16 Best Black Celebrity Hairstylists Transforming the Beauty Industry

Have you ever wondered who's behind the iconic hairstyles worn by your favorite celebrities? Meet the best black celebrity hairstylists setting trends and raising the bar in the beauty industry.

Black hairstylists have celebrated culture, tradition, and creativity. These stars (yes, they are) have demonstrated talent, pushed beyond barriers, and raised the bar high. Now, many of us no longer see hairstyles as just about looks; they've become a form of art that showcases different personalities.

You and I can think of Rihanna’s asymmetrical bob and connect it to her Good Girl Gone Bad album in 2007. Or Cardi B’s chain link ponytail and recall the WAP era. Well, it's thanks to these black hairstylists who are making waves.

I, for one, am obsessed with some of the looks these hairstylists have created over the years. And their ability to achieve those looks in different shapes, sizes, lengths, colors, and textures tells of their passion, skill, and versatility. I’ve gathered some of the best black celebrity hairstylists, who are truly geniuses in the beauty industry. Check them out below.

1. Nikki Nelms

Instagram: @nikkinelms

Nikki Nelms is one of the black celebrity hairstylists everyone is a fan of. The American hairdresser has crafted hairdos, and her high braid styles are quite a thing. Using accessories you might not have thought of, she's created masterpieces and has worked for Vogue and other fashion magazines.

Some of the celebrities she's worked with include Zoë Kravitz, Solange, Yara Shahidi, Serena Williams, Janelle Monáe, and Venus Williams.

2. Kendall Dorsey

Instagram: @kendalldorsey1

Kendall Dorsey is a sought-after Annapolis-born hairdresser. With 15 years under his belt, he's become a hair legend, styling celebrities and teaching others how to style their hair. This man right here has created looks for different clients, ranging from red carpet appearances to album covers and more.

His clients include Rihanna, Yara Shahidi, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Rowland, Lizzo, and Alicia Keys. Wouldn't you say that's an impressive list of clients for a good portfolio? Oh, it is!

3. Felicia Leatherwood

Instagram: @felicialeatherwood

Felicia Leatherwood is in a league of her own. She has over 26 years of experience, creating incredible looks for celebrities while also leading and conducting hair workshops around the world.

She is known for styling and specializing in afro-textured hair and has worked with Issa Rae, an American actress who loves wearing her natural hair beautifully. She's likewise styled other stars like Yvonne Orji, Skai Jackson, Jill Scott, Yara Shahidi, and Jill Scott.

4. Ted Gibson

Instagram: @tedgibson

Can we celebrate this man? Ted Gibson is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York. But many of you may know him from the show What Not to Wear. He's styled different celebrities and lifted the spirits of many with his skills. Surely, he's an icon.

Ted Gibson works have appeared on the runway and featured in many magazines like Harper's Bazaar. And it'll amaze you to know that he's brought to life the hairstyle visions of celebrities like Renée Zellweger, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, and even some fashion houses.

5. Kim Kimble

Instagram: @kimblehaircare

Zendaya trusted one hairstylist to create her looks for her role in Challengers, and that was Kim Kimble. The 53-year-old American hairstylist was the expert on all of the actress’s stunning looks in the movie, and she clearly didn't disappoint. Though she's worked with the actress for a long time, she hasn't done a bad job.

Moreso, she's worked with other big names like Mary J. Blige, Evvie McKinney, Beyoncé, Shakira, and Taraji P. Henson. I mean, she's even the face behind many of Beyoncé's iconic hairstyles.

6. Ursula Stephen

Instagram: @ursulastephen

Ursula Stephen is another popular hairstylist many people are familiar with. The American hairdresser and beauty expert has created a lot of iconic looks, like Zendaya’s 2019 Emmys look and Rihanna’s old Hollywood waves, for Fenty Hair's launch in 2024.

More of Rihanna’s iconic looks were created by her.

The hairstylist has been in the business for 25 years and owns a salon that's filled with hair experts. A-listers, including Mary J. Blige, Gabrielle Union, Ciara, and Laverne Cox, have trusted her with their looks.  

7. Kiyah Wright

Instagram: @kiyahwright1

Oh, here's a 2x Emmy Award-winning celebrity hairstylist, Kiyah Wright. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she has grown to become a beauty expert and stylist.

What's more, her hairstyles have appeared on TV shows like America's Got Talent (AGT), Celebrity Apprentice, and Black-ish. They've also featured in InStyle, GQ, Vanity Fair, and many more.

8. Larry Sims

Instagram: @larryjarahsims

Larry Sims is one of the best black celebrity hairstylists. He's consistent in styling the chicest hairstyles, teaming up with hair companies, and starring in tv shows.

He's become widely recognized in the beauty industry, working with top stars like Mary J Blige, Tracee Ellis Ross, Gabrielle Union, Zendaya, and Regina King.

9. Lacy Redway

Instagram: @lacyredway

The Jamaican-born hairstylist, Lacy Redway, is another creative genius I have to mention. Known for her versatility with textures, she's created the most striking hairstyles for Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross, Priyanka Chopra, Tessa Thompson, Lupita Nyong'o, and many other household names.

She's your girl if you're thinking of someone who can style braids, blowouts, and other amazing looks. And I've got to say that she is the real deal. She has created many of the mouthwatering looks on the red carpet, and I don't think she's slowing down anytime soon. (Well, we don't want her to!)

10. Tokyo Stylez

Instagram: @tokyostylez

Ask Kim Kardashian, Naomi Campbell, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Kylie Jenner, Rihanna, and Doja Cat what it's like to have their looks and wigs handled by Tokyo Stylez, and they'll have only good things to say.

Tokyo Stylez, real name Mia Jackson, is a wig maker and hairstylist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She started out as a hairstylist in Omaha around the age of 15 and became famous after working on custom wigs for big names like Cardi B and Kylie Jenner.

She was behind the chain link hairstyle Cardi B wore for her WAP music video, and we remember how great that looked.

11. Oscar James

Instagram: @oscarjameshair

With a client list that includes Tyra Banks, Iman, Jennifer Hudson, Nicki Minaj, and Halle Berry, and covers of Cosmopolitan, Elle, Vogue, and more, Oscar James has proven to be one of the best in the industry. He was referred to as the lord of hair by the Trinidad Guardian, and it’s clear why.

Oscar James has spoken about how he draws inspiration from everyone and everything, including his mother, and that’s so evident from the looks he’s created so far. I’ve also got to highlight his win at the Emmy award for the Tyra Show, because that’s a big achievement.

12. Tymothe Wallace

Instagram: @tymwallacehair

Celebrity hairstylist Tymothe Wallace has created tons of the jaw-dropping looks you've seen on your favorite stars. He's proven he is a hair artist, and there's no denying it.

On his client roster are some of the top stars like Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson, Kelly Rowland, Brandy Norwood, Skai Jackson, Gabrielle Union, and Cardi B. He's also styled for different events like Project Runway, BET Awards, and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

13. Chuck Amos

Instagram: @chuckielovehair

Like many other top hairstylists, Chuck Amos has become a hair legend. This man, known to spread his joy on set, showcases his talent and untouchable skills everywhere he goes. He’s an icon, trendsetter, and hairstylist who is responsible for some of the hottest styles in Hollywood.

Chuck Amos has earned his crown with many looks for Solange, Taraji P. Henson, Alicia Keys, Tracee Ellis Ross, Beyoncé, and others. Do you remember Beyoncé’s hair for the cover of her solo debut? Well, Chuck Amos was the man responsible for the look.

14. Jared Henderson (JStayReady)

Instagram: @jstayready_

With over 200,000 followers on Instagram, JStayReady has built his own fanbase on social media. The self-taught hairstylist and wig maker started by experimenting with different hairstyles while growing up, but has grown to be a strong name in the industry after diving into it fully.

Jared Henderson has created looks for big stars, which kicked off after getting noticed online for posting his custom wigs. Now, he’s worked with TV stars, singers, and models, including Lizzo, Cardi B, Doja Cat, Naomi Campbell, and Monica.

15. Tippi Shorter

Instagram: @tippishorter

Tippi Shorter isn’t just one of the top celebrity hairstylists; she’s a leading force. She made history as the first African American woman to be a spokesperson for Pantene and the first global artistic director for textured hair at Aveda. Fantastic! This woman is a trailblazer for African American hairstylists and beauty creatives. Her achievements so far are quite terrific, making her an inspiration for many coming after her.

But I’ve got to mention some of the celebrities she’s styled. They include Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys.

16. Arrogant Tae

Instagram: arrogant_tae123

Dionte Gray, professionally known as Arrogant Tae, is a Chicago-born celebrity hairstylist and wig specialist who has transformed the hair industry with his signature natural-looking lace front installations.

Growing up surrounded by the craft in his mother's salon, where he watched women transform through hair styling, Tae developed his passion early and eventually attended Paul Mitchell's school to refine his technique.

Beyond styling, he educates aspiring hairstylists through his Flawless Master Class, traveling internationally to share his techniques.

These are some of the best black celebrity hairstylists in town. They’ve strived to attain a great level of recognition through their work and talent. Now, they are thriving. Kudos to them!

While these hairstylist are great at their work, there is one thing they all do - they use high-quality hair to achieve a custom hairstyle. Which means, high-quality hair extensions and wigs are a must-have for a beautiful hairstyle.

If you are not sure of where to find high-quality human hair, check out hermosa hair.

A special shoutout to these other hairstylists who are also killing it in the business; Shani Crowe, a hairstylist known for her architectural braids, Yusef Williams, a talented hairstylist who’s created many Rihanna braids, Johnny Wright, a top hairstylist with brains who’s styled Michelle Obama and Vernon Francois, a natural hair hairdresser and innovator who’s known for his natural hair movement.