The short answer
Bantu knots are a hairstyle made by sectioning the hair, twisting or coiling each section, and then wrapping it around itself into a small, neat knot that sits close to the scalp. They have deep roots in African culture, taking their name from the Bantu peoples of central and southern Africa, and they are one of the oldest and most recognisable African hairstyles. Bantu knots serve two purposes: they are a striking style in their own right, worn as a full head of knots, and they are also a heat-free way to create curls, since taking the knots out leaves defined, springy coils in what is called a Bantu knot-out. They suit natural Afro-textured hair especially well. Products and accessories for them are sold by Afro hair and beauty shops across the UK.
What to remember
- They suit natural Afro-textured hair, and products for them are sold by Afro hair and beauty shops across the UK.
- Bantu knots are small, coiled knots made by twisting sections of hair and wrapping them around themselves.
- They have deep African heritage and take their name from the Bantu peoples of central and southern Africa.
- They are worn as a bold style in their own right and also used as a heat-free way to create curls.
- Taking the knots out leaves defined, springy coils, known as a Bantu knot-out.
For many Black women and girls in Britain, Bantu knots are a proud connection to African heritage worn openly on the head. There is something special about a style so old and so rooted, one that grandmothers and generations before wore, and that still looks striking and current today. Whether worn out as a bold statement or used quietly at night to set a beautiful curl, Bantu knots carry a sense of identity, self-expression and belonging that goes well beyond hair.
There is real pride and joy in that. Bantu knots are a celebration of natural Afro-textured hair and of the long African traditions of styling and adornment, and choosing to wear them, and knowing their name and their roots, is a small act of honouring where you come from. Learning to create them, or finding a stylist who understands the hair, and wearing them with confidence, is both a practical hairstyle and a cultural statement. That blend of beauty, heritage and self-expression is the quiet gift of Bantu knots.
What are Bantu Knots?
Bantu knots are made by dividing the hair into sections, then twisting or coiling each section from root to tip and wrapping it around its own base until it forms a small, tidy knot that stands up from the scalp. A full head of them creates an even pattern of little knots, which is a bold and beautiful style on its own. They can be made in many sizes, from lots of small knots to a few larger ones, and they work on natural hair as well as on hair with added extensions.
The style is at once ancient and modern. It is one of the oldest African hairstyles, worn for generations, and it has also had waves of wider popularity as a striking, expressive look. Part of its appeal is that it is both a statement and a practical protective-style option, tucking the hair away neatly, and it carries a strong sense of cultural identity for many who wear it. It is a style with real presence and real history.
Bantu knots sit within the wider world of natural Afro-textured hairstyling, which we cover in our guide to 4c hair.
The Heritage behind the Name
Bantu knots carry their heritage in their name. The Bantu are a large group of peoples across central, eastern and southern Africa who share related languages, and the style is associated with their long traditions of hair grooming and adornment. Like braiding, knotting and styling the hair have been part of African cultures for centuries, a way of expressing identity, status, community and beauty, and Bantu knots are one of the enduring expressions of that heritage.
Because of this, the style means more than just a look to many people. Wearing Bantu knots is often a deliberate connection to African roots and a celebration of natural hair and heritage, and it is worth knowing and honouring where the style comes from. It is one of those hairstyles that have travelled across the diaspora and remained a proud emblem of African identity, and appreciating that history is part of appreciating the style properly.
Bantu Knots as a Style and a Curling Method
One of the clever things about Bantu knots is that they do two jobs, and it is worth understanding both. Worn as they are, a full head of Bantu knots is a finished, eye-catching style, neat and sculptural, that can be kept in for a while as a protective look. Many people wear them out and about exactly as they are, and they can be dressed up for occasions or worn casually day to day.
The second job is as a heat-free curling method. When you put the hair into Bantu knots, let them set, and then unravel them, the hair is left in defined, springy curls and coils, a look known as a Bantu knot-out. This is a popular way to get bouncy, curly volume without using heat, which protects the hair from heat damage, and the size of the knots controls the tightness of the resulting curls. So the same technique gives you either a bold knotted style or, once taken down, a curly one, which is a big part of why the style is so loved and so versatile.
How to care for Bantu Knots
Caring for Bantu knots starts with how they go in and continues with how you protect them. When creating the knots, working on clean, moisturised, detangled hair, often with a little curl cream or gel for hold, helps them set neatly and last, and it is worth making sure they are secure but not so tight that they pull uncomfortably on the scalp or edges. As with all styles, tension around the hairline should be gentle to protect the delicate edges.
While the knots are in, keeping the scalp lightly moisturised and wrapping the hair in a satin or silk scarf at night, or using a satin pillowcase, keeps them neat and reduces frizz, which matters especially if you are setting them to create a knot-out. When you take the knots down, unravelling them gently and carefully preserves the definition of the curls and avoids breakage, and a little oil on the fingertips helps separate the coils for the knot-out. Treating both the styling and the takedown with care is what gives the best results and keeps the hair healthy, in the same spirit as the protective styling in our guides to cornrows and knotless braids.
Where can I find products in UK?
Bantu knots can be done at home with a bit of practice or by a professional stylist, and either way the products that help are easy to find in Britain. Afro hair and beauty shops stock the curl creams, gels, moisturising sprays and light oils that help the knots set and hold, along with the satin scarves and bonnets that protect them overnight and keep a knot-out defined. Staff in these shops are used to helping with natural-hair styling and can suggest products for good hold and definition.
If you would rather have them done professionally or want them created with extensions, a stylist experienced in natural hair can help. You can find African hair salons near you to book a stylist who understands textured hair and an Afro hair and beauty shop near you for the products and accessories you need. Whether you wear them as a bold style or use them to set your curls, a little good product and gentle care go a long way.
Frequently asked questions
What are Bantu knots?
Bantu knots are a hairstyle made by sectioning the hair, twisting or coiling each section, and wrapping it around itself into a small, neat knot close to the scalp. A full head of them creates an even pattern of little knots. They have deep African heritage and suit natural Afro-textured hair especially well.
Where do Bantu knots come from?
They take their name from the Bantu peoples of central, eastern and southern Africa and are associated with their long traditions of hair grooming and adornment. Knotting and styling the hair has been part of African cultures for centuries, and Bantu knots are one of the oldest and most recognisable African hairstyles.
What is a Bantu knot-out?
A Bantu knot-out is the curly look you get when you put the hair into Bantu knots, let them set, and then unravel them, leaving defined, springy curls and coils. It is a popular heat-free way to create curls, and the size of the knots controls how tight the resulting curls are.
How do you care for Bantu knots?
Create them on clean, moisturised, detangled hair, secure but not too tight, then keep the scalp lightly moisturised and wrap the hair in a satin scarf at night to reduce frizz. Take the knots down gently to preserve the curls and avoid breakage, using a little oil to separate the coils for a knot-out.
Where can I find products for Bantu knots in the UK?
Afro hair and beauty shops across the UK stock the curl creams, gels, moisturising sprays and light oils that help the knots set, plus satin scarves and bonnets to protect them overnight. For professionally done knots, or knots with extensions, look for an African hair salon whose stylists understand textured hair.
