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It’s hard to believe that Bantu Knots have come such a long way. While the hairstyle reportedly emanated from the Black and African culture of South Africa with a longstanding history of over 100 years or more, it’s quite interesting to see how the stars and It-girls are accepting the classic hairdo. It was even one of the highlights during the Spring 2015 fashion week when Marc Jacobs sent his models down the runway, rocking Bantu knots in a mohawk formation. This is not only proof that Bantu knots are beyond the emergency hairstyle for your lazy hair days but the classic ‘do that’s perfect for any fashion and beauty takeover. Ahead, a look back at the celebrities who took Bantu knots beyond the confinement of their homes.
1. Cardi B
Getty Images Cardi B, the woman of impossibilities when it comes to rocking any hairstyle arrived the red carpet for Hustler’s movie press event last year August, rocking the ’90s hairstyle in the most Cardi B way. She was indeed a true superstar.
2. Kiki Layne
Getty Images Kiki Layne has rocked Bantu Knots more than once but she took the updo to greater heights during the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards and glamming up the look with shoulder-grazing dangle earrings and subtle makeup.
3. Rihanna
Getty Images Most people probably know by now how much love Rihanna has for protective hairstyles, so let it be no big surprise that Bantu Knots are one of her favorites.
4. Logan Browning
Getty Images Bantu Knots are guaranteed to bring out your true beauty and actress Logan Browning knew exactly this when she stepped out to appear at the Build Studio in New York City in 2019. It’s okay to call it her signature ‘do because she’s mostly seen sporting the updo.
5. Megalyn Echikunwoke
Getty Images While other stars are rocking it the conventional way, Megalyn Echikunwoke has her unique way of embracing the Bantu Knots. Just take a look at her side knots—it’s super cool.
6. Marsai Martin
Getty Images It’s now common knowledge that there’s no age barrier when it comes to sporting the classic hairstyle. Whether you’re under 20, 30, or 40-something, Bantu Knot is any-age-goes and the proof is the 15-year-old American actress and producer. She was photographed during the 2019 Shorty Awards Red Carpet in May 2019.
7. Rapsody
Getty Images Going by her numerous red carpet appearances, Rapsody wasn’t a Bantu Knot type of woman but she revealed penchant her for the updo the day she arrived on the red carpet during the Black Girls Rock Awards last year.
8. Storm Reid
Getty Images Just another reason to fall in love with Bantu Knots. Here’s the adorable ’12 Years a Slave’ actress rocking her own Bantu Knots during the 2018 BET Awards.
9. Yara Shahidi
Getty Images As an actress who swears by her signature curls, it was quite refreshing to see Shahidi slicking and twisting her locks into Bantu knots for the Los Angeles premiere of BlacKkKlansman in 2018. The actress commanded attention, especially when she raised her beauty stakes with the perfect cat eyeshadow and neutral lips.
10. Tracee Ellis Ross
Getty Images One surprising thing to note about Bantu Knots is that the hairstyle continues to stick around every year and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. As far back in 2016, Tracee Ellis Ross rocked the updo to attend the opening of Refugee Exhibit in California, looking fabulous as ever.
