Tym Wallace is an innovator in the realm of beauty. Hailing from the Windy City, he matriculated through Chicago’s Dudley Beauty College. His dreams took him to New York and Los Angeles where he made his mark in the world of beauty by pushing the boundaries of style and perfection.
Wallace has become a highly requested celebrity hairstylist and the man behind some of our favorite stars’ looks. With a decade in the game, he has worked with Taraji P. Henson, Serena Williams, Mary J. Blige, Yara Shahidi, Zendaya and more. Wallace spoke with rolling out about his journey to becoming a celebrity hair whisperer.
How did you get your start in the beauty industry?
Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, most of us did hair out of our homes. Watching my friend’s mom as a hairstylist, I would see her clients come in feeling one way and leave with a completely different demeanor. The beauty industry has always intrigued me. As I got older, I started paying closer attention to styles and techniques. A year after high school, my friend said to me, “You have an interest in hair. Why don’t you do that?” With the push of my family, I took a tour of a cosmetology school I ended up attending, and on my first day, I fell in love. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
When did you realize that you were skilled at doing hair?
I realized I was skilled at doing hair throughout the course of my schooling. I had instructors tell me “you got it,” and that inspired me to continue to learn. Over the years, I’ve extended my education with various technique classes, learning from peers, having great mentors and just knowing this was my gift from God.
What sets you apart from other stylists? Why do the celebrities choose you?
I believe what sets me apart from other stylists is that I know my niche and I stay in my own lane. My aesthetic is “less is more,” which is why I believe that the celebrities I’m blessed to work with choose me. I love to create “flawsome” looks on my clients. I also work as a team to create a look instead of trying to make my work shine. It takes a village.
How did you build your celebrity clientele?
I built my celebrity clientele through hard work and dedication. I have honed my skills, finding a balance between great professionalism and personality.
What has been your favorite celebrity client moment?
My favorite celebrity client moment thus far has been working with Taraji P. Henson. She’s a gem to work with, and she allows creatives to be just that. She is the easiest client to have. For the past two years, I’ve been doing everything with her — films, appearances, photo shoots and press. “Empire” is the only project I don’t work with her on. We have a unique relationship. She’s like my boss and my big sister. One of the highlights of working with her was when I styled her for the Oscars in 2017 — my first Oscars ever. It was such as a surreal moment for me.
