AN INTERVIEW WITH
BRYCE SCARLETT Hair Artis t for the Stars
Writer Madeline Rosene @madelinerosene
B
ryce Scarlett, extroverted Gemini and hair artist for some of Hollywood’s most elite celebrities including Natalie Portman, Margot Robbie, Lily Aldridge, and Hailey Baldwin has had a busy year. Having just moved back to Los Angeles, while keeping his apartment in the West Village in New York City, Bryce says, “It doesn’t really feel real yet,” knowing that he has to leave again shortly for another 13 day jaunt to Europe. This beachy blonde is always on the move, jetting from coast to coast sporting black Nike sweats mixed with some delicate gold chains. You might remember Bryce Scarlett from our article in LEFAIR Magazine’s premiere issue, in which we interviewed him with his friend, collaborator, and makeup artist extraordinaire, Quinn Murphy. It’s been over two years since our last conversation and Bryce says, “There’s been a lot of growth” in his career. Now a brand ambassador for Morrocanoil, flying all over the world working with celebrities on their press tours, he’s signed so many celebrity NDAs that he can’t keep track. MR: Did you accomplish anything in particular this year that you feel especially proud of? BS: Having a relationship with a brand like Morroccanoil is a huge achievement and privilege. They’ve given me a platform to speak on on behalf of a brand that is a pleasure to be associated with. It’s still a privately owned company run by women and owner and founder Carmen Tal is serious about empowering women, both within the company and outside of the company. It’s great to be involved with a company that is open minded and has a family atmosphere. MR: Were there any other goals that you’ve achieved? BS: I worked on the cover of the Vanity Fair Hollywood issue last year. That was with Natalie Portman. I had always wanted to do that. I did a few foreign Vogue covers with Gigi Hadid. Enrique Badulescu shot two of them.
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MR: What are your goals for the future? BS: I think right now my goals for the future would just be more of the same. I’m really happy with the place I’m in right now and I’d love to keep it going. I wouldn’t mind spending little less time in planes and being in my own bed more often. I’m actively looking to manage a work life balance, as are most people. MR: What would be your advice to a new hair stylist who is looking to work in editorials like yourself? BS: I would say, the easiest start you can give yourself is moving to either New York City or Los Angeles. Go and assist. You have to take that financial sacrifice of working for not a lot of money and be dedicated to someone you respect and want to learn from. That is how doors open — making connections, building those relationships and earning people’s trust. MR: What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you? BS: I’ve learned a lot of things through osmosis, not necessarily quotes from people. Learning to read a room is invaluable in any industry. Take the temperature of a room and learn how to present yourself in it. That’s 60% of that battle in our industry. I can’t express that enough. So much of what we do is based on personality. You learn to read a room by trial and error. I think I have always been good at it. I’ve relied on my instincts. When it comes to celebrities and PR, people are often on edge. My job is to make people feel comfortable. The talent is always under a lot of pressure. They need to know you will make them look good but also that they can trust you. You are not adding any stress or pressure. You are a comforting presence. Knowing your place and when it’s important to interject is always a struggle. It’s a dance. People expect a certain level of honesty. There’s a fine line between being brutally honest and letting someone know if I’m not completely in love with something.