Ever since pop stars became everyday fixtures of our lives through their presence on TV and in newspapers and magazines, hair and music have become intertwined. Sometimes what hair they wore on their heads was almost as important - if not, more so - than what lyrics came out of their mouths.
Hair even lent its name to a sub-genre of rock - hair metal - where big, long blowdried-and-hairsprayed-within-an-inch-of-its-life hair enjoyed its peak back in the 80s. One only needs to look at a video clip of Guns’N’Roses or Poison to think that it’s a miracle Axl Rose and friends have any hair left at all.
Music is a huge presence in Leah White’s life. The myhairdressersearch Apprentice of the Month, who is currently working at Sydney’s E Salon, was inspired by the world of rock for her groundbreaking photo shoot titled Vacuous.
As the shoot was a submission for the Australian FAME team, Leah depicted the irony of fame itself through the use of the central Rock God character, as well as the various roles different women play that almost act as satellites around the main “star”.
“My partner is a musician and the world of the ‘rock god’ is a prominent factor in my everyday life,” Leah tells myhairdressersearch.
Of course, rock stars’ influence on the world of hair didn’t stop when music show Countdown was axed from TV screens. The meteoric rise of Youtube and MySpace, coupled the proliferation of gossip magazines and blogs in recent times, means celebrities are in our face wherever we go, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Pink is just one entertainer who makes a regular appearance in the media.
“Pink’s hair looks amazing at the moment,” Leah says. “The blonde is so clean and the cut is amazing. She has the ability to create different looks with minimal effort. Simple yet effective.”
The hairdressing industry was not always an option open to the talented and passionate apprentice. As much as Leah would like to see school leavers move from more traditional study options - such as university - to taking up a trade, she doesn’t see enough encouragement from schools, families or governments for students to take up other options.
“I went to a private school where an apprenticeship was never given to me as an option.
“There are so many amazing opportunities in trades like hairdressing but I don’t think there is enough education or awareness on what can be achieved with an apprenticeship behind you.”
After high school, Leah studied PR and marketing for a while and then moved to a hairdressing apprenticeship at Toni and Guy in North Sydney. A move to Queensland saw her earn her stripes at Oscar Oscar Brisbane before returning to NSW to commence working at E Salon.
Working under Emiliano Vitale’s guidance is just one of the many reasons why Leah loves going to work.
“My boss Emiliano is my biggest mentor. I have never met a more passionate and determined hairdresser in my career. He inspires me on so many levels. Everything from his business skills, to his dedication to education and he’s constantly perfecting his own skills.
“And then of course my ultimate is Robert Lobetta. He’s just awesome!”
According to Leah, the power of a great cut is something both the stylist and the client should be equally excited about.
“A great hairdresser is someone who inspires people to feel and look their best, both on the inside and out. A great hairdresser in my eyes is someone who lives and breathes their passion. Someone who is creative, articulate, a great listener and has patience.”
Some of the products Leah is loving and recommending to clients include those from the Sebastian and Kerastase hair care lines.
“I love the Crude Clay by Sebastian. I have a fairly large male clientele and this product is great because of its amazing texturising properties, matte finish, but also because it’s really economical and a little goes a long way.
“I also love the Serum Nutri-Sculpt by Kerastase. Not only does this give an incredible shine, but it also repairs the hair.
“Curls Rock Curl Amplifier in the Tigi Catwalk range takes away the frizz and not only encourages the curl but defines at the same time.”
See some more Apprentices of the Month.
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