Big hair, bold tans and glitter are non-negotiable ahead of Mardi Gras

“Big, bold, long-lasting hair-styles is always a top request from clients heading to the parade,” he said.

“We easily go through 20 cans of a hairspray on the night, thousands of bobby-pins and of course lots of hair – both real and synthetic are used in the wigs and dragon-style headpieces.”

The team of stylists at Buki’s salon, who sponsor hair for community groups marching in the parade, are preparing for a week of late nights in the lead-up to Saturday in order to execute show-stopping hair for the Asian Marching Boys and Friends group.

“The guy leading the group is wearing five-wigs morphed into one so its important their vision looks good but lasts the whole night,” Buki said.

“I expect to see groups of 10 or more every night ahead of Saturday for wig and headpiece fittings.”

New Zealand-born makeup artist Jessica ‘Jackel’ Aitchison, who identifies as ‘queer’, has fast become the go-to makeup artist for the LGBTQI+ community after gaining her makeup diploma last year.

While this year marks the 44th Mardi Gras celebration, it will be Aitchison’s first year working as a qualified makeup artist for clients attending the parade, kicking off at 5 am.

“My day will start at 5am applying my makeup with my first client arriving at 7am – it’s a huge day,” she said.

“Full drag (man to woman) takes around two-and-a-half hours while general parade makeup can be an hour to hour half.”

This year’s Mardi Gras theme – ‘United We Shine’ – signifies that LGBTQI+ communities shine brighter together and that by standing up against hate as a collective, the message of love and inclusion is heard louder.

Aitchison said to expect lots of bright neon colours and graphic eye-liners which are UV fluorescent and glow in the dark under blue lights, in line with the theme.

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Glitter will also be an integral staple of Mardi Gras makeup, as it has long signified queer identity.

“Just as religious symbols (like a cross) signal religion, wearing glitter is a way to signal queer identities in a beautiful and public way,” Aitchison said.

“It’s such a special occasion to people all over the world. I feel lucky to be a part of such a welcoming community.”