IN CONVERSATION WITH CÉSAR DELEON RAMIREZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

César DeLeon Ramirez is a visionary hairstylist who grew up between the vibrant streets of New York City and the cultural richness of Puerto Rico. Surrounded by hairspray and rollers in his family’s salon, César’s artistic spirit was sparked early on. Determined to make his mark in the beauty and fashion world, he trained with some of the industry’s most celebrated stylists, including Ruth Roche, Orlando Pita, and Guido Palau. Over the years, César has become the trusted creative force behind the looks of some of today’s most iconic stars—from Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé to Karol G, Kylie Jenner, Ciara, Jenna Ortega, and many more. With an unmatched eye for innovation and artistry, César continues to set trends and push the boundaries of beauty worldwide.

You grew up between Puerto Rico and New York City. How did those two very different worlds shape your artistry?

Being a Nuyorican is something I have always been very proud of. Living both in New York and Puerto Rico has influenced how I see the world and art. The vibrant culture, colors, and rhythms of Puerto Rico contrast with the fast-paced, diverse energy of New York City, and have developed my love for style and fashion which often inspires my creativity, from the materials I choose to the styles I create. Both of these environments shaped my unique perspective on beauty, allowing me to blend cultural elements into modern styles that resonate with my clients and their individuality.

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What are some of your earliest memories of being in your family’s salon, and how did that influence your career path?

I remember being free spirited, outspoken and creative artist early on. The stylist at the salon took really good care of me, like family. I guess you can say I was immersed into the wonderful LGBTQ community early on and it instilled a sense of fluidity and confidence in me early on. Some of my favorite memories are getting my hair bleached blonde in 3rd grade and getting my ears pierced at the salon. I always felt queer and cool and proud. I also remember being inspired by the posters of iconic stars like Madonna, Iris Chacón, and Janet Jackson on the walls. I learned early on the importance of diversity, especially from the stylists, who were all queer and trans. The environment taught me the value of self-expression, being authentic and unapologetic. It was also where I learned the fundamentals of hairstyling, including how to give a great shampoo. 

Who or what inspired you most when you were first starting out?

Early on, I was inspired by the many pop divas I admired, like Janet Jackson, Madonna, Paula Abdul and also by beauty icons like Sofia Loren, Bridgette Bardot and Iris Chacon. As I was developing my artistry, I was inspired by legendary hairstylists like Vidal Sassoon, Oribe, Luigi Murenu. Their ability to push boundaries and redefine beauty captivated me. My mentors Jo Blackwell and Kate Truesdale along with the clients I worked with also motivated me. Their stories and unique personalities inspired me to create looks that truly began to shape my style.

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You trained under industry legends like Orlando Pita and Guido Palau. What were the most valuable lessons you learned from those experiences?

Training under Orlando Pita and Guido Palau was very transformative. I learned the importance of precision, paying attention to detail and of mastering the fundamentals of hairstyling. I got to see the beauty of collaboration, showing me that great work comes from teamwork with makeup artists, designers, and photographers. I learned to embrace creativity and experimentation, to push boundaries and to take risks, which has shaped my unique style. Their mentorship instilled a passion for continuous learning, reminding me that every experience offers an opportunity to evolve as an artist.

Landing Elizabeth Berkley and Cassie early in your career must have been a turning point—what did those moments teach you about working with celebrities?

When I began working with these incredibly beautiful, passionate and talented women, I learned to embrace and honor our work relationship and to develop trust and loyalty, which is something that celebrities don’t always find in people, but need to feel comfortable with their team. I also learned how to tailor my skills to meet each individual's needs. 

How do you approach creating a signature look for a client while balancing their personality, brand, and the event?

When creating a signature look for a client, I start by having an in-depth conversation to understand their personality, brand, and the specific event. This dialogue helps me gauge their preferences and what they want to convey. Next, I consider their brand identity, whether they lean toward glamorous, edgy, or classic styles. I then blend these elements with current trends, while ensuring the look feels authentic to them. Throughout the process, I prioritize collaboration, encouraging feedback and adjustments to make sure they feel confident and comfortable. Ultimately, my goal is to create a look that not only enhances their individuality, but also aligns perfectly with the occasion.

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Many of your clients are major trendsetters. What’s your process for staying ahead of the curve in such a fast-moving industry?

Staying ahead in this fast-moving industry requires a combination of constant learning and keen observation. I make it a priority to attend fashion shows, industry events, and workshops to keep my skills sharp and to see what's emerging on the runway. I also follow influential figures on social media and engage with fellow stylists to exchange ideas and insights. It’s crucial to stay informed about upcoming trends and shifts in trends. Additionally, I like to experiment with new techniques and styles in my work, allowing me to grow with my polish my aesthetic. This proactive approach keeps my creativity flowing and ensures that I’m always ready to deliver fresh, trendsetting looks for my clients.

Do you see hair as more of a craft, a fashion statement, or a form of art—or all three? 

For sure all three. As a hair stylist, my craft is my way of creating a fashion statement not only for my clients, but also for how I want to inspire others to embrace beauty.  It’s my craft and my way of creating a fashion statement and I consider myself an artist. 

How has the role of a hairstylist in celebrity culture evolved since you first started?

The role of hair stylists in celebrity culture has evolved from behind-the-scenes figures to prominent collaborators in shaping a celebrity's image. With the rise of social media, hair stylists now gain visibility and recognition through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often building our own brands and followings. We influence the trends and drive product sales, becoming key players in the celebrity ecosystem.

What keeps you creatively inspired after so many years at the top of the industry?

For me, it’s about creating art and creating a memorable visual that gives the world a positive feeling. That to me is pop culture and that inspires me to continue after so many years, so that I can inspire and mentor the future of my industry. 

Beyond hairstyling, are there other creative directions you’d like to explore in the future?

Yes, absolutely. I’m currently working on my own lifestyle beauty brand and also working with L’Oreal as an industry leader to inspire the up and coming generation of stylists. I also have plans to venture into producing television series in the beauty space, ideas for new innovations in fashion and also home. Interior design is also a huge passion of mine. So, stay tuned. 

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TEAM CREDITS:

photography DANIEL COVSK 

styling KAREN PEREZ 

hair and makeup STEPHANIE PEREZ
interview JANA LETONJA