TM
Press & Media
INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED • EXPERT COMMENTARY • HAIR ARTISTRY
LeAna McKnight (Stylist Lee) is a celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert known for textured hair artistry, microlinks, and red-carpet transformations—featured across top beauty and lifestyle publications.
Major Beauty Media
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Getting a Sew-In Weave
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Founder of SL Raw Virgin Hair
Highlights: LeAna McKnight explains what a sew-in weave is, the difference between leave-out vs. closure sew-ins, and what first-timers should consider before booking. She also shares expert longevity guidance (how long installs should last), plus aftercare tips like nightly wrapping, heat protectants, and proper cleansing of the hair underneath.
Impact: ELLE is a top-tier global beauty publication. This feature reinforces LeAna McKnight as a trusted expert in sew-in education, protective styling, and luxury extension guidance.
Everything You Should Know Before Getting Microlink Hair
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Microlink Specialist
Highlights: LeAna McKnight shares pro-level microlink education and maintenance advice for safer installs and long-term hair health.
Impact: Women’s Health is a trusted wellness publication—this feature positions Stylist Lee as a credible expert source in luxury extension methods and healthy installs.
The 16 Best Edge Control Products to Try in 2021, According to the Experts
Featured as: Hairstylist to Ari Lennox (LeAna McKnight)
Highlights: LeAna is listed as a pro expert contributor sharing her go-to edge control product recommendations. She specifically highlights the KeraCare Styling Wax Stick as her longtime favorite for sleek edges and silk press finishes (noting medium hold + performance on 3C–4C textures). She also recommends additional products she trusts for smooth finishes and lasting hold.
Impact: Vogue is one of the most influential beauty and fashion publications worldwide. Being referenced as an expert strengthens LeAna’s editorial credibility and reinforces her authority in professional hair artistry.
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Curly Hair Extensions
Featured as: Celebrity Stylist + Founder of SL Raw Virgin Hair
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured as an expert source in InStyle’s curly hair extensions guide, sharing education on curl pattern matching, density, and selecting the right extension type based on lifestyle goals. The feature also highlights her authority in textured extensions through SL Raw Virgin Hair, reinforcing her ability to guide consumers toward natural-looking, seamless results.
Impact: InStyle is a top-tier beauty publication that validates expertise at an editorial level. This feature strengthens LeAna’s credibility as a trusted authority in curly hair extensions—positioning her both as a celebrity stylist and an industry leader shaping how women shop for textured hair with confidence.
How to Clean Your Hairbrush—and How Often You Really Need to Do It
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Hair Care Expert
Highlights: LeAna McKnight contributes professional hair-care expertise in Martha Stewart’s guide to cleaning hairbrushes, reinforcing the role of tool hygiene in maintaining healthy hair, preventing buildup, and supporting overall hair quality—especially for women investing in long-term hair care routines.
Impact: A feature in Martha Stewart signals trust, credibility, and broad lifestyle authority. It positions LeAna as more than a stylist—highlighting her as a beauty expert whose professional standards translate into practical guidance for everyday consumers and elevated clients alike.
We Can't All Be Ashley Banks, But Here's How to Re-Create Her '90s Silk Press
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Silk Press Expert
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is referenced for her professional insight on the ’90s silk press revival—spotlighting the technique as a timeless, high-polish look and reinforcing the importance of healthy prep, precision pressing, and long-lasting finish for textured hair.
Impact: Being included in Who What Wear places LeAna inside a leading fashion-beauty authority that influences consumer trends at scale. It strengthens her positioning as an expert stylist whose knowledge helps shape what modern women request next—bridging runway-inspired beauty with real-world wearability.
How To Use Curly Hair Extensions, According to Celebrity Stylist LeAna McKnight
Featured as: Celebrity Stylist + Curly Hair Extension Expert
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured sharing professional tips on how to blend, style, and maintain curly hair extensions for a natural-looking finish. The feature positions her as the go-to expert for women who want curly extensions that match texture, enhance volume, and still look realistic in everyday wear.
Impact: Naturally Curly recognition reinforces LeAna’s authority as a trusted educator in textured hair styling, spotlighting her ability to translate celebrity-level technique into practical guidance women can use at home—especially when installing or enhancing curls.
Everything You Need to Know About Microlink Extensions, According to a Pro
Featured as: Microlink Hair Extension Expert + Celebrity Stylist
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured explaining the microlink extension method—highlighting how it works, why it’s favored for a natural finish, and what clients should understand before choosing the service. The piece frames microlinks as a premium option for women seeking movement, versatility, and low-detectability results without traditional sew-in tension.
Impact: POPSUGAR coverage validates LeAna’s expertise in high-demand extension methods and places her voice inside a mainstream beauty education platform—supporting credibility with both professional clients and everyday women researching microlinks before booking.
Why Some Black Women Are Relaxing Their Hair Again
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Hair Extension Expert
Highlights: LeAna is featured in ESSENCE’s beauty editorial exploring why some Black women are embracing relaxers again—and how the return of traditional sew-ins continues to thrive as a protective styling choice. In the piece, McKnight explains that sew-ins never truly went out of style in her business, highlighting how education and modern technique have helped clients make more informed decisions about maintenance, hair health, and protective styling options.
Impact: Being quoted in ESSENCE positions LeAna McKnight as a trusted voice in modern Black hair culture—bridging real client demand with expert guidance. The feature reinforces her authority not only in extensions and sew-ins, but in shaping conversations around hair choice, healthy styling, and what’s trending in Black beauty today.
Everything to Know About Silk Press Treatments Before You Visit the Salon
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Textured Hair Expert
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is recognized within Byrdie’s hair education coverage for her expertise in silk press technique and textured hair care—reinforcing the silk press as a non-chemical straightening method that delivers sleek, glossy results while preserving the integrity of natural hair when done properly.
Impact: Byrdie is a top-tier beauty authority, and inclusion in their natural hair education content strengthens LeAna’s credibility as a trusted expert in modern Black hair artistry. It positions her as the kind of professional audiences look to for safe technique, healthy hair standards, and culturally informed styling.
Modern Women by LeAna McKnight
Featured as: Editorial Hairstylist Feature (Modern Salon Gallery)
Highlights: In this Modern Salon gallery, LeAna McKnight presents “Modern Women”—a visual showcase inspired by the idea that women can be powerful, professional, and sensual all at once. The work emphasizes strong styling detail, clean polish, and a modern beauty viewpoint designed for impact on-camera and in print.
Impact: This feature confirms LeAna’s creative authority beyond salon work—highlighting her as an image-driven stylist with an editorial eye. Being published in Modern Salon strengthens her industry positioning as a beauty professional whose work belongs in professional media, not just behind the chair.
Lee Hair Studio Stylists’ Collection
Featured as: Salon Portfolio Feature (Modern Salon Gallery)
Highlights: Modern Salon spotlights Lee Hair Studio’s work through an editorial-style gallery showcasing polished, camera-ready hairstyling. The feature reinforces the studio’s professional-level finishing and creative range—styles that read just as strong in real life as they do on camera.
Impact: A Modern Salon gallery feature is an industry credibility marker. It places the work inside a trade publication stylists respect—positioning Lee Hair Studio as a trusted name in professional beauty and editorial-quality hair artistry.
Entertainment + Celebrity Culture
6 L.A. Star-Approved Salons That Specialize in Natural Black Hair
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Natural Hair Expert
Highlights: LeAna McKnight / Stylist Lee is recognized in The Hollywood Reporter’s editorial roundup spotlighting Los Angeles salons known for natural Black hair expertise. The feature celebrates salons trusted by high-profile clients and reinforces the importance of trained professionals for textured hair services — including natural styling, healthy hair care, and culturally competent beauty work.
Impact: Major entertainment press spotlighting her expertise in textured hair artistry and celebrity-level beauty standards.
Hollywood’s Black Hair Problem: “We’ve All Cried in Our Trailers”
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured in The Hollywood Reporter’s print issue, spotlighting the real challenges Black actresses face on set when productions do not provide hairstylists trained in natural textures. The article addresses the importance of qualified stylists in film/TV and calls attention to the lack of proper hair support for talent behind the scenes.
Impact: The Hollywood Reporter is one of the most respected entertainment industry publications in the world. Being included in a print feature of this caliber reinforces LeAna McKnight’s credibility in Hollywood hair artistry and her relevance in professional production environments.
Industry Recognition + Awards
Best in Black Beauty Awards (Hair) 2022
Featured as: Award-Winning Hair Extensions Brand (SL Raw Virgin Hair®)
Highlights: SL Raw Virgin Hair® is recognized by ESSENCE’s Best in Black Beauty Awards for standout hair innovation and performance. The feature spotlights Kinky Curly I-Tip Hair as a top pick—celebrating premium texture match, versatility for installs, and the kind of quality that supports confident, camera-ready wear.
Impact: ESSENCE’s Best in Black Beauty Awards is a culture-defining beauty authority. This recognition validates SL Raw Virgin Hair® as a trusted, high-standard brand in textured hair—where performance, authenticity, and craftsmanship matter most.
Beauty Hotspot — Stylist Lee Hair Studio (West Hollywood, CA)
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist
Highlights: A dedicated spotlight on Stylist Lee Hair Studio, highlighting LeAna McKnight’s client experience, on-set professionalism, and textured hair expertise. The feature positions the studio as a go-to destination for women who want polished results and a space where they feel understood, protected, and comfortable.
Impact: This recognition reinforces LeAna’s credibility in Black hair artistry and the professional beauty industry. It highlights her ability to bridge entertainment-level standards with luxury client service—cementing her authority as an expert trusted both on set and in the studio.
The SBH Trend Report (What’s Hot / What’s Not In Your City!)
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Trend Contributor
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured in Sophisticate’s Black Hair Styles & Care Guide™ SBH Trend Report, a national roundup highlighting what’s trending in Black hair. The feature reinforces her creative range, editorial polish, and ability to deliver camera-ready styles that remain wearable, modern, and client-friendly.
Impact: Trend Report inclusions signal professional authority. This feature positions LeAna as a stylist whose work aligns with what’s current in Black beauty—while influencing the styles clients request and the direction of textured hair trends.
Tri-Color Diva” (Style/Look Feature)
Featured as: Hairstylist / Look Creator
Highlights: A bold, editorial shortcut with statement color placement—positioning LeAna McKnight as the creator behind a look that’s equal parts modern, fearless, and fashion-forward. This feature emphasizes your signature strength: shape + finish + impact, without sacrificing beauty standards for textured hair.
Impact: A named style feature serves as high-value portfolio recognition. It highlights LeAna’s creative leadership and confirms her work as publication-worthy—showcasing both technical skill and an elevated, editorial finish that stands out in print.
Business & Founder Press
Authority Magazine —
Meet the Disruptors
Featured as: Founder + Beauty Industry Disruptor
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is profiled in Authority Magazine’s Meet the Disruptors series, sharing the mindset and leadership principles behind building SL Raw Virgin Hair® as a purpose-driven, premium beauty brand.
Impact: This feature positions LeAna as a visionary founder recognized for innovation, resilience, and the ability to build a trusted consumer brand through strategy and industry expertise.
How this celebrity stylist took her behind-the-chair skills…
Featured as: Beauty Founder + Entrepreneur
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured in Black Enterprise for transforming behind-the-chair expertise into a beauty brand—building SL Raw Virgin Hair® to meet real consumer needs with elevated standards and innovation.
Impact: As a trusted publication for Black entrepreneurship, Black Enterprise elevates LeAna’s founder authority and strengthens her credibility as a business leader in beauty.
Celebrity stylist returns to Las Vegas to build a new career
Featured as: Celebrity Hairstylist + Beauty Entrepreneur
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured for her transition from celebrity hairstylist to founder—expanding SL Raw Virgin Hair® through entrepreneurship, product-led growth, and a brand built on professional standards.
Impact: This publication strengthens founder credibility by spotlighting LeAna’s evolution from service-based success into scalable brand ownership and business leadership.
The Crossman Conversation (Podcast Feature)
Featured as: Entrepreneur + Celebrity Hairstylist + Inventor
Episode Title: S1E12 John welcomes entrepreneur LeAna McKnight, a hair stylist to the stars in Hollywood
Date: April 8, 2022
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured on The Crossman Conversation, where the host introduces her as a hardworking beauty specialist and inventor. The episode highlights that LeAna has two patents, serves high-profile celebrity clients in Las Vegas, and is the founder of the award-winning SL Raw Virgin Hair® brand.
Impact: This podcast feature strengthens LeAna’s founder narrative by positioning her beyond hairstyling—as a patented beauty innovator and entrepreneur. It reinforces her authority as a business leader who combines professional expertise, product innovation, and education-driven values.
Black Beauty Spotlight (Business + Founder Press)
Featured as: Founder Spotlight
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is spotlighted in Sadiaa’s Black Beauty Spotlight as the founder of SL Raw Virgin Hair®, recognized for blending celebrity hairstyling experience with innovation in the beauty industry. The feature emphasizes her brand-building journey and highlights her as a beauty entrepreneur with two beauty patents and an award-winning hair extensions brand.
Impact: This founder spotlight reinforces LeAna’s credibility beyond hairstyling—positioning her as a patented beauty innovator and business leader. It strengthens her authority within Black beauty entrepreneurship and supports her reputation as a founder building a premium brand backed by professional expertise and product innovation.
7 Modern-Day Black Inventors Who Are Making Hair History
Featured as: Inventor + Beauty Founder
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is recognized in Sadiaa’s hair history feature, highlighting modern Black inventors shaping the beauty industry. The article spotlights her patented innovations and founder journey—reinforcing her impact beyond hairstyling.
Impact: This feature strengthens LeAna’s credibility as a beauty innovator, positioning her as part of the next generation of Black inventors influencing textured hair culture, professional tools, and modern hair solutions.
Haven't seen a dime': five small businesses on the struggle to survive a pandemic
Featured as: Small Business Owner + Entrepreneur
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is featured in The Guardian, highlighting the realities of small business survival during the pandemic—sharing her experience navigating financial strain and the challenges of accessing relief support.
Impact: This feature elevates LeAna’s founder narrative by positioning her as a resilient entrepreneur in a global publication—strengthening credibility through real-world business leadership and public recognition beyond the beauty industry.
In lockdown hair hell? Try these at-home tricks for cuts and covering gray
Featured as: Beauty Professional + Salon Owner (Stylist Lee Hair Studio)
Highlights: LeAna McKnight is quoted in the Los Angeles Times, providing professional guidance for at-home hair care during the pandemic, including safe techniques for removing extensions and maintaining hair health between salon visits.
Impact: Los Angeles Times coverage reinforces LeAna’s authority as a trusted beauty professional and salon owner—positioning her expertise as valuable not only in luxury styling, but in real-world hair care education for a broad audience.
About LeAna McKnight (Stylist Lee)
LeAna McKnight, professionally known as Stylist Lee, is an industry-recognized celebrity hairstylist and beauty expert specializing in textured hair artistry, microlinks, and luxury hair transformations. With over 15 years of experience spanning salon, production, and editorial work, she’s trusted for her ability to create camera-ready looks while prioritizing healthy hair foundations.
LeAna is also the founder of SL Raw Virgin Hair®, a luxury hair extension brand known for premium-quality human hair used by professional stylists and beauty insiders worldwide.
Looking for press assets, interviews, or booking details? Contact info@stylistlee.com
