Never Stop Learning – Vidal Sassoon International Masters.
After more than three decades working across international fashion, editorial and salon hairdressing, Anthony Nader returned to the classroom for three days of intensive education in London. His experience at the Vidal Sassoon International Masters is a compelling reminder that expertise and the desire to learn should always go hand in hand.
With more than 3 decades of experience across international fashion, editorial, runway, celebrity styling and salon hairdressing, Anthony Nader has established himself as one of Australia’s most respected creative talents. A multi-award-winning hairstylist, including back to back 2025 and 2026 AHIA Creative Hairdresser of the Year titles, his achievements reflect a career defined by creativity, technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Yet despite his considerable success, Anthony remains firmly committed to continuing his education.
That commitment recently took him to London for the three-day Vidal Sassoon International Masters, which concluded on Friday 9 October.
For some of Anthony’s salon clients, the decision came as a surprise.
“Wait, you’re not teaching? I’m confused!”
Having followed his career for years, many assumed there was little left for him to learn. Anthony’s response, however, was refreshingly straightforward.
“I’m still learning and have still so much to learn about haircutting.”
It’s a sentiment that reflects his belief that education remains essential, regardless of experience, recognition or professional achievement.
Three Days of Education and Inspiration
The masters was led by three internationally respected educators: Mark Hayes, Senior International Creative Director; Richard Ashforth, International Creative Director; and Danielle Harvey, Assistant Academy Creative Director London.
Each morning began with look-and-learn demonstrations, allowing participants to observe the educators creating looks on models while sharing their techniques, knowledge and creative insights.
“The morning was so inspiring to watch these three educators up close and with very honest and relaxed conversations,” Anthony shares.
Afternoons were dedicated to practical sessions, with each participant working on their own model to cut or colour, applying the techniques demonstrated earlier in the day.
“The afternoon was pure magic, as we were recreating the haircuts on our models that we watched in the morning.”
With the class capped at just 11 students, the intimate environment provided an exceptional level of individual attention and the freedom to ask questions throughout the experience.
“The detailed attention was like no other class I’ve ever attended around the world. It was up close and personal, and you could ask whatever you wanted to.”
Learning from a Creative Genius
Among the many highlights was the opportunity to spend three days learning from Mark Hayes, whose extraordinary technical ability, knowledge and personality made a lasting impression.
“Mark is a wealth of knowledge, very candid and has the best stories and is so funny. I could listen to Mark all day.”
But it was watching Mark Hayes demonstrate his cutting and blow-drying techniques that Anthony found particularly memorable.
“And watching him cut and blow-dry… that for me was worth the trip to London.”
“To spend three days in the same room as this creative genius was such a mind-blowing moment for me, that’s for sure.”
For Anthony, the opportunity to observe such technical expertise at close range reinforced the value of learning directly from some of the industry’s most accomplished educators.
A Lifelong Passion for Cutting
Although Anthony is widely recognised for his editorial styling and extensive work in photographic studios, his love of precision haircutting remains at the heart of his career.
“I’ve always loved cutting. I love cutting hair, especially strong technical shapes.”
It is this appreciation for technical excellence that made the Vidal Sassoon International Masters such a worthwhile experience.
While the course represented a significant investment in time and resources, Anthony has no hesitation in recommending the experience.
“The course is an absolute investment and I’d do it all again, hands down.”
And despite his demanding editorial schedule, Anthony continues to find enormous satisfaction in balancing his work in the studio with cutting hair in the salon.
“I think it’s pretty safe to say that the hair industry knows me for being a hairstylist and spending a lot of my time in a studio.”
“The balance of being on editorial photoshoots and in my salon cutting hair… I feel like my cup is full. I’m so content.”
For Anthony, the experience in London was more than an opportunity to develop his technical skills. It was a reminder of why he remains so passionate about the industry after more than three decades.
His commitment to continued education carries a valuable message for hairdressers at every stage of their careers: experience and success should never replace the willingness to learn.