Year 17 Issue 6
“One of the biggest things we’ve ever made!”
Sofie Pok
One Battery. Unlimited Tools.
Contents ON THE COVER
52 The BabylissPRO FXONE Barber Ecosystem
REGULARS
08 Editors Letter 16-19 Industry News 100 Hair Shop 102 Dateline Imports
on the cover
INTERNATIONAL PROFILE
12 Keeping it Simple 20-22 Dynamic Duo Mark Leeson & Richard Darby
FEATURE
14 Ten Minutes with Natalie Anne By Louise May 38 When Dreams Become Reality By Louise May 42-44 Circles of Success By Louise May
AHIA BUSINESS ‘23
26-27 Australia’s Best In Hairdressing Announces at AHIA BUSINESS Awards 28-35 AHIA Business 2023 – Meet the Winners 101 AHIA Business 2023 – Care, Treat, Style & Electrical Product Awards
HOT SHOTS ‘23
38 Meet the 2023 Hotshots Team: Anne Russell 58-60 Hotshots House ‘23
SALON PROFILE
46 A Sanctuary for Creativity By Anthony Gray 48 The Jewel of the Sydney Shire By Louise May 50 Love the Doo with M&U
EVENTS
54 An Intergalactic Event 56 Wahl Education On The Road 62 The Mane Event 2023 64 Celebrating the Global Creative Awards By KAO Salon Division 66 Wahl Lord of the Barbers & Excellent Edges State Hairdressing Championships Hosted By WA IHS 68 The Salon Forum 70 The CPR Mane Event Winner
PRODUCT PROFILE
72 Think Pink Lemonade by milk_shake
EDUCATION
74 Purpose: Why Do You Do What You Do By Kristie Kesic 76 The Ultimate Guise to Colour Correction By Kristina Russell 78 The Crucial Role of In-Salon Mentors for Hairdressing Apprentices By Anthony Gray
WELLNESS
80 Envy & Jealousy: Understanding the Complex Emotions By Tina Winchester 81 Nourishing Your Roots: Our YearEnd Guide to Self-Care and Success Preparation By Angeli Marie Shaw
20
BLOG SPOT
82 When the going gets touch the tough get going By Gary Latham 83 Revolutionsing Hair Education: A Passionate Perspective By Nathan Yip 84 Standing Out From the Crowd By Sheridan Rose Shaw 85 A few great years of gratitude, learning & sharing with an amazing community By Clive Allwright 86 Bad Behaving clients Vs Salon Owners By Brodie Tsiknaris 88 Sustainable Salons Shine Bright with Awards: Their Success Secrets Revealed By Paul Frasca
DIGITAL/MARKETING
92 The Rise of the Solo Stylist By Hayley Mears 94 3 Simple Strategies to make your Salon’s Social’s Sparkle & Shine this Silly Season By Belinda Haigh 94 Style Game Slay: How your Customer Journey Reflects Your Branding By Sarah Garner 96 How to Plan your Digital Marking for 2024 By Nicole Healy
BUSINESS
104 Giving Feedback: The Art of Influencing Performance By Kym Krey 106 Navigating Financial Challenges Through KPI’s By Kate Henderson 107 How One Salon Makes 15x Return on their Marketing Campaigns 108 Great Leadership & Effective Communication By Dwight Hodge 109 I Never Thought Owning A Salon Business Would Be So Hard By AHC 110 Getting Christmas Ready By Kerrie Di Mattia 112 How To Make Money In Your Salon This Year
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PUBLISHER
Linda Woodhead linda@mochagroup.com.au
GENERAL MANAGER
Jarred Stedman jarred@mochagroup.com.au
EDITOR
Louise May louise@mochagroup.com.au
ADVERTISING MANAGER Nina Barbara nina@mochagroup.com.au
ART DIRECTOR
Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochagroup.com.au
ADMINISTRATION
Jess Richmond jess@mochagroup.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Kristie Kesic Kristina Russell Anthony Gray Tina Winchester Angeli Marie Shaw Gary Latham Nathan Yip Sheridan Rose Shaw Clive Allwright Brodie Tsiknaris Paul Frasca Hayley Mears Belinda Haigh Sarah Garner Nicole Healy Kym Krey Kate Henderson Dwight Hodge AHC Kerrie Di Mattia Timely Fresha
OFFICE
PO BOX 252 Helensvale Plaza Qld 4212 P: 07 5580 5155 mail@mochagroup.com.au www.mochagroup.com.au
DISTRIBUTION
Australia Post - Print Post 100005498
PRINTING Printcraft
PUBLISHED BY mocha group
PUBLISHERS OF
HAIRBIZ, BEAUTYBIZ & BARBERSHOP HAIRBIZ is published six times a year by mocha publishing ABN 65 091 846 189 No Part of the publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission. HAIRBIZ does not accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, original artwork or other material. The views expressed in HAIRBIZ are not necessarily those of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted if the publication is delayed or prevented by factors beyong the control of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for errors in copy, or for any loss arising from the failure of an advertisement or any part thereof to appear. © 2023 mocha group All rights reserved.
Editors letter. As we wrap up another remarkable year in the everevolving world of hairdressing and salon management, I’m thrilled to present the final issue of Hair Biz for 2023. It’s been a fantastic journey, and we’re excited to share with you a diverse collection of compelling articles, industry insights, and inspirational stories that truly encapsulate the essence of the Australian hair industry. In this issue, we shine the spotlight on the winners of AHIA Business 2023! This year saw the highest number of finalists ever in the history of the Australian Hair Industry Awards. Notably, 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of this prestigious awards program, recognising excellence in the realms of hairdressing, salons, specialised businesses, education, and professional products across Australia. We also introduce you to the incredible Anne Russell, the winner of Hot Shots 23, from Sloans Salon. Her journey, passion, and boundless creativity are sure to leave you inspired. Furthermore, we delve into the world of Ms Monaco Hair Society, the proud recipient of the AHIA 2023 Best Salon Design and Best Customer Care awards. Discover how this exceptional salon is redefining customer experiences and shaping the future of the industry through their unique client journey and innovative approaches. This edition also features the remarkable Sharlene Lee, the driving force behind the super-brand, Circles and newly crowned AHIA Best Business Director/Owner of the year as well as WA and ultimate Australian Salon Business of the Year. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of determination and innovation in propelling a business to industry leadership. Take an exclusive look back at the Hot Shots House weekend in Melbourne, delving into the activities and invaluable mentorship experiences that took place over the course of the three days. It’s a weekend that creates lasting memories and remains one of my personal favourites each year. For those eager to enhance their knowledge and skills, our business writers, bloggers, and educators have shared their invaluable advice and insights. There’s a wealth of knowledge waiting for you within these pages and much more to read in this issue. As we wrap up the chapters of 2023 and approach the festive season, I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to all our readers and supporters. It’s been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to see what the new year
holds. We’re committed to continuing to bring you the latest trends, innovations, and success stories to keep you inspired and informed. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support throughout the year. We eagerly anticipate bringing you more exciting content in the coming year. Until then, stay inspired, stay creative, and, most importantly, stay passionate about the art and business of hairdressing. Love and hugs,
Lou x
Louise May Editor in Chief – mocha group louise@mochagroup.com.au @louisemay_hairbeautybarber
A U S T R A L I A ’ S O N LY P R O F E S S I O N A L C O LO U R M A N U FAC T U R E R
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KEEPING IT SIMPLE. As John Spanton settles into his role as Artistic Director and General Manager at Arkive by Adam Reed, we had a chat to find out about the quietly triumphant life he’s created in hair and why this move is the start of a satisfying new chapter. The chances are, you’ll know the name John Spanton. In industry circles, he’s regarded as one of our most talented and influential colourists. Clients enthuse about his magic touch and the quiet reputation he has built for delivering London’s most radiant balayage’s. He’s won awards both nationally and internationally and been at the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious hair powerhouses. And yet, he does all this with an understated ease. Big fanfares and flashy selfpromotion are not his thing. John’s latest role sees him settled in at the cozy surroundings of Arkive by Adam Reed where he describes feeling “my most chilled out and happy.” After a career of delivering at the top level, that’s clearly a goal that’s high on his agenda. “Hair is not rocket science, it should be fun!” he says. “There’s a refreshing feeling at Adam Reed that we’re there to do hair but have a good time too. That’s not to take anything away from the business – we’re a team of grafters and we’re all competent and confident in what we do. It’s just less competitive, a more joyous place to work. The culture is more relaxed, and I’ve never felt so appreciated.” Despite landing some of hairdressing’s hottest roles, John’s beginnings were humble. Born in Paisley – the same birthplace as Trevor Sorbie, these two hairdressers shared the same roots. Born 10 minutes away from where Trevor grew up, they went to the same primary school and attended the same art class, albeit several years apart. The coincidences were uncanny. Leaving school four days before his 16th birthday, John followed a path into hairdressing and with a burning talent very evident, became Education Manager for L’Oréal and Matrix in Scotland, going on to become Head of Education in UK & Ireland. Perhaps inevitably, John’s journey to London took him to the
doors of Trevor Sorbie. Whether destiny or part of a well-designed plan, John spent over 17 immensely successful years as Technical Education Director of Trevor Sorbie International and Creative Colour Director of the internationally renowned Artistic Team. While there, John completed his L’Oréal Colour Specialist Degree and passed with a distinction and a score of 98 per cent. Technically, his talents are irrefutable – something that Sorbie has made a name for spotting. John recalls an up-andcoming Italian stylist by the name of Angelo Seminara had joined the Trevor Sorbie team. “When I first met him, you could tell he had the potential to be amazing, but he wasn’t yet finessed on stage.” Over the seven years they worked together at Trevor Sorbie, John saw Angelo’s talents and career flourish in front of his eyes. While with Trevor Sorbie, John had interludes at the Brighton salon for four years and went and set up the Trevor Sorbie salon in Manchester. But these roles took him down a management path and while he was very good at it, he realised he wasn’t in love with that side of things at the time. It wasn’t the right moment in his life or the right opportunity. Creatively, he was feeling discontent and with a slight tongue in cheek, he confides, “I was beginning to wonder, where do old hairdressers go…?” After a career rethink that coincided with the calamity of Covid, John was ready to move on in hairdressing and - in another twist of fate - Angelo was just branching out on his own and launching his salon in Knightsbridge. It seemed the natural place to go. John describes Angelo Seminara at Urban Retreat as: “a smaller salon with a cohort of self-employed colleagues. It was a different culture altogether from Trevor Sorbie. People set their own hours and days. It felt liberating.” Clearly this was the reset that John needed, and he was enjoying every minute of being back with his old colleague. “You feel very relaxed around
Angelo. He’s brilliant - great fun and warm, kind, and sweet. But also, demanding, and exacting. Quite rightly he’s considered a genius.” When Angelo’s residency at Urban Retreat came to an end, John was left wondering where to go. Arkive by Adam Reed couldn’t have been more perfect for his next chapter. “Creatively, Adam offered me an open door,” John explains. “Adam brings a great work ethic to everything he’s involved with. He doesn’t just turn up on time - he turns up early. He gets the job done to perfection and with good humour. That culture trickles down and in the same way, he’s created an environment where people come first. We’re a people industry after all, so we have to look after each other.” John recalls his first day as a Wednesday. “By Saturday I felt like I’d been there for months. It was such an easy transition. I feel like I’m around people who get me and understand how I work.” It’s Adam’s caring spirit that John believes is the real secret to his success. “The best managers look after their team and leave the team to look after their clients.” A simple philosophy but so effective. Arkive by Adam Reed is fast becoming the place for hair’s creative thinkers to gather. “It’s a different look and feel to other salons,” John notes. “It’s more like a studio than a salon - a welcoming space, not corporate at all.” John’s approach to hair is similarly unfussy. “I like touchable, feminine, glossy, shiny, hair. That’s the emotion I want to tap into.” John is a hairdresser who want to ‘get his hands’ on your hair – curious and creative, he wants to explore the possibilities of hair as a fabric and art form too. He cites his idols as contemporaries such as Adam, Angelo, Trevor, and Guido who have all mastered that knack of effectively creating wearable hair while managing to twist the norm.
John is also relishing the fact that his new role as Artistic Director and General Manager at Arkive by Adam Reed will allow him to do something that has always appealed - mentoring, developing and nurturing a team. “I’m happy to lead from the front and I’m more than comfortable up on stage but I’m more passionate now than ever about helping others excel. It gives me a ‘proud Dad’ feeling when I can enable someone else’s success.” There are other projects rumbling in the pipeline that John is keen to get his teeth into – but all in good time. “I’m going to give myself time to settle into this role and establish myself before exploring other opportunities,” says John. He’s a collaborator, a coach, the consummate pro, a hugely talented creative and a damn good colourist. But of course, you already knew that.
_AusNZ
h it w s e ut in m n e t NATALIE ANNE By Louise May
In a world where hair is an art form and beauty is an expression, Natalie Anne stands as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and empowerment. Beyond her impressive title of an internationally acclaimed hair artist, Natalie Anne is a dedicated wife and mother to two children, exemplifying that success knows no bounds. As a leading hair artist, expert, and social media educator in Australia, Natalie Anne has left an incredible mark on the beauty industry. Her pioneering use of social media, video content creation, and her dedication to teaching women and hairdressers how to style their hair at home led to unexpected international recognition and her unwavering commitment to her craft culminated in the establishment of a 280-square-metre salon housing 15 exceptionally skilled staff and 24 chairs. In time, she earned widespread acclaim as a preeminent Australian hair artist, expert, and social media educator. Concurrently, she collaborated with celebrities, models, music artists, and social media influencers, consulted with major haircare brands, and successfully launched her own line of hair care products, now available in over 200 salons across Australia. With a staggering 1.5 million social media followers, Natalie Anne utilised her voice to support small businesses during lockdowns, something that was further underscored during the devastating 2020 bushfires in Australia. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, she leveraged her digital platforms to mobilise her followers. This collective effort resulted in the filling of nine semi-trailers with over 20 tonnes of bottled water, canned food, baby supplies, first aid kits, pet food, and more. This crucial aid was swiftly delivered to families who had lost their homes on the south coast. She has also showed her support for the Australian Breast Cancer Foundation by creating a limited edition Pink ribbon collectible item, donating 8% of its proceeds to breast cancer research. In 2023, Natalie Anne embarked on a remarkable partnership with the St. Vincent de Paul Society,
aptly named “Run a Van with Natalie Anne.” This initiative, launched in December by herself and Led by her dear friend Joise Charbel in 2022, carries a profound objective: to raise awareness about the increasing rate of homelessness and displaced families across Australia. The ambitious goal of this initiative is to raise $250,000 to fund the operation of additional vans dedicated to feeding between 200 to 500 people each night. What sets this endeavour apart is the personal involvement of Joise Charbel, Natalie Anne and her husband, Arthur, who actively participate in these initiatives, joined by a dedicated team of volunteers, including their own staff, brand ambassadors, stockists, and influencers. With her remarkable journey spanning from branded collaborations to gracing red carpets, runway shows, and global campaigns and humanitarian work, Natalie Anne has proven time and again that her prowess in the world of hair transcends all boundaries. As she continues to nurture her passion, she is also pioneering her own line of haircare products, all the while prioritising innovation, long-term hair health, and sustainability. Yet, what truly sets Natalie Anne apart is her unwavering commitment to sharing her experiences, styling tips, and tricks through awe-inspiring hair content and tutorials. Editor Louise May spends 10 minutes chatting with Natalie Anne.
The Natalie Anne brand has truly evolved into a powerhouse, encompassing the Salon, Education, and Haircare/tools segments. Could you share your current role within the business and your focus on the brand’s development?
The brand has significantly grown year after year, and I take immense pride in that. I’ve transitioned away from the salon business to concentrate on giving back to the industry through education and product development. My main goal is nurturing the next generation of exceptionally talented hairdressers and content creators. Natalie Anne Haircare has received a warm welcome from the hairdressing community, and we’re committed to expanding our professional brand further.
As one of the mentors for the recent 2023 Hot Shots Weekend in Melbourne, what were your top three pieces of advice for the Hotshots, and why?
Certainly, here are my three top pieces of advice: 1. Remember, it doesn’t get easier. To become the best, you must consistently put in the effort, keep learning, and never accept “no” as the final answer. 2. Cultivating your personal brand is paramount. It’s about how people perceive and speak about you when you’re not in the room. Your reputation is everything. 3. Collaborating with brands is an exciting opportunity. Start creating content that aligns with the brand’s values and know when to advocate for fair compensation.
Balancing daily life with two beautiful children and a business can be challenging. How do you manage this juggling act?
I’m not one for balance, but I don’t pressure myself as a mother. I believe that as long as I’m happy, my children are happy. Love and mentorship are what they truly need, and I’m fortunate to provide both.
Does your husband also work within the business?
Yes, indeed! He is the backbone of the NA brand, overseeing financial aspects, HR, and everything in between. He’s a logistics guru and manages my expectations, which can be quite a task! (laughs)
If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?
I’d like to see brands working closely with hairdressers to help grow their businesses. Many salon owners are in need of a strong network and leadership. Hopefully, I can play a part in bridging that gap. Additionally, our industry should evolve beyond the belief that a single brand can provide everything a salon or customer needs exclusively.
What valuable lessons have you learned along your business journey?
Every day, I learn new things about my business and the power of building relationships. Building relationships is the superpower that propels an incredible business forward.
Who inspires you personally and professionally?
Personally, my husband is my source of inspiration as an exceptional father, husband, leader, and friend. Professionally, my best friend Daniel Mostyn inspires me. He’s a true artist with expertise in product development, branding, hair cutting, photography, and celebrity transformations. He has worked across all facets of our industry and is forever evolving and sharing.
You recently had a collaboration content day with Bel from Pipsqueak. Can you tell us more about that?
Collaborating with Bel is always a delight. Our recent victory in the B2C extension category strengthened our partnership in the eyes of the industry. It’s more than just collaboration; it’s a friendship that allows us to create extraordinary hair while having a lot of fun.
Is there someone you’d love to collaborate with in the future whom you haven’t worked with yet?
I’m excited about collaborating with the next generation. I’ve already started by inviting young artists to join me in my masterclasses for education. Watching
them grow into powerhouses is incredibly rewarding.
What hair trends do you anticipate for 2024?
In 2024, I foresee fewer trends, with a greater focus on hairstyles that complement individuals’ face shapes and boost confidence.
What’s next on the horizon for the N.A brand?
Our next step is international distribution, starting with New Zealand in 2024. We aim to be present in as many NA-loving salons as possible and share our brand with them.
When selecting ambassadors for the N.A Haircare brand, what qualities do you look for and why?
I look for ambassadors who share a deep passion for NA, allowing me to guide them in their career. Independent educators who value education and create high-quality, value-driven content for their audience are what I seek in our ambassadors. Oh, and most importantly good humans!
OK AND NOW FOR A COUPLE OF FUN QUESTIONS...
Describe your ideal Sunday.
My ideal Sunday involves sleeping in until 8 am, having breakfast with my family, and then taking a trip to the city to buy new kicks for all of us.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
We have a family holiday house on the coast, and it may not be luxurious, but it’s perfect, because I’m with my family.
_AusNZ
What’s your favourite meal and drink?
I adore Japanese cuisine, especially raw food. Lately, coconut water has been a lifechanging favourite of mine. Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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Industry News.
L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL AND CHRISTOPHER ESBER DEBUT PARIS FASHION WEEK SHOW
brand, and one that achieved paramount success, the partnership highlighted the incredible talent and passion of AUNZ stylists, and distinctly cemented their rightful place amongst the world’s best. The team of 10 artists delivered looks for 35 models in total, with creative direction centred on forming looks that elevated and aligned with Christopher Esber’s SS24 collection. Scott Sloan was well placed to lead the team of artists as Hair Director, with undisputed experience in fashion having been a regular fixture at both Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia and New York, London & Milan Fashion Week as well as Hair Director for the Perth Fashion Festival for 4 years, overseeing 25 runway shows. Christopher Esber’s SS24 Paris Fashion Week Show encompasses and reinforces Scott’s experience as one of Australia’s leading stylists. “It’s a super exciting experience being here with L’Oréal Professionnel and being the hair director for Christopher Esber’s first time showing at Paris Fashion Week. Directing the show has fulfilled a lifetime dream of mine and being able to do it with the L’Oréal Professionnel ANZ hair team here in Paris was so inspirational,” said Sloan. “For the look we were really inspired by the collection from Christopher Esber’s collection. The hair brief was to have a very organic, textured and not man-made feel to the hair. It’s very lived in, organic and asymmetrical in its texture. We used the L’Oréal Professionnel range to push the organic feel and worked with each of the models’ natural texture to enhance and shape the hair” Sloan continued.
ALTERNATIVE HAIR SHOW 2023
Christopher Esber’s on-schedule debut at Paris Fashion Week at the City of Architecture with irrefutable success, is championed by L’Oréal Professionnel as exclusive category hair partner at the most prestigious and significant event on the fashion calendar. On September 28, 2023, Christopher Esber cemented its position on the global stage through its debut on-schedule Paris Fashion Week show, located at the iconic Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine. As exclusive category hair partner, L’Oréal Professionnel invited a team of its top 10 Australian and New Zealand artists to execute all hair deliverables for the show, headed up by Director and revered, award-winning hairdresser Scott Sloan. A monumental first for the Australasian arm of the L’Oréal Professionnel 16
Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
On Sunday 15 October the world’s most inspiring hair artists took to the stage in one spectacular show. The Alternative Hair Show (AHS) returned for its 41st year at the ICC Capital Suite at ExCel London. Welcoming the most innovative hair artists to London for a live extravaganza titled ‘Tapestry’, the event also hosted the globally renowned International Visionary Award finals. Founder of the AHS Tony Rizzo and President of AHS Anthony Mascolo hosted the show. Each AHS Artist was presented with a trophy and acknowledgement of their hard work. Hairdressing legend Trevor Sorbie MBE was announced as the new Worldwide Honorary Patron of the AHS. Tony Rizzo said: “We think it is fitting that the man who Vidal Sassoon called the ‘best hairdresser’ is the new worldwide patron.” Trevor was given a one-of-a-kind trophy and shared a heartfelt speech with the crowd. He began by saying: “What an honour for me to follow in the footsteps of my hairdressing hero Vidal Sassoon. When I started in hairdressing, I had no idea of the future of my life. In fact, at one point, I gave up hairdressing because I thought I was no good. I was so wrong.” Trevor went on to talk about Tony’s special affinity for the Blood Cancer charity Fighting Leukaemia and how important the AHS is when it comes to annual fundraising for the charity. He said: “Tony lost his son to leukaemia, and I can’t think of anything worse, but Tony’s determination and passion to want to help others who are in a similar situation through a charity is one of the most commendable things a human being can do. Tony deserves his own medal because he is a man of action.” The International Visionary Awards opened the show. All 51 finalists took to the stage with their models before the winners were announced. Tony Rizzo, Anthony Mascolo and Trevor Sorbie MBE closed the show presenting a cheque to announce that this year’s show had raised a total of £121,000. The night was testament to how art and charity can support one another in the most wonderful way.
NO STRINGS ATTACHED HELPS THE COMMUNITY FOR THE 6th YEAR!
No Strings Attached, the heartfelt social movement founded by Adelaide salon owner, Marcela Lastra in 2017, recently picked up its scissors & clippers for the 6th consecutive year, to deliver on its singular focus of giving back to the community through the transformative power of haircutting and barbering. This year, NSA welcomed 22 volunteers from the hairdressing/ barbering industry to deliver a whopping 300 haircuts throughout the day, along with the support of industry partners including De Lorenzo Haircare, Hairjamm, The French Beauty Academy and Donoso & Sons, and local businesses within the Adelaide community to lift spirits and provide those less fortunate with a day of pampering in the essence of giving back. Says Marcela, “The cornerstone of NSA is ‘making an impact’. We’re not just offering haircuts but also sharing our passion and expertise, allowing us to make a meaningful contribution to someone’s life. This is an incredibly impactful and empowering experience, particularly for those who may not always have the opportunity to feel this way.” To learn more about No Strings Attached and how to get involved, please Email: nostringsattached. movement@gmail.com Instagram: @nsathemovement
CHARITY IS THE BIG WINNER FROM NEW APPOINTMENT
Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Creative 2023 Queensland Hairdresser of the Year Fabian Fuentes has been appointed Price Attack’s national Head of Education and Private Label Brands. Price Attack chief executive officer John Pascoe said Mr Fuentes’ brought with him over 20 years of experience in the hairdressing industry and would utilise his creative and business acumen to bring the very best in education and creative opportunities to Price Attack salon staff nationally. “Throughout his career, Fabian has held key positions, from creative director to business development manager, and has worked across almost every sector of the industry,” Mr Pascoe said. While Mr Fuentes will influence all creative aspects of the brand, his first point of business was overseeing the donation of close to a quarter of a million dollars’ worth of products to three charities Dress for Success, Friends with Dignity and Micah Projects. Price Attack has donated $75,000 worth of haircare to each of the charities working at the coal face of homelessness and domestic violence. “We work in and industry that is about luxury and making people feel good about themselves,” Mr Fuentes said. “Every day we are exposed to news about the rising figures of homelessness, unemployment and domestic violence and having the ability to give back to those who support so many and provide those in need with tools to feel their best whilst overcoming their challenges is an honour.” Friends with Dignity Chief Executive Officer and founder Manuela Whitford said through their donation Price Attack had freed up essential funding, Friends with Dignity could now allocate to other urgent items and resources. “Self-care and grooming play a significant role in empowering individuals,” Mrs Whitford said. “Many toiletries and self-care products are often beyond the financial reach of those facing adversity. “These hair products are not just commodities; they represent compassion, care and Price Attack’s shared vision to make a difference in the lives of men, women, and children in Australia.”
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Industry News. YUKI KANO SHOWING THE SHAG
With the Walh education Road Tour in progress, Mocha Group got to catch up with Yuki Kano in Sydney. The tour has been going all over the east coast: • Brisbane with Mark Robone and Anthony Nafatali at the Barber Academy • Sydney with Yuki Kano The Studio X • Newcastle with Sarah Wall at The New Black Industry Salon • Melbourne with Ben Kane at Kings Domain Barbers Yuki is a skilful barber and hairdresser, evolving unique techniques when combining clippers and scissors. The class was focused on ‘the shag’ haircut with a look and learn on a live model, and then a ‘textured skin fade’ hand- on with mannequins. She explained how using both clippers and scissors for a haircut (both long and short hair) can give you an advantage. By using both, it can minimise RSI and stress on your shoulders, wrists and back. Yuki often uses her clippers for more blunt fast cutting which is vital for any barber. As an added BONUS for the Sydney class, Mocha Group’s Jarred Stedman, did an editorial shoot with Yuki’s model, Lous Tomlinson, to demonstrate how the cut can be transformed on camera.
• dry styling (please ensure hair is clean beforehand), such as curling, beach waves and straightening • helmet hair prevention prep, including how to do the perfect braids (i.e., dutch, bubble, halo) and stylish slicked back or low ponytails. • dry cuts for men. Edwards and Co. professional stylists will provide advice on how to prevent and fix ‘helmet hair’ of all lengths and textures, such as: • make sure your hair is dry – popping a helmet over wet hair will only put you on a fast track to flat lifeless locks. • invest in high quality hair wax – cheap alternatives just don’t cut it in the style-holding stakes when helmets are involved. • a pre-ride spritz of texturising spray or dry shampoo as well as a ‘structured’ style, such as a braid or low bun, can make a big difference to your ‘do’ when you reach your destination. • wearing a silk head scarf under your helmet helps reduce friction and keeps your hair smooth and frizz-free. The first round of appointments for Monday 23 October will be made available at 9am on Monday 16 October on a first-come, first-served basis.
LONG-STANDING FAMILY-OWNED HAIRDRESSING SALON FRANCAPELLI JOINS THE REVLON PROFESSIONAL FAMILY
AUSSIE-FIRST HELMET HAIR SALON OFFERING FREE STYLING AND DIY TIPS FOR TAMING E-SCOOTER TRESSES
Lime, the world’s largest provider of shared electric bikes and scooters, has launched Australia’s first Helmet Hair Salon in collaboration with leading hair agency, Edwards and Co., offering Melburnian e-riders and e-bikers free hair styling education appointments on Monday 23 October. The Lime and Edwards and Co. collaboration also counters the call-out from the near one-in-five (19%) bike/scooter riders who say the potential of post-ride helmet hair is a deterrent. The ‘serious’ aim of this fun initiative is to demonstrate that bad hair day fears should never be a barrier to safe and sustainable e-bike and e-scooter riding. There are 40 complimentary 30-minute appointments available between 9am and 2pm at Edwards and Co.’s salon in Fitzroy, courtesy of Lime. The following styling options are available for the free appointments: 18
Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
A salon for everyone, Francapelli Hairdressing Salon is a men’s and women’s salon operating since 1979 by owners Frank and Anna Sobrio. With over 150 years of combined experience from the team, the salon is committed to providing client-based excellence and four decades on, the team continues to offer a unique and dynamic experience, grounded in the philosophy that “the customer’s perception is our reality”. This commitment has seen generations of families come through the salon’s doors, all emerging with the look and feel that Francapelli is known for. Today at Francapelli Hairdressing Salon, the team provides service to thirdgeneration clients, proving that Frank and Anna’s original commitment to client-based excellence has engendered long-lasting client relationships, resulting in Francapalli solely generating clientele from word of mouth and no advertising needed. After recovering from the impact of the Covid pandemic Francapelli wanted a change and partnered with Revlon Professional, aligning with the Revlon Professional vision of ‘create boldly, live boldly’. Francapelli is located at 357 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122.
EXCITING LAUNCH - STATUS CO. A SPEAK-EASY BAR MEETS HAIR SALON IN SYDNEY’S BARANGAROO.
Socialite and entrepreneur Jules Robinson has teamed up with event guru Renee Schembri of events agency RSPM Creative (RSPM), who spearheads the creative and events management of Australia’s premier and most talked about events, to launch the latest go-to venue, Status Co. in Sydney’s Barangaroo. Status Co., a hair salon, bar, and event space, officially opened on Barangaroo Avenue in the premier precinct of Barangaroo, Sydney NSW, with the mission to attract city dwellers and visitors to an allin-one relaxing, beauty and event space by day and exclusive event space meets speak-easy bar by night. The salon-come-speakeasy exudes an air of opulent moodiness, with velvet details set against a canvas of deep teal, shadowy nooks, and vibrant pops of colour. The ambient lighting, contemporary decor, and premium finishes come together, creating a luxurious space that marries the warmth of a vintage speakeasy with the spirited liveliness of Sydney’s nightlife—your plush alcove for sipping cocktails in style. The partnership combines Robinson’s expertise in hair, beauty, and wellness with Schembri’s expertise in creating world-class events combining forces to create memorable and welcoming experiences. Offering a diverse array of elevated hair and beauty services alongside personalised event possibilities, whether you’re seeking a swift rejuvenation during work breaks, a complete transformation before a night out, or a lively and glamorous get-together with friends, Status Co. sets the stage for anyone who wants to fully immerse themselves in an equal dose of self-care and glammed-up fun. After all, this ethos is embedded deep within Status Co.’s DNA with the belief that ‘feeling fabulous is a human right’. “Status Co. is a place where self-care rules and feeling unstoppable is an everyday experience. We’re here to make you look as glam as you deserve to feel”, Says co-founder Jules Robinson, who brings her 20-year expertise as a top hairdresser to the brand. “We want our community to have a place to come together to experience an unparalleled salon experience, paired with a unique and exclusive space for their events, or simply, just a new space to meet for a weekly drink,” said Schembri. Schembri, whose creative events business RSPM boasts clients such as Meta, Instagram, ARE Media and Forbes magazine, says of her approach to events at Status Co. “We believe status isn’t earned; it’s claimed. And we want to create a space where anyone, no matter who they are, can waltz in and be treated like absolute royalty — enabled to find their own status quo or highest sense of self. If we’ve done that, we’ve done well.” says Schembri. @statusco.republic
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DYNAMIC DUO MARK LEESON & RICHARD DARBY:
THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND THE ICONIC MARK LEESON BRAND.
As Global Artistic Ambassador for Revlon Professional, Mark Leeson’s name is synonymous with glamorous, wearable hair. He’s achieved huge success on his home turf and also on the international stage as one of global hairdressing’s biggest stars. But as everyone knows, big success is often down to the team around you. And Mark has one person in particular who has been instrumental in this illustrious career.
As awards shelves go, Mark Leeson’s is extremely well stocked. Since his iconic style saw him scoop the coveted British Hairdresser of the Year trophy in 2014, he’s picked up almost every other title going, including his most recent - International Hairdresser of the Year at the Australian Hairdressing Industry Awards (AHIA) 2023. While Mark has undoubtedly gained an unrivalled reputation, his partner Richard Darby - co-Director of the Mark Leeson brand - has quietly been at his side almost the entire way through his rise to success. But running a world-class hair salon was an accidental career shift for Richard. In fact, his original career ambitions couldn’t have been more different. “In my younger years, I used to be incredibly sporty,” explains Richard. “I ran competitively for England and swam at a county level too. Growing up, I always wanted to go into the police, but the shift work put me off. Instead, I studied business at A-Level and ended up getting a job in a bank instead.” At the time, Mark was a fledgling hairdresser with the John Hawley salon group, graduating from salon junior to shop manager and eventually becoming an educator. While steadily working on the shop floor, he was also gaining a name for himself as a leading platform artist. A commanding manner on stage was matched by an exacting finesse and creativity. Demanding unflappable skill under scrutiny, this circuit no doubt shaped his future ability for conjuring up incredible hair at the drop of a hat. Mark and Richard met when Richard was just 17 years old and – still in the early stages of their relationship - when the opportunity for taking over a franchise came about, the pair decided to go for it together. Within two years, they had trebled the turnover. “I had very little experience in hairdressing apart from being involved with the competition circuit but I knew a fair bit about business and finance, so it made sense that Mark would lead the brand creatively, and I’d concentrate on everything else,” Richard says. Opening in 1996, after ten years of staggering success, Mark and Richard secured a larger site in 2006 to cater to an evergrowing client list. With a proven formula for full columns, the duo saw one of the country’s first ‘super salons’ come to life. Mark Leeson offered the ultimate hairdressing experience - a luxurious and tranquil setting in which clients can enjoy top-to-toe treatments, carried out in a space spanning over 3,000 square feet. Today, the same style that was gained in Mark’s early career has become synonymous with the Mark Leeson brand. The salon has an unbeaten local status due to that intuitive understanding of ‘simply great hair’ that their clientele has fallen in love with. Alongside growing the Mark Leeson business, Mark had an increasing hunger for winning awards and Richard was the driving force in steering Mark away from competition hairdressing and into a more commercial arena. Having won Eastern Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards three times, Mark set his sights on winning British. “For me, it was the ultimate title,” Mark confesses. • cont’d over page
• cont’d from page 21
“I WANT TO CARRY ON CRE ATING BE AUTIFUL IMAGERY THAT INSPIRES OTHER HAIRDRESSERS AND LE AVES OUR VERY OWN PIECE OF HISTORY ”
“I cherry-picked the photographic team I knew could translate my vision, and just felt that we had the formula to make it happen.” By the time he won the award in 2014, he’d notched up a truly outstanding track record of finalising for 32 British Hairdressing Awards and winning an incredible 14. Richard describes all roads leading to that point as a dream he knew was always going to come true. “Mark is a creative genius,” Richard says with unapologetic pride. The pair stand side-by-side on shoot days, education and stage presentations; and in the salon, Richard is Mark’s personal colour technician. Their working relationship is seamless, and Mark trusts Richard’s opinion implicitly. “Richard sees things in black and white – he has a different but complimentary perspective to mine,” says Mark. “He can simplify a thought to make it absolutely work. Sometimes it’s the adjustment he suggests that makes all the difference. Fundamentally, we like the same things, and we have a lot of fun bouncing ideas around.” The pair are supported by a hugely talented art team. “We are 100 per cent team players at Mark Leeson,” says Richard. “We celebrate each and every success and believe in giving everyone an opportunity to shine.” Today, the team travel the world and fly the flag for British hairdressing. And they have all individually gone on to emulate Mark’s success, winning multiple awards at the British Hairdressing Awards in the Men’s, Eastern and Midlands categories, as well as on the international stage. “The truth is that the brand is not just about me,” admits Mark. Back at base, Mark and Richard have clearly defined roles and that is possibly the secret to their dynamic match. “We don’t tread on each other’s toes,” Mark says. And Richard agrees, “Mark doesn’t need to get too involved in the day-to day stresses of salon life and that frees him up creatively. We communicate really well and ultimately we have the same end goal.” Richard describes himself as the “conductor of the orchestra” 22
Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
- a man with many hats, his steady focus and endless support for Mark is no doubt what has brought the pair to the enviable position that they are today. As a team, they are known for their immaculately executed photographic collections, combining technical expertise with commercial appeal, and cutting-edge precision with flawless, feminine style. They have created an entire brand with beautiful hair as its hallmark. The drawback of creating such a winning formula is of course that it’s open to imitation. “I take it as a compliment,” Mark says. “It’s true that our look, vibe and feel has become instantly recognisable, but it inspires us to keep trying new things while staying true to what we do. We’ve never stood still and will always continue to push boundaries.” When asked what’s next, the two are unsurprisingly on the same page. It’s about developing the team around them, nurturing the talent under their roof and to keep pushing artistic boundaries. “Creatively, we are always turning the wheel,” say Mark. “We try not to repeat ourselves; we’re always looking forward and we’ve continually got an eye out for the next big thing. I want to carry on creating beautiful imagery that inspires other hairdressers and leaves our very own piece of history.” As always, Richard is in agreement – every step of the way. Credits: Hair: Mark Leeson Make up: Maddie Austin Fashion: M&R Photo: Richard Miles
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Sunday 24th September saw the hair industry unite for the gala awards ceremony of the Australian Hair Industry Awards 2023- Business. The much-anticipated event was held at the The Star, Gold Coast with Australia’s leading hairdressers, salons, specialist businesses, educators and professional products taking home each of the 30 awards. Created by Mocha Group, the AHIA’s were launched due to national demand for a platform to highlight business achievement and recognise excellence, providing an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the industry. The powerful impact of the awards continues to grow year on year with 2023 setting a new record of over 300 entries and 200 finalists across the extensive categories. Each submission was judged by an independent panel of 32 judges consisting of media, PR and business specialists. Proud sponsors included Timely, Redken, Kitomba, Sustainable Salons, Excellent Edges, Matrix, Schwarzkopf Professional, Goldwell, L’Oreal Professionnel, Revlon Professional, HairBiz, Shortcuts, DNA, KMS, EVY Professional, Comfortel, Wella Professionals, Hi Lift Professional, Haircare Group, Parlux by Dateline Imports, Alfaparf
Milano Professional and DeLorenzo. A highlight of the evening was the opening extravaganza choreographed by the incredible creative talent Adam Williams. This incredible spectacle saw international guest headliners with death defying performances which danced dangerously close to spiralling out of control. Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead is proud to acknowledge this year’s deserving winners; “There is no better litmus test of the Australian hair industry than the AHIA’s. The fact that we continue to break records with submission numbers is testament to the emphasis which the hair community places on not just meeting quality benchmarks but exceeding them. Hairdressing is a crucial part of the service industry and these
businesses play an integral role within all of our communities, bringing us together, supporting the next-generation of talent and making us feel amazing. For that they deserve to be championed by all of us!” The Big Winner of the night was Sharlene Lee, Circles for Hair, taking out Best Business Director/Owner of the Year, WA/ NT Salon of the year and the ultimate accolade of Australian Salon of the Year. Amongst the other excited winners, The 2023 Special Recognition award went to Jenny Burnsand the Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Award to Helen Owens, Tigerlamb. On behalf of Helen, as an added surprise, Comfortel donated $10,000 to one of her chosen charities RIZEUP Australia with a giant cheque being presented to founder Nicolle Edwards.
AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ
Best Eco Salon Sponsored by DNA Organics George & Ivy
BEST IN CARE Qiqi Makes You Feel Like You Just Left The Salon Shampoo & Qiqi Goodbye Dry Hello Gorgeous Conditioner by Dateline Imports
Best Business Newcomer of the Year Sponsored by KMS Salon Her
BEST IN TREAT BC Clean Frizz Away Treatment by Henkel Beauty Care Professional BEST IN STYLE Joico Youthlock Blowout Crème by Sabre Haircare BEST ELECTRICAL TOOL EVY PROFESSIONAL E-Curl Pro Salon Team Member of the Year Sponsored by Excellent Edges Leanne Kay, Stevie English Hair Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year Sponsored by Wella Professionals Brooke Blinco, RocaVerde Business Director/Owner of the Year Sponsored by Kitomba Sharlene Lee, Circles of Hair Salon Team of the Year Sponsored by Goldwell Toni&Guy Cronulla Sole Operator of the Year Sponsored by Matrix Katy Reeve
Best Salon Design Sponsored by Comfortel Ms Monaco Hair Society Best Marketing Sponsored by Shortcuts Elysium Hair Brisbane
NATIONAL WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Parlux by Dateline Imports Salon Direct Hair and Beauty Supplies State Salon Business of the Year NSW/ ACT Sponsored By Alfaparf Milano Professional Sloans State Salon Business of the Year QLD Sponsored By Wella Professionals Rokstar
Best Customer Care Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional Ms Monaco Hair Society
State Salon Business of the Year SA/ TAS Sponsored By Timely SJ Establishment
Best Salon Group of the Year Sponsored by M&U Imports Toni&Guy Australia
State Salon Business of the Year VIC Sponsored By Revlon Professional Mama West
Best In-Salon Training Sponsored by Haircare Group Co and Pace Salons
State Salon Business of the Year WA/NT Sponsored By DeLorenzo Circles of Hair
Educator of the Year – Individual Sponsored by Redken Sharon Blain
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Sponsored By L’Oréal Professionnel Jenny Burns
Educator of the Year – Organisation Sponsored by EVY PROFESSIONAL Taylorweir
VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Helen Owens
Educator of the Year - Product or Equipment Company Sponsored by Sustainable Salons L’Oréal Professionnel
AUSTRALIAN SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Circles of Hair
www.mochagroup.com.au Facebook: Mocha.Hair.Ausnz Instagram: @mochahairaustralia
Meet the Winners Created by Mocha Group, the AHIA’s were launched due to national demand for a platform to highlight business achievement and recognise excellence, providing an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the industry. Learn more about the Winners as we congratulate them all in this special AHIA Winners coverage. AUSTRALIAN SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Circles of Hair State Salon Business of the Year WA/NT Sponsored By DeLorenzo Circles of Hair Business Director/Owner of the Year Sponsored by Kitomba Sharlene Lee, Circles of Hair Whilst clients of the Fitzgerald Street and Subiaco locations are well aware of their legendary status, the industry is also left with no doubt that the best hairdressers are based right here in Perth. These are far from the first national awards for the team, having previously been named, AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2020 plus Hair Expo Salon Business of the Year 2019 and 2018. The Circles team are also renowned for their work with celebrities including hometown Perth actress Katherine Langford, providing her with a showstopping copper makeover that made headlines around the globe including within Elle, Girlfriend, In Style, MTV, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and W Magazine. The goto salon for Perth’s social set for special events and festivals, they also work with local influencers including @graciepiscopo, @madalingiorgetta, @emdavies__ and @rahneebransby. With a team of 51, Sharlene Lee, owner/director leads by example still working on the floor as well as managing operations. In 28 years of business, she has nurtured and developed countless hairdressers and so many remain part of the family from Apprentice and beyond. Staff can generate 6 figure salaries, her diversification with products, loyalty clubs and more have to be seen to be believed and with an ideology to empower from within, this powerhouse businesswoman is a credit to the industry.
VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group Helen Owens Helen’s impact on the Brisbane community cannot be overemphasised such has been her commitment to helping those less fortunate. Philanthropy for this amazing individual started young when she used to be a part of the doorknocking team for the Red Cross and various animal charities and in the past 19 years of running her incredibly successful business she has raised over $250,000 by way of donations, gifts and fundraising for charities, not to mention the many hours of time she and her beloved staff, friends, family and colleagues put in to the running of major charity balls, community events, blanket drives, fashion parades, dress up days, reduced service offerings and local community based events. In 2022, she launched the Phoenix Project during the seemingly continuous adversity of fires, floods, pandemics, heartbreaks and hardships for regular people caring for those grieving the loss of family, home, income and safety. Her salons have completed 4 Charity Bridge to Brisbane walks, multiple 24-hour hair cut charity events, support Share the Dignity, the ponytail project and Shave For A Cure. Most recently she is a major supporter of RizeUp Australia Domestic and Family Violence Charity, a national organisation whose mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope, empowerment and ability to move on to a life free from violence.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD Sponsored By L’Oréal Professionnel Jenny Burns Jenny has played an instrumental role in marketing and promoting so many people in the hair industry through both the business and creative arenas. Coming from a PR background, in the 1990’s she set up her own Boutique PR, events and marketing agency specialising in lifestyle areas such as hair, beauty, fashion, food, tourism, sport and recreation. In 2002, she moved across to publishing using her skills as a wordsmith taking up a position with Culture magazine showcasing talent, trends, people and industry news for Australian hairdressing, eventually becoming Editor in Chief. Following this tenure, she went back to freelance professional writing, public relations, social media management, award submissions, copywriting and creative communications. In her current role as Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Australian Hairdressing Council and Head Hunter Recruitment Australia, she literally lives and breathes the industry and is known for her infectious laugh, smile and general kindness towards anyone she can help along the way.
State Salon Business of the Year NSW/ACT Sponsored By Alfaparf Milano Professional Sloans Created by hair industry icon Scott Sloan, the Sloans group has been dedicated to delivering a little modest glamour in a relaxed and sociable space for over 21 years in Lane Cove and 7 years in North Sydney, alongside Co-Director Jordan Hone. With 27 dedicated professionals across the north shore, the vibrant and eclectic team channel a fashion forward vibe onto the salon floor yet remain approachable and relatable for their diverse local clientele. Renowned throughout the industry, Sloans have been awarded countless accolades including AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2021, AHFA Creative Team of the Year 2021 and AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2019. Scott is also currently hard at work creating looks at London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks for the likes of Fendi, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Valentino, Miu Miu and The Row.
State Salon Business of the Year QLD Sponsored By Wella Professionals
Rokstar
Multi-award winning salon Rokstar started back in 2013 when Owner Brodie took over an outdated hair and beauty salon, transforming it into a new benchmark in quality for the area. Named one of the “Top Hair Salons in Australia” in Beauty Crew, they are also leaders in the sustainability space as one of the first salons to become part of Sustainable Salons Australia and inspiring so many Queensland salons to follow suit. Following a luxurious expansion and rebrand in 2020, the salon continues to go from strength to strength and are previous winners of AHIA Hair Director of the Year 2022 for Brodie Tsiknaris and AHIA Team Member of the Year 2022 for Evie Golding. The team’s technical ability sets them firmly at the forefront of Brisbane’s thriving hair scene, specialising in colour correction and all blonde colour services.
State Salon Business of the Year SA/TAS Sponsored By Timely SJ Establishment Owner and Director Sam James and her team continue their run as the very best in the state with this latest win and with he team renowned for their experience and extensive accolades it’s no surprise. Designed with the ultimate client journey in mind SJ Establishment is a stunning salon and, from moment you walk inside, you realise you are in for a special experience. Gone is the old-fashioned check-in desk, instead guests are welcomed into the space immediately to feel part of the fun and relaxed vibe. The salon is ever evolving thanks to the monthly featured artist works lining the walls and also features the PIIQ digital mirror technology. The team are industry leaders when it comes to creating trend focused cuts, colours and styles, as well as their business know-how, having also taken out AHIA Best Marketing 2022 last year.
Meet the Winners State Salon Business of the Year VIC Sponsored By Revlon Professional Mama West Founded by Sheridan Rose Shaw, a hairdresser with more than 17 years industry experience and a niche in creative colour, MAMAWEST is Melbourne’s first EVER collaborative co-working hair salon, and home to individual women-led businesses. And, where ‘life’s too short for sh!t hair!’ Launching something so dynamic and creative was an ambitious undertaking in any environment, but to successfully launch, then grow in every way during a global pandemic and well beyond was a true achievement, taking out AHIA Newcomer of the Year 2022. The demographic is as diverse as the community, with business owners, mums, rebels, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community making up the bulk of their clientele. The salon is a true expression of Sheridan’s exuberant personality and is painted in vibrant pinks, greens and blues, with beautiful murals featuring bejewelled animals and artwork from local artists. Through radical authenticity and generosity, dedication to inclusivity, a commitment to excellent working conditions, genuine connection to the community and industry, and business practices that have true integrity, MAMAWEST is SO much more than a local hairdresser.
Salon Team Member of the Year Sponsored by Excellent Edges
Leanne Kay, Stevie English Hair
Stevie English Hair opened in November 2007, born of an idea to build a cool, unique hair salon with an environmental conscience. Led by industry icon and AHIA Colour Expert of the Year 2023, 2022 and 2021, Stevie English, Scotland born Leanne has already started to be noticed for her skills in this competitive industry. The ultimate slashie, she is Senior Stylist, Educator, Ambassador and Social Media Manager and helps to drive this thriving salon to new heights daily. This win marks an exciting time for Leanne, who was previously named Finalist for AHIA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2023 and Fame Team 2023.
Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year Sponsored by Wella Professionals
Brooke Blinco, RocaVerde
Established in 2008, and with the new concept ‘The All’ launching in 2021, Roca Verde is a collective home of passionate creatives featuring expansive space with an open plan design full of light. The beautifully bespoke environment evokes authentic feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation. Known for their beachy blondes and balayage, Brooke has managed this dynamic team of experienced stylists to deliver the highly sought after effortless, future-proof hair which our coastline adores, since 2017. Brooke is an adept and compassionate leader who cultivates enthusiasm in the team and constantly updates her skills to positively impact those around her. She is also committed to minimising impact on the environment and works closely with Sustainable Salons Australia to incorporate environmentally friendly practises into every aspect of the salon.
Salon Team of the Year Sponsored by Goldwell
Toni&Guy Cronulla
For more than 50 years, TONI&GUY has been renowned as an innovator within the hair industry, having grown from a single unit in Clapham, London to a multi-national company. TONI&GUY Cronulla opened its doors in March 2004 on cosmopolitan Cronulla Street and quickly set itself apart from the rest. Talented Head Technician Louise Blake has taken the reins of the salon in Cronulla with her outstanding team of stylists and technicians and the salon has grown by leaps and bounds. British-born Louise brings world-renowned TONI&GUY style infused with her personal passion for hairdressing, leading her talented team of hairdressers to consistently challenge themselves and each other, feeding their passion for hairdressing and delivering great, fashionable looks to their clients. They are also a proud local sponsor and collection point for the Share the Dignity project.
Sole Operator of the Year Sponsored by Matrix Katy Reeve From humble beginnings as an Apprentice Stylist in her father’s salon back home in the UK, to spending a decade with TONI&GUY both in London and Sydney, through to an incredibly enriching time with luxury brand La Biosthetique as Education Director, Katy brings a wealth of global experience to the beaches. Alternating her time between Cromer salon Exquisite Hair as well as Academie Hair in Sydney’s inner west, with plenty of education delivery in between, she is a powerful force within the industry. This is just the latest accolade having won AHFA NSW Hairdresser of the Year 2019, appearing backstage at numerous fashion shows and with work appearing in titles including The Australian.
Best Eco Salon Sponsored by DNA Organics George & Ivy Located in the back streets of East Fremantle, George & Ivy Hairdressing has become more than just a place for a great haircut, colour or style, it’s a community centre of sorts. Winners of AHIA WA/NT Salon of the Year 2022, they are renowned for their dedication to sustainability with owners Paul and Cat leading the way within the industry. The stunning building was created from 80% recycled materials including reclaimed bricks, steel, and timber and the welcoming interiors have been designed using vintage and reclaimed furniture including the well-loved Chesterfield lounges. They also installed solar panels to reduce power usage by 60% and are officially partnered with Carbon Neutral Australia, making them proudly carbon negative. There is even 10% off for all clients who walk or ride to the salon! Add that to their use of only certified organic hair care, and this innovative team have truly discovered the secret to merging sustainability and style with ease.
Best Business Newcomer of the Year Sponsored by KMS Salon Her Founded by renowned colour specialist and industry educator Michael Kelly, Salon HER is a welcoming space that collides dreamlike hair with holistic service experience. Created to reflect passion for hair and genuine dedication to local clients, it’s a luxurious salon experience like no other. The team deliver a bespoke, full-service offering—from expert styling and precision cutting through to specialised colour, corrections and treatments. Described by Gritty Pretty as ‘the chicest salon you will ever go to in your life’, Salon HER features curated textures, colours and finishes which invoke nostalgia. Think that ‘Welcome Home’ feel, a reminder of a beautiful holiday or an intimate hotel lobby bar in New York. But, this salon is about much more than just style, working with St Vincent’s Clinic for WORLDS GREATEST SHAVE and raising funds for local shelter Rough Edges.
Meet the Winners Best Salon Design Sponsored by Comfortel Ms Monaco Hair Society Best Customer Care Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional Ms Monaco Hair Society Ms Monaco Hair Society is the newest hair salon on the Sunshine Coast with a one of a kind salon experience. Owner Samanatha Jones has always been fascinated by the marriage of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco and the glamour and style of the era. Everything about Monaco screams luxury from the grand Belle Epoque architecture and characteristic curved lines to the idyllic coastal lifestyle, it is all captured in this stunning space. What truly sets the experience apart? After a personal salon tour, each guest relaxes in the exquisite members’ lounge featuring a fully licensed and well-stocked bar, with all staff holding RSA certification, and enjoys a welcome cocktail. Guests holding salon memberships enjoy snacks, drinks and our VIP hospitality in premium lounge surroundings for the entirety of their visit for the ultimate VIP experience. From the moment a client walks through the velvet roped entrance you can literally see the sense of ‘wow’ reflected in their expression. To work with the unusual building shape, owner Samantha Jones created multiple ‘zones’ within the overall footprint, creating a sense of bespoke specialisation and personalisation, as well as privacy within a very large space.
Best Marketing Sponsored by Shortcuts Elysium Hair Brisbane As the previous AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2022, the Elysium team are no strangers to awards shows. Kate and Oscar Henderson created the Elysium Hair Brisbane brand after purchasing an old salon back in 2008 and now manage a thriving hair hub. A highly successful hair salon with 13 team members, the stunning space features 24 hair stations, a dedicated consultation area, eight private electric reclining basin lounges, retail zone, toolbar, customer kitchen and large dispensary. The team also blend passion and purpose in doing good for people and the planet by recycling up to 98% of all salon waste as a member of Sustainable Salons Australia. They have firmly positioned themselves as industry leaders in minimising carbon footprint through waste reduction, recycling, reduced energy consumption and green purchasing. The team were also awarded AHIA Best Customer Care 2022 and it isn’t hard to see why, with the delicious snacks, glasses of bubbles, sensory experiences and personalised rituals available for all clients.
Best In-Salon Training Sponsored by Haircare Group
Co and Pace Salons
Led by the AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023, Justin Pace, Co and Pace Salons is the fundamental expression of Justin’s three decades’ experience in the hairdressing industry. As a master colourist, cutter and stylist he understands implicitly the fundamental importance of education. His dedication to ensuring his accomplished team have access to best training opportunities in the country is testament to the high quality services that are delivered to their loyal clients. From cutting to colouring to styling, Co and Pace operate at a global level. Justin combines a consummate command of technical dexterity with artistic finesse and his work has appeared in an abundance of media platforms internationally and nationally including Estetica Magazine, Salon Magazine, Focus on Hair, Colour World, Friseur, Fashion Weekly Magazine, Instyle Magazine and Style Magazines, plus he is also Redken 5th Avenue NYC International and National Artist and Educator.
Best Salon Group of the Year Sponsored by M&U Imports Toni&Guy Australia For more than 50 years, TONI&GUY has been renowned as an innovator within the hair industry, having grown from a single unit in Clapham, London to a multi-national company. Australia’s story started in 1995, when TONI&GUY Managing Director Dennis Langford laid the foundations for TONI&GUY Australia in a carefully selected salon shop front on Oxford Street, Paddington. This shopfront soon moved down the street a little later to became the ultra-modern and high-tech TONI&GUY Paddington flagship Academy, Salon and National Head Office. The group are now passionately dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of skills, service and products in an enjoyable, friendly salon environment. TONI&GUY has been a key sponsor of Australian Fashion Week, has twenty-five salons across Australia, two education schools in Sydney and Melbourne and they continue to represent the industry as leaders in hair fashion. Now led by Sara Langford, during the last 12-18 months TONI&GUY Australia has demonstrated a notable shift in strategy and sentiment towards the position as an industry BIG Brother. A period of reflection to remember the foundation of a brand heritage seeped in education, inspired by fashion and trusted as a result of highly skilled staff. TONI&GUY Australia has provided a platform for our group of individual salon owners to achieve success whilst maintaining an appointed role as an industry captain. It’s a fairly unique position, to be a comrade and a competitor, unlike some other groups who operate solely within a consumer facing sphere.
Educator of the Year – Individual Sponsored by Redken Sharon Blain Sharon Blain is one of the most acclaimed hairdressers and educators in the world today. For more than five decades she has been toiling her craft, perfecting her skills and sharing her unrivalled knowledge with thousands of hairdressers from all corners of the globe at workshops, seminars, online and at her highly acclaimed boot camps. Sharon’s innovative and unique education programs cover the entire spectrum of long hair prowess, from stunning bridal and celebrity red carpet hair styling through to editorial and beautiful avant-garde dressing. She is recognised for her exceptional creativity through stunning photographic imagery that has been published worldwide and has been bestowed with a myriad of prestigious accolades and achievements, of which this is only the latest!
Educator of the Year – Organisation Sponsored by EVY PROFESSIONAL Taylorweir Dedicated exclusively to training the future hairdressers and barbers Taylorweir see it as their mission to prepare apprentices and students for cutting-edge careers in hairdressing and barbering by providing them with exceptional training in a positive and creative learning environment. Their unique approach has seen them recognised as WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2022, and Bronze for Australian Small Training Provider of the Year 2022. Their innovative training programs have been crafted by experienced, award-winning, and industrycurrent instructors’ all delivered in purpose-built and optimum learning spaces. They also have the TAYLORWEIR Training Salon where all services incur just a small charge to cover the cost of our products while all students are in training, supervised by a qualified trainer and assessor.
Educator of the Year - Product or Equipment Company Sponsored by Sustainable Salons
L’Oréal Professionnel
L’Oréal Professionnel is the leading luxury hair colour and hair care company globally. Throughout the company’s 114-year history the brand has encouraged the industry to be the best, create the best, inspire the best, through technology driven solutions to industry demand. In 2022/23 they have lifted the benchmark of education even higher. The national team of 12 educators have strong technical skills coupled with an abundance of passion for the industry. The team is committed to the development of themselves and inspirational education and as a result have created more touchpoints in education, delivered through online and offline sessions, via L’Oréal Access a 24/7 online learning platform. They have created a variety of downloadable materials, videos, interactive e-webinars and face to face sessions and classes. Their education includes core fundamentals, inspirational and an array of sessions designed to develop industry growth through elevating the proficiency of the luxury experience.
Meet the Winners NATIONAL WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Parlux by Dateline Imports Salon Direct Hair and Beauty
Supplies
Salon Direct Hair and Beauty offer an extensive range of salon professional hair, nail and beauty products alongside excellent customer service and knowledge in the industry. With over 18 years experience they pride themselves on fast, secure online service, efficient deliveries and the best prices around and are now the highest voted favourite Hair wholesaler within Australia.
AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ BEST IN CARE Qiqi Makes You Feel Like You Just
Left The Salon Shampoo & Qiqi Goodbye Dry Hello Gorgeous Conditioner by Dateline Imports This winning duo leave hair with a smooth and silky feel, making it more manageable, shiny and glossy. The Shampoo is boosted with essential hair proteins and moisture and it is great for all hair types and for daily use. The Conditioner provides perfectly hydrated, soft and glossy hair and is especially suited to those suffering from parched, dry hair and reduces combing time on wet and dry hair.
AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ BEST IN TREAT BC Clean Frizz
Away Treatment by Henkel Beauty Care Professional
An intensive vegan hair treatment, specially formulated to tame and nourish unruly, coarse and frizzy hair. It provides all hair types with up to 72 hours of frizz control for beautifully shiny, smooth hair.
AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ BEST ELECTRICAL TOOL E-CURL PRO by EVY
PROFESSIONAL
The EVY Professional E-Curl Pro with Mineral Infused Technology allows you to create healthier looking hair with volume that lasts. The ultimate styling tool collection with 5 interchangeable barrels is a must for all professionals and consumers demanding the ultimate styling tool collection.
AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ BEST IN STYLE Joico Youthlock Blowout Crème
by Sabre Haircare
This blow-out crème is formulated with collagen and steps in to help safeguard hair with luxurious protections that helps reverse the effects of time and aging on hair. This product provides protection from breakage and hair fall during brushing and blow-drying while delivering youthful body and bounce
Sponsored By
Meet the 2023
ANNE RUSSELL
Anne Russell left school at 17 to start her hairdressing apprenticeship. She finished her apprenticeship in 2019 and competed in the regional round of WorldSkills where she won gold, she then competed in the national stage in Sydney in 2021 and won Silver. Anne was then selected to be a part of the WorldSkills Australia Skillaroo team, and represented Australia on the international stage in 2022 in Helsinki Finland, where she took 7th place and a Medallion of Excellence!
After finishing her apprenticeship in 2019, Anne travelled solo to London for her first ‘big girl’ holiday! Where she met her uncle Scott Sloan, and attended salon international and NOISE. Anne followed that with a European Contiki, then headed back home with a broken ankle… once returning home she had 2 months off and then made the move to Sydney to start her dream job at Sloans of Lane Cove. Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Anne about her industry and Hot Shot journey.
What made you want to be a hairdresser?
I think wanting to be a hairdresser is one of my first memories as a child! My entire life all I’ve wanted to do when I grow up was be a hairdresser AND live in Sydney just like my uncle Scott Sloan! I have always loved playing with people’s hair. I used to always do my dolly’s hair growing up never changed their outfits but always the hair! One of my first clients was my Beautiful Nan Noeline (who has passed away), she would always let me blow dry her hair and practice my shampoos and massage techniques on her. She always believed in me and made me believe I could do big things! Since her passing I created my First collection ‘Reverie’ in honour of her. I wanted the collection to be beautiful and timeless just like her, and I came away with 2 amazing awards from it. I love that now as a stylist I can make people feel so confident and give them the boost they
could be longing for, give someone their dream hair, or even completely change someone’s look. To me it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job, along with people sharing their stories with me and me also doing the same. (I LOVE TO TALK).
What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?
I absolutely love styling hair! Whether it’s an up style for an event, or a blow-dry for dinner with the girls, or an editorial photoshoot. The styling is my favourite part. I love that you can recreate similar shapes on so many people and they turn out all so different, and each time you do the style, you change your technique slightly, or learn something from one of your favourite stylists on Instagram that then changes the way you create.
How to you manage life and work balance?
I don’t... I find it hard to manage a work life balance. Purely because my hobbies and fun time is doing hair, so I find it hard to not be constantly watching hair videos and planning a colour for a client or a style change or tweak for another. One thing I do A LOT is spend time with my best friend / mum. She comes to the city a lot to visit which I love, whenever she’s visiting me from the country we love going out for dinners, gossiping, and just hanging out whether it’s shopping or doing her hair. She is truly my best friend, and I don’t know what I’d do without her.
Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?
I find a few people super inspiring. One being Sarah Laidlaw! The way her mind works is amazing! I’m always so excited to see any new posts on Instagram of the truly beautiful editorial work she does. A long-time inspiration of mine is Sharon Blain. The timelessness and perfection in every look is something I’ve always admired about her. And of course, my lovely Uncle, Mr. Scott Sloan. What inspires me about him is that there’s always something new to work towards. Coming from the same small country town, to who he is now, the name and brand he has built, inspires me immensely.
If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?
I would LOVE to spend the day with Lizzo. I’ve always loved her as a person. I would love to spend a day with her and see how she creates her music and works on her brand ‘Yitty’, and always balances her crazy busy life and keeps herself grounded. One of the things I love about Lizzo is the way she spreads positivity. She is a proud, fit, and healthy big girl like me, and I would love to pick her brain about the way she thinks, so I can tailor that to me and take some of it with me on my journey. The way she presents herself is breathtaking to me.
How important are competitions and awards to you?
Competitions and awards are important to me because they push me to be my best, and to be extra creative and put myself outside of my comfort zone. I thinks it’s good to always be entering competitions, as it keeps me inspired and looking for inspiration, sometimes where I may least expect it. It makes me think outside of the box and push myself to do something I might find uncomfortable and to also try a new technique.
Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Hot Shots team?
I am super proud and excited to be able to have this opportunity to be one of the 2023 Hot Shots. Being one of the Hot Shots has always been a dream. I still pinch myself to make sure this isn’t a dream, and that I actually am a part of the Hot Shots team. I am ready to be a sponge for the next 12 months, and absorb everything I can from all of the amazing people that are giving their time and knowledge to us. I think I am most looking forward to broadening the way I think, both creatively and also personally. I’m extremely excited to be in the house with my Hot Shots team and all the mentors, I’m excited to hear everyone’s stories about their journeys, and how they manage their work/life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? I have no idea... In 10 years, I hope to still be in Sydney, creating beautiful hair. I’ve always loved passing on my knowledge to others and I hope to one day be somewhere possibly in the education. I would love to be able to share knowledge with people up and coming in the hairdressing industry, and help them create gorgeous hair and instil in them anything is possible if you put your mind to it and to work hard.
FUN SNAPSHOT
Worst Hair day: Bright red hair with a fringe and Blunt bob. Fave Destination: Amsterdam Fave Drink: Coconut Marg, or a classic coke! If you weren’t a hairdresser, you would be a: Maybe a therapist.
WHEN DREAMS
Become Reality! By Louise May
In the world of hair salons, recognition is often elusive, reserved for the extraordinary few who transcend the boundaries of exceptional customer care and cuttingedge salon design. Samantha Jones, the owner of Ms Monaco Hair Society, has not only breached these boundaries but has set an unprecedented standard. In September, her salon emerged as the shining star, clinching two coveted accolades at the 2023 Australian Hair Industry Awards: Best Customer Care and Best Salon Design. This momentous achievement has brought well-deserved acclaim to her establishment, and it’s a dream realised after seven years of relentless dedication. Editor Louise May chats with owner Samantha Jones, to explore the secrets behind her salon’s remarkable success in customer care and salon design.
Congratulations on winning the Australian Hair Industry Awards for Best Customer Care and Best Salon Design in 2023! How does it feel to be recognised for your salon’s excellence in these important categories?
I have been a finalist throughout the years 7 times. It has been my dream to build something special enough that it deserves industry recognition and to win 2 categories in the one year was such a magnificent surprise!
Customer care is a crucial aspect of any successful salon. Can you share some key strategies and practices that have contributed to your salon’s exceptional level of customer care, and can you share with us how your previous career as an international flight attendant has influenced your client experience? Customer care and client experience is the very essence of Ms Monaco. When I came to Australia 12 years ago, I could really feel a gap in the level of service offered by business. Thankfully over the years this has improved, and I feel I have been a leader in helping many design a great client experience. 40
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As an ex first class flight attendant and purser for a UK airline, my training in customer service is second to none - offering great service and sensing a guests needs, before they need to ask, comes naturally to me. I now spend a lot of time training my team and helping them to selector that same sense.
Creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional salon design is an art. Could you describe the inspiration and thought process behind the design of your awardwinning salon?
After opening 5 self-built salons I have always had so many missing links. Never quite being able to afford to go the whole way. It didn’t feel it at the time, but luckily due to COVID, building supply delays and rising costs, I had 18 months
to plan, design, and tweak before the fit out finally began! I sold my home in order to go big! I wanted to build my dream, I wanted nothing to be missed and I engaged a specialist for our company local to me to help. The design inspiration comes direct from Monaco - the arches to embody the castle and the gold and marble to reflect a high-end hotel. The results are spectacular I still pinch myself every day.
a 5-star hotel. We have a very well designed pre appointment and aftercare service, to ensure our clients feel valued before and after their visit.
Salon design plays a significant role in enhancing the overall customer experience. How has your salon’s design positively impacted your clients and their perception of your brand?
Our team have designed our client journey together! By creating it as a team the whole team ensures it is delivered correctly. We have a team website that has all aspects of our journey photographed, videos and explained. All team members have a full induction process where they learn ‘how we do it here’. Excellence is part of our team culture - it’s non-negotiable.
When you come to Ms Monaco you go on a journey. After concierge checks you in, you are escorted to our amazing cocktail bar to enjoy a refreshment while you fill out our consultation tools. After this, your stylist will come and welcome you before taking you through to the main salon. We want every woman that comes through our doors to feel valued, like a princess and the little details have ensured that happens.
Building strong relationships with clients is vital for customer retention. How do you ensure that your clients feel valued and supported throughout their salon experience? From the concierge welcome to the special Thankyou gifts, offers of refreshments and a beautiful shampoo experience it’s like visiting
Winning two awards signifies a high level of excellence in your salon’s operations. Could you share any specific training programs or methodologies you implement to ensure your team consistently delivers exceptional customer care and maintains excellence always?
Client engagement is vital for outstanding customer care. How does your salon engage with clients beyond their appointments to build long-term relationships and ensure their continued satisfaction?
We have a clear after care process. All clients receive a phone call / message to check in with them and ensure their satisfaction. We also follow up 4 weeks later just to check in. We have automated aftercare advice, great engagement on socials, newsletters and a fabulous members lounge that makes our members feel like part of a family.
For aspiring salon owners and professionals looking to enhance their customer care and salon design, what advice or insights would you offer based on your journey and success in these award-winning categories? Never stop improving- I learned to always be striving for better. It’s never ‘just another day’. Develop an eye for detail, role play and engage your team in your customer care journey.
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Success
CIRCLES OF SUCCESS By Louise May
Circles, the name synonymous with excellence in the hairdressing industry, has not just raised the bar but reshaped it entirely. In the ever-evolving world of hairdressing, one name stands out as a beacon of innovation, determination, and success: Sharlene Lee, the driving force behind Circles. A decade ago, Circles achieved its first million in profits, a feat that seems like a distant dream for most salon owners, But the magic didn’t stop there, Year after year, Circles continues to break profit records that every salon owner now dreams of achieving, thanks to Sharlene’s unwavering commitment to doing things differently and taking calculated risks. . In this interview with Sharlene, we delve into the strategies and approaches that have propelled Circles to the forefront of the hairdressing industry. From embracing cutting-edge technology to fostering a culture of teamwork and client-centricity, Sharlene shares the secrets behind her remarkable journey and offers invaluable insights for aspiring salon owners looking to make their mark. Join us as we explore the business acumen and visionary leadership that have transformed Circles into a super brand and continue to shape the future of Australian hairdressing.
Can you shed light on the key strategies or approaches that have driven your exceptional success, including substantial profits in recent years?
Hitting that first million in profit a decade ago was the result of sheer determination, doing things differently, and taking calculated risks. It meant putting personal goals on hold, especially during the early stages of the business. Starting my business at 23 with little knowledge or financial backing, I spent the early years coming to grips with the fact that success doesn’t come quickly. It demands a willingness to sacrifice, without letting the business consume your life like it did mine. When I started Circles, everything I worked for was to push the brand to the next level, so that eventually the brand could outgrow and outlive just my name. Most people desire immediate results when they start a business, but true success often requires personal sacrifices and dedication beyond the ordinary.
Can you share specific innovative practices or business strategies you’ve employed at Circles that have significantly impacted your growth and recognition nationally?
Staying relevant in the ever-changing business landscape is crucial. We understand that you must change and evolve with the times; otherwise, you risk getting left behind. Embracing automation and AI has been a big
factor. By integrating these technologies, we’ve been able to adapt and streamline various aspects of our business, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve. You must embrace change and new things in all parts of your business, especially in marketing 15 years ago no other salon would have been putting thousands of dollars into google ads and online marketing, now it’s simply the norm. you have to take risks and be constantly pushing towards the next new thing otherwise you will constantly be playing catch up, or worse, you will be left in the dust. We are in the process of our new best thing so stay tuned.
How does Circles foster a positive and productive team environment that contributes to your remarkable achievements?
Building a positive and productive team culture is indeed crucial for our success at Circles of Hair. We believe in several key practices that help to grow this culture. We emphasise open communication and collaboration. Our team members share ideas, feedback, and insights freely. Everyone’s voice is heard, and we encourage a sense of ownership in the decisions we make. We also invest in continuous training and skill development for our team. It’s not just about staying updated with the latest trends but also about personal and professional growth. This approach ensures that our stylists feel motivated and empowered in their roles. Recognising and appreciating our team’s hard work is another essential aspect of our culture. We celebrate achievements, both big and small, and provide a supportive atmosphere that encourages them to flourish. We value work-life balance and goal setting; we want to support our staff and help them to achieve both their professional and personal goals.
As Circles continues to evolve into a super brand, what is your long-term vision for the business?
Our long-term vision for Circles is to continue being a leader in the Australian hairdressing industry and maintain our status as a super brand. To achieve this, we’re focused on a few key strategies. Employing people that are better than you. Many business owners are spread thin trying to become experts in everything from digital marketing and social media to web development. Not to mention other aspects of hairdressing they may be unfamiliar with. Throw away your ego and be willing to learn from those that are better or more experienced than you and your business will flourish, if you can employ them, even better! Regular meetings with our digital strategy team. Touching on the previous point, I am not a digital marketing expert. I am a hairdresser. We have regular meetings with our
digital strategy team to review our performance and chart our strategy for the future. Social media and other digital platforms have become such an integral part of our business, but you can’t be an expert in everything, my team helps us to stay ahead of the game. Taking time out of your business and working on your business. A lot of business owners are really caught up in the salon running a full column of clients. You can’t expect to be able grow your business whilst being fully booked, you’re only human! We need to learn to set aside • cont’d over page
• cont’d from page 43 time to work on our business without working for it. Do this and I promise you will make way more money than you ever could doing clients on the floor. This includes building up managers, coordinators, and partners in the salon so that eventually I can step away from the everyday running of the business and focus on the big picture. Knowing your numbers as a salon owner is crucial this is how I can keep reinvesting in the salon.
How does Circles prioritise and elevate the customer experience, leading to such high praise and recognition in the industry? We’re all about exceptional customer experiences. We achieve this by personalizing our services to each client, maintaining open communication, and constantly innovating. We also focus on creating a comfortable and relaxing environment. Engaging with our community and valuing client feedback is crucial. We take their input seriously, using it constructively to improve our offerings and ensure they leave satisfied. We encourage all our clients to give constructive feedback, we maybe not perfect but we are always striving for perfection, it is our clients’ expectations that help to keep us on our toes and at the forefront of the industry.
What crucial piece of advice would you offer based on your journey and experiences in the industry?
My advice to aspiring salon owners is based on my own journey and experiences in the industry: Passion, Persistence, Consistency: Love what you do and stay at it. Have big ambitions and know where you want to be, and how you plan to get there. The hairdressing industry demands hard work and dedication. Your passion will be your driving force, helping you overcome challenges and to keep pushing forward. Our hardest times often lead to our greatest moments in business, difficult situations build strong people and I believe if you work past that threshold in your career, you won’t look back. Surround yourself with a talented and motivated team. Your success is intrinsically tied to your staff’s skills and attitude. Nurture a strong team culture and invest in their growth. Constructive criticism: know how to give it, but most importantly know how to take it. It will guide your salon’s growth and personal growth use it as a tool for improvement. Leave your ego at home. Don’t forget about your own well-being and work-life balance. A healthy, balanced owner is more capable of guiding a thriving salon. Exercise has always been a big focus of mine, spend at least an hour a day on yourself.
Circles has taken the initiative to source your own branded salon professional tools and accessories. Can you share how this decision has impacted your business? The decision to source our own branded products is just another piece in our branding puzzle, in this industry branding is everything, I want Circles to outlive me. The way to do that is by constantly working to build a strong brand identity. Sourcing these products ourselves is not easy, it comes with a lot of work and a lot of risk. But over the many years we have been in business there have been many times where there wasn’t a product or a variation of a product that exactly suited our needs. This is where we can then 44
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have products and tools designed and made to our exacting specifications for specific use at Circles. Clients notice the attention to detail and quality of our products. It enhances their overall experience and perception of our salon. Some advice for Salons Considering a Similar Approach, take your time make sure the product you are having made is exactly how you envisioned it. The upfront cost can seem very daunting, but if you do your homework and know your business like the back of your hand you will end up not only with a superior product but one that also saves you money by cutting out middlemen.
How do you envision the landscape of the hairdressing industry evolving in the next decade, and how is Circles preparing to stay ahead and thrive amidst these changes?
In the next decade, the hairdressing industry will undergo big changes. Just as it has in the last decade. 10 years ago, we never could have imagined the way the industry has evolved the way it has (I certainly never thought we’d be filming what are borderline professional videos on a daily basis). We’re preparing by enhancing our digital services and embracing technology. In essence, we’re getting ready to adapt to the industry’s evolving landscape, focusing on technology, sustainability, inclusivity, and ongoing education. This combined with efforts to diversify our business into other areas will all be a key focus for us.
What is your response to the comments of some of those in the industry who say that there is no money to be made anymore in owning a salon business?
I would disagree. Like any business, owning a salon can be very profitable with the right approach and attitude. You must think how much you really want to earn, I have always been interested in the business side of things as well as hair, for me personally, I wanted to make not just a little money risking everything I had in the early days, but I wanted to prove to our industry that why can’t we make millions in profits. I have always been money focused I didn’t come from money, but I wanted to be totally independent as a woman in business. I wanted to prove to everyone that this is achievable, but to be the best requires careful planning and strict discipline. It takes years and years to get to this stage. Most people don’t want to do the hard work to get there and their expectations for owning a salon are not realistic. It’s not just about cutting hair it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued and consistently receive a high level of service, which in turn, will lead to a profitable business no matter the industry.
What makes you different to most others?
I don’t think I am different to anyone else; I would say I am perhaps more focused on the financial aspect of the business. Opportunities don’t happen you create them, how much do you really want to succeed, how far are you willing to go? I have always said your salary doesn’t make you rich it’s your spending habits and what you do with your profits that makes you stand out in our industry; it certainly isn’t that new Chanel bag! Reinvest in your salon business and you will hit your goals to have a profitable salon business.
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A SANCTUARY FOR
Creativity By Anthony Gray
Located in heart of South Brisbane, David Murry Salon is a sanctuary for creativity. David and his team have built a reputation of excellence that spans 13 years and he generously agreed to give us an insight into the DMS journey.
David, tell us a little about your salon. What made you take the plunge?
Taking the plunge into salon ownership was a natural progression, having been raised in a family of small business owners. The conversations around the challenges of running a small business amongst my large family of 6 had an impact. I didn’t realise until later in life how impactful those conversations would be. Purchasing a salon was a goal I wanted to achieve by age 30, and of course like many other people I was naive to the reality of how much hard work goes into running a business. I thought I could do it better. Little did I know what it would involve, and I found myself having to learn very quickly. Fortunately, asking for help was something I was comfortable with, and I sought the advice of many influential people in my life, that included many clients and of course my partner Lloyd. My late father was very black and white and the best advice he gave me was “as long as you have more money coming in than going out, you’ll be able to pay people to do the things you do not know how to do”. It’s a simple statement but often forgotten. History: The salon opened on the 30 June 2013. The salon was created because at that time there were many large super salons trying to deliver a boogie boutique experience in pumping spaces and I wanted to cinch that into a smaller more personal environment. The remaining history of DMS is still being written.
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What is the makeup of your team?
Our team has expanded and contracted numerous times over the past 13 years, but we generally have 3 seniors and 3 assistants. A couple of years ago I transitioned my role into reception and administration for the salon. The running of the business was something I enjoyed, and it required more of my attention, and I found trying to juggle both roles very challenging. Business coach and industry legend Antony Whitaker once said to me at a seminar, “the definition of a successful small business is to make oneself redundant”. I have never forgotten this and was so proud to have grown my business to a level where this was a possibility for me. Stepping off the floor was a huge risk, but it worked. Moving into this role also created opportunities for my team to step up into salon management and education roles which they did with commitment. We have found 3 seniors and 3 assistants to be the sweet spot not only from a financial point of view but also from a client experience point of view. Recently we’ve decided to go back to a full team four-day work week from Wednesday through to Saturday. Staff have opted for this kind of roster to have three consecutive
days off a week, allowing them to really rest so they can pump it out in four consecutive days.
What is the DMS Philosophy?
The philosophy of DMS is very simple and it is our statement of belief: Create an experience where guests spend with a heart, not their head. Create a connection and be memorable in a positive way. We truly believe that if a client is happy with their experience, you will create loyal longterm client. It’s not just about being happy with their hair. When you have a hairdresser in your team that gives only good hair, they won’t create a loyal long-term client. When you have a hairdresser in your team that makes a client happy with their hair but also with their experience, you’ve got the winning combination.
How do you attract and retain great people? Like everyone now, recruitment is really challenging at the moment. I have a group of employees that are long-term and a group of employees that come and go. The long-term
staff, one of which we’ve purchased a second salon with, have had good communication with me. We’ve had conversations over the years that have been difficult and have required us both to reflect on our behaviour and actions and we’ve respectfully worked our way through differences. A growing trend amongst employees is to leave when they come up against a challenge in the workplace but the art of working through problems within a workplace will benefit you greatly and turn into far more than you realise. My focus is to provide a safe, respectful and nurturing workspace with opportunities for staff to achieve attractive financial remuneration for their efforts and of course have fun together.”
The role education plays and how important is it to your business? Well, we wouldn’t have a business without education. In January every year, we have a huge focus on planning the education for the year ahead.
How you train and educate your team? From July 2023 onwards, we are trying something very different with education. We are facilitating one paid professional development day a month for our assistants, and this will either be with one of our senior staff or a guest artist. This dedicated day will not only strengthen the skill set of our assistants but help them to grow closer as a unit. Of course, throughout the week, we will take advantage of every opportunity when we are not with a client. When an apprentice has a training session a senior is marked out to be with them, no one goes it alone.
What is your education approach to apprentices?
Assistants and emerging stylists are the secret sauce of our business. Without them the recipe would be underwhelming. The biggest thing we do for our apprentices is implement a commission structure. They, like seniors need to feel like they’re working toward something. They need to feel like at the end of the week when they’ve busted their arse to help make the salon deliver a great experience, they have a little bit of cream at the end of the week. The hardest thing for me as a salon owner is allowing an apprentice to do a service that I know is a stretch. They must be given the opportunity to mess it up and to then have a conversation as a result of that experience whichleaves them feeling empowered, not deflated.
Who are your education partners and how do those partnerships work for you?
Obviously working with a training organisation like “MIG Training” has been hugely helpful., especially last year, where we fully embraced every form of education, e.g., being at the college, in the salon, via zoom and the oneday workshop education program. This filled almost 3/4 of our education plans for 2023. Over the last couple of years, we’ve really tapped into the incredible talents of Belinda Keely and have welcomed her on numerous occasions and have utilised her in salon zoom education. I love everything about Belinda‘s brand and her style of teaching. We also rely on the incredibly talented senior staff which we have in salon.
THE JEWEL OF THE
SYDNEY SHIRE By Louise May
Kirby Lago opened Pélo by Lago in August 2020. Adored by locals and Sydney siders alike for creating styles and colours that are low- maintenance and lived in with a focus on hair health.
Kirby Lago is a master of balayage and blondes, listening to clients and understanding their style to create hair colour and cuts that perfectly compliment their lifestyle. Trusted by celebrity clientele including Delta Goodrem, Miranda Kerr and beauty editor and influencer Leigh Campbell. Hair Biz Editor Louise May recently caught up with Kirby and chatted about her new much larger space after outgrowing the existing salon, and also about business and life as a working mum.
Since opening Pelo by Lago in 2020 the salon has become a Shire (and Sydney) favourite. So much so you are set to open a new larger space in the next month. Tell us how you’ve built such an incredible business? Well, none of this would be possible without our beautiful loyal clients! It’s all about creating a space that clients feel comfortable in while providing a firstclass experience. Our focus is the client, the client’s journey, and the quality of the result. Not only do we create beautiful hair, but we maintain and improve the health of the hair. We want the client’s result to be exactly what they ask for. We provide a thorough consultation that really gets out the clients’ needs and wants for not only that day in the chair but for the entire journey of time between visits. 48
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How has Pelo by Lago evolved, what can we expect from the new salon?
Oh, it’s been quite a journey since we started back in 2020! We’re super excited about our upcoming salon expansion. Our current salon has been amazing for the past 3 years but in that time, we have grown up so much and developed such a bigger presence that I felt the space needed to grow to keep up. I feel Pelo 1.0 represents the young woman finding her feet. Where this new salon is the big mama! She’s evolved and defined. To give you a visual of her in her full glory, She is total of 260m2 spanning over two stories not including the two balconies and a courtyard with a gorgeous little cabana. She gives off total resort vibes. We also now have the space to be able to provide a treatment that is very close to my heart. Our new services are focused on hair scalp health and restoration. I have been researching this for a very long time now and I’m literally bursting with excitement to launch it!
Share some details on the design and environment of the new salon? Absolutely! Even though the salon is so large, it was a big priority for me to make sure it still felt intimate. We achieved this by creating zones throughout the space
whilst using raw materials, warm tones completed with our own palm tree in the front window. We also cracked the code on creating the most flattering mirror lighting ever! Everything is light and oversized, complemented with functional sculptures and breathtaking artwork. We wanted to create the ultimate experience. Our clients will be encouraged to wander outside and enjoy their coffee on one of our terraces and really feel at home or better yet, on vacation.
You have an impressive celebrity clientele including Delta Goodrem and Miranda Kerr, what’s it like working with these famous faces?
Working with celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Delta Goodrem has been an amazing journey! It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to be the colourist of women who have such iconic style. These experiences have not only allowed me to showcase my skills but have also pushed me to continually innovate and stay at the forefront of hairstyling. Building trust with these clients is key, and I’m committed to ensuring they always look and feel their best, just as I am with all my clients!
You are the queen of lived in colour and a blonde specialist, how do you stay ahead of trends in hair and colour? Well, it’s all about my love for what I do! I’m a regular at industry events and workshops, and I absolutely love sharing ideas with other stylists. But you know what really keeps my finger on the pulse? It’s listening to my clients. Understanding their style helps me blend the latest hair trends with their personality. So, it’s like a mix of learning, creativity, and the wonderful connections I have with my clients that keeps me at the forefront of the ever-evolving hair world!
You work closely with the Kao Salon Brands including being a Kerasilk Ambassador. What has this experience been like? Oh, it’s been so amazing! Being a Kerasilk Ambassador and collaborating closely with Kao Salon Brands has been a fantastic experience. It’s like being part of a big, passionate haircare family. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some incredibly talented professionals. As a Kerasilk Ambassador, I get to share all the Interesting things I’ve learned and experienced with the team and our wonderful clients. I love every minute of it!
What do you love about working with Kerasilk and the Kao Salon Brands? What’s not to love! I adore the focus on innovation and excellence in Kerasilk products. They prioritise hair health, which resonates with everything I stand for. Plus, being part of the Kao Salon Brands community means connecting with other professionals, learning, and sharing experiences. But most of all, it’s about bringing these fantastic products to my clients, helping them achieve their hair dreams!
How do you balance owning a busy salon while being a working mum, that’s also building a new salon, (working out and staying healthy!!!??)
It’s a juggling act, for sure! My salon team is incredible, and they help keep things running smoothly. Delegating tasks for the new salon project is key. But it’s essential to mention that being a mum is my number one priority. As for staying fit, I schedule workouts, but some days are just too hectic, and that’s okay! I also have spent the last few years focusing on self-development. I knew I had to upgrade my mind and body if I was going to achieve my long list of goals. So, health, longevity and mindset have been a daily focus for me. Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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oo D Luv the
WITH M&U
Brooke Seignior started her career at the age of 15 when she started her apprenticeship at an award-winning salon in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne. By the age of 17 she had won national awards and had begun stage work becoming a stage artist then onto working with musicians and celebrities.
In 2006 Luv The Doo was founded after Brooke moved to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where she has continued her work with musicians and celebrities. 37 Years in the industry and she still absolutely loves what she does, living to create hairdos others can’t. 18 years Luv The Doo has been open and Brookes amazingly long list of loyal 9-5 clients have followed her through a few location changes and now to her latest industrial style studio on the Sunshine Coast. Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Brooke about her new location and her love for the brands that she uses in salon.
What do you believe are the key elements that have contributed to your salon’s longevity and continued success in a competitive industry?
My ability to visualise, combined with my skills and technique I have developed, have enabled me to give my clients style cuts that cannot be replicated anywhere else, My stage personality, they get the real me. . It’s 100% Skill and 100% personality.
How do you go above and beyond to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for each and every client? I personalise every style cut to suit the individual. no two cuts leave my studio the same. I have the wisdom to never take my clients for granted and strive to give them the best experience every time they visit. My studio is a mix of sitcom “Cheers” standup comedy of Monty Python, The love like your mothers, skills of Picasso and quality Espresso tends to help as well.
The relationship between a salon and its chosen professional products brand is important. How does the philosophy and values of M&U align with your approach to hairdressing and client satisfaction.
To date Hi-Lift and M&U Imports have been the most supportive product company I have ever worked with. Hi-Lift products I know I can count on with every application and their 50
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take home care range is amazingly affordable, with the highest of quality ingredients. My clients love the retail range in the salon. The Colours I am achieving with Hi-Lift Professional True Colour and Crazy Colour are phenomenal, which in turn inspires my creativity and gives my clients colour they thought not possible. M&U Imports align with all my creative needs and moral needs being Australian owned and operated like myself while providing the best product at the best price with the best service. Surviving COVID made supporting M&U Imports/ Hi-Lift Professional at the forefront of my mind…. Now more than ever our industries survival depends on Australian independent Companies They really are in tune with us stylists pushing the boundaries of creativity, listening to our needs, and making sure even through countries closures etc (Covid), We will always be able to keep our salons fully functioning. Supporting Australian made and owned!
I love how you educate the audience on your socials on blondes etc, can you tell us about the HI-Lift Blonde Products you use, and why you love them so much? Lightening to a level 10, is for most their biggest nightmare, it’s my most favourite of all. The challenge to get a clean level 10 platinum without toning is the ultimate. You simply cannot tell me No. to defy gold and win is my ultimate. No toners, no purple shampoo. Hi-Lift Bondplex gives me a clean 10 every time. When I do tone, I use Hi-Lift True Colour Ice toner for those clients that want the Iced polished look. I aim for how my clients colour looks in 6 weeks not just as it walks out the door. Yellow is not an option nor is purple shampoo.
You use Crazy Color in the salon, can you talk us through why it is your brand of choice?
How could you not use Crazy Colour?! The freedom to create my own amazing tones with Crazy Colour is a staple and inspiration. When applied correctly I know it won’t let my clients down in 3 weeks’ time and fade down. It holds and is a bankable option for my styling, clients self-expression and I know it will last from one hairdo to the next.
You use the Lisap Milano Professional range, can you highlight what your favourite products from the range are and can you explain why?
Bounce anti frizz curl cream- With the mix of Kakadu plum, Coconut oil and hold factor. It’s the only curl product to with stand Queensland’s humid climate. Rescue Range one minute miracle treatment- instant results at the basin area between shampoo and conditioner. All in one miracle leave in treatment- instant repair, used after every colour application prior to blow drying due to colour lock technology. Sculpt styling foam- The mix of hold vitamin b5 should have been invented years ago our clients love it. Thermal heat protector- protecting hair from heat tools while treating and strengthens hair at the same time, simply cannot live without it.
You are the hairstylist of country music singer Taylor Moss! And friends with manager Ian “Dicko” Dickensen. They have collaborated with M&U with brand sponsorship. Can you tell us more about that? Miss Taylor Moss, Yes, she is kicking goals in the country music world. My old mate Dicko is a very special friend of mine, we worked together years ago with Natalie Imbruglia. He’s moving into country music, a fair contrast to the acts I had known him to work with like, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters etc.
He handed me the beautiful Taylor Moss and she has converted me to country (who’d a thought) Dicko, Taylor, and I needed to style brand her. We needed a standout unforgettable colour and with the help of M&U Imports …bam Crazy Colour, I created Taylors unforgettable colour Anarchy Orange/ Peach. With the results and exposure Taylor is drawing, it just made sense that M&U offered her sponsorship. Tay is using Hi-Lift take home range as well as shampoo and conditioner. Taylor, Dicko, and I cannot thank M&U enough for all their help and support, Kids everywhere want to know how to get the Taylor Moss Look.
You also have the Barbershop, when was it introduced and what inspired you to open it? Can you also tell us about the whole fit out vibe? Mk Barber shop was created in 2018 where my son Kayleb became a barber, and my partner Matty joined the barber crew hence the name Mk Barber shop. In fact, both my children followed me into the hair industry, with my daughter Morgan becoming a qualified hairdresser also. We purchased a brand-new factory in late 2022 which houses my studio, MK barber shop and a coffee shop. Our business is purely family owned and operated.
What is on the agenda for Luv The Doo and MK Barber Shop? The future of Luv The Doo and MK Barber Shop, Well it’s certainly not slowing down, being on board with M&U. I am just going to keep saying “Yes” Pushing my own creativity, breaking boundaries, I will continue to take peoples style beyond what they thought possible.
Final thought?
“YES” always leads to success, I will continue to do what I love every day! See you on the flip side! Photos by Daryl Wheeler, Digi Sku / Sunshine House Studio Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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• COVER STORY
The BaBylissPRO FXONE Barber Ecosystem.
ONE BAT TERY. UNLIMITED TOOL S.
Change the way you work. An entire ecosystem of tools based on ONE battery. This isn’t the future, this is now. The world’s first universal barber battery system launches in Australia in January 2024. BaBylissPRO FXONE barber ecosystem flips the script. One battery unleashes the power of unlimited tools. Seamless, convenient and cost-effective switching between clippers, trimmer and foil shavers. BaBylissPRO asked the fundamental question: “How can we improve the efficiency, versatility, user-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness of barbering tools?” By listening to barbers, BaBylissPRO uncovered two widespread challenges in the industry: battery management and cost considerations. Grappling with multiple bulky batteries and chargers leads to work interruptions and frustrations while cost considerations are, sadly, a sign of the times. A mission was born in response to these challenges. Taking inspiration from the construction industry’s approach to power tools, BaBylissPRO proposed a first: a universal barber battery system. They’ve achieved it. This is FXONE, a barbering ecosystem that emphasises long-term costeffectiveness, reduces waste, and streamlines efficiency. The FXONE ecosystem was officially introduced by BaBylissPRO in Las Vegas on July 12, 2023. This revolutionary system is now due to make its thrilling debut in Australia in January 2024.
“The one thing I do love about BaBylissPRO is that they’re continuing to listen to everyone in the community. Listening to us, listening to anyone that’s testing these products and figuring out ways to make our lives easier,” shares Sofie Pok (@staygold31), an awardwinning lead member of the BaBylissPRO Barberology Team. Based in Los Angeles, Sofie is renowned for her contemporary West Coast flair, meticulous precision, and impeccable craftsmanship. Starting with the battery itself, BaBylissPRO aims to simplify life as much as possible. Simply slide the FXONE battery out of one tool and click into the next tool. The FXONE battery includes a tack switch with four-stage LED lights to easily and quickly check battery level, up to 2.5 hours of runtime, and a new interchangeable lithium battery pack. The innovation doesn’t stop with the FXONE battery. FXONE launch tools harness metalinjection-moulded (MIM) blades, a technology typically utilised in the medical, aerospace, automotive, and dental fields. The MIM process entails injecting powdered metal into a mould, resulting in consistent production of exceptionally precise blades. High manufacturing tolerance ensures each blade is manufactured to exact specifications, time and time again. Sofie Pok, “I already love the fade blade, the taper blade, and the wedge blade, now we have a fourth blade. This is going to be called the MIM blade. On the inside of this
“ THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS WE ’ VE E VER MADE , AND THIS IS GOING TO SIMPLIF Y MY CUT TING STATION SO MUCH BY HAVING JUST THIS ONE PIECE GO INTO ALL OF IT.” SOFIE POK
blade there’s an oil reservoir that keeps this blade lubricated for much longer. Pretty much the oil sits in the pockets, which keeps it from getting dry and making sure it works really well. Another thing that’s different is this blade isn’t touching as much. So, what happens is if there’s a lot of friction moving against the blade it can get really hot quickly. So now there’s less contact on the blade on the inside and it’s a very small adjustment, but it’s angled in a different way that allows this blade to stay even cooler for longer, which is really great for us.” The FXONE ecosystem revitalises long-time BaBylissPRO favourites and introduces new, soon-to-be favourites. There are five FXONE launch tools. Arriving in January 2024, FXONE GoldFX Clipper, Trimmer, and Foil Stick Shaver are new and improved versions of the much-loved GoldFX tools. BaBylissPRO keeps what you know and love about GoldFX but boosts usability and efficiency, including new N1 brushless motors, improved all-metal housing, and tapered end caps. The hero tool is the newly created FXONE GoldFX Foil Stick Shaver with maximum manoeuvrability. The pivoting head (with convenient locking feature) cleverly contours to the shape of all heads. Essentially, faster, easier, and far more efficient shaving. This shaver boasts an ultraergonomic design that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, as well as hypoallergenic titanium foils. Joining the FXONE family later in 2024, FXONE LoPROFX Clipper and Trimmer with a new design to accommodate the FXONE battery. Both FXONE LoPROFX Clipper and Trimmer are powered by new high-performance N1 brushless motors and higher strength, lowertemperature blue titanium blades. The ultralow profile metal shield covers with superb ergonomics remain constant. This is just the beginning. FXONE, the world’s first universal barber battery system, is set to streamline your workflow. For more information, visit datelineimports.com.au or call Dateline Imports on (02) 9666 3611.
AN
INTERGALACTIC Event! Matt Clarke
Heiniger GM Dale Harris
Heiniger Creative Team
Creative Director Rex Silver
Heiniger Professional recently went on the road with a quick 3 City tour to present and demonstrate the 5 models that make up the new Swiss made Clippers Intergalactic Range. Attendees from Hair and Barber industry were treated to a show as exciting and different as the machines themselves. The format for the shows consisted of Heiniger GM Dale Harris opening with a short address to the crowd on Heiniger and its background in designing and manufacturing high-end professional clipper equipment to the animal and pet industries and now, the big move to add hair to their portfolio.
Jules Tognini
After an impressive Impact Video was aired on a big screen that they ingeniously also used to showcase the live shoot and first segment of the show, Creative Director and MC Rex Silver then ran through the range sharing the unique features and tech specs of each model. The Creative Team were then introduced and brought to the stage with their 1st Models. Rex has amassed some big guns on this team, the UK’s Multi Award winning Robert Braid, Heiniger’s Artistic Director with 3 times Australian Men’s Hairdresser of the year Jules Tognini and International Award Winner Barber, and Australian Modern Barber of the Year Finalist, Matt Clarke. Rex briefed the crowd as to the flow for the evening being that part one, “the guys will do a model each and we’ll talk about our experiences with these machines and how they have opened a window to a whole new world of creative freedom with the cut finish delivered by the precision blades and powerful motors”.
Artistic Director Robert Braid
To the attendees amazement and joy, Rex then announced part 2 would see the chairs on the floor be taken away at interval, and the creatives cutting chairs placed on the floor where attendees were invited to take part in presenting the next 3 models. An intimate and hands on masterclass with the creative team with a chance to experience first-hand and hands-on, the unique system Heiniger have delivered. A good move and certainly well received by the attendees. Photo Credits. All Colour images Heiniger B&W Jarred Stedman
WAHL EDUCATION Wahl Academy Australia is proud to offer InStore Workshops at your local participating Wholesaler, or in the comfort of your very own Salon or Barbershop. Recently the Wahl Education – On the Road Tour kicked off in Brisbane with Anthony (Ant) Nafatali and Mark Rabone, followed by NSW on 23rd October with Yuki Kano. More dates are due to be announced soon for Newcastle, Melbourne and more!
On the Road
MEET THE WAHL EDUCATORS QLD: ANTHONY (Ant) NAFATALI
Join the WAHL Team for an incredible experience where you’ll have the chance to learn, grow, and transform your skills by participating in different Global Cut sessions with the incredible Wahl Educators. Wahl Educators have been trained by Wahl Global Leaders in the education field and are now bringing this education straight to you across Australia with hands on look and learn workshops. Included in your ticket is lunch and beverages, Education Certificate and Mannequin is provided for Hands-On workshop. Bring your own tools, however, Wahl products will be provided to try out during the class! Keep an eye out for when your city’s tickets are announced!! For further information on all classes, pricing and dates please email education@wahl.com.au
Starting just four years ago from cutting hair for friends and family at home, Ant realised his passion for hair and started his apprenticeship with barbering chain Tommy Guns. His dedication and focus saw him complete his apprenticeship in less than a third of the standard timeframe and has since been recognised time and again for his skills by numerous brands in the industry. Ant finds joy in mastering the craft of Modern Techniques and adding his traditional unique spin on those techniques. Ant looks at the industry not just for hair, but the impact he can have in such a positive way to change people’s lives with a simple haircut and the energetic experience he provides. “If you trust the process, practice and repeat, you can only grow.” Now holding roles including Ambassador, National Educator and Creative Educator with some of the biggest names in the industry, Ant spends his time with salons, barbershops, wholesalers and apprentices sharing his ever-growing knowledge and passion. INSTAGRAM: @antzthebarber
VIC: BEN KANE
career to open and run his own barbershop in Toorak for a number of years. “I believe the barbering industry is constantly evolving into bigger and better things, I love that the combination of barbering and hairdressing is becoming stronger with a more technical focus.” Now based in Bairnsdale Victoria, but frequently educating all over Melbourne, Ben feels that barbering provides him with the ability to meet different people and to foster meaningful relationships with clients, this alongside sharing the art of barbering is something that drives and inspires Ben in his work every day. INSTAGRAM: @benwardscissorhands
SA: CELINE KAPONIAS
Owner of South Australian barbershop Chop Chopps, Celine Kaponias, (well known as ‘Chop Chopp’ in the industry), proudly brings both her talents and her personality to the team. Having started her hair journey back in 2017, Celine gained her formal qualification and has since built her career and her loyal following clients. Celine’s passion for her craft and the barbering industry is evident in her drive to share her knowledge and skills to other barbers and stylists. “To me, barbering isn’t just about the craft, it’s about the relationships you have with your clients. It’s about the culture you create. A barbershop isn’t just a place for cutting hair, it’s a place where people can open up and feel safe.” INSTAGRAM: @chopchopps
FNQ: HEATH PATON
At the age of fifteen, Ben started his apprenticeship under a traditional barber learning many techniques that are not necessarily being taught anymore. From there, he chose to learn a wide range of hairdressing techniques from a salon in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs. Spending time working in a high-end barbershop in Collins St Melbourne, Ben then used the knowledge he’d gained throughout his
Based in tropical Mackay, North Queensland, award winning barber Heath Paton joins the Wahl family bringing with
him his experience and love for the industry. With over 20 years in the hair and beauty sector, Heath started with cosmetology and grooming courses before successfully gaining a hairdressing apprenticeship. His move into barbering some years later allowed his avant-garde approach to cutting and his flair for elaborate hair tattoos to grow and saw Heath win numerous awards at hair shows and industry photographic competitions. While continuing to build an interactive support network, Heath opened his own studio in Mackay in 2012, HPHFM, not only creating a large and loyal clientele but sharing his knowledge to numerous staff and apprentices. “As an artist and a creator, the pursuit of perfection should be the goal, not perfection itself. It’s the journey for perfection that uncovers the amazing techniques and styles which we base our life’s work around, and that is the beauty of our industry.” INSTAGRAM: @heathpaton
ideas on a face to face basis, sometimes a little detail scan make a huge difference, and in an ever evolving industry like barbering, giving back to eager professionals is to me, extremely rewarding. The more tricks in the locker a barber has, the better the industry becomes.” Whilst running his stores, his passion for the industry and education saw him join the American Crew education team in 2010, with the past 6 years of that being with the international All-star team. In early 2021, Mark was invited to become part of the education team at Barber Temple and is now very excited to add Wahl to his amazing list of education providers. INSTAGRAM: @mark_rabone_hair
NSW: SARAH WALL
WA: JAYMES LUNN
Barber Jaymes Lunn has represented Wahl Australia as a Brand Ambassador for the past two years and now proudly takes his place as part of our Education Team. Jaymes has studied and worked in the barbering industry in both the UK and here in Australia. He currently owns and runs his own barbershop, HairbyJaymes in Mosman Park. A big advocate for mental health awareness, Jaymes revels in sharing his knowledge and experience with the broader community. “Barbering allows me to be creative and express my love for art & fashion!” INSTAGRAM: @barberjaymes
QLD: MARK RABONE
Director of Esquire Male Grooming in Brisbane, and a career spanning 30 years, Mark’s hair journey started in his hometown of Birmingham UK, before moving to Australia in 1994, seven years after it began. Plying his trade in reputable shops in Melbourne and Brisbane before opening his first Esquire store in Milton Brisbane back in 2004. Mark added a second store in Brisbane’s CBD in 2015 and now has an amazing team of staff found on the basis of being well educated. “What I love about education is sharing knowledge and
A master and educator of barbering, cutting and styling, Sarah Wall’s aesthetic has often been described as precise, tailored and fashion forward. Paired with over 20 years experience, Sarah’s career has seen her take root in the industry from being an educator and ambassador for international hair care brands, to winning national titles and beyond. Having worked with some of the biggest brand names in the industry, Sarah spent 16 years with a leading global hair brand as their Art Director, Head Varder Educator, Cert 3 Educator and part of their education team, before branching out to seek new experiences. Based out of Salon Lane in Surry Hills NSW, Sarah now has her own studio and incorporates a new world of hairdressing/ barbering, providing bespoke services, education and social entrepreneurship. “Sharing knowledge is vital to help people grow. It fuels them with the knowledge and confidence to become the best they can be.” INSTAGRAM: @sarahwall_industries
NSW: YUKI KANO
Yuki Kano is originally from Japan and living in Sydney Australia. Starting her journey with Toni&Guy, Yuki quickly realised her passion for cutting short hair. Inspired by culture and her love for traditional barbering. She became a part of the Wahl Education Team Japan in 2019. Yuki Kano is globally recognised for her unique approach in Barbering and Hairdressing and has the ability to blend both editorial and commerciality to her work. Yuki now also joins the Wahl Australia Education
Team and will divide her time between Australia and Japan sharing her knowledge and industry trends between countries. “For me, style has no gender. I love to take inspiration from the world of barbering and visualise across gender boundaries when I imagine and create styles for my clients.” INSTAGRAM: @yukikano
hotshots house ‘23 By Linda Woodhead
Putting a spotlight on the industry’s most exciting next-gen talent since 2012 and providing the chance for these 31 and under superstars to take their career to a whole new level is the mocha group initiative HOT SHOTS. Already excelling in the areas of cutting, styling, editorial and colour work every year our teams have a unique style, unparalleled passion and a clear vision of the future.
The 2023 team consisted of:Paige Cameron- Cobelle Creative, QLD Anne Russell– Sloans of Lane Cove, NSW Meghan King- Sloans of North Sydney, NSW Mikelah Jayde Riley- Mikelah Jayde Studio, WA With a prize pack worth in excess of $20,000, from sponsors, Joico, Excellent Edges, Evy Professional, Amazing Hair, Timely and the owners of the AHIA and HOT SHOTS, mocha group, one of the two major activities for these young guns is to spend 4 days and 3 nights together in the beautiful heritage listed mansion , the HOT SHOTS HOUSE, in Yarraville, Melbourne where sponsors, guests and icons of the industry are invited to come in and meet the team, sharing in a casual on-on-on unique atmosphere, pearls of wisdom, fun and an experience like no other. From mocha group, owner and CEO Linda Woodhead, General Manager, Jarred Stedman and Editor in Chief, Louise May hosted the event kicking off with the traditional spag bol dinner for everyone to get to know each other. Joined via zoom by house favourites Jayne Wild and Gary Latham just before dinner to share their career stories and followed by HOT SHOTS Photo Shoot Creative Director Carolyn Gahan kicked things off nicely. The team learnt more about each other and the mocha group who would be their house buddies for the next 3 days.
DAY 1
The team were welcome d by Linda, Jarred and Louise and spoke about the history of hairdressing, finding out where real customer service, style and Avant Garde hair came from centuries ago. Jarred talked about the allimportant Social and Visual engagement of the industry and the team touched on the importance of Media and Awards. First guest to arrive with welcome morning Bellini’s were Dee Parker-Attwood and business partner David Wieselmann, talking about all things awards, collections shoots and more!
A working lunch with Louise to look at personal development and SWOT analysis allowed the team to keep check during the process of the house and to revisit this exercise and update as time progressed. Next up was current AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Justin Pace who spoke about his career but more importantly brushing up on presentation skills offering the team a one-onone training session to hone these skills with him personally. Richard Kavanagh, always a favourite, popped in with all the juicy info on session styling, getting the right shot, model co-operation and more and also offering the team access to one of his workshops free of charge! Lucky ducks! We were then treated by a visit from hair royalty, the one and only Sharon Blain who the team quizzed about her incredible career, her inspiration, and how to stay current and relevant in the industry. The Social Media Queen, Natalie Anne, dropped by to talk about ambassador roles and socials giving the team an insight into what not to do as well as what to do to achieve presence and again longevity. A team favourite with some priceless tidbits of great information to follow and put into practice also sharing that its not an easy road and to dig deep! It was all of to dinner at the Vault also joined by some of the sponsors to finish off a very full day!
DAY 2
First cabs off the rank in the house on day 2 were award winning dynamic duo Jamie and Danni Furlan to talk about their career, salon, working in a partnership and how to juggle family life and business. What a delight! We also welcomed Jacky Chan and Nathan Armagnacq, Oscar Oscar Chadstone, to talk about shoots, creativity, working within a group while also maintaining individuality. On behalf of our sponsor Timely, Charlene Fernandez arrived to talk about her new venture from sole operator to salon owner and the business model she is following, one being
holistic and offering way more than just hair. She also spoke candidly about personal challenges and how she overcame them. A beautiful soul! On behalf of Wahl Professional we were treated to Ambassador Ben Kane, bringing with him his clipper kit, showing the team what tool is best for what, also sharing his personal journey and how the rise of barbering and men’s hair skills sets are having such a positive influence on styling in the barbering and hair world alike. We were treated to a session with our sponsor Joico with Duncan Richards, who gave the HOT SHOTS an insight into the world of Joico, opening their minds to a wonderful world of colour and styling as well as learning about the history of this incredible brand. The Amazing Hair Session with Jelena and Sami also included gifts of a full editorial session styling kit for each HOT SHOT, some bespoke education and a fun “Hair off’ comp between the members playing with bangs, wefts, clip ins and extensions on mannequins for some added fun! Next up was sponsor Tracey Lauretta from EVY Professional who had already sent the team a full electrical kit from the entire range of EVY Tools and also went through the differences to look for in styling tools, optimum styling and more gifts!!! After a huge day it was off to Pinot and Picasso to get the creative juices flowing by painting beautiful drag queens with long luscious hair, then back to the house for a late supper
DAY 3
An early start with a zoom in direct from the UK with the super talented and long standing supporter of Mocha group, International guest - Errol Douglas MBE. The team were in awe and spent a good hour picking the brains of this immense talent. Final session in the house was rounding up from Louise’s original SWOT session with Linda Woodhead bringing in some martial art, mindfulness and warrior work for the team; a powerful way to end the time in the house. Load up Load up and all off to our Sponsor Excellent Edges’ HQ to meet Pete Walstab and the crew to find out all about the handcrafted EE scissors, training and literally Christmas time! Always a favourite session, the team were gifted their new scissor kits worth over $6000 each, as well as a whole pile of accessories, fishing tackle box and a 4 hour training session with the Boss man himself!
Huge thanks to the sponsors who make this all possible and have done for many years. Special mention to Louise May and Jarred Stedman for hosting the house perfectly. • cont’d over page
“The HOT SHOTS House was an incredible experience of inspirational, motivational and self-growth moments. From the second we walked into the amazing house it felt like home. Everyone from mocha, Linda, Jarred and Lou, as well as my team mates Anne, Meg and Paige dove straight in with getting to know each other and where we wanted to go in this amazing industry. By exposing my true self, I truly believe this experience has unlocked something inside of me I don’t think I could have done myself. With 3 days packed full of intimate meet and greets with iconic and inspiring artists and leading brands in our industry and to learn how and what they have done to get to where they are, was incredibly inspiring. I experienced so many moments of clarity and motivation, have connected with some amazing stylists and made life-long friends in Anne, Meg and Paige! To anyone who plans to enter for future hotshots DO IT!!! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity!” Mikelah Jayde Riley
• cont’d from page 57
“The HOT SHOTS house is one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Being selected as one of the 4 members, nationwide and to be part of this journey is like nothing I’ve ever been involved with before. The things I’ve learnt both personally and for my career, in the house will change the way I do things for the better. Everyone who spoke with us over the weekend, taking the time to share their experiences in life and their top tricks and tips with us were simple amazing and so generous. I’ve dreamt of being in the HOT SHOTS house for a long time so to have finally made it, is such an accomplishment to me. From everyone who spoke with us, to my 3 new best friends and to the mocha group organisers of the weekend, I am filled with gratitude. I have an extension to my family, and I couldn’t be any prouder!.” Anne Russell
“There are simply not enough words to adequately describe this experience! Over the course of the three days, I discovered a lot about who I am, how I may advance in this field, and how to push my personal boundaries. I adored how approachable and genuine all of our mentors were, as well as how hard they have worked to achieve the amazing things they do. I appreciated how welcoming they were in the house, and I have certainly found people, who I now consider family. Everyone was wonderful to be around, and I’m so happy I got to do this with Mikelah, Anne and Meg and of course the mocha crew! I’m extremely appreciative of everything the sponsors and mentors have provided for us to advance in this industry.” Paige Cameron
“The HOT SHOTS house was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and nothing like I imagined. I am so grateful to be a part of this team, and even when the journey comes to an end, the bond we created in that space will last a lifetime. An award like this was part of my long-term career goals but I didn’t think it was going to happen as soon as it did. Being part of the team has reignited my passion and cemented the direction I want to go both inside and outside the salon. One of my favourite things about the house was the ability to talk to people I look up to and realise we all face the same challenges in our careers to get to where we want to be in the world of hairdressing. Being able to be in a small group with our mentors meant me were able to have more of a personal chat rather than in a big classroom and have all our questions answered, helping to propel my career with inside knowledge from people who have already gone through some of the same things. Linda, Jarred and Lou, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for this opportunity to find myself not only in the hair world, but in my own world. Anne, Paige and Mikalah, we will never forget this time.” Meghan King
C R EAT E D BY ST Y L I ST S F O R ST Y L I ST S
T H E C U L M I N AT I O N O F DECADES OF EXPERIENCE, E X P E R T I S E A N D A PA S S I O N FOR HAIR.
EVY PROFESSIONAL E-CURL PRO
WINNER
Best 2 3 AHIA
Ele c tric
al To ol
AL E S SION F O R P EVY PRO E- CURL
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W W W. E V Y P R O F E S S I O N A L .C O M
THE MANE EVENT 2023: CELEBRATING CRE ATIVE E XCELLENCE IN HAIRDRESSING TOTAL IMAGE CUSTOM COLOUR AND ST YLING AWARDS.
The curtains have officially fallen on The Mane Event’s inaugural edition, but the hairdressing industry is still buzzing with the excitement and inspiration this remarkable competition has ignited. The Circle is delighted to share a recap of the 2023 edition’s resounding success and the remarkable achievements that graced this sensational event. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by stylists and salons from across Australia and New Zealand were truly outstanding. The avalanche of high-quality entries brimming with passion and creativity demonstrated the abundant talent and innovation present within our industry.
A Celebration of Creative Genius
The response to The Mane Event 2023 was overwhelming. The submitted entries showcased extraordinary ingenuity, artistry, and a deep-seated passion for hairstyling. From audacious transformations to breathtaking colour creations, the event was an awe-inspiring testament to the creativity that resides within our industry. As the winner has now been crowned for this year’s competition, aspiring hairstylists and salon owners are now invited to mark their 62
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calendars for the next edition of The Mane Event. Anticipation is building, and we can’t wait to witness the next wave of talent and innovation that will grace this prestigious competition once more.
The Mane Event 2023 Winner
This year’s crowning glory goes to Chloe Taylor, the creative genius behind @loe.hair from Nelson Bay, New South Wales. You can read all about her on page 60!
Looking Ahead to The Mane Event 2024
Excitingly, entries for The Mane Event 2024 are already open! This is your opportunity to unlock your colour and styling creativity with CPR and The Circle’s industry hair awards. The Mane Event is a stage to gain industry exposure while showcasing your exceptional talents. All salons are welcome to enter as long as CPR Colour and Haircare products exclusively create the entire look entry. The submission window for 2024 is currently open and will continue until midnight on April 30, 2024. The winner will be chosen by a judging panel of industry leaders and unveiled at the CPR Hair Party during the long weekend of June 29, 2024.
What Makes a Winning Shot?
The Mane Event is all about celebrating your creative flair and talent. The judges will evaluate a combination of factors, including the colour, cut, and styling techniques, as well as the overall creativity, image quality, and professionalism of the final entry. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your artistic prowess and compete for some incredible prizes!
The Prize Package
The winner of The Mane Event 2024 will receive: • $1,000 prize money from CPR Hair • A $2,000 CPR Colour and Haircare package • A full-page feature in The Circle magazine • A feature in INSTYLE Hair magazine • The chance to become CPR’s next ambassador • Creative Photoshoot with CPR
For more details and to submit your entry, visit www.the-circle.cprhair.com/themane-event. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of the next chapter in the vibrant history of The Mane Event!
TOTAL IMAGE CUSTOM COLOUR & STYLING AWARDS
2024 Entries are already open! Unlock your colour and styling creativity with CPR and The Circle's industry hair awards. The Mane Event is an opportunity to gain exposure within the industry while showcasing your talents. All salons are welcome to enter the awards as long as CPR Colour and Haircare is exclusively used to create the total look entry. The winner of The Mane Event will be announced at the CPR Hair party on Saturday 29th June 2024. The winner of The Mane Event 2024 will receive; • $1,000 prize money from CPR Hair • $2,000 CPR Colour and Haircare package • A full-page feature in The Circle magazine • Feature in INSTYLE Hair magazine • Creative photoshoot with CPR • A chance to become CPR’s next ambassador
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
3
CELEBRATING THE GLOBAL CRE ATIVE AWARDS
BY KAO SALON DIVISON
Global Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Amanda Magistro, Salon Alm - Global Gold Winner
Kao Salon Division proudly presented the eagerly awaited 2023 Kao Salon Global Experience, celebrating a sensational burst of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. This two-day extravaganza welcomed more than 2000 stylists from around the globe for an unforgettable showcase of extraordinary presentations, a thrilling live competition and engaging artist performances in the vibrant city of Chicago on September 24 and 25, 2023. Attendees enjoyed a mesmerising display of the latest trends, techniques, and products that have become synonymous with the Kao Salon family. More than just an event, Kao Salon Global Experience serves as a celebration of creativity, a testament to innovation, and a gathering of like-minded individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of the beauty and hair industry. It was also the 75th anniversary celebration of Kao Salon’s stylist-centric brand Goldwell, marking the culmination of decades of industry-breaking innovation, leading-edge technology, relentless research and development and deep relationships between Goldwell and its stylists. KAO sent these amazing and talented individuals to the global awards. With Amanda Magistro from Salon Alm in Perth W.A taking out the gold award for Global Avant Garde Stylist of the Year. 64
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Men’s Hairstylist of the Year - AUS Winner: Laura Edmunds - Ella Jade Hair New Talent Colorist of the Year - AUS Winner Sam Shepherd (Headroom Hair Salon) @ sam_headroomhair Creative Colorist of the Year - Aus Winner Alannah Read (Ella&Jade) @alannah_jade @ ellajadehair Creative Haircutter of the Year - Aus Winner Anna McNamara (Ella&Jade) @ellajadehair NEW ZEALAND - Creative Colorist NZ Winner Luca Murray Lauko (Vivo) @lucamurraylauko @vivohairnz Global Avant Garde Stylist of the Year Amanda Magistro, Salon Alm - Global Gold Winner Amanda Magistro
THE PRETTIEST HAIR COLOUR TREND IS HERE:
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WAHL LORD OF THE BARBERS AND EXCELLENT EDGES STATE HAIRDRESSING CHAMPIONSHIPS HOSTED BY WA IHS
WA IHS was back by popular demand on Sunday the 8th of October 2023 hosting The WAHL Lord Of the Barbers and Excellent Edges State Hairdressing Championships. Since 2020, and like so many industry events, the volunteer team had to take a “time out” while WA enforced boarder closures and strict social distancing rules however, they were working behind the scenes to plan for this next chapter for WA IHS. Sharing industry passion is so important to the committee members who volunteer their time to keep WA IHS at the forefront of live competitions in Australia. For decades, live competitions had previously been hosted at the Italian Club Inc in Perth, and in 2023 the team decided to bring the live competition event back to this original venue, reestablishing this long held tradition. The long-awaited event was opened by industry icon Paula Hibbard, while DJ Perfect Brown and the Perfect Promotions group kept the beats rolling all day, keeping spectators and sponsors entertained. Paula always brings a level of enthusiasm, encouragement, and interaction to a live competition and this was no exception. The motivation and support from sponsors was phenomenal on the lead up to the day, with Wahl, Excellent Edges, International Salon Supplies, Comfortel, TaylorWeir School
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of Hairdressing, Joico, Muk, De Lorenzo and Mocha Group committed to sponsoring the day. Each sponsor had an exhibit stand and were interviewed throughout the day promoting all their latest tools and products to offer the industry. They provided an impressive prize pool for the competitors and a combination of trophies were awarded to multiple winners over several categories. The categories consisted of urban and traditional barbering and hair cutting, hair art design and express session styling, fantasy, blonde and classic colouring, and a free apprentice photographic pre-done competition. All of these categories are judged by a panel of industry leaders in their field, with no affiliation to any competitors; one of the reasons why WA IHS is regarded as one of the fairest and prestigious competitions in hosted live within Australia. Competition excitement mounted all day, and by 7pm, four incredibly talented artists were crowned with the overall titles of The WAHL Junior + Senior Lord of The Barbers and The Excellent Edges Apprentice + Senior Hairdresser of The Year.
These titles were awarded to:
• Jordan De Salis from The Fade Doctor for The Wahl Junior Lord of The Barbers • Taahir Joomun from Mt T Barbershop for The Wahl Senior Lord of The Barbers • Amy Doak from LaRose Hair for The Excellent Edges Apprentice Hairdresser of The Year. • Jo Milieri from Eclectic Styles Hair Studio for The Excellent Edges Senior Hairdresser of The Year.
The purpose behind WA IHS is to create a community and lift the industry standards to a higher level. The committee believe that all growing artists deserve a platform for exposure and recognition. This event has provided artists from all over the state the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills and talent. The team at WA IHS will be back in 2024 hosting this industry event again at The Italian Club Inc on Sunday the 8th of September. Be sure to save the date as The Lord of The Barbers and The State Hairdressing Championships is set to be an event not to be missed!!
THE WAHL JUNIOR + SENIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS AND THE EXCELLENT EDGES APPRENTICE + SENIOR HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR.
Winners
THE WAHL JUNIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS
“What an awesome experience getting involved within the WAIHS Lord of the barber’s competition! I speak for all of us up and comers in the industry when I say we greatly appreciate WA IHS, Wahl, and all sponsors for organising such an opportunity to showcase ourselves and have some fun. Big shout out to my teammates at The Fade Doctor, was great to have their support so come down and check us out!” - Jordan De Salis
THE WAHL SENIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS
“Winning the title of Lord of the Barber is a profound recognition of the countless hours of practice, the mastery of techniques, and the sheer dedication that every barber invests in their work. It’s not just a personal victory, it’s a tribute to the rich heritage of barbering that dates back centuries. One of the aspects I cherish most about the competition experience is the sense of community it fosters. Barbers from diverse backgrounds, with unique styles and inspirations, come together to celebrate the art of grooming. It’s a learning experience like no other, where we share our knowledge, exchange innovative techniques, and support one another’s growth. Beyond the rivalry, there’s a strong bond that forms within the barbering community during these competitions, which is truly remarkable.” - Taahir Joomun
THE EXCELLENT EDGES APPRENTICE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
“It was and still is a surreal feeling taking home the title of WA IHS Excellent Edges Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2023. I am forever grateful to have this opportunity. It was so inspiring to meet and work alongside such talented individuals! I definitely took more than just trophies home with me that day. Even though this was a competition the environment on the day was one of the most supportive and welcoming I have experienced, and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings our gorgeous community! All this would never have been possible without my incredible bosses Billi & Naomi who took a chance on me and my gorgeous colleagues at LaRose hair who never stop pushing me to be the best hairstylist I can be.” - Amy Doak
THE EXCELLENT EDGES SENIOR HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
“The WAIHS state hairdressing championship is always a fun and exciting day. The experience on the day is very fast-paced and thrilling. In the live competitions, you have a limited time to put a complete look together, whether that be a style or a cut. I specifically love the feeling of bringing a concept to life. If you have ever been on the fence about entering WA IHS, I recommend you give it a go. It is always such a fun and exciting day, and you will feel so happy once you see your finished look out there and the crowd cheering you on. While I understand live competitions may only be for some, the WA IHS state hairdressing championship has various categories that enable looks to be prepared in the salon and have it ready for the judges to see.” - Jo Milieri Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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CRE ATE YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE AT
CPR’S THE SALON FORUM A transformative experience designed to empower salon owners and teams. This unique event goes beyond the art form of hairdressing, focusing on essential aspects that contribute to a fulfilling and successful daily life. ELEVATING YOUR SALON JOURNEY One of the key highlights of The Salon Forum is the chance to create a vision for the future. The event encourages you and your salon team to dream big, think outside the box, and craft a 12-month roadmap to success. Goal Setting and Mindset: Learn how to set ambitious, yet achievable, goals and cultivate a winning mindset to reach new heights in your salon journey. Confidence and Creativity: Nourish your creative spirit and boost your confidence in experimenting with new trends and techniques. Embrace inspiration that keeps you at the fore front of the industry. Holistic Salon Service©: Empowers you to implement efficient salon systems that ensure a consistently high level of service for every client in the salon, and between visits. Salon Branding and Social Media: Enhance your social media game and harness its power to attract and engage clients. Learn from experts in digital marketing and expand your salon’s online presence. Health and Well-Being: Amid the bustling salon life, we mustn’t forget to prioritize our health and wellbeing. Discover strategies to maintain balance and foster a positive worklife relationship. The Salon Forum, have carefully curated an extraordinary lineup of special guest presenters and facilitators, including industry leaders. Cass Donnelly: CPR CEO Natalie Henry: Creative & Digital Sales Coordinator Dario Cotroneo: DCI Education Founder Lisa Conway: The Zing Project Shakira Jade: Owner of Hair Candy Extensions & Business Coach Julie Gillespie: Mental Health & Wellbeing Coach
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WHAT ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE PRE-EVENT:
Pre-event resources to start setting goals for the year and fine tuning your salon brand statement. - 12-month content calendar - Pre-release of Autumn / Winter colour collection - Holistic Salon Service© - Policy manual and online coaching resources - FREE 30-Day access to DCI Education library (online) - Copy of ‘The Naked Salon’: An essential guide to time, team and money for salon owners’ by Lisa Conway
APPRENTICES LEARN FOR FREE!
CPR is committed to the empowerment of our future hair stylists. In 2024, when you book a ticket for The Salon Forum (or any education class), we invite you to bring your apprentice for free.
Through education, mentorship and opportunities for growth, young hair stylists are uplifted and inspired, nurturing their potential, and guiding them beyond their dreams.
Monday, 19th February 2024 9.15am - 5.00pm Location: The Island - Gold Coast 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217 To find out more and register your spot visit www.the-circle.cprhair. com/the-salonforum
Date:
Monday, 19th February 2024 9.15am - 5.00pm
Location:
The Island - Gold Coast 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217
Investment: $150 per attendee Empowering The Next Generation: When you book your ticket to The Salon Forum, we invite you to bring your apprentice for free.
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW
Are you ready to take your salon to new heights? Look no further than The Salon Forum – an empowering event designed to inspire, educate and unite the hairdressing community. Join us for a day of unparalleled learning, networking, and creative breakthroughs! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to transform your salon's future.
Salon Development
Unleash Your Creativity
Empower Your Team
Holistic Salon Service
AW24 Launch
Networking & Community
Craft a vision and business plan for your salon in 2024. Define your goals and lay the foundation for future success.
Explore new trends, techniques, and industry insights shared by renowned experts and CPR ambassadors.
Engage and inspire your salon team with sessions focused on personal growth, team building, and effective communication.
Discover the power of a comprehensive approach to salon operations, including salon policy, branding, and client experience.
Be the first to witness and leverage the latest CPR Colour collection. Gain exclusive access to pre-release colour cocktails and salon marketing materials.
Connect with fellow salon owners, hairdressers, and industry professionals. Share experiences, ideas, and collaborate for collective growth.
THE SALON FORUM
2
CHLOE TAYLOR SHINES AS THE INAUGURAL WINNER AT
The CPR Mane Event 2023 The Mane Event, Total Image Custom Colour and Styling Awards, made its stunning debut in 2023, capturing the hearts and minds of hairstylists and salon enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand. This inaugural competition showcased the immense talent and creativity within the hairdressing industry, setting the stage for a future filled with dazzling possibilities.
Amidst the array of talent and artistry, Chloe Taylor emerged as the winner of The Mane Event 2023. Hailing from Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Chloe, known as @loe.hair on social media, left an indelible mark with her exceptional entry. Her model, Laura, showcased Chloe’s vision, and the two worked tirelessly to bring their creative masterpiece to life. “Being a part of The Mane Event Hair Awards was such an amazing experience that allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and push myself creatively. It was so much fun bringing this look together with my model Laura. We spent one day prepping and colouring the hair and another in a studio collaborating with the creative team behind the shot including a photographer and makeup artist. I was inspired to create something that was both edgy yet effortless. Although I wanted to achieve something on trend, it was important to me to put my own unique twist on it. I am so happy with how the look turned out and look forward to more creative content days in the future.” Chloe says. Chloe’s winning entry was inspired by a desire to create a look that was edgy yet effortlessly chic. While staying on-trend was essential, Chloe also wanted to infuse her unique twist into her creation, and the result was nothing short of exceptional. Her winning formula involved intricate prelightening and expertly selected color formulations, demonstrating her mastery of her craft. Entry Formula created by CPR Colour: Prelightened with: Fast lift 9 + 20vol-6% + Colour Advantage Global Semi Formulation 1: 15g T9.0 + 15g T10.1 + 30g 5vol-1.5% + 30g Colour Secure MidLengths Formulation 2: 2g 7.44 + 1g 7.66 + 27g .000 + 30g 5vol1.5% + 6g Colour Advantage Ends Formulation 3: 15g 7.44 + 5g 7.66 + 10g .000 + 30g 5vol-1.5% + 6g Colour Advantage @loe.hair | @cprhair
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THINK PINK ...
LEMONADE _
by milk shake We’re so excited for the continuation of the rosy hues and lush pastel pinks trending into and throughout 2024. milk_shake have added a new Pink Lemonade to our temporary tone Haircare range and we’re loving that all the blondes, coppers, rose golds and redhead clients are here for it.
What milk_shake Educator Sarah Jane has to say… Colour correction: Not only is this a fun non staining tone to offer beyond the chair to a range of blondes/coppers etc but as a colourist myself it excites me at the diversity pink lemonade offers behind the basin as a colour correction tool. For a range of clients, blondes returning from Bali soaking up sun in chlorine pools or perhaps a client that’s misused heavy pigmented blonde shampoos, pink lemonade is so useful. When green hues occur to blonde hair levels intermixing even a drop of pink lemonade into our deep cleanse shampoo will help counteract and correct these unwanted tones because of its pastel primary colour aspects. Strengthen + Nourish The unique pink lemonade formular is created utilising our signature milk proteins that strengthen and nourish hair. Paired with grapefruit extract to work as a powerful antioxidant and vitamin that assists pink lemonade in promoting soft, manageable hair. Think Pink Trend Not to mention the obvious but pink lemonade is honestly so easy to use to achieve that perfect temporary colour. It will easily rinse out in up to 3 washes so even if you only want a temporary change, it’s loads of fun for those who don’t want to commit. We know you’ll adore the Haircare benefits of pink lemonade as much as we do however you choose to use it.
“As a salon owner I believe it’s important to stay in front of trends for our guests to have trust we are up to date with current hot hair trends & in a competitive market with other large brands. It’s not only great to see guests excited to have a non-committal tone they can perform at home, but our Team too are excited about new launches we bring into the salon. Pink lemonade will not only increase retail sales but will assist in prolonging our colour services that we perform in salon, not to mention assisting us behind the scenes to create limitless creations at the basin too.” SALON OWNER Kirsty, Director of Chelleon hair studio
“As Creative Colourist’s we at Ruby Blue Hair Boutique offer the Sunshine Coast a lot of fashion tones and pastel hues. We’ve used other pink shampoos in salon in the past but Pink Lemonade offers a fun and versatile pop of Grapefruit/Raspberry as a temporary colour option. We think it’s the yummiest on the market. Pink Lemonade stands out from other pink shampoos as it makes the hair instantly feel nourished, soft and shiny (where its counterparts make the hair feel more coarse and dry). We also love to intermix our coloured shampoo’s to create more customised options. Our fave go to is one part Pink Lemonade to One part Silver Shine to create a smokey, mushroom effect.” HAIRDRESSER Rachael at ruby blue hair boutique
“I’m a new Pink lemonade lover! I was offered Pink Lemonade after a fresh full blonde hair appointment, I was one of the first clients in Queensland and was hesitant, as I have never had any other colour treatment besides my usual go to blonding service. I shut my eyes, took one for the team and was pleasantly surprised with the reveal. I received so many compliments with how the pink of my hair brought out the colour of my eyes and complimented my skin tone. I loved the different hues of pink the shampoo and conditioner bought out of my tones that were in my hair before. It was a perfect temporary pop of colour for a fun weekend away, washing out beautifully after 2 washes. I also found the tone of my blonde after the Pink Lemonade washed out, a beautiful blush tint.” CONSUMER Lindy
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Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
New KIN GLOSS is an acidic ammonia free gloss with superior shine.
86%
// Balanced pH and SHINEMAXv acidic technology // Ammonia free no lift deposit only formula // Lower pigment concentration & brighter finish // Fruity fragrance of vanilla & sandalwood // Crystal Rock extract with shine that pierces light // Vegan and 86% naturally derived ingredients
FOR COLOUR EXPERTS
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To stock the collection in your salon contact us at
@kincosmetics.au
hello@kincosmetics.com.au | kincomsetics.com.au
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Purpose: Why Do You Do What You Do? By Kristie Kesic
What do we do, why we do it and how we do it, are questions we evaluate as business owners when planning our goals, building our brand, and building our team. It’s a way we can grow and evolve yet make sure we don’t stray away from what our purpose is. But as an individual have you ever truly asked yourself. What is your why?
It’s something I asked my team recently in one of our team meetings and their responses were a big reason I believe we collaborate and work so well together. Our purpose, our why we do what we do are the same. We love what we do, and we love the feeling of making someone look great and feel great within themselves. We all have the belief that we can truly change someone’s day. As you evolve within our industry and within your career your what you do will change. Think about it. We start as apprentices, grow to seniors, then maybe a specialist, management, salon owner, educator, coach. Possibilities are endless. Each time you move into a new role or have the desire to move into a new role do you ask yourself, why? I get asked so many questions about my different roles.
Why would you want to have a salon it’s so hard, just work for yourself?
I could never work just me. I. love collaborating and being part of a team. That’s what it’s all about for me. I own a salon because I wanted to create a space for staff and clients to feel valued and appreciated, and for growth a success to be nurtured and celebrated.
You own a salon and still work on the floor full time, why? This why is simple, because I want to make my clients feel and look the most beautiful version of themselves. That is job satisfaction at its best. The day that why changes is the day I’ll take myself off the floor. 74
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Why do you want to educate others?
Because I want to make our industry strong. I love making clients feel good about themselves, so if I can share my skills with another hairdresser so in turn, they can make their clients feel that good, that’s a good way to me.
Why do you do photoshoots?
This is my creative outlet. This is where I get to push myself and my skills and get to create the kind of work, I don’t get to do in salon every day. It’s so interesting hearing people’s why so I’ve asked some wonderful people in our industry across all different roles why they do what they do. Faye Murray: Business Coach at Faye Murray Your Coach for 20 years. Love is not too strong a word to describe “why I do what I do” I “love” what I do, and I am grateful to have gathered over many years the knowledge, that I share freely with every coaching and training. Every day I hear stories of success and spend time with hairdressers who strive to do it better. What I do is not a job it is an absolutely pleasure.
Geoffrey Herberg: Award-winning hairdresser, salon owner, guest artist, and current role with Revlon Professional & American Crew Brands as Education Field Manager My passion for education in the hairdressing industry has remained unwavering for over 35 years. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling., my ‘why’ has evolved and deepened with time. My journey began with a desire to transform individuals, making them feel beautiful and confident. Over the years, I realized that education is the key to empowering both stylists and clients. Sharing knowledge, techniques, and creativity became my mission. I wanted to foster a community of talented professionals who could bring out the best in their clients. My role as a salon owner allowed me to nurture budding talent, witnessing their growth, and passing on my skills. Becoming a guest artist and education brand manager amplified my reach. I could influence the industry at a larger scale by designing curriculum, creating innovative techniques, and imparting expertise to the next generation of stylists. My ‘why’ is a blend of artistic fulfillment, the thrill of transformation, and the joy of seeing others succeed. My journey as an educator is not just a career but a lifelong commitment to excellence, empowerment, and artistry and my way of “giving back “ to an industry that has provided me with endless opportunities.
Anna Judd: Hairdresser at Cobelle Creative and Hairdressing for 48 years I’ve been doing hair for so long because I love what I do. I love the people I work with, and I love making people feel good. Hairdressing keeps me young, and I just love it. Hayley Kidson: Owner of Minogue Hairdressing, with career highlights spanning 22 years including business and creative education and New York fashion week. Now turned sort after real estate agent at Realty Blue Burleigh Heads. So, I guess for me, the main reason for the career change was I didn’t feel challenged by my career anymore. As much as I loved it so much and was so passionate about it for a long time, I felt a massive urge to challenge myself and to do something new that I had always been really interested in my whole life. I guess I’ve never gone ahead and made the change sooner as I thought it would be way too hard. I am extremely grateful though for the career I had in hairdressing and wouldn’t take back a minute of it. It gave me a very fulfilling life, not only financially but on a lifelong friendship level and also gave me the ability to travel the world doing what I loved. I feel like hairdressing also gave me a massive head start in the Real Estate industry as the similarities are uncanny. The main part of my job now is to build relationships and communicate well which I can absolutely thank my 22-year career of hairdressing for building those skills for me. I think from the above it’s clear that passion and for the love of drives us and keeps us all going for a period of time, but it’s only when we really acknowledge and are satisfied by
our why we evolve and are fulfilled in our career. Now not everyone’s why will be aligned and that’s totally fine. Some peoples reason for doing certain jobs or roles might be for short term, or for the money, or for the fame. In the end you’re the only people that needs to be accepting and understanding of your why and I always think the day you aren’t satisfied with it anymore is the day you should stop and move onto something else. I’ll leave you with a quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger, “When you go to work
and you know why you’re working, then it becomes fun, a challenge, entertaining sometimes.”
Kristie Kesic Owner Cobelle Creative and Cobelle Education. kristie@cobellecreative. com.au @kristiekesic_colourist @cobellecreative
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The Ultimate Guide to Colour Correction: Strategies for Fixing Common Hair Colour Mishaps and Challenges. By Kristina Russell
Hairdressers are no strangers to the everevolving world of hair colour. While it’s true that colouring hair can be a transformative and confidence-boosting experience for your clients, it can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the world of hairdressing, you’re likely to encounter hair colour mishaps. Fear not! In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore various strategies to correct common hair colour issues and ensure your clients leave your salon with a smile.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF COLOUR CORRECTION: Before diving into specific techniques, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of colour correction. Colour correction typically involves adjusting or neutralising undesired hair colour tones. These unwanted tones can manifest as too warm, too cool, too dark, or too light shades. Understanding the colour wheel, colour theory, and how hair colour pigments interact is crucial. Here’s a quick overview: 1. The Colour Wheel: Hairdressers should always refer to the Colour Wheel when formulating. The colour wheel is divided into warm and cool tones. Warm tones (reds, oranges, yellows) are opposite cool tones (greens, blues, violets) on the wheel. Understanding this can help you identify and neutralise unwanted undertones or better understand how to layer colour when wanting to enhance accompanying undertones. Tonal families on the colour wheel are colours that are adjacent to each other. For example, in the red-orange-yellow section of the wheel, you’ll find a range of warm tones. Toning with colours from the same tonal family can help enhance and intensify the existing hair colour, especially when formulating for Redheads. 2. Levels: Hair colour is often classified by levels from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). Understanding levels is crucial for correcting hair colour issues and achieving the desired shade. It’s important to develop a deep understanding of the underlying pigment and undertones for every level when you’re lightening hair, toning, or filling when taking hair darker. 3. Complementary Colours: To neutralise unwanted undertones, you can use complementary colours on the colour wheel, which are situated opposite each other. If your client’s hair has warm undertones (e.g., orange, or yellow), you should use a toner with cool or complementary colours (violet or blue) to counteract them. If the hair has cool undertones (e.g., green, or blue), use a toner with warm or complementary colours (orange or yellow) to balance the tones. 76
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Here are some situations that would require you to lighten in colour corrections: - Correct bands or banding - Remove direct dyes - Remove unwanted dark packet dye or build up of salon colours - Warm base breakers that look spotty or dark in areas - Removing the wrong (or miscalculated) toner - Stripy foils that need softening - Boosting blonde ends with extreme lightening that happens in one day - Green hair that needs to return to blonde - HOT ROOTS that are brighter, warmer, or lighter than the rest of the hair - The client requests to start growing out their solid colour and turn grey Here are some situations that would require you to go darker in a colour correction: - Go darker or tone-on-tone if your client has breakage or extremely damaged hair. It’s just not worth attempting to take this type of client lighter regardless of what their existing colour is - Correct or cover banding by going darker - If a client has attempted to bleach their hair at home, you will probably need to dye their roots darker to blend with mid-lengths and ends if the undesirable hot roots has occurred - Going darker can cover poorly covered greys or translucent bands from home hair dyes or miscalculations when attempting grey coverage in the salon chair - Low-lighting or downlighting can add depth when darker tones are painted into foil techniques - Blonde hair can lighten too much over time with colour being overlapped in a salon or due to sun exposure and can benefit from darker glosses or toners and lowlights - Redheads may need to go darker every few visits to the salon if their base colours lighten to a new hue, for example, an Auburn Red that fades to a Ginger would need to be darkened back down to a Level 6 Red
COMMON HAIR COLOUR MISHAPS AND HOW TO CORRECT THEM Let’s explore some common hair colour mishaps and the strategies to rectify them: 1. Brassy or Too Warm Tones Brassy tones, often appearing as unwanted yellow or orange hues, can be a result of fading or improper application. To correct this issue, you can: - Use a purple or blue toning shampoo to neutralize yellow and orange tones. - Apply a toner with cool undertones to balance the warmth. - Advise your clients to use sulfate-free, colorsafe shampoos to maintain the corrected color.
2. Too Cool or Ashy Tones When hair turns too cool, with a grey or greenish cast, it’s time to warm it up: - Choose a warm-toned hair colour with underlying red or golden hues. - Add warmth with a colour gloss or glaze. - Educate your clients on proper at-home care to maintain the corrected colour without overdoing it. 3. Uneven Colour Distribution Uneven colour is a common issue, especially in DIY attempts. To even out the colour, consider these approaches: - Use a colour remover to lift excess pigment. - Apply colour strategically to the areas needing correction. - Always conduct a strand test to predict the outcome. 4. Too Dark Hair Colour If the hair has turned too dark, here’s how you can help your client lighten it: - Use a colour remover or lightener to lift some colour. - Gradually add highlights or lowlights to create dimension. - Provide an aftercare plan to maintain the colour and ensure it doesn’t become too light over time. 5. Too Light Hair Colour Conversely, if the hair is too light, and your client desires a deeper shade, these correction methods are valuable: - Choose a demi-permanent or semipermanent colour to add depth without causing further damage. - Opt for shades one to two levels darker than the target colour. - Advise your client on how to maintain the new hue with gentle care routines. 6. Foils are too stripey or balayage is not a seamless blend Foiling does not equal stripes. Balayage is not always blended and seamless. If you’re wanting to fix a harsh line or stripey foils, these formulation tips will help you: - Try using a couple of variations with your favourite bleach mixed with 2 different strengths of peroxide for a customised texture that your clients will love. - Opt for toners with 2 levels in variation for each zone for noticeable texture without extreme jumps in colour depth for foils, ombre and balayage.
- Use a Lightening Toner (aka Base Bump) or Scandi Hairline technique around your client’s face to reduce the contrast of fresh hairline foils with their natural hair.
TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COLOUR CORRECTION In the world of hairdressing, colour correction is an art that requires expertise, patience, and a solid understanding of the science behind hair colour. By following these strategies and maintaining open communication with your clients, you can ensure that any hair colour mishap becomes a stepping stone to achieving the perfect shade. Your ability to correct and transform hair colour will undoubtedly leave your clients looking and feeling their best. 1. Always Do a Strand Test: Before applying any colour correction methods, conduct a strand test to predict the outcome and avoid unwanted surprises. My pro tip for you is to ask your client to come in for a face-to-face consultation with a test strand in the salon before making an appointment for any colour transformation or correction to allow me time to do a few test strands. Testing out exactly what you’re considering doing ahead of the colour application appointment will assist you to know how to quote effectively and profitably, and to feel confident ahead of time you know what formula and approach to take. 2. Consultation is Key: Effective communication with your client is essential. Understand their desires and preferences and provide realistic expectations regarding the correction process. 3. Gentle Formulations: When correcting colour, use gentle, conditioning formulas to minimise damage to the hair. 4. Post-Correction Care: Educate your clients on post-colour correction care, including the use of temporary toning products, prescriptive shampoos and conditioners, and regular conditioning treatments. 5. Continual Education: Stay updated with the latest hair colour trends and techniques. Attend workshops and seminars to refine your skills. Listen to inspirational podcasts. I might be a little bit biased, but I think Colour Kristina Talks Podcast for Hairdressers is
one of the best industry podcasts. There are more than 160+ episodes to choose from, including hair colour education, colour correction conversations, marketing, social media, personal branding, pricing, and selfcare strategies for hairdressers, plus so much more. Now is the time to transform your relationship with formulations & hair colouring, make more money and uplevel your salon colour clientele in every way imaginable. I have flexible education pathways suitable for every learning style with online programs and in-person events. Take a look at my website if you’re a hairdresser or salon owner, suite owner, booth renter, commission stylist, self-employed freelancer, newbie to the industry or salon professional with years of experience. Please reach out to me to enquire about attending a class or hosting me in your space in 2024 for a hands-on workshop or demonstration session. I will be touring across Australia and internationally. Learn more about my Brand Free Colour Academy for Hairdressers at www.kristinarussell.com.au Send me a DM on Instagram at @colourkristina Subscribe and listen to the Colour Kristina Talks Podcast on iTunes or Spotify.
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The Crucial Role of In-Salon Mentors for Hairdressing Apprentices. By Anthony Gray
In the world of hairdressing, where creativity goes hand in hand with precise technical skills, the role of an in-salon mentor is critical to the development of apprentices. The journey of a hairdressing apprentice is a transformative one, and it is the mentor who guides the apprentice on this journey, instilling the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed. Whether it is the salon owner, manager or a senior stylist who is the key person, an insalon mentor serves as the guiding force in an apprentice’s journey towards becoming a skilled and accomplished hairdresser. They bring a wealth of practical experience, expertise, and a profound understanding of the highs and lows that can’t be learned from formal education or online. The in-salon mentor has a critical role to play in 3 key ways:
1. Skills Development
The apprentice skills development does not happen without a mentor. Skills are grown by: Skill Transfer: An experienced mentor is like a living encyclopaedia of hairdressing. They share their insights into cutting, colouring, styling, and all the skills accumulated over years in the trade. This practical knowledge is priceless for apprentices as they embark on their learning journey. Real-World Wisdom: Beyond technical know-how, mentors provide essential realworld insights. They teach apprentices about the etiquette and conduct expected in a salon, effective time management, and how to navigate the challenges and triumphs of the industry. This wisdom is crucial for a successful and sustainable career. Instant Feedback: One of the most significant advantages of an in-salon mentor is the ability to offer instant feedback. They can spot errors or areas that need improvement and provide immediate guidance, helping apprentices grow rapidly and effectively in a way that is supported. Building Confidence: Learning the craft can be a daunting experience, but with the support and encouragement of a mentor, apprentices can build their confidence. The mentor’s approval and trust serve as powerful motivators on the path to confidence and enjoyment. Client Interaction: Successful hairdressing is not only about cutting and colour application; it’s also about effective client interaction. Working with and shadowing an in-salon mentor imparts essential communication skills, helping apprentices understand and fulfil clients’ unique needs and expectations. Networking Opportunities: The mentor serves as a gateway to the wonderful world 78
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of hairdressing. Apprentices get to interact with other professionals in the industry, opening doors for future collaborations, job opportunities, and personal growth.
2. Relationship building
The mentor-apprentice relationship in a salon is akin to the passing of a torch. It’s a partnership based on trust, respect, and mutual growth. Here’s why this relationship is invaluable: One-on-One Guidance: A mentor dedicates their time and attention to the apprentice. This one-on-one guidance accelerates the learning process, allowing apprentices to ask questions, seek clarification, and receive tailored instruction. Customised Learning: Every apprentice is unique, and a skilled mentor can customize the learning experience to suit the apprentice’s strengths and weaknesses. This adaptability ensures that the apprentice gets the most out of their education and training. Professional Bond: The mentor-apprentice relationship goes beyond just skill transfer. It’s a professional bond where the mentor imparts not only technical expertise but also the ethics, values, and the essence of being a hairdresser. Inspiration and Motivation: Mentors are often a source of inspiration for apprentices. Their journey, achievements, and passion for the craft can be a motivating force that drives apprentices to excel and see a life for themselves in Hair.
3. Career Impact
The mentor-apprentice dynamic profoundly influences an apprentice’s career. Here’s how: Uptake of Skills: With the continuous guidance and mentorship, apprentices have the opportunity to master the art of hairdressing more rapidly and comprehensively. They learn not just what works but also the subtleties that make a haircut or colour truly exceptional. Industry Relevance: A mentor’s real-world experience ensures that apprentices are wellprepared to enter the competitive hairdressing
industry. They learn the latest techniques, trends, and industry standards, making them relevant and sought-after professionals. Self-Assurance: As apprentices gain proficiency under the mentor’s watchful eye, their self-assurance grows. This newfound confidence is essential for success in the salon and in building a loyal clientele. Opportunities: The mentor introduces apprentices to a network of industry professionals, opening up opportunities for collaboration and career advancement. These connections can prove invaluable in the long run. In the world of hairdressing, an in-salon mentor is not just a supervisor; they are the architects of a career. The mentorapprentice relationship is the heart and soul of the apprenticeship journey. With their wealth of knowledge, real-world wisdom, and nurturing guidance, mentors pave the way for apprentices to master the art of hairdressing, develop their unique style, and thrive. As an RTO assisting salons with the formal qualification and skills training, we see it daily and can hands down say that the significance of an in-salon mentor cannot be overstated; they are the key to unlocking an apprentice’s potential, instilling the skills and confidence needed to not only cut, colour, and style hair but to also create a truly transformative experience for clients. In a busy salon, committing the time to mentor and grow your salon team can be difficult but hairdressing has a wonderful enduring tradition of care and mentoring the next generation that continues to shape the future of hairdressing. Anthony Gray is a Director of MIG Training. MIG is the trusted apprenticeship education partner for many of the leading salons and barbershops in QLD. Anthony is the Education and Training Director for the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC). www.migtraining.com.au @mig_training
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Envy and Jealousy: Understanding the Complex Emotions By Tina Winchester
Envy and jealousy are two intricate and often misunderstood emotions that psychologists have studied extensively to unravel their psychological underpinnings and impact on human behaviour. While they both involve the feelings of discontent and rivalry, they arise from different sources and can have distinct effects on individuals’ well-being.
Envy typically emerges when a person covets something possessed by another— be it material possessions, success, talents, or relationships. In workplaces we often see this in relation to recognition of success by peers. Psychologically, envy often stems from a sense of inadequacy or low self-esteem. When someone perceives others as having more or being better, it triggers feelings of resentment and bitterness. Envy can be a powerful motivator, driving individuals to strive for what they desire. However, it can also be destructive, leading to negative thoughts, actions, and strained relationships. Jealousy, on the other hand, typically occurs in the context of perceived threats to a valued relationship. This can include the fear of losing a partner’s affection or the suspicion of infidelity. Psychologically, jealousy often arises from insecurity and the need for emotional validation. It is a natural response to the perception of a real or imagined rival. While jealousy can serve as a protective 80
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mechanism for relationships, excessive or irrational jealousy can erode trust and lead to relationship conflicts. Both envy and jealousy can have significant psychological and interpersonal consequences. They can fuel feelings of resentment, anxiety, and anger, which, if left unchecked, can negatively impact mental health. These emotions can also lead to destructive behaviours, such as gossip, aggression, or even sabotage, as individuals attempt to level the perceived playing field or protect what they hold dear. From a psychological perspective, it is essential to acknowledge and address envy and jealousy constructively. Selfawareness is a crucial first step. Recognising these emotions and their sources can help individuals gain insight into their insecurities and triggers. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic approaches can be effective in helping individuals manage and cope with envy and jealousy.
In conclusion, envy and jealousy are complex emotions that have their roots in feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and rivalry. Recognising these emotions, their origins, and their potential consequences is the first step toward healthier and more fulfilling emotional experiences.
Tina Winchester Co-Founder and Mental Health Director Mentally Well Workplaces/Career Development Centre www.mentallywellworkplaces.com.au @mentallywellworkplaces
Nourishing Your Roots: Our Year-End Guide to Self-Care and Success Preparation By Angeli Marie Shaw
What a vibrant world the hairdressing industry is, yet amid the colours, cuts, and client conversations, it’s easy for hairdressers to lose their glow and overlook one essential thing: themselves! As one of our industries busiest times falls upon us, now is the perfect time for everyone to focus on nurturing their own roots (and not just the ones on your head!). So, let’s embark on a transformative journey, exploring some vital realms of self-care, mindset growth and strategies to set the stage for an epic end to 2023 and a triumphant beginning to 2024! Let’s go!
Prioritise Self-Care.
In the whirlwind of hairdressing, it’s easy to forget, even ignore the idea of self-care. So, amid the salon hustle, remember to take short, rejuvenating breaks. Consider ergonomic adjustments to your workspace, ensuring that you’re not just taking care of your clients but also yourself. Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation. Just one minute is enough to lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle in your trolley as poor hydration leads to tiredness! And prepare balanced and nourishing meals, working with your team to ensure that you all get some time to stop and eat. Even the smallest of practices will help, just make the decision to start!
Cultivate a Growth Mindset.
A growth mindset is the foundation of a flourishing career and business. Embrace the challenges presented to you as opportunities for growth and learning. Accept feedback, not as criticism, but as a stepping stone toward improvement. Seek inspiration within your industry by connecting with fellow stylists, booking/attending workshops, and prioritising staying updated with your skills. Much like your skills, your mind can evolve and adapt too. Embracing a growth mindset not only enhances your expertise but also instils a sense of resilience, enabling you to face any challenge with grace and tenacity. Growth mindsets understand the importance of persistence and determination!
The Power of Saying No.
Saying no is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your self-awareness and respect for your time and energy. Set boundaries. Politely decline tasks or commitments that don’t align with your goals. It’s liberating. By learning to say no to what doesn’t serve you, you make room for what truly matters. You empower yourself to focus on tasks and projects that resonate with your passion. This can include clients too. How many of us have said yes to a client knowing deep down that we should’ve said no? The salon chair is not just for your clients; treat it like your throne. Guard it wisely, and watch how empowered you become when you say no. 81
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Digital Detox and Mental Rest.
Embracing a digital detox and allowing the mind to breathe amidst the constant hum of notifications and screens can be one of the most transformative acts of selfcare. In this age of relentless connectivity, hairdressers often find solace in the digital realm, staying updated with trends and client communications. However, this continuous exposure can lead to mental fatigue and heightened stress levels. Recognising the importance of mental rest, we should advocate for intentional breaks from the digital world. A digital detox doesn’t just mean disconnecting; it’s a gateway to reconnecting—with yourself, your surroundings, and the present moment. This intentional break allows your brain to unwind, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Your mind, much like your clients’ hair, deserves care and attention too!
Emotional Well-being and Stress Management.
It’s crucial to incorporate stress-relieving practices into our daily routines. Start your day with a few minutes of meditation, grounding yourself, even a workout, whatever you’re choosing before the whirlwind of clients and creativity. Journaling can be a great release, providing an outlet for emotions that might otherwise be suppressed. Additionally, allocating time for hobbies or creative pursuits outside of the salon environment can act as a powerful emotional outlet, fostering a sense of fulfilment and joy. Remember that emotional well-being isn’t just about managing negative emotions; it’s also about cultivating positive ones.
Setting Up for Success in 2024.
As the year draws to a close, reflect on your journey and acknowledge your achievements and the challenges you’ve overcome. Now,
set clear, achievable goals for 2024. Consider skill development and network within and beyond the industry because connections often pave unexpected paths! As you step into 2024, let go of what didn’t serve you in 2023. The start of the year is page 1 of a 365-page book (we all get a bonus page in 2024 being a leap year) so what story are you wanting to write? In nurturing your roots, I believe you embrace the essence of holistic empowerment, something I’m very passionate about. Your dedication to self-care is not just a ritual; it’s a revolutionary act of self-love. As you stand on the threshold of a new year, envision the abundance of possibilities. Your goals, like seeds planted in fertile soil, are bound to flourish, just make sure to take care of that one essential thing…. You! Shine on you amazing human, it’s been a pleasure to serve you in 2023! Love & Bliss, Angeli xo
Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor/Trainer and the founder of The Bliss Coach. To work with me in 2024, get in touch by visiting www.theblisscoach.com.au @theblisscoach
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When the going gets tough the tough get going! By Gary Latham
I first heard that saying from my football coach when I was eleven along with “winning isn’t everything it’s the f**king only thing.” Positivity is a great plan when things are great but how do you find it when things turn to mush. It’s easy to imagine what you would be like in “that situation” but it’s a hell of a lot harder to keep smiling when you are in the middle of pain, poverty, or grief. Things are getting darker and darker out there right now. With the cost-of-living crisis, wars in the middle east and eastern Europe, rising petrol prices, interest rate rises still a threat, and even Qantas is in the poop. Pressure spreads like a virus. I seem to be surrounded by people currently who are going through personal tough spots from sick parents to poison partners, from broken bones to bleak businesses. So, what do you do when the dark clouds start circling above your head. Firstly, realise you’re not the only one out there with problems. Even the owners of the most fantastic insta feeds have dark days, they just make it look exciting or that everything is curable by some secret ancient Indian treatment. Stop adding fuel to the fire. Granted there are times when you feel that things can only get worse, well that’s when things can only get better. Don’t go looking for the next bad thing to happen, but start looking for the next great thing on the horizon. I used to say to my restaurant staff “I will be the boss you think I am. If you think I’m an arse, I’ll be an arse. If you think I’m fantastic, I will be fantastic.” Find your coping triggers. Talk to friends. Talking really does help you get your thoughts in order. When we are in a downward spiral, we often retreat into actions that are counter to what we really need. Churning things over and over in your head doesn’t help. As much as you may not feel like it, find your friends and talk to them. It doesn’t even have to be about your issues, talking to friends just helps to give you a lift. So too does writing things down. If your job is getting to you, write your resignation letter, nobody says you need to deliver it. Put all your thoughts down in order on paper, and it helps put them in order in your head. Differentiate between what is real and what is emotion. Things don’t keep getting worse because we are caught in some sort of a bad news trough. Bad things don’t happen because bad things have happened, although this is what we love to tell ourselves.
Take time out to exercise and rest. The best way to control the mental, is with the physical. The biggest threat to a stylist trying to build a clientele that I have seen is a gappy day. Not because of the gaps but because of what it does to the stylists’ head. Judge your day at the end of it not at the start and worry about the clients you have, not about the ones you haven’t got. A little trick I have when things get really bleak is crying in the shower, it gets it out of your system for the day. Nobody knows you’ve been crying and sometimes you don’t even know you’ve been crying. I try to think of a song to sing to bring on the tears. When Jayne was doing it tough, I’d sing “Two Little Boys” by Rolf Harris, but I have to find another song now. The bad times won’t last, trust me, but if you are in a hole and can’t get out, then stop digging and get help. I grew up in a time that people were told to drink some cement and harden the f**k up. While I am still open to giving myself an uppercut when needed, I got a taste of uncontrollable moods after my brain surgery, which gave me a new understanding. When I was too high, the Dr said it was like I was on cocaine, fair enough I thought as the surgery didn’t come cheap. When I was too low, luckily, I understood why I was feeling so down which helped me through. There is always that fear that showing weakness puts you in a vulnerable position in business, that may well be true, as there are always people who will think less of you because of it, but being vulnerable and honest with yourself will always put you in a stronger position in your life. My old coach was right when it comes to mental health winning is f**king everything. Gary and his wife Jayne Wild were inducted into the Hairdressing Hall of Fame in 2014, Gary was on the stage and Jayne was in the toilet. They opened Wild Life Hair with business partner Phil Cordony 30 years ago with money Gary won on television’s first home voter driven talent show. With a background in restaurants Gary has a passion for people to match Jayne’s passion for hair. @wildlifehairsydney
By Nathan Yip Here I am with the second opportunity to share my thoughts with this influential industry magazine. In my first article I covered toxic perfectionism, a syndrome that affects way more of the industry and humanity than we realise, it was a real vulnerable moment for me as it was my first blog but also jumped straight into a lot of the deep work that I have been doing over the last few years. I had many people reach out and come up to me at the AHIA Awards and tell me how much the article helped them and brought awareness to their own toxic relationship with “Perfectionism”. This was super rewarding and validating for me and am very thankful for the people that took the time to reach out. This time I want to speak about something I’m very passionate - Education. Before I start, I want to preface that the following is my opinion and by no means do I want to offend anyone. I want to address the way hair is being taught, I have seen the good, bad and the ugly when it comes to education and facilitation, a lot of the time facilitators lack a deep understanding of the content but simply know how to instruct to follow the curriculum. What this means is that when a student doesn’t hold their graduated section at exactly 45 degrees, they are told that they are “WRONG” and are made to feel stupid (the reason many hairdressers left high school), instead of being shown how they are holding their section will create a different result and what that will look like and why. Many in our community didn’t fit into systemic schools and the idea of a hands on and creative art is a great option however this is quickly and rudely stifled by the ancient curriculum and way it is taught. Not only is the content, language, and resources severely outdated but also the way it is facilitated. One of my first learning experiences at a salon, the person trusted to teach me, was a great hair cutter but not a great teacher or communicator. When I asked questions about what they were doing I was answered with “Because it works” “That’s how I was
taught” “just do it this way” which escalated into anger because he didn’t have the answers I needed to know. His ego showed up to protect his insecurity of not knowing and got angry at me for questioning him when all I wanted was the answer to why the technique worked. This situation is all too common and doesn’t help anyone because as soon as someone is yelled at, the brain will be so far in fright or flight it will not retain anything. I have spent a lot of time and resources over the last 3 years understanding human communication and how people learn and how to teach. What I have learnt most is that you have be hyper aware of peoples learning styles, communication cues, personalities and how to adapt instantly to each learners needs. Being a good teacher is being aware of all of these things, having a hi EQ and empathy, knowing your content back to front, being able to communicate well with a wide variety of people, this includes being able to articulate techniques and concepts in many different ways and being able to attach them to anecdotes or stories, use language that is appropriate and relevant and not necessarily technical (I know so many hairdressers who don’t understand elevation, layers, degrees and angles but do understand them when I use simple relevant language) and appropriate body language. The best educators always work to serve others and not from ego, they know how to empower the leaner by leading them to the answer themselves rather than simply giving it.
If a teacher doesn’t possess these skills, they are simply a person instructing a technique. I think as business owners and employers we need to get serious about training our staff properly and establishing clear career and training pathways as well as allocating appropriate time and resource to helping them learn. It may seem like a good idea for an apprentice to get a model in on a quiet morning or pull a mannequin out in down times but unless it is being supervised properly form start to finish it can actually cause more harm than it’s worth. I often hear apprentices getting halfway through a model and their supervising senior saying they are too busy to come over and they “will be fine, I told you what to do”. I have seen the level of anxiety and trauma this has created in apprentices and stylists even years later. To move forward as an industry and rebuild our profile we need to start by investing in our apprentices, in how and when we teach them and making changes to the apprenticeship course and curriculum and offer more courses for teaching, communication and leadership. If this struck a chord and you would love to connect and have a chat about this topic or want to enquire about booking some custom education, please reach out on one of the channels below! Insta: @prettyvac_nt @theweekendsociety.sandgate Email: nathan@prettyvacant.com.au
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Revolutionising Hair Education: A Passionate Perspective
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Standing Out From the Crowd
By Sheridan Rose Shaw
Going from being recognised as Australia’s Best Newcomer Salon 22’ to then claiming the prestigious title of Victorian Salon of the Year 23’, in just 2.5 years is an incredible journey of dedication, passion, and relentless hard work. In the fast-paced world of the Australian hair industry, standing out from the crowd and excelling is no small feat! The transformation from a newcomer to a top salon in such a short time is a rollercoaster of emotions, and this blog post will delve into what it truly feels like to achieve this! It was all a dream… Born in the midst of a global pandemic. I had a strong desire to change the landscape of hairdressing through collaboration, connection, and community building. And, to bridge the gap of premium salon experience in the inner WEST of Melbourne. So many new salons opening up in an already saturated market in Fitzroy, with the same black chair, boho or art deco feel. I knew I wanted to be authentic. Be true to my aesthetic. MAMAWEST is an explosion of my insides and there really isn’t anything quite like it. I knew to look outside of the hairdressing industry for inspiration. Being recognised as the AHIA Best Newcomer Salon in Australia was a promising start, but it was only the beginning of the accolades & story!
The Grind and Growth
Starting a brand to becoming a multiple award-winning business with over 158 5-star reviews, does come with countless hours of hard work! I know there’s a cancel hustle culture these days though I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the many sacrifices, late nights, early mornings, and continuous effort to push the boundaries, elevate skills, services, and overall client experience. But the one thing that has ultimately led us to where we are today is this journey has all been heart & gut led.
The Learning Curve
Achieving such success comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not all sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows. Learning how to manage a rapidly growing business, dealing with increased client expectations, and keeping the team aligned with the salon’s vision has ebbed and flowed. We started with a team of 3, who grew to 6, to 12, then down to 7. We grew to quickly without the right set of helping hands. My biggest lesson has been if I want to grow the business, I need to let go, and hire people with experience. I need to let go of my perfectionism and hand things over to other people who can do the job. I am only 1 women! We have recently
rebuilt, slowly, to a team of 10! However, the learning curve is all part of the journey.
The Support System
Behind every successful salon, there’s a team that works tirelessly to bring the dream to life. I think the industry has had it backwards for quite some time about clients coming first. Without a great team, you cannot service the community. The achievement of VIC Salon of the Year is a testament to the unity, support, and resilience of the salon’s team and culture. Their passion and dedication to creating a premium salon experience has been the driving force behind it all.
Client Relationships
The heart of any salon is its community. We were booked out, 8 weeks in advance before we had even opened! The community bought into our mission and vision, and we have had tremendous feedback. Going from Best Newcomer to Salon of the Year signifies that the salon has not only attracted new clients but also retained them. Building lasting relationships, earning trust, and exceeding client expectations have been at the core of this business.
Recognition and Validation
If you think they don’t mean anything, I think… You’re wrong! The award-winning process has been an inventory process for my life and business. I forget, how much we have achieved and bypass the years success because it is my personality type to want to be “BETTER!” I honestly, did not expect to win this particular milestone. My goal was just to finalise. But that moment, when they read out MAMAWEST, took my breath away! Every hard day, sometimes weeks *and yes there are many*, I remember…. It is all worth it!
The Future
While achieving the title of Victorian Salon of the Year is an incredible accomplishment, it’s important to remember that this journey
has really just begun! The road ahead is filled with new challenges, opportunities, and goals as we recently signed an 8-year lease for a spacious 336 square meter area in the heart of Centre Footscray which marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. With the expansion from a 12-chair salon to an 18-chair salon, we’re not only growing in size but also evolving our identity. Our vision has always gone beyond being just a hair salon; it’s about creating a holistic wellness space that’s unlike anything else in Australia. This new space will be a safe space for rejuvenation and self-care. It will combine the art of hair with the principles of wellness, combining yoga, Pilates, and meditation. We believe in the power of well-being, and this integrated approach will offer our clients & team a truly unique experience. @ whispawellness But the magic doesn’t stop there. We’re thrilled to be collaborating with other incredible women in business who share our vision. This will allow us to expand our community offerings even further. From cosmetic tattoo services to laser hair removal, eyebrows, and eyelash treatments, we’re bringing together a diverse range of services under the one roof! @summerlashandbrow Our space will also be a hub of education and events, creating its own community for learning and self-improvement. So, watch this space! The journey from being Australia’s Best Newcomer Salon to Victorian Salon of the Year was just the beginning. This new chapter in Centre Footscray is where our dreams, passion, and dedication will continue to flourish, and we’re excited to share this incredible experience with you all. Stay tuned! Sheridan Rose Shaw @mamawest @sheridanroseshaw_mamawest
By Clive Allwright It is with immense gratitude and appreciation that I write my final blog today for Hair Biz magazine. Over the past two or so years, we’ve embarked on a fascinating journey together, delving into the ever-evolving world of hairdressing. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my thoughts on various topics, from the future of our industry to personal stories of addiction and recovery. As I reflect on the past few years, I have covered and spoken about many different topics. Within the everchanging landscape of the hairdressing industry, we’ve explored what the future might hold. From navigating our way through and overcoming the severe impact of forced Government shutdowns, to the latest innovations in technology. It’s our shared experiences during these changes and times, along with our willingness to adapt that makes our industry so resilient and forward-thinking. I have received so many great emails, comments, and interactions on social media, from a community of passionate and dedicated hair professionals. It’s a community that I am deeply grateful to be a part of. Today, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all of you for your support, kindness, and enthusiasm. Addiction and Recovery: A Personal Journey One of the most personal and revealing topics I’ve had the privilege of discussing with you, is my own personal story of addiction and recovery. My journey through addiction and subsequent recovery has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and triumphs. The outpouring of support, empathy, and shared experiences from you, our readers, has been truly humbling. Through my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of selfcompassion, also the role it plays in our industry. As hairstylists, we often put our clients first, but we must also remember to prioritise our own well-being. The lessons I’ve learned and now openly share about recovery serve as a reminder that vulnerability and seeking help are signs of strength, not weakness. As a result of these personal Hair Biz blogs, and kind feedback. This inspired Louise May, Amie Morris, and Myself into launching “Straight Edge, The Podcast”. “Straight Edge” The Podcast: A Unique Window into Addiction & Recovery
Our launch of the “Straight Edge the Podcast” has been an exciting venture. This podcast delves into personal stories of all types of addictive behaviour with our guests from around Australia and the world. We chat primarily with industry professionals from within and outside the hairdressing, barbering, and media industries. Which bravely share their sometimes brutal and very honest stories of overcoming many different types of addictive behaviour. You can find “Straight Edge the Podcast” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Please leave us a rating and review and share any suggestions you’d like to hear on our future episodes. Thank you, Louise & Amie, along with our many guests of the “Straight Edge” podcast for providing us with a platform that empowers so many of us into having the difficult conversations around mental health and addiction. But most importantly the many stories of strength and hope and recovery. As I express my thanks for your unwavering support, it’s important to highlight the strength of our community of hair professionals. Thank you, so much Linda Woodhead & Kellie, Louise May and the main man Jarred Steadman and everyone at Mocha group for this incredible opportunity. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of writing my blogs. I have loved the countless times I have scribbled my jumbled thoughts down onto a piece paper. Then to see those thoughts all come to life in the pages of this wonderful magazine, Hair Biz. Has been truly magical experience. Thank you everyone. Warmest regards, Clive
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A few great years of gratitude, learning & sharing with an amazing community.
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Bad Behaving clients Vs Salon owners By Brodie Tsiknaris Business can be tough, but let’s talk about one of the not-so-fun parts: dealing with difficult clients. Now, we’ve all heard the saying that the client is always right, but let’s be real here, sometimes they can be downright awful! I mean, who in their right mind thinks it’s okay to treat someone with disrespect, when they’re paying for a service? It’s mind-boggling! Lately, my team and I have had to deal with some seriously rude people. I think the rise of social media has made things even harder for hairdressers. We’ve had clients with unrealistic colour expectations and others who want to haggle over prices. It’s crazy how some people feel entitled to criticise our business and the prices we charge. We have a bunch of awards hanging on our salon door and plastered all over our website, but still, some folks walk in thinking they can get a cut and colour for a measly $150. When we give them a quote, they act like we just told them the sky is purple. It’s mind-blowing! Listen, if you want to shop at Kmart, that’s totally fine. But don’t come into a fancy salon in a swanky location expecting bargain prices. And for the love of all things fabulous, don’t take your frustration out on
our receptionist or us! It’s not cool, period! Maybe it’s the time of year or the full moon or the end-of-year financial pressure, who knows? But here’s the thing: hairdressers are kind-hearted people. So, please, be nice and don’t be an idiot. It’s not that hard! Now, let me tell you about the crazy stuff my salon, Rokstar, and I have had to deal with. We’ve been on the receiving end of some serious threats and awful claims. People have gone on social media rampages against us. It’s hard to ignore this stuff, and it’s really horrible as a business owner to have to deal with this crap! It’s just one more thing to add to our never-ending todo list. No wonder some people sell their businesses! But you know what? We are so lucky to have the AHC (Australian Hairdressing Council) and the incredible Sandy Chong to speak with. I called up Sandy, and she happened to be driving to Canberra, representing the industry like the boss she is! Sandy always has time for me, no matter how busy she is, and she helped me break down those ridiculous threats and bullying, she’s experienced it all in her long career and 30+ years of one of Australia’s best salons, Suki. She explained my rights as a
business owner and guided me through the fair-trade process, what would happen and encouraged me to call out the bad behaviour and see the funny side of a very stressful situation! Sandy is a wealth of knowledge with a heart of gold. We’re so lucky to have the AHC! If you’re not a member, join, every salon owner should be! Thanks, Sandy, for all you do for our industry! But also, for talking me through a stressful situation. Ok back to the situation… I called out this woman on her bad behaviour and told her she’s not welcome. Of course, she didn’t like that, but you know what? I don’t like bullies, and I don’t like threats. And if you slander my name, it won’t be taken lightly. But what really upsets me is when people treat my team like they’re not even human! It’s just not right. People have no idea of the damage they can cause to business owners mental health and also staff mental health by being horrible! So, here’s my advice to you: know what you stand for and call out any bad behaviour. Don’t tolerate it, and make sure your team knows what’s acceptable. We even have a script at our front desk now that says we won’t tolerate unkindness or bad behaviour. Can you believe we need a script for a hostile phone conversation? It’s crazy!
So here we are as an industry! And I thought I should interview two very different salon owners on their crazy situations and how they dealt with it, because it’s nice to know you’re not alone right! We all experience the shit…. First up one of my dearest friends Mikey Forster who owns the Disco salon we go back a long way and quiet often talk business to each other I’m so blessed to have Mikey as a friend but also as someone I look up too.
Mikey, tell me about your wild situation? We had a client wanting a colour change that wasn’t possible. She wasn’t really open to our advice initially, but after 2 consultations, we were on the same page. Her inspiration was Instagram videos, which were very different to her hair.
Do you think sometimes the more successful the salon the more demanding of clients unrealistic expectations? I definitely do! I 100% agree! It’s great in that you attract clients wanting beautiful high-end hair, but also attracts clients that perhaps haven’t had great experiences in other salons.
How did you handle this situation? During the 2 consultations, this client became open to the options to start lightening her hair, keeping the integrity, and not having an experience any unwanted colours. The first step was to gently remove pigment using a bleach free, ammonia free colour for a soft result. Our next step was to start highlighting and to gradually move the tint to a lighter colour. During this step, in our basin room, she started being vocal about not wanting any caramel/beige tones in her hair and then started showing different inspo. I didn’t do this colour, but I went in and spoke to her. Everything we spoke about in the 2 previous consultations, she said didn’t happen and that she was adamant she didn’t want this change. I was totally shaken as I thought I was going crazy. My response was to call her a liar, and remind her of our previous consultations, said kept saying NO NO NO and making a scene. I didn’t like the way she was making my team feel and the bad energy she bought to our space. She told me that she should have gone to a salon that knows what they are doing. My response then was that there is a reason you haven’t been able to achieve what you want, you don’t listen to anyone.
At that point, I told my stylist to do whatever you need to do to make this client happy, do not charge her and do not let her come back.
policy, for wasting our time.
For the rest of the day, my team member that coloured her hair was really shaken... The client also said that if her husband was in town, she was going to send him in to ‘see’ me. it was a pretty stressful day. Such a beast of a woman.
She went bright red with rage and was screaming the house down with the shop FULL of clients. She exclaimed that “You just wanted to go home early, because you’re lazy, you refused to do my hair and she had witnesses” and “that her experience with us has been a disgrace”. I simply replied, “the feeling is mutual, you agreed to these exact policies when you proceeded with your booking, have a great weekend”.
And how did you support and lift the environment up after it?
Did It Take A Toll On You And Your Team:
I like to focus on positives, and the positive was that we don’t have to deal with that animal anymore. She’s an animal for treating us the way she did, for talking to us the way she did, and we wish her all the best in the future.
Absolutely. I’m all for being professional but bloody hell, it is 2023 — I will match the energy I am givennnn! I’m 22, mind you all my staff are also around the same age as me. This guest was approx 50-60, and it was just super startling. Honestly the whole salon was pretty startled and really taken back. We even had clients asking us if we were okay after the situation. My staff later telling me that they wanted to step in and defend me when this woman was yelling in my face, but they didn’t want to overstep my authority or intervene!
Did it take a toll on you or your team?
AND THEN I SPOKE TO A YOUNG SALON OWNER ABOUT HER CRAZY STORY.
Charlie Stocks — Owner of Studio C & Co Tell us about the situation: I once had a new client arrive to her appointment half an hour late, which was a phone booking for a regrowth tint colour, she was the last client on a Friday afternoon. For reference her appointment was 3:30pm, and we closed at 5pm. My apprentice at the time offered and brought the client a beverage to settle in, and she was SO rude to my junior because her drink wasn’t hot enough for her liking. Immediate red flag. Upon arrival, we quickly realised that she needed foils to achieve her desired results. We explained the difference between our services on the phone, and asked her what she had done in the past. She insisted she only wanted a tint retouch — until she was in my chair and explained how much she hated the result and how she never gets the colour she wants. After explaining that foils would be required to achieve the look she desired, we further explained that she was 1/2 hour late and now 45 minutes into her 1.5-hour appointment — a foiling appointment would be a 3 -4 hour visit, therefore we could get that tint on there for today as booked, but we wouldn’t have time to commence foiling to achieve the inspo — She grabbed her cape and THREW it on the floor and walked out.
How did you handle the situation? I let her go. I was so shocked more than anything. She then returned to the salon 10 mins later demanding a refund of her booking fee, to which I obviously refused and told her that throwing her cape and walking out is absolutely classed as a cancellation, to which her booking fee was immediately forfeited as a cancellation fee as per our
It gave me anxiety about my policies for weeks, and also a little bit of imposter syndrome, making me overthink that perhaps I was being unfair in a silly way? It was pretty wild, looking back I’m pretty proud I stood my ground the way I did, for the principle of the matter.
How did you go support and lift the environment after it? To be honest, it was a Friday afternoon, I of course was extremely apologetic to the paying guests that had to witness that, cranked the tunes, and got on with it! Finished off the clients we had in and immediately checked in with my team straight afterwards. We planned a meeting for the following week to really buckle up and know our policies and procedures inside out after that matter, and I really just ensured to educate my team that this behaviour is absolutely not okay or tolerable and honestly no client or their money is worth putting up with behaviour of that sort. I also researched into the laws around security cameras and footage ASAP to give myself and my team peace of mind in a way. Honestly, I could write a book on bad behaviour of clients but the important thing to remember is, by keeping a positive mindset, fostering a supportive team culture, celebrating small victories, encouraging open communication, and finding humour in the chaos, you can navigate the toll of bad behaving clients while keeping your team happy. And hey, we’re hairdressers too, and we don’t need to put up with that crap. Until next time good luck for the crazy season! Brodie xx Rokstar academy
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We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment, and I will always support my team when someone is nasty. These clients really test our patience and make us question everything. They even impact the morale of our hardworking team, causing unnecessary stress. But you know what? Resourceful salon leaders know how to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and look at the funny side.
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Sustainable Salons Shine Bright With Awards: Their Success Secrets Revealed By Paul Frasca
71.4% of award winners are Sustainable Salons. That means that some of best salons in the country are sustainable. It says a lot, right? Consumers are voting with their dollars, and the salons that meet the demand for sustainability are leading the industry. With more and more people buying values and not brands, the question is: what initiatives are you taking to make sure they pick you as their next salon? We sat down with these 3 award-winning Sustainable Salon members, Elysium Hair, Circles of Hair, and George & Ivy to hear their takes on sustainability.
It’s clear. Sustainability SELLS. First, let’s hear it from Elysium Hair, who won the Best Marketing award.
What is your approach to marketing as an award winner and Sustainable Salon member? Oscar & Kate Henderson, Owners of Elysium Hair: Our approach to marketing is
deeply rooted in our core values: excellence in service and genuine care for the planet. Winning awards offers recognition, but it’s our commitment to sustainable practices that truly connects with our audience. Our clients value authenticity and dedication. In our marketing strategies, we blend messages of exceptional hair services with our eco-conscious ethos, illustrating that achieving fantastic results doesn’t mean compromising our planet’s well-being.
How has joining our program and the Salon Directory impacted your business? Oscar & Kate: Sustainable Salons has
significantly assisted in drawing clients who place a strong emphasis on eco-friendliness and quality. We’ve welcomed many clients who discovered us through the Salon Directory or were particularly attracted to our sustainable initiatives. A standout moment was when a client travelled from afar just to experience our services, having a keen interest in businesses prioritising sustainability. She not only left with a radiant smile and stunning hair but also expressed deep appreciation for our environmental dedication. This interaction was a touching
reminder of the far-reaching influence our sustainable choices can have. In addition, recycling salon materials, Sustainable Salons will help you grow your business. You’ll gain access to: #1 Salon Directory for conscious consumers. We drive people to your salon! Promotional tools so your clients know the positive impact you’re creating Volunteering events and other opportunities to give back to the community
“Sustainability challenges businesses to excel in their positive global impact”. Is sustainability important for success? Oscar
& Kate: Sustainability goes beyond being a trend; it’s both a duty and a progressive way of approaching business. Adopting sustainable practices underscores a business’s commitment to a larger purpose. For award winners, championing sustainability sets a gold standard. It challenges businesses to excel not just in their specific trade but also in their positive global impact. I foresee that
in the coming times, sustainability will be an essential measure of success. Awards will represent individual triumphs and the broader contribution to a sustainable and brighter future.
“We’ve attracted conscious clients, enhanced our customer base, and shown our existing clients that our goals align with their beliefs”. Now, let’s check in with Sharlene, who was recognised as the Business Director/Owner of the Year and State Salon Business of the Year WA/NT, and whose salon Circles of Hair won Australian Salon Business of the Year.
How has becoming a Sustainable Salons member contributed to your success in the industry? Sharlene Lee, Owner of Circles of Hair: Many clients today actively seek out businesses that prioritise sustainability. They appreciate our responsible approach, which has attracted environmentally conscious clients. Our partnership with Sustainable Salons has enhanced our client base and demonstrated to our existing clients that we are working towards goals and practices that align with their beliefs. It’s not just about providing top-tier hairdressing services but about leading the way in both business and sustainability.
How does it feel to be a leader in sustainability within the industry? Sharlene Lee: It’s incredibly satisfying
to have our dedication to excellence in business and sustainability acknowledged. This recognition motivates us to maintain and raise our high standards, not only in terms of service but also in environmental responsibility. Our Circles family loves being a part of the Sustainable Salons program, and a lot of our new staff are blown away by the attention to detail that goes into the program. At Sustainable Salons, we take pride in being a one-stop shop for our members, allowing them to focus on what they do best while we take care of the rest. Let’s hear from George & Ivy Hair, who won ‘Best Eco Salon of the Year’ again this year.
Less waste, more awards! How has becoming a Sustainable Salons member contributed to your success in the industry? Paul & Catriona Howard, Owners of George & Ivy: When we opened George & Ivy, sustainability was at the forefront of our minds. To attain our initial goals, we had to find the right business partners that were also sharing the same values. Sustainable Salons is exactly that. It’s incredible to see a company that is partnered with thousands of like-minded salons and that can (genuinely) recycle 95% of all salon materials. To see other countries around the world following suit, it’s thrilling to be part of.
In the early days of our business, we did our best to keep our no-waste values. But as owners of a very busy salon, our time can be limited. We used to drive around community gardens on the weekends donating bags of hair, and taking our foil to the recycling centre (but lord knows what they actually did with it?). Sustainable Salons gave us the confidence that our materials were actually being recycled or repurposed and streamlined our salon waste systems.
How does it feel to be an AwardWinning Eco-Salon, providing top-tier
services and being a sustainability leader within the industry? Paul
& Catriona Howard: We are completely humbled by the title. If we can encourage just one other salon to re-evaluate their business in terms of environmental impact and to look for one greener alternative, be it fewer chemicals or less waste, the rewards are worth it. Join our big hairy mission! It’s true, and the rewards are clear. More business, a positive impact, a happier planet. You don’t have to look too far to see that sustainability is a big driver of success. We want to give a HUGE thank you and congratulations to our members for your dedication to making better business, business as usual. You are an integral part of our mission to Make Sustainability a Reality. Want to join the most successful salons in the industry? We’d love to have you in our network! Scan the QR code to get in touch. We’re happy to answer your questions. @sustainablesalonsanz
The Rise of the Solo Stylist! By Hayley Mears
The Australian hairdressing industry has been experiencing a transformative shift in recent years as more and more hairstylists choose to break away from traditional salon employment and opt for a more flexible, entrepreneurial approach to their careers. This trend has given birth to the rise of indie stylists, rent-a-chair hairdressers, and the growing popularity of salon suites. I remember first hearing about the explosion of salon suites in the US about eight years ago through an incredible documentary about the industry called The Reset, presented and written by Howard McLaren, the co-founder of R+Co. The documentary offered a glimpse into the future of our industry. We could see where our profession was headed, but the question remained: How quickly would we get there? In my opinion, we would have been deep into the world of Rent-A-Chair culture and salon suites in 2020 if it weren’t for the spicy cough turning the world upside down. This indie hairdresser business model offers our workforce more autonomy and control over their careers, with work-life balance being a driving force behind the movement. Like every other profession in the service industry, we were experiencing burnout, and it became evident that we needed to have greater control over our working hours to suit our lives as they change and grow. After all, change is a constant, so why did we hesitate 92
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to disrupt a static business model for so long? For decades, we worked long shifts and weekends without even considering the luxury of a flexible roster. Clearly, flexibility and autonomy are the key factors at play. Setting their own work hours, pricing their services, and creating space for personal pursuits outside of their career have been a saving grace for many stylists who would have otherwise left the industry by now. Instead of becoming salon owners, stylists can now be their own boss with reduced overhead costs that can be shared among a collective of like-minded talents. This arrangement allows stylists to really hone in on what they LOVE doing, building a clientele that appreciates their unique specialty without disrupting the status quo of salon culture. Currently, more than 50% of Australian hairdressers operate as Sole Traders, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. So, what does this mean for the industry going forward? It means that the business model of the industry needs to be dismantled and rebuilt, a task that should be taken on by
salon service support services. Businesses like mine, which offer marketing services, need to develop an offering tailored for Indie Hairdressers. This could include social media packages that focus on the individual stylist rather than a group or a business entity. Digital resources that allow solo stylists to streamline their appointment planning (be sure to check out Unwritten). Consultation tools and retail delivery options using TheHair. App. Solo industry memberships with the Australian Hairdressing Council. Individual education modules, and of course, business resources and guidance for all the stylists who are overwhelmed by the transition to solo operator. Download our FREE 15-page marketing checklist for Indie Hairdressers and set your micro business up for success. https://mailchi.mp/72bdb1bb5994/solooperators Data from https://www.statista.com/ statistics/618532/number-of-hairdressersin-australia/
KEEPING IT SIMPLE, STTRONG & STREAMLINE....
FUSION
WHITE 4 DRAWER SALON TROLLEY
Click ‘n Clean Castor Wheel Features: • Designed to protect your stool and trolley against hair and dirt.
Click’nClean Black Castor Wheel Code: 44447B Clear Castor Wheel Code: 44447C
White Fusion Options
Since 1986
Features: • Deep Flat top • 4 drawers • 100% Steel Construction • White Sturdy Body • Modern design • Includes Anti Slip Ribbed Mat Castor Wheel options available: •Click ‘n Clean Castor Wheels •Clear Easy rolling castor wheels Anti Slip Ribbed Mat Features: • Prevents tools sliding • Effective and economical for top flat tray • Ribbed design traps dirt • Protects and prevents fading • Easy to clean and dries quickly
Black Fusion Options
Fusion 4 drawer trolley with its full metal frame construction with powder-coated finish and easycleaning wheels would be a versatile and durable salon or spa equipment. Designed with the salon user in mind this trolley offers huge amounts of storage as well as an extra slide-out drawer for extra workspace. Each drawer and the top shelf are supplied with removal rubber mats to protect your equipment and make cleaning easier
Innovative | Functional | www.joiken.com.au
3 Simple Strategies to make your Salon’s Social’s Sparkle & Shine this Silly Season
By Belinda Haigh
When you’re crazy busy welcoming clients into the salon, managing your team and even working on the floor during the holiday period, December often leaves little time for managing your salon’s social media.
It’s the classic scenario of trying to sneak in some Instagram posts between clients or late at night when you’re lying on the couch drained from the crazy day that just was. With the likelihood of a jam-packed schedule, preparing your December marketing in advance is crucial to less stress and greater success. This way, you can fully focus on your team and clients during the festive rush. Plus, it might even leave you with some well-deserved family time! Wouldn’t that be nice!!?? Certainly, managing social media content marketing during a busy December can be challenging for even the most experienced salon owners, so I wanted to share 3 simple strategies to help you stay on top of your social media game during this hectic period; 1. Pre-plan and Schedule Content: Take some time in advance to plan and create a batch of social media posts that can be scheduled throughout the month. Tools like Meta Business Suite, Later or my favourite Metricool can help you schedule posts in advance, allowing you to maintain a consistent online presence without constantly being on your phone. Create posts that showcase your work and team, offer holiday specials and 94
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gifts, and share fun things you’re doing in the salon to keep engagement high. 2. User-Generated Content Campaigns: Encourage your clients to share their holiday hairstyles or beauty transformations on their social media platforms and ask them to tag your salon in the post. This will not only create buzz around your brand but also generate content that you can repost, thereby reducing the burden of creating content from scratch. Make sure to engage with and repost user-generated content to showcase the authenticity of your salon. People want to see people, and this is a simple way for you to achieve that! 3. Delegate Responsibilities Internally: Empower your team members to contribute to the salon’s social media efforts. Assign different responsibilities to various staff members, such as taking behind-the-scenes photos, creating short video clips, or even writing captions or scheduling posts. Each team member is usually god at one of those things, so play to your teams’ strengths and likes, and delegate to them accordingly. This way, the workload is distributed, and everyone can contribute their unique perspective, showcasing the team’s expertise and fostering a sense of camaraderie among staff and clients.
By implementing these strategies, you can maintain an active social media presence during the bustling December season, showcasing your salon’s creativity and festive spirit without compromising the quality of service provided on the salon floor. If the thought of social media gets your stress levels going, scan the QR code below to book a free 30-minute chat with Bel from Social Standards.
Come and say hello: @socialstandardsau Socialstandards.com.au ABOUT SOCIAL STANDARDS Social Standards is a digital marketing agency that helps hair salons save time, attract new clients, and increase revenue. As a team of ex-hairdressers with over 20 years of combined marketing experience, we are enthusiastic about helping hair salons grow through social media and other marketing strategies.
Style Game Slay: How Your Customer Journey Reflects Your Branding
By Sarah Garner, Digital Bloom
Remember the good old days when we used to rock butterfly clips and frosted tips? Come to think of it, that trip down memory lane isn’t so much a ‘distant memory’, as it is ‘back in fashion’. Similarly to branding, trends come and go, but that extends far and wide - it oozes out into every single interaction and touchpoint a person has with your business. Hold onto your scrunchies, let’s unpack your customer journey so you can uniquely own it as your brand’s memorable experience. So, first things first, your salon’s branding isn’t just about a logo and a catchy slogan; it’s about the whole shebang. From the moment your customer steps in until they sashay out with a fab hairstyle, every step of their journey tells a story about your salon’s vibe.
The Pre-Game: Your Website and Social Media
Think about your website and social media as the pre-game show. This is where your customers get their first taste of your salon’s personality. Does your website scream modern minimalism with crisp photos of your stylists and their work? Or does it shout out boho-chic with colourful pics and testimonials from satisfied customers? As a 90s kid, I know the importance of having that perfect profile pic on Myspace (RIP). Your website and social media are your salon’s profile pics – they should reflect your brand’s style. It’s all about giving potential clients a glimpse of what they can expect when they walk through your salon’s door.
The Grand Entrance: A Welcoming Space
Picture this: You’re walking into a hair salon and it feels like you’ve stepped into a time machine that took you back to a 90s sitcom set – neon lights, funky art, and some killer tunes playing in the background. That’s how your salon’s entrance should feel (with your theme, personality and vibe - of course)! Your decor sets the stage for the customer journey. If your branding is all about being a high-end, luxury salon, your entrance should be sleek and sophisticated. It’s like walking into a swanky throwback club – velvet ropes and all. But if your salon is all about being a cosy, neighbourhood hangout, give it the coffee shop vibe.
The Hair-apy Session: Consultation and Service Now, let’s talk about the main event – the hairapy session. Just like how we spent hours on the phone with our BFFs, your stylists need to have meaningful conversations with your customers. A consultation isn’t just about hair colour or cut; it’s about understanding your client’s personality and lifestyle. Are they looking for a bold, edgy makeover? Or do they want something low-maintenance that they can rock while juggling a career and three kids? Your salon’s branding should shine through here. If your branding is all about being edgy and bold, seek out ways you can infuse this into your consultation experience. If it’s more about simplicity and practicality, offer a consultation that matches.
And hey, don’t forget about the products you use, your salon should have signature products that reflect your brand ethos, values and ultra-aligned style. From organic, ecofriendly shampoos to high-end, salon-exclusive treatments – your product choices should be on-brand.
The Transformation: In the Stylist’s Chair
The moment of truth! Remember those iconic hot girl Summer makeovers in teen movies? Your customer should feel like they’re the star of their very own makeover story when they’re in the chair. The atmosphere should be comfortable and welcoming. Your branding should shine through here, whether it’s through the music, the decor, or the stylist’s personality. If your salon is all about being fun and playful, there should be laughter and great vibes all around. If it’s more about luxury and pampering, think soothing colours and a luxurious, high-end service.
The Finale: The Big Reveal
It’s time for the big reveal! This is the moment when your customer gets to see their new look for the first time. It’s like opening that muchanticipated mixtape you dubbed from the radio all those years ago, articulately timing your ‘record’ finger just after the talk show host introduces the next tune. The experience should be as memorable as the result. Your branding should be reflected in the way you present the final look. Is it about building confidence and empowering your customers? Then let your stylists hype them up like the cheerleaders from Bring It On. Or is it about making them feel like a celebrity? A red carpetstyle reveal with the perfect lighting and mirrors can do the trick.
The After-Party: Retail and Follow-Up
The journey doesn’t end with a great haircut. Just like how we kept in touch with our pals via landlines, it’s essential to stay connected with your clients. This is where retail and follow-up come into play. Your retail area should showcase products
that align with your branding. From haircare essentials to styling products, they should all represent your salon’s style. And when your customers take home those products, they should feel like they’ve got a piece of your salon with them. Follow-up is like that post-party call – it shows you care. Send them a thank you message, ask for feedback, and remind them when it’s time for their next visit. It’s all part of providing an unforgettable customer experience that’s in line with your brand. Bonus points for infusing your tone of voice, on-brand emojis and personality into the mix too. So, there you have it! Your customer journey is like a mixtape of the 90s, full of nostalgia, personality, and style. Every step, from the website to the after party, should reflect your salon’s unique brand. And whether your salon is all about being edgy, luxurious, fun, or something in between, make sure your customers feel it at every stage. That’s how you turn those first-time visitors into lifelong fans – just like our love for scrunchies, it’s a feeling that never goes out of style. Keep blossoming your salon’s branding through the customer journey.
Sarah Garner is the Founder and Creative Director of Digital Bloom, an industry-specific branding boutique dedicated to making your growing hair, beauty or wellness business turn heads for all the right reasons. Visit Digital Bloom’s website (www. digitalbloom.com.au), check them out on the ‘gram @digital_bloom or contact Sarah directly at hello@digitalbloom.com.au Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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How to Plan your Digital Marketing for 2024 to Supercharge your Online Presence. By Nicole Healy
As we dive into 2024, it’s more crucial than ever to level up your digital game and make your salon standout online. I absolutely get it – digital marketing can seem daunting, and also a little bit scary, overwhelming, and put in the too hard basket. I have your back though and have some great tips to help your salon shine and attract more loyal and ideal clients to your business and make 2024 your year! Planning your marketing strategy, using new tools, and investing in social media training, helps you to create more clarity in your salon business, and able to start to scale your salon business from thriving to supercharged. Attracting dream clients isn’t just about amassing a large following and expecting anyone and everyone to book appointments. It’s about nurturing that following, and build a clientele who respects us, listens to us, and creates trust in us, it’s truly up to us to do this. This responsibility lies with us, and I speak from personal experience as a hairstylist who once boasted a considerable following while working behind the chair. I personally experienced growing a huge clientele thanks to platforms like Instagram, but in all honesty, back then I did think growing a dream clientele was just growing clients from Instagram, but if I truly knew what I know now, my strategy would 100% be nurturing the steps I’m sharing with you now. Not just chasing “Influencers” into my chair as a strategy and trying to be the “Best Blonde Colourist” in Melbourne, This approach only led me to attract clients who gave me anxiety, forcing me to overpromise results. Here’s my tried-and-true strategy for you to attract your actual dream clients – individuals who genuinely love and respect you: WORK OUT THE DEMOGRAPHIC YOU’RE TRYING TO ATTRACT AND CREATE CONTENT THAT’S IDEAL FOR THEM Having a strong social media strategy is key for anyone to grow online and attract an ideal audience, however in order to stand out, you must know the demographic your content will resonate with most. If you’re trying to attract an audience, just say of women aged 35 to 50, your content may be created so it aligns with their interests and hair needs. LEAN INTO VIDEO CONTENT FURTHER If you didn’t know video content is king on all social media platforms - where have you been in the past 2 years? video content in 2024 is just going to explode further and you need to be getting on board now, and if it scares you, you will be left behind - this is the facts! Brands are making millions of dollars in the digital space thanks to video and being monetised for their views and content, this 96
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is your chance to have a commercial online for the world to see, no longer do you need to rely on TV, you need to create your own TV channel via your socials, that your people tune into and want to be hooked in to learn more about you - daily. NUTURE EMAIL MARKETING Email Marketing is often left out of salon marketing and is so powerful when it’s done properly, here’s the thing, only 10 % o f your followers see your Instagram posts and 100% of the people on your email list will receive your email - and with a strong subject with a hook and call to action, could result in a 60% open rate! So instead of putting all your available appointment posts on just your stories, send out an email with your available appointments for the week ahead - this is such a brilliant way to get more bookings. LEARN, USE AND KNOW HOW TO USE AI AI Tools like Chat GPT and Bard AI are going wild right now with helping salon business owners work smarter and create better content ideas, copy and processes within their businesses. Tools like this can literally help you with anything business and marketing related. Chat GPT is a tool I use daily - I use it to help me cross check and grammar check email copy, social media posts, ideas when I have writers block or I’m not sure how to approach daily tasks - like
making up a bedtime story for my two kids when my brain in zapped from a full day of talking to clients. This will help you in more ways than just your business - life task too! DOWNLOAD APPS LIKE CANVA, CAPCUT & INSHOT These three apps are my go-to’s to help run social media marketing business for salons, I use Canva for all sorts of social media posts, marketing tools and printable resources. Capcut I use for creating trending video content, templates and voice edit etc. And Inshot I use to edit content for my reels and TikTok videos, this way I can create modern and engaging content for myself and my clients - and the best part is - it’s super easy to use. If you would like to know more about what I do, helping salons with their social media strategies and coach yourself and your team to have a better understanding around social media – You can scan the QR code here to find out more about me.
pro one aerostyle ®
boar • nano nylon • ceramic
pro one 22 ®
22mm PRO922
pro one 27 ®
27mm PRO927
pro one 32 ®
32mm PRO932
pro one 38 ®
38mm PRO938
natural premium boar bristles
anti frizz heat resistant silver nano nylon bristles
patented aeroflow ceramic thermal barrel
far-infrared rays keep scalp and hair healthy
deluxe hand crafted beechwood handle
Pro-One Aerostyle Ceramic handmade Natural Premium Boar and Silver Nano bristle brushes provide the ultimate styling experience. Far-Infrared rays keep scalp and hair healthy while the Patented Aeroflow Thermal Barrel increases drying efficiency and reduces heat damage. Our Natural Boar bristles gently stimulate the scalp improving circulation, promoting healthy, shiny, smooth and manageable hair. Ideal for all hair types.
m&u imports
muimports_au
(03) 9555 1533 | sales@muimports.com.au | www.muimports.com.au | 662 South Rd, Moorabbin Victoria 3189 Australia
@datelineimports
@datelineimports
/DatelineImportsAustralia
HAIR SHOP
PULSAR HAIR EXTENSION TROLLEY BY JOIKEN
JOEY BY COMFORTEL
Pulsar Hair Extension Trolley is a versatile and practical piece of salon equipment designed to enhance the organisation and functionality of hair extension, pieces and/or wig workspace. Its mobility ensures the trolley can be positioned wherever is needed and is a valuable addition to suit your salon space. Multipurpose Workstation: The Pulsar Hair Extension Trolley serves as a multipurpose workstation, providing stylish storage for hair extension tools and products associated with hair pieces . www.joiken.com.au
Where minimalism meets comfort, embrace the elegance of simplicity with Joey. Its matte black finish and diamond stitch details scream sophistication. Styled here with the Verona Double Grande Salon mirror - a match made in heaven. Explore in showrooms across Australia or online at www.comfortel.com.au
NOVATONE BY DE LORENZO
A gentle, ammonia-free, demi-permanent gel colour that has been formulated with exclusive Novabond Technology®, a blend of De Lorenzo’s renowned Protein Complex and plant peptide actives from Moringa Seeds which strengthen and repair damaged hair. Powerful natural conditioning actives including Australian Finger Lime and Tasmanian Blue Gum Extracts improve moisture, reduce flyaway and deliver shine for brilliant colour results. The versatile Novatone range provides the flexibility to customise any shade resulting in multi-dimensional colour options. The depth and intensity of any Novatone colour can be adjusted by mixing lighter shades with darker shades or by diluting with Novatone Clear.www. www.delorenzo.com.au
THE EVONIC BY PRO-ONE
JOICO CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKS ARE AVAILABLE NOW TO ORDER IN DUO & TRIO SIZES. DUO PACKS: • K-Pak Color Therapy Duo • Blonde Life Duo • Blonde Life Violet Duo • Hydra Splash Duo • Defy Damage Duo • Colorful Duo TRIO PACKS: • K-Pak Treatment Trio • K-Pak Color Therapy Trio • Moisture Recovery Trio • Defy Damage Trio • Youthlock Trio www.joico.com.au
Pro-One launches the Evonic. This new state of the art hybrid dryer features a high-speed long life 110,000 rpm motor, LED temperature and speed display and weighs only 320g. Available from leading wholesalers Australia wide. Contact M&U Imports (03) 9555 1533 sales@muimports.com.au
CHRISTMAS GIFT PACKS BY ARTAV
Get your 2023 “Gift Pack” game on with Natural Look Australia’s Hair and Beauty Gift Packs Each pack has been carefully curated incorporating the best of our brands, offering the perfect gift pack for everyone’s hair, face or body! HAIRCARE GIFT PACKS COLOURANCE - Shine Enhancing COLOURART - Colour Vibrancy SILVER SCREEN - Ice Blonde INTENSIVE - Revitalising ANTI-FRIZZ - Frizz Free SKIN CARE GIFT PACKS SHINE BRIGHT Anti-Ageing + Brightening
HYDRO BOOST Plumping + Moisturising ANTIOXIDANT Regenerative + Purifying. BODY CARE TREATMENT GIFT PACKS NATURALSPA The Plant Extracts Collection NATURALSPA The Fruit Extracts Collection MANICURE PACKS HAND & NAIL Beauty Care Pack PEDICURE PACKS COOLFEET Beauty Care Pack
www.naturallook.com.au/pages/2023-hair-beauty-gift-packs
CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS SPONSORED BY HAIRBIZ
Only Open to PROFESSIONAL SALON-ONLY PRODUCTS, each year, as part of the prestigious AHIA Business awards, hair product companies are invited to put their products to the test in this exclusive, unique ‘Clean-Skin’ Competition where judges ank their preference based purely on the product alone without any knowledge of the name or brand. Products are repackaged into clean skin bottles or jars and simply numbered for judging purposes. Please test the products over the 8-week judging period and then rank them in order of preference without knowledge of the product name, manufacturer or distributor. Judging is to be based on aroma, use, preference, value for money and performance. This year Electrical (branded) products were also put to the test to complete this comprehensive and fully transparent and fairest product competition that exists in the Australian Hair Industry. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR’S WINNERS…
THE 2023 WINNERS: BEST IN CARE Qiqi Makes You Feel Like You Just Left The Salon Shampoo & Qiqi Goodbye Dry Hello Gorgeous Conditioner The Shampoo leaves hair is left with a smooth and silky feel, shining like a brilliant star. Hair is blissfully more manageable, shiny and glossy. Essential hair proteins and moisture are boosted. Great for all hair types and for daily use. Plus, get perfectly hydrated, soft and glossy hair with this ingenious Conditioner. Suitable for all hair types, especially those suffering from parched, dry hair. If you need a hydration boost, this Conditioner provides maximum hydration and actively repairs damaged hair. A perfect duo!
BEST IN TREAT BC Clean Frizz Away Treatment By Henkel Beauty Care Professional An intensive vegan hair treatment, specially formulated to tame and nourish unruly, coarse and frizzy hair, as well as Improves detangling, combability and manageability. Gives frizz control for up to 72 hours and smooths the hair’s surface
BEST IN STYLE Joico Youthlock Blowout Crème By Sabre Haircare Safeguards hair with luxurious protections that helps reverse the effects of time and aging on your hair. This product provides protection from breakage and hair fall during brushing and blow-drying while delivering youthful body and bounce. It controls frizz and static and provides long lasting results by protecting against humidity whilst strengthening hair. Formulated with collagen which helps lock in shine and hydration while bringing back youthful body and bounce to brittle, dry, unmanageable hair and a one-of-a-kind SmartRelease Technology; aliposome delivery system to protect hair from the damaging effects of daily styling.
BEST ELECTRICAL TOOL E-CURL PRO By EVY PROFESSIONAL • The EVY E-CURL PRO with Mineral Infused Technology allows you to create healthier looking hair with volume that lasts. The ultimate styling tool collection with 5 interchangeable barrels is a must for all professionals and consumers demanding the ultimate styling tool collection. 5 interchangeable heads with easy locking system. • Mineral Infused Technology for inner hydration and ultimate shine 8/19mm conical. • 18/25mm conical. • 19/25mm oval with cool tip. • 19/32mm oval with cool tip • 32mm classic round with clamp. • Finger grip on barrel for safe removal LCD display for precise temperature control 160-210C / 320-410 F • Sleek and compact thermal carry case • Protecting heatproof mat and glove • Ergonomic - super lightweight • Auto shut off after 60 minutes • 3 meter cord 360° (degree) swivel cord • Universal voltage 100-240V 50/60 Hz •24 months warranty
IMPORTS A WetBrush Limited Edition Christmas Get the shelves ready for Christmas. Featuring awardwinning, world famous detangling brushes and varying accessories in a kaleidoscope of colours, WetBrush kits are bestsellers. Adored by all ages and hair types.
360˚ Shaving Maximum manoeuvrability! BaBylissPRO FXOne GoldFX Double Foil Shaver is an ultra-ergonomic stick shaver with a lockable pivoting head. Makes life easier by contouring to ALL head shapes. Hypoallergenic titanium foils. New FXOne battery system.
A Connoisseur of Clipping Expert results with Silver Bullet Connoisseur Clipper. An incredible five hours cordless runtime combined with high speed 6,800 rpm DC motor. Lightweight. Steel fixed and ceramic moving blades. Six comb attachments.
Next Generation Versatility The next generation of MiraCurl! BaBylissPRO MiraCurl PRO Advanced Automatic Curler is fast, easy and amazingly versatile. Three curl types, three curl directions and five temperatures. Nano titanium curl chamber for super smooth and shiny results.
Genius in Action The perfect balance between brains and good looks. Silver Bullet Ingenious Hair Dryer is a lightweight dryer which packs enormous power with 2200W high power BLDC motor. Truly ingenious with customised drying and auto self-cleaning.
Beauty Balm for Hair Italian-made luxury for hair. Screen Legerity Balm instantly detangles, adds luscious luminosity and infuses weightless silkiness into hair. Leave-in, spray conditioner enriched with precious extracts to transform hair from ordinary to extraordinary.
Welcome to Head Lab
An unrivalled experience for scalp, skin and hair. Malibu C Head Lab is a digital scope which unveils mineral buildup. Magnified photos help create solutions with in-salon and at-home treatments.
Perfect Straightening Power. It’s in the hair. Qiqi Heat Cap is an amazing alternative to bulky climazones. Significantly enhance results for every Qiqi in-salon service. This portable, easy-to-use cap has just landed in Australia!
The Ultimate Smooth Finish Volume, lift, curl and smoothness – that’s what we love about Keratin Complex Hot Tube Brushes. Heat resistant, ceramic-coated round brushes which speed up blow-drying time and deliver the ultimate smooth finish. Available in multiple sizes. Numero Uno Shaver Which shaver is #1 for compact design and manoeuvrability? Weighing only 90 grams, StyleCraft by Silver Bullet Uno Single Foil Shaver fits in the palm of your hand for nimble, deft shaving. 9,000 rpm supercharged motor. Easy USB charging. Welcome to Dakota Meet Dakota. Silver Bullet Dakota Hair Dryer is a slim-line, sleek, powerful and all-encompassing salon hero. High-efficiency 105,000 rpm BLDC motor. 3 heat/3 speed settings. Auto-clean function. Ionic generator for superb shine and smoothness.
Styling Made Optimal Boasting surround heat and brimming with innovation, BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Optima 3000 Hair Straightener is a stylist’s dream. Convex outer shell heats up, allowing for incredibly easy straightening, curling and waving – the perfect tool for ANY style.
A Scoop of Volume DesignME Puff.ME Volumising Treatment Whip is filled with rosemary extract, bamboo extract and vegan hyaluronic acid for hair that speaks volumes. Lightweight treatment which instantly plumps strands to reveal thicker, fuller and more volumised hair.
An Italian Maestro The only BLDC hair dryer made in Italy. ETI Maestro Hair Dryer is masterfully lightweight, compact and powerful at 2000W. Blow-dry faster with 110,000 rpm motor, seven times faster than a traditional hair dryer.
For more information: Call Dateline Imports on (02) 9666 3611 or visit datelineimports.com.au
Giving Feedback: The Art of Influencing Performance By Kym Krey
For anyone who employs or manages staff, the ability to give feedback well is an essential part of your role, but it’s something that so many leaders fear, avoid or do very poorly!
When done well, these conversations become the tool you use to support your team to success, but if not done well, they can be unpleasant for all involved. So, let’s get clear on a few important points: 1. What feedback is NOT: • ‘Taking them down a peg or two’ • Venting to let off steam • Showing your anger or frustration. Each of these comes from a less than positive intention going in… and you can bet that’s going to be felt by the other person and prompt a defensive reaction! If you’ve carefully chosen the right people who align with your values and are a good culture fit, they will typically want to do a good job, so feedback should become the mirror that reflects back to them information that they haven’t seen/realised to help them self-correct. It shows them how they’re doing compared to how they should be doing and therefore 104
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where they’re off track and what they might do differently to resolve that issue. Yes, if they do not actively choose to correct their actions, of course, further conversations are in order but it’s important to accept that the majority of your staff do not intentionally try to annoy you! If they’re off track, they’re missing an important piece of the puzzle and your role is to provide that for them… It will help them WIN! With this approach, your intention for this chat should be more like: • “Let me help you nail this!” • “Let’s see what we can do to get this right” • “Let’s see if I can help you to understand this differently” • “Help me understand how this looks from your eyes” Your intention matters! Should you find yourself in a situation where you’re ‘thrown’ off guard because something unexpected was said or done, your intention tends to come out of your mouth and you end up saying things you regret, so make sure
your intention is clean, clear an positive going in! Never go into a feedback conversation angry, irritated, or annoyed. Let that settle and clear before you speak to your team member, so you can sit down with them in a calm frame of mind. You are their guide and they are lost or offcourse; of course your role is to help and guide them to where they need to be. Don’t Resort To ‘Labels’: What’s a label? We ‘label’ people when we observe a behaviour and then create a story around it. When we lose sight of the specific issue that we have observed and make it personal about them. E.g.: - “They’re just lazy” - “They never listen” - “He’s so entitled. He just does whatever he wants anyway” Once we do this, we’re no longer acting rationally and managing whatever they
specifically did, we’re now interacting with them through what we made that behaviour mean about them- and that is all about US! i.e.. ‘She’s lazy’ – No, she just didn’t complete the task you asked her to do. Let’s find out why. Or ‘She thinks she can do whatever she wants’. No, she didn’t follow a specific request you asked of her. Have you asked her why?
Close the Gap: In essence, giving feedback just means that there’s a GAP between how something should look and how it does look, and your role is to close that gap
The quality of your relationship with them influences how they respond. It’s all about TRUST! If I generally feel valued and appreciated by you, you’ve encouraged me consistently over time, and I like working for you, when you give me corrective feedback, I’m likely to listen, and take it on board. But if our relationship is strained, and I don’t feel valued, appreciated, or encouraged by you, there’s a higher chance that I’ll suspect an ulterior motive, disregard your feedback and react emotionally to protect myself.
A Few Final Points To Get It Right: EARLY: Speak to them as soon as possible after the incident or problem. Don’t put it off and expect to speak to them a week later You’re never too busy. These conversations are a top priority Don’t ‘bank’ feedback and ambush them with a list of issues weeks or months later! PRIVATE: Any corrective feedback is a one-on-one conversation. No general references in a team meeting, hoping they pick up on your hint! And definitely. no personal criticism in public! SPECIFIC: Focus on the specific behaviour, Not the person.
The Emotional Bank Account: We have a relationship with each person on our team that has similarities to a bank account. We make deposits in that account when we say things like ‘Thank You’, ‘Well Done!’, “You’ve worked back a few days this week, I’ve crossed you out from 3pm on Friday so you can go home early” or even just when we make time regularly for them to talk, review their progress and give them guidance and encouragement, because it shows them that they’re important to us and that we care.
NOT: “You always... “ or “you never...” “When you did/said XYZ this morning...”
But we also need to make withdrawals from time to time with things like: - “I need to change your RDO in 2 weeks’ time when Sally is on holidays”, - “I’m sorry, but I can’t approve 2 weeks holiday over Christmas for you”, - “To help Treena transition onto the floor, I need you to start moving your basic colour work to her column. We gave you the opportunity to grow when you were at her stage, now It’s your turn to give back. That basic work belongs to our emerging stylists”
Making the effort to make regular deposits in each team member’s emotional bank account and keep a healthy credit means that when you do need to have a more serious conversation, there’s more acceptance and trust to soften it and the relationship isn’t damaged.
Once you have clear expectations in place, you’re continually bringing them back in line with those expectations- a course correction- to help them succeed. “Hey Sally, remember when we you first started and we had that conversation about how important it was to do ABC? And do you remember when you gave me your word that I could rely on you to do that? Well today, I saw that you did XYZ… and that’s not what we agreed. Is there a reason why you did/didn’t do that? So, let’s get clear on that again. what I need you to do, every client from now on is ABC. Now, just so I know you’ve understood that clearly, explain back to me what you’re going to do…….. Great, I can see that you understand. So, can I rely on you to do that, every client, every time? Do I have your word? Great!”
Now, if someone was speaking to you as if you were lazy and you certainly didn’t consider yourself to be, you’d get upset, wouldn’t you? Of course you would, and so will they!
To be able to make (inevitable) withdrawals, from time to time, your account needs to be kept in credit – otherwise you might find yourself with a resignation which indicates that your account is well and truly overdrawn!
No ‘assuming’ they should just know or that it’s just common sense! That’s just poor leadership.
Just like the sculpture that is brought to life from a piece of stone by smoothing away the rough edges, your staff come to you with promising raw ingredients, but they’ll need your guidance to achieve their potential. Your skill is in ‘polishing’ the stone to reveal the gem inside.
Make it CLEAR, then make it HAPPEN! Any feedback or coaching is much easier when you have a clear expectation in place, so that’s where we need to start. We cannot expect our staff to do anything that we have not: i. clearly explained for them, ii. checked their understanding of and iii. gained their commitment to.
Kym Krey is a veteran, highly trusted salon industry business coach and leadership mentor. She’s the expert you’ll want in your corner when you’re ready to turn your business around or take that next big leap. Get in touch @kymkrey or www.kymkrey.com.au Hair Biz Year 17 Issue 6
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Navigating Financial Challenges Through KPI’s A Real-World Guide For Salon Owners. By Kate Henderson – Elysium Hair Brisbane
Like many salon owners, we at Elysium Hair Brisbane initially believed that providing an exceptional guest experience would naturally lead to financial prosperity. It was a hard lesson learned through negotiations with the ATO and multiple moments of doubt that delivering an excellent guest experience, while essential, is not the entire equation for financial success. A Journey of Continuous Learning
Our search for financial stability led us to seek mentorship through the Australian Hairdressing Council. These learning opportunities, whether under the guidance of industry leader Sandy Chong or through financial courses by Belinda and Carl Keeley, have been transformative.
Tracking the Right KPIs: It’s More Than Just Numbers
While it’s common to focus on Average Sale, Client Numbers, and Visit Frequency, it’s crucial to remember that these are outcomes influenced by prior actions. • Utilisation and Revenue Per Minute: At Elysium, we set achievable targets based on 70-80% occupancy, with revenue coming 12% from homecare and 88% from service sales. • Team Targets That Motivate: Unrealistic 106
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goals can be counterproductive. We’ve instituted a ‘personal best’ commission system that encourages growth while keeping the focus on attainable milestones.
Pricing for Profit, Not Just Covering Costs
Thanks to Belinda and Carl Keeley, we adopted a calculator that takes into account various factors to sustainably price our services. This single change has had a considerable impact on our financial health.
Best Practices for KPI Monitoring
• Relevance: Choose KPIs that align with your specific objectives. • Achievability: KPIs should be SMART— Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. • Consistency: Regularly reviewing KPIs allows for quicker strategic adaptations.
The Holistic Financial Approach
We see our suppliers, such as L’Oreal and Ozdare, not as mere vendors but as partners in our ongoing journey toward greater financial stability. Similarly, we aim to provide for our team’s financial well-being as diligently as we do for our salon’s. Financial challenges can be daunting, but they’re also an opportunity to grow and adapt. Through mentorship, a comprehensive KPI strategy, and a team-oriented approach, we’ve managed to navigate financial pitfalls successfully. And we believe that with the right tools and mindset, so can other salons. Kate Henderson @elysiumhairbrisbane
How One Salon Makes 15x Return On Their Marketing Campaigns. Fresha, a leading marketplace and booking software for the hair, beauty and wellness industry, has an exciting update on the success of their recent campaign builder launch.
Blush + Blow, one of Fresha’s longterm partners, based in London, UK, has achieved the following after using the platform’s campaign builder feature: • 15x average return on spend for their marketing campaigns, with clear reports showing how to make future campaigns even better • 3x sales of skin services, after promoting their new skin clinic with Fresha’s marketing tools • 4 new staff members recruited to handle the increase in business Blush + Blow, helmed by Bridget Hannon, began as a blow dry bar in 2017. They’ve since grown their services to a full range of hair and beauty treatments, and expanded with a clinic dedicated to skincare. Bridget has worked hard to grow her business over the past seven years, nurturing her team and expanding into a second location focused on skin services. Blush + Blow’s combination of a welcoming atmosphere, broad range
of treatments, and talented staff make it a destination in London for great hair and skin. Before joining Fresha, Bridget used various methods to promote Blush + Blow, including PR agencies and influencers. But it was always hard to measure results, and managing each of these marketing campaigns separately was time-consuming. Bridget needed an effective way to reach clients, and clear visibility of each campaign’s performance. She also needed an online booking platform to simplify running the salon, so she could focus on growing the business. After signing up to Fresha for free, Bridget started using the campaign builder and templates to create personalised marketing campaigns. From seasonal promotions to new treatment announcements, she can build email and text message campaigns in minutes, then send them to the right clients at the right time.
Bridget also gets clear reports showing the results of every campaign so she can refine them for even better performance. All while using the platform to manage appointments at both venues, take online bookings, collect client reviews, and more. Fresha is the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-inone free business software with integrated payments. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simplifies business operations and enhances customer experiences. For more of an insight on Bridget’s journey with Fresha, watch this video https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=KQ65zeHYGAY To learn more, visit fresha.com, download Fresha on the App Store and Google Play, or follow Fresha on Facebook and Instagram.
Great Leadership & Effective Communication. Can One Exist Without The Other? By Dwight Hodge In business today, great leaders must possess effective communication skills. No matter how fantastic your vision, ideas or plans are, you’re already off to a rough start if you can’t convey them to others. Leaders need to be effective communicators. Effective communication doesn’t have to be a challenge or chore. Like anything new, having a plan can ease the nerves and give you the space to experiment and try new ways. Let’s take a step back to understand what I mean by communication. Before moving forward, remember there are two sides to effective communication. 1. Sharing: Using words and gestures to get your point across. 2. Listening: Tuning in to both the spoken and unspoken. The thing is, most people only focus on talking or sharing and need to remember to sharpen their listening skills. To be tops when communicating, you’ve got to work on both. Listen as much, if not more, than you talk.
do it, ask questions and make space for others to share their ideas. Good communication isn’t a weapon to control others; it’s a resource to help everyone grow and develop. It’s about showing them a different way of thinking, being and doing.
As you gear up for 2024, here are two simple and effective ways to level up your communication game. The 4 Cs of Communication and the Intention – Action – Outcomes model.
To become a more effective communicator, focus on one of the 4 C’s, or alternatively, all four at once. Determine where you want to improve, be bold, and seek feedback from others. This enables you to see fresh perspectives and sheds light on blind spots you didn’t even know you had.
First, let’s delve into the 4 Cs of Communication. These are four areas you should keep in mind:
Now, let’s talk about the Intention-ActionOutcome model, the three-step secret sauce for effective communication:
3. Connect: Before diving into a conversation, build a connection and rapport with the other person. If you skip this step, people might put their guard up, making it hard for them to really hear you. Failing to connect is a surefire way to erode relationships, trust, and team culture. 4. Consider: Allow the other person the time and space to share. Be open and curious and listen to their perspective. Curiosity is a superpower in the world of leadership and communication. You can’t be curious and judgmental at the same time. So, be curious and understand the value of another person’s perspectives when listening. 5. Context: When it’s your turn to share, ensure you’re on the same page and understand each other. It’s not just about sharing. It’s about communicating at the level of their experience, knowledge and understanding. Good leaders shift their style depending on who they’re talking to. 6. Coach: Instead of barking orders and dictating what others do and how they
7. Intention – Why you’re communicating and your purpose for doing so. 8. Action – How you communicate. 9. Outcome – The result you achieved from the actions you took.
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Your intentions can either be good or bad. And trust me, nothing good comes from bad intentions. So, only start a conversation if you come from a place of good intent. Before acting on your intention, think about the outcome you want to achieve and paint a clear picture in your mind of what that looks, sounds, or feels like for you. Imagine you want to share with your team an excellent review the salon received about Sarah, one of your team members. You intend to celebrate Sarah’s efforts and the fantastic client experience she created and highlight specific actions for the team to repeat. There are numerous ways to do this. A few options may be; • Send the team a group text, • Call them all individually, • Meet with each team member in person, or
• Share the positive review and feedback with Sarah in front of the team. Each option meets your intention. However, the outcome for each will be very different. The daily hustle and bustle of operating your business is real. You’re often timepoor, under pressure and juggling everything simultaneously. This can lead to a lack of or failure to consider your intention. But having a clear and positive intention, followed by thoughtful actions, can steer your communication in the right direction. Without it, you jump straight into action and then wonder why you didn’t achieve your expected outcome. So, remember to consider your intentions. Self-awareness is at the heart of the 4Cs and the Intention – Action – Outcome communication models. To embrace more effective communication methods, be aware of the gap between your current skill level and your desired approach. In the end, we are all imperfectly human and becoming a pro at communication is a journey. It’s not about being perfect or comparing yourself to others. It’s about getting better, one conversation at a time. Dwight Hodge is an experienced leadership coach and mentor. His career spans over two decades as a Director, business owner, coach, and mentor. He founded The Creative Leader, a leadership coaching practice that assists business owners in propelling their leadership capabilities to the next level. Dwight is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), holds qualifications in Business and Personal Coaching, is a Master Coach of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from the Victorian Collage of the Arts (VCA) @dwighthodge_leadership_coach
I Never Thought Owning A Small Business Would Be So Hard! Written By the Australian Hairdressing Council.
This is feedback that we hear at the AHC every day. Running a small business is undoubtedly a challenge. While you may excel in your hairdressing skills, the multifaceted responsibilities that come with being a small business owner can be overwhelming. To succeed, you must navigate complex and often confusing industrial relations laws, taxation regulations, bookkeeping, marketing strategies, Fair Trade legislation, and simultaneously cultivate a positive and productive workplace culture, all while striving to turn a profit. The harsh reality is that many small business owners find themselves earning less than their employees and carrying all the responsibilities. They often lack the luxury of personal leave, mental health leave, annual leave, or long service leave, as their focus is on the daily demands of their salon. New industrial relations laws further exacerbate the challenges of employing and retaining skilled staff. In an industry that is female-oriented, there is a perpetual skills shortage. Many talented individuals leave their salon to start families and, unfortunately, do not always return to full-time roles, instead opting for casual or part-time work, compounding staffing
issues. Employees have become increasingly demanding, seeking higher pay for reduced hours without a full grasp of the underlying business costs. Complicating matters, the current government often prioritises the interests of large corporations over the concerns of small businesses. Small business owners often feel overlooked and underrepresented in the political landscape, making it imperative for them to seek collective support. This is where industry associations like the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) come into play. They serve as a crucial bridge between small business owners in the hairdressing industry and the government. The AHC acts as an advocate, representing our industry’s interests when crucial decisions involving industrial relations, education, training, and migration, are considered. Whether you operate as a sole proprietor, work from home, own a salon, provide education or training, or serve as an industry supplier, the AHC is dedicated to representing your needs. Being a member of the AHC provides its members with access to what is occurring that can impact our industry, with relevant updates, information, and valuable resources. It offers a sense of reassurance that someone
is advocating on behalf of small business owners, striving for the betterment of the industry. In today’s business landscape, where challenges abound, joining an association like the AHC is not merely a choice; it is a necessity. Unlike profit-driven groups, industry-focused associations like the AHC prioritise the welfare and prosperity of small businesses, ensuring they have a voice and support in an increasingly complex and competitive world. Whether you are a salon owner, or a solo operator, the AHC’s tax deductible memberships will be the best investment you’ve ever made for your piece of mind. You can explore our memberships at www. theahc.org.au/memberships We can help you with compliance, community, advice, support, and friendship. Check out our dozens of glowing testimonials from our members: www.theahc.org.au/testimonials
AHC MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
“The last three years in business have been tough. Thanks to the AHC, who held my hand through every moment. I wouldn’t be without them.” Jeanette Rowe, Thomson Street Hair Design
Getting Christmas Ready!
By Kerrie Di Mattia
The “silly season” is aptly named for both the fun and the chaos it brings! And yet while we are supposed to plan ahead and have all our elves in a row months ahead of time, it rarely happens that way, life gets in the way as normal, other STUFF takes priority, before we know it the decorations are in the shops, Michael Bublé is living uninvited in your head, and you haven’t planned a thing!
I should add that the pressure of knowing you need to do all this extra planning can make it incredibly overwhelming & the urge to just cross your fingers and hope for the best can be very real! My advice to you is this.... Make a shortlist of what really matters right now and what works for you! Once you’ve got your shortlist organised then you’ve got yourself the beginning of a system that you can action and add to each year, so the salon runs as smoothly as the Phat man’s workshop! I’ve got a list of 6 things that I know I need to plan ahead of time - But remember, these are what I need to feel like my elves are lining up... yours might be different!
1: Get you stock sorted early
I Pre order Christmas retail packs in September/ October and I order plenty of drops to see us through till January, if cash flow permits, stock up as much as you can now, then break up any leftovers in the new year to increase your margin. I also make sure I have plenty of Pro stock on board to cope with demand, there is nothing that adds to your stress levels more in December than running out of colour with full books!
2: Client Thank you gifts
Not every salon does this, but if you do, plan, and order them early also, depending on what we are doing and where they come from these can often take time to arrive. 110
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3: Vouchers and Packages
To be honest before we started doing packages vouchers weren’t a big seller for us, we might sell 20-30 at Christmas at the most, now we have to be so organised with packages planned, imagery and vouchers printed and marketing ready by early November for those early shoppers.
Make sure you have enough support team on to cope with the extra volume of clients, now is the time to ask around if any young friends or clients are interested in coming in as support just to keep behind the scenes clean and tidy, your stylists will really appreciate this especially your younger team members who usually get stuck with most of the end of day jobs after a long day.
4: Team goals and incentives for a kick arse December
6: Last but not least is plan a celebration for your team
You’ve got to make this exciting!!! Your team is going to work hard to help get the salon over the line and reach target, they need to feel like it’s fun at the same time, surprise your team with incentives and rewards, consider offering bonuses, gift cards, or extra time off in the new year for exceptional performance. This not only motivates your team but also shows them you see and appreciate the effort they go to. And don’t forget their December survival kits, they are a favourite in our salon! have things like advent calendars, berocca, panadol, snacks and inexpensive fun items like Xmas earrings etc.
5: Get your roster right
Communication is key at all times but none more so than the hecticness of December!!! Make sure you communicate your plans, be clear about any extra opening hours, ask your team who is keen for extra hours if needed and what they are willing to do over and above the normal roster.
We can often overlook this until the last minute and end up doing something rushed and uneventful or worse really bloody expensive because you had no choice!!! These guys ( big or small) are your tribe, they help make it all happen from January to December and I believe it’s important to plan something to show your appreciation. I hope this was somewhat helpful, owning a salon be a tough gig at times especially at this end of the year, but remember to pace yourself, you’re in this for the long run not a short sprint, there is so much more you can plan for but it doesn’t matter if you don’t get it all happening this year, you’ve made a start, you’ve now got that system in place which you can expand on next year and the years after that until one day you find yourself as experienced (old) as me and you can look back and smile at how organised you are! Merry Christmas everyone, Big Love Kez x @totalcoachingacademy_
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How To Make Money In Your Salon This Year! Running a salon is expensive. The day-to-day maintenance of keeping a business open, paying staff, and making sure you have working, up-to-date equipment all adds up. The biggest cost of running a salon is wages – just under half of all your expenses goes on paying staff. Then, on average you’ll spend about 7% on purchase and 4% on rent and utilities. After this you’ve also got to consider the cost of insurance and legal fees, so you’re protected for any potential damage. As these expenses rack up, there’s not a business around that wouldn’t like to be making more money this year. But what are some strategies you can use to increase your profit? We spoke to Jade Spehr, business coach and qualified accountant to find out her top tips for making money as a salon owner.
Stop discounting
You might think that discounting your services is going to bring more clients through the door. But it’s a strategy that Jade can’t stand. “Discounting is a swear word in our community,” says Jade. “It’s not the answer. The type of clients you attract when you discount are often not the type of clients you want to work with.” She explains that the more you discount, the more you have to work to earn the same amount. If your prices are higher, your books might not be as full, but you won’t have to work as hard to earn the same amount.
Learn how to create value
Instead of discounting, create value. Your clients will be more likely to stick with you in the long term if you have clients that value quality over cost. And if you can nurture those relationships, you’ll end up getting more out of your clients. “Long-term sustainable growth is not a quick fix,” says Jade. “Quick fixes – like discounts – are really damaging to your business. Instead, create offers that add value.” Learning value creation strategies means you can create unbelievable offers to impress your clients without discounting your core service.
Stability, culture, and profit
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The first thing to clarify, Jade explains, is what it is that you want to diversify and why. “We work with business owners to help them diversify in a number of different ways,” says Jade. “The number one thing to get to the bottom of is ‘Why are you diversifying’?” It could be that business owners want to step away from the business, so they want to set up a succession plan. Maybe they want to increase their revenue streams, either by selling more products or setting up more services. Maybe they want to focus on their brand to differentiate from their competitors.
“Having a strong, solid culture is a really core element to having a thriving business,” says Jade. “This weaves across your clients, your team, your business and your brand.”
“We love working on the market positioning around diversification strategies,” says Jade. “There’s so much you can unlock in terms of brand awareness, PR opportunities, status in the marketplace.”
If your staff love going to work, then your client base is going to love going there too. If staff are exiting the business all the time, your clients will see that on social media and wonder what’s going on.
When it comes to making more money for your salon this year, focus on value, profit, stability and above all your reasons why you’re doing something. Having your strategy front and centre will help you align your goals and make solid, transformative plans for the future.
With a stable culture, you can create stability in sales. That means getting stable around your marketing, branding, lead conversions and sales processes.
Find out how Timely can free up your time and give you insights into your salon, so you can put more time into developing your business strategy.
“When a business is performing really well, you see consistency around all of these processes,” says Jade. “Generating income feeds into profitability which makes the business sustainable long term – and the staff don’t burn out.” 112
Diversifying your business
Visit gettimely.com to find out more. @timely
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