Our very own talent takes home the top prize as AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year
We are so proud to announce that Buoy’s talented Andrew Cobeldick claimed the prestigious New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award at Sydney’s AHIA 2024 (Australian Hair Industry Awards) on July 1st.
After his incredible win, Andrew sat down with ProCollective to give an exclusive interview about his hairdressing journey so far and the inspiration behind his award-winning collection. We’ve extracted some key takeaways from that interview below.
You can find the full interview over at ProCollective here.
Andrew’s journey so far
Andrew began hairdressing in his country hometown of Nelson, then at age 17, he decided to relocate to the windy capital, where he still resides today. Andrew kickstarted his career at Rodney Wayne, where he met industry legend Richard Kavanagh, who remains one of his key mentors ten years later. Andrew is always seeking out new ways to challenge himself and grow professionally. With several industry awards already under his belt and more on the horizon, Andrew joined the Buoy family in 2018, where he sought to elevate his career further and solidify his reputation as a Buoy Master Stylist and Colourist.
Andrew credits his key mentors—Richard Kavanagh, Michael Beel, and Mathias Ryder Te Moananui—and fellow Buoy Salon teammates for helping him raise the standard and encouraging and inspiring his growth. Andrew is never satisfied with the status quo and always strives for more. He is dedicated to learning, pushing creative boundaries, and taking risks.
Andrew describes winning the AHIA Hairdresser of the Year award as the ‘dream of his entire career’. With plenty of career successes to date, this award is the cherry on top. Andrew notes that the stylists who came before him are all incredibly inspiring. “Having my name engraved alongside theirs is truly an honour that words cannot describe.”
Andrew’s winning collection – Gigi
For his award-winning collection, Andrew channelled the grandeur of the Met Gala and prestige of the Oscars, which manifested into a collection he describes as whimsical and exhilarating, with an unexpected twist. Each style in Andrew’s collection of six exudes a carefree exuberance and untamed beauty. There is also a mesmerising element of the avant-garde evident in each look.
Andrew sadly discovered three days before shooting his collection that he would lose his beloved furry best friend, Gigi. For that reason, this collection has an even more profound personal connection for him. What a beautiful tribute to Gigi.
Keeping up to date with the latest hair trends and techniques
For Andrew, staying on top means never staying complacent. His inspiring work ethic means he continually hones and refines his skill set by attending workshops, seminars, and courses around the country and further afield. He also challenges himself and his abilities by participating in industry events such as fashion weeks and hairdressing awards.
Networking and collaborating have allowed Andrew to form valuable industry connections and stay inspired. Online and traditional hairdressing publications help him stay on the pulse of emerging trends, new styles, and techniques. He also firmly believes that having the guts to try new techniques and offer unique styles to clients is part and parcel of learning and growing as a top-performing stylist. Andrew’s genuine love and passion for beautiful hair means pushing boundaries, and experimentation goes hand-in-hand with his success.
Three hair styling products/tools Andrew is loving right now
Andrew was asked what his three most relied-on hair styling products/tools are now. This is what he had to say…
Redken full-volume mousse is a product that gives you big hair with weightless volume and is also great for defining curls. Volume is back! Woohoo – who doesn’t love volume?
Redken Dry Texture Spray – Gives lived-in texture, which is amazing for finishing a style.
GHD Curve Soft Curl Tong – Creates romantic waves to finish. Andrew uses it like a wand to give editorial texture. It’s his go-to styling tool.
Andrew’s advice to aspiring hairdressers
Andrew concluded his interview with ProCollective by sharing some words of wisdom to aspiring and up-and-coming hairdressers. “Pursue your passion with dedication and commitment and continuously seek opportunities for learning and gaining diverse experiences”. He encourages aspiring hairdressers to build a solid professional network and to maintain excellent customer service, which he says is crucial for long-term success in the industry. Importantly – embrace creativity and don’t be afraid to push boundaries. Andrew pays plenty of respect to his mentors and believes having a mentor by your side can provide you with invaluable guidance along your journey. And lastly, “Be YOU, do YOU, for only YOU”.