From the friendly isles to Koroneihana: The Tongan hairstylist trusted with a Queen

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When Viliami Finau was asked to style the hair of Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po for Koroneihana, he knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On the day, he wore a ta’ovala, a Tongan mat wrapped around the waist as a sign of respect.

“I remember feeling so nervous but so grateful for the opportunity, like a Tongan hairstylist to style the Māori Queen’s hair,” Finau tells PMN News.

What began as a childhood hobby of brushing and plaiting his cousins’ hair has grown into an international career, styling some of the Pacific's most high-profile women.

Finau’s professional journey began a decade ago in Auckland after graduating from Cut Above Academy. He worked in several Tongan-owned salons, where he honed his craft and discovered the work of Tongan makeup artist Stacey Atonio, who inspired him to start his own hairstyling business.

Viliami Finau (far left) and Stacey Atonio (far right) work on a bride in Fiji. Photo/Supplied

“Stacey was a big part in inspiring me to become what I am today,” Finau says. Thus, Amishair was born, a tribute to a nickname his aunties used for him.

Finau’s first paid client was his cousin, whose wedding he styled for just $40. “It took me about two hours to curl her short hair and a few spray cans because I was so nervous because it was her wedding day.”

As the years went by, word of his talent spread. Clients kept coming, and so did his confidence.

Finau styles the hair of Warriors player, Leka Halasima for the 2025 One NZ Warriors' awards. Photo/Supplied

Amishair transitioned into a mobile styling business, taking Finau to his clients’ homes and events across Australia, the United States, Sāmoa, Fiji, and Tonga.

Among Finau’s most high-profile clients is Racheal Gutteinbeil, the former Miss Heilala 2024-2025, whom he styled throughout her pageant journey and later at the Miss Pacific Islands which she won first runner-up.

He describes his work as both rewarding and emotionally challenging. “I’d always wanted to do a Miss Heilala so when I got asked to do one, I was on board… It was a fun year. A lesson I learnt is, maybe stay off social media… it took a toll on everyone's emotions like cyberbullying.”

Most recently, Finau was asked to style the Māori Queen’s hair at this year’s Koroneihana celebrations. “My aunty told me that I must wear a ta’ovala, that’s the biggest sign of respect a Tongan can do in front of royalty, so I took that upon myself to do that.”

Not all of Finau’s meaningful work happens under spotlights. He recalls styling the hair of a bedridden woman in a rest home, taking care with every detail as she lay in bed. “It was her birthday, I didn’t charge her, it was my gift to her and not long after she passed away. It made me so emotional.”

Watch Viliami Finau style former Miss Heilala Racheal Guttenbeil's hair for the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands beauty pageant below.

Now temporarily based in Tonga, Finau says demand for his work has exceeded anything he experienced in New Zealand. His days can start as early as 4am and finish at 8.30pm, covering weddings, school balls, and more.

“I love making women feel beautiful… Money comes and goes, but when I see my work on someone and they're so proud of it, that's what makes me happy.”

His long-term vision is to open a salon in Tonga and create a space for collaboration and skill-sharing, inspiring others to pursue similar careers.

“My message is to keep hustling and keep using your talents because one day, it’s going to take you far and across the world.

“Whatever small business you have, don’t be shy to show it off. Everyone starts somewhere. I started from my room. I would bring my clients into my bedroom and do their hair. It’s never too late to start.”