The Man Behind Lara Worthington’s Famous Chop

Travis Balcke is an Australian hair stylist responsible for the famous Lara Worthington chop. Travelling and styling for Fashion Week’s all over the world, Travis appreciates being back home in Australia and at his home in Paddington.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background 

I’m a hair stylist, which has blessed me with the opportunity to travel the world and work with so many incredibly talented and worldly people. When I’m not working, I’m hanging out in Paddington with my boyfriend Ash. 

How did your career in hair styling begin and who was your first exciting A-lister client? 

Starting out as the Chief Assistant to legendary stylist Eugene Souleiman, I then emerged as an independent stylist. I’ve styled collections in Paris, London, New York and Milan Fashion weeks – my most exciting clients have been Lady Gaga, Bjork, Julianne Moore, Gwenyth Paltrow, Orlando Bloom and Cate Blanchett. 

What has been your career highlight so far?  

Working with so many amazing and inspiring talent it’s hard to pick, but the travel has taken me around the world and back again, and travelling is such a wonderful gift. 

You have worked with some amazing people; are there any life tips you have picked up along the way? 

Creating time for loved ones. I always say ‘yes’ to work, before even thinking about it. Now, I make sure that I have time for life, friends and loved ones. There is always another job, however only the one family. 

Do you ever get nervous styling people who are in the public eye? 

No, not really. I kind of like the pressure, it’s fun, exciting and makes you feel alive. 

What is it like working for Lara Worthington? How did you get her as a client? 

I just LOVE Lara. We met working on various magazine shoots and then a true friendship formed. She is an amazing and inspiring woman, who I am blessed to be able to call my friend and who I can call her on any time and receive her advice.  

What is your go-to style for all clients?  

I’m all about being real and making what you’ve got work, as seen with Lara. It’s her natural hair, just elevated by the cut I chose for her. 

Do you have any tips on hair styling for special events and for a quick style that anyone can do at home?  

My go to style is a center part, low ponytail. It’s a classic that can hi-fashion or red-carpet at the same time. 

What is your daily hair regime?  

I wake up and wash my hair with Nioxin shampoo and conditioner, grab my Dyson hairdryer to dry my hair and then style with Kevin Murphy Night Ryder. 

Complete this sentence. The hairstyle of 2017 is

…YOURS? 

Summer in Sydney

What does the perfect summer look like for you?  

If we aren’t staying with my family in Bowral and riding our horses – which is something we would do most other weekends – I would be at the gym with my boyfriend, Ash, followed by a long breakfast in Paddington at Morris Café and Clovelly for a day at the beach. 

When taking your clients out over the summer where would you choose to go?  

Morris Café for coffee. Cho Cho San, Apollo or Alpha for dinner. Hotel Palisade for drinks.

If you had to choose one place for a luxurious staycation in Sydney, where would it be and why?  

The Park Hyatt. It’s the best location in Sydney and the service is amongst the best. 

Which beach/beaches can we find you at this Summer?  

Clovelly 

Paddington Snapshot

How long have you been living in Paddington and why did you decide to live there? 

I live at Five Ways in Paddington with my boyfriend and have been there for eight years. I love the area and we are looking to buy and make this our home base for when we are not travelling for work. 

What do you love most about where you live?  

The people. It really feels like home, in the heart of the city. It’s so relaxing and has the most amazing food, bars, shopping … what else do you need? It’s like the Soho of Sydney. 

Where is your go-to for a caffeine fix in the morning? 

Morris Café. The girls there are like my family and make everything fresh on the day, with a lot of love. They are always looking for new ways to make food exciting and they are the best kick start to the day. At Saran Café they greet you on arrival and make your smile last the entire day.  

What is your favourite local hangout?  

Clovelly. I’m there every day at the beach, on the north side. 

You like to keep in shape, where do you like to go for a workout?  

City gym or the Bondi to Bronte is a place you will most likely find me.?