HAIRBIZ Year 18 Issue 6 by mochagroup

INTRODUCING the Award

Winning BOSS DigiForce

This is your 100% made and assembled in Italy blow dry commander with triple core benefits and a 2 year warranty.

AVAILABLE NOW

Choose from Graphite Stone and Pearl White.

> 2650 watts of super-charged power and NEW digital motor technology for a longer-lasting eco-friendly solution.

> Super lightweight 390 grams with an extra-long 3 metre cord and in-built vibration reduction to reduce strain.

> Patented EVY Mineral Infused Technology with a unique blend of 32 Japanese minerals to lock in inner hydration for faster drying and styling.

100ml • Superior Grey Coverage • Long Lasting Results • Made In Italy

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

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

Candice McKay

Ann Russell

Jarred Stedman

Kristie Kesic

Anthony Gray

Nathan Yip

Paul Frasca

Justin Page

Belinda Haigh

Charli Nekrep

David Thurston

Dwight Hodge

Faye Murray

Sarah Garner

Keira Maloney

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.

Editorsletter

As we turn the pages on the final issue of Hair Biz for 2024, it’s hard to believe the end of the year is already upon us.

Christmas is only weeks away, bringing with it the energy of our busiest season. This issue is packed with highlights that celebrate our vibrant industry, from October’s Australian Hair Industry Awards for Business on the Gold Coast to honouring our talented winners.

Our cover story shines a spotlight on EVY PROFESSIONAL, this year’s Best Electrical Product award winner, whose innovation continues to elevate our industry standards. We’re also thrilled to showcase incredible talents and stories, starting with international writer Candice McKay from the UK, who profiles the artistry of Jordanna Cobella. You’ll find features on 2024 Hot Shots winner Adam Harant, Gillian Adams of Gillian Adams Salon & Spa, and color specialist Stuart Bane.

Sustainability is at the forefront with Eco Foil’s founder, Tenille Lawrence, and we introduce the exciting new brand EXO GROW, by Dermapenworld. We also explore CPR Hair’s 2025 plans, chat with three salons about why they choose Revlon Professional, and go behind the scenes with Sheree Knobel from Bixie, who’s reshaping the industry with VISH technology. Plus, we feature Mr. T Salon in Melbourne with their use of Heiniger Tools, and global superstar Alfredo Lewis on his work with K18. Our business writers, bloggers, social media, and marketing experts bring valuable advice and insights to help you thrive in 2025 and beyond.

This issue also marks a special chapter for us at Hair Biz! it’s the end of an era and the beginning of something new. Over the last few years, the Mocha brand has grown significantly, and to reflect that evolution, we’re excited to announce a rebrand to align our magazines with the Mocha name. This change will bring a powerful, unified identity to our publications, amplifying Mocha Group’s vision and commitment to the industry.

Next time I sit down to write, it will be for Mocha Hair - a new name, with the same dedication to bringing you the best of what our industry has to offer.

As we wrap up 2024, I wish you a fabulous festive season. Take time to recharge with your loved ones, and get ready for a new year filled with fresh insights, inspiring stories, and perspectives from our talented new contributors.

And as you look toward 2025, remember the power of planning ahead. Set aside a dedicated day now to map out your year and time-block for essential education, team meetings, and strategies for growth. When these priorities are already scheduled and in place, they’re far more likely to happen. Simply trying to ‘find time’ later doesn’t have the same impact. Let’s enter the new year ready for consistent progress and success. Bring it on!

Love & hugs,

Lou xo

Louise May Editor – Hair Biz Magazine

Editor in Chief – Mocha Group

louise@mochgroup.com.au

@louisemay_mochagroup

FOR THE GIRLS

By Candice McKay

We invited Freelance Art Director and International Educator Candice McKay to dial up the inspirational female figureheads who are shaking up hairdressing on the global stage.

First in the series is Jordanna Cobella. With illustrious roots in the hairdressing world (her father is co-founder of Cobella salon, Anestis Cobella, while mum Beverly C is a living hairdressing legend), Jordanna has made a significant mark in her 15 years in the industry.

Carrying on the family legacy, Jordanna now heads a thriving salon in Kensington. Her dedication is highlighted by twice winning the title of London Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards. Despite planning a brief hiatus due to a new family addition, Jordanna has been nominated for British Hairdresser of the Year in 2024, showcasing her adaptability and continued commitment to excellence.

Jordanna, it’s wonderful to meet you. What advice would you give to young hairdressers?

Embrace the transformative power of being a hairdresser. In an era dominated by technology, the personal, intimate connection you create with clients is invaluable. You offer more than just technical skills; you impact how clients feel. While technical training is crucial, the emotional aspect of client interaction is often overlooked. This aspect, although not typically covered in formal training, is vital. By understanding and nurturing this connection, you enhance the client experience, which leads to greater success in your career. Balancing emotional intelligence with technical expertise keeps the industry vibrant and highlights what makes our profession unique.

What does success mean to you personally, and how do you measure it in your career?

Success, to me, is about overall satisfaction with your work. The job has its glamorized aspects—like owning a salon or participating in high-profile events—but the reality involves less glamorous tasks and challenges. For me, success is reflected in feeling fulfilled despite these challenges. If, at the end of the year, you can look back and feel that, although it was difficult, you’re glad you persevered, then you’ve achieved success.

My diverse background—having worked as a lawyer and police officer before hairdressing—helps me see parallels between these fields and hairdressing, especially in terms of emotional intelligence and connecting with people. Success is about finding joy in your daily work and handling tough tasks with a positive attitude. It’s not just about avoiding difficulties but about overall satisfaction and passion for your job. Success varies from person to person; if what you do brings you joy and satisfaction, you’re on the right track. Embracing your own

Jordanna Cobella

definition of success and acknowledging diverse career paths within our industry is essential.

What changes or innovations would you like to see in the hairdressing industry over the next five years?

I’m excited about the potential for increased collaboration within the industry. Crossindustry collaborations can lead to remarkable breakthroughs and fresh approaches. For instance, the recent collaboration between H&M and Moschino resulted in something truly unique. I’d love to see more unexpected partnerships in hairdressing. Combining different perspectives and expertise can open doors to innovative ideas. Embracing cross-industry collaborations can lead to new trends and elevate the entire field, making our work more dynamic and interconnected.

It seems that while being an ambassador for certain brands is beneficial, it can sometimes create barriers between creatives who might otherwise collaborate effectively. How do you feel about this?

Brand affiliations can indeed create silos, limiting collaboration between talented individuals who could spark incredible ideas together. To overcome this, I think we should actively organize crosscollaborative events—perhaps even informal gatherings that bring together diverse talents. Pairing a self-taught barber with a seasoned art director, for example, could lead to exciting outcomes. Embracing such collaborations could invigorate our industry and foster a more creative and interconnected community.

The hairdressing industry is predominantly female, with women comprising 77% of the workforce. Despite this, there are relatively few female art directors. What do you think are the main barriers preventing women from reaching these top positions?

The issue often starts at the top. Major brands and ambassadors—particularly tool and color companies—heavily influence industry dynamics.

The current imbalance in representation at these high-profile roles affects the industry’s culture and opportunities.

To address this, we need more female ambassadors who reflect the industry’s demographic. Representation at the top is crucial for setting the tone and encouraging more women to aspire to leadership roles. Beyond representation, there are issues of pay and opportunities. Advocating for higher visibility of female leaders and ensuring fair opportunities is essential.

The disparity in media representation also plays a role. Despite the industry being predominantly female, recognition often skews male. We need to normalize female representation in prominent roles and encourage women to aspire to them. It’s important to have conversations, write articles, and address these issues to create pressure for change. Highlighting disparities and pushing for balanced representation will help ensure female talent is recognized and celebrated.

How important is mentorship in your career? Do you mentor others, and how do you see your role in shaping future generations in the industry?

Mentorship is crucial. While formal training provides foundational skills, mentorship helps apply these skills in real-world scenarios. I initially struggled with client interactions because I was focused on perfecting techniques. Observing and learning from others helped me engage with clients more effectively. Mentorship must be actively sought. I encourage my team to seek out mentors, shadow professionals, and attend networking events. Mentorship is in the hands of the mentee; they need to be proactive in their learning journey. By collecting insights from various sources, individuals can shape their own paths and define their professional identities.

Do you think your aesthetic and technique are influenced by being a woman? If so, how does this impact your work?

I haven’t consciously considered how my gender influences my aesthetic and technique. However, my perspective as a woman affects how I approach my work. When creating a look, I focus on whether it suits the individual and enhances their features. My understanding of feminine beauty and societal constraints plays a role in how I approach designs. For instance, while I might experiment with unconventional color placements, I ensure they complement the model’s natural beauty.

My female perspective influences how I view and execute my work, although I’m unsure if it has fundamentally altered my aesthetic. It certainly impacts how I perceive and interpret beauty in my designs.

About the Interviewer

Candice McKay is a renowned interviewer and freelance art director, celebrated for her deep industry insights and engaging conversations with top professionals. Her expertise extends to art direction and education, where she nurtures emerging talent and shares valuable industry knowledge.

@candicemckay_ @cobellasalon

10 MINUTES WITH

PAIGE CAMERON

By Anne Russell

How do you feel taking out the title New Creative Talent 2024?

Taking home the New Creative Talent 2024 award is incredibly validating and exciting for me. It reaffirms my commitment to creativity and inspires me to push boundaries further in my work. I feel grateful for the recognition and motivation to continue evolving, collaborating with others, and contributing to the industry in meaningful ways. This title encourages me to embrace new challenges, and to keep exploring new innovative ideas.

In 2015 at the age of 16, Paige Cameron began her dream of working in the art of hairdressing. She started her schoolbased apprenticeship. After being told by some teachers at school ‘hairdressing isn’t a job, it’s a hobby’ she wanted to prove them wrong. So, she decided to leave school at the end of year 10 to pursue this dream further. Paige has now been a team member of Cobelle Creative since 2017.

What inspired your collection?

When creating this collection I was Inspired by deep-sea corals. I intentionally selected a dark environment and used UV lights to enhance the ethereal luminescence, creating a captivating visual experience. I guided my team to envision a UV shoot that highlighted the stunning glow of this underwater wonder. To maintain balance, we chose minimal, natural makeup that complemented the intricate hair designs, keeping the focus on the elaborate hairstyles and adding harmony to the overall look. Ultimately, my vision directed the team in crafting a captivating synergy between the glowing beauty of deep-sea coral, UV lighting, and meticulously designed hairstyles.

AHIA 2023 New Creative Talent winner and fellow Hot Shots Alumni, Anne Russell , spends 10 minutes chatting with Paige about the industry and her AHIA 2024 win of New Creative Talent!

Anne Russell

Paige Cameron

What do you enjoy most about being a hairdresser?

I love how a hair service can change someone’s day. It empowers individuals, uplifts their spirits, offers a means of self-expression and most importantly makes people feel and look good. This career allows me to channel my creativity while making a positive impact on my clients, team, and workplace. I enjoy styling and thinking outside the box, using various methods and materials to create imaginative art, in addition to how you can express yourself and tell a story with hair. Although I also have a deep passion for colour transformations. I love seeing the smile on my clients faces when they rediscover their outer beauty. It’s incredibly rewarding to challenge myself creatively and craft the perfect shade that truly resonates with each client. Additionally, I find foiling to be a peaceful process that allows me to focus and refine my technique, making it one of my favourite aspects of the craft. Each of these skills bring me joy and fulfilment, as they enable me to make a positive impact on my clients’ lives.

Who inspires you?

I’m inspired by artists that show no boundaries or limit’s to their determination and passion. Justin Anderson has set his place as one of the most coveted celebrity stylists in Hollywood. I love his story and am intrigued by how his fascination with hair from an early age developed into his passion and craft. I also admire the works of Mark Van Westerop, for their creative foresight and ability to take inspiration from an environment, story or cultural observation and make it applicable to hair. I love this inventive side of the industry and hope to explore it further.

What’s next for you?

I have lots, but a future goal of mine is to continue to grow and evolve with time. I envision myself as a world recognised talent. A lifelong dream of mine is to travel and collaborate with the people who inspire me in the industry. As a young professional, I strive to immerse myself in opportunities that foster my growth as a hairdresser, and build my presence in the industry. I’m eager to learn from diverse experiences and make meaningful contributions along the way. As I grow, I hope to one day be someone else’s idol and inspire future hairdressers to push the boundaries, just like my idols inspire me.

mocha group

As part of our ongoing commitment to bringing you the best in hair, beauty and barbering, we’re excited to announce a bold new chapter for our three iconic publications.

“This rebrand reflects our evolving vision, aligning our print and digital platforms under one unified identity—Mocha. We are still your trusted source for expert insights, trends, business tips, creative inspiration and industry news, but now with a stronger, more cohesive voice across all channels. Look out for the new Mocha Hair, Mocha Beauty, and Mocha Barber in salons and shops, online, and across our entire media network. We are excited to continue bringing you the very best of the hair, beauty and barbering world, with even more style, sophistication, and flair.”

Linda Woodhead, ceo and founder of mocha group

...COMING TO 2025...

The only media company servicing the industry with print online and digital magazines 16 times a year with over 280,000 readers annually!

WILL REBRAND TO:

moc h a h ai r

WILL REBRAND TO:

moc h a barber

WILL REBRAND TO:

moc h a beauty

mochagroup is also the proud owners of

INDUSTRY NEWS.

SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL SHAPING FUTURES INITIATIVE UNITES FASHION, EDUCATION, AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN DARWIN.

The Shaping Futures initiative recently concluded its week-long program in Darwin, Northern Territory, creating a transformative experience for First Nations youth aspiring to enter the hairdressing industry. Through a unique partnership with key community organisations, educational institutions, and local businesses, the initiative sought to provide practical skills, mentorship, and a pathway to brighter futures.

The program was hosted at Charles Darwin University, Palmerston Campus, whose state-of-the- art hairdressing salon facilities served as the perfect environment for participants to hone their craft. The hands-on training was further supported by Hairdressing and Beauty Suppliers of the Northern Territory, who generously provided essential supplies, ensuring students had the tools they needed to succeed.

Participants came from a variety of backgrounds thanks to the support of Taminmin College, Grassroots Youth Engagement, and the Galinwinku Women’s Space. These organisations played a pivotal role in identifying and facilitating students to attend the program, offering young people from Indigenous and rural communities a chance to learn new skills and engage with the world of hairdressing.

A key reason for hosting the program in Darwin is the strong relationship formed with celebrated First Nations fashion designer Liandra Gaykamangu. Liandra’s deep connections to the local Indigenous communities made Darwin the ideal location for Shaping Futures to engage and empower young people from these regions. Her influence brought a cultural dimension to the initiative, blending creativity with Indigenous heritage and opening doors for participants from remote and rural areas to access industry opportunities in the Northern Territory.

A key element of the Shaping Futures program’s success was the dedication and expertise of the Schwarzkopf Professional volunteers who mentored, trained, and supported students throughout the week. The group of volunteers included

Schwarzkopf Professional Educators Paul Kennett and Nicole Turner, Guest Artist Krystle Tokunai, Senior Stylist Isabel Borzi, and Liandra Gaykamangu herself, who provided mentorship and coaching to participants.

The week-long experience kicked off with a meet and greet between the students and their mentors, followed by an intensive 3-day hairdressing workshop. Throughout the workshop, students learned essential hairdressing techniques, with a focus on practical, industry-relevant skills that they can carry forward in their careers. The training culminated in an exciting on-location fashion photoshoot featuring Liandra’s latest ESSENCE collection. Under the guidance of Schwarzkopf Professional Guest Artist and Educators, students were given the opportunity to create the final looks for each model, giving them hands-on experience in delivering professional- level results in a high-pressure environment.

Yovanka Loria Extensions took their highly-anticipated hair extensions education and styling concepts on the road in September 2024 in a collaborative Roadshow –More Than Just Hair.

The Melbourne & Queensland events brought together stylists, educators and industry professionals, whilst also welcoming two US guest artists – Anianne Rivera & Sarah Goode – as an essential part of the lineup!

The Melbourne event which attracted 16 attendees was hosted at Telleish Hair Studio, followed by the Queensland event hosted at Botanica By Collective Space, which welcomed 11 attendees.

Each event elicited an electric atmosphere brimming with creativity, passion, and collaboration, yet was purposefully an intimate and impactful experience.

The YL Education team – comprising Yovanka Loria, Olivija Dejanovic, Emma Sorensen, and Justine Eve of Eve the Salon – showcased the award-winning YL Hidden Bead Method and provided live demonstrations on the application of YL Extensions.

Guests were captivated by hands-on installations with models featuring both wavy and straight hair textures, along with live demonstrations on custom colouring, styling techniques, and an exclusive look at the latest YL Wavy Texture Collection.

The talented US guest educators - Ani Rivera (Owner, Mourning Hair & Marketing/Branding expert) and Sarah Goode (Hair Extension Expert & BLEND Cutting Education) - shared their expertise in advanced weft colouring, blend cutting, social media strategies, and content creation. Their contributions elevated the event offering fresh insights into the hair industry, continuous education, and contemporary social media management.

The Roadshow was thrilled to be sponsored by Haircare Group Australia, with each attendee receiving a thoughtfully curated gift bag featuring incredible education sponsors: Evo Hair, Haircare Group, Comfortel Furniture, Foil Queen Foils, Yovanka Loria Extensions, Mourning Hair, Coach Ani, and Caitlin Muir Coaching.

“The idea behind the Roadshow was to encourage a conversation around hair extensions that creates an entirely new business model. Everything - from micro weft hair extension installation to custom colouring, cutting, styling, aftercare, and social media & marketing business strategies – was supported by such amazing creatives and brands.”

YOVANKA LORIA EXTENSIONS COLLAB TOUR: MORE THAN JUST HAIR!

Ani Rivera (US), Olivija, Emma, Yovanka, Justine and Sarah Goode (US)

ECO FOILS IS SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY WITH ITS NEW SUSTAINABLE HAIR FOILS, REVOLUTIONIZING THE HAIR INDUSTRY.

Eco Foils is proud to announce the launch of its brand-new line of eco-friendly hair foils, set to redefine sustainability in the hairdressing industry. Made from 100% recycled aluminium, these innovative foils help salons reduce waste while maintaining superior performance. Eco Foils’ new products reflect the brand’s commitment to the planet, blending sustainability, style and environmental education into one comprehensive offering.

Under the banner of “Small changes, Big impact,” Eco Foils is leading the charge toward more eco-conscious salon practices. This launch marks a significant step forward in reducing the hair industry’s environmental footprint, offering hairstylists high-quality, user-friendly foils that minimise waste without compromising on quality.

“Our goal is to make sustainability second nature in the salon environment,” said Tenille Lawrence owner and founder of Eco Foils. “Our foils are not only made from recycled materials but can also be recycled after use, making them a win-win for both stylists and the planet.”

Dedicated to reducing the beauty industry’s environmental impact, Eco Foils donates $1 from every box sold to the Australian Koala Foundation and offsets shipping emissions through tree planting initiatives with Carbon Positive Australia. The brand combines high-quality, functional design with environmental responsibility and stylish aesthetics, empowering salons to embrace sustainability.

www.ecofoils.eco

INDUSTRY NEWS.

TONI&GUY MAINSTAGE 2024

On 27th October, TONI&GUY’s Mainstage event returned with a spectacular celebration of hair artistry, innovation, and fashion, once again establishing itself as one of the industry’s most highly anticipated annual events. Held at HERE, The Outernet in central London, this year’s Mainstage brought together the best of TONI&GUY’s creatives, highlighting their dedication to cutting-edge techniques, trendsetting styles, and collaboration with the global fashion scene.

With a strong focus on the brand’s 2025 campaign, House of TONI&GUY, the event embodied the brand’s unique alchemy where salons, education, LABEL.M and fashion were all brought to life through The Outernet’s’ interactive, wrap-around screens and immersive 360 digital tunnel.

TONI&GUY wowed more than 1,200 hairdressers with their spectacular Mainstage event in the heart of London, which saw British Hairdresser of the Year Cos Sakkas and the International artistic team present their latest collections, as well as a fabulous finale of avant-garde wonder. The evening also saw the winners announced in their annual business and creative awards, recognising hairdressers and salons around the world.

“I’ll create some highlights in France”

At TAFE NSW we aim to turn potential into not just skills, but Skillaroos –just like Hannah Gerritsen, a hairdressing graduate from TAFE NSW Wollongong West. Whether you or your employees want to learn a new skill, upskill or re-skill, there is a hair and beauty course to help reach your goals.

Enrol now for Semester 2, 2024.

O&M HAS ANNOUNCED ITS NEWEST AMBASSADOR, CHARLIE GAUCI!

Charlie joins the O&M team as the newest Ambassador, he is a globally acclaimed hair stylist and educator, teaching across the world spanning from Australia, LA, NYC, New Jersey, London, Atlanta, and Tallahassee. Charlie’s artistry and signature style features precisely placed vibrant highlights for a seamless blend and natural growth, and is known for his love of a wavy Victoria’s Secret blowout.

@charliegaucihair

INDUSTRY NEWS.

• cont’d from page 19

ALEXANDER FUCHS ANNOUNCED AS KEVIN.MURPHY COLOR.MASTER FOR ASIA PACIFIC.

With a family hairdressing legacy of over 70 years including 6x salons in Switzerland, Alexander Fuchs from Fuchs Hair in Sydney is what we would confidently call ‘good stock’. 5 years ago, along with his dad Thomas, Mum Carol, and Sister Rebecca, they opened their newest salon in Sydney’s thriving suburb Alexandria. With 14x chairs, a colour table and 4x basins, Fuchs Hair is now a flagship KEVIN.MURPHY salon. Alex himself has been hairdressing for over 20 years and is always seeking to provide a premium experience for his clients and staff.

Alex says, “Becoming a COLOR.MASTER for KEVIN.MURPHY is a thrilling and exciting opportunity, allowing me to share my passion for the brand’s innovations. What’s ahead promises to be the biggest year for colour and being part of this forward momentum is truly exhilarating.” @alexanderfuchs_

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL BOARD ANNOUNCES

DEPARTURE OF CEO MELISSA KALAN

The Board of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) announces the departure of CEO Melissa Kalan, effective 21 October 2024.

“On behalf of the entire board, we extend our sincere gratitude to Melissa for her dedication and leadership during her time with the AHC,” said Australian Hairdressing Council Chair Clint Piper.

“Her efforts have laid several strong plans and important groundwork aimed at our future initiatives, for which we are greatly appreciative. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Melissa all the best in her future endeavours.

“During this transition, our experienced Board and team will ensure that operations continue seamlessly, and our commitment to supporting the industry remains unchanged.”

The AHC remains steadfast to its core values of providing support, value, and community for our members. We take pride in our robust heritage and the solid foundations we’ve built for future growth. As we navigate the evolving needs and challenges of our industry, our dedicated Board and team are focused on moving forward positively. We are committed to strengthening our team, reinforcing our brand, and enhancing our offerings to ensure continued support and value for our members.

The AHC is proud of its achievements and has exciting plans ahead. We are collaborating with partners like Service and Creative Skills Australia and the Department of Education and Workplace Relations to drive positive change in the hairdressing and barbering sectors, focusing on advocacy, education, and training. We actively promote our industry to job seekers, highlighting the diverse career pathways available.

In 2024, the AHC hosted our largest and most productive Industry Day and Leadership Summit events, fostering valuable discussions and networking. We are planning these events for 2025 and are pursuing opportunities like our successful collaboration with TAFE NSW on Project Barber to address industry challenges. Our commitment remains to help our members thrive in both prosperous and challenging times.

The Board is actively discussing the next steps for AHC leadership and will keep our members informed of any updates in due course.

Thank you for your continued support of the Australian Hairdressing Council.

THE MANE EVENT BY CPR HAIR

Total Image Colour & Styling Awards

Unlock your colour and styling creativity with The Circle’s industry hair awards.

The Mane Event is an opportunity to gain exposure within the industry and public while showcasing your talents. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to showcase your creative flair and talent, and be in the running for some fantastic prizes! Enter The Mane Event today.

This year CPR Hair are thrilled to introduce the “Roar Emerging Talent Award.” This category is designed to celebrate and recognise the outstanding talent and creativity of emerging hairstylists in the early stages of their careers.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Do you have a passion for creative hair design? Show off your skills and unlock your colour and styling creativity with CPR and The Circle’s first industry hair awards. The Mane Event is an opportunity to gain exposure within the industry and public while showcasing your talents.

All salons are welcome to enter the awards as long as CPR Colour and haircare is used to create the total look entry.

Entries are open now and will be accepted until midnight on 31st May 2025. The winner will be selected based on a judging panel made up of industry leaders, and then announced at The Mane Gala Awards Night on Saturday 28th June 2025 at The Ivy, Sydney.

Who can enter The Mane Event?

• All salons are welcome to enter the awards as long as CPR Colour and haircare is used to create the total look entry.

• Non-CPR Salons can purchase CPR Colour and products from a CPR Distributor (please keep receipt for uploading with entry) or can open an account with CPR to purchase directly.

• Entries can be from an entire salon team or an individual hairdresser.

• Existing CPR ambassadors can enter.

The winner of The Mane Event will receive:

• $1,000 cash prize

• $2,000 CPR Colour and Haircare package

• A full-page feature in The Circle magazine

• Feature in HAIRBIZ & INSTYLE Hair magazine

• A chance to become CPR’s next ambassador to further your career and personal brand!

• Top 10 entries will receive digital exposure

Who can enter ROAR! Emerging Talent Award?

• This category is exclusive to apprentices and must not have graduated prior to the day of the photoshoot.

The winner of ROAR! Emerging Talent Award will receive:

• $500 cash prize

• 12-month mentoring program with the esteemed ambassador team

• Exclusive campaign photoshoot opportunities

• 1-year of free education with CPR Hair

So, what are we looking for in a winning shot? The Mane Event is all about showcasing your creative flair and talent. The judging panel will be looking at the combination of the colour, cut and styling techniques along with the overall creativity, image and professionalism of the uploaded photograph.

Be as creative and striking as you’d like! Your entry is only limited to your imagination when creating the ‘total look’. Enter The Mane Event today.

To find out more www.the-circle.cprhair.com/the-mane-event

Enter now via:

www.the-circle.cprhair.com/the-mane-event#enter-competition-section Proudly brought to you by CPR HAIR.

INDUSTRY NEWS.

DYSON LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION COLOUR-WAY FOR AWARD-WINNING AIRSTRAIT STRAIGHTENER | INTRODUCING CERAMIC PINK & ROSE GOLD

Combining their expertise in hair science and airflow, the Dyson Airstrait™ implements the latest in hair care technology using air, not hot plates. The Dyson Airstrait™ creates a naturally straight style through 2-in-1 wet-to-dry styling without relying on extreme temperatures, preserving hair strength, reducing breakage and protecting hair’s natural shine.

Since launching internationally, the Airstrait™ has received glowing consumer reviews, even securing the coveted TIME’s 2023 Best Invention Award. Here is how the Airstrait is revolutionising the industry:

• Ditching hot plates in favour of air, the Dyson Airstrait™ is the only wet-todry straightener that can claim 0 hair damage

• With features such as Temperature Control, Root Dry Mode and Pause Detect, the Dyson Airstrait™ stands on its own by combining drying and styling technology in one, reducing the time spent your hair without compromising on style or hair health

• By combining two steps into one, the Dyson Airstrait™ drastically reduces time spent by 25% versus your existing hair styling routine of using a hairdryer and a hot plate straightener For more information, visit www.dyson.com.au

RIP VALE TREVOR

SORBIE 1949 – 2024

Renowned for over five decades for creating many inspirational and groundbreaking hairstyles which not only appealed to hairdressers but also to the public, Trevor’s TV appearances and product line made him a much-loved household name. Throughout his career he selflessly nurtured and mentored many of the industry’s greats, encouraging them to be the best they could be. Right until the end Trevor was doing what he loved best – working with hair and collaborating with his team.

At Vidal Sassoon, Trevor quickly became a legend, most famously creating “The Wedge” – an iconic style that has been emulated countless times but never surpassed. Yet, his legacy goes well beyond one haircut; Trevor was revered around the world for his inventive spirit, exceptional talent, and leadership.

Fellowship Patron of Honor, Fellowship Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellowship Icon.

He was an Artist, Icon and Legend of the industry. A true Master of the Craft who will be greatly missed.

INDUSTRY NEWS.

• cont’d from page 21

DATELINE IMPORTS EXPANDS PORTFOLIO: FRAMAR & FATBOY NOW AVAILABLE

Dateline Imports is thrilled to announce that it is now the importer of Framar and Fatboy hairdressing products in Australia. This exciting partnership enhances Dateline’s diverse product lineup and brings two innovative brands to Australian hairdressers, ensuring they have the essential tools to elevate their craft.

Framar is renowned for its cutting-edge and vibrant colour application tools that empower hairdressers to unleash their creativity. From iconic foils to stylish brushes and applicators, Framar’s products are designed to streamline the colouring process while delivering stunning results. With Framar, hairdressers can rely on top-quality tools that enhance both the colouring experience and client satisfaction.

Fatboy, on the other hand, embodies a perfect blend of style and substance. Offering high-performance styling and haircare products, Fatboy caters to the needs of today’s trend-conscious hairdressers. The brand’s range of exceptional pomades, sprays, creams, shampoos and conditioners provide versatile solutions for achieving effortless looks and high-fashion styles. With a commitment to quality and user-friendly formulas, Fatboy is a must-have addition to any salon.

Celebrating 30 incredible years is nine other than Tsiknaris Hair. Over the past three dec-ades, the Tsiknaris family have built more than just a salon— they’ve built a family. A family of passionate stylists, dedicated team members, and loyal clients.

As the importer of Framar and Fatboy, Dateline Imports is dedicated to supporting hairdressers across Australia by providing them with the tools and products necessary to thrive in a competitive market. This partnership reinforces Dateline’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the hairdressing industry. datelineimports.com.au

Under the visionary leadership of Bill Tsiknaris since 1994, Tsiknaris Hair has become a household name in the Australian hair industry and fashion scene not to mention being In-ternationally and Nationally recognised for winning and nominated creative collections from Bill himself and his elite group of stylists.

As a highly sought after and recognised industry photographer, Bill also shares his passion for hair with others at every opportunity.

“Congratulations to Bill Tsiknaris and the entire Tsiknaris Hair family on an extraordi-nary 35 years of excellence! From a dream to a legacy, you’ve built more than just a business. It’s been a privilege to watch you, Bill, lead with passion, vision, and humili-ty. Your recognition as a creative force in both the hair and photography worlds speaks volumes about your dedication and artistry. Here’s to 30 years of incredible achieve-ments and many more ahead.”

Says Linda Woodhead, CEO and Founder Mocha Group

As the humble leader that he is, mocha group is honoured to consider Bill and Tsiknaris Hair part of our very own mocha family and congratulations on turning 30 years young!

Images by Jarred Stedman for Mocha Group

BILL TSIKNARIS HITS A NEW MILESTONE

INDUSTRY NEWS.

MALIBU C DOMINATES AT GLOBAL GREEN BEAUTY AWARDS 2024

As a leader in eco conscious haircare, Malibu C achieved great success at the Global Green Beauty Awards 2024, where the brand was recognised for its commitment to sustainability with its new EcoBlu packaging. This innovative, eco-friendly packaging will be arriving on Australian shores in 2025.

As trailblazers of wellness solutions in the beauty industry since 1985, Malibu C has been committed to solving problems for every human being using nature-inspired, patented technologies. With haircare collections featuring the most potent form of crystallised ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Malibu C is a professional haircare brand based in science. Made in the USA, Malibu C is created with formulas that are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, without gluten, parabens, sulphates, or preservatives. In addition to this, Malibu C has placed a focus on recyclable packaging and a move towards sustainability.

Malibu C has created EcoBlu packaging made from 98% recycled materials and designed with Eco-One technology. The use of Eco-One enhances the biodegradation of plastic bottles into biogas (can be converted into energy), carbon dioxide and inert humus (makes soil richer). Independent ASTM D5511 tests that represent biologically active landfills on representative packages have shown 60.6% biodegradation in just 388 days! Eco-One has already revolutionised the food packaging, apparel and footwear industries, and Malibu C is paving the way for more sustainable practices within the hair and beauty industry with this innovation.

In September of 2024, Malibu C was recognised at the Global Green Beauty Awards, with EcoBlu taking home three prestigious awards:

• Best Biodegradable Packaging – Silver

• Most Sustainable Packaging – Bronze

• Best Green Haircare Brand – Bronze (for Malibu C overall)

“We are incredibly honoured to be recognised by the Global Green Beauty Awards. These awards underscore our commitment to sustainability and innovation, and we are proud to lead the way in delivering clean beauty solutions that are both effective and environmentally responsible,” said Loretta Mottram, CEO of Malibu C, to Beauty Launchpad.

As sustainability becomes more prevalent in the Australian hair and beauty industry, stylists and clients alike are searching for more ways to support the environment and reduce their salon waste. With the arrival of the EcoBlu packaging in Australia in 2025, Malibu C will empower stylists with a cleaner, more sustainable professional haircare solution. datelineimports.com.au

COVER STORY

HAIR HEALTH, STYLING AND HYDRATION! A PASSION FOR

CEO and Founder of EVY PROFESSIONAL, Tracey Bazzano Lauretta

owned a successful hair salon for almost 20 years and when she was approached to get involved in education with straightening and hair tools, she found herself frustrated with the offerings at the time.

Knowing the changes that needed to be made she started with a small sub line called E.VY and then soon after, rebranded as EVY PROFESSIONAL creating the now iconic brand for stylists by stylists. The rest as they say is history!

Celebrating a 10 Year anniversary this year, the EVY mission is to empower hair professionals by providing innovative, high quality hair care tools that enhance the artistry of hair styling.

“We are dedicated to delivering products and services that elevate the styling experience whilst promoting the health and vitality of hair,” says Tracey.

We caught up with Tracey off the back of her 2nd AHIA Best Electrical Tool of the Year to talk about her award winning products, her passion and love for the industry and how she is on a mission to help stylists create beautiful hair, using hair tools without compromise to hair health and hydration.

Tracey, how has the company evolved since its inception?

There have been both great and tough times, going through the COVID world shut down, especially being based in Melbourne was certainly challenging.

For me it’s always been about the salons and stylists and how they can benefit, whether it’s making a smoothing /nanoplasty system that is 110% SAFE for both the stylist and the consumer or a tool that salons can use, retail and make money. I am always on the go 24/7. I love the industry and the benefits of being in it but let me tell you it’s not always easy - doing this without partners or investors can be challenging at times and overwhelming - but there is no choice but to keep on going! I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative products I can bring to the industry to make things better, easier, healthier and love working with all of my salon partners seeing their success.

Also, I’m proud to say we were one of the first to use “Mineral Infused Technology”. Many are trying to now do the same, but I know ours works – it’s a see and feel thing.

What sets EVY Professional apart from other brands in the hair salon tools market?

I honestly believe it’s the ‘no gimmick’ approach. We are the ‘people’s brand’ and have brand protection for our partners and stockists. I do not allow retail /online stores to undercut the retail price of the product to disadvantage salons and as an ex-salon owner and ‘on the floor’ stylist it is super important to me to truly support the industry in being able to retail and MAKE money with the tools they on-sell. My passion is to assist salons in selling to the end consumer through the professional salon market, allowing them to make a great margin and profit. I mean $100 on an iron is like 5-10 bottles of shampoo!

Why not retail the tools you are using instead of competing with the major stores Myer, Shaver shop etc who are selling less than salons buy sometimes with some brands! I really want salons to lose the mentality of “my clients do not want to buy tools”. Everyone buys tools, if they do not buy from the salon they will buy from someone else!

What are the key features of your award-winning electrical tools that you believe contribute to their success?

Hands down easy to use - no gimmicks. Made for professional use and also for the end consumer. Just simple, ergonomic and easy to use. Value for money with great technology that works.

Can you tell us about the development process for your products? How do you ensure quality and innovation?

It’s a huge process, trying to find products that are different and have the same key features that we require such as keeping the hair in optimum condition. Manufacturing is not easy and with anything there can be issues that may arise - so that is something that needs to be kept on top of with constant communication with suppliers meaning vampire hours working in different time zones! I personally test a lot myself and in house with the team to get both the professional and consumer feedback. I will wash my hair and then in the shower analyse, sleep at night and come up with an idea or a selling feature. My chemist is even worse always wanting to tweak and ‘make it better’. Sometimes I am not sure who of the two of us is crazier. We all take part in naming products - even my son Julian came up with the name DigiForce!

How do your complementary products, like smoothing treatments and accessories, enhance the overall experience for professional stylists? Same as the tools - everything is about making the salon experience safe and easy. The smoothing world is crazy at the moment with new terminology, keratin, nanoplasty, smoothing etc. For me I will not over promise anything but what I will promise is 1000 % safety for the salons to ensure I am not responsible for an illness in 20 year’s time. I always wanted a smoothing /keratin nano system that could give you longer lasting results without the risk of affecting our future health

Our e smooth is so easy to apply – it’s insane and the process is clean and SAFE. I love the challenge to try to push the boundaries without the excessive heat and passes that some are doing. Why would anyone want a semi system to last 6-9 months? It makes no sense to me. Safety and ease of application is the #1 priority for our industry. Having close family members pass away with that ### C it is paramount that we do not add extra poisons into our work space!

Are there any upcoming products or innovations that you’re particularly excited about?

You have supported the HOT SHOTS Team for many years, why do you think mentorship plays such an important role in the hairdressing industry?

Supporting the up and coming is so special to me as I have watched and seen many of the original Hot Shots grow to be bigger and better than can ever be imagined – it’s an honour to support to grow the drive and talent of these guys.

OMG …the beautiful Mary from Davroe told me it takes around 3 years to repackage - no way I said …well 3 years on - we are now almost there!

E smooth is being re packaged to be more in line with the EVY branding and with more products in the pipeline - improved and updated formulations - it is amazinnnggg! With the tools I am always on the hunt for new things that are unique in their own way and not just another small dryer ,….so that’s on the cards and who knows what else I will find on my travels …stay tuned!

Why did you choose to focus exclusively on the professional salon market?

I am sure that diverging in the direct to consumer market and big chains could be easier and more profitable - but I really want to see salons make money from tools and enjoy a safe work environment and future in regards to our smoothing.

How do you build and maintain loyalty among your professional salon clientele?

I think the fact that our salons and clients know there is a face and team behind the brand that is heavily and personally invested. I am always available and as my team will tell you - constantly break the rules to keep people happy. (I drive them crazy for sure!) I have many that have supported me since the beginning and seeing some really big names support me is amazing when I know they could have been more money driven and move away.

How do your ambassadors contribute to the brand, and what qualities do you look for when selecting them? With Ambassadors - I look for those that truly love the brand and not paid to say they love it. I love those that share the love from the heart as that is important to me and I value their feedback. I believe genuine love is visible because those stylists do not move from brand to brand and will give me honest feedback

What accomplishments are you most proud of, besides the awards for your tools?

I think being able to know we have got to the 10 year mark and still here.

How do you stay inspired and motivated in your work?

It’s sometimes bloody hard! The pressure to get everything done and being a Leo and a mother, learning to delegate is difficult. Allowing myself real time off is always a challenge and something I am focusing on!

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the hair industry?

Just follow your heart and your dreams. ONLY surround yourself with like-minded people who inspire you OR those that are inspired by YOU. Always remember to enjoy the rewards of your hard work and to not be too tough on yourself. It will all work out in the end and if it hasn’t worked out, well, it is not the end.

For me it’s about success and knowing that all the hard work and sacrifices have been worthwhile and that I am respected. I never chase money - if you are successful money will follow.

Join the EVY Family www.evyprofessional.com.au

AHIA 2024 Best Electrical Tool

AUSTRALIAN HAIR INDUSTRY AWARDS

NAMES THE BEST OF THE BEST IN HAIR BUSINESS FOR 2024!

Sunday 20th October saw the national winners announced for the 11th annual Australian Hair Industry Awards 2024- Business. Launched in 2014 by Mocha Group, this definitive awards program recognises business excellence for Australia’s leading hairdressers, salons, specialist businesses, educators and professional products.

Key winners included Perth’s Circles of Hair which was awarded AHIA Australian Salon Business of the Year and AHIA Business Director/Owner of the Year for Sharlene Lee as well as AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year, Craig Hollywood of Short Back and Sidewalks and AHIA Special Recognition Award to Epic Hair Designs.

The awards were presented at the much-anticipated gala event which was held at the The Star, Gold Coast and the evening began at full volume with an intricately choreographed song and dance show and ultra-modern take on the Oscars opening show. The performances blended the Beyoncé Single Ladies aesthetic, with Dua Lipa’s attitude, and the futuristic spectacle of Katy Perry’s 2024 VMA moment. Accompanying the performance was a custom club remix of some of classic tracks, complete with original AHIA lyrics. The celebration continued well into the wee small hours of the following morning with the After Party at Nineteen at the Star, sponsored by Be Crowned. Guests enjoyed cocktails, cool sounds and were caught on camera in the custom built 360 video and photo booth.

The AHIA Business entries were judged by an independent panel of international and national judges consisting of industry, media and PR professionals, as well as business specialists from fields including architecture and finance. Names included Alexandra Bilisi, Charlotte Grant-West, Faye Murray, Joanne Charlton, Kirstie Stafford, Narelle Lancaster and Nicole Healy.

Proud sponsors included Redken, Kitomba, Sustainable Salons, Salon Lane, Fresha, Matrix, CPR, Schwarzkopf Professional, Goldwell, Kerasilk, L’Oreal Professionnel, Happy Hair Brush, Shortcuts, DNA Organics, EVY Professional, Comfortel, Hi Lift Professional, Alfaparf Milano Professional, Inspire Brands/Gamma+, Wella Professionals as well as Official Media Partner Hair Biz.

Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead is proud to have been celebrating AHIA Business winners for over a decade now;

“The AHIA Business awards were created to combine opportunities for individuals of all levels as well as categories for salons, specialist businesses, educators, and professional products. They provide us with the unique opportunity to celebrate the most impressive business achievements and success on salon floors all across the country. We are committed to providing an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the Australian hairdressing industry and these winners are all testament to that.”

2024 AHIA BUSINESS Winners

CARE, TREAT, STYLE AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS

BEST IN CARE

2024 AHIA BUSINESS Winners

Salon Team of the Year

2024 AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE AND ELECTRICAL HAIR PRODUCT AWARDS.

Best Electrical

Best in Care

As part of the AHIA Business, each year hair product companies are invited to put their products to the test in this exclusive, unique ‘Clean-Skin’ Competition where judges rank their preference based purely on the product alone without any knowledge of the name or brand. All products ae repackaged into clean skin bottles or jars and simply numbered for judging purposes.

With this competition being open to PROFESSIONAL SALON-ONLY products only, judges test the products over a 6 week judging period and then rank them in order of preference without knowledge of the product name, manufacturer or distributor.

Judging is to be based on aroma, use, preference, value for money and performance making these award the ONLY truly fair and transparent product awards in the professional hair industry.

Winner are announced in Care, Treat, Style and Electrical Categories at the AHIA Business Gala noght and this year we say a record number of entries of more than 70 products in total!

Best in Style OSiS+ Glow

An anti-frizz shine cream that combats rough, dull hair without weighing it down, controls frizz and flyaways for shiny hair and a manageable finish. Leaves hair with a siliconefree shine and nourished hair feeling due to the lightweight non- overburdening formula. Also helps to protect against humidity. Free from animal derived ingredients.

milk_shake Colour Maintainer Shampoo Flower and milk_ shake Colour Maintainer Conditioner Flower With powerful plant-based ingredients, this colour care line packs in serious nutrients. While the shampoo and conditioner are specially designed for colour-treated hair, it benefits all hair types and textures. A hydrating & protective shampoo and conditioner for colour-treated hair that is suitable for vegans and ideal for maintaining the beauty and vitality of the hair. It cleanses colourtreated hair gently, maintaining the hair’s moisture balance and protecting both artificial and/or natural hair colour.

Best in Treat

Color WOW curl wow flo-etry vital natural serum

Mimicking natural scalp oils, this hair serum uses patented technology to deliver essential oils to moisture-deprived curls. It transforms brittle, dry hair to frizz-free, ultra-hydrated defined curls.

EVY Professional BOSS DigiForce Digital Hair Dryer

Effortless styling through super powerful, lightweight & hydrating hair drying technology. Elevate your hair game with BOSS DigiForce Digital Hair Dryer with bonus diffuser included.

Driven by 2650 watts of super-charged power and new digital technology this is the strongest dryer in Australia. The smoother motor offers a more effective experience making it an eco-friendly solution both at home and in the salon.

Created at a super lightweight 390 grams it is the easiest tool to manage, whether an experienced stylist or novice client. Comfortable to hold and work with and with in-built vibration reduction, it reduces strain making it a pleasure to use.

Featuring patented EVY Mineral Infused Technology, the BOSS locks in inner hydration for faster drying and styling. Infused with an extraordinary blend of 32 Japanese sourced minerals which generate negative ions and far infrared energy, micronising water into fine particles that penetrate hair leaving it healthy, shiny and looking lustrous.

The DigiForce will enhance hydration and nourishment, leading to healthier, more resilient hair. It is a salonquality tool that is safe and easy to use at home.

The EVY PROFESSIONAL line is more than just haircare; it’s a commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainability.

2024 AHIA VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Many years ago when the ceo of mocha group Linda Woodhead met with Eden Sassoon, daughter of the late great Vidal Sassoon, they talked about Vidal’s charity work and his philanthropy. Together in his name, they created the AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Award, the only one of its kind, bearing his name, with permission to do so given by the Sassoon family. This makes this award even more special and each year at the AHIA Business Gala Night a new recipient is announced.

This year the award went to Craig Hollywood , founder of Short Back and Sidewalks

In a car park in Perth in 2015, Craig came up with the idea of giving free haircuts and creating connections for people experiencing homelessness. It was a simple set up for a simple idea that has gone on to grow, help and inspire across Australia.

Today, the organisation has given over 8,500 free haircuts and created 17,000 positive connections by over 200 volunteer hairdressers, barbers and operations team members. 24 monthly haircutting services across Australia are provided to homelessness service providers at their locations, which include day drop-in centres, transitional and crisis accommodation, family & domestic violence refuges and youth centres.

There are over 123,000 people experiencing homelessness in Australia on any one night and in addition, more than 3.24 million Australians live below the poverty line. That includes 774,000 children - more than 1 in 6.

The goal of this incredible organistaion is to give 15,000 haircuts and positive community connections by 2025 by the passionate team of volunteer haircutters.

In March 2025, Short Back & Sidewalks will celebrate its 10th anniversary; a significant milestone for an organisation that until August of last year was run entirely by volunteers.

As an extra bonus, following on from the generosity of last year, Comfortel once again ran a special promotion raising money from proceeds of the sales of every pink foil cutter they have sold and presented Craig with a cheque for $10,000.

When asked how he felt on the night of this well-deserved surprise, Craig said, “10 years ago almost to the day, I had a dream and a huge part of that was to do my very best to inspire the Australian hair industry to join in and change the lives of people experiencing homelessness and poverty. When I was standing on that stage on Sunday looking out, I literally could see that dream turn into a reality. It was a very surreal and an awesome experience. Thank you for giving that to both myself and Short Back & Sidewalks.”

Hair Confidence Starts with the Scalp

It’s time to change the way you think about hair health. Dp Dermaceuticals™, a global leader in science-backed skin rejuvenation, now brings its expertise to hair care—crafted especially for hairdressers like you.

Unlike other products that work on strands, Dp Dermaceuticals EXO-GROW™ starts at the scalp, nourishing follicles for real, visible results your clients will love.

Why EXO-GROW?

Powered by patented Exosome technology, this premium collection nourishes the hair from root to tip for luscious results.

B Thicker, stronger hair: Boost density and reduce hair fall.

B Clinically proven results: Keep clients coming back with a product that works—and brings great returns for your business.

B Conscious formulas: Toxin-free, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free.

Want to empower your clients to reclaim their identity and confidence through healthier, thicker hair?

Scan to Learn More

2024 AHIA SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Proudly sponsored by L’Oreal Professional, each year the AHIA Business, Special Recognition Award, is given to a standout individual or business that has shown themselves to be a trailblazer within the industry, committed to its growth, through education, employment, skillset, communication, innovation, reputation and compassion. The recipient is selected through nomination by the industry and the mocha group and this year the award was presented to Epic Hair Designs and owner Brendon Mann.

During this awards period, this privately owned salon group celebrated their 16th anniversary, opened their 16th salon, and produced a record-breaking group annual turnover of $16 million.

They boast 16 state-of-the-art salons and in November 2023, launched an online destination for hair and beauty products. This offers their clients, fast delivery and easy access to hair care and also streamlines all of their administrative tasks with the convenience of managing supplies through their innovative online portal servicing the whole group.

Their revolutionary Client Support Centre managed nearly 90% of client interactions, delivering an unparalleled salon experience, phone support, response to social media, emails, online reviews, and more.

Their internal education institute, is tailored to meet the developmental needs of their growing workforce and between June 2023 and June 2024, had 112 apprentices, 19 of which graduated from their Academy which hosts over 250 classes annually, led by three in-house educators

Their bespoke management program equips salon managers and aspiring leaders with the necessary skills to excel in leadership roles and they have also designed mental fitness workshops to help stylists navigate their careers, avoid burnout, and develop positive approaches for their mental health.

They have active partnerships with Brisbane Festival, Fashion Queensland, Brisbane Racing Club, the Cancer Council, and more and are deeply committed to community engagement, raising literally hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities.

They are a dynamic and innovative leader in the hairdressing industry, offering training, career path, outstanding services, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and it is because of this the 2024 AHIA Special recognition Award was presented to Epic Hair Designs and owner Brendon Mann.

ANTOINETTE BEENDERS

A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP, COLLABORATION,& INNOVATION WITH AVEDA

By Jarred Stedman, GM of Mocha Group

Invited into Aveda HQ in the heart of the city, Mocha Group’s GM Jarred Stedman had the privilege of sitting down with the amazingly talented Antoinette Beenders. Recently visiting Australia for a series of creative projects, Antoinette—an icon in hairdressing and Creative Director at Aveda—graciously shared insights into her work, her journey, and her vision for the future of artistry in hair.

Known for her boundary-pushing collections and collaborative spirit, Antoinette’s story is one of constant reinvention and an unwavering dedication to her craft.

A Journey in Australia

During her time in Australia, Antoinette balanced creative work, casting sessions at Aveda HQ for her big-stage education and connecting with the Australian hair industry. Reflecting on how much the city has transformed, Antoinette noted, “It’s unrecognisable from what it was a decade ago.”

Reinventing Hair Artistry: The Astral Collection

One highlight of her visit is her latest body of work, Astral, a collection that merges classic hairdressing with imaginative, AIenhanced visuals. This project allowed Antoinette to collaborate with Ed Maximus, a software engineer and artist who brought a unique, outsider perspective to the process. “Collaboration is everything,” she shared, explaining how Ed’s fresh vision challenged her to push her boundaries. For Antoinette, the use of AI isn’t just about embracing technology—it’s about blending it seamlessly with the real craftsmanship of hairdressing. “The hair is real, the model is real, but the world around them can be AIcreated. That’s where the magic happens,” she said. This approach highlights her belief in preserving the core skills of hairdressing while welcoming innovation.

Breaking Formulas and Embracing Failure

Antoinette’s approach to creativity is fearless and constantly evolving. Rather than repeating her awardwinning techniques, she embraces risk, viewing failure as a critical part of the creative process. “When people win an award, they often fall into a formula,” she observed. “But that bores me. For me, every project is a chance to try something new, to evolve.”

This mindset is what keeps her work fresh and has sustained her relevance over four decades in the industry.

A Legacy with Aveda: Holistic, Sustainable, and Artistic

Antoinette’s partnership with Aveda spans nearly three decades. Drawn to the brand’s mission-driven ethos and plant-based products, she found a home in Aveda’s commitment to high-performance, sustainable beauty. “Aveda isn’t just a brand to me; it’s part of who I am,” she shared. Aveda’s three pillars— efficacy, mission of care, and artistry— reflect Antoinette’s own values, making her an ideal ambassador.

Mentorship and the Next Generation

“Aveda means ‘knowledge of the whole,’” she explained. “It aligns with my holistic view of beauty, wellness, fashion, and art.” This alignment with Aveda’s values has allowed her to infuse her artistry with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring her work resonates not just creatively but ethically.

In recent years, Antoinette has taken on a mentorship role, guiding young hairdressers and equipping them with the knowledge they need to succeed. “I can’t be here forever,” she said, “and other artists need to take over.” Her mentorship is as much about preserving artistry as it is about fostering the next generation of innovators who will carry the industry forward.

A Visionary Approach to Artistry

Antoinette’s time in Australia was a testament to her commitment to artistry, innovation, and sustainability. Whether working with icons like Stella McCartney and Iris van Herpen or experimenting with AI in her latest collections, her drive to explore new possibilities continues to inspire. Her journey is defined by her unique ability to balance tradition with forward-thinking ideas, and her role with Aveda allows her to champion a brand that embodies her values.

As Antoinette continues to break new ground in the world of hairdressing, her legacy is clear. She is an artist who values both tradition and transformation, continually pushing her craft forward while preserving its essence. Her visit to Australia not only showcased her creativity but also underscored her lasting influence on the industry and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of hairdressing talent.

healthier hair through every transformation

1 st ep

2 st ep

2 steps, 4 minutes each. No extra rinse.

STEP 1 PRE-SERVICE PRO mist fortifies 99% elasticity*

sunset gold color service by Kendra Alia with K18REPAIR™ scan me

STEP 2 POST-SERVICE

PRO mask repairs damage in 4 minutes*

Meet the AHIA 2024 HARANT ADAM winner

By Louise May

Adam Harant is a true creative powerhouse in the hairdressing world. From his earliest days, styling his mother’s hair into playful, imaginative designs as a child, Adam’s passion for hair was clear — but what followed was the evolution of an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what’s possible in the salon.

Starting out at just 15 years old, Adam quickly immersed himself in the craft, moving from his first job at Lattouf in Hornsby to one of the most exciting chapters of his career: working at Prema in Bondi Junction. Here, the leap from local to global talent was undeniable. Adam’s thirst for editorial work, runway shows, and all things creative exploded. He craved the rush of high-energy fashion shoots, and it was at Prema that he realised just how limitless the world of hairdressing could be.

London was the next stop, where Adam sharpened his edge at the iconic Pimps and Pinups salon in Spitalfields. The electric, fast-paced city became his playground, as he worked with creatives across the fashion and beauty industries, crafting looks that were bold, fearless, and distinctly his own. Now, back in Sydney and thriving at Wild Life SoGo, Adam is at the top of his game. As a Premier Stylist and technician, his work with brands like KMS, P.E Nation, and Double Rainbouu continues to elevate his reputation as an industry leader.

Adam’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries, while keeping his technique razor-sharp, is exactly why he’s earned the prestigious title of 2024 AHIA Hot Shots winner.

This is an artist who never stops evolving, and the industry is watching closely to see what he does next.

Editor of Hair Biz Louise May chats with Adam Harant about his incredible journey, creative inspirations, and what it means to be one of the 2024 AHIA Hot Shots winners.

What made you want to be a hairdresser?

It’s just always been that way, for as long as I can remember. I used to find hairdressing mannequins at the secondhand store and take them home and give them a makeover. I found it both relaxing and a creative outlet.

What kind of hair work is your favourite and why?

I am obsessed with hairstyling and upstyling! I think it’s because its special and creates a sense of occasion. The client is excited, and they are celebrating or going somewhere special, and I get to share in that excitement with them. I get to hear about the dress or flowers etc, and the up style is just the pinnacle of taking them out of their everyday life and making them really feel glamorous.

How to you manage life and work balance?

A four-day work week. After covid, I condensed my full-time hours into four days, and it is the best. When I’m working it doesn’t make too much of a difference for me to keep moving and work a longer day.

The real benefit is having the extra day off, so I can prioritise what I want to do; photoshoots, friend catchups, an entire day cleaning, meanwhile still have two days’ rest.

Who inspires you in the creative field of hairdressing and why?

It changes constantly. But the people I tend to fan girl over are in the world of styling and editorial; Sharon Blain, Lorna Evans, Sarah Laidlaw, Michael Beel, Sam McKnight,

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

Probably Jo Horgan, because Mecca is my favourite shop.

How important are competitions and awards to you?

Competitions are super important to me but not because of the competitive nature of the event. For me it is an opportunity to create a concept and collection, test myself creatively and express something of myself. You aren’t bound by brand image, normal fashion conventions. Creating a collection for a hair competition is when I truly feel like an artist.

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Hot Shots team?

In a word: Growing. For the past few years wanted something like this desperately. I’m hoping it will be the catalyst to change and

“CREATING A COLLECTION FOR A HAIR COMPETITION IS WHEN I TRULY FEEL LIKE AN ARTIST.”

help me push myself into a new stage of my work and creativity.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Hopefully, in a similar place to where I already am but a little further along. Working in the salon, as well and on shoots and teaching.

FUN SNAPSHOT

Fave Holiday Destination? I’ve just been to Tuscany, and I would go back tomorrow if I could!

Fave Drink? Spicy Margarita or Scotch

Favourite Food/Meal? Pasta, it doesn’t matter what kind.

Favourite Music/Song? Probably Euphoria by Loreen. My husband loves it too, it was our entrance song at our wedding

Who was your Celebrity High-School crush? During high school, I was obsessed with Jared Padalecki from Supernatural lol

If you were not a hairdresser, you would be a…? I think I would probably be teaching Art in a High school or working with plants.

@adamharant

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

By Kristie Kesic

Success. It’s a word we all crave—something we all want to feel. But what does it really look like? Few people pause to consider what success truly means to them. Often, society equates success with wealth: how much money you have, the house you live in, the clothes you wear, or where you vacation. But recently, I’ve been seeing different perspectives on wealth. For some, it’s about financial riches; for others, wealth means having the freedom to spend time with their kids or enjoy a balanced life.

Another common measure is awards, fame, or social media followers. These are valid indicators of success, and there’s nothing wrong with them—they all deserve recognition. But is one measure of success truly more celebrated than another? Many people climb to the top only to feel burnt out or unfulfilled once they get there, yet others look at their success and would do anything to be in their position.

The truth is success is personal. It looks different to everyone. A client once told me, “Kristie, anyone can put on a suit and look important.” That has always stayed with me. In my years in hairdressing, I’ve learned that it’s often the clients who don’t flaunt their wealth who have the most. The people most fulfilled by their success are the people who are the humblest and it’s those who on the outside look to have endless wealth are sometimes the least happy.

Success in the hairdressing industry comes in many forms, and for every stylist, it’s a personal journey. The beauty of this industry is its diversity—of people, paths, and passions. No two success stories are the same, and that’s what makes each one so inspiring. While some may see success as winning awards and seeing their name up in bright lights, others could not care less and find it in the loyalty of their clients and find fulfillment in the daily transformations that happen behind the chair.

For some, it’s about the high of working on fashion week, while for others, it’s the quiet satisfaction of mentoring the next generation of hairdressing talent. Whether it’s creating artistic collections, running a business, or simply loving what they do every day, success is not one-size-fits-all.

What matters most is finding what drives you and following that vision, be that in the form of creative expression, education, or building a community.

I know so many people in this industry who would be considered successful in every way—they have the money, the accolades, the houses, the families, the followers. But what sacrifices did it take to get there? What struggles did they endure? Success does not happen overnight, and any successful person will tell you that. Behind every success story is a journey filled with failures, lessons and sacrifices.

I wanted to explore what success means to some of the industry’s top hairdressers, each of whom highlights the diverse range of success within our industry. Below are five extraordinary individuals—business owners, award winners, educators, and social media influencers— each contributing to the industry in amazing ways. Despite their different paths, they are all highly respected and recognised for their success.

SHARLENE LEE

Owner of Circles of Hair, one of Australia’s most successful salons, award winner, industry leader.

“After more than 30 years in the industry, success for me is personal. As the owner of Circles of Hair, I’ve found that true success is about having the freedom to shape my own path without financial stress and seeing my team grow and achieve their own dreams within my brand.

It’s about the satisfaction of knowing that I can step away from the salon for extended periods, knowing that the business I’ve built will continue to thrive.

Sharing my journey and strategies that helped me along the way with other salon owners has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see how my experiences can inspire others to pursue their own goals and dreams.

For me, success is a journey that evolves as my goals change year by year. It’s not just about being ahead of the industry but about helping others find their own path to success. Today, success means enjoying the freedom and lifestyle I’ve dreamed of, thanks to the huge sacrifices and dedication I put in from the very beginning. I feel a deep sense of fulfilment in being at the forefront of our industry.

Each step of this journey is not just a personal achievement but a way to inspire others to reach their own dreams”.

SAM JAMES

Owner SJ Establishment, Matrix Global Artist and Educator, Current AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year and 3 x winner of SA Salon on the year.

“Tough question as it looks different all the time. I think it’s important to know that success is whatever your goal is at that time or whatever you’re striving towards, and one month could be very different to the next.

The things that don’t change for me is the quality time I get to spend with my family every week, and the consistency and happiness of my team - Mainly because one helps the other.

Personally, I like to have regular quality time with my family.

In business, I love having a team that feel part of the company and are truly happy achieving their goals in their work life, and how work fits into their lives.

This allows me to have time with my family and travel globally working, doing what I love”.

BERNADETTE BESWICK

Educator Bernadette Beswick Education, Winner back-to-back AHIA Victorian Hairdresser of the Year 2022,2023, Finalist International Hairdresser of the Year.

“To me Success is three things.

1: Watching my students leaving the class full of SWAG ready to take on the world

FAITH WILLIAMS

KAINE VAKAI

2: Achieving Goals I never saw as possible Multi Award Winning Hairdresser 12 international front Covers and over 180 international publications

3: Relationships with industry icons where we collaborate to elevate the industry + genuine friendships with industry friends where we celebrate each other’s talents”.

Owner Kaine Vakai Hair Artistry, International Educator, Redken Artist, Social Media Sensation

“Apart from the usual idea of success within the business like staying profitable and growing the team and myself, I feel most successful when I get feedback and inspire people in my education workshops to go out of their comfort zone. Trying new techniques, getting in front of the camera and growing as an artist.”

Owner of Blondee Morningside, Blondee Newstead and her newest salon Blondee Burleigh

“Success in business is largely about the personal and professional growth and development of myself as the business owner and my team which I believe in turn leads to the success of any business. Seeing them evolve, embrace personal development, building a team with passion and purpose and fostering a strong, positive culture is incredibly rewarding.

Creating an environment that encourages a growth mindset and supports your teams journey is just as important as achieving financial stability. While financial success provides the foundation, true fulfillment comes from watching people around you thrive and knowing that together, we’re building something meaningful.

Success is about balance, living a purposeful life, maintaining a healthy mindset, and being grateful for the team/people that surround you every day”.

The key is this: pursuing someone else’s version of success won’t make you happy. Achieving goals based on external expectations won’t bring you fulfillment. True success comes when we’re crystal clear on what it means for us personally.

Whether it’s building wealth, having a perfect team, launching a multi-million-dollar brand, or gaining a massive following, we must set our goals and paths based on what we truly desire, not what others expect from us.

The beautiful truth is success is personal and that’s exactly how it should be.

Written by Kristie Kesic, Owner

2024 CURATE WINNER SPOTLIGHT

MAIYA RICE

Under the mentorship of the dynamic duo Kristy Hodgson and Maria Vaughan, Maiya has been equipped with exceptional tools and support, transitioning from an award-winning apprentice to a dedicated and passionate stylist. She has gained invaluable experience working backstage at Australian Fashion Week 2023 and 2024 with Redken, as well as Hair Festival.

With a lifelong dream of teaching and uplifting others, Maiya is committed to acquiring knowledge and skills to inspire the next generation in the industry and gaining as much experience as possible. Her exciting debut at Redken’s Creative Night in Adelaide, where she showcased her own technique to South Australia’s industry leaders, marks just the beginning of her journey.

Here we find out a little bit more about this vibrant fresh talent.

How would you describe yourself Maiya?

I am driven and dedicated, fuelled by my passion for what I do. My obsession with colour inspires me to excel in my craft. My ultimate goal is to become a blonde and colour specialist, as well as an educator. I truly enjoy teaching others and helping them reach their aspirations. Making people happy and bringing their dreams to life is what I love most about this incredible career. There’s nothing better than making others feel good!

What has been your favourite hairdressing experience?

Aside from winning the CURATE Award, my favourite experience has been working backstage at Fashion Week. While I cherish my time in the salon with my beautiful clients, there’s something truly exhilarating about the backstage atmosphere - the energy, thrill, and excitement are unmatched! I thrive on the creativity and the collaborative spirit of working as a team to bring everything together. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Why did you enter the CURATE Awards?

I don’t just want to be a hairdresser. I want to be the best!! I’m so lucky to work with my amazing supports at Jarahs and I get access to lots of education and amazing opportunities. When I saw CURATE Awards, I was so excited! I saw this as a chance to really push myself creatively and take the initiative to create something fun by myself as the entry process is so simple. As someone who lives regionally, I think we need to take every industry opportunity we can.

What did you learn through the CURATE experience?

I believe the most valuable aspect of this experience was the creative and logistical planning involved in executing a collection shoot. It was something I had always dreamed of but had felt a little overwhelmed by. Having Justin mentor, us through each step made the process truly transformative. His guidance was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that inspired me to enter my first individual collection for the AHFA Apprentice of the Year 2024. I’m incredibly proud of what I accomplished and thrilled to have been named a Finalist!

What advice would you give to apprentices thinking about entering in 2025?

100% go for it! Honestly, I entered with very little expectation of what would happen but now I realise that as long as you are passionate about what you do, work hard and think about your approach and final result, you are in with a chance to win. And even if you don’t take home an award, it is such a great learning experience and a great opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone. You have nothing to lose, but everything to win!

@maiya.jarahshair

@curateawards

Maiya Rice

GILLIAN ADAMS SPA

A SANCTUARY OF WELLNESS, BEAUTY, AND PASSION

By Louise May

Nestled in the heart of Turramurra, Sydney, the Gillian Adams Spa stands as a beacon of holistic beauty and wellness. Celebrating over 30 years of excellence, this unique destination offers everything from luxury spa treatments to salon services, dining, and therapeutic experiences—making it far more than just a day spa. The vision behind this iconic location belongs to its owner and founder, Gillian Adams, a woman whose passion for beauty and wellness has driven her to create a space where clients can rejuvenate not only their outer beauty but also their inner peace.

In a recent conversation with Jarred Stedman, General Manager of Mocha Group, Gillian shared her journey, inspiration, and the continued evolution of this urban sanctuary. What began as a modest hair salon has transformed into a sprawling wellness hub, complete with 16 beauty treatment rooms, a 30-seat restaurant, a hair salon with 12 chairs and three basins, and the centrepiece—a specialised Aqua Medical pool.

The Dream of Creating a Holistic Experience

Gillian’s journey began in the world of hairdressing, where she discovered a love for creating “total looks” that went beyond just hairstyles. Her dream was always to create a destination where clients could receive comprehensive care—an experience that rejuvenated the mind, body, and spirit.

“I wanted to create a place where people could come and be loved, nurtured, and leave feeling confident in their world,” she shared. Gillian envisioned a space where clients could receive everything from beauty treatments to wellness therapies under one roof. This holistic approach has been at the heart of the spa’s success for over three decades.

While many advised her to base the business in Sydney’s CBD, Gillian saw potential in the local community of Turramurra. After conducting a demographic study, she identified a clientele of families and executives who would appreciate a retreat that offered convenience and exceptional service. This bold decision led her to acquire a former bank building, which became the spa’s home, and over time, the business expanded to include the neighbouring Bonnie Bray House, a historical residence where advanced facials and other treatments are offered.

Crafting a Destination of Beauty and Wellness

Gillian’s attention to detail and passion for creating a luxurious yet welcoming environment is evident throughout the spa. From the Carrara marble imported from Italy to the tranquil beauty of the pool area, which was inspired by her travels to European wellness centres like BadenBaden in Germany and the south of France, Gillian has curated an experience designed to pamper and restore.

“It’s about the experience,” Gillian emphasised. “I didn’t want it to feel like a clinic; I wanted it to be a home away from home.”

The Aqua Medical pool stands out as one of the spa’s key features, boasting magnesium and ozone therapy for optimal health benefits. Although COVID-19 forced the temporary addition of chlorine, Gillian remains committed to maintaining the pool’s therapeutic properties.

Navigating Challenges with Innovation and Support

Running such a multifaceted business presents its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing three distinct areas—spa, salon, and restaurant— all under one roof. Fortunately, Gillian has found a steadfast partner in Shortcuts Software, which she has been using for over 20 years.

“I was one of the first salons to throw away the appointment book and move to a computer system,” Gillian noted, reflecting on her longstanding relationship with Shortcuts. The software has evolved alongside the spa, handling everything from dynamic pricing to complex booking systems, and most importantly, voucher management. This has been crucial to ensuring smooth operations for the nearly 40 staff members working across multiple services.

“They’ve been amazing,” Gillian said, crediting Shortcuts with helping her navigate the challenges of running such a unique business. She’s particularly proud of how the software accommodates the spa’s distinct needs, such as managing restaurant licensing and streamlining the guest experience across all services.

Thriving Through COVID-19

Like many businesses, the spa faced significant challenges during the pandemic. With a four-month closure, Gillian used the downtime to expand the spa’s conservatory and make the restaurant more accessible. Post-lockdown, the demand for wellness and relaxation surged as clients sought an escape from the stress of isolation.

“Our busiest time was after we reopened,” Gillian revealed. “People wanted to recharge and get out of the house, and they found solace here.”

Despite these challenges, Gillian remains as passionate and driven as ever. “I’ve always been determined to keep it going through all its challenges. I wanted to create something for the industry and the community, a place where people can relax and have a great experience.”

Looking Ahead: Innovation and Expansion

Gillian is always striving to improve the spa’s offerings, with a focus on integrating technology into the client experience. She’s currently working on implementing digital pads so clients can input information directly into the system, making the process more seamless for both clients and therapists. The goal is to enable therapists to update client information in real time during treatments, further enhancing the spa’s already exceptional service.

“I’m constantly trying to make things better,” Gillian said, underscoring her commitment to innovation. This determination to evolve and adapt is what keeps the spa at the forefront of the beauty and wellness industry.

A Passion That Endures

At the core of Gillian Adams Spa is a deep passion for creating an unparalleled experience for clients. Gillian’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service, nurturing her team, and continuously improving the spa’s offerings is what has made it a beloved destination for over 30 years.

“It’s about love and passion,” she said. “I stick by my values, ensuring that the service is excellent at all times and that I have the right team and the right software around me. I can’t do it on my own, but I’m constantly wanting to make it better.”

As the spa continues to grow and evolve, Gillian’s vision remains unchanged—to provide a sanctuary where clients can feel truly cared for, from the inside out.

@gillianadamssalonspa

Gillian Adams & Jarred Stedman, GM mochagroup.

CREATIVE SPIRIT

By Louise May

Stuart Bane is on the brink of celebrating an incredible 24 years in the hair industry, a journey that has taken him from a small town south of London to salons in Sydney and beyond. Like many, his path to hairdressing wasn’t direct. Fresh out of school, Stuart found himself working on a building site alongside three of his brothers, all tradesmen.

But while he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, the work didn’t quite satisfy his creative spirit. He’d always been drawn to experimenting with his personal style, especially hair, and when Toni&Guy opened a salon in his hometown, it ignited his curiosity. The salon’s modern aesthetic and the creative energy it exuded called to him, and soon, he embarked on his hairdressing apprenticeship.

At Toni&Guy, Stuart discovered a structured approach to hairdressing, where each stylist would specialise in either cutting or colouring after completing their apprenticeship. Stuart gravitated towards colouring. His knack for logic and understanding detail made colouring feel more natural to him, and as luck would have it, the salon was in need of a colourist. After just 15 months, Stuart was off to the London academy to complete his ‘vardering,’ an intense finishing school where he honed his craft in colour. From then on, Stuart was able to take clients and leave behind the bar job he’d been working four nights a week to pay the bills.

Stuart’s passion for colouring stems from the transformative power it holds. To him, colour isn’t just about altering someone’s hair; it’s about enhancing their texture, adding body and shine, and even highlighting or softening their facial features. His expertise in colour led him to become a Master Colour Expert, giving him an in-depth understanding of the chemistry behind the products he was using. Now, he’s taking that knowledge to the next level, studying to become a Cosmetic Chemist.

His passion for hair and skincare has always been strong, and this new journey allows him to explore the science behind the products that professionals use every day.

Stuart has also used his expertise to launch a unique Instagram account, @knot_sure_, aimed at educating both hairdressers and clients. Unlike many social media platforms dominated by influencer-driven marketing, his

account is brand-neutral, offering unbiased, educational content.

Stuart is committed to cutting through the misinformation that circulates online, ensuring that people can make informed decisions about hair care. His initiative has already resonated with fellow hairdressers, who have been reaching out to him for advice, validating his mission to bring real expertise back to the industry.

Having worked in both London and Sydney, Stuart has witnessed how global trends have shifted. In the past, hair trends varied significantly depending on location, but the rise of digital platforms like Instagram has made trends more globalised. Today, trends are driven by consumers, and what Stuart sees are micro-trends—small shifts adopted by those bold enough to try something new. Living in Australia, he’s noticed that lifestyle plays a huge role in influencing local trends. The sun, sea, and climate all lend themselves to longer, sun-kissed hairstyles, which are in stark contrast to the vibrant colours he would often see in the UK, where fading is less of a concern.

Looking ahead, the next 12 months are set to be exciting for Stuart. As he works toward becoming a fully qualified Cosmetic Chemist, he plans to continue sharing his knowledge with the industry. He’s also eager to reconnect with his creative side, hoping to collaborate with talented friends on projects that promote diverse representation and skills.

Stuart’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s been open about his struggles with mental health, having experienced burnout twice. Like many hairdressers, he found himself caught in the comparison trap, pushing himself to overwork in an effort to appear successful. But today, success looks very different for Stuart.

Now three years sober, he prioritises fitness, rest, and therapy, all of which allow him to be a better hairdresser—and a better person. While he once entered the industry purely to make people look good, now he wants to make them feel good, too.

Beyond that, Stuart wants to return to his roots in education, offering hands-on, tactile training for the next generation of hair superstars. His goal is to help them not only understand the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind their craft—so they, too, can make their mark on the industry just as he has.

@knot_sure_ www.stuartbanecolour.com

OUR EDUCATION COMMUNITY.

By Anthony Gray

As we reflect on the Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Business Awards of 2024, the sentiment of unity and celebration within our industry is still fresh. The powerful emphasis on education echoed throughout the acceptance speeches of award recipients and presenters, highlighting a critical commitment to training and nurturing our apprentices and emerging stylists.

Fast forward to what 2025 holds for us in terms of finding great people to join our industry, and this call to action is more relevant than ever, as our industry continues to evolve in the face of new challenges and opportunities.

The support of numerous companies and suppliers has become a cornerstone of our community, underscoring the importance of collaboration in education. Their significant investment in sponsorships and educational platforms allows salons and individual stylists to access world-class training, fostering an environment where growth is not just encouraged but celebrated.

As an educator immersed in apprenticeship training, I’ve witnessed firsthand the imperative for cohesive educational strategies. The ongoing dialogue around enhancing the training experience for apprentices is crucial as we navigate the complexities of education delivery within our industry. The current landscape reveals a need for deeper collaboration among Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), salons, and suppliers to ensure that apprentices receive a holistic and enriching educational journey.

Bridging the Gap: The Risks of Disconnection Despite the wealth of resources available, the apprenticeship training process often resembles ships passing in the night. Salons and apprentices receive extensive training from various suppliers and independent educators, while the RTO delivers their own curriculum.

This disconnect poses two significant risks:

1. Misalignment in Education Timing: If supplier education is not synchronised with an apprentice’s development, it can lead to confusion and overwhelm. An apprentice may find themselves struggling to connect the dots, creating an anxious learning environment.

2. Frustration with Training Relevance: If the RTO training does not acknowledge or integrate the skills learned through supplier education, it can result in wasted time and frustration for both the apprentice and the salon. This misalignment can hinder the apprentice’s growth and satisfaction, ultimately affecting retention in the industry.

The good news is that these risks can be effectively mitigated through collaboration and clear communication among all stakeholders involved in an apprentice’s training. By working together, we can craft a formidable education and training program that guides apprentices toward becoming qualified, competent stylists.

The cornerstone of this collaborative effort is the development of a comprehensive in-salon training plan. This plan should encompass three essential components:

1. A Timeline for In-Salon Skills Development: This should outline the skills apprentices will learn over the duration of their apprenticeship.

2. Alignment of RTO Training with In-Salon Skills Development: Formal training delivered by the RTO must align with the practical skills apprentices are developing in the salon.

3. Integration of Expert and Supplier Education: Scheduling supplier education into the skills development timeline ensures that training complements both in-salon learning and formal RTO training.

Practical Implementation: A Case Study in Colour Education

While the theoretical framework is essential, understanding how this plays out in practice is vital. Take, for example, a salon’s in-salon skills development plan for colour education:

Timeline Skills

6 - 12 months Basic Colour and Toning 12 - 24 months Intermediate Colour 24 - 36 months Advanced Colour

Once this timeline is established, the individual skills can be aligned with the units of the Certificate III in Hairdressing. For instance, apprentices can work on units such as “Shampoo and Basin Services” and “Colour and Lighten Hair” concurrently with their in-salon colour education.

The final piece of the puzzle is to coordinate with suppliers to schedule technical training that complements the salon’s education

timeline and aligns with the RTO’s curriculum. Ensuring that the technical training matches the apprentice’s current skill level is crucial for effective learning and retention.

The Impact of Alignment

When all elements align, the results can be transformative. Apprentices benefit from a structured timeline, where in-salon mentors nurture their skills in real-world settings. This practical training is reinforced by formal education from the RTO, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the craft. Furthermore, the integration of contemporary technical training boosts apprentices’ confidence and proficiency.

Ultimately, having a timeline that aligns the efforts of all parties provides a clear pathway for progress, fostering a culture of reward and recognition as skills develop. The skills honed in the salon, alongside supplier education, are acknowledged both in the salon environment and through the progression of competencies defined by the training package.

Building a Future Together

The 2024 AHIA’s serves as a vital reminder of what it takes for a community to nurture and grow the future of hairdressing. As we gather to celebrate our industry, we must carry forward a shared sense of purpose. By committing to a coordinated educational approach, we create remarkable opportunities for retaining and developing our future workforce. Together, we can ensure that education within our community is not just a responsibility but a collaborative effort that enriches every participant’s journey. By fostering strong partnerships among salons, RTOs, and suppliers, we can create an environment where future stylists are not only skilled but also confident and passionate about their craft.

Anthony Gray @mig_training

A CONVERSATION WITH ALFREDO LEWIS ON K18’S REVOLUTIONARY HAIR CARE

In the world of professional hair care, few innovations have captivated the industry like K18. Known for its groundbreaking peptide technology, K18 has redefined the approach to hair repair at a molecular level, with the K18 REPAIR™ Pro Service delivering visibly healthier hair in minutes.

We’re excited to share insights from global sensation Alfredo Lewis , a master colourist, educator, and content creator with over 20 years of experience who has embraced K18 as a brand ambassador. With a career dedicated to the art of colour and transformation, Alfredo is passionate about sharing his expertise with the industry. In this interview with Hair Biz Editor Louise May , he offers a closer look at how the K18 REPAIR™ service works, its impact on clients’ hair health, and why he believes K18 stands as a game-changer in modern hair care.

Can you explain what the K18REPAIR™ service is and how it differs from traditional hair treatments?

K18REPAIR™ is a salon-exclusive molecular repair service that strengthens and fortifies all hair types, including hair with extreme bleach, color, chemical service and heat damage. The patented K18PEPTIDE™ delivers deep, lasting hair repair in 2 steps, 4 minutes each.

The patented K18PEPTIDE™ and K18’s biologyfirst approach to haircare is what makes this service different and a step beyond traditional hair treatments.

How does the patented K18PEPTIDE™ work at a molecular level to repair damaged hair? K18REPAIR™ works at the molecular level, making it effective on all hair types and allowing me to take my transformations to the next level. The K18PEPTIDE™ is designed to reach deep into the hair’s inner cortex, restoring it from the inside out. It reconnects broken polypeptide chains and strengthens bonds along both the X and Y axes of the hair, repairing damage and

This advanced in-salon treatment, featuring the K18 Mist & Mask, can be added to any service, providing a unique opportunity for stylists to enhance hair health for their clients while also creating an additional revenue stream.

Today, as counterfeit beauty and hair care products are on the rise in Australia, consumers must be vigilant about sourcing authentic products. Reports indicate that nearly 50% of counterfeit activity now occurs on social media, with 19.5% of online shoppers inadvertently purchasing fakes. These counterfeit items may mimic genuine products in appearance but lack the essential ingredients—like K18’s patented peptide—that deliver the intended results. Ensuring you’re using only authentic K18 products is crucial to experience the full benefits of this transformative technology.

improving elasticity and strength. The results are incredible and make a serious difference in my services behind the chair.

Who would benefit the most from using the K18REPAIR™ service? Are there specific hair types or conditions that it addresses particularly well?

Everyone will benefit from a K18REPAIR™ service because molecular repair strengthens and fortifies all hair types. Those with damaged hair from extreme bleach, color, chemical service, heat and environmental damage will see the most results.

How does K18 compare to other popular hair repair treatments? What unique advantages does it offer?

Alfredo Lewis

K18 is unlike any other hair repair product on the market. Its secret is the patented K18PEPTIDE™, which works at the molecular level to mimic hair’s natural structure. This unique peptide actually reconnects broken keratin chains, bringing back hair’s strength and elasticity for truly lasting repair. While other products just cover up damage, K18 delivers a long-term solution for healthier, stronger hair.

Could you walk us through the application process for the K18 treatment? What should clients expect during their salon visit?

K18REPAIR™ is a two-step, salonexclusive service. First, I start with the PRO mist that protects and fortifies hair pre-service; then I’ll add the PRO mask at the end of the service to repair any damage that’s been done. The mist first helps restore up to 99% of your hair’s elasticity* and repair damage that occurred prior to your appointment, and then the mask repairs and reverses any damage from the service in just 4 minutes.

What kind of results can clients expect immediately after their first treatment, and how do these results improve with continued use?

After just one use, clients can expect noticeable improvements in shine, bounce, detangling, and softness. With regular use, the hair becomes visibly healthier, stronger, and more resilient. K18 provides deep, lasting repair, restoring the hair to its best condition.

After receiving the K18REPAIR™ service, what maintenance routine do you recommend for clients to prolong the benefits?

I suggest all my clients maintain coloring services and hair health with at-home upkeep. K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is a treatment that helps to repair damage from bleach, color, chemical services and more, ensuring hair is healthy and services last longer.

Have you received any notable feedback or testimonials from clients who have undergone the K18REPAIR™ service? Can you share any success stories?

My clients can instantly see and feel the difference of K18REPAIR™. Their hair is softer, more vibrant and ultimately healthier after performing this service.

How can salon professionals incorporate K18REPAIR™ into their existing service menu? Are there specific services that pair well with it?

K18REPAIR™ works with every service and every client in just 2 steps, 4 minutes each. No extra rinse. It helps me prep for success by restoring hair’s strength and elasticity so I can confidently push transformations further on healthier hair. And ultimately, salon professionals have the opportunity to make more money with the add-on service charge. It’s a win-win for client hair health and stylists’ business.

What trends are you seeing in the hair care industry regarding damage repair treatments, and how does K18 address these trends? There are so many damage repair products on the market right now, but most just cover up the issues instead of actually fixing them. K18 is different - it uses a patented formula that repairs hair from the inside out. The results speak for themselves. Unlike quick fixes, K18 builds lasting strength and resilience in your hair.

What advice would you give to Stylists/ Salon Owners who are considering adding K18REPAIR™ service menu? What benefits can they expect to their salon and for their clientele?

Adding the K18REPAIR™ service gives stylists and salon owners a kind of insurance behind the chair, helping clients reach their hair goals without the worry of breakage or damage. When clients leave with healthy beautiful hair, they become walking billboards for you, showcasing your work everywhere they go. Plus, it’s a great way to increase income, as clients often seek out this treatment and will choose salons that offer it.

Are there any common misconceptions about hair repair treatments that you would like to clarify, particularly regarding K18?

A common misconception is that K18 is just another bond builder, but it actually goes so much deeper. Unlike traditional treatments, K18 uses a unique, patented technology that works at the molecular level to truly repair hair from the inside out. This makes K18 unlike anything else on the market, delivering real, long-term results.

In your opinion, what makes K18 a gamechanger in the hair care industry, and why should consumers choose it over other options available in salons today?

K18 is creating the future of haircare by rethinking what’s possible through the power of biology. They are driving new product innovation that is effective, simple and fast. K18 is enabling stylists to deliver better results and empowering clients to take care of their hair from the inside out.

INTRODUCING EXO-GROW™ BY

Dp Dermaceuticals™

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR HAIR HEALTH.

By Louise May

The professional hair and beauty industry is welcoming an exciting new player that goes beyond the traditional approach to hair care. Dp Dermaceuticals™ has introduced the EXO-GROW™ Collection, a range specifically designed to target hair thinning, loss, and scalp health at its roots.

For salon professionals, this collection provides a sophisticated yet easy-to-apply solution that supports hair and scalp health, transforming the way clients experience hair care and empowering salons to deliver noticeable results.

RETHINKING HAIR CARE: START WITH THE SCALP

The foundation of healthy, vibrant hair lies in the scalp, a key insight that the EXO-GROW Collection takes to heart. Many products focus on the hair strands, aiming to smooth, style, and hydrate. While these can make hair look good temporarily, they often don’t address the core issues that lead to thinning and loss. EXO-GROW works from the inside out, creating an environment where hair can thrive.

Each formula in this cruelty-free, dermatologically approved line contains Dp Dermaceuticals’ proprietary EXO-GROW ComplexA™, a blend of proteins, peptides, and ceramides. The result? A deeply nourishing and rejuvenating effect on the scalp that extends to the strands, supporting hair that’s thicker, stronger, and healthier over time.

WHO IS THE IDEAL CLIENT FOR EXO-GROW?

The EXO-GROW Collection is designed for clients who are experiencing hair thinning, hair loss, or who struggle with scalp issues like dryness, irritation, or oil buildup. These clients may be noticing early signs of thinning or perhaps have long-standing concerns about weak or fragile hair. The collection is also an excellent choice for those looking to support overall hair health with products that work at the scalp level to encourage fuller, denser hair growth

• Concerned with Hair Thinning or Loss: Clients noticing reduced hair density, patchiness, or more frequent hair shedding will benefit from the strengthening and rejuvenating properties of EXO-GROW.

• Experiencing Scalp Sensitivity or Irritation: Those with sensitive scalps that react to traditional products can find relief in EXO-GROW’s calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients, which are designed to soothe and balance the scalp.

• Seeking Natural, Long-Term Solutions: EXO-GROW appeals to clients who want a sustainable approach to hair care, free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates, and are invested in using products that align with their health and wellness goals.

• Looking to Revive Aging Hair: Clients who are concerned about aging-related hair issues, such as greying or loss of volume, will appreciate the anti-aging benefits of the Colour Recharge Shampoo Bar and the scalp-nourishing properties throughout the EXO-GROW range.

THE HEART OF EXO-GROW

So, what’s the secret to EXO-GROW’s effectiveness? At its core is Exosome technology, a next-level approach to nourishing the scalp and hair follicles. Exosomes, in simple terms, are like tiny couriers packed with proteins and nutrients that deliver vital ingredients directly to hair follicles. Through EXO-GROW’s unique process, these Exosomes penetrate the scalp deeply, ensuring the nutrients reach where they’re needed most. This makes the formulas incredibly effective in supporting the growth of denser, healthier hair that keeps getting better with use.

WHAT MAKES EXO-GROW UNIQUE?

The EXO-GROW Collection doesn’t stop with just one or two active ingredients. It brings together a powerful combination of natural extracts, amino acids, and peptides, all designed to work together for real, visible results:

1. PDRN Polynucleotides: Extracted from salmon, this ingredient enhances circulation to the scalp, improving overall blood flow to the hair follicles and encouraging growth. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe the scalp and reduce irritation—a big plus for anyone with a sensitive or problematic scalp.

2. Sophora Japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree): This extract is a true powerhouse against hair thinning. Known for its ability to inhibit certain hormones that contribute to hair loss, Sophora Japonica keeps hair in its growth phase longer, promoting a thicker, fuller appearance.

3. Centella Asiatica (CICA) Extract: Widely loved in skincare, CICA is equally effective on the scalp. It calms, hydrates, and supports skin health, making it ideal for creating a balanced environment where hair can flourish.

4. Polygonum Multiflorum Root Water: Rather than using plain water as a filler, EXO-GROW incorporates this root extract, known for its hair-boosting properties. It supports the hair’s growth cycle and helps improve thickness over time, making hair appear denser and fuller with each use.

A FULL ROUTINE FOR COMPREHENSIVE CARE

Dp Dermaceuticals™ has thoughtfully designed the EXO-GROW Collection to cater to every aspect of hair and scalp care. Each product plays a unique role in the regimen, providing both immediate benefits and cumulative results that build over time.

• MG-EXO-GROW™: Ideal for insalon treatments, this is the ultimate professional-grade product to rejuvenate hair follicles and enhance the hair’s natural cycle. This formula unique Exosome Technology includes the proprietary HLA-G ComplexA™ that ensures that the results do not plateau, but continue to accumulate whilst helping reduce hair fall, stimulate follicles, and improve scalp condition. It’s packed with amino acids, peptides, and other nutrients that hydrate and strengthen, supporting fuller-looking hair with regular use.

• EXO-GROW Hair Tonic: This at-home tonic is designed for daily use, helping to boost hair health in between salon visits, utilises the same Exosome Technology as the professional strength MG-EXO-SKIN. The Hair Tonic invigorates the scalp, promoting balance and encouraging a

“We are so excited to share our love for Dermapenworld with the professional hair community. They have been a long-time supporter of mocha group and revolutionised the beauty industry a decade ago by inventing the first ever automated microneedling Dermapen—the original and trusted Dermapen™. Since then, they have continued to set and reset the bar, delivering a gold standard in skin rejuvenation. Now, after many years of research and development they bring to you EXO-GROW, targeting hair thinning, loss, and scalp health, that is literally quite remarkable in its results. A game changer in this field and well worth looking into to compliment your existing services’

Linda Woodhead, CEO mocha group

healthy hair cycle. Clients can apply it at home to continue reinforcing the results they see in the salon.

• EXO-GROW Scalp Mask: Often overlooked, the scalp is a critical area in any hair care routine. This detoxifying mask cleanses, removing buildup from oils, products, and environmental debris. With nourishing amino acids and ceramides, the Scalp Mask refreshes and resets the scalp, creating a healthy base for hair growth and supporting a comfortable, irritationfree feel.

• EXO-GROW Shampoo and Conditioner: This dynamic duo is designed to keep scalp and hair in peak condition. The shampoo, made with Hasuo (Polygonum Root Extract), gently cleanses while infusing the scalp with hydration and nutrients. The conditioner is equally powerful, with ingredients that add shine, improve elasticity, and smooth the hair cuticle, giving clients hair that looks as healthy as it feels.

AN IDEAL FIT FOR TODAY’S SALONS

The EXO-GROW Collection not only provides visible results but also integrates well with advanced salon treatments like microneedling, enhancing its impact. This gives salon professionals the chance to offer clients a holistic approach to hair care that addresses issues from the root up. The range is also cruelty-free, free from harsh chemicals, and ethically produced, making it a premium choice that appeals to today’s mindful clients.

ANTI-AGING BENEFITS FOR HAIR

The EXO-GROW Collection even includes a Colour Recharge Shampoo Bar, a unique addition that uses natural plant pigments to revive greying hair without chemicals. This anti-aging effect allows clients to embrace a

youthful look as they age naturally. The bar also doubles as a beard and shaving foam, providing a versatile tool for both hair and personal grooming.

GET READY TO TRANSFORM HAIR HEALTH WITH EXO-GROW

The EXO-GROW Collection by Dp Dermaceuticals™ is more than just a product line; it’s a complete approach to overcoming the challenges of hair thinning and loss. Designed to work in synergy, these products help to rejuvenate the scalp, support healthy follicles, and promote stronger, fuller hair. With bioscience innovation at its core, EXOGROW represents a shift in professional hair care, providing salon owners with an effective, ethical solution that delivers lasting results.

For salon professionals, offering the EXOGROW Collection means giving clients a new way to care for their hair and scalp that they won’t find anywhere else. It’s time to empower clients with the tools they need for visibly healthy, thriving hair, one treatment at a time.

www.dermapenworld.com/exo-grow-discovery-set

CELEBRATING SUSTAINABLITY

with ECO FOILS

Tenille Lawrence has spent 15 years as a multi-award-winning stylist and internationally recognised global educator. She has had the privilege of travelling the world, showcasing her talents—whether educating fellow hairdressers, styling for runway shows and fashion weeks, working on magazine shoots or film sets, or being the go-to colourist for a roster of celebrity clients. However, after years of working closely with chemical-heavy hair products, her passion for eco-friendly solutions was born from a deeply personal experience.

During three of her four pregnancies, Tenille suffered from chemical poisoning due to constant exposure to hair colour products. The pivotal moment came when she gave birth, and the placenta was found to be completely black—an alarming condition the doctor attributed to harmful chemicals she had encountered in the salon, despite being a non-smoker. This experience was life changing. Determined to protect herself, her staff, and her clients from dangerous toxins, Tenille made the bold decision to leave educating behind and focus on creating an eco-friendly salon.

This marked the beginning of her ecojourney as she built a salon committed to using low-tox products and prioritising environmentally conscious practices. Her dedication led her business to be recognized for its green initiatives, earning the title of Best Eco Salon in Australia three years in a row. Today, this commitment to a safer, cleaner approach continues to inspire every product and practice at Little Birdie Hair Co.

At Little Birdie Hair Co, sustainability has always been at the heart of what they do. They noticed a significant gap in the market when it came to eco-friendly alternatives for salon essentials, particularly foils. Salons like theirs are always looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, but the options for sustainable foils were limited and often fell short. This inspired Little Birdie Hair Co to take action and create Eco Foils—high-quality, eco-conscious foils that allow salons to maintain their professional standards while making a positive impact on the planet. They are excited to offer something that aligns with their values and those of their clients, who care deeply about sustainability.

Editor of Hair Biz Magazine Louise May chats with Tenille about the newly launched Eco Foils.

How does Eco Foils build on the values of Little Birdie Hair Co?

Eco Foils are a natural extension of the values that have always been at the heart of Little Birdie Hair Co - sustainability, innovation and the drive to make a positive impact. From day one, we’ve believed in “being the change” we want to see in the industry. That philosophy guided us as we researched how to offer a greener, more responsible alternative to traditional salon foils. We knew there had to be a better solution out there, so we took it upon ourselves to create it. Eco Foils are the result of our dedication to not only meet the needs of stylists but also make a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future.

Your motto, ‘Small Changes, Big Impact,’ is central to Eco Foils. How do you envision salons adopting this philosophy to make a difference?

Our motto, ‘Small Changes, Big Impact,’ speaks to the power of starting with simple, manageable steps that can lead to meaningful transformation. For salons, it can be as straightforward as switching to Eco Foils and recycle the foils after use. This one small change can significantly reduce waste and promote sustainability. The beauty of this philosophy is that it’s not about overhauling everything at once - it’s about making thoughtful choices, one step at a time. We envision salons embracing this mindset, starting with eco-friendly foiling and gradually incorporating more green practices into their daily operations. As each small change accumulates, salons can collectively make a big difference, helping to create a better, healthier planet for future generations.

Why did you partner with the Australian Koala Foundation and Carbon Positive Australia?

By Louise May

Koalas are not only adorable, but they’re also an iconic symbol of Australia’s unique wildlife. By partnering with the Australian Koala Foundation, we saw an opportunity to give back to a cause that is close to home and deeply connected to our natural heritage. We wanted to support the preservation of our beloved native species and the environment they call home. Partnering with Carbon Positive Australia allows us to take our commitment to sustainability even further by supporting reforestation and carbon reduction projects.

Tenille Lawrence

Together, these partnerships reflect our passion for making a meaningful impact - not just in the beauty industry but in the broader environmental landscape, contributing to the protection of wildlife and the fight against climate change.

Can you share a bit about the behind-the-scenes journey of bringing Eco Foils to market, from concept to launch?

The journey to bring Eco Foils to life was a three-year labour of love. It all began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I found myself with some rare time to pause and reflect. With my own salon using an astonishing 12 kilometres of foil each month, I realised just how much waste the hairdressing industry generates and knew there had to be a better, more sustainable option.

Determined to find a solution, I dove headfirst into researching and experimenting, seeking to create a product that would reduce this environmental footprint without sacrificing performance. It wasn’t an easy processcountless prototypes and tests were involved to ensure the foil met the high standards salons demand. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to perfecting the manufacturing process, every step was meticulously thought through.

After years of development, overcoming supply chain challenges and fine-tuning the product, Eco Foils was finally ready to launch. Today, it stands as a game-changer in the industry, offering salons an innovative, sustainable alternative to traditional foil while staying true to the core values that inspired its creation.

What advice do you have for salons wanting to be more eco-friendly?

My biggest piece of advice is to start small but think big! Transitioning to a more ecofriendly salon doesn’t have to happen overnight. Begin by looking for sustainable alternatives in your everyday operations. For example, switch to energy-efficient lighting to cut down on electricity use, explore water-saving tools to reduce waste, and opt for eco-friendly laundry sheets.

Additionally, look for products that use recycled or minimal packaging and make it a priority to limit single-use plastics wherever possible. These small changes can have a significant impact when adopted consistently. The key is to embrace the mindset that every decision, no matter how small, can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Over time, you’ll be surprised by the ripple effect your efforts will have, not just for the environment, but for your salon’s reputation as well!

What are the biggest sustainability challenges currently facing the hair industry, and how can brands like Eco Foils lead the way in overcoming them?

One of the biggest sustainability challenges in the hair industry has always been the widespread use of traditional foil, which

contributes significantly to salon waste. With Eco Foils, we’ve made strides toward addressing that issue by providing salons with a much-needed eco-friendly alternative. However, that’s just the beginning. Another major challenge facing salons is water conservation. Hairdressing is a waterintensive industry, from washing hair to rinsing out colour treatments and finding sustainable solutions to reduce water usage is crucial.

At Eco Foils, we’re already exploring innovative ways to tackle this issue and are excited about the future solutions we plan to introduce. We believe that by creating practical, eco-conscious alternatives for everyday salon practices - whether it’s reducing water consumption or rethinking the materials we use - we can help lead the industry toward a greener, more sustainable future. The key is not only in providing ecofriendly options but also in educating and empowering salons to adopt these changes as part of their core values. By taking on these challenges together, we can create lasting, positive change in the beauty world.

What future projects or products do you have planned for Eco Foils and your other brands, continuing your commitment to sustainability?

We’re incredibly excited about the future of Eco Foils and the direction we’re heading in. Right now, we’re working closely with our manufacturer to develop innovative solutions that address more sustainability challenges. We want to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when it comes to creating eco-friendly tools and practices for salons. We’re already in the process of creating new, unique patterns and prints that will not only stand out in terms of aesthetics but will also maintain the same high standards of sustainability. We believe that style and environmental responsibility can go handin-hand, and we’re constantly looking for ways to offer salons more variety without compromising on our eco-friendly mission. Our commitment to sustainability will always be at the heart of everything we do, and we can’t wait to share these exciting new products with our customers!

@eco.foils

@littlebirdiehairco

SHORTCUTS AIRE

TRANSFORMING THE SOLO SALON EXPERIENCE WITH INNOVATION AND EASE

For solo salon owners and freelance stylists across Australia, managing every aspect of business alone can be both rewarding and challenging. Recognising the need for a tool that simplifies and empowers solo operators, Shortcuts has introduced Shortcuts Aire, a revolutionary software designed to bring efficiency, flexibility, and ease to independent hairstylists.

Built on 30 years of experience in salon technology, Shortcuts Aire offers a comprehensive suite of features, from seamless booking and intuitive client management to real-time business insights, all accessible across multiple devices.

This new platform allows stylists to keep their focus on delivering exceptional service while enjoying the convenience of managing bookings and client relationships on the go. With Shortcuts Aire, salon professionals can easily access their schedule, manage appointments, and communicate with clients, transforming the way they operate and meet the growing expectations of a personalised service experience. The platform’s affordability and adaptability make it an essential tool for solo operators, freeing up valuable time and providing the confidence of having business management at their fingertips.

Louise May, Editor of Hair Biz Magazine, recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sara Teixeira, the owner of Senso Hair in Drummoyne, who shared her experience with Shortcuts Aire and how it has enhanced her work as a solo stylist.

Can you share a bit about yourself and your journey in the industry?

I’ve been in the hair industry for 32 years now, and it’s been such a rewarding journey. I started at a small salon in Hunters Hill, which gave me my first taste of the industry. Later, I moved to Bondi Junction, where I worked in a larger salon with a fantastic team. Working with a bigger group of stylists really inspired me to grow and improve my skills. I also worked at Toni&Guy, where I first used the Shortcuts software for appointments and tracking KPIs, it made such a difference to our administrative tasks.

How long have you owned your salon, and what’s your experience been like?

I started freelancing before buying my business, Senso Hair. Over the years, my business has evolved, and today, I work independently from Indi Sky, in Drummoyne. Shortcuts Aire has become such an essential part of that process, supporting me as a solo operator.

How easy is it to use Shortcuts Aire Salon Software?

Shortcuts Aire is incredibly user-friendly. I can manage all my bookings and client interactions directly from my phone or iPad. The interface is intuitive, and everything I need is right at my fingertips. It’s easy, affordable, and genuinely enjoyable to use, which is such a bonus when you’re managing everything solo.

How has using Shortcuts Aire on different devices helped you as a solo salon owner?

Having the flexibility to use Shortcuts Aire across multiple devices has been a game-changer. I often switch between my phone and iPad, depending on where I am or what I’m doing. I can access my schedule anytime, anywhere, which helps me stay on top of bookings without being tied to the salon all day.

What devices do you use Shortcuts Aire on, and how does that help your daily operations?

I primarily use Shortcuts Aire on my iPad and iPhone. This setup means I can check appointments, update schedules, and manage client notes whether I’m at the salon, out meeting a client, or even on the go. It’s like having a pocket-sized assistant with me at all times!

Has being able to split time blocks by service improved your scheduling and client experience?

Absolutely! The ability to split time blocks has made my scheduling much smoother. It lets me allocate the right amount of time for each service, which helps me stay organised and allows me to work on more than one client at a time. My clients appreciate that too, it means they don’t have to wait, and the whole experience feels seamless.

How does Shortcuts Aire help you stay organised and focus on providing quality service?

Shortcuts Aire keeps all my client information and scheduling tools in one place, so I never feel scattered. It has got amazing business & marketing features, online booking, and SMS capabilities.

If you were to recommend Shortcuts Aire to another salon owner, what would you say are its biggest benefits?

I’d say the biggest benefit is how it allows you to manage your business efficiently without the headache. Shortcuts Aire is affordable, accessible, and extremely reliable. The customer support is always there if you need it, which gives me peace of mind. For solo operators, it’s the perfect solution.

How do you feel about the value of Shortcuts Aire given its affordability?

The value is outstanding. For what I pay, I get software that covers all my needs and simplifies so many tasks. Shortcuts Aire gives me all the tools I need to stay organised and connected to my clients, without the high costs that often come with business software.

How does the device compatibility of Shortcuts Aire keep you connected to your clients when you’re not at the salon?

It’s so reassuring to know I can keep in touch with my clients even when I’m not physically in the salon. With Shortcuts Aire on my phone and iPad, I can respond to appointment requests, update my schedule, and check on client notes no matter where I am. It’s that level of accessibility that makes Shortcuts Aire an essential tool for solo operators like me.

TO VISH OR

Sheree Knobel

NOT TO VISH?!

By Jarred Stedman, GM of Mocha Group

From humble beginnings to an award-winning, specialist hair colour salon, Bixie Colour has become a haven for sophisticated hair artistry in Sydney. Founded by Sheree Knobel, renowned for her signature blonde and lived-in colour techniques, Bixie continues to set standards in the hair industry. With a team meticulously trained by Sheree herself, Bixie delivers bespoke colour services that attract clients from across Australia.

Today, Sheree is pioneering further by integrating VISH, an advanced colour management system that minimises waste and enhances efficiency. In a recent interview, Mocha Group’s GM, Jarred Stedman, chats with Sheree Knobel, owner of the renowned Bixie Salon, about her recent journey with VISH, a smart colour management system designed to help salons manage colour usage, minimise waste, and improve stock efficiency.

Sheree takes us on al walk-through of Bixie’s salon setup, shares her passion for the space’s design, and explains how VISH has transformed her approach to salon management.

Creating a Coastal Sanctuary

Taking us through the salon, Sheree explains her love for Miami and Palm Springsinspired coastal decor that keeps the salon’s ambiance calming yet stylish. “I’m obsessed with Miami and Palm Springs – coastal but not too beachy. The colour palette here is neutral and calming, with pops of pink adding a soft touch,” she says, as she describes Bixie’s serene design.

The salon’s spacious layout includes 14 chairs and eight seats at the colour table. Originally starting with just four chairs and two basins, Bixie quickly expanded, indicating the salon’s rapid growth and popularity. “We started with 65 square metres and had to add more chairs within weeks. Our growth has been phenomenal, and our team and space have evolved to keep up with demand,” Sheree recalls.

Embracing Growth with Technology

As Bixie grew, Sheree needed a software solution to keep operations seamless. “We started with basic software, but it didn’t provide everything we needed, like stock tracking and linking services to our Shopify store,” she explains. After researching, Bixie transitioned to Phorest, a comprehensive system that integrated smoothly with VISH, allowing the salon to track KPIs and levels efficiently. “Phorest talks to all of our systems, making it easy to see KPIs at a glance,” Sheree shares, emphasising the benefit of choosing solutions tailored for growth.

The VISH Advantage: Revolutionising Colour Management

When it comes to colour management, Sheree is emphatic about the benefits of VISH.

“We had a huge issue with colour wastage, impacting our weekly stock orders and increasing costs. VISH has completely transformed that,” she says. With VISH, the team can precisely measure colour amounts needed for each client, reducing waste significantly. “Hairdressers tend to mix a little extra, but VISH provides exact percentages, so if we only need 3% more of a mix, it’ll calculate that precisely,” she explains, demonstrating how the system improves accuracy.

VISH also records colour formulas and client colour histories, allowing stylists to recreate formulas effortlessly. “We can look up any client’s colour history, see what we’ve used before, and get the exact formula for a consistent result every time,” Sheree explains. This feature streamlines the colourmixing process, creating a smooth workflow and enhancing client satisfaction.

A Life-Saver for Stock Management

Beyond colour precision, VISH has transformed Bixie’s stock management. The system tracks each stylist’s weekly colour usage, giving Sheree visibility into where waste may be occurring and helping to manage inventory accurately. “Knowing how much colour each stylist uses means we can place more accurate stock orders, preventing last-minute runs to the supplier,” she says. This feature has freed up valuable time and resources, helping Bixie manage expenses more effectively.

Sheree describes the unique challenges of opening Bixie’s new Surry Hills salon in Sydney without VISH, which has emphasised just how integral the system is to her operations. “I can’t wait to bring VISH to the new space. Not having it makes you appreciate just how much it does, especially for tracking colour history,” she shares, eager to implement VISH across both Bixie locations.

Having recently opened the stunning Surry Hills salon, Sheree’s journey with VISH underscores the transformative impact that technology can have on salon management. By using a system that streamlines colour usage, enhances inventory control, and reduces waste, Bixie has been able to channel even more focus into delivering exceptional service and fostering sustainable practices. With VISH supporting her team’s workflow and ensuring client consistency, Sheree’s vision for Bixie as a forward-thinking, efficient salon thrives across both Caringbah and Surry Hills, setting a strong example for the industry.

@bixiecolour

@vishsalons

The opening of Bixie’s Surry Hills Salon

Entries open January 1st - 31st March

Easy to enter with in-salon, phone content

6 winners

Total prize pool value of $51,000

CPR HAIR CPR HAIR: THE CIRCLE’S 2025 EDUCATION LINEUP.

The Circle is proud to announce a jam-packed year of educational opportunities designed to empower and inspire the salon industry across Australia. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, The Circle is thrilled to offer an incredible calendar of workshops and exclusive events that promise to elevate the skills of hair professionals.

As a 2024 finalist in the AHIA Business Awards for ‘Educator of the Year - Product or Equipment Company’, The Circle continues to stand as a beacon of cutting-edge education. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, providing world-class learning experiences for salon professionals. Moving forward into 2025, The Circle and CPR remain committed to delivering exceptional education that inspires creativity, fosters growth, and empowers the salon industry.

The Salon Forum: Thrive in 25 Kicking off 2025 is one of the most anticipated events on our calendar — The Salon Forum at the stunning Crystalbrook, Byron Bay. Headlined by the likes of Tabatha Coffey, Kaine Vakai, Tom Warr and Paula Hibbard, this immersive event has generated such overwhelming interest that it has already sold out for 2025. However, we’re excited to announce that due to the incredible demand, early bird spots for the 2026 Salon Forum event are now open to ensure you don’t miss out.

Celebrating

The Circle Presents Tom Warr: Australian Tour

The Circle presents an exclusive education opportunity, featuring Tom Warr, UK-based artist and Academy Director at Blue Tit. Known for his precision cutting and creative flair, Tom is an industry icon whose hands-on education sessions are a must for any stylist seeking to stay at the forefront of fashion-forward hair design.

Tom will be guest speaking at the sold-out Salon Forum in Byron Bay, but you can still join him on his Australian tour at the following dates:

- Melbourne: 24th February 2025

- Sydney: 3rd March 2025

CPR’s National Ambassador Team

These workshops offer stylists the chance to sharpen their cutting skills, balance classic techniques with contemporary trends, and refresh their approach to salon styling. This is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the UK’s most sought-after educators, and spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to elevate your craft with a true master of the industry.

In 2025, The Circle continues to celebrate the diverse talents of the growing national Ambassador team, who will be presenting a wide range of tailored workshops across Australia. From advanced styling techniques and lived-in colour workshops, to blowdry mastery, extension-focused training, and even social media workshops —there’s something for every stylist, whether you are an emerging stylist or a salon owner.

The Circle’s ambassador-led workshops are designed to not only develop technical skills but also ignite creative thinking and empower growth in every attendee. Whether you’re looking to refine your cutting techniques, perfect your styling, or explore creative competition direction, The Circle’s education offerings will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to push the boundaries in your salon environment.

Partnering with HAIR3Rs: DV Response Training

2025 also marks an important new partnership between The Circle and the Australian initiative, HAIR3Rs. This inspiring program empowers salon professionals to support clients facing domestic and family violence by providing training to recognize signs and offer help.

We are incredibly proud to support this initiative, and we’re honoured to have four of our CPR family complete the training, including Ambassador Stevi Stilist. Salon professionals attending the Salon Forum will have the opportunity to hear firsthand about the powerful impact of Hair3Rs and how this training is making a difference in our industry.

The Circle Education Hub

Ready for education at your fingertips? Elevate your salon’s potential with The Circle Education Hub.

This free platform provides a wide range of cutting and colouring education, along with creative inspiration for hair design and personalised business coaching options. The Education Hub puts essential learning tools on demand, allowing salons to easily involve their teams in skill development and business growth.

Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your technical abilities or explore innovative creative directions, The Circle Education Hub offers the flexibility and resources to set your salon up for success.

The salon industry is predominantly powered by women, and this initiative is a crucial step in ensuring we support the well-being of our clients in every way possible. Let’s work together to keep women safe, both in our salons and beyond.

This online Zoom learning means that no matter where you are, you can join us remotely to gain confidence in understanding your role in domestic violence when signs appear in the salon.

EMPOWERING SALONS WITH

REVLON PROFESSIONAL

By Louise May

In the competitive landscape of professional haircare, choosing the right brand partnership is crucial for a salon’s growth and success. Revlon Professional has become a trusted choice for many salons, providing not only high-quality products but also a comprehensive support system designed to empower salon professionals in every aspect of their business. From personalised training sessions to consistent one-on-one support, Revlon Professional enables salons to stay on the cutting edge of industry trends and techniques while fostering a collaborative community.

In this feature, we speak with Elee Samra of Linear Hair in Caroline Springs VIC, Tegan Kelly of Salon South in Cairns QLD, and Aaron Nallo of Mooi Hair in Canberra ACT, who share their experiences partnering with Revlon Professional. Each of them reveals how the brand’s dedication to ongoing education, technical support, and innovative solutions has enhanced their ability to deliver exceptional results to their clients, creating a foundation of trust and reliability. For these salon owners, the partnership with Revlon Professional is more than just a business arrangement—it’s an opportunity to grow, connect, and elevate their craft with the support of an industry leader committed to their success.

Editor of Hair Biz Louise May chats with Elee, Tegan and Aaron about their brand partnership with Revlon professional.

What’s the best part about partnering with Revlon Professional?

Elee Samra: I am never in doubt of the company, the brand or the products evolving and growing. Revlon is always keeping up to date, refreshing and renewing their products making sure that we are able to give our clientele a reliable product that really works.

Tegan Kelly: The best part about partnering with Revlon Professional is having the opportunity to work with a well-established brand and team that aligns with our values and is known for their innovation, quality and dedication to our industry. The Revlon team are always there for support and provide a safe, family-like community. From monthly visits, phone calls, education classes, exclusive events and opportunities that spread well beyond the salon floor.

Aaron Nallo: The support I get across all aspect of my business. I particularly find the “Revlon Pro Always On” website amazing when it comes to new product launches and the training material provided.

How likely are you to recommend Revlon Professional as a brand to fellow salon owners and why?

Elee Samra: I couldn’t recommend Revlon highly enough! Revlon has a large range catering for all hair types. It is a high-quality product with a reasonable price point allowing room for profit yet delivering exceptional results.

Tegan Kelly: I would highly recommend Revlon Professional. I am located regionally in Far North Queensland and as a brand, they genuinely commit to building a relationship with you. Their personalised support really sets them apart.

Aaron Nallo: I would be very likely to recommend Revlon professional. You truly get the vibe and attention that you are dealing with a small company with all the benefits of working with an industry leader.

Tegan Kelly

What’s your favourite Revlon Professional moment?

(e.g. Fashion Week, Empowered salons conference, education classes)

Elee Samra: I am all about the educational classes for our staff. Without education we are unable to evolve and move forward with society.

Tegan Kelly: Favourite moment: Too many to choose from! I love the opportunities they provide for networking within our industry. Their team morale around these events allows connections with other creatives and professionals on another level which in turn only enhances growth both personally and for business.

Aaron Nallo: It would be hard to top Empowered Salons, held in Cairns, but after our recent training with Beatnik Blondes it would definitely be the in-salon training. The motivation and techniques that not only myself but the entire staff gain from those training days are amazing

How does Revlon Professional support your salon?

Elee Samra: Revlon supports the salon by consistent face to face meetings with our rep.

In these meetings we are offered training courses, given the latest updates and also shown what’s up and coming.

Tegan Kelly: Revlon supports their salons and teams by providing us with the latest and greatest products and technologies. They actively seek feedback and make you feel heard. Nothing is too big or small and if your direct go-to-girl doesn’t have the answer, she goes straight to the top!

Aaron Nallo: I receive the most support from my Revlon Professional Account Manager, Antony, who is a constant support and mentor for my business. He is always a phone call away. Also, our Technician, Laura, generously shares her wealth of experience and knowledge with the entire team. The staff truly gain so much from having Laura in salon with us at least 1 day every month or two.

What 3 words would you use to describe Revlon Professional?

Elee Samra: Reliable, effective, modern Tegan Kelly: Inclusive, innovative and downright awesome!

Aaron Nallo: Reliable, modern and inclusive.

What is your personal favourite Revlon Professional product range and why?

Elee Samra: Style Masters.

In particular the Hairspray, Shine Spray and Volume Mousse. These products do a fantastic job and take me back to when I first starting hairdressing. Simple favourites that are effective!

Tegan Kelly: Favourite product range? Oh, that’s tough!! I do love the Magnet lightening range! Especially in FNQ where we have a lot of clients with harsh/hard waters. Magnet is an amazing technology that actually works! And smells divine.

Aaron Nallo: My personal favourite Revlon Professional product range is RE/START. It covers all bases regardless of my client’s needs and I can recommend it to any client with full confidence they will love it.

What’s your most popular Revlon Professional product within your customer base?

Elee Samra: Unique One!

This is an absolute game changer. A product for all hair types and all age groups.

This product is versatile, easy to use and never disappoints!

Tegan Kelly: Most popular product within our client base: Unique One all the things! And RE/START Balayage cream! And Nutri Color Filter

Aaron Nallo: The RE/START Balayage Cream is our most popular Revlon Professional product. Clients love that they can use just 1 product to address all their hair needs. From treating lightened hair to nourishing natural hair, the RE/START Balayage Cream can do it all.

@revlonprofessionalaustralia @mooihaircbr @linear_hair @salon_south_

Aaron Nallo

Elee Samra

TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH BESPOKE HAIR SOLUTIONS FOR WOMEN

By Louise May

In an industry where confidence and identity are intertwined, Kelly Hocking and Paula Hibbard are setting a new standard with their latest venture, Be Crowned.

With over 60 years of combined expertise, they bring not only a passion for beautiful hair but a profound commitment to empowering women facing hair loss.

Kelly, a master in cutting and colouring, noticed a growing need among her long-time clients—women who wanted to maintain their hair’s fullness and vibrance as they aged.

Determined to provide more than traditional solutions, Kelly discovered the Hair Crown, a groundbreaking approach to restoring volume and confidence for women with thinning hair.

For Kelly, partnering with Paula—her friend of over 20 years—was the perfect choice. Paula’s career has been dedicated to making people feel fabulous, whether on film sets or behind the chair, inspired by her mother’s devotion to hairdressing and genuine care for clients. Now, with Be Crowned, Kelly and Paula are transforming lives together, offering bespoke, stylish hairpieces that help women reclaim their confidence and joy.

With 40% of women in Australia affected by hair loss, Be Crowned is more than a business; it’s a place where women can feel beautiful, supported, and empowered, knowing they deserve to wear a crown of their own.

Louise May – Editor of Hair Biz Magazine sits down with Kelly and Paula to dive deeper into the inspiration behind Be Crowned, their journey, and the transformative impact of their bespoke hair.

How did your 20-year friendship influence your decision to collaborate on Be Crowned?

Our friendship has always been something truly special, so when Kelly approached me with the idea of creating Be Crowned, I was immediately on board. She said, ‘Let’s help women across Australia and beyond feel more confident and feminine,’ and I knew this was a vision I wanted to be part of. Partnering with Kelly has been one of

Paula Hubbard and Kelly Hocking

the best decisions I’ve made. We each bring different strengths from our personalities and careers to the table, and that balance is what makes our collaboration work so seamlessly.

What is 100% Remy Human Hair, and why is it important for toppers?

100% Remy Human Hair refers to hair where each strand is aligned in its natural direction, with the cuticles running in the same direction from root to tip. This ensures a smoother, more natural appearance and reduces tangling, making it ideal for hair toppers, extensions, and wigs. When we use Remy hair for our crowns (as we like to call our toppers), it significantly enhances the quality, durability, and overall look. It’s the gold standard for achieving luxurious, longlasting results that clients love.

What customisation options are available for Be Crowned’s hair crowns?

At Be Crowned, we offer a diverse range of hair crowns designed to suit various hair loss needs and preferences. Our collection includes three different lengths and five unique base options, tailored to accommodate different stages and types of hair loss. In addition, we provide a wide selection of colours that can be customised to perfectly match each client’s natural shade.

For our curly and wavy clients, the pieces can be permed or heat styled to nail the perfect look. Our goal was to create versatile pieces that salons could use for both medical and fashion purposes. Each crown can be bespoke, with the ultimate aim of welcoming hair loss clients back into the salon.

How does Be Crowned support women dealing with hair loss, such as those affected by chemo, weight loss surgery, menopause and alopecia?

As we have taken this journey of building our company and popping up around the country, we have met so many different cases of hair loss, some worse than others. Paula being an emotional being, spends many days in tears. We support all women with compassion and care and offer them a safe environment to be in.

Also we work closely with trichologists and dermatologists as together we can help them feel better, look great.

What are some common challenges women face when choosing hair toppers, and how does Be Crowned address them?

Great question, and one we’re passionate about addressing for our clients. One of the biggest challenges women face is the emotional toll—feelings of embarrassment, a lack of confidence, and sometimes a loss of dignity. For many, hair is deeply tied to self-identity, so hair loss can be an overwhelming experience. At Be Crowned, we focus on creating a supportive, judgmentfree environment where women can explore options without fear. We provide personalised consultations that allow us to understand their individual needs and concerns. Our bespoke hair crowns are designed not only for comfort and quality but also to restore that sense of confidence, helping women feel empowered again.

How does Be Crowned’s consultation process ensure a personalised experience for each client?

At Be Crowned, our consultation process is completely complimentary and obligationfree because we believe every woman dealing with hair loss deserves the chance to explore their options and feel fabulous. During each consultation, we take the time to talk with our clients, understand their unique needs, and discover their hair goals. With this insight, we present tailored solutions, walk them through the care and maintenance of our pieces, and explain how their salon can support them in maintaining their desired look and crown. If they haven’t sought medical advice, we also guide them to trusted trichologists or dermatologists in their area.

What does the next 12 months look like for you both?

At Be Crowned, we believe in the transformative power of hair and are committed to expanding our reach. Over the next 12 months, we aim to bring our bespoke hair crowns to even more salons, offering women tailored solutions that address their unique hair needs. We also envision our crowns becoming a fashion statement—used not just for hair loss, but as a versatile accessory for temporary fringes, added volume, length, regrowth coverage, or even a bold colour change. The possibilities are endless. Additionally, we’re excited to introduce a new design soon, which will offer even greater versatility and options for our clients, watch this space!

HEINIGER

ELEVA TING SALON EXCELLENCE W ITH HEINIGER TOOLS!

Tarik Jasarevic, Owner and Creative Director of MR.T SALON in Melbourne, has carved out a reputation as one of the industry’s most innovative and respected hairstylists. Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tarik’s journey has taken him from war-torn Europe to Australia, where his passion for hairdressing flourished.

Known for blending classic techniques with modern trends, he’s a true artist in his field, delivering cutting-edge styles both in the salon and on the global stage.

As a Heiniger Ambassador, Matrix Artist and internationally recognised educator, Tarik continues to push the limits of creativity. His work has been showcased in fashion shows, editorial shoots, and leading publications worldwide, making him a powerhouse in the world of hairdressing.

Louise May – Editor of Hair Biz, recently chatted with Tarik Jasarevic, about his thriving salon and his experience using Heiniger tools. Tarik highlights how Heiniger’s precision and high-quality equipment have become integral to his daily work, enhancing his ability to deliver exceptional results for his clients.

Can you tell us about Mr. T SALON and what makes it unique?

MR. T SALON was established in 2019, with the original intention of being located in Melbourne CBD. Having worked in the CBD for the past 20 years, I was eager to continue in that vibrant area. However, due to challenges in finding a suitable space for my salon, I ultimately made the decision to relocate to Richmond. What sets us apart from other salons in the area, in my view, is our commitment to excellence.

We aspire to be recognised as Melbourne’s premier boutique salon, delivering exceptional guest consultations and outstanding results in both cuts and colour services.

Our team is given ample opportunities to shine and grow, ensuring that our guests’ needs and expectations are not only met but surpassed through personalised service and style.

At MR. T SALON, we prioritise supporting our team in creating unique and fulfilling experiences for every guest. By being attentive to individual requests and needs, we distinguish ourselves from the competition.

As leaders in the industry, we continually strive to set new standards.

Why did you choose Heiniger?

As a salon owner, I wanted to upgrade the clippers we use in our salon but was unsure about which ones to choose. After consulting various hair specialists, I was introduced to the Heiniger cutting system by Matrix Educator Sara, whose friend had been using it.

She provided me with several clippers and trimmers to test, and I was genuinely really impressed by how innovative, comfortable, and versatile the Heiniger system is. The ease of blade interchangeability and the solid, precise performance, stood out to me.

What truly drew me in was the quality and craftsmanship--being Swiss-made, the

clippers exemplify precision, reliability, and high standards, values we uphold at MR. T SALON. Although we are primarily a hair salon rather than a barber shop, we utilise every tool in the Heiniger clipper and trimmer range, adapting to the specific tasks, hair types, and styles we create.

I chose Heiniger for several reasons that align with quality and performance in grooming.

Quality Craftsmanship: Heiniger tools are built to last.

Innovation: The brand invests in R&D, incorporating the latest technology.

User Comfort: Ergonomic designs minimise fatigue during long sessions.

Versatility: Heiniger offers tools for various grooming needs.

Support & Community: Excellent customer support and access to resources enhance tool use.

Sustainability: The brand focuses on durable, sustainable products.

Heiniger prioritises quality, innovation, and user satisfaction, making it a trusted choice for barbers and hairdressers.

What are your favourite tools in the range and why?

My absolute favourite tools in the Heiniger range are the Tauro clippers, as they are a notable addition to the grooming lineup, and they come with several features that make them stand out, such as their Powerful Performance. The Tauro clippers are known for their robust

HEINIGER

motor, providing consistent power for a smooth cutting experience. This makes them effective for various hair types, whether you’re dealing with thick or fine textures. The design of Tauro clippers includes noise-reduction technology, making them quieter during operation. This can help create a more relaxed atmosphere for clients, especially those who may be anxious about haircuts.

The Heiniger Pegasus Midi is another favourite, it is a popular choice among groomers and barbers for its blend of power, precision, and user-friendly features. It is equipped with a strong motor that provides consistent power for efficient cutting.

The Heiniger Libertas T Trimmers are highly regarded in the grooming industry for their performance and precision. These are a standout in the industry.

These trimmers are lightweight and ergonomically designed, making them easy to handle for detailed work. Their compact size allows for excellent manoeuvrability, especially in tight spaces around the ears and neck.

What’s

the Agenda for the next 12 months?

Over the next 12 months, my primary focus will be on expanding both our team and our guest base at MR. T SALON. To achieve this, I will implement a robust promotional strategy that highlights our unique offerings and services. Additionally, I plan to organise more in-salon training sessions, ensuring that our

staff continually develops their skills while also providing opportunities for our guests to learn more about hair care.

We are excited to roll out training sessions and workshops specifically designed for professionals, helping them maximise the potential of their Heiniger products. These sessions will not only enhance their technical abilities but also boost their confidence in using these high-quality tools.

As a Matrix Artist, I anticipate that next year will be filled with exciting developments, including numerous colour and product launches. I’m looking forward to participating in educational initiatives and workshops across Australia, which will allow me to connect with fellow professionals and share insights.

I believe that knowledge is key to growth, which is why I am currently working on two new books focused on hair colouring and styling. My goal is to complete these by the end of the next year, as I want to contribute valuable resources to our industry. It’s been some time since I last created a photographic collection, so I see this year as the perfect opportunity to refresh my portfolio. This will not only showcase my work but also reflect the evolving trends in our field.

Throughout this journey, I remain committed to supporting fellow professionals in the hairdressing industry. I will adapt to changing trends and consumer demands, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of our craft.

@mrtsalon @heinigerprofessionals_ausnz

Generation Gap and its effects on Culture.

By Nathan Yip

Recently I attended my 20-year school reunion. My first thought when it came up was “How did that happen?” Where did 20 years go? In many ways it seems like yesterday, yet in others it feels like I have lived 20 different lives in that time. When I got there, mostly everyone looked the same, by some magic many had not changed or aged at all, some were a little rounder, balder or more grounded, but despite very little aesthetic changes, the conversations with old friends and classmates were different. We all fell straight back into the groove we had formed 20 years ago with less awkwardness, insecurity and far less segregation of social groups which was nice and great to share stories across the whole spectrum of personalities.

The one thing that stood out to me, inbetween the catching up and sharing details about marriages, divorces and how many kids we had, was an obvious nostalgia that we share of times past and shared, but strikingly I couldn’t help but get caught up in conversations about how things used to be and the “Youth of today”.

I got in one particular conversation with an old friend about this as I became more aware of this running theme, I said do you catch yourself saying “Old man shit?” He laughed loudly and agreed strongly. We continued and I said I keep catching myself saying “back in the day...” or “My kids have no idea of how good they had it” another is “Young people or apprentices these days .... The list goes on, I mentioned every time I utter these phrases, I feel convicted in what I’m saying but also, I throw up in my mouth a little, because I used to hate hearing these phrases and would think to myself “Shut up old man, what would you know” now it is I who is saying Old Man Shit.

I share this story because these are the phrases I have been using and conversations I have been having a lot over the last few years with salon owners and managers and more recently myself since opening a salon and employing staff. I have led and managed teams in many different industries with different levels of success, but I have never directly employed anyone or been completely responsible for anyone.

Owning a salon, like becoming a parent, gives you a different perspective on your theories and ideals for business, culture and how you lead, It just hits different. All the things I used to resent hearing employers say about their employees, now have more context to what I saw as whinging and blaming for potential lack of their leadership and structures.

It’s so easy to build resentment of staff when you feel like all your doing is slaving away tirelessly to pay their wages and watch them sit in the back room on their phones, I get it now, I also understand the awkwardness and frustration around team

training and up-skilling. How do you broach the conversation about your employees needing more work on their skill and offering them opportunities for them to say, “nah I have something on that day” or “I’m not Interested”. It’s especially hard if you have been super passionate and diligent with your journey in education, it can be so frustrating!

This is where the conversation of “(Kids/ apprentices/staff) these days just don’t care, or are unmotivated or entitled or the worst - “lazy”. It’s easy to go down this road and blame them and don’t worry I have. I have to remind myself that they are NOT me, they may not have a passion for hair or work or MY business and maybe my expectations are a reflection of me not them. They also have their own set of values, interests and direction. Recent generations have grown up in an environment where boundaries have been encouraged and they aren’t scared to enforce them. I actually love that younger generations are creating and holding boundaries, but it is causing a lot of friction with business owners and structures.

When I get frustrated, I have to remind myself to stay curious about why they are acting like they are, and what is important to the particular team member, what they want and how to manage and lead them the way they need to be led not just to conform

to how I lead.

The education conversation is a tough one, employers worry that if they invest time and money in a person they may leave and then it was all a waste or an investment for them to use elsewhere, my answer or question to that is “what if you don’t train them and they stay”? That can be so much worse for brand, and culture.

My thoughts are, there is always going to be a generation gap, and each generation is going to clash with one another as society and technology moves so fast, but to manage the friction we as leaders need to stay curious and try to understand what is important to the next Gen and how can we adapt to be able to lead, inspire and motivate them. It’s a lot of work and requires a lot of connection and communication skills but what is the other option, you have a shop full of people you resent and a team that reset you and will leave as soon as the opportunity arises.

Let’s try and understand each other and be a bit more patient with each other, that’s my current focus, on top of learning better leadership skills to suit my current needs. If you wanna share your opinion or chat about this with me, find me on insta: @ prettyvac_nt

Nathan Yip x

Unmatched Sharpness. Featherlight. Supreme Power. Unmatched Agility. Unrivalled Accuracy.

Rethinking Salon Waste: Where Does Your Recycling Actually Go?

By Paul Frasca

As we gear up for National Recycling Week this November, let’s have a heart-to-hair chat about something that might be lingering in the back of your mind: where does all that waste we generate actually go?

Established by Planet Ark in 1996, this annual event reminds us that it’s not about recycling more but recycling better. Sure, we all do our part—sorting plastics from paper and tossing items into the recycling bin—but have you ever wondered about the journey that waste takes after it leaves your salon? Spoiler alert: it’s an eye-opener!

The Answer Isn’t Pretty (But It Could Be!)

The truth about salon waste isn’t as straightforward as we might hope—much like trying to explain the intricacies of a pixie cut to a client who simply wants “a little off the top.” So, let’s dive into the reality of salon waste and discover how your waste could be transformed into something remarkable.

The Salon Waste Problem or 3 Million Kilograms of Opportunity?

Across Australia and New Zealand, salons send about 3 MILLION kilograms of waste to landfill each year.

Just imagine; that’s about the weight of 20 Boeing 747s sitting in a dump, breaking down over hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Talk about hair-raising!

For most salons, council recycling bins only cover about 25% of their waste, and even then, only a portion actually gets recycled. Councils are equipped to handle materials like clean plastics, paper, and glass, but items unique to salons—stained foils, empty shampoo bottles, hair clippings, and plastic film— usually end up in the rubbish, ultimately adding to landfill waste.

So Where Does Your Recycling Actually Go?

Here’s the hard truth: traditional recycling services aren’t built for salon waste. Studies show that councils can only manage a small fraction of it, with only 60% of the collected items actually recycled. Ouch!

Now, let’s flip that script. Sustainable Salons can manage up to 95% of salon waste, ensuring 100% of it is recycled! We welcome a broader range of items like plastic film, shampoo bottles, bags, and chip packets. And the best part? No rinsing required—just toss it into our bins, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Turning Waste into Potential: How Your Salon Can Make a Difference

When you recycle correctly, you’re not just helping the environment; you’re opening up new possibilities for your community and your business. Let’s break it down:

Hair: Untapped Potential

Those hair clippings you think are just waste? They’re actually super versatile! Hair is organic and can be used in some eco-friendly ways. For example, hair booms can soak up oil spills, helping to reduce environmental damage in our oceans. Plus, hair clippings can be transformed into “hairy soil” called Soilz Alive to nourish plants and boost their growth. Believe it or not, through our research with Charles Sturt University, we’ve found that human hair could even be used to power electric vehicle batteries—how’s that for futuristic recycling? We’ve collected 96,784 kilograms of hair clippings and pet fur for innovative recovery projects like oil spill clean-ups and enhancing soil biodiversity. Who knew your salon could save the planet one haircut at a time?

Metals: Turning Waste into Meals Aluminium is infinitely recyclable! The foil you use in your salon can become something valuable again. We collect

aluminium foil and colour tubes, recycling them back into metal products. The best part? We sell this collected foil to recyclers, with all proceeds going directly to OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest to help feed people in need. So far, we’ve collected 618,804 kilograms of metal waste—enough to provide over 350,000 meals!

Plastics: From Waste to Retail Recycling plastics isn’t just great for the planet—it’s good for your bottom line too. We’ve kept 529,003 kilograms of plastics, like haircare bottles, in circulation by transforming them into new products such as combs, pet leashes, and plant pots. Our members can even stock these recycled products in their salons, creating a closedloop system where clients can buy items made from their own waste. It’s like giving your clients a little piece of your salon’s eco-magic to take home.

So, this National Recycling Week, let’s take a good look at our waste and ask: where does it really go? Could it be helping the planet, your community, or even your business? By choosing Sustainable Salons, you’re not just managing waste responsibly; you’re actively contributing to a better, more sustainable future.

Keen to join the movement? Scan the QR code and discover how you can be part of the solution!

Is the Australian Hairdressing Industry Cannibalising itself?

By Justin Pace

The Australian Hairdressing Industry is facing significant challenges that threaten its growth and sustainability. Two of the most pressing issues are the increasing focus on individual success over industry collaboration and the lack of comprehensive in-salon training. These trends are not only impacting service quality but fragmenting the industry (weakening its long-term viability.)

Focus on Individual Success Over Industry Collaboration

In recent years, the emphasis on individual success has become increasingly prevalent. With social media and personal branding at the forefront, many hairdressers are now focused on building their own brands and gaining recognition as influencers or celebrity stylists. Whilst this can lead to personal success, it can also come at the expense of broader industry unity and progress.

Fragmented Industry Standards

When hairdressers prioritise their personal brand, there is less incentive to adhere to or establish industry-wide standards. Consequently, this can lead to inconsistencies in service quality, pricing and professional ethics, which can erode trust in the profession. Without a unified set of standards, clients may experience varying levels of service depending on where they go (undermining the industry’s reputation.)

Reduced Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The industry has historically thrived on collaboration, with professionals sharing techniques, trends and innovations. However, as more stylists focus on their own brands, there is a growing reluctance to share knowledge. This competitive mindset stifles innovation and slows down the collective advancement of skills within the industry. Instead of working together to push boundaries, stylists may guard their methods closely (leading to stagnation.)

Short-Term Gains Over Long-Term Sustainability

The pursuit of individual success can prioritise short-term gains over the longterm health of the industry. For example, stylists might focus on trendy, high-visibility techniques that attract attention but may not be sustainable or beneficial in the long run. This can create cycles of boom and bust, leaving both stylists and clients disillusioned.

Isolation and Burnout

Whilst personal branding can be rewarding, it can simultaneously be isolating. Hairdressers focused solely on their own success may find themselves cut off from

the supportive networks crucial in such a demanding profession. This isolation can lead to burnout, as stylists push themselves to constantly stay ahead without a community to lean on. Burnout affects not only the individual but the quality of service they provide, leading to dissatisfied clients and potential business decline.

Missed Opportunities for Collective Advocacy

A unified industry is better positioned to advocate for its needs, be it fair regulations, educational standards or recognition of the profession’s value. However, when hairdressers focus primarily on individual success, the industry loses its collective voice. This results in missed opportunities to influence policy, secure better working conditions or drive industry-wide initiatives that could benefit everyone.

Lack of In-Salon Training Due to Cost and Time

Another significant issue cannibalising the industry is the lack of in-salon training, this driven by cost and time pressures. Many salons (most operating on tight margins) find it challenging to invest in comprehensive training programs. Consequently, the focus shifts from developing deep, professional skills to simply ushering apprentices through their qualifications as quickly as possible.

Minimal Skill Development

When the goal is just to steer apprentices across the line, training often becomes superficial. Apprentices might learn the basics well enough to pass their exams, but they miss out on the in-depth education and hands-on experience needed to refine their craft. This approach leads to a workforce that lacks the confidence and competence to handle complex hairdressing tasks, ultimately affecting quality of service.

Pressure to Perform Quickly

Salons under financial pressure may prioritise speed and efficiency over thorough training. Apprentices are often pushed to take on clients and tasks they aren’t fully prepared for, this leading to mistakes, stress and a lack of job satisfaction. Consequently, rushed training doesn’t allow for the development of critical thinking nor problem-solving skills (both essential for becoming a capable professional.)

Long-Term Impact on the Industry

The focus on qualifying apprentices rather than fully training them can have longterm repercussions. A new generation of stylists may enter the workforce without the necessary skills to innovate or maintain high standards (leading to a gradual decline in the profession’s overall quality.) This can also contribute to higher turnover rates, as under-trained staff may feel overwhelmed and leave the industry prematurely.

Missed Opportunities for Mentorship

In-salon training isn’t just about learning techniques, it’s about mentorship. Experienced professionals can impart wisdom, share best practices and help young stylists develop their style and approach. When training is rushed or minimised, apprentices miss out on these valuable interactions, which can affect their growth and development as hairdressers.

Conclusion

The Australian Hairdressing Industry is at a critical juncture. The trend toward individual success at the expense of industry collaboration, combined with a lack of comprehensive in-salon training, is cannibalising the industry from within. If these issues aren’t addressed, the industry risks becoming fragmented, less innovative and less sustainable. By fostering a more collaborative approach and investing in thorough training programs, the industry can build a stronger, more unified profession that benefits all.

@pacejustin

HAIR SHOP

E-Lift™ Salon Chair By Comfortel Comfortel proudly launches the Comfortel E-Lift™—a battery-operated, game-changing salon chair base designed to redefine the salon experience. With wireless Bluetooth foot control, smooth, unmatched height adjustments, and a rechargeable, long-lasting battery, the Comfortel E-Lift™ delivers both style and functionality. It’s available with any Comfortel chair top, new or upgrade your current Comfortel Salon Chair.

Available in sleek black or white bases to compliment any salon’s aesthetic. Visit Comfortel showrooms across Australia to experience their salon furniture firsthand. www.comfortel.com.au

THE GIFT By Foil me

Spread the joy and festive spirit in your salon and celebrate with your guests this Christmas, as Foil Me unveils their exclusive 2024 Christmas collection, The Gift!

Designed by Foil Me’s CEO & Creative Director, Emily Ciardiello, and Graphic Designer, Chelsea Winter, this limited-edition collection encapsulates the magic of Christmas with a contemporary blue and purple tartan backdrop, shimmering gold accents and festive motifs.

With its cool-toned colour palette and seasonal design, The Gift reflects a winter wonderland reminiscent of celebrating a white Christmas in the Northern hemisphere.

Packaged to resemble a beautifully wrapped gift, complete with a bow and seasonal gift tags, this celebratory collection is sure to elicit feelings of joy and gratitude between stylist and guest. www.foilme.com.au

Pastel Plus Series By Jaguar Made in Germany. Inspiration in your hands. Jaguar Scissors now available through M&U Imports www.muimports.com.au

CURLS LIKE US By JOICO

SMOOTH & BOUNCE CURLS HYDRATING FOAM: Ready to bounce? Spring into action with Curls Like Us Smooth & Bounce. This delightfully airy foam enhances your curl pattern with a lightweight hold, creating a 3-day shield of protection against humidity and frizz

HYDRATE & DEFINE CULR CRÈME STYLER: Looking for a styler that delivers touchable definition, thermal protection, and reduced frizz all in one fell swoop? That’s what you get with Curls Like Us Hydrate & Define – the curl-enhancing styling crème that gently coaxes curls and coils into soft, resilient clumps that are resistant to breakage

DEFINE & SEAL CURL DEFINING GELÉE: Don’t let frizz frazzle you! Keep your curls in formation with Curls Like Us Define & Seal, the medium hold gelée that won’t flake on you. Our buildable formula improves curl definition and creates a cast, sealing in much-needed moisture while also locking out humidity for 72 hours www.joico.com

BondShaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment By Olaplex. A professional 3-step curl-restoring salon service that helps to strengthen, shape and lock the broken bonds responsible for providing curl shape and definition. The treatment is designed to repair and strengthen disulfide bonds in curly hair, enhance and lock in natural curl pattern and deeply hydrates and seals moisture for softer curls with shine. Ideal for damaged coils, curls and waves or simply, those looking to shape, define and enhance their natural curl pattern. The duration of results varies by individual; however, frizz control is lasting for up to 15 washes. www.thehaircaregroup.com

HAIR SHOP

NEW LUMISHINE® PERMANENT CRÈME COLOR BY JOICO

Calling all Chocolate and Coffee lovers!

Craving rich, beautiful colour that’s brimming with luscious shine? Indulge in LumiShine’s NEW Mocha and Natural Beige permanent colour series. These intermixable crème shades open up a world of tempting possibilities for both brunette and blonde hair—while providing 100% grey coverage, built-in bond- building, and nourishing protection. Delicious on so many levels! www.joico.com

BLONDE

LIFE By JOICO

BLONDE LIFE COLOR ENHANCING MASQUES

Packing a two-in-one punch, NEW Blonde Life® Color Enhancing Masques deliver hydration to highlighted strands, while restoring and maintaining fresh-from-the-salon blonde tones. With results you can see and feel, these cool, icy, and rosy blonde shades get you back on track in a single application. www.joico.com

BLONDE STRONG By JOICO

BLONDE STRONG DETANGLER BY JOICO

Feeling fragile? Be blonde and fearless with NEW Blonde

Strong Detangler, ultra-lightened hair’s new daily protector! This multitasking protector helps detangle those fragile strands while keeping them resilient and shielded from UV rays and heat-styling tools. www.joico.com

CALM DOWN By INNOLUXE

Calm Down is the ultimate hair hack against inflamed, irritated and flaky scalps. Infused with the potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal benefits of Menthol, Licorice and Tea Tree, coupled with the strengthening magic of Biotin, and the nourishing effects of Panthenol and botanical extracts, Calm Down works tirelessly to banish the relentless con-sequences of a dry and itchy scalp. This range also works to stimulate hair growth and shields from environmental stressors. 100% Vegan & Cruelty-free

CALM DOWN by INNOluxe Shampoo: Calm Down Shampoo goes beyond cleansing; your scalp won’t only be left clean and flake free, but nourished, calmer and stronger than ever.

CALM DOWN by INNOluxe Conditioner: Calm Down Conditioner infuses intense hydration into your scalp and deep into every hair strand, leaving you with hair that’s not just silky and shiny, but brimming with health & strength.

CALM DOWN by INNOluxe Tonic: Seize control & revel in a newly nourished soothed scalp. The combined powers of Menthol’s anti-inflammatory touch, Tea Tree’s soothing relief, and botanical extracts’ revitalising proper-ties in this tonic will banish the annoyance in one swoop! www.smithscollectivebrands.com.au

Slick, Style, Slay

Say hello to DESIGNME Hold.ME

Styling Stick! Your new BFF for effortless styling and shaping. A 100% vegan hair wax stick which instantly tames frizz and flyaways for smooth, sleek style. The easiest frizz tamer ever!

Beige, the Vegan Way

Echos Color Vegan introduces beautifully balanced Beige Naturals. Nine new shades which are neutral and versatile. Not too warm, not too cool and flattering for a multitude of skin tones. 100% vegan colour without PPD and resorcinol. Crafted in Italy.

Wield a Saber

The might of StyleCraft by Silver Bullet Saber 2.0 Clipper. New EON long-life digital brushless motor. High torque, low vibration BLDC 7,200 rpm motor. 2.5 hours runtime. Heavy duty, all metal body. Available in luxurious gold.

Conscious Colour Care

Shibui goes back to nature’s drawing board. Shibui Ultra-Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner support all hair colours with proprietary Core 4 Colour Complex blend. 100% vegan and free from sulphates, gluten, parabens, phthalates and cruelty.

Be a Chameleon

With ultra-low profile metal covers and iridescent colour, BaBylissPRO LoPROFX

Chameleon Clipper, Trimmer and Shaver deliver unforgettable performance. Intuitive tools with iridescent blades, powerful rotary motors, high capacity lithium batteries and outstanding feel.

Hair Washing Done

Differently epres Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner are high performance formulas infused with exclusive Biodiffusion bond repair technology. Free from quaternary amines which coat hair and end up in our water supply. Available in 250ml and larger 1.9L.

Stylish Storage On-the-Go

Hipster, making on-the-go storage hip. Style meets convenience, comfort and organisation. New Hipster Grooming On-the-Go Bag, Salon On-the-Move Bag, Station Set-Up Bag and Equipment Backpack with Detachable Mirror. For all your styling needs.

Silver Bullet’s New Heights

Get ready for take-off with Silver Bullet’s retailfriendly travel collection. As we fly into the summer travel season, Silver Bullet delivers hotter, faster, better travel hair dryers and hair straightener for wherever your customers are in the world.

Third Generation Perfection

iQ3 Perfetto Hair Dryer is the third generation of blowdry perfection. Extremely lightweight, ergonomic, energy efficient and equipped with standby technology. Incredibly intelligent with included Smart Pad. Turbo function boosts speed to 120,000 rpm.

Crafted for Enduring Sharpness

Iceman Suntachi VG10 Scissors and Thinners are crafted to precision. VG10 is a composite alloy of cobalt and high carbon content. Cobalt enhances strength and durability while high carbon content maintains long-lasting sharpness. Available in 5.5” and 6”.

New Slant Tweezer Colours

Putty Which Outperforms

The award-winning OG. The product which started the Fatboy phenomenon is here. Fatboy Perfect Putty is formulated with kaolin clay to create soft-to-the-touch texture and volume. Matte second day texture from day one.

Once Rubis, always Rubis. Introducing four new colours in the beloved Rubis Slant Tweezer. Manufactured from superior surgical steel and individually hand-finished for impeccable precision. Slanted tips grab the finest of hairs. Acclaimed worldwide, made in Switzerland.

Foil Made Fantastic

Does your salon style need a shot of fun? Great for all colouring services, printed Robert de Soto iFoil Embossed Pop Up is foil with flair. Available in Bunny, Butterfly, Kiss Me and Flower. 100% recyclable, pre-cut foil.

The Professional’s Choice

The number one in professional hair dryers, worldwide! The Parlux DigitAlyon Hair Dryer delivers a distinctly digital experience. Optimising power, heat and ergonomic design for unparalleled salon efficiency.

2024’s Outs And 2025’S Ins: What’s Next In Social Media Marketing For Hair Salons

By Belinda Haigh

As the digital world evolves, hair salons and stylists must continuously adapt their social media strategies to stay relevant, appeal to new audiences, and build client loyalty. While 2024 saw platforms favouring certain formats and trends, 2025 ushers in new approaches, more diverse content types, and creative marketing techniques for hair salons looking to stand out on social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok.

Here’s what salon owners and stylists need to know about the social media landscape for the year ahead.

Out: Reels Are No Longer the Only King

For the past few years, Instagram Reels and TikTok videos have dominated social media feeds, with algorithms seemingly favouring video content above all else. But while Reels and videos still play an important role, 2024 taught us that relying solely on this content type can feel repetitive and exhausting for both creators and audiences.

In: A Balanced Mix of Content Types

As we move into 2025, the rule is clear: variety is the spice of social media success. Instead of focusing solely on Reels, a balanced mix of content formats—including carousels, static images, and stories—will prove essential to keeping your audience engaged. Carousel posts tend to keep viewers on your profile longer, improving engagement metrics and making it easier to communicate a deeper story about each client’s journey. In addition, adding audio to your Instagram feed posts can boost your content’s visibility on the Explore page, helping you reach new audiences.

Pro Tip: To create a balanced strategy, map out each week with a mix of Reels, carousel posts, static images, and stories. Aim for 2-3 posts of different formats per week, while using stories to keep your day-to-day activities visible.

Out: Heavy Text Overlays and Overly Produced Videos

The early days of Instagram Reels and TikTok saw heavy use of text overlays and highly produced video content. But as social media becomes more crowded, audiences are now leaning toward a preference for natural, authentic, and relatable content. Overly produced videos and text-heavy content are starting to feel less relatable and more like traditional ads, which users often scroll past.

In: Authentic, Minimalist Videos and BTS Moments

In 2025, social media favours authenticity over production. This shift means less polish and more “realness”—short, behind-the-scenes (BTS) clips of your process, quick tips for hair care, or even candid moments in the salon. For

example, showcasing a stylist’s daily routine or sharing a short, casual Q&A can help build a connection with your audience.

Pro Tip: Keep videos under 30 seconds when possible. Clients want to see your salon’s unique culture and personality, not a choreographed ad.

Out: One-Way Communication

With the flood of new content on social media, salons can no longer rely on a broadcast-only approach to their content. Traditional one-way communication, where salons simply post and leave it at that, is becoming increasingly ineffective.

In: Community Building and Interaction

Creating a sense of community is a growing priority for brands across social media platforms, and hair salons are no exception. In 2025, salons that focus on cultivating meaningful relationships and active engagement will thrive. This can mean responding to every comment, running monthly Q&A sessions, or using Stories and polls to get direct feedback from followers.

Pro Tip: Run interactive posts, such as polls and Q&As, to engage your audience in a dialogue. Ask for input on upcoming content, hairstyle trends, or salon events to make your clients feel more involved. If you’re on TikTok, use the Q&A feature to respond to questions with short videos.

Out: Ignoring Analytics and Trends

In 2024, it was easy to become comfortable with a single content strategy, sometimes to the detriment of evolving with trends and analytics. Failing to assess performance metrics meant many salons were missing out on learning which content types and strategies were working.

In: Leveraging Analytics to Adapt Content Strategy

In 2025, understanding and adapting to your analytics is a must. Keep a close eye on which posts receive the most engagement, what time of day your followers are most active, and which content formats work best for your audience.

Pro Tip: Make a habit of reviewing your analytics monthly or even quarterly to determine what’s working.

Out: Content That Doesn’t Reflect Your Brand’s Core Values

2024 was full of generic content, with many salons replicating the same hair trends and ideas. However, audiences today are looking for a sense of identity and values from the brands they follow, so simply following the trend cycle won’t make you stand out anymore.

In: Storytelling and Core Value Alignment

2025 is the year to focus on brand storytelling. Showcase your salon’s journey, core values, and what makes you unique. Talk about your team, your community, or the causes you care about. Clients are more likely to engage with and support businesses whose values resonate with their own, making storytelling an incredibly powerful tool for attracting and retaining clients.

Pro Tip: Use a “Meet the Team” post series to introduce your stylists, and share a little about each person’s background, and their specialties.

In 2025, the social media strategy that wins is a balanced, genuine, and community-driven approach. By integrating these “ins” and moving away from outdated practices, hair salons can attract new clients, build lasting relationships, and turn social media into an extension of their brand’s story.

Are you looking for some help to create content or stay consistent with your salon’s social media marketing? Say goodbye to the guesswork and let our expert team of hairdressers and social media managers support your salon’s growth.

Book a free 30-minute chat with Bel from Social Standards by scanning the QR code below. Limited spots are available.

Straight To The Top: Unleash Your Leadership Game

By Charli Nekrep - Iconic Coaching

This one is for the managers, the coordinators, the team leaders… really, it’s for anyone who is a boss babe at heart!

Firstly, let’s be real, leadership isn’t for the faint hearted! I can just hear all the boss babes screaming *preach sista!*. Leadership is for those who are ready to step up, embrace challenges, and push boundaries. And you know what?! I got you! Here are my top tips that’ll have you leading like the fierce, unstoppable powerhouse that you are!

Walk it like you talk it

We’ve all heard the phrase “lead by example,” right?! It’s now time to crank that up. Real leaders don’t just talk the talk - they walk the damn walk. Whether it’s how you handle a tough conversation with a client or handle constructive criticism given to you, your team is watching. People are inspired by what they see, not just what they’re told. Show them exactly how to remain in your power – by staying cool, calm and composed.

Actions will always speak louder than words. So, if you want your team to respect and listen to you, then you need to respect and listen to them, too. And, when I say respect and listen, I don’t mean just nodding along or giving a half-hearted “uh-huh.” I mean genuinely hearing them out, valuing their input, and showing them that their ideas and concerns matter. It’s about creating a space where every voice is heard, and in turn, you will get the same respect from your team. Easy peasy, right?!

Trust: the real boss move

Now, without trust, there’s no team. Trust isn’t just a fancy word to throw around - it’s the backbone of any successful team. And this, my friend, is your ultimate power move. When your team trusts you, they become more open and honest. But hold up - in the words of Missy Elliott, let’s put that thang down, flip it, and reverse it: when you trust your team, you’re setting them up to shine!

So, it’s time to ditch the micromanaging bs and start building real trust with your crew. Be transparent, keep your promises, and most importantly, let your tribe know you’ve got their back.

Empower, don’t overpower

If you’re still clinging to an outdated hierarchical leadership structure, then you, my sweet but delusional babe, are going to fall behind, be constantly stressed, and wonder why your team is a flat-out mess (to put it nicely).

Leadership isn’t about controlling every move your team makes; it’s about giving them the tools, the freedom, and the confidence to make magic happen. When your tribe feels empowered, they’ll let their freak flags fly without fear of judgment. They’ll be innovative, take risks, and push boundaries. And when they do, your entire team levels up. So show up, show out, and be the best damn cheerleader you can be for your team. You won’t regret it!

Bend, don’t break

When something goes wrong in your world, just yell ‘plot twist’ and move on.

There’s nothing truer than this statement— especially when it comes to leadership. The ability to adapt is a must-have leadership skill. Flexibility is a superpower; it’s your ability to roll with the punches, switch gears, and turn challenges into opportunities. I’m not saying to go with every flow; I’m saying have the guts to change course when it’s needed.

Leaders who thrive aren’t the ones who shy away from change; they’re the ones who embrace it with open arms and a fierce attitude. It’s about being bold enough to say, “alright, time to switch it up,” and leading your team with confidence when the unexpected hits. When you’re adaptable, you show your team that setbacks are just setups for comebacks.

So, when life throws you a curve, don’t trip - switch it up, flex that hustle, and keep strutting like the boss babe that you are! Ain’t nobody got time for setbacks when you’re on your grind!

Stand with integrity

You can have all the charisma in the world, but if you don’t have integrity, it all falls flat. Leading with integrity is the real game changer here. Your crew needs to know that you stand for something, act with honesty, and uphold your values no matter what!

When your actions are driven by integrity, you inspire loyalty, respect, and, most of all, authenticity. Your commitment to doing the right thing, even when it’s tough, encourages others to be true to themselves and to each other.

And, nothin’ but facts - it’s not just about what you do when everyone’s watching; it’s about the decisions you make when no one’s around. True integrity is tested in those quiet moments, when the spotlight isn’t shining on you. It’s easy to play the part when eyes are on you, but real leadership is about making the right choices, even when no one is around. The way you conduct yourself in private reflects your true values and sets the tone for your entire team.

When your decisions begin with integrity, you create a culture where doing the right thing becomes the norm. Your team will notice, and they’ll follow your lead. They’ll feel empowered to make choices that align with those same values, fostering a sense of trust and respect that binds everyone together.

Remember, leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a way of life, babe! So, if you’re done playing it safe and ready to step into your full power as an iconic leader, scan the QR code and join our leaders unleashed program. We’re here to turn managers and team leaders into fearless, game-changing visionaries who aren’t afraid to break the rules. Until next time, stay bold, stay unleashed, and always stay iconic!

How To Create a Team-Atmosphere and a Sense of Community Inside of an Independent Salon.

By David Thurston

Butterfly Loft is a 122 square meter salon in Los Angeles that, thanks to social media, is one of the most well-known salons in the world. In November, Danger Jones will be celebrating its 14th anniversary. Butterfly Loft is much more than a business for the founders, David and Alexis Thurston (also the founders of the Danger Jones color brand that is available in Australia through Salon Cosmetics); they were actually married inside the salon, underneath a giant metal butterfly sculpture that hangs from the salon’s ceiling.

Butterfly Loft is an independent hair salon, full of 35 of LA’s most successful independent artists. We caught up with the founders to find out how they create a team-atmosphere and a unique sense of community inside their salon when all of their hairdressers are independent artists.

In the founders’ words…

Because of technology, stylists can now book their own appointments, run their own credit cards, and market themselves on social media. In short, stylists have become far more independent than they used to. When this shift happened, many salon owners freaked out and decided to try and make stylists more dependent by creating an atmosphere designed to more closely control stylists, and it hasn’t worked out well for most of them.

When this independent movement started, it required us to look into the mirror and ask ourselves the question… how we can we make stylists more successful working with us as independent artists, than they could on their own? We concluded that there is a way of working that is even higher than independence, and we call this interdependence. This is win/win relationship structure where two or more people can work together and achieve greater success than they could on their own.

Choosing the Right People

If you’re going to create a community, you have to have the right people on board. When there is an open station, we prefer to fill it with home-grown talent by offering the station to one of our assistants, because they were raised inside our unique team culture.

But how can an artist graduate from being an assistant (without a lot of their own clients) to a full-time, station-renting stylist, without any step in between? To make this a possibility, we created what we call a Rent Escalation Program. We start them out at a low rental rate and every 3 months we raise their rent by a set amount. After 1.5 years of these rent increases, they’re at the same

rental rate as everyone else. By creating rent milestones from the beginning, the new stylist understands that if they go the extra mile, they can put more money into their pocket, and if they don’t work hard, they know they won’t be able to meet the next rentescalation milestone. When their rent goes up, they actually feel good about themselves, because they know they’ve graduated to the next level. We feel the program provides just the right incentive, because we’ve had more than 30 stylists go through the program, and not one of them has ever failed. This program doesn’t just provide a pathway for stylists, and it doesn’t just keep our stations filled, but it also engenders a ton of loyalty from the stylists when they graduate from our program.

However, not all of our stylists are homegrown. From time to time, we hire artists who are interested in transferring to Butterfly Loft from a different salon. And this is where a lot of salon owners get it wrong. Because of financial pressure, many will fill a station with anyone willing to pay them a rent check. This short-term solution to financial pressure can frequently have long-term, negative ramifications. We’re huge believers in the old saying, a bad apple ruins the bunch.

When we hire from the outside, it’s critical that we don’t choose a bad apple. We owe it to our current stylists to make sure the incoming stylist contributes to our unique culture, not detracts from it. So, we require artists to audition for the position, by having them bring a client into our salon, where we watch them work for 3 hours, cutting and coloring hair. During the audition, we’re closely monitoring how they interact with us, their client, and our artists. Auditioning is a two-way street, and we also encourage the artist to bring a friend or family member with them to the audition so the two of them can really assess us and our culture to see if it’s a good fit for them.

Making Them More Successful Than They Would Be on Their Own

Once you have the right people in place, our job is to find ways to make stylists more successful working with us than they would be on their own. One of the most effective ways we do this is through our social media account. By working with our artists, we have built our salon Instagram page to over 200,000 followers. Every day we highlight our artists on social media, which makes them more successful than they would be on their own, because it drives more clients into their chairs.

We also have events throughout the year, including an in-salon education program that gives our own artists an opportunity to educate and also brings in top educators from outside our salon to inspire and help level-up our stylist’s skills. We also invest in two parties each year, one in July at our home, and the other as a big holiday party. Events help form friendships inside our salon, which is something they simply wouldn’t get if they worked on their own.

In an era where stylists are becoming more independent every day, we believe it’s a mistake to try and stick the toothpaste back in the tube. Instead, we lean-in to the movement by choosing to be an independent salon, full of independent artists. To pull this off, we create a team atmosphere and sense of community by making sure we have the right people on the team, and then we create win-win, interdependent relationships with our artists to ensure that they’ll be more successful working with us than they would be on their own, creating a framework where our most important asset is valued above all… and that’s our culture.

@alexisthurston @davidthurstonofficial @butterflyloftsalon @dangerjonesbalayage @dangerjonescreative @dangerjones_australia

WINNER’S AFFILIATE CHARITY

24*7 $499*

an electric foil machine doing the hard work for you EASY FOILS AT A TOUCH OF A PINK BUTTON

COMFORTEL / LIMITED EDITION COLOUR

In a Limited Edition Pink colour, The 24*7 Automatic Foil Machine is the easiest and most reliable way to prepare your foils. It’s fully programmable with a choice of 4 foil lengths, 4 fold options, and a custom length feature. Made in the UK, it reduces wasted foil costs and staff costs on preparation.

$100 of every machine sold has supported a great cause!

For every pink machine sold, Comfortel has donated $100 to the 2024 AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year winner. A $10,000 cheque was presented to the winner’s affiliate charity at the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards – Business gala awards night. Congratulations to this year’s winner!

From Drowning in Problems to Swimming in Solutions: A Salon Owner’s Survival Story.

By Dwight Hodge

When faced with Challenges and, at times, situations that seem unsurmountable, one thing sets those who fail apart from those who succeed.

Be it a problematic or dissatisfied client, team issues, or financial pressure, your focus plays a pivotal role in shaping the situation’s outcome.

Unfortunately for most people, they focus on the problem.

Like Sue, who is struggling to keep her head above water. She is busy with her clientele, and although her other two team members have a few gaps, the appointment book looks pretty full for about four weeks in advance. The problem is Sue lost a team member 12 months ago and hasn’t been able to replace her.

Sue paused for a moment, holding her breath, and then let out a “Ha” before pausing again. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

and not only that, she began to catastrophise the situation and everything that was going to go wrong in the future.

For Sue, the problem is not a lack of clients but a lack of qualified stylists to take care of them. And consequently, the flow-on effect is impacting cash flow.

Every day, she feels like she’s swimming against a never-ending current. She is so focused on just getting through the next day that she forgets about her upcoming quarterly tax bill. Clicking on an email from her bookkeeper and seeing that her tax is due in six weeks floors her, adding to the emotional burden she is already carrying.

For days, all Sue can think about is, “How am I going to find $10,000?” Her thoughts stuck in a whirlpool, spinning from “I am already so busy I can’t fit any more clients in” to “How can I possibly find $10,000 in such a short period!” to “I am going out of business, the team will be left high and dry, how will I pay my mortgage, and what about all my clients”?

Sue was embarrassed to find herself in this situation. She thought she should know better after being in business for years. She was scared and fearful of what others might think, but she confided in a friend who was also a business owner.

After listening to Sue’s plight, Marnie asked her a question that seemed to break Sue out of the deepening spiral she had fallen into on seeing her tax bill.

“What possible solutions have you thought about?”

Sue looked at Marnie, a little shocked. “Solutions?” she questioned.

“Yes, what are your options to get this bill paid?”

“What?” asked Marnie.

“A solution!” exclaimed Sue. “I have been so focused on not having the money and being unable to pay my tax bill that instead of working through my options and potential solutions, I have been catastrophising the end of my business, reputation, and life as I know it.”

Curiously, Marnie said, “Okay, that’s a great realisation. So, what might one solution be?”

It was difficult initially, but Sue came up with a list of potential solutions. Not every one of them was going to give her $10,000; in fact, none of them would. However, the more Sue focused on solutions, the better her ideas were.

After implementing a few of her ideas and speaking to the Tax Office to explain her situation, Sue felt a wave of relief. The conversations with Marnie and the tax office had given her a plan, and now, Sue could finally breathe easily.

Sue’s journey underscores the crucial role of focus in our lives. It reminds us that where we choose to direct our attention can significantly impact our experiences.

WHERE FOCUS GOES, ENERGY FLOWS.

Remember, your focus is a powerful force. It’s where your energy flows, and what you focus on is what you’ll attract more of. Sue’s story is a testament to that.

Sue initially focused on her problem—a $10,000 tax bill. By continuing to focus on this, all Sue could see were more problems,

After confiding in Marnie, Sue experienced a significant shift in perspective. She went from focusing on the problem to considering a possible solution.

Nothing else changed. Sue still owed the tax office $10,000. She was still short of qualified stylists. After shifting her perspective from focusing on the problem to the solution, Sue stopped spiralling into even greater catastrophising and despair and began to see a way forward.

For so long, Sue had felt like she was swimming against the current, and now, after focusing on the solutions, it felt like she was swimming with the current. Where she had only seen challenges and problems, Sue now saw opportunities.

Be aware of what you’re focusing on, and if need be, shift your perspective.

Dwight Hodge is an experienced leadership coach and mentor. His career spans over two decades as a business owner, company director and coach. He founded The Creative Leader, a leadership coaching practice that assists salon owners and independent stylists in propelling their leadership capabilities and business to the next level. Dwight is a salon owner, a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), holds qualifications in Business and Personal Coaching, is a Master Coach of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from the Victorian Collage of the Arts (VCA)

dwight@dwighthodge.com

CHELSEA STYLING CHAIR

Transform your salon with the Chelsea Styling Chair, a masterpiece where sophistication meets practicality. This chair is crafted to deliver both luxury and functionality, enhancing every salon experience with its impeccable design and features.

• High-Density Memory Foam

• Premium Quality Upholstery

• Scandinavian-Inspired Design

• Innovative Tactile Accents

• Comfort-Driven Design

• 360 Degree Swivel

• Height Adjustable Hydraulic Lift

• Robust Sturdy Frame

Chelsea Upholstery/Frame Options available Features

White or Black Sturdy Frame: Complementing the White or Black hydraulic base, the Chelsea Styling Chair features a robust frame that ensures both stability and durability. This cohesive design element enhanc modern appeal and provides a strong foundation for activities.

Chelsea Hydraulic Base options available

Code: 42221 - Sand Upholstery

Code: 42224 - Sand Upholstery

Code: 42222 - Tan Upholster y

Code: 42225 - Tan Upholstery

Code: 42220 - Black Upholstery

Code: 42223 - Black Upholstery

Frame Frame Frame

Cultural Intellect: How Inclusivity is

Shaping the

Future.

Consumers are demanding hair, beauty and wellness services that represent a greater diversity of needs. This is positively driving the industry away from historically Eurocentric beauty ideals to authentically cater to a diversity of cultural identities.

The beauty and wellness industry is always evolving, with cultural drivers and technological changes pushing the industry forward every single day.

Fresha, the world’s biggest salon software, published their first trend report with WGSN. Crafted from 1000+ consumer surveys over three continents, plus the data from 600 million bookings on their platform, Fresha has tapped into what’s trending and what the future holds for this industry.

It’s no longer enough to cater to just one narrow set of beauty standards

And now, more and more people are demanding hair, beauty, and wellness services that actually reflect who they are. People want brands and salons that understand their unique cultural identities and can meet their specific needs. This shift is helping push the beauty world away from its old, Eurocentric ideas and towards a more diverse, inclusive approach.

Cultural understanding is now playing a huge role in how people connect with beauty

For too long, the industry has been slow to adapt, leaving many consumers—especially those from ethnic minority groups—feeling left out. In the UK alone, beauty businesses are missing out on a whopping £2.7 billion a year because they aren’t catering to multiethnic consumers, who have a combined disposable income of £4.5 billion. Black consumers, for example, are three times more likely than others to be dissatisfied with their options for hair care, skincare, and makeup. As Mark Maciver, the founder of UK barbers

SliderCuts, puts it, “If you’re connected to culture, you understand what’s going on with your clients and can build more meaningful relationships.”

One clear example of this shift is the natural hair movement

For years, the haircare industry fixated on straight, Eurocentric hair, often ignoring the needs of people with textured or curly hair. But that’s changing. There’s been a growing demand for natural hair services as more people embrace their natural textures. Fresha’s data shows that bookings for Afro haircuts grew from 1% to 5% between 2021 and 2022, and curly haircuts jumped by 23% globally. People are moving away from damaging treatments like chemical straightening and are instead seeking out salons that specialise in their specific hair type.

Language is also evolving to be more inclusive

Salons are starting to openly advertise their expertise in curly, coily, and textured hair, which helps customers feel seen and understood. For example, The Curly Hair Studio in Oregon is all about helping clients take care of their unique curl patterns, offering tailored cuts and even advice on athome maintenance. This kind of approach— sometimes called “hairclusive”—is making a big difference in how people feel about their salon experiences.

But it’s not just about better language—it’s also about better education

While some countries like the UK are taking steps to include Black hair in hairdressing curricula, there’s still a lot of work to be done worldwide. Many stylists simply aren’t trained to handle textured hair, which is why experts like Dr. Kari Williams, a natural hair specialist, are pushing for more education and training. After all, stylists who understand how to care for all hair types will be able to grow their businesses and serve a wider range of clients.

What’s next for Cultural Intellect?

By 2028, we’re likely to see salons and beauty businesses investing even more in staff education, making sure they’re equipped to meet the diverse needs of their clients. This isn’t just good for customers—it’s also a smart move for the industry, as tapping into these underserved markets can unlock huge growth opportunities. Beauty that truly reflects everyone’s identity is no longer a trend; it’s the new standard.

Want to know more about trends in the beauty and wellness industry?

Check out the full beauty and wellness report by Fresha and WGSN here.

www.fresha.com/insights/trend-report

About Fresha: Fresha is the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-in-one free business software with integrated payments. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simpliﬁes business operations and enhances customer experiences. To learn more, visit fresha.com, download Fresha on the App Store and Google Play, or follow Fresha on Instagram and Facebook. @fresha

Invest in Your Salon’s Future: Why the AHC is Essential for Every Salon!

In an industry as vibrant and dynamic as hairdressing, staying ahead of trends, regulations, and best practices is crucial for success. For Australian salons, one of the most effective ways to achieve this is by joining the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC). Here’s why membership in this pivotal industry association is a game-changer for hairdressing businesses.

The Power of Industry Associations

Industry associations like the AHC play a vital role in supporting businesses within specific sectors. They provide a unified voice for the industry, advocating for policies that benefit members and ensuring that the interests of hairdressers are represented at all levels of government and in the community. This document is more than just a list of membership options; it’s an invitation to join a community that stands united in elevating the standards of our industry and ensuring its continued success. Together, we can achieve more.

Why Choose the AHC?

When you join the AHC, you gain more than just a membership; you gain a partner in your success. Whether you’re seeking support with complex HR workplace regulations, access to the extensive Resource Hub, being part of a vibrant community of likeminded salon owners, or simply want to be part of a powerful national voice advocating for our industry, the AHC is here to help and support you.

Benefits of Joining the AHC

1. Advocacy and Representation

The AHC is committed to advocating for the rights and interests of hairdressers. By joining, salons can ensure their voices are heard on critical issues, such as workplace regulations, health and safety standards, and education and training matters. This representation helps shape a better future for the industry.

2. Professional Development

Membership provides access to a wealth of professional development opportunities, including webinars, training programs, and industry events, so salons can stay updated on the latest business developments, enhancing their knowledge and keeping their offerings fresh and competitive.

3. Networking Opportunities

The AHC hosts various events, allowing salon owners and professionals to connect, share experiences, and collaborate. These networking opportunities can lead to valuable partnerships, mentorships, and the sharing of best practices that can elevate a salon’s business strategy.

4. Access to Resources

Members receive exclusive access to industry research, market insights, and tools that can help streamline operations and improve business performance. From marketing resources to compliance guides, these tools can make a significant difference in a salon’s efficiency and profitability.

5. Credibility and Recognition

Being a member of the AHC enhances a salon’s credibility. Clients are often more inclined to choose salons that are part of a recognised industry body, viewing membership as a mark of quality and professionalism. This recognition can help attract new clients and retain existing ones.

6. Support and Guidance

The AHC offers support in navigating challenges that salons may face, from regulatory compliance to business management. Whether it’s guidance on employment law or assistance in crisis management, having a knowledgeable ally can be invaluable.

7. Industry Standards and Best Practices

The AHC is instrumental in setting industry standards, which helps salons maintain highquality services and operations. By adhering to these standards, members can ensure they are delivering the best possible experience to their clients.

Explore Your Options

We understand that every business is unique, which is why we’ve developed a variety of membership options to suit salon owners, sole traders, RTOs, and industry suppliers alike. As you explore membership, consider what type of support will best align with your goals - whether it’s keeping your business compliant, growing your team, or connecting with a network of peers. All memberships are 100% tax deductable and are available in monthly or annual payments.

Beyond the Benefits

Being an AHC member is about so much more than accessing business resources. It’s about being part of something bigger - a community

that’s raising the bar, supporting each other, and building a brighter industry future together. Our community is filled with business owners who are not just surviving but thriving because they’ve chosen to invest in their businesses, their teams, and themselves.

Our Commitment to You

The AHC was built by people who understand this industry from the inside out, who know the challenges, the long hours, and the passion that goes into building a successful business. That’s why we are committed to ensuring every member has the tools, connections, and support they need to truly flourish. No matter which membership you choose – from solo operators and salon owners, to registered training organisations, teachers and associate organisations - we’re here to help you grow, connect, and succeed.

Joining the Australian Hairdressing Council is more than just a membership; it’s an investment in the future of a salon business. The myriad benefits - from advocacy and professional development to networking and access to resources - position salons to thrive. As the hairdressing landscape becomes increasingly competitive, now is the time for Australian salons to consider the advantages of joining the AHC. Together, as a united front, the industry can continue to innovate, elevate standards, and deliver exceptional services to clients across the country, as well as pave the way for a sustainable future.

To learn more about how an AHC membership can support you and your business, visit www.theahc.org.au or contact our friendly team on (02) 4929 6098 or email info@theahc.org.au

Elevate your salon to new heights...

Electric Lift Salon Chair

meet the NEW

WIRELESS BLUE TOOTH FOOT CONTROL

BATTERY POWERED LONG LASTING & RECHARGEABLE

SMOOTH, UNMATCHED HEIGHT RANGE

SUIT YOUR STYLE ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE

FITS ANY COMFORTEL CHAIR TOP

ELEVATE YOUR SALON EXPERIENCE

Transform your salon to new heights. With just one press of the foot control, the revolutionary battery-operated lift, available in sleek Matte Black or White, offers unmatched height adjustments.

UNINTERRUPTED LUXURY FOR BUSY DAYS

Seamless Operation & Long-lasting Battery Life

The Comfortel E-Lift™ boasts a rechargeable Lithium battery lasting 2-3 weeks, ensuring your salon runs smoothly without interruption. Experience smooth and effortless adjustments with every use.

THE FUTURE OF SALON COMFORT

Revolutionary Design Exclusive to Comfortel

The first of its kind, the Comfortel E-Lift™ combines cutting-edge technology with style. Elevate any Comfortel chair, adding functionality and sophistication to your salon.

How To Overcome “I Can’t Do That” Fear

By Faye Murray

Fear of not achieving is a stumbling block that therapists face every day.

Fear is a thing that we would like to live without, but we all experience it.

Public speaking is generally high on most people’s list.

“I would rather jump from a plane without a parachute, than stand up in front of people and talk.”

However, I personally love doing it and have no fear anymore. The first time I did it, I am sure I was afraid, but because I have now done it many times, I don’t feel the fear.

So, what causes that fear? Simply it is doubt. Fear occurs when you doubt that you have the ability to succeed, so you worry that you will fail, and others will notice.

Sometimes, I believe we feel that we fail because it seems to us that expectations are too high.

Let’s look at an example. In your salon your manager has told you: “You must recommend to each and every client.”

The first thing that comes to mind is: “There is no way that each and every client will buy. I will come across as being pushy,. The clients won’t like me.”

Set yourself three goals: -

GOAL ONE

Talk don’t sell to every client and share your knowledge and experience.

You will be confident to do this, because you have the knowledge to share and educate. You know so much that your clients will benefit from. They will appreciate what you share.

GOAL TWO

Set a goal for the number of rejections that you may get. (A bit unusual, you are thinking)

You are going to look after 35 clients this week. You will expect to get 15 rejections. If you expect that is the reality, when a client says no you will just say to yourself:

“I expected that, so that is ok”.

GOAL THREE

• Set a goal for the number of ‘yes’ clients. 35 clients….15 rejections….20 yeses.

• When you set your expectations at a level that is real you will have less disappointment and more “wow I did it!”

• Talk to everyone, don’t pick and choose

• Set a goal for the number of rejections. Convince yourself this is ok

If you want your clients to respond in a positive way, you must give off positive energy.

CAN’T YOU OR WON’T YOU

This can be applied to anything that you do in life and in a salon situation.

“I can’t get my clients to say yes to rebooking… other therapists do it, but I can’t”

The question is can’t you, or won’t you? You absolutely can’t if you don’t have the training and the knowledge. If that is the case ask someone for help but if you have all the knowledge and you have been trained and you aren’t getting your clients saying yes, I suggest it is because you won’t.

See if this might be you:

• You pick and choose who you invite to rebook, and it probably feels like you are inviting 7 out of 10 but it is probably more likely that you are asking 3 out of 10. You will always get a low score on this if you don’t offer it to each client because the reality is some will say yes and some will say no.

• You do it at the reception by saying “would you like me to organise your next appointment?” This is not offering a service; it is just asking a question that is almost an afterthought.

• Worse still is this one “would you like to make your next appointment, or would you like to just give me a call?”

If you want to get rid of the fear and the doubt, you must also recognise that to achieve success you must do things in the right way and combine this with a good positive energy and lots of enthusiasm.

I CAN’T SELL… I AM JUST NOT GOOD AT IT

Every one of us is a salesperson and we learnt it at a very young age.

We learnt as a baby that if we cry, we can usually sell to our mother. “I want to be picked up”.

We learnt as a little girl, that if we look pretty in a new dress, we can sell our special look to daddy and get a compliment.

We learnt that if we sell an excuse to the teacher, we can probably get out of trouble for the failed deadline.

We learnt that if you want to sell the idea of buying a new car to your husband you need to come up with some good reasons why. Not just I want one.

Think about it. Each and every one of us are fantastic at selling. We have no fear of day-today things because we have been practising it for years and we now do it instinctively. When we get a “no” we usually think of another way to “sell” what we want.

In your salon you just have to keep practicing.

For more information about business coaching and the Zoom training sessions Faye offers contact: 0409 342 653 faye@yourcoach.net.au www.yourcoach.net.au

Cutting Through The Noise: How To Make Your Hair Brand The Easiest Choice For Customers.

By Sarah Garner

We live in a world where endless choices are at our fingertips—scrolling, swiping, and clicking away as we sift through a million brands all vying for attention. It’s a digital jungle out there, and customers? Well, they’re tired. Like, “I can’t even with this anymore” kinda tired.

So, the real question is: How do we make it a no-brainer for them to choose us?

Let’s dive into the modern branding debacle, with a blow dryer in one hand and a solid strategy in the other.

There’s no denying it, being a standout brand is tougher than nailing the perfect balayage. The internet has transformed what used to be a simple search for a haircut into a neverending cascade of choices, like a neverending conditioner bottle (seriously, how does it never run out?). The result? People get overwhelmed and, in the end, either pick something familiar or just say, “Nah, maybe tomorrow.”

In this fast-paced, everything-at-yourfingertips world, traditional branding methods just aren’t enough. Standing out isn’t about flashy logos or catchy slogans anymore, it’s about creating genuine connections and offering something real that speaks directly to your customer’s heart (and hair!).

Less Time, More Choices: What’s a Brand to Do?

Here’s the kicker; your clients aren’t just looking for any salon or hair product. They’re looking for a brand that gets them, simplifies their decision-making and maybe even throws in a little extra joy (because who doesn’t need more joy?). With decision fatigue creeping in, customers either stick with what they know or opt out altogether.

So, here are a few juicy questions we should be asking ourselves:

1. How do we make our brand the easiest decision they’ll make all day? (Think of it like choosing a fresh set of foils over a bad box dye—no brainer, right?)

2. What makes our brand shine brighter than a freshly glossed mane?

3. How do we create that unforgettable spark that makes our brand stick, long after they’ve left the salon?

The secret lies in a killer brand strategy. It’s all about truly understanding your audience; what makes them tick, what keeps them up at night (besides scrolling through cringe hair tutorials) and how your brand can swoop in and save the day. We’re not just here to be another salon or product; we’re here to be the go-to that makes life a whole lot easier.

So, what is brand strategy really? Imagine it’s the ultimate hairstylist’s toolkit, it’s your game plan for defining your unique value, creating a story your audience will tell for you and ensuring that story stays as consistent as a good fringe trim.

Here at Digital Bloom, we believe in the power of a solid strategy, which includes a few key elements:

- Purpose: Why are we here beyond just making a dollar?

- Customer Understanding: Really digging into what your audience wants (because nobody needs another “we-do-everything” brand).

- Unique Value: Figuring out what makes you the choice in a sea of sameness.

- Emotional Connection: Building bonds that last longer than that root touch-up.

- Consistency: Making sure every interaction feels like “you” (no brand identity crises here, thanks!).

- Adaptability: Because in a world that changes faster than seasonal hair trends, you need to stay fresh and relevant.

This isn’t just about looking good (although, let’s be honest, that helps); it’s about making your client’s life easier, attracting rockstar team members, guiding leadership and setting yourself apart from all the noise.

The Purpose & Goals of a Brand Strategy

So, why does a hair business even need a brand strategy?

- For customers: To make their choice easypeasy. We want them to know exactly why you’re the one, whether it’s for a killer haircut, next-level products or an unforgettable experience.

- For employees (current & future): To make working for you feel like they’ve found their forever salon home.

- For leadership: To highlight what really matters and where the business should focus its energy.

At the core of your brand strategy is this big goal: to communicate your unique value so clearly that it feels like a no-brainer for customers and staff to choose you. It’s not about blending in; it’s about making sure that when people think of hair, they think of you— the stylist, the salon, the brand that just gets them.

Your brand strategy is the heartbeat that powers everything else—your product, delivery, people and marketing strategies. By nailing that core message, you ensure that every part of your business is aligned, consistent, and, most importantly, irresistible.

Ready to bloom? Let’s make your brand the choice.

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.

Say Goodbye To Stock Photos: How Custom Imagery Is The Secret To Serious Salon Growth

By Keira Maloney

You’ve built a business that stands out, so why settle for visuals that don’t? Stock photos might seem like an easy solution, but they lack the authenticity and impact needed to truly connect with your audience. The truth is cookie-cutter images aren’t enough to drive meaningful growththey’re like generic skincare products in a world that craves personalised solutions.

Here’s where and why investing in professional photos can take your beauty business from great to “Wow, I need to book in there!”

1. Make a Memorable First Impression with Collaborations

Collaborations are pure gold. From donating a voucher to the local footy club or co-hosting a live webinar, partnerships introduce you to new audiences. But here’s the kicker: when you’re featured by a partner, what visual represents you? A grainy, outdated photo? Yikes.

When another business or organisation puts your name in front of their community, a crisp, professional image says, “Hey, we’re serious about what we do.” Having a selection of high-quality photos ready for these moments ensures you’re always putting your best face forward. It’s about capitalising on every opportunity, not letting them slip by because you weren’t prepared.

2. Maximise Your ROI With Paid Advertising

We’ve all been there - investing in paid ads on Facebook, Instagram or Google and then feeling deflated when they flop. But here’s a harsh truth: even the most compelling ad copy will fall flat if paired with a generic stock image. Professional imagery in your ads isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about building trust and sparking curiosity. High-quality visuals grab attention, enhance credibility, and lead to more clicks, engagement, and conversions. Instead of throwing your marketing budget into the wind with mediocre visuals, invest in professional photos that will make your ads stand out.

3. Attract the Right Talent

Hiring is a big deal. Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or filling a critical role, the quality of candidates you attract often depends on how your business is perceived. And let’s be honest - would you be more drawn to a company showcasing a vibrant, engaged team in dynamic photos or one with no imagery? Professional team photos and candid shots of your workplace give prospective employees a glimpse into your company culture. They help you stand out in a sea of job ads, making you seem more inviting and trustworthy. Think of them as visual testimonials that say, “This is a place where you’d want to work.”

4. Opening A Captivating Digital Front Door

Your website is your digital front doorit’s where you welcome the world to your business and where first impressions are made. You might have killer content and well-crafted service descriptions, but if the images are outdated or uninspired, your site’s impact can fall flat.

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with a gallery of hundreds of images. Just a handful of powerful, professional shots can redefine the entire look and feel of your site. Pair them with compelling calls to action and watch how quickly new clients will be drawn in. It’s about setting the stage and making sure every visual detail aligns with the experience you want to create.

Keeping It Consistent and Compelling on socials

Social media is a beast, and keeping up with fresh content can feel like a fulltime job. But here’s where a well-planned photoshoot becomes your best ally. With a solid bank of high-quality images, you can keep your feed looking sharp and consistent, elevating your brand’s perceived value without constantly scrambling for content. No more generic stock photos or low-quality phone shots. With professional images, your social media profile tells a cohesive storyone that resonates with your audience and keeps them coming back for more.

6. Always Be Ready to Shine for exposure Opportunities

Ever get the chance to be featured in a magazine, blog, or local newspaper? It’s an amazing opportunity, but if you don’t have professional shots ready, you risk losing control over how you’re visually represented. Media moves fast, and you need to keep up. Having a folder of high-quality images on standby ensures you’re always prepared for a feature. You’ll be seen as polished

and professional, which can make all the difference in how a story is received by the public.

By investing in professional photography, you’re not just upgrading your visual assets; you’re making a statement. You’re saying, “This is who we are, and we’re proud of it.”

It’s about creating a visual identity that’s as unique as the services you offer, one that resonates deeply with your audience and makes them feel like they’ve found exactly what they’ve been searching for.

So, farewell to stock photos. It’s time to embrace imagery that truly reflects the heart of your business - because when your visuals are as exceptional as the work you do, serious growth is sure to follow.

www.keiranicolephotography.com @keiraxnicole_photography

Growing Slowly is Better Than Standing Still

By Angeli Marie Shaw

The world as we know it is changing at a rapid pace. Cost of living has been one of the top subjects with majority of the country having to reassess, budget and sacrifice to make ends meet. We have global issues such as war and conflict, resulting in passionate debate, fiery conversation and protests contributing to feelings of unrest and uncertainty.

Technology is rapidly advancing, with AI becoming more prominent, cash payments are disappearing and even bricks and mortar businesses are dropping locations in favour of doing business online. Running a business nowadays is not an easy feat, and while so much is happening, we’re encouraged to keep up with it all; maintaining a work-life balance, keeping up to date with all the changes and sustaining overall wellbeing, but how do we when it feels like the goal posts are constantly moving?

Whilst the world around us is evolving at hyper speed, it’s the small steps that you make that will have a bigger impact on the way you live. In your personal life, your business, your community and beyond. Don’t know where to start or what steps to take? Here’s a few of my tips to try…

1. Be open to learning.

From the moment we are born and take our first breath we are learning. Acknowledging that we don’t know everything, and in some cases, we’re going to fail, opens us up to the process of learning and cultivates a growth mindset towards learning new things. We are all lifelong learners. When we learn more about ourselves, we have the opportunity to become better versions of who we are and how we show up in the world. Think of it as a chance to declutter your mind, discarding what may have been incorrect or didn’t work and replacing it with new knowledge and insight. The power of hindsight, eh?

2. Connect with compassion.

To live a compassionate life, requires both softness and strength. We can all claim to have a strong backbone, but this should be complimented and balanced out with a soft front. After all, our very existence is filled with opposites such as light and dark. Compassion involves acknowledging that all lives are just as important, sacred and of value, just like our own. It’s a motivational state, and this motivation could take the form of action, such as stepping in and helping, or simply offering kindness.

3. The language we use matters. Don’t underestimate the power of words. The ones we choose and the way we use them persuade, influence and affect how people view the world, including ourselves. Words don’t just reflect reality; they create reality.

Whether it be vocally, written down or posted online, words have the power to make people feel understood, valued and supported, however, they can also make people feel undermined, misunderstood, stigmatised and excluded. Try making a commitment to using positive language and making positive statements. It may seem like a small step but could make a huge difference to someone’s day, especially your own.

4. Set boundaries.

This one isn’t just about setting boundaries with others but also setting boundaries with yourself. Boundaries can be perceived as harsh, but they are also an integral part of self-care and a way of keeping your needs from being put last. If you consider yourself a compassionate person, you may feel called in when someone is in need or offer your help before it is asked, and making yourself available to others is something you may be used to. Considered an amicable quality, the flip side of this is that your offer or expectation of help can become a burden. You may experience compassion burnout, and this is something I’ve personally experienced and had to learn from. Prioritise self-care and aim on keeping your cup full before you hold space for others. You may feel riddled with a sense of guilt, but these boundaries will not only protect your energy but can also lead to healthier relationships and improved selfesteem.

As 2024 comes to an end and we welcome a new year, choose wisely. Always choose to heal, not to hurt. To forgive not to despise. Choose to persevere and not to quit. Choose

smiles over frowns, choose love over hate. Life a life that matters and be remembered not for your competence but your character, not only for your success but for your significance.

It has been an honour and blessing to once again be able to share my thoughts and contributions with you in 2024 and I look forward to sharing more in 2025!

As always, I believe in you!

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor/Trainer and founder of The Bliss Coach.

To work with me 1:1 or organise group training in 2025, get in touch by visiting www.theblisscoach.com.au or follow me on my socials @theblisscoach to connect and find out more.