Q&A, Anna Henricksen, Central Assessor of the Year 2025

“I know how much someone puts into their training and what achieving that qualification meant for me. I’ve always loved learning and helping others, so I wanted to give apprentices a positive experience and support them through their journey.”

Can you tell us about yourself?

When I was 15, I had long straight red hair and spent five hours in a salon getting a spiral perm. Yip the Nineties! My stylist, Rochelle, was the coolest person I had ever met, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser just like her. Not long after, I started my apprenticeship in Havelock North.

Once I qualified, I headed over to Australia for a couple of years of hairdressing — and plenty of fun — before returning to New Zealand. I settled in Palmerston North for a while with my brother and his wife, and eventually made my way back home to Hawke’s Bay… picking up a husband along the way!

When we settled in Napier, I began working at Cathryne’s State of Grace, building a loyal clientele and loving being back in my hometown. I spent years competing and later became the Hawke’s Bay Hairdressing President, organising competitions and supporting the local association for around six years.

Around the time we started our family, I decided I wanted something a little different from competition work. I’ve always enjoyed teaching apprentices and giving back the knowledge that was shared with me, so I became an assessor. I studied one day a week and completed my units through EIT — in between having two kids, of course! Back then we had at least four assessors in the region, and it was amazing being surrounded by so much experience and knowledge.

Now, I’ve been an assessor for over 20 years and a hairdresser for… a little longer.

I have two teenagers — nearly through the toughest stage! My daughter Grace has just started nursing at EIT, which means she won’t be leaving home anytime soon. My son Harry has just turned 16 and is more than happy to spend time with me… as long as he’s driving. Both kids are heavily involved in Canoe Polo (basically rugby on water in canoes). They’ve both represented New Zealand, and last year Grace travelled to China for the U21 World Championships, where her team came 3rd out of 19 countries. Im extremely proud of my kids. So we are lucky enough to travel them round NZ and last year to China.

And because teenagers eventually stop wanting to hang out with their parents, we got ourselves a Doodle named Bowie. We love him, and he absolutely loves us. He’s so spoilt.

What attracted you to the industry?
What attracted me to hairdressing started from a really young age. I always loved anything to do with fashion and style. I was constantly cutting my dolls’ hair making them clothes and giving them new looks — every time I got a new Barbie, the first thing I’d do was restyle her hair. I loved standing outside salons, watching the hairdressers work, they always looked super cool and friendly and imagining myself doing the same one day. That early fascination is what sparked my passion for hairdressing.

What has been a memorable moment in your career?
My most memorable moment was definitely getting qualified, to be honest. I remember that day so clearly. It honestly feels like it was only yesterday. The feeling and the rush of energy that went through me was unreal. Another highlight was in my third year, when I won HB Apprentice of the Year. Back then it was run through EIT and Rotary, so it was a huge honour. I also loved being part of the Hairdressing Association and being involved with NZHA, getting the chance to work alongside some of the greats in our industry and running our local competitions.

What interested you in becoming an assessor for HITO?
Why I became an assessor? I was fascinated by the industry, and I understood first-hand how hard apprenticeships can be. I know how much someone puts into their training and what achieving that qualification meant for me. I’ve always loved learning and helping others, so I wanted to give apprentices a positive experience and support them through their journey. We had some amazing assessors in HB, and they all inspired me — I wanted to learn from their knowledge and hopefully pass that same support on to the next generation as they did to me.

"Do it! Don’t overthink it — if you love it, if you’re passionate about it, if it’s something you feel you need to do, then go for it. I hear so many people say, 'Oh, I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was young' or 'I wish I’d done it.' Life’s too short to be boring, so be a hairdresser."

What are your favourite styles or cut trends at the moment?
Can never go past a Bob! I feel I’m the queen of bobs but I love the Bob no matter what era there’s always a spot for a Bob. I love how they can be solid shattered, textured. I just love a Bob.

What are some things you would love to do in this industry in the future?
I think our industry is definitely heading in the right direction — the only way is up! I love that there are so many amazing, creative hairdressers who are helping grow and strengthen our industry. It’s such a positive, thriving industry to be part of.

Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career?
My biggest inspiration in hairdressing is definitely Cathy Davy’s — I have a huge girl crush! I think she’s one of the most amazing hairdressers I’ve ever met in my life. I first met her when I was 17, doing my very first competition, and she was the nicest, coolest hairdresser I’d ever come across. When I was president of the HB Association and she would come and attend as a judge, it was like hanging out with royalty. The crush is real — she truly inspired me then and still does now.

What does being awarded Assessor of the Year mean to you?
Getting this award means a lot. It’s also been a great opportunity to talk about it in the salon — so many clients have asked questions, and it’s opened the doors to some really positive conversations about our industry.

For me, it also feels like recognition for all the time and passion I’ve put into assessing over the years. I genuinely love assessing, and in many ways this award feels like it’s for every candidate I’ve ever had the pleasure to assess.Each candiate has their own story, and I’m grateful to have been part of their hairdressing journey.

But mostly because my daughter (Grace who’s 19) me and my son (16 year old grumpy Harry) said it was cool.