Our Sun Bum Hair Pro
We’re stoked to be teaming up with celebrity hair stylist, Clayton Hawkins! Clayton’s an LA native who’s been obsessed with anything having to do with hair care since he was a kid braiding his sister’s hair and getting all his friends ready for school dances. About 10 years ago, he turned his passion into a career and now travels the world styling the locks of celebrity clients such as Olivia Rodrigo, Aubrey Plaza, Hailey Bieber, and Jenna Ortega. Super excited to get the chance to share some of his expert tips, tricks, and all-around hair care wisdom with you in the coming months.
Check out the Q&A below to learn more about our new Sun Bum Hair Pro, Clayton Hawkins.
Q&A with Clayton Hawkins
Tell us about your first experience with Sun Bum—was it love at first sight?
My first experience with Sun Bum was with their incredible lip balms. The coconut smell and flavor had me hooked. I’m a sucker for anything that smells like a vacation!
What’s your favorite thing about being a hairstylist (if you had to pick just one)?
I get to travel all around the world and help women feel confident as they pursue their dreams. I get paid to be creative and have fun! What’s better than that?!
Sounds like you really love what you do. Describe a typical day in your life. Give us a play by play.
Being a freelance celeb hairstylist, every day is totally different. I could be working on a photo shoot at Milk Studios, or I could be in the middle of the Mojave desert doing a music video. I could also be running around to different hotels in New York City getting clients ready in their rooms. Every day is the opposite of typical and that’s what I love so much about it!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be kind, Be early, and always over-deliver.
What does ‘Beach Hair’ mean to you?
Beach hair is an effortless feeling to me. When you’re on vacation and come out of the ocean or pool and your hair just naturally dries with that perfect texture, it’s because you’re relaxed, happy, and just letting nature do its thing. “Beach Hair” is a state of mind.
Do you have any go-to hair hacks you’d be willing to share with us?
Most people are spraying too close to their head. You should always spray your hair products further away (about 6-8inches?) to let products oxidize on their way to your hair and truly work once they land!
Give us your top 3 Sun Bum hair care products?
I’m OBSESSED with the Surf Paste, Texturizing Sea Spray, and the Curls Whipped Mousse for extra definition of curls.
Do you have any fur babies?
I have a half chihuahua/half corgi named Hollie and she is my entire world!
We’re big dog lovers around here, so we get the obsession. When you’re not styling hair, what do you like to do?
I love to work out, play piano, and watch the Real Housewives lol.
Ok, you’re stuck on a deserted island, what 3 (hair) products would you NEED to have with you?
I’m gonna go practical lol; any kind of hair product with an SPF to protect myself, a cordless curling iron (so I could start a fire), and some Surf Paste so I could look good when I get rescued.
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order?
Iced Matcha Latte, with oat milk.
What’s one step in your hair care routine that you NEVER skip?
Prepping hair with a sea salt spray or mousse while it’s still damp is critical for getting any style to last.
Do you have a favorite place to vacation? Or a fav place you’ve traveled to for work?
I love Cabo to vacation and relax and absolutely love working in Tokyo!
Do you have a music artist or Spotify playlist you can’t get enough of right now?
I love the Disco Forever playlist on Spotify.
Oo good one. So, just askin’ for a friend, how do you deal with bad hair days?
If I can’t master my utmost confidence, I just throw on a hat.
Ok cool, same lol. What’s something most people might not know about you?
I know almost everything about Star Wars.
Do you have any fav hair trends for fall 2021?
I’m obsessed with baby braids throughout the hair. They’re so fun and cute. Any Y2K hair accessory moment. And I feel like we’re on the cusp of a Meg Ryan early 2000’s shag comeback!
What’s something you’re really looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to 2022 because I just have a feeling it’s gonna be a really good year.
Clayton, you rock. So great to have your expertise on our team and thank you for taking the time to meet with us today. We’re excited to see what happens next in the hair care world!
XO, SB
