Best hairdresser in NSW revealed as Casey Hopkinson at Bodhi Boutique in Parramatta

After an overwhelming amount of public votes, NewsLocal can crown NSW’s best hairdresser — and the runners-up. See who the winner is and why these stylists are favourites among clients.

From blowouts to a total mane makeover, hunting for the perfect hairdresser is no simple task.

Last week, we asked you to vote for New South Wales’ best hairdresser and we were overwhelmed with the results.

From stylists who have mastered the art and patience of balayage to those who rose from an apprentice to the owner at the same salon, we can now reveal the top hairdressers in the state, as voted by our readers, and their secrets to success.

1) CASEY HOPKINSON AT BODHI BOUTIQUE, PARRAMATTA

Hairstylist of 15 years, Casey Hopkinson has been crowned the best hairdresser in the state.

A hairstylist of 15 years, Casey Hopkinson has been crowned the best hairdresser in the state.

Casey first got into hairdressing straight after high school after discovering her passion in hair and building relationships.

“I loved the relationships with people and how hair could change how someone felt,” she said.

Casey, who is known among Sydney’s west for her talent in colour and balayage worked in a suite of salons around Parramatta before she took the plunge and opened her boho luxe hair salon Bodhi Boutique in September.

While Casey never thought she’d open her own salon, let alone during a pandemic, she said she hasn’t looked back since.

“So I stuck with it and even though it’s been hard, I finally bit the bullet and opened my salon in September,” she said.

Hairstylist of 15 years, Casey Hopkinson has been crowned the best hairdresser in the state.

When asked if she had any reservations opening in September she said opening any new business can be “nerve racking” but hairdressing was seen as an essential business.

“I have a huge clientele and I have a great business partner who was always there for it.

“We built literally everything in the salon, and we were able to cut costs that way.

“And in a way it gave us a little more time to prepare with COVID because we spent so much time at home. We sourced every item for the salon over time which made it easier.”

Asked how it felt to win, she said she was “so excited.”

“I can’t believe I have won! I am so humbled.”

Hairstylist of 15 years, Casey Hopkinson has been crowned the best hairdresser in the state.

“It is such a massive achievement and I am beyond proud of myself for it.”

“I think I got a lot of votes because I have built up and maintained my clientele for many years, so naturally your friends, clients and co-workers want to see me achieve goals.

“And I believe I put just as much time in to them as they do for me.”

She also thanked all her loyal clients, her business partner Russell McPhee and colourist Stella Priest.

Bodhi Boutique

Shop 1/6-10 Charles St

0429 796 646

Instagram: @bodhi.boutique.parramatta

2) KERRY JENKINS AT KERRY JENKINS HAIR STYLIST, DIAMOND BEACH

Kerry Jenkins. Picture: Supplied.

Kerry Jenkins, who was voted second in the state, said her hairdressing dream all started when she got an apprenticeship in Parkes at 16.

After finishing year 10 she worked in Parkes and later moved to Melbourne where she owned her first salon. Just a few years ago, she took what she describes as a “huge leap of faith.”

“My best friend whom I had worked with on and off over the years had opened up in Forster and couldn't keep up with the demand. So I moved 3.5 years ago to rent a chair at her salon in Forster.

“I left a large, very loyal, long time clientele, that booked months in advance. To not knowing a single soul.”

But after putting in the hard yards in advertising and running specials to make a name for herself, she is now booked out months in advance.

“I have a full clientele and on a rare occasion have a new opening for new clients.

“The support has been overwhelming. And in such short a time.”

Kerry Jenkins came in second place in NSW's best hairdressers. Picture: Supplied

When asked what’s her secret to success, she said she “gives it her all” and genuinely thinks of her customers as friends.

“When my client sits in the chair, I can happily say that it honestly feels like I'm doing a friend’s hair, and we are having a good monthly catch up.

“I'm very real and open with my ladies. I’m raw and show vulnerability. Which I feel is important in building trust, we are one of few jobs that enter into people's personal space (...)

“Each lady is different, but everyone brings something to my life. And I feel a real connection with all.

“I often get thanks for being so open and willing to share, and in return learn so much about everyone. I always feel I know the whole family of my clients, without meeting them.”

After the pandemic lockdown, Kerry moved to a salon closer to home at Diamond Beach. “It’s a very personal peaceful space, and I love that I can offer that to my clients.”
She also thanked all her customers saying she was “over the moon” and wouldn’t be where she was if it wasn’t for them.

“It brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. I’m so grateful to Carmel who helped me with my move here, and Leah who welcomed me with open arms this year.”
“My work is a part of my life, so I share my life within my work.”

Kerry Jenkins Hair Stylist

20 Diamond Drive, Diamond Beach

0406 704 142

Instagram: @kerryjenkins_hairstylist

3) DANIELLE FARRUGGIA AT THE SCISSOR BAR, ROOTY HILL

Danielle who has worked as a hairdresser for almost 10 years said she always wanted to be a hairdresser.

Danielle — who received the third-highest amount of public votes — has worked in the industry for almost 10 years and said she wanted to be a hairdresser from as far as she can remember.

After work experience in high school she pounded the pavement dropping her resume at every salon before she got a job at Rooty Hill salon.

A few years on and she’s now proud to say she’s the owner of the same salon.

And the best part? “I love when customers walk out and they’re just so happy with their hair.”

“I just love the smile it gives them and how good it makes them feel.”

The Scissor Bar

2 Orcam Ln, Rooty Hill

[phone]

Instagram: @thescissorbar_