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 first-class 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.

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, and 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.

@kirbylagohair