We caught up with Marc Armstrong and Sabrina Maxwell of Sydney salon Marc & Maxwell to hear their thoughts on salon life and beyond.
How would you describe your salon’s style aesthetic?
We would describe the aesthetic of our salon as an urban chic feel with concrete floors and exposed brick, sitting on the first floor with soaring French windows, which offers it natural light and a leafy lookout so it resembles a tree house feel.
What inspired you to become a hairstylist?
Sabrina: Growing up in Ireland, I’ve been lucky enough to be inspired by many creative women in my family. As dressmakers, I was surrounded by fashion, and when my grandmother was on her sewing machine I would prop myself on a stool behind her and braid her hair. That’s when I learned about being able to create a shape in hair not only with clothes.
Marc: Knowing I always had an eye for fashion I felt that taking the field of hairdressing was the best way I could channel my creativity and still meet new people whilst exploring the fluidity of the trade.
Pick your poison?
Sabrina: French bubbles all the way for me!
Marc: Tequila, tequila, tequila!
Your favourite Instagram account?
Sabrina: @vidalsassoonalumni – Vidal are always on point with their precision haircuts.
Marc: @guidopalau – Guido is the man!
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and what would be on the menu?
Sabrina: Bob Marley has been a real influence of mine I would love to share a bucket of chicken wings with Franks hot sauce.
Marc: I would love a 70 year old me to have a chat with an 18 year old me and share my wisdom and to tell myself to feel the fear and do it anyway!
An item in your wardrobe that makes you feel the most ‘you’?
Sabrina: My All Saints leather jacket because it’s so versatile and you can wear it with any thing.
Marc: My collection of Hawaiian shirts.
What is your favourite cut and/or colour to create in the salon?
Sabrina: I’m loving the ‘curly shag’ with some money pieces around the front.
Marc: Short disconnected haircuts are my go to, and micro foiling on my blonde clients creating a natural balayage look with a soft root stretch.
What would you like to see more of in the hair industry in the future?
Sabrina: I would love to see wigs become more mainstream.
Marc: I would like to see a real push to attract more apprentices, there is a real shortage of younger talent.
A quote to live by?
Sabrina: “I only drink champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not!” – Coco Chanel.
Marc: “You make your own luck.”
Dream Car?
Sabrina: Penelope Pitstops car.
Marc: Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing Coupe.
What hair product/tool are you loving?
Sabrina: R+Co Bleu Magnifier Thickening Spray.
Marc: R+Co Bleu Smooth & Seal Blow Dry Mist.
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