Shags, Vivids, and Secrets to Success in Hair Competitions

Sheridan Rose Shaw is the Owner of MAMAWEST — a renowned Melbourne hairdresser with 17 years of industry experience, Sheridan is known for her creative cutting and colour skills, as well as a passion for empowering the next generation, becoming an industry leader & educator. 

She loves pushing the boundaries and creating trends rather than following them. She is known for anything blonde and bold. Her niche is creative cutting and colour.

Show notes for podcast episode 177

LET’S MEET OUR GUEST – Sheridan rose shaw

I'm thrilled to welcome Sheridan Rose Shaw to the show. She’s celebrated in the hairdressing industry for her vibrant salon work, colourful personal fashion style, authenticity in her branding, and signature shag haircut, which has earned her recognition in the Top 100 Behind the Chair Awards but also for her success in hair competitions. She's here to share her journey and insights with us.

Sheridan and Mamawest won multiple awards, including the AHIA Victorian Salon of the Year 2023, AHIA Australian Newcomer Salon of the Year, Most Innovative Business of the Year, Contribution to Business Award while also being an AHIA New Creative Talent & HOT SHOTS finalist. She was also a member of the Australian FAME TEAM for 2023, taking home the AHFA Artistic Team Of The Year Award.

Building a Unique Salon Brand

Sheridan's journey began early, influenced by her goth parents with their diamond fringes and drawn-on eyebrows. She left school young, starting as a makeup artist before becoming an apprentice at 14. Initially, she hated it but eventually found her passion and built her salon brand around her unique style, including her signature shag haircut. 

In the last 10 years, she has focused on personal development, delving deep into understanding herself. She leaned into her authentic self, creating MAMAWEST, which reflects her personality. This authenticity attracted TV channels and brands, making her marketing flow naturally. Being authentic with yourself draws the right people to you.

Success in Hair Competitions

“It takes a lot of energy and it is OK that not everyone will love you.“

Sheridan believes competition work isn't for everyone, but it pushes her to be the best and it's best to start preparations 6-12 months in advance and creating work you love. Competitions help push your boundaries and offer great opportunities, even if you don't win.

Mentor opportunities can arise from competition. She believes in being active in the hairdressing community, making bold moves, and not just snickering on the sidelines. 

Tips for Aspiring Competitors

For those looking to enter competitions, Sheridan suggests starting with platforms like One Shot Hair Awards or Behind the Chair. Get a model, prepare, and practice extensively. There's magic in competitions, even if you don't win. Humility is a key part of growth.

“There is magic in competitions when you don’t win.  Humility is an important attribute to life and growth.”

Listen to episode 177 of the Colour Kristina Talks Podcast to learn all the secrets to success in hair competitions and how to stand out from the sea of sameness as a hairdresser.