Hairstylist to the stars, Kendall Dorsey was honored by the City of Annapolis Mayor’s Office on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, Maryland. Dorsey was formally recognized during “Crown Affair,” the Key to the City Award Ceremony.
Mayor Gavin Buckley presented Dorsey with a Key to the City to honor the Annapolitan’s triumph and success in working as a celebrity hairstylist in the entertainment and fashion industry.
In an interview with ESSENCE, Dorsey explained that he was drawn to experimenting with hair at a young age.
“This included pinning up his dolls’ synthetic wigs and cutting and coloring his own softly-textured curls. He intrinsically knew his calling as a hairstylist; however, growing up in a small town, the stylist feared his skills wouldn’t be accepted,” Dorsey once stated.
Back then, Dorsey’s pure curiosity was a springboard to embrace his passion to learn about how to care for hair and create striking styles. Staying true to his aptitude, Dorsey became a highly sought-after stylist whose clients include Cardi B; Lizzo; Nicki Minaj; Rihanna; and other celebrities.
The hair expert, who was born and raised in Annapolis has 20 years of experience as a hairstylist under his belt. His achievements came full circle in the town where he grew up and later returned to receive the Key to the City. The presentation served as an artistic and cultural celebration of the history and strength of “Black Hair.”
“We were so happy to present the Key to the City to Kendall, who has risen to the highest levels of his field after coming from humble beginnings here in Annapolis,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “I was impressed by his willingness to give back to the community while he was here, with visits to Annapolis Middle and Annapolis High Schools as well as visits and workshops with local hair stylists. I was also touched by how moved and honored he was to be recognized by his hometown. Seeing that smile on his face and the faces of those in the audience made it all worthwhile.”
Dorsey graduated from Annapolis High School before his pursuit of hair design led him to work professionally in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and abroad. Dorsey’s work has been featured in “New York Fashion Week”; “Good Morning America”; “Vogue Magazine”; “Essence”; and more. He also serves as a Dark and Lovely celebrity brand ambassador, and a Curl Wow/ Color Wow celebrity brand ambassador.
Before Dorsey was booked to work with glammed-up celebrities, Dorsey worked with individuals such as Francine Smith, Yvette Ford, Lisa DeJesus and Makisha Stevens.
“Those were the Annapolis goats in hair when I was coming up,” he declared.
Dorsey, who currently resides in Los Angeles, further stated that the named women inspired him to become a hairstylist.
He also revealed that some of the challenges that he encountered while embarking upon his professional journey included making it through beauty school with no money, then moving to New York City with no experience or clients and only having “just a dream.” The dreamer and doer never gave up.
From red carpets, beauty shoots and editorial work to working at Fashion Week or creating hair visuals to match the message of albums, Dorsey studied his craft, then put in work to build a star-studded reputation.
Dorsey’s passion to learn about hair also led him to the education space in his field.
“Simply love what you do and the rest will shine through. Making men and women feel good about themselves is my purpose and educating myself daily on new trends and techniques is my passion,” Dorsey shared in an interview with colorwowhair.com.
While visiting his hometown of Annapolis, Dorsey participated in a series of events meant to inspire and connect with youth at schools and local hair stylists at their establishments. He visited five local Annapolis salons and shared experience and knowledge with local stylists and shop owners.
Dorsey said that he felt that local and up-and-coming stylists learned that prayer and determination supersedes life’s obstacles and situations. Reflecting upon his achievement of overcoming adversity, Dorsey felt rewarded by receiving the Key to the City of Annapolis.
He represents the hope that no matter where a person comes from or where they start, even if it is in public housing in a small town— “the sky’s the limit.”
“God will never change! Stay faithful to his promise,” Dorsey once said on his Facebook page.