Who: Vernon François

Where? Plaza Athenee, Paris

The buzz... François is one of the world’s most-sought-after hair stylists, brand founders, and educators. The British-born, New York-based Vernon François is renowned for his expertise with all hair textures — from kinky and coily to curly, wavy and straight — a huge advocate for the beauty and versatility of Afro and curly hair.

François serves the global brand ambassador for OLAPLEX and L’Oréal PPD, TOC Global Editorial Ambassador, and is a core member of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team — he redefines the art of hairstyling, encouraging people everywhere to embrace their natural hair texture, shape, and personality.

His work can be seen in Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, and Essence. He serves as a judge for Allure’s Best Beauty Awards and is on the advisory committee for the North American Hairstyling Awards.

Beyond styling, François brings his expertise to television appearances on Good Morning America, ABC News, and The Today Show. His collaborations extend to luxury brands like Lancôme, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Calvin Klein, and Nike and his work has been captured by iconic photographers such as Mario Testino, Annie Leibovitz, and Steven Meisel.

There’s more… François’s award-winning VERNON FRANÇOIS® haircare brand is vegan, Leaping Bunny, certified cruelty-free, and designed with intuitive colour coding and visual icons, a reflection of François’s personal journey with dyslexia. This innovative approach has earned him high praise, including Yahoo! Lifestyle’s “Most Inclusive Hair Brand” at the Diversity in Beauty Awards and recognition in Ulta Beauty’s Muse 100.

François’s influence is unmistakable across red carpets, high-fashion campaigns, and editorial shoots. He’s created iconic looks for A-Listers like Lupita Nyong’o, Solange Knowles, Serena Williams, Willow Smith, and Angela Bassett. His artistry has defined moments, sparked global trends, and garnered prestigious accolades, including a Hollywood Beauty Award for Hairstyling. Plus, The Hollywood Reporter named him one of Hollywood’s most influential hairstylists for four-consecutive years. François’s work has consistently been among the industry’s “Top 25 Beauty Moments of the Year”.

François traces his Jamaican roots through his grandparents... “My granddad was from Brown’s Town, St Ann, and my grandma Sandy Bay in Hanover, two places that feel deeply woven into the rhythm of who I am”.

His hair journey started… “[A]t the age of eight. I was disastisfied with how my mum had combed my hair so I taught myself to braid, loc and twist hair. My journey began in a Rastafarian household, where all I was exposed to were locs and twists.”

“By the age of 14 I was already styling professionally on London’s Oxford Street”.

François won his first industry award at 16. His early accolades, including Newcomer of the Year at the Black Beauty Hair Awards and Black Hair Junior Stylist of the Year, established him as a rising talent.

On Hurricane Melissa… “My heart is with everyone affected by Hurricane Melissa. The devastation — particularly damage to roofs, homes and community spaces — is painful to witness. What I admire is how quickly the spirit of unity rises.

On how women have reacted to the celebration of natural hair... “The response has been one of the greatest honours of my career. Many women share that seeing their hair celebrated as artistry makes them feel deeply seen and encourages them to embrace their pattern with pride.

On landing the role of hairstylist to Oscar-winning actress Lupita N’yong’o… “Working with Lupita came from shared respect for storytelling and the beauty of Afro hair patterns. It wasn’t a single moment but a meeting of intentions. Challenges absolutely existed, but each became an opportunity to shift the conversation and celebrate our hair in culturally truthful ways.”

When are you coming to Jamaica to conduct a master class?

“Soon! Jamaica deserves not just a class, but an experience, and I intend to bring one!”

Photos appear in SO courtesy of Vernon François/The Visionaries Agency

Vernon François is a core member of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team.photo

Vernon François and Novia McDonald-Whyte, Jamaica Observer senior associate editor – lifestyle and social content, enjoying dinner at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athenee, Paris. .

Vernon François and his mum Denise Goodhall Brown

Rock-blooded Vernon François is one of the world’s most-sought-after hair stylistsphoto

Willow Smith’s tresses by Vernon François.

Lupita for Chanel — hair by Vernon François.

Lupita Nyong’o statement coils by Vernon François..

Lupita Nyong’o for Glamour magazine — hair by Vernon François. 

François’s award-winning VERNON FRANÇOIS® haircare brand is vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free, and designed with intuitive colour coding and visual icons, a reflection of François’s personal journey with dyslexia.

Lupita on the cover of Marie Claire —hair styled by Vernon François.