Kyan Douglas: Life After Queer Eye 

I’ll admit it; I’m no stranger to vanity. 

I’ve gone through more stylists, colorists, personal trainers, therapists and life coaches than I’d care to admit. So when I had the chance to sit down with Emmy Award-winner and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” host Kyan Douglas, I figured we would talk shop about grooming, skincare, hair products, shaving techniques and generally just wade around in some proverbially shallow water for awhile…and that would be that. 

But in person, Kyan belies all the stereotypes of a man who does hair for a living. In fact, he is a soft-spoken, polite man that, in person, is as amiable as he is handsome. He’s also driven—as an advocate in the battle against HIV/AIDS, as the first male L’Oreal spokes model, and of course, as a grooming guru capable of taking on even the straightest style challenge. 

HSD: What had you done before the show that prepared you to be a “grooming expert”?

KD: Early on in my life I had made a pact with myself that regardless of what my parents had in mind for me, I would always follow my bliss. I always had a natural talent…or I guess interest in grooming. When I was just a child I used to crush up papayas and cucumbers and created all sorts of masks and scrubs. When I was a bit older, I began working as a stylist and colorist ultimately received a certification in cosmetology from the Aveda Institute of New York. After that, I reached out to work on various magazine and television programs including TLC’s “What Not to Wear,” “While You Were Out,” and also was a grooming guru for Child magazine. 

HSD: In 2004 you won and Emmy award and was named one of People magazine’s most beautiful people. How has this changed your life/career?

KD: Winning the Emmy was a surreal and exciting experience that has opened doors for me and made me more recognizable in day-to-day life. Career-wise, it’s been fantastic. The opportunity I’m most excited about is that I recently signed a deal with L’Oreal Cosmetics to be its first male spokes model.

HSD: What have you been working on since “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” wrapped?

KD: I am working on a few television projects now. In the last few months, I've worked with Fran Drescher and shot an upcoming guest appearance for new project. Ultimately, I’d like to have my own program that would delve a bit deeper into the idea of a makeover and work with all types of people on everything from style to spirituality. 

HSD: You give a great deal of time and money to HIV/AIDS foundations. Have you had any direct experience with HIV/AIDS?

KD: About ten years ago, I did lose a dear friend and mentor to AIDS. For me, the experience was really profound; it helped me truly understand the value of life - its preciousness - and how you can’t take it for granted. 

HSD: Alright, after all your seasons and 62 episodes of Queer Eye, what’s the biggest mistake grooming mistake that guys (both straight and gay) make?

KD: Just don’t try so hard. Be yourself…be relaxed…people will like you for who you are.