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.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Lacy Redway

Clients include Laura Harrier, Zazie Beets and Tessa Thompson.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Vernon Francois

Clients include Lupita Nyong’o and Amandla Stenberg.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Ursula Stephen

Clients include Ciara and Zendaya.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Felicia Leatherwood

Clients include Issa Rae and Lena Waithe.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Nai’vasha Johnson

Clients include Yara Shahidi and Logan Browning.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Vernon Scott

Clients include Danai Gurira.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Tymothe Wallace

Clients include Taraji P. Henson, Skai Jackson and Mary J. Blige.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Andre Walker

Clients include Oprah Winfrey.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Oscar James

Clients include Tiffani Haddish and Eva Marcille.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Shani Crowe

Clients include Solange Knowles.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Kendall Dorsey

Clients include Teyana Taylor and Selah Marley.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Tokyo Stylez

Clients include Cardi B and Teyana Taylor.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Chuck Amos

Clients include Tracee Ellis Ross, Jillian Hervey of Lion Babe and Jourdan Dunn.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Larry Sims

Clients include Gabrielle Union and Zendaya.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Tippi Shorter

Clients include Alicia Keys and Amandla Stenberg.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Kahh Spence

Clients include Normani, Kehlani and Ella Mai.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Kim Kimble

Clients include Nicki Minaj and Beyonce.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Kiyah Wright

Clients include Ciara, Nicole Ari Parker and Angelica Ross.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Ted Gibson

Clients include Tessa Thompson and Serena Williams.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Johnny Wright

Clients include (formerly) Michelle Obama, Samira Wiley and Angela Rye.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Nikki Nelms

Clients include Janelle Monae, Zoe Kravitz and Solange Knowles.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Takisha Sturvidant-Drew

Clients include Kerry Washington, Naturi Naughton and Leona Lewis.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Yusef Williams

Clients include Rihanna.

beauty newsletter banner