air Stylists

Just how do you pick a good hairstylist that is right for you?

I’ve recently done the rounds of all the known hairstylists in Sydney and some unknowns!

It seems to take forever to find a good hairstylist and then... ZAP...they tell you that they’re moving interstate or overseas.

How do you find another hairstylist that is creative, talented, reliable, enthusiastic, attentive and likeable?

The salon is also a consideration. Is it clean and comfortable? Is the decor pleasing? Do they have up to date, good quality magazines? Do they offer a good quality selection of refreshments? Do they keep up with the latest trends and techniques?

Where do you start?

The best place to start is by recommendation. If you know someone that has a good hairstyle – don’t hesitate - get the details of their stylist. If you see someone in the street with a striking haircut – ask for details.

If you have no luck there and you really want to find a top notch hairdresser, search the internet for the latest hairdressing awards. Find out the names of the winners and their salons.

Make an appointment to chat with the hairstylist and take photos with you of the hairstyle you think may suit you. The hairstylist should ask you about your lifestyle and how much time you have to style your hair each day. Discuss the hairstyle you would like to achieve now and plans for future hairstyles i.e. growing your hair long or growing out a fringe.

A good hairdresser  listens to your concerns and discusses ideas that may suit you in regards to the condition of your hair, your colouring, face shape, and lifestyle.

During the conversation ask as many questions as you need to make an informed opinion of the stylist. Don’t forget to discuss price and hair maintenance costs.

If you think you have found the right one – give him or her a go. If it doesn’t work out, don’t despair, try again.

My hairstylist of 4 years recently moved interstate and I had to search for a new stylist, I tried many hairstylists and suffered many bad haircuts before I found ‘The One’.

I was booked to do a photo shoot for this website (www.wisewomensworld.com) and I desperately needed a talented stylist. I checked out award winning salons and telephoned Suki Hairdressing in Paddington, the very trendy and chic inner city suburb of Sydney. I asked to speak to a creative stylist and the voice on the end of the phone said “that’s me, I’m Clayton, when can you come in to see me?” He sounded bright and confident, so I decided to give him a go.

When I arrived at the salon,  Suki Hairdressing, I was greeted by the salon co-ordinator, Brett, who immediately introduced himself with a smile. He placed a protective gown over my clothes and gently ushered me to my seat where I found a collection of the best and latest magazines. He handed me a refreshments menu and I chose the expensive brand T2, detox tea. I was impressed! My tea promptly arrived in a silver teapot perched proudly on a silver tray accompanied by an all too tempting chocolate. At this stage I am patting myself on the back for choosing such a professional salon.

 Clayton Wheeler

Hairdresser, Clayton Wheeler, a charming and enthusiastic young man, introduced himself, he seemed eager to learn all about me, his new client. I showed him a photo of a hairstyle that I liked and he said he could adapt it to suit me. We discussed hair colour with my newly appointed colourist and the creation began.

I was offered refreshments on a number of occasions while I whiled away the time catching up on the latest fashions in Vogue magazine, glancing up only briefly to check out other client’s hairstyles.

Within about 30 minutes I was escorted to the basins for a shampoo and conditioning treatment. I was starting to feel a bit anxious about the end result as this was my first time with Clayton.

My concerns were soon whisked away at the adept hands of my fantastic colourist who was massaging my head with the most skilful strokes, I became completely relaxed and I wanted to plead with her – please don’t stop!

The massage, sadly, came to an end and it was time for Clayton to wield his scissors and show me what he could do.

Although he is young in age, he has an air of confidence, he is congenial and good humoured. He works with passion and an abundance of skill.

Before long, my new hairstyle was emerging. The salon lights revealed my shiny, luxurious hair, glowing with red, interestingly placed highlights and yes, the grey had been completely eliminated.

As Clay dried my hair, he explained the technique so that I could recreate the style at home and he also offered advice on how I could maintain my locks between visits.

A couple of applied styling products and a bit of primping and I couldn’t believe the new look. I looked years younger! Clay had performed magic! The colour and cut transformed me. I was overjoyed!

Mr J, was equally impressed. He doesn’t usually pass comment over my new ‘do’ but this time he said I looked fabulous. I felt like a million bucks!

Wise women, if you haven’t found the right hairstylist, keep trying, he or she is out there!

My very talented and award winning hairstylist Clayton agreed to an interview (see below).

Salon –  Suki Paddington NSW

Here he is accepting his Australian Apprentice of the Year 2007 award from Australian Hairdresser of the Year - Jayne Wild.

Lana –

Clayton, you really are an extremely talented young hairstylist – tell us a little about yourself.

Clayton -I'm 22 years of age and I've been hairdressing for 5 years. 3 out of those five years have been spent Suki. I grew up on the Central Coast of Sydney but I was born in Manila in the Philippines. I've been living in Sydney for the past 2 and a bit years and I love it!

I love hairdressing and couldn't think of doing anything else!!!

Lana –

Clayton you recently won an award at the National Hairdressers Awards. Can you tell us more about the award and how you were judged?

Clayton –

The award is for Hair Expo titled Apprentice of the Year 2007. The award is judged in two ways. 50% of your points are based on photographic collection containing six photos of hair you have created. The other half is judged on a submission, which has in detail all the achievements you have done in the past Hair Expo year (1st April 2006-10th March 2007) such as fashion parades, shoots and hair shows etc.

Lana –

What’s involved in the lead up to and the day of the competitions?

Clayton -

Lots of preparation is involved before the actual photo shoot day. Such as meeting with the photographer, make-up artist and stylist. So that everyone is on the same page as to the type of feeling you want your photo shoot to project. Organizing tear sheets and ideas of hair you want to create then getting models through agencies by organizing a "model call".

Lana -

How do you choose your models?

Clayton –

Once you have an idea of what hair you want to create, you choose models to which that hairstyle would look best on. A lot of models and their agencies won’t allow you to cut or even colour their hair because it changes their look which you have to respect, so it’s really difficult picking the right models that suits your look.

Lana –

Congratulations again on your fantastic achievement. I believe it’s well deserved as you seem to have such a creative streak and you really do think about the design of the hairstyle, including colour, cut and aesthetics. You have the flair for choosing a style that works well with your client’s lifestyles and you are able to create the ‘look’ that they are trying to achieve. How did you develop your skills?

Clayton –

You develop your skills through time. By constantly educating and re-educating yourself via hairdressing courses and seminars. Always learning new techniques for cutting and colouring, and by constantly keeping yourself up to date.

Lana –

Have you always aspired to be a hairstylist?

Clayton –

No not always. At one stage I really wanted to be a chef. But the crazy weird hours and being stuck in a hot kitchen didn't really appeal to me. With hairdressing I kind of fell into it and I'm glad I did! I still love to cook, so I guess it’s a hobby of mine now!

Lana – As a woman in her fabulous fifties, I’m interested in knowing how you would go about designing a style for women of my era? Are there any rules that you follow for women over 40 or 50 etc.?

Clayton –

It just really depends on the individual, what suits their face shape, their skin tone and their time spent at home doing their hair. So there isn't really any rules just depends on each individual.

And Lana, I didn't know you were in your fabulous fifties!?! You look absolutely amazing!

 Lana –

Thanks Clayton you really are a wonderful man!

Many women are not sure if it’s okay for them to wear long hair over the age of 40, what’s the rule?

Clayton –

There's long and there's excessively long (pass the "breast length"). I think on the collar bone is a good length, as long as the hair has a nice shape with long layers to soften the look.

Lana –

Are there any styles that you won’t do, even if a client asked you to?

Clayton –

If the style they are after really doesn't suit them, I give them reasons why it won’t suit and give suggestions on what will suit and enhance their face and look.

Lana –

Have you ever been asked to do a hairstyle for a woman even though you know it wouldn’t suit her?

Clayton –

Yes, a heavy fringe, and when they know it doesn't suit them we go through the process of growing it back. Doesn't take long and we learn on the way.

Lana –

How do you handle that situation?

Clayton –

A change of fringe is easy to handle, but if it’s a completely different style that I know won’t suit or work with their lifestyle, then I just let them know why it wouldn't work and give other options of what will suit.

Lana –

Are then any particular colours that suit matured aged women best?

Clayton –

Just as long as the colour suits the person's skin tone and isn't harsh. There isn't a particular colour as such, as long as its soft colours that blend well. Make sure it’s not pink and green streaks!!!

Lana –

What do you enjoy most about  the hairdressing industry?

Clayton –

The parts I enjoy the most about hairdressing is the fact that every day is different and every client is different which keeps it interesting and exciting.

Doing photo shoots and hair shows are my other favourite parts! Whether it’s organizing a collection for a photographic competition or doing hair on a naval ship for a TV programme!!! It's all very exciting!

Lana –

What do you dislike most about your job?

Clayton –

Nothing at the moment... I enjoy every moment!!!

Lana –

What’s the trend for next season?

Clayton –

For autumn and winter this year, I'm seeing a lot of warmth. With rich chocolate browns and chestnut hues, golden blondes with honeys and coppers. Everyone is still loving their bobs with slight variations. Whether it'll be a fringe or a bit asymmetry. It’s a really exciting time for hair where lots of people are chopping their long locks and opting for a more edgy geometric shape! I totally love every minute of it!!

Lana –

Clayton, now that I’ve found you, please tell me you’re not planning on moving overseas in the future?

Clayton –

I’m happy where I am

Lana –

Phew!

 My latest 'DO" by Clayton Wheeler