Rising Stars: Meet Desiree “Desikole” Dizard of Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree “Desikole” Dizard.

Hi Desiree “Desikole”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey began with a dream and a single “yes.” I was a young girl with a passion for beauty, fascinated by the way hair and makeup could transform not just a person but a whole story. I shared that dream with my God sister, Phaedra Williams, a celebrity makeup artist in Los Angeles who was already blazing her own trail. She was signed to an agency, working with stars, and everything about her inspired me. She saw something in me and invited me to assist her on a music video for a new group under Master P’s label, Sons of Funk. That invitation changed everything.

The moment I stepped on set, I knew I had found my purpose. The energy, the creativity, the movement it felt like home. One video turned into another, and soon I was working regularly on Master P’s productions. Then came Lockdown, a film he executive produced. That was my breakthrough. It made me eligible to join the Local 706 Union, and that membership opened doors I never imagined.

After that, I landed my first major TV job on Lizzie McGuire, which marked the beginning of my evolution as a professional hairstylist. I spent years learning, building, and earning the trust of producers and directors. Eventually, I was asked to department head Jimmy Kimmel Live, and for seven unforgettable years, I styled just about every major celebrity you can name. It was the most exciting, fast paced, laughter filled job I’ve ever had and it shaped me into the artist I am today.

But I wasn’t done growing. I moved into working on America’s Got Talent, The Voice, and along the way, earned two Emmy nominations. That recognition pushed me to dig deeper into the craft not just styling hair, but building characters through it. I discovered how hair could be a powerful tool in storytelling, especially in drama and film. That understanding elevated everything. It led me to where I am now head of the hair department on Grey’s Anatomy.

And now, I’m excited to pour back into the next generation through my upcoming program, “Hair Is the Story” a hands on workshop for hairstylists who are ready to level up from the salon or beauty school to the world of television and film. There’s a massive gap between graduation and working on a multimillion dollar set, and many talented stylists just aren’t artistically prepared for the pace, the standards, or the storytelling required at that level. This workshop is designed to bridge that gap and give stylists the tools, mindset, and training they need to step confidently into this industry.

Looking back, I realize that every moment every long day on set, every new challenge was building something greater. I started with one yes, one opportunity, and I never stopped showing up, learning, and loving what I do.

For any aspiring hairstylist reading this: your dream is valid, and your journey can be just as extraordinary. Stay ready, stay passionate, and say yes to the doors that open.

“Your hands have power. They don’t just style hair they shape confidence, build characters, and help tell stories the world remembers. Never underestimate the beauty of your gift, and never be afraid to dream bigger than what’s in front of you.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. The road has been anything but smooth but every challenge became a stepping stone, and every obstacle taught me how to lead with intention, strength, and grace.vProfessionally, one of the biggest challenges was learning how to be culturally competent in an industry that often overlooks the importance of diversity in beauty. I had to quickly educate myself on different hair textures, styles, and cultural traditions especially when working on productions with actors from a wide range of backgrounds. Creating character looks isn’t just about style it’s about respect. It’s about honoring identity. That level of thoughtfulness is non negotiable when you’re in the business of storytelling. Personally, the bigger mountain to climb was learning how to navigate people. In this line of work, mastering hair alone isn’t enough. You need emotional intelligence, communication skills, and serious patience especially when working with high profile talent, celebrities, and creatives at all levels. This industry is high pressure, fast moving, and full of strong personalities. And guess what? Not everyone plays well with others. I’ve had to work alongside individuals who lacked basic collaboration skills but as the department head, it was my responsibility to keep the energy right and the goal in sight. Creating compelling characters on screen is a team effort. That means hair, makeup, wardrobe, and production design all have to move in sync. There’s no room for ego or being easily offended. I had to develop the ability to lead people who didn’t always know how to communicate, and still get the job done with excellence. At the end of the day, the biggest survival skill in this industry isn’t just creativity it’s composure. That’s how you scale, that’s how you grow, and that’s how you last.
“In this business, talent gets you in the room but character keeps you in the game. Grace under pressure, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with humility that’s the real flex.”

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We’d love to learn more about your work what you do, what you specialize in, what you’re known for, and what you’re most proud of. What sets you apart from others in your field?

I specialize in character hairstyling and wig design for television and film, and I’m known for creating looks that don’t just complement the scene they tell the story. I’ve been nominated for my work on Mad TV and America’s Got Talent, where my wig work stood out for its creativity, boldness, and attention to detail. But a big part of my styling DNA was formed on the competition floor specifically at the legendary Bronner Bros. Hair Show in the ’90s.

Competing at Bronner Bros. taught me how to think on my feet, push creative limits, and bring performance to the art of hairstyling. I took that same energy into television and it gave me an edge when designing characters. On America’s Got Talent, I worked with variety acts that required more than just great hair they needed visual storytelling, fantasy, and flawless execution.

One of the most memorable shows I led was Splash, where the talent performed underwater. I had to design hair that not only looked amazing but held underwater on camera. I got experimental, and discovered I could use Jell-O to mold styles that stayed perfectly intact. That was a game changer for me. It proved hairstyling isn’t just beauty it’s innovation.

What truly sets me apart is my ability to fuse imagination with technical expertise and do it all while staying cool under pressure. I’m proud of the artistry, but I’m most proud of the character I’ve developed over time. I’ve built a reputation for being collaborative, adaptable, and a steady presence on set. I chose to rise above egos and challenges, because for me, the bigger picture has always been the work and the magic we get to make when we do it right.
“Hair is my medium, but storytelling is my mission. Whether it’s underwater, on a stage, or on screen my job is to bring characters to life, one strand at a time.”

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Absolutely. As a department head on a high-pressure TV set with a large cast and a team of hairstylists, managing personalities can often be just as intense as managing the work itself. One of the most valuable tools in my life has been the Stoic Journal podcast. It’s taught me the art of emotional discipline how to pause before reacting, lead with clarity, and stay grounded no matter the storm. In leadership, especially in a creative industry, emotional intelligence isn’t optional it’s essential.

I also regularly listen to Dr. Cindy Trimm, Oprah Winfrey, Lisa Nichols, and Eric Thomas. Each voice brings something different to the table whether it’s spiritual alignment, motivation, or practical wisdom. They’ve helped me sharpen my communication, strengthen my leadership style, and stay rooted in purpose both on set and off.

These resources are part of my personal and professional toolkit they help me show up stronger, lead with empathy, and stay committed to excellence in every room I walk into.

“Leadership isn’t about control it’s about composure. The calmest person in the room is often the most powerful.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairisthestory.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desikole?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574549742699&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desiree-dizard-a0291a40/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1379782/

Image Credits
Pictures- Miezeer Tech
Logo- Be Great Entertainment