Keysha Davis - Beauty Journalist and Copywriter
The beauty scene has changed since 2010 in terms of social media, we now see women of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities getting opportunities in the industry.
Tell us about your career in beauty to date
I always say my career in beauty was accidental. I started in journalism as a feature writer and entertainment editor at Pride magazine before going freelance, interviewing stars like Toni Braxton and Janet Jackson. That led to Black Hair magazine, where I eventually became editor. Looking back, beauty was always in my DNA, thanks to my glamorous mum. I even did a short course at the London College of Fashion in beauty. At the time, beauty felt like a closed-off industry. Fast forward 15 years, and here I am deep in the world of beauty and loving it.
What did you do after Black Hair magazine?
When Black Hair magazine closed in 2017 (like so many print titles that couldn’t keep up with the digital shift), I knew it was time for a new chapter. So, I carved out my own niche as a comms expert in the hair and beauty world. Now, I help brands, salons, and stylists bring their stories to life, whether it’s writing press releases, crafting killer social media content, or sharpening their brand messaging. With my journalism background and industry know-how, I make creativity work for business. I’ve worked with top brands like Cantu and Asiam, and I love helping beauty businesses stand out.
Describe a typical day in your life.
My days are anything but boring. As a freelancer, I’m constantly juggling different projects, mostly in the hair and beauty space like writing blog posts for Afrocenchix and diving into trend reports for Cosmetics Design. I’ve also got my podcast, Beyond the Brand, which I’m very passionate about, and I always carve out time for business development. Last year was a bit of a struggle for many of us in the creative world, but 2025 is already looking way brighter. I even stepped out of my comfort zone, working on social media for music festivals and PR for film festivals. It’s a lot, but I love it.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m really keen to dive deeper into trend spotting and market research. Last year, I took part in a focus group, and I really loved it. I enjoy hearing consumers’ thoughts in a meaningful way, not just surface-level soundbites. I’m interested in understanding what motivates customers, especially in the hair and beauty industry, and I want to build on my writing experience by exploring a more marketing-focused role. I also feel strongly about representing Black voices, particularly in the development of products and ingredients. I’d love to contribute to the research and development process and ensure our needs are truly considered.
What was your first beauty product?
I always return to Bobbi Brown's Almond Foundation for its perfect shade and medium coverage, which helps with my oily T-zone. As my skin becomes drier due to menopause, I’m more careful with products. For bronzers, Fenty Beauty’s Thick Mint gives a deep glow, perfect for winter. I love Gucci Beauty’s nude lipsticks, and still rely on MAC Chestnut Lip Liner and Charlotte Tilbury as a close second. For hair, I use Afrocentrix’s Restore Oil for dry hair and scalp, Cecred’s Lightweight Oil for silk-pressed hair, and Curlsmith’s Volume range, which softens my hair. I also use Mielle’s Rosemary Oil for scalp soothing.
How had the beauty scene changed since 2020?
The beauty industry has definitely shifted, but I would say since especially 2010. Social media, especially Instagram, has opened doors for women of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities, giving them opportunities in beauty campaigns that might not have happened before. Around 2010, influencers really started to make waves, and while there was some tension between traditional journalists and these new voices, it ended up being a game-changer. I remember interviewing natural hair influencers and seeing curly-haired black women fronting major beauty ads. While things have changed over the years, from 2020 till now, it feels like the pace has slowed down a bit. But hey, there’s still plenty of progress to be made. The rise of influencers has definitely shaken things up, and it’s been a good thing, even if I do miss magazines sometimes.
