Over the course of the month, we will be spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K for 2022.
Here, you will get to know Alex Abbas. Abbas is a head colorist at Mane Painters in Kingsgrove, Sydney, Australia. In his Q&A, you will learn his proudest accomplishment, what motivates him, his favorite memory from this year in the industry and more.
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Alex Abbas (AA): During hair college days, I drove a shuttle bus at night when I was 18, as my apprenticeship wasn’t paying enough. I didn’t want to give up because of my low income, so I drove the bus late at night to make up for the gap in income.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
AA: Opening up my second salon, everything I learned in regards to all the mistakes I made with my first salon. I took them as a learning curve when opening my second.
BLP: What is your current favorite hairstyle trend?
AA: A bronde, then finishing it off with minimal waves, almost like that second-day look. Clients seem to like it when I keep brushing it out.
BLP: What is a hair tip you have for your fellow stylists?
AA: I always towel-dry twice before toning; removing that excess water won’t dilute your color as much.
BLP: What inspires you?
AA: Being surrounded on social media by talented artists keeps me motivated. Instagram is like a library of hair inspiration.
BLP: What do you love about your work?
AA: I love most how my technique has developed so much over time and, right now, I think if I had to put a name on my color, I would say it’s everyday wearable sexy hair.
BLP: What motivates you about this industry?
AA: Constantly seeing beautiful work on social media platforms that keeps me on my toes as it helps me push myself to new boundaries.
BLP: What is a professional goal you have for yourself?
AA: I am currently working with some factories on developing my own foil.
BLP: Who is a role model you have in the industry?
AA: Peter Thompson—being someone local, we also share similar looks in our work, but create something completely different. I have followed his work for a long time and have seen the progress in his career; therefore, I look at him as a role model and aspire to be like him.
BLP: What is your favorite career-/work-related memory from this year?
AA: Well, it was being featured in a hair magazine in Australia, but now I would say it’s this. I’m so excited and grateful to be chosen for the 25 Under 50K.
To see our full spread for this year’s 25 Under 50K recipients, you can read Beauty Launchpad’s November/December 2022 digital magazine.
