Meet Dinesha Haynes | Stage,tv,film hairstylist and screenplay writer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dinesha Haynes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dinesha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk has been one of the defining forces in my career. Some of the biggest moments in my life came from taking leaps of faith and depending on God before I had every answer. Looking back, I realize that I’ve often been willing to bet on myself when there were no guarantees. If you take one step, the Lord will do the rest.

I left a stable career in education to pursue hairstyling in film and television, a decision that led me to work on Fight Night. I accepted the role of Head Wig Designer for Jaja’s African Hair Braiding with only four weeks until opening on one of the most demanding productions I’ve ever worked on. It challenged me creatively, pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and ultimately became one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of.

Now, I’m taking another leap by writing and producing my own television series, The Saints Are Fighting Again. At the end of July 2026, we’ll film the proof of concept, and while there’s always uncertainty in creating something from the ground up, I believe the greatest opportunities often exist on the other side of risk.

I’ve learned that growth rarely happens in comfort. Every time I’ve chosen to trust my instincts, work relentlessly, and embrace the unknown, I’ve come away stronger, more capable, and one step closer to the career I’ve envisioned for myself. My faith in God is the defining reason I’m so willing Al always take the leap.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My experience as a custom wig maker has profoundly shaped the way I design wigs for the stage and screen. For years, I’ve created wigs for everyday clients, many of whom were experiencing hair loss or simply wanted to feel like the best version of themselves. That taught me that every wig has to be personal—it has to fit not only the person’s head, but their personality, lifestyle, and confidence.

I bring that same philosophy to entertainment. I don’t just make wigs that look good; I create wigs that help tell the character’s story. I think about who they are, where they’ve been, how they carry themselves, and how their hair supports the performance. My goal is for the audience to believe the character completely, without ever thinking about the wig.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Los Angeles for a week, we’d be busy from the minute they landed. I’m from L.A., so this wouldn’t be a tourist trip—it would be about experiencing the city the way I love it.

First, we’d spend a day at the Museum of Tolerance. It’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave, and I think everyone should experience it at least once. Then we’d head to the Getty Center because I could spend hours walking through the art, architecture, and gardens. We’d also visit the California African American Museum. I love museums because they tell stories, and those three each tell a different part of what makes our world and our culture so rich.

Food is non-negotiable. We’re definitely stopping at Tam’s Burgers because I need one of their pastrami sandwiches. It’s pure nostalgia for me. After that, we’re eating as much Mexican food as possible. Los Angeles has some of the best Mexican food anywhere, from tiny neighborhood taco stands to family-owned restaurants that have been around for generations. Honestly, we’d probably judge the success of the trip by how many tacos we managed to eat.

One afternoon has to be spent at Venice Beach. We’d grab something cold to drink, walk the boardwalk, and people-watch for hours. You never know what you’re going to see there—street performers, artists, skateboarders, musicians, and some of the most interesting characters you’ll ever meet. It’s one of those places that captures the creative, unpredictable spirit of Los Angeles.

By the end of the week, I’d want my friend to leave understanding why L.A. will always feel like home to me. It’s a city full of incredible food, world-class museums, diverse cultures, unforgettable people, and endless stories—you never run out of things to discover.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I give all glory to God. My faith has sustained me through every season of my journey and has opened doors that I never could have opened on my own.

I’d also like to recognize Konrad Lewis. He was the first person to invite me onto a professional film set as a guest on The Walking Dead. That experience gave me my first real glimpse into the industry I dreamed of joining. More importantly, Konrad introduced me to the woman who would become my mentor, Andrea Mona Bowman.

Andrea saw something in me before I had the opportunity to prove myself. She believed in my talent enough to hire me for my first on-set hairstyling job on Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist. That opportunity changed the trajectory of my career. Since then, she’s continued to mentor me, encourage me, and challenge me to grow as an artist and professional.

When I look at my story, I see how each person played a pivotal role. God gave me the vision and the strength to pursue it, Konrad Lewis opened the first door, and Andrea Mona Bowman gave me the opportunity that turned my dream into a career. I’m incredibly grateful for each of them.

Instagram: Kadencehairco

Other: IMDb Dinesha Haynes

Image Credits
Ibi Owolabi