HairSkillsPro Interview with Dee Parker Attwood

Dee Parker Attwood is a three-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year, co-owner and Art Director of Wieselmann Salon in Melbourne, and Schwarzkopf Professional National Ambassador, internationally recognised for her emotionally driven editorial collections and fashion-led creative vision.

Beauty. Emotion. Identity.

Some artists create hair.

Others create atmosphere, emotion, and unforgettable visual worlds.

In this exclusive HairSkillsPro interview, we speak with internationally acclaimed hair artist Dee Parker Attwood about creativity, instinct, editorial storytelling, photography, and the emotional process behind creating award-winning collections.

A conversation about beauty, individuality, collaboration, and the artistic fire that continues to push modern hairdressing forward.

1. On Creative Process & Visual Storytelling

HairSkillsPro

“Your collections feel instantly recognizable — not just because of the hair, but because of the emotion and visual world around them.

When you create a collection, do you begin with the hair itself, or with a feeling, mood, or story you want people to experience?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“To be completely honest, my creative process always starts with hair.

It’s really important to me not to copy or repeat something I have already created in previous collections. I constantly try to challenge myself and create hair that I haven’t seen before. I love experimenting with new techniques and skills to develop fresh concepts.

I usually begin with a basic outline of the haircuts and hairstyles I want to showcase, often shooting around eight different looks before narrowing them down to the final six.

What I love most is that hair can completely change direction once you start shooting. I’m always open to that — it’s one of the best parts of the process.

Photography, styling, and makeup concepts are developed together through creative meetings with the team before shoot day. Their role is to enhance the hair and help present the work in the strongest possible way.

Mostly, I allow myself to be guided by that collaboration.”

2. On Beauty, Instinct & The Perfect Image

HairSkillsPro

“There is a softness and strength in your work that feels deeply feminine without ever becoming predictable.

How do you personally define modern beauty today — and what makes a look feel emotionally powerful to you?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“With experience, after shooting many collections, I’ve developed an instinct for what works and what doesn’t.

But honestly, things still evolve once you start shooting on the day — and that’s part of the fun.

Casting the right models is also incredibly important because they help sell the concept, the emotion, and the beauty of the collection.

I keep pushing through until we capture that one image that just pops.

For me, celebrating beauty together with an element of cleverness is the perfect balance of a great collection.”

3. On Photography & Creative Collaboration

HairSkillsPro

“Your work often feels closer to fashion editorials than traditional hair collections.

How much do photography, styling, and visual composition influence the way you design hair?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“Photography is such an important part of creating collections.

Working with photographers who truly understand hair is vital because we all know there are angles, tricks, and details that help make the hair the hero of the image.

I’m lucky enough to regularly work with Andrew O’Toole from Australia, who is a world-renowned hair photographer.

He helps make collections feel cool, current, and visually elevated. He also contributes ideas around styling and makeup concepts.

We brainstorm everything together as a team.

But for me, the hair must always remain the focus.”

4. On Creating Timeless Work

HairSkillsPro

“In a fast-moving industry obsessed with trends and algorithms, your collections still feel timeless and elevated.

What do you think separates work that is simply beautiful in the moment from work that leaves a lasting visual impression?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“Hair that feels unique and not copied — combined with cleverness and strong technical execution — is what really excites me.

There are so many talented artists in the world today, and social media allows us to see the very best work constantly.

It’s actually a very exciting time for the industry.”

5. On Growth, Passion & Longevity

HairSkillsPro

“After years of creating award-winning work and inspiring hairdressers globally, what still drives you creatively today — and what do you hope younger artists learn from the way you approach beauty, artistry, and self-expression?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“I believe there’s an organic process when creating collections that no one can fast-track.

Every hairstylist needs to make mistakes in order to grow and evolve.

You learn what works, what doesn’t, who the right people are to have around you, and how to work creatively within budgets.

One of the hardest parts is learning how to eliminate weak images from a collection.

Many collections may have three or four strong shots, but creating six consistently great images is incredibly difficult.

That level of understanding only comes with experience.

But my biggest advice is simple — if you truly have the passion to create, this is the best job in the world.

Just keep going.

Practice creates confidence.”

Bonus Question

On Editorial Work & Creative Fire

HairSkillsPro

“What role do you believe photography and visual storytelling play in modern hairdressing today?”

Dee Parker Attwood

“Shooting collections and creating editorial hair is definitely not for everyone.

Some stylists are completely fulfilled creating beautiful work behind the chair every day and going home — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Creative and competition work is demanding. It takes time, energy, and a lot of financial investment.

But if you have that fire in your belly, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences in the world.

Creating beautiful and clever imagery is important because it pushes the industry forward.

Eventually, all creative looks from catwalks, competitions, and editorials become diluted into trends that influence salon hair.

It also expands hairstylists creatively and technically — which is incredibly important.

It keeps the fashion world moving.”

HairSkillsPro Insight

The most memorable artists are not only technically skilled.

They create emotion, atmosphere, and identity through imagery.

In a world oversaturated with content, Dee Parker Attwood reminds us that true visual artistry still comes from originality, collaboration, instinct, and creative courage.

Because beautiful hair may capture attention.

But meaningful imagery leaves a lasting impression.

Interview by HairSkillsProFounder & Creative Director: Christos Michailidis