When the lights dim and Mariah Carey steps onto the stage during her legendary Christmas tour, every detail must sparkle with perfection—including her iconic hair. Behind those stunning locks stands Dior Sovoa, a visionary hairstylist whose journey from Washington, DC to New York City has established him as one of the industry’s most trusted creative forces.
Since making his bold move to the Big Apple, Sovoa has built an impressive career, styling some of entertainment’s most distinguished names, including Patti LaBelle, Donna Brazile, and the late Cicely Tyson. But it’s his remarkable work with the Queen of Christmas herself that showcases the height of his artistry, especially during the magical holiday season when every curl must capture the festive spirit of Mariah’s spectacular performances.
From perfecting the beloved “CurlyRiah” to crafting fresh, festive looks that withstand the energy of live performances, Sovoa’s approach combines technical precision with an inclusive vision that celebrates all hair types and textures. His story is one of dedication, artistic excellence, and the delicate balance of maintaining an icon’s signature style while continuing to innovate. Here, he shares his insights into the artistry, preparation, and touch of holiday magic that goes into styling one of music’s most legendary figures.
In an exclusive interview with rolling out, Sovoa opened up about his creative process, the magic of working with Mariah during the holiday season, and his vision for the future of beauty.
How did you first begin working with Mariah Carey, and what is it like to style such an iconic figure, especially during the holiday season?
Originally hailing from Washington, D.C., I made the bold move to New York City a decade ago. Over these transformative ten years, I’ve built my career as a celebrity stylist through dedication and passion. One of my most cherished clients is none other than the Christmas Queen herself, Mariah Carey. In addition to Mariah, I’ve had the honor of working with incredible talents like Donna Brazile, Patti LaBelle, and the legendary Cicely Tyson. Each of these icons has graced my hands, which I like to think are anointed by now, given the incredible experiences I’ve had.
Working with Mariah Carey, especially during the holiday season, is nothing short of magical. The tour is an unforgettable experience—surrounded by top-tier professionals and witnessing the brilliance of great minds coming together to create a spectacular show. It’s more than just styling her hair; it’s about being part of a creative process that brings joy to countless fans. Seeing everything come together to deliver an unforgettable performance is truly an experience.
When preparing for Mariah’s Christmas tour, what are the initial inspirations or themes you draw from to create her holiday looks?
When designing hairstyles, I work closely with Mariah to ensure each look complements her outfit and the overall theme of her tour.
Additionally, the theme of festive elegance is always at the forefront. I imagine the joy and warmth of the holiday season, translating those feelings into hairstyles that shine on stage. Think luscious waves, shimmering highlights, and a hint of sparkle—because what’s Christmas without a little glitz?
Lastly, it’s all about connecting with the audience. Mariah’s fans are passionate, and I want her looks to resonate with them, evoking nostalgia and joy. Each style is crafted to be iconic yet approachable, ensuring Mariah feels radiant and ready to dazzle her audience.
Mariah’s signature look, “CurlyRiah,” is beloved by fans. How do you maintain that recognizable style while adding new elements each season?
Ah, “CurlyRiah”! It’s such a timeless and iconic look, isn’t it? Maintaining Mariah’s signature style while infusing fresh elements each season is a delightful challenge that I absolutely relish. The key is to remain true to the essence of her curls while subtly reinventing them to keep things exciting.
First and foremost, it’s all about embracing the natural beauty of her curls. Mariah’s curls have a life of their own, and I love working with their natural texture. Each season, I play with different curl patterns—sometimes tighter, sometimes looser—to create a sense of movement and vitality.
To keep the style fresh, I incorporate subtle changes that make a big impact. This could be adding a hint of color with soft balayage highlights to give dimension, or experimenting with parting to alter the overall silhouette. Styling products also play a crucial role; I often use varying products to achieve different levels of shine and volume.
Ultimately, Mariah’s style is about celebrating her individuality and the unique beauty of her hair. Each season brings new trends and inspirations, but the heart of “CurlyRiah” remains the same—glamorous, confident, and utterly Mariah.
Can you walk us through a typical day on tour? What are some of the key steps you take to ensure Mariah’s look is perfect for each performance?
Being on tour is a whirlwind of creativity, precision, and just a touch of glam magic!
The day kicks off with a leisurely wake-up, allowing us to recharge and prepare for the glamorous day ahead. Breakfast is a sacred time, fueling up with all the essentials to ensure we’re ready to face the day with style and grace.
Around midday, it’s all about getting everything in order. Packing up what’s needed for the day ahead and ensuring everything is ready to roll is crucial. Organization is key. By early afternoon, we’re bustling in the lobby, making sure everything is set for the tour bus journey.
Once we arrive at the venue, it’s straight into glam. This is where the magic happens, and where every hair must fall perfectly into place. We create looks that are not only stunning but also durable enough to withstand Mariah’s electrifying performances.
After the initial glam session, it’s time for a quick trip to rehearsal. This gives us the opportunity to see how everything flows on stage and make any necessary tweaks. Once rehearsals are wrapped, it’s back to the glam station for final touches. We reimagine and perfect the look, ensuring Mariah is ready to dazzle.
As the spotlight time approaches, it’s all about those last-minute checks—making sure everything is flawless. And then, it’s showtime! Watching Mariah mesmerize the audience is the ultimate reward for all our hard work.
It’s a beautiful blend of art, dedication, and a sprinkle of diva magic. Every day is a new adventure, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Your work emphasizes inclusivity in beauty. How has your approach shaped the way you style hair for Mariah and other clients?
Inclusivity in beauty is at the core of everything I do. When styling Mariah and my other clients, I always start with the understanding that beauty is universal and deeply personal. Each individual’s hair tells a story, and my role is to enhance and celebrate that narrative.
I believe that every texture, color, and style has its own unique charm, and it’s my job to highlight that beauty. Working with Mariah, who embodies elegance and versatility, has been a perfect canvas for this philosophy. Whether we’re creating iconic curls or sleek, sophisticated looks, the focus is always on authenticity and empowerment.
For me, styling is not just about following trends but about understanding the person in my chair. Each session starts with a conversation, a chance for me to learn about their lifestyle, personality, and how they want to feel. This personalized approach ensures that every style I create is a true reflection of the individual’s identity.
Inclusivity also means challenging traditional beauty norms and breaking boundaries. I strive to create styles that push the envelope and encourage my clients to embrace their full potential. It’s about celebrating what makes each person unique and helping them express that through their hair.
By emphasizing inclusivity, I aim to inspire confidence and encourage everyone to see beauty in their own reflection. This approach has not only shaped my work with Mariah but has become a guiding principle in my career as a whole.
What’s your creative process for balancing festive elegance with practicality, ensuring Mariah’s styles stay intact through high-energy performances?
When it comes to styling the iconic Mariah Carey, the process begins with understanding the essence of the performance. Mariah’s presence on stage is nothing short of a dazzling, and her hair needs to reflect that same energy while remaining resilient.
To ensure the style holds up through her high-energy performances, I rely on a selection of top-tier products. It’s crucial to choose those that offer both hold and flexibility. A lightweight mousse or a strong yet pliable hairspray becomes my secret weapon. The key is to ensure that the products don’t weigh her hair down but instead, enhance its natural movement and bounce.
Each style is meticulously crafted, keeping in mind Mariah’s dynamic stage presence. I often opt for structured waves or elegant updos that can withstand the intensity of her performances. These styles are not only eye-catching but also practical, allowing her to move freely without worrying about her hair losing its charm.
Finally, my team and I are always on standby to provide any quick touch-ups if needed. But with the right preparation and the perfect style, Mariah often leaves the stage as flawless as she entered.
It’s a thrilling challenge each time, but seeing Mariah shine with a hairstyle that enhances her legendary performances is the ultimate reward.
The beauty industry is evolving, with more focus on representation and diversity. How do you see your role contributing to this shift, particularly with textured hair?
You know, the beauty industry has been my playground for years, and it’s truly thrilling to witness its transformation towards greater representation and diversity. When it comes to textured hair, it’s not just about styling; it’s about celebrating and honoring the unique beauty of each individual.
I’ve always believed that hair is a powerful form of self-expression. Whether it’s curls, coils, waves, or kinks, each texture tells its own story. My role, as I see it, is to amplify those stories. I want every person sitting in my chair to feel seen, celebrated, and beautiful in their natural hair. It’s about creating a space where textured hair isn’t just accepted but embraced and cherished.
Education is key in this journey. I’ve made it my mission to educate not only my clients but also other stylists about the intricacies and nuances of textured hair. By sharing knowledge and techniques, we can break down barriers and dismantle misconceptions surrounding textured hair. It’s about inspiring confidence and empowering both stylists and clients to appreciate and love the hair they have.
My role is about more than just styling hair; it’s about being part of a movement that uplifts and unites. I’m here to ensure that every texture is celebrated, and every person feels their most beautiful, authentic self. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and making the beauty industry a more inclusive and diverse space for everyone.
What are some holiday hair tips you would give to fans hoping to replicate Mariah’s glamorous holiday styles at home?
As we approach the holiday season, many of you are looking to channel that iconic Mariah Carey glamour. I’m here to share some tips to help you achieve those stunning holiday hairstyles right in the comfort of your own home.
Replicating Mariah’s glamorous styles
Mariah is known for her voluminous curls and sleek, shiny locks. To start, you’ll want to focus on creating a strong foundation with healthy, hydrated hair. Remember, the key to any great style is the health of your hair!
- Start with a good base: Before styling, make sure your hair is well-moisturized. Use a deep conditioning treatment or a hair mask at least once a week, especially during the dry winter months.
- Volume is key: To create those glamorous curls, use a volumizing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry with a round brush.
- Curls, curls, curls: Use a large-barrel curling iron to achieve those luscious curls Mariah is famous for. Wrap sections of your hair around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, and release. Don’t forget to let them cool before gently shaking them out for added volume.
- Shine bright: Finish off with a shine serum to give your hair that polished, star-quality glow.
Top healthy hair tips
In addition to styling, maintaining healthy hair is crucial, especially during the winter when the cold can be particularly harsh. Here are my top healthy hair tips:
- Hydration is essential: Keep your hair hydrated. Drink plenty of water and consider a weekly hair mask to keep your locks nourished.
- Cool rinse: When rinsing out conditioner, use cool water. This helps lock in moisture and keeps your hair smooth and shiny.
- Protect your hair: Use a silk pillowcase or wear a silk bonnet to prevent breakage and reduce friction while you sleep.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of styling for Mariah’s tour, and are there any memorable moments that stand out?
I must say, the experience has been nothing short of magical. Mariah is not just a legendary artist; she’s a style icon, and being a part of her creative team is a dream come true. The most rewarding aspect has undoubtedly been the opportunity to bring her vision to life on stage. Each look we create is a blend of artistry and precision, tailored to enhance her performance and captivate her audience.
One of the most memorable moments was during the opening night of the tour. As Mariah stepped onto the stage with her hair cascading in perfect waves, the audience erupted with applause. Witnessing that moment, knowing I contributed to her radiant presence, was incredibly gratifying.
Another unforgettable experience was when we had to quickly change her hairstyle between sets. The adrenaline was pumping, and I had only a few minutes to create an entirely new look. The teamwork and trust we shared in those high-pressure moments made it all worthwhile, and seeing Mariah shine effortlessly was the ultimate reward.
Working with Mariah, you learn to appreciate the power of transformation and the impact of every detail. It’s not just about the hairstyles; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with her fans and complements her extraordinary talent. I’m truly grateful for every moment on this incredible journey.
Looking to the future, what are some projects or goals you’re excited to pursue in the beauty industry?
The world of beauty is ever-evolving, and I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic landscape. Here’s a glimpse into what I am looking forward to:
One of my primary goals is to expand my educational outreach. I believe in the power of knowledge and want to mentor the next generation of hairstylists. By offering workshops and online courses, I aim to share my expertise, techniques, and creative flair with aspiring professionals around the globe. It’s about nurturing talent and fostering innovation in our craft.
Launching a signature product line
I’m also excited about developing a signature line of hair care products. My vision is to create formulations that not only enhance beauty but also prioritize hair health. With carefully selected ingredients and sustainable practices, this product line will reflect my commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility.
Collaborating with diverse creatives
Collaboration is at the heart of creativity, and I’m looking forward to partnering with diverse artists across the fashion, film, and art industries. These collaborations will push boundaries and redefine beauty standards, showcasing the transformative power of hairstyling through a variety of mediums and perspectives.
Advocating for inclusivity and diversity
Inclusivity and diversity are core values that drive my work. I am passionate about advocating for representation in all facets of the beauty industry. This involves working closely with brands and organizations to ensure that beauty is accessible and celebrated for all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.
In essence, my future projects are all about pushing the envelope and making a meaningful impact in the beauty industry. I am driven by a passion for creativity, an unwavering commitment to education, and a desire to champion diversity. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
For more information on Dior Sovoa:
Instagram: @diorsovoa
