Dee Parker Attwood left her home town of New Plymouth when she was 21 to pursue her dream of being a top stylist. Today she is one of the best. Editor Trudi Brewer met Attwood in Auckland to discuss her success and spring hair trends.
Stylist Dee Parker Attwood, backstage at the Noise hair show in Shanghai and some of her can’t-be-without Schwarzkopf Professional products.
Hairdresser Dee Parker Attwood has many accolades to her name, including being crowned as Australia’s Hairdresser of the Year three times. She credits her mother for her success and passion for the profession (her mum is also a career hairdresser). Her ex-boss, New Plymouth hairdresser Lyndsay Loveridge, for her meticulous training. Today, she is the co-owner of Melbourne’s Wieselmann Salon in Toorak Road, South Yarra, where she manages 25 staff while educating up-and-coming stylists in Australia for Schwarzkopf Professional. Read on to learn more.
What do you love about being a hairdresser?
The art of transformation on people, to make them look and feel incredible. There is no better satisfaction.
What does your role as a Schwarzkopf Professional ambassador involve?
Their colours and products are second to none, but most importantly, the company nurtures my creativity. I am honoured to be involved with a world-renowned company and their International Global Artists that mentor and inspire me.
Images Instagram, Dee Parker Attwood with Schwarzkopf Professional creative director Simon Ellis. Attwood in Auckland at the Essential Looks launch with her mum and New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Danny Pato, from d&m hair design.
How does the team come up with these Essential Look trends?
A trend guide was created by the global ambassadors, including Schwarzkopf Professional creative director Simon Ellis, colour, styling and digital team Nick Irwin, Arjan Bevers, Tyler Johnston, Lesley Jennison, Edoardo Paludo, Gary Taylor and Josie Vilay. They draw inspiration from every direction, including social media and fashion weeks across the globe. Then, combine the current trends with both fashion and salon looks in each collection.
Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks, Misfits Salon look
A visor-like, heavy blunt fringe, defined by a cool, ashen colour palette. Essential Looks Misfits was created by Schwarzkopf Professional Global Ambassador Tyler Johnston and guest artist Grace Dalgleish.
What is your favourite style from this new Essential Looks collection, and why?
I really don’t have one trend that I love. The more directional catwalk looks are essential to inspire us, but I also respect the salon looks in the collection, as this is my day-to-day reality and important to embrace while allowing me to please our clients.
How do these looks translate to your everyday role as a working hairstylist?
Each style within the Essential Looks Collection offers an A-Z breakdown of techniques and applications. So, it’s a complete training manual for our stylists to keep them updated and upskilled.
Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks, Virtual Eden Salon look
The Essential Looks, Virtual Eden trend reinterprets the beauty of nature, founded in romanticism. Schwarzkopf Professional Global Ambassador Tyler Johnston and digital artist Josie Vilay have created this look.
What does a typical day at Wieselmann Salon look like for you?
It’s busy. Between my clients and working with my incredible business partners and staff, I keep growing and improving. It’s a daily hustle.
What do you specialise in as a stylist?
Cutting and styling. But my love is education and teaching.
What have been your career highs to date?
To date, my greatest honour and biggest responsibility was being invited by UK hairdresser Richard Ashforth and the founder of Noise to represent Australia at these incredible international shows.
What styling products from the Schwarzkopf Profesional collection do you reach for daily?
Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Volume Up, Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label, The Powder, Schwarzkopf Professional The Thickener, and for hair shows and session work, Schwarzkopf Professional Silhouette Super Hold Lacquer. I can’t do my job without these products.
Schwarzkopf Professional Osis+ Volume Up, $34, Schwarzkopf Professional Session Label, The Powder, $42. Schwarzkopf Professional The Thickener, $42, and Schwarzkopf Professional Silhouette Super Hold Lacquer, $26.
What is your best tip for anyone considering a new look for spring?
Consider your lifestyle and hair type. How much time and effort will you put into your new look? Can you wash and leave, or does this style require multiple hot tools to achieve your vision? Some people bring photos of a hair look that has been blow-waved and tonged, which they never have time to do. Be realistic and be honest with your stylist so they can suggest the best options to suit you and your hair. However, change is better than a holiday.
Here are the tips and products to try now.