Hair Talk with Victoria Hunter of Whittemore House Salon in NYC

This week we are pleased to introduce  Australian Victoria Hunter from her New York Whittemore House Salon.

The former color directors of Bumble & Bumble opened Whittemore House in the West Village of New York  and now have a much "on trend' salon with a team of 12.  Famous for their innovative cutting and color work.

Victoria and business  partner Larry Raspanti created their modern signature technique of hair painting, a step above and beyond balayage. Their hair paint is phenomenal, lifting up to 7 shades without compromising hair condition.

Always at the forefront of beauty evolution, the salon offers hair painting education classes both in-house and off–site throughout the year.

We are proud  Iles Formula is a available at  this high end New York address of Whittemore House Salon.

Read what Victoria has to say on hairdressing today. and visit their instagram page  for more @whittemorehouse.

IF 1/ Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?

VH: Finding people that want to build a foundation and develop their craft. Taking the time to realize that learning and mastering of any craft is a lifetime process and journey. Secondly, social media for as much good it has done, it has also had the opposite effect in the industry. Its instantaneous gratification has created prevalent mediocrity.

IF 2/ What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?

VH: Going to a place that I have helped create with my partner Larry that has a magical and fun energy and all of our staff are like family amazing and hard working and unique. To have this beautiful space allows me to create the work I love whether it be editorial clients or educating our brand of hair painting.

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IF 3/ Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this
work?

VH:  I was working in my sisters salon and realized I had a passion for hair and fashion. I would pour over the magazines and become so excited. This led me on a path to leaving home (toowoomba) living in Melbourne, London, Hong Kong, and finally NYC for the last 22 years where every place from the beginning to now helped shape me into the person I am today.

IF 4/ If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?

VH:  An international spy.

IF 5/ What is your greatest strength ?

VH:  My sense of humour.

IF 6/ Your favourite hairdressing tools?

VH:  Whittemore House Hairpaint.

IF 7/ Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?

VH:  I absolutely love Iles Formula, it flies off our shelves in the salon so I think I’m not the only one..I actually don’t know a shampoo and conditioner that leaves my hair feeling the way it does. The cuticle lays so flat I can finger dry my hair with the dryer and I have no frizz in my hair. The serum is also great for any type of hair except when you're wanting a more tortured messy look. I first heard about Iles on a trip to Australia. My faves are 1 and 2 .

IF 8/ What was the most challenging job you ever made ?

VH:  Finding the exact cocktail needed to make up the 5 different tonal vintage shades Marc Jacobs needed for his 80 wigs in the spring /summer fashion week 2014. Also,  Redken just launched their pastel series from this look.

IF 9/ What was your worst hair moment and why….Privately or on set/stage or in the salon?

VH:  Unfortunately these stories can’t be divulged. They do however involve a lot of time, microsurgery, Russian roulette, blood sweat and tears that you try to turn into elation and joy.

IF 10/ If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?

VH:  Tilda Swinton because she’s the shit!

IF 11/ Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

VH:  Everyone’s hair that poses a challenge is a great source of inspiration. At the end of that process, both myself and the client feel amazing to have realized the project at hand. I am equally inspired by everything in my daily life. Nature, design, architecture, art and photography, and clothing are to name a few.

IF 12/ Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

VH: Be hungry, be curious ask questions. Start with a foundation and build your craft. Get a lot of the right education and practise on everyone. Be fearless and make mistakes.  My best learning and work came from mistakes and being able to correct them.

More  work from Victoria can be seen on the instagram page of @whittemorehouse.