Metro Atlanta Hairstylist Wins NAACP Image Award

Deaundra Metzger's award shines a spotlight on local talent in the beauty industry.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:09pm

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast sequins in warm, metallic tones, capturing the luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic of the entertainment industry.A hairstylist's NAACP Image Award win shines a spotlight on the vibrant talent within Atlanta's beauty industry.Atlanta Today

Deaundra Metzger, a hairstylist from College Park, Georgia, has won an NAACP Image Award for her work on the Hulu series 'Reasonable Doubt'. Metzger, who has over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, says the award is not just about her own success, but also highlights the wealth of talent in the Atlanta area. She co-founded the Leading Beauty Industry (LBI) Awards to honor hairstylists, barbers, and makeup artists in the community.

Why it matters

Metzger's award win challenges the perception that Atlanta lacks talent in the beauty industry. Her success and advocacy work aim to increase visibility and recognition for local beauty professionals, many of whom have not received the same level of acclaim as their counterparts in other major entertainment hubs.

The details

Metzger began her career in a local salon in College Park, where she discovered her passion for hairstyling. She later attended Dimples Beauty College and went on to work in television and film, where she found her niche in creating hairstyles that reflect each character's story. Despite her success, Metzger says awards were never the goal, but the NAACP Image Award win is especially meaningful given the competition from major productions like 'Bel-Air' and 'Sinners'.

  • Metzger accepted the NAACP Image Award in February 2026.
  • The Leading Beauty Industry (LBI) Awards, co-founded by Metzger, were held on March 21, 2026.

The players

Deaundra Metzger

A hairstylist with over 30 years of experience in the beauty industry, who has worked on the Hulu series 'Reasonable Doubt' and recently won an NAACP Image Award for her work.

Jerome Demonte

A stylist who worked with Metzger on the 'Reasonable Doubt' project and was surprised by the NAACP Image Award win.

Tamela LeMieux

A stylist who won two awards at the 2026 Leading Beauty Industry (LBI) Awards, an event co-founded by Metzger to honor local beauty professionals.

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What they’re saying

“I was so shocked. I was excited that my team and I were recognized for our hard work.”

— Deaundra Metzger, Hairstylist

“We were really blown away. We had no idea.”

— Jerome Demonte, Stylist

“Oh my God, it was amazing. To go against some of my peers that I look up to, it was absolutely amazing to win.”

— Tamela LeMieux, Stylist

What’s next

Metzger plans to continue mentoring others in local schools and encouraging the next generation of stylists, emphasizing the importance of consistency, hard work, and investing in one's craft.

The takeaway

Deaundra Metzger's NAACP Image Award win not only celebrates her own success but also shines a light on the wealth of talent within the Atlanta beauty industry. Her advocacy work through the Leading Beauty Industry Awards aims to increase visibility and recognition for local stylists, barbers, and makeup artists who have long been overlooked.