Bill Tsiknaris

What country are you from, and where do you reside?

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Title of what you do and if you are aligned with a brand or company.

Owner of Tsiknaris Hair , Brisbane Australia, Hair Stylist, Photographer and  Alfaparf Milano’s
Global Ambassador for Australia 

Education background (school, salons, self-taught)?

“I left school and immediately began a hairdressing apprenticeship at 16 years of age, which was a pivotal moment for me. I was fortunate enough to secure an apprenticeship position in a well-regarded salon that boasted a large and diverse team. This environment was instrumental in my development, as it provided me with the opportunity to learn from a variety of experienced stylists. 

I invested in myself travelling to the USA & London to do the New York beauty show and salon international in the 80s & 90s 

What is the first creative project that you remember?

Yeah wow …let me see “I began my career in hairdressing back in 1983. As I honed my skills and developed a deeper passion for the craft, I found myself drawn to the competitive side of the industry. 

By the late 1980s, I was actively participating in various hairdressing awards and shows. These early competitions were crucial for me; they not only pushed me to innovate and excel under pressure but also helped me establish a name for myself in the hairstyling community. 

Each event was a learning opportunity, allowing me to experiment with new techniques and styles, which significantly shaped my creative approach and professional growth.”

What is your signature style/artistic expression of your work?

“My signature style revolves around innovative, contemporary cuts and styles that emphasise texture and movement. I am passionate about creating looks that are both wearable and artistic, blending classic techniques with modern trends to produce distinctive and memorable outcomes. 

My artistic expression often involves pushing boundaries and experimenting with colour palettes and cutting techniques to tailor each look uniquely whether it’s for clients or shooting a hair collection.

What is the most fulfilling job you’ve worked on or someone you have worked with?

I find Working with the Tsiknaris Hair creative team to shoot submissions for hairdressing awards is always very exciting and fulfilling.

These projects require a collaborative effort where every detail counts—from the initial concept, choosing the right models, to the final touches on hair, makeup, and styling. For these submissions, my team and I brainstorm themes that not only highlight our technical skills but also our ability to innovate and tell a story through our work.

The process involves meticulous planning and execution. We often experiment with different hair textures, colours, and styling techniques to create something truly unique and eye-catching. The goal is to not just showcase our skills, but to inspire and evoke emotion through our artistic expression. Seeing our collective vision come to life in these shots and receiving recognition from the industry not only affirms our creative direction but also strengthens our team’s cohesion and drive to innovate. It’s a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the endless possibilities in hairdressing.”

I’m blessed to have some of the best talent in Australia -working with incredible Colourists Chris Tsiknaris, Domi Panalli, Master Cutter and Stylists Dimitri Tsiknaris, Shae Tsiknaris and Brodie Tsiknaris my talented wife who is also an award winning Colourist & hairstylist and owner of Rokstar salon, we collaborate on shoots to create award winning collections.

Do you have a career turning point, big break, or person who has helped your career?

“There have been several pivotal moments throughout my career, but the initial and most influential push toward hairdressing came from my mother Nikki Tsiknaris. 

She had aspired to be a hairdresser herself but never had the opportunity to pursue it. It was her suggestion and encouragement that led me to this path. Her belief in my potential, especially during times when I faced challenges or doubt from others, was crucial. Having just that one person who consistently affirmed that I would excel and who celebrated my progress—regardless of the reality at the time—made a profound difference. 

It fuelled my perseverance and inspired me to continue pushing forward, even during tough times. Later in life, she humorously admitted she hadn’t expected me to reach the level of success I have achieved, which we both laugh about now. Her support has been a cornerstone of my career, shaping not only my professional journey but also my personal resilience.”

What was the scariest and proudest moment in your career?

“One of the scariest yet ultimately most rewarding moments in my career was in 2003, when I decided to build a purpose-built facility for Tsiknaris Hair. Relocating the salon to a different area in Brisbane represented a significant financial risk and a major commitment, fraught with many unknowns. At that time, the neighbourhood was emerging but not yet established, and it took about a decade for it to become one of the most desirable suburbs in Brisbane.

Looking back, 20 years later, that decision marks one of my proudest moments. Today, Tsiknaris Hair is a well-established salon with an incredible team of 12 professionals. Each team member brings unique skills, which enhances our collective strength. This journey from uncertainty to success underscores the importance of taking calculated risks and the value of perseverance. The experience not only solidified our presence in a thriving community but also reinforced our commitment to excellence and teamwork in the dynamic world of hairdressing.”