Raw Reflection. “Keep smiling as I do every day and think how great life is.”

Raw Hair by Anthony Nader, one of Sydney’s most iconic hair salons, continues to thrive under the leadership of its founder, Anthony Nader. Nader’s inspiring journey and the establishment of Raw Salon are a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the craft of hairstyling.

The inception of Raw Salon stemmed from a series of challenging experiences that Nader faced early in his career. After venturing to London for work, Nader returned to Sydney only to face a heartbreaking reality.

His first two employers, tragically lost to HIV, resulted in the unfortunate closure of their salons. Reflecting on those trying times, Nader shared, “Honestly... it’s a sad answer, but fast forward to today, and thankfully my doors are still open and going strong.” Nader, together with his partner David, made the courageous decision to open their own salon.

When asked about the inspiration behind the name “Raw Salon,” Nader explained, “There are two reasons behind the name really.” Firstly, in the early days of the salon’s existence, Nader and David had limited financial resources.

Nader recalls, “We literally had to do it all on a shoestring.” Their makeshift salon setup reflected their resourcefulness and determination. Nader embraced the temporary nature of their initial space, and as their business grew, they proudly referred to it as “RAW.”

Secondly, the name “Raw” represents Nader’s hair philosophy and the salon’s approach to hairstyling. Nader emphasised, “I work with the hair’s texture, encouraging what you have and refining it to be the best version.” The salon strives to create cuts that appear effortlessly lived-in, drawing inspiration from the timeless French girl hair aesthetic that Nader deeply admires.

Throughout the journey of building Raw Salon, Nader encountered several challenges. He shared, “Product companies believing in us and gaining their trust over time was a significant challenge.” Additionally, finding team members who align with the Raw Salon brand and its vision proved to be essential for success.

Nader added, “We had to open 7 days a week for many years. We didn’t have a choice as rent on Oxford Street, even back then, was crazy expensive. But we did it and just had to open 24/7 basically.”

When it comes to building a talented team of stylists and professionals who align with the Raw Salon vision, Nader emphasised the importance of time, patience, and investment. He remarked, “It takes time, patience, and money, full stop!” Nader believes in carefully selecting team members who share the salon’s passion for hairstyling and its commitment to providing exceptional service.

Raw Salon sets itself apart from other salons through its commitment to creating a beautiful and welcoming space without intimidation. Nader explained, “Reception is the first point in any salon, and they need to reflect the owners always.

Then, of course, is your team. Your team is your extension of branding.” The salon focuses on creating personal connections with clients and providing a warm and friendly environment.

To stay relevant in the ever-changing hair and beauty industry, Raw Salon places great importance on continuous training and education. Nader highlighted, “Training, training, and more training.

If you don’t do this, you won’t have a strong team.” The salon also prioritises team bonding activities and incentives to foster a positive and motivated work environment.

Reflecting on his journey, Nader offered advice to his younger self and aspiring salon owners, saying, “First and foremost, take the time and employ your team members carefully... Keep smiling as I do every day and think how great life is.”