2022/2023 Hair Trend Report with Newton Cook
BY ROXY ALLNUTT
“NZ’s standard of hairdressing is definitely at its highest.”
5 SEPT - 2022
Meet Newton Cook, the hairstylist-turned-creative director who’s sharing his many talents with aspiring artists, all while killing the hair game in New Zealand.
In a time where individuality is celebrated, there’s an abundance of hair colours and styles to opt for when you need a butterfly moment, especially after a breakup. But when there’s so many trends that are simultaneously flooding our feeds, how do we know our major transformation will still be on trend in a few months?
Creative Director of Rodney Wayne, Newton Cook, is aThis highly decorated stylist who knows a thing or two about the industry. Once dubbed as Rodney Wayne’s “Emerging Stylist of the Year," Colour Ambassador of the Year in 2016 and one of only two New Zealand stylists appointed to the ghd Style Squad for Australia and New Zealand in 2019, Newton is an aficionado in the hair realm. We caught up to pick his brain on the current hair trends and his personal inspirations so you can choose your next glow up with the best creative consideration.
'@NewtonCook
What was your pivotal moment in wanting to work in the hair industry?
It was the social discussions I had with my hairdressing friends and their experiences while working in the field and also the family culture that came with it. I was fortunate to start my hairdressing career alongside some of my closest friends and family.
How would you describe the standard of hairdressing in New Zealand?
NZ’s standard of hairdressing is definitely at its highest, I believe. Thanks to the internet and social media, we have access to education worldwide, which has definitely elevated our industry as a whole
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I love the feeling and confidence we give to clients when we’ve finished with their hair; it gives you a real sense of accomplishment. It can literally take you anywhere.
Who are your hair/beauty idols?
Richard Kavanagh, Mana Dave, Peter Thomsen.
What's your go-to quick fix for a bad hair day?
A bad hair day can always be fixed with a change of parting and a couple of bobby pins to give you an edgy, effortless look
Where do you source your creative inspiration?
I love music! So I get a lot of creative inspiration from the artists and their album covers and video clips. Your hair tells a story of you, and I really think that music is one of those ways of telling your story.
What hair trends are you loving this year? And what do you envision to be the next big thing in 2023?
I love that one of this year's hair trends has been really 90s/2000s inspired. It’s the era when I was a child so it has a nostalgic feeling. The next big thing I envision for 2023 is more independence with your style. If you Google trends at the moment, you will have a minimum of five answers, which I love, because historically, five used to be the maximum. It means that people are taking control of their individual style, it means hairdressers are given the opportunity to be a little crazy or reserved with their work, and it gives everyone the right to look and feel fabulous.
What five items must always be in your beauty bag?
Loreal Anti-frizz Hair Spray, Kerastase Elixir Ultime, bobby pins, a sectioning comb and a ghd unplugged for those quick touch-ups while you are on the go.
What's your ideal client? (Fun and wildly extravagant or someone who dons the elegant look?)
Honestly, I love everyone. Having a range of clients keeps everything interesting, conversation topics open, and each day is always different.
What's the most challenging aspect you experience as a hairdresser?
I think the most challenging aspect would have to be adapting to the diverse range of hair and the different personalities you come into contact with. We work in an industry where we are the professionals giving advice on hair, how to look after it, how to style it, the products you should be using. There are a lot of aspects to the job than the obvious of ‘doing hair,’ so we as an industry have to make sure that we are always educated in the newest trends, techniques and services which is something I believe we are always trying to stay on top of as a brand at Rodney Wayne.
What's your top advice for somebody wanting to succeed in the beauty and hair world?
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