Last year, the black American community dragged American artiste, Adele when she posted an Instagram photo of herself in a Bantu knots hairstyle.
The same happened to Khloe Kardashian in 2016 when she rocked Bantu knots. She even had to delete the original photo and upload a slightly different one.
Those and many other instances are proof that Bantu knots hairstyles mean a lot to the Black community. Perhaps, that is why they flare up when Whites wear the hairstyle without giving credit to the African race.
Bantu knots aren’t only beautiful and easy to install. They also protect your natural hair too.
On this note, we decided to inspire you with the most beautiful Bantu knots hairstyles that extol our African heritage.
But before we check them all out, let’s have a little discussion about Bantu knots.
What are Bantu Knots Hairstyles
Bantu knots are traditional African hairstyles worn by black women of different cultural groups. To achieve this coiffure, you section your hair into different parts. Afterwards, you twist and wrap each section to form a spiralled knot on your head that resembles a stack of tyres.
Once you’re done, you’ll have something like a line of pretty little buns around your head.
If you’re a naturalista, Bantu knots is one protective natural hairstyle you should rock. And if your hair is relaxed, this style is a protective hairstyle for you too.
This style can last up to two weeks or more, depending on how you maintain the knots. And you can also switch up the style by loosening the knots to create streaks of curly hair.
That goes without saying that Bantu knots hairstyles are versatile. For instance, you can either have the humps on your head or loosen them after some time to create curls.
In addition, you can also transform your box braids or twist to bantu knots by gathering a few braids and twisting and wrapping them to form knots.
History of Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are also known as Zulu knots. This is because the Zulu people of South Africa (a Bantu ethnic group) are the originators of this style.
Furthermore, in many African languages, ‘Bantu’ means people. It is the plural version of the word ‘umuntu’ which means person. The style has been existing for more than 100 years.
Initially, the word was called Abantu while colonial masters pronounced it as Bantu. The term is used to describe the 300 to 600 ethnic groups that spoke the Bantu language.
The name ‘Bantu’ has evoked many meanings in the past. It was even used during the period of apartheid such that many South Africans hated the term. Eventually, it returned to its initial meaning in Bantu languages.
Bantu Knots Today
Bantu knots have evolved from being a traditional hairstyle to an internationally adopted one. Designers like Marc Jacobs and Valentino have had white models grace this hairstyle while strutting on the runway.
This style is more than a hairstyle to the Black community. It is a representation of our pride and cultural heritage passed down from generation to generation.
Despite the fact that many black Americans don’t know their exact roots, they see this style as something that reflects their African ancestry.
Moreso, this coiffure represents the love and acceptance of the coloured race. It stands for our pride as true Africans. As Ebony Magazine puts it,
“Many of us wear them like a crown, as if each knot contains a small ounce of the fearlessness and beauty that is Black girl magic.”
Ebony Magazine
How to Maintain Bantu Knots Hairstyles
1. Sleep with Your Satin Bonnet on
This will help to keep the knots in place and retain moisture in your hair.
2. Use Hair Pins
Bobby pins and other hair pins can also keep your knots in place. This way, they stay up to two weeks before you loosen them to form curls.
Just make sure the pins don’t scar your scalp.
3. Don’t Use Rubber Bands
Don’t use rubber bands to keep your knots in place. They can break your hair. Instead, use bobby pins.
4. Don’t Twist Every Day
Avoid twisting your knots every day because you want to keep them in place. This can break your hair.
In addition, when creating your Bantu knots hairstyles, moisturise your hair. You can as well apply leave-in conditioner to seal in moisture.
To learn how to do these knots, watch the video below.
That aside, do you feel like rocking this hairstyle already? Here are the best Bantu knots
