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Home · Beauty

<p>These Black Bantu Knot-Rocking Celebrities Are Showing Everyone How It's Done</p> <p> </p>

Borrowing beauty traditions from other cultures is a common practice...and it’s not always a bad thing. However, as evidenced by various members of the Kardashian clan, problems can arise when the borrower doesn't give credit to the originators of the style she's co-opting. 

The water only gets murkier when the style achieves mainstream "cool" status only after the dominant culture appropriates it. Case in point: Bantu knots. This style has repeatedly been tangled up in the appropriation conversation, with non-POC designers even calling them “mini buns.” 

We’ve gathered some of Hollywood’s most beautiful black women rocking the traditional African hairstyle to remind everyone how it's done.

By Nikki Brown · Updated October 27, 2020
01
Joan Smalls
Getty Images
02
Ella Eyre
Getty Images
03
Rihanna

Rihanna’s bantu knots were the perfect compliment to her gothic ensemble at the 2014 iHeartRadio Awards.

Getty Images
04
Blac Chyna

Blac Chyna’s knots were divided by strategically placed mini braids.

Getty Images
05
Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg gave us major ‘90s vibes when she rocked hers at Coachella this year. 

06
Dej Loaf

Dej Loaf’s chose bantu knots for her 25th birthday party.

Getty Images
07
Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross went for a softer look at the 2016 opening of Refugee. 

Getty Images
08
Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor’s black and white knots were a hit on Snapchat.

instagram/@teyanataylor
09
Teyonah Parris

In 2015, Teyonah Parris accessorized her bantu knots with an equally stylish headband. 

instagram/@teyonahparris
10
Brandy

Brandy’s hair risk paid off when she molded marley twists into big bantu knots. 

instagram.com/tajgeorge
11
Tashiana Washington

Tashiana Washington rocked the hairstyle at a red carpet event.

Getty Images
12
Karrueche Tran

Karrueche Tran’s bantu knots look effortless and wispy.

Getty Images
13
FKA Twigs

FKA Twigs has never been afraid to rock a head-turning look; bantu knots included. 

14
Lauryn Hill

Before her signature dreadlocks, a young Lauryn Hill wore bantu knots to the MTV Awards. 

Getty Images
15
Halle Berry
Getty Images
16
Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith’s bantu knots were the futuristic ‘do she needed as Niobe in The Matrix trilogy.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.
17
Mel B

Who could forget Mel B’s ‘90s bantu style?

r/r

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