11 minute read
INFEATURE: FROM THE WINNERS
FROM THE WINNERS
WE SPOKE TO THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITION WINNERS ABOUT THEIR MOTIVATIONS, THEIR LOOKS AND THEIR VICTORIES IN THIS LIVE ARENA.
EDITORIAL GLAM SLAM
ROSE THOROGOOD, THE HAIR POSEY
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDITORIAL HAIR CAREER.
I work full-time at George Biantes Hair Design and, in my spare time, I do braiding, bridal and editorial work, as well as creating hair accessories under my own brand, The Hair Posey. I love what I do as it is a great way to be creative.
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
I love to do styling and wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
It proves to myself that I can do this and makes me proud of my achievement.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WINNING LOOK.
My winning look is a warrior mermaid princess look. She started off as the idea of a Viking warrior and then slowly transformed into a mermaid princess. The two ideas came together to blend into the resulting look with the help of the award-winning dress of talented designer Errick Kim and the fabulous skills of makeup artist and model Jolie Nguyen. I truly feel like it was a team effort for the final look, much the same as it is when doing editorial work.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
I would definitely say to practice a lot and be flexible in what you are doing and your design process, to change part of your design on the fly if needed. There will always come a time where you need to change what you are doing as it just isn’t working how you’d like.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT CREATING EDITORIAL WORK?
I love the creative freedom that you can have with editorial looks and being able to go outside the box depending on the brief.
WOMEN’S STREET STYLE
LAURA MCDONALD, MAVERICK HAIR & ART
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
I entered the Hair Festival competition to challenge my creativity and technical skills. It was also a great opportunity to connect with other stylists who share the same passion for hair. Participating in competitions not only fosters personal growth as a stylist but also contributes to the vibrancy of the hairdressing community. It’s a win-win for both personal and collective development.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
Entering competitions is a crucial part of our professional growth. Winning has boosted my confidence and motivation in my career. While it was challenging to step outside my comfort zone, growth often comes with a bit of discomfort.
HOW WILL THE PRIZES BE HELPFUL TO YOUR CAREER?
My prize included some new scissors from Sharpline Scissors, which I use every day because they’re very sharp! As a stylist, entering competitions is a way of going the extra mile to gain recognition, exposure for our skills, and build our personal brand. This industry is incredibly diverse, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WINNING LOOK.
My look was inspired by the current trend of the Australian mullet. I aimed to create a look that had a raw street edge while incorporating elements of high fashion and soft femininity.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
Focus on originality, attention to detail and consistent practice. Be open to learning from others while staying true to your unique style.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE TRENDING WOMEN’S LOOKS?
I’m truly enjoying the trend of embracing natural texture and moving away from excessive flat iron use. One of my current favourites is the layered bob with tousled texture, adding moments of romantic whimsy.
HOW DOES COMPETITION WORK COMPARE TO SALON WORK?
I was quite nervous, as there was a lot of energy in the room from both spectators and competitors. I put in the same level of effort and attention to detail for my clients as I do for competitions because my clients will be looking at their hair for the next six weeks!
BARBER STREET
MILO LE, IKIGAI BARBER
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
I wanted to experience barber and hairstyling culture, to challenge myself and to meet my fellow talented barbers in the industry.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
It meant the world for me to win the title. I had been preparing for months prior to the competition, seeking inspirations from the winners in the past, as well as styles from all around the globe.
HOW WILL THE PRIZES BE HELPFUL TO YOUR CAREER?
Receiving the remarkable award alongside the Sharpline Scissors has not only advanced my career but has also supported my belief in my artistic capabilities. Just as the Sharpline Scissors create art with precision, this award validates my dedication to my craft. It propels me to further innovate and contribute meaningfully to my field.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WINNING LOOK.
I incorporated fading techniques from North America and scissor work reminiscent of European countries. My main hair design draws inspiration from the majestic peacock, emulating its vibrant and captivating beauty. The colour palette features a striking contrast between a vivid hot pink and the serene expanse of sky blue. This dynamic interplay of colours adds depth and dimension to the design, capturing the essence of the peacock’s iridescent feathers.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
Maintain a continuous learning process, seek inspiration constantly and have faith in your own abilities. Remember, the realm of artistic expression is much closer than you might think, waiting for you to explore and innovate within it.
WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE MEN’S HAIR TIP?
One of the most significant tips I consistently share with everyone is that shape holds greater importance than length when it comes to hair design. The key to crafting the finest hair designs is in paying attention to intricate details.
WHY IS EDITORIAL MEN’S HAIR SO IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW?
There’s a growing emphasis on personal expression and individuality in men’s fashion and grooming. Men are increasingly seeking unique and stylish ways to present themselves, and editorial hair allows for artistic and Avant Garde styles that go beyond traditional norms. Also, social media and digital platforms have amplified the reach and impact of visual content. This not only benefits the hairstylists and barbers showcasing their skills but also contributes to setting new trends and pushing creative boundaries.
THE BOB
DAVID AZAR, DAVID AZAR SALON
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
First and foremost participating in such a prestigious event provides an excellent platform to showcase my creative talents and technical skills in the field of hair styling. Also competing alongside other skilled professionals allows me to gain valuable insight into emerging trends and techniques.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
Winning holds significant meaning for me on both a personal and professional level. It enhances my credibility and visibility within the industry. This achievement represents the culmination of years of hard work dedication and passion that I have poured into perfecting my craft as a hairdresser.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
My advice is to emphasise uniqueness, meticulously prepare and pay attention to detail. Also embrace the challenge, seek feedback and stay true to your distinct creative vision.
WHY DO YOU FEEL THE BOB IS A TIMELESS TREND?
The bob is a timeless trend due to its versatility, adaptability and enduring appeal across generations.
WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE BOB TIP OR TRICK?
My tip is to ensure precise and balanced cutting and pay attention to symmetry and angels of the cut as they influence the final look.
DREAM TEAM COLLAB
KIMBERLY MARTZ, SIENNA SHIELDS AND CHARLIE CARRUTHERS, WOW HAIR WICKHAM
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
KC: I entered on floor comps as an apprentice, and I believe it was a great way to build a true passion for all things hair. It’s also a great way to bring your team together.
CC: It provided a wonderful platform to showcase the incredible talent of our team.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
KC: It means the world to me to have won because it’s taken me eight years to have finally built this beautiful team that I have right now, and each stylist brings their bit to our space. I love to shine a spotlight on my young team and try to get them as excited as I feel about this awesome industry and see that it’s so much more than just a job.
HOW WILL THE PRIZES BE HELPFUL TO YOUR CAREER?
KC: It’s been a way to highlight our apprentices’ great skills. Our salon is very family and community focussed, so our clients love to watch us succeed. We really love to share passion around the salon with clients and the trophy has become a great talking point in our salon too.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WINNING LOOK.
SS: The winning look was an Avant Garde editorial look. Inspired by fire, the hair evolved upward into a point, with flicks of hair coming off the top. To me, the look even symbolised lava erupting from a volcano.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
KC: Spend a couple of sessions planning your design, then practice as much as you can, allowing a bit of room and time for error, so you don’t need to feel too stressed on the day.
CC: Strive for progress as a team, not perfection! Never think an idea is irrelevant, you never know what doors it will open creatively for you and your team members.
SS: I would advise them to believe in themselves. Being so new to the industry, I was quite hesitant in entering and scared I would let the team down. Having a sense of self-worth and belief was absolutely a contributing factor to our win.
WHY ARE LIVE COMPETITIONS SO IMPORTANT IN A TEAM ENVIRONMENT?
KC: It allows you to get to know each other on a different level from a salon environment, as you get to express youself so much more.
CC: I believe live competitions hold immense importance in a team environment. It encourages collaboration where our team can refine skills and provides a situation similar to a salon environment where we can communicate effectively and tackle challenges together.
SS: It’s so beneficial to the team itself. Both in training and with the thrill of competing, it brought us so much closer. We got to know each other and how we work collaboratively. It was a bonding experience.
SPLASH OF COLOUR
DOMI PINALLI, TSIKNARIS HAIR
WHY DID YOU ENTER THE HAIR FESTIVAL COMPETITIONS?
It gave me a chance to test run creative ideas on an exciting platform and I love live hairdressing competitions. It’s one thing to produce photographic work, it’s another to present it live. There is no hiding, no smoke and mirrors, just your art that you’ve created to the best of your ability presented to the judges.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO WIN?
That I’m progressing down a path of developing my editorial skills to an award-winning level. I came second in 2022 after my model got COVID and I coloured my assistant’s hair in my hotel room instead, so I was determined to come back for the win.
HOW WILL THE PRIZES BE HELPFUL TO YOUR CAREER?
The prizes, both in terms of the entire colour line gifted to me from Natural Look Australia and the publicity, will be immensely beneficial to my career. It will help me in monetary values and resources, by allowing me to invest in essential tools, materials and resources that can be used to further enhance the quality and range of my work. It gives me exposure, recognition and another platform to showcase my work to a broader audience. The win also gives me renewed self-belief that motivates me to tackle bigger projects and challenges in my career and provides me networking opportunities with peers and potential clients that can lead to collaborations and partnerships. Lastly, it helps me enhance my portfolio, acting as a testament to the quality of my work and my capability to stand out in a competitive landscape.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WINNING LOOK.
My winning look was inspired by androgyny and very Boy George. I wanted that fluidity of gender to be representative in the hair with the melting of vibrant colours together and texture in play, paired with hard lines and structure within my haircut to show all aspects of the gender spectrum.
WHAT WOULD YOU ADVISE TO FUTURE APPLICANTS?
Whilst it’s a colour competition, it’s not without a strong haircut to complement. Shape is a major part of a cohesive look and should be at the forefront of planning. Also, your model matters! Think like you are making a magazine cover.
WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE COLOUR TIP?
Think outside the box! The more you can individualise and create artistic expression even on a commercial level to reflect the client’s personality, the more you will succeed. Also, the science behind colouring is a powerful tool if you take the time to learn it.
