Hairdresser set to take on the world

Daniel Matene is having a boomer 2016 opening his own salon and set to compete on the world stage. PHOTO/JOHN STONE

A single hair out of place sees you cut when you're competing against the world's best hairdressers.

So the pressure is on for one of the youngest contestants to take the stage in this year's International Goldwell Zoom Challenge. Whangarei's Daniel Matene, 23, ranked among the best last year and is back for another shot at the title.

The look which got him into the finals. PHOTO/Monique and Cara Boutique Photography

He competes in the Australasian final in Sydney in July, and if he does well, will travel to Stockholm in October as part of the same competition which saw him place in the top 10 in Las Vegas last year.

"It was freaking hard," Mr Matene said. "It comes down to every minute. You need to have the colour, hair, make-up, outfit on point. People are competitive they don't [care] if they knock you out of the way " it's quite catty. You're competing against 135 of the best from around the world."

Competitors recreate their winning entry looks against the clock, while being scrutinised by a panel of 13 judges including fashion editors, designers and hairdressers.

In the throes of establishing his new business, hair salon Dan BLK, Mr Matene said he "whipped together" this year's entry.

"But I'm feeling a lot more organised and feeling very confident about this year as well."

He planned to spend about 200 hours practicing on 10 mannequins.

This year's look again features pastel rainbows that have become popular in the last few years. He said his clients in Whangarei seemed to be becoming a lot more fashion-forward. "My clients are pushing themselves a lot more. They're asking for more non-conservative colours which is exciting."

Mr Matene, of Ngapuhi and Ngatiwai descent, said he had made a conscious decision to stay and invest in his hometown.