23 Talented Black Hairstylists & Makeup Artists Behind Bravo's Iconic Beauty Looks

Porsha Williams' glowing Season 12 reunion glam, Kandi Burruss’ bold blue eyeshadow moment, Karen Huger’s many fabulous interview hairstyles: These are just a few of the incredible Bravoleb beauty looks created by a league of talented Black hairstylists and makeup artists. 

Whether they're wowing us with innovative and fresh styles or beautifully mastering more traditional looks, these Black hairstylists and makeup artists are constantly pushing the envelope — and they are responsible for some of your favorite Bravoleb looks. Below, we’ve rounded up 23 Black hair gurus and makeup pros that have been working with Real Housewives like Nene Leakes, Gizelle Bryant, and Cynthia Bailey, and cast members from Married to Medicine for years. If you're you’re looking to add a bit of glam inspo to your social media feeds, these are the talented artists you should be following. 
 

Atlanta-based makeup artist Alexandra Butler is a key member of Cynthia Bailey’s glam squad. The Real Housewives of Atlanta model loves her work so much, she even asked Butler if she would do her makeup for her upcoming wedding with Mike Hill. 

Alexander Armand has a long list of clientele including Mariah Carey, Jhene Aiko, and Naomi Campbell — but some of our favorite hairdos have to be the ones he’s created on Bravolebs Kandi Burruss and Elaine Welteroth. 

Camara Aunique is a beauty boss in her own right. When she isn’t glamming up the faces of Garcelle Beauvais, Kandi Burruss, and many other celebs, she’s busy running The Aunique Beauty Podcast and her own faux lash line. And she still finds the time to offer free makeup classes on Instagram Live. 

Caroline Blanchard has been the lead makeup artist for Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and Andy's personal makeup artist for over 10 years. Caroline has also created countless glowing makeup looks for the show's guests, including Kate Chastain, Dolores Catania, Mercedes "MJ" Javid, and Sonja Morgan, just to name a few.

Derek Jae needs no introduction (surely many of you will recognize the pro hairstylist from RHOA and Fashion Queens). Derek has worked his magic on everyone from Cynthia Bailey to Kandi Burruss to Kim Zolciak-Biermann to Nicole Parker, and many more. 

Now you know Kenya Moore does not play when it comes to her 24-inch mane, and when it's time to get all glammed up, she often turns to celebrity hairstylist Derrick Monroe. The three-time Emmy nominated hair wiz has worked with top celebs like Tyra Banks and Sanaa Lathan. He is also the creator and producer of YouTube series Behind The Scenes. 

Self-proclaimed southern belle Erica Barbie Lee is a makeup artist who specializes in beauty for darker complexions. Lee also owns the lifestyle and beauty brand Glam Box and she happens to be Eva Marcille’s right hand glam gal. Love Eva’s fabulous Season 12 interview looks? And what about Eva’s glowing Season 12 reunion glam? Well, you can thank the talented Lee for those flawless makeup slays. 

Meet the woman behind Cynthia Bailey’s next-level hairstyles. Gail Hudson has been doing Cynthia’s hair for years. Her impressive clientele list includes Beyoncé, Gabrielle Union, and Nene Leakes. 

Makeup artist Javetta Maria’s eyeshadow game is next level. The makeup artist is constantly creating bold and unique eye looks featuring vibrant hues on herself and on clients like Mrs. Kandi Burruss. 

Gizelle Bryant says she turns to Washington DC-based makeup artist Joie for a "quick beat." Joie has created countless stunning makeup looks on the RHOP mom, including a bold ‘90s-inspired face beat, and she has plenty of experience creating unique makeup looks for editorial campaigns and photo shoots. In 2020 she became an ambassador for #SephoraSquad.

Jodie Rowlands is an international stylist from England, currently resigning in Atlanta. Rowlands specializes in weaves and has been tending to Kandi Burruss’ mane for years, as well as other celebs’ hair like Kenya Moore, Tamar Braxton, and Toya Bush Harris. 

Wigs are Keeva E.’s specialty. The hairstylist has her own wig line called Keni Hair, which carries the most beautiful hair units featuring dreamy balayage and curly textures. When she isn’t busy with her business, you can find her creating fabulous hairstyles on celebs and influencers like Garcelle Beauvais and Shayla Mitchell. 

Keita Moore has an extensive list of A-list clients, including Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, Iman, Laverne Cox, and ‘Wives Eva Marcille and Nene Leakes. Both Eva and Nene have turned to Moore for his glam skills on numerous occasions.

Kendell Dempster is a favorite amongst the Married to Medicine crew. From Dr. Jacqueline Walters to Mariah Huq to Dr. Contessa Metcalfe to Dr. Simone Whitmore, Dempster makes sure all these lovely ladies stay glowing with glam makeup looks. The pro makeup artist has also worked with ‘Wives Karen Huger, Robyn Dixon, and Gizelle Bryant. 

Kendrick Ken specializes in soft, natural glam looks, and is one of Porsha Williams’ go-to makeup artists. Porsha’s radiant Season 12 reunion makeup? That was all Ken’s doing. In addition to the RHOA mom, Kendrick also works with celebs like Angela Simmons and Amara La Negra.

Fun fact: Latasha Wright was the first celebrity makeup artist to give glam queen Marlo Hampton a full face beat eight years ago. Today, she has a long list of clients, including Marlo, Cynthia Bailey, Tameka "Tiny" Harris, and Michelle Williams. Wright is also the owner of TWL Makeup Studio & Salon. 

Merrell Hollis is a bi-coastal celebrity makeup artist and the co-creator of non-toxic skincare line LUVANYA. Hollis has worked his magic on celebs like Marlo Hampton, Cynthia Bailey, and Wendy Williams. Check out his Instagram Stories highlights for pro-level beauty tips to incorporate into your routine. 

Hairstylist and entrepreneur Steven Thomas doesn’t simply create hairstyles, he creates masterpieces. The Maryland-based stylist has styled many looks on the grande dame herself, Karen Huger, (including her fierce short pixie ‘do) and owns The Hair Doc Studio salon in Maryland. 

With over 11 years of experience in the beauty industry and over 500 clients, Tae Rene is well known for her timeless, soft glamour makeup artistry. In addition to working with celeb clients like India Arie, Tweet, and Shamari DeVoe, Rene has been creating stunning makeup looks on Kandi Burruss for years. She is also the host and creator of Beauty Talk with Tae on aspireTV.

Terrell Mullin is an experienced hair and makeup artist, who has worked with the likes of Angela Bassett, Jourdan Dunn, and Tamar Braxton. He also happens to be Eva Marcille’s go-to hairstylist and cousin. As we like to say, the family that slays together, stays together.

When Nene Leakes comes to slay New York City, she often turns to Theo Barrett for a fab hairstyle. The licensed hairstylist and wig pro has mastered Nene’s signature soft, Hollywood waves. In addition to Nene, Theo has worked with Dr. Heavenly Kimes, Cynthia Bailey, and Porsha Williams. Barrett is also the owner of The TB Collection, a line of luxury hair extensions. 

Hairstylist and TV personality Troy Turner is responsible for some of the most glamorous hairstyles you’ve seen on Porsha Williams, Dr. Jackie Walters, Mariah Huq, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and many other celebs. The wig maker and extension specialist also owns The DollMakers Studio in New York City. 

Makeup maven and Atlanta beauty studio owner Yanique Downer is known for her flawless application. Downer has created many of Porsha and Lauren Williams' stunning on-camera looks, which you’ve seen on RHOA and the Porsha’s Having a Baby special.