Hairstylist | Shamara Roper

Brixton born, South London raised, Jamaican rooted. I grew up surrounded by creativity. My mum was a hairstylist, and I still remember her bringing home a training doll head to practice on — then my little sister quickly became my real-life dolly. I’ve been having fun with hair since primary school. Once my mum saw I could cainrow and handle styles, she passed me the baton, and just like that, I became the family hairstylist.

From bedrooms to salon chairs, mobile appointments to rented chairs — I’ve done it all. I fought against becoming a hairstylist at one point, but life had its own plan. I returned to the salon, got pregnant not long after, and before I knew it, I was on set assisting for a year and eventually keying for 4 years. Now I’m 5 years in, fully keying my own jobs, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

The support, the love, the encouragement — I’ve felt it since I was young, even through moments of self-doubt. My work is my passion, but my daughter is my heartbeat. She keeps me going. She’s my biggest cheerleader, and honestly, my biggest inspiration.

Q: As you look to the future of hairstyling, what excites you the most? 

What excites me most is knowing there are no limits to what I can create. Whether it’s a sleek, minimal look or a bold, sculptural hairstyle — every project is a new opportunity to explore. Being a session hairstylist gives me the freedom to push boundaries, and with the trust of my clients, the possibilities are endless. It’s all about what makes sense for the overall vision, because at the end of the day, there’s no I in team.

Q: In a world where creativity knows no bounds, how do you keep your ideas fresh and inspiring for all the different looks you create?

I’m pretty quick with styling when I know the vision or the technique — once I lock in, it flows. I draw a lot of inspiration from my culture, traditional African hair techniques, Afro-textured hair, and braiding. Sometimes all it takes is a random conversation to spark something new — that’s the beauty of creativity.

Recently, I worked on a cover story where the stylist had a concept for the hair but gave me the freedom to interpret it in my own way. The rest is history. I can’t wait for that to come out — it’s definitely one of the most fun looks to prepare that I’ve created so far.

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Q: Reflecting on your early days in the industry, what’s one piece of wisdom you wish you could have had?

I wish someone had told me more about the business side of this industry — chasing invoices, managing schedules, and just how physically and mentally taxing it can be. Going from a few jobs here and there to being booked and busy is a blessing, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Beyond the glam, it’s about building a work family you can trust and grow with.

I honestly don’t know what I’d do without my Trust in God, my agent, my family, and my friends. Being a mum and staying on top of everything do takes a village — and I’m so incredibly grateful for mine.

Q: When you think about the top hairstylists out there, who comes to mind and what sets them apart in your opinion?

There are so many people who come to mind, but the first person who comes to mind is Jawara. Also Jamaican, and moving between the States and Brixton, he’s doing incredibly well — creating iconic looks and paving the way with so much grace and style.

I met him a few years ago on a job in Ibiza, and he was so welcoming, encouraging, and just felt really authentic and calm. He makes this work life look effortless, and that energy stuck with me. I’ve got to big him up! 

Q: For anyone eager to dive into the hairstyling world, what pearls of wisdom do you have for those just starting out?

Don’t let other people’s experiences dictate how you handle your own hair journey or business. Everyone’s path is different — learn as you go and leave fear at the door.

Don’t cut corners when it comes to hairstyling. Take the proper steps, stay patient with the process, and it’ll become a smoother, more stress-free ride in the long run.

Q: Lastly, what dreams do you have for your hairstyling career in the near future? Any thrilling projects or plans you’re excited to share with us?

I’m currently working on a little something-something that I’m so excited about — it’s been in the works a little while, but it’s taking a bit more time than expected. I recently travelled to Japan for work and left feeling completely re-inspired, so I went back to the drawing board to tweak a few things.

I don’t believe in rushing the process, but I’m definitely amped up and ready to get to work this summer. Can’t wait to share it with you all next year — it’s going to be special.