Charlotte Mensah celebrates 40 years styling afro hair from Accra to London
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Charlotte Mensah marked 40 years as a hair stylist with an exhibition in London that explores her childhood in Ghana and her career in the United Kingdom.
The exhibition, “Community Matters,” opened at Ladbroke Hall and runs until September 13, 2026. It displays photographs, films, personal items, and soundscapes to tell the story of Mensah’s journey as a leading stylist specializing in Afro and textured hair.
Mensah grew up in Accra, Ghana, where she learned hair techniques before moving to London at age 11. She later opened Hair Lounge in Notting Hill in 1999, and her work soon gained recognition. She won the Afro Hairdresser of the Year title three times and became the first Black woman inducted into the British Hairdressing Awards Hall of Fame in 2018. Beyond styling, Mensah advocates for better training in Afro, curly, and textured hair care.
She has created programs to share her knowledge in both London and Accra, addressing a need for skilled professionals who can cater to textured hair. The exhibition appears as Black beauty gains more attention in fashion and cosmetics, though questions remain about expertise and access to appropriate care.
