8 minute read
The Ultimate Fusion of SUSTAINABILITY, SCIENCE & STYLE
By Louise May
Discover the transformative power of AER Haircare, the latest sensation in the world of hair wellness, crafted by the visionary Nicole Lamers. With a strong dedication to holistic haircare, Nicole, a renowned hairdresser, salon owner, Creative Director, and educator, has curated a range of scientifically tested products that are high-performance naturally derived products that help reduce waste and focus on human health and the environment.
Hailing proudly from Western Australia, Nicole’s journey spanning over two decades is studded with accolades, including finalist nominations for AHIA WA Hairdresser of the Year 2021 and AHIA Eco Salon of the Year 2023, alongside her recognition as a 2019 HOT SHOT Visionary.
Join us as we delve into Nicole’s award-winning journey and explore how AER Haircare’s sustainable, eco-friendly collection, rooted in the essence of outback Australia, is redefining industry standards while promoting ethical beauty practices.
How did your career start, and what inspired you to pursue a path as a hairdresser and salon owner?
I started out on the path like a lot of us do in the industry with the commencement of an apprenticeship. I signed my papers as soon as I could on my 15th Birthday. I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the exciting new world of hairdressing.
Super passionate and driven to start my training I was off and running in no time. Moving forward a few years later, gaining some experience working in some of Perth’s top salons and upskilling my knowledge learning from the best in the biz. I then decided I would go out on my own and create something different.
This was the beginning of Revampd Hair Studio. Celebrating my 13th successful year this year. It has been an absolute rollercoaster full of lessons and great memories of being a business owner.
Your journey in the industry has been quite remarkable, marked by many various accolades. How have these experiences influenced your approach to hairstyling and business ownership?
The reason I have entered into awards over the years has been to push myself out of my comfort zone.
Every award has been an opportunity for me to dive deep and really look at where I’m at, what I’m doing, how I can do things better, and push myself. I do believe there’s no growth in comfort and I live by this motto. So generally, if it feels uncomfortable or scary, I usually lean into that feeling and explore it.
You are also an educator in the industry, can you tell us what education is taking place throughout 2024, what are you working on?
This year I will be focusing on educating for Aer Haircare, Providing product knowledge, styling workshops and customised sessions.
Currently, there are two styling workshops pencilled in for July and October. These will be available to purchase through Piloroo events online.
If you’d like more info or like to set up some customised education email aerwellnessco@gmail. com
As the owner and Creative Director of Revampd Hair Studio, you’ve demonstrated a keen eye for innovation and excellence. How do you balance creativity with the demands of running a successful salon business?
To say it isn’t challenging would be a lie, I’m sure every creative will tell you that. Trying to find a balance between being able to express our creativity and being able to run a thriving business can really hard work There’s no easy answer.
I do think we can’t do it all at once without compromising on something. Whether that be time with our loved ones, our health, or our business goals. I think it’s really important to be kind to ourselves and take the opportunity to be grateful the everyday small wins. I’m a true believer that where focus goes, energy flows and whatever you’re focusing on grows.
Let’s talk about AER Haircare. What prompted you to venture into creating your own haircare range, and how does it tie into your overarching philosophy on holistic hair wellness?
When I set out to find a professional, high-quality, eco-conscious product range for my own salon, I was disheartened to discover that nothing out there aligned with my vision. That’s when I started dreaming of creating a product line that not only honours nature’s beauty and utilises its benefits but also puts sustainability at the forefront.
Developing a range that offers top-notch performance without harmful ingredients and embraces inclusivity became a crucial part of my dream. My goal is to offer naturally derived products that not only deliver professional results but also reflect my commitment to promoting safe, sustainable choices that are kinder to the planet and create community connection.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness are key aspects of AER Haircare. How did you ensure that these values were integrated into the development and manufacturing processes of your products?
This journey has truly been a personal passion of mine. Right from the start, I made it my top priority to carefully select natural, and ethically sourced ingredients for the products. It was essential for me to craft haircare products that not only deliver outstanding results but also reflect my deep-seated values of environmental care.
Working closely with dedicated Australian suppliers who share my sustainability ethos, I have strived to bring this vision to fruition. I have been deliberate in the packaging choices, always opting for recyclable materials and making every effort to minimise waste.
Throughout the entire process of development and manufacturing, I have been unwavering in my commitment to finding ways to reduce our environmental footprint, whether through innovative eco-friendly practices or investing in sustainable initiatives.
Integrating these values into the very essence of AER Haircare has been a labour of love for me. I take great pride in knowing that my products not only enhance the beauty of our customers but also make a positive impact on the health of our planet.
Your product range features a variety of carefully crafted items, each catering to different hair needs. Could you walk us through the unique benefits of the range and how they align with your vision?
The range is intricately connected to the brand ethos, which centres around the use of powerful superpower ingredients such as Kakadu plum, Macadamia Oil, and Aloe Vera. These unique ingredients harness nature’s gifts to deliver exceptional results.
Beginning with the CLEAN sulphate-free shampoo, it ensures a gentle yet effective cleansing experience that respects the hair and scalp’s natural balance. CARE is lightweight conditioner, infused with Kakadu plum, to promote healthy growth. The TREAT Hydration mask offers an indulgent experience that deeply hydrates and nourishes the hair, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on luxurious yet sustainable formulations. Lastly, the RENEW leave-in cream, enriched with Aloe vera and macadamia oil, provides lightweight hydration with added heat protection. These products embody my belief in the transformative power of natural ingredients to repair and revitalise the hair, ensuring it looks and feels its best.
In essence, the range embodies our brand ethos by delivering a harmonious blend of nature-inspired ingredients, innovative formulations, and a steadfast dedication to promoting healthy, beautiful hair in a way that aligns seamlessly with our values and vision for a more sustainable future.
Finally, your connection to the natural world is evident not just in your product ingredients but also in your choice of location for the AER Haircare launch event. How does this connection influence your brand’s identity, and what message do you hope to convey to salon owners and consumers through your products and brand ethos?
I guess I would consider myself to be a bit of a “modern day hippy” really. I really hope I can make actual change to the way salon owners, hairdressers and consumers think. Being a vegan for over 15 years, I always thought about what I was putting into my body but never really thought about what I was putting on it.
It never occurred to me that was I was shampooing my hair with, was actually running down onto my body in the shower and essentially being absorbed into my body. We are surrounded everyday by harsh chemicals in our industry and if I can somehow reduce that and help the health and longevity of my industry peers, well that’s a pretty cool thing for me to have achieved, I think.
What’s on the agenda for you over the next 12 months?
The next 12 months are going to be very exciting! Building trust and connection with industry is what I’m most excited about. Bringing more salons onboard to offer their clients a unique alternative.
I have some workshop dates booked in for Aer Haircare, which is always exciting to share my knowledge with others.
And the release of a brand-new product I’m currently working on coming at the end of the year.
So, a few things are in the pipeline. I’m very excited to see what this year brings!
