TOKYO STYLEZ AND CARDI B TALK HAUTE HAIR
Riding the collision of beauty, fashion, music & cultural impact, no one has made their mark on the world like Tokyo Stylez & Cardi B. With the highly anticipated new album “Am I The Drama?” It’s safe to say that Cardi & Tokyo Stylez are handing out lessons in using your God given talent to make a lasting impact and looking amazing doing it.
For Tokyo Stylez, devoting decades to her craft as a hairstylist has tied her to some of the biggest names in Hollywood while inspiring up and coming stylists to follow her blueprint to obtain their own success. When Cardi B. steps out onto the scene whether she’s in mommy mode or heading to the latest society event, Tokyo Stylez is not far behind ensuring her hair is on point and ready to make a statement.
The two have built a bond over the years that have left many people wondering just how they seem to balance business and personal so effortlessly. In this exclusive conversation, the two sit down to talk about all things beauty, music, fashion & everything in between.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
When did you first fall in love with hair and what did your early journey look like as you found your way in the world of styling?
I first fell in love with hair at the very young age of nine years old. Going into it, I never had any expectations, I was just doing a good deed by trying to take care of my younger sister.
Your partnership with Cardi B is one for the history books. Talk to us about how you two crossed each other’s path.
Cardi and I first met back around 2016, she posted that she needed a hairstylist in NYC and I happened to be in the city, so I told my manager Chris that I wanted to work with her. He called her management at time and she ended up coming to my hotel. I slayed her and I remember we made videos afterwards and she said in the video, “I know I made it, I got Tokyo to do my hair!”. That meant so much to me because back then it was well known that I was very exclusive about whose hair I’d touch . Needless to say, the video went viral and the overall experience in meeting her was nothing but good vibes. Off the bat she was so unapologetically herself and I loved that about her from the start.
Cardi often calls you her hair magician, talk to us about how she inspires you as your ultimate muse?
When I see Cardi I see a strong woman who’s like a chameleon. She owns it and doesn’t allow the hair to wear her. I love the fact that she’s very flamboyant in the most feminine and sexy way, which allows me to bring trends and looks from the lgbtq+ ballroom scene while including hip hop culture. Cardi trusting me every time makes me feel so confident in the looks we create together.
Looking back, are there any hairstyles that you’ve done for Cardi that you’ve loved more than others? And is there one where you’ve thought you could’ve pushed it even further?
I will always say the WAP video is easily one of my favorite hair moments to date! The chain link ponytail was so next level creative and cool it solidified that iconic moment in hip-hop history. My favorite carpet look would have to be the Versace look for the 2022 Met Gala. Looking back, there’s always something I would probably change or have done differently but that’s what keeps it so exciting and thrilling for me. You never know what’s gonna create history until it’s done and sometimes that one small change could have ruined everything.
You’ve helped usher in a new era of creative wigs and hair color in modern pop culture. What styles, colors, or textures do you see for the girls in 2025 going into 2026 as the Queen of the wig game?
Right now we’re in an era where style is a tad more relaxed, Less is more type vibe. I do see a lot of ponytails and effortless styles for Cardi in this new era, just really soft and pretty. But for your everyday girl, I believe braids will make a comeback. And more of the 2000’s video vixen hairstyles.
Before Cardi B, who was the first major client that changed the trajectory of your career?
The first client who dramatically changed my career before meeting Cardi would definitely go to Kylie Jenner. Once I started to work with her my name blew up all over the world. It honestly happened so fast, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for what was about to happen. I had to jump on the train like it was the last stop ever coming my way and figure it out as I went along. It literally felt like a dream.
Getting Cardi’s hair ready for the 2025 Met Gala had to be a pretty major moment in your career. Can you walk us through the creative process of preparing for an event like this?
Normally for any big project it’s always a collaboration with the entire team. Most of the time it starts with wardrobe then hair then makeup and nails. Once I see the wardrobe I like to put myself in Cardi’s shoes. I think to myself how would I wear my hair if this was me . I take whatever comes to mind and add the Cardi effect to it. Each person from each department creates a mood board then we submit it to Cardi. She either says she likes or doesn’t like it. If she doesn’t like it, we go back to the drawing board and create something new. The 2025 Met Gala took a huge last minute turn that none of us were prepared for! We’d agreed and tested the full look the night before so everything would run smoothly but an hour before she was expected to head to the carpet, Collin said it needed some drama so I had less than an hour to change the entire hair look on the spot so she could still be out the door on time.
Your TV show “Wiggin Out” on WE tv is bringing your artistry to a wider audience. What inspired you to create the show and what can viewers expect from season 2?
I wanted to do something that was very hands on while showing bits of what really goes on behind the scenes. Working with celebrities isn’t the easiest process, so the show gives viewers insight on what the celebrity hairstylist experience is like, while also going back to my roots, which is giving back to cancer patients. That’s how I started doing wigs so it was important to show all the different sides of me that people don’t get to see on social media.
Every master has their rituals, so what are your holy grail tools you swear by in your kit?
For me I LOVE Got2b products, it’s all I’ve been using lately!
The beauty world loves the idea of “Master and Muse.” How do you define those roles in your creative life and what makes a muse truly special for you?
A master is someone who truly sees this as art and not just doing hair. It’s the passion that you have and the emotion that comes out when you create. A muse is someone who truly trusts your craft and they wear it with love. It’s almost like the bond that just sticks together.
Looking back at your childhood, are there any memories, family rituals, or even “mama-approved” secrets that shaped your love for hair?
Since the very beginning of me learning how to do weaves and wigs I learned the trial and error theory of what works and doesn’t work. My grandmother and mom were pretty good at styling hair so I learned a lot from watching them as well.
What’s your personal motto or philosophy when it comes to hair?
There are no rules to creating art. Do what feels good while protecting the client by all means. At the end of the day it’s just hair, so have fun with it.
How do you stay grounded and true to yourself, even as your work is being watched, judged, imitated, and sometimes ridiculed by the haters?
You have to honestly do you at all times. Stay in your lane and do what works for you. I feel an artist is different from a stylist. Some people don’t understand the art of hair and that’s why their opinions don’t matter. I’m a firm believer that I’d rather be talked about than not mentioned at all. I like to take risks and get people talking whether it’s good or bad. As long as I feel good about it and my client loves it, that’s all that matters to me.
With everything you’ve accomplished, from iconic looks, TV, and shaping pop culture—what’s next for Tokyo Stylez? Any new dreams, collaborations, or frontiers you’re excited to explore?
I’m now a Miami resident so I’m planning to open a wig boutique and online store soon. Also in the works are some new products that will elevate the hair industry. Season two is coming soon for my tv show as well!
During Paris Fashion Week you slayed Cardi’s hair down so we want to know all about the inspiration for the looks.
Paris Fashion Week was mainly inspired by soft beauty while still giving just enough to compliment each look that Collin Carter styled her in. When I think about all the iconic looks we’ve done and what we have yet to create I reflect back to my childhood years. Growing up hair didn’t mean as much to me as it does now and that reflects in my work each time. It has a special place in my heart now because of all the amazing things I have done and moments I’ve created that have touched many people all over the world.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Vijat Mohindra (@vijatm)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Creative Director: Patientce Foster (@iam_kingpee)
Makeup Artist: Erika La’ Pearl (@erika_lapearl_mua) , Kam Fardanesh (@thekamua)
Wardrobe Stylists: Zerina Akers (@zerinaakers) , Kollin Carter (@kollincarter)
Hair Stylist: Kellon Deryck (@kellonderyck)
Line Producer: Lucas Carpenter (@lucascarpenter__)
Production Assistants: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_) , Gabe Kahsay
Set Decorator: Jake Saraff (@jakelittlebear)
BTS: Szymon Dybowski (@sdybowski)
Digital AI Tech: Drew Herrmann (@drew_herrmann)
Creative Producer: Leah Blewitt (@kindaiwantoo)
Dog Provided By: Barbara Cunningham (@babscunni)
Dog Groomer: Sara Schueneman
Animal Handler: Nicole Freese
Management: Courtney Worrell (@justcourtneywithac) , Shawn Holiday (@shawnholiday) , Chris Aaron (@iamchrisaaron)
Assistants: Eric Larson (@shortshortlong) , Jason Johnson (@jj717) , Adham Elnashai , Tom Henriksen
Studio: The Powder Room Studio LA (@thepowderroomstudiola)
