On the armchair: Brett MacDonald, CULt.

1. n4h - Brett, you’ve been travelling a lot to inspire and train hairdressers around the world. Does the level of hairdressing skills differ between the countries?
Yes to some extent. Think different hair textures, types etc and cultural traits that encourage a certain way of working within certain countries. Because of all of these different factors I often see hairdressers being better at one thing than another in different countries. It’s very interesting.

2. n4h - You are the winner of many hairdresser competitions and shows. How does it feel? Does it have any influence on your day-to-day activities?
I am hugely respectful for the recognition that I have received over the years but at the same time an award does not make me a better stylist for my client, that comes from consistent education.

3. n4h - You helped establish British Hairdressing Franchise Mahogany in Australia. What did you learn at that time?
Honestly, the most important thing I learned from this experience is that people are the heart of any business no matter what the name.

4. n4h - For the past 7 years you’ve been acting as a UK Creative Director for the prestigious Saco Schools and Salon. What are the differences between working in Australia and the UK?
The UK is a far larger and a much more serious industry. Not to take anything away from Australia, but the amount of money and recognition that the UK carries globally means the competition is far fiercer (something I LOVE!)

5. n4h - You are a Creative Director and the Owner at CULt. What is so special about this organisation? What makes CULt different from other academies?
What makes CULt. special and different is we don’t sit in just one camp in regards to our philosophy around hairdressing. For too long the worlds of editorial styling and precision hairdressing have been separate and this is something we have approached. What we do at CULt. is combine the two to drive and inspire new exciting approaches in hair and education.

6. n4h - Why Education Is Critical For Hairstylists?
Education is critical for everyone, we must all grow, change and develop. It’s just part of the beautiful process on evolution.

7. n4h - What is the most important thing for you in teaching young hairdressers? What is your best advice?
Stay humble to stay hungry.

8. n4h - What challenges do you come across when teaching?
The biggest challenge is to understand where I’m going wrong with a student and understanding how to best change my approach to help them learn and progress.

9. n4h - What are the most important decisions you make as a leader of your organisation?
The most important and difficult decisions are ones that effect the team and long term growth of CULt. It’s easy to make decisions on the here and now, but trusting in your vision and believing in your long term goals when on paper they look like the wrong approach can be much harder.

10. n4h - Who inspires you at work?
The team.

Many 1st / 2nd / 3rd place awards at state level in QLD Australia during apprenticeship
One of the first 8 members of the Australian fame team in conjunction with AHJ and Michell Sewell in the second year it was up and running.
Winner Australian New Creative Force
Finalist Australian Hairdresser of the Year (stabled @ Synergy )
Finalist Australian Hairdresser of the Year (stabled @ Mahogany Hairdressing )
Finalist British Mens Hairdresser of the Year (stabled @ Saco )