Fresh off a major win at the Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative) for New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2024, Andrew Cobeldick, of Wellington salon Buoy Salon and Spa is inspiring in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. We spoke to the award-winning hairdresser about salon life, must-have products, role models, routines and more. Read on!

What attracted you to hair and what still does now?

The creative freedom and realising we are just creating art. It’s the fact that it’s an industry where you can wear what you like, be who you are and just create. To me that’s very attractive. What’s keeps me attracted is that you can continuously grow and create and there’s never a limit.

What do you love most about being in the salon?

The ultimate feel good feelings when you change a client’s life.

What is one product you can’t live without?

It would definitely have to be Redken’s Full Volume Mousse. It’s amazing for blowdries, wet looks and curls, but also my go-to on my hair as well, so I can’t live without it. Mousses are so versatile! Volume, curls and hold – who couldn’t live without that?

What would you order for breakfast after a late night? 

Coffee and Maccas! Let’s be real, I’d love to say some green shake or that I’d make eggs benedict but I’m only human, and after a late night out, that ain’t going to happen! Though if there’s a potato rosti involved then I could be persuaded.

If you could choose anyone in the world to have dinner with who would it be and where? 

Post Malone, and it would surely have to be back in Nashville, because that man is incredible! Let’s ride horses and be cowboys. How good would that be? Doing hair and being cowboys!

Who is your dream client? 

In terms of celebrities, let me have Lady Gaga, Post Malone and Demi Lovato. If it’s day to day clients, I love people who are just fun and lovely! Give me a challenge but don’t be rude.

What are your three non-negotiables in life?

Coffee, country music and all-round kindness.

Who do you look up to in the industry?

Sam Villa for facilitation skills and being cut inspired, Guido Palau for runway and beautiful editorial inspiration and my mentor Richard Kavanagh for all coaching, business and editorial skills!

Where will we find you on a Sunday night?

It depends on what’s season it is. Sunday night in the summer you’ll find me sunset chasing with animals and in winter you’ll find me being Martha Stewart!

What is your favourite place to go to relax?

Take me out into the bush or out on a ranch. Just let me adventure and explore, around animals too!

What has been the biggest change for you in the last few months?

My outlook! There’s room for all of us in the world to chase our goals and succeed. You just have to do you, love what you do and stay true to yourself and then you’ll be so much more fulfilled in life. It sounds cheesy but it’s true.

For more information visit www.buoy.co.nz

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