Hairhouse has set themselves on a path of significant salon services growth, bringing together three top salon stylists to collaborate on editorial looks that merge their key salon proficiencies. cementing the brand as the largest employer of choice in hairdressing.
In INSTYLE March April 2023, Megan Wowk of Hairhouse Blacktown, Linda Elkheir of Hairhouse Blacktown, Emma Wilson of Hairhouse Eastland came together for an editorial session that was as much about the final looks as the talent, products and community behind them. We spoke to all three hairdressers to gain insights into the shoot day and beyond.
Shoot credits:
Hair: Megan Wowk (Hairhouse Blacktown), Linda Elkheir (Hairhouse Blacktown), Emma Wilson (Hairhouse Eastland)
Photography: Milos Mlynarik
Make up: Max Serrano
Styling: Livia Sharp
Creative Direction: Cameron Pine
LINDA ELKHEIR
What do you think sets Hairhouse apart from other employers, salons or stores?
The opportunities at Hairhouse are amazing! From working on photo shoots like the one we did today, to being part of Miss Universe Australia and entering internal and external competitions, it’s so much more than just in-salon. Hairhouse has all the great brands so you can suggest different types of products and brands to get the best results for your clients.
Tell us about the education programs at Hairhouse?
Our salon partner is Matrix so each year we have the chance to attend different classes to grow our skills. This is all for free and paid for by Hairhouse. We have a full online education platform to learn about each of our retail brands and attend regular supplier education nights.
What are some of your highlights while working at Hairhouse?
I would say 100 per cent growing my confidence. Before starting at Hairhouse I didn’t have the confidence with my technique in hair, but working alongside amazing stylists has given me the opportunity to learn and believe in myself. Within my first 18 months at Hairhouse I had the pleasure of attending the annual conference and winning an Excellence in Team Award, which opened up so many more opportunities within the business and gave me more confidence.
Describe the overall hair vibe in just a few words?
All six looks created a fun, current vibe and can be easily worn by any of our clients who visit our salons. They look great on camera and in real life. I loved how we had the playful looks in contrast to more structed classical looks.
How did working with others on set inspire you creatively?
It’s great to see how all elements come together from hair, makeup, styling and then the finished image. Seeing different techniques used on shoot day by other stylists and how they used different products has inspired me to recreate these different looks back in the salon.
What was your must have styling product on the day?
Redken Dry Texture Finishing Spray, Redken Shine Flash and Sexy Hair Get Layered.
How did the product brand you worked with help you achieve this look?
We had some amazing products from key brands on set today. One of my favourites is Sexy Hair. They have amazing texture and volume products, such as High Altitude, which is used to prep hair, while Powder Play was used for texture.
MEGAN WOWK
Why do you love working for Hairhouse?
I love that it is fast paced compared to smaller salons, it’s also a multi service business so that keeps it interesting with so much opportunity including retail. Every day is different.
Tell us about your Hairhouse career journey?
I started in 2008 as a senior hairdresser, a year later I was promoted to salon manager responsible for a team of five seniors and apprentices. Fast forward to 2012 and I became store manager. In 2013 I was given the opportunity to buy into the Chatswood store business and become a partner and two years later I became area manager for four stores owned by my franchisee. In 2017 I became a mum and have been able to work with Hairhouse in varying roles to help with a work life balance being a working mum. My current title is salon manager.
What are the benefits in working for such a large network?
As mentioned, being able to grow into different roles such as the area manager of stores, which I wouldn’t be able to do within a single salon environment. Also, being able to travel overseas to places like the USA and Spain through Hairhouse’s partnership with brands like Matrix and Sexy Hair. In addition, working under a franchisor that offers support and guidance to grow the business and my career.
Tell us about the education programs at Hairhouse?
Matrix, our salon partner, offers a range of courses for all skill levels. In addition, our online education is a great tool for my team to stay on top of current trends, products and information from the vast amount of items we stock, and we are there always able to give professional advice to our customers.
What are some of your highlights while working at Hairhouse?
Career progression, including buying into a store, becoming an Excellence Team member, the overseas experiences and being able to mentor and grow my team to their success.
Does Hairhouse have any sustainability values?
Yes, at Hairhouse we are part of the Sustainable Salon program. My store has been sustainable for over 12 months and our team loves that all the rubbish goes to good use when recycled. Personally, being a mum of two, it’s great to know we are doing our part for the environment.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting their hair journey at Hairhouse?
Hairhouse can take you as far as you want to grow in your career, from working on the floor in salon, retail, or body piercing, right up to owning your own store or working at head office. The opportunities and pathways are endless and are yours for the taking!
EMMA WILSON
Tell us about your Hairhouse career journey?
I started at Hairhouse when I was 16 as a salon assistant and hair and beauty advisor. Once I had finished school, I started my apprenticeship when I was 18 and qualified in October last year. I have been working in the salon full time since.
What do you think sets Hairhouse apart from other employers, salons and stores?
The training we always have access to, from retail brand training to technical skills at the L’Oréal Academy. Also, the versatility of hours – if you want to work part time or full time you can work as many or as few hours as you like, giving a great work life balance.
What are the benefits in working for such a large network?
Access to education, the huge amount of retail products, a full-service salon to cater to my clients and being able to learn other skills like body piercing or leadership and management.
Tell us about the Education programs at Hairhouse?
There are so many opportunities for future education. One of the newest is the Hairhouse Fast Track Apprentice Program. This was created by Hairhouse in collaboration with Matrix to give our apprentices a boost. It’s great to see the apprentices coming back after their classes all excited to show what they have learned. This program is exclusive to our apprentices at Hairhouse.
How have Hairhouse training programs benefited your career?
Throughout my apprenticeship I was always lucky as Hairhouse is a full-service salon. From balayage, to sets, men’s cuts and vivid colours – we do everything! I noticed a lot of girls at my trade school would work in a lot of colour specialist salons so they struggled when it came to completing all units because they didn’t have access to that training in their salon. My confidence was able to grow and so were my skills. Lastly being educated in so many different brands is definitely something you don’t get at a smaller salon.
What are some of your highlights while working at Hairhouse?
Some of my highlights are winning apprentice of the year in 2020, being part of campaigns, conferences and photoshoots, and I was also able to join the Excellence team and become a Hairhouse influencer, which gave me the opportunity to create content to educate employees on certain products. Being flown to Sydney to work on the IINSTYLE photo shoot was definitely my biggest highlight!
Who do you look up to or see as a mentor in the Hairhouse group?
I look up to all the girls I work with and my franchisees Chris and Marie! They are all such talented hairdressers. I especially look up to my store manager Courtney who has helped me grow as a stylist in every single way. When starting my apprenticeship with Hairhouse I also did a lot of one on one work with Astin, our Salon Artistic & Education Manager, and she gave me so much confidence and knowledge.
For more information visit www.hairhouse.com.au
Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!
- Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
- Check out www.styleicons.com.au
- Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
- View our digital magazine
- Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn