Hairstylist Chuck Amos and MUA Romy Soleimani

This time around, we’re introducing you to hairstylist Chuck Amos and makeup artist Romy Soleimani, the masterminds behind the beauty looks for Byrdie’s 17th issue—The Muse Issue—featuring Tracee Ellis Ross. Below, join us in taking a peek behind the curtain.

Hairstylist Chuck Amos

On the inspiration for the hair look…

“The vibe for the first look was ‘playful, free-flowing curls,’—some brushed out, some intact—to create a carefree look. We also used wind to create whatever interesting shapes came about. I was inspired by Tracee’s natural curls (which I call her ‘berries’). They have a playful ease, and I wanted to celebrate that. We used Pattern Beauty’s Leave-In Conditioner and a small amount of Styling Custard on wet hair, and then diffused to bring out her natural curl patterns.

“The second look was meant to showcase Tracee’s hair while both wet and dry. We brushed out the ends to create volume while keeping her hair slicked and wavy at the root. This created a new, fun shape Tracee hadn’t done before. I was inspired by Black hairstyles from the 1970s with waves and flatness at the roots while dry and playful at the ends. We used Pattern Beauty’s Moisture Milk and Styling Cream to keep the wet part moist and moveable while shooting. 

“For the slick and sleek final look, we wanted to still [showcase] Tracee’s natural waves and curls. I was inspired by those ’90s editorial shots by Herb Ritts and Arthur Elgort; where the model’s hair was wet but chic. We drenched Tracee’s hair, brushed it flat, and applied a mixture of Pattern Beauty’s Styling Cream and Curl Gel to keep it in place and wet through the shoot.”

On working with Tracee…

“It’s always a blast working with Tracee! We’ve been together for 22+ years, and it has always been fun, fresh, and constant laughter throughout! Tracee knows her hair impeccably, and her ideas are cutting-edge. She always brings a modern twist to the forefront while keeping her brand playful, fun, and inviting to the public.”

On his early years and starting his career in beauty…

“I grew up in the Berkshires [of] western Massachusetts in New England. When I was young, I [always] played with hair—whether it be my mother’s hair or Barbie dolls and mannequin heads. When I was 14 years old, my aunt Sandy visited with sewn-in hair extensions. It was like a magic trick—I’ve been hooked ever since. I started doing extensions on all my female family members’ hair until I was 20 years old. That was my aha moment that I wanted to be a hairstylist.

“During my early years in the industry, I can remember being one of the only Black hairstylists among many white counterparts in the industry. This kept me inspiring and unique in the industry.”

On his career highlights…

“Still to this day, my career highlight is the Gianni Versace charity show in South Africa for Nelson Mandela. I got to meet Nelson Mandela at his house in his backyard, and that was the biggest honor my career has ever given me. There were many others, but that was the ultimate!”

On what beauty means to him and how it’s empowered him throughout his life…

“Beauty is a state of mind, a state of ease. With that mindset, you can see beauty in everything—whether the hair is perfect or not. If your mind is there, you can see an artful beauty in each and every thing in this world. That is what empowers me, to see the beauty in everything. Then, you are never stuck looking at or doing the same things in life. Or even creating the same hairstyles all the time. Everything becomes beautiful and artful!”

On his mentors and icons…

“My beauty icons start with my mother, Dianne. Then Tracee’s mom, Diana Ross; Farrah Fawcett; Brooke Shields; Lisa Bonet; and the original Maleficent from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty in 1959. My mentors include Orlando Pita, who was my very first mentor. He introduced me to the fashion industry first as his assistant. Then Odile Gilbert, Luigi Murenu, Danilo, Eugene Souleiman, Nicolas Jurnjack, Serge Normant, and Peter Savic!”

Makeup Artist Romy Soleimani

On the inspiration and products for the makeup look…

“I’m calling the first look ‘transparent blue eyes.’ I used a bit of Danessa Myricks’ Cushion Liner in Atlantis (which is unfortunately discontinued) and mixed it with Shiseido Eye Gloss for a transparent finish. I brushed on a bit higher than the crease and paired with fresh skin. I tapped Retrouvé Intensive Replenishing Facial Moisturizer on the high points of Tracee’s face. The lip was Nars Velvet Matte Pencil in Lonely Heart mixed with Fenty Stunna Lip Paint in Underdawg.

“In the second look, the cheeks are the star. I used Nars Exhibit A layered with Retrouvé Nutrient Face Serum [and] layered with Chanel Baume Essential in Moonlight Kiss. The look also featured Make Beauty’s Liquid Liner in Horizon Line mixed with Pat McGrath Labs’ FetishEYES Longwear Liquid Eyeshadow in Copper Eye Doll on the lower lash line. I applied a bit of Victoria Beckham Beauty EyeWear Longwear Eyeshadow Stick in Oyster in the inner corner of the eye. The lip is Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Velvet Liquid Lipstick in #111 Sand mixed with MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger—pressed into the lips for a matte, velvety stain.

“The last look was all about lashes. I used Sweed Beauty Terryfic 3D Lashes cut in clusters and pinched together to create the spiked effect, layered with Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara. I created the dewy skin with Furtuna Skin BiPhase Moisturizing Oil on the face.”