Theory for Hair WA
By Rob Kotevski October 15 2009
While Perth may sometimes be overlooked in favour of its bigger east coast cousins, there is some serious hairdressing talent to be found in Western Australia.
Theory for Hair has graced Perth for just over eight years, run by Dave and Carmel Lee, who both hail from Ireland. West Australians embraced the Theory for Hair concept so much, a second salon was opened after two years.
The salon group is a leader in hair colour.
“We specialise in colour correction that some people aren’t able to do,” Dave tells myhairdressersearch. “We also do a lot of styling.”
The couple understands the lure of Australian shores for international visitors. A laidback attitude, cheap cost of living and near-perfect weather all year round: what’s not to like?
Theory for Hair attracts a high number of Irish hair stylists on working holidaymaker visas, which mean visitors may only work for one year and cannot stay in one workplace for more than three months. Rather than close its doors to temporary workers, Theory for Hair has made an asset out of the turnover of international staff.
“We’re quite open-minded about that,” Dave says. “They bring new skills along with them.”
Close ties with salons in Ireland ensure Theory for Hair remains at the forefront of fashion and hair trends in Australia. Carmel is at pains to point out that trends arrive in Australia six months after they begin in the Northern Hemisphere only because of different weather patterns and not due to a lack of forward-thinking talent.
Not only do hairdressers come to Theory for Hair from abroad, but the salon has also absorbed staff from surrounding salons when they have closed down for business.
“I’m more concerned with my client having a great cup of coffee than what someone in Germany thought of my colour."
With hair stylists and colourists arriving at Theory for Hair from the four corners of the globe, as well as elsewhere in Western Australia, a high emphasis is based on education in the salon, such as the use of mood boards. A mapping technique of where and how colour is applied ensures consistency across both salons.
“We’re heavily involved in the creative side of things,” Carmel says. “We focus on new trends seasonally so the team is up-to-date.”
The education is paying off. Theory for Hair won an award in the Goldwell Trendzoom competition with Carmel a runner up in that contest.
“We’re not a competition-driven salon,” Carmel says.
“I’m more concerned with my client having a great cup of coffee than what someone in Germany thought of my colour. Life’s short, you know?”
Carmel points out that a trend in one creative area of design will be reflected by similar trends in other spheres. The worlds of fashion and interior design can be linked.
“If there are a lot of very cool blondes coming through, you’ll see a lot of metallic lamps around.”
Change, as they say, is as good as a holiday. Constantly changing and evolving cuts and colours for clients ensures fresh motivation for the team, as well as ensuring clients are never left feeling bored.
Theory for Hair is proud of its motto: Chill out, relax, indulge, revive.
“We’re peaceful and restful for clients. We’re not in shopping centres,” Carmel explains.
“We have a beautiful experience every day when we go to work. Our family is the salon. I have the opportunity to go to work with my husband. I have a lovely life.”
The weather travels from west to east. It will only be a matter of time before the rest of the country catches up to Theory for Hair.
Theory for Hair
3/48 Central Walk
Joondalup WA 6027
08 9301 4555
9/420 Hay Street
Subiaco WA 6008
08 9388 8445
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