Wellington hairdressing salon, Top Wellington hairdressers salon

I had a huge opportunity offered to me a couple of weeks ago, that I could not pass up. I was honoured to be chosen to fly up to Auckland along with 5 other girls from around New Zealand, to assist with doing the hair of models at fashion week.

FASHION WEEK HERE I COME!!!

As I arrived in Auckland late at night I was driven to my hotel, I was so excited! After winding down, I went to bed early as it was going to be a 6:00am start in the morning.

The morning of the first day we were taxied to a venue where the “Ruby Show” was being held. We walked backstage where there were models, stylists, make-up artists and photographers,were all squished into a 10m by 10m room.

The style for this show was a set using curling tongs. Sounds reasonably simple right? When you have 16 models, a tiny room and 2 hours nothing is simple. 10 minutes left until the show starts and the doors are open.

“Hurry Up!!”

Before this moment it had been like the storm before a hurricane but now it IS the hurricane!!

No matter how much we still had to do we always seem to manage to get all the models out there pretty much on time. The Ruby fashion show was very 80s. Lots of green and mustard hues. Also there were a lot of frills, shorts and pants. With plaid being the statement fabric. I found these clothes very girly and they looked like they would be comfortable to wear.

The next show was that evening. The show was Nom*D and we met the designer that night. The hair for this show was creative and very out there. It isn’t a style you see being done every day as it was very original. Models were running late from their last show, so all of us were behind. Then the organisers came in wanting the models for a half an hour run through?? But the show was supposed to start in half an hour and we weren’t finished!! The show ran late but it was all worth the wait.

The whole theme of the show was dark and inspired by medieval times. The show was amazing, I found it very entertaining and action packed. The show also featured a chain male balaclava. The colour scheme ranged from your bright white lace to your dark blue fabrics. Layering was also a big feature in the deliverance of the clothing.

Second day we helped with the Ag Research models. This show was by far the most challenging but I learnt the most new techniques. The style was a lot of French braiding which was very time-consuming. We even learnt how to sew the braids to the head.

The stress was flying through the room as it got closer and closer to the show. Hours seem to feel like minutes when you are doing this. Final touches were just being done and the models were leaving, 10mins until the show, and to think the model still have to get dressed.

You start to understand how hard it actually is being a model, they usually have 3 hairdressers, pulling, poking and prodding them, a make-up artist doing their face and nails all at the same time. Some of the models get the hair and make-up changed up to 6 times a day. How full on is that?

We had to rush from the Ag research venue to the next venue, The Hilton Hotel where the Salasai show was on. When we got there all the rest of the team were starting to arrive already, no time for a break. The hair for this show was very sleek and straight with gold leaves stuck to the back and front of the hair with gel.

Everywhere we turned there were cameras and people, you start to feel a bit claustrophobic. The crowds arrive and the models start to head down to the runway and a wave of relief comes over everyone in the room.

On the final day of my adventure we got the luxury of watching a couple of fashion shows and actually being able to see what happens after the models are all completed. The fashion was amazing, the whole atmosphere was over whelming but so enjoyable. People really dress to impress for the fashion shows. I was so fascinated at how glamorous and well done the whole day was.

That night came around quick, time to fly home. As I packed my bag, I rewound the week in my head and thought what an adventure I had and that I would do it again in a heartbeat.

I learnt what happens behind the scenes of shows and how much stress is on the hairdressers and other staff but also how rewarding it is as your piece of art that you have created is admired and the whole look with the designer clothes and gorgeous make-up is ready to hit the runway.

I feel I can bring a new inspiration from the fashion world back to the salon with me, spreading the styles and excitement to everyone I talk to.