After recently relocating from Auckland to Melbourne, Chetan Mongia has earned a place as a finalist in the prestigious 2025 International Hair Awards representing Australia. Ahead, ProCollective caught up with the award-winning hairdresser, educator and Wella Top Artist to delve into his journey to becoming an IHAwards finalist.

PC: Congratulations on being nominated as a finalist for this year’s International Hairdressing Awards! How does it feel to be the sole finalist chosen from Oceania?

Chetan: It’s an incredible honour to be the only finalist from Oceania. The hair industry in this part of the world is so full of talent – to have my work recognised on an international stage feels surreal. It’s a moment of pride – not just for me, but for the ANZ community that has shaped and supported my journey.

Can you tell us a bit about what was involved in the entry submission process?

The submission involved creating a collection that not only showcased technical excellence but also told a story – a collection that represented commercial hair; looks that are both on-trend and wearable, with a strong focus on colour and styling.

What was the inspiration behind your collection ‘BLONDE’ that earned you a finalist nomination for Best Women’s Commercial Collection?

The original inspiration for the collection came from the idea that blonde now comes in dozens of iterations, from strawberry blonde and honey blonde to caramel blonde and buttercream blonde, and many, many other shades. It’s not just a light-to-dark spectrum, either; blonde hair can veer towards white, yellow, red, brown, orange, and rose gold tones, and manages to look completely different every time.

The ‘VISION BLONDE COLLECTION’ was inspired by the idea of modern luxury and individuality. I wanted to push the boundaries of blonde hair by creating a collection that felt high-fashion yet wearable. It’s about elevating the perception of blonde – moving beyond the traditional blonde and showing that it can be versatile and have depth.

While you’ll be representing Australia and your new venture Vision Blonde at the awards in June, up until recently your illustrious career unfolded in Aotearoa. In true Kiwi fashion, we’ll proudly stake a little claim to your success too 😉 Can you walk us through your hairdressing journey in Auckland?

Absolutely! New Zealand will always be a huge part of my story. I did my apprenticeship at Jarvis Ponsonby, which helped set my base before opening my first salon when I was 21 and ran it for eight years. I then moved to Melbourne in 2013 and worked with OSCAROSCAR Chadstone with Jackie Chan and Nathan Armagnacq but had to move back to Auckland in 2015 due to personal reasons.

From there, I built two successful salons in Auckland—Laboratorie and Barba—both of which had a strong identity and following. Laboratorie was about innovation and high-end colour, while Barba redefined men’s grooming.

In 2017, I joined Wella, and that’s when the ball started to roll. The support, opportunities, and education I received from Wella have played the biggest role in moulding and helping me grow; it is something that will always be close to my heart. Over the years, I worked with some incredible teams, mentored emerging talent, and developed a reputation for great colour work and education. The journey in Aotearoa laid the foundation for everything I do now.

What prompted your decision to relocate to Melbourne?

I was ready for a new challenge. Melbourne has such a dynamic fashion and beauty scene. The move was about growth—both personally and professionally. I wanted to create something that truly aligned with my vision, and Melbourne felt like the perfect place to do that.

You opened the doors to Vision Blonde, Melbourne’s first blonde salon, in August 2024. What motivated the concept and how is the salon going so far?

The concept was born from a desire to offer a truly specialised experience for blondes. Whether it’s creamy, cool, golden, or lived-in, blonde hair requires a tailored approach. Vision Blonde is all about expertise, personalisation, and quiet luxury – clients know they’re in the hands of true specialists. So far, the response has been incredible. We’ve built a loyal client base quickly, and it’s exciting to see the brand grow.

Throughout your career, what would be some of your other key highlights or memorable moments?

There have been so many, but a few that stand out:

• Opening my first salon at 21—it was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
• Being asked to work on International and National hair shows with Wella’s Global Ambassadors Renya Xydis and James Earnshaw.
• Seeing my team members grow into incredible stylists and educators.
• Winning 2024 AHFAs Victorian Hairdresser of the Year
• Part of 2025 Wella Next Gen Team
• And of course, this finalist nomination for the International Hairdressing Awards is a career-defining moment!

What does a typical day look like for you now?

No two days are the same, but it usually involves a mix of creative and business work. Mornings start with a coffee (non-negotiable), followed by either salon clients, team training or content creation. I spend a lot of time strategising and refining the client experience at Vision Blonde, ensuring we’re always delivering the best.

What do you attribute your success to in the field of hairstyling?

Consistency, passion, and education. I’ve always believed in mastering the fundamentals first, then refining and evolving. Hard work plays a huge role, but so does adaptability – trends change, techniques advance, and staying ahead is key. Also, building genuine relationships with clients and industry peers has been invaluable.

Who have been some of your biggest mentors or influences over your successes?

I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors throughout my career, but my biggest one is Ludmilla Hlinovsky (Wella Community Leader ANZ). Wella’s education team played a huge role in my early years, helping me refine my colour and styling skills. Industry icons like Renya Xydis, Andrew O’Toole and James Earnshaw who push creative boundaries also inspire me – I’m always drawn to those who challenge the status quo. And of course, my teams and clients – working with them constantly pushes me to be better.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends in cut and colour?

Education never stops. I invest time in advanced training, whether it’s through hair academies, online courses, or working alongside other industry leaders. Fashion is also a huge influence—I keep an eye on runway trends, editorial shoots, and street style. Social media is another game-changer, giving instant access to what’s happening worldwide.

What advice would you give to aspiring stylists looking to follow in your footsteps?

Master your craft. Learn the why behind techniques, not just the how. Be open to feedback, find mentors, and never stop evolving. Success in this industry comes from passion and perseverance—stay committed to your vision but also be adaptable. And most importantly, build relationships. The people you meet along the way will shape your journey more than anything.

Lastly, we never pass up an opportunity to peek inside the kit of a pro. What three products do you rate most highly in your arsenal?

1. Wella Ultimate Repair Miracle Rescue Spray – A must-have for instant strength and repair; perfect for maintaining healthy, resilient blonde hair.
2. Wella EIMI Mistify Me Light – A lightweight, flexible hairspray that provides hold without stiffness, ideal for natural movement and touchable styles.
3. Wella EIMI Perfect Setting – The perfect blow-dry lotion for volume and control, giving a polished yet effortless finish.