Step into the exclusive world of Kansas City Chiefs WAGs‘ game day preparations with Joey Diaz, the makeup artist whose career skyrocketed after a fateful meeting with Brittany Mahomes’ hairstylist, providing unparalleled insights into the high-stakes glam that fuels Arrowhead Stadium’s sidelines and even the Super Bowl.
For diehard fans of the Kansas City Chiefs, the focus is always on the field, the plays, and the relentless pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy. Yet, there’s an entire ecosystem of dedication and detail that thrives just beyond the sidelines, ensuring that the team’s significant others — the WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) — are game-day ready. At the heart of this vibrant world is Joey Diaz, a 30-year-old Kansas City native who, in just two years, has become the undisputed go-to makeup artist for the Chiefs’ inner circle. His journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of strategic networking, particularly involving a key connection to Brittany Mahomes.
From Mascara to Mainstage: Diaz’s Path to Pro Glam
Joey Diaz’s affinity for beauty began early, fueled by a childhood passion for sketching faces and devouring beauty magazines like Allure’s Best of Beauty editions. He jokingly recalls his initial thought at 19, walking into an Ulta for mascara, that makeup artistry seemed “easy.” The reality, he quickly discovered, was far more complex, yet it only deepened his resolve. Diaz honed his skills by offering free glam sessions to friends and worked in makeup sales for brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills at Ulta and Sephora. By 2020, he launched his own freelance business, balancing wedding makeup gigs with part-time server work to cover the high costs of his craft. Two years ago, he decided it was time to “pull the plug” and commit fully to his dream, a decision that would soon connect him to the highest echelons of Kansas City’s sports scene.
The Pivotal Connection: Brittany Mahomes’ Hairstylist
The turning point for Diaz came with a chance encounter with Laura Beth, the hairstylist renowned for perfecting Chiefs WAG Brittany Mahomes’s iconic looks. This serendipitous meeting quickly transformed into a strategic networking opportunity. Through this connection, Diaz found his way to The Artistry Salon in Kansas City, an establishment already well-known for regularly glamming other Chiefs WAGs. Initially, his clientele consisted of the wives of Chiefs coaches, but as his talent and reputation spread, he was introduced to the wives and girlfriends of the team’s star players, solidifying his status within the exclusive community.
Game Day Glam: A Symphony of Style and Strategy
For Diaz, a typical game day begins long before kickoff. Whether clients visit his booth at the salon or he travels to their private events, he and his hairstylist counterpart are tasked with preparing three to four WAGs daily. This intricate process requires precision and speed, a “tack team” effort to ensure everyone is ready according to their schedule. He notes that mornings often find clients a “little sleepy,” but the glam session offers a crucial hour of relaxation before the “chaos of going onto the field and the tailgates” begins.
When it comes to the aesthetics, football games allow for creative freedom. Diaz enjoys the opportunity to “play with color” more than other events, often receiving outfit ideas in a group chat to ensure the game day look is “easy breezy.” He describes the process as akin to “creating a fashion costume,” allowing for “sexy looks, sultry looks” that perfectly complement the festive atmosphere of game day.
The Super Bowl Blitz: A Career-Defining Moment
While regular game day glam is demanding, the Super Bowl operates on an entirely different plane. Diaz vividly recalls watching the AFC Championship game, willing the Chiefs to win so he could glam at the biggest stage. The moment the Chiefs clinched the victory, he rushed to book his flight to New Orleans. With hotels fully booked, he famously resorted to sleeping in the airport, a decision he now laughs about but admits led to a chiropractor visit.
The Super Bowl morning was a whirlwind. Arriving at the Chiefs’ hotel at 7:30 a.m., Diaz navigated intense security to reach a “tiny” 700-square-foot glam room packed with 10 makeup artists and 10 hairstylists. He likened the scene to “New York Fashion Week meets a tailgate,” a high-energy environment where “the nerves are up,” players’ jerseys are donned, and “the chaos of makeup artists everywhere, photographers, barbers” creates a blur of activity. Despite missing the game itself (which ended in a heartbreaking loss against the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII), Diaz views that 24-hour trip as a significant “turning point” in his career. His consistent work now includes glamming figures like Ana Demmer, the girlfriend of offensive lineman Creed Humphrey, as reported by People.
The Enduring Influence of Brittany Mahomes’ Style
Brittany Mahomes, whose hairstylist was instrumental in Diaz’s career trajectory, is a style icon in her own right. Her journey from professional soccer player to model and influencer, known for her “unique fashion sense,” often sets trends within the WAG community. Recently, Mahomes surprised fans with a “drastic hair transformation,” transitioning from her signature golden blonde to a vibrant red, as highlighted by E! News. This change, debuted in April 2024, garnered significant fan attention, with many noting how the rich auburn color accentuated her features. Mahomes’ willingness to “spice up her look” is well-documented, from her Sports Illustrated partnership to her expensive custom jackets and designer ensembles for public appearances. Her personal styling of husband Patrick Mahomes’ hair, which she humorously shared on Instagram, further underscores her influence in the beauty and fashion space.
Fan Perspective: The Glam Factor in Chiefs Kingdom
For fans, the meticulous glam efforts behind the Chiefs WAGs add another layer of excitement and interest to game day. It’s a testament to the comprehensive brand of the Kansas City Chiefs, extending beyond athletic prowess to encompass a broader cultural impact. The WAGs, with their carefully curated looks, become ambassadors, embodying a blend of fashion, team spirit, and personal style that resonates deeply within the fan community. Joey Diaz’s story provides a fascinating glimpse into this world, revealing the dedication, skill, and sheer logistical challenge of maintaining such high standards of presentation under immense pressure. As the WAGs head to Arrowhead Stadium, looking pristine, Diaz, a proud Chiefs fan himself, is right there with the rest of Chiefs Kingdom, tuning into the game, having already contributed his crucial part to the spectacle.
