Design Essentials Premium Salon Quality Hair Care Products

Table Of Content

• The Pros & Cons of Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair
• Styling Mousse vs. Styling Lotion: Which Is Best For Your Client’s Fine, Normal, or Coarse Hair?
• The Big Chop – Transition Styles For Relaxed To Natural Hair, Part 1
• Wash, Condition, and Layer Hair Products
• A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Bantu Knots

My trepidation settled when I scrolled by a video of Ev'Yan Whitney Bantu-knotting her hair. Her caption explained that her Bantu knots were "an expression of [her] radical Blackness." I was inspired. Entertainers like Mel B., Rihanna, and Beyoncé have made them look effortlessly regal.

The Pros & Cons of Transitioning From Relaxed To Natural Hair

However, I have felt apprehensive about trying them, since I wasn't sure if I had the correct face symmetry to pull off the centuries-old style.

Styling Mousse vs. Styling Lotion: Which Is Best For Your Client’s Fine, Normal, or Coarse Hair?

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. 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.

SBP of the Year: Cornell McBride's hair products company grossed $20 million in 2016 - Atlanta Business Chronicle - The Business Journals

SBP of the Year: Cornell McBride's hair products company grossed $20 million in 2016 - Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Posted: Fri, 22 Sep 2017 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The Big Chop – Transition Styles For Relaxed To Natural Hair, Part 1

Continue doing this in each section you've created around your head, and you're all set. 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.

Two-Strand Twist

I've tried mini twists, braiding my own box braids (which was an epic fail), installing faux locs (this was also a fail), and Bantu knots. That can likely be credited to the minimal daily manipulation and the hydration my Bantu knots lock in. 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.

Sign up to receive hair styling tips, tricks and exclusive product offers from Design Essentials only! We don't share your information with any third parties. 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).

11 Black Hair-Care Brands to Try in 2023 and Beyond — Editor Reviews - Allure

11 Black Hair-Care Brands to Try in 2023 and Beyond — Editor Reviews.

Posted: Tue, 15 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. 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. 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.