A new hairdressing staple has opened in Mebourne, as veteran hairdresser Danny Puopolo has unveiled PUO Hair. Described as “part salon, part your coolest friend’s apartment”, the salon is described by Danny as beyond just hairdressing, but also “a place to be”.
‘I’ve been doing hair for over 20 years, and I created PUO to bring all of it — the craft, the glamour, the vibe — into one beautiful space,” Danny shared. “At PUO, we’re all about confidence, comfort, and a little bit of camp. We take hair seriously, but never too seriously, and believe that every client deserves dream hair they can actually live in.
“It’s personal here,” he added. “It’s polished. It’s a little bit Nonna, a little bit runway.”
Housed within the heritage-listed Century Building in Melbourne’s iconic city, the salon was brought to life by creative studio Thank You, Baby, thanks to designers Ty Designs by Tyler Hawkins and Bloom Boy by Ross Jenkins. The design house specialises in immersive interiors, editorial styling, and set design, with cheeky, fashion-forward projects.
Swathed in bold shades of reds and soft pinks, from a deep red basin area haven, to calming pink salon walls and red feature chairs, tiling and shelving, this colour palette also adorns salon interiors, from chic, versatile vases to an unmissable pink jaguar statuette. It also cohesively covers the salon’s unique hanging lights, marble tables, custom pendant lighting for the basin area and beyond. Everything is in uniform – even the luxury Oribe products match!
“From the moment guests step inside, they’re enveloped in a world of cherry reds and bubblegum pinks that drip with drama,” Danny explained. “Every detail is meticulously curated – from the crimson kitchen and chain-draped lighting to lipstick-pink lounge chairs and softly blushed walls.”
“We wanted PUO to feel like you’re at Danny’s apartment. A private, comfortable space that invites clients to feel completely at home,” Ross and Tyler added.
This design, described as having a flair for “camp elegance”, unfolds across three distinct, design-led zones, starting at The Kitchen, a fully-tiled, all-red space that’s inspired by Danny’s Nonna’s kitchen and used as part colour-mixing lab, part hospitality hub. Then, The Lounge is anchored by marbled plinths at each styling station and a central high-gloss communal table for a laid-back energy during services. Finally, The Wet Room, is described as a “moody, cocooned sanctuary in deep burgundy” where guests relax on luxury reclining chairs. Through it all, the space was designed to be equally photographic and functional.
Clients are invited to truly experience the space beyond its inimitable services, by spending time flipping through an art book, having a drink and just enjoying the atmosphere. The services, as led by Danny, are also a welcome addition. Danny brings 20 years of award-winning hairdressing experience across London and Melbourne, as a former National Colour & Style Artist for L’Oréal Professionnel. Clients have included Ed Sheeran, Dannii Minogue, and Princess Beatrice.
Discover your next salon haven and hub at PUO.
For more information visit www.puosalon.com.au
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