Famed hairstylist and wig architect Tokyo Stylez has been setting the fashion and beauty world ablaze. She transforms hair into literal works of art for Hollywood’s biggest stars. From Cardi B’s voluminous afro at the 2025 Met Gala to Kylie Jenner’s perfectly pink bubblegum wig, Stylez never plays it safe.
Her jaw-dropping creations have earned her legendary status among hip-hop and beauty culture enthusiasts. Moreover, she’s built an impressive client roster including Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Tokyo Stylez proves that hair artistry deserves recognition as a serious creative craft.
WE tv Reality Show Introduces Tokyo Stylez to Wider Audience
Many viewers were formally introduced to Stylez’s genius through her 2024 WE tv reality series. ‘Wiggin’ Out with Tokyo Stylez’ gave fans an intimate look into high-end wig-making. The show showcased her work creating custom pieces for A-list clientele behind the scenes.
The series highlighted not just her technical skills but also her creative process. Viewers watched as she conceptualized, designed, and executed stunning hair transformations. The show cemented her status as one of the industry’s most sought-after hair artists.
Decade-Long Creative Partnership with Cardi B Started in 2016
Stylez has served as Cardi B’s trusted hairstylist for an entire decade now. Their partnership began in 2016 after Cardi posted an ad searching for an NYC-based stylist. Stylez happened to be in the city and immediately wanted to work with her.
“I told my manager, Chris, that I wanted to work with her. He called her management at [the] time, and she ended up coming to my hotel,” Stylez revealed to Galore in September 2025. After slaying Cardi’s hair, they made videos together where Cardi exclaimed she knew she’d made it. The video went viral, launching a creative partnership built on good vibes from the start.
Cardi B Trusts Tokyo Stylez’s Bold Creative Vision Completely
During the season 18 premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cardi revealed she couldn’t live without Tokyo. She grouped her trusted hairstylist alongside makeup artist Erika La’Pearl as essential to her team. That trust goes both ways, with Stylez crediting Cardi for giving her creative freedom.
“When I see Cardi, I see a strong woman who’s like a chameleon. She owns it and doesn’t allow the hair to wear her,” Tokyo explained to Galore. As a trans woman, Stylez draws deep inspiration from Cardi’s fearlessness and flamboyant feminine energy. This allows her to blend trends from LGBTQ+ ballroom culture with hip-hop aesthetics seamlessly.
‘WAP’ Music Video Chain Link Ponytail Remains Favorite Creation
Among countless iconic Cardi B hair moments, one stands out as Stylez’s all-time favorite. The chain link ponytail from the “WAP” music video with Megan Thee Stallion represents peak creativity. The innovative design combined technical skill with boundary-pushing vision in perfect harmony.
“I will always say the ‘WAP’ video is easily one of my favorite hair moments to date! The chain link ponytail was so next level creative and cool, it solidified that iconic moment in hip-hop history,” Stylez gushed enthusiastically. Other memorable looks include the crow-inspired updo for Cardi’s ‘Am I The Drama?’ project. Each creation pushes the boundaries of what hair can become as art.
Childhood Experience Caring for Sister Sparked Hair Passion
Tokyo Stylez’s love for hair began at just nine years old, rooted in personal necessity. Her mother was incarcerated during her childhood, leaving Tokyo to care for her sister. Their father didn’t know how to style hair, and nobody else was around to help.
“One day, I looked at her and thought, ‘Mom would be so pissed if she could see you right now.’ So, I sat her down and started doing her hair,” Stylez told W Magazine in 2024. She began recreating all the styles her mother used to do from memory. That emotional connection to hair transformed into a lifelong passion and eventually a thriving career.
Transition to Wig Making Started with Cancer Patient Benefit
Stylez’s journey into professional wig making began through an act of service. A close friend named Natalie ran a cancer organization and needed help. She asked if Tokyo knew how to make wigs for cancer patients needing hair replacement.
From that heartfelt beginning, Stylez’s reputation for crafting stunning, ultra-realistic wigs spread rapidly. Her rise wasn’t just about raw talent—it was about being the complete package. She unapologetically took up space in the beauty industry as a trans woman. That confidence led her to create custom wigs for ballroom scene members, including icon Amiyah Scott.
LGBTQ+ Ballroom Culture Deeply Influences Styling Approach
Tokyo Stylez credits LGBTQ+ and ballroom culture as major creative influences throughout her career. These communities taught her fearlessness, self-expression, and the importance of presentation. She brings that energy to every client, especially when working with Cardi B’s transformative looks.
Working with trans clients like TS Madison holds special significance for Stylez personally. “When they told me that she was down to even do it, I was so honored because she’s done so many things in our culture and for our people,” she told OUT. These collaborations represent more than business—they’re about creating impactful moments together as a community.
No Rules Philosophy Defines Tokyo Stylez’s Artistic Process
At the end of the day, Stylez believes there are no limits to creating hair masterpieces. “There are no rules to creating art,” she told Galore last year with conviction. Her only non-negotiable is protecting the client’s natural hair and scalp by all means necessary.
Beyond that, she encourages playfulness and experimentation throughout the creative process. “At the end of the day, it’s just hair, so have fun with it,” Stylez emphasizes. This philosophy allows her to push boundaries while keeping clients comfortable and confident. Her approach proves that artistry and care can coexist beautifully in the beauty industry.
Celebrity Clients Trust Tokyo Stylez for Red Carpet Moments
Stylez’s talent has taken her to unimaginable heights across the entertainment industry. She’s created memorable looks for icons spanning music, fashion, film, and television. Her client list reads like a who’s who of contemporary pop culture royalty.
Working with stars like Kylie Jenner, Naomi Campbell, Rihanna, and Beyoncé proves her versatility. Each celebrity brings different needs, aesthetics, and expectations to the styling chair. Nevertheless, Tokyo consistently delivers show-stopping results that generate buzz across social media platforms. Her work continues shaping how we think about hair as transformative art rather than simple styling.
