Behind the Glam: Celebrating AFWL’s Hair & Beauty Heroes

The runway may get the spotlight, but the real magic often happens backstage. It’s in the whir of curling irons, the sweep of a makeup brush, and the quiet concentration of artists transforming models into living works of art. At Africa Fashion Week London 2025, that magic was in full force thanks to a powerhouse team of hair and beauty experts who turned vision into reality.

Africa Fashion Week London 2025. Photo Credit: Yomi Kadejo

Celebrity MUA Karen Messam’s team brought her signature artistry and precision to the runway, creating flawless, camera-ready looks that elevated each designer’s vision. Their ability to blend bold creativity with timeless elegance made every face a masterpiece.

Pretty Gorgeous Hair delivered runway-ready hairstyles that were both striking and versatile. Using accessories carefully chosen to complement each designer’s collection, they transformed locks into living sculptures. Their ability to weave these elements into bold braids, sculptural updos, and flowing styles meant each model carried a piece of the designer’s vision in their hair.

Fabulous Fingers UK proved that nails are far more than an accessory they’re a statement. Their meticulous nail artistry added a final touch of polish (literally!) that completed each model’s look from head to toe.

The combined talent, professionalism, and artistry of this dream team helped ensure AFWL wasn’t just a fashion show. Long hours, quick changes, and high-pressure moments never shook their commitment to perfection.

This year, as the lights fade and the applause echoes, we raise our (perfectly manicured) hands in thanks to the beauty makers behind the beauty.

ABOUT AFRICA FASHION WEEK LONDON

Africa Fashion Week London’s annual catwalk and exhibition event is one of the world’s largest and longest-running showcases of African and African-inspired fashion & design. Now in its 15th year, Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) has hosted 3000 emerging and established designers and exhibitors to 75,000 visitors, including buyers, retailers, industry professionals and global media. Overall, 26 African countries and 67 countries have been represented, including diaspora designers from Brazil, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas. Additionally, AFWL has produced 12 third-party events such as the Southbank Centre’s Africa Utopia and Meltdown Festival, The Mayor of London’s Africa on the Square, and The Africa Centre’s Summer Festival. Such is the importance of AFWL, that the initiative positively impacts, directly and indirectly, over 5000 individuals annually including SMEs, designers, tailors, textile designers, students, visitors, models, stylists, photographers, journalists, caterers, artists, tech and production staff and lovers of fashion.