Meet this year’s winner Dmitri Papas – Brisbane hairdresser who really knows his stuff about cuts and colour. After all, he’s also Redken’s Global Artist, which is seriously a big deal.
We spoke to him about his award-winning photo collection ‘REBIRTH’ (shown above and below) and overall experience in the industry – read on for more.
Inspiration strikes anywhere…
I am continuously inspired by technical brilliance and innovation in any creative sphere… visual art, photography, cutting-edge design and contemporary architecture. Hair professionals need to be constantly examining the world around them, looking for new ideas and new ways of doing things. My creativity is fuelled by art galleries, exhibitions, live performances, fashion shows, film, music and theatre – inspiration lives everywhere – you just need to keep your eyes open.
Being a Global Artist for REDKEN means…
It involves many hours of training and preparation, to ensure that you become the best presenter and facilitator that you can be. It is not just about having the technical skills and experience, it is more about how you are able to share and communicate your knowledge. In addition, I get to develop the looks for the coming season and tour them across Australia and internationally, showcasing my vision to the next generation of hair professionals. I feel so privileged to get the opportunity to meet the industry’s rising stars and respected luminaries and to talk about hairdressing as part of my job – it really is a dream come true for me.
About being Australian Hairdresser of the Year…
I am tremendously honoured and humbled by this prestigious award. It is the culmination of many years of hard work and effort, not only on my part, but also the energy and inspiration I am surrounded by every day with my acclaimed team at Papas + Pace, and my network of supporters. I love nothing more than being able to share my knowledge and experience with other hair professionals, and as a REDKEN Global Artist and now ‘Australian Hairdresser Of The Year’, I am able to share my journey with an even wider audience.
My top tips for creating the unique looks…
I’ve based my practice on one very important principle – the aim to be the very best in everything you do. This equates to showing tremendous discipline… don’t skimp and don’t cut corners when trying to achieve enviable results. From using high quality, razor-sharp scissors to staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques – it’s all important. If you show a high level of execution in all aspects of your hairdressing, it will surface in your work and enable you to put your quality signature on everything that you do.
If you want to wear this trend…
All of the haircuts that we execute at Papas + Pace are polished and technically precise. The REBIRTH looks can be diffused by making the colour more subtle, the style looser or keeping the cuts a little longer. This is very similar to what happens in fashion… the striking looks we see on the international runways are reinterpreted for the street with laidback glamour. It’s really important to understand your client’s hair type and lifestyle to ensure 100% suitability. Although fashion changes quickly, what’s great about the REBIRTH collection, is that it seamlessly blends craftsmanship with suitability.
The REDKEN products I used…
All models were washed with REDKEN Color Extend Magnetics Sulphate-Free Shampoo and Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner and prepped with Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer. When I’m styling hair during a photographic shoot, I keep the products to a minimum and add layers of products, starting from the lightest and moving to the heavier products. The other REDKEN products that we used were Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray, Wax Blast 10 High-Impact Finishing Spray Wax, Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray, and Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist.
I think people should really learn how to use…
Anyone that is exposing their hair to styling tools should be using a heat protectant. REDKEN’s Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer is a reparative solution that helps prevent breakage by creating a ‘thermal blanket’ to protect the hair whilst cutting down blow dry time.
If you are seeking to repair damaged hair and reach new lengths, I recommend REDKEN’s Extreme complete care collection enriched with essential proteins to strengthen the hair and prevent breakage.
I also recommend visiting a professional salon for intensive treatments to maintain the health and vitality of the hair.
My best advice for up and coming hairdressers…
My best advice is something my mother used to say – your best career investment is yourself. If you put in the training, the time, the self-belief, everything else will follow. Be open to new experiences, and to listening to people you admire. Seek inspiration from all around you – and make sure you don’t take it all too seriously.