Tracy’s hair-raising feat

By Shaun Inguanzo
KEYSBOROUGH hair stylist Tracy Nguyen is a cut above the rest of the nation.
The mother of four says she was thrilled to scoop first place at the Hair and Beauty Industry Association’s Australian Hairdressing Championship on Sunday, 1 October.
She defeated tough opposition from industry-renowned salons, making Keysborough the new ‘it’ place for the fashion-minded.
Ms Nguyen, 29, has been hairdressing for 14 years and owns the Aspiration hair salon in Parkmore Shopping Centre.
She assembled an army of 11 models who she had to style, apply make-up to, coordinate fashion for, and then choreograph for the catwalk in preparation for her presentation to the judges at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.
“I was happy because we worked so hard for it,” she said. “We were all up until 1am on many nights preparing for the event.
“The models were clients of the salon, and friends. They were all unpaid.
“I want to thank them because (awards) like this come with a lot of preparation.”
Ms Nguyen said her salon specialised in every kind of hairstyle or cut possible, in order to “be the best” in the industry.
Her all-round victory at the championships adds strength to her philosophy, and is also attracting new clients.
“We have had a few new clients already, they are pouring in,” she said.
Ms Nguyen also thanked her husband and children for their support.
“My family is always involved and I know I can’t do this without their support,” she said.
Parkmore Shopping Centre manager Linda Burgess praised Ms Nguyen’s efforts.
“We’re very proud of Tracey and what she has achieved,” she said. “It just shows the quality of the haircut that you will receive when you visit Aspiration at Parkmore.”