NZhairdressers

HAIRSTYLIST Marc Mendicino is part of the new breed of men who don't want a short back and sides from their barber. Mr Mendicino, 24, of E Salon at Wahroonga, said his father did not change his hairstyle for 50 years and was bemused by the idea of a "style cut''.

But now Mr Mendicino's creative flair has been recognised at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, dubbed the "Oscars'' of the hairdressing industry.

He is a finalist for Men's Hairdresser of the Year, while colleague Leah White is up for Apprentice of the Year and Emiliano Vitale for NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year.

As a combined force, the 18-strong team at E Salon is competing against the rest of the country for the Artistic Salon Team of the Year accolade.

The awards recognise hairdressers whose photographic collections are on the cutting edge of the latest trends in hair fashion and have a superior level of creativity, skill and technical precision.

" We are all very excited,'' Mr Mendicino said. "Winning an award would be a wonderful way to build a profile in the industry as well as the salon's."

" Cutting men's hair can be challenging because it is so different to women's and men are more particular about their hair now.''

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on April 20 at the Opera House.

LOOK WHAT'S AHEAD FOR HAIR

MARC Mendicino's forecast for spring and summer is moving away from over-texturised hair. He said styles would be stronger, with sharper shapes and lines.

"We will see a combination of classic barbering techniques through the exterior with length and weight in the interior, ''he said.

"A variation in length will remain long hair, short hair and a combination of both in the one look.''