THE ART OF HAIR

A Journey Through Innovation & Authenticity

Hi, I’m Beau, a third-generation hairdresser who’s been passionately committed to this industry for twenty-one years, fifteen of which I’ve spent running my own salon, Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique. Hairdressing has been in my blood since I was a kid, growing up in my mum’s salon, swept up by the energy of transformation and creativity. With my team at Minx, we’ve built more than just a salon; we’ve created a space where fashion, art, and community converge.

In this column, I want to go beyond trends. Yes, we’ll talk about what’s in for the season—whether it’s effortless beach waves or structured cuts—but there’s so much more to hair than fleeting styles.Hair is part of our identity, our self-expression, and our connection to fashion. It can be a bold statement or a subtle enhancement - a way to blend in or stand out. For me, hair is about the balance of art and science, and every cut, colour, or style is a chance to collaborate with the client to elevate their unique beauty.

Trends with Depth

Today’s trends are moving toward more effortless, lived-in styles that prioritise both aesthetics and longevity. Clients want hair that’s adaptable, easy to maintain, and reflective of who they are—something that can transition from office to evening with ease. In my salon, we’re seeing a surge in requests for textured cuts, soft balayage or lived in blondes, and dimensional colours. Blondes with shadowed roots, warm caramel balayage, and rich brunettes are especially popular right now because they allow for that “woke-up-like-this” vibe while still looking polished. Clients are also loving a copper hair trend called “Cowgirl Copper”.

But it’s not just about looks. There’s a deeper shift happening in how we think about hair: more clients want hair that’s easy on both their schedules and the environment. This has pushed hairdressers to adopt techniques that reduce the need for frequent salon visits and prioritise products with natural ingredients and ethical sourcing. My team has embraced this change, focusing on techniques like balayage and natural highlighting that grow out beautifully and require less maintenance over time.

Sustainability in Haircare

Sustainability in haircare isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. As stylists, we have the power to influence our clients’ choices, guiding them toward products and routines that are better for the planet. We’ve worked to incorporate sustainable practices across the board from selecting sustainably packaged products to using energy-efficient tools.

We are also proudly in partnership with Sustainable Salons Australia, an organisation that helps hair salons reduce their environmental impact by collecting and recycling waste materials such as hair, chemicals, and foils.

They offer a comprehensive sustainability program that supports both salons and the broader community through recycling, repurposing, and donations.

Beyond products, sustainable haircare is about fostering habits that are healthier for our clients and the environment. For example, stretching the time between washes, avoiding excessive heat styling, and investing in quality products are all ways to minimise environmental impact. It’s all about educating clients on how they can maintain their look without a big carbon footprint.

Advanced Techniques

Hairdressing is a craft, and like any craft, it requires a wealth of knowledge and a willingness to innovate and we believe in blending the latest trends with time-tested techniques, which means our team is always learning. One of the most exciting parts of running a salon is experimenting with advanced techniques that create stunning, fashion-forward looks.

For example, we’re always refining our balayage technique to ensure seamless blending and dimension, and we’re diving into new methods for creating volume and texture, like diffused layers and razor-cutting. Hair and fashion are inseparable, each reflecting and enhancing the other.

As we move forward, I’m excited to dive deeper into this intersection in future columns. From working on bridal looks to creating unique hair concepts for events, I’ve seen firsthand how hair completes the fashion story.

My hope is that this column will inspire you to think of hair as more than an accessory—it’s a dynamic part of who you are and how you present yourself to the world. Thank you to The Fashion Field Magazine for welcoming me into your pages. I can’t wait to share the journey, offer tips and tricks, and spark new ideas with each issue.

Hairdressing has given me the chance to connect with people in the most creative way possible, and I’m honoured to bring that experience here. Whether we’re talking trends, sustainability, inclusivity, or techniques, I hope to bring a fresh, authentic perspective to this incredible art form.

Stay tuned, and let’s keep our hair—and spirits—elevated.

Images provided by Minx Contemporary Hair Boutique