Hairdresser carried on wave of success

Months of planning paid off for Jo Smith of Decadence salon, who cemented her place as one of the country's top stylists at the prestigious Hairdresser of the Year awards.

Ms Smith won the Cutting Newcomer section in Auckland last month, after making it through the regional finals as part of a five-strong, "supreme team" from Hawke's Bay.

She came up against 73 other stylists from across New Zealand, but it was her wave-inspired cut in purple hues which impressed judges.

Aaron Karam-Whalley, competitions committee chairperson for the NZ Association of Registered Hairdressers said the style was a tribute to her ability.

"The Hairdresser of the Year awards have once again showcased extraordinary hairdressing and styling skills, exposing the stylist who took possession of her style delivering beauty and passion in her work."

Ms Smith had planned her design to the finest detail, getting ideas from hair magazines for the cut and searching look books for the latest colour trends.

"I did something similar to the Hawke's Bay competition because I felt it showed my ability, but I added a bit more texture."

A lot of thought also went into the model's outfit, which complimented her hair.

"We had to tie everything together. I did pinks and purples for her eye make-up with burgundy lips. The whole outfit was quite dark with studs and buttons, so I clashed it with pink tights and gold shoes."

Despite all that preparation, Ms Smith said she was "shocked" to have won.

"It's amazing, it's just a huge feather in my cap. I honestly didn't think I was going to get a place.

"I couldn't have done it without the help from Glenn, Sharne and the girls at Decadence and also the amazing people who helped with the fundraising to get us to the surpremes."

Brooke Grady, a fellow hairdresser from Decadence, was chosen as a Hawke's Bay finalist in the Editorial Stylist category, and placed forth in the region.