Getting a big chop can be a scary thing mostly because we’re not sure how we’ll look with short hair. And what makes it scarier is that once it’s done, there’s no going back for a little while. What could make this whole experience less scary is choosing a style to rock after the big chop and getting a great stylist to get it done for you.

Bantuapp can help you find stylists in your area who will not only help with the big chop but will also help you slay right after! Take a look at a few hairstyles you can rock that’ll make you look and feel fabulous with short hair:

TWA - Teeny Weeny Afro

The TWA is a perfect go to style that is easy to wear and helps reduce any stress in the beginning of your journey. It’s low maintenance, looks great and you’ll get to see your real texture shining through.

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

Colored Cut

Adding some color to your new cut is not only brave but fun! Check out this post on hair colorist Kristen Lowery @krislovescolor for insider information on choosing a stylist to color your hair. Short cuts plus color is a winning combination in our books!

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

Tapered cut

A tapered cut adds instant edge and funk to your personal style. It also can frame your face beautifully, and with so many ways to style this look, you’ll love the versatility.

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

Image source: Pinterest

*** Looking for a stylist in your area to get that hairstyle done for you? Download the Bantuapp to help you find one close by.***

Let’s talk oils! There are so many of them and lots of information out there. And being able to identify what is a must have and what isn’t can help you in your hair care journey. So whether you’re a newbie to hair oils or you’ve been using them for some time, you’ll find this helpful.

These holy grails are must have for kinky, curly, or coily hair. Let’s get into them below:

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been raved about to be the greatest of all holy grail oils because of how effective it is on the hair. It is known to be one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair shaft. Coconut oil helps promote hair growth, retain hair length, decrease breakage and strengthen the hair. Another plus for this oil is how easily accessible it is!

Uses: One of the best uses of coconut oil is in detangling the hair. After spraying some water onto the hair, adding coconut oil makes the hair so soft to manipulate, easy for tangles to come loose, and knots to come out. It can also be used to seal in moisture after cleaning and moisturizing the hair.

Image Source: Livestrong.com

Extra Virgin Olive oil

Olive oil is naturally a great hair conditioner. It penetrates the hair shaft to nourish, soften and strengthen the hair. It works really well when mixed with other food products to create homemade hair conditioners. This post on 7 everyday food for hair growth shows such food products that can be mixed with olive oil.

Uses: Besides using olive oil to create homemade hair conditioners, it works great for pre-pooing your hair. While clarifying the hair, it prevents it from losing all of its natural oils and becoming dry.

Image source: The Kitchn

Castor Oil

Castor oil is widely known to boost hair growth. The most popular brands within the natural community is the Jamaican black castor oil. When castor oil is used to massage the scalp regularly, it increases blood flow to the scalp resulting in thicker, stronger hair. Keep in mind that castor oils usually have a thick consistency so a little goes a long way.

Uses: Looking to grow or strengthen your edges? Castor oil is your number one oil option. It generally helps with growing hair back from balding or just in your hair growth regimen. Another great use of castor oil is in hot oil treatments when it is mixed with other oils.

Image Source: Breedlove beauty co.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is the one oil that mimics our hair’s natural oil which cause kinky, curly, and coily hair to respond well to it. Jojoba oil can be used on dry scalp; to prevent breakage and split ends; and to strengthen the hair.

Uses: To get rid of dry scalp, use some jojoba oil for a scalp massage. Because jojoba oil is very lightweight, it doesn’t weigh down the hair and can be used for combating split ends.

Image source: Natures Nest

Would you add any other oils to this list of holy grail oils for kinky, coily, or curly hair? Share with us what your holy grail oils are!

Having healthy hair requires some effort whether it’s natural or relaxed. And if you’ve become unhappy with the state of your hair, covering it up with a protective style such as box braids or wearing a wig will protect your hair, but won’t solve the problem on it’s own. It’s time for a hair regimen, sis!

Ok, so what’s a hair regimen?

A hair regimen is a planned and repeated process for taking care of your hair. Simply put, you have a step-by-step way or general guiding principles for how you take care of your hair so that it is always looking and feeling its best. Here are the main building blocks and some important things to take note of when creating your own healthy hair regimen.

Nobody has your hair except you -  While this may sound daunting, acknowledging this important truth will save you a lot of stress and worry while developing a healthy hair regimen. This is not to say you’re the only one with your hair type; it means the curl pattern, the rate at which your hair grows, the way it responds to products will be unique to you. Don’t expect your hair to come out just like someone else’s because the nature of your hair is influenced by many factors including but not limited to genetics.

Research - A healthy hair regimen will require a good amount of research on your part because there is so much information out there and you would need to filter through to find what works for you. Part of this research includes trying out different products and noticing how your hair responds to it and this can take a lot of time and money. A painful truth is, there’s no shortcut to bypass this process. The key is to keep a product that works great on your hair rather than switch to new brands every chance you get.

Inevitably, if you’re like me,  your research will lead you to Youtube where there are tons of videos on growing hair fast, growing healthy hair, individual hair regimens and so on. The important thing to note when it comes to learning from these videos is to do what works for YOU. Tailor your hair regimen to fit your lifestyle.

Side note: Healthy hair doesn’t mean long hair! Instead, healthy hair is void of shedding, splitting, extreme dryness, and it grows as it should. To have all these, the following must be done regularly.

The three building blocks of a healthy hair regimen:

Cleanse - Healthy hair requires a clean scalp to grow from. You probably already wash your hair but what a healthy hair regimen introduces is a careful selection of the type of shampoo you use on your hair, how often you wash it, and any other things you do during this cleansing process to ensure your hair is in a healthy state. 

Condition - The cleansing process tends to leave our hair dry sometimes depending on what was used so conditioning is a way of replenishing the moisture. It also makes the hair soft and easy to manage and style. Conditioning makes a huge difference in the look of your hair. The post on  7 Everyday food for hair growth has some ideas for hair conditioning items that you may have in your kitchen right now.  

Moisturize: If there’s anything our hair, whether natural or relaxed, cannot live without, it’s moisture. This is because majority of the symptoms of unhealthy hair is due to lack of moisture. In other words, properly and constantly moisturizing your hair will greatly reduce the chances of it splitting, shedding, or just breaking while handling or styling the hair.

While developing a healthy hair regimen helps to grow and maintain healthy hair, having a hair stylist that understands and knows how to care for different or specific hair types can make this process easier for you. To find such a stylist in your area, the bantuapp can help you locate and contact them.

Ever began your weekly hair routine and realized you’ve run out of products? Or, want to try something new? You’d be surprised how much use you can get from the common food items you have in your kitchen.

Eggs

Image source: unsplash.com

In addition to being a great source of protein for the body, eggs help to strengthen your hair and provide moisture. For maximum benefits, use only the yoke since it is rich in fatty acids. You can use eggs alone as a protein treatment, and rinse out with lukewarm water. It prevents the eggs from getting cooked in your hair. To create your own moisturizing conditioner, mix it with some olive oil.

Avocado

Image source: unsplash.com

Avocados help revive and replenish dry damaged hair. They are rich in fatty amino acids that coat the hair shaft and help to retain moisture. They also contain a lot of vitamins including vitamin E that helps to prevent damage from free radicals. Add in some coconut milk, honey, coconut oil, or olive oil to create a hair mask.

Honey

Image source: pixaby.com

Honey does a great job of moisturizing hair and this is because it is a humectant. Humectants work to hold in moisture. Create a moisturizing hair mask by mixing it with some olive oil. Apply it to wet hair, let it sit for 20 - 30 minutes and rinse it out.

Olive Oil

Image source: Unsplash.com

Olive oil is one of the few oils that can penetrate our hair shaft. It conditions the hair, makes it softer, easier to detangle and leaves it shiny. For these reasons it is great for pre-pooing and locking moisture into the hair.

Mayonnaise

Image source: purewow.com

Organic Mayonnaise contains egg yolks, vinegar, oils. Imagine the benefits of all three foods in one! Mayonnaise has many benefits including conditioning, moisturizing, and nourishing hair. It is especially great for kinky, coily, and curly hair as it helps define the curls and keeps them from getting frizzy. One of the best uses of mayonnaise is for protein treatment.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Image source: zestylife.ca

ACV, short for Apple Cider Vinegar, clarifies and exfoliates the scalp, helping to remove dead skin cells and build up on the scalp. It also stimulates hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles. To use ACV to clarify your hair, dilute it with some water to prevent the acid from damaging your hair.

Coconut Oil

Image source: pixaby.com

Just like olive oil, coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft. It also softens the hair, and helps to seal in moisture. Mix it with some other foods above to create amazing hair conditioners and masks.

An awesome thing with all of these food items is they can be relatively inexpensive and accessible.

So tell us, have you used any of these? What’s your experience creating and using any of these masks?

Looking for a hairstylist in your area? Download the Bantuapp to find awesome stylists easily.

Image source: @steve__e on instagram

CurlFest 2018 was the place to be this past weekend! Ever seen so many curls and melanin poppin’? Prospect Park was filled to the brim with girls rocking every hairstyle imaginable. We’re only sorry we missed it!

For those who don’t know what CurlFest is about, it is the world’s largest hair festival created and organized by the founders of the Curly Girl Collective to celebrate women of color and their hair.

We’ve put together some of our favorite looks.

The bright color mix of this curls couldn’t be more summer appropriate.  And of course, with the heart shaped bantu knot to go with it, this hair just screams color me summer!

Image source: @dayelasoul on instagram

The Volume of these curls were to die for! And these ladies rocked them so well.

Image source: @sully.g on Instagram

Image source: @stylefeen on instagram

Shaved and beautiful exactly describes the hair on these women. From lightly colored to the intense pink, this look is so daring.

Image source: @unscripted_moments on instagram

Image source: @love_liberates62 on instagram

Image source: @urbansocialtv on instagram

SO MUCH COLOR! If you’re itching for a new hair color, definitely check out our interview of hair colorist Kristen Lowrey from Chicago,Illinois and find the perfect stylist to get the job done on the bantuapp.  

What’s a summer without braids? These long beautiful braids embellished with the beads and gold rings slayed the braid game!

Image source: _careena on instagram

Image source: @slays.bysarah on instagram

We couldn’t help but gush over how beautifully done these faux locs were. Whether short or long, dark or blonde, they are just beautiful.

Image source: @m.muse_  on instagram

Image source: @trevphotos on instagram

This definitely had to make the list. The updo with the leaf accessories and the comb earrings?? Reminds us of how gorgeous our hair is natural.

Image source: @whitneymadueke on instagram

Mohawks are still in! And she did it justice with the colors at top to add some fun to it.

Image source: @babygillusions on instagram

Anybody else look at this picture and think throwback?? This afro took us all the way back to the 60’s and she looks stunning!

Image source: @mark.c of @tolaniav on instagram

What do you think Bantu Beauties? What are your favorite looks? Let us know below...

With summer at it’s halfway point, we know some of you are thinking about a hairstyle change to coincide with a change in season. For all you Bantu Beauties who might be looking to switch things up with a new hue for your ‘do, we thought it would be beneficial to hear from a certified color professional. We sat down with Kristen Lowery, a colorist and hair care expert from Chicago. Take a look at what she has to say about hair, color, and the ideal stylist-client relationship!

KRISTEN LOWERY

So, Kristen - tell us a little about yourself! How did you get into hair? What were you doing before, and how did you get from point A to Point B?

My introduction to this industry was kind of out of necessity. I had been working a corporate position and when the recession hit, I lost my job. Obviously I was upset at the time, but now I realize it was a blessing in disguise. It allowed me to circle back to my roots, and fully immerse myself in something I’d always loved: Hair styling and care. It also gave me the chance to blend the technical skills that I honed in corporate America with the artistry I’d been cultivating for years. And so, here we are, and I can't picture myself anywhere else today.

Why natural hair? Why focus on color, specifically?

I actually didn’t start off focusing on color. Cuts were my original specialty, but that changed when I was working in a salon in Lincoln Park. It’s one of the more artistic neighborhoods in Chicago, and you can sort of sense the love for freedom of expression in the air. It was at this salon that I began to see the wonders of color--stylists taking risks and clients being so happy to express their true selves through their hair. It was here that I realized as a stylist, I didn’t want to feel bound by blunt lines. Coloring is fascinating to me. It’s an intricate mix of creativity and technical skill. The chemistry of the dyes, mixing, and application are all technical, but the end result is due to the artistic vision of the stylist. I love that.

Image source: @krislovescolor instagram

Why open up your own salon? Tell us what that’s been like.

It’s been great! I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been able to find so many other people in the industry with a collaborative spirit, like my business partner Ayehsa! We also both share that same entrepreneurial spirit, that ‘by any means necessary’ mentality that you can’t shake. Of course, everyone runs into bumps when running their own business, but when you’re determined, anything is possible. We love the element of being free to do things our way, and we become even more motivated and in the face of challenges.

Why set up shop in Chicago?

Chicago is such a culturally eclectic city. Each neighborhood has its own flavor, and they all fit together to create such a satisfying dynamic. Chicago is so authentic, and its a liberal, artistic hub. I’m from here so I might be just a little bit biased, but I couldn't picture cultivating my craft anywhere else.

Image source: @krislovescolor instagram

What vision do you have for your brand, KrisLovesColor?

What I want people to understand about KrisLovesColor is that the relationship I have with my clients is more like a partnership, and not an assembly line. I take the time to get to know my clients and their hair to establish a healthy working relationship. I let them know that healthy hair is a result of my work and theirs. My philosophy is care and education is the most important thing as far as natural hair, especially because we’ve suffered so much from misinformation regarding our hair in the past. My purpose isn’t to just give clients a new look, but for them to gain a better understanding of their hair as well.

We know that the internet and social media have solidified their place in the beauty industry. Which apps, if any, have played a role in your business? Have you had any negative experiences?

In terms of my business, I really only use Facebook and Instagram. IG has been a major player for me. It acts like an online portfolio for your work, and it lets you interact with potential clients directly. It’s certainly been a major source of new clients for me.

The only negative aspect I can think of in terms of the internet and the hair care industry is the number of graduates I encounter from ‘YouTube University’. Too many people rely on YouTube as their main source of hair care information. That’s a problem. You have a lot of people taking advice from those who aren’t trained professionals and who haven’t studied hair. That’s one of the main things I’ve been trying to combat behind the chair.

To wrap things up, what are some major takeaways you want to leave our readers with?

Good question. First, Color is a luxury service. If you’re thinking about adding color, you have to realize that it’s more than just a one day commitment. Changing your color often times means you’ll have to make minor, sometimes major changes to your hair regimen. It’s worth it, though! You can absolutely rock the color of your dreams and keep your hair healthy!

Second, If you’re thinking about color, go to a bonafide colorist. Anyone can color hair, but not everyone is a hair colorist. We’ve gained invaluable experience from the real world, and spent time training, learning, perfecting, and investing in our craft. All this dedication to our artform will show in the quality of service that we provide.

Also, Check your stylist’s philosophy! If they don’t consider hair health the most important thing when it comes to styling, run.

Lastly, Build a relationship with your stylist! Ask questions, and build trust. Get to know them, and let them get to know you!

* * * * *

Kristen ‘Kris’ Lowery is a professional Hair Care Expert and Colorist located in Chicago. Check out her website and book appointments at krislovescolor.com, and follow her on IG and Facebook at @krislovescolor.

Not in Chicago and want to get a new hair color? You can find a hair stylist in your area on Bantu. Go ahead and download the app. 

Are you thinking of getting faux locs done for the summer? Here are the basics you need to know to make informed decisions along the way.

What are Faux Locs?

Simply put, faux locs are fake dreadlocs done using human hair, yarn, or synthetic braiding hair such as Kanekelon hair. They serve as a protective hairstyle, similar to box braids.

Different Methods for getting faux locs done?

Faux locs can be done using the “original method” which involves wrapping braided hair with the hair extension; or they can be done by crocheting them into braided hair. Usually, the crochet method takes less time and costs less money.

How good the hair looks depends on the stylist, so make sure to choose the right one. We have listed some useful tips for finding the right hairstylist for any hair style that you would find helpful. Also, the Bantu app can help connect you with a stylist in your area.

Types/Styles of Faux locs

All of the types of faux locs can be done in varying lengths and colors using different types of hair. Here’s some of our faves: 

GODDESS FAUX LOCS

STRAIGHT FAUX LOCS

CURLY FAUX LOCS

MICRO FAUX LOCS

JUMBO FAUX LOCS

All images sourced from Pinterest!

Thinking about doing it yourself?

Watching youtube tutorials can also help give you an idea of the process on how to install the different types of faux locs. 

The Original Method

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcy13JX9GzE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dltBb83RUfE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arQstgGaZN0

The Crochet Method

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kr_MHkCFJc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADF65-NNZ6M

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7OLyKLHK00

 The weather is getting way too hot and you’re thinking of changing your hair to something more heat friendly. Well not too worry, we’ve got you covered with some ideas for what you could do next.

1. Jumbo Cornrows

The best thing about having Jumbo Cornrows is how much your scalp gets to breathe! And even better is how much more styles you can do with it. 

Image sources: pinterest

2. Bob Cut

Summer definitely screams short hair - there’s less volume which means you won’t be as hot and you’ll be walking around looking very classy. 

So go get a bob cut and while you’re at it throw in some colour! 

Image sources: pinterest

It’s one thing to want the hairstyle and another to find a good stylist to get it done and Bantu app makes that finding process a lot easier. So get to slaying beauties!

Sometimes choosing the next hairstyle to do isn’t always the problem -  it’s finding the right hairstylist to get it done. And ladies we all know how much of an impact it has on our overall look and self confidence when our hairstylist slays! But how do we find them?

First, we have to know what makes them the right hairstylist so we know what we’re looking for.And even though nothing beats personal experience, nobody wants to throw away all the hard work that has gone into growing healthy hair or all the money that was spent buying good quality hair. So, what do we look out for?

Proven results

Great customer service  

These two factors tend to go hand in hand. As a potential client, you want to make sure you’re putting your business in great hands so find evidence that this person is good at whatever hairstyle you want to get done. You not only want to see their handiwork but you also want to know how he or she treats their clients. But here’s a good indicator, people do not become repeat clients unless they leave feeling great. And finding one you’re happy with can take some time so you’ll need to be patient.

Now, on to the finding part. Here are a few ways you can go about finding these hairstylists:

Ask Around: This seems obvious because word of mouth is so ancient but it is still as effective today as it has always been. Don’t just ask your friends, ask anyone you see anywhere with hair so well done. Remember, it’s not just about the hairstyle but the quality of the work done by the stylist.

The Internet: Who does not go on google in 2018? There’s no reason why you’re not searching on google. Feel free to use different types of keywords from finding the right hairstylist, black hairstylists around me, to box braids stylists in (you area). You will even find links to their social media pages which is always a huge plus.

Use an app: In 2018, there is almost an app for anything you want and finding the right hairstylist is not an exception. A huge benefit of using an app as opposed to searching on the internet is that the app is catered to exactly what you want - finding a hairstylist. This is exactly what Bantu was created for. So if you’re currently looking for a stylist, go ahead and download the app.

We’d love to hear from you. How did you find a hairstylist that was right for you? Have you used Bantu or any other apps to find a hairstylist?

We already know that black people everywhere are going to the theatre dressed to the nines, but have you planned your hairstyle for the Black Panther opening? We’re celebrating a black superhero, majority black cast and directors, set in Africa, during Black History Month. This is OUR movie y’all. 

Queen Lupita opted for a beautiful sculptural hairstyle, inspired by the Fulani tribe in Nigeria, and created by celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois. But just in case you don’t have a celebrity hairstylist at your disposal, here are a few options to slay the premiere.... 

1. Goddess Braid: Issa Rae looks amazing with these goddess braids, atop tapered sides. 

2. Afro: Whether your hair is short or long, an afro is an amazing choice. And with today’s choice of clip ins available, volume isn’t a problem. Yara Shahidi is serving curls by the pound.  

3. Locs: These gorgeous locs are simply beautiful, but you can add all types of adornments, such as shells, hair jewellery or beads if you wish You can mimic this style by getting faux locs or goddess locs installed. BONUS: it’s an amazing protective style. 

4. Two Braids: We love the wire intertwined in this simplest of hair styles. This is not your childhood plait - it’s all grown up!  

5. Cornrows: aka the Lemonade braids are a great option for the movie premiere! 

6. Rock a head wrap: Show off all those bright patterns and prints ladies! This is the easiest style to pull off, and bonus if you’re deep conditioning under there. No one has to know! 

7. Bald: Have you seen Sanaa Lathan’s new hair??? Sometimes the best hair is no hair. p.s. We love her huge statement necklace

8. Fulani-inspired Braids: Even though Wakanda is a fictional country located in East Africa, we’re absolutely certain that these Fulani braids would fit right in at the premiere.  

9. Bantu Knots: We’re a bit biased, since Bantu is in our name, but we think Bantu Knots make the perfect statement. Plus, think about your wonderfully stretched Bantu Knot out when you decide to take them out. Talk about #winning!   

10. Tapered Cut: At Bantu, we love a good cut! Check out this amazing color and style. 

11. A Funky Updo: We love these braids feeding into this top knot. Add some hair into the knot to create a larger look. This is is creative!

12. Puff it out: We love a big puff any time of the year, and definitely for the premiere. Slick those sides down and puff out the top. 

13. Chic Bob: Yvonne Orji looks amazing in this chic chin-length bob. 

14. Loc Updos: We love the different looks Chloe & Halle wore to the Black Panther premiere. We wouldn’t change a thing! 

...Or you can just go as you already are. No matter what you choose, it’s bound to be lit.

Alright ladies, that’s the round up of our favorite looks to rock. If you need to book a stylist, remember that Bantu is the easiest way to find a stylist near you 

Your turn: How are you planning on rocking your hair for the big night? Anything we missed? Comment below or email us (hello@bantuapp,com)

We’ve scoured the listings on Bantu App and found some of the best stylists around. Whether you’re looking for style inspo or just want to know what’s out there, a salon experience, or a mobile stylist that comes right to you, you’ll find it on Bantu. It’s 2018 - a girl’s got options!

#1: Elle Aime Hair, located in Whitby ON, find her here

#2: BeautyByNiki, located in Toronto, ON find her here

#3: HairKerr Mobile Styling, located in Ajax (but also, mobile)..., find her here

#4: Naomi Sterling, Hamilton ON, find her here

#5: Hair by Ose, Toronto ON, find her here

#6: TK Natural Hair Wigs, located in Toronto, ON, find her here

#7: That Girl Lola, located in Toronto, ON, find her here

#8: Kye Hair, located in Pickering, ON, find her here

#9: Vivian, located in Brampton, ON, find her here

#10: Reesha the Stylist, located in Toronto, ON, find her here

#11: GPRO Hair, located in Toronto, ON, find her here

#12: Urban Curls, located in Toronto, ON, find them here

#13: BraidaGyalRin (Serina), in Toronto, ON, find her here

*Shameless plug alert* you can find all of these stylists and more in the GTA (or wherever you live) by downloading Bantu

What do you guys think? Were there any stylists we forgot? Comment below or email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

(Image Source: NaturallyCurly.com)

Have you thought about coloring your natural hair? Have you been hesitant to do so because you’ve been pondering up so many questions pertaining to hair color and maintaining the proper health of your stands once they’re colored? Getting your hair colored can be quite intimidating, especially for newbies. No one wants to leave the hair salon with regret about their decision or upset that their dream hair color turned out less than perfect.

Our friends at the Co-report sat down with hair color expert Gabrielle Henderson of Hues by Gabrielle. Gabrielle specializes in safe hair coloring techniques while maintaining the utmost health and moisture of all hair textures.

Here’s the scoop. Bantu Beauties!

1. Home dye kits, friend or foe? They are typically manufactured overseas, where there are no FDA laws. At home dye kits are filled with metallic dyes, which overtime cause the hair to become dull, dry, and eventually snap.

2. Will bleach totally ruin my hair? Yes, your hair can be damaged if it is improperly lifted, meaning, not taking the necessary precautions to insure you keep the health of your hair. This is why I recommend staying away from home dye kits and always going to a professional when coloring your hair.

(Image Source: AllThingsHair.com)

3. How to choose the right colorist?

Do your research.  Find someone who specializes in your specific texture, whether it be straight, wavy, or curly. Make sure you see their previous work. Portfolios are very important. Also, paying attention to reviews and talking to previous clients. Sometimes Instagram can be smoke and mirrors.

Book a Consultation. You want to make sure you build some sort of relationship with the stylist to insure you are all on the same page. This is the time to ask any and every question about the service you would like, where they received their training, and how up to date they are with the latest trends. If the stylist grows impatient or irritable, they probably aren’t a good fit. It’s your hair and you should feel comfortable no matter what service you are getting.

Listen to their terminology. Listening to how a stylist explains certain techniques will give you insight on if they know what they’re doing.  (Ex: calling Highlights “streaks”, definitely means you should RUN!)

*Shameless plug alert* you can get a jump on finding the right colorist using Bantu

Calling all ladies who have died their hair - any tips we forgot? Comment below or email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!

                                                                                 AFROPUNK Brooklyn, 2016

Here’s an idea: add “yes” to your list of New Year’s Resolutions. “Yes” to new experiences, “yes” to investing in yourself, “yes” to making this year one of your most fun, successful ones yet! So, in light of chasing new experiences, we’ve compiled a list of hair shows and expos across North America in 2017. And the best thing about them is… most tickets start at around $15! These shows feature new stylists, new beauty product lines, awesome competition, and a community of black hair and black beauty lovers. If you’ve always wanted to attend a black beauty expo, make 2017 the year you decide to do so!

Bronner Bros International Hair Show 2017 February 11th-13th Georgia World Congress Center Authority 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 $20-$180

Nusol Hair Expo March 4th Raleigh Convention Center 500 South Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27601

The Black Women’s Expo - Chicago April 7th-9th The McCormick Place 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

World Natural Hair Healthy Lifestyle Event April 22nd-23rd Georgia International Convention Center 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337 $5-$15

Midwest Mind Body Expo May 26th-28th Woodlawn Community Center 10050 Woodlawn Blvd Cincinnati, OH 45215 $10

New Orleans Natural Hair Expo July 1st-2nd Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans 900 Camp Street New Orleans, LA 70130-3908 $20-$40

The Black Women’s Expo - Atlanta July 28th-30th Georgia World Congress Center 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Ubiquitous Hair and Health Trade Show August 26th-27th Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW Washington, DC 20001

The Black Women’s Expo - DC September 20th-23rd Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Pl. NW Washington, DC 20001

Grab your mother, brother, sister, and your best friend, and visit an expo in your area! Are you already an avid expo-attendee? Think we should add anymore expos to this list? Comment below or email us at [email protected]. We always love to hear from you!

Hey Bantu Beauties,

I’m Meron, co-founder of Bantu, checking in to tell you about my amazing experience with a mobile hairstylist service. First, a bit about me. I travel… often on the fly, and I’m looking to add more destinations under my belt. Between work,  school, and my side-hustle, there’s usually not  a lot of time for planning. There’s even less time left over to try anything interesting with my hair - I’ve been known to rock my wash and go everywhere.

But this summer, my best friend and I went to AfroPunk and I thought, let me try something new for the occasion. We both had specific looks in mind, and we were able to browse through the pics and located a stylist on the Bantu app. We chose TresseNoire because we liked the quality of their pictures, and set up a time and date. It was such a breeze! We got an email confirming our appointment and what to expect.  

We got to New York, dropped off our luggage and spent the day shopping and roaming the streets of Manhattan, Harlem and Brooklyn (we were ambitious)! Our TresseNoire stylist arrived at 8 AM the next day, very punctual and super friendly even though we were running on about 3 hours of sleep and I am by no means a morning person. She did both our hairstyles in no time at all, taking the time to educate us on the products she was using and how to maintain our styles. Being a visitor to the city, I appreciated that she took her time with us and the fact that I could get serviced in the comfort of my own home (well, er hotel room).

Here is our before picture:

And after:

Is the future of hairstyling mobile? I think it is. I’ve had my hair done in salons before, and I’ve even travelled to stylists’ homes. This experience was my first taste of having someone come to me, and I think it was amazing!

What do you ladies think? Have you ever tried a mobile hairstylist? How was your experience? Comment below or email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your story!

Image Source: POP Sugar Photography / Benjamin Stone

To have healthy hair, whether relaxed or natural, will mean eliminating behaviors that can lead to damage in the first place. The best way to avoid damaging your tresses is to use only the necessary amounts of heat and products that are meant to protect your hair from heat damage. Here are a few tips for keeping heat damage at bay while drying your hair.

1. Preparation is key.

Moisturizing and deep conditioning is a must before applying any kind of heat to your hair. Lots of hair treatment products are available in stores, as well as many you can make following your favorite YouTube guru or hair blog.

2. Always, always air dry if it’s an option.

You’ll want to remove moisture using a t-shirt as soon as you step out of the shower. Section off your hair and create about 6 or more braids then go on with your day.  

3. Invest in a hooded dryer.

Hooded dryers use indirect heat, circulating the air evenly around your head rather than directly on your strands. Hair is at its most fragile state when wet, so perhaps air dry for an hour before drying. Some have settings to blow cool or hot air. You can sit under the dryer with your hair in jumbo braids, or curlers.

4. Blow Dry with caution.

Blow dryers are a source of direct heat and can create a lot of damage to your hair. But don’t let that scare you! You can still blow dry your hair so long as you take precautions.  

Blow dry on a lower setting when wet, and switch to a higher heat setting afterwards.

Always apply a thermal/heat-protectant spray, cream or serum to the hair – preferably one with silicones. Take a good look at your heat tools. Damaged tools may lead to damaged locks.

Image source: George Doyle / Stockbyte / Getty Images

5. Let a professional do it

Why not let someone else do all the work, while you sit back and get pampered? But seriously, a qualified professional can have your hair feeling and looking fabulous, as well as ensuring your strands are kept safe. *Shameless plug alert* find a hairstylist near you using Bantu (www.bantuapp.com/download)  

What are your tips for avoiding heat damage? Did we miss any important ones? You can leave those and other comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Image source: The Co Report

Christmas shopping? Check. Holiday sweets? Check. Dry, brittle hair? Unfortunately, that’s also a check. It seems our efforts to survive the winter typically don’t bode well for our hair. But... does the holiday season always have to be bad news for our hair? Bantu doesn’t think so. In fact, we’ve compiled a list of winter haircare tips that can keep your tresses healthy, even when it’s sinfully cold outside.

1.    Quit exposing your hair to extreme temperature changes.

This first one might seem a bit odd, but think of it like this: Would you go outside in weather that’s below freezing, with no clothes on? How about right after the shower when you’re still wet? If your answer to either of those questions was no, (hopefully at least one of them was) then why do you leave your hair unprotected in the elements? And what’s up with those winter wash-and-gos? As much as you can, you should be trying to limit the range of temperatures your hair faces. Constantly going from below freezing to warm inside temperatures takes a toll on the hair, leaving weaker and more susceptible to damage. If you must wash-and-go, make sure your hair is completely dry before you leave the house. That means diffusing or sitting under a bonnet dryer, using only warm or the lowest heat setting. This brings us to our next point:

2.    Give the heat tools a rest.

This one is pretty obvious. Heat tools = dry hair. Winter = dry air on your hair. These are two undeniable facts, and their trauma on our hair is made stronger when the two are combined. Try to avoid those flat irons and curling wands for right now, and if you must blow dry, like we said, use the lowest heat setting possible.

3.    Give your hair a rest, too.

Super important. Even withstanding the heat tools, your hair will likely be more brittle and dry than usual this time of year. So, if healthy hair is your goal, lay off the manipulation! You can’t go from wet and curly to braids to braid out in one week like it’s May! It’s best to pick a few staple updos and rotate between them. This reduces the amount of hair exposed to the elements, requires very low manipulation, and as an added plus, you get that regal look and feel when you leave the house each day.

4.    Wyd, sis? Get a trim.

You should never underestimate the benefits of trimming your ends; there are probably a thousand. For right now though, we’ll just add it as a winter staple. Split ends can cause the hair shaft to break or become thinner. This is exacerbated when hats and scarves made from cotton and wool come into constant contact with our hair. Clipping those jagged ends can mean you’ll suffer less breakage this season. And look even more stylish with a cute cut.

5.     Moisturize, moisturize, moi * stur * ize.

Every single syllable in that one needs to be emphasized. The opposite of dry, weak, brittle hair is moisturized, healthy, strong hair. Our hair is constantly losing moisture, especially in winter. So, to combat this and make sure your hair is as healthy as it can be in the cold months, keep hair as moisturized as you can. This is a good season for adding those essential oils and sealing. Try to be more conservative with your shampoos, and more liberal with your co-washes.

We might not be able to avoid the effects winter air has on our hair, but we can take these and other steps to lessen the damage. Did we miss any important ones? What’s your winter hair care regimen? You can leave those and other comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

We teamed up with our friends at KARIF Beauty to give you a makeover to celebrate Thanksgiving! Enter to win a free style from a Bantu hairstylist.  

How to enter: 1. Go to our Instagram page (@bantuapp). Repost the image and tag both @bantuapp and @karif_beauty for a chance to win.

2. Individuals can enter more than once. Entries are limited to US & Canadian residents only.

3. The winner will choose their desired hair style (value up to $150).

4. Contest closes on Friday, December 9th, 2016. Good luck beauties!