Danny Pato
Photo: Danny Pato (left) pictured with husband Ryland Wood.
Creative Director and Co-Owner of D&M Hair Design
Danny Pato is a multiple award-winning Hairdresser, Salon Owner, Editorial Stylist, Media Commentator, International Artist, Celebrity Stylist, and Art Director based in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ).
· Only person to have won NZ Hairdresser of the Year four years consecutively – 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Hair Expo Australasia).
· One of three finalists for International Hairdresser of the Year (International Hairdressing Awards, Madrid 2020).
· AIPP Trophy winner (London, 2019-2020).
· TCT Best International Hairdresser finalist (Spain, 2020).
· Acclaimed session stylist, with editorial work regularly featured in the likes of Vogue, Fashion Quarterly, Remix and Coup de Main.
· Hair education shows and fashion show direction across Europe, America, Asia, and regular at Hair Expo in Australia.
· Passionately involved in charity projects, regularly raising funds for disaster relief, children’s charities, and various local community groups, including:
o $27,000 for KidsCan
o $8,000 for the Australian Bush Fire crisis
o $7,000 for the Christchurch mosque shooting Victim Support group
o $5,000 for Mercy Hospice.
· Advocate for salon sustainability, NZ ambassador for Davines Sustainable Beauty and Davines International Artist.
· Creative Director and co-owner of D&M Hair Design and The Directory.
INSTAGRAM: @dannypatohairBC: What a story you have… how did this gorgeous Greek man make the journey to becoming a leading light in the NZ hairdressing world?
DP: How? With very little sleep. 😄 I’d say I am strong-minded, dedicated and passionate, and I have the drive to get things done.
BC: When did D&M begin and did you have a clear vision from the onset?
DP: D&M began nearly 15 years ago. Me and Michael (the “M”) did have a clear vision from the start: to take the technical craft of cutting and colouring very seriously (but not ourselves), with weekly in-house training to master the foundational techniques and push the boundaries to perfection; to take the best out of all our experiences; to build a strong team culture that celebrates diversity, and to create a buzzing salon atmosphere.
BC: We can’t ignore your amazing achievements… 4 times winner of NZ hairdresser of the year the Australasia Hair Expo!
DP: Thank you! Entering competitions gives me a chance to push myself forwards artistically and keeps me on my toes to give back to our industry and community. It also takes me places – like at the start of this year (before COVID took off), I got flown to Madrid as one of three finalists for International Hairdresser of the Year 2020.
BC: Your campaigns are legendary! Where does your inspiration come from to produce such epic imagery year after year?
DP: Inspiration can come from anywhere. I’m obsessed with nature, art, film, architecture, music. I spend a decent amount of time developing an idea, I do my research, draw pictures and create mood boards. I take over the whole house.
BC: Let’s talk about your team… what can I say, they are the best of the best! Talk me through the creative process.
DP: Aren’t they amazing?! We all work so well together. I see myself like a film director. I am a little bit of a control freak and heavy on detail and get really involved in every area. I design and/or source the styling, working with the incredible Rachel Morton to bring it all together. When it comes to makeup, I adore Kiekie Stanners’ creativity. And I always shoot with Mara Sommer, she is an absolute legend. As a team, we meet a few times before the shoot, planning out each detail, so it’s all very organised by the time we get on set.
“I do have a thing for celebrating powerful femininity, a recurring theme in many of my collections. ”
BC: You are no shrinking violet and that is apparent in your work. Your shoots always have a theme running through them and are highly stylised in every aspect, but still manage to have a cool, modern edge. What is the secret to success?
DP: The secret is to be a storyteller. I love telling a story. It could be a story about a subculture, an art form, a political movement, that’s elevated through a hair and fashion lens. I do have a thing for celebrating powerful femininity, a recurring theme in many of my collections.
BC: You talent as a session stylist its undoubtable. Have you considered doing it as a full-time gig?
DP: I LOVE session styling, it’s a big passion. I love collaborating with other creative people. But I also love being on the salon floor with my clients. I love doing fashion shows, creating charity projects, leading a team, doing hair education events. I like that I get to do a little bit of everything, not limit myself to one thing full-time.
BC: Your clients love you and your passion for your craft is unwavering… how do you keep this enthusiasm alive?
DP: Simply, I love what I do. I love making people look and feel beautiful. If you create good energy, you get good energy back – my clients fill me up! Many of my clients I’ve had for many years through life, we’ve been through so much together as people. I am inspired by my clients: the entrepreneurs, the musicians, the housewives, the strippers, the politicians, the actors, the She-E-Os.
BC: People are drawn to your ‘sparkle’, do you think this is part of your tremendous success?
DP: I guess people are drawn to people who truly give a f**k.
BC: Let’s talk beauty secrets… what’s your best hair advice?
DP: The healthier you are – with food, lifestyle and wellbeing – the healthier your hair. Hair is part of your body, and everything is connected. So my best advice? Be good to yourself. Then come to me for a custom cut and colour to suit your skin tones, face shape, attitude and lifestyle.
“I am inspired by my clients: the entrepreneurs, the musicians, the housewives, the strippers, the politicians, the actors, the She-E-Os.”
BC: What’s your secret weapon?
DP: ‘Davines OI All In One Milk’. I use it on everyone, including myself, as a primer – it makes any hair type just so much more beautiful, instantly.
BC: What does your skincare regime look like?
DP: I keep it pretty simple, with a good cleanser, BHA and sunscreen. My husband is always telling me off that I have to wear more sunscreen.
BC: You have incredible hair, super thick and curly, how do you keep it under control?
DP: Thank you! I use the new, super sustainable A Single Shampoo as a gentle cleanser (it smells divine with lavender and rosemary), and ‘Davines Naturaltech Replumping Conditioner with hyaluronic acid’. After ‘OI Milk’, I use Davines ‘LOVE Curl Cream’ and let it air dry.
BC: What’s next for Danny Pato?
DP: I love keeping busy and evolving, so you’ll just have to wait and see.
BC: Thanks so much for chatting with us Danny and I look forward to seeing your next masterpiece