Celebrity hairstylist César Deleon Ramirez reflects on his career of storytelling through hair and what’s to come.
With a career that bridges to tier editorial, A-list celebrity, and brand education, César Deleon Ramirez has solidified his status as one of the most influential hairstylists working today. Known for crafting high-impact looks for clients like Karol G, Ciara, Camila Cabello, Kehlani and Demi Lovato, Deleon Ramirez brings a deep understanding of structure, texture, and visual storytelling to every hairstyle he creates. His work is a masterclass in technical precision meeting cultural relevance.
In this exclusive Q&A with The Tease, Deleon Ramirez shares insights into his start in hair, his creative process, how he approaches longevity in the industry, and the evolving role of the modern hairstylist.
The Tease: Tell us about your start. Growing up between Puerto Rico and New York, did you always know you would go into hair?
César Deleon Ramirez: I feel incredibly blessed to have grown up in such culturally diverse areas and surrounded by talented artists in my family’s hair salon. It was a vibrant environment filled with amazing mentors, including non-binary and transgender artists, who inspired my passion for hair and honed my eye for beauty. However, I didn’t initially realize that hairdressing would become my career path, but as I grew older, I discovered my true passion for it. It clicked for me — I wanted to help people feel the way I saw my family make others feel: empowered, beautiful, and confident.
Was your family supportive of you going into hair? Did they encourage you? Or not?
Deleon Ramirez: Absolutely! My family has always been incredibly supportive, but they highly encouraged me to explore other fields like the medical and legal industries. Despite that, I always felt more like an artist at heart. Initially, I was drawn to dance and fashion, but eventually, I discovered my true passion for hair while working towards fashion design.
You trained under some of the salon professional industry’s biggest names (Ruth Roche, Jo Blackwell-Preston, Orlando Pita, Julien d’Ys, and Guido Palau). How did you seek out these opportunities? Share something you learned from one of these figures that has stuck with you.
Deleon Ramirez: I’ve always believed in learning from the best, and these artists are legends in their own right. It was truly an honor to have the chance to learn from them. I sought these opportunities by being proactive and doing everything I could to break into the industry. One thing that’s really stuck with me is the importance of staying true to your vision while being open to feedback. To do everything with intention and integrity. Also, to realize that you can always learn something new. Staying balanced can lead to incredible growth.
You’re known for working with some of the world’s buzziest celebrities, notably with varying hair textures. How did you get into celebrity hairstyling in the first place?
Deleon Ramirez: I got into celebrity hairstyling after meeting an incredible woman who was a client at the salon where I worked in Soho, NY. She was a PR agent and offered me the chance to style one of her clients for my first major magazine photoshoot. I approached the opportunity fearlessly, fueled by my goal of becoming a celebrity hairstylist. I did a great job, connected well with the client, and before I knew it, I was on my first European tour with Cassie.
You have worked with celebrity clients like Karol G, Demi Lovato, Bebe Rexha, and Ciara (among others) for years. To what can you attribute these longer collaborations? How do you make them successful?
Deleon Ramirez: Consistency, confidence, trust, and an understanding of their personal style. When you work with someone for years, you build a bond beyond just hairstyling. With clients like Ciara, Karol G, and Demi, it’s about listening to them and being part of their journey. They know I’ve got their back — whether it’s for a red carpet event or their everyday life. The key is really knowing your client beyond their hair and becoming a true partner in creating their image. Additionally, it’s important for me to always deliver great work — I strive to outdo myself and improve every time.
Talk to us about working with La Bichota, Karol G. You’ve seen her through some major hair transformations, including her vivid colors that jump from avant-garde when she first wears them to the mainstream.
Deleon Ramirez: Karol G is a true visionary, and I’ve been very fortunate to collaborate with her through some incredible hair transformations. We’ve explored everything from bold vivids to more classic looks, always staying true to her persona. Through her hair, we tell a story that connects to her projects in those moments. Karol isn’t afraid to take risks, and that’s something I absolutely love as a stylist. The more we play with color and let our imaginations run wild, the more inspired we become. The best part is, we’re just getting started.
You’ve traveled the world together, creating hairstyles for editorial, press, red carpets, award shows, concerts, and more. Is there a particular look or era that makes you most proud?
Deleon Ramirez: Traveling the world with Karol G and creating hairstyles for editorial shoots, press events, red carpets, award shows, concerts, and more has been an incredible journey. Some moments that really stand out for me are the Met Gala, Paris Fashion Week, and the world tour hair looks. Each era we’ve explored together has its own significance, but these moments stand out as a highlight of our collaboration.
How do you feel about creating hairstyles that are being celebrated, going viral, and being recreated all around the world?
Deleon Ramirez: It’s surreal and incredibly fulfilling. I always dreamed of creating hairstyles that are celebrated on a global scale. To see someone recreating a style I did feels like a small piece of me is touching the world. I’m honored that my work is having an impact, being celebrated, and eventually becoming a part of pop culture history. If I can inspire a future up-and-coming stylist the way I was inspired by my idols, then I feel I’ve lived my dream and done my part.
Tell us about the role that wigs and hair extensions have played in your artistry. Are you excited to see them gain popularity over the years?
Deleon Ramirez: Wigs and extensions have completely transformed the way I approach styling. They allow for endless creativity and experimentation. They’ve become tools that empower individuals to reinvent themselves, and it’s been incredible to see them gain mainstream popularity. I believe that my work has helped in that. For me, it’s all about making my clients feel like the best version of themselves—and wigs and extensions play a huge role in that.
You have put so many brands to the test in your career and in high-pressure settings! If you could, please some of your hair styling essentials!
Deleon Ramirez: A few hair styling essentials that I swear by and always keep in my kit would be:
- L’Oreal’s AirLight Pro: This dryer is a game-changer for creating that perfect smooth and sleek blowout without damaging texture. It’s ideal for all hair types, delivers fast results by cutting down drying time, and leaves the hair voluminous and bouncy! Plus, it has tons of programmable settings for each client.
- Kerastase Elixir Ultime: This oil is perfect for smoothing out frizz and achieving that silky, polished finish. Whether I’m working with curly textures or straight looks, it’s versatile enough for every hair type. It’s one of those products that truly elevates the hair’s overall appearance, making it look healthy and radiant.
- Toppik Fibers: When I need to create thickness, especially for clients with finer hair, Toppik Fibers are a must-have. These fibers give immediate volume and can make a noticeable difference in creating the illusion of fuller hair, which is especially essential for editorial shoots or styling for special events. What’s great about it is that it’s completely undetectable and blends seamlessly with the natural hair, giving that flawless finish. I always keep a bottle on hand for those last-minute touch-ups or when the client needs that extra boost of volume.
- Rizo’s Curls products are my absolute must-haves for enhancing natural textures. I love that they are formulated with nourishing ingredients that provide moisture, definition, and bounce, ensuring that curls remain vibrant and healthy. From the lightweight curl cream to the rich strong-hold styling gel, each product combats frizz while maintaining the integrity of curls.
In recent years, you’ve used your platform to be outspoken about environmental issues, veganism, and the treatment of animals. Why now? What do you hope your followers take away from these positions (especially now)?
Deleon Ramirez: I wouldn’t say it’s a recent thing for me; I have always been outspoken and stood up for what I believe in. I also have always stood up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. I’m anti-bullying because I believe in doing what’s morally right! It’s a responsibility I take seriously. I have been a vegan for six years now, and over the years, I’ve become more conscious of the impact my work has not just on my clients, but on the world. I believe it’s time for everyone to be more aware of what they’re using, where it comes from, and how it affects the planet and other species. Animals are sentient beings who deserve to live healthy, happy, long lives like we do. My hope is that by using my platform, I can encourage others to think more compassionately and be more intentional with their choices, whether it’s with the products they use, the food they eat, or the materials they wear. We need to stop pretending as if we don’t know the harm we are causing. It’s the only way to be spiritually aligned with God.
You’ve already achieved so much, but we know you’re not stopping. What’s next for César?
Deleon Ramirez: What’s next? Always more! I aim to continue pushing creative boundaries, exploring new collaborations with clients, building my own brand towards my own product line, and contributing to the evolution of hairstyling as a form of art. The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and I am excited to be part of its journey while inspiring others and leaving a lasting impact through my work. I plan to keep using my platform to educate, share my values, and bring attention to causes that matter most.
