“GentlePerson” Dylan Chavles for Lost Hairdressers

“Dylan Chavles hails from Los Angeles, where she first recognized her fondness for hairdressing at a young age. After a half hearted attempt at going to university, she enrolled herself at a hair school and began working at prominent salons shortly thereafter.

Dylan’s love for the arts is apparent in her work. With a style that reflects Fellini elegance blended with raw 1977 punk energy, her creations both in salon and on set are always distinctly hers.”

“There are so many invigorating and enticing aspects of women, I wanted to challenge myself to remove my sexuality from art for once.”

LH: Hello Dylan, can you tell us a bit about how this story came together?

Dylan: I connected with Harry a few years ago on a test shoot. Neither of us were having a good time on set so we sulked together. As for the shoot concept, I was really tired of seeing people’s faces in photos. I wanted to shoot something without any sexual energy which is why I decided to cover Clem’s face with nylon tights.

“GentlePerson”LH: Let’s discuss sexual energy, why did you feel that you needed to erase that element entirely?

Dylan: I just feel like its a very easy go to, especially shooting in Los Angeles. I value sexuality and intelligence equally. There are so many invigorating and enticing aspects of women, I wanted to challenge myself to remove my sexuality from art for once.

LH: How did photographer Harry Eelman and colorist Alaina Manibog weigh in on this project, conceptually speaking?

Dylan: I really wanted it to feel like a Bobby Darin album cover. So with that, Alaina was responsible for the awkward and flat wig colors, and Harry chose the lighting, back drops, and to shoot Polaroids. I think all of us were a big part in the posing and mood for the day.

LH: How much does the music you listen to play into your style as a hairdresser?

Dylan: I can’t listen to anything I don’t love. I’ve never been a “whatever’s on the radio” kind of person. Music and film heavily inspire everything I do, and how I approach work.

LH: What has the biggest challenge been for you, career wise?

Dylan: I think my biggest challenge has been finding out what aspect of hairdressing I want to focus on. Also, setting boundaries with people I work with, whether it be on set, or in the salon.

“Music and film heavily inspire everything I do, and how I approach work.”

LH: What sort of boundaries are you referring to?

Dylan: On set, its more about creative boundaries. You get pushed around a lot and it has taken time to learn how to assert my vision. Especially around men making decisions.

“Always be willing to assist someone who has something you want”

LH: Is there anything you’d like to say to new hairdressers that are reading this?

Dylan: Work really hard! Nobody owes you anything. There are so many people doing hair that it’s really up to you to make things happen for yourself. Always put creative things together, even when it’s not paid. Always be willing to assist someone who has something you want. HAVE FUN.