Original version

BBC World Service West and Central Africa Schedule

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

Witness History

Podcasts

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: History

History as told by the people who were there

History as told by the people who were there.

BBC World Service Australasia

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa Schedule

BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

BBC World Service Online

BBC World Service schedule for American satellite radio and the Caribbean

BBC World Service Americas and the Caribbean

BBC World Service

BBC World Service South Asia

BBC World Service News Internet

BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East

BBC World Service East Asia

Witness History: Queen of the 'fro

Documentaries

Queen of the fro

05/02/2024 GMT

Queen of the 'fro

BBC World Service - Witness History, Queen of the 'fro

In 1986, Charlotte Mensah went to work in the UK's first luxury Afro-Caribbean hair salon

In May 1986, Charlotte Mensah went to work in the UK's first luxury Afro-Caribbean hair salon, Splinters. Located in Mayfair, Splinters had earned a world class reputation.

In May 1986, 16-year-old Charlotte Mensah went to work in the UK’s first luxury Afro-Caribbean hair salon, Splinters.

In London’s glamorous Mayfair, Splinters had earned a world-class reputation and hosted the likes of Diana Ross.

Charlotte says it looked more like a five-star hotel than a salon and that its owner, Winston Isaacs expected no less than perfection from all his staff.

Now a giant of the hair care industry in her own right, Charlotte has become known as the 'Queen of the 'fro'.

She tells Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty about her roots and how training at the legendary Splinters changed her life. 

This programme includes an account of racial bullying. 

(Photo: Young Charlotte in the salon. Credit: Charlotte Mensah)

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Witness History

Queen of the 'fro

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC World Service West and Central Africa

About BBC World Service