Paula Hibbard

With her effervescent personality and passion for imparting knowledge, Paula Hibbard has cemented her place as one of the most sought-after educators in the niche of long hair styling. She aims to inspire and elevate the skillset of hairdressers and salon groups through tailored training programs that cover every aspect of long hair, bridal, and special event styling.

Paula’s journey into the world of hairdressing was profoundly influenced by her mother, a hairdresser herself. Starting as a teenager on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast with the prestigious Jon Le Court hairdressing group, Paula quickly climbed the ranks. After her apprenticeship, she progressed from stylist to salon manager, eventually overseeing operations as an area manager in New South Wales.

Her exploration of various roles within the industry, including sales, management, and colour technician, ignited her passion for education. “I loved the growth I saw in people as they learnt and were inspired,” Paula reflects. This passion caught the attention of a leading Australian and international long hair artist, who recruited her to manage their colour department and train staff at a prestigious Beecroft salon. This collaboration, spanning 15 years, further fuelled Paula’s love for the glamorous world of long hair styling.

For over a decade, Paula travelled globally as head teacher for the renowned long hair artist, delivering classes and boot camps to hairdressers and salons worldwide, while also developing her unique workshops. In 2009, she began offering a select number of long hair training classes under Fabulous Hair Up and Education, alongside her salon work.

Responding to overwhelming industry demand, Paula launched her full-time training company, Paula Hibbard Education, in 2014. Today, she traverses Australia and the globe, providing bespoke long hair training programs for salons and individuals.

Paula's technical prowess and creative flair have graced the pages of numerous magazines, including Modern Hair & Beauty, Oyster, InStyle, and Modern Wedding. Her standout achievement includes being named the 2021 NSW Hairdresser of the Year, a testament to her work. Additionally, Paula's work has been showcased in film, fashion, and television productions, including Marvel movies like Shang Chi and Thor, The Fall Guy, Furiosa - A Mad Max Saga, Project Runway, The Voice Kids, Dancing with the Stars, Love Child, NCIS Sydney, Ten Pound Poms, and Artful Dodger.

This year, we are excited to welcome Paula as a CPR Ambassador and Educator for our community. We cannot wait for you to experience Paula’s years of invaluable knowledge and experience in tailored education Masterclasses. Paula will also be joining us as a speaker at The Salon Forum 2025, it will be one not to miss!

@hairbypaulahibbard

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