Nikki Nelms

Nikki Nelms, an American hairdresser from St. Petersburg, Florida, embarked on her hairstyling journey at a young age, honing her skills by styling hair for classmates and family members. Her talent was evident early on, leading her to pursue a career that would blend avant-garde concepts with traditional techniques. After attending Florida State University for a few years, she transitioned to beauty school to formalize her expertise. Her professional career began to accelerate in 2004 following a pivotal meeting with Lil Wayne, which opened doors to further collaborations within the entertainment industry. She subsequently contributed her hairstyling skills to music videos for prominent artists such as Kanye West and Timbaland, establishing her presence in the field.

Nelms is renowned for her distinctive approach, incorporating non-traditional materials and bold silhouettes into her styling. She frequently utilizes everyday objects and fine jewelry as hair accessories, sourcing items from various places including Home Depot, craft stores, and thrift shops to create unique looks. Her work with celebrated clients like Solange Knowles, Janelle Monáe, Zoë Kravitz, and Yara Shahidi has been particularly impactful. She styled Solange’s hair for the iconic “Don’t Touch My Hair” video from her 2016 album “A Seat at the Table,” where beaded braids, inspired by jazz singer Patrice Rushen, garnered widespread attention and imitation. Similarly, her creative touch was evident in Janelle Monáe’s “Pynk” music video, featuring vibrant pink pompoms integrated into a top bun.

Her career progression includes significant milestones such as styling for Zoë Kravitz as her key hairstylist, and receiving a Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Award in 2020 for Best Contemporary Hair Styling in a Feature-Length Motion Picture for her work on “Birds of Prey.” Nelms also contributed to Yara Shahidi’s 2019 CFDA Awards look with a braided chignon inspired by Diana Ross. Beyond celebrity styling, she has engaged in artistic collaborations with figures such as video artist Arthur Jafa, photographer Lorna Simpson, photographer Deana Lawson, and painter Mickalene Thomas, further solidifying her reputation as a highly respected hair artist. She was also tasked with designing the hair for Yara Shahidi’s Tinker Bell in Disney’s “Peter Pan & Wendy.”