Celebrated local creative LJ Kidd sculpts hair and imaginations

ARTISTIC VISION

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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LJ Kidd in her Mossman Front Street salon, where she transforms hair into art and inspires young minds through storytelling. Picture: Jamie Jansen

BUSINESS FEATURE

LJ Kidd is one of those rare individuals who embodies artistry in every facet of her life. A celebrated figure in the Douglas Shire, she is known for her unique approach to hairdressing at her Mossman salon and her work as an author of children’s books. 

Proudly calling herself a “hair artist” rather than just a hairdresser, LJ Kidd has established her salon on Mossman’s Front Street as a local staple over the past seven years. 

Her journey into hairdressing began with her background as a wedding and documentary photographer. Frequently fixing brides’ hair during shoots, she was inspired to make a hairdressing apprenticeship part of her skills.

For Ms Kidd, hairdressing is an art form akin to sculpture. “Cutting hair is like painting,” she explained. “I work with the hair’s natural texture and movement, often cutting hair dry to maintain its true shape.

“I see myself as a hair artist, and there’s no competition among us hairdressers in town because each stylist offers something unique.”

Her clients appreciate the personal touch she provides, where her engaging approach makes her particularly skilled at cutting kids’ hair and interacting with them.

This same creativity extends to her writing career, which she began 15 to 20 years ago. Stories of bees, snails, and the passing of her dogs, were meaningful placed into a book. She views her books as stories for readers of all ages.

In addition to writing, she conducts workshops in primary schools, speaks at libraries, attends local book festivals and has also been known for a puppet show expressing the story of ‘The Inventors Journal’.

This book encourages children to believe in their potential to innovate, showcasing young inventors and their imaginative creations.

“I advocate for creative kids,” she explained. “I urge them to follow their passions and not be confined by traditional school metrics.”

Her belief in the value of creativity extends to her view of hairdressing. As someone who has always been more creatively driven than academically focused, she feels that hairdressing can be undervalued. 

“There’s a stigma that hairdressers aren’t as educated or skilled. This misconception bothers me because we train extensively and take immense pride in our work.”

It is safe to say that through her artistry in hairdressing and her passionate writing, LJ Kidd is making a lasting impact on the community.

 

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