Hair industry duo's loves that make the cut

Hairdressers Sara Allsop and Jock Robson from Dharma Salon. Photo / NZ Herald

Salon owners Sara Allsop and Jock Robson talk to Viva about the things that have contributed to their happiness and success.

Husband and wife duo Sara Allsop and Jock Robson opened Mt Eden hair salon Dharma in 2004, and have also become known as champions of the local hair industry. The pair were key drivers behind the Hair X event held in Auckland recently, which featured seminars, presentations and shows from top local hairdressing talent. This past weekend they were in Sydney for the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo, where they were up against each other for the title of NZ Hairdresser of the Year (the winner was announced on Monday night after Viva's deadline) - a title Allsop took out last year. As well as developing their Auckland salon and team, Allsop and Robson work regularly on magazine shoots and fashion shows, collaborating with the labels Ruby and Liam at their NZFW events last year. The creative pair talk us through some of their favourite things, from brushes to Vidal Sassoon.

10 FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Mulberry shoulder bag

Sara: This bag is the bag that keeps giving. I can full it with copious amounts of rubbish and it always takes it. It is truly the best bag I have ever owned.

2. Mason Pearson brush

Sara: The best brush in the whole wide world! Even for the non-hairdresser it is a must-have. Both of our kids have one and my daughter in particular can't be without hers. The bristles get right through to your scalp and feels like it is massaging your head. I use these brushes on my shoots and shows, they finish every look immaculately. You can get them in all shapes and sizes, but my favourite is the mini.

3. Family vacations

Sara: Because we are lucky and get to travel the world with our work, we generally always try to take our children with us, so they are very well-travelled. One of our all-time favourite places away is when we go to NY Fashion Week, they absolutely love it up there and the experience is invaluable. Another favourite place we visited recently was the temples at Angkor Wat, a definite must for anyone; the kids thought it was amazing.

4. My darling children

Sara: They are our pride and joy, they make our life very grounded and fun. There is nothing better than doing things with them and getting to share all their firsts.

5. Lynch and Tretchikoff prints

Sara: My mum had a Tina when I was about six, and I can always remember it. It started out hanging in our lounge and then it ended up in the laundry, that must have been when it wasn't so cool. I love the retro styling in the each of the images, and that each of the women has their own individual look. I especially love the indigenous women that Tretchikoff portrays.

6. Vidal Sassoon

Jock: Old-school Vidal Sassoon - when he first brought out his structured shapes all shot in black and white. He was the only hairdresser to influence fashion.

7. Nick Knight

Jock: [Photographer] Nick Knight... his fashion website Show Studio... hot.

8. Canon camera

Jock: It enables me to capture video and shots of our work and the family. I have been shooting now for about three years, and it is truly about your eye and the equipment you have.

9. Our team at Dharma and Hair X

Jock: These guys are the reason we have such a successful business and why we enjoy going to work each day. They are passionate, talented and enjoy a good laugh. Both Sara and I would not be able to enjoy the opportunities that we have presented to us if it wasn't for our team's solid support. Invaluable.

10. Adobe Photoshop

Jock: It takes me back to art school; I can spend hours on it, and especially love the liquefy tool.

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