No shortcuts to success

A CUT ABOVE: Melanie Redington winner of Oceanic Masters The Cut at the Hawke's Bay Hairdressing Competition last weekend. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR HBT15240801

Melanie Redington holds the official title of best hairstylist in the Bay. Experienced and enthisiastic hairdressers still in study or in full-time work competed for the coverted top chop crown during the recent Hawke's Bay Hairdressing Competition at the Taradale Town Hall. Napier's Melanie Redington of Pure Hair won the Oceanic Masters "The Cut". Mrs Readington, 25, shone in the competition, which encouraged hairdresses of all ages and skill levels to show innovation and creativity. Hawke's Bay Today asked her five questions.

1 What makes a great hairdresser?

To be a great hairdresser you need motivation, determination and creativity! You must also be passionate, it is not a 9-5 job and you will succeed if you love what you do.

2 What do you love about the profession?

I love the industry because it is a platform to showcase your skill and creativity. Every day is different and you get to make people feel great about themselves doing something I love.

3 Why do you believe you won and how has the industry evolved?Are there changes you would like to see?

Talent and hard work! I am always striving to challenge myself and be better than I was the year before so I put in all my time and energy.

The industry has evolved into so much more than just a job, there are so many opportunities for hairdressers now which is so exciting! There are opportunities everywhere now with competitions, fashion week, shows and what the product companies offer. When I started hairdressing nine years ago New Zealand was not a place we were given these opportunities but now it is all on our doorstep. I love our industry and think we need to all try and evolve and change with the times as it is such a fast pace world we now live in.

4. Is there gender disparity in the industry?

No I really don't think there is however it is still a female dominated profession but I do think it will always be like that not because we don't want male hairdressers just because we don't get many males coming into industry for apprenticeships.

5 What do you want for your future and do you want to pursue overseas opportunities?

In my future I would love to be helping out with shows and fashion week. I love backstage hairdressing and photo shoots. One day I would love to get the opportunity to work backstage at New York fashion week! I love to travel overseas but I think my heart will always be here in New Zealand, but who knows what the future holds.