Before you started hairdressing you completed your Make-up qualification. Growing up in rural Northland, did you dream of being a makeup artist?
AH Make-up has been a passion of mine since a young age but where I grew up this wasn’t an option to study or build a career in. So I made the decision to move away from home to Auckland to pursue this and it has been the best decision I’ve ever made and I’ve never looked back.
Was it a natural progression for you to then move on to hairdressing? Was it the opportunity to be capable of creating a total look?
AH When I finished my make up qualification I didn’t feel like I was ready to finish learning and I instantly gravitated towards hairdressing as I really wanted to be all rounded.
You’re skilled in all disciplines of hair but what’s your favourite thing to do in hairdressing?
AH Big colour transformations.
You won the HITO NZ Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year in 2024. That must have been a super proud moment for you. How did it feel to win that award?
AH It was definitely a super proud moment and I was extremely honoured to be recognised out of all the other applicants for the hard work and dedication I’ve put towards finishing my qualification.
You have been doing some interesting things in your career lately such as being a member of the Industry NZ Creative Team where you are mentored to do creative hair for photographic shoots and events. How rewarding is it to be involved in that work?
AH Being a part of that team has been extremely rewarding. I was super fortunate to be chosen and to be able to work and be mentored by some very talented people in our industry so I have learnt a lot.
You travelled to NYC recently with the Industry NZ team to work at fashion week. How was that experience?
AH NYFW was an amazing experience as it opened my eyes to a different side of the Fashion Industry that I hadn’t been exposed to before. It was very inspiring being surrounded by really talented and successful people. I definitely brought back a lot of things I saw and learnt and would love to be more involved in this side of the industry in my career.
What do you love most about hairdressing?
AH My favourite thing about hairdressing is being able to express my creativity in so many different ways whether this be in the salon cutting, colouring or blow drying or doing editorial work for photo shoots or runways.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
AH Outside of work I enjoy beaching, reading, bingeing my favourite shows and spending time with my friends.
