Historically, Black actresses have often been left to their own devices regarding hair and makeup. When they arrive at their trailers, they are often met by white hair stylists who don’t know how to do their makeup or care for their hair on Hollywood sets. Many actresses have been forced to style their own hair or pay out-of-pocket. This reflects the scarcity of Black makeup artists and hairstylists in Hollywood’s union, which controls who works on film, television, stage and digital media productions.
Here are a few Black hair care stylists who have made a name for themselves in Hollywood and have normalized quality Black hair care in Hollywood:
Renia Green Edittorio
Credit: @odessareniasalon / Instagram
Renia Green-Edittorio, the hairstylist for Alfre Woodward, Essence Atkins, Susan Kelechi Watson, and Marai Larasi, has specialized in textured hair care for almost three decades. When she’s not on Hollywood sets, she manages her salon, Odessa Renia Salon, in the heart of Los Angeles.
Jonathan Wright
Photo Credit: @johnnywright220 / Instagram
Known for the hair stylings of Michelle Obama and Tamron Hall, Jonathan Wright is also the author of “Natural & Curly Hair For Dummies.” The book is a how-to-guide on how to cut the chemicals from your hair care routine and manage and style your natural hair. He is on the Naturally You Tour, a traveling series designed to celebrate and inform guests about natural and curly hair.
Anthony Dickey
Photo Credit: @dickeyrules / Instagram
Hairstylist for Amanda Seales, Debra Lee and Nicole Ari Parker, Anthony Dickey leads the award-winning salon Hair Rules. There are currently three locations across the country – New York, Los Angeles and Atlanta. His mission is to help his clientele learn to celebrate their hair textures and take pride in their crown.
Nikki Nelms
Photo Credit: @nikkinelms / Instagram
Hairstylist for Zoe Kravitz, Janelle Monae, La La Anthony, Solange, Venus and Serena Williams, Nikki Nelms is a primarily self-taught hair stylist who got her first big break when she met Lil Wayne in 2004 in a New Orleans club. Her charisma sparked a conversation about Wayne’s mom and his next music video. She is known for her unique ability to blend the traditional with avant-garde ideas.
Felicia Leatherwood
Photo Credit: @felicialeatherwood / Instagram
Hair stylist for Issa Rae, Skai Jackson, Teyonah Parris, Yvonne Orji, and more, Felicia Leatherwood is known as the “hair whisperer” to the stars. She is the author of Root Therapy: How to Love Your Hair (and Find Yourself) and leads hair care workshops under the slogan “Loving Your Hair With Natural Care.”