry to create a timeless look. 

Big Knots

For Lynae Vanee’s oversized Bantu knots, blow out your hair, trace out the parts, twist your hair, and then form those twists into big knots. Easy and breezy. “Palmers Coconut Oil Spray would be great to keep the parts and scalp moisturized for the duration of this style,” Courtney says.

“This style can be cared for by wearing a silk bonnet to sleep at night,” the expert advises. “Something bigger that won’t be uncomfortable because it has enough room for these larger knots.”

Gold-Wrapped Bantu Knots

Even though Bantu knots are art in and of themselves, there’s always room to add to the fun. To recreate Makiah Green’s look, all you need are thin pieces of gold or silver wire. Take the wire and gently wrap it around your knots, then tuck the ends into the top of each knot.

“Because these knots are larger, it’s important to not get them wet because they frizz easily,” Courtney advises. “Using products like edge controls that aren’t completely water-based will help to keep the frizz down.”

Blonde Highlights and Beads

Blonde highlights get the Bantu treatment with this two-tone look. You can use some temporary hair dye or if you want to go permanent, consult with a stylist who can help you choose a shade that’ll keep your curls healthy and intact.

Braided Parts

Want more part pizazz? This showstopping look is achieved by neatly braiding the ends of your knots into the scalp, embellishing each part.

Rhinestone Hair Pins

Big Bantu knots and oversized rhinestone bobby pins are *chef’s kiss.* If you want to make your own statement look, tailor the pins to your personal aesthetic.

“The best way to care for your Bantu knots is by using the proper products before your installation,” says Eaddy. “I like to start off with a great hydrating leave-in conditioner. I also like to stretch the hair a bit either by air drying or a light blow-dry to maximize the smoothness and definition. After the hair is stretched, I love to apply a bit of moisturizing cream with a soft hold–I use Juices & Botanics Juicy Curl Cream because it helps with the moisture balance and definition and frizz before installation.”

Swooped Baby Hairs

Marsai Martin’s swooped and laid edges, paired with super sleek Bantu knots, will always be a vibe. “This style could use a daily refresher of edge control,” Courtney says. The addition of some Got2b Gel will help keep the edges laid.

Star Part

To recreate Tinashe’s look, make seven triangle parts in the back of your head. (You might need to use a mirror or an extra helping hand.) Then, use a brush for baby hairs and some edge control to slick down your hair for a neat look.

Braided Sides

South African actress Natasha Thahane gives Bantu knots a vacation-ready vibe by cornrowing the sides. Just tuck the ends of the braids into the Bantu knots in the back, and you’re ready to hit the pool in style.

Loc’d and Twisted

Bantu knots and locs are a match made in heaven. You can serve a little ’90s inspo and frame your face by leaving out two locs from the front two Bantu knots.

One Big Bun

Create symmetry with your Bantu knots by placing one big bun in the middle, offset by minis alongside your temples. “Keeping Bantu knots dry is important because it will help keep the style fresh and not weighed down,” Courtney says.

To keep your knots from frizzing, Eaddy recommends using a bit of nourishing hair oil.

“Applying a few drops to the hair will help let your style smooth and lock in moisture,” the expert explains. “I also swear by using 100% silk to protect all-natural and curly styles! I love using silk scarves and bonnets to protect styles and reduce frizz on Bantu knots styles.”

Braided Bantu Knot Crown

Feed-in braids + Bantu knots = an ethereal dream. For a real glam look, add in some gold beads and, of course, lay down the baby hair.

Big Bantu Knot Crown

Kiki Layne channeled her inner goddess by wearing a big Bantu knot crown to the Spirit Awards. Instead of straight parts, she placed her knots on the diagonal to create a really dynamic look.

Green Braided Bantu Knots

These green box braid knots have us clapping our hands with glee. Color always adds to any look, and if you want a low-commitment way to get vibrant locs, add some synthetic crochet twist hair to your braids. Don’t forget to add in a little braid jewelry, too.

Bantu Knots and Curls

Yara Shahidi’s bounty of Bantu knots flaunts her natural texture beautifully. We love the rogue spirals around her face and hairline.

Braids With Baby Hairs

Beauty influencer Jackie Aina’s freshly braided Bantu knots are super easy to recreate. Instead of twisting your hair, braid down the entire length, wrap, and secure with a bobby pin. At night, you can sleep with a silk scarf or silk pillowcase to prevent frizz.

Braids and Beads

This look is giving it all. Nineties-style braids and beads frame the face, Bantu knots form a crown, and the thick, twisted ponytail is giving regal. This is a great look to try on blow-dried hair.