For ten years, celebrity hairstylist Kelvin Takudzwa has been the quiet architect behind some of our most unforgettable beauty moments. From glossy magazine covers to scene stealing red carpet moments, his signature touch has shaped the way we see hair—one transformative style at a time.
His artistry doesn’t just frame faces; it sets trends, sparks conversations, and lives far beyond the salon chair, rippling across social media feeds and into the cultural zeitgeist.
As he marks a decade at the top of his craft, Takudzwa sits down with GLAMOUR to reflect on his journey, the celebrity clients who have trusted him with their most defining looks, and the vision that continues to push his creativity forward.
Glamour: Can you tell us about your journey as a hairstylist and where you learned your craft?
Kelvin Takudzwa: I started doing hair at just 12 years old while I was still in school. After classes, I’d rush home to find clients already waiting for me, and that’s how my journey began. My mother was a hairstylist, and I grew up watching her closely. I studied everything she did: her technique, her patience, the way she connected with her clients, and how she could completely transform someone’s confidence through their hair. She was my first teacher and my greatest inspiration. I practiced constantly at home, on dolls, on teddy bears, on anyone who would let me. I was always experimenting, always refining my skills. And over time, that dedication shaped not just my technique, but my understanding of hair as an art form and a powerful form of self-expression.
G: What inspired you to specialize in Afro hair styling?
KT: Afro hair is powerful. It’s versatile, expressive, and deeply rooted in identity and culture. Early in my career, I noticed that Afro textured hair wasn’t always represented at the level it truly deserved, especially within fashion and mainstream media. I felt compelled not just to work with Afro hair, but to master it and to push its boundaries, positioning it within the realm of high-fashion storytelling. Today, my work is about celebrating texture, structure, and limitless creativity. It’s about reframing the narrative and showing the world that Afro hair is luxury, it is art and innovation...all in one.
G: How does it feel to see your work on the cover of magazines like GLAMOUR?
KT: Seeing my work on the covers of GLAMOUR is always an incredible feeling. I’ve had the honor of working on nine GLAMOUR covers so far, and each one has been a completely unique and memorable experience. What I cherish most is the collaboration of working closely with each cover star to bring their vision to life while creating hair that tells its own story. For me, it’s about crafting a look that not only captures attention but elevates the entire image. Being part of those defining fashion moments is both a pleasure and a privilege.
G: What is it like working with celebrities?
KT: Styling big personalities has given me some of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of my career. No two shoots are ever the same. Sometimes everything flows effortlessly while other times, you’re working within a very specific brief that challenges you to think creatively and deliver something exceptional under pressure. There are moments when a cover star may not immediately connect with a loo and that’s part of the process. When we land on a style that not only fulfills the brief but makes the star feel powerful and iconic, that’s the magic!
G: What do you think sets your work apart in the hair styling industry?
KT: I think it’s a combination of creativity, and attention to detail. I don’t just style hair but I create looks that tell a story, complement the person’s personality, and elevate the entire image. Whether it’s a high-fashion editorial, a campaign, or a cover shoot, I adapt my skills to bring out the best in every client while pushing creative boundaries. My goal is always to make hair a statement, luxurious, bold, and unforgettable!
G: How has your approach to hairstyling evolved over the past ten years?
KT: Over the years, my approach has shifted from simply creating beautiful hairstyles to crafting looks that tell a story and elevate every project I’m part of. In the beginning, my focus was on mastering technique, understanding texture, refining my skills, and experimenting constantly to perfect my craft. That foundation was essential. Today, my work is far more intentional and strategic. It’s about understanding the client’s personality, the creative concept, and how the hair fits seamlessly into the overall vision.
G: Do you have a favorite hairstyle or technique that you love to use?
KT: One of my favorite techniques is precision styling combined with texture manipulation. Taking a classic idea and transforming it into something modern, luxurious, and unexpected. It’s in those moments that I feel like I’m not just doing hair, but creating art that tells a story.
G: How do you stay up to date with the latest hair styling trends?
KT: I stay up to date by studying tutorials, watching runway shows, and following top international celebrity hairstylists on social media. I take inspiration from their work and put my own twist on it, I like to say I “Kelvinize” every look.
G: What is your process for creating the perfect hairstyle?
KT: Creating the perfect hairstyle starts with understanding the client, the outfit, and the overall vision. I always begin by discussing their preferences, the vibe they want to convey, and the concept of the event or shoot. From there, I plan the style with precision, considering texture, structure, and how the hair will hold under cameras and lights. I also incorporate trends, creativity, and my signature touch to make the look unique and unforgettable. For me, it’s about balancing glamour with individuality, so the client feels confident, radiant, and camera-ready.
G: What are some of your goals for the next ten years?
KT: My goal is to continue elevating Afro hair on a global scale. I want to work with more iconic stars, seeing my styling on international stages and red carpets, and on major campaigns that set trends worldwide. I also aim to mentor and inspire the next generation of hairstylists by sharing my techniques.
G: What advice would you give to aspiring hair stylists looking to break into the industry?
KT: My advice is to practice relentlessly, stay curious, and never stop learning. Also, build relationships, your network can open doors you never imagined. Most importantly, bring your own creativity and signature style to everything you do; that’s what will make you stand out in this industry.
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