29/03/2023
Long before Lauren McNamee opened the second Blush Girl location in Stepney, the stunning heritage building on the corner of Magill Road and George Street had already caught her eye.
“It’s a beautiful building that really stands out and feels very grand, so every time I drove past it I thought that it would be so beautiful for a new salon,” she says. “Plus I’ve always loved this area – it’s got a lovely feel and there are lots of sweet cafes around.”
So she was understandably thrilled when she was able to take over the building a year ago. Straight away, she and her electrician husband (and Blush Girl co-owner) Jesse Abfalter got to work designing the lighting to complement the high ceilings and added terrazzo styling stations for each of the 12 chairs in the main salon. An adjoining space hosts in-salon training programs where the apprentice staff can practice their trade, and McNamee also runs the Blush Girl Academy for young hairdressers looking to enter the industry.
That emphasis on training means that her own stylists are divided into Experienced, Senior and Emerging categories. “Having the different levels means that there's someone for everyone,” explains McNamee “We can have up and coming stylists doing the more basic services, and then we've got people who've been in the industry for a very long time working on colour correction and major changes. It means we can select the right stylist for the service, and it also provides different price points depending on what people are looking for.”
Blush Girl specialises in colouring and styling long hair, with a special focus on blondes, coppers and balayage. And McNamee works with Original Mineral products because they are at the forefront of the “clean colour” movement that takes away many of the harsh, damaging chemicals often associated with colour treatments. Being a member of the Sustainable Salons program means she can also recycle 95% of the waste produced by the salon, right down to the cut hair.
That work behind the scenes is important because McNamee wants to make sure her clients’ hair looks great today but also stays healthy for tomorrow. And you can do the same with these tips to look after your hair between visits.
Lauren McNamee’s Top Hair Care Tips
Invest in quality hair care
With the right products, your hair will stay healthier and your style and colour are going to last longer. There are thousands of brands out there so you might need to experiment with different products to get the right fit, but invest at least $20 if you can and always read the ingredients to make sure there are no nasty chemicals in there.
Use Your Heat Styling Tools Correctly
Use a hairdryer instead of a straightener where possible, and if you have to use a straightener make sure that it’s not too hot. Most heat styling tools have an adjustable temperature and keeping it under 200 degrees is always a good idea. If your hair is easily affected by heat, you can also get thermal styling products that offer extra protection.
Use a Moisturising treatment Regularly
Pretty much anyone who colours their hair will find that it’s lacking in moisture. But adding a moisturising treatment into your hair care routine will help to keep your hair hydrated so that it remains healthy and shiny.
