111SKIN champions and celebrates game changers and innovators in leading industries. Each discussion uncovers the insight and knowledge into their individual approach and within the 111ICONS interview, we share their journey, business and approach to life.

An L.A. based Hairstylist, Christian Wood was paved a way for himself in industry after being taken under the wing of world-class hair stylist Sam McKnight. Working with some of the leading women in Hollywood from Sophie Turner to Amanda Seyfried and working his magic on pivotal beauty faces like Rosie Huntington Whitely and Emily Ratajkowski, Christian is high in-demand. Also contributing to top publications such as Vogue, LOVE, i-D, Harpers Bazaar and L’Officiel as well as working with world class photographers like Rankin and Max Vadukul, for Wood hair is all about creativity and we catch a moment in between award season to discuss routines, digital detoxes and his ultimate London guide.

How did you get into the hair industry, how did you develop your career?

Well I knew from a young age that I wanted to create and so I studied at Andrew Collinge which is a hairdressing academy based in Liverpool. From there I returned to London and I had the opportunity to assist Sam McKnight, I wouldn’t say I was the most gifted in the class, but I worked hard under his guidance and we got on well together. I went from working on the salon floor to travelling around the world covering campaigns, Vogue shoots and being introduced to hair through the fashion industry.

 That is amazing! What was your first solo job and your first big client?

My first gig was a Hermes Campaign in London and it was incredible to be a part of and for my first big client it would have to be Kim Kardashian for her American Vogue cover in Paris with Kanye. It was amazing and going from watching her on Keeping Up with the Kardashians to styling her hair with Sam for a major editorial shoot was a moment not to forget. At this stage however, I am no longer phased by the “celebrity” status and I just love creating unmissable looks.

How did you go from campaigns to red carpets?

Well after my first solo job I soon realised that fashion wasn’t for me, I wanted glamour and Old Hollywood and for me to drive what I wanted in my career I had to make the move to L.A. So, whilst I keep in touch with my girls in the UK, I moved to L.A. and built my clientele here also.

From completing clients looks to your own, what is your morning grooming routine?

My morning routine has to be fast and effective as I need to be out of the door and as quickly as possible. For skincare I would apply a mask first thing and that would usually be my 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Mask or the Rose Gold Brightening and Facial Treatment Mask. I would usually work this into my skin with the Jillian Dempsey Vibrating Gold Bar, it’s great for pushing the mask onto my skin and over my stubble. I like to then cleanse with iS Clinical Cleanser Complex before applying my Celestial Black Diamond Cream and finishing with the Dr. Obagi Broad Spectrum Tinted SPF. As I have recently moved back to L.A. and the air is dryer, I find that my skin craves more hydration than normal and usually for this I would add a couple of drops of either my Hyaluronic Acid Booster or Vitamin C Brightening Booster into my creams as an additional way to customise my routine.

Any changes for on-screen?

If I am filming, I would apply the Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask under my face mask and then use Glossier Brow Gel and a small amount of my Laura Mercier concealer where my skin really needs it, when I mean small, I only really use it to cover blemishes.

What do you do for your routine in the evening?

My time in the evening is my solace and my moment to get away from the chaos of day. When it comes to my skincare, I like to see how my skin is and what it needs and then tailor my routine towards it. I typically mask every evening and use a variety from the Anti-Blemish Bio Cellulose Mask to Epicuren Purifying Mask. A product that I really enjoy using for the ultimate treatment would be the Celestial Black Diamond Multi-Accelerated Peel but again it is based on how my skin is that night and sometimes it just requires a cleanse and then a simple moisturiser.

Do you have any wellness habits you’re obsessed with?

Absolutely! I love my alone time and on top of my evening routine, I like to draw a bath, add bath salts from The Lord Jones, apply the Epicuren scrub and light my Byredo candle in 'Wood’ and have opera playing in the background. My grandfather introduced me to the beauty of it and an artist that I enjoy winding down to is Maria Callas, from her music I can sit back and meditate for 20-30 minutes. I love to do this every evening as a way to re-centre and focus my energy. I am also into CBD at the moment, as is everybody but I also take a natural sleeping supplement to help me sleep deeply for 8 hours and although I don’t use it every night, I filter it out as and when I need it – It really helps when I’m travelling so often.

Do you undergo any detoxes?

My most frequent detox is a digital one! I have to undergo one every 2 or 3 days for the sake of my mental health. You can get sucked into just scrolling endlessly and absorbing information that you don’t need and it’s draining and exhausting, it’s so easy to look and yet I felt it made me feel so lazy. At first it felt as though I was attending Rehab, but everything is difficult at first and then you adjust and it allowed me to do more, feel free and actually be more creative – being so absorbed means you will constantly judge yourself and its dangerous.

Any fitness routines?

Honestly, I go in and out of phases, sometimes I will hire a trainer but I like to hike, I have 3 dogs and so taking them out for an hour a day works as a great routine that I can fit into my schedule. I love getting out into nature as it’s so good for both my mind and body.

What do you do for your routine in the evening?

My time in the evening is my solace and my moment to get away from the chaos of day. When it comes to my skincare, I like to see how my skin is and what it needs and then tailor my routine towards it. I typically mask every evening and use a variety from the Anti-Blemish Bio Cellulose Mask to Epicuren Purifying Mask. A product that I really enjoy using for the ultimate treatment would be the Celestial Black Diamond Multi-Accelerated Peel but again it is based on how my skin is that night and sometimes it just requires a cleanse and then a simple moisturiser.

Do you have any wellness habits you’re obsessed with?

Absolutely! I love my alone time and on top of my evening routine, I like to draw a bath, add bath salts from The Lord Jones, apply the Epicuren scrub and light my Byredo candle in 'Wood’ and have opera playing in the background. My grandfather introduced me to the beauty of it and an artist that I enjoy winding down to is Maria Callas, from her music I can sit back and meditate for 20-30 minutes. I love to do this every evening as a way to re-centre and focus my energy. I am also into CBD at the moment, as is everybody but I also take a natural sleeping supplement to help me sleep deeply for 8 hours and although I don’t use it every night, I filter it out as and when I need it – It really helps when I’m travelling so often.

Do you undergo any detoxes?

My most frequent detox is a digital one! I have to undergo one every 2 or 3 days for the sake of my mental health. You can get sucked into just scrolling endlessly and absorbing information that you don’t need and it’s draining and exhausting, it’s so easy to look and yet I felt it made me feel so lazy. At first it felt as though I was attending Rehab, but everything is difficult at first and then you adjust and it allowed me to do more, feel free and actually be more creative – being so absorbed means you will constantly judge yourself and its dangerous.

Any fitness routines?

Honestly, I go in and out of phases, sometimes I will hire a trainer but I like to hike, I have 3 dogs and so taking them out for an hour a day works as a great routine that I can fit into my schedule. I love getting out into nature as it’s so good for both my mind and body.

Do you have any cult products you are obsessed with?

Definitely the 111SKIN Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Mask, sunscreen, Glossier Brow Gel, tweezers and the iS Clinical Cleanser Complex.

What are you’re on the go essentials?

It would have to be my Meso Lip Infusion Duo, I carry it everywhere and I need it as the perfect barrier for my lips.

Who is your beauty icon?

My good friend Rosie (Rosie Huntington Whitely), she is so knowledgeable about product and she is literally the directory for all the best beauty places to go to, she is glamorous and classic all at the same time.

Agreed, Rosie is certainly leading a beauty movement! Do you have a favourite travel destination?

I have travelled the world, from Japan to the Maldives but London has to be my favourite destination, there is something about when you no longer live in the city you have a sudden appreciation for how beautiful it is.

A very valid point and in terms of 2020?

In terms of what we are to see in 2020, things are going to be super creative and we will see a wider awareness for people doing their own thing and it will be expressive and artistic. People will move away from the overtly glamorous looks and will create looks they can tailor to their everyday. As it’s currently Award Season which is the busiest time of the year leading up to the Met Ball, hairstyles are certainly more elaborate, and everyone loves an up do. I would say the most timeless look has to be the blunt bob, it comes around year on year, but it is effortless and timeless.

Outside of hair, what other industries are you into?

I am hugely into Interiors and I would describe my style as 60s/70s glamour, think elaborate and dramatic but I often fantasise about 80s Dallas and Joan Collins and I have to reign myself in. I also love Baking; it is the ultimate way to relax and I find that it is my meditation and therapy. If I’m in the USA I would bake a lot of cookies as everyone is obsessed with then over here and in the UK, I would bake more traditional styles like a lemon tart or an apple tart – it allows for me to be creative outside of my job.

 Finally, the best advice you have ever received?

It would have to be from my grandfather, he would often say to me “it’s not how well you’re doing but how well people think you’re doing”. I haven’t successfully implemented it however you can look to Instagram today and people see our work and are blown away by it, but we can be so hard on ourselves and not appreciate our own work ourselves.