Q&A with Chinney Yeap, Salute Hair Skin Spa

Business owner, apprentice trainer, and international award winning hairdresser Chinney Yeap’s favourite thing about the industry is that there is so much more to hairdressing than just doing hair in the salon.

After being awarded the title of New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards for the second year in a row, we caught up with Chinney to talk about what she loves about the hairdressing industry, entering industry compeitions, and the importance of being fully qualified.

What do you love most about the industry?   

What I love most is that there is so much more to hairdressing than just doing hair in the salon! (Which is also super fun!) It is so exciting, challenging and fun. I have been hairdressing for over 20 years and I’m still learning new things which I love! I never want to stop learning and growing and pushing myself. 

What is the most enjoyable thing about participating in industry competitions?   

I love creating art. To me entering these industry competitions is all about personal expression and growth.  Every year when I create a photoshoot it’s something I can look back on and see how far I have come. You get to be as creative as you want, sky’s the limit! And if you win nothing quite beats that feeling! (Well maybe winning lotto lol) 

What advice do you have for apprentices wanting to enter industry competitions?   

My advice is to just do it, don’t over think it, just shoot something – anything! We are so lucky to have such an incredible pool of talented award-winning hairdressers across New Zealand.  Reach out and ask for advice and help if you are unsure about where to start, we have all been in that same boat and are always willing to help.  If you don’t follow IndustryNZ, it’s another great one to follow for inspiration and help as well. 

Why is being fully qualified important to you?    

I think some might say that it’s just a piece of paper but it’s a very important piece of paper! If you want to go overseas it’s so important to have your qualification to show that you have completed everything to a high standard and that you aren’t training yourself to do it as a hairdresser.  

It shows that you are committed and competent and what a great thing to share with your clients as well.  Ask yourself, would you hire someone to do a job for you that wasn’t qualified?