10 MINUTES WITH
LYNDAL SALMON By Louise May
As Creative Director and Head Educator of BIBA Academy, an iconic Australian hairdressing institution that has guided the industry for more than 40 years, Lyndal Salmon is a driving force. Lyndal inspires our next generation of hairstylists to strive for excellence in design and cutting precision. A passionate visionary with a natural talent and flair for hair, Lyndal is making her mark on the industry she adores. Having Educated at Biba Academy for the last 17 years, Lyndal has been recognised not only an outstanding educator who has shaped the career of thousands, but a true influencer and leader in Australian hairstyling, training and assessing the future talents of our industry. Hair Biz Editor Louise May Spent 10 minutes recently to find our more about her journey.
To help us get to know you a little more, would you share a little about your upbringing?
I grew up in the bush, making treehouses and no joke, cooking Damper on stick fires. At the age of 12 I moved to the big smoke “Ballarat!” With my incredible Mum and 2 sisters. My flannelette shirt was replaced with a band T-shirt and my love of creative projects was fuelled and nurtured at Ballarat Grammar. I think I’m a lot like my Dad… he is never bothered by a challenge, and perhaps never satisfied by something that works… always pushing and tinkering, designing and destroying.
How did you first get involved in the industry?
I went to University in Melbourne and did a Bachelor of Design. it all happened after I went to Xiang and got a haircut; I remember pointing to the picture in the Colour Trophy Bible for my inspo. I got talking with my stylist and said I’d always secretly wanted to do hair. They told me to go and see Biba Academy around the corner. So, the day before my 22nd birthday I went to see Mirella at Biba Academy. I sold my Jet Ski to get some money to pay for a one-year Hair Course and the rest is history! I actually completed the Biba Academy Course in a record 10 months, because I just found the thing, I was always meant to do…. I was totally addicted! 18
Hair Biz Year 15 Issue 6
What achievement are you most proud of in your life or career?
I’m most proud that I chose hairdressing. I’ve been told once by a mentor that “I’m too Punk to make it to the top.” This will always stick with me. But it was the “Punk” in me that allowed me to stand up and face the stigma and shame, I was made to feel about wanting to be a hairdresser. It was the “punk” in me that made me follow my heart and literally tell everyone to F&$! OFF because I’m going to make Hair my thing! I’ve also won a stack of super incredible awards, created the most phenomenal charity events, trained some of the most wonderful people in the world, travelled the globe presenting and creating hair, and had the privilege of birthing 2 wonderful women, just to mention a few of my other great achievements.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what alternative career would you consider?
I would say it would be a creative field like fashion or architecture or something in the events space, because I love bringing people together and creating great experiences… but also I’d love to be a singer!! I spend my childhood memorising my sister Carla’s lyrics and lines to performances in case she ever broke her leg and I had to step it… Lol (Never happened!)
What are three things you’re passionate about? Trying to be a good person Trying to Be a Creative person And I guess: I’m just always “Trying”
What would your ideal Sunday look like?
My family. Big Sunday Roast, open fire (that’s burning Redgum), wine and good music. But then I also do seriously love a 5am Sunday start, walking to work in the dark about to start a shoot or a comp, knowing I’m about to climb 70 flights of stairs and not eat or sit down for 20 hours.
