The beauty of Black hair is the spectrum of textures that can be manipulated into a myriad of styles, from the tiniest of braids to the smoothest of silk presses. And while Hollywood certainly isn’t the only place to gather inspiration, we’d be lying if we said famous women like Lupita Nyong’o and Solange Knowles were not only killing the mane game but forcing us to rethink our basic ’dos as well. These Black celebrity hairstylists provide unless inspiration.
We have the trusted hairstylists within their glam squads to thank for these iconic styles. Some are seasoned pros and others are new kids on the block. But what they all have in common is a penchant for delivering hair moments we’d frame and post on our walls. Some of these looks we remember years and years later and for good reason. Ahead are the stylists you should be following on Instagram for a steady stream of inspo (if you haven’t already).
From Tokyo Stylez and his bold wigs, to Ted Gibson and his way with curly bangs, to Nikki Nelms’ ultimate creativity, you’ll double-tap your feed like crazy after following these artists. Trust us. Many of these hairstylists share their exact tips and tricks so you can attempt to recreate them at home. Plus, many of these entrepreneurs have launched haircare brands and hair tools so you can shop right while you’re scrolling and support Black-owned brands.
Lacy Redway
Clients include Laura Harrier, Zazie Beets and Tessa Thompson.
Vernon Francois
Clients include Lupita Nyong’o and Amandla Stenberg.
Ursula Stephen
Clients include Ciara and Zendaya.
Felicia Leatherwood
Clients include Issa Rae and Lena Waithe.
Nai’vasha Johnson
Clients include Yara Shahidi and Logan Browning.
Vernon Scott
Clients include Danai Gurira.
Tymothe Wallace
Clients include Taraji P. Henson, Skai Jackson and Mary J. Blige.
Andre Walker
Clients include Oprah Winfrey.
Oscar James
Clients include Tiffani Haddish and Eva Marcille.
Shani Crowe
Clients include Solange Knowles.
Kendall Dorsey
Clients include Teyana Taylor and Selah Marley.
Tokyo Stylez
Clients include Cardi B and Teyana Taylor.
Chuck Amos
Clients include Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Hervey of Lion Babe and Jourdan Dunn.
Larry Sims
Clients include Gabrielle Union and Zendaya.
Tippi Shorter
Clients include Alicia Keys and Amandla Stenberg.
Kahh Spence
Clients include Normani, Kehlani and Ella Mai.
Kim Kimble
Clients include Nicki Minaj and Beyonce.
Kiyah Wright
Clients include Ciara, Nicole Ari Parker and Angelica Ross.
Ted Gibson
Clients include Tessa Thompson and Serena Williams.
Johnny Wright
Clients include (formerly) Michelle Obama, Samira Wiley and Angela Rye.
Nikki Nelms
Clients include Janelle Monae, Zoe Kravitz and Solange Knowles.
Takisha Sturvidant-Drew
Clients include Kerry Washington, Naturi Naughton and Leona Lewis.
Yusef Williams
Clients include Rihanna.