A popular summer hairstyle is Bantu Knots. This is a simple hairstyle that anyone can do at home. You can achieve this hairstyle either by yourself or with the help of a hairstylist. I personally like to put my hair in knots so that it stays stretched and my ends remain protected. This hairstyle is great for transitioning hair and heat damage because you are able to wear your hair in a natural hairstyle, without showing the two distinct hair textures.

History of Bantu Knots

The origin of Bantu Knots or Zulu Knots is said to have started in the Southern West African region. At the time, this area was occupied by tribes of Bantu-speaking people. Eventually, the style spread its way throughout the continent of Africa. They’ve been around for centuries and are an important style to Black African culture. They are a cultural style in the black community that has been passed down to us from centuries ago that we rarely get credit for, but the style came from our ancestors.

How to sleep in Bantu Knots

Despite how cute this style is, I know some of you are cringing just thinking about sleeping in them! There is a way tho, sis! First of all, the best way to preserve any style is to cover your hair with a satin bonnet or scarf at night. However, it can be tough to keep them on at night with this style, so another great alternative is to have satin pillowcases and sheets. An edge scarf will keep your edges and baby hairs from frizzing up while you toss and turn at night. Now, due to the buns all over the head and the tightness of them, it will be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. There is no way around it, unfortunately. However, laying on your back or stomach may be the least uncomfortable position to sleep in with this style. If you plan on taking the knots out the next day, try not to tie them up so tight, or use bobby pins instead of elastics to wrap them. This can help ease some of the tension at the scalp that would make it difficult to sleep. If you plan on keeping them in, you can also keep them loose and then freshen them up in the morning. Sleeping with a sore scalp is not fun!

Should you do Bantu Knots wet or dry?

This is mostly up to personal preference whether you want to put them in wet or dry. With that being said, a lot of styles like Bantu Knots come out better when they are damp, instead of completely wet or completely dry. When it’s just in between, it is a lot easier to style, and it will also come out a lot better. Also, if your hair is completely wet when you put in the knots, it will take longer to dry, and it can also come out frizzy when it does. These are just some things to consider when you’re deciding which way you want to do it.

How to moisturize your hair in Bantu Knots

Using a leave-in conditioner and a great gel will keep your Bantu knots moisturized and looking good. Our hair does not need much to thrive, but making sure to touch it up every now and then will keep the style looking fresh and will also keep your hair from drying out. Make sure to pay attention to your ends as well. Although, for the most part, they will be tucked in for this style, damaged ends can stunt the growth of your hair and can also ruin a style, so make sure to add some leave-in and gel to those too. Bantu Knots are best done on wet hair, so a perfect time to add the product and complete the style would be right after washing,

How long do Bantu Knots last?

If taken care of, Bantu Knots can last up to two weeks. It’s best not to keep styles in too long so you don’t create too much damage, and depending on how tight you make the knots, leaving the style in for too long can cause damage to your roots. Covering it with a bonnet or scarf can prolong it of course, but there really can be too much of a good thing sometimes so let it go when it’s time. Give your scalp a chance to breathe. When you feel like switching things up for a different look, simply unravel the knots to wear your hair in Bantu knot-outs.

How to put my hair in Bantu knots?

There are several tutorials available out there that show how to style Bantu knots. The good thing is that you can wear this hairstyle even if your hair is short. You can also accessorize your looks with some braid rings, cowries, and other accessories you see fit.

Are Bantu Knots bad for your hair?

Bantu Knots are a protective style and are meant to protect your hair and promote hair growth, so they are not bad for your hair. However, as with any style, you can’t have too much of a good thing. They are not meant to be in the hair for long or they can cause breakage and product buildup which is the opposite of promoting hair growth. So, just be sure not to leave your Bantu Knots in for long, or tie them too tight and your hair will thrive.

How do you maintain Bantu Knots?

The most important thing for maintaining a style is to wrap it up at night before you go to sleep. Covering the hair at night will protect it from getting dried out by the pillowcases and sheets, as well as help maintain a style for longer. Keep your hair moisturized so it does not become dry and frizzy. Bantu Knots doesn’t look good when they’re dry and frizzy. Just some gel and a little water is good to keep the style looking fresh. Bantu Knots on Short 4c Hair Bantu Knots on Short 4c Hair using Hair Extensions Bantu Knots using Thread Bantu Knots on Medium-Length Hair Jumbo Bantu Knots on Medium-Length Natural Hair Using Hair Extensions

50 of the Best Bantu Knots Hairstyles To Inspire Your Next Style

Bantu Knots on Kids

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1. Bantu Knots with Flat Twists on Kids

Bantu Knots are a great style for kids, especially the extra hyper ones. It keeps their hair in place and looking nice whether it’s picture day or not. The flat twists add an extra cute element.

2. Bantu Knots with Cornrows on Kids

There’s nothing wrong with adding some extra flair to your kids’ style and showing everyone on the playground that they have style.

3. Slicked edges Bantu Knots

Bantu knots also look amazing on kids when they are slicked back> It’s simple but the style will last them a day or two.

4. Mini Bantu Knots

Bantu Knots can be any size depending on how you want them. Styling them this small is different than the norm, but still a beautiful style.

5. Bantu Knots with Cornrows

What you will need: Packs of 1B/27 Ombre braiding hair

6. Diamond Parts Bantu Knots on TWA

You can even get creative with the parts to make your Bantu Knots and create diamonds with small Bantu Knots.

7. Triangle Parts Bantu Knots

Triangle parts are trendy and cute with Bantu Knots.

8. DIY Bantu Knots on Damp Hair

Leaving your hair damp when you put up Bantu Knots will create a beautiful curl once they get taken down after they’re dry.

9. Purple Bantu Knots on Short Hair

A pop of color never hurt anybody, and it sure doesn’t hurt to show it off with Bantu Knots.

10. Bantu Knots on Relaxed Hair or Straight Hair

Bantu Knots can also work on straightened or relaxed hair and give you a different type of curl.

11. Magenta Bantu Knots on Medium Natural Hair

This color is a show-stopper and looks great in these knots.

12. Slicked back Bantu Knots

The slicked-back Bantu Knot look is so underrated.

13. Triangle Bantu Knots With Blue Wool

This is a twist you don’t see every day, It’s so beautiful, creative, and unique.

14. Mohawk Bantu Knots with Orange Wool

Bantu Knots don’t always have to be all over your head. Try a mohawk once in a while, and spice it up with some colored wool. Orange makes our skin pop.

15.  Statement Bantu Knots with Wrapped Ankara

Half-Bantu Knot styles are also an option if you don’t want to knot your whole head.

16. Bantu Knots on 4c Hair

4C is one of the best hair types to have Bantu Knots because it holds the style so well.

17. Bantu Knots on loose curls

Bantu Knots are really a style that anyone can do and look good with it.

18. Triangle part with mini Bantu Knots

Triangle parts look good with the mini knots as well, they don’t discriminate.

19. Bantu Knots with Rubber Band Singles At The Front

Usually, Bantu Knots are done in the front, but this is an interesting twist! We don’t see this style very often.

20. Medium-length Bantu Knots

Hair length does not matter with Bantu Knots so don’t be afraid to rock them at any length.

21.  Micro Knots

Of course, these may take a little longer, but they’re worth it if you’re looking for a style that will last you a while.

22. Blonde Bantu Knots

Blondes really do have more fun! These knots are creative and bright.

23. Bantu Knots on Transitioning Hair

Bantu Knots are a great style for transitioning hair as it hides the ends and the different textures.

24.  Stylish Bantu Knots with Defined Edges

Some styles don’t feel complete without some very defined edges.

25. Tower Bantu Knots with baby hair

An option with Bantu Knots is to tie them like a top knot instead of wrapping them close to your head.

26. Triangle Parts Bantu Knots on Long Hair

The longer the hair, the bigger the Bantu Knots.

27.  Space Buns

There are many ways to stack your Bantu Knots all over your head. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

28. Defined baby hair and oversized sunglasses

Some styles are not complete without some accessories, such as oversized sunglasses and bamboo earrings.

29. Designed baby hair

Get creative with your Bantu Knots and your baby hair at the same time.

30. Bantu Knots with undefined edges

Bantu Knots can still look good without having them slicked back and defined.

31. Bantu Knots with gold tinsel wire

Wind some gold tinsel wire into your hair to create a unique look.

32. Mohawk Bantu Knots with elaborate baby hair

Mohawk Bantu Knots are an edgy look by themselves but adding elaborately designed baby hair can make it much more dramatic.

33. Bantu Knots With Cornrows

Cornrows and Bantu Knots really go together hand in hand as a hairstyle.

34. Purple Cornrow Bantu Knots

This is an optional step, but why not braid your knots instead of just wrapping them? You’ll have such a great style in the end.

35. Braided and decorated Bantu Knots

Bantu Knots are already a cultural hairstyle, but adding more culture with charms and beads never hurt anybody. Showing off your culture with your hair is something our ancestors have done since the beginning of time.

36. Braided Bantu Knots with braid bangs

Braids are a great protective style, and adding them into a Bantu Knot style will allow you to keep this style a little longer.

37. Golden Bantu Knots with braids

There are so many ways to style Bantu Knots that it almost doesn’t make sense to do a simple style when styles like this exist.

38. Braided Bantu Knots on 4C hair

This is one of the best hair types to hold a braid and a Bantu Knot, so it can definitely hold both at the same time.

39. Jumbo knots with box parts

Jumbo Bantu Knots with box parts make a more structured hairstyle.

40. Blue and Purple Bantu Knots with Fulani cornrows

Add a pop of color and some Fulani Braids to your Bantu Knot style, because no one said you have to do anything in a simple way.

41. Chunky Bantu knots with single braids

Creativity goes a long way when it comes to this style.

42. Bantu Knots with a golden headpiece

It doesn’t always have to be the knots themselves that you get creative with. It can be the accessories you decide to add to them.

43. Half-up/Half-down Bantu Knots With Crochet

You really can never go wrong with a half up/ half down style. Adding Bantu Knots makes it less of a simple style.

44. Bantu Knots with Weave

If you’re not content with the volume of your knots, don’t be afraid to add weave to get the look you want.

45. Bantu Knots with silver tinsel wire and single braid

Gold and silver both look great, but something about the silver is an out of this world vibe.

46. Box braids with cornrows

For a style that you want to keep in longer, you can add cornrows to keep the hair from flying up too much.

47. Mohawk braid and mini Bantu Knots

We’ve seen mohawk styles with Bantu Knots, but this is something new and unique.

48.  Sister locs Bantu knots

Yes, even people who locs their hair can style them in Bantu Knots. They look amazing.

49. Bantu Knots Locs

No matter what type of locs you have, you can create Bantu Knots that work for you.

50. Bantu Knots Out

Yes, you can always keep your Bantu Knots in until you’re ready for a new style, but once they dry you can unravel them and create a gorgeous curl style.