Time and time again, we’ve seen beautiful photos of Solange spotted out at red carpet events, behind the DJ booth, and with her sister Bey … rocking a fierce natural hair do! Sometimes it’s larger than life and other times it’s a cute mini fro. What are her secrets on how she maintains her looks? Keep reading below where she shares the scoop in an exclusive interview with Essence Magazine.

ESSENCE: Are you surprised so many people are inspired by you?
SOLANGE KNOWLES: I am! I wasn’t expecting that. I get women all the time on Twitter and face-to-face saying, “I did this [haircut] because you did.” That’s really, really humbling, and I think it’s amazing.

ESSENCE: Is there any style that stands out as a favorite?
KNOWLES: I actually love my natural hair when it’s in a twist out and it’s been slept on for five days and revived by the steam of the shower. A lot of people say, “It’s so beautiful. Why don’t you wear it like that all the time?” Well, I’m in all these different places and working with different hairstylists, so it’s important for me to wear it in a protective style.

ESSENCE: How do you feel about your hair now?
KNOWLES: I think many people, especially from other cultures, just don’t understand the role hair plays in Black women’s lives. I can now transform the energy surrounding my hair into something way more productive. Now that [my hair is] growing back, I’m kind of in that in-between stage. Previously, I would have said, “I’m straightening it again; it’s just becoming too much work.” But I think the key is to find styles that give me flexibility.

ESSENCE: What advice would you give someone who wants to go natural?
KNOWLES: I would say it’s going to be a journey and you have to be 100 percent ready. I think many people are coming into it thinking it’s going to be easy and it’s going to be healthier. Just because you’re natural doesn’t mean you’ll be able to wash, shake and go. It’s a lot of work. If it’s something you truly feel strongly about and it’s going to represent you in lifestyle, hair care and health, then it’s a worthwhile journey to take. I stand for people who are firm in their journey.

More tips from Solange on keeping your curly tresses healthy & fabulous:

1. Dont let your hair control your life

“[Before going natural], I was working out, swimming and going on vacations with my son, and I always felt as if my hair held me back. Cutting it off was a pivotal moment. I enjoy not having to worry about it.”

2. Moisturize daily

“I put shea butter in my hair every day. I also use Carol’s Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. It’s like an oil, but it’s not.” 

3. Dedicate some time for TLC

“I have a ritual at the salon where I have oils put in my hair and I sit under the dryer for an hour and a half.” 

4. Have a go-to product

“Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Moisturizing Hair Smoothie is definitely my fave. I was a Carol’s Daughter advocate way before I became a part of the brand. The newer products are great, but I swear by Black Vanilla.”


For more on the exclusive interview, visit Essence.com .