Spotlight on Kirby Lago

By Louise May

Powerhouse hair stylist Kirby Lago was just 17 when she joined the industry. Dedicated to healthy hair and lived in colour, celebrity clientele include Delta Goodrem, Miranda Kerr, Rachel Finch and beauty influencer Leigh Campbell. Her salon Pelo By Lago is a Sydney haven where connection and care are woven into the fabric of everything Kirby and her team do. Kirby is also a Kerasilk Ambassador; and newly appointed Goldwell National Artist.

We recently caught up with Kirby and chatted about her journey, her love of Goldwell and being a mum!

You have been hairdressing since you were 19, working in Sydney and LA and owner of multiple salons. Share a little about your journey in hairdressing.

I started hairdressing at 14, and by 19, I had opened my first salon. I’ve been completely obsessed with both hair and the business world my whole life, and I feel so lucky to live in both. Along the way, I shadowed leaders in the industry in LA for training, which was such an amazing experience.

Over the years, I’ve worked in the editorial space, but my true passion lies in creating healthy colour that enhance each person’s natural beauty. I’ve developed my own signature techniques, which I now teach to my team, ensuring we all focus on the highest standards. We are deeply committed to delivering a top luxury experience to each client, with a strong emphasis on customer care and making everyone feel valued. While I’ve had the privilege of working with A-list clientele, I also treasure the relationships I’ve built with every salon client who walks through the door. To me, every client deserves the best.

You are renowned for lived in colour and low-maintenance hair, with a focus on hair health. What’s the secret to nailing this look with every client? What techniques do you use?

The secret to nailing lived-in color and low-maintenance hair is creating a colour that blends naturally and grows out seamlessly. It starts with understanding the client’s lifestyle—whether they want regular maintenance or something that lasts for months.

I focus on strategic techniques like face-framing highlights and root shadowing, which soften the grow-out and prevent harsh regrowth lines. Healthy hair is at the core of my process, so I lift slowly with lower-volume developers and always use bond-building treatments to protect the integrity of the hair. A good toner or gloss is the final touch to refine the color and enhance shine. The result is a look that’s effortless, dimensional, and designed to evolve beautifully over time, making it truly low maintenance.

You count Delta Goodrem, Rachel Finch, Miranda Kerr and Britt Hockley as clients, what are some career highlights?

Working with amazing women like Delta Goodrem, Rachel Finch, Miranda Kerr, and Britt Hockley has been such a career highlight. Creating Delta’s signature blonde was a standout moment for me—it really captured my love for healthy, lived-in color. Working with Miranda was equally special because her focus on natural beauty fits perfectly with how I approach hair. Each experience has been about more than just the hair—it’s about connecting, creating, and learning something new every time.

Your Cronulla salon is a Shire favourite. Share with us a little about the look and feel at Pelo by Lago?

Pelo by Lago is all about creating a space where clients feel completely at home while getting that elevated, luxurious experience. In a holiday inspired, warm, and inviting space—just like the Shire itself—but with a focus on expert care and attention to detail.

We want every client to feel like they’re stepping into a space where they can relax, be themselves, and trust they’re in good hands. It’s not just about the hair; it’s about making people feel amazing from the moment they walk in.

Why did you choose to partner with the Kao Salon Brands (Goldwell, KMS, Kerasilk, Oribe)?

I chose to partner with Kao Salon Brands because they give me everything I need to deliver the best results for my clients. Goldwell is my go-to for beautiful, customised color that stays healthy, while Kerasilk offers high-performance care to keep hair soft and strong, whilst Oribe brings that touch of luxury clients love. It’s a perfect balance of innovation, quality, and versatility—exactly what I need to create beautiful, healthy, and low-maintenance hair.

What intrigued you most about the opportunity to become a Goldwell National Artist? What do you love about working with Goldwell Color in salon? What excites me most about becoming a Goldwell National Artist is the opportunity to collaborate with other talented stylists and be part of a brand that’s constantly innovating. I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge, growing creatively, and inspiring others in the industry. In the salon, I love how Goldwell Color allows me to achieve beautiful, customised results while keeping hair healthy and vibrant. It’s the perfect balance of creativity and care, which is exactly what my clients expect.

How does Kerasilk align with you and your philosophy as a hair stylist?

Kerasilk aligns perfectly with my philosophy because it’s all about combining luxury with hair health. As a stylist, I prioritize maintaining the integrity of the hair while achieving beautiful, long-lasting results, and that’s exactly what Kerasilk delivers. Its transformative treatments don’t just provide temporary fixes—they work to nourish and strengthen the hair from within. Whether it’s adding softness, taming frizz, or boosting shine, Kerasilk allows me to create looks that not only feel luxurious but are sustainable and easy for clients to maintain. It’s a brand that values both beauty and care, which is at the heart of everything I do.

What are your top 3 Kao Salon Brand products?

My top three products would definitely be:

1. Kerasilk Texturizing Spray – It’s perfect for adding volume and texture without weighing hair down. I love how it gives that effortless, tousled look.

2. Oribe Gold Lust Oil – This one’s a must-have! It provides incredible shine, tames frizz, and deeply nourishes the hair. It’s perfect for a sleek, smooth finish.

3. Goldwell Stylesign Shaping and Finishing Spray – I always reach for this one to lock in any style. It offers long-lasting hold with flexibility and a natural shine—no crunchiness!

These three are staples in my kit!

Last year you introduced Restore by Pelo, can you share more details on this Service?

Restore by Pelo is our dedicated hair restoration service, designed to address thinning hair and improve scalp health. The core of this service is KeraLase, which combines the LaseMD Ultra laser with KeraFactor serum to stimulate regrowth, strengthen hair, and boost scalp vitality. It’s a non-invasive, personalized solution for clients looking to reduce shedding and promote healthier, fuller hair. Restore is about more than just hair—it’s about helping clients regain their confidence through real, lasting results.

You are a superwoman, salon owner and mum to 3 young girls. How do you make it all work?

Balancing being a salon owner and a mum to three little ones is definitely a juggling act! I stick to a solid schedule to keep everything on track—business and family. I’m lucky to have my husband, who handles a lot of the childcare, which gives me more space to focus on work. I appreciate my time with the girls, I make sure to be fully present, and I’ve learned it’s okay to say no sometimes to avoid burnout. It’s all about finding the rhythm and knowing I don’t have to do it all on my own.

What does 2025 hold for you?

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year of growth and new opportunities! I’m focusing on building my personal brand and making strides with my salon, Pelo by Lago, while continuing to develop Restore and explore new ways to help people with hair loss. I’m excited to dive deeper into my passion for healthy hair and share my knowledge with others, especially through upcoming masterclass and future classes for stylists.