This month Style Street talks to Rebecca Runnegar owner and sole stylist of Confidente Salon about the social networking on the internet, her favourite haircare products and the pros of owning a one woman salon.

1. In historic building known as The Royal Arcade located off the Bourke Street Mall, home to Gog and Magog and up the winding stairs. How did you find the gem of a space?

I found this gorgeous space by being patient and sifting through lots of Melbourne real estate! The right space is paramount to the success of every business and this particular space needed a lot of love. Royal Arcade has a wonderful history and has managed to keep a little quirk about it which I love. Each of my clients comments on how relaxed they feel here at Confidente and that’s what I wanted – goal achieved.

2. Melbourne loves a hidden little secret. How have you advertised your salon? Has twitter, facebook and your website helped? And how do you utilizes the Internet for your business?

I advertised initially on a small scale but word of mouth is the ultimate in this business. I did approach a lot of hotels and that really helped me to get on my feet. An online presence in the form of a website is crucial as people utilize the internet more. Twitter has been a lovely surprise as my clients are quite tech savy & I ‘ve definitely had referrals through this medium. As for Facebook, I’ve chosen not to have a business page – I don’t think it’s so relevant to the style of business I run.

3. I’m noticing a worldwide trend for boutique, smaller salons, what are your thoughts on this? And what are the advantages for the operator and the client?

The Boutique Salon absolutely has its place! Clients want to feel special, have their time respected, connect with their Hairdresser and feel at home. From an operators perspective you get to utilize products that you believe in, achieve an optimal result as you’re not rushing and really get to know your clients. We’ve create a space in which they can be themselves – communicate freely and not feel that the clock is ticking. Confidente is relaxing as there’s no excess noise from lots of hairdryers or people talking over one another. In this environment my attention is 110% on them. A hair appointment becomes a pleasant part of your day and that is critically important.

4.Where have you worked previously?

I’ve worked at all levels of the industry from huge numbers to boutique and they have all proved challenging. This broad based experience has taught me so much and groomed me to be the hairdresser I am today. 6 years ago I was working for a company of approximately 150 – 200 staff where I was responsible for the training of over 100 hairdresser whilst running salons – yet here I am today focusing on the one client at a time. You have to be open to new experiences to learn new things and continue to build your skills.

5.How long have you been doing hair and when did you have your first hair “epiphany”?

I’ve been behind the chair for 14 years and my hair epiphany was as simple as Hair is my fabric. I was working on a model and started to intertwine her locks with wool and into her costume – it looked sensational and from there I was obsessed! I enjoy making people feel great. I get a great sense of satisfaction from seeing the effect my work has on the clients. The effect is almost immediate. For some it’s a smile, for others a transformation in their confidence! I get a kick out of it either way.

6.For readers who want to open a salon for themselves…what advice would you give to the up starters?

The advice I would give to anyone opening their own salon is to make sure it is your passion. It will be lots of hard work and you have to really want it. In particular the one on one salon will only succeed if you have a continued drive to improve yourself and have very strong skills all round. You can’t be lazy. Ensure that you are capable of EVERYTHING – Hairdressers used to have strong skills in all areas and this has changed. If you want to succeed on your own it is mandatory.

7.Top five favorite tools (Example: wigo hairdryer, favorite product etc)

I could not live without a Parlux Blowdryer and Pin Curl Clips in my kit. Followed closely by a Linen Thread for gorgeous modern Hair Up, a nice fresh cut throat blade and Kevin Murphy Session Spray.

8. What do you feel are the problems facing the industry right now? (Example; recruitment, money, public opinion et al)

Unfortunately the Hairdressing Industry has been plagued by those who don’t take it seriously as a profession. If the people working in the industry don’t see it as a profession, how can we expect our clients and industry partners to see us as professionals? The removal of hairdressing from the skills shortage list will (I hope) see the return of serious professionals to the trade..

9. My research tells me you were a ‘rep” for a haircare company, could you tells us more about that? And how did you make the transition from hairdresser to rep and back to salon owner?

When you believe in a product it’s a dream position for those that don’t like to be surrounded by the same four walls and growing any business is satisfying. Whilst I loved the contact with salon teams and business owners, I missed the creative release that hairdressing provides.

10. What are your plans for the future?

To develop my concept and my skills set further and to offer the highest level of service to my clients that the industry has to offer..

11. What products do you use in the salon?

Ooh where to start?! I colour with Revlon Professional and L’Oreal, I style with Kevin Murphy, American Crew and Everescents. I like to work with various ranges so that I can cater to everyone as I’m very fussy! Everescents is the latest addition to Confidente,  they are the ONLY Australian made, Certified Organic professional hair care range on the market. There are a lot of organic claims out there but once you dig deeper you often find that they’re not certified or that there is an overseas parent company. I respect Everescents Philosophy, it’s a great product and enables me to look after my clients health, the environment and most importantly to support Australian trade.

Photo of Rebecca Runnegar of Confidente

Confidente Salon.

Confidente Salon website.

email info@confidente.com.au

Confidente on Twitter

Telephone (03) 9663 2082

Written by Jean-Paul Rosette author of Heads Will Roll

1. You and I met and started chatting via Twitter and then Facebook, has the internet helped you and your business? Also What do you use these social networking websites for? And do you have an agent?

I don’t have an agent and it is amazing who you can meet and network with via the internet. Twitter and facebook are just the beginning, they have helped a heap in getting a buzz about into the world. You have to make noise somehow and not everyone is willing to listen to you yelling in the street (most people will think you’re crazy!) I guess its less frightening to people to interact using these kinds of methods. Also its assessable, its less in formal and everyone knows what you’re doing without asking you directly.  I use them a lot from booking appointments for clients and getting new jobs for photo shoots. I post as much as I possibly can so people feel connected and can create an opinion of you and your work.

2. I have noticed via your Facebook account that you are involved with lots of fashion parades, how did you get involved with that side of hairdressing?

The salon I worked at did a couple of hairdressing shows and I always helped with them. I also started volunteering to help out backstage at fashions parades while I was still working in the salon. I didn’t really have a day off most weeks. I involved myself as much as I could. Hard work pays off.

3. For me, I have found doing hair for a shoot, and doing hair for fashion show and in the salon means I have to have a completely different approach to hair in these mediums. How do you balance them?

It’s a hard balance that you cant fall behind in… you have to stay on the pulse of things. Continue to learn your trade and constantly evolve. I think still working in a salon keeps me grounded. You’re working with everyday people who want different things from their hair. Sometimes it can me more challenging then fashion hair. Where as photo shoots and fashion shows it’s all about a particular image, it has to be perfect for that one photo or the 10 minutes the model is out on the catwalk. But they do work together at times, generally fashion hair filters through to commercial wearable hairstyles that clients will ask for. I think it takes about 3 to 6 months for the general public to get used to the new ideas in the industry.

4.Where have you worked previously?

I worked part time when I was 15 in a salon in a shopping centre. It’s a really big salon with a retail shop attached, Ross Caia is a franchise of three.  I finished high school and started my apprenticeship there. I was there 5 years in total. I wanted to learn more so I moved to a boutique salon in Malvern, Victoria,  called Madd. I really learnt a lot there and perfected my trade. I had a very passionate mentor, I have a lot to thank him for. I wouldn’t be the hairdresser I am now without his knowledge. At the end of the day I’m just too eager to succeed.

I now work for myself freelancing under my own name ANNIKA’S, I do clients from their houses, work casually in a salon, do hair and makeup for photo shoots & runway shows. I also do a lot of work for Model Academy, they train young models to prefect their job. This is a term course that goes through everything, its great fun and I find it amazing to watch these students turn into top models.

5.How long have you been doing hair and when did you have your first hair “epiphany”?

Well I have been playing with my own hair my whole life (laughs) but as an actually professional trade… full time seven years and three years part time before that.

First hair epiphany would be..? (thinks) When I was eight I had all my hair cut off into a graduated bob I couldn’t believe the feeling I got when I left the salon, I was in love. I always wanted to be a hairdresser and I wanted to make people feel the way I felt that day. I wanted to give people style, an image to call their own and make them look & feel better about themselves. Hairdressing is very rewarding if you let it.

6.For readers who want to become freelance hairstylists themselves…what advice would you give to the up starters?

Volunteer as much as you possibly can and yes you wont get paid for volunteer work! But that brings a lot of other work, you have to be dedicated and network with people in the area you want to go into. Say it is more photo shoots you want to get into, talk to photographers and get to know them.  Backstage Fashion Runways you would get to know designers. Be yourself people like to work with people that they get along with and that are friendly and hardworking.

7.Top five favorite tools?

Just 5, I could pick so many more but 5 things I don’t think I could live without is..

1. Hairdryer – I can’t go past my twin turbo 2600 its my favourite

2. Straightens (I have many but the main ones are GHD and T3)

3. Hairspray – I can be picky, I worked in a tigi salon so love their products, I normally use the S Factor or rockahollic they are both medium hold and not tacky like a lacquer, easy for models to brush out too.

4. S Factor Creamy Molding Wax

5. Bobby pins

I also do love label.m dry shampoo and label.m sea salt spray & my crimpers that are from the 80’s.

8. What do you feel are the problems facing the industry right now?

I think there are a lot of problems with our industry…

I think people don’t realize how hard we work and how little we get paid. The general public is unaware and most don’t think of us “hairdressers” as professional, which is our problem because we make them think that.

Attitude is very important and I think there needs to be more training across the industry. We are creative people and need to be inspired and constantly motivated. I also think the colour company’s should have the same numbering colour system. And don’t get me started on competitions. I could go on and on about ways to improve our industry but I wont…

9. My research tells me you worked in a salon prior to freelance work, could you tells us how did you make the transition from hairdresser in a salon to freelance?

Gosh, I actually asked to go part time and my boss wouldn’t let me so it was a hard decision to make but I knew it was the right one, I quit completely and knew my love and passion would some how support me.

10. Lets talk make up. How did you get involved with that? And which came first hair or make up?

Hair came first. I never really thought I would really get that into makeup but it does work hand in hand, same as fashion. Its all about a look and its has to follow through head to toe. I never really wore that much makeup myself until I started working full time at Madd Hairdressing and I learnt how to apply it. It came fairly naturally, I love colour and did a lot of painting at high school (I think that helps) now that I think about it… it’s kind of surprising I didn’t get into it sooner.

11. What are you working on at the moment?

Just the general stuff as well as setting up a website that will have an online portfolio. I would love to work Internationally. Also planning a working holiday in October, always wanted to go to Salon International.

12. What are your plans for the future?

I would love to have my own salon one day… have a happy balance of salon life and freelancing. I want to inspire others and keep the passion alive and pass on my knowledge to anyone who is willing listen.

Find Annika Bowen on Twitter http://twitter.com/annikabowen and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/annikas.hair

Written by Jean-Paul Rosette, author of Heads Will Roll.

Australian hair industry icon, Kevin Murphy, is set to revolutionise hair styling with the launch of two new products – SMOOTHING.BRUSH and TEXTURE.COMB. Like all of KEVIN.MURPHY’s styling products, these tolls were developed by Murphy to fill the void in his own tool kit however these specialised products are expected to be snapped up by stylists and consumers around the world.

SMOOTHING.BRUSH
This handcrafted round brush, designed by a small Spanish supplier located on the north-eastern coast of Spain, has been created by Murphy to deliver a top quality brush that will both protect and style the hair.

High quality raw materials and a handmade finishing process make the SMOOTHING.BRUSH a strong yet lightweight tool. The brush handle is made from real mahogany hardwood, directly imported from non-deforestation woods in Central Africa and the uniquely created oval cushion pad is made using rubber sheets to offer a high resistance to water and heat. The brush’s bristles are made from pure natural wild boar to control static and ensure there is no damage to the hair structure.

“This is the type of brush I always use and need but haven’t been able to buy easily in the past. SMOOTHING.BRUSH smooths out your texture and stops your hair from being ‘piecey’. The brush is also great to use for teasing and volume to achieve a softer, more modern look”, explains Murphy.

For best results, use SMOOTHING.BRUSH on dry hair for styling.

TEXTURE.COMB
This wide-toothed comb has been specially designed to enhance texture and movement in the hair whist still providing control. Perfect for taming curly or unruly hair, TEXTURE.COMB controls frizz to give your style a neat look while still allowing the hair to have freedom.
“If you want messy but controlled hair use the TEXTURE.COMB after you have styled the hair”, suggests Murphy. “It’s great for a neat-messy look. After messing up your hair, comb the top layer and it will help create a controlled mess – more sensual than sexy.”

For KEVIN.MURPHY stockist details, call 1800 104 204 or visit www.kevinmurphy.com.au.

The pitch.
Your ultimate hydrating hair weapons have arrived. Kevin Murphy’s new HYDRATE.ME wash and rinse have been specially designed by the hair guru himself to provide deep and lasting hydration for hair in an instant, with a unique Australian twist.

The HYDRATE-ME range was created for stressed out, dry hair that has been damaged from heated appliances, the environment, the sun, aging or continuous chemical services such as colouring. In a nutshell…it’s for hair that’s thirsty for moisture and replenishment!

Want More?
The  HYDRATE-ME  range  was  created  for  stressed  out,  dry  hair  that  has  been  damaged  from  heated appliances,  the  environment,  the  sun,  aging  or  continuous  chemical  services  such  as  colouring.  In  a nutshell…it’s for hair that’s thirsty for moisture and replenishment!

This month we talk to Nick Downie, salon owner of All The King’s Men.

Your shop has an excellent name.  “All the king’s men”, In my mind it conjures up the infamous Alexander the Great, who made his soldiers shave their beards off for the purpose of gaining an advantage in hand-to-hand combat so that his warriors were able to grasp an enemy by the beard, while themselves were safeguarded in this method of fighting. Is there any correlation between this story and your shop? How did you come up with the name of the shop?

Wow! I’ve never heard that story before but i really like it! I came up with the name when i was at trade school in my apprenticeship. In fact my cousin and I came up with it. He was studying hospitality at the same tech and we had a hairbrained scheme to start a barber shop/cafe. It sounds completely bonkers to me now but back then it seemed like we had come up with the greatest idea ever.

It’s a great looking barbershop, the old movie posters, especially the 1949 movie of the same name. How long have you had the shop, and how long did it take to get all the memorabilia?

The shop opened in 2007. I have been collecting all sorts of bits and bobs forever really. The first thing I got were the chairs, they are vintage Takaras and are incredibly beautiful to me. The lines on them are so classic and so sleek. They remind me of the classic, huge American cars of the 50’s. I had them for about a year before the shop opened and in that time i had them in storage. I used to go to the storage unit and visit them regularly, and really built the rest of the shop around them. The posters are all vintage Italian action movies and I have sourced them from all around the world. They are so dramatic and so visually engaging, and so old and creased. I love that old world aesthetic. Then the cut throat razors I’ve collected from op shops and antique dealers, and from friends who have found them in their shopping expeditions and also a few from clients who have had their grandpas razor floating around and don’t really know what else to with them, and I like that they have all ended up together in the cabinets. All the other stuff has just turned up over time.

My research tells me you worked at Dr Follicles for a time. Was it hard to start your own shop? And what sparked the idea of going starting your own?

I worked at Dr Follicles for a long time, and it was a great place to work and I made some very good friends there. But my idea was always to open my own shop and that really started back in trade school. In the time between starting my career and opening my own shop, I had been involved on some level in a few different shops from early on in their operation, so when the time came to open my own, I’d seen first hand and learnt from watching what other people were doing in starting up their shops. Some were more successful than others and I think I sort of watched and listened as much as I could to what sorts of things worked and what didn’t work. So when the time came to open my own shop, I had a really firm idea of how i wanted my shop to operate.

Where have you worked previously?

I started my apprenticeship in Canberra at Cataldo’s in 1995. I did two years there, sweeping, shampooing, coffee making, colors and perms. Lots of perms. Then I finished my apprenticeship at a salon called Globe. It’s no longer there. It was a crazy little shop with a great 50’s kitsch, John Waters, Vegas, lounge bar sort of vibe to it. It even had a one-arm bandit poker machine in it. It was really different to all the other shops in Canberra at the time, and we had a lot of fun. It was like one big party for a few years. All the staff were really fun and we were like a gang. Then that closed up and my friend Mark Bayre  (owner/operator of Mest Hair) bought it and he’s still there and going great guns!

Then I moved to Melbourne in 2000 and started to move towards barbershops. My first job here was at Wax in the city. It was a great little shop. I worked there for a couple of years and then to Dr Follicles in Richmond and then to their Fitzroy shop. And then opened All The Kings Men.

How long have you been doing hair and when did you have your first hair “epiphany”?

Started in 1995. I guess the most important epiphany I had is that cutting men’s hair is where i wanted to end up. That was very early on in the piece.

For readers who want to be a men’s hairdresser…how did you become a barber, did you at any point in your career do women’s hair?

I did women’s hair for a while, but pretty much two thirds of my career has been men’s hair. When i worked in salons I saw that a lot of the time they were catering predominantly to women and when most men came in they were obviously uncomfortable there. These were the guys that seemed to like me cutting their hair and it just sort of clicked there. And this is at a time when men really, REALLY didn’t get into the grooming thing that much. Now guys are so much more savvy about using products, colors and even straighteners, but at that point guys just seemed to get haircuts to get the hair out of their eyes. But that shift towards men’s grooming is really why you see resurgence in barbershops now. Guys now not only want to have adventurous haircuts, they EXPECT it. It’s great really. So now not only is there a market for cutting just men’s hair, it’s a really progressive and dynamic market, which is so awesome. It really has changed so much in that time, it’s amazing.

Top five favourite tools?

1- cut throat razor! Easily my favorite!! It’s such a wonderfully theatrical tool. And it’s a great symbol of barbers and barbershops. Like Sweeney Todd or that great scene in ‘The Untouchables’ where Al Capone is getting a shave and the barber nicks him. It’s just such a great way of finishing a cut, tidying up the neck with a cutthroat. It just completes the whole haircut experience. And it’s such a cool looking tool as well.

2- scissors. Obviously. I use 7”, great for scissor over comb.

3- clippers. We do LOTS of clipper work and i mostly use the good old classic Wahl super tapers, although i used to own a fantastic set of

Oster rotary clippers, which I often remember fondly. They got broken when a client jumped out of my chair and hooked the cord around his foot and they fell onto the ground and smashed. That was a sad day.

4- Passion Razor. I have had this for years and i love it. Great for longer shaggy, rock’n'roll stuff. Such a simple tool, but I cant imagine not having it. And it looks cool too.

5- ipod. Music is so important in getting the vibe in the shop right. Its important to have some sweet soul tracks to start the day, but also to have some proper rock and roll to drive it home at the end of the day. Sounds silly, but I couldn’t get through the day without the right music.

I really love the history of barbering and hairdressing, for example back in ye olde days your barber was your dentist and your surgeon. Another example is the red and white stripe barber pole to signify bloodletting.  Do you feel any connection to that heritage?

I love the history of hairdressing, and especially barbering. The blood letting and tooth stopping and leeches and all that is so interesting. It’s so kind of macabre and creepy to think that people just popped into the local barbers to get a boil lanced and a quick tidy up. I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to do it.

What do you feel are the problems facing the industry right now?

The public opinion thing has ALWAYS annoyed me. I sometimes think people don’t really understand what it is we do. It’s such a cliché, but at the end of the day, what we do is make people feel good. We make people feel confident, we listen to people and we form these unique friendships with our clients. That is very important. It’s so much more than people like to make out it is.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m in the process of looking to expand the business into a second location. It’s pretty exciting actually. I have the greatest staff ever at the shop and I have absolute faith in them looking after it so I can go and start all over again in another shop. From there, I’d really like to one day open a really big, really sleek shop. Still keeping the same philosophy of what we do now, but on a grander scale. And then from there, maybe a girls version, maybe.

ALL THE KING’S MEN

16 ERROL STREET, NORTH MELBOURNE.

93285599

click here for more details.

Written by Jean-Paul Rosette, author of Heads Will Roll.

.

Hair and make up artist Michael D Gilberto has spent 21 years nurturing his talent and sharpening his skills. Cutting, coloring, event hair, make-up, international hair educator, judges, Michael does it all. His work can be described as crisp, clean and classically elegant.  Just ask his enviable client list such as Jennifer Hawkins, Kelly Landry of Getaway fame amongst others. When his not in the salon you’ll find him behind the scenes on photo shoots working his magic.

Style Street: How long have you been a hairstylist?

Michael Gilberto: I have been hairdressing 21 year and been a makeup artist now for 16 years.

SS: How did you get your start in hairdressing?

Michael: I have wanted to be a hairdresser since i was 10 years old, I was lucky to get a position at the end of year 11.

SS: And where did you start?

Michael: Started in a country salon called iorannis in Shepparton Victoria, which is 200km north of Melbourne.

SS: Cool, then you moved to the big smoke that is Melbourne?

Michael: Yeah, after my apprenticeship.

SS: So tell me how you got into the make up side of things…how did that come about?

Michael: I used to read fashion magazines and look to see who the hairdresser was that did the hair, then so someone mentioned i should do makeup as well, if that was the sort of thing I wanted to get into. So just before i moved to Melbourne i did a make up course.

SS: Is that where you see yourself in a few years…moving away from the salon and doing more editorial work?

Michael: Yes, but i also think I’ve starting to develop a desire to move into film and TV.

SS:  Where are you currently working?

Michael:  I am currently working for Oxhey and Bushey in st.Kilda.

SS: Top five hairdressing products/tools in your kit and why?

Michael:  Brains, creativity, my hands, GHD Stylers and Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion.

SS: What are the biggest problems facing hairdressers/salons today?

Michael:  The industry has lost the ability to work together to improve our industry. There is not enough youth that really truly love the craft. They all want it now and don’t want to put the hard yards in, to get there. There are not enough that stay on in the industry, which leaves salon owners, constantly looking to rebuild some to a standard we believe in.

SS: How do you recruit new staff?

Michael: I recruit most of my staff either through seek.com or Boutique Recruiters.com.au, which seemed pricey for the staff they had to offer.

SS: Did you find this online recruitment method effective?

Michael: It is always hard to find staff, I find myself sifting through the international students who are trying to get visa into the country.

SS: Any advice for apprentices?

Michael: I think training is very important, it can seem boring and a monotonous, but there is value in it.

SS: What is your opinion on a shorter years of training i.e. 4 year apprenticeship to 3year…do you think the industry has/will suffer?

Michael: Yes I believe it already has, there isn’t enough well trained and committed hairdressers. I blame society today, the kids just want it all yesterday.

SS: In regards to wages, which has been low for hairdressers traditionally, do you think that our wages don’t welcome young people to the industry and …what can we do about it?

Michael: Yes, that’s very true, I guess increasing our prices are the only way to get around it, we have to want to work to earn the big dollars.

Interview was conducted by Jean-Paul Rosette

Author of Heads Will Roll

http://whathappensinthechairstaysinthechair.blogspot.com/

Links

Micheal Gilberto   aspirehair@hotmail.com

Oxhey & Bushey Hairdressing      http://oxheyandbushey.com.au/

035433144            email: booking@oxheyandbushey.com.au

GHD http://www.ghdhair.com/au/

Aveda http://www.aveda.com/

Aveda Pure Abundance Potion http://www.aveda.com/templates/products/sp.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY11541&PRODUCT_ID=PROD10351

Seek.com http://www.seek.com.au/

Boutique Recruiters.com.au http://www.boutiquerecruiters.com.au/

]]> http://www.stylestreet.com.au/2010/03/hairdresser-of-the-month-meet-michael-d-gilberto/feed/ 0 http://www.stylestreet.com.au/2010/02/jean-paul-rosette-hairstylist/ http://www.stylestreet.com.au/2010/02/jean-paul-rosette-hairstylist/#comments Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:09:06 +0000 admin http://www.stylestreet.com.au/?p=239 Since 1994 Jean-Paul Rosette has worked in salons and as a freelance hairstylist in London, New York and Sydney. Within that time he has worked on fashion spreads catwalk shows and numerous magazine editorials such as Vanity Fair, Elle, Vogue, Dazed & Confused and ad magazines. And groomed the locks of celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Charlize Theron, Jessica Biel, Ivana Trump, Martha Stewart and Owen Wilson to name a few.

He currently writes monthly columns about hair and hair preparations for Matrix Magazine titled “Behind The Chair”, cosmetiholic.com. He also contributes here at Style Street as well as his own blog titled Heads Will Roll. You’ll find him at Worksense Haircutters doing his thing.

Style Street: So why blog?

Jean-Paul Rosette: My friends are black collar workers, so when I asked them what they were working on, they would show me their CD, building, short film etc, and I felt like I didn’t really have anything physical to show besides the photo shoot or magazine spread, so the blog is my way of addressing that. Perhaps it’s my reflection on the semi-permanent nature of hairdressing. And a way of sketching out ideas and my thoughts about current trends and the industry.

SS: How long have you been writing?

JPR: I started writing about 10 years ago, back then The Age newspaper would ring up and ask about fashion/hair forecasts and the like, then I got a piece in Harper bazaar and I thought I should put these little doodles somewhere anywhere. A friend of mine (Lauren Zoric- music journalist) said that I should start a blog. It just started to snow-ball from there.

SS: You like working overseas?

JPR: Absolutely, but the idea of dropping everything and starting again was terrifying as a hairdresser, especially dropping all those clients I’d worked hard to get. However, I’d recommend it to everybody, drop what you’re doing and start again. It’s very liberating, creatively speaking, and I believe it’s a great motivator in terms of understanding how to build your client base. I leant a lot, I learnt to stand on my own two feet.

SS: What advice would you give young hairdressers?

JPR: Mmm… Explore all avenues about hairdressing. Wig making, barbering and how to make your own products.

SS: Favorite tools?

JPR:
Mason Pearson brush, www.masonpearson.com/
Bumble & Bumble classic spray, www.bumbleandbumble.com/
Needle and thread.

SS: What are you working on at the moment?

JPR: Interviewing Katie Underwood, long time friend and client about her hair and our relationship.

SS: Future plans.
JPR: Putting together a little book of Polaroids. I’ve taken thousands of these things over the years. I like the format. It’s imperfect, instant and disposable all at the same time.

Links, and further reading
Heads Will Roll http://whathappensinthechairstaysinthechair.blogspot.com/
http://www.cosmetiholic.com/

Worksense Haircutters
St.Kilda 95340366
Melbourne 96700496
Contact Jean-Paul
jprosette@ozonline.com.au
http://twitter.com/jeanpaulrosette

Maintain fiery tresses between salon visits and protect them from the affects of fading with Revlon Professional’s Nutri Colour Crème.

It’s a known fact that red shades fade quicker than any other hair colour but don’t despair, red heads can now rest assured their colour will hold strong with Revlon Professional Nutri Colour Crème. The formula, containing AHA fruit acids and PH 4.5 balance, prevents red tones from turning yellow and brassy whilst remaining fresh, soft and full of shine.

Whether you are inspired by Isla Fischer’s dazzling red hair or have Lily Cole’s natural copper tone, Nutri Colour Crème has a shade to help enhance your red beauty.

The Nutri Colour Crème red colour palette consists of six tones including:

• 400 Tangerine
• 500 Purple red
• 556 Mahogany
• 600 Fire Red
• 734 Copper Gold
• 740 Intense Copper

Keeping red locks radiant couldn’t be easier, explains Ozdare Academy National Education Manager Kirsten Reynolds, “Red hair is high maintenance but can be kept looking bright and rich with the regular use of Nutri Colour Crème which is ammonia and peroxide free.

“The inclusion of ionic pigment concentrate means there is an immediate bond between the pigment and the coloured hair fibre which helps achieve an even all over colour.”

To achieve instant hair colour and nourishment simply wash and towel dry hair, use a few pumps of product (six pumps for short hair, nine for mid length and 12 for long hair) and spread evenly throughout. Leave the colour treatment in for three minutes and rinse.

Reynolds also recommends complementing Nutri Colour Crème with a homecare maintenance program that includes a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for colour protection.

For red hot locks all year round, look no further than Nutri Colour Crème available from leading salons nationwide:

• 250ml Colour Ball (pump) RRP $42.95
• 24ml Mono Dose RRP $9.95

For stockist enquiries please call 1800 104 204.

Style Street: How are you and where are you?

Bec Poirrier: I’m good thanks; I’m sitting at my desk at the computer with a cup of tea.

SS: How long have you been in the hairdressing game?

BP: 2 tears, maybe a bit longer.

SS: Where have you worked?

BP: Gilston Four and Worksense Haircutters

SS : Where did you start and why hairdressing?

BP: I started at Gilston four and I became a hairdresser because I use to always do crazy colours and cuts on my own hair in high school and really enjoyed it and thought it was cool.

SS:  What are you working on at the moment?

BP: Helping my friend out with a photo shoot to help her with a portfolio and me.

SS: Top 10 products/tools in your kit and why?

1.Potion9 by Sebastian – amazing for curly hair- creates a soft natural un-frizzy curl.

2. Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade – great because it’s a good curl enhancer plus adds shine witch most likely curl hair doesn’t have.

3. Pure Abundance Potion by Aveda- great for adding texture and messing it up a bit.

4.Smooth Infusion Prep by Aveda- I like to use this in damp hair before I b/w to make a nice smooth/soft finish.

5.Confixor Gel by Aveda- great for blow-waves with lots a body and waves or flicks.

6.Wigo Hairdryers- I love Wigo dryers because they don’t blast the hair to much when drying curly/wavy hair and has a good cooling button for setting the curl.

7.Wooden blow wave brush with heaps of bristles, I like these for good tension.

8.Ceramic blow wave brushes- good for when I’m doing big blow waves with lots of body and curl/ flicks on the ends. I use two and use them like a hot roller.

9.GHD irons- they’re handy sometimes, I don’t like it use them to often. Good for curling/ smoothing.

10.Rollers- for setting

SS: What has been your career highlight?

BP: Learning from my first boss Tim Millar and helping him back stage at a Versace runway show witch wasn’t very big but still was fun

SS: What are the biggest problems facing apprentice hairdressers today?

BP: I guess and financial set backs especially for apprentices living out of home. It can be hard also emotionally with all the pressures within the salon, it can be a stressful environment sometimes but in most cases there great to learn from but sometimes that’s hard to understand when you first start I think.

SS: How can we get in contact with you?

BP: Call me Worksense Haircutters 03 96700496

SS: Future plans?

BP: Hopefully travel and keep learning from awesome hairdressers and meet cool creative types and hopefully love and ENJOY my work.

He’s one busy hairdresser. We caught up with him via facebook for a chat.

Street Style

Hey, how’s it going?

Andrew

I’m Feeling pretty cool, just chillin in my house.

SS

Cool, so you’re a busy man to catch these days, so business must be good?

Andrew

Business is pretty cool! All is good on that front.

SS

Where are you working at the moment?

Andrew

I’m working outta Momac in St Kilda.

www.momac.com.au

SS

I see

So I first met you when you were 19? Is that right?

Andrew

Damn straight! A sparkly eyed youngster.

SS

So when did you start as a hairdresser?

Andrew

I was 14 Years Old. I Started at Toorak rd in Sth Yarra. At a good old place called Rok Studio!

SS

14! That’s young… What was your first impression of ROK?

Andrew

Well I initially started as Boy Saturday, and went from there. Rok was a dynamic space as I remember it. Full of Bravado and a real passion for Hair. I loved it. A tough gig though.

SS

And what were your duties there as a 14 yr old?

Andrew

Well. I made the best cafe’ in town. Well at least that’s what I told them. And I took care of the clients and the salon in general.

SS

That’s so cool. So they took you under their wing…so to speak?

Andrew

Absolutely… or they threw you out of the nest! It was pretty straightforward. I learned some great stuff in there.

SS

So then, why hairdressing? Was that something the young Andrew got into or…?

Andrew

Yeah I loved Fashion and did a stint at Dangerfield (which is a local fashion shop here in Australia). I didn’t much like working in the rag trade though. But could see a lot of the same kinds of kids working in the hair game. So I gave it a shot. And felt at home straight up. I’ve never looked back since!

SS

Okay. So then I met you again in London 2001, where did you work there?

Andrew

I was working for Aveda at that time.

They had a cracker of a shop in Knotting hill. I was based there!

SS

That’s right. It feels like a lifetime ago.

I remember thinking that London was the “Mecca” of hairdressing. And that I was going to learn so much.

What did you learn from London as a hairdresser?

Andrew

Well. To be honest, I remember feeling much the same. I was full of excitement and was quite overwhelmed at first. But soon came to realize that we Melbourne Haircutters rated pretty highly over there. I learned that “Hair is hair”. And if you love it and your passionate about it then. You can be just as good no matter where you’re.

SS

Yes. I got that too. I also thought that the haircuts walking down every High street was all looked the same. Like everywhere you went the kids had the same haircut.

And that every haircut had a name attached…. The Beckham or The fin etc

We just don’t do that in Melbourne.

Andrew

Absolutely!

It’s kind of Naff really. Like Sydney in that, if they clock it in a magazine or in the street.

They want to roll just like that. We don’t roll like that in Melbourne!!

SS

So I heard a rumor that you have worked in 16 different salons over the years… Is that true?

Andrew

Who knows man? I never counted them in my younger days. Maybe? I walked my walk.

SS

So it’s true or not?

We’re not talking lovers here…we are talking Hairdressing Salons.

Andrew

I don’t Kiss and tell.

Now you got me thinking and counting. I’d say your Bang on.

Well actually, maybe a few less. .

SS

16 is a lot of salons, I can imagine what the people reading this would be thinking. Have you got anything to say to them out there?

Andrew

Yeah that’s a sticky question. On paper it doesn’t look good. I was young. I guess I was ruthless in my pursuit of knowledge. And my passion for learning took me far and wide. Great for me though. Perhaps, a pity I couldn’t learn all that in one place. But all that’s behind me now.

SS

So are there any hairdressers that you worked with that you admire?

Andrew

From time to time I came a cross some very talented and passionate people. A young man called Jean-Paul Rosette springs to mind! .

Martyn Gayle at Aveda is a genius.

Nicolas Jurnjak in Sydney

Guido Palau is a god; I passed him a pin once. I was peeking and freaking all day!

SS

Okay, now a tough question, are you ready?

Andrew

I’m scared.

SS

What are the biggest problems facing apprentice hairdressers today?

Andrew

I feel that most salons around the country seriously lack dedication to education and training ” Inn House”. And that most certainly doesn’t help young kids who are already doing a shorter apprenticeship of 3 years. These two things are the biggest challenges in my view.

SS

What advice would you give to young apprentices?

Andrew

My advice to young apprentices is very simple. It is extremely important that you work for an organization that has a real focus on education and is dedicated to NURTURING, EDUCATING AND CULTIVATING Its people. Much like any company, the success of a hair shop is dependant on its people. So if the right structure and focus is in place, you’ll have every opportunity to succeed. Having said that, what an individual puts in is what they’ll ultimately get back. So if the dedication is there and within the right structure. The only way is up.

SS

So tell me your top 10 products/tools?

Andrew

So I had a little look in my kit and have come to realize that I actually roll fairly light these days. I have quite a few things I like to work with but find I like tend to change it in accordance with the direction of my work or the particular brief I’m working with.

I really do like the following products and use them a fair bit.

Strong hold styling gel (Kiehls)

Volumizing tonic (Aveda)

Hair Resort (Kevin Murphy)

Easy Rider (Kevin Murphy)

Session Spray (Kevin Murphy)

Prep (Bumble and Bumble)

Re Do (Jonathan Product)

Pli (L’Oreal)

Holding Spray (Bumble and Bumble)

Brilliantine (Bumble and Bumble)

As far as styling tools are concerned. I love Blow-drying Hair! So I have lots of different brushes. Round brushes, square brushes, Nana brushes. I also carry a few different Mason Pearson brushes. Yet again in different sizes!

I do use quite a few different kinds of Irons. I always have at least 3 different diameter curling irons. I have a really hot Hairdryer being a Parlux and I also carry around three different irons form GHD, being Slim, Thin and thick! But a big favorite would be the 3 Prong tong!

SS

Fantastic. So how can we get in contact with you…?

Andrew

I generally receive all of my work through referral. So basically word of mouth.

Momac Hairdressing

120 Carlisle st.

St.Kilda 3182

0395342108