SALON PROFILE: HEADCASE 2025

HEADCASE 2025

A new era of Headcase Hair presents an update to their Potts Point design and a revolutionary new cutting service, which both epitomise luxury, writes Shannon Guss.

The all-new redesign of Headcase Hair, Potts Point, has made its debut, led by renowned hairdressers John Pulitano as Creative Director and Vincent Nobile as Colour Director, while adding to the multi-decade legacy of Headcase Hair.

The salon franchise operates out of both Potts Point and the flagship location in Paddington, and the new aesthetic only connects the spaces further.

“Our new space embodies rich, luxurious freshness while maintaining a connection to our flagship store,” John shared. “We’ve created a distinct identity and personality that sets this location apart while upholding our reputation as industry leaders not just in hair artistry, but in interior design as well. We want guests to enter with a sense of pride, experiencing a space that defies cookie-cutter salon aesthetics. As dictators of fashion and purveyors of excellence, our interiors reflect our commitment to leadership and innovation.”

Reflecting the deep heritage in the hair industry, this redesign means both spaces have been upgraded in the last few years, with the Paddington salon having opened in 1997 and the Potts Point space following in 2021. This history is pivotal to the Headcase Hair DNA, as is a focus on luxury and artistry.

“We want to communicate our longstanding presence as hair artisans through interiors that masterfully blend historical elements with forward-thinking design. The ambiance mirrors that of a designer label boutique— we are the ‘Gucci of Hair’,” John said. “Every element within our space reflects beauty and authentic luxury. There are no reproductions or imitations; everything is genuine and of the highest quality. This philosophy directly parallels our approach to hair artistry— creating high-end results without shortcuts.”

“We’ve cultivated an atmosphere where clients feel elevated and surrounded by beauty at every turn. From carefully selected wall colours to exquisite flooring, premium stone finishes, and brass accents—every detail contributes to an immersive experience where luxury seamlessly meets holistic well-being,” he added.

John worked hand in hand with the designer, Belle Trovato Design, in a collaboration that reflected the salon’s passion for colour and design. The colour palette that defines both spaces is anchored by a signature milky pink-mocha wall tone, which balances the space and flatters every hair and skin tone with a neutral base.

John also personally designed several signature elements including custom cutting chairs and a feature, handcrafted chandelier that is a focal point of the space. Terazzo flooring, sunset rose marble benchtops, Farrow & Ball wallpaper, Japanese mosaic tiles in the hero reception desk, custom woodwork and glasswork and bespoke mirrors handcrafted by a brass artisan are other key details that finish the space.

“These personally designed pieces embody our commitment to originality and reflect the same artistic sensibility we bring to hair artistry,” John said. “Our design features reflect our ethos as artisans who deeply appreciate craftsmanship. Every surface is bespoke and has been carefully crafted by skilled artisans. This collection of meticulously crafted elements creates a cohesive environment that transcends typical salon design, offering clients an exceptional, luxury experience that matches the high calibre of our hair services.”

In a big year for Headcase Hair, John has also introduced an all-new hair cutting technique, centred on layers, versatility and texture, and priced as a luxury salon service at $750, as available at both salon locations.

The hair cutting technique could be compared to Vidal Sassoon’s defining hairdressing concepts in the 1960s, but importantly draws on John’s esteemed expertise, and the way he views and cuts hair to personalise, individualise and suit the cut to each client. John has worked over decades with leading global designers and magazines, with extensive editorial and runway credits, which informs his aesthetic perspective.

“My aesthetic has always been lived-in luxury,” John explained. “With my extensive background in fashion and editorial hair, I’ve always loved hair that looked lived-in from the get-go. I found that conventional methods weren’t giving me the results I wanted. Conventional cutting was too clean, and razor cutting was too harsh. I wanted to create looks that paid homage to the classic cuts but needed to be cooler, more understated, yet rich, expensive, and fashion-forward. They needed to make a statement. They needed to move and flow as clients shook their heads.”

This approach has been a major facet of John’s storied hairdressing career and one he’s now finally defining as a service. It’s also one that clients, and recently beauty media, have lauded.

“Clients kept coming in, saying how many compliments they were getting about their hair, done or undone,” he shared. “This is definitely a legacy I’d love to leave to the industry because it’s going to be exciting to share a completely new way of doing thing. This technique will change the industry by giving classic styles—from pixie cuts to bobs, graduated bobs, shags, and long layers—a modern edge and futuristic feel. They are contemporary works of art with an attitude.”

The most important part of this haircut is being with me and having my expertise. It’s like being at a chef’s table

-JOHN PULITANO

Beyond the approach itself, the service is predicated on John’s skill and expertise, with an involved consultation becoming a feature of the service, next to an extensive treatment or “hair facial” that further puts the focus on hair health and quality. Clients are educated on scalp and hair health and work with John to find a cut that ideally suits their needs. The service follows to the hair design and hair cut, then a blow dry, before John also offers styling tips and product recommendations.

“The most important part of this haircut is being with me and having my expertise. It’s like being at a chef’s table,” John shared. “I’ll ask a few key questions and then take you on a journey, considering your looks, style, height, body shape, and face shape. In this scenario, I’m the expert.”

“A haircut is a key aspect of your appearance,” he added. “The power of a great haircut is a form of self-expression and empowerment—it’s an investment in your confidence and professional image. It’s not just a luxury; it’s an investment.”

The cut is designed to last up to three months, maximising the client’s natural hair thickness, as elevating hair density and condition is a key priority in this service. The fresh cuts draw from modern shapes and aesthetics, in what John describes as “reimagining classic cuts with a modern edge”. Each look is tailored to the client, who is also given the confidence and education to easily recreate it at home, in what John hopes will innovate in the future of the hair industry at large.

“It’s the hair everyone dreams of no matter their age. This technique elevates your look no matter your age, making you feel sexy, confident, and empowered, it’s wearable art” he said. “This technique changes the way hair sits, giving it a futuristic feel and attitude.”

For more information visit www.headcasehair.com.au