BLOG SPOT with Shae Tsiknaris

2024: A Reflection

I am truly humbled to have been invited by Louise May, the Editor in Chief of Mocha Group, to contribute to the mocha hair blog. Looking back on 2024, it’s been an exciting and dynamic year in the salon, and I’d like to share a few highlights.

This year, I saw a notable shift in client preferences, particularly with the Milano wave the new perm by Alfaparf Milano. It’s a gentler option for those wanting texture without the harshness of traditional perms, and we’ve seen it become increasingly popular in the salon.

Alongside this, many clients sought change in their hair textures, whether going from curly to straight or straight to curly. This was especially true with Brisbane’s intense heat, where I saw an uptick in requests for smooth, straight, and manageable styles. The demand for blowout brushes also surged, with clients looking for that big bounce—not just in the salon, but something they could recreate at home too.

For those who don’t know me well, Halloween and Christmas are two holidays I absolutely love. Halloween holds a special place for me, falling around my birthday on the 27th of October (yes, I’m a proud Scorpio!). Our salon is full of fellow Scorpios—Sinead, our apprentice, our boss Bill, my brother-in-law, and my daughter Nikki, our “tea and tidy” queen. Every year, I have to get matching Halloween pyjamas for myself and the kids—it’s become a fun tradition. And of course, Christmas is a big deal too. Even in the salon, on our last workday before the holidays, I love to wear Christmas-themed outfits, often matching with some of the team.

Since childhood, I’ve been obsessed with Christmas movies, particularly National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. My mum introduced me to the classics, and I’ve adopted a tradition of decking out my home—inside and out—just like Chevy Chase. My gutters are lined with solar lights, and I’ve even ventured to the footpath (not sure if it’s legal, but it looks great!). Each year, I add something new, hoping one day my display will rival the iconic one from the movie. Sadly, once the New Year hits, it all comes down and gets packed away for another year.

One of the career highlights of 2024 was winning Master Cutter of the Year for the third time in a row at the AHIA Creative Awards. What an honour! I still can’t quite believe it. To top it off, I was a finalist for Queensland Hairdresser of the Year for the fourth time, which continues to be such an exciting milestone in my journey.

These awards always bring butterflies, and they push me to be more creative than ever. Although I won’t be entering Master Cutter this year, due to the ‘3 times consecutive winner and you’re out for 2’ rule, I’m looking forward to challenging myself in other categories and exploring new creative avenues in 2025.

Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to educate stylists across Australia, from Sydney to Melbourne to Perth. Meeting and learning from talented stylists has been truly inspiring. One of my favourite moments was in Perth, where I also got to visit my mum and some family members I had never met before. My mum even became a model for our education class, showcasing her thick, strong hair with a pixie cut and Alfaparf pigments. It was a special moment for both of us! As for my own hair, well, it’s always changing.

My clients often ask, “Have you cut your hair again?”—and the answer is usually yes! I love experimenting with different styles, from sleek and straight to messy and textured, and I’m always switching things up. I think the short pixie cut suits me best (especially with my tiny head!), and it’s always fun to play with the illusion of thickness—it’s all part of the magic, right? After all, as hairstylists, we are magicians for hair.

Thank you again for the opportunity to reflect on this incredible year. I’m excited for what 2025 holds, and I can’t wait to continue growing, creating, and sharing this journey with all of you.

Shae x