When it comes to protective hairstyles, braids are definitely the top choice for many of us. They are an effective shield against heat, damage and environmental factors, but they also hold a tremendous cultural and artistic significance within our community.
It’s remarkable to witness the innovation and creativity that braiders bring to this timeless form of hairdressing, and how they continue to make it accessible to people from all walks of life. They are specialized stylists, those who have been the go-to for musicians, athletes and Hollywood’s elite for decades, designing show-stopping looks that define eras and transcend generations.
Most of us still have an enduring love for Janet Jackson’s iconic box braids in John Singleton’s cult-classic film, Poetic Justice from over twenty years ago, and for Cicely Tyson famously rocking the first cornrows ever seen on television on the CBS series East Side, West Side in 1962. But it isn’t only entertainment or mainstream beauty and fashion spaces where a braider is seen for their artistry and impact. Their innate talent and masterwork hail from the ancestral hair-braiding traditions of tribes from countries throughout Africa that have been winning the world over for the past 5000 years. From warriors and kings in north-eastern Ethiopia to young women coming of age in West Africa, members of societies such as the Wolof, Mende, Mandingo and Yoruba, each possessing its own braiding style, have used them to distinctly mark ethnic identity, wealth, age, religion, marital status, and social standing within their communities.
Ahead are some of the hottest hair braiders in the game — bonafide masterminds in their craft. Not only are they tirelessly creating breathtaking and awe-inspiring hair designs that push the boundaries of time-honored techniques, but they are also committed to staying true to the art form and its rich history.
Susan Oludele
Known as Hair By Susy, Susan Oludele isn’t just a hair artist, she is a star of her craft. Her work has graced the pages of top fashion and music magazines and it’s no wonder why. However, what sets her apart from the pack is her ability to uniquely transform braids and celebrate texture with bold, exaggerated shapes and vibrant, intricate patterns.
She honestly creates wearable works of art.
Although her talent is clear in her vision and execution, she likens her work to nothing more than an innate combination of intent and altruism. “To me, hair is spiritual, and the process is very divine,” she tells The Zoe Report.
Lacy Redway
With a track record of success across all platforms including runway shows, high-profile red carpet events and countless magazine features, Lacy Redway’s remarkable achievements are impossible to ignore. While celebrities and designers alike can’t get enough of her sleek hairstyles, her exceptional talent for rendering stunning braided hair is but one more aspect that makes her special. Just take a glimpse at the cornrowed cowboy hat she crafted for Tessa Thompson’s unforgettable Met Gala appearance in 2021 or Teyana Taylor’s striking braids at the recent CFDA Awards. You’ll see what we mean.
Xia Charles
Trinidad and Tobago-born braider Xia Charles and her team at her Brooklyn-based salon, Braided New York, are all about inventing new braid designs with a distinct approach. While her impressive portfolio boasts renowned hairstyles like the 30-foot braids Beyoncé wore for her Black is King album and looks sported by other celebrities like Cardi B, her styling aesthetics and flawless methods were passed down to her by her family, those she credits for cultivating her love and creativity for braiding.
“My mom was known for braiding numerous people’s hair in the village, so I have fond memories of my sisters giving me these bomb hairstyles every Sunday before I went to school on Monday,” she tells The Cut. “I’ve carried that knowledge through to the present moment, teaching others the art and helping them develop their style as an educator. It feels like a full-circle moment.”
Kim Kimble
Kim Kimble, the long-time hair titan behind some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names like Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige and Rihanna, has firmly cemented herself as a prominent figure in the beauty space. Although the third-generation hairstylist’s areas of expertise cover a wide range of looks, it is her braiding skills that make her an outstanding artist. She put herself on the map early in her career, with those stunning, over-the-top hairstyles for the late Natalie Deselle-Reid and Halle Berry in the film B.A.P.S., but she is also responsible for scores of memorable hairstyles, including those for Brandy in Moesha and in Cinderella. Her professional and creative journey has been unstoppable ever since.
