INSTYLE ISSUE-3 2024

BACKSTAGE

The year’s leading Fashion Week looks

Meade’s

SERIOUS PRODUCT PERFORMANCE.

ONE TUBE, ALL YOU NEED WITH MUK PROFESSIONAL COLOUR.

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COLOUR

CRAFTER COMPETITION

CALLING ALL STYLISTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR UNPARALLELED TALENT, CRAFT, AND SKILL IN A SINGLE, CAPTIVATING SHOT INSPIRED BY ESSENTIAL LOOKS.

ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO BE THE NEXT ‘COLOUR CRAFTER’ OR ‘APPRENTICE CRAFTER’ OF THE YEAR.

WINNERS RECEIVE

COLOUR CRAFTER

total prize package valued at $12,000*

APPRENTICE CRAFTER

total prize package valued at $3,500*

COMPETITION CRITERIA

CRAFT YOUR COLOUR

– Colours that complement each other

– Colour techniques used

– Application + colour selection

– Use of SKP colour portfolio

– Colour complements the haircut + style

– Professional finish

CRAFT YOUR CUT

– Haircut that is suitable to the models face shape

– Cut that showcases skill and craftmanship

CRAFT YOUR STYLE

– Styling and finish of hair showing mastery and excellent finishing skills

– Selection and appropriate use of SKP styling products

CRAFT YOUR PHOTO

ONE SHOT

Take your photographs (x3)

1. Before photo (head & shoulders)

2. Head and shoulders – ONE SHOT

3. Full length – total look

– Photos must be portrait – Must have a plain background

– Focus on the hair

– Avoid overuse of filters, use only to even out skin tone, do not use to enhance or manipulate the hair

– iPhone/Android photographs accepted and encouraged

– MUST only use SKP products

Entry window: 1 AUG – 30 SEP 2024

Finalists announced: 17 OCT 2024

Winners announced: 24 OCT 2024

EACH PRIZE PACKAGE INCLUDES MENTORING SESSIONS WITH OUR AMBASSADORS

COLOUR CRAFTER

receives 1 full day with all 3 SKP Ambassadors

APPRENTICE CRAFTER

receives 1 full day with one of our SKP Ambassadors/Guest Artist

HOW TO ENTER

STEP 1:

Craft your photo

STEP 2:

Scan QR code follow the steps to submit your entry

DEE PARKER ATTWOOD

National Ambassador JASON FASSBENDER

Creative Ambassador JENNIFER MORGAN

NZ National Colour Ambassador KRISTIE KESIC

Guest Artist

*

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EDITORIAL

How would you describe the pace of 2024? It’s safe to say we have hit a new pace for juggling life and business – we adapt or go backwards in one or either areas of our life, or both in same cases. In business we are so focused on growth and the rising costs of operation, but the ability to adapt to a new pace is where we find our happy medium. Unfortunately, if we rush from one to the other or place to place we forget to reflect and learn from our experiences as we go. As soon as we are present, immersed in the moment and not allowing ourselves to feel the pressure of the pace, the potential for learning is immense. Sometimes we need to stop the online juggle and show up collectively.

The same goes for when we share the same vibe - meaning ‘to be in the same emotional state as others’ - where the level of connection and absorption of knowledge and validation is far greater.

As the primary media vehicle for Hair Festival, we were so thrilled to welcome a 30 per cent increase in attendees and a whopping 6,000 plus people attending the two days of shopping, learning, competing and connecting – the collective spirit was truly palpable.

With resounding comments of positivity including ‘the vibe is back’ flooding in, not to mention the overall sentiment that it’s such a great feeling for the industry to be united again, we have proved the desperate need for our industry to come together, to be fully connected and accessible. Loyalty speaks volumes in hairdressing and is something many of us continue to standby. Seeing trends and energy alight in front of our eyes is something that we can only get from a face-to-face event like Hair Festival.

We’ve wrapped up some of the key takeaways from the event from page 22 and are excited to share some new developments for 2025 with our new prospectus having launched and bookings well underway for next year.

This issue celebrates many of the key milestones so far in the industry in a diverse combination of looks, talent and insights with our annual print coverage from Fashion Week and behind the scenes looks showcased and summarised to inspire us and keep us on-trend.

Our annual Men’s feature is also here to inspire the continually evolving men’s sector. Check out the latest men’s products, a selection of editor’s picks and cult favourites and a global collection from American Crew, Yearbook.

An expanding array of services with more men’s specific spaces specialising in colour, as well as the latest cuts and styles, are here to stay. One unexpected trend emerging is the perm, and men especially are driving this curl renaissance and the conversation around it.

Who would have thought that, especially among younger men, pride for the permanent wave is here? From behind the baseball cap to campaigns with short sides, permed tops and longer lengths, the curl trend is a popular way to add much-needed texture and definition to men’s hair. Interest has also been driven by TikTok perm content from male influencers, with some makeover videos receiving more than one million views. The influence of K-Pop performers is also helping men overcome the stigma of curling rods and the stench of perm solutions – the perm can even stop longer hair at the sides from sticking out, and men are flocking to it.

Men’s spaces and barbershops are also a haven for men to have unique conversations, with barbers reporting that their conversations with clients are becoming deeper and more diverse when it comes to trends and styles. The stigma of the perception of acceptable men’s looks is swiftly diminishing, mullets with perms at the back are back themselves, AFL players are leading the charge and classic 80s styles are making a resurgence. It’s an exciting time for men.

Lastly, thank you all for your involvement in Hair Festival and picking up the pace in 2024for not only showing up, but adding to the positive energy, partying like no tomorrow at Wonderland, educating and prepping and the unseen hard work to make it all happen. It’s a collective effort and one that we at INSTYLE are grateful for. Giving back comes in many ways and it’s this ideology that keeps our industry afloat.

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LIGHTWEIGHT | ERGONOMIC |

UPFRONT

GHD LAUNCH DUET BLOWDRY TWO-IN-ONE HOT AIR BRUSH

An all-new innovation has hit the market courtesy of ghd, which has released the duet blowdry twoin-one hot air brush. This is the next technology in their wet to style range, along with last year’s duet style two-in-one styler.

The tool offers three times the volume, no frizz and 50 per cent more shine with wet to style technology, seamlessly taking hair from wet to dry, styled and shaped within one savvy tool. The ghd duet blowdry is available in black and white.

Developed in the ghd R&D labs in Cambridge, UK, the innovation follows the success of the ghd duet style, which has become the brand’s topselling tool. Anchored by unique Heat-AirXchange Technology™, this aerodynamic system harnesses airflow to actively heat the epiliptical barrel of the tool, while snag-free bristles are precisely configured to effortlessly glide through all hair types without tangling. The tool is specifically shaped to get close to the root of the hair and add volume.

Allowing for heat styling with no heat damage and using 40 per cent less energy than a hair dryer and brush, the tool prioritises care and health for hair and the planet. The tool ensures gentle styling at the optimal low temperature through controlled air flow and surface heat, locking in style for 24 hours. Air gently dries the hair through carefully positioned vents to reduce flyaways and frizz. The tool saves time by drying and adding shape simultaneously, as optimised for wet hair, with the technology sensing temperature 400 times per second to maintain this temperature.

Additionally, the ghd duet blowdry two-in-one hot air style is built with a powerful ultra-compact brushless digital motor, which propels airflow steadily through the heater at lower sound levels, so you can hear your clients over the classic salon hum.

“Following five years of research at the dedicated ghd R&D labs in Cambridge, we have utilised our knowledge of hair science to create the breakthrough Heat-Air Xchange Technology™ in duet blow-dry,” said Dr Rob Milner, ghd CTO. “Combining optimal air flow, surface heat and heated bristles, the superior tech in duet blowdry enables this one tool to deliver superior results – the perfect blow dry finish, from wet, with no heat damage.”

Launched as a power couple with the all-new volume forever volumising blow dry dream, the tool and product complement each other by using the product’s heat protection system in an invisible and lightweight thermal protective layer. The product also maximises volume, offering up to four times more volume in each blowdry look. www.ghdhairpro.com.au

UPFRONT

LGFB LAUNCH STYLE FOR CANCER INITIATIVE

Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) Australia launched their latest initiative, titled Style for Cancer, on August 1, which raises vital funds for the LGFB program while giving service providers the opportunity to build their knowledge and position in supporting clients undergoing cancer treatments. LGFB is a national cancer support program that has helped over 190,000 women, men and teens undergoing cancer treatment since its inception in 1990.

Hairdressers, titled Style Makers in the program, are given materials to educate them on the side effects of cancer treatments, information on the language to use and avoid to sensitively approach these interactions with affected clients, promotional materials and a listing in an online directory. This directory will be available to all relevant clients, titled Style Seekers in the program, so they can choose salons that are adequately educated and prepared to handle these topics.

A breakfast event at Sydney’s Salon HER space in Darlinghurst launched the program, where beauty media learned about the initiative over personalised cookies and breakfast treats. A panel moderated by Look Good Feel Better ambassador Eleanor Pendleton hosted Jodie Strong, a previous LGFB workshop participant, Michael Kelly, founder and creative Director at Salon HER, and Carol Kavurma, General Manager at LGFB.

We spoke to LGFB volunteer and salon owner of Rubi Hair, Nikki Porter, about these humanitarian pursuits. Nikki is an editorial and backstage stylist, with experience at New York Fashion Week, as well as an on-stage educator, with credits including the Alternative Hair Show in London. Her Rubi Hair salon, which has been in business for nearly nine years, stands out for its collaborative, valuedriven atmosphere, including its charitable initiatives. The team was nominated for Salon Team of the Year at the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative) speaking to their impact as a group. Here, she explains how LGFB elevates her career.

What give Rubi Hair its point of difference?

I strive to make it an easy-going and non-judgemental space, which is still professional with a great bunch of people who listen and love doing hair. We have a deceiving shop front that opens into a long open space where we work cohesively amongst each other. Sustainability and fewer ‘nasties’ is the way of the future so we’ve aligned with companies who have that same ‘why’ as we do.

Why are you embarking on the Style for Cancer program?

I already volunteer for LGFB in Melbourne workshops and have for many years. This new initiative is obviously more related to my direct set of skills in hairdressing and, knowing way too many people who have walked the path of cancer treatment and hair loss, it saddens me that there are not as many hairdressers who feel comfortable or know some important information on how to handle these situations. Also, from the side of the client, to have a directory of some certainty in such a time of uncertainty will be a great feature.

Why is philanthropy important in your career?

I feel strongly towards things that hit close to home. I lost my mum to cancer when I was only a teenager. With stats of one in two, any little thing a small business can do to help, I’ll try and be there.

What would you say to hairdressers who want to get involved with LGFB?

Remember to reach out if you’re interested in volunteering, they had a big drop off after all the lockdowns and need as much help as you can give. It’s a really lovely, feel good thing to do and the minimum ask is four half day sessions a year. www.styleforcancer.org.au

Rubi Hair Team

Eleanor Pendleton, Carol Kavurma, Michael Kelly and Jodie Strong

BIXIE COLOUR ACQUIRES BARNEY MARTIN SALON

Bixie Colour salon is expanding their brand with Sheree Knobel, owner of Bixie Colour, announcing the purchase of Barney Martin’s 21-years-strong Surry Hills salon. Building on Sheree’s Caringbah space, which she has owned for almost a decade, Bixie has now almost doubled the salon team to more than 32 staff by acquiring the space. Barney Martin is being kept in the name until the end of the year in order to blend the culture of the salons and celebrate the fact that Barney is still working from the space part-time, continuing to service his loyal clientele and ensuring a smooth handover. A renovation in collaboration with FOLK STUDIO will soon by underway to maintain Barney Martin’s New York loft feel over two floors with heritage features, while imbuing Bixie’s colourful, coastal Palm Springs vibe.

During the new phase, Sheree is currently working four days in Surry Hills and one in Caringbah while Bixie’s Caringbah staff are also trialling one day a week at the new salon and some will move over permanently. Additionally, there are already new recruits at the Caringbah salon and, in a huge feat for the new brand, all Barney’s staff have stayed on in the salon. www.bixie.com.au

INAUGURAL CURATE AWARDS NAME 2024 WINNERS

The first ever CURATE Awards winners have been announced in the unique competition platform that highlights talented Australian apprentices. The platform is led by prolific hairdresser and reigning AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace. In four categories, the winners were announced as Morgan Humphries of Roca Verde for Regional Colour and Style, Maiya Rice of Jarah’s Hair for Regional Cut and Colour, Tori Yardley of TONI&GUY Mosman for Urban Colour and Style and Byron Davey of Cobelle Creative for Urban Cut and Colour.

The winners experienced a full-day photoshoot with mentoring by Justin, and receive product, education and editorial prizes. The inaugural competition was judged by a local and international judging panel through a digital entry process. Entrants submitted a two-minute video to showcase their cutting, colouring and styling skills. The judging panel included Chris Moody, Chris Baran, Belinda Mills, Benni Tognini, Brodie-Lee Tsiknaris, Clive Allwright, Damien Rinaldo, Danni Solier, Jarred Stedman, Jo Smith, Jules Tognini, Julia Homard, Kerrie DiMattia, Kiralee Honor, Kristy Hodgson, Leeanne Pearce, Lyndal Salmon, Michael Kelly, Richard Kavanagh, Sandy Chong, Sheridan Rose Shaw and Stevie English. www.curateawards.com

BASE HAIR EXTENSIONS NAME JAYE EDWARDS AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Base Hair Extensions have named leading hairdressing figure, salon owner of the EdwardsAndCo salon chain, social media sensation, product developer and educator Jaye Edwards as the brand’s new Global Ambassador. The full suite of Base Hair Extensions products are now available in all EdwardsAndCo salons.

“We have had our sights on Jaye Edwards as an Ambassador since the inception of Base Hair Extensions, which will be exactly three years at the time of announcement,” said Stephanie Romano and Irene Manyk, Directors, Founders of Base Hair Extensions. “We have also not worked with any other Ambassadors in this time because, frankly, it was Jaye Edwards or nothing. We are beyond proud to be represented by such a global powerhouse and launch into all EdwardsAndCo salons nationally. It’s a new era for Base Hair Extensions, and now with Jaye as our Ambassador, we will take on the globe.”

The brand offers a comprehensive selection of luxury hair extensions available in Keratin Bonds, Tape, Weft, Clip-In, Halo, and Ponytail methods, and is now distributed to a list of over 200 businesses worldwide. The company recently celebrated their third birthday on a yacht in Sydney’s harbour alongside stockists, industry partners and celebrity guests, with big things to come. www.basehairextensions.com

GHD UNVEIL 2024 PINK COLLECTION

ghd debuted their 2024 Pink Collection, marking 21 years of the initiative. The collection raises awareness of self-checking for breast cancer and has raised more than $24 million in the fight against breast cancer globally, through these annual limited collections and partnering with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). The pink campaign includes a step-by-step video detailing how to selfcheck and the signs of breast cancer to be aware of and the brand donates $20 the NBCF for every purchase of a Pink Collection tool.

This year’s campaign spoke to ghd employees to share their stories about how they’ve been affected by breast cancer either personally or through a loved one. Janine Jennings, ghd UK & Ireland, Head of Education, Jennifer Lowe, ghd US, former employee, Director, Trade & Consumer Marketing, Belen Casado, ghd Spain, former employee, Digital Education, Giada Belloto, ghd Italy, Social Media Manager, and Lisa Bourhy, ghd France, E-commerce Manager, shared their stories. The 2024 collection offered five ghd products in this year’s theme of fondant pink. The ghd platinum+™ styler, ghd max styler, ghd gold® styler, ghd helios™ professional hairdryer and ghd glide®hot brush were all presented in this exclusive colourway and include a pink soft touch zip bag with purchase. www.ghdhairpro.com.au

Maiya Rice

Jaye Edwards

JUST CUTS RAISES $800,000 FOR RFDS THROUGH CUT-A-RAMA

Just Cuts and the brand’s Stylists volunteered their time and skills to the 2024 Cut-a-Rama, raising $12,000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in this annual outing, and bringing the total money raised since the initiative began in 1990 to $800,000 overall. The event kicks off the kicks off the Outback Car Trek and ushers in donation boxes in salons every year.

The RFDS provides 24-hour aeromedical emergency services to country Australia, including delivering fly-in fly-out GP, Nursing and Allied Health Clinics to rural and remote communities.

This year, ten Just Cuts Bendigo Stylists cut, styled, coloured and sprayed hair for over 100 patrons at the Bendigo Bridge Hotel all night long on Saturday June 1 for Cut-a-Rama, bringing in donations for the cause. Just Cuts Bendigo owners Vicki and Graham Bird led the way in this endeavour.

These patrons then took part in the Outback Car Trek, which is an annual charity car rally that donates the funds it raises to the RFDS. Just Cuts Founder Denis McFadden joined this journey for his 25th Outback Car Trek, this year in the Just Cuts Cutmobile, alongside his partner Jenny. www.justcuts.com.au

FOIL ME NAME KIM HABERLEY AS AUSTRALIAN BRAND AMBASSADOR

Welcome Kim Haberley to Foil Me, with the entrepreneur, salon owner and educator announced as an Australian Brand Ambassador. Kim is a blonde specialist, long-time Foil Me fan and foil expert.

“I have used and loved Foil Me’s foils for as long as I can remember –they are a brand I have always wanted to work with. I love that they are an Australian family-owned business that supports both big and small hairdressers and creators. For me, the blend of communication and expert knowledge particularly in blonding, positions me as a trusted and influential leader in the industry, committed to educating and empowering all hairdressers with the best,” Kim said.

“Discovering Foil Me was a pivotal moment in my career due to their commitment to innovation and quality. Their foils are designed with the hairdresser in mind, offering superior grip and a wide variety of sizing and a thickness.”

“We are so excited to have another educator on board as an Ambassador. Kim has an original way of presenting ideas and tips and is truly aligned with us in wanting to help hairdressers all over the globe have a more enjoyable profession and working experience,” added Foil Me CEO and Creative Director Emily Ciardiello. www.foilme.com.au

UNWRITTEN LAUNCHES REVIVE THE REEF TOUR

Independent hairdressing platform Unwritten advocated for coral reef conservation through their Revive the Reef Tour, which was designed to congregate together independent hairdressers in the pursuit of education, conservation and community support.

The 7,000-kilometre tour, undertaken by Co-Founders Rob Aubin and Hayden Brooks, travelled from Sydney to Bamaga, on the Cape York Peninsula and back, in order to raise funds and awareness for the Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF). The tour kicked off on July 15 until August 15, with multiple stops along the east coast of Australia, including events in Brisbane and Cairns.

For every bottle of Unwritten’s dedicated product line sold, a 25-cent donation is made to the RRF and Unwritten doubled this donation for every sale of an Unwritten product during the month of July 15 to August 15.

The major events included the launch meetup in Sydney, a meetup at Freedom Suites in Newstead, Brisbane, where Rob and Hayden offered insights into the Unwritten app and products and a meetup and donation event in Cairns, where Ryan Donnelly, CEO of the RRF, provided details of the foundation and the platform presented donations raised throughout the tour. www.pro.unwritten.hair

KITOMBA SALON AND SPA SOFTWARE

LAUNCHES

VISH COLOUR MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION

Kitomba Salon and Spa Software have announced a new partnership and integration with Vish Colour Management Software, helping salons throughout Australia and New Zealand maximise their colour revenue and reduce waste as of June 25.

“Together, Vish and Kitomba are helping hair salons profit more from their colour services and reduce wastage. With clients stretching out their appointments and watching their spending, it’s more important than ever to ensure salons aren’t pouring profit down the drain,” shared Kitomba Salon and Spa Software General Manager Alyssa Dowsett.

The integration allows all appointments to sync between the two systems, making it simple for team members to use. Every hairdresser can see their clients for the day in the Vish app and start mixing and adjusting colour ratios on Vish’s Bluetooth scales. They can then send the captured colour used for that service to the front desk for a quick and seamless checkout.

“By automatically informing the front desk of costs, Vish enables salons to restructure their pricing model to generate additional revenue and ensure equal profit on every service regardless of how much product is needed in every service,” shared Aygun Sana, Head of Sales and Operations at Vish. “The unit costs of every colour, lightener or toner used can be added to the client bill, ensuring the basic costs of the service are fully reimbursed. This alone can generate an average of ten to 15 per cent more profit.” www.kitomba.com and www.getvish.com

Hayden Brooks and Rob Aubin

Kim Haberley

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSERS NAMED AS FINALISTS IN 2024 BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS

The 2024 HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards have named their finalists and five Australian hairdressers are in the running for the title of International Collection of the Year.

Congratulations to Aussie finalists Dee Parker Attwood of Wieselmann Salon, Jude McEwen of TONI&GUY Perth, Pauline McCabe of Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio, Bernadette Beswick of Beswick Education Services and Silk Hair and the latest AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Sam James of SJ Establishment for being nominated in this illustrious title. The group join Belgian hairdresser Sevda Durukan of THE STUDIO BY SEVDA and Dutch, American based hairdressing leader Antoinette Beenders as finalists competing for the title.

The entrants each submitted four photographic images as anonymously assessed by over 100 leading hairdressers, including celebrity stylists, session stylists, salon owners, previous winners and Hall of Fame members. The final round of judging will assess additional images in October, with the winners announced at the gala event on November 25 at Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel in London’s Park Lane, celebrating the platform’s 40th year. Beyond the international category, the awards honour hairdressers regionally throughout the UK, from London to Scotland, Wales, Ireland and in specific locales, while specialist categories focus on afro hair, team work, Avant Garde talent, men’s hair, session style, emerging talent, colour and the Trend Image of the Year.

INTERCOIFFURE AUSTRALIA NAME G.O.A.T. 24 APPRENTICE COMPETITION WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners in the fourth annual G.O.A.T. 24 Apprentice Instagram Competition, conducted by Intercoiffure Australia to showcase the best in our country’s emerging talent, assessing both hairdressing and video skills.

Elly Rentis of Orbe Hair Norwood, Adelaide won the G.O.A.T. 24 Open makeover transformation category, which invited all Australian apprentices including non-Intercoiffure members, taking home the title for the second year in a row. The 2nd and 3rd Year Cut and Colour competition was won by Larni Roberts of Zedz Hair, Palmyra, Perth, also in her second straight win of the title.

“The judges were impressed by the radical makeover done by Elly which included a fresh, new cut and colour transformation from grown-out blonde to an on-trend peach poppy colour,” said Intercoiffure Australia National Fashion Director, Terrina Brown.

“Larni completely transformed her client from a very long, straight blonde style to a wavy, mid-length foiled look.”

Dylan Hinkley of Circles of Hair in Subiaco, Perth won the 1st Year Styling category.

“Dylan created a long, wavy look on the model’s beautiful, copper hair,” Terrina said. “The hairstyle needed large rollers, brushing out, blow drying and hairspray to achieve the final look, which the judges just loved.” www.intercoiffure.com.au

CYBER WARDENS TO TEACH CYBER SECURITY TO SALONS

Cyber Wardens, an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), is a free and simple training course designed to provide small businesses the knowledge and tools to protect their businesses against cyber threats, and to protect their clients’ and suppliers’ data. It takes just two minutes to enrol and the training program is quick, simple and self-paced.

In Australia, 80 per cent of small businesses are at risk of a serious cyber attack and while 20 per cent have been exposed to an invoice or payment scam, 70 per cent have received a suspicious SMS, email or phone call.

The Cyber Wardens training is vital to help identify and protect against these risks. With a cyber crime reported every six minutes in Australia and 43 per cent of cyber crimes targeting small businesses, salon owners and their staff cannot afford to ignore the risks. One cyber attack costs a small business an average of $46,000 and can trigger an 80 per cent increase in cyber insurance premiums.

The Cyber Wardens course guides simple actions like setting up multi-factor authentication, backing up data through cloud servers, regularly updating software and replacing simple passwords with passphrases.

www.cyberwardens.com.au/hairdressing

SUSTAINABLE SALONS PARTNERS WITH GREENER FOR BUSINESS

Sustainable Salons has partnered with Greener for Business in the pursuit of helping all salons go green with offers and discounts.

Greener for Business is a Certified B Corp and leading cleantech startup in Australia, offering an all-in-one sustainability solution that offers savings to address climate action.

This new partnership allows salons to save instantly with 50 percent off the Sustainable Salons set-up fees, while Sustainable Salons members also get free access to Greener for Business, which is valued at $228 per year, to help them reduce emissions and waste across their entire business. The endeavour officially launched at Hair Festival.

“Over 2,000,000 kilograms of salon waste are still being sent to landfill every year,” said Paul Frasca, co-founder of Sustainable Salons. “Thanks to our members, we’ve already diverted over 1,983,842 kilograms of salon waste from landfill since 2015. By partnering with Greener, we’re excited to scale our impact even further, and do it in a way that helps businesses improve their bottom line at the same time.”

“With increasing landfill levies, the simple fact is that recycling is now better for the bottom line. In many cases, businesses are paying more than double the price for red bin pick ups – that’s just like throwing cash in the bin,” added Tom Ferrier, Founder of Greener. “We’re excited to be helping salons shrink their general waste bills and make it easier to adopt more climate-friendly solutions.” www.greener.com.au and www.sustainablesalons.org

Entry by Larni Roberts

Sustainable Salons' Paul Frasca and Ewelina Soroko

UPFRONT

DYSON UNVEILS THE AIRSTRAIT™ STRAIGHTENER

Dyson have debuted the Airstrait™ straightener that styles and straightens multiple hair types from wet hair. The tool boasts no hot plates and heat damage, with the hair dried and straightened simultaneously thanks to powerful, focused airflow, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish, as well as hair strength and health. The innovation is part of Dyson’s over a decade long and half a billionpound pursuit of elevated research and technology development across the beauty category. The tool is built so that the hair tress is contained by two arms, from which a precisely angled highpressure blade of air is forced downwards and into the hair for drying and straightening, and from which two 1.5mm apertures accelerate the airflow. Projected at a 45° angle, this converges to form one focused jet of air in a downward motion, which helps aligns strands of hair. The powerful and controlled airflow means hair can be dried and straightened with less damage, while maintaining volume and movement.

The Airstrait™ is powered by the Hyperdymium™ motor that anchors Dyson technologies, which is small, light and powerful. A 13-blade impeller spins up to 106,000rpm, propelling over 11.9 litres of air through the machine per second. This generates up to 3.5kPa of air pressure to straighten and dry hair at the same time. The motor smartly fits into the handle at just 27mm in size. Other features include intelligent heat control that measures the temperature of the airflow up to 16 times per second to prevent heat damage, while both a Wet and Dry styling mode, as well as a setting Cool mode, offer true versatility. The Wet mode has three heat settings and the Dry mode has two heat settings and a top up boost, while there are two speed settings for airflow control, alongside a cold shot and root drying mode.

Dyson hosted a cocktail event to launch the tool amidst champagne, canapes, and a musical backdrop from DJ Tigerlily on Sydney’s pier with a view of the Sydney Harbour. www.dyson.com.au

MELISSA KALAN NAMED AS NEW AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL CEO

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) has named Melissa Kalan as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective as of July this year. Succeeding the renowned Sandy Chong in the role, after Sandy retired early this year after 14 years of service, Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the organisation. Within this transition, Sandy will offer continued contributions that seamlessly onboard Melissa into the title of CEO.

“I am honoured to join the AHC as CEO,” Melissa shared. “I am eager to apply my experience to support Australian salons, enhance industry standards, and actively aid innovation within the hairdressing profession. I look forward to working closely with our members to ensure their continued growth and success.”

Melissa has made a name for herself in the role of CEO of the Australian Revenue Management Association (ARMA) for over a decade, where she was known for her commitment to and skill in fostering business relationships, elevating professional standards and cultivating change-making, meaningful communities across the tourism and hospitality sectors. She spearheaded initiatives including the submission process to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to establish a nationally recognised and accredited VET course for industry professionals. She also developed Advanced and Mastery certifications and an innovative online training simulation game, directed industry summits, including the Tourism Employee Awards, and published 12 issues of RM Magazine.

Melissa is additionally a member of the Board of Global Women Connect Inc since 2021 and serves as CEO Advisory and is an invited speaker and moderator at more than 55 industry conferences. www.theahc.org.au

Melissa Kalan and Sandy Chong

MATRIX NAME 2024 ALL STARS

The winners of the inaugural Matrix All Stars Competition 2024 have been announced. Entrants were tasked with showcasing their creativity and technical skills through a photographic or short video presentation of a single vibrant look using Matrix colour and styling products, under the theme ‘Turn Up The Heat’.

The competition received hundreds of submissions, which were assessed by an expert judging panel to narrow each region down to ten finalists, who then participated in live recreation events held at L’Oréal Academies and host sites across Australia and New Zealand. Congratulations to the six regional winners in this competition –Cheyenne Orr of Hairhouse Victoria Gardens for VIC, Kelly Powell of Hair by Kelly Powell for NSW, Charleigh Garrot of Hairhouse Joondalup for WA, Rebecca Maio of Acqua Lounge Hair Studio for SA, Emogen Pooler and Jessica James of The Barracks for QLD and Jade Scott of Jade The Alchemist for NZ.

The winners each received a $7,500 prize pack that included return flights to Sydney and five nights of accommodation to experience a three-day Pro Artist experience, including a Content Creation Day, and backstage access at Hair Festival, as well as a free day to explore Hair Festival for themselves. www.matrixprofessional.com.au

ENTER THE SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL COLOUR CRAFTER COMPETITION

Schwarzkopf Professional have unveiled their latest competition, titled the Colour Crafter competition, where entrants must create an image inspired by the Essential Looks 1.2024 collection. The competition is open to all hairdressers and apprentices and entries close on September 30, with the finalists announced on October 17 and the winners announced on October 24. The competition is simple to enter online and phone photographs are encouraged. Entries must consist of a before and after shot of the model’s head and shoulders, as well as a full-length total look image.

O&M LAUNCH ORIGINAL.PIGMENT RANGE

O&M have unveiled their latest innovation, by way of their new range of rainbow hues, titled ORIGINAL.pigment. The line of intense direct dyes includes 12 new clean, vivid, direct dye pigments, with a spectrum that ranges from pastels to brights. The colours were launched in an education day at EdwardsAndCo on Sydney’s Crown Street, where leading colour talents such as Sheridan Rose Shaw, Daniel Jianing and Leanne Kay showed off the new technology. The artists demonstrated and created live colour looks in front of the enthralled audience, including pink, blue and purple hair looks.

The intermixable shades offer long-lasting hues for up to 30 cleanses and build on the brand’s clean and luxury colour offering, as suitable for all hair types, textures and genders. The products are infused with Native Australian extracts and are 100 per cent vegan with neutral pH allowing for gentle colouring. With O&M promising safer, natural and low chemical solutions, colours are free of sulfates, parabens, MIT, phthalates, triclosan, propylene, glycol and gluten.

All packaging is made with 100 per cent PCR materials, so that the entire product is in line with the brand’s clean and kind ethos, and all O&M products are colour safe, PETA certified vegan and cruelty free. www.originalmineral.com.au

The National Colour Crafter winner will receive a full one day mentoring session with Schwarzkopf Professional ambassadors Dee Parker Attwood, Jason Fassbender and Jennifer Morgan, while the National Apprentice Crafter winner will receive a one day with Jennifer and Kristie Kesic. The winners will receive editorial coverage and a complimentary invitation to brand seminars found in the 2025 Education Brochure over 12 months throughout 2025 to the value of $1,000 and $500 for the Colour and Apprentice winner, respectively, for a total prize value of $12,000 and $3,500, respectively. The National winner will also win a CREATIVE COLLECTIVE Invitation to the SKP Styling Team. www.schwarzkopf-professional.com/au/en.html

REVLON PROFESSIONAL HOSTS FIRST EMPOWERED SALONS PROGRAMME CONFERENCE

Revlon Professional have kicked off their Empowered Salons programme with an inaugural conference, hosted as a four-day event from Sunday to Wednesday over August 4 to 7 in Cairns.

After arrivals and welcome drinks on the first day, the second day of the conference was dedicated to education and updates. Brad Raper, General Manager of Revlon Professional, welcomed guests, while Monica Costello, Senior Brand Manager, and Brooke Eadie, National Sales Manager, presented new product developments and the plans for Empowered Salons in 2025.

Alexandra Smart, a renowned business leader and strategist, then spoke on the synergy between business and creativity and hosted a business panel between a group of successful salon owners. The panel included Kristy Midgley of Giggles Hair, Nicola and Tessa Pollock of aHead Hair and The Conscious Salon, Rose Whitford of Tangled Hair and Beauty and Kylie Hayes of Haze Hair. A keynote session from iconic Olympic Gold medallist Steven Bradbury finished the day, where Steven shared his experiences in the sporting and business worlds. The third day of the conference showcased the inimitable beauty of the Cairns region with a full-day tour of Green Island Reef, before departures on the final day. www.revlonprofessional.com

Matrix All Stars

Steven Bradbury

HAIR FESTIVAL

REIGNITED

Connection of the highest order was the centre of Hair Festival 2024, as patrons shopped, learned, competed and reconnected in a hairdressing weekend that was bigger than ever, writes Shannon Guss

Hair Festival 2024 is in the books, amassing two days of unparalleled industry connection at Sydney’s ICC over June 30 and July 1. With an all-new date and location, the event, presented by INSTYLE and Styleicons, saw astronomical growth, with over 6,000 attendees spilling through the doors – a 30 per cent growth from 2023. The event will return in 2025 at the ICC on June 29 and 30.

The energy throughout the ICC was palpable. The education classes were packed and engaged, the floor was buzzing over both days at stands and THE STAGE., the competitions inspired a full crowd and Wonderland was an unmissable celebration of it all. Speaking to educators, stand owners and attendees throughout the event, the consistent mantra was a feeling of recovery and reignition after a difficult few years through COVID and financial hardships –in other words, we’re back baby!

“The turnout and feedback has been sensational,” shared Festival Director Renita Collins. “It’s been fantastic to watch Hair Festival grow every year. We knew changing not just the venue but dates was going to be a risk, one that was well worth it. This year truly showcased the diversity and the very best of the exceptional hair industry.”

“The hairdressing community defines camaraderie, creativity and innovation and Hair Festival 2024 brought all of that together through product, demonstrations and innovation highlighted throughout the show floor, education sessions and competitions with enthusiasm and energy that only the hair industry knows how to bring. The vibe was electric and it was thrilling to be a part of.”

The Festival Hub, which was free to enter, was the epicentre of that vibe, as attendees visited over 90 brands for the latest in business, technology, care and colour products, hair extensions, tools, salon furniture, straightening services, men’s hair, philanthropy and so much more. THE STAGE., presented thanks to Artègo and Pivot Point, hosted bite-sized education, as well as the Hair Festival competitions, throughout the weekend.

Hair by De Lorenzo Hair by Lorna Evans

Joshua Congreve for Joico

“We’ve loved the event, it’s the second year in a row we’ve been a part of it, and it’s exceeded our expectations,” shared Melanie Sutherland from Matrix. “It’s been busy all weekend with lots of different faces, getting our product into lots of different hands, it’s been great. There’s been a line the entire time, attendees have loved it, and the feedback has been really good.”

Free attendee bags with products greeted guests, thanks to NAK Hair and ORI Lab, Pure and Juuce and Hair Aid, while Paul Mitchell sponsored the lanyards.

The education rooms were a testament to this industry’s penchant for growth. 20 sessions across business, colour, style, hair extensions, barbering and beyond saw busy rooms ready to learn, ask questions and be inspired. From bold creative looks thanks to local and international talents, to key business insights, social media tips, pricing knowhow and even life lessons, it was an inspirational experience, both on and off the stage.

“It was so exciting to educate on stage, it was the closest to being a rockstar without playing any music,” said Lexie Shay of Danger Jones. “It was an awesome vibe and amazing turn out. Events like this help people’s motivation and get people inspired.”

The REALtalk Business Forum kicked off some of that inspiration on Sunday morning, with panels and keynote speakers across innovation, sustainability, social media, holistic salons and staff and salon management, with vulnerable and transparent conversations.

“The set up at REALtalk was really amazing and the response has been very positive, it seemed to have a huge impact,” said Aygun Sana of Vish, who spoke

on the Innovation panel. “I’ve been approached by many people about how good and important it was, and it definitely created a buzz around Vish.”

The live Hair Festival Competitions saw a stellar turnout, with an all-new timeslot of Monday morning and a new location of THE STAGE.

Sponsored by O&M, new categories, cash prizes and a new awards structure, which decided the Hair Festival Champion, amidst style, barber and emerging talent, elevated the platform.

“We are investing in the next generation, it’s about being clean and kind in everything that we do,” said Gary Prigge from O&M. “Sponsoring the live competitions with new hairdressers and new energy was really important and there was a great success in what we saw unfold, with beautiful work, new faces and new names. It was really nice to have it on the floor, so it created a vibe and hype and attracted attention.”

Wonderland was the requisite party to truly celebrate this industry spirit. Held at The Establishment bar, attendees entered the chromosphere of metallic delights through a glowing, multi-coloured archway that provided the ideal Instagram backdrop. Celebrating ten years of Rogue Beauty with the necessary giant cake, attendees danced the night away with a live band, canapes, a taco and bao station, a spin pod, photo opportunities and flowing drinks.

“Wonderland was awesome, it was put together really well, the venue was amazing, the entrance really stood out, the music was great, there were great vibes and good energy, it was lots of fun,” said Josh Congreve from Joico.

Sustainability was, as always, central to the event, with partnerships with Sustainable Salons and Waste Free Systems that included sustainability pledges, conscious recycling and waste management, sustainability sessions at REALtalk and on THE STAGE. and presence in the Festival Hub. During the event, Waste Free Systems collected 3.5 kilograms of foils, 1.2 kilograms of hair and 245 bottles and cans, as well as general waste, while Sustainable Salons collected 4.6 kilograms of paper cups, 1.3 kilograms of plastic cup lids, 1 kilogram of aluminium lids, 500 grams of plastic bottles, half a kilogram of hair and 1.6 kilograms of glass bottles. Sustainable Salons additionally reported half a kilogram of hair collected, as well as 1 kilogram of metal, 3 kilograms of paper, half a kilogram of plastic and 1 kilogram of general waste.

Hairdressing is built on connection – connecting with your clients, your team and your community, and Hair Festival was the focal point for that bond. Whether shopping, learning, competing and undoubtedly connecting, we hope you walked away with important insights and inimitable memories, shopping bags in tow.

That’s the heart of hair and the heart of Hair Festival.

We’ll see you next year.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Inspired by Colour competition medallists

Hair by Lorna Evans

Leigh Winsor and Eoin McCarthy for One Zero One Education

HAIR FESTIVAL

REALTALK

REALtalk 2024 brought real conversations to a full room of passionate salon owners, hairdressers and salon managers, showcasing why creating conversations for a resilient future was so important to this year’s program, writes Cameron Pine

REALtalk is a business conference with a significant difference in terms of interaction and discussion with the wider salon industry. REALtalk has been curated especially to bring out the inner voice of each-and every-salon and stylist, by having conversations that truly matter, sharing panels and the uncomfortable stories we often keep to ourselves. Starting in 2019 as a vision of long-term colleagues Jo Cowan and Cameron Pine, REALtalk has become an integral part of the learning pillar at Hair Festival and the importance of creating a platform for a higher level of business connection and education.

A room of more than 250 people at Hair Festival saw a shift in thinking, a new plan for culture creation and tips on how to unlock new media opportunities beyond the over saturated world of social media metrics. With many aspects of the industry under threat to price sensitivity, staff challenges and the overall skyrocketing costs of running a business, REALtalk 2024 created a five-hour breakdown of the skills and resilience needed to build a business with an everlasting brand culture.

With the management of staff and maintaining a positive and mutually rewarding culture increasingly intricate for salon owners, this year’s speaker line-up was centred around the people in our business and how to create the ideal outcome with a unified vision.

“We especially encourage interaction and questions throughout REALtalk, as well as throughout our three panels. We pivoted the content to uncover everything from the uncomfortable conversations we often don’t have to practical tips to take home and ways to stop wasting time on content or social media that isn’t driving your business and your team forward,” said REALtalk emcee Cameron Pine.

Highlighting the biggest issues of staff culture and team management from the

get-go, Voulla Fronis set herself on a quest for creating a more motivated, engaged and productive team as the founder of new tech startup app, Gellibn. Gellibn’s real-time employee performance app enhances the feedback-giving and receiving process, through an easy- to-use platform that’s fun and interactive. It takes away the awkward and reactive comments and replaces them with proactive ones.

“Gellibn is here to amplify your business journey, helping you lead your team with confidence and achieve the success you’ve always envisioned. It’s that simple and it’s all at your fingertips,” said Voulla.

Voulla spoke of her history working in the salon industry and her love for the reward that building and inspiring teams provides. She has bottled these decades of experience into one platform the industry is already resonating with.

“It all starts with you. Everything going on in your business, home life, with customers, clients and the overall business operations is the responsibility of you –being willing is not enough, we must do,” Voulla said.

Fittingly, following Voulla, we then moved onto a Staff Management, Culture and Feedback panel that touched on the changing needs in people management and culture throughout salons and larger brands. Featuring Jose Bryce Smith, O&M Founder, Clive Allwright from Our Place Salon and Sheridan Rose Shaw, Creative

Director of MAMAWEST, the dynamic panel delved into personal journeys of wellness and discovery.

Clive’s honesty through some of his toughest days and how he now inspires a team with healthy reward and culture came to the fore.

“My lowest point was Hair Expo five years ago where I hadn’t slept for three days and the doctor said if I didn’t slow down I would die. I am now proudly five years sober,” Clive said.

These personal stories led way to business stories of success.

“Weekly check ins with all of my team and responsibility for everything going on in my business is all part of leading and creating an inclusive culture” Sheridan said.

Jose confirmed that allowing staff to freely express themselves and creating and truly listening to your staff and clients is the best way to allow them to step up on terms that suit both the business and the employee.

“Sometimes listening can be the most powerful form of connection with your team,” Jose said.

This year we also took a look at the Salon of the Future and how we adapt our traditional approach to the entire salon environment with a 360-degree take on not just processes but the people within our business. Sponsored by CPR Hair, the session took a look at the Holistic Salon

Aygun Sana, Paul Frasca, Kate Champion and Jo Cowan

Cameron Pine, Jose Bryce Smith, Sheridan Rose Shaw and Clive Allwright

Service – what it means to be a holistic salon and how to get more from your everyday environment.

“We are here to discuss in what ways do holistic practices improve engagement and retention in-salon, some of the biggest challenges and where the future of the salon is going in the next five to ten years,” said CPR Director Cass Donnelly.

Featuring Natalie Chadwick, Digital Sales lead at CPR, Shakira Jade, Business Coach, Paul James Graham, Hair Stylist and Jade Jones, Holistic Salon Coach, the panel shared their expertise from in-salon transparency to smarter ways to communicate while saving time and money in-salon. Guests were also offered the chance to win a six-week holistic salons coaching program.

Morning tea then led into more on the in-salon experience and the often tricky subject of client management with Faye Murray talking about how to deal with difficult clients and complaints. Faye spoke to the importance of boundaries and knowing when to say no to a client, like when you aren’t able to guarantee the result, and the importance of price quoting up-front to minimise surprises.

“There’s also that ever too common second opinion. You know when you get home and someone else says, ‘it’s not what I thought it would be like’? Again, this is why it’s important to have a verbal agreement on what was discussed upfront so the opinion of the next door neighbour doesn’t cause an issue in-salon,” Faye said.

“Listen, don’t interrupt, gather all information, offer a solution in an agreement and share the action plan. 90 per cent of clients are happy with what you offer and only 5 per cent are believed to be genuine complaints where you failed to meet expectation.”

Founder of O'right Steven Ko is a firm global warming advocate and creator of one of the world’s most sustainable haircare brands. Back in 2006, Steven was ahead of the trend stating that every brand would go green and that it’s just a matter of time.

On behalf of Steven, the brand gave a detailed insight into climate statistics and how greenhouse gas will cause a 7.4 metre rise in sea levels by 2040. Everyone in the audience were drawn to how O’right has led the charge in change, not just in haircare but for multi-national companies globally. Many big brands such as Apple, Unilever and Chanel have targets to become carbon neutral brands by 2030, 2039 and 2050 respectively.

“O’right produced the first carbon neutral shampoo in the world in 2011, while Apple created the first carbon neutral watch in 2023,” the brand shared. “O’right has never been just a hair and skincare company, but a brand dedicated to giving people, society and the environment the best care they deserve.”

Showcasing products made with recycled caffeine-husk caps that have swept both domestic and international awards, guests were encouraged to look at both large and small ways to tell their sustainability story in-salon.

The last panel focused on Innovation and creative thinking, whereby each panellist spoke of how innovation and thought-provoking concepts help drive sales but most importantly elevate the salon experience. Aygun Sana, Head of Sales and Operations – AUS/NZ, Vish, Paul Frasca of Sustainable Salons and entrepreneur and business owner Kate Champion spoke to the power of this creative mindset.

“This dynamic panel revealed the importance of innovation not only for business, but innovative thinking in a creative landscape like hair. We looked at how important innovation is to the salon message by showing the importance of innovation and how it forces us to think outside our everyday processes to engage clients and people with your brand with new thought-provoking opportunities,” said panel host Jo Cowan.

Closing off the program with some real marketing metrics and a strong case for a salon media shake-up, James Fitzgerald from social media knowledge company SMK returned from one of the most talked-about speakers of the REALtalk 2019 program. While his company continues

to find the most effective ways to reach clients beyond social media alone and continues its trajectory on the pulse of now, SMK is one of the few locally based global EdTech business specialising in marketing capability transformation. Offering master courses on digital strategy to twice weekly strategic training with over 30 hours of online monthly courses, James is all about increasing your Digital IP.

“The demand generation and demand conversion transcends well beyond social media and now softer metrics such as awareness and social buzz are seen as less important in a post-pandemic environment. Only 33 per cent of clients selected this option, down from 44 per cent a year ago,” James said.

“Engaged is not always correlated with business performance and outcomes. Just like shelf-space there is a point where additional spend yields very little return, and so we don’t want to spend beyond this. We need to know where to put money with marketing and not just post for the sake of it.”

Ending with a buffet lunch for the ultimate network experience, there was an energetic and positive buzz surrounding REALtalk. Attendees admitted they can’t get such a powerful energy from online or formulated training. The conversations on-stage and adequate question time proved just how the industry likes to engage in a forever challenging landscape.

Here’s to keeping it real and ‘Creating Conversations for a Resilient Future’, as the day was built for. With distractions, pressures and stresses at an-all time high, education and inspiration in this mould is the ultimate antidote when it comes to resilience.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Cass Donnelly, Natalie Chadwick and Paul James Graham

Faye Murray

Voulla Fronis

James Fitzgerald

HAIR FESTIVAL

EDUCATION SESSIONS

Around the rooms of Hair Festival 2024, educators, brands and industry leaders inspired across every facet of hair. Here are some of our favourite takeaways, writes Shannon Guss.

Hair Festival 2024 took to Sydney’s ICC on June 30 and July 1 and education was just one part of a frenetic two days that ignited the hairdressing industry.

Alongside the live Hair Festival competitions, the Wonderland party, the packed Festival Hub of expo stands and THE STAGE. for bite-sized, free education and the REALtalk Business Forum for salon owners and managers, the Education Rooms inspired throughout the event. 19 education sessions covering cut, colour, hair extensions, hair straightening, business, trichology, barbering and so much more, not to mention an additional free meditation session led by Jake Putan to kick off Monday morning, inspired attendees. Some of the biggest names and brands in local and global hair took to the stage, and we have some key insights if you somehow missed a moment.

TURN CONTENT INTO CASH WITH ONE ZERO ONE EDUCATION

Eoin McCarthy and Leigh Winsor inspired on the approach to both your team and clients. For your team, they asked why people should come work for you and what you stand for. “It’s not about being cool, young people want to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves,” they said. “Market that, it’s like a magnet.” For clients, they reminded the audience that most of the money you generate in your business already exists in your business. “80 per cent of revenue is probably generated by 20 per cent of your clients, stop looking for things you already have,” they said, telling attendees not to seek out virality, likes and comments for the sake of it. “Don’t forget about the people you have, there’s latent money sitting in your business – create content for the clients you already have, in your emails, apps and booking systems.”

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES BY SEAMLESS1 AND SARAH EMILIA

Social media star – think 129,000 Instagram followers – Sarah Emilia educated on technical know-how like colour, volume and layering for and with hair extensions, as well as business education, including how to price hair extensions and various services within this category, such as cleansing the extensions. Sarah educated from her largely self-taught and iconic viewpoint, cutting the hair extensions to create a look live on stage.

EXCLUSIVE BABYLISSPRO BARBEROLOGY MASTERCLASS WITH SOFIE POK

Hailing from LA and teaching precision techniques, Sofie taught to create and follow guidelines to prevent taking the shape too high, telling the audience that once they master the skill it’s easier to translate it later to different styles of fading. Beyond essential social media tips about attracting and diversifying clientele through your content, she also taught the importance of photography to check the style and lighting in creating it. “You can’t fix what you don’t notice,” she shared. “Lighting is 80 per cent of the result you’re going to get. If you can’t see because of too much or not enough light it changes the depth of the cut.”

FROM MANES TO MEN: CREATIVITY UNLEASHED WITH MATT CLARKE AND TARIK JASREVIC

Tarik and Matt showcased the power of Heiniger clippers, creating live men’s and women’s looks with the tools. They taught about how to create soft, natural and organic styles that lean into the growth of the hair in the cut and gave essential tips on using texturising scissors to soften the hair, warning not to go too deep or over-do it with this tool or you’ll destroy the hair.

LORNA

EVANS REVEALS: FAST AND FABULOUS EVENT STYLING

Lorna offered her speed secrets and tool tips –including the ergonomic tools that will save your shoulders, the necessity of boar bristle brushes to create shine and tension, and hacks like the use of bungee tape to help in fastening the hair. An important tip was her “jigsaw puzzle theory”.

“Start at the outside corners,” she shared. “The sectioning pattern is the outside part of your jigsaw puzzles, the inside puzzle is your technique, that’s where education is paramount, that’s the toolbox.”

Schwarzkopf Professional

MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MOVES BY CIRCLES OF HAIR AND L’ORÉAL PRO.CONNECT

Sharlene Lee and Jessica Del Borrello offered key takeaways for building a successful salon business, inspiring the audience by reminding them “we created this brand by taking risks and failing sometimes as well”. Important insights included to not be afraid and invest in your business, know your goals and take risks, put out what you want to attract, celebrate and reward your team and don’t let fear get in the way. “We all need a structure to get to that multimillion dollar salon,” they explained.

SIGNATURE HAIR EXTENSION METHODS WITH SHAKIRA JADE TENYKA ROWE AND LORI-ANNE HALL FOR HAIR CANDY AUSTRALIA

The trio discussed practical insights, such as the longevity, rebonding potential and application methods of keratin bond hair extensions. They also educated on business, including how to consider your experience level, speed and point of difference when charging clients for hair extensions. They recommended 20 minutes per row of extensions and finished with key tips on finding a competitive edge and unique selling point for your salon, as well as advising to educate yourself on business, join a community and find a mentor.

SPECTRUM OF POSSIBILITY WITH FIONA DESSAIX, DIANA EL-SAYED, AND BECKY MCEVOY FOR DE LORENZO

De Lorenzo put the Nova360 colour range in the spotlight, showcasing the power of technology that treats hair as you colour. The trio discussed colour blocking, and its ability to create covetable colour combinations without having to do a full hair of foils and spending hours colouring, styling and brushing techniques that variously create definition, volume or texture and at home care knowledge. The

educators instructed to think about the hair from the beginning for consistent product selection, such as ensuring you don’t prep with a constrictive product if you’re wanting a voluminous result.

ESSENTIAL LOOKS 1:2024 WITH SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL

Dee Parker Attwood, Jason Fassbender and Jennifer Morgan showcased an Essential Looks collection led by silhouettes, which is less cluttered than former iterations. The collection is diverse, inclusive, led by advocacy and powerful with something to say. “They’re changemakers and serious rebels, they’re rebellious because they want to make a difference,” the team said. They presented commercial options in this collection, as well as Marilyn Manson inspired, edgy hair show-style looks from the brand’s Australian Fashion Week show for The Injury.

BECOME A BKT NANOPLASTY PRO WITH BKT BEAUTY AND LETICIA PRADO

Leticia taught the power behind Nanoplasty, a salon service that repairs and restores damaged hair using nanoparticles that penetrate the hair fibre, provide deep hydration and repair structural damage. The audience asked questions around client care, the service in relation to various hair types and styles and the longevity and potential for recurrent use of the service. Leticia taught the intricacies of the system, and also her use of client consultation forms, where she focuses on ensuring she’s meeting the client’s needs and that they understand the process.

MISSY PETERSON INTRODUCES MALIBU C HEAD LAB®

All the way from the US, Missy Peterson educated on scalp health and trichology. She talked through the Japanese head spa category and explained that clients are experiencing hair loss due to mineral build up and blocked follicles preventing growth. Discussing how every one of her clients buys retail, Missy says she tells clients what they need in their hair journey, rather than asking them, and the Malibu Head Lab scope makes them want to fix their scalp, winning new clients and new business. “Don’t give clients permission to say no,” she said. “Every time I bring this scope out I make money.”

THE DANGER JONES SHOW: A CREATIVE COLOR, BLONDING, TONING, CUTTING, AND STYLING EVENT

Alexis Thurston, Mary Ott, Jessica Powers, Holly Sharpe, Kate McFarlane and Lexie Shay put on a rock show in hair form. In both cut and colour, they gave tips for blending and layering, broke down the formula for various looks and discussed branding, theming and aesthetic. They taught not to rush the finished style after the colour and to showcase the colour at its best. Espousing the benefits of social media, the team also referred to social media feeds as the “pre-consultation”, where clients can see your work and find your niche, so you can build your brand within a brand.

Caitlyn Muir

Sharon Blain and Bernadette Beswick for ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

Danger Jones educators

Hair by Caterina Di Biase for Open Mic

Sofie Pok for BaBylissPRO

Hair by Schwarzkopf Professional

HAIR FESTIVAL

MAMAWEST’S SIGNATURE SHAG HAIRCUT WITH SHERIDAN ROSE SHAW AND TIMELY

Offering technical insights into the shag haircut, Sheridan taught not to neglect the often forgotten middle part of the head, which has the most amount of weight in the haircut, and instructed on how to bring the diaphragm out for structure and to create the shape. More broadly, she taught about the significance of constant practice, mentorship and head sheets to hone your skills. “Hair cutting is like going to the gym it’s like a muscle, you have to continually build it,” she said. “I’m always learning and growing.”

JOICO TRENDSCAPES

Carolyn Gahan, Joshua Congreve and Mikelah-Jayde Riley educated on versatile looks that combine cut, colour and finish, saying styling can make or break colour. Josh discussed salon services that cater to natural fall and movement, as salon styles still have to look good to be worn with ease when clients aren’t in salon. The trio discussed talking to your clients about their maintenance routines and the importance of client communication and consultations generally to figure out what your clients want.

ASYMMETRICAL CREATIVE CROP WITH BEN KANE AND WAHL

Talking about clients who ask for hard lines with this style, Ben instructed on anchoring the style from a design line and working his way up from there, balancing keeping the lines sharp but also natural. “Don’t cut far in as the longevity of the hair cut is important from the service,” he said, also teaching a clipper over comb technique to lightly feather the hair and weight line. Another great tip was in using the lines of the comb itself to guide where to place the clipper.

ELEVATE + DOMINATE WITH CAITLYN MUIR

Cait offered some necessary truths in life and business, such as to say no to things that don’t serve you, to stop taking advice from people who bring nothing to the table and that if you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got. She also countered some of the most offered excuses, such as not having enough time, saying that one per cent of your day is 14 minutes, which is enough time to go for a walk, post on social media, call clients or make a healthy dinner. You need to find time saving hacks, like app blockers, which are a game changer. She additionally highlighted being a salesperson by leading the consultation and conversation, asking open ended questions and to keep asking until you know the answer.

MANE MASTERS WITH SHARON BLAIN, BERNADETTE BESWICK AND ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

Sharon and Bernadette inspired with classic styles and renowned looks like the famous Sasoon

veil, while giving the benefit of their enormous experience. Techniques on offer included Sharon’s matting technique, where the comb is pushed in and the hair doesn’t fall apart when you hold the hair open, and using chopsticks or skewers to hold the shape so hair can be expanded around it. Sharon also shared the impact that being educated in floristry had on her career. “It’s hard to know when to stop without that eye, people do too much without learning to pull back and define, you need a good plan,” she said.

WAHL CREATIVE TEXTURED MULLET WITH SARAH WALL

Sarah taught important tricks in fading and detail lining, such as her penchant in holding the clipper upside down for precision, and showcased tools necessary to texturise, line up beards and offer close detailing without irritation. Sarah’s essential tips also included stance, hold and positioning, teaching attendees to keep their elbow loose, stay fluid, don’t be stiff and follow the head shape in creating the look. She also advocated for artistry in elevating your skillset. “Open your mind, be creative, I’m lucky I have clients who want me to adventurous,” she shared.

OPEN MIC

Caterina Di Biase, Benni Tognini, Dave McCulloch, Kristina Russell, Nicole Healy, Sheridan Rose Shaw, Simon Doyle, Nicole Lamers, Loz Main, Jake Putan and Nathan Yip, with Clive Allwright And Gary Latham as emcees, brought a comedic, real and vulnerable session to finish Hair Festival, discussing stories of mental health and substance abuse, with connection as the antidote to addiction. Hero styles and colours, including a thematic butterfly look from Caterina, traversed shapes, ethnicities and sexualities, while love and camaraderie was the unifying theme on stage.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Benni Tognini, Gary Latham and Clive Allwright for Open Mic

Sharlene Lee for L'Oréal PRO.CONNECT

Matt Clarke for Heiniger

Sarah Emilia for Seamless1

WONDERLAND

The party of the year took to Sydney as hairdressers found Wonderland and never looked back.

The hairdressing industry danced the night away at Sydney’s Establishment Bar on Sunday June 30 for Hair Festival Wonderland, marking the middle point of the frenetic weekend and celebrating the way only the hair community knows how.

Also honouring ten years of Rogue Beauty, the brand celebrated their birthday with a giant blueberry cake, as well as drinks and a Spin Pod that added to the festivities.

“Teaming up with Wonderland was an ideal match for us as we mark our tenth anniversary at Rogue Beauty in Australia,” shared Rogue Beauty Managing Director and Co-Founder Chris Hammond. “There couldn’t have been a better occasion to express our gratitude to the Australian hairdressing industry than at one of the year’s most prestigious events. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Hair Festival and Wonderland for many years ahead.”

The metallic themed event welcomed guests through a neon, rainbow archway, as the ideal backdrop for Instagram shots, and social media backdrops abounded under the florescent Wonderland sign and around the thematic space. Live music courtesy of DJ Cadell and The Collective, a bao station and a taco station, delectable canapes and an open bar were other highlights, while entertainment and mirror ball models roved the venue.

We spoke to some attendees about the vibe in the Wonderland room.

“Wonderland was amazing, you can’t beat The Establishment, it’s such a good vibe and it was packed,” shared Aygun Sana from Vish.

“The Wonderland party was fantastic, it’s always great to see everyone in the same place,” said Nathan Yip. “It was well done, I could tell everyone was having a great time.”

“The Wonderland party was crazy, it’s always crazy, it’s huge, it’s awesome, it’s amazing that it goes so over the top,” said Benni Tognini.

“Wonderland was awesome, it was put together really well, the venue was amazing, the entrance really stood out, the music was great, there were great vibes and good energy, it was lots of fun,” shared Ben Kane.

We’ve barely recovered and we already can’t wait for 2025.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

HAIR FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL HUB

Over 90 exhibitors delighted attendees at the 2024 Hair Festival Hub of stands, THE STAGE., innovations across every hair category and beyond.

It was a proverbial candy store and hairdressers were the kids at this year’s Hair Festival, when the Festival Hub took over Sydney’s ICC on June 30 and July 1, 2024. Over 90 stands of exhibitors wowed over 6,000 attendees in every discipline of hair and salon creativity, business, products and beyond and, best of all, the Festival Hub registration and entry was entirely free.

The maze of stands covered hair care and styling, hair extensions, hair tools, salon furniture, hair colour, straightening systems, philanthropy, sustainability and more. At the men’s focused Barber Hub, powered by Sonders Academy and BLAK Haircare, barber experts highlighted men’s innovations and education, while the Business Hub provided keen insights across technology, software, payment options, staff support and education.

The floor delighted attendees with inspiring on-stand education from prolific educators, where looks from the educations rooms were showcased and sessions expanded on throughout the venue. Within the stands, patrons could talk to experts, take advantage of unmissable Hair Festival product deals, spin brand wheels or try their hand at claw machines for free products and learn from stand demonstrations. Attendees could also walk through the editorial gallery to view the Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative) entries.

The Hub was the connection point to put your feet up and pick up the latest issue of INSTYLE, while a Spin Pod near the entrance added an element of floor fun, next to snacks and drinks to energise both dynamic days. Guests also received free attendee bags thanks to NAK Hair and ORI Lab, Pure and Juuce and Hair Aid, while Paul Mitchell sponsored the lanyards.

“Hair Festival has been one of the better events in recent years, it’s been fantastic, we’ve had over 3000 people come through the Moroccanoil stand,” shared Steven Kruger of the Haircare Group during the event. “People love to spin a wheel!”

“The event has been excellent, even just our positioning has been great, we’ve been close to THE STAGE. so we’re able to really interact with people, as they go past to watch all the fantastic presentations,” added Seaneen McCrarren of Stellar Hair. “It’s great for everybody to catch up in the industry. Putting ourselves in front of people, standing with them, engaging with them has been great for the brand, everyone’s been very welcoming. It’s been an amazing two days, we’ve sold out of some of our products and we’re into preordering so it’s been sensational.”

The all-new THE STAGE., presented thanks to Artègo and Pivot Point, gave educators and exhibitors the chance to centralise their education, teaching the Festival Hub audience about their brand, technologies, looks and skills under the spotlight. Between education and brand awareness, and the Hair Festival Competitions on Monday morning, THE STAGE. provided a central space to be inspired and learn through the weekend, connecting the education opportunities from the Education Sessions and Festival Hub stands with another versatile education offering.

“Presenting on THE STAGE. was awesome,” said Jo Burgess of Shortcuts. “It was busy, people were around and interested in learning all sorts of different things, so it was great. We’ve had some amazing, positive conversations at the stand as well over the weekend, and lots of follow ups, so it’s been good.”

Don’t miss next year’s Festival Hub and all the products, activities and exciting opportunities on offer.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

David Thurston for Danger Jones

Pete Walstab for Excellent Edges with attendee

MJ Floractive

LIVE COMPETITIONS

Taking over THE STAGE. at Hair Festival, live hairdressing competitions were the epicentre of Monday morning and inspired a vast crowd. Here, we toast to the winners.

Congratulations to the winners in the Hair Festival Competitions for 2024! This year, Hair Festival awarded three Hair Festival Champions for the first time ever, celebrating the best of the best in categories of Barber, Stylist and Rising Star. Individual category winners and placers were also announced in a myriad of titles, including multiple new categories in nine total competitions, to decide these winners and the ultimate champions.

Hosted at a new time slot of Monday morning, July 1, over the buzzing Hair Festival weekend, and for the first-time taking place on the all-new THE STAGE. in the Festival Hub, the competitions were an epicentre of creativity, competitiveness and old school hair talent at its very best. Hairdressers of all levels competed across the creative spectrum in men’s hair, women’s style, colour and more, and then paraded their looks on stage for both the judges and an engaged audience.

Sponsored by O&M, every competitor received O&M product prizes just for throwing their hats and talents in the ring. Thanks to the brand, each winner was awarded $300, while highly commended and runner up selections took home $200 and $100 respectively. The Hair Festival trophy and editorial coverage rounded out some of the enticing prizes.

Congratulations to Inspired by Colour winner Aimee Egan of Aimee Egan Hair, who took home first prize, while Benjamin Tuita of BOY+Co Barber Studio was highly commended and Harrison Sansom of Stevie English Hair was runner-up. In the all-new Bridal category Pearlin McCarthy of Pearlin Hair & Makeup Artistry, Carmen Rogers of Carmen Hair Artistry and Aimee Egan again were awarded first place, highly commended and runnerup, respectively.

In the always competitive field of the Rising Star Barber Cutting Competition, Matteo Baroni of Antisystem Barbershop, Nathan Gomo of Empire Barbers Pty Ltd and Blair Martin of Tommy Gun’s won first place, highly commended and runner-up, respectively. The Barber Street titles went to winner Ritika Luthra of Hairhouse Warehouse, highly commended Harrison Sansom and runner up Ali Zaabalawi of A.Z The Barber. In the Men’s Total Look, Harrison Sansom, Benjamin Tuita and Sam Yang of Ikigai Barbers were awarded, respectively.

In the new Rising Star Blow Dry field, Paige Casanovas of The Loft Hair Salon was the winner, Caitlyn Green of The Rumours Are True was highly commended and Yanin Devine of Amara Organic Hair Salon was runner up.

In women’s looks, the Rising Star Women winner was named as Harrison Poor of Maverick Hair and Art, Chelsey Bryer of Noho Hair Co was named highly commended and Tova Mkoko of Franck Provost was decided as the runner up. The Glam Slam Women’s Total Look first place was awarded to Rose Thorogood of The Hair Posey, highly commended was given to Carmen Rogers of Carmen Hair Artistry and Aimee Egan was runner up. Women’s Street Style first place, highly commended and runner up went to Harrison Sansom, Candy Stayte of Candy’s Coiffure and Curls and Donna Santaella of Tayloring Your Hair.

Well done to the first ever Hair Festival champions – Harrison Sansom was named the Hair Festival Barber Champion, Aimee Egan was awarded the Hair Festival Stylist Champion and Harrison Poor was named as Hair Festival Rising Star.

The Hair Festival judges consisted of Karen Hopwood, Russell Hyde, Eoin McCarthy, Dario Cotroneo, Leigh Winsor, Antonio Sorgiovanni and Kristie Roberti, with compere Peter Elchaar and Chairman of Judges Paul Elchaar. Floor judges included Sherelle Mondo and Shannon Ladikos amidst TAFE teachers and associates.

Well done to all the winners, placers and competitors for bringing an electric competition atmosphere to Hair Festival and inspiring on stage. Start getting ready for next year – the Hair Festival trophy could be yours!

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Rose Thorogood

Inspired by Colour entries

Harrison Sansom

Matteo Baroni

Bridal medallists

HAIR FESTIVAL

VOX POP

Hair Festival attendees gave their thoughts on the 2024 event. In their words, don’t miss out next year!

Discover quotes from Hair Festival attendees, exhibitors, educators and hairdressing legends who walked through the doors and loved it.

“I feel like Hair Festival this year has taken it up to a whole new level, this one was bigger and better than ever, the changes of venue and timing were a great success,” said educator Sheridan Rose Shaw of MAMAWEST. “It’s been so nice to connect with the industry and bring the industry together – young and old, it feels like there’s a lot of unity now thanks to Hair Festival, it’s been amazing to be a part of it.”

“The event has been great, we’ve been everywhere, getting the clippers in everyone’s hands,” said educator, ambassador and exhibitor Matt Clarke of Heiniger. “It also great to do our show for the Education Sessions and show a few techniques that maybe the hairdressing world isn’t used to seeing. It’s been really cool. Everyone in the room is our potential clients, we want our tools in the hands of the business owners, the hairdressers, the barbers, so this is crucial. This is the chance to get up and personal with the products, and everyone has responded really well.”

“It’s been so fantastic this year, it’s been building over the last couple of years and this year I felt the energy come back,” shared educator and ambassador Nathan Yip. “Yesterday I was on the floor for Excellent Edges and everyone was rushing in and running around. It felt alive and energetic, it felt like people were wanting to be there and there were some really great education opportunities.”

“REALtalk is always fantastic. The speakers were inspiring, insightful and authentic. They shared so many useful tips and fresh ideas alongside some raw and honest vulnerability. It was great to hear from passionate professionals from our industry and others who have a direct impact on our success such as the fabulous session on marketing,” said attendee, salon director and coach Kerrie DiMattia.

“The energy in changing venue to this luxury environment just changed it up a notch and everybody seems more engaged, the industry feels like it’s really coming back to life in a positive way,” added hairdressing legend and educator Sharon Blain. “Walking around the Festival Hub, there are so many new products and exhibitors, what you may expect about what used to be has totally flipped. That’s a really good thing for our industry, it shows forward growth and movement.”

“The excitement and energy of the people coming has been so great, it’s just alive. It’s been really amazing meeting all our colleagues,” said educator

Benni Tognini. “The energy from being on stage and sharing education is awesome. There’s a whole difference between seeing it on social media and seeing it live. The networking that you gain is often missing online so that’s the beauty of having Hair Festival. I feel sorry for all the people who missed out and my suggestion to them is to be there next year.”

“The event has been great, it’s a great venue, it’s nice to be central. Going around and seeing a lot of friends, everyone seems to have the same feedback, everyone’s interactive, so I think it’s been a really successful Hair Festival,” shared exhibitor Mark Rabone of Wahl, who spoke to the presence and engagement around barbering, especially with their presence in the Barber Hub. “We smashed it at our stand yesterday and today. There’s been a great response with lots of people moving around and enjoying interactive hair education, it’s been phenomenal. People want to stay for two days and experience free education on the stands, it’s a great taster and then there’s a wealth of education they can see in the Education Sessions.”

“It’s been great, it’s been great to be at the ICC, it lifted the whole mood for it, people were excited and it was packed. The industry has been pretty pumped up by this week and I think it’s just going to get bigger and better from here on in so I’m excited to see where it goes,” said exhibitor Pete Walstab of Excellent Edges.

“We have been blown away, it’s been two days of craziness and we can’t believe how many people have come through, we’ve had a really good time,” shared exhibitor Catherine Evans of Dateline Imports. “The response to the international educators has been amazing and has helped us as an exhibitor and distributor with the power of that education. The crowd came with the intent to learn something new and is open and engaged, everyone’s been really wanting to learn, which has been fantastic. People are ready to celebrate being an industry.”

“REALtalk was such an incredible experience! I felt so in sync with the audience and their needs in-business today,” shared presenter and exhibitor Voulla Fronis of Gellibn. “There were so many nods and smiles, and I can’t tell you how many people came up to me afterwards to let me know how much they enjoyed it and how valuable they found the discussion.”

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Missy Peterson for Malibu C

Jules Tognini and Steph Meyer

Ben Kane for Wahl

Tenyka Rowe for Hair Candy Australia

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 PARTNERS

AND SPONSORS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PARTNERS

SPONSORS

EXHIBITORS

EDUCATORS

UTOPIC

Ben Semple from Circles of Hair has taken home gold in our national L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy, with an event in Melbourne celebrating all the victors.

UUncovering talent from all corners of the Australian and New Zealand hairdressing industry and catapulting them onto the global stage, The L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy celebrated the top eight finalists for their somewhat futuristic, almost alien-like expressions of freedom and frivolity that underscored the 2024 Utopia theme.

The national winners from a combined Australian and New Zealand locale were announced at an illustrious gathering of some of the industry’s most creative at Melbourne’s CIEL The Venue on Monday, August 19. With over 300 guests, live entertainment and food and drinks until 1am, L’Oréal Professionnel threw a party fit for prize winners and industry veterans, judges and media partners who annually gather to celebrate the unique competition.

The finalists recreated their entries live across the weekend to decide our ultimate winners.

Congratulations to Ben Semple of Circles of Hair, who took home the top prize as this year’s national Style & Colour Trophy gold medallist. Ben has been part of the leading Circles of Hair group since starting his apprenticeship in early 2013 and has only continued to thrive ever since, with an eye for trends and transformations and a visionary talent that has won him both clients and acclaim. Ben was part of the Foundation Guillaume team that took part in the Intercoiffure World Congress 2017 event in Japan, was named as a Grand Finalist for the L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy Rising Star title in 2018 and was an overall Grand Finalist in both 2019 and 2020.

“This was my fifth time entering and I can’t believe that I won, I’m so excited,” Ben enthused. “I would say my specialty would be Avant Garde and vibrant colours and my inspiration for the Utopia look was based on a tree that I found mixed with vibrant, cool colours and a real futuristic vibe.”

Ben Semple, Circles of Hair

A myriad of other prizes were awarded on the night. Second place was given to Natasha Monastra of Koko Blaq Coiffeur, also in WA, while third place went to Lauren Polidori of Ensemble Salon in Adelaide. The other five finalists were listed as Rena Dimopoulos of Boris The Cuttery, SA/TAS, Lisa Robertson of Parlour Glenelg, SA/TAS, Rose Cain of Head Studio, WA/NT, Martin Van Blerk of Buoy Salon & Spa, NZ and Fiona Fazzalari of Hair Machine, SA/TAS. The national judges consisted of Rebecca Brent of Willis York, Danni Solier and Jamie Furlan of LNDN, Jo Cotroneo of Zink the Element of Hair, Brad Lepper of Blunt Edition and marie claire Beauty Editor Sally Hunwick.

Kim Touch from The Black Studio in New Zealand won the Newcomer Award, while the Editorial Colour & Styling title went to Maci Di Domenico also from Koko Blaq Coiffeur and the Ready to Wear Transformation Photographic winner was named as Rose Cain. Chanel Beck from Koko Blaq Coiffeur won the Social Media Transformation title.

In state-wide People’s Choice awards, Angela Yelland of Sandy the Salon won across NSW/ACT, Amy Connolly of Indiah Hair Styling won for New Zealand, Kaitlyn Harvey of I Heart Hair won in QLD, Rena Dimopoulos won for SA/TAS, Calla Gifkins from Elegance Hair won in VIC and Natasha Monastra won for WA/NT.

To set the theme for the night and uncover the real ‘why’ behind each finalist’s image, a tribute to the theme highlighted a new era of colour intricacy and design, showcasing how Utopia merges hair design with the future of tech. The event celebrated each finalist’s mentor and the process behind their creation as well as 50 years of iconic Perth partner Maurice Meade, while also sharing encouraging words from Style & Colour Trophy mentors Damien Rinaldo and Adriana Marmino.

After almost seven decades of this iconic global competition,

the L'Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy is revelling in its 68th iteration of uncovering inspirational talent, while championing professional excellence and hair artistry.

L’Oréal Professionnel Style & Colour Trophy continues to grow, amassing 100,000 global entries from around 40 countries in its 2023 competition and accumulating 11 million views on social networks last year, as it connects in direct relationships with over one million hairdressers globally.

The competition honours the legacy of L’Oréal Professionnel, in the groundbreaking hair colour first created by founder Eugène Schuller in 1909 and the competition’s beginnings in 1954. Virtual and AI components keep the brand current. The company collaborated with hairdresser Charlie Le Mindu and Evan Rochette, a CGI artist, to craft four hair collections, pioneering in this innovative space.

Ben's winning look will be entered into the Style & Colour Trophy Global Semi-Final in a pinnacle opportunity and achievement for all hairdressers, where global judges will review his entry amongst all other winners from participating countries across the world, before selecting their top six finalists to compete for the international title in November 2024. Australia’s past national winners, including Wendy Gunn, Massimo Tirimacco and Claudia Cataldo, have taken home the top global award, while last year’s ANZ winner, Rebecca Brent of Willis York Salon in New Zealand, won bronze in the international field. Good luck to Ben on the next phase of the global competition!

Through Style & Color Trophy, L’Oréal Professionnel reaffirms its position as a leading brand that elevates the professional industry and unlocks their creativity. Congratulations to the winners and finalists in this esteemed creative institution. For more information visit www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au

Lauren Polidori, Ensemble Salon

Natasha Monastra, Koko Blaq Coiffeur

TO THE CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the industry’s esteemed creative leaders – the winners in the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative).

On Monday night, July 1, the industry congregated at Sydney’s The Star to announce and honour the winners of the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative). The gala event showcased the awards amidst three inspirational hair shows and a three-course meal, concluding the Hair Festival weekend with aplomb.

Major awards went to Sam James of SJ Establishment who took home Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023, Andrew Cobeldick of Buoy Salon and Spa who won New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2024, Mark Leeson from the UK who was awarded International Hairdresser of the Year 2024 and Dennis Langford Hall of Fame Award recipient Jamie Carroll.

The night’s big winners also included Bond Hair Religion, which won Salon Team of the Year, NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year for Jenni Tarrant, Master Colourist of the Year for Amber Bullock and BTS Dream Team of the Year, while Tsiknaris Hair won Apprentice of the Year for Hunter Kostrubiec, Master Cutter of the Year for Shae Tsiknaris and Domi Cherie joined the HOT SHOTS Team. TONI&GUY’S Breatkthrough team won Collective Team of the Year, while Jude McEwen from TONI&GUY Perth also won WA/NT Hairdresser

of the Year. Stevie English Hair won Emerging Stylist of the Year and a HOT SHOTS spot for Ella Stewart, while Stevie and Danny Pato won the very first Medal of Honour, acknowledged for three consecutive awards. Danny also won Avant Garde hairdresser of the Year, after having to take a break from his many New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year wins, deciding he was bored and inspiring in the Avant Garde category instead.

The evening was hosted by Will Fennell and innovated in the realm of hair fashion on stage, thanks to show director Adam Williams. Kicking off the proceedings, the 2024 Creative Couture opening performance by 2023 AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Justin Pace and 2023 AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Danny Pato, assisted by the 2023 Hot Shots, offered Avant Garde hair and dancing to ignite the energy of the room. Then, Oscar Oscar salons celebrated 35 years with a hair show thanks to Jacky Chan and Redken, including bold shapes, rainbow hues and sculptural hair looks to inspire in a fashion-forward show on stage. Lastly, international hair sensation Natalie Anne took braiding and hair length to the next level, with colour by Renya Xydis and a live vocal choir providing the soundtrack to the feminine, editorial show.

Congratulations to the winners!

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair

EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR

Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop

This year’s international judging panel consisted of Sally Brooks, Sam McKnight, Cos Sakkas, Hooker and Young, Candy Shaw and Vivienne MacKinder, as well as International Media including Charlotte Grant West from HJI, UK, Nicky Pope from Tribu.te Magazine, UK, and Veronica Boodhan from Salon Magazine, Canada. The 2024 HOT SHOTS team was judged by local leading hairdressers Justin Pace, Jayne Wild, Scott Sloan, Benni Tognini and Mary Alamine, who chose the emerging talents to join this heralded platform.

Celebrating 12 years of the AHIAs, and the fourth year of the Creative iteration beyond the Business Awards, the platform partners with brands such as Redken, Amazing Hair, Excellent Edges and Natalie Anne Haircare, as well as support from Jadore Hair Supplies, Gamma+, Danger Jones, Matrix, Hair Festival, Dateline Imports, Heiniger, O&M, Expo4Barbers, Schwarzkopf, Joico and EVY Professional, as well as Rogue Beauty, who powered the after party.

“With the sheer number of entries this year, every winner should be so proud of their achievement. The quality collections and exciting creativity that our industry has put forward is truly world-class and testament to the strength and sustainability of the industry,” shared Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead.

AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design

COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Breakthrough Team via TONI&GUY

(Laura Szakaly, Tia Wright-Pihama, Liam Johnson, Delphine Kanuma)

MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR

Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR

Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion

AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Johnny Georgiou

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

Bond Hair Religion

HOT SHOTS TEAM

Adam Harant, Wild Life SoGo

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

Victoria Shayler, Sir Fletcher

MEDAL OF HONOUR

Stevie English

Danny Pato

NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion

VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Benjamin Martin, Salon XVI

QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair

WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jude McEwen, TONI&GUY Perth

SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Lisa Robertson, Parlour Glenelg

NORTH ISLAND NZ HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Ella Thompson, Dharma

BTS DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR

For Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion NSW/ACT Collection

COLOURIST – Amber Bullock

PHOTOGRAPHER – Andrew O’Toole

MAKE UP ARTIST – Kylie O’Toole

STYLIST – Catherine V

DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME AWARD

Jamie Carroll

INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Sam James, SJ Establishment

Sam James

Natalie Anne

Jacky Chan and Oscar Cullinan

ONSTAGE

MANE MAN

CPR Hair announced the Mane Event winner for 2024 at a soiree celebrating the artistry and community focus of this homegrown brand.

The Mane Event: Total Image Colour and Styling Awards by CPR Hair and The Circle have announced their 2024 winner, with Paul James Graham, co-owner of Paul & Paul Salon on the Gold Coast, taking home the title at the Mane Gala evening, held at The Ivy Sunroom in Sydney.

The CPR celebration took place the night before Hair Festival, featuring a taco station, canapes, creative cocktails, a live band and a spin pod for a night full of celebrations. The evening announced Paul amidst three finalists and celebrated the work of the top ten with their imagery displayed around the venue. Congratulations as well to Aimee Egan and Kristin Gillies, who took to the stage as part of the final three.

The 2024 Mane Event competition, now in its second year, garnered 190 entries, with the top three decided by a professional judging panel before a public voting system to decide the ultimate winner, thanks to the CPR community. Paul accepted the trophy and flowers on stage from last year’s winner Chloe Taylor, as the competition passed through its second iteration.

Natalie Chadwick, Digital Sales Coordinator, CPR Hair and Cass Donnelly, CEO, CPR Hair

Paul is a prolific and award-winning hairdresser who has been featured editorially for his hair fashion work and has partnered with various fashion designers, having worked on a multitude of hair fashion shoots and shows, including Australian Fashion Week. He has also been a finalist for the title of Australian Hairdresser of the Year and in categories ranging from Avant Garde to Men’s Hair Specialist and more, and was a Mane Event finalist last year, before taking home 2024’s top prize.

“It’s a great feeling to win The Mane Event,” Paul shared. “It’s satisfying, it’s exciting. It’s the cherry on the cake of all the hard work I’ve put in and the creative process, so it’s a validating end to an exciting creative process. I really love competition work; it’s been really great for my business and it’s an important creative outlet and it’s a space where I can explore creative ideas and bring them to life.”

Paul’s look was inspired by clean lines and bold, dynamic contrasting colours, with a creative, modern approach that was anchored in artistic wig work. Ultimately, he was driven by the idea of pushing boundaries.

“I look at hair as a construct, not what it literally is, and ask what I can and can’t do with it,” Paul shared. “I like to work with wigs to give me flexibility

in creating a great shot. When a model can put on a persona, it lends itself to creating a better shot and the confidence of the person wearing it.”

As the 2024 Mane Event winner, Paul has won a $1,000 cash prize, a $2,000 CPR Colour and Haircare package and editorial coverage. Paul has already partnered further with CPR through this venture, in his Awakening Autumn/Winter campaign collection and his new ‘Style Revolution Masterclass’, which shows salons how to create an award-winning look from concept to completion in a photographic studio environment. He lauds the brand for the support, access and functionality they offer salons with a familiar, personalised touch.

“I love CPR, I’m proud to be a CPR ambassador and I love any opportunity to put the skills and knowledge I have to the test and be creative with it. I hope to inspire others through the process,” he shared. For more information visit www.cprhair.com

Natalie Chadwick and Cass Donnelly

Paul James Graham with model

LEADERS FIRST

Issuing a strong leadership mindset and practical applications for everyday salon life, the AHC Leadership Summit united and inspired, writes Cameron Pine.

Each year the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) presents the Industry Day and Leadership Summit, sharing the Hair Festival weekend over June 30 and July 1. This year’s Leadership Summit carried significant meaning with the stepping down of Sandy Chong as the AHC’s CEO after a decade plus long commitment to our industry, and the welcoming of Melissa Kalan, who boasts an impressive background in the hotel industry. Melissa’s passion for banding together to create better outcomes run parallel with the goals of the AHC and the industry’s current and future challenges.

“The Leadership Summit for the Australian Hairdressing Council offers an invaluable opportunity to step away from the day-to-day operations and be inspired by critical skills and strategies for achieving better business outcomes. Effective leadership skills are crucial for all business operators, and this Summit is the perfect environment for professional and personal growth,” said Melissa.

Emceed by James O’Loughlin, a comedian who works with the ABC, author, radio host and television presenter, James brought interest and knowledge by telling true stories of persuasion and perspective in the world of reaching the consumer. Mental health strategies, anxiety management strategies and future proofing your business to charge on worth also became key topics of discussion.

Kicking off the stellar speaker line up was Sandy Chong and Ann-Maree Mason, AHC Business Manager, divulging key industry trends and statistics in the hairdressing industry. Industry data presented included

information from the Australian Taxation Office, industry software companies and sustainable salons, revealing that 71 per cent of hairdressing businesses are sole traders and 28 per cent register for GST.

Sole traders are primarily home based (45 per cent) or commercial businesses (31 per cent) while 19 per cent rent a chair in a salon. Sole traders face challenges such as isolation (71 per cent) and increased costs (69 per cent) while commercial salons face challenges such as increased costs (75 per cent) and staffing issues.

Sandy and Ann-Maree highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to apprenticeship training involving salon owners, RTOs, teachers, independent educators and suppliers. As with hairdressing, barbers face the same challenges of finding staff and visas among some of the top challenges the AHC is still lobbying to address. Sandy and Anne-Marie also covered trends, sustainability and overall profitability in our industry.

The next speaker was Gary Strachan, Founder of Deadly Hair Dude. Gary openly shared his heartfelt experiences from teaching hairdressing in remote indigenous communities where there are various challenges to deliver such services including safety, RTO issues, government negativity and funding constraints.

It was moving to see how indigenous communities can be empowered through micro business and job opportunities and also how a prison program has helped inmates engage and rehabilitate through hairdressing. On top of this face-to-face presence, Gary uses the mobile salon footage and YouTube to teach indigenous people how to cut hair.

Andrew Griffiths then spoke on the often-debated topic of price, with his seminar covering, ‘Someone has to be the most expensive, why not make it you?'.

“Only 2 per cent of business owners charge what they’re worth. Despite asking this question to 100,000 people in the last 18 months what I’ve also uncovered is negative experiences with money in childhood can lead to a lack of confidence in charging what they’re worth,” Andrew said. “I’m an advocate for courageously zigging when others zag in pricing strategies.”

Andrew shared ‘Zingy’ business and farming practices that buck conventional wisdom and explained how he transformed his dive shop into a boutique gallery, tripled prices and became the best in the area, in an already crowded market.

Clint Piper, Chair of the AHC Board of Directors, then gave a snapshot of some of the key milestones and changes within the AHC since its inception, while thanking Sandy for her service. A heartwarming video from the early days to now showed some of the key highlights throughout Sandy’s countless hours serving the industry and the AHC.

“Sandy has tripled membership growth in nine years and now two thirds of salons are accredited,” Clint said. “Sandy’s advocacy has raised industry standards and has been instrumental in shaping our future steps for the AHC, generating nine million in revenue and ensuring the organisation’s growth and success.”

This also marked the perfect moment to welcome Melissa and acknowledge her aim to take the reins and serve the industry and its members.

The night then ended with the winddown networking and drink opportunity that is Schmoozefest – the perfect chance to loosen the belt buckle and talk with industry peers in a celebratory atmosphere.

For more information visit www.theahc.org.au

Clint Piper, Anna Penn, Rebecca McLeod, Bekk Ngatoko, Cindy King, Jenny Burns, Anthony Gray, Keira Maloney, Paul Frasca and Gavin Hinton

Shane Henning, Noddy’s on King and Piet Pantano, Wildlife SOGO

Samantha Redmond, Sandy Chong and Bonnie Pilgrim

Jenny Burns, AHC and Bekk Ngatoko, TONI&GUY Newcastle

MADE FOR ORIGINALS 2.0

Welcome the sophomore showing of Made For Originals, where O&M will bring education back to Sydney like you’ve never seen it before.

O&M’s inimitable Made For Originals education event will be back bigger and better than ever in its sophomore outing, building on a successful inaugural stint in 2023 to take over White Bay Passenger Terminal on Sydney Harbour on Sunday, September 15.

The new event will educate attendees until 6pm and then launch Made For Originals After Dark until 9pm, congregating local and international O&M COR. Creators to inspire. Connecting as a community will also be a key component of the day and evening.

The day will showcase seven live stages hosted by hairdresser Kirsty Anne and evolving the modern, bold festival-style education established last year, with full catering included.

“In 2023, we set the standards with the first ever Made For Originals,” the brand shared. “We loved the amazing energy from last year, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level. Expect world-class live education from industry experts, great vibes, and so much more – this is going to be the education event of the year – Made For Hairdressers.”

The event promises to spark creativity, redefine the future of hair and set new boundaries in the industry, showcasing the latest trends, techniques and technologies across colour and style. Attendees will also be among the first to see and experience the brand’s new products.

Amidst the stages, the famous Jaye Edwards of EdwardsAndCo will present The Dark Side, showcasing depth, dimension and sparkle in brunettes, who will teach the delicate balance of enhancing a naturally dark base from his wealth of colour experience. Jaye will teach his command of placements and techniques in creating seamless brunettes, as well as low lighting and finishing. He will also educate on social media content from this influential figure and beyond.

Host Kirsty Anne will educate her original artistry on the main stage, as an icon known for her lived-in dimensional blondes. Kim Haberley is a transformational blonde specialist who will teach the tips and tricks in creating her signature textured blonde waves.

International educator Amelia Jane will teach her renowned blondes and brondes as a go-to blonde specialist, with vibrant, face-framing, long-lasting statement colours. From techniques, to placements

and top tips, she’ll create effortless lived-in looks and carefree beach waves, while also teaching how to flawlessly capture content.

US textured hair and curl expert Kindale Godbee will teach how to master colour and style for textured hair, looking to fill a gap in Australia’s hairdressing education with her expertise. Kindale will share her methods to long-lasting colour and styles that celebrate natural texture, from enhancing waves and curls, preserving hair health and achieving dynamic colour results. She will also expand this education to social media and content lessons.

Sheridan Rose Shaw will present on mastering the colour wheel to achieve creative colour and scalp lightening. Sheridan will offer a kaleidoscopic, creative showcase sure to inspire.

O&M Founder Jose Bryce Smith will also take to the stage, while new brand ambassador from France, Lucas Di Oslo, will share his talent for seamless balayage, vibrant colours and innovative styling. Get ready to be inspired and book your tickets now!

For more information visit www.originalmineralpro.com/pages/made-for-originals-2024

Natalie Anne and Jose Bryce Smith

2023 transformation models

Jaye Edwards and Jose Bryce Smith

GOLDEN HOUR

Wella celebrated their Illumin-Era in Sydney with insights, announcements and hair fashion amidst an unmissable party.

Hair heroes took to the stage where covetable colour was the focus, as Wella celebrated their ‘Illumin-Era’ in Sydney. Highlighting the power of their Illumina colour, a myriad of models walked the runway, while hairdressing legends, brand representatives and even Wella’s newly announced ambassador offered on-stage insights.

Based on and creating fashion-forward looks around the Golden Hour hair trend, the event in Sydney’s Alexandria invited hair industry members and beauty media to experience this leading trend in party style. Bubbling cocktails, mango sorbet, delectable canapes, DJ-led tunes, ‘gramworthy backdrops and a ghd styling bar were just some of the many installations and festivities taking place amidst a myriad of gigantic silver orbs floating throughout the venue.

Guests took their seats to experience the Golden Hour trend in full and witness the runway show of pre-done models with colour as the ultimate feature, before hearing from the brand’s General Manager for ANZ & Greater Asia, Guillaume Cantelou. Throughout the night, the speakers, led by compere Ludmilla Hilnovsky, Wella Professionals Creative & Community Leader for AU & NZ, discussed the trend, as well as social media insights essential for the digital age. Ludmilla spoke to industry leaders Renya Xydis and Haleema Moriatis of Valonz, as well as Monique McMahon of Que Colour, who created the looks, about these core topics and their favourite products in colour and care to achieve the looks.

“To me it’s that Aussie sunset and Aussie sunshine girl who has that Aussie sunshine glow that we love in the salon,” Renya said about the trend. “We love sexy hair, we love luminous hair, we love hair that moves and makes women feel confident, so for us, to bring this to life is really beautiful and special.”

Makeup artist and beauty creator Claire Bridgett also spoke on stage for an interview around social media, content creation and staying ahead of the curve in this vital field (top tip – good lighting is key!). Claire gave her advice on how she’s amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, while Renya and Monique, Instagram and TikTok stars in their own right, spoke to the importance of investing in social media with a dedicated salon job, giving it the available resources and expanding it when possible.

Finally, the team announced former Miss Universe Australia, TedX speaker, author, presenter, creator, actor and influencer Maria Thattil as their latest ambassador and new face of the brand. Maria revealed a bold new blonde look, created by Marie Uva of Uva Salon, who joined her on stage to further explain the technology and inspiration behind the look.

“For me, what’s been amazing is that, over the last few years, it’s not just that my career has evolved, it’s also me as a person and as a woman and I feel like hair is such a vehicle to express and reflect that. So, joining with Wella has been the most

incredible alignment, because we align on values, it’s about being bold, fierce and confident in who you are, so doing it with a complete transformation feels right,” Maria said.

Maria revealed the look to her 265,000 Instagram followers on the same day, with a photoshoot, transformation video and then event images, showcasing the power of social media and powerful colour in real time. Maria’s post spoke to the power of Wella’s Illumina Color, Blondorplex and Ultimate Repair in achieving this new, on-trend hue and maintaining hair health and integrity throughout the transformation process.

From there, the hair team and models made one last on-stage appearance before guests took to the photo walls, canape and cocktail in hand, to celebrate Golden Hour well beyond the hour itself. Exiting with goodie bags, social media tips and new, necessary colour looks to try, the Illumin-Era is officially invading salons –make sure you keep up.

For more information visit www.wella.com/professional/en-AU/home

Monique McMahon, Renya Xydis, Haleema Moriatis and Ludmilla Hilnovsky

Hair by Monique McMahon

Maria Thattil

Hair by Renya Xydis and Haleema Moriatis

ADVANCED

Aveda hosted guests for organic treats, personalised products and even scalp consultations to usher in their new invati ultra advanced™ range.

Aveda have unveiled their new scalp health-focused, anti-hair loss care collection, by way of the five-step invati ultra advanced™ range.

Launching to beauty media and influencers in Sydney’s city on August 1, guests enjoyed vegan canapes and berry sorbet befitting the natural brand, drank high-end, organic-style cocktails and had their scalps technologically diagnosed to be prescribed the ideal hair care regimen.

“The launch of the invati ultra advanced collection marks a significant milestone for Aveda. We are so proud to introduce a range that was made to deliver remarkable results for hair loss and thinning hair. The attendance and engagement of all attendees highlighted a shared vision for a more environmentally responsible beauty industry. It’s an exciting time for Aveda and the future of beauty,” shared Mac Smerdon, Aveda Retail Education Manager.

The event saw Mac and Mathew Wickham, National Education Manager for Aveda, address the crowd to explain the technology behind the products, offer tips for thicker hair, describe the importance of salon consultations and expertise and detail the causes of hair loss that disrupt the healthy hair cycle, while also showcasing how this is impacting our collective consciousnesses.

“Consumers are actively engaging and seeking advice on thinning hair solutions, there has been an 80 per cent jump in social conversations on stress and hair loss and a 106 per cent jump for search queries for hair loss advice,” Matthew shared.

The collection is built on two decades of scientific research and an eight-year collaboration with skin and hair biology experts, building on the lauded invati system, in the new ultra advanced sphere. Anchored by the triple-action biotech natural follicle vitality complex, the range is also comprised of amla, turmeric and ginger to thicken the hair

at the root, invigorate the scalp and build scalp resilience.

The range is comprised of an exfoliating shampoo, thickening conditioner, revitalizing scalp serum, fortifying leave-in treatment and thickening foam, which Mac credits as a secret hero product to use during styling for heat styling protection, flexible hold and thicker looking hair. These products combine to gently exfoliate and remove pollution and product buildup, condition and instantly thicken the look of hair, create the right healthy hair environment, detangle and add resilence and protect the hair from hair fall and breakage.

“Our follicle vitality complex does three things because it’s triple action. It helps to neutralise oxidative stresses on the scalp, it also helps to strengthen the hair follicle

when we’re talking and thinking about hair loss, and it also invigorates the scalp and follicle that we really want the energy and nutrients to be driving to help encourage new hair growth,” Mac explained.

Guests were gifted product packs tailored to their hair type, growth capacity and hair density, in light or rich permutations, and also took home hand-inscribed Aveda brushes, made at the event.

Your clients' new go-to tool for combatting hair loss and prioritising care, welcome the Aveda invati ultra advanced™ range.

For more information visit www.aveda.com.au

Mac Smerdon and Mathew Wickham

PURPLE REIGN

Moroccanoil launched their Treatment Purple product with a two-day pop-up event in Sydney, celebrating a new twist on a cult care tool.

Moroccanoil have unveiled a new twist on their ironic Treatment product, with the all-new Treatment Purple product launched into the market.

Building on the brand’s dominance in the hair oil field with a treatment that specifically fights brassiness on blonde, lightened and grey hair, this tone correcting formula presents a new variation on this leading care tool.

Offered as an option for daily colour maintenance and care in one, the product is formulated with violet pigments to enhance cool tones and counteract unwanted yellow and orange hues, refreshing highlights in as little as one application. The product is lightweight, imbuing the hair with style and condition, and instantly absorbing into the hair for immediate manageability, shine, smoothness and softness. 95 per cent of consumer study respondents reported reduced brassiness, maintained blondes and transformed hair after a week of use, with 91 per cent naming it as an essential blonde care tool.

“Moroccanoil Treatment propelled the success of our brand years ago, and we are delighted to build upon the legacy of this iconic product with the new Moroccanoil Treatment Purple,” said Moroccanoil Co-founder Carmen Tal. “Understanding the importance of caring for your hair between salon appointments, we are happy that this new treatment also broadens our Purple Collection of products, which are formulated to protect, enhance, and extend the life of your hair colour.”

Anchored by Moroccanoil’s famed Argan oil, with linseed extract alongside it, the formula is rich with essential fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin E, so hair is hydrated and looks and feels healthier. The product’s violet pigments enhance depth, dimension and a natural sheen, while neutralising brassy tones.

The product fits seamlessly into the Moroccanoil Purple collection, heralded as a pillar of the brand’s Color Care category. It sits with the Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo and Conditioner to cleanse and nourish the hair and restore and enhance tone, vibrancy and radiant colour.

The brand launched this product in Sydney with an immersive pop-up in Darlinghurst in July. Over two days, beauty media and then consumers experienced the Moroccanoil product range at personalised styling stations thanks to the expert Moroccanoil styling team, led by session expert Peter Beckett, and

saw the new launch at the purple display bar. Guests also enjoyed spinning the Moroccanoil prize wheel, posed with the giant Treatment Purple display and had treats from the purple latte and purple cookie and toppings bar.

Moroccanoil products are proudly PETA Beauty Without Bunnies certified as a cruelty-free brand that never tests on animals and is philanthropically inclined. Inspired by the Mediterranean and made to be a sensorial experience, this Argan oil-based brand has grown to retail in over 80 countries globally as a cornerstone of haircare. The Moroccanoil Treatment Purple is the next phase of that legacy. For more information visit au.moroccanoil.com

Peter Beckett

50 YEARS OF MAURICE MEADE

Starting as a perm and resulting in an empire of leading stylists across nine salon locations, the vision of Maurice and Rosemary Meade is every part the quintessential husband and wife success story. The hairdresser in Maurice that hit more morning show TV screens than any other hairdresser throughout the 80s and 90s and Rosemary’s midas touch have all been pieces of the visionary – executing campaigns, direction and management skill across the incredible 50-year-strong luxury salon label that now employs more than 150 staff.

From iconic cut and colour packages, in-salon rituals to raising the standard of service and consistency in hair, Maurice Meade salons have been every bit as aspirational as they have inspirational. The 80s mullet, punk look, the perm, the super sleek sweep and balayage to now, Maurice was the go-to style inspiration for the entire Perth community and we all wanted to be part of it.

The dynamic TV campaigns would infiltrate a strong desire to transform your look and embrace the new well before social media was a thing. This very ‘Maurice Meade’ desire and demand would leave you with goosebumps at the end of their campaigns, whether it was

From 1974 to today, there are few hairdressing brands that have maintained their status as style leaders like Maurice Meade. From the West Coast to the world hairdressing stage, Maurice Meade has claimed their status as one of the few multi-salon brands that is continuing to grow beyond their 50-year golden anniversary, writes Cameron Pine

the jingle you loved or hated, they made a presence and built a community. Their stylists transformed clients into walking advertisements and gave gifts with purchase and sold packages that everyone would talk about, and still do.

With a presence on television with leading annual campaigns, lush trips internationally with leading TV networks and beyond, Maurice and Rosemary have continued to raise the style stakes on the West Coast, but most importantly inspired hairdressers globally. They’ve nurtured some of the world’s most recognised hairdressing names including multiaward-winning British Hairdresser and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and many other prominent hairdressing names in Perth and abroad.

Celebrating the glittering milestone of 50 years on June 18 at Perth’s Old Flour Factory, more than 150 guests came together to celebrate a brand that has defied trends throughout five glorious decades. One thing that resonates with guests of the salons and its several generations of staff is their personal story and affinity with the family-minded brand, so it was a real family affair and then some.

My personal and almost two-decade long relationship with the family, after meeting

Maurice and Rosemary at the Global Salon Business Awards in Barcelona in 2006, where they were awarded Multi-Unit Salon of Entrepreneur of the Year, is one of my career highlights. I always admired their drive and respect for those around them and the industry as a whole. Whether it’s the lesson that being in a hair salon teaches you, and that is one of listening and empathising with others, the Maurice Meade culture has always been about people first. Not only are they a mecca for transformation, style and everything that comes with it, life in a salon, as the Maurice Meade family confirms, is an addiction to life that many of us carry with us each day through our entire lives.

Some say the secret to the Maurice Meade success is the luxury yet approachable hair, but the proof seems to lie in the consistency of a continual investment in advertising and campaigns, and a continually elevated approach to product services and salon packages, especially now as consumers are looking for value and reassurance. Rosemary confirms the brand’s packages are what has continued to set them apart. Each year for numerous years the Meades would launch a new custom-designed gift bag – some year’s so popular that you’d see them all over Perth – one being a popular

tote that celebrated some of WA’s key beaches and landmarks. The Maurice Meade memories are as long as they are luxurious. It’s a brand that has always been in-touch with their community. From the infamous Channel 7 telethon to celebrity style that raises not just eyebrows but funds – some of the money raised over telethon trumps any other salon fundraiser thanks to the efforts of Maurice Meade. Styling Celine Dion’s hair for telethon was, for Maurice, a definite highlight.

Ultimately, without clients in-salon the brand wouldn’t continue to be able to invest in education and training for hairdressers and that’s what elevates the experience for the consumer and keeps them coming back.

“Consumers know they are getting a quality service without any surprises. The more consumers that are interested in our brand, the more opportunities we create for our staff of 150 plus,” Rosemary said. “We recently took over the L’Oréal Academy, which has increased our training capabilities and inspired more people training within our company as a whole –we have a custom-made space to improve our training experience for everyone.”

Retail and in-salon product experiences with Kérastase continue to be key to the L’Oréal brand. Maurice Meade salons are experiencing double digit growth year on year with Kérastase – trumping any of the industry retail standards and climbing.

When asked how the brand continues to shine, Rosemary believes it’s the combination of the Maurice Meade brand systems and procedures and training with leading brands.

“None is good without the other, we need to drive our own strategies in business – we know the salon landscape and staff need constant training, especially on new retail. I’ve been to salons that say they are luxury

and a lot of the staff aren’t properly trained on the products,” Rosemary said.

The Meades have maintained a family staff culture that has experienced some of the longest-term employees in our industry. The family is also integral to the brand’s operations with their son Seaton Meade operations Manager, and Tristan Meade, the only hairdresser in the family who continued the legacy of hairdressing from Maurice, moving into education and now general management across the entire business. Their daughter Anneika, with a career in communications, gave a heartfelt and moving speech at the event – showcasing the family’s real approach to standing the test of time and with their kids growing up in the salon the memories are effervescent and endless.

“A salon is a pretty fun place for a kid. I was there at the beginning, starting as an embryo, giving mum hell in those earliest of months, and it became the backdrop for my childhood,” said Anneika. “I shared this with my sister Tristan, who always knew

she would become part of the hairdressing world, and my brother Seaton, who merged his world of TV, and grew to be part of the business too.”

Anneika fondly recalled that life in the salon when growing up meant that everyone was always really nice with a smile. There were rides up and down ramps in swivel chairs and a world with multiple babysitters where they would let you do whatever you wanted.

“From the beginning at the Subiaco salon, you walked into a world that started with my mum at the reception desk,” Anneika shared. “With a busy life outside the house, inside it was simple, hardworking and routine. My dad’s creativity was complemented by my mum’s business savvy,”

With key growth back as far as the 80s and 90s but a trajectory that is continuing through 2024, the brand is looking forward to a new salon, which is soon to be on the cards, as well as a new and improved ‘Me’ salon. Previously ‘Me by Maurice Meade' as their youthful salon diffusion business, the time for a new Me is now so expect to see a new Me salon in Claremont and fresh new Maurice Meade in Carousel very soon.

Subiaco was the first Maurice Meade salon where Rosemary used to stand at reception and hit the phones with a paper appointment book – something the brand held onto despite the advent of technology even into the 2000s. For the Meade label it has always been about making a difference for the consumer that they really notice.

“I think our training really sets us apart, it is the be all and end all of everything we do in our industry,” Maurice said, sharing that after more than three decades as a hands-on hairdresser, hair is still what inspires him daily. The brand hosted unique new talent nights for their once 70- plus strong apprentice team and continues to create opportunities to improve and grow within their own.

Rosemary and Maurice Meade

“I think it’s so rewarding to see our salons vibrant and thriving and see the staff executing the best service that they can give, that is what still drives us,” Maurice said. “Staying on top of the trends, our packages and our consistent Maurice Meade training with the best brands like Kérastase and L’Oréal continue to set us apart.”

All salons have a continual education approach to ensure the best service and individual up-skilling.

“With the average tenure of our team of 158 staff sitting on average at eight to ten years plus the brand relentlessly looks for new and fresh education and motivation, the days of doing the same things in education and motivation are over. It’s definitely time to look for new energy – our clients want more and so do we,” General Manager Claire Vlahov confirmed.

Furthermore, Maurice spoke of the importance of not staying still and continuing to be open to try new ways of improving the business beyond the craft and into experience at all levels.

“We like to keep our minds and hearts open to see what’s coming up and continue to innovate and inspire. I think I will still be around for a long time yet and hopefully collapse on the floor in the salon one day or on the phone to one of the salons at the end of the day,” he said.

This is something Maurice continues to do everyday, whereby each of the nine salons call through to explain the figures and talk to each of the salons staff personally.

“Some of the old traits about service and personal touch are still very important. We have modern technology but the personal touch is more important than ever,” Maurice said.

Admitting that it does feel different walking into a salon now compared to his first salons with curved desks, Laminex and hanging plants, to see the staff giving the best service that they can give, Maurice believes this is a universal trait that is undervalued in many business. Service is the most important element to their brand. Packages, pricing, people – it doesn’t sound like rocket science, yet the ingredients to the success of Maurice Meade, few have mastered consistently year on year, with many of their staff, educators and creative directors becoming part of the family over the years. It’s about recruiting new people to the fold and maintaining the traditional family values. “We are not a closed book and our staff reflect that,” Maurice said.

On challenges, while shopping centres continue to be the brand’s strength there have also been challenging periods when large centres were undergoing renovations and they had closed stores. Now, with flagship salons like Karrinyup, the silver lining is visible but, for a large salon group who once had two of their top salons closed or being renovated in large centres, times haven’t always been easy.

Claire agrees that, despite the brand’s heritage, the focus is not to rest on the success of the past but continue to focus on the future.

“Maurice Meade moving forward is all about growth. As we expand into new stores and growing our existing ones, we look to completely focus on client retention and the client experience. If we commit to brilliant service, the financial rewards continue to follow,” Claire said.

On top of general management, Claire is responsible for a lot of the HR in the business, with a solid HR background, like Maurice and Rosemary’s longstanding approach, she meets with the managers individually and weekly to review teams and targets.

“It’s definitely challenging having so many stores but the Meades are incredible, unique people who are

committed to this company’s evolution,” Claire said.

A family where, at school, kids would say ‘is your dad Maurice Meade?’ from seeing him on television to their investment in television still to this day, sticking to the winning formula seems like the eminent choice.

I know for me, after almost two decades of trips to Perth, I often catch myself saying the ‘experience Maurice Meade’ sign off at the end of their campaigns, with many fond memories myself of shoots being done at their home, experiencing milestone birthdays, family homes, rising star house models and more. It’s more than just a hairdressing brand, it’s a family legacy that, for many of us in the industry, feels like home. To Maurice and Ro, a 50 year milestone should really be a thanks from us all for making us part of it.

As they say, from little things, big things grow. We are all so proud of you for what you’ve achieved. Maurice Meade has grown to bring so many people from Perth together, it has become one big family.

A community.

Raise your glass and toast to true legends in our industry. Happy 50th Birthday to Maurice Meade!

For more information visit www.mauricemeade.com.au

Seaton Meade, Tristan Meade and Anneika Scott, Maurice and Rosemary's three children

L'Oréal's Marina Tsolakis and Maurice Meade

AUSTRALIAN FASHION WEEK 2024

BACKSTAGE AND FRONT ROW THROUGH FASHION’S BIGGEST EVENT.

Nicol & Ford, hair led by Richard Kavanagh for Redken

REDKEN X CARLA ZAMPATTI

Carla Zampatti showcased luxury, contemporary fashion styles for the diverse, everyday Australian woman and hair direction by Diane Gorgievski for Redken highlighted “elevated Italian glamour” to suit the brand by accentuating models’ features and individuality in the hair styling. This exaggerated, confined shape created uniformity and sophistication, as the ideal pair for this luxe label.

“This hair was all about a sleek, feminine silhouette,” Di shared. “All the hair was tucked into the garments. I peeled back all the hairlines to emphasise the face shapes with Redken Fashion Work 12 Brushable Hairspray to set in the shape and Thermal Spray 22 as another hero tool.”

O&M X NAGNATA

O&M and Sheridan Rose Shaw of MAMAWEST styled NAGNATA’s runway show in balletic style, as a pre-cursor to Fashion Week.

“We drew inspiration from the ‘off-duty ballerina’ for the hair; we really channelled that by enhancing the natural texture of each models’ hair. It’s about celebrating that texture, working with their hair type rather than against it,” Sheridan shared.

“It’s kind of like one of those moments where they’ve just been on the dance floor, and they’ve just semi ripped off their scrunchie, a semi half done moment.”

REDKEN X ROMANCE WAS BORN

Romance Was Born’s Nothing Resort 25 show, led by Redken’s Diane Gorgievski, fused the future with regal flashbacks and everywhere in between. The show unleashed 44 time-travelling, retro-futuristic space creatures amidst smoke and larger than life planetary sculptures.

“The real hero look for the Romance Was born show was our ‘Blade Runner’s wet look’, inspired by the 1982 cult film. For this look, hair was shaped into a square perimeter and an accent was gelled to the temple to give that real slick and tight Blade Runner look,” Di said.

“As always with Romance, the hair direction was a sequence of looks, amassing five in total, which brought the true creativity out of a story heavily influenced by an intergalactic and futuristic fashion adventure; from regal planetary princesses and luminous ‘moon children’, to humanoid replicants searching for lost worlds.”

GOLDWELL X VIKTORIA & WOODS

Kicking off on the first day of Australian Fashion Week, Viktoria & Woods and Goldwell took over The Cove at The Rocks to present SOLAR, with two hair looks led by legendary hairdresser Shane Henning. The iconic brand debuted their first ever Fashion Week show in the off-site locale as a presentation of classic luxury, with Goldwell’s new StyleSign collection, launched in March, proving pivotal backstage. Shane and the team created the Sea Swept Hair and Natural Movement with curls and waves.

O&M X WITH HARPER LU

O&M collaborated with With Harper Lu on old Hollywood glamour in an off schedule

Australian Fashion Week runway, with Grace Kelly of SHAG HAIR in her first hair director role leading the way.

“We drew inspiration from the essence of the collection, which was called La Dolce Vita, and what that would look like through hair. Think old Hollywood, textured glam and bouncy curls,” Grace said. “We worked with the natural texture of each models’ hair, enhancing their curls and length.

Models with straight hair were transformed to that old school Hollywood blowout, accessorised with scarves and hats.”

REDKEN X VERNER

Verner presented the Beach House collection with a fittingly Sydney vibe that felt like summer days spent at the beach. Redken and Diane Gorgievski styled an equally fitting beach hair look, with natural texture as a focus. Australian beach culture was the brief for the hair team, with natural textures celebrated and elevated. Redken’s One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray and Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist were hero products.

REDKEN X INDIGENOUS FASHION PROJECTS

Five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion labels presented their latest fashion collections for Indigenous Fashion Projects, showcased with David Jones. Redken and Kristy Hodgson of Jarahs Hair directed the hair look, creating a wet look made to feel like stepping out of the water. The hair look was inspired by the Water Lubra, which is a Dreamtime narrative. Using Redken hero products Root Lifter Volumizing Spray and All Soft Argan-6 Oil, the hair team embraced the hair texture of the models with this added meaningful wet look element.

WELLA X EMMA MULHOLLAND ON HOLIDAY

A ‘mermaid chic, underwater magic’ brief came to life with beach accessories such as sun umbrellas and sandcastles, summer fashion, playful shell accessories and the hair look from Wella.

“It has a natural texture but with a vibe referencing Daryl Hannah in Splash,” hair director Keiren Street shared backstage.

“It’s shiny, wet and contrasting in textures. We’re also throwing a spanner in the middle of the show, by changing it up and making it a bit kinky, crinkly and curly. We’re giving the illusion that the hair’s wet but with a dry texture, and it’s flat with no volume.”

REDKEN X PANDORA

Pandora partnered with the 2024 iteration of Australian Fashion Week and finished the festivities with the closing show on Friday night, presenting to the week’s largest singular front row of 640 guests. Redken and Richard Kavanagh styled an elegant look for the occasion.

“The hair brief for the Pandora closing show at Australian Fashion Week was effortless elegance, pulled out of the way so that we can see the jewellery,” Richard shared. “I wanted the hair to feel like it was freshly cleansed and in a luxe condition.”

REDKEN X ALL IS A GENTLE SPRING

all is a gentle spring took to the final afternoon of Australian Fashion Week with a unique format, forgoing cameras by prohibiting photography and instead giving guests the ability to write and draw their thoughts and reactions. Redken and Diane Gorgievski complemented the fashion show with old Hollywood glamour.

“The inspiration is 1938 Hollywood glamour, think Lauren Bacall kind of vibes, and we’ve modernised it by pulling it out a little bit,” Di said. “The collection’s really clean and beautiful but the root of it all is that real Los Angeles style, what it looked like back then.”

KMS X P.E NATION

P.E Nation partnered with collaborators KMS and Lead Stylist Ali Holmes of Wildlife Hair Sogo for the RE/CREATION Collection show. The show was inspired by the brand’s new direction – fashion that moves with you. Ali and the team focused on second day and lived in texture, with natural movement and the hair made to bounce off models’ faces as they walked the runway. Diverse hair textures brought this natural sense of individuality to life, while an undone, wet-look element captured the fashion brand’s new sense of pared back reinvention.

REDKEN X WACKIE JU

Traditional garden inspirations paved the way for Wackie Ju and Redken and Richard Kavanagh created bold looks across a multitude of characters to convey these thematic characters.

“For Wackie Ju we drew on the designer’s inspiration of YuanMingYuan, a memorial garden outside of Beijing that was once a prosperous and thriving city and was destroyed in the 1800s causing the ruin and loss of important historical artifacts and cultural heritage,” Richard shared. “Each person represented a character that has emerged from the ruins of the city. We had warriors with long braided tails to the floor, concubines with graphic elaborate updos decorated with antique baubles, religious icons with braided hairpieces and a sevenfoot-long red wig.”

O&M AND SHARK BEAUTY X ALIX HIGGINS

O&M ambassador Daniel Jianing Liu of Usfin Atelier and lead hair stylist Chris Hunter, Shark Beauty Hair Director, with their teams, created a unique twist roll on the side of the head, which fused a dishevelled element in a strong, sleek overall style.

“We were inspired by the 40s and 50s vintage glamour, and that was translated through the hair,” Daniel said. “There are grungy pieces of hair that have been moulded with a bend, it’s an evolution of the hair from last year’s runway show. The hero product for today’s show is the O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz, we sprayed a lot of Atonic so the hair looks wet, thick and holds the silhouette of the shape of the head.”

SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL X LIANDRA

LIANDRA debuted at Australian Fashion Week, with Liandra Gaykamangu launching the Essence collection. Schwarzkopf Professional artists Jason Fassbender and Dee Parker Attwood created looks that enhanced each model’s beauty.

“We wanted the models to look and feel like themselves in the natural elements of Australia. Think, sea, salt, beach and sun with a hint of editorial polish brought through in the subtle detail. Notice the S-bend fringe, sea sprayed wet look styled off the face and healthy curl textures revitalised with volume and shine, using Schwarzkopf Professional SESSION LABEL and OSiS+ Styling products."

O&M X MICHAEL LO SORDO

Enter LE CLUB LO SORDO, AKA Michael Lo Sordo’s Resort 25' Collection at Australian Fashion Week. With O&M and Pauline McCabe as Hair Director, the brand elevated the feminine, romantic, minimalism, and sharp sophistication of the fashion label. The hair look was styled with an enhanced bend and shine to reflect in the otherwise dark space, with a luxury, expensive aesthetic.

“The hair draws attention to the clothes, complementing the Michael Lo Sordo aesthetic,” Pauline explained. “It’s very light, with some movement to it. We used the O&M Project Sukuroi to create a shine in the hair, O&M W-Spray to create light hold, which also created a tousled texture on the shorter hair girls and the male models, giving that 3am in Paris allure.”

O&M X BEC + BRIDGE

O&M and Bec + Bridge were harbour-side at Australian Fashion Week as these renowned, luxury brands took over Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay. A soft textural hair look from hair director and O&M ambassador John Pulitano of Headcase Hair enhanced the collection.

“The inspiration behind the collection was from the ancient craft of metalwork and the evolution of the Bec + Bridge girl, so we offset that by creating soft hair looks, enhancing natural textures and keeping the hair smooth and anchored,” John said. “The collection is raw and sharp, which works so well with the naturally soft undone hair we have achieved. There is a synergy between the harder elements of the collection and the softness of the hair.”

DAVROE X THIRD FORM

Third Form debuted its first solo Australian Fashion Week show, with Davroe on hand to complement the ‘re-FORM’ collection. Hair director Madison Voloshin led the team backstage in celebrating texture and diversity for this luxury fashion line.

“Third Form is a strong, feminine brand, so we wanted to do something cool yet still feminine. We wanted the girls to look soft but still empowered, so we gave them nice blow dries, which we pushed behind so when they walk the hair will drop effortlessly and nothing will be too structured, because the clothes are structured themselves," Madison said.

Images via Getty/Schwarzkopf Professional

REVLON PROFESSIONAL X KARLA ŠPETIĆ

Japanese ceremonial styles created with plenty of hair length and volume was the brief as Karla Špetić took to day three of Australian Fashion Week with Revlon Professional as the hair partner. Complementing the ‘Ikgai’, translated as ‘reason for being’ collection, the backstage team, led by renowned hairdresser Uros Mikic, worked on 29 models with the help of Showpony hair extensions.

The hair team created loose, clean, and straight hairstyles creatively inspired by a modern approach to the conceptual ceremonial hairstyles worn by Japanese women in the Heian period (794-1185 AD), considered the golden age of Japanese culture. Hair extensions added volume, thickness and what Uros described as a “wow factor”.

WELLA X ANNA QUAN

Renya Xydis and Wella styled Anna Quan’s third day evening show at Australian Fashion week, creating a brief of “gorgeous, gritty, texture and volume that is wearable from dusk until dawn”.

“Gritty galactic is all about being strong and soft, yet fierce. We layered the Wella Professionals EIMI range to create both the texture and grit, as well as shine and movement to emulate gritty galactic,” Renya shared.

The team worked with the models’ natural hair, offering fully covered shine, a dust of hydration and soft textured hair in layered products. The team paired styling gels and shine mists for soft movement and an intergalactic effect with both volume and grit that complemented the contemporary collection.

DAVROE AND SHARK BEAUTY X BEARE PARK

Australian luxury ready-to-wear label Beare Park took to Australian Fashion Week at the Gallery of NSW, with Davroe and hair director Madison Voloshin styling backstage, with hair tools by Shark Beauty. Davroe’s hair looks featured an organic hair shape that sat long and loose to the body, as well as polished curls. Relaxed ponytails or flowing styles were selected as necessary within the show.

“I guess the inspiration for this is more of a gentle hairdo. It’s simple, nothing that’s too complex or unachievable at home, but at the same time, the finish is elevated courtesy of Davroe – the products lift it up to a more luxurious level.”

DAVROE AND SHARK BEAUTY X MARIAM SEDDIQ

Mariam Seddiq walked Fashion Week in their eighth year, presenting the Chroma collection at the Clarence Vault Rooms heritage building in Sydney. Hair Director Madison Voloshin led the team backstage for fellow Australian label Davroe, with styling by Shark Beauty tools.

The fashion collection was inspired by chrome and the dynamic flow of molten metals in an Avant Garde showcase caught between a gritty dystopian landscape and the sleek allure of that inspirational chrome. The hair look offered edgy, punk-inspired black pixie cuts for all the models, within a choppy, grungy style with plenty of texture. This was managed by fitting the models in fitted, uniform wigs that had been carefully and consistently cut.

O&M X BLANCA STUDIOS

Vaucluse House in Sydney hosted Blanca Studio’s Resort 25' Collection, titled Jardin, with O&M and John Pulitano creating a fluid yet effortless, pinned back editorial look for the show.

“Every girl will have a different kind of look, but we are channelling a fluid, effortless, and raw hairstyle. We wanted to complement the collection itself which is very chic, sheer and soft. There’s a bit of embellishment to the garments, so we’ve gone for an ‘invisible pinned back look’ with the hair, keeping it simple and contour free. It’s very natural, with enhanced textures and rawness. The Blanca girl is chic, cool and understated and the hair really shows that.”

Images via Getty and Harry Hayes

WELLA X SPEED

Speed took to Sydney’s Aquarium, as the creative show walked in the space’s underwater tunnel amongst colourful marine life. Legendary hairdresser Renya Xydis and Wella styled and coloured for the show, titled Electric Sun, with a fittingly dazzling and wet hair brief in three creative looks.

“Inspired by the beauty of rebirth, we’ve curated intricate hair looks showcasing web-like, bejewelled and wet hair creations using Wella Professionals, to signify the solar evloution as represented in Alvi Chung’s collection,” Renya shared. The team also mixed and creatively applied hair colour for hero looks backstage, highlighting dramatic sunset shades.

REDKEN X NICOL & FORD

Nicol & Ford presented the Thorn collection, immersing guests in something of a sexual dungeon. Hair looks by Redken and leading hair director Richard Kavanagh were suitably on theme, with hair tied as handcuffs, placed in the mouths of models as gags.

“We’re really leaning into the idea of gender identity, sexual identity and the freedom of self-expression and the power of that, so we’re working with high shine, snatched ponytails and whip motifs,” Richard explained.

The hair looks covered three major themes – Kink, Animal and Burn. A mix of styles for Animal and “lived in, dirty hair with a smudge of charcoal and clay” for Burn still made way for the feature Kink theme. Packing and bondage tape proved the ideal hair accessory and fastener.

O&M X ASIYAM

O&M styled ASIYAM in a sleek, polished, highly stylised look by hair director Mary Alamine of Royals Hair Sydney.

“We’re doing something that’s quite high shine and polished. Some girls will have a middle part, some will have a side part, but it’s really sleek and tucked behind the ears with a glam wave. It’s a resort collection so we wanted to do something that had a little bit of glam but was still sophisticated and polished," Mary said. “The collection is very elegant and modest, we wanted the hair to complement and enhance the garments, while making a statement on its own,” she continued, adding that the one hair look kept the aesthetic uniformed, streamlined and prioritised a focus on the garments.

REDKEN X IORDANES SPYRIDON GOGOS

Redken complemented Iordanes Spyridon Gogos, pairing vivid, textural hair garments with hair sculptures, courtesy of Richard Kavanagh. Trojan horse sculptures atop heads acted as hero looks, building on the theme of ‘Chapter Four: The Woven Trojan Horse’.

“The looks were inspired by the shapes, textures and colours he referenced in his designs,” Richard explained. “Jordan collaborates with artists from multiple mediums and the show was really a showcase of art, creation, naivety and playfulness. Looks ranged from glassy, high shine luxe hair embellished with gold strands to palm tree ponytails constructed from hair to graphic cubic and semi sphere wigs with abstract negative space floating down the runway. We even created a massive Mohawk and some Mohawks in the shape of Trojan horses.”

SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL X INJURY

INJURY’s show was a sensorial experience. Titled 55555, it merged multidisciplinary art forms across fashion, film, music, 3D art and hair looks courtesy of Schwarzkopf Professional hair directors Jason Fassbender and Dee Parker Attwood. Beyond sci-fi, goth influences and a biker vibe, these looks also referenced the resilient beauty of the Australian landscape and the desert.

“The hair brief for today was goths, punks and misfits, we created 19 individual characters as opposed to one uniform look to really bring the vision together,” Jason said. “There are some really dark, solid, strong shapes on the runway. The fashion collection is super individual and has a goth punk element to it, so being able to create hair specifically for that has been really exciting.”

REDKEN X NEXT GEN

The first day of Australian Fashion Week displayed the future of fashion by way of Next Gen presented by DHL, with hair by Redken and hair director Jacky Chan of Oscar Oscar Salons. Collections by the four program winners selected for the show, Emily Watson, Amy Lawrance, Abby Potter of House of Campbell and Potirakis, created a diverse runway that required a versatile hair look to complement each aesthetic.

“All four designers had unique requirements, the key words ranged from regal undertones, lightly disheveled to fluffy,” Jacky shared. “However, they all had one common key word and that was ‘natural’. So, my goal was to build texture by using Redken’s Root Lifter and Full Volume Mousse and heat to create natural texture and movement.”

Images by Vienna Marie

SONIC POWER

muk Haircare’s electrical portfolio offers bold technology and the all-new Ultra Sonic dryer is a lightweight, ergonomic, quick, quiet and powerful new addition to their technical offering.

Welcome the allnew Ultra Sonic dryer from muk Haircare, the latest addition to an electrical category of advanced technology at competitive pricing. This new professional dryer is built with uncompromising quality, with professional hair and the salon environment front of mind.

The tool weighs just 390 grams, making it a lightweight and easy tool that is ideal for all-day salon use, while the ergonomic design offers a curved handle that creates support and comfort for the hairdresser.

Anchored by an efficient high-speed BLDC Motor and Low Noise Fan, the tool promises a powerful, quicker and quieter drying experience, for both the hairdresser and client. Hair health is also a priority, as the technology focuses on the condition, protection, longevity and shine of the hair.

Major features of the Ultra Sonic include infrared lights, which are imbedded in the dryer’s barrel to infuse a gentle heat deep inside the hair shaft, while an ionic generator generates millions of negative ions to infuse shine and protect the hair. The tool also presents three adjustable fan settings and three adjustable temperature settings, as well as a no-hold cool shot,

to ensure total adaptability, customisation and control as tailored for each hair type and texture.

Beyond these features, a lock feature means users can be assured in their blow drying that the settings won’t be accidentally changed. The auto cleaning feature safeguards the dryer’s longevity and adds further ease for the user. Attachments such as two interchangeable nozzles and a diffuser add to the tool, fitting firmly in place and specifically suiting various hair types and scenarios, for tailored style. The tool also comes with a professional three metre tangle free cord with a hook that eliminates tangling and twisting and allows the dryer to be set on the wall for convenience.

Add Ultra Sonic to your kit and discover the latest in muk Haircare’s innovative electrical portfolio.

For more information visit www.mukhair.com

INFEATURE

REPAIR AND CARE

epres have launched their very first Shampoo and Conditioner, with a healthy, savvy, eco-friendly product duo that’s winning fans around the world.

Introducing the all-new Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner from epres, which debuted the pair in the USA earlier this year, ahead of its August 2024 Australian launch. The brand is renowned for its bold technology in innovative bond building hair care solutions, and this new care and cleanse focused duo adds to those reparative capabilities in salon and at home.

Ushering in a milestone as the brand’s first new product launch since its inception, the highly anticipated launch highlights a new chapter not just for epres, but for consumer hair care routines locally and abroad. Created by world-renowned material scientist Eric Pressly, Ph.D., epres was designed to make bond building simpler, more innovative, and environmentally

friendly. This product launch builds on that legacy in its exceptional formulation, engineered to repair and rejuvenate hair with bond building technology that prioritises performance, reliability, and sustainability.

“Our new products, the Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner, are approachable to all and make achieving healthy hair easy and accessible,” Dr. Pressly explained.

The epres Healthy Hair Shampoo offers care for all hair types and textures. The product’s patented Biodiffusion™ Technology protects against damage during the shampooing process, effectively cleansing the hair to gently remove oil, debris, and buildup. The dual-action formula allows for daily use or a deeper cleanse when repeated. A transparent fragrance of naturally derived vanilla provides the ideal finish.

This is complemented by the epres Healthy Hair Conditioner for lighter, shinier hair that dries quickly. Also made in a quat-free, high-performance formula that emulsifies upon contact with water, this product smooths and detangles all hair types and textures without being weighed down by a sticky formula. Similarly utilising Biodiffusion™ Technology in a dualaction, vanilla-scented formula that can be rinsed out or used as a leave-in, the product aids in adding moisture and shine. Both products align with the epres value system in being eco-friendly, vegan, sulphate-free and cruelty-free.

“I was impressed by how clean and light the hair felt after using it, the shampoo is quite ‘liquidy’ so it worked well when massaged into wet hair and did not weigh it down at all. The conditioner is lightweight and emulsified beautifully, whilst leaving the hair smooth and soft,” shared leading celebrity hairdresser and Australian epres Ambassador, Jaye Edwards of EdwardsAndCo.

The products have won acclaim from hair experts and media representatives across the global industry, for their transformative capabilities on hair health and texture, usability and efficacy.

“The epres bond repair technology has been essential to keeping all of my guests’ hair healthy behind the chair and this Shampoo and Conditioner will be the best complement to the bond repair treatment,” said Los Angeles celebrity hairstylist and American epres Ambassador, Bradley Leake.

“I like how epres takes a thoughtful approach to hair and science, working to maintain hair health with minimal impact on the environment. The Shampoo and Conditioner are quat free and use special technology that doesn't affect our water supply, whilst working effectively on all hair types delivering clean hair and clean impact,” Jaye added.

After making a suds-free splash in the US, the epres Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner are launching in Australia as of August 2024, changing hair care routines and elevating healthy hair across the country. Discover this technology for yourself. For

Yearbook

BARBERS CHAIR

Yearbook

Forecasting nine must-have hairstyles for hair professionals and clients to draw inspiration from year-round, American Crew’s new editorial brand expression, Yearbook, takes style into a new realm of dynamism and diversity at a global level.

CAMPUS has been designed to support the professional hair community and their clients through e-learning resources, activations, and beyond. Signifying the debut year of CAMPUS with American Crew’s Yearbook session and with a commitment to an annual release, each edition will showcase the latest trending styles of the year.

Yearbook is on-trend, inspirational and globally rich and includes

comprehensive resources designed to master each trend-forward look, including step-by-step technical videos, expert recommended American Crew care and styling products, and imagery we want to see now. With a dedication to excellence, American Crew ensures that each hairstyle in the collection reflects the latest industry standards, enabling stylists to unleash their creativity and elevate their men’s styling skills. Whether seasoned professionals or aspiring stylists, Yearbook caters to individuals at every stage of their career journey, offering resources to fuel their growth, success, and stay on top of quickly evolving trends from the barber to the salon and the street.

AMERICAN CREW HAIR TEAM

From American Crew Australia – Lino D'Addario, @americancrewoz, @linoeducator

From American Crew France - Samy Petot and Guillaume Fort, @american_crew_france, @samypetot, @fortgiullaume

Editorial Photography – David Raccuglia, @david_raccuglia_ photography

Wardrobe Stylist - Lola Villaescusa, @lolavillaescusastylist

BTS Photography – P&L Studio Creatif, @pl_studiocreatif

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH

Yearbook

WHAT: ATTABOY/AT-AH-BOY/ – ‘a word given for a damn good job!’ WHERE AND WHEN: ATTABOY hair is a unisex barber and hairdresser founded by local boy Robby Lippett in 2019 with four locations in Adelaide.

ATTABOY

Robby started Attaboy as a one man band, set up as a sub-lease in a local café on the west side of Adelaide, offering appointments only, neat cuts, and great coffee in a relaxed environment. Fast forward five years, and he’s now proudly operating four Attaboys across South Australia in Hilton, Unley, Kent Town and Henley Beach plus two sister barbershops under the brand Boh Oh Boy in Perth, specifically Rockingham and Mandurah.

Additionally, Robby has opened LOXLEY Coffee right next door to the Kent Town Attaboy. As Robby puts it, “It just makes total sense, especially after seeing how well this model has worked for us previously.”

We spoke to Robby about this ever-growing barber brand.

WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Attaboy is about quality, not quantity. Being an appointment-only barbershop, it helps us build stronger relationships with our clients. One thing that sets us apart is we offer colouring services, which most barbershops don't provide. This has become our signature and making us the go-to place for men's colouring outside of traditional hairdressing salons.

WHAT

ARE YOU SEEING MORE OF IN THE SHOP IN 2024?

With the power of social media, 2024 has brought a whole heap of hair trends. First was 'the perm', which I didn't expect—young lads were coming in wanting a skin fade with noodle hair. The second trend, which we're loving, is the all-over bleach on really short hair. This is usually followed up by a haircut a week later to let the regrowth come through—lots of buzz cuts and crops for this. Lastly, and my favourite, is the early 2000s look inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio and David Beckham—the medium-length middle part.

DESCRIBE YOUR BARBERSHOP’S

STYLE?

We wanted to move away from the traditional barbershop style and ensure consistency across all four Attaboy locations. It has an industrial feel and features exposed aggregate polished concrete floors, floor-to-ceiling tilt-up mirrors measuring one metre wide by 2.5 metres high, and an abundance of plants. We love our coffee, so each of our shops is strategically placed next to four great South Australian coffee shops.

For Boy Oh Boy in Perth, we straddle the line between barbershop and salon. It maintains an industrial feel with large mirrors and plenty of plants. The lads there are passionate about football, so we've created a designated PlayStation area for FIFA and adorned the walls with soccer jerseys. For more information visit www.attaboyhair.com.au

LOST BOYS BARBER STUDIO

NAME: Lost Boys Barber Studios

WHERE: Three locations on the Gold Coast - Southport, Burleigh and Tugun.

WHO: A great mix of barbers featuring born and raised locals plus barbers from Brisbane and Melbourne who have moved to the coast in the past couple of years. Owned by Zac Attard, Lost Boys continues to look at new ways to shake up the industry. We spoke to Zac about the Lost Boys DNA.

WHAT SETS YOU APART?

Our clientele and our fit out. We feel like we attract who we are. We are all very interested in sports, music and fashion. Also, where we are located, highly affluent centres on the Gold Coast. I am extremely picky with where our shops are positioned as it reflects hugely on our business and clientele.

WHAT IS THE LOST BOYS SIGNATURE?

Up until recently we were known as a high-end barber shop on the Gold Coast but I wanted more than that. We all listen to the same music and our clients literally come here for our weekly updated playlists. So, I decided to throw our first rave. We had 120 tickets for sale and we sold out in ten days. It was one of the highlights of the past seven years since we opened and we will definitely be doing more in the future. I've attached some photos of the night!

WHAT ARE YOU SEEING MORE OF IN THE SHOP IN 2024?

People are definitely becoming less shy and more out there with their haircuts. Gone are the days of short back and sides! A lot of the time it's mullets, crops, shags and scissor work. I feel like the barbers from Brisbane and Melbourne introduced these styles into Lost Boys and made the Gold Coast barbers a lot more creative.

DESCRIBE YOUR SHOP'S STYLE?

All three shops have the same bones and features. We are a minimalistic barbershop where less is best. Whisper white walls, polished concrete floors, artisan rendered front desks, bars and shelves. Also, all three shops have Comfortel furniture throughout.

WHO IS YOUR CLIENTELE?

Most of our clients are aged from 16 to 40 years old. We definitely attract the trendier side of the coast.

WHAT IS YOUR SHOP PASSIONATE ABOUT?

We are passionate about ensuring that half an hour to hour and a half out of someone's day is the best part of their day. The music we play, the attitude of the barbers, the sports we play on TV and the way we welcome everyone is second to none. Also, our local craft beers on tap is what a lot of people enjoy as they are complimentary with every service.

For more information visit www.lostboysbarberstudios.com.au

New to the Intergallactic Collection

· Lightweight at only 260 grams

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

· Fits comfortbly in the hand, for great manoverability

· Runs quiet, still retaining clipping power

ANDREW DOLAN

New kid on the block at UNCLES BARBER SHOP

TALKING INSPO, HIS OUT-THERE HAIR VIBE AND DAVIDOFF CLASSIC.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO BARBERING?

I wasn't attracted, I was encouraged. I think it was me being so particular, always asking questions while getting my hair cut that it seemed obvious I’d get into hair. Eventually my barber suggested I start cutting hair myself.

WHAT CHALLENGES YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR NEW CAREER IN BARBERING?

Before I started I thought nothing would challenge me, I came from a hands on, creative background and I assumed I'd be a weapon straight away. I think that's been my biggest challenge, realising that I'm not the best and there's a very long way to go and a lot to learn before I'm the barber I want to be.

WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER FROM ROOM SERVICE AT MIDNIGHT?

Assuming I'm still hungry I think I'd order a cheese burger and fries and probably another bottle of red.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHERE?

I'd choose my partner Julia, we know what's good right here on the Gold Coast!

WHO IS YOUR LATEST CRUSH?

Julia, of course!

WHAT ARE YOUT THREE NON-NEGOTIABLES IN LIFE? Everything's negotiable.

WHO DO YOU LOOK UP TO IN THE INDUSTRY?

I look up to my dear friends and colleagues at UNCLES BARBER SHOP and other shops I’m familiar with. They're my favourite people in the industry. I watch plenty of hair on Instagram though, I'd say that's where I see most of my content.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO MORE OF IN YOUR CAREER?

Outrageous and bizarre styles and unpopular cuts and colour, I'd like to paint a lot of originals on people’s heads. Hair is art so treat it like that. I love to see more guys getting colour.

WHAT IS YOUR SCENT OF CHOICE?

I wore Davidoff The Brilliant Game for about ten years before it was recently discontinued. I now wear Burberry Hero. It's fresh and doing the job.

WHERE WILL WE FIND YOU ON A SUNDAY NIGHT?

You'll find me recovering from a slight hangover, with Julia and some friends. Most likely enjoying some delicious oysters and small plates, under the setting sun. All while enjoying a nice glass of chilled red.

ONE THING YOU’RE GOING TO DO BETTER NEXT YEAR?

I've peaked already! Just kidding. How 'bout you wait and see? I’m pumped for my career in hair!

SIMON SAYS

Simon Doyle has joined the esteemed BaBylissPRO Education Team, adding to the vast talent and innovations already on offer.

BaBylissPRO continues to prize education alongside innovation, as the BaBylissPRO 2024 Australian Team’s latest iteration debuted on stage at Hair Festival 2024. The team is comprised of an assortment of national barbering stars, who each bring their own skills and passions to the squad to offer versatile techniques, trends, and insights – think of them as The Avengers of men’s hair.

Simon Doyle is the group’s newest member, bringing his prowess in longer men’s lengths, creative haircuts and editorial proficiency. Simon is originally from Dublin, Ireland, and has grown his career locally at AREA Studio in Melbourne. With his passion for men’s hair stemming from an education in art and design, Simon has educated and worked across Europe, particularly in Barcelona, Spain, and more recently hosted classes across Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. His energy, showmanship and drive to make education always enjoyable and accessible makes him a valuable asset to the team.

“Being a part of such a massive global brand is a major achievement and a pivotal milestone in my career,” Simon said about the new appointment. “I’m thrilled to work with an incredibly talented team, travelling and sharing my experiences, values, and concepts about hair with the industry. The opportunity to connect with a wider audience and network with many more people in the field is exhilarating.”

Simon has styled music videos, been a finalist in the category of Modern Barber of the Year at the 2023 Australian Modern Barber Awards and has been on stage at Hair Festival since 2021. He values BaBylissPRO for their focus on education and craftsmanship, making this a seamless partnership.

“BaBylissPRO aligns seamlessly with my values as a barber, reflecting innovation,

quality, and a commitment to excellence. BaBylissPRO's emphasis on education resonates deeply with me, as I prioritise continuous learning and skill refinement. The brand's reputation for reliability and durability mirrors my own commitment to providing top-notch service and results,” he said.

“The current lineup of BaBylissPRO tools is a game-changer for professional barbers like me. Each tool is meticulously designed to elevate our craft, offering precision, power, and versatility. Whether it's the clippers, trimmers, or styling tools, BaBylissPRO consistently delivers superior performance and reliability. These tools enhance our work by allowing us to achieve flawless fades, intricate designs, and immaculate styles with ease. The ergonomic designs ensure comfort during long hours of use, while the cutting-edge technology ensures consistent results every time.”

Simon joins lead educator for BaBylissPRO Australia, Fraser Forsey, who continuously pushes the limits in both education and barbering. The team is further comprised of Lance Liufau of The Loft Barbershop who brings 20 years of industry experience and an inimitable drive for excellence, Lino D’Adderio, who runs

family business Luigi and Sons Barbershop with 30 years of award-winning experience, and Jonathan Tavita Goodwin, the national education manager for Tommy Gun’s Barbershop, who specialises in modern and traditional styles.

At Hair Festival the BaBylissPRO team showcased the all-new FXONE BlackFX Collection, which was debuted nationally by BaBylissPRO Barberology expert and international ambassador Sofie Pok. The BaBylissPRO FXONE BlackFX Collection is an entire ecosystem of barbering tools powered by a single, universal battery. Housed in a sleek matte black design, the FXONE BlackFX tools join the FXONE LoPROFX Clipper and Trimmer and GoldFX Collection as a seamless system that eliminates the need for multiple bulky chargers and reduces the cost of acquiring new tools, with professional ease as the driving force behind these brand innovations.

The BaBylissPRO FXONE Battery at the centre of this system features a tack switch to check power levels with 4-stage LED light indicators, as well as up to two and a half hours of runtime. The BaBylissPRO FXONE BlackFX Clipper, Trimmer and Stick Shaver offer powerful motors, advanced ergonomics, flexible manoeuvrability and other groundbreaking professional features for health, safety, efficiency and toptier results.

"The one thing I love about BaBylissPRO is that they’re continually listening to everyone in the community. They listen to us, they listen to anyone testing these products, and they’re always figuring out ways to make our lives easier," Sofie Pok said about the collection.

With top-tier tools in the kit and a talented team leading the way, the future is bright for BaBylissPRO.

For more information visit www.datelineimports.com.au or www.babylisspro.com.au

WORDS OF WISDOM

DANE WAKEFIELD

Founder of Wakefields. Salon

ON LIFE LESSONS, BUSINESS GROWTH AND LISTENING TO OTHERS.

WHAT PUSHED YOU TO OPEN A SALON?

Opening a salon was definitely not on the cards for me until a couple of years ago when I was working for someone that had no intention of growing his business or the people working for him and I was working hard to maintain a strong clientele. I then had an epiphany and realised that if I didn’t push myself I’d be doing this for the rest of my life and that just seemed so mediocre to me. If I want something to change, then I need to make that change myself. I put everything into my work and I have a passion for passing on my learnings to other stylists so it just seemed like the natural progression for me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FASHION LABEL AND WHY? JACQUEMUS for sure! It’s fun and playful but so bloody chic!

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A LOST ART IN HAIR?

Being a well-rounded hairdresser. So many people want to specialise in areas like blondes or extensions, which is great but there’s nothing that gets me going more than an artist that can do it all!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN YOUR SALON COMPARED TO PAST SALONS YOU’VE WORKED AT?

Here’s three: listen, respect and appreciate.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HAIR AESTHETIC?

I would say my hair aesthetic is sexy, chic, playful and directional.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GROW YOUR TEAM AND BUSINESS?

I think listening to each individual team member is super important, to find out what they need to get them to where they

want to be. There are so many avenues to go down in hair these days and for a team to excel in as many as possible is essential.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN HAIR TRENDS CHANGE THIS YEAR?

There has been a huge change in hair this year. Clients are so much more condition focused and we are seeing much more hair health journeys, which is a huge slay. Colour is now focusing on enhancing and mimicking natural highlights and depth, creating elevated expensive results! A healthy head of hair is always in fashion, darling!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE VALUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR NEW BUSNESS?

Respect first and foremost, and instilling confidence in not only my team but every client that walks into Wakefields.

WHAT’S ONE ITEM YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

It would have to be my Hayu subscription, I honestly need my fix of reality TV, it helps me remember that I’m not so crazy after all!

ONE NEW PRACTICE OR RITUAL YOU’VE ADOPTED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?

Not caring what people think of me. I used to be so selfconscious and worried I was doing the wrong thing, or I should be following a particular path. I have never been happier since just being me and I have just opened the most amazing salon in Sydney, Surry Hills. I think not caring about things that don’t serve me is suiting me pretty well too!

FORTY

Legendary hairdresser Jamie Caroll is celebrating 40 years in hair, adding to his accolades and storied career in the process.

Congratulations on forty years of hairdressing to Jamie Caroll, who was honoured at the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative) by being inducted into the Dennis Langford Hall of Fame. Jamie has built several successful companies over his long career, including his own selfnamed salon, which he runs with his wife and business partner Viktoria.

As an educator, Jamie has taught generations of students globally, presented sold-out business seminars and educated at major US events, while often working as a guest in US salons. He has also been a sought-after guest artist across China, South Korea, Germany and France.

As a session stylist and photographer, Jamie’s work has been published in over

120 publications across 50 countries. Jamie was a global pioneer in producing and selling online hair videos across multiple languages. Jamie has spent decades as an official event photographer, including for 14 years as a judge for the NHHA AWARDS, and has worked as a music photographer with EMI and WEA RECORDS for artists including Crowded House, Tina Arena, Joe Cocker, Duran Duran, Roxette and Cliff Richard. In his vocation as a photographer, Jamie worked with the Alternative Hair Show at Royal Albert Hall, as well with Vidal Sassoon in a campaign that raised funds after Hurricane Katrina.

In celebrity hair and fashion, Jamie has styled hair for the Golden Globes and

Australian Fashion Week, as well as for fashion events in LA, the Logies and the Emmy Awards. A-listers such as Olivia Newtown John, Deborah Furness, Layne Beachley, The Veronicas, Megan Gale and Jennifer Hawkins have graced his chair and he's collaborated with fashion leaders.

Jamie has been on the forefront of raising money for TAFE training programs and has worked behind the scenes in training and content for Just Cuts, Goldwell, Wella and Pivot Point. Jamie currently holds the role of Treasurer of Australia for Intercoiffure and has been with the organisation in important positions for decades.

For his work, Jamie has won and been nominated in awards across business, styling, colour, salon design, global influence and more, nationally and globally. He was knighted in Paris with the Ordre de la Chevalerie award by Intercoiffure Mondial, honouring his long service to the craft of hairdressing. For more information visit www.jamiecarrollhairandbeauty.com.au

FULL SERVICE

muk Haircare has undergone a rebrand of their professional business, ushering in a new era where professional and retail focuses are more separate, and salons can appreciate a specified, comprehensive offering of professional care, style, electrical, colour, education and business development categories.

It’s been a big year for muk Haircare – the originally Australian, global brand has embarked on its latest phase, diverging the professional and consumer sides through a rebrand across social media and marketing material, as well in new branding, communication and an updated, professional logo. The brand’s new creative approach and design was reflected on their Hair Festival stand and in a newly developed website, where the professional focus is given its own space.

Online, professional hairdressers can find everything from the brand’s colour portfolio to its colour chart, technical support, professional basin products and in salon treatments, as well as the muk Haircare e-commerce store and education initiatives. This full service offering across colour, haircare, styling and electrical products, as well as diverse education, is unique in the market, while muk Haircare further prides itself on its salon support. Salons can anticipate full sales and technical support thanks to on the ground sales representatives and educators, with a company that continues to grow.

The muk Haircare brand is led by a family owned, dynamic team that develops, tests, manufactures and designs its own products in an intimate setting building a wide reach. With new salons partnering with muk colour services and retail products daily, the brand continues to elevate, as fuelled by this new era and performance as an anchoring facet.

“muk Haircare is an Australian, family owned professional haircare brand with a bold attitude and serious product performance,” the brand shared. “Since launching in 2006, our mission has been to cut through the crowd with performance driven products that ‘say what they do and do what they say’. muk is a full-service professional brand, with a complete product and brand portfolio.”

Our mission has been to cut through the crowd with performance driven products that ‘say what they do and do what they say’.”

MUK HAIRCARE

muk Haircare’s professional colour range is built on key tenets of accessibility, honesty and delivery of product performance to achieve top-tier results. Key tools include the muk Hybrid Cream Hair Color, which offers one versatile tube that contains a unique, undetermined pigment that allows the colour to fully develop for whichever result the colourist desires for total personalisation. The muk Express Toners are a speedy toning range that can be used alone or complement the muk hybrid toning methods for efficient colour, while the Vivid muk Direct Dye hues run the gamut from luminous to muted, bold and sophisticated to truly expand your colour palette, with infinite intermixable and customisable options.

In innovative care and style, the professional and retail products centre high performance and efficacy. The extensive product range highlights healthy hair in its condition and integrity, and all haircare and styling products are PETA approved. The award winning muk styling tools were developed by hairdressers in an electrical offering that prioritises superior technology, ergonomic design and versatility for professional hairdressers and consumers, across all hair types. The comprehensive line includes straightening, smoothing, curling and drying tools.

In education, muk Haircare

is committed to supporting your salon team from the start of your salon partnership and beyond, beginning with in-salon change over training and transition support and expanding to ongoing customised in-salon training, live in-salon and guest education, product knowledge and professional education, sales and customer service support thanks to technical and guest educators. Hairdressers further gain access to the muk Hybrid Global Creative Facebook Group, which is a global community of muk colourists working and sharing together, as well as having access to a technical hotline and the full brand technical team that supports all salons across Australia.

Beyond this wide-ranging education, the brand’s specified Thrive Salon Business Development category, which asks salons ‘do you want to survive or thrive?’, elevates businesses to maximise your clients’ salon experience. Working with promotional concepts and strategies to increase productive services, the program looks to grow your business and increase exposure with turnkey, social media and customised promotions as well as in-salon incentives.

From business to education and care, style, colour and electrical portfolios, muk Haircare is your onestop shop to help your salon flourish. Be a part of their new era and never look back.

For more information visit www.mukhair.com

TIGI copyright colour is a professional hair colour line designed for salon use. With a wide range of shades and tones, this innovative colour line allows hairdressers to unleash their creativity and provide clients with vibrant and long-lasting results. The superior formula of TIGI copyright colour delivers exceptional shine and nourishment to the hair, leaving it healthy and beautiful.

Colour Undo is a revolutionary product that removes unwanted semi-permanent and permanent hair colour without damaging the hair. This gentle and effective formula is perfect for clients who want to change their hair colour without the commitment. Colour Undo is also infused with nourishing ingredients that leave the hair feeling soft and smooth.

TIGI Copyright Colour, Colour Undo, NVNT haircare, and Organik Bodi are now available for purchase on Parallel Distributions' website and through its authorized salons.

NVNT haircare is a game-changer in the hair industry. This luxurious line of hair care products is made with natural, vegan, and cruelty-free ingredients, making it a guilt-free choice for hair care enthusiasts. From shampoos and conditioners to styling products, NVNT offers a complete range of products to cater to all hair types and needs.

Organik Bodi offers a range of body care and haircare products made with organic and natural ingredients, providing clients with a healthier and more sustainable option for their self-care routine. The Organik Bodi line includes body washes, scrubs, lotions, and more, all created to nourish and pamper the skin and hair with 100% soured organic ingredients right here in Australia.

BOOSTED

An exclusive new range of curl-specific products is arriving in salon - discover Curly Boost, thanks to Natural Look Australia.

Welcome Curly Boost from Natural Look Australia, which adds to the Hair Food family in a compact range designed to enhance and embrace naturally curly hair. The products build on ever-increasing curly and natural hair trends and inclusivity around this important hair category.

Curly Boost features high quality ingredients to protect and maintain those shiny, soft and luscious curls, as anchored by humectant-binding properties of Hyaluronic Acid. This helps to retain the proper balance of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy hair. The results ensure smooth, less frizzy strands. Other key components include Quinoa Protein and Australian Native Desert Lime, which are active ingredients that work together to hydrate, add shine, strengthen hair and promote elasticity.

The collection is currently comprised of the Curly Boost Hydrating Shampoo, to gently cleanse wavy, curly and coily hair types, as complemented by the Curly Boost Hydrating Conditioner, to soften and detangle these hair types, while staying weightless and restoring moisture and shine. The Curly Boost Hyaluronic Curl Activator is formulated to soften and define curls, eliminate frizz and add control, ensuring bouncy, defined, voluminous curls, without crunch.

These products are sustainably made, manufactured using up to 80 per cent solar energy, and made in Australia. The range boasts sustainable packaging made with up to 30 per cent PCR content (Post

Consumer Resin). The products are also free from SLS, Parabens and Petroleum Based Products and cruelty free and vegan. Discover these new technologies now. For more information visit www.naturalook.com.au

INHAIR

THE LATEST SALON ARRIVALS

1. ROH

The Reset Scalp Wash and Condition (07) 3899 9133

2. DUNGÜD Lift Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner www.dungud.com

3. DESIGNME

Gloss.ME Hydrating Treatment Mask (02) 9666 3611

4. TRICHOVEDIC

Hair+Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo www.trichovedic.com.au

5. FARCOM HD Repair Oil Keratin & Monoi De Tahiti www.eonia.com.au

6. HH SIMONSEN Dry Texture Spray (02) 9666 3611

7. DYSON Chitosan Pre-Style Cream www.dyson.com.au

8. JUUCE

Res.Q.Plex Intense Repair Bond Restore Treatment (07) 3850 6200

9. WELLA

Color Fresh Mask in Golden Gloss www.wella.com/professional/en-AU

10. ILES

Formula Scalp + Body Exfoliant 1300 725 122

11. INNOLUXE Calm Down Conditioner (03) 9583 1575

12. MALIBU C

Colour Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner (02) 9666 3611

13. LIMITLESS Mega Moisture Conditioner and Shampoo and Multi-Miracle Mask www.amr.com.au 1 2 13 4 8 5 11 7 6 12 3 9 10

1. WILDE BY OSCAR Violet + Hemp Seed Blonde Enrich Conditioner

2. DUNGÜD Pomp Workable Hairspray www.dungud.com

3. NINE YARDS Easy Life Heat Protection Spray www.nineyardsaustralia.com

4. REVLON PROFESSIONAL RE/START Color Balayage Care Cream www.revlonprofessional.com

5. JOICO

Defy Damage In A Flash 1300 764 437

The Scalp Renew Serum and The Daily Hair Tonic (07) 3899 9133 1 2 4 11 8 10 5 6 7 13 14 3 9 12

6. TRICHOVEDIC Luxury Heat Shield

7. AVEDA invati ultra advanced™ Fortifying Leave-In Treatment www.aveda.com.au

8. FARCOM HD Keratin & Argan Oil www.eonia.com.au

9. O&M

Dry Queen Brunette Dry Shampoo 1300 724 635

10. OUIDAD

Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream (02) 9666 3611 www.trichovedic.com.au

11. SCREEN

Legerity Beauty Hair Cream (02) 9666 3611

12. SHIBUI

Everydayness Shampoo and Conditioner (02) 9666 3611

13. ECHOSLINE Ki-Power Veg Spray (02) 9666 3611

14. ROH

DIGITAL EXCELLENCE

Parlux’s all new ETHOS® Hair Dryer is hitting the Australian market in October, elevating your daily drying capabilities and becoming your new in-salon best friend.

Say hello to the Parlux ETHOS® Hair Dryer, which was first unveiled by the brand at Cosmoprof Bologna 2024 and will soon be Down Under too, with the first Australian sneak peek made available at the Dateline Imports stand during Hair Festival 2024 in Sydney. The tool makes use of Parlux’s proficiency in Italian-made, salon-quality, world-leading hair drying technology, thanks to 45 years of expertise, and packs power, professionalism and innovation into a savvy, compact design.

as HFS - Hair Free System, which keeps the dryer clean with simple daily maintenance, and an Anti-Heating Front Body with triple insulation and an air chamber so the dryer is kept cool for easier grip, use and movement, where hairdressers can hold it in

ETHOS® merges a timeless design with bold digital technology, with performance and reliability always front of mind. The tool marks a departure from the previous DigitAlyon model, with a central professional digital motor at its core, delivering a powerful output of 2,300 Watts, as housed in a light, sturdy and powerful build.

The tool promises quicker, long-lasting results, with the ETHOS® designed especially to meet the demands of intensive, daily salon use, with durability as a priority. Made with a small diameter and classic handle, ETHOS® has a balanced, ergonomic design to withstand lengthy salon services.

ETHOS® also champions creativity, thanks to the patented STC – Special Twisting Cable system, which means the dryer can flexibly spin while hairdressers move, without tangling, for further durability and ease of use. The cable freely rotates 360 degrees, eliminating kinks for comfort and efficiency.

The tool boasts nine speed and temperature combinations in a customisable, digital interface of three speed and three temperature settings. The memory function retains the last setting used for quick and immediate use, while Air Ionizer Tech emits negative ions for faster drying, while also neutralising static electricity for soft, silky, shiny, and frizzfree hair.

Other features include the brand’s innovative hair catcher system, known

ETHOS® is available in the Standard version with two concentrator nozzles of both Standard and Slim, or through the Pack, while also offers the MagicSense® Diffuser to help with drying naturally curly hair.

The tool offers exclusive texture and colour options in seven versatile huesMatte White, Fuchsia, Lilac, Galaxy Blue, Copper, Titanium and Black – crafted in antibacterial paint for the safest user experience. Built with Italian precision and craftmanship, hairdressers can expect a reliable, high-quality tool that elevates services and creativity, with elevated handling and touch types.

Distributed in Australia and New Zealand through Dateline Imports P/L, welcome this new innovation to your professional tool kit in 2024. For more information visit www.datelineimports.com.au or www.parlux.com.au

LIQUID GOLD

Liquid Gold has been an Alpha-H best seller for 25 years and has recently enjoyed a relaunch with completely new packaging. The product has often been applauded as the closest you can get to a clinical skin treatment, at home. Designed with a unique low-pH delivery system, it’s clinically proven to increase luminosity, improve elasticity and even tone and texture. With quick results, Alpha-H claim you can feel it work in three seconds, notice the glow in three nights and see visible results in three weeks. The five per cent glycolic acid is the closest to a cosmedic treatment at home if you want to wake up with smoother, brighter looking skin that targets all signs of aging as well as skin texture and radiance.

www.alpha-h.com

ELLA BACHÉ X ROMANCE WAS BORN

To commemorate 70 years of empowering women and encouraging confidence in their own skin, iconic skincare brand Ella Baché and CEO Pippa Hallas has proudly collaborated with Australian fashion icons, Romance Was Born. Inspired by the history and iconic classics of Ella Baché, the brand has worked with Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born to curate limited edition packaging, which will adorn a special gift with purchase and three cult classic Ella Baché products, including the Special Eye Cream, Ultra Nourishing Cream and the Intensive Recovery Cream.

“Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales are true authentic visionaries, celebrated for their unique ability to blend art, fashion, and storytelling into vibrant creations. Their commitment to bold, imaginative design mirrors our dedication to pioneering skin solutions that inspire confidence and celebrate individuality. This is why we chose to collaborate with the iconic fashion duo,” Pippa said. www.ellabache.com.au

BEAUTY NEWS

INSKIN.CO

The recent launch of INSKIN. CO in Australia makes history with Marie Cocciolione being the only Australian woman to create and launch three cosmedical brands nationally.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the range includes cleansers and exfoliants, corrective serums, hydrators and masks as well as ‘not so basic kits’. A Tremella and B3 serum containing silver mushroom, Hyaluronic and Niacinamide joins an army of actives and quick solutions for every skin type.

“My goal is to give professional skin clinics a buffet of active ingredients that are clinically proven and will cover every patient’s budget and skin needs,” Maria said. “I believe that with this launch my goal is now a tangible reality, poised to revolutionise the skincare industry.” www.inskinco.com

LIFT THE LIDS

Dermalogica’s latest Phyto Nature innovation is based around the fact that skin around the eyes is 10 times thinner than elsewhere on the face and more vulnerable to accelerated aging, yet most eye treatments haven’t been designed for use on the eyelid. Where most have ignored the drooping and sagging lids that can occur around the eyes, Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream is an essential multipurpose eye solution. Containing quinoa seed extract, powerful multipeptides, matcha butter and squalene it hydrates, firms and noticeably redensifies skin. www.dermaologica.com.au

GUIDANCE 46

In 2023, Amouage released what instantly became one of its most admired creations: Guidance Eau de Parfum. A year on, creators Renaud Salmon and Quentin Bisch have returned to the unique landscape that created in Guidance Eau de Parfum and cast it in an even more mesmerising light. The result of their efforts is a new addition to The Guidance Collection – Guidance 46, with 46 meaning a 46 per cent concentration of perfume oils.

“Quentin didn’t remove anything from the original formula, but instead added certain ingredients to make all the parts of the structure stand out against each other with greater power and complexity,” Renaud shared. Pear notes, floral tints, Bitter Almond and Pink Pepper facets ensure that the Hazelnut is even more prevalent.

www.libertineparfuymerie.com.au

SALON GABRIELLE

Celebrity hairdresser Gabrielle Roccuzzo has debuted her second Melbourne space as an extension of Salon Gabrielle, which expands the salon brand from its flagship space in Moonee Ponds, writes Shannon Guss

The new Salon Gabrielle space, which opened in June, is situated in Prahran and spans over 170 square metres across two storeys in a neutral palette that is the ideal, Insta-worthy backdrop for the now iconic Salon Gabrielle looks.

“The opening of our second salon in Prahran is a huge milestone for us. Our goal has always been to create spaces where clients not only leave looking beautiful but also feel empowered and confident. The new location allows us to bring our unique brand of hair artistry to more Victorians,” Gabrielle said.

Across both spaces, Salon Gabrielle offers luxurious and cutting-edge hair treatments in an equally luxury environment. The salon is designed in soft pinks and beiges, with curved finishes and smooth furnishings that invite clients into the tranquil, welcoming space.

The space builds on Gabrielle’s success as a stylist to the stars with a client base including Larsa Pippen, Victoria's Secret’s Megan Williams, Elle Ferguson, Sophie Monk, Nadia Bartel, Lana Wilkinson, radio host Jackie-O and Sophia Stallone. Gabrielle has also styled hair for the Logies, ARIAs and the Brownlow, as well as New York Fashion Week. Her meticulous approach to hair styling has seen her win titles at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards.

“Travelling and working with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment has been an incredible journey. Each experience has enriched my approach and allowed me to bring fresh, trendsetting styles back to my clients in Melbourne. I am excited to see what the future holds with our new Prahran location” Gabrielle said. For more information visit www.salongabrielle.com.au

BOND SHAPING

OLAPLEX have launched their new Bond Shaping Technology™, which is a threestep curl-restoring in-salon service that strengthens, shapes and locks broken bonds to ensure curl definition as well as stronger and healthier looking hair. Anchored by a unique peptide composed of 23 amino acids, this formula offers cortex-deep penetration to help pre-link and connect broken disulphide bonds in 3D. Coconut-avocado milk further imbues the hair with lauric acid, fatty acids and essential vitamins, while a Curl Retention Compound offers humidity resistant polymers, plant collagen and sugars that maintain definition, smoothness and shine. Curls are nourished, conditioned and repaired, while breakage is reduced and frizz is controlled. Visit au.olaplex.com

INSALON

THE LATEST TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY

The new Silver Bullet Asteria Hair Straightener features new intelligent sensing technology that automatically adjusts the temperature of the plates during straightening for faster, easier and more intuitive styling that protects and smooths hair. This sensor helps reduce dullness, colour fade and thermal damage. The tool is built with 32mm titanium plates in a lightweight design with dual voltage for worldwide use, as available in both black and champagne colours. The straightener offers five heat settings up to 230°C, fast heat-up and an ionic generator for shiny results, as well an auto cut-off feature after 60 minutes and an LED temperature indicator for ease of use. Call (02) 9666 3611 or visit www.datelineimports.com.au

TITANIUM AND BLUE VIOLET

Joico have unveiled their new Blonde Life Titanium and Blue Violet Demi Glosses, which are silver-inspired, cool-toned, intermixable shades that instantly neutralise unwanted warmth and brass. The glosses deliver cool iridescent and pearl blonde results on lighter tones with silver, steel, gray or smoky tone options. Hair is left soft, hydrated and strong through one quick, easy, customisable formula that tones, glazes and glosses. The formula also builds bonds, is ammonia-free, is pH balanced for optimal colour performance and adds condition to the hair, thanks to a signature blend of essential fatty acids including monoi oil and tamanu oil, as well as bond-building arginine.

Visit www.joico.com.au

ORIGINAL.PIGMENT

A line of 12 new clean, vivid, direct dye pigments from O&M have been unleashed by way of the new ORIGINAL.pigment collection, which offers customised, intermixable colours that range from soft to bold. Lasting through 30 cleanses and made to be suitable for all hair types, textures and genders, the colours are clean and kind in line with the O&M ethos, as free from sulfates, parabens, MIT, phthalates, triclosan, propylene, glycol and gluten, as well as being colour safe, PETA certified vegan and cruelty free. The colours additionally have neutral pH allowing for gentle colouring, while the stylish packaging is made from 100 per cent PCR materials. Visit www.originalmineral.com.au

IGORA VIBRANCE

Schwarzkopf Professional have revealed new IGORA VIBRANCE level 10 toners as the ideal toning solution for very blonde bases. The line of five dedicated ready-to-use shades offers bespoke blonde results with no extra dilution needed. The toners have a tailored and delicate pigment mix for subtle toning, allowing colourists to create soft pastel tones and to neutralise unwanted warm tones. Integrated FibreBond Technology reduces hair breakage and promotes healthy hair, in a gentle formula that’s suitable for all hair types. The services last up to six cleanses and visually improve the quality of the hair’s appearance. Visit www.schwarzkopf-professional.com/au/en.html

FORTIFY AND QUENCH

NAK Hair have launched Treatment drops in Fortify and Quench, which are formulated to provide a protective network for the cortex and cuticle layers after chemical services and colour change. The drops treat and repair dry, damaged and fragile hair with amino acids. hydrating lipids and nourishing skin protectives for optimal care and styling manageability in all hair types. The Fortify drops strengthen and nourish the hair for softness, condition and shine, thanks to Niacinamide, Amino Acids and Hemisqualane technology. The Quench drops boost hydration and shine to replenish dehydrated and frizzy hair with softness and moisture balance, courtesy of Vegetable Collagen, Ascorbic Acid, and Pre-Biotic technology. Visit www.nakhair.com.au

ME, MYSELF AND I

Styling solo? BizCover delves into why you should consider protecting your most important asset – yourself.

Cost of living pressures are shaping the professional beauty industry in an unexpected way—increasing the number of single operators. A perfect storm of circumstances has led to a surge in ‘non-employing businesses’ across Australia. Classed separately from sole proprietors by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, these are small businesses that provide the owner with a reasonable annual income and are required to pay GST.

Historically, young entrepreneurs could obtain business loans to buy existing staffed businesses from recent retirees or owners selling up, but this is no longer a viable option for many hairdressers. Young hairdressers tend to be renters, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to buying an established salon. The rental crisis has made saving money difficult for many, and banks are unlikely to extend business loans to renters.

These factors effectively force many aspiring hairdressers to strike out on their own by providing mobile services or signing rent-a-chair agreements with existing salons. The latest data from the Australian Taxation Office reveals that 70 per cent of hairdressers operate solo.

FREEDOM THAT COMES WITH RISK

Single-operator hairdressers can shape careers that fit their lifestyles by choosing their work hours, setting their own rates, and having more control over the clients they work with. However, running a small business on your own comes with risk.

In an interview with the ABC, former Australian Hairdressing Council CEO Sandy Chong expressed concern over the industry's rise in non-employing businesses.

“I think the thing is you don't actually think about what could go wrong. If something happens to you as far as your health then what kind of financial back up do you have?” she told the ABC in February.

Sandy’s worries are not unfounded. An injury or serious illness could significantly impact your ability to work and earn an income.

From July 2022 to June 2023, the average hospital stay for all injury types was three and a half days, according to data collected by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. A stay of that length could easily translate to thousands of dollars in lost income for a busy hairdresser. If you require an extended recovery period, your earnings and savings might take a further blow.

HOW PERSONAL ACCIDENT & ILLNESS INSURANCE MAY HELP

Single operators might want to consider protecting their most important asset—themselves—with insurance.

If something happens to you as far as your health then what kind of financial back up do you have?”

SANDY CHONG

Rent, utilities and other bills don’t stop just because you’re unable to work. When operating as a sole trader and not having access to workers’ compensation, a Personal Accident and Illness policy could help you keep the lights on until you’re back on your feet. This cover provides a weekly income benefit following an accidental injury or illness once signed off from work by a medical practitioner for a set amount of time. Your policy could provide a weekly income benefit of up to 85 per cent of your income for a set time after an accidental injury.

Importantly, Personal Accident policies cover more than just your work activities. They also cover you in your off time—nights, weekends, and even on holiday. So, if a trip and fall during your morning run turns into a broken arm, you won’t have to worry about losing critical income while you recover.

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH BIZCOVER

A Personal Accident policy could help hairdressers continue to pay their bills following an injury—and BizCover can help them buy cover on the go. Hairdressers can easily compare Personal Accident quotes online and buy in minutes. There’s no paperwork or medicals to apply, so you won’t need to take time out of your busy day to get covered. You can even review other essential cover—like Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance—at the same time and see if you could be saving.

Join the nearly 4,000 hairdressers who already trust BizCover with their business insurance needs. For more information visit www.bizcover.com.au

TEAMWORK

Kamrin Hira delves into how to grow your ultimate salon investment – your team.

When a salon owner decides they want to focus on growing their business, many will focus on things like creating a business strategy or investing in new forms of marketing, but there’s one major factor that’s often not given the attention it deserves - your team.

Keep reading to learn how focusing on creating a strong team culture can grow your salon to new heights you never thought possible!

GET YOUR TEAM INVESTED IN YOUR SALON’S PERFORMANCE

Getting your team invested in your salon and its results is a great way to increase their commitment, sense of responsibility and willingness to work as a team, which helps to improve the culture and the overall success of your business.

One effective way to achieve this is by sharing your business finances with your team. This creates a sense of transparency, which leads to ownership and shared responsibility, showing your staff that their hard work truly makes a difference. It fosters trust and shows them that they are valued members of the team, making them happier, strengthening that team bond, and helping improve culture.

Lean on your salon software to help you with this—it should be able to project metrics so you and your team can see where you’re likely to land at the end of the week or month based on current performance, taking away any guesswork. Not only does this make the target seem less daunting, but it also provides oversight into what is needed to hit the goal.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A TEAM MEETING

Team meetings are so important for the culture of your team. They’re a space where everyone can stop their work and unwind, allowing everyone to connect. To maintain a great culture, here are some things you should focus on in your next meeting.

You want to make sure that everyone can attend. The worst feeling is when the entire team is getting together, and one person is still stuck with a client or needs to leave early for an upcoming appointment. It stops your team from important socialising and also shows that you don’t value the idea of a team meeting. Plan your team meetings well in advance and block out that time in your appointment book so everyone can attend.

Make meetings engaging and fun by having a mix of fun tasks and icebreakers, along with serious things like sharing financial performance or team news. You want your staff

to enjoy the meetings and look forward to them, not view them as dull or a waste of time.

Another important part is to make the team feel like they have input into the meeting. Rather than telling them about things, try to get everyone to collaborate and discuss ideas about upcoming promotions or things to focus on to make the salon or spa even more successful.

LEVERAGE YOUR SALON SOFTWARE SO YOU CAN DO WHAT YOU DO BEST

Time is money in our industry, so make sure you're taking advantage of your salon software—it likely has features you aren’t using that can save your team time so they can spend less of their day on the computer doing boring admin work and more time focusing on their clients.

Your salon software is also tracking your stock usage, both retail and professional, so you can stay on top of your stock levels. In addition to this it also should be able to automate stock ordering to your supplier, so you can tell it to re-order everything you’ve sold or used in the last month.

Suddenly, rather than someone having to spend hours looking at your product shelves and figuring out how many you need to order to replenish them, you can sit back and relax as your salon software does the hard work for you.

By leveraging your salon software to help with goal setting, getting a handle on your financial performance, and streamlining your stocktakes, you can save time, maximise revenue and make your salon even more successful individually and collectively.

Kamrin Hira is a marketing expert at Kitomba Salon and Spa Software. To learn how Kitomba’s reporting and stock management features can help maximise profits in your salon or spa, visit www.kitomba.com or call 1800 161 101.

Team meetings are so important for the culture of your team. They’re a space where everyone can stop their work and unwind, allowing everyone to connect.”

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To learn more about COLOR.ME by KEVIN.MURPHY contact your Ozdare Business Development Consultant or connect via www.ozdare.com/contact-us or www.instagram.com/kevin.murphy.australia