We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sharif Poston. Check out our conversation below.
Sharif , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I’d say integrity. Intelligence and energy are valuable, but without integrity, they can be misused. Integrity is what makes people trust you, respect your word, and feel safe in your presence. In my career, I work closely with people during vulnerable and high-pressure moments, rather that’s getting them ready for red carpets, or creating on a film set. Skills and stamina matter, but what lasts is character. Integrity is the foundation that holds everything else together.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sharif Poston. Philadelphia-born, NYC-trained, and now in Los Angeles as a Guild Nominated Celebrity Hairstylist. I specialize in creating looks that celebrate all textures and bring out the confidence of whoever’s in my chair. I got my start in NYC at high-end salons from manhattan to Brooklyn. From backstages at fashion week at 20’s years old, to photoshoots for ad campaigns, NYC was for hustling & bustling. After about 7 years in New York, I set off to Los Angeles, to expand, and for more opportunities. I wanted to have agency over my career, and although the salon world had taught so much and laid the foundation for me, I wanted more. Since calling Los Angeles home for 6 years now, I’ve been blessed to work with incredible women like Sheryl Lee Ralph, Niecy Nash Betts, Thuso Mbedu, Yvonne Orji, Uzo Aduba, Dominique Fishback, and Bresha Webb to name a few. My work has been featured in Vogue, Essence, Self Magazine, People Magazine, Lacome, Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and many other publications. I love storytelling through hair — whether that’s for television, film, Ad Campaigns, or the red carpet — and I’ve built my brand around artistry, professionalism, and authenticity. Right now, I’m expanding into new projects that blend beauty with education and entrepreneurship, because for me, it’s about more than style; it’s about legacy.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped how I see the world was moving from Philadelphia to New York to chase my career. It was humbling, gritty, depressing, and beautiful all at once— I worked in retail, and fast food while in beauty school to make money. Grieving and chasing my dreams at the same time taught me grace and patience—success doesn’t happen when you want it to. Living in NYC is never for the weak— you really have to be smart, practice good money habits, and believe in yourself and your gift. I learned quickly that talent alone wasn’t enough, you needed resilience, faith, and community as well. Back in the day, I assisted in high-end salons such as Santa Cruz in flat Iron and Scott J. Aveda in the Upper West in New York. I graduated to my stylist chair in Brooklyn heights —that’s when I really got my start in client relationships, educating, and making good money. That experience taught me that no matter how big the stage or the client, staying grounded and authentic is what keeps you standing.
Another big moment that shaped me was the first time I saw my work on screen — Grotesquerie Starring “Niecy Nash” which I was Nominated for a Guild for “Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling”. Seeing hair I styled become part of a story that millions would watch made me realize this was bigger than beauty — it was storytelling, culture, and representation. From that moment, I saw hairstyling not just as a job, but as a way to leave an imprint. I currently have another project coming out this Fall 2025 called “All’s Fair” — A Ryan Murphy Production on Hulu. I was Niecy’s Personal Hairstylist for this project. I can’t wait everyone to see!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Some defining wounds of my life were the murders of my father and my brother, and being raised by a single mother with my three brothers. Those losses broke me, but eventually they gave me perspective. I know what real pain is, and I also know the power of resilience and love. Healing has come through honoring their memory — by pushing forward, lots of therapy, building a career, and creating beauty in a world that can feel so harsh at times. I have the power to make people feel good. I carry their strength with me as proof that survival can become legacy.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Truths that grounds me is that every day is borrowed time. After losing loved ones so young, I don’t take life for granted — even when I don’t say it, I know just waking up is a gift. I value my health, my peace of mind, and my loved ones. My career can be very taxing and it’s so important to take time for myself. Also my relationship with money and importance of financial literacy. I wasn’t always great with money, I had to lose it, struggle, and regain it to appreciate it. But my path doesn’t have to be for future dreamers—learn about money as soon as you can, and build a good relationship with it. It will benefit you in the long run. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want the story to be that I turned pain into purpose — that I took even the hardest parts of my life and built something lasting from them. I hope to be remembered not for perfection, but for resilience, for always striving to grow, and for genuinely caring about people. I hope to continue to inspire people, and show them that they are not their circumstances. No matter where they come from, they have the power to write their own story. I also want to be remembered as a cool, down- to-earth guy, who likes luxury and always traveling!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Sharifposton
Image Credits
Personal Photo:
Photographer: Dalvin Adams
Photo listed in Numerical order:
Photo 1) Sheryl & I. Photographer: Raul Romo
Photo 4) The Wrap. Photo by: Davey James Clarke
Photo 6) Thuso Mbedu. Photo by: Raul Romo
Photo 9) Photo by: Dalvin Adams
