Hair Knots Are Hot

Introduction

Whether you are jazzing up your hair for a Wedding, Prom or special dance, keep in mind that hair knots and twists are always an option. Whether you go with the current styles of the moment or not, keep in mind that any type of twist or hair knot can work with just about any length of hair, color or style.

Many of the hairstyles that show up every year during Prom, Spring Formals and weddings are influenced by the hairstyles that show up at the Oscars every year in the early part of the Spring. Once a style pops up, it is only a matter of time before actresses and other female celebrities adopt the look and make it their.

This was the case with Uma Thurman who adopted the look in the Fall of 1998 and modeled it for InStyle Magazine. Uma is famous for working with great Hollywood Hairdresser Laurent DuFourg (known as Laurent D to his clients and friends).

(Uma Thurman shown to the side)

This article explains how to create the knotted and twisted look. A few different sample hairstyles have been included for your reference.

The knotted/twisted styles presented in this article are best suited for medium to longer length hair. However they can be adopted for shorter hair in most cases with a little creativity.

Knots are also sometimes referred to as hair twists. They can give either a tousled, slightly undone appearance or a more sophisticated updo type of look.

Either way, hair knots and twists still says "fresh, young, special and very hot".

A key thing to remember about your Prom or Spring formal hairdo is to plan in advance for it.

Don't wait until the last minute to decide what it will be. If you can plan your hairstyle at least 4-6 weeks in advance you can either get in 1 or 2 practice sessions with your regular stylist or you can practice on your hair at home.

Knotted Look #1

You can create knotted and twisted updos in a variety of ways. If you want just a few knots or twists you can practice and create an elegant, hot look at home yourself.

If you want an elaborate series of knots or twists like the first hairstyle, you may want to ask a friend to help you or take a photo to your hairstylist and have them help you create the look you would like.

Photo Credit: Scala ([email protected] or (212-840-4367) Advertisement on Page 112 in Your Prom - A Primedia publication.

Instructions

Step 1: Wash your hair the day before you apply the knots or at least several hours before you create the hairdo. Freshly washed hair will be harder to work with and more flyaway.

Use a shampoo and conditioner that will give your hair texture and body. Try PhytoMousse Volume Shampoo or PhytoVolume shampoo and PhytoVolume Actif This combination is designed to restore body, add volume and manageability. It adds fullness.

If you prefer, try PhytoJojoba Gentle Shampoo and PhytoKarite Travel Conditioner. Use PhytoVolume Actif or to provide added volume, texture, shape and great shine. If you want even more shine try PhytoLisse Serum

Step 2: Brush your hair to smooth it completely. Use a flat brush to remove frizz and add shine. A Mason Pearson or comparable boar's head brush is always a good choice. A natural bristle brush will also work well.

Step 3: Brush hair back from the face and secure the hair into 6 equally spaced sections. If you want more knots you can experiment with separating your hair into more that 6 sections. Clip or tie off the individual hair sections to keep them separate.

Step 4: Take each individual section and then within that section take small sections of hair and start to twist it. Keep twisting your hair until it starts to roll into itself. Continue twisting your hair loosely to form a spiral on top of your head.

Note: For the style show above, the knots were started at the top of the head and the sections were twisted from the front of the head to the back of the head.

Step 4: Take each section and then within that section take small sections of hair and start to twist it. Keep twisting your hair until it starts to roll into itself. Continue twisting your hair loosely to form a spiral on top of your head.

Step 5: Pin the spiraled sections of hair to your scalp with a bobby pin that matches the color of your hair.

Step 6: Continue twisting and pinning the other sections of hair until you have created a pattern of twists and knots from the front of your hair all the way to the nape of your neck.

The sections for the first hairstyle are all about the same in size and all the knots/twists are created from equal amounts of hair.

Step 7: When you have completely pinned all the twists and knots use a good quality holding hairspray to guarantee hold. Try Phytolaque or Phytolaque Soie.

Step 8: Add a sparkly hair pin or jewel to the top of the style or placed at the side.

Photo Credits: The two figures showing the hair twisting and pinning are from The October 1998 issue of InStyle, The Beauty Report, page 240 by Rebecca Sample and Bruno Gaget.

Knotted Look #2

The second example of a knotted/twisted look is modified to include soft tendrils at the side of the hair and at the nape of the neck. This style has a lot fewer knots and twists compared to the first style above.

A lot of fullness was built into the front of the hair with the knots/twists pinned further back.

It is also possible to combine a traditional French Twist with a few knots or twists added at the very top of hair near the hairline.

Photo Credit: Scala [email protected] or (212-840-4367) Advertisement on Page 112 in Your Prom - A Primedia publication.

Knotted Look #3

The third example of a knotted/twisted look has uneven knots scattered all over the head in no particular pattern.

The knots and twists are all different sizes and shapes and the front of the hair is not full. The beauty to knots is that you can experiment with all different types of modifications until you achieve the best look for your hair.

Photo Credit: Sean Collection (281-564-8686) Advertisement on back cover in Your Prom - Spring 1999 magazine - A Primedia publication.

Knotted Look #4

The fourth and last example of a knotted look is a lot more casual than the previous looks. This version of the knotted looked has only a few knots and twists strategically placed in front of a messy bun. The knots are pinned right in front of the loose bun.

This look would be easy to create. Simply pull your hair into a smooth ponytail leaving a few strands loose in front of the ponytail. Pin the ponytail into a soft bun. Take the remaining hair and twist and pin.

Photo Credit: Sean Collection (281-564-8686) Advertisement on back cover in Your Prom - Spring 1999 magazine - A Primedia publication.

Summary

Knots are still very hot for 2000. They can be dressed up like Knotted Look #1 or worn soft and messy and more as adornments like Knotted Look #4.

A key point to remember is that it takes time to learn to create the knots or twists exactly like you would like them. Allow yourself 4-6 weeks to practice creating your ideal knotted style.

If you are going to have your hairstylist create the look for you you can find the best photo of a knotted do and take it to your stylists so they can recreate it on your hair.

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