His passion for his current profession dates back to when Daniel Schlax was 3when he braided the hair on his Barbie Dolls.
He certainly was hooked on hair at an early age, and knows he still has those old dolls in the attic of his parents' home.
"I'm 25, I love my job and co-workers, have no debt, make great money, and I have a lot of really good friends. In fact, I live with my best friend, who I've known for 16 years," Schlax said.
Ironically, though, hair hasn't always been his lone interest. When he was in high school, Schlax wanted to be a construction worker or architect. "I'm handy," he said, knowing that trait might surprise some. "I may look like the biggest queen, but I have the most tools. I'm good at fixing things and can put things together, be crafty.
"Heck, I grew up in the country with woods and [a] creek in [my] backyard." He used to fish with family members.
Schlax came out to some at 15 and his family at 16, though the announcement
was, he now admits, just a formality. "They knew; I had Barbie [dolls] my whole life. It
wasn't much of a shocker," he said.
Schlax's twin brother, Nicholas, who is straight, is fully supporting and lovingand has joined him at Chicago gay bars on multiple occasions. "He loves going with me to the gay bars; he gets a lot of attention [from the gays], no doubt more than [he does] back home," Schlax said, laughing.
Schlax's alter ego came to life in late May at DePaul University, when he donned the drag attire for the role of Kitty Lepore. "Being in character is was very awkward for me personally, but I'm good at it," he said, laughing.
Schlax does not have a hair specialty. He does coloring, cutting, perms, relaxers, braids, extensions and more.
To contact Schlax for an appointment, call Salon U at 773-327-2622.
Photos by Ross Forman
THE STATS
Age: 25
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Job title: Hairstylist at Salon U in Lincoln Park; will celebrate his fifth anniversary working there in September.
Relationship status: Single
Pets: Dog, a pit bull
Hobbies: Dancing, swimming, bicycle riding, board games
Personal hairdo: "Very silvery."
It's a fact: "I'm really shy."