Across the Ditch with Anthony Bayer

By Louise May

Anthony Bayer left school when he turned 15 and started a Hairdressing Course! “I was horribly bullied at school and really wanted to leave so my older sister gave me the idea to become a hairdresser, she had a friend that was the manager of a Salon, so I did work experience there and was given an after school and Saturday job.”

He completed his apprenticeship and qualified, moved to Melbourne for a few years, worked for Toni & Guy then returned home and worked for Toni & Guy Auckland NZ. “I got so inspired and a hair salon felt like home for me. I felt like I could relax and be myself.” He says.

“I was very lucky to have some great opportunities over these years such as doing my first photo shoots for magazine editorials, and competing in Awards such as Wella Trend Vision, as well as working backstage at New Zealand, Melbourne, and London Fashion Weeks.”

In 2015 Anthony went out on his own as a contractor/rent a chair, then took the big leap and opened his own salon - Anthony Bayer Hair in 2016! Since opening the Salon, they have been finalists for over 30 different Hair Awards across NZ and some Australian, with some big wins along the way such as NZ Gold Winner for Trend Vision Color Artist, NZ Salon Team of The Year For the Industry Hair Awards, plus, Affinage Apprentice and Senior Award Color winners and more!

Currently Anthony is the New Zealand Ambassador for PHB (Professional Hair Brands) for the homegrown brand Lust Haircare NZ, a role that has already given him great opportunities to educate other hairdressers, direct fashion shows and work on Campaign Shoots for NZ leading Fashion Brand Stolen Girlfriends Club.

We spoke to Anthony to find out more…

What excites you most about your work?

Being creative, entering hair awards, doing fashion work, editorials and making clients feel and look beautiful! Also, now I have staff and just seeing them grow and watching them learn new things makes me so very happy. I love it all!

If you had to name one skill that got you where you are today, would it be?

I think as a hairdresser, colour was what I picked up easiest when starting my career. It was my bread and butter and that gave me confidence to focus on other aspects of hair I wasn’t as strong at the time and to keep working on my craft.

Can you share with our readers a time when you overcame a challenge?

I think moving back to New Zealand, into a new city not long after my Dad passed and trying to start a new life is what put a lot of weight on my shoulders. But with the support of family and close friends I was able to stay focused on work and push forward.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given in your career?

“Just be yourself Anthony nobody does that better than you” from my amazing friend and ex-boss Zowie Evans xx

Where do you find your creative inspiration for your collection work?

Originally when I first started shooting a collection, I was always inspired by another hairdressers collection, and I actually think that can be a good place to start because you can start to learn the formula for a Hairdressing Collection shoot. But now it comes from anywhere: artists, Fashion designers, Architecture, colour palettes, you name it!

Who do you look to for inspiration, or who has guided your career?

I think with Social Media we are so lucky with all the hair art we get to see! I do love Vidal Sassoon as a whole. I’m inspired by his beautiful work and inspiration that shaped our industry. I’m a big fan of Sam McKnight, his session Styling work is incredible!

I think a person who guided me personally is Zowie Evans. Zowie is one of my previous managers and whilst working under her she was no doubt an amazing teacher. She taught me when I was doing my Toni&Guy Vardering, she was so positive and encouraging. Also, Bronwyn Illingworth was the reason why I wanted to join Toni&Guy in the early years of my career. She was New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year and I remember looking in Hairdressing magazines of her thinking wow! One day that’s what I want to be! And of course, my mum.

Growing up my Mum was a Bridal Dressmaker by trade, having our house filled to the brim with lace, silks, and all different kinds of fabric. Getting to watch her do what she loves and sharing her creativity. She’s been a huge help in creating and Styling my outfits for most of my photoshoots and collections.

What are your top tips for the planning and execution of a collection?

Creating a team of Makeup, Styling and photography that really understands what you are trying to achieve and understands your taste as a creator. You all need to work together and be on the same page to understand the outcome that you are wanting to achieve. Also, model choice is so important to make sure the hair work you create works well and fits the model’s look. I really think colour, shape, texture are the three key points I think of. Kept cohesiveness in the collection so it works not only as 1 image but 6 images that tie in beautifully together.

Do you find the Hair Trends in NZ different from what’s trending here in Oz?

I think NZ can be a bit more organic/natural and textured when it comes to styling and having a more lived-in hair has become more of a trend. Australia can be a little more luxurious, polished, and glamorous. I do think it’s different but as a but both countries are moving closer together with social media and what influences certain styles throughout the year. Colour/cut work is very similar, but it all comes down to the styling of the hair after which I think is different.

How do you achieve your balance between the creative and the commercial needs of your business?

I think I have learnt that creative work is a totally different aspect of hairdressing and I look at my creative work as a hobby and a passion I do in my own time outside of the Salon. That way I can keep my Salon and client/commercial work separate from the creative. So, they don’t interfere with one another.

What’s on the agenda for the future?

In 2023 I have dates set and will be working closely with PHB’s international brand Paul Mitchell and teaching other Salons around the country how amazing the colour is and what magic you can create with it.

The brand is growing a lot in NZ now with new Salons coming on board so that’s super exciting! Working towards growing my Salon and hopefully inspire my team to grow in Salon both professionally and creatively. Plus of course I Dream of winning the AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year one day, a big goal for me!