Whether you're going for the big chop, switching up your braids, trying out a sleek new weave or working some badass faux locs, there's a London hair salon just waiting for you to walk through their door.
Although there's a very real deficit when it comes to the education and training around textured and afro hair that needs to change, like yesterday, there's still a wealth of London hairdressers serving up next-level looks, expert care and game-changing wig styling. Because whether you're a curly 3a, or a coily 4b, you deserve a pro salon experience whatever your curl pattern.
Read on for the best hair salons in London for textured and afro hair (and book your next appointment at ASAP!).
Hair Lounge
Best For: Natural hair styling, hair care education
Not only is she a West London institution (Mensah opened Hair Lounge on Portobello Road 18 years ago), her salon is a little oasis of British black girl magic with a mix of models, fashion editors, artists, television personalities, authors (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a long-time client), and corporate professionals all passing through her door.
Mensah also has an international following; she's the London stylist of choice for Americans living abroad and has a loyal group of clients who fly in from Nigeria and Ghana to see her. What makes her so popular is not only her styling breadth but equal emphasis on hair health and maintenance. She uses her own line of products, an impressive range of shampoos, conditioners and treatments based on the centuries-old, regenerative Manketti Oil, which she discovered in the Serengeti while travelling for a wedding.
ELLE Edit: Shop Charlotte Mensah
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Hair Oil
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Shampoo
Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Finishing Mist
Keash Braids
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Best For: Super intricate and innovative braiding and temporary styling/colouring
With a mission of cultural appreciation over appropriation, Keash Braids was the brainchild of founder Taiba back in 2014. Since then the braiding experts have gone onto dominate the hair art and sculpture scene whilst also offering the most innovative braid designs, seriously fun hair tinsel and genius diamante hair monogramming. For a protective braid style that's a little bit different, Keash is your salon.
Ziuzo Salon
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Best For: Colour treatments and natural haircare
When it comes to colouring natural or chemically processed Afro hair, Ziuzo Salon is unbeatable. If you've got a daring new hair colour in mind, pop-in to the Lewisham-based salon for a consultation, treatment and an amazing after-care service, so that you don't shed a strand in the process.
Neville Salon
Best For: Blowouts and weaves
With a career that spans work with Naomi Campbell and Beyoncé, as well as brands including Armani, Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana, Randolph is the man to see at Neville's if you like to use the word 'tresses' and prefer them blowing softly in the wind. He has a gift for all hair types and lengths, but a special knack for long hairstyles — the softest side-swept fringe, shoulder-dusting blunt bobs, or full layers. But don't let his expertise in straightening hair fool you: there will be no fried ends and edges here, he prioritises maintaining hair strength above all.
Jimo Salako
Best For: All hair types, especially cuts and styling of curly hair textures
Following a career as an editorial stylist in which he worked with Nick Knight and David Bailey, among others, Jimo Salako founded his eponymous salon in Marylebone London where his clients include Yasmin Sewell, Elisa Sednaoui, and a fleet of fashion insiders. Specialising in creating hairstyles that nod to art and fashion, he's known for his flair for cutting all hair textures and types. If you're looking for a career-defining new look, he's your go-to.
Kannis Undiscovered Beauty
Best For: Frontal weaves and wig-making
A go-to Afro hair salon for those who want to get their protective-styling on, the Kannis Undiscovered Beauty team are experts in tucking away natural hair in custom-made wigs that come complete with baby hairs and are undetectable IRL.
Someone Very Beautiful
Best For: Natural hair styling, braids, blowdries and extensions
This modest, no-fuss salon in South East London punches above its weight with two young hair stylists who specialise in natural hair health and styling, as well as blowdries and extensions at good value prices. With a cult following of fashion editors, buyers and expats, this is the little hair shop that could.
ELLE Edit: Textured And Afro Hairstylists In London
ByBrittss
Message @bybrittss to book
Expertise: Wigs and sew-ins
Lu's Curls
Message @luscurls to book
Expertise: Natural hair
The Lace Bandit
Message @thelacebandit to book
Expertise: Lace front wigs
Hype Coiffure
Best For: Treatments galore
Having first opened its doors in 1995 at the Balham store, the time award winning Hype Coiffure has a slew of treatments including Keratin treatments, relaxing and weaving for those with Afro and multi-textured hair. The quickly expanding salon, has since opened two more locations in Battersea and Brixton maintaining their reputation as one of the most in demand salons for Afro-Caribbean hair.
Morris Roots
Best For: Dreadlocks and natural styling
A saviour for those with locks and twists, the aptly named and internationally acclaimed Morris Roots (after owner Morris Aberdeen) opened its doors in 2001. Three more salons quickly followed in and around London including an academy. Morris Roots is the destination for faux locs and interlocking and has a strong following for its range of natural products including a Lock-It-Up formula and hair tonic.
37 A-List Braid Styles For All The Plait Hairstyle Inspo You Could Ever Need
Beah and Kadi - Hair Lounge
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Best For: Silk Presses, Colour Matched Hair Installations
The family-owned hair salon, Founded in 2006, Beah & Kadi is based in northwest London. The mother-and-daughter duo have over 25 years of experience in the hair industry, and although they work with all hair types, they’re especially well-versed in black hair. From custom extensions to full glam weaves they have it all covered.
Honey Hands
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Best For: Chic Pixie Wigs
For the best in the pixie wigs look no further than east London’s Honey Hands, whose name tells you all you need to know about their unmatched approach to lace front wigs. For the best in the pixie/bixie’s business with numerous colour options, expect high grade quality that’s as far from your auntie’s wig shop as you can get.
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