Craig Withers
Hairdresser Craig Withers does nothing by halves. For all of his hairdressing career, he has been a super-achiever, albeit a quiet one, but possessing an innate ability to inspire people from all walks of life. Currently, he is Aveda’s only Purefessional worldwide qualified in teaching both cut and colour. He travels Australia educating Aveda salons on Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections as well as Advanced Colour and Cutting Master Classes. His salon, Urban Escape, is a state-of-the-art, eco-salon, winning the 2011 Aveda Green Salon Award from an international field.
On completion of his multi-award winning apprenticeship in 1998, Craig ventured to the UK, working his way up the career ladder at Aveda under the tutelage of the one and only Antoinette Beenders. Craig was based within the famous Harvey Nichols department store, and in 2000 was promoted to Top Stylist and Assistant Manager of the Aveda Institute at Covent Garden. Over these years, he was involved in session styling for London Fashion Week (including the Elizabeth Arden “Red Door” Show, 2000) and other high profile events.
Such was Craig’s worth to Aveda that in 2003 – 04, he freelanced in Spain and Europe, flying back to London for 10 days every six weeks to look after his full book of clients. Returning to Australia in 2005, he led Aveda’s artistic team and was head educator. He also freelanced as a salon educator, and built his hairdressing clientele over time, in readiness to open his Urban Escape salon in 2010-11
