Hair has always been more than a routine. It holds memory, power, and history. It’s the first thing we notice in a mirror and often the loudest expression we carry without saying a word. This isn’t just about haircuts, it’s about identity, confidence, and a cultural shift led by those who saw hair as a canvas for revolution.

From Stylist to CEO

Jonathan Van Ness (JVN)

From Queer Eye fame to founder of JVN Hair, Jonathan redefines beauty with humor and heart. His brand champions inclusivity and sustainability, creating space for everyone to feel seen and celebrated.

Vernon François

A true master of textured hair, Vernon has styled icons like Lupita Nyong’o and launched his namesake brand to empower people with curls, coils, and kinks. His work bridges artistry and education.

Freddie Harrel

British entrepreneur and founder of RadSwan, Freddie is revolutionizing the representation of Afro hair. Her brand offers modern, bold wigs and extensions designed to uplift and reflect the beauty of Black identity.

Stylists Who Changed the Game

Johnny Wright

As Michelle Obama’s longtime stylist, Johnny used his platform to spotlight natural hair on a global stage. His influence helped redefine what professional and polished look like for textured hair.

Christin Brown

Known for her expertise in curl care and inclusive salon space, Christin helps clients embrace their natural texture with care and confidence. She’s reshaping the curl conversation one client at a time.

Evanie Frausto

A visionary stylist with a fearless edge, Evanie brings art and identity into every look. His boundary-pushing style and work with stars like Bella Hadid make him one of beauty’s most exciting creatives.

New Wave Voices

Across TikTok and Instagram, queer and people of color (POC) stylists are redefining beauty norms. From viral tutorials to calls for better education, they’re pushing for visibility, authenticity, and real change.

Notable creators include:

• Laetitia Ky – Hair sculpture artist turning strands into activism
• Monae Everett – Championing diversity in Hollywood hair
• Nia The Light – Sharing healing and self-love through natural hair journeys
  
  

Carrying the Legacy Forward

From barbershops to boardrooms, these creatives have shaped our definition of beauty. They gave language to identity, permission to experiment, and visibility to those who were once overlooked.

We owe much of today’s beauty language to them. So, how do we move forward with that? We buy from their brands. We book their services. We credit their work. We share their stories. We invest in the next generation with the same intention they showed us.

This is more than hair. It’s a movement, and it’s just getting started.