Experienced hairdresser Lucy Cowan has opened her own salon on Mangawhai Road, Wellsford.
The purpose-built space can cater for up to two clients, with a separate room that a beautician will operate in.
Born in Surrey, England, Lucy grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and picked up a hairdressing apprenticeship straight out of high school.
“I wanted something I could get into straight away,” she says. “I considered being a chef, but the hours didn’t really suit me, so as someone always doing my own hair and interested in arts and fashion, the decision from there was easy.”
After a four-year apprenticeship and working as a qualified hairdresser, Lucy switched things up by going to work in the mines in Western Australia.
She then moved to New Zealand and became a sharemilker on a farm in Tomarata before returning to a salon in Orewa, and later Warkworth, to upskill.
“I needed to get my confidence back in this business and then I felt inspired to start my own salon.
“It’s a great location out here because it’s central to Wellsford, Maungaturoto and Mangawhai, and has a peaceful outlook with its country location.”
Lucy is trained in all areas of hairdressing, but prides herself on her cutting abilities and balayage.
“Balayage is definitely a popular style at the moment with clients and I think solid and bold colours are making a comeback in the industry.”
She also uses natural home hair care products and a formula called Olaplex, which she believes is changing the industry for hair rebuilding and restoration.
She lives with her husband, Rob, and two children, Reilly, aged nine, and Mia, 10.
