ABOUT ME

COURTNEY CODY AINEY

HAIR + Wig Designer

BASED IN New York

I’m Cody Ainey — a hair artist, storyteller, and beauty intuitive who sees hair as more than style…it’s ceremony.

For over 15 years, I’ve been shaping strands and spirits, weaving together the technical and the tender to create looks that feel both rooted and radiant. My work spans television, film, theater, editorial, and red carpet moments, but no matter the setting, every braid, curl, and cut is crafted in deep collaboration with the person wearing it. For me, it’s always precision meets poetry.

Whether I’m building a custom wig, sculpting a character on set, or simply creating space for someone to feel truly seen, I lead with intention, care, and quiet magic.

Now based in New York, I move fluidly between high fashion and heartfelt moments—offering beauty that feels personal, present, and powerfully human.

This isn’t just hair. It’s energy work. And I prefer it that way.

2025 Highlights

Denee Benton – Cero Mag, S Mag, Bare Mag, The Gilded Age Press – Wig Designer & Personal Hairstylist
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Cultured Cover, SNL, Book Tour – Lead Hairstylist
Tamara Tunie – SNL + Beyond the Gates Press – Lead Hairstylist
Mal Wright - Go Magazine - Lead Hairstylist/Groomer
Anne Imhoff – Cultured Cover – Lead Hairstylist
K.NGSLEY – C3 Campaign, "Do You Understand" Fashion Show– Lead Hairstylist
Urban Outfitters, AFLAME, AFLALO – Ecomm – Lead Hairstylist
Imagine5 Cover – Madame Gandhi – Lead Hairstylist

2024 Highlights

Good American – Lead Hair & Makeup
Balmain Beauty (Renan Pacheco) – Lead Male Groomer
Taye Diggs - Kelly Clarkson Show - Lead Male Groomer
Brandon Flynn - Hong Kong Vogue - Lead Male Groomer
Teedra Moses - Tamara Hall Show, FOX 5 NY, Essence Festival - Personal Hairstylist
Myha'la Herrold – GMA, Seth Meyers, Valentino, CULTURED MAG, Heroine MAG, Marie Claire, Behind the Blinds, New York Times, L'Officiel MAG, Harpers Bazaar– Personal Hairstylist
Susan Heyward – Numero Netherlands, Amazon – Personal Hairstylist
Dua Lipa Band – Times Square, SNL, Times100 – Lead Hairstylist
Lauryn Hill, John Boyega – Hair Braiding
Gucci SCMP, NYC Ballet, Harper's Bazaar x Cartier – Lead Hair

📸 ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE (2021–2023)

Assisted Lacy Redway, Lucas Wilson, Rachel Polycarpe on top-tier campaigns: Zara, MAC, Christian Siriano, Tresemmé, LaQuan Smith.
TV/Film: Leverage Redemption, The Winchesters, No One Will Save You – Hairstylist
Broadway/Theater: MJ, Shadowland, Bernardas Daughter, Seagull – Wig Designer / HMU Lead
Editorials: Nicki Minaj x Vogue, Brandon Maxwell, Free People, DUST Magazine

✂️ CORE EXPERTISE

Custom Wig Design (Lace, HD, Theater-Grade)
Natural Haircare (All Textures + Protective Styling)
Men’s Grooming (TV + Editorial)
Editorial Braiding & Texture Work
High-Pressure Set Experience (Union + Indie)
Department Leadership (Dept Head, Hair Consultant)