ARROGANT TAE LOVES TO EXPRESS HIMSELF CREATIVELY OUTSIDE OF DOING HAIR
If you’re into beauty there’s no way you’ve never heard of the legendary Arrogant Tae. He’s styled just about everyone you can think of hair, and he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Growing up in Chicago, Dionte never could have imagined how far his skills would take him in life at such a young age. Keep reading to learn all about him and what he has in store for the future!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What was it like growing up in Chicago?
Growing up in Chicago was cool. It’s no place like home. Chicago has given me drive, inspiration, and a hustle that will allow me to survive anywhere. All the stuff about violence is true so of course you have to know how to move and what not to get into, but my childhood memories of Chicago are filled with genuine fun with family and friends and it’s where I developed my passion for hair.
You gained interest in styling hair at a young age. What was the first introduction to hair that you remember?
My Aunts. I used to watch them do hair and transform people and at first it was something that sparked interest in my mind and then one day I decided to just go for it, and I did, and it didn’t take me long to rise to the top.
And I used to always watch my mother color her hair with Kool-Aid packs lol very interesting right, so I always was into coloring because it was so fascinating how you can bleach your hair to be light and color it any color you want!
What are some things you’ve learned from working in your aunt’s salon when you were younger that you never forgot?
Things that I’ve learned from being in my aunt’s salon are the styling and hair care! And seeing how someone can come in one way and come out looking so happy and refreshed all because of a good hair day at the salon! I love the transformation and how happy someone gets when they feel and look so beautiful after getting their hair done and becoming more confident!
Who was your first major celebrity client? Take us back to this time and talk about what that experience was like for you.
My first celebrity client was Porsche Williams from Housewives of Atlanta! This was the time I was still living in Chicago working in a salon downtown, and her manager made a post saying “who is the best hair stylist in Chicago?”, because she needed a hair stylist for the Steve Harvey show in Chicago.
And when I tell you my whole city was tagging me, and I was so shocked to see how many people really are fans of my work! So, I remember I got the call asking can I do her hair and I was so nervous, at that time I was an extremely shy person!
But the experience I had when I did her hair was amazing and from that point, I knew I wanted to be a celebrity hair stylist! After that I packed up my things and my cousin drove it Atlanta and that’s when my career started in Atlanta back in 2015! I had the wig game , styling, coloring on LOCK and literally my DMs were filled with all the celebs asking to sit in my chair!
In 2022 & 20223 you were on the cast of BET+ show “The Impact Atlanta”. Take us back to this time and talk about your experience being on a reality show. Do you see yourself being on a reality show again?
2022 – 2023 being a cast member on “The Impact Atlanta” had me so nervous, and overthinking so much! I’m already naturally an over thinker, I knew that I was gonna be on a reality show where millions of people are gonna be watching me and judging me really had me deciding if I really wanted to do it or not!
Even me sharing and opening up about my business and my family was a lot because I’m very private! But to be honest, I hate cameras lol. I had some good moments with my friends and family while filming though! Yes, I see myself doing reality tv again but more so something of my own show, so that I can have a little more control of how I want things!
Pants – Balenciaga
Shoes – Rick Owens
On the show we see you in search of your own beauty salon. Are you still planning on opening one? What is the update on this venture?
Yes! I paused my efforts because I relocated to NY and didn’t know if I wanted the salon to be NY or ATL based. However, I know that I want to be very hands on in the beginning, so it’s important that I’m close to the location. I’m still going to do it. It’s gonna be beautiful. I can’t wait until y’all see it come to life.
You’ve created many unique hairstyles but if you had to choose one hairstyle to do for the rest of your life, what would you choose and why?
The hairstyle I would choose to do for the rest of my life would probably be bobs, bone straight middle part or layers with big juicy curls! They’re timeless and elegant.
Every few years we see hair trends come and go but, in your opinion, what style is timeless besides those looks?
The most timeless hair styles in my opinion are, straight hair, waves, classic bobs, bangs, face framing layers, long layers, ponytails, buns and up do’s! I feel like these are all so timeless and also my favorites!
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood from Kylie Jenner, Nicki Minaj and Teyana Taylor just to name a few. Is there anyone you still have on your list to work with one day? What style would you like to do on them?
RIHANNA, I LOVE RIHANNA SO MUCH! And she’s a Pisces just like me! I love how she runs her businesses, and she knows exactly what she wants and puts in that work into everything she does. I would do so many fun cute styles and colors on Rihanna because she has the face for literally everything!
What are the 3 hair care products everyone needs in their routine?
All my products that are relaunching of course- OA Refreshing Mint Oil for your scalp and to encourage healthy hair growth, OA’s Keratin Infused Serum for the finishing touches on whatever style you desire, and of course OA’s Hydrating Shampoo and Regenerating Conditioner because without a good base and solid foundation- the final means nothing.
You have a unique fashion style that sets you apart from the average hair stylist. When did you start really getting into fashion?
Fashion has always been my passion. I’m an artist so I love expressing myself in different ways, not solely through hair. But I’ve always loved playing dress up with girls and style myself in unique pieces that I love as self-expression since I can remember. The world may just now be realizing it because I’ve been showcasing more of my personal style on my socials lately.
Boots – Balenciaga
What are a few pieces in your closet you’ll probably never get rid of?
My Chrome Hearts bag. It’s a forever thing. It gives any look a pop. And I have so many expensive pieces like my bags, my boots, my coats and jackets I had for years that I will never get rid of because I think I have separation anxiety when it comes to my things in my closet that I work so hard for lol!
Walk us through your ideal perfect shopping day.
My ideal perfect shopping day is pretty chill, lol. Wake up, grab a bite to eat and head out and just go in all my favorite stores, not paying at checkout of course, but someone else treating me.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?
I’m such a homebody. I’m not big on traveling internationally. It’s too much going on in the world, the sky. I like staying close to home so if anything ever happens I’m not too far away. Turks was a blast with all my friends, but I would like to experience Switzerland for the scenery or Tokyo for fashion.
What are a few things you’re doing while on vacay?
Vacation to me is all about relaxing, eating good, being in good company, and experiencing a new culture.
What are you up to for the remainder of 2024?
I’m relaunching my product and tool line, working on starting my university where I teach all my techniques and latest trends, a few international classes, and some other things y’all gotta tune in to see about.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer & Creative Director: Amadeus Purcell (@amadeuspurcell)
Producer: Meung Shin (@errornyc)
Stylist: Jayden Lewis (@xwore)
BTS: Yujin Park (@yujinpaark)
Model: Shirley Hamoud (@fav__foreign)
Location Set: @Peerspace
