Celebrity hairstylist Dior Sovoa has built a career rooted in more than technique. His work is about intention, history, and understanding that hair is often the first chapter of how someone introduces themselves to the world. From salon chairs to red carpets, magazine covers to television sets, Dior approaches hairstyling as a form of narrative, where every look has meaning and every client carries a story worth honoring.
That philosophy did not come from trend cycles or celebrity proximity alone. It was shaped early, watching his mother work through illness and hardship, never abandoning the craft that brought her joy. Today, Dior carries that same perseverance into an industry that is as demanding as it is visible. Grounded in humility and committed to healthy hair above all else, he continues to redefine what luxury, beauty, and success truly look like.
In conversation with FEMI Magazine, Dior Sovoa opens up about storytelling through hair, lessons passed down through generations, the realities of working behind the scenes in entertainment, and why longevity will always matter more than a momentary style.
FEMI: You often connect hairstyling with narrative. How do you identify a client’s story and express it through a finished look?
Dior Sovoa: To express a story through a finished look, you have to understand the story first, what you’re trying to accomplish. Once you know that, you can build a narrative for how the hair should look, how the makeup should be done, and how the wardrobe should come together. Everything needs to be cohesive so the client or celebrity looks their best. That also means collaborating closely with the team, the makeup artist and the wardrobe stylist, to make sure everyone is aligned.
FEMI: What lessons from watching your mother work as a hairstylist continue to influence how you define beauty today?
Dior Sovoa: She shaped me because she never stopped, even through illness. Hairstyling made her happy, so she always persevered. I remember her having a stroke and still pushing herself to move, to walk, to stay active, because that’s what brought her joy. She taught me perseverance. No matter what’s going on in your life, you keep going.
FEMI: Having worked on magazine covers, red carpets, and television, how does your mindset shift when preparing for those assignments versus salon appointments?
Dior Sovoa: Salon work can be tedious because you’re standing in one spot all day. Red carpets, television, and film are more stressful because everything can change at a moment’s notice. Call times move, shoots get delayed, schedules shift. You must always be prepared for the unknown. In a salon, the biggest issue is usually a late client or a cancellation. On set, anything can change at any time.
FEMI: How do you stay grounded creatively while working under the visibility that comes with industry recognition?
Dior Sovoa: I stay humble because it can be here today and gone tomorrow. You never know what’s ahead or where your journey will take you. People can be at the top of their game and then experience something tragic that shifts their entire world. I focus on following the journey and trusting that whatever path I’m on is the right one.
FEMI: What steps do you take to help business owners and creatives achieve a refined appearance without celebrity-level access or maintenance?
Dior Sovoa: I treat every client as important, because everyone is important. We all bleed the same. We’re all here trying to live out our dreams and get through this world. If I can be of service, help someone understand their hair, their goals, or their personal journey, I’m always going to show up for them.
FEMI: How do you define luxury in hair, and why does long-term care matter as much as style?
Dior Sovoa: Hair care matters more than style. At the end of the day, healthy hair is what lasts. As you age, you lose follicles, density, and volume. Maintaining hair health ensures longevity, while a style only looks good for that day. Healthy hair always has a longer-lasting impact than a temporary look.
FEMI: When has a hairstyle you created taken on meaning beyond a visual result?
Dior Sovoa: Whenever I do Mariah’s hair, especially her signature curls, it’s meaningful. That look is reminiscent of when she first came onto the scene with curlier hair, and it always carries that history with it.
FEMI: How do you approach styles rooted in earlier eras while keeping them relevant today?
Dior Sovoa: Everything is constantly being redone and retold in new ways. Hair evolves, but it’s always rooted in something from the past. Trends change, but the foundation of style always comes from earlier moments in fashion history.
FEMI: What adjustments are necessary when translating celebrity hair routines into looks for clients with different lifestyles?
Dior Sovoa: You have to make sure the client can maintain the style. If they want something complex, they need to be able to care for it between appointments. That includes protecting the hair, limiting heat, and understanding their texture, whether natural or relaxed. Maintenance takes time, education, and choosing the right stylist who prioritizes what’s best for the hair.
FEMI: How do you expect hairstyling to continue influencing fashion, media, and self-expression?
Dior Sovoa: Self-expression will keep growing, especially with social media and entertainment expanding. You have YouTubers, bloggers, influencers. All of that creates more opportunities. Hair, makeup, and style will always matter. People want to know who you are, how you present yourself, and what you represent. As technology evolves, hairstyling will remain a central part of that.
FEMI: Where do you see yourself in the next five or ten years?
Dior Sovoa: I don’t look that far ahead. I take things one day at a time. My goal is to continue being the best hairstylist I can be for my clients, stay on top of my craft, and always put my best foot forward.
Through intention, discipline, and deep respect for both history and individuality, Dior Sovoa continues to shape more than hairstyles. He shapes confidence, preserves legacy, and reminds us that true beauty is never rushed. It is cultivated, cared for, and carried forward with purpose.
Image Courtesy of Dior Sovoa
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