6 minute read
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 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, long-lasting 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, judgment-free 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 obligation free 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!
