INTERVIEW: Expert Wig Maker And Celeb Hairstylist Tokyo Stylez On Her New Snapchat Original Documentary Series – Featuring Hollywood’s Biggest Names

In the hair industry, there’s very few people who can do it like Tokyo Stylez. That’s why Cardi B, Paris Hilton, Mulatto, Flo Milli, De’Arra, Kash Doll, and Nikita Dragun all call up Tokyo Stylez to design their brand-new wigs. Her creativity, skill, and bubbly personality also caught the eye of Snapchat. Her Snap Original, Queen of Stylez, which premiered in November of 2020, reveals an inside look of what it’s like to be a celebrity hairstylist. The eight-episode docuseries tackles not only Tokyo’s creative process, but also untold personal stories about her recent gender transition and her journey from Omaha to Atlanta to DC to Los Angeles – as she chased her dream of becoming a celebrity hairstylist.

Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, Mia Jackson, known professionally as Tokyo Stylez, began her hairstyling career at age 15 around her neighborhood, and quickly became known for her specialization in sew-in hair extensions and creative wig making. For example, Tokyo is behind the creation of Cardi B’s intricate chain-link ponytail in her WAP music video and is the first call for when a celebrity wants to try something new and exciting.

After acquiring Tamar Braxton as her first celebrity client and collaborating with makeup artist and beauty-influencer Hrush Achemyan, Kylie Jenner discovered her on Instagram after she did Karrueche Tran’s hair for the BET Awards. Kylie then got Tokyo’s number from Hrush Achemyan, beginning Tokyo’s relationship with Kylie Jenner, making her over 100 wigs that now live in her expansive wig closet. Tokyo has also appeared on four episodes of Life of Kylie and has made several appearances on E!’s Keeping up with the Kardashians as Kylie’s personal stylist.

One of the most iconic looks Tokyo performed for Kylie Jenner was at the Met Gala in 2016 when she wore Balmain with the bob – which caught the attention of Cardi B and Rihanna who were seeking the same high fashion, chic and effortless look. Tokyo’s clients consist of celebrities who aren’t scared to try new looks and expand outside of their comfort zones, hence why she has also styled icons Kim Kardashian, Gabrielle Union, Naomi Campbell, Nicki Minaj, Kendall Jenner, Lil’ Kim, Doja Cat, Bethenny Frankel, Megan Thee Stallion and many more.

Maybe it’s the fact that she only uses real human hair or can make up to five wigs a day, but her demand is consistently high. For individuals who get their hair done every two weeks or so, wigs are an investment — and A-List celebrities are no longer her only clientele thanks to her wig line Touched by Tokyo wigs. Everyday people can now rock her latest wigs to revamp or redo their looks. Touched by Tokyo Wigs is also scheduled to open a wig boutique in Los Angeles and Tokyo eventually wants to open up international hair boutiques.

Tokyo Stylez has established her mark in history as an iconic hairstylist and wig expert, who is behind the most legendary modern celebrity looks. I had the pleasure of speaking with her about her new Snapchat show, career background, and what’s next in her life.

Congratulations on the release of your new Snapchat Original Show, Queen of Stylez. How has the process been for you from the conceptualization to post-production?

TS: Well, my manager Chris Aaron, who is on the show, had been in talks for a year and a half getting this project up and running. The project was a beast to film – believe it or not but just to get five minute episodes, we would film 12 hour days. So in order to get 30 minute episodes, I would have to give up half my year to get it done. Hair is very difficult to film and the process is long, but it was worth it.

When did your passion for hair come about? How long have you been making wigs?

TS: I was always doing hair. I have loved creating since I was very young. I just loved taking something from nothing and making it beautiful. I would say I’ve been doing hair since I was 11-years-old.

You had a plethora of major celebrities and influencers on this season. Are there any other individuals you’d like to create wigs for in the future if your show gets a second season? Who are your dream clients?

TS: Well, it’s an honor to get this season and I’m so happy with what we accomplished. I think it’s only right Kylie is on the next season, but I would love to see Lil’ Kim on as well because we go way back and I want to just talk to her about all the iconic hairstyles she had that we still recreate to this day. As far as dream client, I did them already.

Is there anything else you’d like to add about your show or overall background?

TS: Filming the show was a dream, especially since it is my own, but I do have to say me and my team are very particular in how the show is received because I know it sets the tone for how the industry will be perceived and I’m aware I’m a source for inspiration – so I don’t want to mess this up. I want to do right for the people in the industry so they have something to be proud of.

To view the series, visit snapchat.com.