celebrates the rising voices shaping the future of hairdressing

Alice Howard is an emerging talent in New Zealand’s hairdressing scene, having recently completed her hairdressing qualification. She trained at Ryder Salon in Auckland City and continues to work there as a stylist, building a strong foundation in both technical skill and creative expression.

A highlight of her early career was being selected as part of the Industry Creative team, which saw her travel to New York Fashion Week in February 2025 to assist backstage on shows. This experience immersed her in the fast-paced world of international fashion, sharpening her skills and expanding her creative perspective.

What has been the most challenging part of your apprenticeship so far, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges during my apprenticeship was getting through my haircutting training. I put a lot of pressure on myself to really master this skill, as I’ve always wanted to become a well-rounded hairdresser. It didn’t come easily—it took time, patience, and a lot of persistence. I made a conscious effort to work on a wide range of models with different textures and styles, spent hours watching tutorials, and constantly asked questions. Now, I’ve reached a point where I feel confident across all areas, and looking back, the hard work was absolutely worth it.

Can you share a moment that pushed you outside your comfort zone or shaped your confidence?

A defining moment for me was becoming part of the Industry NZ Creative Team. Editorial work had always been something I was deeply passionate about, but I didn’t know how to break into that space or fully trust my own creative instincts. Being involved in that team pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible way. It really kickstarted that side of my career and helped me build confidence—not only in my technical ability but also in my creative vision.

How did it feel to work backstage at New York Fashion Week, and what stood out most about the experience?

Travelling to New York Fashion Week is still, to this day, the highlight of my career. Working backstage was a dream come true. What surprised me the most was just how fast-paced yet exciting the environment was. I expected to feel overwhelmed, especially being so new to that level of work, but instead I found myself completely immersed and loving every moment. Being surrounded by such a diverse range of models and incredibly talented hairdressers meant I was constantly learning, picking up new techniques, and gaining invaluable experience.

How has working on high-profile shows influenced your approach in the salon?

Working on high-profile shows really opened my eyes to a side of the industry I hadn’t experienced before. It made me reassess both my skill set and how I approach my everyday clients. While runway and editorial work are very different from salon services, I realised that the techniques and creative thinking I developed backstage can absolutely translate into my salon work. It’s allowed me to elevate my results, bringing more personality, creativity, and a refined edge to what I do day-to-day.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals, and what impact do you hope to make in the industry?

Looking to the future, I’d love to continue working overseas and be involved in more Fashion Weeks around the world. I’m passionate about continuously elevating my skills and developing a strong, recognisable creative identity. In terms of impact, I really want to help keep editorial hairdressing alive. I feel like, within my generation, it’s becoming a bit of a lost art, especially with the way social media often promotes more uniform, trend-driven work. I’d love to champion individuality and creativity, and eventually move into education—helping inspire others to think outside the box and explore the more artistic side of hairdressing.