Even in the world of chic protective hairstyles, Bantu knots are special. Sometimes referred to as the Zulu knot or the Nubian knot, there are almost no limits when it comes to height, placement, colour, shape and style – which is probably why so many stars choose it for the important red carpet and media moments most . When Rihanna unveiled the artwork for Anti, she arrived at her event with a Bantu knot half head and soft curls just below. When Beyoncé debuted Black Is King, her award-winning tribute to her heritage, the film was capped off with a grand, sculptural iteration that immortalized the style on screen. Even in their more loose forms, Bantu knots are extremely popular in Hollywood and beyond due to their complexity and high degree of customization.
Because Bantu knots are so easy to make, you can try virtually any celebrity-approved style at home once the inspiration strikes. Stylist and natural hair dresser Erinn Courtney previously told TZR that about 4 to 5 inches of natural growth is required. Unleash your creativity with some varied renditions of Bantu Knots straight from celebrities – there’s enough to see you through this period at least next year.
rihanna
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Aside from the harsh reality that “Anti” had been released seven years ago, Rihanna knew that revealing her full-length album cover would be an important part of the project’s launch and, with it, a defining image of her career. For the occasion, she twisted just the top part of her cinnamon colored hair into a tuft of short Bantu knots, leaving the rest of her locks to fall loosely over her shoulders.
Tracee Ellis Ross
This Bantu knot set is particularly elegant and chic, but that primarily sums up Ross’ entire style philosophy. She’s tried many different types of knots over the years, but this sleek, high-shine version is as classic as it gets.
Yara Shahidi
Shahidi is another star with a documented love for Bantu Knots, but this Rio Sreedharan-style look deserves special recognition. The attached locs add plenty of dynamic shape and texture, while the perfectly placed spikes create a halo effect.
Issa Rae
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The beauty of Bantu knots is that spirals can be created with any hair type and texture. Rae paired her pale pink sequins with braided Bantu knots, adding another layer of complexity to her red carpet look.
Lizzo
Several elements of Lizzo’s sun-kissed selfie are worth noting here: the jeweled Gucci hair clips, her ruffled baby hair, the red tones in her hair, and the braided nature of her Bantu knots as a whole. Alongside her golden French manicure and matte coral blush, the overall warmth is just stunning.
Zoe Kravitz
Kravitz had her hair straightened as she twisted it up into Bantu knots with sheer highlights, once again showing off her textural versatility. A more demure, casual take on the style, they seal the deal with their signature cool-girl style.
Hall Berry
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Bantu knots have been popular with celebrities for years, and this late ’90s look by Berry proves it. Her brown lipstick and liner combo would be delicious on its own, but paired with her cornrows that end in tiny Bantu knots? Retro excellence.
Beyonce
Hairstylist Neal Farinah carefully planned and crafted Beyoncé’s Black Is King hairstyles to reflect every aspect of African heritage. For her Bantu knot-centric look, he even styled her center topknot into an ankh symbol.
Jodie Turner Smith
Half-up, half-down hairstyles are always an ideal compromise, and Turner-Smith’s Bantu Knots ombré locs prove it once again. They stack each bun high to really show off the hair color gradient and arch over the head in a crown-like row.
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