Bayswater: Eclectic Styles Hair Studio wins first WA salon of the year title

WA’s salon of the year, Eclectic Styles Hair Studio in Bayswater, is motivated to continue learning new trends in an “ever-evolving” industry.

The studio finished with top points at the 2018 WA International Hairstylists Society (IHS) championships and won the salon of the year for the first time on October 28.

The championships involve various live rounds where hairdressers and barbers need to create hairstyles and do haircuts on models.

Owner Elizabeth Stillisano of Forrestfield also won the senior hairdresser of the year and overall champion while her partner Matthew Simpson won the junior lord of the barber title.

First-year apprentice Jo Milieri of Huntingdale came second in the junior traditional men’s cut and junior session stylist live rounds.

Ms Stillisano, who has been a hairdresser for 12 years and ran the studio for six years, said she was shaking when the judges announced their name as the salon of the year winner.

“Every time I do a competition it is a way for me to push myself and try things that you can’t try on clients that sit on the chair,” she said.

“It is a good way to learn new things and get motivated.”

She said the industry was “ever-evolving” as trends were always changing.

Mr Simpson, who has been a barber for two years, said he was constantly challenged by his clients.

“You are always working a different canvas every time and even though there are fundamentals, a haircut is always different on each person,” he said.

Ms Milieri, who started work experience as a high school student four years ago, said she enjoyed learning new techniques.

“What keeps me motivated is when you see the clients happy and I just want to keep doing it,” she said.

Ms Stillisano has joined the IHS committee as an ambassador, with her staff are set to compete in more competitions next year.