Coree Moreno is a renowned hair artist who regularly works on editorial and red-carpet events, including the MET Gala. Some of his impressive celebrity roster includes Zendaya, Queen Latifah, Natasha Lyonne, Lil Nas X, and more. But how did someone who began doing hair at 13 in PG County come to sculpt hair for Hollywood’s A-List? Coree grew up as a creative and inquisitive child who had a front-row seat to his mom’s hair rituals. Before graduating from high school, he was preparing to enroll in cosmetology school. Besides experimenting with colors and cuts on himself, he served prominent women from his community. Working with elite Black professionals in PG County provided Coree a foundation for working with chic women with very high standards, which he would build on in Hollywood. Coree’s expansion to L.A. was the result of a bold DM to the iconic Vernon François, stating his interest and availability to assist when the opportunity arises. The opportunity arose two weeks after he sent the DM, and he was assisting Vernon with Serena Williams’ hair on a W Magazine set.

When Coree describes how supportive his family was about his decision to pursue hair full-time and when he came out, it’s clear why he’s so confidently chased his dreams around the globe. During our chat, Coree talks about developing his artistic point of view over the past 18 years. We also discussed current hairstyle culture, and what he thinks about new hair rules and the changing relationships between clients and stylists. I couldn’t miss an opportunity to get Coree’s professional opinion on Black Girl Haircare 101, like the best edge styling products, the steps to a great silk press, fixing breakage, and his protective style hot takes. We got personal and explored how yoga changed his life, his favorite escapist video games, and why working with Lil Nas X was one of his most iconic creative assignments. Unbelievably, this is Coree’s first podcast interview, but with his breadth of knowledge and desire to pour into the next generation of stylists, we know it is the first of many.

Tune in as we discuss:

(5:00) His Mom’s 90s Beauty Practices

(5:20) Why Hairstylists Are Losing Recipes

(10:45) How A Cold DM to Vernon François Led Him To Assisiting In LA

(13:40) What He’s Learned Working With Talent On Set

(17:15) What Working With Queen Latifah Is Like

(23:29) Products & Tools To Lay Edges By Texture

(25:45) How To Fortify Your Silk Press

(29:33) Achieving A Press With One Pass

(30:55) Tips For Fixing Breakage

(34:16) How To Blend Stubborn Leave Out

(35:30) Best Protective Style For Growth