Q: Chris, what do you look for in a self-tan? What boxes do you want it to tick?
A: I love a self-tanner but there are a few things that are important to me when selecting. Most self-tanners have a distinct smell that has become such a turn-off to me, so finding one that is not detectable is crucial. I think self-tanners in general get a bad wrap for only looking great for the first day or two because of the dreaded fade. Finding a brand that has mastered the natural fade is so important; scrubbing off self-tanner before reapplying the next tan is a game changer but sometimes I want to just let it fade until my next event, so a “non-splotchy fade” is something I look to see in reviews. I also love a self-tanner with a bronzer that dries down quickly, or shows on application – it not only makes it easier to apply when you can see a little colour but it’s also nice to see the instant gratification.
Q: Now, we know you are an absolute magician when it comes to hair, styling the likes of the icon herself, Kathy Hilton, as well as her daughter Nicky Hilton, can you let us in on what you love most about the both of them?
A: First of all, thanks for the compliment :). Kathy and Nicky Hilton have both been my clients for years now, and there’s a reason I keep coming around. The entire Hilton family are some of the sweetest, funniest, most humble people I know and I genuinely enjoy my time around them. I always look forward to styling their hair because they not only let me have creative freedom and trust me with their hair but over time have become some of my good friends. With them, it feels like work just turns into catching up with my friends. They both are some of the busiest people I know with a great work ethic and they always make everyone feel valued and important. I’m very appreciative that I get to learn so much from them. Love them.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a hairstylist? How did you “make it” and become a celebrity stylist?
A: For years I actually thought I wanted to be a fashion stylist but after going to fashion school, it was during this time I had the opportunity to assist celebrity makeup artist, Joyce Bonelli and over the years hair just became the natural next step. It's a long story but I ended up doing hair while she did makeup and after years of practice and hair school she opened up an agency and put me to work as an artist. On a side note, Kris Jenner was actually my first celebrity client and my work skyrocketed after that. I’ve been doing it ever since. Now, of course, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Q: Your biggest career pinch-me moment?
A: Over the years I’ve had a lot of pinch-me moments, and to this day I still have them every time I get on a plane to a different city or country. I’m beyond grateful that someone would want to foot the bill to fly me somewhere to do their hair and make them feel like the star they are. I’m so passionate about what I do so I never take it for granted or overlook everything that goes into bringing me along for glam. With that being said, my first ever pinch-me moment was about 10 years ago when I was invited to come to Dubai to speak on a beauty panel and then teach a class to hairstylists about what it’s like to be a celebrity hairstylist and work in LA. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that someone across the world pitched the idea to have me come and teach. It was a great experience and I’ve been back several times since.
Q: Your must-have beauty product that you can’t live without?
A: Hands down a beauty product that I cannot live without is hair extensions. I love Bellami Hair. I use extensions on every client and wear them myself every day. I’m not sure I could survive on a deserted island alone without them. I simply do not feel myself unless I have a full head of hair installed and I don’t think my clients would feel like themselves either. Whether it’s one little tape-in or a full head of clip ins, they just change and complete a look for me. (They also make my job a lot easier).
Q: Now it's NYFW coming up, talk us through your style, what is your signature CD look?
A: Personally, I think my style is always changing. I go through phases where I wear a “uniform” until I’m completely over it then find something new. Right now my signature look would, without a doubt, be super baggy pants (high or low-waisted) with a tiny top of some sort. I love a crop top or tank top right now and don’t feel myself without a lil tummy showing. Hair is always down with a strong middle part. I think it’s cool when people switch up their style daily but for me, it just works and I think there’s something about having a signature style. Although I’m constantly shopping and getting new pieces for my wardrobe, 9 out of 10 people you ask who know me could probably predict the style of outfit I’m about to show up in, and 9 out of 10 times it’s something coming from The Frankie Shop.
Q: What is your biggest self-tanning fail or tip? Whichever you feel bold enough to share 😉
A: For me a non-negotiable tip would be to wash your hands after applying self-tanner. Even when I tan my hands I always wash, maybe a light wash, but always a rinse of some sort. For some reason, tanner tends to grab onto my hands the most, probably because they’re dry. This leads me to my biggest fail which would be: forgetting to wash my hands and having my knuckles and the webbings between my fingers turn dark electric orange. It’s very hard to get off and will make you never want to make that mistake again!
As our chat with Chris Dylan wraps up, one thing is clear: the passion for beauty, fashion, and making people feel like their best selves is unmatched. From go-to self-tanning tips to hair magic that has A-listers lining up, Chris isn’t just a stylist—but an artist who brings out the inner glow in everyone.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek into the world of a true hair guru. Stay tuned for more Golden Hour Chats, where we continue to bring you real, unfiltered conversations with the beauty and fashion icons we love. Did you miss the Golden Hour Chat with Jayde Houndalas, founder of Sontse? Take a read now. And if you’re ready to embrace your own golden hour, don’t forget to check out our Sontse Golden Hour Self Tanning Mousse —your secret weapon for that flawless, sun-kissed glow.
Written By Liana Pantalone – Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
