The hours-long struggles with one’s afro is a thing of the past, thanks to Black hair pioneers like Charlotte Mensah. Having run her own London-based business Hair Lounge for over 20 years, the British-Ghanaian entrepreneur is a renowned stylist with an acclaimed list of clients that includes Zadie Smith, Janelle Monaé, and Michaela Coel, among others. Being the first African woman to be inducted into the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame in 2017, her strong will, intentional planning, and determination mark her as one of our generation’s defining hair styling leaders.
Although Mensah has done a lot to move the needle on Black hair education over the years, the struggle still remains for parts of the industry that have not been as quick to adapt to the changing tides. Fashion month in September 2022 revealed how bad this situation is behind the scenes. Highsnobiety reported that model Taylor Larzo had no choice but to shave her head due to the damage from excessive heat, and model Raven Schexnayder was subjected to baby powder poured over her head “because [the hairstylist] thought it was too oily and then fried it with a blow dryer.” With these stories and more coming to the fore, Mensah highlights the need for constant learning in these spaces. “I believe that education is key because once you’re confident about the hair that sits in your chair, you’ll be able to win that client and they’ll have a better experience.”
Charlotte Mensah poses for portraits featured in the Financial Times lifestyle magazine, How To Spend It. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
One of Charlotte’s clients, founder of Pattern Beauty, Tracee Ellis Ross, with hair done by the hairstylist. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
Charlotte Mensah’s book, Good Hair. Photo: via Sithasolwazi Kentane
A hairstylist at Hair Lounge busy with a client. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
Charlotte poses for portraits featured in the Financial Times lifestyle magazine, How To Spend It. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
Afro picks, combs, brushes, and shampoo available for sale online. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
The best-selling Manektti Hair Oil. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
Hair care products from Charlotte’s Manketti Oil range. Photo: via @charlottemensah.
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