A Quickie With Dee Adames

Let's face it: Lesbians can be a little crazy about their hair. Often misunderstood, occasionally mocked, and as varied as our community, that thing we call "lesbian hair" is a nuanced category all its own. The names are as cool as we are: the buzz, the crop, the fade, the shag, the ubiquitous faux-hawk, and the Big Grandmama of them all, the mullet.

Hairstylist and this season's Shear Genius lesbian contestant, Dee Adames, knows all about it. Dee has wanted to be on Bravo's reality competition show since it first aired over a year ago. This year, Dee got her wish and will compete against other mane mavens for $100,000 in prize money and rights to the heady title of "Shear Genius." The show premieres tonight, June 25, at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo.

Season 2 Shear Genius contestants with host Jaclyn Smith

In addition to competing in the show's follicle-shaping challenges, the stylists must wield client service and staff management skills as easily as they wield scissors and a flat iron. As Art Director at Peter of London Salon and Spa in Miami, scissor sister Dee brought all her talents to bear, and while she wasn't allowed to divulge the outcome of this season, she hinted that she "did well" and "represented Miami and our community."

Dee spoke to AfterEllen.com about staying true to herself on the show, what a $500 haircut will get you, and how she refuses to cut any more faux-hawks.

AfterEllen.com: Did you have fun being on the show?
Dee Adames: I had a great time. I learned a lot about myself and a lot about how I interact with other people. I'm very competitive, but I'm also very focused and very driven.

Dee Adames

AE: I've talked to people who have been on reality shows and some of them regret doing it. I've heard "never again" more than once. You have no regrets?
DA: I have no regrets in anything that I do. I'd do it again! Why not? Great exposure, great life-learning lessons. It puts you out of your comfort zone, and pushes you to be the best. Why wouldn't you want that in life every now and then, you know?

This is something I've always wanted to do. I said to myself, "I need to be on that show." And when I got on the show, I was true to myself, as always. I didn't alter who I was. I am who I am … I hope the viewers get to see that and there are no alterations [because] of reality TV editing. [laughs]

AE: [laughs] Yeah, well, good luck with that.
DA: I just hope that they got my good side.

AE: How awesome is host Jaclyn Smith's hair up close and personal?
DA: Well, she's a hair icon just for being on Charlie's Angels and wearing that sexy, feathered look. She's a beautiful woman, an amazing woman. She's very warm, very sweet, and her hair looked great, always. My hat goes off to her stylist.

Jaclyn Smith

AE: If you were going to change her hair, how would you do it?
DA: I wouldn't change her hair, to be totally honest. She's known for that style. I respect the stylist who does her hair 'cause I see that he's an artist and sometimes you don't have to change something that's perfect.