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Witness History: Queen of the 'fro

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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)

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