Danny Pato
Creative Director and Co-Owner of D&M Hair Design
Danny Pato is a multiple award-winning Hairdresser, Salon Owner, Editorial Stylist, Media Commentator, International Artist, Celebrity Stylist, and Art Director based in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ).
Only person to have won NZ Hairdresser of the Year four years consecutively – 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 (Hair Expo Australasia).
One of three finalists for International Hairdresser of the Year (International Hairdressing Awards, Madrid 2020).
AIPP Trophy winner (London, 2019-2020).TCT Best International Hairdresser finalist (Spain, 2020).
Acclaimed session stylist, with editorial work regularly featured in the likes of Vogue, Fashion Quarterly, Remix and Coup de Main.
Hair education shows and fashion show direction across Europe, America, Asia, and regularly at Hair Expo in Australia.
Passionately involved in charity projects, regularly raising funds for disaster relief, children’s charities, and various local community groups, including:
$27,000 for KidsCan
$8,000 for the Australian Bush Fire crisis
$7,000 for the Christchurch mosque shooting Victim Support group
$5,000 for Mercy Hospice
Advocate for salon sustainability, NZ ambassador for Davines Sustainable Beauty and Davines International Artist.
Creative Director and co-owner of D&M Hair Design and The Directory.
BC: What a story you have… how did this gorgeous Greek man make the journey to becoming a leading light in the NZ hairdressing world?
DP: How? With very little sleep. 😄 I’d say I am strong-minded, dedicated and passionate, and I have the drive to get things done.
BC: When did D&M begin and did you have a clear vision from the onset?
DP: D&M began nearly 15 years ago. Me and Michael (the “M”) did have a clear vision from the start: to take the technical craft of cutting and colouring very seriously (but not ourselves), with weekly in-house training to master the foundational techniques and push the boundaries to perfection; to take the best out of all our experiences; to build a strong team culture that celebrates diversity, and to create a buzzing salon atmosphere.
BC: We can’t ignore your amazing achievements… 4 times winner of NZ hairdresser of the year the Australasia Hair Expo!
DP: Thank you! Entering competitions gives me a chance to push myself forwards artistically and keeps me on my toes to give back to our industry and community. It also takes me places – like at the start of this year (before COVID took off), I got flown to Madrid as one of three finalists for International Hairdresser of the Year 2020.
BC: Your campaigns are legendary! Where does your inspiration come from to produce such epic imagery year after year?
DP: Inspiration can come from anywhere. I’m obsessed with nature, art, film, architecture, music. I spend a decent amount of time developing an idea, I do my research, draw pictures and create mood boards. I take over the whole house.
BC: Let’s talk about your team… what can I say, they are the best of the best! Talk me through the creative process.
DP: Aren’t they amazing?! We all work so well together. I see myself like a film director. I am a little bit of a control freak and heavy on detail and get really involved in every area. I design and/or source the styling, working with the incredible Rachel Morton to bring it all together. When it comes to makeup, I adore Kiekie Stanners’ creativity. And I always shoot with Mara Sommer, she is an absolute legend. As a team, we meet a few times before the shoot, planning out each detail, so it’s all very organised by the time we get on set.
BC: You are no shrinking violet and that is apparent in your work. Your shoots always have a theme running through them and are highly stylised in every aspect, but still manage to have a cool, modern edge. What is the secret to success?
DP: The secret is to be a storyteller. I love telling a story. It could be a story about a subculture, an art form, a political movement, that’s elevated through a hair and fashion lens. I do have a thing for celebrating powerful femininity, a recurring theme in many of my collections.
“I do have a thing for celebrating powerful femininity, a recurring theme in many of my collections. ” — Danny Pato
BC: Your talent as a session stylist its undoubtable. Have you considered doing it as a full-time gig?
DP: I LOVE session styling, it’s a big passion. I love collaborating with other creative people. But I also love being on the salon floor with my clients. I love doing fashion shows, creating charity projects, leading a team, doing hair education events. I like that I get to do a little bit of everything, not limit myself to one thing full-time.
BC: Your clients love you and your passion for your craft is unwavering… how do you keep this enthusiasm alive?
DP: Simply, I love what I do. I love making people look and feel beautiful. If you create good energy, you get good energy back – my clients fill me up! Many of my clients I’ve had for many years through life, we’ve been through so much together as people. I am inspired by my clients: the entrepreneurs, the musicians, the housewives, the strippers, the politicians, the actors, the She-E-Os.
BC: People are drawn to your ‘sparkle’, do you think this is part of your tremendous success?
DP: I guess people are drawn to people who truly give a f**k.
BC: Let’s talk beauty secrets… what’s your best hair advice?
DP: The healthier you are – with food, lifestyle and wellbeing – the healthier your hair. Hair is part of your body, and everything is connected. So my best advice? Be good to yourself. Then come to me for a custom cut and colour to suit your skin tones, face shape, attitude and lifestyle.
BC: What’s your secret weapon?
DP: ‘Davines OI All In One Milk’. I use it on everyone, including myself, as a primer – it makes any hair type just so much more beautiful, instantly.
BC: What does your skincare regime look like?
DP: I keep it pretty simple, with a good cleanser, BHA and sunscreen. My husband is always telling me off that I have to wear more sunscreen.
“I am inspired by my clients: the entrepreneurs, the musicians, the housewives, the strippers, the politicians, the actors, the She-E-Os.” — Danny Pato
BC: You have incredible hair, super thick and curly, how do you keep it under control?
DP: Thank you! I use the new, super sustainable A Single Shampoo as a gentle cleanser (it smells divine with lavender and rosemary), and ‘Davines Naturaltech Replumping Conditioner with hyaluronic acid’. After ‘OI Milk’, I use Davines ‘LOVE Curl Cream’ and let it air dry.
BC: What’s next for Danny Pato?
DP: I love keeping busy and evolving, so you’ll just have to wait and see.
BC: Thanks so much for chatting with us Danny and I look forward to seeing your next masterpiece
DP: Thank you, Beauty Citizen! 🥰
