Beauty news: Wellington hairdresser crowned New Zealand’s best

I wasn’t well and didn’t make the L’Oréal Style & Colour Trophy Awards on Saturday night, but by all accounts the beautiful event at St Matthews-in-the-City was absolutely huge. Officially celebrating its 21st year in 2016, there were zero excuses for not having one hell of a party, and that they did.

On the awards side of things, Mathias Te Moananui from Buoy Salon and Spa in Wellington was named New Zealand’s Hairdresser of the Year 2016 after taking the title on Saturday night. Mathias will travel to Lisbon, Portugal in October this year to represent New Zealand and compete against the world for the global title. Chosen from nine other finalists, Mathias’ look impressed the judges with his technique, colour execution and beautiful result.

The L’Oréal Style and Colour Trophy Awards were judged by two top international stylists – New Zealand’s Stephen Marr, creator of his namesake salon empire, and Australian hair icon and international educator Tracey Hughes. Stephen says while there were some beautifully strong entries for New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Mathias’ submission (above) was a standout. “Mathias’ look captured my attention because it is directional and relevant, but also a look that someone could see in a magazine and be inspired to try themselves,” he says.

 “Tracey and I were looking for an entry with a contemporary and effortless feel, and we found it in Mathias’ look. It’s editorial, it’s fresh, and it shows evidence of technical skill.”

“I feel shocked!” says Mathias.  “I’m very very humbled and very thankful to win this award.”  Mathias’ inspiration behind his winning look was to create something beautiful from something traditionally unconventional.  “I chose [hair] colours that most people would shy away from; golden tones, yellows, oranges and greens, in the hope that people could love it, and be like, ‘actually, I could imagine myself with that colour’,” says Mathias. This is what I particularly loved about the winning pick, which didn’t have the always admirable but slightly avant garde edge so common to many hair competition wins. This look, I could do - and I am guessing I am not alone.

Tracey said, “as a judge I look for something that’s got a bit of uniqueness whilst still being something that’s commercial and wearable.  Being on trend and progressive is important, but it still needs to have that element of classic beauty.” 

Gary Marshall, L’Oreal Professional Products Division General Manager said of the win: “the 21st anniversary of L’Oréal Style and Colour Trophy Awards will mean huge accolades for Mathias this year. With the event being transformed this year into a global event, it will help him further his career with international recognition.”

Second place in the Hairdresser of the Year Award was Sara Allsop from Dharma salon, Auckland, and third place went to Sean Mahoney of Vada salon, Auckland.

Two other individual awards and a team award were also announced. The Young Talent Award went to Andrew Cobeldick from Rodney Wayne on Manners, Wellington, while the Men’s Image Award, showcasing the best in men’s colour and style was presented to Mana Dave from Blaze salon, Auckland.

The Salon of the Year Award went to Blaze salon, Auckland.