We took a few minutes with the session queen, founder of Valonz salon, international brand ambassador, editorial hairstylist and leading educator Renya Xydis.
How would you describe your salon’s style aesthetic?
Sexy, well lived in, well-travelled and a vibe. Every room has its own personality in a beautiful well-travelled way, with one room resembling New York, and another Paris, another one looks like Italy and there’s a private room. People feel really safe and happy here.
What inspired you to become a hairdresser?
I was 15 years old when I left school and I just wanted to do something creative that meant something to me. With hairdressing I really liked the fact that I could work with people. I really wanted to connect with people and it was the best way. Through the years you realise what you’re doing is creating something really beautiful for an individual and that’s a part of you, so you’re sort of putting your mark on a client and it’s like a piece of art. I didn’t realise until later that you could touch so many hearts.
Pick your poison.
My favourite thing in the world is water, I don’t drink!
Your favourite Instagram account?
Anything that makes me laugh, like @sooshimango.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and what would be on the menu?
Sophia Loren and hot chips.
An item in your wardrobe that makes you feel the most ‘you’?
Anything black and a comfy pair of runners, I’ve got like 20 pairs in my wardrobe.
A song that will get you dancing without fail?
When I Think of You by Janet Jackson.
What is your favourite cut and/or colour to create in the salon?
At the moment it’s face framing colour and face framing haircuts, so really giving the client something that she can actually show her cheekbones, show her eyes, show her neck and, at the same time, the colour echoing that beautifully.
What would you like to see more of in the hair industry in the future?
Better haircuts. Bring back the cuts! I think we’ve all seen how good everyone is at colour, but just bring back really cool haircuts and make statements with cuts.
A quote to live by?
If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.
Dream Car?
A McLaren in a beautiful royal blue because blue is happiness and it just calms you down.
What hair product/tool are you loving?
Always the Dyson Supersonic blow dryer, it just speeds up my day and clients walk out with beautiful bouncy, shiny, healthy hair and they’re done a lot faster.
For more information visit www.valonz.com.au
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