Although he burst onto the national scene with the rest of his fellow “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” (Bravo, 2003- ) castmates, Kyan Douglas was never the outrageous, overly flamboyant type. In fact, compared to his colleagues (read: Carson Kressley), his onscreen persona was almost reserved, even quietly dignified. This contrast between Douglas and his more manic colleagues reflected the internal contradictions of a man who has spent his life mixing it up – studying cosmetology as well as philosophy and religion.Kyan Douglas was born Hugh Edward Douglas on May 5, 1970 in Miami, FL. Raised in Tallahassee and Tampa with his older sister, Kelli (who introduced him to hairstyling), Douglas left Florida for Texas after high school. After taking philosophy classes at a community college and developing an interest in religions of the world, Douglas switched gears and moved to Austin hoping to study acting. Unfortunately, crippling shyness kept him from attaining that particular goal. In fact, it wasn’t until his twenties that Douglas received his bachelor’s degree (in TV Production and Theater Studies) from Loyola University in New Orleans, LA. He left the Crescent City, however, after three close friends were murdered during a 1996 robbery of the restaurant where they – and Douglas – worked.
After moving to New York in 1999, Douglas received high marks and a certification in cosmetology from the Aveda Institute in New York. He eventually became a colorist at the prestigious hair company, before moving on to the prestigious Arrojo Studio. While working there, he began a gradual transition into the entertainment industry by working as a colorist for two TLC shows – “While You Were Out” (2002- ) and “What Not to Wear” (2003- ).
In 2002, thanks to a tip from an Arrojo Studio client, Douglas learned of a new show starting up that appealed to his aesthetic interests. Armed with the inside scoop, the increasingly confident Douglas contacted the casting staff for “Queer Eye.” After auditioning, he was quickly hired as the show’s “Grooming Guru” – basically the “mane man” responsible for advising the show’s titular straight men on matters of grooming (including skin and hair care) and fitness. Although the changes he recommended to each wayward straight guy were often just as sweeping as those suggested by his colleagues, Douglas’s hand was generally much gentler (figuratively and literally – in addition to his background in cosmetology, he also trained in massage therapy at the highly-regarded Blue Cliff School).
The unique niche-filling show was a ratings smash, by cable standards, and earned an Emmy award in 2004 and a rush of publicity at the show’s peak. Through countless TV appearances, magazine covers and features (including recognition as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People”), Douglas’ face became a brand, not unlike the grooming products he himself promoted to the straight guys. In spite of all of these appearances, however, Douglas managed to maintain the image of a humble, somewhat reluctant celebrity. That may have paid off – while some of the show’s more outspoken stars peaked (read: Carson Kressley) early, Douglas never did. In 2004, he became the first male spokesperson to endorse L’Oreal products for both genders. His cross-gender diversification continued with the release of his book Beautified: Secrets for Women to Look Great and Feel Fabulous.