Recount of a RockStylist: Split-Ends Breakout star Chris Do

A unique premise, Split-Ends combines several hit genres to make one 30 minute hair-raising episode. The show, which is on the Style Network, has game-show-like contestants that are subjected to fish-out-of-water swapping. Focused on two participants from different salons; drama is instantaneous due to the swapping stylists being total opposites. Each salon that these contestants are from are just as diverse as the stylists themselves. One salon is usually an upscale busy place, known for trendsetting, and in a major city like Beverly Hills. The second salon isn’t as busy, maybe it’s somewhere small town archetype USA, and although it still has talented staff it’s a humble venue. Each episode, of the show, is filmed over a period of several days as the contestants are tested. Evaluated is their overall skill, how fast they acclimate to their new environment, and how well they work on each others clientele. It is the last day of filming when these stylists, who are larger than life personalities in their own right, take over their new temporary homes and do things their own way. The show is a unsuspecting surprise because there is always a sense of reality to the drama. These contestants always come out ahead in learning about themselves and how the other half lives.

That brings us to this seasons break out star…the very handsome, RockStylist, Chris Do age 24, from the Modern Salon and Spa in Houston, Texas. This couture coiffure switched roles to a unsuspecting experience at a shop, in Cleveland Ohio and suprised those around him with style, talent, skill, and ability to take direction. Chris Do displayed he can learn as well as teach and impressed the pants off of everyone who watches the show.

I got to correspond with the exquisite estetista and ask him about his reality show experience and what is it like being a pseudo celebrity. This humble intervieweee has no clue that he has a new legion of fans on the internet. There are quite a few threads on the style network forum and several blogs througout the worldwideweb on his particular episode. No offense to Dantez the other swapper (he did get a unfair shake) but the jury is out and Chris is guilty of having that it factor. The proof is in the comments that are all over his myspace page and youtube vids. Some actually talk about the episode while others just say he is a hottie. What is even more interesting is the reviews he recieves online from working at Modern Salon and Spa. The reviews say he is much more outgoing than his coworkers and that he really takes the taste of his client into account.

So whether you are a fan of Chris or a Fan of the show Splitends write into the Style network and request that they do a follow up show on Chris’s episode. Even better if you know any trendy salons that would support Chris on a all out national RockStylist tour get a move on and start you campaigning. I might even beg the girls from girlybubble to sponsor a hair show just so we can get Chris to NYC!

Q: Were you born and raised in Texas?
A: Yes, Houston Texas and for a bit in Southern California

Q: You are Vietnamese-American right?
A: Yes!

Q: Where did you get the name RockStylist?
A: A client gave it to me while back when I was still a shampoo assistant.

Q: Do people ever underestimate your styling sense because you are Asian?
A: No, never but I have noticed it depends what type of salon your at though. If your clientele is not used to seeing your you or your technique you can be greatly underestimated for anything. I am lucky to be at a salon that has a diverse selection of clientele and co-workers.

Q: What was the experience like being on a reality TV show?
A: The first day I was really nervous because you don’t know what to expect. It’s still reality but sometime you are following through with directions, for example getting out of a car or waking up. Then when you are in a salon everything you are experiencing is on your own… but that part is a bit tough, you feel like you are under a magnifying glass.

Q: What experiences did you take from the salon in Ohio?
A: The Modern Salon and Spa, where I came from is really run with military precision. I am so used to structured and scheduled influences during work.  The experience in Ohio was very chill, laid-back …so enjoying the freedom I had for that time. The experience was enjoyable.

Q: Have people recognized you from the show?
A: Yeah, A lot. As soon as the first airing of the show my myspace blew-up and hasn’t really slowed.

Q: Where to get your style from?
A: My persona.. personality. I feel if ya have the personality for it then you are able to rock anything you want. But I don’t know what I am… day to day my look is how I feel from conservative to outgoing. I have tattoos and blond hair but there are days I’m very average and laid back too.

Q: How long have you been working as an active stylist?
A: About 4th years

Q: So what styles that are popular now?
A: A very modern take on The Bob… but I try to veer from it because now everyone has it. It is time to change up the trend and try to promote longer hair. Long hair is really versatile because it can always be styled in various ways. There are more options… and there are many quick up-do styles I can do for my clients.

Q: Do you have any styling heroes or influences?
A: Yes three Vidal Sassoon, **Robert Cromeans and ***Anthony Mascolo

Q: Originally it was your uncle Long Pham owner of Modern Salon and Spa. that saw your potential, What other kind of family support have you received in becoming a stylist?

A: Well my Uncle of course gave me my first oppertunity. He took me to my first Hair show and showed me that this feild can me creative and fun. Its upkeep of a lifestyle you can influence really… and when I was debating going for my certification my cousin Kevin was there for me always pushing me saying that I can do it.

Q: From the show we saw your coworkers back you up, are you tight with them?
A: At times working in this field it can be competitive but when it comes down to it we all work together and have each others back.

Q: Do you see yourself ever relocating to a larger city? maybe opening your own salon?
A: Yes to both. I see myself having my own salon(s)

Q: So a Chain of Salons?
A: Yes, but ultimate goal own my own line of hair care products.

Q: So if you had the opportunity to make appearances and maybe do a rockstylist salon tour would you?
A: haha Yes Most definitely if I had that opportunity I would.

Q: Fun question time… What Kind of Music to you listen too?
A: When I am styling,  something with a heavier beat, that keeps me moving like house. When I am not doing hair anything really, From retro Frank Sinatra or from disco days to chick love songs but the majority is 80’s music.

Q: What do you do when your off-duty?
A: Mostly go to lounges. Meet people and promote myself. Try to influence people to upgrade their style. I don’t go to clubs that much anymore… you really can’t network when you can’t hear people so someplace chill.

**The Systems Global Artistic Director for John Paul Mitchell

***International Creative Director of TIGI haircare.