My Account
Fringes are back and balayage is still as popular as ever, according to one of Whangaparaoa’s leading hairdressers, Sarah Rasmussen.
“Autumn is the perfect time to try a new look or a balayage top-up to keep hair looking fresh, modern, soft and healthy,” she says.
Formerly based in Manly, Sarah has relocated her Avenue Hair Studio to the New World Shopping Centre, on Whangaparaoa Road, merging with the well-established salon, Hair Illusions.
The modern, airy premise accommodates six senior stylists, two apprentices and a receptionist.
Sarah says her aim is to deliver a five-star client experience, which means a full consultation with an experienced stylist who can listen and give advice, use of the latest techniques and products, and a modern environment.
“It’s all about building good relationships, with staff and clients. I believe in helping my staff to be the best they can be by regular salon training and upskilling at outside courses.”
The salon is one of a handful on the Coast participating in the Sustainable Salons initiative. This involves recycling 95 per cent of the waste generated at the salon including the hair.
“Short hair is collected and given to community gardens or stuffed into stockings and used to clean-up oil spills, and while long hair is recycled into wigs.
“We can see that the planet is in trouble so it’s a case of everyone doing their bit.”
Sarah says there has been no resistance from clients to paying a $2 green charge, which goes directly to environmental projects such as the food recovery programme, Kiwi Harvest.
Hairdressing has been a lifelong passion for Sarah, who grew up on the Coast and started her apprenticeship at a salon at the top of Brightside Road. When the salon closed, she transferred her apprenticeship to a salon in Takapuna and then spent three years on cruise ships. Before opening her own salon, she was a sales consultant for L’Oréal for seven years.
“I love meeting and getting to know people, so hairdressing is the perfect job for me. I get a real buzz at helping people look good and feel good.”
