The modern bride's guide to curly, coily and afro wedding hair

25 AUGUST 2026

by Bliss Gubbins

Choosing your wedding hairstylist is a big decision, whatever your hair type. But if you have curly, coily or Afro-textured hair, finding someone who truly understands your hair can feel even more overwhelming.

 

I worked as a model for seven years, so I was lucky enough to spend time with some incredibly talented hairstylists, picking up tips and learning what works for my own hair. By the time my wedding came around, I felt confident enough to style it myself (you can't go too far wrong with a sleek low bun!). I know that's not for everyone though, and I completely understand how daunting the search for the right stylist can feel.

 

The good news is that we live in a time where inspiration and education are right at our fingertips. If you're thinking of doing your own hair, there are some brilliant tutorials online. That said, there's something really special about sitting back and being looked after on your wedding morning.

 

Whichever route you choose, I can't recommend a trial enough. Your wedding day should never be the first time you try a hairstyle. Your photos will be with you for a lifetime, and the most important thing is that when you look back at them, you still feel like yourself.

Hair Lounge by Charlotte Mensah

Best for: hair treatments

Chioma Nnadi for the British Vogue fashion awards, hair by Charlotte Mensah. Source: @charlottemensah

Hair Lounge by Charlotte Mensah in Notting Hill 

Source: @charlottemensah

This is a great place to start going about a year before your wedding to make sure your hair is in perfect health before your big day. Charlotte herself has been working in hairdressing for almost 40 years and is loved by many black celebrities. Her products are also stocked in Space NK for upkeep at home.

 

Charlotte Mensah 

SALT Salon

Best for: Studio aesthetic and experience

Iwana Cristal at Salt Salon. Source: @saltsalonlondon

The Salt Salon. Source: @saltsalonlondon 

Tucked inside Stamford Works, a former 19th-century paper mill in Dalston, Salt Salon brings a distinctly fashion-led approach to hair styling. Its roster of stylists comes from the worlds of fashion and editorial, appointments are deliberately longer than average, allowing for a more tailored approach to each client. The space is amazing, it centres around a long concrete bar with a private roof terrace adding to its relaxed, almost members’ club feel.

 

Salt Salon

The Curl Bar

Best for: Natural hair

Source: The Curl Bar

Source: The Curl Bar

It’s important for you to feel like the best version of yourself on your wedding day and this is the perfect place for a pre wedding trim. The base of a good hairstyle is always the cut!

 

The Curl Bar London 

Toni Bravo on Tiktok

Best for: braid and sew in inspiration

Toni Brave source: @bonitravo tiktok

Bravo who is based in LA always has hair which is to die for! If you’re planning on extensions for your big day, be sure you show your stylist pics for inspiration.

 

@bonitravo

Josee's professional braiding studio

Best for: braids

Run by the sweetest family, Josee’s in North London is my favourite place to get my braids done. I have thick 4c hair and can be out in 4.5h which is basically unheard of! They recently worked Universal on Cyntha Erivo’s micro braided wig so make sure you book in advance.

 

Hair Braiding In London | Josee Professional Braiding Studio | England 

Louise Lerego

Best for: the natural bride

Katarina Johnson Thomspson for Nike by Skims, beauty by Louise Lerego

@zarriaimone for @oolalingerie beauty by Louise Lerego

Louise typically works as a makeup artist for editorials and fashion shoots. I have had the privilege of working with her many times on set and I immediately knew I wanted her to do my wedding makeup after meeting her. She is also an incredibly talented hairstylist and people who work in fashion are the best choice for a “you but better” look!

 

Louise Lerego

Deborah Lola

Best for: a contemporary take on traditional bridal hairstyles

Source: @deborahlola

Source: @deborahlola

With over 10 years of experience in TV and fashion, I have worked with Deborah before and she brings great energy to any room she's in. Despite her busy schedule, she takes on a couple bridal clients each year. 

 

Deborah Lola