A Step-by-Step Guide To Creating Bantu Knots - Byrdie

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A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Bantu Knots By Bianca Lambert

Bianca Lambert Bianca is a contributing writer for Byrdie specializing in natural hair and skincare. You can find her work in xoNecole, The Everygirl, POPSUGAR, Travel Noire, and more. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 16, 2025 01:27PM

Bianca Lambert wearing Bantu knots — Bianca Lambert

There is an extra layer of pride Bantu knots give me as a Black woman. Like many Black Americans, my family's African origin stories were erased due to the atrocious Atlantic slave trade. Embracing my hair's natural texture and styling my hair in styles traced back to Africa help ground me in my roots, even if I can't see how far they stretch.

And at a time when Blackness, specifically Black hairstyles, are appropriated for fun by celebrities, fashion designers, and everyday people—because you know, Black hair is ghetto until Bantu knots, cornrows, or box braids, etc. land on the heads of white models sashaying down the runway—embracing our hair is a form of resistance.

I imagine there are quite a few different ways to achieve Bantu knots. However, I'm going to share the technique and products that have worked for me.

Meet the Experts

Ro Morgan is a NY-based celebrity hairstylist who specializes in natural hair.

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Wash, Condition, and Layer Hair Products

I like to start with cleansed and deep-conditioned hair for a well-nourished foundation. You can also try Bantu knots on stretched, dry hair, too. The types of products you use and how you layer them will vary depending on your hair type. I apply my hair products in the shower since I have low porosity hair. My curl guru and colorist, Christina Kelley, recommended this method to ensure my hair soaks up the ingredients. The right cocktail of ingredients helps ensure your hair stays hydrated and set without unraveling. I start with Miss Jessie's Leave-In Condish. Then, I follow up with Miss Jessie's Honey Curls and add a touch of Bread Beauty Supply's Everyday Gloss to seal my ends.

What Are Bantu Knots?

The Zulu people of southern Africa originated Bantu knots, a hairstyle where the hair is sectioned off, twisted, and wrapped in such a way that the hair stacks upon itself to form a spiraled knot.

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Section the Hair

I section my hair into four square sections and secure them with clips. As you look at my parts, you might be saying, Girl, those need a redo. Don't judge me too harshly. I don't work too hard on creating straight parts, mainly because I'm just a girl doing my hair at home with no expectations, and that takes the pressure for perfection off the table. Hydration and low manipulation are my two priorities.

Byrdie Tip

Keep a continuous spray water bottle nearby to re-wet the hair.

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Two-Strand Twist

Bianca Lambert twisting her hair — Bianca Lambert

Twirling each section into a Bantu knot is a popular method. However, I prefer to two-strand twist, then wind my twist into a knot. This method keeps my hair from getting tangled, which happened to me on my first try with this style. I free-part as I go through each of my four sections. Sometimes I end up with eight knots, but there are also times when I end up with more. I gauge based on how my style starts to transform in the mirror—each time is different.

When two-strand twisting, the tighter the twist, the better. Keep in mind, a tight twist doesn't mean tension—it's a delicate balance. Hairstylist Ro Morgan lays it out for us: "In order to get smooth, sleek Bantu Knots, without adding too much tension to your hair and scalp, I suggest using the Design Essentials Honey Curl Forming Custard and not twisting too tightly." Like the Design Essentials custard, Morgan also recommends my fave, Miss Jessie's Honey Curls, for its custard-like base.

He continues, "Try to avoid over-manipulating your hair by not re-twisting daily." I am guilty of this, though I do find that when I use custard or gel, my knots stay in place even through the night, as long as I wrap my hair with a silk scarf. Morgan suggested an additional pro-tip: secure each knot with a Blend Rite Toy Pin at night.

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Wrap

Bianca Lambert creating Bantu knots — Bianca Lambert

Wrapping your Bantu knot in a way that works for your hair density and length takes a little trial and error. To make my knot, I use my right hand to wrap and my left hand to hold my knot's base.

Once the knot is fully wrapped around, I tuck it with my fingernail or the tip of my rat tail comb (and, as Morgan suggested, you can fasten the knot with a bobby pin before bed). Continue doing this in each section you've created around your head, and you're all set.