Hairdresser, salon founder and eponymous haircare line owner Charlotte Mensah is a legend in Afro hair circles, the clientele that pass through her Portobello salon doors a storied crowd from Edward Enninful to Zadie Smith, Michaela Coell, Erykah Badu and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. We caught up with her in the run up to Notting Hill Carnival this weekend. Here’s what she had to say ...
The Carnival has been a constant presence throughout my life. From being a twelve-year-old, newly returned to my city of birth, to becoming a fully fledged adult with a baby son living here, then a daughter, now a salon, and still calling it home
I remember the first time I truly wanted to go to Carnival. I was thirteen, and my dad refused, even though we lived only a stone’s throw away in North West London. He eventually took my younger brother and me when I was fifteen, but only as far as Harrow Road, where we could watch the floats pass by.
Braided buns, slicked back ponytails, afros, fades, Bantu knots, rope twists, ribbons, comb slides, hair adornments … I love them all
I finally made it on my own when I began my apprenticeship and joined my team on a float. I must have been seventeen or eighteen, but from that moment, a love affair began!
A focal point in my life for as long as I can remember, Carnival is an explosion of colour, costume, and the diverse palette of people who gather to celebrate. It is a feast for the senses, with the aromas of food from every corner, music spilling from sound systems, and dances from every culture on display. The floats, the rhythms, the sheer energy – the list is endless. Above all, it is about the people: the new faces I meet, and the familiar ones I always seem to run into. After all, I am from the home of the Carnival, so the Carnival will always be home to me.
Hair at Carnival has always felt like a statement in itself. It is where you see the latest trends, the fresh cuts, the bold colours. Hairstyles and adornments often draw from traditional Caribbean styles and cultural heritage, becoming a living, moving expression of who we are as a community.
These days, it is also a space where modern styles meet the energy of the moment. Hair holds the same importance as clothing and beauty. I see the men with their locs, their hair grown long, sometimes adding a splash of colour just for the occasion. I see the women bringing back sleek edges and intricate styles. At Carnival, hair is never just hair. It is part of the rhythm, the look, and the joy of the day.
My favourite thing about Carnival? The colours, the designs, the hair, the makeup – all of it comes together to create the magic you see on the streets. It is vibrant, joyful, and alive. But for me, my favourite thing is my corner – the salon [Hair Lounge]. Every year, we open the doors wide. There are always a few bottles of prosecco to share with our nearest and dearest. You would be surprised at how many people stop by – clients from ten years ago, clients we met only days ago, old friends, and older family members. Carnival is about togetherness, and there is no better place to be together than in the place I call home.
Carnival is about togetherness, and there is no better place to be together than in the place I call home
And the best carnival hair looks? Braided buns, slicked back ponytails, afros, fades, Bantu knots, rope twists, ribbons, comb slides, hair adornments… wow, that’s a long list! I love them all — but what really excites me are the fresh, modern twists on these traditional styles. That’s what Carnival is all about. Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, the hair and beauty looks at Notting Hill Carnival celebrate both history and the creativity of the present.
If you have been blessed enough to visit my salon, Hair Lounge before, you will know what we are about – good people, good conversation, good hair, good food, and even better music. Carnival at the Hair Lounge is all of that, multiplied many times over. It is pure joy, filled with new faces and familiar ones.
We set up a Braid Bar that has become incredibly popular, welcoming everyone from first-time Carnival goers to seasoned veterans looking for a splash of colour to brighten their look.
There is always food, and plenty of it. I cook from a place of love, so sharing those flavours with the people I care about feels special. And when the sun is out and the drinks are flowing, a plate of jollof rice and chicken goes a long way on those long Carnival days.
For those seeking a hair look that is easy to create at home this weekend, a sleek bun with a hair piece is a simple and reliable choice. You can also add vibrant coloured extensions to your Afro hair for a playful, eye-catching effect that captures the festive spirit. Another idea is to thread gold, black, or colourful ribbons through each braid. Or use shiny threads and decorative hair nets for a bohemian feel. You could even try an ombré or dip-dyed look, making each braid slightly different for a fun and vibrant finish.
Charlotte Mensah’s Carnival Braid Bar is open at Hair Lounge, 347 Portobello Rd, W10 5SA 12-6pm this Sunday 24th August and Bank Holiday Monday 25th August. Pricing starts from £30 for children and £40 for adults, inclusive of hair extensions. Call 02089699444 or email management@charlottemensah.com to book.
