NYC Style: Victoria Hunter Gets Serious About Hair Color

by Kimberly Rae Miller

Born in Queensland, Australia, Victoria Hunter began her career at the Shibui salon in Melbourne. After a brief stint in London and a few years at Le Salon Orient in Hong Kong, the 26-year veteran colorist headed to New York with an extensive knowledge of Asian, English, and hair painting techniques. She spent thirteen years as the color director of Bumble & Bumble, where she perfected and educated others in her revolutionary hair painting method. Additionally, she had the opportunity to work alongside mentors Howard and Raymond McLaren, Michael Gordon and Connie Voines before she left Bumble in 2009 to open Whittemore House with Larry Raspanti.

Victoria's work has been featured in Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Italian Vogue, W, Nylon, i-D and Numero, where she first collaborated with Steven Klein. She has been involved with campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein, Prada, Gucci and Eres, and celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Stephanie Seymour, Mandy Moore and Kate Bosworth have all been clients. Victoria has led master classes on her signature hair painting technique around the world and was the first ever recipient of the Hair and Beauty Award, presented at the Colour Secrets Gala in Frankfurt in 2007.

Since moving to New York, she has become a pioneer of color that is risqué, effortless, polished, and, most of all, uniquely Victoria. She continues to credit her peers at Whittemore for their constant support and inspiration.

How would you define your personal style?

Unique, times infinity.

When you're working with a client, what's your process in creating a signature style for them?

I pay special attention to every client's skin type and eye color - every time. They are the foundational building blocks for beautiful hair color. To create a signature style built on this I take into consideration personality and the person's presence.

What should we all know before going into the salon?  Questions to ask?

It is of the utmost importance that you know what you want - even though references from magazines may be annoying to some, it's great to bring them along when it comes to coloring hair as one person's beige is another persons chestnut.  Apart from the obvious questions like maintenance and suitability, it's best to keep questions to a minimum and let the professional tell you their vision. 

Hair trends you wish would go away?

Ones that are publicized as a trend. It is never for everyone, but everyone thinks it will look great on them. For example this fashion week the media ran a story on a "grey streak" hair trend in popular fashion. While some women will look fantastic sporting the look, on others it can look like death. 

Biggest mistakes people make with their hair?  Risks people should take more?

The majority of women in America want to be blonde. Unfortunately, the majority of women in America should not be blonde. What is refreshing about living in New York though is that women here tend to have the confidence to know what looks good on them, and don't just go blonde because they think men like it. In regards to risk taking, I believe that more women should have fun with color - be more fearless, and know that if something is too light it can be made darker, and if too dark it can be made lighter. It is definitely not like hair cutting, you can't glue the hair back on after it is cut off. 

Favorite Five in the Five Boroughs?

Norma Kamali store on 56th between 5th and 6th. On Wednesdays she has started a "Wellness Wednesday" with a different theme and guest every week. This week was the cult exercise sensation Physique57 that is taking Manhattan by storm.

Faryl Robin Shoes - Every time I wear them I am stopped and asked who made them. Not only do they look cool, she somehow makes them the most comfortable shoes known to man.

Whittemore House Salon - the most magical and special energy I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. A talented and stylish staff doing great work in an old 1830's mansion makes it a one of a kind New York experience. 

Marni Senofonte - Favorite stylist. Whenever a coveted item is needed her office is my walk in closet.

Bond Street Restaurant- Their tuna tarts are the best taste sensation and my complete food obsession.