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Can you tell us about your journey in the hair industry and how you came to be involved with hair education?
My journey in the hair industry began with an inherent passion for hairdressing, which quickly turned into a career working for some of Australia's top salon groups.
My experiences there shaped my understanding of both the artistic and business sides of the industry. Driven by a desire to share my knowledge, I began educating; this venture allowed me to combine my love for hair with a commitment to continuous learning and teaching, reaching out to fellow hair professionals worldwide.
What inspired you to create this hair education Masterclass, and what are its main objectives?
The inspiration behind creating the hair education Masterclass stemmed from a vision to bridge the gap between practical skills and innovative techniques. I wanted to offer a platform where hairstylists could refine their craft and stay ahead of industry trends.
The main objectives of the Masterclass are to empower participants with advanced knowledge, foster creativity, and build a community of passionate hair professionals who support and learn from each other. It’s about pushing boundaries and redefining excellence in hairdressing.
How did the partnership with Redken come about, and what role do they play in your hair education Masterclass?
The partnership with Redken came about through a shared vision of elevating hair education. Redken has always been at the forefront of innovation in hair care and colouring, making them an ideal partner.
From the outset, a priority in my collaboration with Redken has always been to deliver their innovation coupled with my personally developed techniques. Redken is ever evolving as a brand and community, so it felt seamless to travel with them and deliver globe education.
What are some of the key topics and techniques that participants can expect to learn in your hair education Masterclass?
Participants in my Luxury Hair Masterclasses can expect to delve into a range of advanced topics and techniques that are applicable to stylists at any stage of their career. Key areas include express colouring/blonding techniques, personalised formulation for each client, adding and removing depth and brightening with minimal damage. The goal is to equip attending stylists with the tools and confidence to create truly transformative hair experiences.
How do you ensure that the content of your hair education Masterclass stays relevant and up-to-date with current hair trends and techniques?
Staying relevant in the ever-evolving hair industry requires continuous learning and adaptation. I find my Masterclasses effortlessly remain relevant as I’m still refining my own work on the salon floor each day, by spending 40+ hours per week with my clientele - I know what stylists need and how the products apply. It’s important to me that I continue to learn and evolve as a stylist, in turn allowing me to deliver the best education possible.
Can you share a memorable experience or success story from one of your previous hair education Masterclasses?
One of the most memorable experiences from my previous hair education Masterclasses occurred when a participant shared their transformative journey after attending the class.
They started with a lack of confidence in their colouring techniques but left feeling empowered and inspired. A few weeks later, they reached out to me to share that they had implemented what they learned and completely transformed their client’s look, leading to an increase in returning clientele. This success story reinforced my belief in the power of education and the profound impact it can have on both stylists and their clients.
What sets your hair education Masterclass apart from other hair education programs available today?
What sets my hair education Masterclass apart is the emphasis on real-world application and personalised learning. Unlike many programs that focus solely on theory, I prioritise hands-on experience and practical skills that stylists can apply immediately in their salons.
Additionally, the collaboration with Redken ensures participants are learning cutting-edge techniques and using top-tier products. The supportive community we foster also allows participants to connect and share their experiences, creating an environment conducive to ongoing learning and growth.
How do you incorporate Redken products and techniques into your teaching, and why do you believe they are essential for hair professionals?
I incorporate Redken products and techniques into my teaching by demonstrating their innovative applications during the Masterclass. Each lesson includes practical sessions where participants use Redken products to see firsthand how they can elevate their work.
Incorporating Redken feels effortless to me, Redken has a history, one which has drawn a thorough line across my career regardless of where I’d been, it feels easy to put their products to use. We all know and love SHADES EQ, for me, it’s important that I’m displaying new ways to use the classics, whether it be unique formulation or combining ranges (Gels Oil, Lacquer etc.) within each look to create a stunning result.
What advice would you give to aspiring hairdressers who are just starting their careers?
My advice for aspiring hairdressers is to embrace continuous learning and never stop experimenting. The hair industry is always evolving, and staying curious will help you keep up with the latest trends and techniques. Seek out education opportunities, whether through formal classes or hands-on workshops. Build relationships with mentors and peers in the industry, as these connections can provide invaluable support. Most importantly, trust your creativity and develop your unique style; authenticity will set you apart.
How do you balance your time between running Salon HER, conducting Masterclasses, and staying updated with hair industry trends?
Balancing my responsibilities involves a holistic approach to time management and self-care. I dedicate specific days to focus on Salon HER and set aside time for conducting Masterclasses. My Tuesday admin day helps me handle essential tasks without the rush, and I prioritise self-care to maintain my energy and passion. Spending over 40 hours a week on the salon floor keeps me in touch with the latest trends and directly informs my education programs. This blend of hands-on work, structured admin time, and self-care ensures I stay connected and effective in all aspects of my career.
What are some common mistakes you see hair professionals make, and how can they avoid them?
I find stylists often forget that their career isn’t linear; to maintain passion and prevent stagnation, it's crucial to stay inspired and grow through continuous learning and diverse experiences. Prioritising thorough client consultations ensures stylists understand their clients' desires and concerns. Staying educated on trends is essential, but applying that knowledge to meet clients’ unique needs is what truly sets a stylist apart. Viewing continuous learning as a vital career investment helps professionals remain inspired, effective, and attentive to the client experience.
How do you approach the creative process when developing new hairstyles or techniques for your hair education classes?
My creative process begins with a deep understanding of current trends and client needs. I experiment with different techniques in the salon, observing what resonates with my clients and peers. I also draw inspiration from fashion, art, and global hair trends. When developing new hairstyles or techniques for my education classes, I focus on creating accessible yet innovative methods that can be easily adopted by stylists at any level. The goal is to ensure that each technique is not only stylish but also practical for everyday use in the salon.
What impact do you hope your hair education Masterclass will have on the participants and the broader hair industry?
I hope my Luxury Hair Masterclasses will empower stylists to elevate their craft and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the hair industry. My goal is to share the ‘secret sauce’ and give all attendees equal access to the education I have gathered throughout my career. By equipping stylists with advanced techniques and innovative approaches, I aim to inspire a new generation of hair professionals who are passionate about their work.
Ultimately, I want the impact of my Masterclass to ripple outwards, encouraging excellence and creativity across the industry, and promoting a supportive community of hairstylists who uplift each other.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or collaborations you have planned with Redken or other industry leaders?
My upcoming education in Adelaide on August 5th! I can’t wait to host a more intimate event for old and new friends across South Australia and you’re also invited to attend.
How can interested hair professionals sign up for your next hair education Masterclass, and what should they expect in terms of preparation and participation?
You're invited to an exclusive event at Socoh, Adelaide with colouring expert Michael Kelly at Socoh Salon, on July 22nd, 2024: $599 + booking fee.
Join him for a specialised training session in luxury hair colouring, tailored for professional hair colorists like you. This intimate pop-up event offers a unique opportunity to master high-end techniques that will mesmerise your clients and elevate your salon experience.
What to Expect: Participants will:
- Learn advanced colouring techniques for creating luxurious and transformative hair colours.
- Gain insights from Michael Kelly’s extensive industry experience.
- Engage in honest conversations and receive guidance on building a successful luxury salon business.
Access Details: The workshop will be held in-person at Socoh, allowing for direct interaction with Michael and personalised feedback on your colouring techniques.
Entry Requirements: Registration is mandatory to attend. Secure your spot early, as availability is limited to maintain an intimate setting.
Don’t miss this chance to refine your skills and expand your service offerings with exclusive insights from one of the industry's best. Reserve your place today and revolutionise your approach to hair colouring!
