Some of my favourite beauty people VI: senior hair stylist Kate Murphy

One of the nicest, coolest and most talented people I’ve ever had style my hair is Kate Murphy, Senior Stylist and Manager of Stephen Marr Ponsonby. Kate also has added the title of Ambassador to her name for hair care giant Sebastian, and I couldn’t think of a better person for the job!
In her eight years at Stephen Marr she’s charmed all who have met her in salon and impressed those she works with on editorial, which has included look book shoots for the likes of Miss Crabb and Karen Walker and several New Zealand Fashion Weeks.
Her signature style seems to be a beautiful form of natural, with a little bit of an edge thrown in to the mix to stir things up. Her pop culture idols include Blondie’s Deborah Harry and Charlotte Gainsbourg, and their personal style quirks can be spotted in her work.
A few weeks ago Kate and fellow stylist Hannah Petrie collaborated with friends in a creative weekend project. The photographer on the job was Neill Gaddes, Sky Jackson took care of make up and Lydia Lyell and Shanelle Simpson provided the clothes for the beautiful, raw and real series of images. I asked Kate about my favourite shot – pictured here – and she had this to say:
“Creating seamless organic hair is so in this summer, and soft waves and eye-catching tones help enhance your natural features and allow them to really shine.
To re-create this look wash first with Sebastian Light Shampoo and Conditioner to give light hydration and lend control, then when hair is towel dried apply some Sebastian Whipped Cream for protection before drying.
Slowly shake the hair dry from roots to tips to encourage natural wave, then grab your tongs and curl small soft pieces flowing back from the face.
To make it even more contrived, apply a small amount of Sebastian Zero Gravity Spray.
Throw your head back and tousle your locks to complete!”