A Moment with Dane Wakefield

By Louise May

Dane Wakefield is a celebrated Sydney hairdresser and the visionary owner of Wakefields Salon in Surry Hills. With over a decade of industry experience, Dane has established himself as one of Sydney’s leading hairdressers. His passion for transforming hair into a canvas for personal expression is evident in every cut, colour, and style he creates.

Wakefields hosts some of Sydney’s most experienced and favourite hair artists, with 20 chairs and 6 basins, Wakefields is a calm and welcoming salon offering all things hair, complimentary cocktails and a salon soundtrack from heaven!

Mocha Hair Editor Louise May, chats with Dane...

Can you tell us about your journey in the hairdressing industry? What inspired you to become a hairstylist?

I kind of fell into the industry by accident. My sister was working at a salon and when she resigned, she told them I would take over her position without asking me and I was too nervous to quit a job I hadn’t even started so I just stuck it out, and look at me

You’ve worked all over the world—how has that experience shaped your career?

Seeing that there are so many different ways to do hair and run a salon in other countries really opened my eyes and gave me even more hunger to seek education in different places and absorb as much as I can, which has pushed me to create a salon experience different to anything here in Australia.

Why did you choose O&M, and what drew you to join the team as an ambassador?

I chose O&M as I love that it’s a home grown brand and I love supporting Australian business. I also love the clean and kind foundation that the brand is built on, it aligns with my values, and I love having a clean colour to provide a better working environment for my team, my clients and myself, so it’s a no brainer.

How does O&M align with your philosophy as a hairstylist?

Hairdressing these days isn’t just about the hair, it’s an experience, and O&M fits perfectly into the experience that we provide at Wakefields. That is, being a kind, welcoming place to relax.

What are your top 3 favourite O&M products, and why?

I’m in love with the new PS range. The PS Spray is essential for everyone as everyone needs a heat protector.

The Seven Day Miracle is the perfect treatment for anyone with dry hair. Thirdly, I love Style Guru, it’s such a versatile product and one I use in my own hair every day.

What can we expect from you as an O&M educator? Any exciting techniques or trends you’ll be focusing on?

I have a pretty relaxed education style that makes it easy for people to relate to, and comfortable enough to ask questions they usually wouldn’t.

I pride myself on passing on techniques that have helped me so much in my career and things that hairdressers can use straight away in the salon.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching and mentoring other stylists?

What I find most rewarding is seeing people succeed from using the techniques I have taught them. I have hairdressers come up to me in the streets saying they came to a class or have seen my online education, and they used my techniques, and their work has been elevated.

As an educator, we put ourselves in the position for people to learn from us, so I truly believe I’m here to give as much back to the industry as I have gotten from it.

What’s your go-to playlist when creating those iconic wavy blowouts?

The Wakefields playlist OBVIOUSLY! We have a carefully curated Playlist at Wakefields by our resident DJ Red, with the likes of Mariah, Beyonce, George Michael and of course, the Spice Girls

What are you most looking forward to with your O&M role?

I am most looking forward to meeting more amazing hair artists on my travels and being part of such an amazing community.

@danewakefieldhair @wakefields._