Hair Full of Secrets
Our hair care routines are deeply personal. From our first salon experience to the first product we fell in love with, every moment is a part of our hair story. At Byrdie, we’re fascinated by the entire journey—the styling triumphs and the lessons we’ve learned from wash day disasters. With Hair Full of Secrets, we’re bringing you the tried-and-true products, rituals, and recommendations your favorite celebrities, founders, and influencers swear by.
Hair care has always been more than a profession for Tina Knowles—it’s a legacy she’s nurtured over decades. Long before she stepped into her role as vice chairwoman of Cécred in 2024, she was building a name for herself in Houston as the owner of Headliners, a salon that became a trusted space for transformative, healthy hair care. It was there that she not only honed her craft but also instilled in her daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, a deep love for and understanding of their hair.
Today, that deeply-rooted passion underpins her work at Cécred. Alongside Beyoncé and the brand’s expert team, Knowles is helping reimagine what hair care can look like for all hair types and textures. In many ways, it feels full-circle for Knowles—a continuation of the work she started decades ago, now scaled to reach a new generation.
When I caught up with Knowles at Ulta Beauty World 2026 following her masterclass, I was eager to soak up her wisdom. Ahead, she opens up about her wash day habits and what it’s been like working on Cécred.
Her Earliest Hair Memory
“My mom made me wear candy curls way too long. She had arthritis, and that’s the way she could comb my hair. So, I developed an aversion toward that style.”
How Her Hair Routine Has Evolved
“It’s evolved greatly because when I was younger, I didn’t have access to products. My mom mixed all these ingredients in the kitchen—like hot olive oil and egg whites. Now, I have access to all the best products. But, I also have to work harder with my hair now because the older you get, the harder it is [to maintain.]”
Credit: Getty Images
Her Hero Product
“The Reconstructing Treatment Mask. We worked on it for so long. It is the basis for healthy hair.”
One Hair Care Step She Never Skips
“Some people will shampoo their hair and then use a little instant conditioner. I make sure I have time to deep-condition my hair every wash day. Even if I only have 10 minutes in the shower, I’ll wrap some Saran Wrap around my head to make sure it penetrates.”
Her Hair Care Pet Peeve
“Not trimming ends. When the hair gets frazzled at the ends, the split ends will just keep going up.”
Her Favorite Hairstyle Right Now
“I love wearing my natural hair in spiral curls.”
Credit: Getty Images
The Cécred Product That Was Tricky to Perfect
“The Flexible Hold Hairspray. Beyoncé sent the hairspray back probably 10 times because she wanted it to have hold without a lot of alcohol or damaging ingredients. She wanted to be able to comb it out and change her hairstyle. I typically don’t use hairspray because I always have to shampoo my hair afterward. But this product is workable. You can brush your hair, and it’ll still be shiny and soft, and you can restyle it.”
Her Hair Icons
“I love Diana Ross’s hair because it always made a statement. Nancy Sinatra had big, Texas blowout hair. Tina Turner is another hair icon, of course, because she could throw her hair around on stage and throw it back in place.”
What She’s Most Thankful for With Cécred
“Cécred is a dream come true because I owned a hair salon, and I know how important products are. They are the foundation of healthy hair. I’m smiling all the time because of Cécred. I couldn’t be happier or prouder.”
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