Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Kimberley Tulisi Of Edwards & Co Salon

This week, Iles Formula Hair Talk Features Kimberley Tulisi Of Edwards & Co Salon, Australia.   We often feature hairdressing artists at the top of their game, but we are also interested in the view of those hairdressers starting out, to hear their fresh perspective of our industry too.  Kimberley is a talented young artist, filled with passion for her trade, read on to know her view of the highs and lows of hairdressing today.

To see more from Kimberley, check out her Instagram @kk_edwardsandco and also the beautiful work from her team at Edwards & Co salon, @_edwardsandco .

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

I think it’s a big challenge finding young people passionate enough for the job and willing to put in what it takes. It’s not easy starting out. I don’t think anyone can say they really enjoyed all the sweeping and cleaning you do in your first few months of your apprenticeship, but so worth it once you start moving forward.

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

The opportunities that have opened up since I started. So many different pathways in the industry that you could follow, hairdressing is not what it used to be.

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

It all started with my love of all things drag queen related. I was always so amazed by the absolute masterpieces they could create with the hair and makeup. It was always perfectly over the top and everything I wanted to be. I started studying then working with makeup freelancing which was shortly followed by starting my apprenticeship and going into hairdressing.

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

 I almost went to university because all my friends were there and that was what every high school teacher told you was the only option. I had no interest in any particular course, I just thought that’s what you had to do after you graduated.

IF:  What is your greatest strength?

I’m always eager to learn and face the challenges ahead.

IF:  Your favorite hairdressing tools?

My go-to tool in my kit would be my GHD soft curl tong. I can’t live without it!

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

I first started using Iles Formula when I started working with Edwards and Co Gold Coast. It was one of the first products I’d tried as an apprentice just starting to blow dry and I’d never really reach for other products because the Finishing Serum did everything I needed. I use it on all of my styles and cuts no matter the texture, density or the length of the clients hair.

IF:  What was the most challenging job you ever made?

The first time I had ever done fashion week. I was a second year apprentice and had no clue about how fast paced and high pressure behind the scenes of a fashion show was. Our team had probably done one third of the models that needed to be done and the designer came backstage and changed her mind on the look from a slick (very heavily hair sprayed) to a messy braid. Hell.

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

I am still very early in my career so I am (touch wood) yet to have a worst moment.

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

Zendaya. She can pull off any look and is very adventurous when it comes to her style.

IF:  Where do you pull hair inspiration from?

I am in a very large creative workplace everyday. (Possibly biased) I am very inspired by my E+Co family who work around me and are producing some of the best hair in the industry. It’s very easy to be inspired when you are constantly surrounded and supported by amazing colorists and stylists.

 IF:  Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?

Put yourself out there, ask lots of questions and say yes to everything.  Learn from your mistakes and move on from them. We work in a fast paced and competitive industry, if you put in the work you will be rewarded. Never say no to an opportunity to learn.

IF: Thanks for sharing Kimberley, we wish you wonderful years ahead in this very special trade of hair we all love.