Company Name: Paula Hibbard Education
Work Position: Owner/Director of Paula Hibbard Education
“A team well trained in styling saves time, makes money and results in clients walking out of the salon looking fabulous – this is your best advertisement! I have a passion for long hair and styling because I’ve always loved seeing the finished product… women who look glamorous and feel fantastic!” Paula Hibbard
Paula tell us how you started with your achievement into the hair industry and long hair education in Australia.
I was 17 when I got started as an apprentice. Being a hairdresser was always in the blood because my mum was one; QLD champion in long hair in fact and always did beautiful styling. To be as good as my mum was always a goal. Love of people and being able to make them walk away from time with me feeling fabulous has always been important from brides to students! From a wedding day to the classroom people want to feel good about themselves and feel I have an innate ability to achieve this.
Is there anything else you teach in salon other than up-styling and providing long hair workshop?
Yes. As I began doing
Where did your love and passion for education and long hair come from?
Passion for our craft has always been flowing through my veins particularly assisting young people to grow in the industry; to help become all they can be and to realise hairdressing has so many different avenues not just cutting hair; I just love being a part of their journeys. Long Hair Styling is one of those things that in the industry when done well, it can lift the salon profile – it’s like a finished product, to see people looking so amazing on their special day, knowing that you or I contributed to the final result is so rewarding.
Can you share your work relationship with educational artist Sharon Blain?
As the NSW technical manager for Goldwell, I was seconded to Sharon’s salon, The Art of Hair, to work side by side with them as they took on a new colour range. After the transition, Sharon approached me and asked if I would like to join their team as her
What other world-renowned hair artists have you had the chance to work alongside?
I have had the pleasure of working with Benni Tognini, Anthony Whittaker and Shane Henning. I was lucky enough to be their technical manager when I was working for Goldwell. I am continually growing even though I have been in the industry over 30 years now and have enjoyed learning from and being inspired by Tracey Hughes, Dennis Langford, Patrick Cameron and Alexandre de Paris School in Paris.
Other than Australia, do you educate hairdressers in other parts of the world?
Yes, one of my favourites is Dubai and when working with Sharon Blain as her Education Manager we took her
Working and representing many brands in Australia and globally, as Long Hair Educator, what brands have you represented and some of the hair shows that you have participated in?
Goldwell, De Lorenzo, Sharon Blain Education and for myself, Paula Hibbard Education. During my time with De Lorenzo, I have done numerous hair shows for them. I have also worked at the Hair Expo on the Main Stage and Styling Stage, most recently in 2018 and looking forward to representing them again in 2019. Also with De Lorenzo, I have represented them as a hair educator doing look and learn seminars and hands on Workshops. The other hair show I have participated in for Sharon Blain, was Salon International. For Goldwell and Sharon Blain, I also represented both brands with
”Soignée” 
”Soignée”
How has hair fashion changed throughout the years? What is the one style that never goes out of fashion and is a demand by many clients?
Hair fashion constantly does big circles and goes back to the old favorites. For example, the French Roll but with a more modern edge can transition to a messy bouffant. People like Audrey Hepburn, Brigit Bardot and Twiggy are just as much style icons now as they were in their own time and the clothes they wore, makeup they played with and how they had their hair styled will always be enamored (and with good reason!).
When creating an updo for a client that has an event such as a wedding or party, what communication tip is important to ask the client before starting her hair? How is it important to listen, talk and advise between the hairstylist and client?
What skills should a hairdresser look out for when styling for Bridal, Runway or Editorial?
Being a hairdresser or hairstylist is hard work! We need to be adaptable, open to change (especially last minute) and have the ability to think on our feet. To ensure your desired end result, the most important thing to do, without fail, is to make sure the hair is prepared correctly so you can create the ultimate finish. If the hair isn’t prepped, it isn’t finished and it won’t do what you want (or need) it to do!
How can salon owners and hairstylists approach you for training or coaching classes?
Through my website: – www.paulahibbard.com
Facebook: – Paula Hibbard Education
and of course Instagram: – @PaulaHibbardEducation
What part of hairdressing do you love to teach the most? Where does your inspiration come from?
Of course, I love teaching long hair but this is closely followed by teaching stylists the importance of communication skills. My inspiration for my styling comes from other amazing stylists like Nicolas Jurnjack, and other avenues like seasonal runway, movies and couture bridal brands.
Who would be your ideal person to style, color or give a complete makeover and why?
I would love to style either the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle) or Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) because they have such beautiful and timeless style. What an honour it would be to create a personalized look just for them!
Styling tool you can’t work without….
Absolutely a blow dryer!
You can’t prep the hair without a blow dryer and as I said before if it’s not prepped, it’s not finished.
Hair product you can’t work without….
De Lorenzo amplify. Amplify adds volume, creates grip and results in curl crispness – an absolute essential for anyone that is doing any sort of long hair styling. You can thank me later! 😉
Favourite long hair artist……
There are so many! And each of them
Your best editorial hair collection ….
CREDITS for “ Soignée”
Hair: Paula Hibbard
Photography: David Mannah Make-Up: Rachael Montgomery
Stylist: Josie McManus
Assistant Cutter: Michael Belcastro Assistant Colourist: Carlie Test
Images: Paula Hibbard
Interview: Romy
