Southern success at hair and beauty awards

Dunedin businesses a cut above

Dunedin’s hair and beauty industry is basking in the glow of multiple gongs in the 2021 Industry Awards. The competition recognises the best business, training and creative talent in hair and beauty industries nationwide.

In a virtual ceremony on 20 February, Dream Hair from Mosgiel took out the NZ Hair Salon of the Year mantel, with owner and stylist Krystle Anderson named the Top Performing Stylist of the Year.

Sustainable Salon of the Year went to Clip Joint Hairdressing in Great King Street. Editorial Stylist of the Year - Colour Concept was Kylie Hayes from Moha Hairdressing. Kylie’s work also placed in the Editorial Stylist of the Year – Cover Shot category and Editorial Stylist of the Year - Derek Elvy Visionary Award.

It's in the detail

Also from Ōtepoti, Skin & Beaute was named the NZ Beauty Salon of the Year and its own Emma Peterson was recognised as Beauty Therapy Apprentice of the Year.

Sally Choi, owner of the Mornington business, told the Otago Daily Times the secret to their success is in making clients feel appreciated. Paying attention to details like a wide tea selection and birthday/festive treats for loyal customers, as well as caring about – and being a part of – clients’ special moments are key factors she believes. As are great brand partners and of course, passionate staff.

"Without them and the clients, Skin and Beaute is just a dream, not a reality."

Young Christchurch barbers get the nod

Whenua Patuwai (aka FENZ) from Mo Town Barber Studio in Phillipstown has only been barbering for a few years. This year, the Barber Hairt Instagram Challenge - Next Generation award had to be ‘90s hip-hop inspired.

With a musical background (he’s been in X Factor and the crew at Mo Town unsurprisingly love Motown music), Whenua took a lead from Tupac and an array of ‘90s music videos he grew up with. The result was the “feeling out of this flat top, with colouring that makes the dark hair pop”.

“Submitting my haircut was a bit – woah!” he admits.

“I had nothing behind me – I was very green when I started at Mo Town, graduating from sweeping the floors I slowly learned how to navigate my way around a head.”

Owner Luke says entering awards like these “makes you better”.

“Whenua only needed a little convincing to enter. We’ve had a huge response from customers and fellow barbers around the country. We’re really proud of him,” Luke says.

The barber community in New Zealand is tight-knit says Whenua.

“We know each other through social media and especially in Christchurch, we back each other.” Fellow winning Christchurch barber, James Harrington (AKA Hemi the Hairbender) "smashed it".

“Fifteen years ago, there wasn’t the choice of barbers or people didn’t care. Now, kids are influenced by what they see on the street and on social. It’s great to see so many young cats wanting to barber.”

Other South Island award recipients

Editorial Stylist of the Year - Derek Elvy Visionary Award

3rd: Natasha King - Vivo Hair and Beauty (Invercargill)

Editorial Stylist of the Year – Next Generation

1st: Danielle Connew - Vision Hair and Beauty (Invercargill)

3rd: Hollie Robertson - MM Hair Studio (Christchurch)

Patrick Cameron Instagram Challenge - Senior

2nd: Sandy Turner - Shine Hairstylists (Christchurch)

3rd: Vanessa White - Vision Hair and Beauty (Invercargill)

Editorial Barber of the Year - Hot Shot - New Talent

James Harrington - The Barber Lounge (Christchurch)