Kurt Counsell of Mod’s Hair Salon – Ponsonby
Meet Kurt Counsell – The other man in my life. Hairdresser extraordinaire based at ‘Mod’s Hair PARIS’ Salon on Ponsonby Rd. For those that follow my blog, you will already be fully aware of just how much I adore Kurt and Mod’s Hair Salon’ AND, so that you too can experience just how fabulous Mod’s are – they have gifted me with an amazing GIVEAWAY for my followers valued at $400!! Read on to find out more about Kurt, Mod’s Hair Salon and how you can WIN a fabulous hair and nail package for you and your bestie!!
Kurt, tell us a little about yourself, the road you travelled that bought you to being a hairdresser and why Mod’s in particular?
Many years ago, when I was a chef, a good friend of mine owned a hair salon. I would often whip up a fab lunch and take it over to her in the salon and spend most of my breaks with her. The more time I spent there, the more I realised I wanted to be ‘in the industry’. So I gradually immersed myself in the salon world by doing some general admin, answering phones, washing hair, etc. in her salon. Eventually she recommended I enrol myself on a hairdressing course. So that’s exactly what I did. Based in Christchurch, I was juggling my full-time hairdressing course, with 2 part-time jobs until, 9 months later, I came out at the other end ready to take on the world of hairdressing. I was offered a full-time role at a Christchurch salon and this is really where I got my grounding in hairdressing. I was so lucky to be based in that salon as I learnt and absorbed so much from those hairdressers. They were true old-school hairdressers, just an amazing talented team who taught me everything I needed to know to get a good solid understanding of hairdressing, things you could never learn solely from completing a hairdressing course, in fact I definitely learned more from hands-on experience. After the earthquakes hit, for obvious reasons I made the move to Auckland and hunted down Mod’s. I knew I wanted to work at Mod’s as I used to go to them in Christchurch to get my hair done by a friend that worked there. I was completely obsessed with the amazing techniques they used, of which I learnt were unique to French hairdressers and thus, it’s where I knew I wanted to be – at Mod’s!
How long have you been with Mod’s
2 years and I still absolutely love it.
What inspires you to come to work and do what you do every day?
I love hair so much – like I actually love what I do and I love surprising people with new and exciting concepts. It’s not just the artistic creative side of it – it’s the scientific element that comes with hairdressing, you need that scientific understanding, mixed in with a whole lot of creative juice. I love beautiful natural looking hair and the people who do it best are the French (and of corse Mod’s).
Best brand in hair products?
Mod’s of course! We do our own Mod’s line of hair products, so obviously that’s my first brand of choice. The Mod’s range has something for everyone and contains a lot of natural ingredients. In particular, I’m a huge fan of Mod’s GINKO ENERGETICUM – it stimulates the blood flow to your scalp, which keeps the follicle healthy and in turn, promotes hair growth. Now if we are talking specifically ‘hair care’ brands, I would also have to say Kerastase is one of THE best hair care brands.
Number one ‘hair look’ when you don’t have long and want to create a great no fuss hairdo?
I love a topknot! Literally anyone can do it (well obviously not someone with a pixie-cut). I would always opt for a more casual topknot as opposed to the ‘tight ballet bun look’. To accomplish the ideal topknot I’d use a great ‘dust powder’, scoop all your hair up, without using a brush (this creates a more casual look), pop in a hair tie and create your knot. This is a beautiful effortless look. Finish with a red lip and killer heels and you’re good to go.
You have 10 seconds before you have to grab your keys and rush out the door – which hair product do you reach for?
L’Oreal Dust Powder! Reason being, I have fine flyaway hair. With L’Oreal Dust Powder, I can just brush it through and it stays in place all day – no build-up of product and no irritants, which I find when using other dust powders.
You’re a very fashion-forward guy (if I was a guy I’d totally dress like you) – where do you draw your fashion inspiration from?
I love wearing black! Black is the new black as far as I’m concerned. In saying that, I also love statement pieces. Whether it’s a bow tie or necklace; anything different and quirky equals the perfect statement piece. I’ll take snippets from everywhere – I might see something on someone and think “yeah I like that look, but I’d change it up slightly by putting my own twist on it”. I love vintage mixed with street style, and comfort is essential! In this industry you can’t afford to get it wrong, comfort is key and I’ve worn fashion over comfort before – never again!
You’ve built up such a strong following and Mod’s has such a great reputation. What do you think it is that Mod’s does differently to accomplish this?
Mod’s French heritage. French techniques that other hairdressers just don’t know, nor do. We are the kings of balayage!
I’m going on a ‘vacay’ and have to pack light – what are the ‘must haves’ that you would recommend I take with me? (I need lots of room for shoes, so space is limited).
It’s key you are using salon quality shampoo or conditioner – whether you plan to leave your hair down or need to style it, above all else, salon quality Shampoo & Conditioner is most important, so I would say ensure you pack these. Well, maybe just pop in one styling product containing UV protectant.
Now I know you have a manicurist on site – what’s her background?
We have the amazing and talented Debbie of Dolls House Nails. Debbie is fun, quirky and incredibly skilled in nail design. She has been in the industry for 27 years and has built up quite a following!
OK – so you’re called Mod’s hair PARIS – do any of your stylists actually get to go to Paris and train there?
YES! We get the opportunity to go the training school in Paris and it’s definitely on my to do list very soon!
To summarise – a perfect day on the job is…..
Blow waves, blow waves, blow waves!
Last time I was in the salon and we were talking about new features for my blog, you came up with a brilliant idea – a spin on the ever popular ‘what’s in my handbag’, you suggested featuring ‘what’s in my manbag’. I love it, so, “Kurt – what’s in your manbag?”
Ok – well, I actually don’t carry around a lot at all! But I do love my manbag. I found this leather satchel bag in an opshop for $30. I’ve swapped out the strap on it (gotta add my own style) and it’s now perfect! What’s in my manbag…
- PLAY by Givenchy
- L’Oreal Super Dust
- Chapstick
- PUMP mini
- Phone (an obvious essential)
And just one other quick question – what are your 2 favourite apps on your phone?
Camera 360 and the Gameboy app (Pokémon is a rediscovered childhood addiction)
Congratulations to TATIANA WIJERATNE (and the best friend that gets to go with her) Winner of the MOD’S SALON Giveaway valued at $400.
A BIG thank you to everyone that entered!! Stay tuned – there are many more fabulous giveaways coming up very soon.
WIN WIN WIN…
Be In to Win A MOD’S SALON EXPERIENCE For You And A Friend Valued At $400.00!! Prize includes: A voucher for two for a blow wave and OPI Manicure (includes OPI gel nails and feature nail design)
To win this fabulous prize for you and a friend, simply follow these two simple steps:
1. ‘Like’ GURLINTERRUPTED on Facebook
2. Comment in the comments section below. You can tell me why you need a Mod’s makeover, what hairstyle you are currently loving, or you can just say hi.
Everyone who has ‘liked’ Gurlinterrupted on FB and has left a comment below will automatically go in the draw to win.
LIKE, COMMENT, WIN – it’s that easy!!
The winner will be announced here and on my Facebook Page on Friday 10th May 2013.
T&C’s: This prize is for a voucher for 2 people for a blow wave (per person) and OPI Manicure (per person and includes OPI gel nails and feature nail design) at Mod’s Ponsonby Auckland salon only. Voucher is valid for up to 4 weeks upon receiving voucher and is non-transferable nor can it be exchanged for cash. Prize does not include flights or travel to Mod’s Ponsonby AUCKLAND. This competition closes at 3.00pm (NZ Time) on Friday 10th May 2013 and the winner will be chosen at random from the comments on the competition post on gurlinterrupted.com. This competition is open to New Zealand residents only (apologies in advance to overseas fans and those outside of AKLD unable to arrange their own travel). If gurlinterrupted does not hear from the winner within 24 hours, a new winner will be drawn.
The only problem in the past, in regards to these stylish hair ties was the cost – sourcing them from overseas or purchasing them from accessories stores, the price was just a little too high for a hair tie. Since being put in touch with Twinky Ties, based right here in New Zealand, they’re my new ‘go to’ for a fabulous array of coloured hair ties and hair bands, plus they have everything from glitter to chevron print hair ties, all of which are better than the ones I was previously paying more for (and they’ve kindly given me giveaway packs for you to win!!). So check out their online store here: 
