The Top 5 Power Players in the Afro Hair Industry Right Now
A look at the talents that can’t be ignored
There is artistry to natural hair. You can literally sculpt 4-type hair into whatever shape you want. And behind every celebrated crown, from iconic red carpets looks to intimate editorial shoots, stands a visionary stylist who loves the intricacies, culture, and beauty of Afro hair. These artists are more than professionals; they’re innovators and advocates, challenging outdated beauty norms while embracing the incredible diversity of textured hair.
Today, we’re giving some love and are inspired to five game-changing hairstylists in the Afro hair industry across North America. Get to know them!
picture from ; @vernonfrancois
1. Vernon François
- The Gifted Global Tastemaker
When Lupita Nyong’o steps onto the red carpet, the world watches—and Vernon François is often the mastermind behind her jaw-dropping looks. Born in the U.K. and now a global icon in the hair industry (he is the Global Brand Ambassador for OLAPLEX), François has revolutionized natural hair styling with his signature blend of creativity and cultural reverence. Born in a Rastafarian household, he is the definition of self-taught talent as he learnt loc, braid and twist hair, by himself, at just 8 years old.
François’s work has been featured in publications like Vogue and Essence, and his namesake haircare line reflects his passion for education and inclusivity. With products tailored to textured hair, he’s empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty.
Why He’s a Power Player to us: François’s approach to Afro hair is equal parts artistry and advocacy. From intricate braids to sculptural updos, his work showcases the endless possibilities of natural hair and never, it appears as “difficult” or a “struggle”.
More of Vernon’s talent here.
picture from ; @vernonfrancois
More of Vernon’s talent here.
1. Vernon François
- The Gifted Global Tastemaker
When Lupita Nyong’o steps onto the red carpet, the world watches—and Vernon François is often the mastermind behind her jaw-dropping looks. Born in the U.K. and now a global icon in the hair industry (he is the Global Brand Ambassador for OLAPLEX), François has revolutionized natural hair styling with his signature blend of creativity and cultural reverence. Born in a Rastafarian household, he is the definition of self-taught talent as he learnt loc, braid and twist hair, by himself, at just 8 years old.
François’s work has been featured in publications like Vogue and Essence, and his namesake haircare line reflects his passion for education and inclusivity. With products tailored to textured hair, he’s empowering individuals to embrace their natural beauty.
Why He’s a Power Player to us: François’s approach to Afro hair is equal parts artistry and advocacy. From intricate braids to sculptural updos, his work showcases the endless possibilities of natural hair and never, it appears as “difficult” or a “struggle”.
picture from ; @nikkinelms
2. Nikki Nelms
- The Hair MacGyver
Is it edgy? Is it eccentric? Whatever it is, it’s breathtaking. Nikki Nelms, affectionately known as « The Hair MacGyver, » (catch the Millennials reference here) is the creative genius behind unforgettable hairstyles for stars like Janelle Monáe and ZoĂ« Kravitz. Her bold, experimental styles have cemented her as one of the most innovative hairstylists in the industry.Â
Nelms’s ability to blend modern aesthetics with traditional techniques has earned her recognition in Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times. Whether she’s adorning hair with pearls or creating gravity-defying braids, Nelms’ story telling abilities are incredible.Â
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Nelms pushes the boundaries of hair artistry, making natural hair the focal point of cultural expression and high fashion. She’s a risk-taker and it’s paying off!
More of Nikki’s talent here.
picture from ; @nikkinelms
More of Nikki’s talent here.
2. Nikki Nelms
- The Hair MacGyver
Is it edgy? Is it eccentric? Whatever it is, it’s breathtaking. Nikki Nelms, affectionately known as « The Hair MacGyver, » (catch the Millennials reference here) is the creative genius behind unforgettable hairstyles for stars like Janelle Monáe and ZoĂ« Kravitz. Her bold, experimental styles have cemented her as one of the most innovative hairstylists in the industry.Â
Nelms’s ability to blend modern aesthetics with traditional techniques has earned her recognition in Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times. Whether she’s adorning hair with pearls or creating gravity-defying braids, Nelms’ story telling abilities are incredible.Â
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Nelms pushes the boundaries of hair artistry, making natural hair the focal point of cultural expression and high fashion. She’s a risk-taker and it’s paying off!
picture from ; @ursulastephen
3. Ursula Stephen
- The Visionary Behind Rihanna’s Iconic Styles
You don’t become Rihanna’s go-to hairstylist without an extraordinary talent for reinvention. Ursula Stephen is a force in the hair industry, with a career spanning decades and a client list that includes Zendaya and Laverne Cox. What we see is that with Ursula, it’s about the hair but also about the face. The hairstyles suit the features of facial features of every single person she applies her magic to!
Stephen’s styles—whether a blunt bob or a sculpted afro—have graced magazine covers and inspired countless trends. Her Brooklyn-based salon is a hub of creativity, and her commitment to uplifting young stylists ensures her legacy will endure.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Stephen’s ability to merge simplicity, practicality with avant-garde creativity has set her apart as a true trailblazer in the natural hair community. With her, less is SO MUCH MORE!
More of Ursula’s talent here.
picture from ; @ursulastephen
More of Ursula’s talent here.
3. Ursula Stephen
- The Visionary Behind Rihanna’s Iconic Styles
You don’t become Rihanna’s go-to hairstylist without an extraordinary talent for reinvention. Ursula Stephen is a force in the hair industry, with a career spanning decades and a client list that includes Zendaya and Laverne Cox. What we see is that with Ursula, it’s about the hair but also about the face. The hairstyles suit the features of facial features of every single person she applies her magic to!
Stephen’s styles—whether a blunt bob or a sculpted afro—have graced magazine covers and inspired countless trends. Her Brooklyn-based salon is a hub of creativity, and her commitment to uplifting young stylists ensures her legacy will endure.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Stephen’s ability to merge simplicity, practicality with avant-garde creativity has set her apart as a true trailblazer in the natural hair community. With her, less is SO MUCH MORE!
picture from ; @felicialeatherwood
4. Felicia Leatherwood
- The Texture Whisperer
Known as the “hair whisperer,” Felicia Leatherwood is a trusted name in the natural hair world, styling stars like Issa Rae and Ava DuVernay. Leatherwood’s approach is all about celebrating the natural texture of Afro hair, creating styles that are both protective and stunning. If you need to see versatility with natural hair, she is bringing it!
Her Detangler Brush, often hailed as a game-changer in natural hair care, is a staple in many routines. Featured in Elle and Allure, Leatherwood is celebrated for her expertise in creating red-carpet-ready looks that prioritize hair health.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Leatherwood’s work goes beyond aesthetics; she’s a champion for natural textured hair, offering guidance and education that empower her clients to care for their hair with love.
More of Felicia’s talent here.
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picture from ; @felicialeatherwood
More of Felicia’s talent here.
4. Felicia Leatherwood
- The Texture Whisperer
Known as the “hair whisperer,” Felicia Leatherwood is a trusted name in the natural hair world, styling stars like Issa Rae and Ava DuVernay. Leatherwood’s approach is all about celebrating the natural texture of Afro hair, creating styles that are both protective and stunning. If you need to see versatility with natural hair, she is bringing it!
Her Detangler Brush, often hailed as a game-changer in natural hair care, is a staple in many routines. Featured in Elle and Allure, Leatherwood is celebrated for her expertise in creating red-carpet-ready looks that prioritize hair health.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Leatherwood’s work goes beyond aesthetics; she’s a champion for natural textured hair, offering guidance and education that empower her clients to care for their hair with love.
picture from ; @janetjacksonhairstylist
5. Janet Jackson
- (Toronto) Canada’s Queen of Afro Hair
A Canadian queen on this top 5! A powerhouse in the Canadian hair scene, Janet Jackson (no, not that Janet Jackson) has carved out a name as one of the most sought-after stylists for textured hair. Based in Toronto, Jackson’s salon, JouJou Hair Studio, is a haven for natural hair care and styling and there are no styles foreign to them!
Her work has been featured in Flare and Chatelaine, and she’s become a go-to expert for Black Canadian women seeking versatile, healthy styles. She is also a beloved figure in the growing community of Afro hair in Canada.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Jackson’s impact extends beyond her salon. As a mentor and advocate, she’s helping to raise the profile of natural hair care in Canada!
More of Janet’s talent here.
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picture from ; @janetjacksonhairstylist
More of Janet’s talent here.
5. Janet Jackson
- (Toronto) Canada’s Queen of Afro Hair
A Canadian queen on this top 5! A powerhouse in the Canadian hair scene, Janet Jackson (no, not that Janet Jackson) has carved out a name as one of the most sought-after stylists for textured hair. Based in Toronto, Jackson’s salon, JouJou Hair Studio, is a haven for natural hair care and styling and there are no styles foreign to them!
Her work has been featured in Flare and Chatelaine, and she’s become a go-to expert for Black Canadian women seeking versatile, healthy styles. She is also a beloved figure in the growing community of Afro hair in Canada.
Why She’s a Power Player to us: Jackson’s impact extends beyond her salon. As a mentor and advocate, she’s helping to raise the profile of natural hair care in Canada!
We love and trust these hairstylists as they have transformed natural hair care from a niche industry to a celebrated art form, proving that textured hair is a canvas for innovation, creativity, and empowerment but also, a very normal thing.Â
So, who will you book for your next crown-worthy style? We’re not saying these stylists will be that easily available but you can still get the love your hair deserves! If you’re searching for a local hair artist, start with platforms like SWAYED to connect with stylists who’ll still give your hair the best.
