This week's Insta-star is Auckland stylist Danny Pato (my hairdresser for over a decade) who has just picked up the most prestigious hairdressing award you could get. Here's why he's one cool stylist you need to follow.
Images from Pato's Instagram @dannypatohair
Danny Pato is a winner. Not just because he manages to nail my hair cut and colour every six weeks, but because he's the 2018 Hairdresser of the Year - again. Voted by 10 international and 10 Australasian judges, Pato has won what's known as the academy awards of excellence in hairdressing, for the third year in a row at Hair Expo in Melbourne, Australia earlier this month. The collection known as Mélange is a celebration of diversity, culture, and new wave feminism. According to Pato, his award-winning collection is a mix of colour, texture and sheer exuberance taken from diverse cultural references, working as an antidote in a time of global political uncertainty. "It acts as a reminder of the joy that a cultural mix offers us all.”
Editor Trudi Brewer chats to stylist Danny Pato
Congratulations on your win, what's it like to be a judged the best amongst your peers for the third year in a row?
Thank you. Even though it’s my third time in a row, winning this time felt bigger for some reason. The international judges are industry leaders and icons - I felt honoured and humbled to be recognised by the people in our industry that I look up to.
What have you learned from being a serial competition stylist?
The Hair Expo awards are as much about creativity as they are about business and giving back to the industry. The challenging process of entering year after year has helped me to grow into a better person.
What does this title mean for your business?
The recognition helps with maintaining credibility as we do aspire to be at the top of our game. The awards are also a great morale booster for the broader d&m team.
What hair trends are you excited about this winter?
I’m excited about warm winter colour, beautiful warm golden coppers and apricot. Clean blonde hair with a natural root is also a good look for winter, as are darker shades with sun-kissed pieces to give texture and dimension to a hairstyle. The shortcuts are still very strong like those we see celebrities wearing on the red carpet. For longer hair, it's a shaggy vibe, with a 70s-style fringe.
What's the one hair product you are never without?
Davines OI All In One Milk, $38. It’s a one-stop wonder product for all hair types, especially in winter when hair gets dry and frizzy. To style my hair, I use Davines Love Curl Cream, $40.
What's your favourite fragrance?
I swing between Comme des Garçons 2 and Hermès Terre d’Hermès Parfum.
Favourite T-shirt brand?
Commoners.
Favourite accessory?
My Yohji Yamamoto crushed top hat.
Your favourite men's skincare product?
I’m a Dermalogica guy.
Some of Pato's favourite things
Commoners Linen Tee, $79. Comme des Garçons 2, $204. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, $66. Davines Love Curl Cream, $40.