From drag queens to pop stars, this wig maker's styles speak volumes.

When it comes to wigs, Carlos, better known as Carmen Adore, isn't just creating hairstyles. She's crafting stories.

The Miami native has transformed her passion for hair into a flourishing business, captivating clients and audiences with innovative looks.

"I always say that I started doing wigs because they don't talk back to me," Adore quips, her laughter resonating even over Zoom. Yet, beneath the humor lies a dedication to her craft. As the visionary behind some of the stunning wigs donned by RuPaul's Drag Racealums, beauty pageant queens, and performers, Carmen has seamlessly blended art with functionality.

Her journey began in the vibrant salons of Miami. "I basically grew up in the salon," she recalls, reminiscing about the countless hours spent observing her mother during beauty appointments. The transformation of colors, cuts, and curls left a mark on young Carlos. Inheriting a salon seemed like destiny, but traditional hairstyling soon felt monotonous. "After a while, it got repetitive and tedious," she admits.

The world of drag offered a much-needed escape.

At 16, Carmen began experimenting with wigs, immersing herself fully in the early 2000s drag scene. "It wasn't like it is now," she explains. "There weren't a bunch of hairstylists or costume makers. You had to do everything yourself." This hands-on experience and her innate artistic sensibility planted the seeds for what would later become a thriving business.

If hair reflected her clients' personalities, Carmen's creations speak volumes. "My styles are very eclectic," she notes. There's not one look where you'd go, 'Oh, that's a Hatz by Carlos wig.'" This intentional diversity allows her to cater to a wide array of clients, from the avant-garde performers of Dragula to up-and-coming pop stars.

Surprisingly, much of her inspiration stems from the cosplay community. "I love the fantasy world of hair," she admits. "Their processes, their unique designs–it's all so inspiring." This affinity for whimsy and drama has led Carmen to embrace bold styles. "I lean more towards the artsy or fashion-forward side of hair," she says, though she's equally adept at creating more polished looks.

Her creative process is as intricate as her designs. "I like to talk to my clients about what they have in mind," she explains. Whether it's a rough sketch, a theme, or simply a vibe, she collaborates with her clients to ensure their vision comes to life. Some styles take an hour; others require days or even weeks. "There are times where some styles are really intricate," she illustrates. "It takes drying time, braiding, or manipulating the hair in a certain way."

One of her most cherished collaborations was with the French drag queen La Grande Dame. Together, they crafted a striking urchin-inspiring wig. "She put her own twist on it by adding stones to each of the spiky pieces in the updo," Carmen recalls. The result? A piece that looked "like something Louis Vuitton would create."

Of course, navigating the world of drag comes with its challenges. "Drag queens tend to be…divas," Carmen says diplomatically. While careful not to name names, she's had her fair share of clients. "I've had to cut people off when I felt disrespected," she says. For Carmen, mutual respect is non-negotiable. "When that's broken, I'm not inspired anymore."

Her advice for aspiring wig makers is twofold: practice and prioritize customer service. "The first thing is always your clients," she emphasizes. "Building relationships is what keeps people coming back." And practice? "It's never going to come out right the first time," she admits, "but the more you practice, the easier it becomes."

Looking ahead, Carmen remains adaptable. "The industry is so up and down," she observes. "One moment you're really popular, and the next people forget about." But with her track record, it's unlikely that Carmen's star will dim anytime soon.

With her artistry, business acumen, and undeniable charm, Carmen Adore is a force of nature. From crafting an avant-garde masterpiece to a polished pop princess ponytail, one thing is clear: Carmen is here to slay.

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