How to Do Bantu Knots on Natural Hair: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Bantu knots, also known as Zulu knots, are hairstyles primarily worn by African women. They are cute protective styles for natural hair and a great way to get heatless defined curls when unraveled or knotted out.

Bantu knots are basically small coiled buns made by twisting small sections of hair and putting them in a secure knot. One of their benefits is that they help retain moisture and prevent frizziness when coiled up.

Originally worn by African women, Bantu knots have become popular among people of different races and ethnicities. If you're looking to try out this gorgeous hairstyle, here are 7 easy steps to follow:

How to Do Bantu Knots: A Step-by-Step Guide

What you need

1. Leave-in conditioner
2. Styling gel
3. Bobby pins
4. Edge control
5. Fine tooth comb
6. Denman brush
7. Wide-tooth comb
8. Spray bottle with water
9. Toothbrush
10. Hair accessories

Step 1: Part your hair

1. Start with freshly washed hair.
2. Use a fine-tooth comb to part your hair into small sections, starting from the back.
3. Work on the section you parted out and put the rest of your hair in a bun.

Step 2: Detangle and moisturize

1. Spray the small section of hair with water, and apply leave-in conditioner from the root to the end.
2. Moisturize well and use a wide-tooth comb to thoroughly detangle the section.
3. Apply a small amount of styling gel to the section to ensure that your Bantu knots come out smooth and sleek.
4. Once you have completed the previous steps, gently brush your hair with a Denman brush.

Step 3: Twist your hair

1. Start twisting your hair from the roots to the ends, making sure to get all of the hair and not leave any behind. Twist as if you are making your hair into a taut rope.
2. If you have dry hair, you can also apply products to the ends and brush them.

Step 4: Wrap your hair into a knot and secure it

1. Twist your hair around in the opposite direction to create a knot or small bun. Do not make it too tight, as this can hurt your scalp, but also avoid making it too loose, so you do not lose any definition.
2. Next, use a bobby pin to secure your Bantu knot in place.

Step 5: Accessorize your Bantu knots

1. Take some gold hair strings or any color of your preference and wrap them around your Bantu knots.
2. You can also use hair cuffs, colored elastic bands, or yarn threads to accessorize your Bantu knots.

Step 6: Do the other sections of hair

1. Repeat steps 1-5 for the rest of your hair.
2. When you reach the front of your hair, make sure to leave out your edges so you can lay them down later.

Step 7: Flaunt your look

1. After you finish styling the rest of your hair, including your edges, flaunt and own those Bantu knots, Sis!

Watch this video below by Samira Orelus on YouTube for a demonstration on how to do Bantu knots.