Why Danny Pato MNZM is a Must-See at HAIR The Movement
“Danny Pato is, without question, one of my ultimate hairdressing idols. I’m a die-hard fan, and I don’t think there’s a single one of his award collections that hasn’t completely captivated me. Each year, his work seems to reach new heights, and I often find myself wondering: how does his mind even work? How does he come up with these groundbreaking ideas and concepts, year after year, continually evolving and pushing boundaries? Honestly, he’s like a fine red wine—he just keeps getting better with age.” Sharon Blain
Meet Danny Pato MNZM
Danny Pato is an internationally renowned, multi-award-winning hairdresser from New Zealand, celebrated for his visionary creativity and bold, artistic styling. As the co-founder of D&M Hair Design in Auckland, Danny has built a thriving salon that reflects his passion for innovation and excellence. Since 2019, he has won 14 international awards across the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Canada, and Australia, including twice being named International Hairdresser of the Year. Between 2016 and 2023, he was crowned New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year annually, culminating in his induction into the Australian Hair Industry Awards Hall of Fame in 2023.
Known for his cutting-edge collections and ability to push creative boundaries, Danny regularly delivers educational presentations across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific. He also serves as a Hair and Art Director for catwalk shows, campaigns, and editorial shoots for top designers, celebrities, and magazines worldwide.
What makes this upcoming session so special is the rare opportunity to see how Danny builds a collection. Typically, we only get to admire his finished masterpieces, but this time he’ll take us behind the scenes, sharing how he ties together hair, makeup, wardrobe, and concept to create his award-winning looks. Danny will present a live look-and-learn session, explaining his creative process and showcasing one of his iconic designs on a model. Watching him in action will be nothing short of inspiring—a true masterclass that’s bound to leave us speechless and on our feet for a well-deserved standing ovation.