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.

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!)

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!

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.

Thinking ahead, what’s left on your bucket list to experience or achieve?

Japanese Cherry Blossoms and Tokyo Karaoke rooms, with Bradley. Backstage Paris Fashion Week Maybe a Book one day? Lots more working adventures and projects Then: A State Funeral to finish it off.

What would be the craziest, funniest or most unusual things you’ve ever done?

I feel like I’m always doing stuff in an unusual way, whether I’m tying my children’s hair with Helium Balloons or Flying to Monaco in a Helicopter, getting married in a black Carla Zampatti dress, or colouring my hair with Horse disinfectant as a kid (it went very Blue and I had to shave it and start again, I don’t recommend it at all).

Do you have any fur babies?

I have a beautiful dog called Maggie, the first dog I’ve ever owned. Maggie tries to sleep behind my knees every night… I love her a lot.

What’s something interesting or quirky that we may not know about you?

After University I became a Lolliologist! That’s right! I’m an actual Lolly Maker, I can make Hard Rock Candy. I even made my own wedding lollies that said “Lyndal loves Bradley” inside them! Just watch me blow drying and you can see the candy whipping in action.

If you could invite 4 people, living or passed, to a dinner party at your place, who would you invite?

I would invite my 4 late grandparents and I would spend the whole meal listening to their beautiful calm voices and incredible lived experiences.

What does contentment mean to you?

Being surrounded with creative stuff, hair wefts, paints, glue guns, art books, pins, foams heads, an impending deadline looming over me and the freedom to enter and exit the space without having to clean up or pack up my projects. HEAVEN!!!! Maybe I just need a studio. Haha! I’m also pretty content at the peninsula hot springs.

What’s playing on your Spotify right now?

The Sopranos Soundtrack has been a staple for our lockdown living here in Melbourne, also Donda has been getting a lot of airtime!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I wish I spoke my mind more…. when I grow up this will become easier, I hope.

If you could leave this industry having achieved just one thing, what would that legacy be?

My whole working life has been developing the lives and careers of others. I’ve got that bit covered, so, I would just say, I will continue to unlock the part of people brains that allows them to see and touch hair with a great sense of responsibility, passion, and positive intent.

Do you have a motto or signature life philosophy?

I have A LOT! I’m pretty much always rambling about something! I used to tell people “I’m unoffendable and highly approachable.” That always helped ease a new student. I always truly believe that “lighting someone else’s candle won’t dim you’re own” . I also practise the idea that my creativity can never be used up, so, I try and act on my ideas and share my practise through Instagram etc, knowing I’m going to have more ideas in the shower in the morning…Haha!

What makes you laugh?

My husband Bradley is actually pretty damn funny. We have had sooo many laughs during lockdown going Live every week, twice a week filming hair tutorials. I feel like he could walk into a salon and start cutting after his 2 years of personal demonstrations… anyone looking for a handsome salon assistant?

What is your greatest fear?

Being boring and bland.

What is your greatest indulgence?

My greatest indulgence is the time I spend on Personal Hair Projects and Creative Collections. This time is separate to my work as an educator, so it’s a balancing act I must constantly juggle, especially as a mother. I think creative people should talk more about their practises, and maybe lift the lid on how hard it can be. For me, the best way is to moosh it all together, like a big hearty stew! This became even easier for me this year, as my amazing little sister Louisa Salmon joined the teaching faculty at Biba Academy, as the new Barber Educator.