We chatted to Dane Wakefield, founder of the all-new Wakefields. Salon, about his new space, life lessons, business growth and listening to others.
WHAT PUSHED YOU TO OPEN A SALON?
Opening a salon was definitely not on the cards for me until a couple of years ago when I was working for someone that had no intention of growing his business or the people working for him and I was working hard to maintain a strong clientele. I then had an epiphany and realised that if I didn’t push myself I’d be doing this for the rest of my life and that just seemed so mediocre to me. If I want something to change, then I need to make that change myself. I put everything into my work and I have a passion for passing on my learnings to other stylists so it just seemed like the natural progression for me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FASHION LABEL AND WHY?
JACQUEMUS for sure! It’s fun and playful but so bloody chic!
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER A LOST ART IN HAIR?
Being a well-rounded hairdresser. So many people want to specialise in areas like blondes or extensions, which is great but there’s nothing that gets me going more than an artist that can do it all!
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO DIFFERENTLY IN YOUR SALON COMPARED TO PAST SALONS YOU’VE WORKED AT?
Here’s three: listen, respect and appreciate.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HAIR AESTHETIC?
I would say my hair aesthetic is sexy, chic, playful and directional.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO GROW YOUR TEAM AND BUSINESS?
I think listening to each individual team member is super important, to find out what they need to get them to where they want to be. There are so many avenues to go down in hair these days and for a team to excel in as many as possible is essential.
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN HAIR TRENDS CHANGE THIS YEAR?
There has been a huge change in hair this year. Clients are so much more condition focused and we are seeing much more hair health journeys, which is a huge slay.
Colour is now focusing on enhancing and mimicking natural highlights and depth, creating elevated expensive results! A healthy head of hair is always in fashion, darling!
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE VALUES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOUR NEW BUSNESS?
Respect first and foremost, and instilling confidence in not only my team but every client that walks into Wakefields.
WHAT’S ONE ITEM YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
It would have to be my Hayu subscription, I honestly need my fix of reality TV, it helps me remember that I’m not so crazy after all!
ONE NEW PRACTICE OR RITUAL YOU’VE ADOPTED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS?
Not caring what people think of me. I used to be so self-conscious and worried I was doing the wrong thing, or I should be following a particular path. I have never been happier since just being me and I mean I have just opened the most amazing salon in Sydney, Surry Hills. I think not caring about things that don’t serve me is suiting me pretty well too!
For more information visit www.wakefields.salon
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