You’ve likely heard of Anthony Nader. He won last year’s Australian Hairdresser of the Year award. He writes a weekly column for NW magazine. And his Sydney salon, Raw, is one of the most popular beuty spots in town. But there’s so much more to his story to tell . . .
What’s your signature hairstyling look?
“I like to keep hair real with masses of texture and movement - think Drew Barrymore. I love hair that moves. To achieve this look, apply a sea-salt beach spray into damp hair and rake through with your fingers. Twist your hair in chunky sections and dry with a diffuser.”
What would we find in your kit?
“Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder in every colour ($68, from selected Mecca Cosmetica stores, see Mecca Cosmetica for details). Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom ($36, from Mecca Cosmetica). And L’Oréal Elnett Hairspray (not available in Australia).”
Tell us about your own product range.
“In February, we launched five new products in the RAW Elements range, all organic-based and with Australian plant-derived ingredients. David (my partner) and I developed this product range after many painstaking years of research. It’s totally Australian-owned, beautifully aromatic and incorporates essential oils to protect, nourish and renew . . . One of the reasons we decided to produce the range is that I felt there was a huge gap in the market for affordable but high-quality hair products. I have tried everything (you should see my bathroom!) and often when I did stumble across a product that did what I wanted it to, it was way overpriced. So I made my own.”
FYI: The RAW Elements range includes Wild Orange and Macadamia Nut Shampoo ($23.95), Passionfruit and Macadamia Nut Treatment Shampoo ($23.95), Rosalina and Macadamia Nut Conditioner ($23.95), Wild Mint and Cucumber Hair and Body Wash ($23.95) and Wild Mango and Passionfruit Body Butter ($21.95). It’s stocked through out Australia (call the salon on 02 9380 5370 for details) or is available online at Raw.
What’s your best bargain hair buy?
“Johnson’s Baby Powder. Sprinkle onto the roots to absorb moisture and dirt and then when you brush it out, all the impurities are removed and you are left with shiny, non-greasy fresh hair. Your hair has instant texture.”
Best hair splurge?
“Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (approximately $150, available for order through Raw on 02 9380 5370). It’s ideal for dry, dull, damaged or chemically-treated hair. It contains 100% pure Ojon palm nut oil - the same oil used by the Miskito Indians of Central America for over 500 years. It instantly hydrates and improves the condition of hair without weighing it down.”
What are your top tools?
“My scissors of course! Couldn’t live without them. And also my Parlux 3200 hair dryer ($186.95, from Raw, 02 9380 5370) - it gives amazing blow-outs.”
What are the basic hair buys every girl should have?
“Snag-free elastics, a wide-tooth comb (use in the shower), and a Mason Pearson pocket-size brush ($65, from Peter’s of Kensington).”
Your top 3 hair tricks of the trade?
“Work with hair and not against it; dry cuts are a fantastic way to see the ‘real deal’ as you go; and, always spray in volume-building product even if body isn’t what you are after - it stops the hair from looking flat and ‘just washed.’”
What’s the hottest hair trend of the moment?
“The latest Chloé campaign is what hair is all about: full-bodied colour from creamy blondes to mocha brunettes; hair that is pumped with air on the roots; and, rounded corners and side swept fringes.”
The next hair trend to watch out for?
“Edie Sedgwick and the iconic ’60s Vidal Sasson haircut, as seen on Sienna Miller in the movie ‘Factory Girl’. It has definitely inspired a growing trend for cropped mod hair. Catwalk favourites Agyness Deyn and Cecilia Meudez have a gamine androgynous style, while Selma Blair, Michelle Williams and Victoria Beckham are doing it on the red carpet. A cropped chop can look beautiful on any face shape, it’s easy to manage, and it’s versatile - you can either gloss it back or rough it up.”
Who’s your hair icon?
“Agyness Deyn. She’s reminiscent of Linda Evangelista - not afraid to take it to the next level and forever changing her look. Agyness’ hair is bleached to a Nordic blonde and her cut is Mia Farrow-ish - soft, short and textured.”
Which celebrity do you think has the best look right now?
“Gisele Bundchan has the most gorgeous hair. It’s actually our most requested look. Her trademark colour is a light caramel base with cool blonde and creamy beige highlights, which flatter her olive-toned complexion. You can also add a little balayage, which is a paint-on technique that gives random, natural-look sun-kissed bursts. If your hair isn’t as long as Gisele’s, you can still pull off this super sexy style with out too much fuss.”
What’s the best way to get a Gisele?
“1: Blow-dry your hair, lifting at the roots and blasting cold air to add extra volume, with a large round brush.
2: Spray hair with a light holding spray. Take random one-inch sections of hair and, starting at the nape (with the rest of your hair pinned out of the way), wrap your hair around a large-barrel curling iron from roots to just below mid-length - make sure to leave the ends loose to get that lived-in tousled look.
3: As you work around hair. alternate the direction every other time you wrap your hair around the tongs. This creates beautiful disheveled feel. When you reach the front sections, start curling from halfway down the hair shaft.
4: When finished, loosen your curls with your fingers for freedom and movement. Whatever you do, don’t brush!
Finally, add some shine with a tiny amount of gloss serum.”
