One Rixon, Two Rixon, Three Rixon… Brad

As the baby of the Rixon household born into a third generation of hairdressers, Brad followed the natural cue to head in the same direction.

Considering architecture for a brief moment Brad applied his artistic talents to a different industry, taking up a hairdressing apprenticeship at Uncle Ian Rixon’s Geelong salon in 1991. After his introductory year Brad headed to upbeat Melbourne to learn from industry veteran John Morrey.

After learning the basics of the craft he would soon master, Brad gave in to his desire to taste the sunshine, moving to Brisbane in 1996. Working with Bennie Tognini, Brad moved from strength to strength and continued to explore the art of hairdressing. Shifting from industry icon to industry godfather, Brad worked along side Stelios Papas for the two following years.

Brad’s motivation to work for such industry greats was fuelled by their individual successes as he was inspired by the paths they had taken. Although his mentors were different in many ways, they each shared the same passion and dedication to the industry and had sacrificed much in their quests for success. Brad developed patience in the early years as his focus was honed and he learned - the art of hairdressing takes a long time to master.

With all the experience and training from the industry’s best under his pouch, Brad made the decision to open Rixon Hair in late 2000. Brad purchased a display apartment in Brisbane’s CBD. As a visionary, Brad could see past the toilet in the centre of the open space, the loft bedroom and many walls, realising the apartment would transform into the perfect hair studio. By removing such obstacles Rixon hair exists as an open studio. With its unique raised ceilings and large shop front windows, Rixon Hair was an ultra modern look for its time.

Brad’s opening days didn’t go unscathed from the typical teething problems of new salons - too many clients, not enough staff let alone basins, and serious sleep deprivation. To avoid the pattern that could have begun to take shape, Brad employed additional staff.

The approach Brad took to develop his skills as a hairdresser flaunts his dedication to education which he instils within the salon. Becoming a recent addition to L’Oreal’s education portfolio team further enforces the passion of Rixon Hair to move forward with the times.

Rixon Hair is focused on fashion measuring clients’ individual styles with new trends to ensure they leave feeling positive, transformed and revitalised. Brad looks at continuing to nurture his staff and raising their individual profiles. As his staff develop as artists Brad will have more time to pursue photographic and event work.

Recently, Brad was invited as part of the L’Oreal team for the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival. As part of an eight-man stylist group working on 30 models back stage of the Alannah Hill fashion show, Brad was in his element.

Beginning with only one staff member, two pairs of scissors, and one basin, Rixon Hair has progressed over four years gaining six staff members and numerous accolades along the way. Among Brad’s highlights - state winner in the 2003 L’Oreal Colour Trophy, 2003 QLD Hairdresser of the Year for AHFA and more recently winning the 2003 American Crew Face Off Competition.

Striving for constant growth, moving forward through education, Brad is committed to creating a culture within Rixon Hair that gives clients an extra service and a unique experience. Brad is driven by his personal and business goals which are made possible by the important people within his life including his partner Sharon.

Conjuring inspiration from those that surround him and people who defy odds and expectations to succeed, Brad is determined to find a way - or create his own path.

And his software of choice? Shortcuts.