10 Black Celebrity Hairstylists Keeping Locks Laid To The Gawd's
10 Black Hairstylists Whose Heavenly Hands Keep Celebrity Locks Laid To The Gawd’s - Page 3
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There are few things more essential to the Black beauty experience than a great hairstylist — one who can make you feel and look your best when you sit in their chair, trusting their gifted hands to transform your tresses.
A great hairstylist does more than just style your hair, they have the ability to boost your confidence or to usher you into a new era. Such is the case with celebrity hairstylists who hold the power in their hands to give your favorite A-listers the looks that cement them as bona fide superstars.
In celebration of Hairstylist Appreciation Day, let’s take our hats off to hair professionals everywhere, from the hard-working African hair braiders to the 10 talented Black celebrity hairdressers highlighted here. Keep swiping for a round-up of our favorite stylists who have made the likes of Rihanna, Beyoncé, Michelle Obama, Zendaya, Tyra Banks, Mary J. Blige, and more icons.
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1. Kim Kimble
Many celebrity hairstylists have built impressive careers behind the scenes and decidedly stayed away from the spotlight — but then there are those that are just as well-known as their famous clients, like legendary hairstylist Kim Kimble.
Known as the go-to stylist for many of Beyoncé’s most iconic looks, Kimble also had a very successful career in reality TV, with her WeTV series, L.A. Hair. She’s launched wig lines, product lines, and worked on a number of film, television, and music video productions.
2. Ursula Stephen
When Rihanna entered into her Good Girl, Gone Bad era, she enlisted Ursula Stephen to give her what became her signature haircut, and resulted in fans running to their local salons for a copycat look. Stephen has worked with many celebrities since then, including industry it-girl Zendaya, who frequently reinvents her hair with every red carpet turn, and that is largely due to Stephen’s brilliant work.
3. Tokyo Stylez
When the hip-hop and influencer girlies want head-turning looks courtesy of custom wig units, the first call they make is to celebrity favorite Tokyo Stylez. As a wig connoisseur, Tokyo always makes sure that her clients, such as Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Kylie Jenner, are rocking looks that are always photoshoot-ready.
4. Kiyah Wright
Hairstylists can snatch trophies too, especially if you’re two-time Emmy award winner, Kiyah Wright, whose exemplary hairstyling skills have earned awards. With a resume filled with numerous examples of #BlackGirlMagic, including Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Gabrielle Union, Taraji P. Henson, and Kerry Washington, Wright simply knows how to make a woman’s hair a crowning achievement.
5. Oscar James
Elegant, sophisticated, and enviable are just a few words to describe the hairstyling creations of famed celebrity stylist Oscar James. He’s worked on the who’s who of Hollywood, and his work is always a step above the competition. In addition to red carpet looks, James has also styled A-list names for big brand campaigns such as Pantene and Revlon.
6. Yusef Williams
Rihanna has had so many legendary hair looks for her various music, fashion, and beauty eras that it’s hard to keep up — but one of the people responsible for always making sure that her hair is a moment and an event, is celebrity hairstylist Yusef Williams. When Riri debuted her natural hair, cut it all off, and dyed it honey blonde to launch her Fenty Hair brand, Yusef was the brainchild behind it.
7. Larry Sims
Who do Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, and MJB call when they want their hair to have the world talking? It’s none other than hairstylist to the stars, Larry Sims. Beyond making a name for himself in the entertainment industry, Sims has also used his platform to educate up-and-coming hairstylists looking to break into the world of celebrity styling.
8. Johnny Wright
Let’s just be real, if you are deemed talented enough to style the hair of the First Lady of the United States, you are forever legendary. That’s an honor that hairstylist Johnny Wright can be proud of, as he was responsible for all of Michelle Obama’s silky and body-filled looks during her time in the White House. In addition to Lady O, Wright has also styled the hair of Tamron Hall and famed fashion stylist June Ambrose.
9. Tippi Shorter
There’s something to be said when you’re able to style celebrities and also make history, which is exactly the case with hairstylist Tippi Shorter. She is the first African American woman to be a spokesperson for both Pantene and Clairol. Her client roster includes some of the top talent in the business, including Kelly Rowland and Alicia Keys.
10. Nikki Nelms
When Solange Knowles was working on the visuals for her hair-loving single, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” there was one person she knew would bring her vision of natural hair beauty to life — and it was celebrity hairstylist Nikki Nelms. In addition to Solange, Nelms has also worked her magic on the likes of Zoë Kravitz and Janelle Monáe.
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