Secrets from Australia's Top Hair Stylists

Australia's top hair stylists share their share secrets on handling frizz, dehydration and other common hair concerns.

In an industry as competitive as hairdressing, it's hard to make your way to the top. These stylists have managed to climb to dizzying heights through hard work, sheer talent and really, really steady hands.
Here, they share their secrets on handling frizz, dehydration and other common hair concerns.

Joey Scandizzo
Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year
Boasting the hair industry's Oscars to his name, Scandizzo looks beyond the strands and onto the scalp when it comes to hair health. His advice: Stimulate your scalp. The art of brushing your hair 100 times is making a comeback, he says, because it produces natural sebum that nourishes your hair.
“Forget about being phobic about oily roots -- it’s nature’s way of looking after your hair and scalp,” says Scandizzo. Try this at least once a week and you’ll see a difference, he advises.

Barney Martin
Director of Barney Martin Salons
Martin, who's renowned for his chic bobs and cutting-edge chops for the style set, looks to nourishing the hair from the inside out when it comes to hydration and frizz levels.
“Use a nourishing shampoo, conditioner and regular treatments,” he says. “They’ll help restore your hair’s hydration levels.” But try not to wash your hair too often, he adds, as frequent shampooing will only dry out your hair and make frizz worse. The natural oils from your body can actually help condition your scalp and hair follicles.
Another smart tip from Martin: When blow-drying your hair, always apply a heat protector and use a nozzle. This will help prevent freeze by sealing in moisture and shine.

Anthony Nader
Director of Raw by Anthony Nader
Considered a master at creating volume and glamorous styles, Nader splits his time between Sydney and New York. His top tip? If you have frizzy hair, be mindful of your haircut. "If a hairdresser picks up a razor or thinning scissors, get up out of your chair and make your way to the front door as fast as you can and don't look back,” he says.
Frizzy hair should always be treated with caution. "I personally love using my super-sharpened shiny scissors and cutting the hair the way it falls into place naturally,” says Nader. “I'm a ‘don't fight it, feel it’ kinda guy, and that's my approach with all hair types.”
According to Nader, no matter what your hair length, it should have a strong shape so it grows perfectly. Just keep in mind that adding some long layers will help keep your crown of glory tighter to your head, which gives more control for you to style at home, he says.

Jayne Wild
Director of Wild Life Hair
While there's plenty to be said about products and hair maintenance, for Wild, the key to getting a perfect blow-dry lies in the tools you use. Using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner are imperative, but picking a brush that works with your hair, rather than against it, is Wild’s best advice.
“Sometimes using the right brush to blow-dry can be confusing,” says Wild. “If you have naturally straight hair, a ceramic brush is great to use to achieve shine; if you have challenging hair, use a natural-bristle brush to smooth it out,” she advises.