Rodney Wayne’s Newton Cook Is New Zealand Hairstylist of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that Newton Cook, Rodney Wayne’s Creative and Education Director, has been voted Hairstylist of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Viva Beauty Awards. This remarkable achievement represents not only Newton‘s exceptional talent and dedication but also the standard of excellence we strive for across all Rodney Wayne salons.

The inaugural Viva Beauty Awards saw an overwhelming response from the New Zealand public, with over 45,000 votes cast across 25 categories. Newton‘s win in this highly competitive field demonstrates the trust and admiration he has earned from clients and industry peers alike.

Developing Talent

From his early days as a promising student, Newton‘s passion for hairdressing has been evident. His journey with Rodney Wayne began during his work experience, where his exceptional talent and dedication quickly became apparent. Through determination and artistic excellence, he rose from stylist, to salon manager, to his current role as Creative and Education Director, where he continues to innovate and inspire.

Newton is renowned for his masterful approach to hair artistry, whether creating lived-in, low-maintenance blonde looks or stunningly beautiful transformations. As a L’Oréal Pro colour partner and multi-award winner, he consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in hair design while maintaining hair health and the highest standards of technical excellence.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, especially knowing it comes from our clients and the New Zealand public,” says Newton. “This award reflects not just my work, but the incredible team at Rodney Wayne who inspire me every day. My passion has always been to help people feel confident and beautiful while supporting the next generation of hairstyling talent. This recognition motivates me to continue pushing creative boundaries and delivering excellence in everything we do.”

Sharing the Winning Formula 

Perhaps most importantly, Newton‘s commitment to nurturing the next generation of hairstylists has become a cornerstone of his career. Through a wide range of media engagements and in-salon training sessions, he actively shares his expertise and the latest developments in hair techniques, ensuring an exceptional standard of hairstyling and hair colouration expertise is readily accessible throughout Rodney Wayne salons across New Zealand.

This marvellous recognition from Viva and the voting public confirms what the Rodney Wayne team has long known – Newton Cook is an extraordinary talent whose passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft are genuinely worthy of celebration.

We invite you to join us in congratulating Newton on this outstanding achievement. To experience award-winning style for yourself, book an appointment at your nearest Rodney Wayne salon today.