Announcing the 2023 SALONS OF THE YEAR finalists and giving you a sneak peek into each salon design.
A branding session for the hair salon Syke Studio's which included headshots, team photos and their new space in the Eastdale Village.
If you've ever struggled to keep up conversation with your hair stylist, or wished you could simply tune out and read a book, get excited.
This week we are excited to share our Iles Formula Hair Talk Featuring Carly Van Der Meer. Carly is the Owner of Van Der Meer hair salon located in Sydney, Australia. Hear what she has to share about the beauty industry as well as her favorite products and tools. To see more from Carly, check out her Instagram @carlyvandermeerhair. You can also take a look at her salon page @vandermeerhair. IF: Tell us what you think is the biggest challenge in hairdressing today?Social Media, filters and photoshop giving people an unrealistic expectation of what they can achieve.IF: What’s the most enjoyable part of your job?I love being creative! I am also lucky to spend so much time with my clients. I met most of my clients when I moved to Sydney 4 years ago. Now I’m getting them ready for their engagements, weddings, and admissions to the Maternity ward. I love the support I have received from other new salon owners, we always help each other out and celebrate each others success! IF: Why did you choose the path of hairdressing and was it easy to fall into this work?I always wanted to be a hairdresser. I grew up in a small country town, so I would spend hours at home sitting in front of my mirror teaching myself how to braid and do all sorts of crazy hairstyles. After completing my HSC I decided I wanted to pursue Hairdressing, and I started an Apprenticeship weeks later.IF: If you had not made the decision to be a hairdresser what would you have been?I would be a Midwife. It fascinates me. I began my studies of Midwifery at University after 6 years of Hairdressing, but I decided I missed Hairdressing. IF: What is your greatest strength? Patience and persistence. Work ethic, I would work 24 hours straight if I could. I love creating effortless, slightly bohemian, lived in colors and hairstyles.IF: Your favorite hairdressing tools?I love my YS Park combs, my coloring paddle, and my Framar coloring brushes. IF: Tell us about your relationship with Iles Formula. How you discovered us and which formula is your favorite?I was recommended by my good friend and Hairdresser Georgia who works at Edwards and Co. I instantly fell in love with Iles Formula, the packaging, the smell, and the instantaneous results.IF: What was the most challenging job you ever had? Rinsing George Maple’s level 3 semi permanent hair color over a sink in a hotel room. She is an amazing person with a crazy beautiful voice, so it was worth it! IF: What was your worst hair moment and why…. privately or on set/stage or in the salon?When I was in High School I bleached my own hair after I got dumped by a boy. I used cheap pharmacy bleach with 30vol developer, and left it on my head for 2 hours! My friend Tom nicknamed me ‘Slim Shady’. My hair was VERY broken, which is why maintaining the integrity of my clients hair is SO important to me!IF: If you could style anyone’s hair, who would it be and why?Probably Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively or Drew Barrymore. They all have crazy manes! I would also love to cut and style FLUME’s hair.IF: Where do you pull hair inspiration from?I regularly use Pinterest. I enjoy keeping up with current hair trends around the globe via Instagram, there are so many amazing hairdressers out there showcasing their work! I adore Interior Decorating and Design, I am constantly inspired by color palettes and architecture.IF: Your advice to young hairdressers starting out?Put yourself out there, say yes to every opportunity. Dream big and work hard for it. Don’t let the big ego’s bring you down. Be yourself, be professional, and never stop trying.IF: You just opened a new salon. What did you learn from this experience to offer others?Have a clear vision of your brand. Don’t get ahead of yourself! Only buy what you absolutely need. I’m carrying home wet, dirty towels every night until I decide to buy a washing machine for the salon! Every new business costs a lot of money to set up, so focus on the things that you and your clients absolutely need first. I have also learned that it is EXTREMELY handy to have a tradie boyfriend ( Thanks Jordan!). Lastly, work your butt off whenever you get the chance, and when you have a free day- ENJOY IT!IF: Great advice Carly, thank you for sharing with all of us!
Sometimes it's hard to navigate exactly how to introduce a brand-new treatment into your salon setting. What steps should I follow? How do I market this? We've answered all of your most-asked…
Discover the Perfect Way to Show Your Appreciation this Holiday Season with a unique Christmas Gift for Hairdressers. Don't Miss Out.
Kati Whitledge, owner of Be Inspired Salon and the founder of the Beyond the Technique podcast, offers advice on how to be the salon in town that attracts the top talent.
