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15 Hairstylists To Follow On Instagram For Seriously Iconic Hair Inspo
From Oribe to Sam McKnight and Neal Farinah.
Some hairstylists do more than just change our opinion on whether we suit a side fringe, some are cultural change-makers that alter our visual history. Those are the ones we dub hair icons. Take hairstyling legend, Oribe Canales, the hair maestro behind Naomi, Linda, Christy and Cindy’s looks for more than 30 years, J.Lo’s go-to hairstylist circa her Jenny from the block phase, and the creator of the game-changing Dry Texturizing Spray. Oribe's effect on the world of beauty is immeasurable.
Vidal Sassoon's architectural bob, Vernon Francois' modern textured hair that changed the red carpet aesthetic, Sam McKnight's game-changing runway hair, Neal Farinah's sculptural works of art for Beyoncè... the list of iconic hairstylists goes on.
Paying tribute to their artistry, we've rounded up the all-time hair legends whose iconic looks have influenced
the way we wear our hair today. From Cara Delevingne's chameleon pixie cut courtesy of Sam McKnight, to Jen Atkin's decade-defining lob, these are the haircuts and styles that you know and love, from the hairstylists you may not.
Neal Farinah
Iconic because... How much time do we have? Aside from his years of experience transforming the hair of famous Black women and unmatched ability to turn out every look under the sun, it's Farinah's mindblowing sculptural hairstyles created for Beyoncè's 'Black Is King' film that firmly placed him as an iconic artist in the industry.
Jenny Cho
Iconic because... If you've ever saved a next level red carpet hairstyle in the past couple of years, chances are it was created by Jenny Cho. The new wave of Hollywood's go-to hairstylist, Cho's whimsical and innovative creations adorn everyone from Lucy Boynton and Charlize Theron, to Scarlet Johansson and Katherine Langford's A-list heads.
Mara Roszak
Iconic because... The woman behind Cara's endlessly magical pixie crop looks (silver leaf and green glitter included) and Emma Stone's go-t0 hairstylist, Roszak is responsible for some of the most creative looks to hit the red carpet.
Anthony Turner
Iconic because... Known as the nicest man in hairdressing, Anthony Turner has carved out a signature style with a dramatic, experimental and bold flair. J.W. Anderson's go-to stylist for fashion week and the man behind those Victoria’s Secret show bouncy waves, Turner can do it all.
Vernon Francois
Iconic because... Try and name a hairstylist more committed to the education, training and celebration of textured hair than Vernon Francois. Whether he's weaving the most magical finger wave braids for Amandla Stenberg, or teaching his Instagram following how to define their curls, Francois' work is the ultimate combination of creativity, beauty and insight.
Paul Hanlon
Iconic because... Paul Hanlon has been responsible for the most extreme and crazy hairstyles strutting the runways. From Alexander McQueen’s AW08 show with regal romp, to Tao’s SS11 extra-terrestrial look, and of course Gucci’s SS19 eccentric 80s-meets-Alice in Wonderland-meets old woman look. Paul Hanlon is the king of haute couture hair.
Sally Hershberger
Iconic because... Sally was the creator of Meg Ryan’s signature haircut, 1996’s 'Sally Shag', a look that became synonymous with the ‘90s. This developed into her distinct voluminous and textured style, that dominated the fashion magazines of that era.
Guido Palau
Iconic because... Guido, the elusive hairstylist backstage at fashion week, has done more fashion shows than Kaia's first season. Despite hitting success styling music videos including George Michael’s 'Freedom', Palau's real success is on the runway. Credited as one of the most influential people in trendsetting for hair, he was listed as one of the ’25 Most Powerful People in the Fashion Industry’ by the BFC and quite rightly.
Jen Atkin
Iconic because... Jen Atkin is one of the most successful hairstylists of this decade, creating modern iconic looks for the most famous family in the world, the Kardashians. The woman responsible for our obsession with the 'lob', Atkin has expanded her clientele to include the likes of Bella Hadid and Chrissy Teigen, and started her own Insta-worthy business, Ouai Haircare.
Ted Gibson
Iconic because... The stylist to the stars, there is no bigger celebrity hairstylist than Ted Gibson, who’s worked with everyone from Anne Hathaway and Lupita Nyong’o, to Angelina Jolie. He creates crafted, high octane glamour red carpet looks.
Sam McKnight
Iconic because... Hairstyling legend Sam McKnight was behind one of Lady Di’s most iconic looks – the wet look – which proves it transcends time as it dominated the runway at Chanel’s Metiers D’Art this month. Add to that more knowledge about hair than almost anyone and you've got the king of trend setting (not that he'd say it himself).
Serge Normant
Iconic because... The man behind the long, curly tresses of the ‘90s, Serge Normant was responsible for the enviable manes of Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker, and they're still going to him today. We can see why.
Kim Kimble
Iconic because... Hairstylist Kim Kimble is known for her work with celebrity royalty such as Zendaya, Nicki Minaj and Oprah. But she's also responsible for all the iconic looks in Beyonce’s legendary album 'Lemonade', and a driving force of the natural hair movement.
Mark Townsend
Iconic because... Not only is Mark Townsend responsible for creating the effortless, cool girl waves the Olsen Twins are always seen sporting, but he's also mastered the look on the likes of Dakota Johnson, Suki Waterhouse and Mila Kunis as well.
Chris McMillan
Iconic because... You may know him as the man behind 'the Rachel' haircut, but Chris McMillan has created so many other signature looks, including Michelle Williams’ sharp pixie cut.
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