Brisbane hairdresser Justin Pace named Australia’s best hairdresser

After an incredible career spanning three decades, Brisbane hairdresser Justin Pace has now been named the AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023.

​AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023, Justin Pace. Picture: Supplied

Brisbane hairdresser Justin Pace has been named AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023.

It comes after more than three decorations travelling the world teaching the next generation of stylists and creating runway-ready looks.

Pictorial resume of Justin Pace. Picture: @andrewotoolestudios

The 47-year-old Red Hill resident admits he “gets paid to travel and have fun,” but life hasn’t always been easy.

As a toddler, he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer that develops in adolescent kidneys.

Unfortunately, tumours developed in both his kidneys

.

Justin Pace, AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 at Australian Fashion Week. Picture: Supplied

Doctors completely removed one of his kidneys to cut the cancerous cells out and then put it back. He was expected to lose the kidney. Miraculously, he didn’t.

The side effects from chemotherapy stunted his growth, affecting his speech, hearing and teeth at those crucial developmental years.

His early health setbacks made school a challenge, which is why he eventually opted for an apprenticeship.

Blonde hair on @isabella_gray by Justin Pace. Picture: Supplied

Ever since the age of 16, Mr Pace has followed his passion wherever it takes him and brings that enthusiasm to his boutique, Co and Pace Salons.

“It was touch and go for many years,” he said.

“That’s where I get my drive from. I survived that … and knowing that my time here almost wasn’t here is why I don’t like to let things get the better of me.”

Mr Pace now mentors the next generation of hairdressers throughout the world at workshops.

He said the journey to become the AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year was a 12-month process.

Mr Pace at his salon with his parents. Picture: Supplied

The lengthy application required Mr Pace to demonstrate how he has contributed to the growth of the industry over the past 12 months.

“It was a surreal moment to be named in front of all my peers,” he said.

Mr Pace works primarily with lawyers and professionals at his Ann St, Brisbane, salon but he name-dropped Miss Universe Australia 2006 Erin McNaught as a regular clients.

Mr Pace at the Redken Las Vegas Symposium. Picture: Supplied

He has worked at Australian Fashion Week and at the Redken Synposium in Las Vegas, but has said “Brisbane is home.”

He lives with his wife, who he thanked for her support, and two cats.

Mr Pace educating the next generation at his salon. Picture: Supplied

When asked if he has any hair care secrets, Mr Pace said the most important thing is to make sure hair stays healthy and shiny.

And the dreaded box dye?

“It isn’t the end of the world but it causes problems. It’s just one colour in a box,” he said.

“I have over 250 colours in the back room. We don’t build colour on top of each other.

“It’s better to look at demi-permanent colour than permanent colour and making a smarter decision.”

Co and Pace Salons is located at 160 Ann Street in Brisbane’s CBD.