Oprah! Wouldn’t you? Oprah! Wouldn’t you? In honour of Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power’s book, The Career Code: Must-Know Rules for a Strategic, Stylish, and Self-Made Career ($20), we’re kicking off an interview series featuring 17 questions (in honour of the book’s 17 chapters) about the work lives of the most inspirational leaders in the beauty industry.
Anthony Nader isn’t just a hair stylist with a great rep. With a career spanning 25 years, countless stellar editorial projects, a slew of high profile clients, Nader is Sydney’s most trusted hair wizard, and for good reason. Kind, endearing, and never too serious, Nader has long divided his career between Sydney, where he owns and runs his Surry Hills-based salon Raw, and New York, working the editorial and fashion week circuit like a boss. Basically, Nader is one of those rare, “best haircuts of your life” type stylists, and one visit in his chair will ensure you’re converted for life (this editor certainly is).
For all of Nader’s best career advice, go-to lunch ideas, and tips for staying inspired, keep scrolling.
I create hair that is not only fashion-forward, but also take into account a client’s face shape and their lifestyle. Basically, I aim to make my clients feel like a million bucks.
It isn’t all glitz and glamour. There’s a whole lot of hard work and long hours that is put in behind the scenes. In saying this though, I wouldn’t change a single thing. I absolutely love the process of being a creative. I’ve been a hairstylist for 25 years and can honestly say that I love every day.
Gosh, that’s a hard one—I’m casting the mind back a bit. After I completed my apprenticeship in 1992 in Australia, I left for London and worked in a very cool salon in Kensington. I’m pretty sure I was vibing the British boy band, Bros (there was a lot of stubbed leather and acid-wash denim—cringe). I swear I was the fourth member and they just didn’t know it yet. Anyway, that was the look I went for. Might I add, I got the job.
Oprah! Wouldn’t you?
One word—Instagram. Where on earth would we be without it? There’s so much inspiration there. I don’t just narrow in on hair peers as such, I’m hugely inspired by landscaping, architecture, and pop-culture as well.
I don’t stop and smell the roses often enough.
- Star sign
- Personal grooming
- Don’t make up or embellish stories to impress myself and the team
- The ability to self-teach
- Goal-driven
Hmm, I might apply a shiny wax in my hair instead of a dry paste? Does that pass?
Precise and inspirational.
Tell my husband I need to get on the next plane to New York!
With professionalism. And always try to put yourself in the employers shoes for a moment. Think of the good karma.
My husband’s chicken breast kale salad. He really knows the way to my heart.
Anyone in fashion, interior design, architecture, beauty, and of course Madonna.
At night, I’ll wash the day off with my Cetaphil again. Then I always overdose with Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist ($35) all over my face and neck.
Every Sunday morning before I go out to brunch, I use the Sisley Face Mask ($140) and, while that’s on, I flick through my fashion magazines.
