As one of Australia’s most respected and dedicated hair talents, Joh Bailey’s name has become synonymous with not only beautiful hair but with glamour and style. His dedication to his craft as well as his clientele has seen his name rise to icon status throughout the country; garnering him international recognition and ensuring his longevity as Australia’s most loved stylist. He and his salons have become an institution in the Sydney scene and evolved into a brand unto itself that ventures way beyond its roots.
Joh opened his flagship salon in Double Bay in 1985 and he has also established salons in Sydney’s CBD and Bondi Junction. Joh explains, “My look is classical and beautiful, whilst always having a modern edge. My signature look of a polished, slick and feminine woman has been instilled into the culture of my staff and salons.”
Whilst best known as “Hairdresser to the Rich and Famous,” often accompanying his loyal following to Los Angeles, New York and London; his special reporé with women from all walks of life has given him an unfair advantage over his peers. Instinctively knowing what women want, Joh has an outstanding ability to communicate and deliver above expectations, a talent vital to his continued success in a very competitive market.
Bailey and his team of highly trained stylists are consistently used by the leading luxury fashion houses such as Chanel, Bvlgari, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton and Gucci for their season launches. Their work also features in the fashion pages of Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Australia, Elle and Marie Claire.
In addition to appearing regularly on many television programmes such as the Today Show, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and Extreme Makeover, Joh’s celebrity clientele over the years range from supermodels Elle Macpherson and Linda Evangelista to performers Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton John and Hollywood stars of Eva Longoria’s calibre. This has propelled him to a celebrity status of his own, and in 2000 he was awarded the role as the official hairstylist for the opening ceremonies of the Sydney Olympic Games.
Joh’s business success and caring nature have enabled him to support a number of charities such as The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Fashion Supports Breast Cancer and Fashion For AIDS. He says the biggest highlight of his career was working with the late Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, during her 1997 visit to Australia.
His entrée into his ultimate destiny came from his love of horses. As a young boy, he discovered his talent, braiding the mane of his prized thoroughbred Nika, and his career in hairdressing. His passion for horse stays with Joh today as he competes at championship-graded equestrian events nationally with numerous accolades and ribbons.
It is perhaps Ita Buttrose’s advice that guides him daily: “It is an extraordinary service that always sticks in anyone’s mind.” And so he stresses, “I would go to any client’s house at any time, if need be. Their hair is a reflection of me and my business.”