In a dazzling fusion of star power, Caribbean flair, and entrepreneurial spirit, Trinidadian-born celebrity hairstylist Xia Charles has officially opened the doors to her highly anticipated New York salon, Braided NY, alongside launching a new product line in partnership with ORS Hair Care.

Known for crafting iconic looks for music royalty such as Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Lizzo, and Chloe x Halle, Charles is now bringing her expertise from backstage to the beauty chair and straight into the hands of consumers.

Charles’ journey began in a modest Port of Spain salon, where she learned braiding from her grandmother. After relocating to the U.S. in her teens, her talent quickly caught the eye of industry insiders. Fast forward to today, and her client list reads like a GRAMMYs seating chart.

“I’ve always believed hair is more than just style, it’s culture, it’s identity, it’s power,” Charles said during the grand opening event in Fort Greene, where guests were treated to live braid styling, photo moments, and experienced her product line. Celebrity radio host Angela Yee was among those styled on-site.

Her breakthrough came in 2018 when a video of Senegalese twists and cornrows she created for her cousin went viral. The bookings followed after Cardi B liked the post and replied to Charles’s direct message. Charles has since braided the rapper’s children, Kulture and Wave.

Partnering with a Legacy Brand

Her collaboration with ORS Hair Care, a brand long trusted for its expertise in textured hair care, marks a significant move for Charles and the industry at large.

“We are thrilled to partner with Xia, whose vision aligns with our mission to celebrate and care for natural hair,” said Jasmine Neal, VP of Brand Development at ORS. “Together, we’re launching salon-tested, stylist-approved products, and deeply rooted in Black beauty traditions.”

The “Crowned by Xia x ORS” line includes five hero products: a nourishing scalp elixir, edge control balm, curl amplifier, protective style refresher spray, and a signature deep conditioning masque inspired by Charles’ own heritage, featuring hibiscus, moringa, and castor oil.

More Than Just a Salon

Her new salon, Braided New York, located at 39 Rogers Ave., Brooklyn, is designed as a sanctuary for hair artistry and self-care. Featuring luxe gold accents, textured wall art from Trinidadian artists, and a playlist that seamlessly blends Afrobeats, soca, and neo-soul, the space is as much about community as it is about coiffure.

“I wanted a place where women, especially Black women, feel celebrated and seen. Whether you’re a chart-topping artist or a college student, this is your space,” Charles said.

Despite her growing profile, Charles remains grounded. She often returns to Tobago to visit her grandmother and reconnect with her roots. She hopes to expand Braided NY to more U.S. cities and eventually open a location in Tobago.

“Everything I do is for that little girl in Trinidad who never saw herself in beauty ads,” she said, smiling. “Now she’s not just in them, she’s creating them.”

Crowned by Xia x ORS Hair Care is now available at Target, Ulta Beauty, and select salons nationwide. 

“If you had told the little girl from Belle Garden that one day she’d be partnering with ORS, I don’t think she would’ve believed you,” she said. “It’s a reminder that your gifts will make room for you.”

To young Trinbagonian women following her rise, Charles offers simple advice: “Your dreams are valid. Even the things that feel impossible are waiting for you to catch up to them.”