When it comes to the world of glam celebs, we truly feel, well, worlds away. And even though we’re forever watching the BTS socials of makeup artists and hair stylists, it’s pretty rare that Aussies get some backstage goss.
Well that was until jet-setting Aussie founder Jayde Houndalas (AKA, the brains behind the bronzed, glowing Sontse. tan) hit us up from the ground in the USA. And boy did she have a brilliant star for us.
Yep, from her brilliant Kathy Hilton connection, she’d been introduced to hairstylist to the stars Chris Dylan. With everyone from Kris Jenner, to the Hiltons and even Kelly Osbourne among his clientele, Chris has created some incredible looks. And now is going to spill all his hair-styling secrets to us!
So, get ready to get the goss, and make some notes for the sake of your strands…
Chris Dylan Interview
How did you feel getting your big break with Kris Jenner?
So, it’s obviously a pretty massive break in Hollywood to get to work with the Kris Jenner. Thankfully Chris’ foot in the door came from celeb makeup artist Joyce Bonelli who was able to give him a “crash course in all the products and ways of styling” she preferred. But of course that didn’t come without a mix of excitement and anxiety. But we’ve got it on good authority that she is in fact, “the kindest human ever”. You heard it here first, people.
What’s been your absolute fave look to create?
Most everyday people get few occasions where they go and get their hair ‘done’ by a hair stylist. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love seeing all the incredible editorial looks. But for Chris, choosing his favourite look is easy. It’s “some sort of sexy undone updo”, which works out well, because Chris’ signature style is definitely “sexy hair”, as he loves how it makes his clients feel “sexy and empowered”.
For these looks, he loves that “there’s something about the creativity of just doing [his] thing”, where he feels the hair tells him “where it wants to go that day”. If only our hair told us it wanted to look this chic (um, bird nests are in, right?).
Do you have any hair tips that you want people to know about?
When we get access to a top-tier hair stylist, you best bet we’ll be begging them for all their hot hair tips. And luckily for us, Chris has three “simple yet super effective” tips to live by.
- “Ditch the conditioner”. Yep, just like Blake Lively, Chris believes in the power of a good hair mask. He believes that replacing the conditioning stage with a good hair mask will have your “hair thank(ing) you for the added vitamins, proteins and hydration”.
- “Always always always use a heat protectant“. It “not only saves the integrity of your hair but will keep your colour lasting much longer”. Less damage and less trips to top up our colour? We’re in! Chris’ fave is the Unite 7 Seconds Leave In Detangler ($39.90 at Oz Hair and Beauty).
- “Never put your hot tool over 185 degrees”. It’s the sweet spot for ensuring you don’t completely burn the life out of your strands. If you’re worried, it tends to be the pre-set temperature on most tools.
Do you have any budget hair products you swear by? Or any beauty products generally?
Okay before we can even get to hair products, we have to spill the skin-loving secret. He’s an Aussie tan lover — welcome to the club Chris! And he’s in great company with the likes of Kathy Hilton. His exact glow? Sontse. Golden Hour Self-Tan Mousse ($44.95 at Sontse.). Alright, now we can move on to the next beauty find.
And it turns out, it’s one that Sarah Jessica Parker has been using for years. Yep, it’s the fan fave Amazon find, Tancho High Grade Tique Vegetable Lavender Pomade ($15.50 at Amazon Australia). Chris honestly “can’t live without (it)”.
It might be a little tricky to wash out of your hair (a double cleansing wash is needed), but with the “high shine and mega hold” and “never any flaking or white debris”, you can excuse the removal process. Plus, it’ll easily last a year. Chris’ takeaway on the magic stick? “Flyaways? Gone. High shine? Done. Long lasting hold? You got it”. We’re sold!
As for his dream client, he’s hoping that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen hit him up soon, and we could totally imagine them with his signature look. Our words of wisdom for this endeavour? ‘You got it dude’; no but really.
Main Image Credit: @krisjenner
Do you have any burning questions you’d love to ask a celeb hair stylist?
I’m curious about that pomade stick. Never used one before
Sometimes these people are so expensive and once you have slept on your hair it doesn’t always looks as good!!
They have hair specialist in their life so they have the best hair style they wanted..
No questions, one thing I don’t like about hair masks us the time they have to be on my hair before rinsing.
Nope! Not one question.
Not really, I have such a sensitive scalp, I’m better of figuring out what works best for me
That would be so nice
I’ve still got a few bottles of conditioner so I’ll keep using it. I haven’t tried a hair mask
I always use conditioner and find that it makes my hair less fly away.
No idea who these people are. I would never ditch a conditioner. Use a hair mask and then even condition after. I use leave-in conditioner spray on top. Strands are soft and shiny. YMMV, I guess.
I found hair mask is effective way to recharge your hair.
I think pomade would be too much for my fine hair.
This is a really interesting article. Thanks.
Id love to learn some styling tips for curly hair girls that doesn’t involve straightening my curls