Interview by BR Merilyn
Nigel Russell, Platinum stylist and tutor at Servilles, award winning hairdresser, certified Tricologist and surfer dude is the creator and inspiration behind Holistic Hair.
Holistic Hair products are designed to restore hair to its full potential. help to resolve a wide range of problems – returning strength to brittle locks, bringing shine to dull, lifeless tresses and deep nourishment to heat or chemically-damaged hair.
Even better, Holistic Hair treatments use only natural biodegradable ingredients combined with healing essential oils. So we talked to Nigel to find out more about the story behind the brand.
BR: Tell us a bit about yourself. Have you always lived and worked in NZ?
I was born in New Zealand but spent 23 years living in Sydney Australia where I was able to combine the work, surf, sun lifestyle. I returned in 2000 and came to live on the north shore of Auckland as the lifestyle was similar so I still enjoy the benefit of working, living and being close to the ocean.
This lifestyle inspires me to seek health & wellbeing options as a part of what I do and to be able to enjoy healthy living.
BR: What is your background? How long have you been in the Hair Industry?
I started a hairdressing apprenticeship In Sydney and on completion became a manager. I also was involved in education & platform seminars all around Australia.
I owned a salon for 15 years in that time I studied Trichology (the science of the hair & scalp) and went on to become a registered Trichologist and created a clinic within the salon. Our salon won several awards within the industry.
After returning to New Zealand in 2000 I began working as a stylist in Servilles salon Milford (now Takapuna) I also became and still am a part time tutor in their Academy.
To date I have been in the industry for over 30 years.
BR: When did you develop Holistic Hair, and how did it come about?
I was consulting clients as a Trichologist within several of the Servilles salons and it became apparent that most issues were based around sensitivity to chemicals.
I had previously studied Aromatherapy in Australia and the association between what happens within us (systemically) and how it represents itself on our scalp & in our hair.
I began trialing Aromatherapy on clients in 2001 .with the help of a qualified Aromathrapist along with a formulating chemist, Holistic hair was created around 2004 and went into full production in 2006.
BR: What is the philosophy behind your brand? What does it stand for?
Our tag line is “natures hair care”. Our philosophy is based on using natural products and ancient recipes tried & true that are simple, yet effective, and create long term relief and an alternative to the mainstream products on the market.
Our mission statement.
”Holistic hair blends are researched & prepared to treat specific conditions all supported by health & nutritional advice and an ongoing interest in your wellness.
“Holistic Hair complements a healthy state of being”
We are constantly looking at ways to refine and improve what we do and also to provide the most recent health advice around hair & scalp issues.
We call it combination therapy ,working from the inside out.
BR: To many people, you would have their dream job. What is the best thing about working for a high profile business and developing products yourself that consumer’s love?
I guess it would be the positive feedback. I love the salon environment as I am face to face with customers and can hear their concerns then I can go away and work on it to create a product that deals with their concerns.
It is many hours of work beyond your typical 9 to 5 and often keeps me awake at night but when someone e mails us a positive comment then I know it is time well spent.
BR: What is the best selling Holistic Hair product?
I think it would have to be the Hydrating conditioner. Not only can it be used as a normal wash out conditioner but it can be used as a leave in product, a smoothing lotion when blow drying, and can also be combined with the therapy oil to make a super duper masque treatment.
BR: What is it about this product that makes it so popular?
Apart from the fact that it smells so great, it is the fact that people notice over time that the condition of their hair improves remarkably. Many other products have an aesthetic quality which means it looks shiny but no actual repair is going on whereas with our Hydrating conditioner the results speak for themselves.
BR: What have been the biggest highlights of your years in the hair care Industry?
There have been a few! Being the owner of a hair salon with a view over Manly beach rates as one, getting in to the finals of the L’Oreal colour trophy was another, and having our product being used on several major TV & movie productions such as outrageous fortune, Boy ,Spartacus and Avatar.
BR: What’s your favorite Holistic Hair product?
When I am working in the salon I am NEVER without my bottle of sea spray as it is great for adding movement & volume to a hairstyle. I absolutely love the beach hair feel as it is free, natural, low maintenance & this represents what I stand for .
Keeping it real (sorry for the cliché)
BR: What advice would you give to readers who want to get into the industry and maybe one day do what you do?
Have a purpose, be prepared to do a hell of a lot of research and have a genuine desire to create solution for people, this is not a passion driven by money, it would never be successful if that was my goal but the rewards come over time.
When I wake up in the morning I know I am doing somebody somewhere some good and that what keeps me doing what I do.
BR: What does a normal day for you consist of?
No such thing!
Basically 3 mornings a week a run, 4 days a week in the salon, two of them being 12-hour shifts and the rest of my days and nights on Holistic hair.
I do my planning each Tuesday & consult with Aimee my business manager about what we are trying to complete and who we need to contact, educate, and enlighten!!
BR: How do you relax?
Fall into bed at night!
My other passion is surfing and I love yoga plus I play a little guitar sometimes
BR: Can you give us a hint about what’s next for Holistic Hair?
World domination! But failing that, we have been talking to a formulator about refining some of our products plus by early next year we will be doing a brand upgrade with a great new look so watch this space!!
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"When I am working in the salon I am NEVER without my bottle of sea spray as it is great for adding movement & volume to a hairstyle. I absolutely love the beach hair feel as it is free, natural, low maintenance & this represents what I stand for." Nigel Russell |
To learn more about Holistic Hair products go to www.holistichair.co.nz
