ROGUE BEAUTY - KARLOSE

PARIS IN PRAHRAN

DISCOVER THE KARLOSE JAMES EXPERIENCE.

Karlose James Salon, the beloved space of its titular own and renowned hairdresser Karlose James, updated its 2009-born space with a lockdown renovation. Having started his business at the age of 21 after working in Mebourne’s high-end salons, Karlose James’ space became an institution and this creative hub for all things design and style has had a 2021 makeover in-keeping with its luxury ideals.

“My partner Mitch Douiehy and I designed the space, which was a fun project. The renovation aspect certainly presented some challenges,” Karlose said. “During the lockdowns, tradies were hard to source or unable to work and then timelines were often pushed out. Although it was difficult, the positive that came from the delays in process was that I was able to look over the project with more time, in finer details and really give it more energy and care.”

Another aspect propelling the salon in 2021 is a partnership with iconic distributor Rogue Beauty, and their comprehensive suite of care, style and colour products, with the salon specifically shifting to Pulp Riot colour with the debut of the new space.

“With cooler colours being on trend at the moment, Pulp Riot really helped us reach fantastic results whilst achieving natural cool bases. Their Liquid Demi-Permanent colours have also been so unbelievable for toning by creating sheer, long lasting colour,” Karlose said.

“In brands that I retail, I look for products that work,” he added. “My all-time favourite collection is Oribe. I love Oribe, not only because it is aesthetically beautiful and it makes the hair feel amazing, but also because I can use it as a prescriptive range to treat problems. Whether it’s scalp concerns, strengthening, moisturising or colour retention, the product sells itself. It does not need to be pushed as the results speak for themselves.”

The luxury aesthetic complements the salon’s approach to toptier service, bringing Karlose’s extensive and prestigious international fashion, editorial, celebrity styling and runway experience to the salon floor and pairing it with a glass of champagne.

“There are so many elements to my job that I love, especially being able to integrate fashion, style and bespoke looks,” Karlose said. “I’m always priding myself in creating bespoke looks for each individual I work on. No two cuts are the same, no two colours are the same. I look at the person and their unique style, their profession and their lifestyle and tailor a look unique to suit them. I also love to encourage some clients to be more daring and step out of their comfort zones, to be the best version of themselves.”

Fusing current contouring and shaping cut, colour and style trends with this personalised approach to service, Karlose James Salon often feels like a little touch of Paris in Prahran, anchored by the luxury products, skills and service approach that define the space.

“For me, it’s more than beautiful hair, it’s about creating an integrated experience of current fashion, healthy hair within a relaxed pampered environment,” Karlose said. “The one thing that I find truly rewarding is making people happy, helping them to feel good about themselves and creating an environment that people want to be a part of.”

Follow @karlosejamessalon and @weareroguebeauty on Instagram.