ActTRESSES hair
​
​
Theatrical
Hair / wig design & styling service
specializing in collaborations
with costume designers & producers, while catering to the (hair) needs of actors of color.
welcome to The space where your (natural) hair matters!
​
Welcome sis! I've been thinking about you. And it's time for a HAIRversation! No more working hard to book a role, then learning that the theater has no one with the skill or knowledge to do your hair. No more booking your dream Broadway show, then watching non-black cast-mates get in-house service, while you travel across town to a natural hair salon you trust. No more going on set after prepping your twist-out all night, only to have an inexperienced stylist ruin your defined curls. Not to mention having you on camera feeling self conscious and so un-pretty! No more! Reclaim your time and take hair matters into your own hands with ActTRESSES Hair! Feel free to take a look around, this is a safe space created just for you and your hair!
​
Love,
Nikiya
Your Sister in Natural Hair
ActTRESSES Hair is a Hair & Wig design company created by accomplished actress Nikiya Mathis. After years of experiencing her own hair-horror stories, in theater and on tv sets, as well as hearing actresses of color express the need to have someone who understands and caters to their hair needs, she became the change she wanted to see in the world. And thus, the company was born. ActTRESSES Hair specializes in wig design and styling for actors of color in film, TV and theater. Services range from Theatrical Wig design, wig customization for auditions and every-day wig wear, to basic hair styling.
Actors she's styled for include Susan Kalechi Watson (This Is Us NBC), Dewanda Wise (She's Gotta Have It), John Torturro (The Night Of) , Andre Holland (Moonlight), Angela Lewis (Snowfall FX), and Pascale Armand (Eclipsed Broadway) among others. Her wig and hair designs have been seen on Luke Cage, She's Gotta Have It, Jessica Jones, Charmed and multiple shows on CBS and Netflix. In the NY theatrical world, she's wig designed and styled for The Public Theatre, Signature Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, MCC, Soho Rep, Ars Nova, The Flea, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Classical Theater of Harlem, National Black Theater, Hartford Stage, Huntington Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Berkshire Theatre, Theatre Works, and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, among others.
NIKIYA MATHIS, THE ACTRESS
Nikiya Mathis is a New York-based actress who's love for the craft has fueled her writing, directing, and teaching work. She has a BA in Theater & Communications from Temple University and an MFA in Acting from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She has originated roles in award-winning, world-premiere plays, including Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney's THE BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS. Most recently she could be seen in Pulitzer-Prize winner Lynn Nottage's NY revival of FABULATION; OR THE RE-EDUCATION OF UNDINE at the Signature Theater as well as guest-starring in THE LAST O.G., CHICAGO MED and NEW AMSTERDAM.
schedule a consultation or learn more about our services
our
insta
@our_black_tresses
Testimonials
Angela Lewis "Snowfall" FX
"I have worked with Nikiya on everything from romantic roaring 20s waves for my wedding, a soft and textured blowout for a press event, and wigs & pieces that match my kinky-coily curls (to a T) for everyday life. She understands character, theme, and tones. She is creative, professional, and always on point. She listens to you, sees your vision, and leaves you with absolutely stunning hair...every time. Nikiya is the way, the truth and gives your hair life! Amen, and amen!"
Dewanda Wise
"She's Gotta Have It"
Netflix
"Nikiya is my secret weapon for anxiety-free hair solutions in NYC. As our industry diversifies, her efficient and thorough natural hair styling solutions have proven invaluable to me; both on set, and off. So thankful for her!!!"
Pascale Armand
Tony Nominee "Eclipsed" Broadway
" In an industry that is so very depedent on aesthetics which sometimes can present obstacles to maneuver within and around, Nikiya Mathis provides a service in a void that needs to be filled on so many levels, showcasing the versatility of looks Black women can carry while protecting our tresses, curating the opulence of our crowns. Woman, THANK YOU!"
-
Karen Pittman
Marvel's "Luke Cage" "The Americans" "Indecent" Broadway
"Hair. You know. It's a woman's crown they say. I went to ActTRESSES Hair when I wanted to create something new for myself, my characters. And Nikiya Mathis perfectly blended my idea with my own head of hair. I love how natural, versatile and down right cute it is...it worked on set and off...for actresses, it takes a village. ActTRESSES Hair was an important part of the village that kept me looking glamour-ready....If you see yourself as a queen, and you "betta", get your crown right now. Get with ActTRESSES Hair."
​
hours
Individual Hairstyling:
Saturdays
Note:
Please inquire about availability during the week.
For Hair/Wig Design - Theatrical, TV/Film, Red Carpet, Special Events, Headshots, etc. please call or email all inquiries
QUESTIONS?
Phone: 646.543.4247