The Hair Festival Competitions led the way in platform talent, and Domi Pinalli of Tsiknaris Hair inspired as the Splash of Colour winner. We spoke to Domi about the look, the win and colour tips.
Why did you enter the Hair Festival competitions?
It gave me a chance to test run creative ideas on an exciting platform and I love live hairdressing competitions. It’s one thing to produce editorial work photographically, it’s another to present it live. There is no hiding, no smoke and mirrors, just your art that you’ve created to the best of your ability presented to the judges. I’m incredibly thankful to Hair Festival and the competition organisers for taking the time to put on these competitions every year. I look forward to seeing what 2024 brings.
What does it mean to you to win?
That I’m progressing down a never-ending path of developing my editorial skills to and award-winning level. I came second in 2022 after my model got COVID and I coloured my assistant’s hair in my hotel room instead, so I was determined to come back for the win.
How will the prizes be helpful to your career?
The prizes from this competition, both in terms of the entire colour line gifted to me from Natural Look Australia and the publicity, will be immensely beneficial to my career in several ways.
In monetary value and resources, the stock gifted to me allows me to invest in essential tools, materials, and resources that can be used to further enhance the quality and range of my work. This kind of financial boost is invaluable, especially as I invest so much into this industry.
In exposure and recognition, the publicity and validation accompanying this prize provides me with another platform to showcase my work to a broader audience.
Winning and receiving these prizes not only acknowledges the quality of my work but also boosts my confidence. This renewed self-belief motivates me to tackle bigger projects and challenges in my career.
With publicity often comes the opportunity to network with industry professionals, peers, and potential clients. These connections lead to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities, which can be pivotal for my career growth.
It also acts as portfolio enhancement, acting as a testament to the quality of my work and my capability to stand out in a competitive landscape. It’s a great reference point for the future, demonstrating my competence and dedication to my craft.
Not only does it provide me with tangible benefits in the form of resources and publicity but it’s another positive step for the future.
Tell us about your winning look.
My winning look was inspired from androgyny and very Boy George. I wanted that fluidity of gender to be representative in the hair with the melting of vibrant colours together and texture in play, paired with hard lines and structure within my haircut to show all aspects of the spectrum of gender and queerness as a whole.
What would you advise to future competition applicants?
Whilst it’s a colour competition, it’s not without a strong haircut to complement. Shape is a major part of a cohesive look and one that should be at the forefront of planning. Also, your model matters! Think like you are making a magazine cover and you’re on the right track.
What is your number one colour tip?
Think outside the box! Colour isn’t designed to be a one technique for everyone. The more you can individualise and create artistic expression even on a commercial level to reflect the client’s personality through colour, the more you will succeed. Also, the science behind colouring is amazing and a powerful tool if you take the time to learn it.
Why do you love creating editorial colour work?
It’s a space that allows uninhibited creative expression which filters down to our everyday work. We see the most avant-garde fashion walk the runways each year at Fashion Weeks around the world that then filters down to even Kmart. I love creating my wildest imaginations to see what I can then take back to the salon floor on a commercial level or for the brave client!
For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au