Our Story

Last Looks Beauty was Co-Founded in 2020 by two actresses; Pereko and Samantha who experienced the inconsistencies of hairstylists capable of styling their Afro hair on production sets.

We are an Afro hair and makeup agency connecting hair and makeup artists (majority women of colour confident to work on various textures and tones) with jobs on sets. We also educate those who seek to learn about the nuances of our hair and skin tones.

Inspired by the phrase "last looks" used on sets to call in hair/make-up to make actors look perfect before a scene is filmed. We are true to our name; our clients' hair is the star, and inclusivity is the story.

The Team

Director

Samantha Russell

Samantha is an American actress now residing in London. She has always had an inherent curiosity for business development and social change. Following her undergraduate studies in Marketing, Business Administration, and Sociology at the University of Cincinnati, she received her master's degree in acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama. With this solid foundation, she set out on her journey as a small business owner.

Director

Pereko Makgothi

Pereko is a South African creative based in Johannesburg. She completed her Masters in Acting in the UK, and has since pivoted to television and film production. Her work has exposed her to the stark inequalities in the hair and makeup industry for people of colour. To build an equitable space for all, she hopes to tell African stories with a fresh lens, highlight underrepresented global narratives and champion the greater changes needed in the industry.

Administrator

Kay Orbiso

Kay is an Executive Assistant at Last Looks Beauty, bringing expertise in administrative support and project management. With a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management and a Diploma from Holmesglen Institute, she excels in client relations and marketing. Passionate about fostering inclusive beauty experiences, Kay also supports marine conservation as an eco-ambassador and certified diver.

Education and Outreach

Abigail Oyekunle

Abigail is a professional afro hair stylist and tutor with over 15 years of experience. She leads training and development programmes for drama schools and showcases afro hair's versatility in productions. Passionate about education, she offers workshops to inspire younger generations to love and care for their hair authentically

Masterclass Training

Kemi Akinbola

Kemi is a professional freelance hairstylist whose roles include shoots for beauty brands and artists, working with clients like Sony Music, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as national and international musical artists such as Koffee, Tems, and NAO. She also works as a Wig Making Technician at HUM Studios, where wigs are created in-house for theatre productions, including Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. Kemi educates on Afro-textured hair; teaching stylists in theatre, TV, and film how to work with diverse hair textures.

Agent

Christine Ubochi

Christine is a London-based creative who is passionate about empowering underrepresented groups. Through her own productions and in collaboration with others, she is committed to making brave, bold, and entertaining new stories. In 2018, she wrote her first screenplay. From then on, she has sought out opportunities to make her own ideas a reality.

Alexa Young, CA

Nominee

Birmingham Film Festival

Best Hair and Makeup 2021

Morgan James, NY

Winner

UK Black Talent Awards

Small Business category 2023

Morgan James, NY

Nominee

MBCC Awards

(Multicultural Business and Community Champion)

Outstanding Business 2024