Salon HER’s 23 Questions With Master Colourist & Stylist James Plain

Salon HER’s 23 Questions With Master Colourist & Stylist James Plain

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A perfectly happy day would be spent at home, with my partner, in our space that we’ve created together. We’d go for a swim or be by the water, it would be a very restful day. I don’t need to do much to be happy.

What is your favourite time of day?

Sunset. I like the lighting and that feeling that the day is winding down. There’s a chill feeling to it.

When are you the most inspired?

When I’m lying in bed at night. I use that time to think.

Window or aisle seat?

Window.

What is your idea of a perfect date?

A beach day followed by a glass of wine.

What is your star sign?

Pisces.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Eating out. I am not that extravagant but I love eating out with friends. My go-to restaurant in Sydney is Fratelli Paradiso.

What is your current state of mind?

Relaxed. Right now, I’m gearing up for a busy day of appointments. To prepare for a day like that, I go to the gym, or on my walk here I’ll start to chill myself out a little bit. I like to meditate on my walk to the salon so when I arrive, I have a calm mind.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Babe, doll, gorg, hun.

Book or film?

Film.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I love the work that I create. I think I’m talented at what I do and I love doing it. I love being able to create for my clients and I love having a skill.

What is your motto?

Don’t stand in the way of yourself.

We're ordering breakfast: what are you having?

Scrambled eggs with avocado, on seeded toast. And a long black.\

How would you define yourself in 3 words?

Passionate, fun-loving, playful.

What is something you’re tired of?

Slow internet.

Night or morning?

Night.

What is something you had to learn the hard way?

Being myself, learning to surrender and not push or force things.

What is something you always travel with?

My headphones—Apple AirPods.

What’s your favourite cocktail?

Margarita.

What colour do you wear most?

Grey. 

Phone call or text?

Phone call.

If you were not doing your current job, what would you be doing?

I’d still want to be doing something creative, maybe design-related. I think I would have done architecture or something like that.

Who do you look to for inspiration?

For hair, I love The Hair Bros. I love their Instagram as they share photos of wearable, lived-in hair that looks good in everyday life.

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