Here’s What to Look Out For When Hiring a Professional Hair Stylist
Why the Right Hairstylist Matters
When it comes to shaping the visual identity of a brand or campaign, choosing the right hairstylist can make all the difference. A professional hairstylist is more than just a creator of great looks—they're a key partner in bringing a campaign's aesthetic vision to life. The right hairstylist can enhance the impact of your campaign, aligning seamlessly with brand aesthetics while adding depth to the visual story.
In a competitive market like the present, a hairstylist's reputation speaks volumes. Attributes like professionalism, punctuality, adaptability, and the ability to take direction are just as critical as their technical skills. The best stylists have honed their craft through training and mentorship under industry icons or by assisting skilled professionals. This background brings a level of polish and confidence to their work, essential for meeting the high standards of an editorial or advertising setting.
Seek Stylists with Relevant Portfolio Experience
A hairstylist’s portfolio is a treasure trove of insight into their experience, creativity, and reliability. A great portfolio should demonstrate a variety of styles and showcase work from recent campaigns that align with the desired look for your project. Social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or professional agency sites are excellent places to view recent work and gain insight into their specialties.
As you review portfolios, look for evidence of versatility, technical skills, and client feedback. Stylists who have worked on similar campaigns are often better equipped to understand the unique demands of high-pressure projects. Also, consider looking for any direct endorsements or reviews that reflect their professionalism and adaptability. Portfolios that feature work from well-known clients or reputable brands are usually a positive sign of a stylist’s reliability and experience in delivering high-calibre results under tight deadlines.
Check out the best Australian Hair Stylists on Visie
Finding the right hairstylist for your campaign involves more than simply looking at their past work; it’s about finding someone whose skills and style align with your vision. From defining the campaign aesthetic to reviewing portfolios, each step ensures that your project has a professional touch that resonates with your audience. A well-matched hairstylist can not only elevate the quality of the visuals but also bring fresh, creative energy to your campaign, helping it stand out in an ever-crowded media landscape.
To give you a headstart, we’ve rounded out some of the best Australian Hair Stylists found in our directory:
Lok Lau is a celebrated hairstylist with a signature modern, elegant style that brings a fierce edge to every look. Based in Sydney and frequently travelling between the UK and Australia, Lok’s work appears in top publications like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, with clients including Billie Eilish and Frida Gustavsson. Represented by MAP agency, he is a trusted talent for both editorial and high-profile advertising campaigns.
Michele McQuillan is an innovative hairstylist and concept designer with an imaginative, tailored approach to runway, editorial, and advertising. With a career spanning 25 years, Michele has styled for top brands like Alexander McQueen, Louis Vuitton, and YSL, and her editorial work graces the pages of Vogue Australia, Harper’s Bazaar, and i-D. Based in Australia, she’s a trusted name for fashion campaigns and runway concepts, blending cultural history with contemporary flair.
With nearly 15 years of experience across Milan, London, and Sydney, Rory Rice brings a refined, internationally-inspired touch to his hairstyling. His years working with top Italian editors shaped his distinctive, multifaceted style, while his time in London added an edgy elegance to his creations. Rory’s extensive editorial background and global perspective make him a sought-after talent in the fashion industry.
Richard Kavanagh is a visionary hair stylist known for his “effortless cool” aesthetic and a career spanning over 30 years with iconic brands like Armani, Prada, and McQueen. A frequent Fashion Week hair director and sought-after trend expert, Richard brings a collaborative, creative spirit to every project, with work featured in top editorials, campaigns, and on the red carpet.
Daren Borthwick is an award-winning stylist with a distinctively sculptural, daring approach, transforming hair into bold, creative works. With an impressive portfolio that spans major runway shows and editorials for Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ, Daren’s style has captivated icons like Kylie Minogue and Karlie Kloss. As Shu Uemura’s Art of Hair Creative Director, he mentors emerging talent while setting innovative trends in hair artistry worldwide.
Renya Xydis is the International Creative Director for Wella Professionals, where she helps shape global hair trends. Known for her technical skill and creative vision, she regularly works on runways in Paris, Milan, and New York and collaborates with top brands like Dyson and Cloud Nine. Renya is the go-to stylist for celebrities like Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, and Hugh Jackman.
With 25 years in the fashion industry, Sophie Roberts brings a refined, fashion-forward approach to hair styling that enhances both appearance and confidence. Known for crafting transformative styles for editorial, runway, and celebrity clients, Sophie’s extensive background has led her to running her own salon, with an aim to empower clients to wear their hair with confidence and style.
Pete Lennon is a celebrity hairstylist known for working with stars like Barkaa, Adut Akech, and Nana Skovgård Andersen. His work has appeared in Elle Vietnam, Elle Indonesia, and Vogue Australia, with a client list that includes luxury brands like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Max Mara.
Diane Gorgievski is a renowned hairstylist celebrated for her dynamic, spontaneous style and talent for creative storytelling through hair. Having trained with icons like Luigi Murenu and Guido, she has crafted looks for celebrities including Ruby Rose, Jon Hamm, and Rose Byrne. Her editorial work appears in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Marie Claire, with commercial campaigns for brands like Swarovski, Dyson, and Mecca.
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