Nikki Nelms has always been a skilled hairstylist and a risk taker.
In high school some of her teachers’ would allow her to miss class for any hairstyle, from a French roll to an updo in exchange for the grade of her choice. Therefore, Nelms’ decision to leave the Florida State University to attend Loraine’s Beauty Academy, Inc. was not a big deal to her, but it was the first major step toward a much bigger dream that many thought impossible.
While she has now spent over nearly a decade of her career as a highly demanded celebrity hairstylist, Nelms began her career styling hair on set for a Timbaland music video.
Since then she has served as a key stylist on over 200 music video sets including Kanye West’s “Gold Digger”, Solange Knowles’ videos for her critically acclaimed album, “A Seat at the Table” as well as Janelle Monáe’s Grammy nominated album, “Dirty Computer” .
Nelms is a master hairstylist whose work is constantly sought out due to her non-traditional style and her ability to constantly catch the eyes of the high-fashion world.
Her client roster includes many of your favorite celebrities such as Alex Wek, Beyoncé, Björk, Hannah Bronfman, Janelle Monáe, Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Kat Graham, Kelly Rowland, La La Anthony, LaTanya Jackson, Lil Wayne, Serena Williams, Solange, Tina Knowles, Venus Williams and Zoë Kravitz.
Nelms is responsible for Solange’s iconic looks at her 2014 wedding as well as Solange’s, Janelle Monáe’s and Zoë Kravitz’ Met Gala looks over the years.
Her fashion-forward styles are often found on the covers and within the pages of Complex, Cosmopolitan, GQ, ELLE, Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, The Hollywood Reporter, W Magazine and Vogue.
Nelms’ credits include a variety of day- and night-time talk shows, television shows and movies; as well as ad campaigns for Alexander Wang, American Express, Apple, Adidas, Balenciaga, Beauty Blender, CoverGirl, Delta, GAP, Kenzo, Michelin, McDonald’s, Mountain Dew, Nike, Saint Laurent, Samsung, Tiffany’s, YSL, etc.
Today, Nelms is still taking risks according to many well-known fashion correspondents; but to Nelms, her innovative styles are just a reflection of her natural artistic expression – and her creativity shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
She is represented by The Only Agency and you can find her portfolio HERE