Interview with Jennie Roberts: Celebrity Hairstylist and Afro-Textured Hair Expert

Jennie Roberts is a renowned celebrity hairstylist and Afro-textured hair specialist with over 30 years of experience in the fashion, film, and music industries. Born in Ghana, West Africa, Jennie moved to Manchester at the age of three and later relocated to London in the mid-1990s - just as the Britpop era and the capital’s dynamic fashion scene were booming. Her career began when she was discovered assisting on Alexander McQueen’s first-ever London show, marking the start of an exceptional journey in the world of professional hairstyling.

Career Highlights and Collaborations

Jennie trained as a teenager at the legendary Vidal Sassoon, laying the foundations for a career that would take her across the globe. Over three decades, she has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, film, and music, collaborating with iconic photographers such as Juergen Teller, Annie Leibovitz, Rankin, Lorenzo Agius, and Bryan Adams.

Her major breakthrough came when she became the official hairstylist for the Spice Girls, working with the global pop phenomenon for over five years. Her impressive client list has since included music stars such as Take That, Alanis Morissette, Nelly Furtado, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Ella Eyre, and Childish Gambino.

Jennie’s talent, discretion, and warm professionalism have made her a trusted name among Hollywood’s A-list. She has styled actors for press tours, red carpets, and film junkets, including Willem Dafoe, Donald Glover, John Boyega, Thandiwe Newton, Michael Caine, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Josh Brolin, among many others.

Commercial Work and Brand Partnerships

Jennie’s expertise has also been sought after commercially. She has held senior roles with leading global haircare brands, including Ojon, where she served as a Treatment Technician, and Curlsmith, where she was appointed Global Senior Hairstylist. As UK Brand Ambassador for SheaMoisture, Jennie helped elevate visibility for curly and Afro-textured hair within the mainstream beauty industry. 

 

Advocacy, Education, and Diversity in Haircare

A passionate advocate for textured hair education and diversity within the beauty industry, Jennie Roberts runs specialist Afro-textured hair training courses for stylists and salons. She consults with brands and corporate workplaces on inclusion and representation and contributes to media outlets as an expert voice on textured hair care and cultural sensitivity.

Jennie has trained teams from some of the biggest names in the business, including session stylists, art teams, and BAFTA-winning makeup departments, as well as hair professionals for theatre productions such as Wicked and major award ceremonies like the Oscars.

 

We asked Jennie...

What are your techniques and sources of inspiration?

“I tend not to buy into trends concerning technique - most aren’t led by professional hairstylists. I prefer to stick with my tried-and-trusted methods. I’m always open to learning, but I like to question and understand every new approach, especially when it comes to textured and Afro hair.

My inspiration comes from everything around me - conversations with clients, their unique needs, and even something as simple as people-watching while traveling. Inspiration is everywhere if you pay attention.”

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

“The most rewarding part of my work is helping clients love their hair. Life’s too short to wake up every day disliking what you see in the mirror. I focus on simplifying hair care so clients can achieve great looks and healthy texture with minimal effort. It’s about showing people what their natural hair can really do.”

What advice would you give to aspiring hairstylists?

“Hairdressing has been an incredible career for me. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend finding a salon you truly connect with and applying for an apprenticeship. In-house training is invaluable - you’re learning on the job, surrounded by creative people and real clients. Build a solid foundation, and the world really is your oyster.”

What are the best products to help embrace natural texture?

"The answer isn’t straight forward. It depends on the type of hair, curl pattern, cuticle texture, density etc. It’s important to use the correct techniques on your hair before investing in expensive hair products. Even the best products won’t serve you well if you’re not doing things correctly. A good regular routine is key, what I’d say is to learn about what your hair needs and look for products that provide that. Moisture has to be top of the list. Look for shampoos and conditioners that are specifically for Afro hair as they are formulated with extra moisture in mind. Less butters and more water soluble hair styling products like gels and mousse. Butters and heavy creams will make the hair waterproof and not able to attract moisture, water. I love Curlsmith, Innersense and Olaplex. They are my go to and then I use Shea moisture and Mielle when I’m teaching they are budget friendly brands that have lots of different products that cover most Afro textures for cleansing and conditioning and also lots of lovely styling gels and creams." 

Why We Celebrate Jennie

Jennie Roberts’ legacy as a trailblazing Afro-textured hair educator, celebrity hairstylist, and mentor continues to shape the future of the hair industry. Her combination of technical mastery, creativity, and commitment to inclusion makes her a leading voice in textured hair education and professional hairstyling in London and beyond.

 

More about Jennie and her course can be found over at jennierobertshairacademy.com