In this guide, Michael Kent, the talented lead stylist at Blue Tit Brixton, shares expert tips and techniques for creating two amazing hairstyles that will elevate your look
Michael Kent’s pro tips with working with afro and textured hair include:
- Your scalp deserves love, not punishment. Keep it firm but comfy
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Moisturised hair is happy hair
- Sleep in a satin or silk scarf to keep your knots looking fresh
- Elastics matter: Go for clear or colour-coordinated elastics to keep the focus on your fabulous hair
- Bubbles need volume: If your hair is fine, tease the sections slightly before tugging to give your bubbles more oomph
How to – Bantu Knots – A Step-by-Step Guide
This iconic style isn’t just a hairstyle; it’s a whole vibe. Whether you’re rocking them as a stand-alone look or unravelling them for juicy, defined curls, Bantu knots are a versatile, gorgeous look. And I’m here to guide you through the process with love, sass, and a whole lot of style.
Whether you’re hitting the club, brunch, or just chilling at home, this style will have you feeling like the royalty you are.
What You’ll Need
- Wide-tooth comb
- Rat-tail comb
- Hair clips or sectioning clamps
- Your fave leave-in conditioner or moisturizer
- Styling gel or edge control (optional, but we love a sleek finish)
- Hair oil or butter (for shine that’ll blind them)
- Small elastics (for those stubborn knots that need a little extra love)
Step 1: Prep That Hair
First things first start with clean, detangled hair. Bantu knots work on any hair texture, but slightly damp hair is where the magic happens. Grab your leave-in conditioner or moisturizer and work it through your hair like you’re feeding it life. Hydration is non-negotiable.
Step 2: Section
Using your rat-tail comb, part your hair into sections. The size is up to you – smaller sections give you a cute, intricate look, while larger sections scream drama and boldness. Secure each section with a clip so you’re not fighting stray strands while you work.
Step 3: Smooth It Out
Take a moment to show each section some love. Add a bit of styling gel, butter, or oil to keep things smooth and frizz-free. Run it through with your fingers or a comb until your hair is softer.
Step 4: Twist It Up
Grab a section and start twisting from the roots to the ends. Keep it tight, but don’t overdo it—we want snatched, not stressed.
Step 5: Knot It
Here comes the fun part: take that twist and wrap it around itself at the base to form a knot. Keep wrapping until you’ve got a cute little bun sitting pretty. Tuck the ends under the knot, and if it’s flying away, secure it with an elastic.
Step 6: Repeat
Work your way through all the sections, taking your time to make each knot flawless. Pro tip: play some Beyoncé or Doja Cat while you’re at it – it helps with the vibe.
Step 7: Set and Forget (For Now)
Once you’ve got all your knots in place, let them air dry or sit under a hooded dryer if you’re in a hurry. Want to make it extra sleek? Wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf.
Step 8: Rock the Knots or Release the Curls
You can wear your Bantu knots as-is, or you can unravel them for bouncy, defined curls. When you’re ready to take them down, be gentle – separate the curls with your fingers and fluff…
How to Work Bubble Braids – A Step-by-Step Guide
Bubble braids are the moment, they’re playful and chic. Whether you’re channeling Y2K vibes, hitting a festival, or just feeling extra fabulous, this style is perfect for turning heads. And guess what? They’re easier to do than you think. So grab your tools, turn up the music, and let’s get you bubblelicious!
What You’ll Need
- A paddle brush or wide-tooth comb
- A rat-tail comb
- Hair elastics (a bunch)
- Hair gel or pomade (for sleekness and control)
- Hair mousse or volumizer (optional for extra oomph)
- A bit of hair oil for shine
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Start with clean, detangled hair. Bubble braids work on any hair type, but if you want maximum drama, blow out your hair or stretch it first. Add a little mousse or volumiser for extra fullness – this style thrives on volume.
Step 2: Part It
Decide how many bubble braids you want. A single dramatic braid down the center? Two for that classic vibe? Or multiple braids? Use your rat-tail comb to part your hair accordingly. Secure the sections you’re not working on with clips.
Step 3: Slick and Snatch
Apply a bit of gel or pomade to your roots for a sleek finish. Use a brush to smooth everything out because we want polished, not messy. Tie off your first section with an elastic – this is the start of your braid.
Step 4: Start Bubbling
About an inch or two down from the first elastic, add another one. Once it’s secured, gently tug the hair between the elastics to create that bubble effect. This is where the magic happens. The bigger the tug, the puffier the bubble – so go big or go home!
Step 5: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Keep adding elastics at equal intervals down the length of your hair, tugging to create bubbles as you go. Make sure your spacing is consistent for a clean, professional look. Don’t be shy about adjusting the bubbles.
Step 6: Add the Drama
Once all your bubbles are in place, finish with a touch of hair oil for shine. Want to go extra? Add accessories like beads, ribbons, or even glitter. This is your chance to make it personal, so let your creativity shine.
Step 7: Lock It In
Mist your hair with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place. If you’re heading out, toss a mini bottle in your bag for touch-ups. We don’t do deflated bubbles around here.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFAN FOSTER (@STFNDOCS) | ASSISTED BY KUSH (@KSHRN_) | HAIR BY MICHAEL KENT (@MICHAELKENT_HAIRDRESSING) AT BLUE TIT BRIXTON | ASSISTED BY KATIE HUGHES (@ITOUCHHAIR) | MAKE-UP BY MARY JANE GOTIDOC (@MARYJANEGOTIDOC) | MODELS: KENTHA (@KENTHAKIREZI_) | EVE (@EVEVINCEODOZI) | BRIA RENEE (@BRIARENEEE) | ADAR (@ADARAALIYAH)