With the first MANE STAGE Education Event taking place as part of the 2022 AHFA Weekend in Melbourne, it was a time to pull out the big guns and gather both incredible local and international talent for a line up like no other. The very first act to take to the MANE STAGE? None other than US-based international hairstylist and Joico Global Artistic Director Richard Mannah.

We cornered him backstage ahead of curtain call to chat through his MANESTAGE looks, the importance of ongoing education, togetherness and how essential coming back as an industry is.

TJM: Can you chat us through your inspiration for today?

RM: The styling on my 2 models for MANE STAGE was very goth-chic. There is a lot of black, as well as contrast of both shiny and matte pieces for each outfit. Originally I was asked to MC the whole show however my brother David suggested I open the show with a detailed haircut. The first haircut live on stage was a wolf cut, with shorter layers, a shorter fringe and some softer length through the back. My direction for the colour was to lift it from natural brunette to an Icy blue, thanks to the talents of Marie Uva.

My presentation model had more of a shorter/stronger, graduated cut with a choppy fringe framing her face beautifully. It was a great way to introduce some salon friendly education. I believe that effective education is all about inspiring and equipping the local hairdresser in their local salon.

In saying this, my goal for the cutting techniques demonstrated at MANE STAGE are to be easily recreated in the salon. Basically, modern and wearable hair.

TJM: Do you have any key techniques or hero products from your MANE STAGE demonstration?

RM: The Hero products for me at MANE STAGE were the Joico Rise Up Powder Spray and the Joico Body Shake Texturizing Finisher. These both give the hair the volume and texture I required.

I’m all about hair to look and feel like hair, so these products don’t make hair feel too hard, wet or weighed down. It gives it that touchable texture.

TJM: If there was one thing that you were hoping that people would walk away from your session with, what was it?

RM: My goal is for people to leave wanting more. Wishing it went longer! I wanted my segment not only to be educational but also inspirational and motivational.

In addition to that, I just wanted those who came along to MANE STAGE to be inspired and to learn how to actualise a finished look in a new way,

In other words, break the rules and thinking differently.

TJM: You were the opening act for the first ever MANE STAGE. Can you chat us through the vibe of the day?

RM: The vibe of MANE STAGE  centered around that feeling of oneness and unity. Gathering hairdressers – the best of the best in Australia, and from abroad like Errol Douglas and myself  – just getting together and inspiring one another was special. We all learned from one each other.

Certain things are ‘taught’ and others are ‘caught’. When you’re around great education and you’re in the audience, people relate to it and catch a different way of thinking and working. They’re inspired by it, and walk away feeling energised to get back in the salon and perhaps apply some of the techniques they witnessed.

Good education reminds us all of why we do what we do.

Education equals motivation!

Follow @richardmannah.