Everybody’s thirsting for Hudson Williams. Thanks to Heated Rivalry, the breakout star has quickly become one of the most recognizable leading men around the world, with throngs of fans swooning over his looks both onscreen and off. And a large part of Williams’ style, specifically his hair and grooming, is all thanks to Filipino celebrity men’s groomer, Aika Flores.
Flores, who’s been working in the world of celebrity grooming since 2019, has steadily built up an impressive portfolio of clients that includes Williams, Josh Hutcherson, Pillion’s Harry Melling, the Jonas brothers, and more.
“Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a hairstylist,” Flores told Rolling Stone Philippines. “Working with celebrities felt like an unattainable dream, but I knew I wanted my hands in hair no matter what.”
As several of Flores’ high-profile clients continue to capture the public imagination, we spoke to the Tarlac-born stylist about what exactly goes into the process of creating timeless, Hollywood-esque hairstyles, and what products work best to get an effortless leading man look.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
What made you decide to pursue a career as a hairstylist in Hollywood?
I moved to Los Angeles in 2013 to attend cosmetology school at the Vidal Sassoon Academy and later worked at a high-end salon on Melrose Avenue, where I learned a lot about the industry but eventually realized that eight hours behind the chair wasn’t for me.
I naturally gravitated toward men’s hair and wanted to explore that path further, which led me to discover celebrity men’s grooming — something I was perfectly positioned for in L.A. Between 2019 and 2023, I assisted numerous celebrity groomers, learning everything from men’s skin and makeup to on-set etiquette, while building my own book. That journey ultimately led to signing with my first agency in the fall of 2023.
You’ve styled the hair of several leading men. In your opinion, what defines a great leading man’s hairstyle?
For me, a great leading man’s hairstyle never looks like it’s trying too hard. If it feels overly styled, it’s already wrong. The best hair looks effortless, like it just naturally behaves that way while still framing the face, moving well, and holding up on camera. From my experience in men’s grooming, the goal is hair that works everywhere: under hot lights, in bad weather, on the red carpet, and in real life. When it looks healthy, touchable, and low-maintenance (even if it took some work to get there), that’s when a leading man really looks confident. That’s the sweet spot.
What are the trends that are coming back in terms of Hollywood style? Any actor or hairstyle that your clients keep as a reference?
When it comes to timeless Hollywood hair, the reference I hear more than anything is Brad Pitt. He’s had every hairstyle under the sun (long, short, buzzed, parted, messy, polished) and somehow made every single one iconic. He’s the perfect example of how great hair isn’t about one specific cut, but about confidence, texture, and knowing how to evolve your look over time. My clients love pulling references of him because there’s a version of Brad Pitt hair for almost every face shape and era.
Another trend that never really goes away is ‘90s men’s curtain bangs: think Prince Eric, classic heartthrob hair. It keeps cycling back because it’s flattering, romantic, and feels effortless without being sloppy. It works especially well when the hair has movement and softness, not stiffness. I see a lot of clients referencing that era right now because it feels nostalgic but still modern, and when done right, it has that leading man energy that never gets old.
Is there a list of essential products that you can turn to when working as a hairstylist?
Yes! There are a few non-negotiables I always have on hand. Lumify eye drops are a must for instantly brightening red, tired eyes. Lip balm is essential: Lucas Papaw is my go-to because it works on everyone and is definitely more of a trade essential than a secret. And under-eye patches for quick hydration and de-puffing. They’re small, but they make a huge difference on camera and in real life.
The Oscars are coming up. For you, what are the great tips and styles that you have learned during awards season?
Awards season is a great reminder that longevity matters. The pace is fast and the days can be long, so I really focus on taking care of my body: staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, and stopping by my local juice shop for immunity shots. When everything is moving quickly, it’s easy to forget about yourself, and you feel it if you do.
On the work side, it’s all about staying organized. I’m constantly editing my kit, keeping only my favorites and true staples so I can move quickly and efficiently. Those habits carry through the rest of the year and make a huge difference when it counts.
