In Session

Richard Kavanagh

A man with tattoos on his arms is speaking on stage, holding a microphone and a remote control, wearing a black t-shirt and black pants, with a presentation slide visible in the background.
Richard Kavanagh

Originally from New Zealand and now based in Sydney, Richard Kavanagh is one of the most celebrated names in session hairdressing, with a career that has seen him create some of fashion’s most memorable runway and editorial moments. Known for his refined aesthetic and creative instinct, Richard has spent decades shaping the global hair landscape while remaining one of the industry’s most respected and quietly influential talents.

In this edition of Up Close, we step beyond the backstage energy and into the world behind the artist, exploring the inspirations, rituals and personal passions that shape his creative life. From the places that recharge him to the milestones still on his horizon, Richard offers a candid glimpse into the person behind the craft.

Crafted Focus

When you step away from set or editorial work, how do you like to spend your time?

I'm always doing something. I'm building a couple of businesses, getting better at coaching and consulting, and try my best to be available for my family. My main hobby is martial arts, and I train and compete in Brazilian Jiujitsu. It helps keep the crazy at bay... in fact, if I had the resources, I'd probably live like a professional athelete

What inspires your creative process — are there particular artists, music, or references you're drawn to?

Im a fan of the dutch masters portraits. In particular the way the render light and shadow. I’m also a big fan of the surrealism of early Man Ray. I’m drawn to couture as well. And I find the Belgian design aesthetic inspiring. Its a real mash up of vibes, but I think it’s the eco;ectic nature of my taste that flavours everything I do.

Portrait of a young woman with light skin, brown hair styled in a messy updo, and green eyes, looking directly at the camera against a gray background.
Portrait of a young woman with light skin, brown hair styled in a messy updo, and green eyes, looking directly at the camera against a gray background.
A woman with red hair styled in a vintage updo, wearing a bejeweled headband, with one eye partially covered by her hair, and looking directly at the camera.

Global Reset

If you could jump on a plane tomorrow, where would you go to recharge or find inspiration?

That’s easy. Lake Tarawera for a switch off, wind down recharge. Paris for inspiration. New York for connection, and china for the food. 

Is there a creative or career milestone you’re still striving toward?

I’ve been pretty lucky really to have hit pretty much all the goals I’ve set for myself in my career creatively. My latest obsession is building technology, and my company, piiq Digital is changing the way people buy haircare with our Pro Hair I.D. technology. That is rolling out across more than 500 locations with a major retailer in a few weeks, so I’m keen for that to take me on a journey and see where it goes.

Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self at the beginning of your journey?

To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. The mistakes I made a long the way, the side quests, the adventures and challenges all shaped me and gave me some pretty fun stories. I would definitely say - focus on the fundamentals. And don’t be scared. Also, learn about money. That took me longer than I would have liked.

A woman with an avant-garde hairstyle featuring a voluminous, tall updo with a golden hue, decorated with silver, crisscrossing jewelry accents against a dark background.
A woman with an avant-garde hairstyle featuring a voluminous, tall updo with a golden hue, decorated with silver, crisscrossing jewelry accents against a dark background.
A woman with sleek, blonde hair styled in a high ponytail decorated with rhinestone jewelry and a large, sparkly hairpiece. She is wearing an elaborate, sparkling necklace and a matching earring, against a dark background.

Great Minds

What’s your ultimate comfort meal or go-to indulgence?

If I really want to treat myself, I go alone, to a French bistro, order foie gras, steak frites, and a glass of montepulciano and sit at a table on the sidewalk and people watch while I indulge in may delicious meal. 

Do you have a passion outside of your creative work that might surprise people?

I’m an avid combat sport fan. I’ve trained and competed as a black belt in karate in full contact bare knuckles tournaments, I had a short career as a boxer, winning a golden gloves title, and now compete in Jiujitsu, and as a black belt have won state, national and pan pacific titles. 

What’s something about you that most people wouldn’t expect?

I’m actually quite woo woo in many respects and like to experiment with different modes of understanding life, the universe and the human condition. (Oh, and I’m a super nerd, I wanted to be a biochemist, but hairdressing called me early and took my heart)

If you could host a dinner party with any three people—past or present—who would you invite, and why?

Nelson Mandela, I want to understand what it takes to live with that level of commitment and integrity. 2 - Muhammad Ali - that man was a genius in his time, and the greatest that ever lived. To be in his presence would be an honour and a gift. Author Richard Bach, his book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull shaped the way I think when I was a child and some of his other books lit up[ my life in my early twenties.

Do you have a daily ritual or routine that keeps you grounded and creatively energised?

Apart from physical training and looking after the machine as best I can, my morning routine which consists of a few moments of communion with nature, followed by reciting 3-5 things I’m grateful for and a few simple affirmations set me up with a good attitude for the day.

A woman with elaborate hair styled in a high, voluminous updo, adorned with multiple decorative hairpins. She wears a red ribbon around her head and face, with the ribbon tied under her chin. She has bright blue eyes, bold makeup, and a neutral expression.
A woman with elaborate hair styled in a high, voluminous updo, adorned with multiple decorative hairpins. She wears a red ribbon around her head and face, with the ribbon tied under her chin. She has bright blue eyes, bold makeup, and a neutral expression.
Collage of magazine covers featuring models, celebrities, and fashion icons, including Elle, L'Officiel, InStyle, GQ, Issue, Sunday Life, Vogue Beauty, Vogue, and Giorgio Armani, with various poses, hairstyles, and outfits.

In Session

Michael Beel

Man standing next to a display case with a microphone, posing excitedly at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 promotional event in Basel, Switzerland.
Michael Beel

From editorial shoots and celebrity styling to award-winning artistry behind the chair, Michael Beel has built a career defined by creativity, individuality and impeccable taste.

Beyond the fashion, photoshoots and polished finishes is an artist equally inspired by disco soundtracks, seaside hosting and the simple joy of gathering people together. We sat down with Michael to talk career highlights, personal rituals and the moments away from the salon that truly fill his cup.

Glitter & Gatherings

When you’re not working behind the chair, how do you like to spend your time?

I love to host and entertain friends at my little seaside cottage with my husband in Petone. I find pottering around home and the kitchen quite grounding and then when everyone’s here, laughter and joy really fill my cup. 

Do you have a favourite genre or artist that you listen to while working—or just in life?

I’m a boy who loves gay pop and disco vibes. So anything that gets the blood pumping, the feet moving and puts a smile on my face. It can be anything from Cher, Tina Turner and Donna Summer to Lady Gaga, Olivia Dean and Purple Disco

Three people dressed in formal attire posing in a hotel lobby.
Three people dressed in formal attire posing in a hotel lobby.
A woman with long platinum blonde hair lying on a medical examination table, with her eyes closed and arms crossed over her chest, and a man kneeling beside her holding a remote control.
A mounted peacock with vibrant blue and green feathers, standing on a black platform in front of a white wall, with a framed artwork of a deer head behind it.

Paris, Pasta & Persistence

If you could hop on a plane tomorrow, where is your favourite place to travel and why?

Paris… I’m very lucky I’ve been 3 times and every time I fall in love with it alittle more. The people, the food, the art and the architecture. You walk around a corner and your mind gets blown away every time. My favourite room in the world is at the Palais Garnier… I think it’s more striking than the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. 

Do you have a career goal or milestone you’d love to achieve that you haven't already?

A Vogue cover! I’ve been very fortunate to have work featured in Vogue a few times, including an editorial with Rita Ora, but so far the cover alludes me. Being I’m based in Wellington and not one of the fashion capitals it’s a lot harder to achieve but I’m not afraid of hustling to tick that box. 

The Eiffel Tower illuminated at night in Paris.
A woman with long blonde hair standing outdoors during sunset, wearing a sheer gold dress with a diamond pattern, and tattoos visible on her arm and wrist.

Is there a piece of advice you’d give your younger self when you first started hairdressing?

Practice and master the foundations over and over again. I wanted to skip the sets, braids and fingerwaves, thinking they were irrelevant and get into cutting as fast as possible but now I know the importance of that type of work especially in the editorial, fashion realm. Hair manipulation is what we do - so I would tell baby Michael to get out that dolls head and practice again and again. 

What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite meal?

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Mac and cheese. Home made of course. There’s something so comforting that crispy moist chicken and cheesy pasta - the waist doesn’t agree but who cares! 

Love Served Homemade

Do you have a hobby or passion outside of hairdressing that surprises people?

Making Chutneys and pickle’s. It goes back to when I lived on a farm as a kid and seeing my mum and nana preserve, bottle and pickle everything. Nothing beats homemade without all the preservatives and additives and sometimes when it comes from my own garden, even better! 

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m the oldest out of 8 brothers and sisters. A very large dysfunctional but close loving family. I have 12 nieces and nephews but that number keeps getting added too so when we are all together at Christmas time we almost need to hire out the local rugby club to host us hahaha.

Two hikers in blue jackets and black pants standing on rocky terrain near a small greenish lake with volcanic landscape and cloudy sky in the background.
Two men painting a room together, one standing on a ladder and holding a paintbrush, the other standing on the floor with a paint can and a paint roller.

If you could have a dinner party with any three people, living or dead, who would you invite?

Hmmmmmm I would love to host Tina Turner (her life is so inspirational and I would show her our viral Proud Mary Dance from Vegas IIYKYK!), my Mum… she passed away 17 years ago quite suddenly at a relatively young age so to have an evening with her with her iconic laughter again would be priceless and of course my Husband… who is an excellent person to top up my glass of champagne and to keep my spirits high. 

Do you have a morning or evening routine that helps you stay grounded and creative?

I go to the gym, run or do a big walk every single morning. No headphones on to just allow my brain a chance to relax and focus on the day ahead. The endorphins means I’m in a better mood, trust me if I haven’t exercised I’m not a nice lady, and makes that morning hit of caffeine taste all