KEY POINTS:
Australian hairdresser of the year for 2005 and 2006, Brad Ngata returned to his homeland for Air New Zealand Fashion Week yesterday.
Based in Sydney, the hairdresser to the stars is originally from Christchurch and is the great-grandson of Sir Apirana Ngata, who features on New Zealand's $50 bill.
Ngata, who has worked as a hair stylist for Australian Fashion Week for the past 10 years, said New Zealand fashion really stood out.
"I love New Zealand fashion, there's an integrity to it."
When it comes to hair, Ngata said New Zealanders were a cut above Australia.
"They're a little bit edgier. I live in Sydney and unfortunately we mimic LA quite a lot. There's definitely a Sydney-look and it's very done - blow-dried, manicured. It's very sexy but obvious."
Ngata runs his own salon in Darlinghurst, where he employs a team of 20 stylists, who cater to various "celebrity clientele".
Like any good hairdresser though, Ngata can keep a secret and when it comes to his A-list clients, his lips are sealed.
