Cardi B’s striking red bandana-print wig, featured in Kay Flock’s music video “Shake It,” was inspired by one of her boldest fashion moments

Cardi B’s striking red bandana-print wig, featured in Kay Flock’s music video “Shake It,” was inspired by one of her boldest fashion moments. The custom wig was designed by hairstylist and wig colorist Elisha Michelle, who drew inspiration from Cardi B’s outfit in the “Thotiana (Remix)” music video.

In “Shake It,” released on Friday, Cardi B, along with Dougie B and Bory300, dons the eye-catching wig which has garnered significant attention. By Wednesday, the music video had already amassed 6.3 million views. The intricately hand-painted wig was crafted by Elisha Michelle, a hairstylist from Greensboro, North Carolina, and installed by celebrity hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, as noted in a March 30 Instagram post by Stylez.

Michelle shared with Insider that she was new to creating bandana-print wigs, having debuted the design in a video posted on February 4. The concept was inspired by the bandana outfit Cardi B wore in the “Thotiana (Remix)” video, which featured a red and blue bandana ensemble. Michelle’s initial video quickly gained traction, prompting her to repost it on TikTоk and Instagram, asking followers to tag Cardi B.

Following the buzz generated by Michelle’s posts, Cardi B’s team reached out in late March and flew Michelle to New York to recreate the design for the “Shake It” video. The wig, made by Kendra’s Boutique and already dyed red, was then hand-painted and styled by Michelle, a process that typically takes her three hours.

Michelle, a stylist and colorist for four years, admits she isn’t a natural at drawing. Nevertheless, she taught herself to hand-paint wigs using a brush and paint. After completing Cardi B’s wig, she stayed on set to ensure everything was perfect.

The collaboration with Cardi B has significantly boosted Michelle’s profile. She gained about 2,000 new followers on Instagram and received numerous requests for bandana-print wigs after videos of the wig went viral. Michelle now has over 16,000 followers and continues to work with social media influencers, including YouTuber Nikita Dragun. Cardi B even posted a video of herself wearing the wig on Instagram, receiving compliments from artists like SZA, Stefflon Don, and Supa Peach.

As her business expands, Michelle is considering hiring an assistant to help manage the increased demand. Above all, she cherishes the joy her creations bring to clients like Cardi B.

“There’s so much that I’m proud of, but I would sаy the most is just seeing that [Cardi B] was excited about the wig before I even started to create it and that she loved it,” Michelle shared. “That’s my whole thing when I create something for somebody. To see their smile afterward, then I know I accomplished something.”