CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST CHRIS DYLAN

Come with us as we step into the realm of Chris Dylan, a visionary hairstylist whose artistry has transformed the locks of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. With a keen eye for detail Chris has become a sought-after talent known for creating stunning head-turning looks that grace the red carpets and magazine covers alike.

Thank you Chris, for being such an inspiration and giving us the opportunity to have a look into your beautiful world.

Get ready to get inspired! Let's get into it.

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career as a hairstylist?

 A: I’ve loved hair since I can remember playing with Barbie’s in the pool as a kid. I always felt the way their hair moved in the water was so dreamy. However when I moved to LA to go to school it was for fashion.  Upon graduating college at FIDM I began assisting, celebrity makeup artist, Joyce Bonelli.  At the time- she did hair, makeup, and styling.  Once I gained her trust she had me doing hair in tandem with her doing makeup on shoots.  This became a regular thing and my passion for hair grew from there.  I quickly changed my mind, went to hair school, and jumped into the business and world of hair.  I haven’t touched fashion since. 

 

Q: Can you tell us about your first experience styling a celebrities hair? Who were they and what was the occasion and where did it happen?

A: Once I moved back to LA after my 10 month hair program in San Jose, I had a meeting with Joyce Bonelli at the Beverly Hills Hotel and to my surprise she had opened her own agency- Joyce Bonelli Productions.  She informed me I’d be her only artist and that night we built my kit.  The next day she set me up on my first professional job, which was doing Kris Jenners hair for E! News.  My celebrity hair world was born. I owe such a monumental moment in my career to Joyce.  

 

Q: What was your biggest career highlight to date and have you got anything exciting coming up that you can share with us? What does the next 12 months look like for you?

A: My biggest highlight would be when I was approached by a company in Dubai to be flown out for a week to speak on a panel and share my experience as a hairstylist in the celebrity world.  From there I went on to teach at a few salons. I couldn’t wrap my head around how someone in Dubai found me and was so grateful for that moment.  I met amazing people and have been back several times since.

I never know what the future holds which can be an unsettling but exciting feeling all in the same. I usually only book myself a maximum of 3 months in advance because I don’t know where I’ll be in the world months from now.  I rarely take weddings because of this.  So for now I can’t say too much of what the next year looks like but my job never ceases to amaze me at the opportunities I get handed, the people I get to meet and work with, or the places I will travel to. 

 Q: Whats your biggest hairdressing fail you have done or seen?

 A: My biggest fail is hair color. I love to give myself proper time allowance but sometimes a client is in a time crunch and wants you to create magic and finish in half the time. When I’ve taken a shortcuts in the past the hair has not turned out the way I particularly wanted it to.  Not to the extent that the client would know but over the past decade I’ve become super confident in being firm with how long it will take to achieve the desired result. No shortcuts! 

 

Q: There has been so many but if you could choose one, what is a hair or fashion trend that you wore or saw that you’re happy to kiss goodbye forever? 

A: 100% the “emo” cut hairstyle.  Didn’t love it when it was popular, don’t love it now, and hope it never comes back on trend.  

 Q: I am sure there is many magical moments of your career but what is one pinch-me moment? 

A: I’ve mentioned this before in interviews but I find I have a pinch me moment anytime I arrive to the airport to do a job with a client.  The simple fact that another human is paying for me to travel out of LA to do their hair  is so cool to me. There are so many hairstylist worldwide but when a client decides to take me with them it’s such a gratifying feeling and continues to make me more passionate about what I do everytime.  

 Q: Favourite beverage?

A: My favorite beverage would have to be a simple glass of champagne. If we’re going non-alcoholic it would be sparkling water.  I’m not a fan of sodas or anything overly sweet. 

Q: Have you got a crazy hairdressing story, fail, funny, exciting story you can share with us?

A: I’m not sure if this is particularly crazy but it’s something a lot of my colleagues can relate to.  Traveling can be so fun but also stressful as a hairstylist if you’re not flying private or particularly if you have flight connections. 

I was doing a job in Saint Lucia and less than 24 hours later had a wedding to do in Lake Tahoe. I had 4 connecting flights just to make it to Tahoe in time for the wedding. I’m not sure if I jinxed myself but the only thing I could think about was my kit making it.  Once I landed my two cases of personal items had made it but my kit was still stuck in another city.  I immediately took an uber all around town (a very small town) to build a small kit of consumer items.  I was stressed but knew I could get the job done- my kit just wouldn’t look as professional as I’d like.  Thankfully- I was able to find most of everything I needed and by the time I was done my kit had come in on another flight and I was able to pick it up from the airport.  Only making me 30 min late to my client.  It was a tough choice to be late but I knew I could do a better job if I had all my professional products, tools, and brushes with me. In the end it was the best choice. 

 Q: We are sure you have tried so many products in your time as a hair stylist but what do you look for in a haircare brand? 

A: A reliable brand that has key products.  I do travel with a pretty good sized kit but I don’t over do it with tons of products.  I keep my core products that do the job.  I also tend to keep to the OG’s- although I love to try new products I find there are so many options these days and seem to be a product for every little thing. When I first started out there were about 8 products I’d use over and over and that’s pretty much how I like to keep it today.  Not really a fan of all the bells and whistles and additives. 

 

Q: You recently trailed the Brondie Blonde toning range, you said you don’t normally like purple toned haircare. What did you notice about Brondie that was different/compared to others on the market?

A: I strictly use blue shampoo, or a blue mask rather.  It’s a super dark navy blue hair mask that keeps my hair white.  In the past I’ve used multiple purple shampoos and overtime my hair seemed to turn grey or blonde with a touch of lavender which doesn’t necessarily work with my skin tone.  When I tried a blue mask I knew it was me. However, when Brondie reached out and asked to send products I figured I’d give it a try.  I washed my hair and followed with the conditioner. I was a week out from taking my extensions out and replacing them so I knew it wouldn’t bother me too much if I didn’t like the result.  Once I washed and dried my hair I was super satisfied with the tone of my hair.  It was bright and white, almost pearl like, with no dull-grey-lavender residue. Something that I haven’t experienced in the past with other purple shampoos.  I’ve used it a few more times since and the results have been the same.  I still love my blue hair mask so I’ve been switching back and forth, depending on how I feel or what I reach for in the shower but overall Brondie Blonde Toning Shampoo is something I’ll always keep in my shower and with me when I travel. The bottles are so cute and don’t pop open in my luggage when traveling which I can appreciate. 

 

Q: A quote you live by? 

A: google maps says it’s my turn. 

Q: Any go-to selfceare beauty/hair rituals you can recommend to us?

A: I have a masseuse come to my house just about every week.  It’s my quiet time. My time to calm down and relax.  Standing behind the chair everyday is so hard on the body and seeing someone regularly that gets my mine is important.  That 90 min a week appointment is something I look forward to and really keeps me at peace.