HAIRBIZ Year 18 Issue 3

Hi Lift TrueEcoColour is a high performance multi-functional hybrid ammonia and PPD free colouring crème. The unique vegan formulation of colouring agents and organic natural extracts produce exceptional performance, enabling long lasting results, superior grey coverage, brilliant shine and condition.

Hi Lift TrueEcoColour is a versatile system for permanent, semi/demi permanent colouring and toning.

Made in Italy and developed exclusively for professional salon use. A safe effective ammonia free option with exceptional grey coverage.

Enriched With Organic Green Mandarin, Sweet Almond Oil & Extract Of Lotus Flowers

34 Hi Lift True Eco Colour REGULARS

08 Editors Letter

18-23 Industry News

86 Dateline Imports

90 Hair Shop FEATURE

10-12 The Deli Down Bay By Zoe Richards

14 Ten Minutes with Wade-William Ambler By Louise May

16 The Influencer Evolution By Louise May

28 State of the Indusrty with Alexandra Bilisi

30-32 Make Me Over Artistry with Sarah Smith By Louise May

34 Backstage with Heiniger By Louise May

36 A Fusion of Cultures & Excellence By Louise May

62 Sam James & Mat Johnson Join Matrix Elite Team AWARDS

24 Finalists Announced for AHIA Creative Awards

26 2024 Curate Awards – Regional Finalists Announced PROFILE

38 Elevating Haircare with Passion and Purpose By Anthony Gray

PRODUCT PROFILE

42 Danger Jones – Creating Art Not Commerce By Louise May

44 Inspiring Brands By Louise May

48 KBOND20 Power Masque Defy Damage

50 Why Slow Beauty is the new Clean Beauty

52 Experience Inner Joi By Joico

54 Nourish Your Hair with Matrix Food For Soft

EVENTS

56 KAO Salon #TheWeekender2024 By Linda Woodhead

58 R&R with O&M By Linda Woodhead

72 Hair Festival 2024

EDUCATION

64 Mastering Blonde to Copper and back to Blonde By Kristina Russell

66 Infinite Words of Wisdom By Kristie Kesic

68 Salon Winter Tips with Rose Cain

70 Born Pretty’s Commitment to Apprentice Development By Anthony Gray BLOGS

74 A Reflection on Three Decades of Hairdressing By Justin Pace

78 Beyond Beauty By Danny Pato

79 The Art of Consultation Part 2 By Nathan Yip

80 Soilz Alive By Paul Frasca

82 Prioritising Self-Care in the Salon By Brodie Tsiknaris BUSINESS

92 How to take the Stress out of Tax By Mark Chapman

94 Imposter Syndrome in the Hair Industry

96 The Secrets of Successful Salon/Clinic Owners By Chrissy Alger

98 Appreciate the Highs! Fresha talks to Willomina

100 What’s Your Story By Dwight Hodge

102 Tackling Procrastination and Overwhelm By Kym Krey

104 Embracing Feedback for Growth By David Watts

106 Profit Baby By Jay Chapman

MARKETING

108 The 12 Personality Archetypes & Your Business By Sarah Garner

110 The New Huge Social Trend Called UGC By Sophia Hilton

112 Why are you so scared to implement AI into Business By Hayley Mears

114 The Mindset of a Successful Stylist By Angeli Marie Shaw

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

Louise May

Zoe Richards

Anthony Gray

Linda Woodhead

Kristina Russell

Kristie Kesic

Justin Pace

Danny Pato

Nathan Yip

Paul Frasca

Brodie Tsiknaris

Mark Chapman

Chrissy Alger

Dwight Hodge

Kym Krey

David Watts

Jay Chapman

Sarah Garner

Sophia Hilton

Hayley Mears

Angeli Marie Shaw

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.

Editors

letter.

Welcome to issue 3 of Hair Biz for 2024!

This year is just flying by… can you believe that we are almost at the end of the financial year! Where has the year gone?

We’re stoked to have you with us as we dive into yet another jam-packed issue filled with all things industry related.

This time around, we’re shining the spotlight on some seriously cool people in the industry. From the awesome duo, David & Alexis Thurston, who are making waves in Australia with their cool brand, Danger Jones, to the sensational Kaine Vakai, Carmelo Francese from Inspire Brands, the very talented Sarah Smith from Make Me Over Artistry, plus the AHIA 2023 Men’s Hair Specialist and WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year, Naser.

We spend 10 minutes with Wade-William Ambler, and we check out the O&M Retreat, and the KAO Weekender.

We also take you across the globe and see what’s happening in the UK with Ken Picton and we get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Heiniger. All of this and many more feature stories in this epic issue!

So, grab a

kick

and enjoy

read!

a blast putting this one together, and we hope you love it as much as we do.

And let’s not forget about the AHIA Creative Awards – the buzz from the finalist’s announcement has got us pumped for the big Gala night on July 1st. Shoutout to all the finalists and entrants – your talent is off the charts!

Don’t forget to grab your tickets for the Gala and mark your calendars for the Hair Festival on June 30th and July 1st at the ICC, Darling Harbour, Sydney. It’s seriously going to be huge!

This issue is all about giving you the goods. From helpful articles to practical tips for your biz and personal growth, we’ve packed it full of value just for you.

Oh, and I recently hung out with the 2023 AHIA Hotshots during their photoshoot in Melbourne – it was a blast! Can’t wait to share their Collection with you in the next issue.

Big love and hugs to you all and hope to catch you in Sydney at Festival & the AHIA Creatives night!

Louise May – Editor of Hair Biz

Editor in Chief for Mocha Group louise@mochagroup.com.au

@louisemay_hairbeautybiz @mochahairaustralia

cuppa,

back,

the

We had

Key factors that distinguish and mark AMAZING HAIR as trailblazers in all Hair Extensions.

Exceptional Quality

Extensive Product Range

Industry Recognition and Partnership

Unparalleled Education and Support

Celebrity and Professional Endorsements

Committed to Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

THE DELI

He’s one of the UK’s most successful hairdressers, and now Ken Picton is set to unleash his creative talents in a new direction. As he launches Picton & Co., an artisan bar and deli in his home city of Cardiff, we went to find out how he’s making the transition from cutting to cooking…

Ken Picton is a name widely known in hairdressing circles. With a career notching almost 40 years, he’s worked with global haircare brands, scooped trophies for his creative work and business acumen, and today runs a 6,500 square-foot multi-award-winning salon in Cardiff’s prized location of Mermaid Quay. It’s a CV most hairdressers could only dream of, but Ken still has more tricks up his sleeve. This Spring, he launched Picton & Co – a retail and immersive eating space that comprises a bar, deli, and cookery school..

To some, it may feel like a departure from his hair ‘roots’, but far from it. Very much at one with the salon, Picton & Co is located in the adjoining space, with a door connecting the two businesses. To Ken, it couldn’t be a more harmonious venture.

“We’ve always been a forward-thinking salon where it’s about high-quality service and a high-quality environment,” he says. “For a long time, we had an in-house chef and an extensive refreshment list for the clients. It’s all about experience-led hair, and in a way that’s the path that I’m trying to emulate with the deli – experience-led food and retail.”

“It’s been something that I’ve been hankering to do for probably in the region of 20 years,” Ken explains. “My wife and I fell in love with delis when we first ever went to New York and visited Dean & DeLuca. I think it was from that moment on, her and I become obsessed with wherever we would go. Especially with me travelling with work - I always find myself either in a fantastic bar or deli.”

Ken had always kept a close eye on the retail unit adjoining the salon and had tentatively discussed taking it on two or three times, but it never quite happened. During Covid - when salons were so devastatingly affected – Ken’s passion for food was reinvigorated and as luck would have it, the space became available shortly after. Based in Mermaid Quay - Cardiff’s very own cosmopolitan hub

- it’s a location that has seen his salon thrive for the past 24 years. “My original salon, which I opened at the age of 21, was based in Cardiff City Centre. It was called The Zoo, and it had a really kind of cool, urban vibe. When we wanted to expand, I made a decision to come down to the bay. A lot of people thought I was mad - I probably was at the time - but we’ve turned the business down here into a multi-award-winning salon.” It’s no mean feat that it’s defying the economic climate and still THE go-to salon in the area, despite tough times.

Ken clearly loves the surroundings, but what is it that he thinks makes Mermaid Quay quite so special? “It’s got a huge history and culture,” he says. “Cardiff was built around the docks and now it’s right next to the Millennium Centre. It gives a bit of a holiday vibe and it’s a focal point. A local thing in Cardiff is people will say ‘I’m going down the bay’, so that’s how we refer to Picton & Co. - The deli down the bay.”

It’s taken just over a year to refit the space, during which time Ken has finessed the brand and concept he’s been ‘cooking up’ for so long. But as with any big project, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. “The unit was a mess, we had to

DOWN THE BAY

By Zoe Richards, UK

take out 19 tons of rubble,” Ken explains. It had three ceilings, which had to be replaced and a whole lot of structural elements that needed fixing. Given the challenges, the end result is sensational – a floor to ceiling glass frontage that occupies one entire corner of Mermaid Quay, and a space that undeniably has the real wow factor.

Inside, no detail has been overlooked. “Basically, the idea of the deli and its tagline is ‘delicious things to eat and drink,” says Ken. “We have some really unique things about it. It has a 360-degree centralised bar, which people can sit and mingle. It’s a deli by day so it’s got fresh cheese and charcuterie counters. We stock local produce such as artisan sausages and bacon as well as beautiful specialty produce from Italy and Spain. The idea is we sell what we serve and serve what we sell.” Pretty much everything, down to the Jancis Robinson wine glasses the team will pour your Gavi into, is available to buy.

“We offer a great brunch menu through the day,” Ken enthuses. “And then in the evening all the modular retail gets moved away and it becomes small plates or sharing plates cooked over fire with show-stopping dishes such as Côte de Boeuf and whole Turbot on the menu”. Picton & Co is proud to use a local bakery and sources items like chutneys, jams, and charcuterie from within Wales. “There’s a real local element to the fresh produce,” Ken says, “We’ll be serving up Pembrokeshire oysters and one of my long-standing clients produces Kombucha teas just outside Cardiff, so we’ll be stocking those too.”

Of course, you can expect amazing foods from further afield like the Jamons and Iberico hams. “We will be very seasonal, and our menus will change and adapt as we go,” says Ken. There’s a modern, grab and go element to the deli counters. Ken’s team makes fresh sandwiches every day, as well as their own sausage rolls – an absolute treat, by all accounts. “We also make our own marmalade and ketchup in-house to accompany the produce,” Ken tells us.

• cont’d over page...

• cont’d from page 10

At our time of talking, Picton & Co has been open a week and while Ken is delighted with the results, he is also juggling life at the salon and nursing six fractured ribs. Not the ideal inauguration! But with spirits not dampened one bit, Ken is clearly thrilled to finally open the doors to Picton & Co. “You could probably say this is a project of passion,” he admits. “I’ve been so invested in it all for the last year and I’m still unsure what exactly it means for me as an individual. But I guess what I really want to see is that Picton & Co. becomes its own standalone and the clients enjoy it. And also, you know, hopefully the deli will bring a whole new world of customers to the salon as well.”

Ken’s clients have been extremely supportive and keeping a keen eye on progress. “Most of my clients have been on the journey with me,” Ken laughs. “To be honest, my team have been talking about it non-stop so as a result, the clients are already really engrossed in it. Everyone wants to chat about it.”

As to how Ken divides his time, he admits, “It’s going to be an interesting one, that I will say!” But part of the plan is the deli will service all of Ken’s salon clients as well. “My clients can access the full menu, wine list and cocktails –I see it as further elevating the salon experience.” If Ken’s enthusiasm and passion are any benchmark for what the people of Mermaid Quay have in store, this is a side hustle that looks set to shine. For now, Ken’s main mission is navigating his two worlds - merely a doorway between the two, switching his scissors for a chef’s apron as he goes.

@kenpictonsalon @pictonandco

Collection Credits:

Hair: Ken Picton

Make up: Megumi Matsuno

Fashion: Anna Latham

Photography: Andrew O’Toole

SLOW

Where clean beauty has previously been the focus, we now look to a new holistic approach that encompasses more than just clean colour and products, but an impactful all-inclusive slow beauty experience. To explore more about our ranges and KIN head to our website below.

TESTED ON HUMANS VEGAN FORMULAS

ten minutes with

WADE-WILLIAM AMBLER

By Louise May

In this edition of “10 Minutes With,” we delve into the dynamic world of hair with none other than Wade-William Ambler. From his earliest days, Wade’s passion for hair ignited a journey uniquely his own. In 2013, alongside his business partner, he sowed the seeds of entrepreneurship, giving rise to WAK The Salon. This venture served as the launching pad for Wade’s evolution into a multifaceted entrepreneur, as he expanded his portfolio to encompass five businesses across the realms of hair, beauty, and hospitality.

HERE’S WADE’S JOURNEY…

Where did it all begin, what inspired a career in hair?

I always loved hair as early as I can remember I was never book smart and struggled in school as I was super creative and loved to mix things up which in turn made me the perfect fit for the hair industry.

You opened your first business WAK in 2013, what inspired you to go into business originally and can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey to date?

With my business partner, currently we hold 5 commercial leases that span over 6 separate businesses, most of which are hair and beauty related, but most recently we opened a Cafe /bar/ restaurant abroad, which has been going amazingly! as well as taking over a makeup school that was founded 21 years ago. The main reason that we opened our first business at the beginning of our careers, is because we didn’t have the best work environments. We wanted to create our own, which in turn were able to create a better work environment for other people as well.

You’re also a brand ambassador, can you tell us about this, and why you have chosen the brands you work with?

Regardless of the amount of money offered, I would not promote a brand I didn’t truly believe in. The brands I am an ambassador for are NAK Hair and EVY PROFESSIONAL. These relationships were formed naturally and organically turned into a beautiful partnership because I genuinely love both the brands

and believe in their products. You also educate Australia wide; can you tell us about this?

I feel extremely privileged to work alongside my hair bestie Loz Main, the mastermind behind the Rumours Are True and Fake Rumours. Running education together all down the East Coast, we run our businesses very differently, but have the same core values, and why we educate so well together is we know that no 2 businesses are the same and everyone has different ideals so we share what works for us, in hope that we can share some insights into things that can make your business run how you would like it to. Our education is 2 days. Day 1 is all things business with no gate keeping, we bare it all… trials, tribulations, triumphs, and mistakes and share all our apps and processes that help us navigate the world of business. Day 2 is all things hair and capturing content, the trends change almost daily so it is only expected that the hair we present does too. We always have a blonde, but we like to keep it fresh by always having an array of models from blonde to brunettes to coppers and pinks, we show you how to get great images of your work and how to elevate your stye and attract the clients you want.

As someone who loves mentoring small business owners, what are some key pieces of advice you often find yourself sharing with them?

DONT BE SCARED to be you! don’t focus on what others are doing, be true to yourself in business and in life. Brand identity is integral, it’s not just about pretty pictures of hair anymore. If you are going to work every day and faking it in a place you don’t like, that’s not sustainable. Make it fun and make it you, because you are selling a feeling, not just a service. When people look you up online, they want to see who they are going to and

what to expect, not just with hair but the whole vibe and client experience. It’s not about being “booked and busy” it’s about attracting the clients you want to work with and don’t miss an opportunity. Fear can be debilitating, but if you take opportunities that come your way, you never know how far you can go.

Diversifying income streams is important to you, can you tell us more about this?

I love a challenge and throwing myself in the deep end, and I know its super important to branch out, not just in business but as an individual. I don’t just work in salon, but I also work mobile on weddings and photoshoots as a stylist. I am also a Makeup Artist along with many other things, and I also have an agent working as a commercial model and actor and have worked in campaigns as the talent for the likes of Myer, Woolworths, and McDonalds.

What drives your passion for innovation within your business endeavours?

I love that our industry is always changing, and all people have different “why’s” so just like the industry, our business models are different and always evolving. Alongside WAK the salon, which is 50% commissionbased staff and 50% staff on wages, we have a Maosom Salon, that is fully staffed and on wages and My Salon HQ that is purely rent a chair all of which are stand-alone businesses. Business needs to be fuelled by passion, the why of your passion is always different. Passion to be a leader, passion to make people feel good about themselves, passion to make a change, passion to not work for someone else, passion to train apprentices to be great stylists.

Best piece of advice you have been given along your business/personal journey. Firstly, treat your clients’ issues and things they share as a backpack. When they are there, you are simply holding onto it temporarily, but always give it back, as you have your own backpack you have to carry, and you can’t have all that weight on you. And secondly, Comparison is the thief of joy! If you are constantly comparing yourself and your business to others, you are wasting valuable time. Don’t focus too much on what others are doing, do what is true to you and what feels right.

What’s on the agenda for the next 12 months?

I aim to focus on further nurturing the businesses we have established so far and I have made it a goal to not sign any more commercial leases or buy any more dogs!

QUICK FUN FAVES…

What is your favourite way to spend a Sunday?

I love doing a grocery shop and doing a Sunday reset and getting ready for the week ahead and spending time with my 5 dogs.

Favourite place to Holiday?

Bueng Kan, Thailand. Which is far north away from the hustle and bustle.

Favourite food & drink?

I love mixing it up, Newcastle is growing at a rapid rate, so I love trying new places locally.

@wadeambler

The Influencer Evolution KAINE VAKAI’S

IMPACT ON HAIRDRESSING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

By Louise May

Step into the captivating universe of Kaine Vakai, a force to be reckoned with in the realms of hairdressing and social media. Co-owner of salon ’Kaine Vakai Hair Artistry’ alongside his partner Ayden, Kaine’s innate passion for the craft propelled him and Ayden to establish a vibrant hub of creativity in 2019. Within its walls, Kaine and the dynamic team of 12 talents create unforgettable hair and experiences for their clients.

But Kaine’s influence extends far beyond the confines of his salon. With a massive following on TikTok and Instagram, he ignites screens worldwide with his authentic flair and boundless energy. Each post is a testament to his commitment to authenticity, inspiring countless others to embrace their uniqueness in the digital realm.

Join Hair Biz editor Louise Ma y as she delves into Kaine’s journey through the industry with his salon business, education platform and his skyrocketing success on social media.

What inspired you to pursue a career in hair styling and where did it all begin?

It kind of came naturally to me. I come from a line of hairdressers. My Nan, Mum and Aunty were all hairdressers, so I started at a young age. I was always interested in seeing what they were doing when I was young.

Can you share a bit about your journey and being a salon owner? Can you tell us about your salon, how long have you owned it, how many on your team etc?

I opened the Salon back in early 2019 with my partner, Ayden. Our journey has been definitely exciting, fun, and challenging all in one. It was and still is exciting owning and growing a business, but it has come with its moments. Our Salon is super bright and full of energy. We have 12 Different personalities from each of our team that all play a part in our client experience. I feel like our Salon carries a certain warmth to it for our clients.

You have a phenomenal following on TikTok and Instagram as a global influencer, how did you first become involved with social media, particularly platforms like TikTok and Instagram?

Instagram definitely came first as it probably was for most people. I was using Instagram to promote my work at places that I had worked and managed because I could see its potential. When opening our salon, I knew it was going to be a big part of helping to grow our business, so I started to practice my social media skills and constantly changed them. Tik Tok came onto a couple years ago, at the time I just saw it as a new platform to be a little more myself as I thought you could be a little less filtered the on Instagram. TikTok has allowed me to not only grow my confidence but help me in many other business opportunities and I’m forever grateful.

In your opinion, what factors have contributed the most to your success as a social media influencer?

Genuinely I feel it’s because I stopped trying just do things that other people do and just posted what came natural to me or what I would naturally do in life. Social media can be daunting and overwhelming, but you just need to remember that you have a point of difference because no one can be you ! Just have fun and allow it to flourish naturally.

How do you stay current with industry trends and techniques, and how important is it to continually evolve in this field?

I think it’s important to jump on trends but make them your own. My team and me brainstorm content ideas in our team meetings as well. I also feel let it be natural and try a few new things and see if it works, if it doesn’t try something else and most importantly, have fun!

What are some challenges you’ve faced along the way, and how have you overcome them?

We had a pretty significant change of team in 2023. It was really tough at the time, and I had strong connections with people. I fell into a bit of a hole but soon enough realised that everything happens for a reason. It was the change that I and my business needed even though I didn’t see it at the time. Everything happens for a reason, and it really creates growth, understanding and resilience . We are blessed to have the salon in the way it is, I have developed my skills in business and am very proud of the team we have.

From your perspective, what is the current state of the hair industry, and what changes do you foresee in the near future?

That’s a tough one because I feel like it’s so hard to predict. We would never have thought that hair would be on such a pedestal and classes as such a skill as what it is now or even be a main part of mainstream social media. The hair industry today is thriving, stylists are so passionate and really want to create incredible hair. Hair has evolved to more modern visual colouring. I get so inspired when I meet people on the road when I’m holding education classes as well and love seeing when they post what they learn on their socials are my inspiration.

Can you tell us about your education platform, what course you have etc, are they in-house or do you travel?

Myself and my partner travel all around the country and world with our education workshop. This year we have our master colourist and in salon educator Emma joining us for ‘the art of colour correction’ tour. We enjoy showcasing colour corrective challenging colours that is a part of most salon visits these days with clients. We showcase techniques that we use in salon and show on socials to achieve beautifully blended result for our clients. We heavily focus on social media as well as most people find this the hardest to get into which I get why, it’s tough. We also offer private 1 on 1 workshops with salons and online subscription through our Instagram.

You work with Redken Professional, what do you love about the brand and what are your favourite go to products and why?

Apart from the products themselves, Redken is a brand that really takes care of their people. Even before building a social profile, they were such supportive people to our business and success. The hero product from Redken has to be the Shades EQ gloss. The Shades range gives you endless combinations to create stunning colours for client and makes their hair look glossy. Redken is my family, and I couldn’t think of a better partnership.

Can you share any insights or predictions regarding upcoming hair trends that you believe will be popular?

I think we are seeing it a little more already, the audience wants to see rawness and real content. Social media used to be so perfectly curated, but I loved that we are heading to a little more unfiltered and unpolished. It helps people to engage more with you.

Who inspires you in the industry, who do you look up to/admire?

There are too many people to list. There are so many local and international artist that I have looked up to for a long time and some of them I can even call a friend now. I am really loving everything that is coming from the artists in the states right now. The people that inspire me most is every single person that attends my class. They inspire me to keep going and make me so proud. They’re my inspiration.

Finally, what advice would you offer to aspiring hair stylists or salon owners who are looking to build their brand and presence on social media?

Social media is without a doubt the most powerful tool that you can utilise to help grow and expose your business/self. It definitely comes with a lot of dedication and hard work, but the payoff is awesome. I would say to make sure you stay true to your own personality, because you will attract your own crowd that way. Things I used to be most insecure about is what people love me for today. Don’t give up on it, it will come to you xxx

INSTAGRAM

@kanevakaihairartistry

@kanevakaihairartistry_ salon

TIKTOK

@kainevakaihair

@kanevakaihairsalon

INDUSTRY NEWS.

KITOMBA SALON AND SPA SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES TRACEY HUGHES AS INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR.

Kitomba Salon and Spa Software is delighted to announce the appointment of Tracey Hughes as its international ambassador. The partnership aims to empower salon owners to achieve greater success in business through education. Tracey Hughes is a renowned educator, speaker, and icon in the Australian hair industry and internationally. Inducted into the AHIA Hall of Fame in 2018, Tracey is a 4x Educator of the Year winner, recipient of 4x Excellence in Education, and 10x Salon of the Year awardee.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Tracey Hughes said, “It’s a privilege to endorse Kitomba and help business owners leverage this incredible technology for their growth. My longstanding relationship with the company dates back to being one of the first salons in Australia to implement the software, so I know firsthand the power Kitomba has for helping salons to increase their efficiency and revenue.”

Alyssa Dowsett, General Manager of Kitomba Salon and Spa Software, emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting salon owners beyond providing industry-leading software. “At Kitomba, our mission is to empower hair and beauty businesses to succeed. Software is such an integral part of any salon, but often it’s not used to its full potential, meaning salons are missing out on opportunities to leverage their software to make their lives easier and generate more revenue. That’s why a big focus of ours is providing support, education, and knowledge from industry experts to help salon owners achieve their goals and get the most from their software. Tracey’s expertise and dedication make her the perfect fit to align with our strategy,” Alyssa explained. “Tracey is not only an exceptional businesswoman, but also a global icon in the industry. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, creativity, and strategic thinking, coupled with her commitment to education, make her an invaluable asset. We’re thrilled to have her endorse Kitomba,” Alyssa added.

Tracey and the Kitomba Team will share inspirational and educational content covering various aspects of salon success, including KPIs, business strategy, marketing, and leadership. Follow Kitomba Salon and Spa Software on Instagram @kitombasoftware for the latest tips and updates.

YOVANKA LORIA EXTENSIONS TAKES THE SHOW ON THE ROAD IN 2024!

Yovanka Loria Extensions will be taking its education and styling concepts on the road in 2024 in a collaborative Roadshow – More Than Just Hair - will be one not to be missed!

As the hair extensions category and services within salons continue to grow, Yovanka and a collective of talented collaborators – including international guest artists - will share how extensions can provide extreme growth in-salon and generate an opportunity to re-shape the standards of hair extensions within the industry, all while elevating the client experience. Says Yovanka, “We are so excited to be bringing such amazing international experts to our shores, and to be sharing our extensions methodologies with hairdressers around Australia in 2024. To be providing our knowledge outside of our usual two-day education course, in a unique Look ‘n’ Learn platform, is something we haven’t done before!”

“The idea behind the Roadshow is to encourage a conversation around hair extensions that creates an entirely new business model. This will extend

specifically from micro weft hair extension installation to custom colouring, cutting, styling, after-care, and social media & marketing business strategies –all supported by amazing creatives and brands.”

The first date on the agenda will be Melbourne on Monday 23rd September to be held at Telleish Hair Studio, followed by Queensland on Monday 30th

For more information on Yovanka Loria

W: www.yovankaloria.com.au

& the

WHERE DOES YOUR PROFIT GO? COLOUR SURVEY TO DELIVER UNPRECEDENTED INSIGHT INTO COLOUR PROFITABILITY

The biggest, most comprehensive survey of colour pricing is currently underway, with thousands of stylists and owners worldwide already signed up and benefiting from unique data and strategies that are helping them improve their business. But the organiser, Vish Colour Management, is urging even more to take part before the survey closes in June.

“We want this to be the biggest non-manufacturer linked survey of colour charging ever carried out so that we can help salons and colourists ensure they are charging the best price for their talented services,” said Aygun Sana, Head Of Sales And Operations - AUS/NZ. “The survey will end in June, and shortly after that, we will have extensive data that can give the industry a worldwide perspective on colour.”

The short questionnaire has been developed by Vish to scrutinise variances in charging within similar businesses across the globe and to investigate how colour costs can skew profits. Every one of the 1,000-plus participants who have already filled in the survey has received instant (and anonymous) results on what others are charging both nationally and, in their region, with the promise of a more comprehensive study using proprietary colour data from Vish once complete.

“Since Vish launched, nearly five million formulas have been mixed using the system, allowing us to capture invaluable data on costs and usage. But as an industry, we need to understand why financial stability still eludes the majority of businesses,” added Aygun. “So, we decided to fund this wide-ranging investigation to see what pricing models lead to greater security and growth and to help guide profit growth within colour.

“Our aim is to share insight into how pricing translates into profit for salons with everyone who participates, and to find out if new pricing strategies are increasing profitability.”

To complete the colour survey and receive your free report on data-driven colour strategies www.surveymonkey.com/r/23KVBGS

For more information or to book a demo contact - aygun.sana@getvish.com

Hayley Bonnici, Olivija Dejanovic, Emma Sorensen, Yovanka Loria, Justine Aslan, Ani Rivera , Ashlee Leeper & Greyson Killgore

Extensions

Collab Roadshow:

INTRODUCING THE SUPERSONIC NURAL™ DYSON’S MOST INTELLIGENT HAIR DRYER FOR HEALTHIER SCALP AND HAIR

Smart and automatic Nural™ sensor technology protects scalp health and enhances hair’s natural shine. Fast intelligent drying with no heat damage for all hair types.

Dyson’s latest styling tool comes equipped with a new Scalp protect mode which uses a network of Nural™ sensors, automatically reducing heat and airflow as it nears your head, helping protect your scalp from damage. These sensors also improve the styling experience, enhance hair shine, and prevent heat damage.

New and improved attachments which cater to all hair types are equipped with attachment recognition, learning a user’s styling preferences, and simplifying their routine for fast healthy drying with no extreme heat.

Wave+curl diffuser Reversible airflow defines waves, curls, and coils.

Gentle air attachment Evenly disperses airflow for fast yet gentle styling.

Styling concentrator Wider and thinner for precision styling.

Wide-tooth comb Helps stretch and lengthen hair.

Flyaway attachment Hides shorter hairs for a smooth, shiny finish. The Supersonic Nural™ hair dryer is now available in Australia. www.dyson.com.au

SALON LANE CUTS THE RED RIBBON AT ITS SECOND BRISBANE LOCATION IN TENERIFFE WITH NATALIE ANNE AND FRIENDS

Last week, Brisbane witnessed a convergence of style, innovation, and philanthropy as Salon Lane, Australia’s premier shared workspace provider for independent hair, beauty, and wellness entrepreneurs, joined forces with the renowned Natalie Anne and other high profile hair artists, for an unforgettable evening.

Salon Lane Teneriffe’s open workstation area was transformed into a vibrant Styling Bar, pulsating with energy and creativity. Local Brisbane talent, Chantelle Maree, Niki Taylor, and Shannon Williams showcased their skills, creating bouncing waves and mesmerising upstyles to the beats of DJ Johnny Drama.

Natalie Anne not only graced the styling chair, but also stepped behind the bar to mix her own signature ‘Natalie Anne Caramel Infused Vodka Espresso Martinis’, created in partnership with The Underground Distillery. Throughout the night, attendees indulged in Dermalogica’s misting moments,

INDUSTRY NEWS.

a lavish grazing table, and cocktail bar, while getting to explore Salon Lane’s impressive 830 square meter sanctuary, purpose-built for independent hair, beauty, and wellness professionals and their clientele.

In a display of generosity, guests’ donations surpassed $2000, benefiting the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, underscoring the evening’s commitment to giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact beyond the world of beauty and style.

“We are thrilled to have collaborated with Natalie Anne and her talented friends for the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting of our Teneriffe site. It was a fantastic evening that not only celebrated creativity and the independent hair and beauty professional but also supported a worthy cause,” said Salon Lane’s CEO, Jared Keen.

THE AHC’S INCREDIBLE EVENTS ARE BACK IN 2024, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE!

If the hair industry loves anything, it’s getting together with friends old and new and mixing business with pleasure. Which is exactly what the AHC’s annual events are all about!

Your favourite three events of the year - Industry Day, Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest - are coming your way in June, so don’t let FOMO get you down because tickets are on sale NOW! All AHC events will be hosted at the beautiful Fullerton Hotel, located in Martin Place, in the centre of the Sydney CBD.

The AHC Industry Day - Friday 28 June - is undoubtedly THE event of the year when it comes to all things Education and Training. It’s a day filled with information, collaboration, and conversation on the future sustainability of our industry. This important event uniquely unites private and TAFE educators and teachers, RTO colleges, salon owners and industry stakeholders and suppliers, resulting in a well-balanced and vibrant approach to the discussions and outcomes contributing to the changes needed to the Hairdressing and Barber Training Package, education and training, and future training products. The jampacked schedule features several guest speakers and hosted panel discussions. The AHC Leadership Summit and Schmoozefest double act - Saturday 29 June - is one of THE favourite events on the annual hair industry calendar. Every year, these events SELL OUT and are attended by the who’s who of Australian hairdressing and business. The Leadership Summit will showcase three keynote guest speakers, presenting to an audience of 350 guests. This business event will be followed by the industry’s favourite networking mingle, Schmoozefest, also taking place at the Fullerton Hotel, where guests can relax, enjoy fine fare, and catch up with friends old and new.

Learn more and buy tickets here: www.theahc.org.au

INDUSTRY ICON CROWNED WITH THE INTERNATIONAL HAIR LEGEND AWARD

Industry icon Sharon Blain, has been crowned with the International Hair Legend Award at the International Hairdressing Awards, marking a historic milestone as the first female recipient! Says Sharon: “I’m overflowing with gratitude for this prestigious recognition, I feel on top of the world. Thank you to the incredible industry that I hold so dearly!”

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INDUSTRY NEWS.

GHD INTRODUCE NEW SLIM PLATE STYLER

Introducing the NEW slim plate styler by ghd, ghd mini. Designed and tailored to styling short hair with precision, ghd mini is a must- have for short hair and fringes. Featuring 40% slimmer plates*, ghd mini is designed for precision styling from the root on short hair and fringes, enabling extra-detailed styling on small sections and hair lines. Equipped with advanced slimline dual-zone™ technology, which constantly monitors the heat across both plates to maintain the optimum styling temperature of 185°C for sleek, smooth, and healthy-looking results with up tom 50% more shine. The smooth contoured ceramic plates deliver an effortless, snagfree glide on shorter hair whilst maintaining styling control, so you can sculpt hair quickly and easily. The narrow and rounded design allows the creation of tight curls and added detail, for versatile styling and professional creativity.

“With ghd mini I can now perfectly tailor the shape of my shorter hair cuts. Whether I’m working on bobs, crops, or even short fringes and hairlines, the slimmer styling plates of the ghd mini allow me to get precision styling from the root. The new advanced slimline dual-zone technology really is a game changer in this slim but mighty styler” – Dafydd Thomas, ghd global education director. www.ghdhair.com.au

REVLON PROFESSIONAL ANSWERS ALL THE CURLY QUESTIONS WITH NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH

Leading haircare brand Revlon Professional has announced a new addition to its cult product line UniqOne, with a dedicated all-in-one treatment for curly hair, UniqOne Curls. Recognising the challenge of maintaining smooth, healthy curly locks, UniqOne Curls has been designed to simplify curl care routines without compromising on results.

A professional treatment offering 10 real benefits essential for every type of curl, this one-step solution eliminates the need for multiple products and leaves curly hair soft and manageable. From deeply nourishing and repairing damaged curls to providing ultimate elasticity and bounce, the innovative UniqOne Curls treatment offers everything curly hair needs.

The 10 Real Curly Benefits

1. Deeply nourishes and repairs damaged curls

2. Enhances long-lasting natural curl definition

3. 96-hour frizz control

4. Ultimate elasticity and bounce

5. Provides a lightweight and clean hold

6. Conditions and detangles

7. Heat Protection

8. Boosts shine

9. Helps to Prevent split ends

10. Softness and manageability

For over a decade, UniqOne has been at the forefront of simplifying women’s hair care routines, delivering professional-quality results effortlessly. Now, with the launch of UniqOne Curls, it’s the perfect moment to embrace a new approach to caring for natural curls.

For more information on Revlon Professional please visit www.revlonprofessional.com

WHAT’S TAKING YOU SO LONG AHC?

Why are we still teaching a dated Training Package and what is the AHC doing about it?

The reality of hairdressing is that we are an industry of constant change, where creatives adapt to new techniques and learning experiences that come from our salons, colleges, suppliers, academies, and independent educators. As well as these, digitisation is the new learning platform. Yet, despite our active environment for learning, one aspect remains stubbornly stagnant: the Hairdressing Training Package.

What’s wrong with the Training Package?

Quite simply, the course is dated and does not meet current industry needs or standards. In fact, it was introduced in 2016, written at least a year prior. How much has our industry changed creatively and technically since then?

Why can’t we just teach our apprentices what we want?

RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) must adhere to the contents of the current course, locked into its constraints. The issue lies in its rigidity. Colleges must navigate a labyrinth of government rules and compliance, with the current package demanding a staggering 154 assessments, amounting to a daunting 660 assessment hours. Finding the balance between teaching and assessing within such confines poses a frustrating challenge. Why can’t The AHC just change everything?

As an industry organisation, AHC are not vested with the authority to unilaterally overhaul the training package. The AHC role, instead, is to serve as the conduit for industry feedback, presenting these insights to the government.

Over the past six years, the AHC has diligently fulfilled this role, engaging with industry stakeholders through meetings, surveys, and our annual Industry Day. Attendees to our meetings and Industry Day include salon owners, apprentices, RTOs, teachers, independent educators, and supplier educators, providing a comprehensive spectrum of perspectives.

However, bureaucratic reshuffles and governmental transitions have hindered progress over the past three years. The AHC is feeling hopeful for 2024, as the “Jobs and Skills Councils” have recently taken up the mantle. Among these councils, the newly renamed SaCSA (Service and Creative Skills Australia) now collaborates with the AHC, signaling a potential breakthrough in addressing industry concerns.

So, what happens now?

SaCSA is actively listening to industry feedback on the Training Package and broader challenges. The AHC has proffered a consolidated summary of insights gleaned from our education and training committees, members, and stakeholders. Our recommendations include the development of a more flexible Training Package, emphasising fundamental skills alongside commercial salon readiness, as well as advocating for a recalibration of assessment burdens in favour of more teaching time. Additionally, we champion the provision of leadership skills for salon owners, recognising their pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future.

How can you get involved in contributing to change?

Join SaCSA and stay abreast of developments. Membership is open and free. Connect with the AHC at the upcoming Education & Training Industry Day on Friday 28 June. This event will be held at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney. Registration is from 8.30am and the conference is 9:00-5:00pm. Let your voice be heard, for in unity lies the strength to influence the future of our apprenticeship training, giving them skills and the knowledge to be salon ready.

To join SaCSA, visit www.sacsa.org.au

For more information on the AHC Industry Day 2024, visit www.events.humanitix.com/ahc-industry-day-2024

KAO SALON DIVISION AUSTRALIA WELCOMES SALON YAZBEK

Kao Salon Division is thrilled to welcome Sydney’s Salon Yazbek as a Salon Partner to the Kao Salon Division. Specialising in cutting and colouring services, Salon Yazbek is a stunning salon space in Sydney’s beautiful Neutral Bay created in 2010 by Owner and two-time NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year, Nathan Yazbek. With over 20 years hairdressing experience, Nathan’s list of awards, accolades and achievements is diverse. At Salon Yazbek he leads a team dedicated to always exceeding their clients’ expectations with the latest techniques, products, formulas, and customer service.

“We are thrilled to welcome Salon Yazbek to the Kao Salon family,” said Rita Marcon, General Manager, ANZ Kao Salon Division. “Nathan is an exceptional Stylist and Salon Owner, who is widely admired in the industry. We look forward to a longstanding partnership with Nathan, supporting his endeavours in the competitive arena and also his aspirations to scale the Salon Yazbek business.” Salon Yazbek is renowned for the most natural blondes, captivating brunettes, and carefully crafted colours. Nathan sees his partnership with Goldwell color as a natural succession, bringing the best in colour and also homecare to his discerning clients. “Goldwell’s superior color coupled with Kerasilk and Oribe’s luxurious hair care products offer our clients the ultimate pampering experience while in the salon” he explains. “Bringing these brands to Salon Yazbek reflects our dedication to providing the best possible services and products to our customers.”

Nathan fosters a collaborative culture, with his team and clients at the core of every business decision. Asked why he decided to introduce new brands to the salon, Nathan explains, “We needed a change. I felt the clients and team needed something new and exciting to reignite everyone’s creative juices and to remind them why they fell in love with hairdressing. I think it’s super important to always listen to the teams’ feedback about the brands you use. It’s so rewarding watching them embark on this new journey, learning about new colours and products, seeing everyone get excited about the results of a new hair colour! It is very exciting.” Kao Salon is known for breakthrough innovations in the salon industry with strong sub-brands within Goldwell such as Topchic, Colorance, LightDimensions, @Pure Pigments and Elumen as well as high performance care and styling products, Kerasilk, Dualsenses, StyleSign and KMS.

HAIR LEGENDS COLAB: UNLEASHING THE ARTISTRY

One Day. Three Masters. Limitless Inspiration.

Brace yourselves, Melbourne! The hairdressing world is about to witness a historic collaboration that will redefine the standards of creativity and artistry. Hair Legends CoLab proudly presents an extraordinary event where three iconic artists unite to deliver a day of unparalleled education and inspiration.

On June 3rd, 2024, join these three Masters at Victoria University City Tower for a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the brilliance of three acclaimed Australian and global hair artists: Sharon Blain, Stevie English, and Bernadette Beswick. This exclusive event promises an immersive journey into the realms of cutting-edge trends in Cut, Colour, and Styling.

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• cont’d from page 21: Hair Legends Collab

Sharon Blain, hailed as the styling queen, Stevie English, the reigning international creative colourist, and Bernadette Beswick, the award-winning hair virtuoso and master cutter, will share their insights, techniques, and secrets during this ground-breaking event. Prepare to be astounded as these legends unveil the latest in progressive hairstyling techniques, from avant-garde cuts to mesmerising colouring methods and glamorous long hair looks.

“This collaboration is not just an event; it’s a celebration of creativity, innovation, and passion,” says Sharon Blain. “We’re thrilled to share our knowledge and expertise with fellow hair enthusiasts in Melbourne.”

The Hair Legends CoLab promises a jam-packed day of live education, demonstrations, and interactive sessions, providing attendees with an upclose and personal experience with the master’s themselves. Participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from the best in the industry and gain invaluable insights into the art of hairstyling.

“This is more than just a workshop; it’s a golden ticket to elevate your skills and unleash your artistic potential,” adds Stevie English.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Secure your seat now for this exclusive Look and Learn day, where you’ll discover the secrets behind the most coveted hairstyles of 2024. With limited spots available, early booking is essential.

Event Details:

Date: June 3, 2024

Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location: Victoria University City Tower, Level 20, Room T2006 (Aura Salon), 370 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, Vic, 3000

Price: $295

For tickets and enquiries, visit sharonblain.com or email info@sharonblain.com

SMITHS COLLECTIVE BRANDS ANNOUNCES

MORPH HAIR CARE AS NZ DISTRIBUTOR OF INNOLUXE.

Smiths Collective Brands is thrilled to announce the appointment of Morph Hair Care as New Zealand distributors for the dynamic, high-performance INNOluxe brand.

Rapidly expanding on its continued success in Australia, it was time for the brand to spread its wings across the ditch and, via Morph Hair Care, begin to impress New Zealand hairdressers and change the way they deliver their clients’ colour services and home care.

With hairdresser and founder, Julie Fausett, at the helm, Morph Hair Care brings over 25 years of experience in the product sector to the table, and a mission to elevate like-minded salons with a portfolio of carefully curated brands; brands that are not only environmentally conscious, but also results driven and at the forefront of the industry and technology.

Says Julie, “At Morph, we recognise it’s crucial to be ahead of the game. New Zealand hairdressers are fashion-forward and innovative thinkers, and when we saw the buzz INNOluxe was creating internationally, we instinctively knew our industry would be excited by the potential the brand has to offer.”

“INNOluxe truly offers hairdressers more creativity, and new service and retail opportunities, whilst preserving and improving the hair fibre quality.”

This strongly emphasises and reflects the initial decisions of Smiths Collective Brands to bring the brand to Australia, and now, connect with Julie & Morph.

“We’ve had a long-standing relationship with Julie in the industry, and we have a mutual understanding in terms of sharing of ideologies and customer service values. It’s incredibly important to both our business and Morph Hair Care to provide our clients with what we believe to be the most advanced products in their categories, “says Smiths Collective Brands’ Brian Smith.

“Due to these attributes, we’re thrilled to be working with Julie & Morph, and look forward to expanding the reach of INNOluxe into New Zealand and sharing outstanding results from New Zealand hairdressers.”

In late 2024, Morph Hair Care will also introduce the magic of FABRIQ to the NZ industry, a range of in-salon treatments and home care products from the team behind INNOluxe, that use sophisticated blends of proteins that work with the hair’s natural keratin. WATCH THIS SPACE!

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR MATRIX ALL-STARS COMPETITION

This event celebrates the exceptional talent and artistry of hairstylists across Australia and New Zealand, showcasing their skills and creativity across a series of stages.

On the 6th of May, after a rigorous selection process, Matrix revealed the names of the talented finalists who will advance to the regional finals. These individuals represent the best and brightest in the industry, demonstrating exceptional technical abilities, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of hairdressing.

The finalists will compete in a live competition in each of their regions on the 26th of May. A panel of renowned industry experts will judge their work based on various criteria, including technical skill, creativity, and overall presentation. The winners will be announced on a live stream across Matrix’s social media on the 3rd of June.

Mocha Group is proud to be the Official Media partner for All Stars

The 2023 Matrix All-Star Competition finalists are:

NSW: Celeste Mather, Jyle Frame Hair | Dakota Woweries, Wow Hair Co

Elise Irvine, Beachcomber Hair Salon | Janelle Snyman, Galen Hair

Jessica Peebles, Axis Salon | Jonathan Nansen, Hairhouse Mount Druitt

Kelly Powell, Hair by Kelly Powell | Magdalena Matusiewicz , Hairhouse Belconnen

Shania Bullock, Elluca | Tania Anderson, Beachcomber Hair Salon

VIC: Brodie Kleesh, Jai Hair Artistry | Cheyenne Orr, Hairhouse Victoria Gardens

Chloe Hazouri, Hairhouse Doncaster | Chloe Healey, Hakkas Hair Design

Ellana Dolman, Hairhouse Southland | Eve Langston, Piercing and Hair by Georgia

Sabrina Velic, Hairhouse Williamstown | Stacey Wright, Stacey Wright Hair Design

Tanya Smith, Noor Hair Salon | Tiana Giovinazzo, Salon Gabrielle

QLD: Ava Kroehnert, Dimattia & Co | Brooke Felsch, Fresh Image

Danielle Muchow, Little Peaches Hair | Emogen Pooler, Jessica James, The Barracks

Kimberly Wild, Kim Wild Hair | Melanie Hall, Colour Me Mel

Monica Wood, Hairhouse Sunshine Plaza | Renee Simpson, Hairhouse Caloundra

Savannah Bignell, Hairhouse Rockhampton | Tamika Wright, Zas Hair

WA: Baileigh Potter, Hairhouse Baldivis | Carla McDonald, Hairhouse Joondalup

Charleigh Garrott, Hairhouse Joondalup | Dannielle Davidson, Hairhouse Baldivis

Jessica Harrold, Living Colour For Hair | Kassie Fores, Hairhouse Joondalup

Maria Cuzzola, Karlique Hair | Sharnna-Skye Keenan, Hair On Fitz

Skye Wildure, Karlique Hair | Tia Dobson, Hairhouse Baldivis

SA: Aimee Parr-Duka, Hairhouse Marion | Chloe Duggan, Gossip Hair and Beauty

Danielle Raine, Wilde Style | Emma Meyer, Wilde Style Hairdressing

Isabella Portaro, SJ Establishment | Kathryn Parker, Eclipse Hair Studio

Rebecca Maio, Acqua Lounge Hair Studio | Summah Tiley, SJ Establishment

Tina Belham, SJ Establishment | Trinity Gray, Marmalade

NZ: Amber King, Hair in Mapua | Chloe Colee, New image Hair Studio

Dani Lawrence, Smoke and Mirrors Hair Lounge | Grace McCaffrey, Nspyre Red

Jade Scott, Jade The Alchemist | Kayla Matagi, Studio K Limited

Monique Banovich, Creative Hair | Ronda Shaskey, Nspyre Red Collective

Star Power, Chapter 2 Hair | Tegan Hussey, Nspyre Red Collective

Matrix Haircare congratulates all the finalists and wishes them the best of luck in the next round!

SHORT BACK & SIDEWALKS DELIVERS FIRST REGIONAL SERVICE

“I feel like a changed woman.”- Frances*

“I’ve never seen a vibe in here like this, it’s made my day.” - David*

Short Back & Sidewalks (SBSW) delivered its first regional service today a few weeks ago mid April, with over 20 people in need receiving haircuts free of charge and free of judgment at Bunbury’s Intown Centre.

Bunbury is the first of 11 regional locations forming part of SBSW’s expansion, with Geraldton beginning next week.

From humble beginnings in a Perth carpark to now creating positive connections in regional Western Australia, SBSW was a simple idea that has gone on to create positive connections across Australia.

Hungry, scared and not sure where they’ll be sleeping, a haircut isn’t a high priority for people experiencing homelessness and poverty. People like Frances* and David*.

“Our first haircut took place nine years ago for someone going for a job interview who’d fallen on hard times,” said SBSW founder Craig Hollywood.

“It was more than just a haircut. It was an opportunity for a person to connect, to have a conversation, and to feel like they belong.

“We’ve now delivered over 7,000 haircuts around Australia and to see SBSW go on to positively impact people in regional WA is a big moment.”

After Geraldton, the regional expansion will continue to Kalgooorlie in May with Carnarvon to follow soon after. CEO Natalie Jenkins has welcomed the support SBSW has already received from local communities.

“We have had tremendous support from the local community in Bunbury to be the first regional city to have Short Back & Sidewalks’ services,” she said.

“We are also in discussions with Derby in the hope to have services up and running there over coming months and then we’ll be turning our attention to the southern regions of WA.

“By the end of the year, Short Back & Sidewalks will be in 11 regional cities and towns in WA.

“We are grateful for the support received from the Federal Government through the Department of Social Services and Lotterywest toward this important expansion.”

Short Back & Sidewalks aim is to give 15,000 free haircuts and positive community connections by 2025.

Photo credit: Luke Caruana, Great Minds Media

FINALISTS FOR FOURTH ANNUAL AHIA CREATIVE AWARDS!

The 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards - Creative has seen its popularity across the country exceed expectations yet again with a record-breaking showing by Australia’s most inventive hair minds wanting to shine in front of their peers. Finalists have now been announced across all categories including AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year, New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year and International Hairdresser of the Year.

Within the comprehensive awards division from Mocha Group, this premium awards program highlights the creation and execution of trends focused photographic collection work representative of the exciting talent across the hair and barber industries.

This year saw a few exciting changes with the addition of 5 new categories and the introduction of the new AHIA Awards Path, an easy-to-follow guide to allow entrants to grow in experience and creative excellence.

Entries this year were judged by international hair icons including Sally Brooks, Sam McKnight, Cos Sakkas, Hooker and Young, Candy Shaw and Vivienne MacKinder, not to mention influential figures from International Media including Charlotte Grant West from HJI, UK, Nicky Pope from Tribu.te Magazine, UK, and Veronica Boodhan from Salon Magazine, Canada.

Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead is thrilled to announce the bumper list of finalists;

“When we created the AHIA Creative Awards four years ago I could only hope to have this much of an impact on Australia’s incredibly talented hair and barber community.

The way that such a diverse mix of salons have embraced the opportunity to push themselves creatively in front of their communities and clients never fails to inspire. A much-deserved congratulations to all these Finalists.”

The AHIA Creative Awards Gala will also see the announcement of the much-anticipated 2024 HOTSHOTS team judged by local legends including Justin Pace, Jayne Wild, Scott Sloan, Benni Tognini and Mary Alamine. This unique initiative puts a spotlight on the industry’s most exciting next-gen talent and provides the chance for those 31 and under to take their career to a whole new level.

Esteemed Australian judge Sharon Blain was impressed with the high calibre of HOT SHOTS entries;

“The standard of work just continues to get better each and every year for both the key competition entries as well as the up-and-coming talent within the HOT SHOTS category. It was so difficult to distinguish from such an incredible mix of winning-worthy talent!”

With special thanks to Major Sponsors Redken, Amazing Hair, Excellent Edges and NatalieAnne Haircare and Supporters Jadore Hair Supplies, Gamma+, Danger Jones, Matrix, Hair Festival, Dateline Imports, Heiniger, O&M, Expo4Barbers and Schwarzkopf, the 2024 AHIA Creative Gala will be held on the last night of HAIR FESTIVAL, Monday 1st July, at The Star, Sydney. The gala promises to be action packed with even more, large scale, runway hair, fashion and entertainment moments than ever before. The 2024 Creative couture opening performance will guarantee we turn the Avant-Garde theatrical thermos to full blast. Not one to shy away from the hottest looks, international darling Natalie Anne will recalibrate the catwalk in a showcase that one can only describe as cool, super cool, it-girl cool. And in a major, large scale runway moment, the catwalk welcomes and celebrates an icon from the hair industry celebrating a milestone anniversary.

There will be plenty of surprises in store so expect a night to remember celebrating the best of the best, with the onsite after party set to be hosted again by Rogue Beauty.

Bernadette Beswick Bill Tsiknaris Dee Parker Attwood

Justin Pace Nathan Cherrington Nathan Yazbek

Paul James Graham Sam James Stephanie Bellairs

AHIA CREATIVE 2024 FINALISTS

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Chester Alexander, Analog Hair

Emily Ann Knight, Vault Ninety One

Georgina Fardoulis, Toni&Guy Cronulla

Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair

India Locke, Letitia Booth Hair

Jaimé Henderson, Analog Hair

Jazmine Pinna, Stevie English Hair

EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR

Diana Thai, Renzo Salon

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

Georgia Coughlan, Hair Haven By Georgia

Jade Veitch, Etcher Salon

NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR

Amelia WInen, SJ Establishment

Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Irfan Ozalp, Meticulous Room

Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop

Matt Clarke, Esquire Male Grooming Naser, Naser Haircuts

Ryan Poole, Esquire Male Grooming

AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

AhKim, AhKim Art of Hair

Bill Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design

Joshua Congreve, Togninis Hair

Lauren McIlrath, LM Hair Creative

Louise Blake, Toni&Guy cronulla

Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative Scott Sheehy, Toni&Guy Newtown

AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Bill Tsiknaris

Brodie Tsiknaris

Domi Cherie

Geoffrey Herberg

Johnny Georgiou

MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR

Harrison Sansom, Stevie English Hair

Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

Teagan Cousins, Telleish Hair Studio

MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR

Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion

Chris Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

Danielle Blakeley, Yoshiko Hair

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Kristie Kesic, Cobelle Creative

Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair

Leanne Kay, Stevie English

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

Biba Academy

Bond Hair Religion

Ella&Jade

Miss Jaye Salon

Rubi Hair

Tokunai Hair

Tsiknaris Hair

COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Breakthrough Team

(Laura Szakaly, Toni&Guy South Yarrah. Tia Wright-Pihama, Toni&Guy Perth. Liam Johnson, Toni&Guy Mosman. Delphine Kanuma, Toni&Guy McMahons Pt.)

Industry Creative

(Sara Allsop, Jock Robson, Mana Dave, Majid Joshan, Carla Southan, Ronica Samung)

Tsiknaris Hair & Rokstar

(Tsiknaris Hair Team and Rokstar Team)

NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

AhKim, AhKim Art of Hair

Carolyn Gahan, Quarry Avenue

Harrison Sansom, Stevie English Hair

Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion

Leanne Kay, Stevie English

Louise Blake, Toni&Guy Cronulla

VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Benjamin Martin, Salon XVI

Bridget Beaton, Biba

Danielle Blakeley, Yoshiko Hair

Teagan Cousins, Telleish Hair Studio

QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Joshua Congreve, Togninis Hair

Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair

Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jude McEwen, Toni&Guy Perth

Mikelah-Jayde Riley, Mikelah-Jayde Studio Naser, Naser Haircuts

SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Demelza Button, Sfumato Hair

Lisa Robertson, Parlour Glenelg

Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop

NZ NORTH ISLAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Anthony Bayer, Anthony Bayer Hair

Ella Thompson, Dharma

BTS DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR

- Master Colourist of the Year Collection by Amber Bullock. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Hairstylist: Jenni Tarrant, Make Up Artist: Kylie O’Toole, Stylist: Catherine V

- VIC/TAS Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Benjamin Martin. Photographer: Liane Hurvitz, Make Up Artist: Jannice Wu, Stylist: Simone Farrugia

- Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Bernadette Beswick. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Colourist: Stevie English, Make Up Artists: Mikele Simone and Kylie O’Toole, Stylist: Catherine V and Carlos Mangubat.

- Salon Team of the Year Collection by Bond Hair Religion. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Make Up Artist: Kylie O’Toole, Stylist: Catherine V

- NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Jenni Tarrant. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Make Up Artist: Janice Wu, Stylist: Catherine V

- Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Justin Pace. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Make Up Artist: Kylie O’Toole, Stylist: Catherine Madafferi.

- Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Nathan Yazbek. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Makeup Artist: Chereine Waddell, AI Fashion: Nathan Yazbek and Andrew O’Toole.

- Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Sam James. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Make Up Artist: Janice Wu. Stylist: Catherine V.

- Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Stephanie Bellairs. Photographer: David Mannah, Makeup artist: Laura Thomas, Stylist: Josie Mcmanus.

HOT SHOTS TEAM

Adam Harant, Wild Life SoGo

Amelia Winen, SJ Establishment

Benjamin Semple, Circles of Hair

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Elizabeth Stillisano, Eclectic Styles Hair Studio

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

Harrison Sansom, Stevie English Hair

Jessica Del Borrello, Circles of Hair

Victoria Shayler, Sir Fletcher

INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Daniele de Angelis, Toni&Guy

Darrel Starkey, Taylor’s Hair Studio

Dylan McConnachie, Palmer Fisher London

Emma Simmons, Salon 54

Errol Douglas MBE, Errol Douglas

Gary Hooker & Michael Young, Hooker & Young

Gary Taylor, Edward & Co Hairdressers

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson Sawamaru Pokir, Jiyume

Shogo Ideguchi, Fabric

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa

Ann Marie Young, Jingles Hair Design

Jock Robson, Dharma

Kelly Manu, UNA

Kylie Hayes, Moha Hairdressing

Sara Allsop, Dharma

Shannon Dowd, Zibido Hair

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Bernadette Beswick, Beswick Education Services

Bill Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

Dee Parker Attwood, Wieselmann Salon

Justin Pace, Co and Pace Salons

- WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year Collection by Jude McEwen. Photographer: Andrew O’Toole, Make Up Artist: Kylie O’Toole, Stylist: Ella Murphy

Nathan Cherrington, Salon Zephyr

Nathan Yazbek, Salon Yazbek

Paul James Graham, Paul & Paul Salon

Sam James, SJ Establishment

Stephanie Bellairs, Cabello by Stephanie Bellairs

2024 AWARDS ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL URBAN & REGIONAL APPRENTICE FINALISTS !

Created to discover and celebrate Australia’s freshest urban and regional Apprentice talent through the delivery of exciting hair vision and creativity, the 2024 CURATE Awards have announced the first ever Finalists for this unique competition platform.

With 45 entries in this inaugural year, the local and international judging panel were blown away by the incredible calibre of entrants. As a digital competition, CURATE allows for talent from all over the country to shine through the creation of a two-minute video to showcase their cutting, colouring, and styling skills, eliminating any geographical barriers to entry. Entrants are judged on a combination of inspiration, delivery of their hair creation, finished result and video editing skills.

Envisioned by Brisbane hairdressing icon and reigning AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace, the ongoing goal of CURATE is to elevate the perception of hairdressing as an exciting career pathway;

“I’m so thrilled to have seen this exciting talent give themselves the chance to excel on the national stage. Our aim is to see Apprentices from salons from every corner of the country giving it a go and I’m excited to see this competition become an integral part of every hairdresser’s career journey.”

Winners will be announced on 27th May and the lucky four will be whisked to Sydney for mentoring and a fullday photo shoot workshop with Justin followed by Hair Festival and the AHIA Creative Awards Gala. Winners will also receive a VIP Excellent Edges experience including personalised scissor kits, a selection of electrical tools from Gamma +, PLUS a L’Oréal Access education package, Sustainable Salons goodie bag, coverage in HAIRBIZ magazine and across Mocha Hair digital platforms and a professional biography created in conjunction with Lily Blue Communications.

A big thank you to CURATE’s collaborators and judges who are championing the next-gen of the industry. These include Media Partner Mocha Group, Major Partner L’Oréal Access, Sustainability Partner Sustainable Salons, and Proud Supporters Excellent Edges, the Australian Hairdressing Council, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Gamma +. Entrants were judged by industry luminaries including Chris Moody, Chris Baran, Belinda Mills, Benni Tognini, Brodie-Lee Tsiknaris, Clive Allwright, Damien Rinaldo, Danni Solier, Jarred Stedman, Jo Smith, Jules Tognini, Julia Homard, Kerrie DiMattia, Kiralee Honor, Kristy Hodgson, Leeanne Pearce, Lyndal Salmon, Michael Kelly, Richard Kavanagh, Sandy Chong, Sheridan Rose Shaw, and Stevie English.

www.curateawards.com

Facebook: curateawardsforapprentices

Instagram: @curateawards

2024 FINALISTS

REGIONAL COLOUR & STYLE

Jati Sukha, Sfumato Hair

Kiki Verdel, Tokunai Hair

Laura Mansfield, Little Salon Co. Mooloolaba

Maiya Rice, Jarah’s Hair

Maiya Rice, Jarah’s Hair

Morgan Humphries, Roca Verde

REGIONAL CUT & COLOUR

Charlie Carruthers, WoW Hair Wickham

Jasmin McLean, Roca Verde

Kasey Pearcey, Sfumato Hair

Kayla Rossiter, Parlour O

Maiya Rice, Jarah’s Hair

Sophie Green, Khayaam

URBAN COLOUR & STYLE

Molly Davis, Elite Hair Extensions Gold Coast

Paulo Mota, Stevie English Hair

Ruby Chapman, Co and Pace Salons

Shannon Westwood, The Factory Yarraville

Sienna Botto, Cambridge Hair Collective

Tori Yardley, Toni & Guy Mosman

URBAN CUT & COLOUR

Byron Davey, Cobelle Creative Cam Day, Co and Pace Salons

Joey Goodman, Stevie English Hair

Paige Peters, Toni & Guy Broadbeach

Roni Bunoza, Little Salon Co. Mosman

Stella Wrigley, Togninis

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY WITH Alexandra Bilisi

By Louise May

Over the remaining issues of Hair Biz for 2024 we are going to be bringing our readers a unique and comprehensive understanding of the global landscape. We aim to delve into various aspects that shape and define the industry, offering a platform for thoughts on trends, challenges, and changes within the realm of hairdressing.

We will be featuring a Q&A session with global industry experts, who will share their thoughts on critical industry topics. We are particularly interested in exploring trends that highlight the creative side of hairstyling, insights on products making waves in the market, the ongoing challenge of skill shortages, and the evolving nature of the industry such as the rise of selfemployed professionals, salon changes, and innovative business models.

In this article we feature the amazingly talented Alexandra Bilisi.

Alexandra Bilisi is a Strategic Business Consultant, specialising in Luxury Markets and is the Owner & Publisher of Hair Trends International Luxury E-Editions. Alexandra is also one of our esteemed AHIA Creative - International Judges.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Alexandra to get her perspective on the state of the industry.

From your unique vantage point, what creative trends are currently shaping the world of hairstyling, and how do these trends influence the industry’s direction?

Social trends influence a lot the industry and create new styles that they mix and match

trends that both sexes can adopt. The global financial situation, the after-Covid effect of finding new business models and the expansion of the social media lead to the innovative small independent business that invests differently. Not any more a classic approach.

Could you share your insights on standout haircare and styling products that have gained popularity globally? How do these innovations impact the way professionals approach their craft?

Therapies is the thing now for both women and men. The visitor of the salon today is a person more environmental conscience and more interested into health issues (especially after the long Covid period). Professionals ask for more training in the therapies field and the relative products gain more and more the trust of the salon clients.

Skill shortages persist as a challenge in the industry. What strategies or initiatives have you observed or implemented to address this issue, and what recommendations do you have for the industry at large?

This is a true problem and the main challenge that all salons face is to convince the young generation that the hairdressing industry is equally great to create a future as other

ones that are more…advertised. Salons try to attract talents but salaries in Mediterranean countries are relatively low and the working hours many times exceed the standard. I feel that training again is necessary but more business oriented and with a clear view of the possibilities the industry can offer. To advertise more success stories through social media and show how a hair salon is a true business organization that has more opportunities to create income than an office job because it is highly connected to the human relations and trust.

With the emergence of selfemployed professionals, suites, and rental booths, how do you see the traditional salon model evolving? What opportunities and challenges do these alternative business models present?

I am very positive on this matter. We see more business paths for the professionals who normally have financial limitations in having their own standard salon and still they want to evolve. In this way young talents may create their own collaborations and may place their talent under the roof of a bigger professional and still feel independent. The challenges are again practical ones, including logistics, accounting, sometimes lack of alignment with the policy of the main salon for the rental booths etc Training again is key

here, beginning with the various academies – new management and marketing courses should be added, and the usual academy curriculum should be revised.

The discussion around fair and equitable employment practices is gaining momentum. In your experience, what measures or policies have proven effective in promoting employee well-being and satisfaction within the hairdressing sector?

According to my experience there is still a lot to be done. The mentality in many cases is still that of the family business or a kind of unique solution when there is no possibility to study at the university or no talent to do anything else. Only who is in the industry talks well about the opportunities offered but it is the general view that should be changed. In Europe we still miss TV ads or special shows that inform people about careers in the industry. The need for a serious and constant approach is evident because only individual marketing is not enough.

How have the characteristics and preferences of Gen Y and Gen Z professionals and clients influenced the industry? Are there specific strategies that cater to these generational shifts?

The influence is strong and runs very fast. Keeping the pace in social media is a good way to be always present and have a thorough view of the market as it is shaped now. The new generations are strongly connected to the media so any strategy should begin from the media and act in parallel with education.

In what ways has technology impacted the hairdressing industry? Are there specific tools or platforms that you believe are pivotal in shaping the future of the profession?

Technology helped a lot in offering sophisticated products and a global view of the market. Any salon owner, even the smallest one, have the possibility to know what happens in the world without moving from their chair. Online training though still cannot replace the hands-on experience. Social media share work and ideas but special platforms are needed for more technical experience in the advanced level. Technology opens the creative doors for new hair colouring techniques, and I feel that the new field is there – beyond hair cutting.

Collaboration across borders can foster innovation. Have you observed successful instances of international collaboration within the hairdressing industry, and how can professionals’ benefit from a more interconnected global community?

Associations, fairs, international shows, and awards are a great opportunity to shape the global industry. By personal experience through our editions, I see how Europeans are amazed by the Australian creativity for example. Exchanging ideas will boost the industry to new boundaries and to the creation of new tools and products. This is an important benefit connected with the economy of the sector. Interconnection brings together younger generations too and media exposure helps a lot in that. My biggest wish is to see one day soon in the TV a live presentation of hairdressing awards!

MAKE ME OVER ARTISTRY WITH

By Louise May

Sarah Smith is currently living and working as a full-time Freelance Hair and Makeup Artist in Meanjin, Qld. Her work is extremely multifaceted, ranging from Fashion and Beauty Editorial, Music Videos and Promotional Shoots for bands and solo artists, keying large-scale productions for local Theatre Companies, as well as Bridal, Formal and Special Occasion Hair and Makeup. Her long list of clients includes everyone from reality TV stars, ARIA Award winning Musicians, the who’s who in the Brisbane Fashion Scene and everyone in between!

Beauty Biz Editor Louise May recently caught up with Sarah to chat about her industry journey and immense love of makeup, music, and fashion.

What initially ignited your passion for the industry? Where did it all begin? I came from humble beginnings, growing up in Roma, located in rural South-West Queensland. My beauty obsession started from a young age, regularly giving my Barbie’s makeovers and haircuts, and raiding my Mum’s stash of Avon Makeup. Access to cosmetics and beauty products was quite limited, oftentimes only having a choice of Revlon or Australis from the local Pharmacy – bearing in mind, this was the start of the 90’s, we lived 8 hours from a major City, there was no Internet (I think we got our first PC in 1994), and Sephora wouldn’t open it’s first store in Australia for another 20 years. If I think about it really hard, I’d have to say the obsession started whilst watching iconic Movies on VHS and getting up early on Saturdays to watch music videos on Rage, religiously, with my big sister. I remember seeing all of these bright, bold hair and makeup looks – and not just on the women, but EVERYONE! I was in love with David Bowie and Alice Cooper, and I so badly wanted to be bad Sandy, at the end of Grease!

As I approached my Teens, I took to doing hair, makeup, and nails for my friends, two big sisters, Mum, and even Dad, for the odd Ace Frehley (KISS) dress-up party at the local pub. Bright colours and cool textures still weren’t really a thing readily available, so I would create bold eyeliners using water colour pencils and put craft glitter on everyone, using Vaseline as an adhesive!

How did you decide to pursue it as a profession? Tell us about your journey. I discovered Fashion Magazines as a teenager, and each month would wait at our local Newsagency for my next fix. There was something euphoric and magical about the beautiful images between those glossy pages that inspired me, and I began to imagine a world of possibility and opportunity, outside of life in a small town. I began collecting hard cover Makeup Books, as a point of reference (I now own over 50 books), and on a trip to the City to visit a friend in the early 2000’s, I stumbled across a copy of ‘Making Faces’ by Kevyn Aucoin, purchased it immediately, and made it my bible. Ironically, on the same trip, I discovered Napoleon Perdis, and saw an advertisement in bold - ‘MAKE UP YOUR CAREER’ – offering Nationally accredited Makeup Courses. That was it for me. I knew then and there that it would be the beginning of my career as a professional Makeup Artist. Although I was never particularly studious, I fulfilled my promise to my parents to finish High School, enrolled and moved to Brisbane the next year. As I never do things in halves, wanted to be a jack of all trades and master of my craft, I also completed a Cert II in Nail Technology in the same year, and started a Hairdressing Apprenticeship the day after completing my Diploma of Makeup. It wasn’t my first time in a salon, as I had completed Work Experience in Roma at the local Hairdressers, and had been colouring and cutting my friends’ hair for years. It came to me quite naturally and I expressed a keen interest in creative colour, already having a strong understanding and passion for colour theory.

By the end of my second year, I knew that if I wanted to be the best, I had to work with the best, so I applied to join the incredible team at Togninis, and was successful! I went on to complete my apprenticeship and would work as head Colour Technician at their sister salon, AKA Togninis for another 2 years.

After a brief stint living in the UK, I returned to home soil, aching to get back to my roots and first passion, working with Makeup. I got a job working for Bobbi Brown as Counter Manager, at Queens Plaza in David Jones. I loved working in Cosmetics, but I found myself spending my days admiring the gorgeous, trendy girls, working across the floor at MAC. I was envious of the freedom of personal style - bold makeup, brightly coloured hair and tattoos, not to mention the rocking playlists on counter - and knew that was where I belonged. After a brief meeting with the state manager, she exclaimed “You are totally a MAC girl”, and the next week I had an interview for an Assistant Manager role at Myer Brisbane City. The rest, as they say is history!

I had always felt like a bit of an outsider, a misfit, if you will, but felt instantly at home with MAC. The next seven years with the brand would shape me as an artist, help me develop my unique style and colourful signature aesthetic. Having the opportunity to complete the highest-level Certifications, including Body Painting, Fashion, Events and Advanced Artistry, facilitating Makeup Workshops, Theme Days and taking out Team of the Year in 2014, are just a few highlights from my time with the brand.

During this time, I had started to dip my toe into the world of Freelance, trading under my business name ‘Make Me Over Artistry’, doing the occasional wedding, and collaborating with local designers and photographers on shoots. I still had strong connections in the Hair Industry, regularly doing Makeup for Awards season Collections, Hair Shows and education for Wella, Cloud 9 and ghd.

I took the terrifying leap into full-time Freelance in 2017 and honestly, have never looked back.

What inspired you to get into editorial work, and what do you love about it?

As someone with a lifelong obsession with magazines, it’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you open those glossy pages, and see your work for the first time in Vogue or Rolling Stone. It’s pretty surreal.

As for inspiration, I don’t care what anyone says, the creative scene in Meanjin is one of the best in the world! I am constantly surrounded by the most incredible, innovative artists, designers, stylists, and photographers, and am honoured to call most my friends.

When you spend the good part of 20 years in a city, you get to know everyone, and if you are lucky, as you grow and develop your passion and skills (and they grow theirs), you go on an incredible journey together and get the opportunity to create pure art. There is something so special about creating an Editorial. Working with models, stylists/ designers and photographers, to create a beautiful image, and bring a vision to life. Some of my best friends are fellow Makeup Artists, Hairstylists, Fashion Designers, Stylists and Photographers, and we constantly collaborate on passion projects! Often the highly paid jobs aren’t always the most inspiring, so the way I see it, collaboration is the key to having the best of both worlds!

• cont’d over page

Sarah Smith

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, how have you witnessed the evolution of the makeup field, and which trends or changes have you found most exciting or impactful?

Wow! I’ve seen quite a few trends come and go over the years. It’s funny that the most iconic looks through history have remained timeless, and are constantly being reinvented. Just look at any Red Carpet or Runway from the last 50 years, and you’re guaranteed to see a classic red lip, a smoke bomb eye, or a forever flawless complexion. The surgence of Social Media in the mid 2010’s was a total game changer. The rise of celebrities like the Kardashians, bought back full glam in force. I found myself, a Makeup Artist of 10 years by that time, learning new skills (the infamous cut-crease), with a myriad of new products readily available (hello online shopping and international shipping). Everything became so accessible, at the click of a button. It was wild! Things have really done a 180 in the last 3 to 5 years, with natural, soft glam having it’s moment in the spotlight, once again. With increased education around skincare, I think people are super conscious now, more than ever, about what they put on their face.

Just when I thought it was nearly impossible to see anything new or innovative in Makeup, the legendary Pat McGrath went ahead and created THAT runway makeup look for Maison Margiela Artisanal, and broke the damn Internet! Haha..

You seem to have quite a distinct style in your work and branding for ‘Make Me Over Artistry’. Can you tell us about that?

The name ‘Make Me Over Artistry’ actually came from the first line of the song Celebrity Skin, by Hole! *guitar riff “OH MAKE ME OVER” Haha.. I’ve always been a rock ‘n’ roller at heart! When creating my logo, I told my graphic designer that I wanted it to be a mash up, inspired by Rocky Horror Picture Show (my favourite film of all time) and New York Dolls. You can find my sticker in most Dive Bar bathrooms in Brisbane. Haha..

As for my work, it’s no secret that I love colour, a bold lip/ liner and a false lash (sometimes all at once)! I live my life bold, and in full colour and I like my work to be a representation of that. I think of myself as an artist - the face is my canvas and makeup is my medium!

Alongside high-end fashion looks and editorial work, you’ve found a niche working with Musicians and creating iconic looks that have featured in countless music videos, and even Album Covers. How did you break into that industry?

I’ve always been a huge music fan! Music is one of my biggest passions, probably only second to Makeup, and I try to get to local gigs to show my support as frequently as I can.

Back in 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to work on a shoot for a friend’s clothing label. The model was none other than the iconic Amy Taylor, frontwoman of global punk band sensation, Amyl and the Sniffers. After that, things just kind of snow balled. I started reaching out to artists I admired, offering my services and it took off! There’s something really special about getting to create alter egos, and bring artist’s rock ‘n’ roll personas to life, with makeup and hairspray. It all came full circle in 2022, when I had the immense pleasure of glamming Amy up for the ARIAS, where they received 6 nominations and took home 2 wins! Honestly, my career highlight! That night, I felt like a rock star!

As a makeup artist working across various mediums, including fashion shoots, music videos, and runways, how do you adapt your skills to suit different contexts and artistic requirements?

Years of experience has armed me with the knowledge and ability to be able to adapt in any given situation. It always pays to be as prepared as you can going into any job, but often circumstances can sometimes mean that you may only receive mood boards and call-sheets the day before a shoot or video. Communication is always key, but remaining flexible and maintaining a positive attitude and high level of professionalism are crucial. Having a wellstocked kit, with all of the products and tools to create any look, is a must – it’s always better to have 25 different glitters on hand and not need them. Kit condensing has saved my life, and my back. Haha..

Makeup trends are constantly evolving. How do you stay up to date with the latest beauty trends and techniques, and how do you incorporate them into your own work?

I try to attend at least one workshop every six months, online or in person. Upskilling is absolutely crucial to staying current and relevant in the industry. Instagram serves as a constant source of inspiration and following innovative artists like Isamaya Ffrench, and pioneers like Val Garland, Alex Box and Pat McGrath keeps me forever inspired. I’m obsessed with Fashion Week! It has remained a constant inspiration for the last 20+ years, and I am excited to be working backstage this year in Sydney!

Social Media has played a significant role in your success and growing following. How do you utilise platforms like Instagram to showcase your stunning transformations and engage with your audience?

Honestly, I have a love/ hate relationship with Social Media. On one hand, it has given me countless opportunities, that prior to the platform existing, I would have only dreamed of. On the other hand, I find I’m constantly comparing my work and myself to others, and being overly critical and overthinking before posting. My work is so important and incredibly personal – I put my heart and soul into everything I create – so sharing it often makes me feel quite vulnerable. I’ve made a promise to myself this year to continue to share my art, and not let imposter syndrome get the better of me.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future? Are there any dream projects, collaborations, or destinations that you would love to explore in your career?

Look, if I could have the opportunity to get my hands on Debbie Harry’s face when Blondie Tour Australia in April, I would honestly die happy! Haha.. Working a feature film production has always been on my bucket list, and I’m currently looking into doing a SPFX and Prosthetics refresher course later this year.

I’ve got a few projects in the works, but can’t say too much just yet. There will definitely be some international travel on the cards.

In the words of David Bowie “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring’.

@makemeoverartistry

Sarah Smith

PHOTO CREDITS: Photographers: Theresa Hall, James Caswell, Georgia Wallace, Macami Style: Tamzen Holland, Claudia Williams, SeonIm You, Phoebe Paradise, Louise Graham

New to the intergallactic collection

· Lightweight at only 260 grams

Crafted with Swiss engineering excellence, the all-new Heiniger clipper range embodies unparalleled quality - each one delivering power, precision and performance when results matter.

· Fits comfortbly in the hand, for great manoverability

· Runs quiet, still retaining clipping power

Backstage with

HEINIGER

By Louise May

Heiniger Creative Director, Rex Silver, has been busy these last twelve months. First, he shot the launch collection for the Intergalactic Range both here and in the UK. Then, he toured the Australian launch of the Heiniger machines with his appointed Artistic Director, Robert Braid, and the Australian creative team members Matt Clarke and Jules Tognini.

Fast forward to March this year, and he repeated the cycle with another series of shoots here and in the UK, this time to focus on the release of the new model for Heiniger ….The Tauro, which launched officially at Cosmoprof ‘24 in Bologna, Italy, this March.

The Tauro was launched here in Australia at the inaugural Expo4Barbers on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The Heiniger stand was an interactive hub where barbers could test drive the complete range on mannequins and also, for the first time anywhere in the world, The Tauro.

Set in front of a sprawling 9m backdrop of stunning images from The Tauro collection shoot featuring Robert Braid and Rex’s work shot by Liam Oakes, barbers were able to check out the machines, chat, and work on the mannequins with Heiniger senior Educator and AMBA Barber of the Year, Matt Clarke, Rex, of course and Heiniger Ambassador and International Barber of the Year Winner, Frank Ciccone.

We chatted with Rex and got a behind-the-scenes look at how this unfolded.

Rex, can you tell us about the Tauro launch shoot in the Uk with Robert Braid and Liam Oakes?

This was the second time we had all worked together shooting, and it was an amazing experience. Rob and Liam have this magic that happens when they get together. We had a choreographer, Dennis French, who was a model for us in the first shoot, work with us, directing the model’s poses. He is a hot property model in London and LA right now and wants to branch out a little bit on this side of the camera. Great job, Dennis! Anyway, we had 13 models and went to work! Rob and Liam are so easy to brief and direct.

As it is the second time we have done this, they both understand the importance of featuring and capturing the ease with which the Heiniger machines can perform and cut hair. This is featured in detail in the step-by-step series, shooting the process of each cut, but the quality of their cutting excellence is amplified by the amazing, finished looks of the models, everyone is in awe of the images…I might be biased.

HEINIGER CREW ‘24

Liam Oakes, Robert Braid and Rex Silver London 2024

Guest Judge at the Expo4Barbers Barber Battle? Man, what a night that was. A totally packed-out venue and all categories full. Over 60 barbers were battling and a whos’ who of judges circled them with eagle eyes. Loud, electric, and so much fun. The talent didn’t disappoint. Us judges were all blown away. An absolutely stella way to kick start the weekend and Expo event.

And then Expo4Barbers and the Australian launch of The Tauro?

The expo was such a great weekend and event; Fraser Forsey and you guys’ mocha group as media partners, did a cracking job. We had the best time, and the guests at our stand really resonated with the hands-on interaction experience. They enjoyed working alongside Matt, Frank and myself and our knowledgeable team of Heiniger Clipper experts and were able to take their time exploring our range. Matt and myself did 2 stage shows Matt also worked his magic at the chair and stage we had at the stand.

I have to say Matt did an amazing job, as always, with the video shoot we did in Brisbane with James Latter, with which we made a showreel; his style really presents a different take on demonstrating the dexterity of the Tauro clippers… super edgy… and his love for the big A5 clippers we have the Orion and Sirius he again showed off his skills at expo4barbers by doing some of his signature afro magic… work that just leaves the rest of wondering ….how does he do it?.. remarkable artist.

And what’s next, Rex?

It’s time to hit the road again. We are now planning the launch of Heiniger machines and our Intergalactic Range to enter the UK, Europe, and US markets. I will be setting up Artistic/Creative/Education teams in each region along with Ambassadors that will all be creating content that everyone can watch and enjoy and experience alongside us, as we grow the Heiniger name and our family of end-users that love our products.

We have already started with our print media campaigns in the UK and Europe and will be live launching in the coming months.

Meanwhile, here in Australia, expect to see more of us at Hair Festival in Sydney this June, and some shows in conjunction with our stockists and distributors as we take our creative team on the road. Stay tuned.

@heinigerprofgessionals_ausnz

@rex.a.c.silver

@the_sophisttisated_scumbag

@heinigerprofgessionals_ausnz

@r.braid

@liamokesphoto

By Matt Clarke

By Robert Braid

By Rex Silver

A FUSION OF

CULTURES & EXCELLENCE

By Louise May

Meet Naser, the creative force behind Western Australia’s Naser Haircuts. Naser’s journey began unexpectedly in an aged care centre, where he discovered his passion for giving haircuts, bringing joy to others.

Renowned for his intricate designs and meticulous attention to detail, Naser has garnered prestigious awards like AHIA 2023 Men’s Hair Specialist and WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year. 2023 Behind the Chair 2 x finalist in the men’s category - USA and 2023 LIVE Finalist Male Hairdresser of the Year - SPAIN

As an ambassador for Andis clippers, he shares his skills generously, helping others to perfect their craft. His commitment to blending cultures and making people look and feel amazing defines the essence of Naser Haircuts.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Naser...

What inspired you to pursue a career in hair and how did it start?

I started in an aged care centre while working as a nurse. I would cut the men’s hair because they could not get out to have this done, seeing the need for help in the elderly community and how it made them feel good about themselves.

What sets Naser Haircuts apart from other salons in your area?

My approach to men’s grooming goes all the way from how you present yourself, to the look of the salon. I have tried to bring my middle eastern culture and blend it with western culture. I think that bringing in my free hand designs for both men and women is what sets me apart from the conventional men’s barbershop. As a middle eastern man, beards and facial hair have always been a big part of my upbringing and focusing on this in the salon has also been a distinct signature of Naser Haircuts.

Congratulations on being awarded the AHIA 2023 Men’s Hair Specialist and WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year. How do you feel these accolades have impacted your career?

Winning these awards made me feel that I have achieved a huge goal, I am always striving to build on the brand. It has elevated the awareness of my work in Perth in the men’s barbering world, as well as opened up some platforms overseas. Last year I was invited to Dubai to be a guest at a hair and beauty show. I was also recognised with a certificate in my home country, Iraq, for my achievements in Australia.

You’ve worked in various countries like Jordan, America, Malaysia, UAE and Australia. How have these diverse experiences shaped your approach to hairdressing?

The experience of different styles relative to the country and being able to adapt to the culture of the place I am in, has been most interesting and educational. These experiences have allowed me to learn many different techniques which I have used in my shop.

As an ambassador for Andis clippers, what does this partnership mean to you? What do you love about and is and what are your favourite tools to use and why?

Being an Ambassador for Andis is important to me because it was a goal of mine for a while. They are an important company in our industry, a great platform to show my work and also to network within my industry, meeting other ambassadors and gaining more knowledge. You never stop learning. My favourite tool is their gold master clipper. I feel that the weight of this tool allows me to have better control over my haircuts. I can use this for cutting and designs.

Beyond providing exceptional haircuts, you’re also dedicated to barbering education and volunteering your skills. Why is this aspect of giving back important to you? Volunteering goes back to why I started, I believe that giving back allows for personal and learning growth. I find it rewarding to teach because I did not have someone that was willing to teach me when I first started. I am not afraid to share my skills and knowledge

What advice would you give to aspiring hairdressers or barbers who are just starting their journey in the industry?

To be open to different techniques and methods. I believe that barbers from other countries have new and diverse ideas; so always be willing to learn. Don’t be afraid to dream big and to set big goals, we all start somewhere.

Looking ahead, what are your future goals or aspirations for Naser Haircuts? And what is on the agenda for you over the next 12 months?

Future goals: entering more competitions, more international exposure. IHA is a big goal for me and as far as business goals: more awareness of the shop and expanding to other locations.

Paloma Roan

ELEVATING HAIRCARE WITH

PASSION AND PURPOSE !

By Anthony Gray, MIG Training

Mikki Auld’s and the incredible salon business she has created in Paloma Roan has been a journey of passion and purpose. Mikki has been generous, humble, and honest in sharing with us her incredible journey.

Mikki tell us a little about your salon. Paloma Roan is a luxury sustainable salon in the heart of Brisbane West End. We began as a teeny, little space in an old horse stable and now we’re a team of 12 in a lofty, green-filled warehouse. Over the years we’ve elevated and become higher end, for us it was a natural progression - the brand shifted and expanded as I grew up in business. It’s been a wild adventure but I’m so proud of what my team and I have built in just a handful of years!

What made you take the plunge into your own salon?

It happened quite unexpectedly to be honest, but our growth and success has been every bit intentional. In 2017 I came home for health reasons after living abroad in London. It wasn’t on my radar to move back to Brisbane, let alone start a business here but essentially what was a small rent-a-chair gig to earn a little cash has turned into the Paloma Roan we have today. I was roughly 6 months in when the brand started taking off and I realised, wow - I’m creating something special here. I ran with it and fast forward to 2024 we’re known as one of the best salons in Brisbane and have been named one of the best luxe-sustainable salons in Australia. Had I known what I was in for, I probably wouldn’t have taken the plunge, but it’s been the greatest thing I’ve ever done! Ha-ha

Can you give us quick snapshot of the timeline?

2017 - Moved back to Brisbane due to mental health concerns (which I’m passionate speaking about as mental health needs to be discussed more) and started freelancing to earn a little money while I nursed myself back to health. Within a few months, I was booked and busy, but it was also chaos. I had no idea how to organise myself.

2018 - Due to client demand I made my first hire, a salon assistant who was an exhairdresser - we renovated an old horse stable from the early 1900’s in Woolloongabba for 10k and over the next 18 months grew to a team of 5 and outgrew the space.

2020 - We had only been in our current space for 3 months when covid hit - not knowing what was going to happen, most of my team went on Job Seeker and then together, we slowly started to rebuild again - IT WAS AWFUL but it certainly built my resilience and kicked my business brain into gear. Looking back, it was probably the harsh slap in the face I needed. I’d always been a little too optimistic and go with the flow. I had to level up, plus - learn to become assertive, systemised and risk aware to make it anywhere in business.

2020 - 2024 has been a crazy ride. I was burnt out after covid and was so stressed because I had just spent a bomb on the salon fit out and then had to close, it honestly took me a long time to get back in a healthy position financially because of that., I am so proud of how much I’ve grown through the hardships. Sometimes, you have to reach close to rock bottom to really set yourself up for a complete transformation and obtain sustainable success - that’s definitely been my story.

As you can probably tell, I’m an open book, who likes to tell it like it is. I’m transparent to the point where it’s (sometimes) a little too much information ha-ha - I have a podcast which is probably the perfect example of this(The Mane Edit, on Spotify and apple podcasts) I’m far from pretentious and don’t have any qualms talking about my failures or hardships - probably because I’m a self-growth addict, let’s be honest.

Social media often promotes overnight success stories and glamorizes entrepreneurship, but the reality is different. Starting a business requires more than just ambition; it demands financial sustainability, strategy, and mentorship. Many salon owners, including myself, enter the industry unprepared for the complexities of business ownership. Small business ownership is demanding, requiring readiness and resilience. It’s a tough gig and you have got to be ready for it!

Tell us about your team?

We have 12 on my team - which includes a front of house manager/operations manager. One of my Master Stylists is our team leader -

Mikki Auld

she directs and leads the salon floor. My role is a little of everything, I work closely with our team leader, educate my emerging team, and run all our marketing such as website, emails, socials etc - Over the last 6 months we’ve finalised our career pathways which shows our team where they can go in our company. We also highlight where certain opportunities will open to them like management or partnerships. Paloma Roan is a typical start up in the sense that we get out what our humans put in and while I’ve got a goal to become the best luxe-sustainable salon in Australia, what that looks like may change. If someone from my team was like, I’m moving to Melbourne, can we open a PR there? - I’d consider it for sure. In other words, the sky’s our limit and I’m open to everyone’s ideas.

How do you attract and retain great staff?

Firstly, Branding is a HUGE one - continuing to strive to be a standout salon is at the forefront of who we are. It’s so competitive these days and so every little thing matters. It’s so important that you get clear on your vision and continue to communicate that in every little nook and cranny of your business. There will always be someone with a swankier fit-out than you, or throwing more cash at stylists - your mission really is what will draw in the right humans. Then, you’ve got to create incentives and future pathways that will get them behind your business. It’s the tricky bit - because sometimes you might not know where you’re heading to and obviously, you’ve got to cement yourself as a high performing salon with client demand for you to offer great incentives or profit share frameworks with your team. It’s only something that I’m really getting right at 7 years in - it’s been a crazy journey getting here!

Oh, and communicate - regularly! Catch team not only when they need guidance but even more importantly, when they’re doing great. Create a culture that’s fun, transparent, and strong - slacking off with boundaries and (not) having rules isn’t the answer, ‘your way’ of doing things is what will unite people.

How does education play a role in your business?

Education is huge. We have a full onboarding process that communicates everything from our big vision to our aesthetic, tone of voice, customer journey, code of conduct and beyond. Something that I’ve learned after several years in business is that you can often get caught assuming people will know how you want things done. Again, I think this comes with experience and learning the hard way. No one gives you a handbook on how to run a successful salon and it’s about 10000000x harder than you probably think it is. Education really has to be at the core of everything but it’s not just about hairwe’ve invested in business and leadership education for our team because I really think that diversifying roles is important and is often overlooked. When it comes to our emerging team - I can honestly say that by their 3rd year they’re creating senior level work and by that point, have likely been working on the floor for some time. We aim to get our stylists on the floor as soon as possible and nurturing new and up and coming talent is key to the success of Paloma Roan - I think it always will be.

In particular your education approach to apprentices or emerging Stylists?

Ideally, we prefer to do most training in house and on the salon floor however we do have fortnightly educator lead training sessions where our Emerging Stylists are mentored by one of our Master Stylists - we’re also introducing optional training evenings for apprentices that are really wanting to accelerate their education.

We work with MIG, and they come out to us in salon for Emerging Stylist check ins - beyond that, we regularly call on L’Oréal, Ozdare, Eco Salon Supplies and O&M

We break down our Emerging Stylist training plans and then create our own spreadsheet docs that have each module listed under a certain date. This helps us keep on track of our ES education pathways - both the business and the Emerging Stylists know what they’re working on and when - we look

at their 3 year training plans and from that have a general idea of how long it may take for them to become competent in certain areas - but it really just creates a transparent guide at the end of the day. We have learned to become very regimented in our team comms. We have leadership meetings once a week and then fortnightly one on ones plus, educator catch ups and lastly, a fortnightly team meeting. It probably sounds like a lot, but I find that it helps us to run a streamlined salon business. Communication is essential for growth, and we believe in transparency. I find that when things go wrong it generally comes down to miscommunication and a different perspective (that probably didn’t have clarity on the full picture) At the end of the day, we want a thriving business where our team feel valued and happy, that’s it!

Mikki’s tells it how it is, and the result is an incredible inspiring story of what it takes to build a career, brand, and business!

@palomaroan_

DANGER JONES CREATING ART NOT COMMERCE

By Louise May

Danger Jones sees itself as a creative brand with a different way of doing things, based on its beliefs and values. They care about making art rather than just selling stuff and while other companies focus on what sells, Danger Jones is all about making things they love, making their products more genuine and appreciated by others.

They also put a lot of emphasis on building a community of artists and believe that working together and supporting each other makes everyone better.

In the hair industry, they wanted to shake things up and are big on relationships, valuing people over profits believing in being honest, fair, and treating everyone with respect.

Overall, they are optimists who believe in looking on the bright side of life.

Danger Jones was founded by David and Alexis Thurston, original founders of Pulp Riot, and like a breath of fresh air has recently been introduced and is now available here in Australia.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with David & Alexis in the USA about the brand story, and how it all came to life.

What inspired you both to venture into the hairy industry, and what motivated you to create Danger Jones after the huge success of Pulp Riot?

After Pulp Riot, we took some muchneeded time off. And making more space and time in our lives unlocked our inventive minds and creative ideas started to flow in. Also, taking time away helped us realize some of the things that are most valuable to us.

Can you share a bit about the journey from founding Pulp Riot to launching Danger Jones and how did your experiences influence the development of the brand?

For example, we realized that we love the creation process of creating cool things with interesting people. We also realized how important it is to be part of a community. So, with Danger Jones, we’re here to create cool things with interesting people and build a global community of artists, labs, and distribution partners. We’re not just the creators of the community, we’re members of the community, and it’s full of people we choose to spend our time with.

Let’s start with the notion that there would be no Danger Jones if it weren’t for Pulp Riot. That was a necessary step on our journey to where we are now. Pulp Riot was a reflection of who we were 8 years ago, and Danger Jones is a reflection of us now. We left Pulp Riot when we had accomplished everything we’d set out to do, so we took time off and found new inspiration. We saw there was a hole in the market and in the artists community that we could fill.

Danger Jones founders, David & Alexis Thurston

Danger Jones has a strong emphasis on creating art rather than just commerce. Could you elaborate on how this philosophy drives your brand’s identity and products?

Most companies approach the creative process differently than we do. Most companies think in terms of “here is an audience, let’s try to create something they will love.” That’s commerce.

And that’s okay to take that approach, but at Danger Jones we’ve decided on a different approach. We’re just going to create what we love, and if other people love it… great. That’s not commerce, that’s art.

What we’re finding is that when you’re only focusing on creating something you love, and don’t focus at all on competitors, the art you create resonates deeply with the artist community. It’s like when you hear a song on the radio, and you can tell the ones that are written to be the next hit single. And then there’s the first time you ever heard Nirvana. It was clear they were just creating what they love without a complete focus on commercial mainstream success.

Community seems to be a central focus for Danger Jones. How do you nurture and engage with your hair artist community, and how has it contributed to the brand’s growth and success?

Yes, community is the reason we exist. We have a Facebook Group called Danger Jones Asylum where artists around the world can connect and share their work.

More importantly, we connect directly with our community frequently through education, like our Danger Jones University events and also at an annual retreat we call Danger Fest. This year, 100 stylists attended Danger Fest in Cancun Mexico where we brought in some amazing keynote speakers that were there to level up the artists lives and careers. At Danger Fest we find that some of the most valuable time is spent just making friends with others in the community.

Most hair color companies outsource the management of their social media pages. But we believe that having hundreds of daily conversations on social media with artists makes our brand better. We inspire our community, and they inspire us in return. Even though David is the CEO of a global brand, he is the person that runs our Instagram page. It allows him to see trends, make deep connections, and discover the up-and-coming artists.

As the creative team behind Danger Jones, we also feel it’s really important for us to show up at events and work with artists, and this includes internationally as well, like coming to Australia for Hair Festival, to connect with local artists and provide opportunities for artists to shine.

Could you discuss the importance of relationships over business transactions and how this principle is reflected in the way Danger Jones operates?

Most of the product companies in our industry are owned by publicly traded companies, which means they exist to make a good return for their shareholders. These companies are focused on short-term quarterly results. Unfortunately, this can lead to making decisions that impact the brand equity long-term and can be detrimental to people. When we created Danger Jones, we decided that we would always value people above profits. It’s the foundation that we built our company on top of.

You mentioned that Danger Jones aims to disrupt the status quo in the industry. What do you believe needs to be disrupted, and how does Danger Jones approach this disruption?

Right now, most of the other color companies are hyper focused on cutting costs. They stopped investing in the beauty community of artists. For example, most of them stopped going to beauty industry trade shows. They haven’t pivoted away from digital education to in-person education. They aren’t giving back to the community that has supported them. At Danger Jones we’re not focused on cutting costs, we’re focused on adding quality to everything we do.

Alexis, as Chief Product Officer, how do you approach product development at Danger Jones, and what sets your products apart in the market?

Being a hairstylist for over 30 years and having almost a decade of experience creating products, there’s so much I’ve learned when it comes to formulation and performance. I believe it’s our creative process that makes our products better. If I owned a restaurant and wanted to create a new menu item, I would ask the chef to do it. With Danger Jones, it’s the stylists at our salon in Los Angeles (Butterfly Loft) that helps create and test all of our products.

Danger Jones is quite new to Australia and going to be featuring at Hair Festival 2024! This is super exciting! Can you please tell us about this, who is the session for and what will be seeing?

Yes, please join us on Sunday June 30th at 1:45pm in room C2.6 where we’ll be joined by Danger Jones international educators Jessica Powers (@jessicapowerspaints), Mary Ott (@maryh.ott), Holly Sharpe (@hollysharpe.hair), Kate McFarlane (@katelsmac), Lexie Shay (@thelexieshay), and myself Alexis Thurston (@alexisthurston). This session is for all levels of stylists and salon owners who want to be entertained and inspired while leveling up their skills in

www.dangerjonescreative.com

Instagram @dangerjonescreative TikTok - @dangerjonescreative @davidthurstonofficial @alexisthurston @salon.cosmeticsau www.saloncosmetics.com.au

creative coloring, blonding and toning, hair cutting, and styling. We’ll see you there!

BRANDS!

By Louise May

Carmelo Francese, owner and founder of Inspire Brands is a name you may already know having already had an incredible

His story started very simply many years ago as a teenager, and unsure what direction to take in life, he ended up starting a job with a Retail business called Priceline. “I started in stores, and within a year was moved to Head Office in a buying role. Within 6 years I was heading up the Beauty Division and for some reason Skin and Hair was where I was leaning my focus. When the company purchased Price Attack in 2000, I was made GM of that business and cut my teeth on Professional Haircare.”

Louise spoke to Carmelo about his past achievements and his new love Gamma+…

Can you tell us a little more about your background?

Well, after 6 years I parted ways with Price Attack and decided to do it on my own. I had built up a great network both within Australia and globally, enabling me to start my own distribution business. After, 4 years and a few health scares I was finally able to establish a business in Australia, taking on some major International Brands, whilst also developing our own local Australian Made Products.

It was at this stage I reassociated with a long-time friend in Ross Caia (a Hairdresser with over 40 Years’ Experience) as one of my business partners, starting a separate company. Through this relationship, I established a close association with Corey Farrugia (co-owner of SalonWorld) and started another business.

Inspire Brands was then born, to communicate all our businesses under one banner. In choosing a Company name we had to work out what we stood for. This was easy, because we are all about these 4 principles PASSION / INNOVATION / KNOWLEDGE / COLABORATION and through these platforms we were able to focus on our strengths of Hair and Skincare Brands, where we could liaise our customers our full portfolio whilst segmenting brands to certain industries.

Over the span of your career, what pivotal moments or decisions have contributed most significantly to your success as a global strategist in retail and wholesale developments?

In life there are people and decisions that have a significant impact in who you are as a person. For me, the people I consider my life mentors are, my father, whose values of honesty and hard work were instilled in me, and my business mentor Jack Goldin, a South African entrepreneur who was able to guide me through the retail landscape.

At the age of 22 I was offered to be a shareholder in a Hospitality business, which I had been in from an early age, the decision not to go ahead proved to be the right one as the business didn’t go well.

In 2006 leaving a secure corporate role to embark on my own business, when I had a young family was one of those “What the hell are you doing?”, moments.

As I got into my forties health became my focus, which ended up exposing some major health issues that I am thankfully now past. Then, in 2016, joining forces with Ross Caia, became a turning point for the business, as together, we managed to acquire a key piece of another business that set us up for good grounding to grow the rest of Inspire Brands. Also an integral member of the team joined us, Corey Farrugia, who is now not only a great friend but from a business capacity one of the best salespeople I have ever met.

Could you give us insight into the selection process for brands under the Inspire Brands banner, particularly focusing on the Gamma+ ranges?

Not being a Global brand, customers have choices on whether they buy your brand, as we don’t have the marketing dollars to support our brands that these multi nationals have.

It has always been our strategy to find or create brands with a point of difference, for example Hemp Worx was the first Hemp Seed Oil based Body Care range in the Retail Sector. Bio Magic is the only retail hair colour with its own colour swatch on every box. Gamma+ continues to come out with original unique designs.

Australia, maybe far from the rest of the world, but we are over marketed when it comes to Beauty brands, so to find or develop a brand in our market that is successful is not only about the brand, but also about the relationships with your customers, you need to harness all this to make sure that you get cut through.

You have just secured the distribution rights for Gamma+ in India. What are your plans for the brand over there?

India is an interesting market, many Brands have tried to crack this market and failed. The question we keep being asked is why India. Knowing a little about this market and having a very good friend for over 30 years running a multi million dollar company over there, we have insights that others may not.

Our strategy with India is to target the A Class Salons and Barbers as Gamma+ will be a premium offer in the marketplace. Like Australia we will look at a number of core pillars in developing the market.

- Develop a Team of Key Professionals who are recognised in the Industry as Influencers

- Focus on Education

- Deliver Differentiated products that the market has not seen before.

- Supported by a Local Team of Industry Experts with E-Commerce playing a big component.

Long term, Inspire Brands Australia and India will be able to leverage expertise from both countries in ensuring that we deliver the best offer to each market.

Jordan Tabakman is embarking on a Tour for Gamma+. Could you tell us a little bit about that?

has helped guide him to who he is today. Today Jordan is the pre-imminent Barber in Australia and soon to be India. With Gamma+ alongside him we have managed to build a Team of Educators and Barbers to support him and deliver on the Best of Gamma+.

2024, is a busy year for both Jordan and Gamma+, late April will see him head to Delhi where he will open his 1st Barber Club India, with plans on many more to come. On his return we launch Get Boosted which will take the Gamma+ brand further ahead in the Australian Barbering Market.

The BIG news though, with our collaboration is that we will be taking Gamma+ to India, launching the brand in May 2024, with a Roadshow in 4 major cities. On this roadshow Jordan will be joined by some of India’s elite Hairdressers and Barbers who are Indian Royalty.

One of the objectives that as a business we have is to replicate the success that we have had on the Barbering side with Jordan and the team and put together a similar team on the Hairdressing side, we know that we have the right tools to do this, now it’s about finding the key Industry experts that are open to working with us, we are speaking to a key individual who we can’t speak about now, but looking at making an announcement soon.

The “Get Boosted Launch” event in Melbourne sounds exciting. Could you tell us more about what attendees can expect?

Within the Gamma+ Portfolio of product the Boosted Clipper has by far been the Biggest success. Launched in Oct 2022 this Clipper has outsold any other Clipper in the market and is still much sort after by both Experienced and New Barbers. Now Gamma+ are extending their family of Boosted products to include a Trimmer and Shaver. So, we thought let’s create an event to celebrate this launch and give our Wholesale customers and local Barbers the opportunity to touch and feel the products whilst having

With our current distribution and the growth of Gamma+ , has come more opportunity to grow our range of products across the needs of the Professional Sector, now providing, 2 full ranges of Colour, Italian Bleach, Foil, Brushes & Salon Furniture

Looking ahead, what are your longterm goals or aspirations for Inspire Brands, especially in terms of expanding your global footprint and impacting the industry?

Honestly, I don’t often think about the long term. Now, in my 50’s you would think I would. I love what I do and have some great business partners that share the same philosophy with a supportive team, wife and family. So business is not hard, it’s about enjoying what we do and working with people who we can not only trade with but also share a friendship with.

Our approach is to maximise our full potential hopefully without too much stress. What I can say is that without Risk there is no Reward, so whilst we are taking on India with Gamma+ we will also continue to look at expansion plans into other global markets, as we have done with some of our other brands already, Bio Magic into the Philippines and Hemp Worx into Thailand.

Within Australia and New Zealand, we will continue to bring the latest in global trends to the market, work with our customer base to listen to their needs and continue to have FUN while we do it.

www.inspirebrands.com.au

POWER MASQUEDefy Damage!

What do you get when you combine a legacy of Joico’s supercharged hair repair and the power of damage control in a single, extraordinary product? Meet KBOND20, power masque from Defy Damage… Joico’s brand-new, bond-building treatment that doubles down on technology for 5X stronger* hair.

Here’s Why You’ll Love It

• 5X stronger* hair in one use

• Builds & protects bonds**

• Rich hydration

• Instantly detangles.

• Normalizes pH.

• Color safe.

• Animal test-free

• Paraben-free

As Joico’s most powerful bond builder in the Defy Damage collection, this strength-building masque delivers transformative results in one single treatment.

K-PAK KERATIN TECHNOLOGY

Joico’s legacy of strength and resilience.

PROTECTIVE LIPID

Acts as a first line of defense against pollution*.

18 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

Including Arginine, found naturally in healthy hair.

MORINGA SEED OIL

An antioxidant rich in Vitamins A and E, plus Silica.

SMARTRELEASE TECHNOLOGY

Joico’s one-of-a-kind liposome delivery system packs a punch by continuously releasing a trifecta of healthyhair ingredients—Rosehip Oil, Arginine, and Keratin— to help repair, strengthen, and protect hair from the cumulative effects of daily styling.

K-PAK KERATIN TECHNOLOGY

Joico’s legacy of strength and resilience.

1

PROTECTIVE LIPID

Acts as a first line of defense against pollution*.

*Tested in a lab using pollution particles

engineered not only to fortify hair, making it five times stronger in one use, but also to deeply hydrate and instantly detangle, offering an immediate improvement in manageability and texture. Additionally, it normalises the pH of hair, further contributing to its overall health and vitality. Safe for coloured hair and committed to cruelty-free practices, this masque is an essential addition to any hair care regimen, especially for those looking to repair and rejuvenate their locks effectively.

We chat with Kerrie Di Mattia , from Di Mattia & Co about her thoughts on Joico’s new KBOND20 and how it’s been a game changer for her business.

18

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS, including Arginine, found naturally in healthy hair.

Why did you choose KBOND20 for the

Introducing Joico’s KBOND20 into our salon was an easy decision, I personally have been relying on Joico products for Healthy Hair for over 30 years and in my current salon for 20 years!

Our clients are always excited when something new comes out that that they can not only enjoy as a salon service but add to their #healthyhair routine at home. What do you love most about KBOND20 and why?

The unique formulation of KBOND20, designed to repair and strengthen hair bonds during and after chemical services, was a major selling point for us.

Joico has built a rock-solid reputation for Hair Repair over the years and KBOND20 is no exception, I see it as the love child of Joico’s legendary K-PAK Deep Reconstruct Treatment that’s been an award winner for decades and one of their newer superstars

Defy Damage protective masque - it has the legacy of super-charged hair repair combined with the power of damage control in a single extraordinary product?

The results are immediate, and the feel of the hair is luxurious!

What makes KBOND20 stand out from the crowd?

High-tech magic and genuine results. Keratin technology plus the added benefit of the smart release bond building technology allows the product to dive deep into hair strands and repair from the inside out. And a major bonus for us is that KBOND20 is formulated without invasive chemicals, making it suitable for a wide range of clients, including those with sensitive scalps.

How is it used in salon?

In the salon, KBOND20 is used as part of our professional hair services, particularly during colour or chemical processes.

Our team incorporate KBOND20 into their service to protect the hair’s integrity and any potential minimise damage during these services, but that’s not the only bonus!

Salon treatments that produce results like KBOND20 are little gold mines when it comes to profitability in a salon, especially when you break it down to a price-per-minute setting. Treatments often have a higher price tag compared to regular salon services, but they hardly take up any time and are cost effective per application. So, when you calculate

1

MORINGA SEED OIL

An antioxidant rich in Vitamins A and E, plus Silica.

the price per minute, treatments come out looking like VIPs in the profit department especially when your younger team members can drive the sales.

How has the feedback been from your team and from your salon clients?

Feedback from both our team and our salon clients has been overwhelmingly positive. Our stylists appreciate how easy KBOND20 is to incorporate into their services, and they’ve noticed a significant improvement in the condition of their clients’ hair since introducing it.

Clients are definitely happy; today’s consumers are results driven & the difference after one application is really evident! We’ve had fantastic results on curly hair clients as well which is an added bonus, it tames the frizz, and the curls form beautifully.

Why do you feel the partnership with Joico is such a good fit?

The partnership with Joico is a natural fit for us because we trust their brand just as our clients trust ours, they’ve never let us down & every year there is something brand new and brilliantly innovative to keep us evolving as a salon.

I mentioned earlier that we’ve been open 20 years and Joico products and the Sabre team have had a seat beside us the whole wild ride! It just feels right!

www.joico.com.au

*Against combing breakage on damaged hair during heat styling

**Protects hair from mechanical, thermal, and environmental damage

Kerrie Di Mattia

New Clean Beauty WHY SLOW BEAUTY IS THE

In the bustling world of professional salons, where every brush stroke and every blend of colour defines beauty, the quest for perfection is unending. Where clean beauty has previously been the focus, we now look to a new holistic approach that encompasses more than just clean colour and products, but an impactful all-inclusive slow beauty experience.

Amidst this pursuit KIN Cosmetics introduces you to their revolutionary colour ranges that promise to redefine standards and elevate the slow beauty salon experiences to unprecedented heights.

At the heart of these innovations lies a commitment to not just meet, but exceed the expectations of your clientele. With meticulous research and cutting-edge technology, KIN Cosmetics has crafted product lines that offer a symphony of benefits that resonate with both stylists and clients alike.

Sustainability & Responsibility

The benefits of the innovations extend far beyond aesthetics. KIN prioritise the health and well-being of hair, embodying the KIN Cosmetics commitment to sustainability and responsibility. Free from harsh chemicals and cruelty, these products represent a conscious choice towards a greener future. For salon professionals who prioritise ethics as much as excellence, this is a partnership worth investing in.

Holistic Experience

But what truly sets KIN apart is not just it’s products, but the global slow beauty movement, behind the brand, the holistic experience it offers. With dedicated tailored support KIN is more than just a supplier - it becomes a partner in your salons success. KIN empowers salons to lead rather than follow, setting new standards of excellence with every application. For clients to experience the KIN difference means they are delighted by a slower and more encompassing holistic approach the #costabrava way. KINs vision is to help professional hairdressers develop into the best versions of themselves, by enhancing their creative and technical skills through extraordinary products and innovative technologies.

KIN Cosmetics unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability for salons seeking to redefine the boundaries of beauty and set new standards of excellence, the KIN colour ranges offer not just a solution, but a revolution. Embrace the magic of KIN and unlock the limitless potential of your craft.

“The new Natural Kinessences colour range is a remarkable addition to our salon. These products not only offers a vibrant spectrum of shades, from the fiery depths of cowboy coppers to playful purples, rich reds, and gorgeously soft blondes, but it also prioritizes hair health. After using these colours, the hair feels noticeably healthier and exhibits an incredible shine, a testament to the nourishing formula of the products. Each hue is rich and luminous, providing excellent coverage and longevity. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or enhance your natural beauty, the Kinessences colour range delivers with style and care. We are thoroughly impressed and can confidently say that our clients are loving every shade!”

Crissy, Owner - Born Pretty @bornprettyhair

“Here at The Hair Hub Buderim, we are always looking for the best products to give our clients the best in the industry with our professional products and also with their home hair care. When we were introduced to Kinessence it was a game changer to be able to offer our clients a natural colour range that still gives amazing rich, glossy and true to swatch colours. The longevity of the colour is amazing, even with our harsh environmental elements we face here on the Sunshine Coast. Clients are coming back in with amazing colour still after 6 weeks!”

Maeghan, Owner Hair Hub @hairhubbuderim

Kinessences Colour

The vegan Kinessences colour formula incorporates an innovation in the field of hair colour with 90% naturally derived ingredients. Discover a new holistic experience in the salon thanks to the Kinessences new vegan OES+v technology. Ammonia free using MEA alkalising agent which gently opens the cuticle to allow the colour to penetrate the cortex. The formula is more gentle on the scalp and offers more protection to the hair fibre. One product for maximum versatility. The infusion of pure oils from 5 continents provides extraordinary benefits for the hair.

5 Millenary Oils

1. Argan Oil - AFRICA

2. Macadamia Oil - OCEANIA

3. Kukui Oil - AMERICA

4. Grape See Oil - EUROPE

5. Camellia Oil - ASIA

KIN Blond

KINCREM

The KINCREM colour range offers moisturising and strengthening properties with quinoa rebuilding protein which also helps with colour retention. With anti frizz and deeply conditioning properties the vegan range offers a low ammonia option with 100% grey coverage that is also PPD free. The new oxidant for KINCREM colour has a smooth texture resulting in easier mixing and higher profitability without changing the 1+1 mixing ratio. The texture also facilitates colour penetration during application, providing more uniform colour results.

KIN Blond, a tribute to the timeless allure of golden locks. Crafted with precision, this blonding agent is formulated with the finest ingredients, it achieves unparalleled lift while maintaining the integrity of the hair- say goodbye to compromise. With anti-yellow neutralising pigments and perfume with a floral essence, brilliance is non negotiable with this KIN Blond.

Special

R eaders !

KIN Gloss

Kin Gloss emerges as a beacon of brilliance, offering a transformative experience for hair colouring. Designed to infuse life into the dull strands and breathe vibrancy into every lock, this gloss stands as a testament to KINs dedication to quality. It’s advanced formula penetrates deep into the hair shaft, nourishing and revitalising from within. The result? Hair that radiates with a lustrous shine, reflecting light like a prism and leaving a lasting impression long after the salon visit.

INNER JOI

Inner Joi products are developed with your hair and the environment in mind. Joico’s focus is on creating clean† formulas with a high level (86%-98%) of naturally derived* ingredients that don’t compromise on performance.

But what does this all mean? Let’s unpack it for you!

Inner Joi is animal test-free and contains vegan formulas, all made with 86%-98% naturally derived* ingredients + pure Joico performance. This means that the ingredient is made from plant and mineral-derived materials and water which have undergone limited processing.

PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies global program recognizes brands like Inner Joi that meet their no-animal-testing standards. Moreover, Joico’s entire InnerJoi product line is free of animal-derived ingredients, so they’re certified “Global Animal Test-Tree and Vegan” by PETA, which means the brand is truly cruelty-free.

So Clean

All Inner Joi products are made without: Silicones • Parabens • Gluten • SLS/SLES Sulfates • Phthalates • Mineral Oil

All Inner Joi shampoos and conditioners are bottled in 95% recovered & recycled Social Plastic® to support communities in need and help fight ocean plastic.

Joico’s Inner Joi shampoo and conditioner bottles are made using 95% Social Plastic***, from Plastic Bank, who are stewarding the collection of ocean-bound plastic and empowering collection communities to thrive.

when it comes to being sustainably conscious. All Inner Joi shampoos and conditioners are packaged in recovered and recycled Social Plastic®***, which supports communities in need and helps fight ocean plastic pollution. All other Inner Joi bottles are made with a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic.

INNERJOI HYDRATE
 CONDITIONER

The recycled plastic is reborn as Social Plastic® feedstock and used in the production of products and packaging – thus helping create new life for old plastic.

• Made with 95% Social Plastic***

• Reduces carbon omissions.

• Makes a positive impact on the planet and helps fight poverty.

Outer beauty

While inner beauty may be what’s most important, Joico wanted to ensure that what’s on the outside (their packaging) didn’t fall short

THE INNER JOI RANGE

Joico Inner Joi™ Hydrate formulas, made with Apple Extract, provide all-day hydration for a healthy hair appearance while making your scalp feel fresh and replenished as well.

Formulated with refreshing apple extract and naturally derived ingredients, achieving nourished, soft-as-silk hair becomes easy as pie.

97% naturally derived ingredients*

Restores moisture to hair.

Nourishes and leaves hair feeling soft.

INNERJOI HYDRATE SHAMPOO

You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the (hair) doctor away. And with Hydrate Shampoo – formulated with upcycled apple extract, your hair and scalp will be clean, healthy-looking, and beautifully hydrated.

86% naturally derived ingredients* Hair and scalp feel clean and refreshed. Gentle cleansing & won’t leave scalp feeling tight.

Free of SLS/SLES sulfates**

INNERJOI HYDRATE 
DETANGLER

All-day hydration and easy detangling with naturally derived ingredients -- including upcycled apple extract.

97% naturally derived ingredients*

Hydrates hair with one use

Detangles & nourishes hair.

Hair looks smooth & less frizzy.

Joico Inner Joi™ Strengthen formulas, made with Coconut and Abyssinian oils, help repair damaged hair* while fortifying strands to reduce future breakage.

INNERJOI STRENGTHEN
 SHAMPOO

This strengthening cleanser creates a richyet-gentle lather that envelops tired strands with positive reinforcement.

90% naturally derived ingredients* Rich lather

Gentle cleansing

Free of SLS/SLES sulfates**

INNERJOI STRENGTHEN
 CONDITIONER

Strengthen Conditioner pulls off a major turnaround for damaged strands…building hair that looks – and feels -- resilient, healthy, smooth, and shiny in a single strengthtraining session.

96% naturally derived ingredients*

Helps repair damaged hair***

Nourishes hair and leaves it looking healthy. Detangles, reduces frizz, and boosts shine.

INNERJOI STRENGTHEN 
MASQUE

This fortifying masque gently nourishes each strand with the strength, bounce, and polish, fatigued hair really needs.

95% naturally derived ingredients*

Helps strengthen hair & reduce breakage*** Replenishes lost moisture & leaves hair feeling soft.

Renews hair’s healthy appearance.

InnerJoi™ Preserve formulas, which include Raspberry seed oil and Beet root extract have been developed specifically for fadefighting. Give your color-treated hair just the care and protection it needs to stay salonvibrant longer.

INNERJOI PRESERVE
 PROTECTIVE MILK

The naturally protective answer for colortreated hair. Formulated with naturally derived ingredients – like beetroot extract and raspberry-seed oil – this wellness wonder detangles hair and helps preserve hair color. 97% naturally derived ingredients* Detangles & nourishes hair. Protects from thermal damage up to 232°C.

Use with heat or allow to air-dry. Reduces frizz caused by humidity for 72HRS** Protects from thermal damage up to 232°C. Hair feels soft and looks shiny.

INNERJOI STYLE SEA SALT

SPRAY

INNERJOI PRESERVE 
SHAMPOO

This naturally-derived cleanser harvests the power of Superfood ingredients – like beetroot extract and raspberry-seed oil -- to long-haul your hue with clean, caring goodness. 90% naturally derived ingredients* Preserves the life of your haircolor. Gentle cleansing Free of SLS/SLES sulfates**

INNERJOI PRESERVE
 CONDITIONER

Both nourishing and fade-fighting this conditioner beautifully protects vibrancy, shine, and hair health.

96% naturally derived ingredients*

Leaves hair color looking shiny & vibrant. Nourishes hair and leaves it feeling soft.

Joico Inner Joi™ Style formulas provide all the styling you want without the harsh ingredients you don’t. From blowouts to beach waves, this duo provides the ideal foundation for a beautifully finished look.

INNERJOI STYLE
 BLOWOUT CRÈME

You choose, air-dry, or blow-dry, either way you’re protected. Want to blow-dry? Your hair will be protected from thermal damage up to 232°C. Either way you enjoy 72-hour frizz and humidity protection, and a finish that delivers soft, shiny strands, this mindful styler will blow you away. 96% naturally derived ingredients*

Inner Joi’s Sea Salt Spray makes a splash by bringing that lived-in look, light texture, and volume together with a formula that’s calmand-caring as can be.

98% naturally derived ingredients*

Beachy, lived-in look

Provides light texture & volume.

Light hold & grit

@joicoaustralianz @sabre_haircare www.joico.com.au

*According to Global ISO 16128 Standard, 86%-98% naturally derived means that plant and mineral-derived materials and water, all of which undergo limited processing, make up at least 86%98% of the formulas.

**SLS/SLES = Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate

***Social Plastic is a post-consumer recycled plastic provided by Plastic Bank that fights plastic waste and poverty.

†We define clean as the absence of Silicones, Parabens, Gluten, SLS/SLES Sulfates, Phthalates and Mineral Oil, while having a minimum of 86% naturally derived ingredients.

††Ethylhexyl Olivate, Squalane, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Isoamyl Laurate made from sustainable sources

A TRIO OF HAIRCARE DELIGHTS NOURISH YOUR HAIR WITH MATRIX FOOD FOR SOFT

In the quest for luscious, soft, and healthy hair, finding the perfect haircare products is essential. Matrix, a renowned brand in the beauty industry, offers a range of exceptional haircare solutions.

Among their impressive lineup, Matrix Food for Soft stands out as a trio of nourishing products that work together to transform your hair. With a shampoo, conditioner, and oil, this collection is designed to provide intense hydration, replenishment, and overall hair health. Let’s dive into the details of each product and discover the benefits they offer.

Matrix Food for Soft Shampoo: The Matrix Food for Soft Shampoo is the first step towards achieving irresistibly soft hair. Enriched with a blend of natural ingredients, this shampoo gently cleanses the hair and scalp, removing impurities and buildup without stripping away essential moisture. The nourishing formula helps to restore and maintain the hair’s natural balance, leaving it feeling clean, refreshed, and ready for the next steps in your haircare routine.

Matrix Food for Soft Conditioner: Following the shampoo, the Matrix Food for Soft Conditioner takes hair hydration to the next level. This luxurious conditioner is infused with a potent blend of botanical extracts and proteins that deeply penetrate the hair shaft, providing intense moisture and nourishment. It helps to detangle and smoothen the hair, reducing frizz and leaving it noticeably softer, silkier, and more manageable. With regular use, the conditioner helps to improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.

Matrix Food for Soft Oil: To complete the haircare ritual, the Matrix Food for Soft Oil is the perfect finishing touch. This lightweight yet powerful oil is formulated with a blend of nourishing oils and vitamins that work together to provide deep hydration and shine. The oil can be applied to damp or dry hair, helping to seal in moisture, tame fly-aways, and add a healthy-looking sheen. It also helps to protect the hair from environmental stressors, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and protected throughout the day.

Matrix Food for Soft offers a comprehensive haircare solution that combines the benefits of a nourishing shampoo, conditioner, and oil. This trio of products is designed to provide intense hydration, replenishment, and overall hair health. Whether you have dry, damaged, or frizzy hair, Matrix Food for Soft can help transform your locks into soft, silky, and manageable tresses. With its carefully selected ingredients and innovative formulas, Matrix continues to deliver exceptional haircare products that cater to diverse hair needs. Embrace the power of Matrix Food for Soft and indulge your hair in a nourishing experience like no other.

KAO SALON The Wrap Up

#THEWEEKENDER2024

By Linda Woodhead

On Sunday 17 & Monday 18 March 2024, Kao Salon

Division hosted THE WEEKENDER; two powerful days of networking, education, and inspiration for over 300 Hair Salon Owners and Stylists at the chic QT Gold Coast. And as the Official Media partner, mocha group were on hand to capture all the memories!

Celebrating artistic creativity from local and international talent, showcasing new product launches from Goldwell, Kerasilk, KMS and Oribe, and presenting keynote speakers passionate about elevating performance and confidence, the event provided the perfect platform for Salon Owners and Stylists from across Australia and New Zealand to network, connect, recharge, and celebrate.

The opening showcase was a stunning collection by Alannah Jade, Goldwell ambassador (Ella & Jade) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Goldwell Topchic.

Award winning hairdresser and educator, Dario Cotroneo, was the MC for the event, first welcoming Rita Marcon, GM Kao Salon Division ANZ, to stage to introduce the theme of #THEWEEKENDER2024, “Time to Shine”. In her opening presentation, Rita Marcon urged all delegates to; “Ignite your passion for creativity, elevate your talents with knowledge and skills and transform how you show up tomorrow and onwards.”

The first keynote speaker was Sarah Grynberg, a mindset coach to professional athletes, senior executives and businesses, professional writer and creator and host of internationally acclaimed podcast ‘A Life of Greatness’ where she’s had the privilege of interviewing notable personalities such as Matthew McConaughey, Geena Davis, Esther Perel, Former Prime Minister John Howard, Jada Pinkett Smith, Deepak Chopra, and others. Explaining that we all have the tools to live a Life of Greatness already within us, Sarah shared her

powerful advice and provided instructions for all of us to cultivate a powerful mindset.

She spoke in depth about conscious awareness and how to change challenging thoughts with radical acceptance and being careful with words.

As an advocate of the power of forgiveness and kindness through her podcast she has learnt about the importance of listening without judgement, the power of breathwork, sleep, meditation, and healthy food.

The talented trio of Kerasilk ambassadors, Amanda Magistro (Salon Alm), Chris Hunter (Willomina) & Kirby Lago (Pelo by Lago), then took to the stage presenting 3 looks each from 3 models!

Amanda showed ‘hot girl’ hair at its hottest & maxed out accessories in her ‘half frenchy’ look. Chris very creatively used a scarf to divide the hair in one of his looks and took us from high elegance to tousled. Kirby showcased her signature lived- in style and the importance of healthy hair, making the simple stunning.

This was a show of sexy long hair, textured updo’s, accessories and the announcement of a new colour.

Rounding off the day was Adam Dyer for Oribe taking a set beyond next level, with his beautiful model absolutely showcasing classic editorial Oribe with extension tapes and sleek long hair.

The Gold Coast’s stunning new Surfers Pavilion provided the perfect location for THE WEEKENDER evening Celebration, where delegates connected socially and danced the night away, dressed on theme - “Time to Shine”. Dancing, delicious canapes and entertainment that got everyone moving was the name of the game, not to mention the spin pod photobooth that captured some memorable moments.

The following morning kicked off strong with keynote speaker Erika Cramer AKA “the Queen of Confidence”. Bursting onto the stage head-to-toe in pink sequins, Erika inspired all to be the author of their lives, using the 5 C’s of Confidence - Choice Courage Create Consider Continue

With her hairdressing experience, Erika was able to relate directly to salon life. Erika spoke about moving from being self-focused to service-focused, away from worrying about being “salesy” and lacking boundaries with clients, to listening and communicating effectively and as the expert, adding value to the client.

She presented with authenticity, self belief and trust and was a crowd favourite of the event!

KMS also welcomed Pip Edwards, CoFounder of P.E Nation, to stage to be interviewed by Ali Holmes of Wildlife SOGO. Pip spoke of the longstanding relationship between P.E Nation and KMS and announced KMS as the official hair partner for the P.E Nation 2024 Fashion Week show. She spoke about what inspires her creatively, seeing the everyday through her lens, and about her social media success, and how key authenticity and real time content have been to her success. Sje also shared what gave her the most traction on social media being travel and dressing up! Something we can all do to boost presence!

Ali Homes then welcomed Piet Pantano and their four models to stage to get technical with cutting techniques and tips, celebrating the return of 90’s styles with KMS. This seamless duo showed delegates some of the new KMS

products launching later in the year using upcycled ingredients and presenting greater sustainability than ever, at the KMS brand activation. The interactive brand activations area gave attendees the opportunity to preview new launches and connect with the brands (and each other over) the two days.

The final keynote speaker of #THEWEEKENDER2024 was Cooper Chapman, not just a name in the world of professional surfing, but founder of The Good Human Factory. His message was that mental health is not mental illness, and that we all need to take care of our mental health. He visually showed attendees with buckets of water that you need to utilize tools, healthy daily habits, to stop our buckets (brains) from overflowing!

“Knowledge is knowing, wisdom is doing” was the key takeaway and his 5 keys to success being Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness/Meditation and Kindness

International artistic talent rounded out the two days, presenting the creative climax of the weekend. Hailing from Austin Texas, Ethan King (also known as ‘The Curl King’), and Boston-based award-winning Colorist Kylie Bussing, presented their ‘IT girl’ collection; Kylie with her Tokyo Drift x Blue Denim and Ethan all about the curl.

A quick bite to eat, long goodbyes and last-minute connections with afternoon tea finished off an inspirational, educational and action packed two days, leaving delegates feeling it really is their “Time to Shine”.

Photography by Jarred Stedman, mocha group

@goldwellanz @kmshairanz @kerasilkanz @varis_Australia @oribe

with R&R

By Linda Woodhead

The O&M x Gwinganna Wellness Success Retreat 2024 was an absolutely transformative experience for myself and all attendees. From the moment I arrived at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Australian bushland and mountains, I knew I was in for something special.

As a media guest, I had the privilege of immersing myself in every aspect of the retreat, and it truly exceeded my expectations. The tranquil atmosphere of Gwinganna immediately set the tone for a deeply rejuvenating experience. The lush forests and picturesque vistas provided the perfect backdrop for our journey of self-discovery and wellness.

The itinerary, curated by O&M with their commitment to holistic wellness and clean beauty in mind, was diverse and engaging. I participated early morning Qi Gong as the sunrise came up over the mountains, gentle yin, and the more challenging yang classes, each one leaving me feeling refreshed and energized. From heart-pounding cardio salsa to reflective sound healing sessions, there was something for everyone, catering to a wide range of preferences and fitness levels.

One of the highlights for me was the digital detox experience. Disconnecting from the outside world and spending time by the pool, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, allowed me to truly unwind and recharge. It was a rare opportunity to be fully present in the moment, free from the distractions of technology.

The seminars were equally enriching, covering topics such as nutrition for a healthy brain, stress resilience, and nurturing emotional well-being. In addition to these, the insightful discussions led by O&M brand ambassadors added a unique dimension to the retreat. From “Elevating Your Brand” hosted by Jose and Global Head of Marketing, Skye Burkin joined also by Jaye Edwards Jaye, to “Building a Personal Brand” hosted by Jose with international guests Emily and Kim, and the engaging ‘Ask us Anything’ session featuring Jose, Jaye, Amelia, Kirsty-Anne, Sheridan, Kim, and Tamsin, each chat provided invaluable insights into professional and personal development.

The intimate setting of the retreat fostered meaningful connections among the 68 delegates, including salon owners, brand ambassadors, and fellow wellness enthusiasts. I had the opportunity to engage in deep conversations, share stories, and forge genuine connections with like-minded individuals.

Partaking in a few treatments at the magnificent award winning spa, boasting over 85 therapists was a highlight and let’s not forget the food! The meals prepared by the talented lifestyle chefs at Gwinganna were not only delicious but also nourishing and wholesome. From vibrant salads bursting with fresh, local produce to hearty soups and nourishing grain bowls, each dish was a celebration of healthy, nutrient-rich ingredients.

As someone who has attended countless industry events, I can attest to the refreshing and rejuvenating nature of the O&M X Gwinganna Wellness Success Retreat. It’s a testament to Jose’s vision and leadership that she has created a space where hairdressers can come together not only to learn and grow professionally but also to nurture their minds, bodies, and spirits. In doing so, she has set a new standard for conferences within the hair industry, one that places equal importance on self-care and personal development alongside technical skills and business acumen.

In summary, the O&M X Gwinganna Wellness Success Retreat 2024 was an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and renewal for me. From the transformative activities to the serene surroundings and nourishing connections, every aspect of the retreat left me feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace my full potential. It was an experience that I will cherish for years to come, and one that has enriched my life in countless ways.

Huge thank you goes to Jose Bryce Smith for facilitating the retreat and inviting me to be included. What an absolute blessing.

O&M MADE FOR YOU. MADE WITH LOVE

FROM LOCAL STARS TO GLOBAL ICONS

SAM JAMES &

MAT JOHNSON JOIN MATRIX’S ELITE TEAM

In a bold move towards fostering global creativity and innovation in the world of hair artistry, Matrix has proudly introduced Sam James and Mat

With their unrivalled expertise and passion for pushing boundaries, Sam and Mat are poised to revolutionise the industry on an international scale.

Sam James, a beacon of inspiration within the Matrix Australian Artist community for the past six years, now steps onto the global stage as a Matrix Global Artist. Her journey from local prominence to global influence promises to shape the future of fashion forecasting, education, and product development, igniting creativity wherever she goes.

Meanwhile, Mat Johnson’s appointment as a Matrix Global Artist represents the culmination of a distinguished 13year career as a Matrix Australian Artist and Global Mentee. His unparalleled dedication and vision make him a driving force in global education, photo shoots, and captivating hair shows, setting the stage for transformative change.

As Sam James and Mat Johnson assume their roles as Matrix Global Artists, they bring with them not only their exceptional skills but also a shared determination to elevate the craft of hair artistry to unprecedented heights. Their appointment signals a new chapter in the evolution of Matrix, one characterised by collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Editor Louise May chats with Sam James and Mat Johnson about their new global roles...

Congratulations on your new roles! Can you tell us about the role and what you are looking forward to?

Sam: Thanks Lou, it is super exciting and something I’ve been striving over a decade. I’m still pinching myself! The role is to continue to educate and inspire Hairdressers but now on a much more global level, working across the world. To create MATRIX campaigns for the world to see and use, educate our signature looks from here in Australia hopefully to many different countries, as well as forming part of the R&D team so being able to give feedback, suggest products, colours etc as well.

I guess the thing with Global, is being able to collaborate with so many other incredible artists and creative professionals. Learn their ways, share ours, and grow as an

artist on a whole new level.

Mat: This role entails photoshoots for global branding, marketing, education, social media, and advertising. Shooting digital education videos, live on-stage education, hosting global events. Fashion forecasting with the entire global team workshopping and sharing ideas to unify the brand. Testing new products and trialling new colours and styling products and giving feedback to the global scientists on what we think of the results and letting the marketing team know our thoughts.

What inspired you to pursue this opportunity?

Sam: After educating and judging one of the largest Live colour competitions in the world in India last year, I knew this was for me. The challenge of the language barriers and difference in products and trends was so exciting! I hope that by being part of the Global team, I will be able to help bridge the gap of education across many countries. I learnt so much there and hope to inspire other Matrix leaders globally on how to keep their industry motivated.

Mat: I have been part of the global mentee program for the last decade, and I have had the opportunity to work with Matrix globally for more than 10 years and am thrilled to finally have a spot on the global team.

You have been with Matrix for a very long time, can you tell us what you love about the brand and why?

Sam: Every time I represent Matrix, I just get to be me and have fun!! Our brand is all about being authentic, genuine, and honestly - not boring. I think when it’s the right fit you just feel like you should have been there all along which is how I’ve felt from the get-go. It is also the truest, uncomplicated colour brand I’ve ever worked with, and all of my team love it as much as me.

Mat: I’ve been part of the Matrix design team in Australia for the last 13 years. I am extremely proud to be part of Matrix Australia as it’s the brand that unifies the industry that has something for every hairdresser and every person. Matrix is a brand constantly evolving with new technology, specifically engineering products for every single hair type and colours that are evolving with every season like fashion.

How do you envision leveraging your creativity and expertise in photo shoots and hair shows to make an impact as a Matrix Global Artist?

Sam: WELL.... I’m glad I’ve put the time in across these areas over the years, lol as I’m heading to NYC soon to create a new global Matrix Campaign. My years of creating collections, I feel and hope, has all been in preparation for these next years.

Mat: I envisage leveraging my creativity by working with the global team in New York and bringing back all that knowledge to Australia. As on the global team we have members from northern Europe, southern Europe, the UK, the Americas and now Australia, we have so many different skill sets, and I am able to see what techniques and on trend looks are happening all over the world. As Europe is generally six months ahead of Australia, I have the privilege and the opportunity to bring those to Australia ahead of time.

Could you share any insights into upcoming trends?

Sam: My predictions are that the Mod Bob is just the start of short and stylish hair, and I think it’ll get shorter. I think long hair we’re starting to see more undone, bigger hair but I think that’s going bigger and wilder in style. In short, we’ve had undone hair for a long time, but I think we’re going to start triple moussing again, lol.

Colour - I feel like similarly it’s been undone, easy maintenance for a while especially with the huge current Bronde trends (which I love!) but I think there’s going to be a huge cry of ‘make me actually Blonde again!’ and I’m about it!

Can you tell us about your India tour coming up and what you are looking forward to?

Sam: So last time was one city, this time it looks like 4 Cities. So, a nice little Tour eeekkkk doing Live shows educating the masses. I am super excited to get my hands back on some luscious Indian hair and do some serious colour transformations! The people are so welcoming and are just sponges so you’re teaching soooo much, it really made my cup sooo full last time, so lots more of that, I hope.

Mat: I’ve had the great privilege of representing MATRIX across Australia, Asia, Europe, and of course the USA. And I’m extremely excited to go to India to work on stage, educate and immerse myself in the Indian culture. Working with different nationalities and different hair types constantly motivates me to expand my technical knowledge to push the boundaries. With countries that have predominantly thick, dark, strong hair, they are always looking for new creative things to push the boundaries within their market. This motivates me to come up with extremely creative techniques and ideas to help inspire that part of the world.

What is your fave product and why?

Sam: Ok so the most amazing products I still can’t get over is THE FOOD FOR SOFT

range. For Thick, coarse, curly, damaged hair or extensions it’s my go to. Shampoo, conditioner and an oil - feels like glass after because of the avocado oil and Hyaluronic acid.

Most used and loved Bond Insider as we’re a heavy Blonde and transformation Salon. I never get bored of realising after a new blonde client has been with us around a year, how their quality of hair is dramatically different. They think they need to go dark, but we know they just need the right Lightner that cares for their hair.

Mat: My favourite product by far would be Light Master with bonder inside. This has been an absolute game changer for the industry and as a lightening professional tool. The quality of the lift and the quality of the hair post lightning is definitely a premium service that we use every day in the salon.

What excites you most about this opportunity?

Sam: I guess the most exciting part about this role is that I have an opportunity to reach and build the confidence of many stylists around the world. Only then, can they really start to create beautiful hairwhen they believe they can, and they’re excited and passionate about what they’re doing, they will strive for success, and this is how we will keep people in our industry. Mat: Play excites me the most is the ability to be back working globally and working with the global team. Being in a room with like-minded individuals and having so many skills in one room is so beneficial to my career learning new techniques, new methods and what’s happening in fashion and hair all over the world. After the world shut down in 2020, the global team was put on hold, so now that the opportunity has arisen for me now to be part of the Matrix Global team, I am super excited for this to take place.

Finally, what advice do you have for fellow hairstylists and aspiring artists who may look up to you as they navigate their own careers?

Sam: KEEP GOING! In the beginning it feels like a lot of knockbacks or close seconds but know that you learn from those and come back better and stronger for it. This was so out of reach in the beginning of my goals, but by going as hard as I did every year with shoots, comps, and education, it started to get closer. Focus on how far you’ve come each year, not just on where you’re going. DO YOU, DO IT WELL!

Mat: My number one piece of advice is to always say yes when opportunity knocks! I have many young stylists asking me about how to get to this position and what I say is to always say yes to any opportunity. Be easy to work with, be early, help out with every event, go over and above with your effort and never give up. I had been hairdressing 21 years before I made the Matrix Global Team.

@matrix @samij_hair @mat_johnson_

Mastering Blonde to Copper and back to Blonde!

By Kristina Russell

You don’t get second chances when it comes to hair-painting redheads. Clients don’t give you a second chance. If you f**k up a client’s red or copper they don’t come back. They don’t refer their friends to you.

Redheads rebook every 6 weeks for colour retouches as opposed to Balayage clients every 6 months. What is the cost to your salon business if you don’t know how to confidently offer hair painting for redheads? It only takes one unhappy redhead to ruin your reputation.

In the world of hairdressing, our clients expect us to stay ahead of the game, creating the hottest trends with precision and expertise. One trend that’s been catching fire lately is the journey from blonde to copper and back again. In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of this transformation, offering practical insights, techniques, and formulation ideas to equip you for success in the salon.

As a Hair Colour Specialist, I am THE destination that Redheads or anyone wanting to try a shade of red will travel to

see for their next hair colour journey. My areas of expertise are Hair Painting for Redheads and Colour Transformations/ Corrections, which are often for Redheads, including Blonde to Copper and removing box dye to reveal Red.

I teach hairdressers all over the globe, work in the salon a few days a week, host a podcast, and teach in-salon workshops, all while juggling life being a cat mum and loving partner to my fiancé, Jaz.

And now, it’s my mission to help inspire, motivate, and equip other Hairdressers to do the same....

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, mastering this colour journey is essential for meeting your client’s demands and exceeding their expectations.

Transitioning from Blonde to Copper

Client Option #1: Full Head Bleach Blonde or Full Head Light Tint to Copper: Imagine your client, a platinum blonde or light tint enthusiast, eager to embrace the warmth and richness of copper. To achieve this transformation, start by assessing the current blonde shade and determining the desired copper level. For example, transitioning from a Level 10 platinum blonde to a Level 7 copper requires careful formulation to prime the hair for a naturallooking copper colour, that’s shiny and beautiful. You’ll need to utilise a gold or gold-orange filler to prepare the hair for the copper hue, followed by a precise application of semi or demi-permanent colour to achieve the desired depth and vibrancy.

Client Option #2: Balayage to Copper Transformations:

Transitioning from balayage to copper presents a unique set of challenges due to the varied colour tones and textures. Start by assessing the lightness levels and offering maintenance options tailored to your client’s needs. Whether opting for a seamless balayage-inspired look or incorporating tinted highlights and lowlights, customisation is key. Detailed consultations and strategic application techniques, such as zone toning and foil highlighting, ensure a harmonious transition and long-lasting results. Wherever the hair is darker than a Level 7 Copper you’ll need to lighten it, and in the zones the hair is lighter than a 7 you’ll need to deposit colour on with a demi.

Client Option #3: Grown Out Babylights with Mostly Natural Hair:

Clients with grown-out baby lights require a delicate approach to achieve a naturallooking copper hue. Treat the hair as virgin, focusing on toning the lightened tips while preserving hair health. Consider dry cutting techniques to remove any damaged ends before colour application. Strategically paint over babylights with the midlengths and ends formula to achieve a seamless blend. Emphasise the importance of gradual colour transformation and realistic expectations during consultations.

Transitioning Back from Copper to Blonde

Client Option #1: Full Head Bleach Blonde or Full Head Light Tint to Copper:

Returning a client with a full head of copper to their original blonde shade requires a strategic approach. Begin by assessing the current copper hue and identifying any underlying warmth or depth. For clients with a Level 7 copper, transitioning back to blonde may involve a colour-removal process to eliminate excess pigment. Utilise a peroxide-free colour stripper or remover to gently lift the copper pigment without compromising hair health. Once the copper has been lifted, proceed with a customised bleach application to achieve the desired blonde level while minimising damage and

preserving hair integrity. My favourite option for colour removal is De Lorenzo Nova Illiminator. With all colour corrections, you need to do test strands before any product is applied.

Client Option #2: Balayage to Copper Transformations:

For clients transitioning from balayage to copper and seeking a return to their blonde roots, careful colour correction is essential. Assess the depth and distribution of the copper hue, focusing on areas where the colour is most concentrated. Depending on the client’s desired outcome, consider a combination of colour removal techniques and targeted bleach applications to lift the copper pigment and reveal underlying blonde tones. Incorporate bonding agents such as Olaplex or K18 to protect hair integrity and minimise damage during the colour correction process. I love utilising Basin Balayage on wet hair for this type of transformation, and I teach these techniques step-by-step in my online course

Hair Painting for Redheads.

Now is the time to transform your relationship with formulations and 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.

Client Option #3: Grown Out Babylights with Mostly Natural Hair:

Clients with grown-out babylights who wish to return to their original blonde shade require a delicate balancing act of colour correction and preservation. Begin by assessing the extent of the copper hue and identifying any areas of overlapping colour. For clients with minimal copper pigment, a targeted bleach application may be sufficient to lift the colour and reveal underlying blonde tones. However, for those with significant copper saturation, a combination of colour removal and gentle lightening techniques may be necessary to achieve the desired result while minimising damage and preserving hair health. Always test strand every process before applying the products. I love to utilise base breakers or lightening toners if your clients’ ends are warmer than the roots for this first transition appointment, as taught in my online course Hair Painting for Redheads.

Transitioning clients from blonde to copper and back again is a journey of creativity, skill, and technical expertise. By understanding the principles of formulation, technique, and client communication, hairdressers can achieve stunning transformations that exceed expectations.

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.

Infinite Words of Wisdom.

By Kristie Kesic

Being a hairdresser in 2024 is probably the most demanding it’s ever been and seems to be that you need be all the things all at once.

You need to a hairdresser, a receptionist a psychologist, a scientist, an influencer, a mind reader and a magician. You need to be seen to remain relevant yet social media can cancel you at any moment.

As a boss you need to be firm but chill and if you go too far either way you are a bully or a push over. You need to be comfortable with silence in order to make some clients feel welcomed yet you have to talk to others when all you may want to do it work in silence. You work so hard to build up your column or your business yet live in fear of that one negative online review. You want work life balance yet need to be available 24/7 because its rude to leave a DM left of seen. It’s all of this when at the end of the day you just want to do hair. I’m here to tell you it’s ok to stop, to breath, to not be all the things at once and to give you some infinite words of wisdom.

Just remember;

• It’s ok to not want to be an influencer.

• The number of followers you have doesn’t define how good you are as a hairdresser.

• Even the most confident hairdressers have self-doubt moments.

• Even the most extroverted hairdressers need to take a break and take some time away from socials and the spotlight.

• You’ve got to mess up to learn and you need to make mistakes and take risks to grow.

• Redo’s don’t make you a bad hairdresser. You are never going to please everyone single client of your career. Sometimes you will give them exactly what they want and make them look incredible but they still won’t be happy. That says more about them than you.

• Jealousy is an ugly trait. Rather than being jealous why don’t you look at it as motivation and think to yourself if they can have that than so can I.

• You can help hairdressers without the fear of losing your clientele. You can give other hairdressers your exact sectioning patterns and show them exactly what you do but they still won’t be you and remember your clients come to you because you are you.

• Invest in yourself it’s the best ROI you’ll ever get.

• The only person you should be in competition with is yourself.

• It’s ok to lose and be extremely happy for the winner and really disappointed for yourself at the same time, just the same as it ok to win and be over the top excited and remain humble.

• Someone telling you, you are doing something wrong, with the intent of making you better is a mentor and someone that cares not a bully.

• You are a creative you are not meant to fit into a box

• There is a salon for everyone. Just because you don’t fit into one salon doesn’t mean you don’t fit in our industry; it just means you haven’t found your right fit yet.

• Success never happens overnight and it’s never easy. Ask any successful human, they all have stories of failure before success.

• If anyone says it’s easy, they are lying and only trying to convince themselves.

• Every successful hairdresser started by sweeping floors.

• Don’t be in a rush to get to the top. Enjoy the journey and all its twist turns along the way.

• You are never too successful to learn new things or shampoo someone’s hair.

• The most successful salons are the salons where all the staff shine

• Do every task with intent. Whether it’s a massive transformation or sweeping the floors

• Your last client of the day deserves the exact same service as your first

• Clients are investing in you each and every appointment make sure their ROI is well worth it.

• Don’t judge you or your business by someone else’s business. Every business is different and ever successful business is different, but some of the things they do have in common are a great leader and the drive to succeed.

• Respect and applaud success

• It cost nothing to be kind

• It’s ok to break up with a client if they aren’t treating you right. Respect goes both ways, just as a client wouldn’t accept you treating them badly you don’t have to accept them treating you badly.

• Do what ignites your passion and lights up your soul rather than doing the things

other ppl think you should do.

• When you’re learning say yes to everything as long as it ignites your passion. It will open your eyes and open doors you may never have known existed.

• Change is inevitable, change with it or get left behind.

• Under promise over deliver

Reality is being able to do good hair isn’t good enough anymore but don’t look at that as a bad thing. As hairdressers we are no longer limited to change our clients hair with our hands while in our chair, we have so much more reach through social media and conversation and somethings the most impact we can have on someone is by literally not saying anything to them at all. It’s just as important to our clients the way in which we make them feel as much as it is about how we make them look.

There are so many roles a hairdresser can play but this doesn’t mean you have to play them all at once. If you get overwhelmed it’s ok to stop and be kind to yourself. Take a moment to remember why you got into doing hair in the first place, and in most cases I hope it was because you wanted to make a difference and make people feel amazing about themselves and to me that sounds like the best job in the world. So, whatever making a difference and making someone feel amazing about themselves may look like to you now, focus on that, get back to that and stay focused on what makes you happy.

Kristie Kesic Cobelle Creative @kristiekesic_colourist @cobellecreative

Salon Winter Tips with Rose Cain.

Rose Cain is a Revlon Professional stylist and salon owner. She is the owner and founder of Tangled Hair and Beauty in Orange which has been operating for over a decade.

Rose shares her salon winter tips with us.

Treatments to offer during winter.

Any type of hydrating mask to help feed the hair is beneficial as the change in climates leads to dryness. My favourite treatments that I will often use for my clients are the Revlon Professional RE/START Hydration Mask or the Eksperience Hydro Nutritive Mask, whilst applying it under a steamer.

To maximise results, add a hot towel or steamer, this is not only enjoyable for the client, but it helps the treatment penetrate further into the cuticle.

Predicted colour trends for the new season.

For the change in season, I predict we will be staying in line with the warmer side of colours. We have just been through the cowboy coppers so I think we will begin to see richer colours, full saturation and high gloss, colours similar to an auburn red.

For the blondes, I believe they will be staying warm with really soft golden tones.

What products/tips you should be sharing with your clients for winter haircare

Any product that will hydrate the hair is essential as our increased exposure to the harsh elements and heating sucks the moisture out of the hair leading to dehydration and drier strands.

I advise all my clients to commit to home treatments weekly, a nourishing hair mask is a perfect addition to their winter haircare routine.

Another great way to change up your haircare routine in the winter is switching to leave-in conditioners and/or oils, these will help to bring back some of the lost moisture from winter’s dry conditions.

Tips to share with clients for prolonging colour.

Invest in a good quality colour shampoo and conditioner. My recommendation is the Revlon Professional RE/START Colour Protective Micellar Shampoo and Conditioner

Less is best! Wash your hair once or twice a week, the more frequently you wash it the more you will fade the colour. Plus, you will be stripping the hair of its natural hair oils which are vital for hair health, particularly during the winter.

If your colour is quickly fading, I will always recommend Revlon Professional’s Nutri Colour Filters. It is a semi-permanent hair dye that is perfect for in-between treatments, acting as a solution to faded colour or pesky re-growth. Plus, it isn’t like normal hair dye in that it is a treatment that is super nourishing and hydrating for the hair.

Other trends/concerns that occur during the winter.

During the change of seasons and with an increased use of heating, our scalps suffer greatly, becoming prone to flakiness and irritation. In the winter I ensure all my clients are keeping an eye on their scalp and nourishing it with a dedicated scalp care product. One of the ranges I always recommend is the Eksperience Scalp Comfort Range, if they do start to notice a dry scalp then using the RE/START Balance AntiDandruff Micellar Shampoo is a great solution and is very gentle on colour too.

@tangled_hair_and_beauty_salon @revlonprofessionalaustralia

Born Pretty’s Commitment to Apprentice Development.

By Anthony Gray, MIG Training

With boutique salons in the Brisbane suburbs of Hendra and Heritage Park Born Pretty Hair have a strong belief in shaping careers. The salons are a haven for budding hairdressers, a place where passion meets opportunity. Chrissy Dennis and the Born Pretty team are committed to investing in, nurturing, and growing apprentices, like the talented Lilli Klane, who embody the future of our industry.

Born Pretty walks the walk. It is more than just creating stunning hairstyles; the brand believes in fostering holistic beauty experiences. That’s why they offer apprentices the opportunity to learn not only the technical aspects of hairdressing but also the importance of nurturing client relationships and promoting overall wellbeing.

MIG have been working with Born Pretty since 2020 and from the moment an apprentice walks through the doors at Born Pretty, they are embraced and immersed in a culture of learning and growth. The team provide apprenticeship opportunities that kickstart their journey into the world of hairdressing, offering hands-on experience and expert guidance every step of the way.

As a second-year apprentice Lilli Klane is right in the thick of the apprenticeship journey, juggling work study and life in general. Lilli was generous enough to sit down with us and share her apprenticeship story:

Lilli, what attracted you or inspired you to consider hairdressing?

“I’ve always been a girly girl, finding joy in playing and experimenting with hair. The allure of the beauty industry captivated me, and hairdressing emerged as my true passion.”

How did the opportunity arise or how did you get your first opportunity?

“My journey began when a work education transition officer recognized my potential and connected me with Born Pretty Hair salon. This led to my first apprenticeship opportunity, which set the stage for my career.”

Tell us about your apprenticeship journey?

“Starting as a tea and tidy assistant, I embarked on a part-time apprenticeship while still in school. By the time I was in year 10, I transitioned to a full-time apprentice at Born Pretty, where I’ve been honing my skills ever since.”

What are the biggest challenges of your apprenticeship?

“The emotional weight of clients confiding in me has been a significant challenge. As an empath, I deeply feel their emotions, but I’m grateful for their trust and strive to provide support whenever they need it.”

How has your career unfolded and what experiences have you had?

“My career has been incredibly fulfilling, with each day bringing new creative challenges and opportunities to express myself. I’ve learned and grown immensely, constantly pushing the boundaries of my craft.”

Who are the mentors/friendships/ connections that have shaped your career to date?

“I owe a great deal of gratitude to Crissy, my boss, and Tiffany, my trainer, for their unwavering support and guidance. The entire Born Pretty team has also been instrumental in shaping my career, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.”

What is one of the challenges you have had to face?

“Physical fatigue from long hours and standing all day has been a challenge, especially considering my age. However, my passion for hairdressing keeps me motivated and driven to succeed.”

What has kept the flame alive and kept it fun?

“The daily variety and uniqueness of each client’s hair keep my job exciting and enjoyable. I also cherish the camaraderie with my co-workers, who make every day a joyous experience.”

What do you love most about hair?

“Styling curls, particularly after a transformative makeover, is one of my favourite services. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the result and the confidence it brings to my clients.”

“I also love the freedom to be myself around my co-workers, sharing laughter and creating a supportive work environment.”

What are your hopes and aspirations for the future?

“In the future, I aspire to manage a Born Pretty salon and eventually launch my own mobile beauty business, offering services across Australia. Qualifying in brows, tanning, and makeup is also on my radar, but for now, I’m fully focused on my career in hairdressing.”

As an RTO working with many salons, insalon mentorship and support is key to a successful and happy apprentice. Lilli found guidance and inspiration in mentors like Crissy, her boss, and Tiffany, her dedicated trainer.

Lilli’s hair journey has only just begun but it is with a sense of fun, excitement and looking forward to building a career in Hairdressing. Lilli’s story is testament to the environment, support and commitment that she has received from Born Pretty and her journey exemplifies the success born out of this commitment, showcasing how apprentices can thrive. As Born Pretty look to the future, their commitment to apprentice development remains steadfast. They envision their salon filled with passionate, skilled professionals, each one a testament to our investment in their success.

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We develop and manufacture all our products at our headquarters in Silverwater, NSW. Each product is designed to suit Australia’s unique climate and conditions.

Our 100% vegan certified Nova360º range offers a complete professional colouring system, allowing you to achieve the full spectrum of colouring from the cleanest of blondes to rich dark hues and every fashion shade in-between.

De Lorenzo provides a world of high performance natural hair colour and supporting haircare products in one complete series.

Infused with Australian native plant extracts, protein complexes and Novabond technology, the results will ensure truer, richer, longer-lasting colour, complete white coverage and unmatched shine and condition.

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DISCOVER THE FREE FESTIVAL HUB AT

Hair Festival 2024 will pack an immense amount of education, networking and innovations into two mammoth days over June 30 and July 1 at Sydney’s ICC, and the revolutionised Festival Hub anchors the event.

Described as the “heart and soul” of Hair Festival 2024, the exhibition space showcases a myriad of dynamic brands over two days, from major industry players to emerging companies, across hair tools and products, technology, philanthropy, salon furniture, education, business, men’s hair and so much more.

The festival floor will showcase live cutting and colouring demonstrations at the stands, offer business advice, showcase must-have innovations and network and recharge throughout the frenetic events. This will be made possible at each dedicated area – The Hub, presented by INSTYLE and Styleicons, which offers coffee, snacks and a place to meet and network, The Barber Hub, which will focus on the best in Barber Education and more as a plethora of diverse educators demonstrate live through the event, and the Business Hub, where you can chat to companies for help and insights on of payroll, insurance, accounting, leasing, marketing, branding and other business essentials.

New to Hair Festival, 2024 will usher in The STAGE, which will showcase bite size education, live demonstrations, model displays, and the feature Hair Festival Competitions sponsored by O&M. New for 2024 is prize money for the competitions so enter now! The STAGE provides the ideal place to relax and learn amidst the shopping through the rest of the Festival Hub.

Importantly, registering for access to the Festival Hub, which includes all these stands, retail opportunities and education experiences, is completely FREE. Registration further includes an attendee bag with some exciting supplier offerings.

What are you waiting for? Register now to our biggest national weekend in hair.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au/shop

A Reflection on Three Decades of Hairdressing!

By Justin Pace

As I sit down to ponder the vibrant world of hairdressing and the evolution of my career the past three decades, it’s akin to embarking on a journey through time, witnessing the profound changes that have shaped our industry.

Throughout my 30 industry years, I’ve remained steadfast in my belief the fundamentals of hairdressing are the bedrock upon which true mastery is built. The above said . . . when contemplating decades of industry change, some happenings immediately come to mind, matters that prompt reflection:

• the impact of social media;

• the transformation of salon dynamics;

• the evolution of education;

• the introduction of advanced software and tools;

• technological advancements in colour and products.

Embracing tradition amidst modern evolution... has it ever been more important?

Social Media: A Catalyst for Change

The emergence of social media platforms has undoubtedly revolutionised the way we engage with our craft. At a certain juncture, the world suddenly became a stage, and hairdressers found themselves thrust into the spotlight (both seasoned professionals and budding talent.) In ways previously unimaginable, social media platforms provided an unparalleled opportunity to connect with / showcase our creative work with a global audience – and as it all seemed so professionally and personally rewarding – we couldn’t help but jump in.

However – as with any tool – social media has presented its own set of challenges. The pressure to constantly churn out visually stunning content can be overwhelming, leading many to prioritise aesthetics over technique. In the pursuit of likes and follows, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the timeless fundamentals that form the backbone of our profession, yet as a traditionalist, I firmly believe it’s the mastery of these rudiments that truly sets us apart in an increasingly saturated digital landscape.

Salon Environment: A Shifting Paradigm

In tandem with the rise of social media, the dynamics within salons have undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of rigid full-time employment structures, replaced instead by the flexible rent-a-chair / freelance model. Whilst both systems have their merits, each presents its own unique trials and opportunities.

The traditional full-time employment structure offers stability and security for both salon owners and stylists alike. With a steady stream of clients and an organised support system in place, stylists can focus on perfecting their craft without the

added stress of managing overhead costs. However, this model can also be inherently limiting, stifling creativity and autonomy in favour of conformity.

Conversely, the rent-a-chair / freelance model affords stylists greater flexibility and independence, allowing them to manage their own schedules and client base. This autonomy can be liberating, empowering stylists to carve out their own niche within the industry. Concurrently, it can also be isolating, with less camaraderie and support amongst colleagues compared to traditional salon environments.

Education: From Global Travels to Virtual Learning

In the early years of my career, seeking out education often meant embarking on whirlwind journeys across the globe to attend workshops and seminars hosted by iconic industry names like Vidal Sassoon. These immersive experiences provided invaluable hands-on training and exposure to cutting-edge techniques, shaping the way I approached my craft.

Today, the landscape of education has undergone a seismic shift, with the rise of online learning platforms and virtual workshops. Whilst these platforms offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility, they can never fully replicate the immersive experience of in-person training.

As a traditionalist, I cherish the memories of formative experiences abroad, yet simultaneously recognise the value of embracing new modes of teaching and learning in an ever-evolving industry.

Software Programs and Advanced Hot Tools: Streamlining the Creative Process

The introduction of software programs and advanced hot tools have revolutionised the way we work, streamlining our workflow and enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional results.

From sophisticated scheduling software to state-of-the-art styling tools, these advancements have empowered us to push the boundaries of our creativity like never before.

Technology Advancements in Colour and Products: Redefining Possibilities

The technological advancements in colour and haircare products have unleashed a world of possibilities for stylists and clients alike. From innovative formulations to customisable colour solutions, today’s products offer unparalleled versatility and performance.

Whether it’s achieving the perfect balayage or maintaining vibrant, long-lasting colour, these advancements have transformed the way we approach haircare and styling.

Summarily, the last 30 years of my hairdressing career have been a testament to the enduring power of tradition amidst a rapidly evolving landscape. Whilst the tools and techniques may have changed, my commitment to mastering the fundamentals remains unwavering.

As I continue to navigate the ever-shifting currents of our industry, I take solace in the knowledge the timeless principles of our craft will continue to guide not just me but others in our industry.

@pacejustin

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By Danny Pato

Beyond Beauty BLOG SPOT.

In today’s world, the idea of a purposedriven business is not just a trend but a massive shift that is reshaping industries, including hairdressing. This movement toward sustainability and ethical practices is proving to be more than just a moral choice; it’s becoming a strategic and economic one. For salon owners and hairdressers, adapting to this shift isn’t just about being trendy—it’s about being on the right side of history.

Companies like Davines have long championed the cause of sustainability. Their commitment to using natural ingredients, promoting biodiversity, and reducing environmental impact has set a standard many now aspire to. Today, Davines is taking a bold step forward with their focus on organic regenerative agriculture, a method that not only avoids the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers but also helps in reversing climate change by restoring soil health and capturing carbon dioxide.

This sort of approach is inspiring for salons everywhere. By partnering with companies that prioritise having this strong sense of purpose, salon owners can make a positive impact to the planet while also appealing to ethically conscious customers.

Sustainable Salons ANZ is another great example, focusing on the practical side of ethical business practices in the hairdressing industry. By recycling and repurposing 95% of salon waste, they tackle one of the industry’s most pressing issues—waste management.

Products like hair clippings, foils, and chemical waste, traditionally put in the bin or down the drain, are now being transformed into new materials and products. This circular model not only reduces waste but also turns what would be an environmental problem into something good.

While the eco benefits are clear, the business advantages are equally compelling. Salons that embrace purpose-driven practices have high levels of customer loyalty and satisfaction. Clients today are more informed and conscious about where they spend their money. They find businesses that reflect their values, and sustainability is increasingly amongst these values.

Working towards sustainability helps salons attract and retain talent. Stylists are not just looking for jobs; they are looking to make a difference. A salon that is committed to ethical practices offers them this opportunity, making it an attractive place to work.

This movement towards ethics and sustainability is now gaining attention of the larger corporate companies. Seeing the success of the pioneers, these companies are realising the importance of sustainability, not only from a marketing standpoint but as an integral part of their business model.

This shift is a testament to the power of the people. As more companies start doing the right thing, the industry standard shifts, making sustainability a baseline, rather than an exception.

Being purpose-driven in our industry brings multiple benefits — environmental, economic, and personal. For salon owners, it’s a chance to contribute positively to the community and the planet, while also building a strong, loyal client base. For stylists, it offers a meaningful career that aligns with their values.

Focusing on purpose is good for everyone involved—from the team to the clients, to the wider community. I think having a strong sense of purpose is the key to happiness and success. It’s not just about doing something well; it’s about doing something good. With every haircut, salons can make a statement and a difference, proving that beauty is not only skin deep but can also contribute to healing people and planet.

@dannypatohair

The Art of Consultation Part 2

By Nathan Yip

In the last issue, I spoke about my issues with hair consultations, mostly that we are being taught scripts on what to say and what to ask, not how to actively and deeply listen and how to extract the information needed to execute a desirable result.

Over the next two articles, I’m going to cover my biggest tips and discoveries I have learnt over the years and share with you some simple actionable tools and techniques.

This Issue is all about communication!

Communication is made up of 3 aspects55% Non-Verbal, 38% vocal, and only 7% is words.

This proves that scripts are bollox! 7% is the words you’re using; the rest is how you use them and what your bodies are doing!!!! Let’s get into it!

Body Language is 55% of communication, although most consultations are relying solely on words. Next time you are talking to a human, pay attention to what your client does with their hands, how they touch and play with their hair, this will tell you more about how they style and care for their hair more than 1000 words. Watch how they sit in the chair and talk to you, if it’s through the mirror continue to talk to them through the mirror, if they turn and want to talk to you face to face sit with them and focus your right eye on their right eye (wait until you see the results).

When they are explaining a fringe, face framing or curtain bangs pay close attention to what they do with their hands, they will show you desired length and how they want it to sit with their hands or hand movements, if its softness around the face it will look like long flappy movements, if curtain bangs they will sweep their hands at the length they want to fall on their face. Both movements just explained way more to me about what they want than any words.

Context -Too many of us focus on the words a client uses when telling us about their hair and desired result and miss the overall context of what a client wants/ needs. Remember – Better questions = Better Answers = Better Results.

Consider zooming out from the requests you get: “1-inch trim, ashy blonde balayage or your advice on a short fringe. Rather than going straight into Yes or No because of your face shape etc. Zoom out to 15000ft (Helicopter View) and ask yourself why have

they come in asking for this today? WHY the sudden urge for transformation? Get really curious as to WHAT is going on for them? Many times I have had long term clients come in and ask to totally F%#K with what we have been working towards (it’s most often fringes). Rather than focus on the fringe I delve deeper and ask why the sudden desire for dramatic change, have they seen an image they like? Time for a change? I have found overwhelming when I get curious and dig deeper, I find the cause and it rushes out of them, often it goes “I turn 40 in a few months, the kids are draining me, I haven’t slept for months, and I have suitcases under my eyes I feel so dark and drawn. Then I ask why a fringe or why they like that certain picture, often it’s because the subject looks happy and youthful.

The technique is a fringe, but the context is youth! I have then recommended some bright baby lights around their face instead to counteract their dark eyes, give them a less committal transformation and they leave feeling fresh and youthful. I gave them the contextual change they wanted of youth and feeling fresh but a visual change they didn’t even know was an option. I have also added an extra service to my bill and made them feel deeply SEEN and HEARD in the process.

Language is integral to good human CONNECTION not just communication. Consider this, how often have you had someone say to you “Oh I’m sorry, I just don’t know how to speak to hairdressers or what to say to you”. They are saying that in the past they have tried to express themselves and they haven’t been heard, understood or have been repeatedly

corrected on their words. This also means they have never got what they are trying to articulate and gas light themselves into thinking it’s their fault.

Guess what, its 100% our job to interpret what our client is trying to say not them try to work out how to explain it best to you. Too often have I heard a client say she wants a few “Swooshy” bits across her forehead and hear the stylist correct them and say, “So like a soft fringe?” No, she wants some “Swooshy bits” I guarantee if you start repeating the words clients use back to them you will INSTANTLY start building TRUST and reduce their fear that they are going to end up with an Anna Wintour Fringe. Let your client guide the conversation and adapt to their language.

There are words like mullet, perm and fringe that can create a negative reaction and for many “layers” has become one of them. I think most people have had at least one bad experience with a wedgy layer before and people often say they want their hair to move but have NO Layers. In this situation, I override their request and ask them however if they would like some softness and or movement. It’s your professional decision to decide whether they need the TECHNIQUE of layering not the word. I use feeling words, words they will understand not technical jargon.

Next episode I will address my tips on unpacking photos and images, use of technology, explain facial features vs face shapes and how to confidently recommend shapes and styles.

As always if you have questions or want to say hi, get me at @prettyvac_nt

Nathan x

BLOG SPOT. BLOG SPOT.

Meet our latest hair product - Soilz Alive

By Paul Frasca

At Sustainable Salons, we’ve just introduced a hairy new product to our range of closed-loop products. Soilz Alive is a world-first, all-natural, Australianmade soil treatment product powered by—you guessed it—hair!

Created in partnership with compost guru and fellow hair lover Jackie Yong, Soilz Alive is a truly one-of-a-kind product backed by research. Soilz Alive revitalises plants and helps with water retention, repels pests naturally, and balances microbes.

An underrated super ingredient

So, why hair, you ask? As a natural, organic product, hair has more potential than you can shake a ponytail at. In Soilz Alive, hair adds a healthy dose of microbial life and releases nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, sulphur, and hydrogen into the soil. Hair is naturally made of keratin, which is incredibly high in protein. More protein and trace minerals mean more happy plants.

Oh, and another great thing about Soilz Alive? It doesn’t smell. Goodbye smelly fertilisers, hello Soilz Alive!

The circular economy in action

Here at Sustainable Salons, we have a vision for the future. It’s one where salon materials are given new life over and over again. This is the circular economy in action, and at Sustainable Salons we’re driving systemic change by pushing the boundaries of product innovation.

Where others see hair clippings, we see potential.

Hair can be used in so many highly innovative ways and shouldn’t be seen as waste! Sustainable Salons is constantly researching new and exciting ways to use hair. Soilz Alive is just one of the ways hair gets a second life once it leaves your client’s head. We also use hair clippings in hair booms to soak up oil in the event of an oil spill. It’s also being used to research sustainable technology. In a few years, you might even have human hair in your smartphone!

Good for the planet, great for your bottom line

At Sustainable Salons, we don’t just want to create fabulous products; we also want to ensure that hair salons benefit from them. That’s why our closed-loop products are available to purchase and on-sell in your salons.

The closed-loop products created by Sustainable Salons offer a glimpse into the circular economy in action, and clients love to see these products on your salon shelves. They show your clients exactly how waste material from your salon is given new life and contributes to a vision where nothing is wasted.

Our goal with closed-loop products at Sustainable Salons is twofold -

1. Create beautiful, innovative products that show that together, we can eliminate waste from salons completely.

2. Offer products for Sustainable Salons members to on-sell that tell a story of sustainability, are practical and convenient, and eliminate waste!

Soilz Alive is available in 2L packets to nourish your salon’s plant friends, 150mL sachets for helping single plants, and our brand-new Retail Unit. The Retail Unit

contains six 150mL sachets and, with an attractive profit margin, is the perfect way to sell Soilz Alive to your clients.

To learn more about how Sustainable Salons is changing how hair is viewed, check out our other hairy products, including hair booms and hairy tech.

Sustainable Salons members can purchase Soilz Alive now through the Sustainable Salons store.

@sustainablesalonsanz

Prioritising Self-Care in the Salon

By Brodie Tsiknaris

In today’s world of leadership in the salon industry, it’s all too common to find ourselves running on empty, giving our all to our teams and clients while neglecting our own well-being. Juggling multiple roles - from HR manager to hairdresser, from counsellor to financial controller - can take its toll, leaving us feeling depleted and burnt out.

But what happens when we reach that point of exhaustion? When we’ve depleted our reserves and have nothing left to give? The truth is, operating from a place of burnout not only jeopardises our own health and happiness but also impacts the success of our business. When we’re overwhelmed and drained, we miss out on crucial opportunities to nurture our team, celebrate victories, and focus on the big picture.

So, how do we navigate the challenges of managing a salon while prioritising our own well-being? It starts with recognising the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to pull ourselves out of the trenches.

First and foremost, it’s essential to make selfcare a priority. This means setting boundaries, delegating tasks when necessary, and carving out time for rest and rejuvenation. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day demands of running a salon, but neglecting our own needs only leads to further depletion.

One effective strategy for combating burnout is to create a prioritised task list. Take inventory of your responsibilities and assign each task a priority level. Consider the emotional impact of each task - will it bring joy and fulfillment, or will it drain your energy? By focusing on tasks that align with your priorities and values, you can streamline your workload and regain a sense of control.

If you find yourself procrastinating like most of us do when we operate from overwhelm don’t be afraid to tackle the tough stuff head-on. Identify tasks that feel overwhelming or uncomfortable and prioritize them on your list. When you get through the hard first, the rest is easy and you can see clearly, but also create space for growth and progress.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Reach out to a life coach or a business coach and ask for help.

Where your attention goes energy and retention flows you must look after yourself take a step back, prioritise your needs, and remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Brodie x @brodieleerokstar

ALFRESCOinner sanctuary

SALON POLE JOINER Black

MEADOW SAGE GREEN Salon Chair

HAZEL SAGE Washlounge

LEXI TEXTURED BLACK Salon Chair

SALON STOOL SAGE GREEN with Black base

Hi Lift True Shades is a high performance multifunctional Ammonia & PPD Free Demi Permanent Colour. This superior vegan formulation replenishes, restores and equalises hair delivering concentrated high shine pigments and conditioning agents to nourish and revitalise the hair. Hi Lift TrueShades is made in Italy and developed exclusively for professional salon use.

• Enriched WithNatural • Conditioning Complex Ammonia & PPD Free • Vegan • Avocado & Jojoba Oils Demi Permanent Colour • Gloss • Condition • Equalise

6.01 Dark Natural Ash Blonde

Ash Blonde

Blonde

Ash Blonde

7.11

Blonde

8.2 Light Pearl Violet Blonde

Light Pearl Violet Blonde 7.21 Pearl Violet Ash Blonde 8.21 Light Pearl Violet Ash Blonde 9.21 Very Light Pearl Violet Ash Blonde

Pearl Violet

Pearl Violet Ash

6.22 Dark Intense Violet Blonde 8.22

Intense Violet Blonde

Blonde

Blonde

Blonde

Intense Violet

The Professional’s Choice

The number 1 in professional hair dryers! The Parlux DigitAlyon Hair Dryer delivers a distinctly digital experience. Optimising power, heat and ergonomic design for unparalleled salon efficiency. Now available in gorgeous Glitter Grey.

Banish the Brass

Two more reasons to love 12Reasons. 12Reasons

Purple Shampoo and Conditioner eliminate yellow and brassy tones while boosting essential hydration and nourishment. The transformational ability of 12Reasons is unrivalled. Designed and formulated in Australia. 100% vegan.

The Intelligent Straightener

Silver Bullet Asteria Hair Straightener is styling made smart. Intelligent sensing technology automatically adjusts the temperature of the plates while styling to help prevent hair damage. Features ionic generator, auto shutoff function, ceramic and tourmaline coated plates, and five heat settings to 230°C.

The Magic of Tourmaline

Made with tourmaline to effortlessly neutralise static, reduce frizz and enhance radiant shine. Brushworx Mystique Brushes are the secret to sleekly smooth, shiny styling. Collection includes hot tube ceramic brushes, radial brushes and cushion brush.

All Styling Needs Covered

Master any event-ready look with DesignME Stylist Set. This retail set includes three essential finishing products for adding volume, texture and hold.

PUFF.ME Volumizing Powder, PUFF.ME Dry Texture Spray and HOLD.ME Three-Way Hairspray cover all styling needs.

Qiqi is Self-Control

Dive into the world of at-home hair transformation. Qiqi SelfCtrl at-home maintenance products include Hydration Fixation Conditioner, Smooth Service Shampoo, Super Soaker Smoothing Treatment and Porosity Play Spray. The art and science of hair control for retail.

New iFoil Longer Lengths

The lengths Robert de Soto goes to! New Robert de Soto iFoil Pop Up

High Torque, European Design

With advanced high torque brushless engines, ultrasleek European housing and uniquely embedded carbon texture grip surfaces, BaBylissPRO FX3 collection is a triumph.

Professional High Torque Clipper, Trimmer and Double Foil Shaver in matte black.

Bond Repair Revolution Continues

Next generation bond repair doesn’t stop in the salon. epres Professional Bond Repair is a one-step, insalon hair treatment which mixes with all chemical services. Faster, easier, better. Treatment Kit maintains and continues bond repair revolution at home.

Embossed 12.7cm x 27.5cm, 15cm x 27.5cm and 20cm x 40cm Prefold Silver Sheets are perfect for long hair. No need to overlap foils. 13 micron thickness folds beautifully. Pop-up display saves time for busy stylists.

Lock In Moisture & Vibrancy

Drench damaged locks in intense moisture. Protect colour vibrancy with advanced colour-lock technology. Malibu C Replenish Hair Treatment is an ultra-hydrating hair mask with an exceptional blend of nutrients. 100% vegan. Available in 1L, 266ml and sachets.

Tone-on-Tone Creator

One product creates a whole new colour line! Screen Dorado Tone on Tone Creator transforms the Screen Dorado Hair Colour Cream line into tone-on-tone, demi-permanent colour. This acidifying additive lowers pH. Less environmental impact, less salon inventory!

Faster Wet Hair Styling

The fastest way to style wet hair! WetBrush Pro Hydro TieDye collection includes Pro Hydro Flex Dry Paddle, Paddle Detangler and Detangler. IntelliFlex bristles minimise effort, pain and breakage. Limited edition pastel tie-dye design.

Perfectly Honed

Can you improve on perfection? iQ1 Perfetto Hair Dryer by Gama Professional says yes. Ultralightweight, smart and powerful with added improvements including heat pad, cleaning brush and metallic filter. Oxy-Active Technology harnesses ozone ion emission for sensational smoothness.

See the Light

Pre-lightened hair in need of a boost? Work your magic with Echos Color Vegan Light Toners. New toners which are ammonia-free, antiyellow with no lift. Shades include Ash, Platinum, Pearl, Beige, Cream and an Illuminator. 100% vegan.

HAIR SHOP

ARIES 7 TIER HAIRDRESSING BEAUTY SALON TROLLEY BY JOIKEN

A 7 Drawer 360-degree rotating unit – the embodiment of functionality and style for all your Salon storage needs! This innovative unit is designed to seamlessly blend practicality with a touch of modern elegance, offering a perfect solution for organising your Salon space. Constructed with durability in mind, the Aries 7-Tier Hairdressing Beauty Salon Trolley boasts a sturdy framework made of high-quality tinted clear ABS plastic, ensuring both transparency and resilience. The inclusion of the tinted clear ABS plastic adds a sleek and contemporary look to the unit. The joining tube, a crucial component of the trolley allows the draws to rotate 360 degrees is crafted from robust stainless steel, providing stability and longevity.

Features:

• 360-degree rotating trays

• 7 Tier Trolley

• Tinted Clear strong ABS construction

• Stainless steel joining tube

• Click’n’Clean Easy toolless cleaning castor wheels

• Sturdy structure

• Generous storage space

www.joiken.com.au

THIQUE VOLUMISING POWDER BY O&M

Plump up fine, limp hair and absorb oil at the roots without weighing strands down. O&M Thique Volumising Powder is best for all hair types and lengths wanting root lift, weightless volume and lived-in texture. Formulated with tapioca starch, safflower seed oil, Kakadu plum seed extract and finger lime fruit extract, Thique adds body as well as locking in moisture to keep hair hydrated. Made with a naturally derived fragrance of mint and melon. www.originalmineral.com

THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTION BY FOIL ME

NEW FROM COMFORTEL

A fitting homage to the hairdressing industry, Foil Me celebrates the creative and personal journey of a hairdresser through the meaningful beauty of their latest collection release – The Butterfly.

Illustrated by Foil Me’s Co-founder and Creative Director, Emily Ciardiello, the collection poetically depicts the stages of a butterfly’s life cycle, enhanced by a symphony of vibrant chartreuse, blue and green hues, and a backdrop of tree branches, all combining to bring the foil and butterfly to life!

A portrait of where our hairdressers begin and the limitless opportunities that await them, The Butterfly is a metaphor of the journey from apprentice (caterpillar), to budding artist (cocoon) and finally, to senior artist (butterfly).

This vivid foil features Foil Me’s signature embossing and exclusive foil composition to ensure an effortless application and desirable result every time. www.foilme.com.au

Meet Archie, Comfortel’s Trendy Salon Chair with Clear Acrylic Arms and Textured Sand Upholstery. Experience the perfect blend of form and function with Comfortel’s salon chair, Archie - a stunning statement piece with bold curves and striking contrast. The clear acrylic arms and textured sand upholstery add a touch of sophistication and elegance, while its exploration of light and form adds a sense of weightlessness and transparency to your salon’s interior.

Meet Walker. A naturally inviting reception desk for your salon, new from Comfortel.

A refined beauty with its natural build, the Walker Reception Desk boasts retail storage space and pure, contemporary design. Naturally inviting, the salon reception desk is perfect for displaying your retail or keeping essentials at hand. When first impressions count, it’s ash timber look finish allows you to create a natural look in your salon space.

Features

• Timber look, with front shelving for display

• Flat countertop with cable management

• Loads of Storage space with 2 cupboards, cash drawers and shelves

• Ample open shelving for retail product display

Available from Comfortel Salon Furniture. www.comfortel.com.au

Showrooms Australia Wide.

How to take the Stress out of Tax and Maximise your Return!

By Mark Chapman

Nobody wants to pay more tax that they have to and the key to minimising your taxes is to ensure that you claim all the tax deductions you’re entitled to. If you’re a hairdresser, there’s a long list of potential tax claims that might apply to you. Not all of them will apply to everyone but it will pay to spend a bit of time running your eyes down this list to see which of them apply to you.

The Golden Rules of Tax Deductions

If you want to make a claim for expenses incurred, you need to follow the three golden rules:

• The expense must relate to your work.

• You mustn’t have been reimbursed by anybody.

• You must be able to prove that you spent the money. That means that you must keep receipts, invoices, or statements to demonstrate that you actually incurred the expense.

H&R Block’s tip is to keep electronic copies of all documentation relating to expenses. Paper receipts get lost or fade, so keeping everything together on your phone or computer will save time and effort when you come to complete next year’s tax return.

Get

Help

There’s a reason why nearly 70% of people use a tax agent to help them do their taxes. Tax is complicated and stressful and if you do it yourself, you’re likely to make a mistake. You might claim something you weren’t entitled to and find yourself audited by the ATO or you might miss out on a deduction you could have claimed but didn’t realise was available to you; the result is a lower refund than you could have got. Using a tax agent like H&R Block takes away the stress and opens up a whole world of expertise to guide you through the process, so you can be sure you’re claiming everything you’re entitled to. You wouldn’t generally choose to treat a medical condition yourself; you’d see a doctor so why should tax be different? Get expert advice and the fee will generally be more than covered by the bigger refund, and the peace of mind.

Claim for equipment purchases… instantly!

Look to utilise the “instant asset write-off” measure. Provided your business has a turnover of less than $10 million, this allows you to claim an immediate tax deduction for all capital purchases costing less than $20,000, rather than depreciating the cost over several years, as used to happen. This could include hairdryers, salon furniture and décor, external signage, makeup brushes and applicators, waxing kits, mobile phones, laptops and bags or briefcases and even motor vehicles (though any cars will probably

need to be second hand, given the $20,000 limit!).

Remember, as well as making a purchase, the asset you acquire also must be used or available for use in your business, so realistically you need to get the item delivered and installed by 11:59PM on 30 June 2024, which is when the relief is scheduled to expire. If you buy something now for delivery and/or installation in July, you won’t be able to claim the deduction this tax year.

You can also claim the cost of insuring workrelated equipment.

Prepay expenses.

You can get an immediate tax deduction for certain pre-paid business expenses. The basic rule is that a deduction is available for expenses that cover a period of no more than 12 months. That covers expenses such as insurance premiums, telephone and internet services, subscriptions to trade or professional bodies, rent or leasing charges on your premises and bookings for seminars, conferences or business trips.

Pay superannuation.

Employers have to pay superannuation contributions within 28 days of the end of the quarter. Ensure that all June quarter superannuation contributions are paid by 30 June to accelerate the tax deduction. Note that contributions must actually be paid, cleared in the business bank account, and received by the employee’s super fund before 30 June for a tax deduction to be available. Any other outstanding amounts should also be paid before year end.

Get the right trading stock valuation.

If you’ve bought surplus hair products which are sitting unused in your salon, you can potentially claim a tax deduction if they are out of date or out of fashion. Damaged and obsolete stock can be written down or written off entirely and a tax deduction claimed - now is the time to crystalise that tax deduction. The Golden Rule - Keep Records Good record keeping is your best friend

for efficient business management and will also make life easier if the ATO ask you questions. It’s essential that records are kept to substantiate what’s in your tax return; any unsubstantiated deductions, for instance, are generally not allowable.

Tax law requires that records be kept for five years, and they should include:

• sales receipts

• expense invoices

• credit card statements.

• bank statements.

• employee records (wages, super, tax declarations, contracts)

• vehicle records

• lists of debtors and creditors

• asset purchases.

Records can be kept on paper or electronically, but should be easily retrieved. In our experience, businesses often stumble when asked by the ATO to verify transactions by providing supporting records, with the consequence that even “innocent” businesses can find themselves stung by the tax man where they are unable to provide the requested evidence.

Mark is a regular commentator on tax matters for a variety of Australian broadcast and print media outlets. In addition to his columns in Money Magazine and My Business magazine, he has written for a variety of national publications such as The Australian Financial Review, The Daily Telegraph, The Age and Business Spectator.

Previously, Mark was a tax adviser for over 20 years, specialising in individual and small business tax, in both the UK and Australia. As well as operating his own private practice, Mark spent seven years as a Senior Director with the Australian Taxation Office.

Mark is a Chartered Accountant, CPA and Chartered Tax Adviser and holds a Masters of Tax Law from the University of New South Wales.

EDUCATION THAT GROWS YOUR HAIR GAME

Gear up for a standout 2024 with Sabre Haircare Education. It’s all about leveling up your hair game with fresh, innovative techniques and real-world skills that matter in the salon. Whether you are looking to master new color trends, perfect your precision cuts or expand your business savvy, we have flexible learning options so you can advance at your own pace. This year, get ready to shine brighter, cut sharper, and style with unmatched confidence with Sabre Haircare.

innovate elevate captivate

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FEATURING

Imposter Syndrome in the Hair Industry

Sheridan Rose Shaw is the creative director of Melbourne salon MAMAWEST. Her salon specialises in creative cutting and colour, with a niche for vivid hair.

Her mission is to build a vibrant community and create meaningful connections, but on the way she’s had to overcome lots of obstacles – including her own feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

“I’m a fraud.”

“I don’t deserve to be here.”

These are both things I’ve told myself over the years. The mind is a very powerful tool, and to get to a point where you feel good enough can take a lot of work.

For me, just being ’good’ at something was never enough, I always want to be the best version I can be. So when I was an apprentice hairdresser, it was a humbling experience. I was learning the ropes but I was distracted and irresponsible. It sometimes felt that not living up to my potential was easier than focusing on the hard work.

It wasn’t till I qualified that I found my love and passion for hair and it really took off. It was the first time I felt like I was ever really good at something.

But even having that self-belief didn’t stop those thoughts in my head. When I launched MAMAWEST, I’d been a hairdresser for over 10 years and still I felt like a massive imposter.

Those feelings can sometimes be a blessing, because I never stop trying. I want to be the best hairdresser I can be, so I constantly educate myself and push myself to the limits. That’s why I love hair – there’s so much room to expand, it’s not just about the clients, it’s about educating and mentoring. There are so many avenues to explore.

For my wonderful staff who work at MAMAWEST, positive thinking and positive affirmation is key to how we work. If they feel self-doubt, I share my own experiences, empathise with their situations and we’ll write a positive affirmation on the wall that’s the polar opposite of what they’re feeling. I try to help them take control of their negative thoughts, move it in a different direction, and find out what happens on the other side.

Having the right tools at your fingertips can make life so much easier when you start to experience self-doubt or negative thoughts. For my mental health, those tools come in the form of daily meditation, journaling and yoga. Also important is finding your tribe, a community of people who understand the challenges of owning a salon, and leaning into this community regularly!

When running my business, it’s about finding things that help take the stress away. Delegate all the things that create stress, so you can focus more on what you love. Have the right systems in place that can automate all the fiddly things like stock management, waitlists and deposits, so you can focus on the really important stuff, like finding the right people, people who are really good at what they do.

When I look back to where I was three and a half years ago, I would never have thought any of what I’ve achieved would have been possible. Sitting in campaigns and shoots, being on panels with some of the best hairdressers in Australia, being asked to direct fashion shows, and being a hair director for fashion week, this is my innerchild’s dream come true. I never thought I wanted to be a hairdresser or a salon owner and maybe it’s because I didn’t want to admit to what I wanted, but the clearer I get on my vision and what I want, the more likely it’s going to happen.

Life is so much better when you feel deserving of the opportunities you’re in, as you can then take the right steps to make it happen. I have moments of self-doubt from time-to-time, but now it’s about the way I talk to myself. I talk myself into situations, remind myself that I can do it, that I am worthy. I put in the action to get to the other side, rather than wallowing in doubt and comparison.

That’s the biggest tip I could give to someone who doesn’t feel good enough. If you want something, you have to put in the action. If you want to feel good enough, you have to act differently to feel good enough. Clear the noise and distractions with the right tools. That’s when the magic comes.

Timely is so proud to be supporting Sheridan in her career to help her achieve all her goals. If you’d like to find out more about Timely, visit gettimely.com.

The Secrets of Successful Salon/Clinic Owners who are Bucking the Downturn Trend!

By Chrissy Alger

Hello everyone, I am Chrissy Alger, Founder of Freedom Mastery

coaching for the Hair, Skin and Beauty Industry…

I was a Salon Owner, and now I am a Salon Marketer and Salon Coach having successfully ran my own Salon business from start-up- NOT as a technician and purely as someone addicted to business… I am actually a psychologist, who decided to do something different and venture into the salon industry space under the guise of wanting to do more to promote health, wellbeing, and self-confidence (all the things we get when we spend time in a Hair or Beauty Salon).

Start Up Businesses are hard work. Especially when you cannot do the work yourself. So, over the years I have had to learn all of the business strategies known to man to keep my business afloat and to stop myself from going bankrupt!

During COVID, my Melbourne based clinic was completely shut down. It was not an ‘economic downturn’ it was a complete elimination of my business operating as it had been.

A complete pivot of the business meant that for the entire lockdown period we actually made more money than the comparable trade period before lockdown… Yep, I made MORE money…. CLOSED!!!

So, I know a little bit about downturn, navigating market fluctuations and bulletproofing your business from less than ideal economic climates!

So read on, and I’ll share a few of my secrets…

The shifts and changes to the economy, disposable income and budgets of your clients definitely have an impact on your business...

But it’s highly likely that the impacts are highlighting problems that were already there…

Which I know might be a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but I’ll tell you what I mean by this...

If you were a bit relaxed in your approach to treatment or client journey mapping in your business before market fluctuations, you are likely to be experiencing clients cancelling, not rebooking, or stretching out the appointments right now…

If your consultation was not structured, inconsistent, and not geared towards increasing motivation and commitment from clients before market fluctuation, it’s likely they are now spending less…

To maintain high levels of commitment and motivation from your clients, secure revenue growth and profit, and a business you still love no matter what… a number of things need to be present... And they needed to be present BEFORE the market started to waiver…

I want to share with you the success pillars of clinic and salon owners that are still experiencing growth in their business right now, regardless of the market fluctuations.

Mindset Matters:

One of the most significant obstacles faced by business owners during market fluctuations is mindset. The tendency to adopt a victim mentality, blaming external factors for business challenges, can be detrimental. The business owners who are doing well right now, shift their focus towards identifying solutions and opportunities within their control. They reframe challenges as opportunities for innovation and adaptation. These business owners are empowering themselves to navigate market fluctuations more effectively, and it’s all coming from their strong mindset.

into white space by extending service times through upsell.

Strategies that are protecting revenue and growth:

Robust Booking Policies: Implementing and consistently enforcing strong booking policies can mitigate the impact of appointment cancellations and no-shows, which have increased in the economic downturns. Successful clinic and Salon owners are extending appointment confirmation times to 72 hours, which enables enough notice to refill appointments that have been cancelled. They have been enforcing late cancellation policies to ward off no shows and revenue lost from these. Some have also shifted from deposit collection to credit card security in their booking security process. This strategy enables the client to provide a booking security without having to deposit funds (which they may not have) in advance of their appointment time. Therefore, decreasing the likelihood of cancellation due to budget restraints.

Optimizing White Spaces: Rather than viewing white spaces in the appointment book as lost revenue, clinic/ salon owners have been leveraging these gaps to provide additional value to existing clients. By reviewing client files and identifying opportunities for upselling services or products, clinic/salons can upgrade clients

Subscription Style Treatment/Service Planning: Offering Subscription Style Treatment/Service Planning incentivizes clients to commit to long-term treatment plans, and also provides a steady stream of revenue and client loyalty. By breaking down treatment plans into manageable payment schedules and offering exclusive benefits, such as discounts or complimentary services, the clinic/salons doing this right now are experiencing good client retention and profit protection.

Focus on Relationship Building: Building strong relationships with clients is key to overcoming hesitance and fostering trust. Clinics/Salons doing this well are offering follow-up support sessions or review appointments in the instance that clients are resisting rebooking into further treatments, these are done complimentary. Demonstrating this commitment to client care and providing opportunities to revisit plans and home care prescriptions on a second visit, has been found to strengthen the trust and client relationship. This then leads to higher levels of commitment from clients, especially new Clients.

If you need more help with implementing these strategies, there’s a few ways you can get some further support from me with an upcoming free masterclass ‘Bulletproof Your Business’ and an upcoming event on ‘Ditching the Downturn’ email me at chrissy@freedommastery.com.au for more details

Appreciate the Highs! Fresha talks to WILLOMINA!

Fresha recently sat down with the co-owners, Kassandra and Chris Hunter to chat about their business, WILLOMINA from the ground up, and how Fresha, the #1 salon software, has helped it flourish.

WILLOMINA sits in the hub of Woollahra Village, Sydney and is best described as a hair salon that specialises in curly hair. As you walk through the doors you’re instantly struck by the floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the salon (and its array of plants) in sunlight. The airyness of the place is thoughtfully contrasted with the exposed brick walls and concrete floors.

“When we came, it was basically rubble. So, we got to design from the bare bones, which was really, really cool. We were so excited to have a space that had so much natural light as we think the thing that makes people feel the best is natural light and nature.”

“As the space is quite industrial, with the black stainless steel, we used wood to bring a softer touch. It allows people to feel like they’re at home.” As Kassandra shows Fresha around the salon, she points out the smaller interior design choices they made. “Something that I feel really passionate about is having tactile things. Having magazines, not tablets. And all the candles and cups are handmade. It just adds another texture, it’s tactile and it makes people feel good.”

On starting the business Kassandra tells us, “It was an enormous challenge because we’d never run our own business before and there are so many things you don’t think about at first when opening your own salon.”

But, while it was a struggle, Chris adds “it’s kind of beautiful to just swim and struggle your way through. I don’t think you’ll ever do it perfectly.”

Through the struggle, though, there are some huge benefits of owning your own business. Fresha asked Chris what his favourite part of being a small business owner was. He said “it’s being able to build a brand from scratch. WILLOMINA didn’t exist six and a half years ago. And now we have a brand that means something and is worth something. It’s been incredibly rewarding for Kassy and I.”

It was about four years into owning WILLOMINA that Chris and Kassandra started working with Fresha to help them manage their salon, help it grow and tackle those challenges they were facing along the way. “We took on Fresha when it was really new” Chris says “and it’s been incredible in terms of salon management, team management,

inventory management. We’ve been using it for two and a half years: it’s an all-in-one management tool that has everything you need.”

Fresha is a salon software that helps with every part of running a salon, from paying team members, to taking bookings, to putting your business on their marketplace.

“The online booking function has been really good for all of our clients. It’s decreased the amount of phone calls our managers have to take and the reporting side of things has also been amazing, it makes making decisions really easy,”

“I like being able to look at things and I can see my stylist’s name and everything that they’ve done throughout the week right in front of me in the click of a couple of buttons,” says Kassandra. The Fresha reporting and analytics allows Chris and Kassandra to oversee everything across the business, including things like stock levels, commissions, and sales. All in one place.

But it’s not just about the day-to-day running of the salon. Chris and Kassandra use Fresha

to draw in new clients and get current clients to book again. Chris and Kassandra use Blast campaigns to communicate with their clients through both email and text message, and they can see the return-on-investment straightaway.

“The marketing function has been a game changer. We can now send out beautiful templates that are pre-done by Fresha” says Chris. “We can promote Valentine’s Day, we can promote Christmas, we can promote Easter. And it’s so easy. Literally a tap of a few buttons and it’s done.”

And their profile on the marketplace has been drawing in more new clients.

“The Fresha marketplace has really helped us with visibility in the space. We’ve got really nice photos up there. It means when people are searching for a haircut, they’re seeing us and we’re part of that consideration process. We’ve got quite a few new clients from it.”

It gives them the space to show off their beautiful space and what makes WILLOMINA different. And with over 18 million monthly users and 20,000 appointments made every day, the Fresha marketplace is the best way to reach new clients.

When asked what makes him proud of WILLOMINA, Chris responds with… “I think the whole thing. It’s been enormous! We’ve built a community of hairdressers who still talk about it even after they’ve left. The energy and the vibes are incredible. So, for me, it’s the community we’ve created because it hasn’t existed in Sydney before.

“It’s been a really big journey. And the fact that we’re still standing, the fact that we’re still together, the fact that we have a beautiful space that is still heaving. I’m really proud of us. And I feel really grateful for what we have and for what we’ve created.”

Kassandra also told Fresha that creating

a beautiful experience for everyone that comes through the doors is of the utmost importance to them as a business.

“We know it’s a really special time for them when they come to WILLOMINA. Our hairdressers see lots of clients every day, but we make sure that we all remember one of those clients might have saved up for two months to come and have their hair done. Or maybe they’ve just had a baby, and this is the first time in the salon afterwards. I just want them and everyone to have a really beautiful experience. That’s the most important thing to me.”

“If I had one piece of advice for a young professional in my industry, it would be enjoy the ride” Chris told Fresha.

“There are a lot of highs, but there are a lot of lows. So, when you’re having a high, appreciate it.”

“And because you can’t fully prepare yourself to start, you just have to do it. There’s never going to be a right time. But I think if you can get to the end of your life and know that you gave it a good crack, the worst that’s going to happen is that you learnt a few lessons along the way.”

yourself that you did something you believed in. In the way you thought it should be. When you do something from your belly, it often works.”

And Kassandra adds: “stick to your guns and do what you believe in. If you listen to other people and it fails, they’re never gonna take responsibility for that. But if you do it your way you can at least own that decision. And if it’s a success, you can be really proud of

If you want to see how you could grow your business, check out Fresha, the world’s #1 online booking platform.

www.fresha.com/for-business @_willomina

What’s Your Story?

By Dwight Hodge

Times are tough, the cost of living is affecting everyone, and the lack of capable, qualified stylists or even willing apprentices is destroying the future of our industry. Not to mention, any half-decent stylist leaves to rent a chair or work for themselves.

It intrigues me that so many business owners feel this way. Yet, just down the street, other business owners see endless opportunities for growth. As their business grows, they engage with and offer positions to incredible, driven, empathetic, and inspiring stylists and apprentices. They are excited and passionate about the industry’s future and what it holds for them and their people.

How is this possible? How can two business owners in the same industry, town, and economic climate experience two such extreme realities?

Fortunately, success leaves clues. I’ve noticed a recurring pattern in my experience working with accomplished leaders and business owners. Most others would assume strategy is the key to their success, but it’s more than that. Successful leaders develop the right state of mind and tell themselves the right stories. These two precursors, state, and story, impact the outcomes they achieve much more than strategy alone.

Why, you might ask, do state and story so heavily impact the results of successful business owners? Let’s consider a person who consciously or subconsciously tells themselves they are fortunate, grateful, have a growth mindset, and deserve all the opportunities that may come their way. If this were you, you’d be more likely to develop a strategy to achieve success. Or suppose your story was closely aligned with the description at the beginning of this article. How effective do you feel your strategy would be then?

If we can agree that the story you’re telling yourself can heavily impact your strategy and your results, why not just tell yourself a better story?

The challenge is that your current state of mind holds you back and limits your ability to tell yourself a better story.

Okay, so to tell yourself a better story, you first need to develop a stronger state of mind.

Fantastic!

To have a more successful business, create a better strategy.

To create a better strategy, tell yourself a better story.

To tell yourself a better story, create a stronger state of mind.

State + Story + Strategy = Success

Well, that is all simple in theory, but how do you begin to create a stronger state of mind?

Here are three hacks I use to change my state:

1, Physiology first

Moving your body is the quickest way to change your state. How you hold and move your body significantly impacts your state of mind. Your body language and posture are a mirror of your thoughts and feelings.

Have you ever seen a friend from across the room? As they walk towards you, their head is down, shoulders rolled forward, and they stare at their feet as they drag them along the floor.

On the flip side, you see another friend head up, shoulders back, and chest out. They effortlessly move across the floor as they stride towards you with a smile. It’s obvious which friend has a positive state of mind, and which does not.

Did you know you can change your state in a moment? Here are some tips:

a. Play loud music and dance full-on like nobody is watching for 30 seconds.

b. Do 10 star jumps, or c. Run on the spot for 20 seconds.

A short burst of activity does wonders for your state and increases your energy levels.

2, Pattern recognition

Up to 90% of what you do each day is habitual. You consistently perform the same tasks following the same pattern each time. Consider the act of putting your socks and

shoes on. Most people unconsciously put a sock on the same foot first each morning. Do you go for the right or left foot first? Do you put one sock, then one shoe, or both socks and then both shoes? Or what about the pattern you follow to make a cup of coffee? Do you always put the coffee, milk, or boiling water in first?

Like putting on your socks and shoes, success follows a pattern. Remember when you were in a strong state of mind; what was the pattern? What led to your strong state? Or consider emulating the pattern of someone you admire who is in a strong state.

Be aware of your often unconscious patterns and consciously commit to following the steps to recreate your strongest state.

3, Visualisation

Now that you’ve uncovered your pattern for a strong state of mind, close your eyes and visualise being in that state. In your mind, follow each step of the pattern and experience your strong state.

Feel all the feelings and emotions you experience when in your strong state. Create a vivid memory in your mind of what it’s like when you are in your strong state.

Your mind is an incredible thing. Interestingly, it cannot decipher between vivid memories and actual events. That means you can practise getting into your strong state at any time. The more you do it, the more you rewire your brain to easily and effortlessly enter your strong state.

You’re dangerous when you are aware of and can control your state! You can powerfully rewrite your stories, effectively develop strategies, and achieve ultimate success.

Dwight Hodge is a NLP Master Practitioner, coach and author.

dwight@dwighthodge.com

Rinse Responsibly... Every Drop Makes a Difference

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Tackling Procrastination and Overwhelm.

By Kym Krey

We’ve all been there. That ‘thing’ you know you should be doing just sits on your To Do list or rolling around in your mind for months, but you’ve somehow managed to find hours to scroll through socials!

Or you’ve been telling yourself for a year now that you really need to create a Policies and Procedures manual or an Induction program….but you never seem to get it done.

To be fair, with the realities of running any business today, the battle against procrastination and overwhelm is real! As Salon Owners, we wear so many hats: juggling clients, handling stock orders, meeting with reps, handling admin tasks and client messages, managing teams and finances, and navigating constantly changing client behaviour.

It’s relentless and crazily fast-paced, so it’s easy to find ourselves sliding into deep procrastination and overwhelm, but that’s not a fun place to hang out, so we must equip ourselves to better manage them by understanding the causes and triggers.

What triggers procrastination?

Some of the most common causes of procrastination are:

Fear of Failure: We become paralyzed by our fear of getting it wrong, stuffing up, or looking silly … so we do nothing at all as this feels

like the safer bet. Humans are naturally wired to stay comfortable & avoid distress, but as we know, it’s on the other side of this that all the magic happens.

Perfectionism: (Overthinking it). This is a big one. Striving for excellence is one thing and attention to detail in business is essential, but perfectionism is our greatest saboteur, causing us to never feel ready; never feel good enough. Just like the apprentice who never wants to do that first paying client despite countless perfectly completed models, business owners also fall prey to this, avoiding staff appraisals and accountability conversations, correcting pricing, or creating onboarding processes, in case they get it ‘wrong’. Psychologists tell us that the underlying cause is a lack of confidence, selfesteem, or a feeling of not being ‘enough’ as we doubt our ability to do it well.

A healthier approach might be, “It doesn’t need to be perfect; I’m just going to give it a go and it’s OK if I make a mistake. I’ve made mistakes before and been able to fix them and I always learn something. I can do this”

Perfectionism also leads to ‘all or nothing thinking’, like “If I can’t do the whole thing,

what’s the point in starting?” A great example of this is when we think we can’t find an hour in our day to hit the gym, so we do nothing at all, whereas even a 10-minute walk around the block would have been better than nothing.

Sometimes ‘Half arsed is better than no arsed! Something is always better than nothing. If you can’t find a day to write that manual, what you can do is make a list of headings to be covered and allocate just 10 minutes each day to write one dot point. Or you can record a voice memo with your phone on the way to work to get the words out of your head and tidy them up later (or have someone else tidy them up later!)

We’ve created entire video training libraries by making 1 x 10-minute video each week for 3 months.

Large projects can be overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller, more digestible tasks makes them less intimidating. And celebrate small victories by rewarding yourself along the way, as this builds momentum and motivation.

One of my favourite quotes is: “You don’t need to see the whole staircase; just take the first step”

Lack of Clarity: When we’re unclear on exactly what we’re meant to be doing or trying to achieve, we certainly won’t have a clear plan of how to get there, so we get stuck in overwhelm… and find ourselves scrolling through cat videos on insta! (Anyone?? Nope, just me?) Without a clear plan, everything becomes a distraction, killing our focus and productivity.

What’s the outcome I need? What are the main points or categories I need to cover? Now, what are the steps to achieve the first one?

Decision Fatigue: Post-Covid brain fog, anyone? Business owners have soldiered on through so much in the last few years, so it’s no wonder we’re feeling a little flat. Making countless decisions every day whilst being continually interrupted can deplete our mental resources, making it harder to stay focused and productive. As decision fatigue sets in, we become more prone to procrastination.

Here’s how to overcome it:

1. Get it all out of your head and write it down. Make a list of everything you have to do or whatever is on your mind. Once you see it, you can deal with it.

2. Prioritize: Not all tasks are created equal. Identify what will really move your business forward today & what can wait. Identify what needs you (that no one else can do) and what can be delegated to someone else. This not only lightens your load but also empowers your team giving them opportunities to grow & shine.

3. Set realistic limits: Limit your To Do list to only 3 major things for the day (or 1 each for the morning and afternoon). This ensures you’re getting the right things done and not getting buried in minor details. No one gets through a 30-point To Do List in a day!

4. Empower others (and create systems). Are you a bottleneck in your business because you won’t let go and have to do everything yourself? That’s just your ego talking. If you do anything more than twice, it’s time to create a process for it so someone else can do it for you.

5. Practice self-care: No one does their best work sleep deprived. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, healthy eating (meal prepping will change your life!) and taking blocks of time out for you to recharge & do fun things is essential! There are no medals for toughing it out. You get one body and you’ll want it to be still going for you at 80, so be smart with these decisions now.

Information Overload: Anyone with a smartphone is bombarded with constant information, notifications, and alerts from multiple apps these days. Everything and everyone demands our attention and demands it NOW! But there’s only so much to go around!. No wonder our brain feels like it’s ‘not responding’ and needs a reboot! Turn it off! Set boundaries. Give yourself blocks of time when you don’t touch that device (e.g. Sundays) and make a habit of turning off after 8pm at night (that blue light really messes with your sleep!).

In summary:

• Progress is often achieved through small, consistent steps rather than giant leaps.

• It’s normal to procrastinate from time to time. First, ask yourself if you genuinely need a break and if so, give yourself guiltfree permission to relax.

• Burnout can lead to a lack of motivation or energy and can make it difficult to start or finish tasks and rest is an important element of productivity in order to do our best work.

• Starting is usually the hardest part and any task begins to feel more manageable once we’ve taken that first bite.

• Embrace Imperfection: Instead of striving for perfection, aim for progress. Imperfect action beats no action so accept that mistakes are part of the learning process and focus on continuous improvement rather than flawless execution.

• Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times. Acknowledge your efforts and accomplishments, focus on what you’ve done not what you didn’t get done. Recognise that you’re doing the best you

can under the circumstances and that’s enough.

You are the most important resource in your business, and you are no good to anyone tired, stressed, and cranky! Embrace imperfection, prioritize self-care, and celebrate progress over perfection. Any project starts with just one step and you can always find time for just one step! The longer I’ve been in business, the more I’ve realised that our mindset really does make the difference and our selftalk becomes our programming. Be kind to yourself. This is big and you’re doing great.

Kym Krey is a highly experienced and trusted salon industry business coach and leadership mentor. She’s been where you are and has the runs on the board to help you get real results. If you’re ready to turn your business around, become a better leader, take that next big leap, or scale to a million-dollar turnover and beyond, get in touch: kym@kymkrey.com.au; @kymkrey or www.kymkrey.com.au

Embracing Feedback for Growth.

By David Watts

As salon owners, team members, or simply as humans navigating the complexities of communication, the ability to receive feedback gracefully is not just a desirable trait but an essential skill for growth and achieving success in our businesses.

Professional and personal development is a journey and feedback serves as a compass, guiding us towards areas of improvement and highlighting opportunities for refinement. However, despite its value, many individuals grapple with the challenge of embracing feedback wholeheartedly, often experiencing feelings of defensiveness or anxiety in response to constructive criticism.

It’s essential to recognise that feedback is not to be feared, rather, it should be embraced.

In the context of salon ownership, feedback holds the power to elevate our skills, refine our techniques, and enhance our businesses.

In this article, we will explore receiving feedback, delve deeper into some of the underlying psychological and physiological reasons why it can be challenging, and explore strategies for you to embrace it with open arms. It is clear that personal growth is a powerful tool for the creation of thriving salons that not only meet but exceed our expectations.

Understanding Feedback Hurdles Before we can get out of our own heads and start to receive feedback better, it’s important to understand some of the natural barriers that exist to this; two pesky hormones wreak havoc on our ability to respond to feedbackcortisol and adrenaline.

Cortisol, the “stress hormone,” is our body’s alarm bell. It ramps up our sensitivity to threats and sets our heart racing, preparing us for battle. While our ancestors needed this heightened awareness to evade predators,

today, it kicks in whenever we sense criticism looming.

As if that’s not enough, once the feedback hits, our bodies double down with adrenaline. This POWERHOUSE hormone shifts all our energy and focus to survival mode, leaving rational thought stranded on the side-lines… It’s fight or flight time.

So, when faced with feedback, our bodies conspire against us, triggering defensive reactions or a desperate urge to flee the scene. It’s like our own internal showdown, with the stress hormones calling the shots.

While we can’t halt this rollercoaster, we can rewire our brains to see feedback as a friend. Shifting our mindset can dial down the stress and help us truly listen to what’s being said.

So that’s the physical, what are our minds doing?

Our minds love storytelling, it’s how we make sense of the world around us. We observe, interpret, and then weave these observations into narratives that align with our understanding of reality. Yet, these stories often veer into judgmental or counterproductive territory, manifesting as three recurring storylines: villain, victim, and helpless tales.

1. Villain Stories

In our stories, it’s all too easy to cast someone as the villain. They might be an irate client venting frustration or a team member sharing things they need. When it comes to feedback, the villain often takes the form of the person bearing unwelcome news.

2. Victim Stories

If someone else plays the villain in our story, then naturally, we assume the role of the victim. We perceive the other party as intentionally causing harm, leaving us to bear the brunt of their actions unjustly.

3. Helpless Stories

Sometimes, there’s no clear villain or victim, it’s worse, instead we paint ourselves as helpless. We convince ourselves that we’re powerless in the face of circumstances, whether it’s a lack of time or an inability to change our personality traits.

If you have been telling yourself some of these stories, now is the ideal time to recognise how counterproductive that is and try and rewrite them with a more positive spin.

Shooting the Messenger

When it comes to feedback, our brains are quick to judge the source of the message. We might easily dismiss input from a team member, especially if we perceive them as inexperienced or young. However, the same message delivered by a coach or trusted friend could prompt an immediate change in behaviour.

These judgments linger longer than they should, clouding our perception of the messenger. It’s essential to recognize that these impressions are often skewed or incomplete. They affect the way we receive

feedback from that individual, potentially hindering our own growth and development.

It’s very important to have a feedback loop, where you’re constantly thinking about what you’ve done and how you could be doing it better.

It’s crucial not to let our biases about someone cloud our receptivity to valuable feedback. Each person offers a unique perspective that can illuminate our blind spots and improve how we do things.

The other thing with feedback (as leaders we know this well) is that it can be difficult to deliver it effectively. It’s tempting to dismiss poorly packaged messages, but doing so stifles growth rather than fostering it. While we can’t control how others give feedback, we do have full control over how we react to it.

Perhaps the messenger was agitated, tearful, or even rude. But amidst the message, was there a piece of truth waiting to be unearthed?

Even if you feel 90 percent of the feedback misses the mark, that remaining 10 percent could hold the key to your personal growth.

By training our minds to seek out these hidden truths, our journey of self-improvement accelerates. Embracing feedback means committing to continual learning, prioritising substance over style, and embracing the harsh truth, even when it hurts.

The last hurdle, EGO!

Ego, that ever-present companion, erects barriers to acknowledging and rectifying our mistakes. To be true high achievers you must view feedback not as criticism, but as invaluable insights to fuel personal growth and cultivate new behaviours.

Our ego tends to inflate our self-perception, blinding us to our flaws and shielding us from constructive criticism. It’s as if our ego is a protective shield, deflecting anything that might puncture our sense of selfimportance. Yet, it’s in those moments of vulnerability, when our ego is set aside, that we open ourselves up to the possibility of transformation.

The key is to recognize that feedback almost always refers to a specific behaviour rather than our personal identity. Once we make that important mental shift, we begin to learn and truly hear what others are saying.

Those who are truly self-aware understand that feedback is not an attack on their character, but a roadmap for improvement. They recognise that true strength lies not in stubbornly clinging to our egos, but in the willingness to confront our shortcomings and evolve into better versions of ourselves.

Strategies for Improving Your Response to Feedback

It’s time to kill the denial, blame and justification and embrace feedback with an open mind and a humble heart, you will not only shatter the barriers erected by your ego but also pave the way for a brighter, more

fulfilling future.

Requesting feedback regularly can significantly ease the process of receiving it. I’ve personally found that by actively seeking feedback, I can pre-empt my body’s stress reaction and minimise it. It’s almost as if I’m outsmarting my brain, reassuring it that if I’m the one initiating the feedback request, it must not pose much of a threat.

Ahead of situations like one-on-one meetings or other times where you anticipate receiving challenging feedback, take proactive steps to mentally prepare yourself. Engage in a few moments of deep breathing to centre your thoughts, take a brief walk to clear your mind.

Remind yourself that feedback serves as a cornerstone for personal growth and leadership development, it is powerful for you to master this to achieve freedom in your life and business.

Receiving feedback well doesn’t mean you always have to take the feedback. It means engaging in the conversation skilfully and making thoughtful choices about whether and how to use the information and what you’re learning.

Embrace a growth mindset by doing so, we acknowledge that personal growth is an ongoing journey, and feedback serves as essential nourishment for our continuous development. Those who excel at learning from feedback typically achieve greater results.

Listen carefully and allow the other person ample space to articulate their perspectives without interruption. As the potentially harmful stories (victim, villain, or helpless) come up, make a conscious effort to burst those bubbles of negativity before they turn into outright defensiveness.

Finally, after you’ve had time to reflect on the feedback or implement any suggested changes, reconnect with the individual who provided the feedback. Ask whether they’ve observed any progress or improvements since the discussion. Simply keep being open to the process.

Getting Better at Improving your feedback skills requires a mix of traits like self-control, confidence, resilience, a mindset open to growth, a strong desire to learn, and a whole lot of patience. These qualities are the foundation for effective feedback reception, helping you use feedback as a tool for personal and professional development so you can create the business and lifestyle you deserve.

David. XoX

Head of Coaching at Freedom Mastery, David has a diverse background in sales, marketing and operations and is passionate about improving the professionalism of the industry. Contact David via email david@freedommastery. com.au or DM on Instagram @davidwatts_ freedomcreator

PROFIT BABY!

By Jay Chapman

Why do some salons become profit-turning gold mines while others struggle along at an average pace? As a salon owner, it’s tempting to attribute your profit levels to circumstances beyond your control: the current economy, your less-than-motivated team, or the new salon that’s opened up adding to your competition, interest rate rising etc etc etc!

Let’s delve into the HOW and WHY you can change your business up from average to a profit machine.

Realise that you have more power than you think!

Who does it all come back to? The answer is simple. Yes, it’s you—the salon owner. I believe your success always comes down to three components: Ownership, accountability, and responsibility.

It sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? However, most salon owners overlook where they are falling short as it can sometimes be easier to point the finger outwards at everything else.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but when you do that’s when the magic happens. Each of your team members relies on the information they receive from you. It all comes back to your leadership, your communication style, consistency, and the time you spend with your team to deliver the information you want them to follow.

Make a commitment to focus on leading your team with an abundant mindset.

Creating clarity through mapping your client journey

What’s the first thing a client experiences when they open your salon door? Do you have a system for greeting a client, the steps to take before and after they’re seated?

And how do you conduct consultations, plan the next visit, and see your client out?

Your client’s experience depends on your team members’ ability, their consultation skills, the customer service they provide, and their ability to ensure every client has a wonderful experience and achieves the desired outcome.

Getting it right leads to client loyalty and fantastic retention rates. Boring I know! But it’s where profit is made!

You need to understand your salon’s journey to ensure it’s an exceptional experience every time, and don’t be too quick to answer! We all pride ourselves on delivering exceptional client experience

however, we always have more in the tank that we can offer.

I find that collaborate with your team to create scripts, systems, and maps that reflect the client journey you envision. Involve everyone so they feel connected and valued as part of the solution.

Work on refining your client journey weekly until it’s perfected. BOOM! Magic.

Nail your consultation.

Train your team to address your clients’ challenges, and your business will become a profitable gold mine. Teach them how to ask the right questions to determine each client’s real needs.

Anyone can give a client what they ask for. The secret is understanding what they truly need, identifying the problems they want solved, and making suggestions based on a professional consultation. Discuss possibilities and options, not just how to achieve the same outcome as before. Recommend products and services and discuss maintenance and rebooking.

Do this every time, with every client—no exceptions and role-play until it’s right.

It’s awkward at first, but trust me, after the second session when everyone feels supported, it becomes fun. And, in the end, everyone wins.

Home care planning

You have two businesses; one is your service business and the other is your retail business. One of the first things to go when we are conscious of lumpy economic times or how much the client is spending is home-care planning.

To send your client out the door without skills knowledge and a home care plan is just mean! Your job is to educate them and make them feel empowered and comfortable to make their choice based on their budget and needs. Simple!

The salons that we come across that of the most profitable have a thriving retail business. We need to challenge ourselves in our own mindsets said that we are not protecting our values on to our clients.

Team meetings are not an option

In fact, we will not work with the salon owner if they are not committed to doing team meetings and one on one meetings. That’s because we know that the needle will not move unless communication is abundantly clear.

It’s time to share your vision with your team, get them involved, and invite their suggestions. You don’t have a clear vision? You need to create one!

Your meetings are a time to celebrate together, the big achievements and the small

Committing to one-on-one meetings where you can nurture the growth of each individual will absolutely change the game in your business. This is your platform to stand on as a leader, influencing the growth of your team and showing them how it’s done.

Structuring your time

We have all heard it before, everyone has the same number of hours in the day as you! The difference is some people use their time to work on the development of their business and others use their time to work on admin related tasks that don’t move the needle.

I often say, “if I was to follow you around all week and watch how you run your business would I be impressed?” And if the answer is no, it might be time to step up how you manage your time instead of the other way around.

Working on client retention, marketing, creating structure, prepping for your meetings…. There are so many different opportunities that will help you thrive into the future.

Are any of the solutions above that I have mentioned sexy or exciting? Most likely it’s a big fat no! But if it was easy everyone would be doing it right?

I spend my days helping people do the things that they don’t want to do, to get them the results that they want! It all starts with a shift of mindset.

For more information on how Jay can help you in your business, contact him at: jay@zingcoach.com.au

@jaychapman_zing

The 12 Personality Archetypes & Your Business.

By Sarah Garner, Digital Bloom

Imagine your favourite characters from books or movies. You’ve got your heroic types, wise old wizards, and those friends who make you laugh until you pee your pants. Well, guess what? Brands can be like that too! Our buddy Carl Jung gave us the lowdown on Personality Archetypes.

Luckily he did this because it makes crafting a brand personality that much easier for us branding folk. It’s like having a cheat code that immediately identifies and categorises the vibe and feels of your favourite brands.

Infusing a personality archetype into your brand strategy allows you to create a special connection with your target audience.

Oh, and the archetypes? They embody real life human qualities and characteristics. Think about the words you’d use to describe your BFF or maybe your fav Friends TV show character? Those words right there are what I am talking about.

So why on earth is a personality archetype important for your clinic or spa? Aren’t they just limited to the big guns in the marketing world?

Let me explain…

In this wild world of consumerism, we’re not all just buying ‘stuff’. We’re buying into feelings, emotions and all the things that make you warm and fuzzy (sometimes the opposite too). By identifying your brand’s personality archetype, it’s like giving your business a pulse to the big, beautiful heart of your why.

Let’s dig into the 12 personality types that Carl uncovered (“A-ha” moments incoming…).

The Innocent

Built on strong values, honesty and good virtue, the innocent archetype is known for their positive outlook and happy-go-lucky personality. They see the wonder in the world and hope to pass this on through their work. What may surprise you is that Coca Cola actually identifies with this brand archetype as they consistently lean into simplicity, positivity, and wonder within their touchpoints.

The Sage

Sage is essentially the Yoda of the brand archetypes. They are committed to knowledge, truth, and wisdom. They’re known to be the thinkers, the researcher, the scholar and as a result, the teacher.

Naturally, brands like Google live and breathe the sage archetype. Their purpose is to empower through knowledge and be the pathway to wisdom.

The Explorer

The Indiana Jones of archetypes, the explorer is independent, adventurous and at times, even rebellious! They don’t like to feel boxed in or conform and celebrate the journey just as much as the destination. Brands that personify the explorer archetype are your North Face, Kathmandu and Jeeps of the world that encourage their audience to unleash their inner voyager and discover adventure.

The Outlaw

When the outlaw archetype does its things, the others would say “oh she’s just being Miley!”.

The outlaw is the disruptor that loves to bend and break the rules, turn heads with their antics and ignite the inner rebel-at-heart in their customers.

The standout outlaw brand is Harley Davidson but another that might surprise you is Virgin! Think about when they first came on the scene. The fun and cheekiness their brand had, and continue to have, with air travel, was a huge disruptor to a traditionally prim and proper industry! That’s an outlaw doing their thing.

The Magician

The dreamers, the wanderers, the visionaries. Magicians, like their archetype name suggests, think anything is possible with a little faith, trust, and pixie dust. At their core, a magician’s purpose is to make dreams come true for their customers, help the impossible become possible and add a little mystery to their lives.

I’m sure you’ve immediately thought of the leading magician-archetype brand by now. Yes, Disney. This brand is in the business of making dreams come true for the young and young at heart and ensure that however you engage with their brand, that it feels like home.

The Hero

Like all great stories, the hero saves the day, saves the victim, and defeats the bad guys. This archetype wants to make the world a better place and stops at nothing until they have triumphed. They inspire this drive in their customers to keep going, face up to the challenges and dare we say… just do it.

Brands like Nike, Adidas and Puma are all glowing examples of a hero archetype, each driving their customer to confront their fears and commit themselves to the power of winning. They embody this archetype so deeply that the ambassadors they employ, such as Serena Williams, are also the hero archetype personified.

The Lover

When you learn about the lover archetype, it takes you straight to Marilyn in Old Hollywood or a trip to see Satine at the Moulin Rouge. This archetype is all about the sensual experience a customer has with their brand. Whilst many brands so lean into the idea of sensual and sexy connotations, this archetype celebrates all kinds of love with its purpose of creating an intimate relationship with their customer.

It’s not such a secret that Victoria’s Secret embodies the lover archetype throughout their branding. Their touchpoints are designed to make you feel as if their brand is the gateway to that level of beauty and sex appeal with their use of colours and fonts to back up the storyline.

The Jester

The Jester is the Chandler Bing of brand archetypes. They’re all about having fun, living in the moment, and avoiding all chances of being perceived as boring. They’re young at heart, optimistic, and here for a good time. Connection to the customer is generally through laughter, joy, and the promise of entertainment.

The jester archetype is used by many malefocused brands such as beer companies as they’re able to lean into humour to connect with a less emotional consumer. Additionally, brands like M&Ms, Ben and Jerrys and even Old Spice have fun with unleashing their inner jester and evoking a sense of playfulness and fun in their branding.

The Everyman

The everyman archetype is the girl or guy next door. They’re the people’s people, humble and just go about their day. They don’t go out of their way to stand out, are down to earth and are always there for their customers.

The everyman archetype is used in a lot of home improvement, everyday items and family-focused brands that exist to make life easier and affordable for their customers. Think of the likes of IKEA, Target, and Bunnings. They’re not about the flashy life but offer everyone that connects with them a place to belong.

The Caregiver

The caregiver just wants to help people.

They’re driven to protect others and help those get back on their feet in times of hardship. They help customers feel protected, cared for and respected and promote security throughout their touchpoints. The caregiver archetype is most common with not-forprofits like WWF and health-care facilities such as hospitals.

The Ruler

The ruler brand archetype can be summed up perfectly in two words: The Godfather. The ruler is all about power, leadership, authority and taking control. This is a dominant brand archetype that resonates with customers that also command a room.

When a customer purchases from a brand with the ruler archetype, it gives off a sense of superiority and reaffirms their status and place in the world. We’re talking about the big guns like Rolex, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton.

The Creator

The creator archetype taps into our imagination and exudes innovation, excitement, invention, creativity, and a little bit of wonder. They’re driven to be original and show off their creativity but at the same time, add innate value to their customer. Their inspirational branding creates cult followings that they then must live up to, meaning the creator never wants to be seen as mediocre.

Without a doubt, the creator brand archetype is perfectly personified in the Apple brand. When they first created their products, there was nothing like it out there. They were the trailblazing creatives that now, with that cult following and status, must continue to flex their creative muscles to craft original technology and anything other than something considered mediocre or comparable.

Which personality archetype does your brand gravitate towards? There’s no better way to create human connection than with well… human connection!

Understanding this framework allows you to inject relatable and familiar-feeling personalities into your business, evoke your customer’s desires and start connecting with them on a much more intimate level.

Contact Digital Bloom via their website www.digitalbloom.com.au

Sarah Garner is the Founder and Creative Director at Digital Bloom, an industryspecific branding boutique dedicated to making your hair, beauty, or wellness brand turn heads for all the right reasons.

The New Huge Social Trend Called UGC.

By Sophia Hilton

Most hairdressers’ Instagram’s consist of two main errors. First, their account is just a portfolio of the back of people’s heads. Pretty balayage after pretty balayage. They all look the same. No personality at all, just selling hair (the product).

Yet, we all know as hairdressers we do so much more than just hair, yet none of that comes out on their page. Secondly, when they do sell, they sell themselves, ‘hey I’m great, come and get your hair done with me’. It doesn’t work.

But there has been a big change in selling it for the last few years on social media, and for some reason the beauty service industry is yet to catch up.

Product brands are on to it though. Once upon a time a lipstick brand would run an advert telling you the lipstick is fantastic and all the features asking you to buy. Now brands allow influencers and normal people to give their authentic voice on that product. It comes across more genuine when a reallife person is giving their own opinions.

In hairdressing terms, it’s far more authentic for one of your clients to create a piece of content about their experience of the salon, than you create the content.

Third-party seal of approval, builds trust.

That’s why in my monthly membership, social media and marketing club, I teach people how

to get their regular clients to create authentic content for them.

You have seen the sort of videos I mean online. A person walks into a restaurant saying something like ‘Come with me to try London’s number one steak restaurant’- and then the person will talk you through their experience. THIS is what is selling.

Here are my top tips for creating what they call UGC ( user generated content)

1. Write a script less than 30 seconds long, selling your brand in a natural way from the viewpoint of a customer.

2. Find a customer who is happy to have their service documented in video form, and who can record the audio in a quiet room.

3. Record other content around the salon or collect content from your team filing into Dropbox for future reference.

4. Edit the video using the audio recorded to follow the client experience, chopped in with other visuals that sell your services/ experience.

5. Keep the video fast paced and no longer than 30 seconds. Change the shot at least every one second potentially 0.8 seconds.

6. Make sure you have a call to action at the end (where to book/ what to do next)

If you would like to have commitment to you through social media and marketing check out www.notanotheracademy.com/en/ courses/hilton-hundred-membership/

And hurry, my new intake starts this September!

Sophia x @notanotheracademy @notanothersalon @hiltonsophia

Why are salons and hairdressers so scared to implement AI into their businesses?

By Hayley Mears

I know, it’s complex, there are many layers and options when it comes to AI, and the only word I can think to describe how I feel about AI implementation is OVERWHELMING. There is just too much information out there and it’s impossible to know where to start and understand what applies to you.

So, I’m going to give you just ONE simple suggestion to implement so you can dip your toes into the AI world and do it with guidance, low cost, and low risk.

Picture this… You’re trying to build an email data base of NEW clients you can bring into your business. You want them to be IDEAL clients. You know the exact demographic data you want to attract, and you know WHY you want them in your business.

Question: Where can you find an ideal client and easily reach them?

Answer: Social media of course.

Question: How do I market to them in order to convert them to a client?

Answer: You GIVE them something they really want as an incentive to see you. Sharing your services, your culture and your space just isn’t enough anymore. You need a hook.

Something that no one else is offering. Brainstorm this with your team… Cocktails, Massages, Mini Mani’s or perhaps access to an exclusive app that they can only use in your chair… (try colour analysis by Dressika)

Create some social media posts to promote your offering. Make it EXCLUSIVE 10 new clients only.

For each client to claim this offer they need

to Comment “TREAT ME” in the Instagram comments. These key words will trigger AI to do one of the following things.

1. Send a PDF voucher directly to the Instagram inbox of the account holder. 2. Send a sign-up form for them to complete to capture their info and then send a booking voucher and invitation.

How do you implement this Instagram strategy into your business? Using a tool called ManyChat. You might remember when BOT automation first started appearing in direct messaging services, this was the hero product of ManyChat in the early days. Now it has far more sophisticated and complex offerings

1. Automated messaging: ManyChat can automate the process of sending messages to Instagram followers based on various triggers and conditions, such as user interactions or specific keywords.

2. Lead generation: ManyChat can help businesses generate leads on Instagram by capturing user information through automated conversations and forms.

3. Customer support: ManyChat can provide automated responses to common customer queries on Instagram, helping

businesses provide quick and efficient support to their followers.

4. Audience segmentation: ManyChat can segment Instagram followers based on various criteria, such as demographics or previous interactions, allowing businesses to tailor their messages and offers to specific audience groups.

If you would like to set up this marketing campaign for your business, follow one of the two options here:

• Head straight to ManyChat and build your own profile.

• Outsource it to Six Underground Media and we can build the framework for you.

We recommend spending some advertising budget on implementing this campaign through META to get the best possible ROI and to ensure you’re targeting localised clients in your geographical location.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always got.

Hayley Mears.

Six Underground Media @sixundegroundmedia

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The Mindset of a Successful Stylist.

By Angeli Marie Shaw

As a hair stylist, we all have the power to transform people’s lives using our creativity and talent. Our years of training, experience, education and industry exposure continue to evolve and grow into the creative skills we have today.

However, becoming a successful stylist requires more than just our technical skill. People skills, communication, active listening, delegation, leadership, problem solving, financial literacy, resilience, adaptability, quick thinking and time management are some of the many skills needed, but one key and important factor is that it takes a certain mindset to turn your passion into a thriving and profitable business.

Here are some key traits and habits that help stylists reach their financial goals -

1.

The Power of Accountability

Being accountable for your actions and treating your goals as a top priority are key ingredients for your success as a hairstylist. Successful stylists embrace accountability by not letting excuses get in your way of tackling challenges. With a can-do attitude, you’ll be able to focus on your aspirations and drive toward them with determination. Embracing accountability is an empowering approach to have and being aware of the impact of your actions and accepting responsibility allows you to take appropriate measures to improve and rectify situations as needed, contributing to building a successful and profitable career.

2.

The Importance of Time Management

Time is a valuable commodity and should be treated as such, not just for yourself but your clients also. On the salon floor, by consistently prioritizing punctuality, you are able to run a smooth and efficient salon business operation that creates service consistently and ensures that clients leave satisfied whilst also wanting to return. Off the salon floor, time management is equally important when it comes to completing tasks such as admin and planning and when done right will boost your confidence, create consistency, increase your productivity, creating a better work life balance. These skills can also be applied to your personal life too.

3. Documenting with a Journal or Diary

Utilizing a journal or diary can be a fun and empowering way to stay on top of your game as a hairstylist. By documenting your experiences, goals, and daily tasks, you’ll be able to track your progress, reflect on your experiences, and identify areas for improvement. Writing can also stimulate creativity and innovation, and for some, a journal can also serve as a

memorable keepsake of all your hard work and accomplishments during your journey to success, allowing you to reflect on your achievements and help you stay focused on your goals and priorities.

4. Setting boundaries with others (and yourself)

It’s easy to feel pressure to be on 24/7, especially when you’re a business owner and busy stylist. The phone, social media, emails and events on top of every other facet of your business; it can feel like you constantly have to be available for your clients (and your team if you have one). Whilst there’s the obvious demands, without setting boundaries you’re paving the path for burnout! Too often I hear ‘but I want to make people happy’ or ‘but I have to’, but really, do you? And even if you are naturally a giving person, without clear boundaries you’re left trying to give from a near empty cup. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish, nor is it rude to those around you. You’re simply creating space for yourself to rest, replenish and care for yourself. Your own wellness should be top priority and boundary setting allows you to fill your own cup and keep it full!

5. Growth Mindset

Something I discuss constantly is having a growth mindset and as a hairstylist seeking to achieve financial prosperity with a healthy and consistent income, an entrepreneurial outlook is essential. Think of having a growth mindset as an attitude, a GOOD one, where you face challenges head on, process

failures, look for ways to grow and evolve and adapt as a result. Having a clear vision for your business, a firm commitment to taking ownership of your future, and a drive for excellence, you can continuously develop the traits of a successful entrepreneur. Embracing continuous learning, both professionally and personally and staying up to date with all that’s going on within industry, you’ll be well-equipped to grow your business and achieve your goals. So don’t be afraid to take business classes, attend seminars, read books, and do what it takes to keep yourself ahead of the game. Never stop learning, and you’ll never stop growing.

With a combination of discipline, perseverance, and the right mindset to succeed, anyone can become a successful stylist. Embrace the no-excuses mentality, stay organized and punctual, keep a journal, and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit whilst consistently working on your mindset. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to achieving whatever you desire.

As always, I believe in you.

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

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 or follow me on my socials @theblisscoach to connect and find out more.

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