My focus is to support hairdressers with inspiration, trends, and techniques unique to ghd. I’m looking forward to working closely with the entire education team and our trade influencers to curate a harmonious ghd team in 2020 and beyond.
GHD ANZ NATIONAL EDUCATION MANAGER, GRANT NORTON
With years of experience, multiple accolades and a broad knowledge of both the local and international hairdressing industry, Grant Norton is unarguably one of Australia’s most beloved educators.
Having worked in the hair sphere for over two decades, the former AHFA Men’s Hairdresser of the Year was in perfect steed to embark upon his most dynamic role yet, taking up post as the new National Education Manager for ghd Australia and New Zealand in October of this year.
Here he shares the details of their alignment, thoughts on the importance of education and plans for the brand’s future in 2020 and beyond.
Over to you, Grant.
TJ: Tell us about your new role as National Education Manager for ghd Australia and New Zealand. What will the role entail?
GN: I have such a positive vision for the role! My focus is to support hairdressers with inspiration, trends, and techniques unique to ghd. I’m really excited to not only build on our traditional in-salon trainings, but to also expand our digital offering as well. I’m so ready to make a positive impact on 2020 within what already is an incredible team!
TJ: You’ve held a number of notable positions over the course of your career in hair. What ultimately prompted your move into the styling tool arena?
GN: ghd has always had such a strong name as a leader in the hot tool category. When the opportunity was presented, and I started to research the brand I couldn’t believe how far the brand had evolved and how the product portfolio had grown.
Hearing that ghd have a research lab in Cambridge dedicated for testing and new product development blew me away. Did you know of the team members even worked for NASA! I had always been a great fan of ghd since 2001 when it first landed in market and am proud and excited to have the opportunity to work with the ghd ANZ family.
TJ: Talk us through some of the new/updated educational initiatives you hope to launch in 2020.
GN: As part of my role I will be working very closely with the ghd Global education team. I will be working to train the ANZ education team on all the latest education and technical information on new product launches. I’m also super excited to co-create with our creative artists in 2020. We have such amazing event opportunities in fashion, beauty, and with consumers coming up.
Continuing to build and expanding our digital education offer is also really important to be – with digital we can support hairdressers with inspiration, trends, and techniques right at their fingertips. Runway and editorial looks will play a major part of AW2020 trend education and is extremely fashion forward and exciting. I am looking forward to working closely with the entire education team and our trade influencers to curate a harmonious ghd team in 2020 and beyond.
TJ: In your opinion, how important is ongoing education for industry veterans and newcomers alike?
GN: Education is everything – it supports salons and helps hairdressers understand the features and benefits of the tools they are using, and this knowledge is then passed onto the consumer. We need to continually fuel, motivate and educate to keep ourselves relevant and at the top of our game.
What first drew you to the ghd brand? What makes ghd superior to its market competitors?
In 2002 I was one of the first people in Australia to try the original ghd and use it in salon. The technology and quality were miles ahead of the rest of the industry offerings. To see the technology develop over the past 18 years and with the commitment of the research lab in Cambridge, testing and creating new product development, leaves the competitors behind.
TJ: Must have tool from the ghd range?
GN: I am just amazed at the technology of the Platinum + styler. A smart styler with a built in chip that works to predict and maintain the optimum heat temperature of 185 degrees so that the hair is protected no matter your speed or section size.
Think the very latest iPhone, don’t we all want the very latest?
TJ: What is one piece of advice that has stuck with you over the course of your career?
GN: Always do more than is asked of you from your employer.
TJ: Any advice for young hairdressers looking to follow in your career footsteps?
GN: Learn from and surround yourself with positive people. Enjoy this amazing industry and share your knowledge with your team and the wider hairdressing community.
TJ: Likewise… any advice for stylists looking to align themselves with ghd?
GN: Firstly, follow @ghdhair_anz and @grantnorton_ghdanz to keep updated on new product launches and 2020 education and events. If you are a style squad team member, ghd salon stockist or industry influencer feel free to DM me regarding ongoing opportunities.
TJ: Any major goals with ghd for 2020 and beyond?
GN: I am full steam ahead in planning education trainings with unforgettable events and experiences for the team. This will ensure a smooth education roll out for salon + digital education in 2020. Building strong global education consistency and a world class harmonious education team in ANZ.
Visit: www.ghdhair.com/au
You may also like…