The best and worst Australia’s Next Top Model makeovers

You had a bit of a meltdown during your makeover.

There were lots of tears… I’m just worried because it is so short. It’s such a drastic change, so it is quite upsetting to see a lot of your hair on the floor.

I struggle a lot with self-confidence and not being happy with how I look, so to have something like this happen really does take a toll. I’m worried about what my boyfriend will think, what my family will think, and is it going to actually help me as a model?

But, I’m just so grateful to be here – even though I am emotional and upset.

Were you surprised by your reaction to the makeover then?

[Watching the show as a fan] I always loved seeing the girls look different, but you don’t realise how big it is until you’re sitting here. You can dream it, but I never thought this would happen to someone like me.

Have you ever considered cutting your hair short otherwise?

I would never cut my hair this short, ever! I would have cut it into a bob, but I never would have done an actual shave. Never ever!

Is it true you threatened to leave the show if they cut your hair short?

I wasn’t threatening anyone, I just felt that this really sucks. Some girls got really minor changes. Just thinking about having short hair brought me to tears.

I know it sounds dramatic, but I’m going to do terribly on the photo shoot and then I’m going to go home with short hair that I bloody hate. I swear to you I will still model, there’s no question about that. This is a great career boost and opportunity, but at the end of the day I want to leave here with a shred of who I am. Everyone keeps telling me it looks amazing, but does it suit my personality?

What do you hate so much about having short hair, though?

I’ve got broad shoulders, and I act like a guy as well so I don’t want to look like one! My look is my femininity. Me, I sit with my legs apart and talk with the foulest potty mouth you’ll ever hear, but at least I look like a girl doing it!

Models usually have to adapt their looks to suit brands though…

That’s what they said. They asked, what if Jean-Paul Gaultier wants to cut all your hair off? I’d change to fit roles physically, but only to the extent that I want to. I’m the one who has to live with it. I want to look in the mirror and like what I see.

The make-overs can be pretty nerve-wracking, how do you feel about yours?

I was pretty nervous when they started putting products in my hair, but I was assured that my hair won’t be getting a drastic change, so I’m alright with it all. I’m just trying to live in the moment.

So you’re pretty confident then?

Every day brings so many new experiences. I’ve learnt so much, and I really want to pursue this as a career. I’d always thought of modelling more as a dream, not something I could do. But now that I’m here, I realise I can do it and it’s just so exciting.

I really did enjoy the first challenge though because I got a perfect 10, so that really boosted my confidence. It was just such a great moment.