Meet Anna Marie
Our Marketing Coordinator Maxim sat down with Synergy Hair Melbourne Founder, Anna Marie to find out more about the owner of the ‘Best Salon in Bayside’, why she started in hair, what fuels her and what she looks for in the next generation of apprentices trying to make their mark on the industry.
Why did you become a hairstylist and colourist?
I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist and colourist from a very young age. I can remember watching TV and reading magazines like Vogue and seeing the hairstyles of the models which I’d try and recreate at home.
I used to tag along with my mum who used to go to the hair salon weekly for a blow wave and I was in awe of the incredibly talented hairstylists who made my mum feel like a million dollars.
Each and every time, without fail, she’d leave the salon with the biggest smile on her face.
She felt confident, beautiful and radiant and I’ve made it my mission to ensure every client who walks through our doors, leaves feeling this exact same way - it’s my superpower.
How long have you been a hairdresser?
I’ve been a hairstylist and colourist for 27 years (don’t even try asking my age - I won’t tell you!).
I actually started out as a qualified nail technician whilst I was in high school however I decided to change direction and started my hairdressing apprenticeship (the best decision I’ve EVER made - besides having my beautiful daughter of course).
I’m a lifelong learner and love education so I also qualified as a makeup artist and beautician at the same time!
For my entire career, I’ve worked in the Bentleigh East and Oakleigh areas, managing a few other successful hair salons before opening Synergy Hair Melbourne (which was first called Hair Horizon) and went on to win the ‘Best Salon in Bayside’ award.
Fun fact: I started Synergy Hair Melbourne at only 24!
What’s one piece of hair advice everyone needs to know?
I’m SO glad you asked!
Washing your hair every day is VERY damaging to your scalp and hair. Over-washing your hair on any hairstyle will remove important natural oils, known as sebum, and will leave your hair feeling dry and brittle.
It’s such an easy mistake to make.
You should only wash your hair when it’s too oily and feels unclean to touch, otherwise - don’t wash it!
What’s your go-to hair care product and why?
I absolutely ADORE K18, it’s an incredible product that strengthens your hair’s core structure and restores damaged curl patterns leaving your stands looking and feeling like new.
We do a lot of keratin smoothing treatments at Synergy Hair Melbourne and we recommend K18 as it reconnects and works to repair broken keratin chains, restoring hair elasticity and strength meaning coily hair can be renewed and brought back to its original springy, healthy shape.
How would your clients describe you in three words?
You would have to ask them directly however, I’d say my clients describe me as empathetic, kind and dedicated.
What’s your earliest beauty memory?
My earliest beauty memory is going to the hair salon with my mum who would have her hair done weekly by incredibly glamorous stylists. I fell in love with the sounds, the scent, the glamour and prestige of a hair salon.
It’s something that’s stuck with me for my entire career and knowing the impact a haircut can have on someone is why I still do what I do all these decades later.
What’s your proudest hair moment so far?
Across my 27 years in hairstyling, I’ve got many proud moments however the proudest is winning ‘Best Salon in Bayside’ at the age of only 24 (which happened to be the year I started the salon!).
Starting a business so young is no easy feat and to be recognised for my hard work with such an incredible award is still a moment I look back on in absolute awe.
What do you do for fun outside of Synergy Hair Melbourne?
Whilst running a successful hair salon and managing a small business takes up the bulk of my time, on the occasional moment I’m outside of the salon, I absolutely love spending time with my daughter and baking.
My time spent with my daughter is precious to me and fills my cup.
What do you enjoy most about working at Synergy Hair Melbourne?
I’ve been a hairstylist and colourist for just over 27 years. So it’s safe to say, I not only love what I do - I’m obsessed.
My earliest hair memory is going to the hair salon with my mum and watching her get her hair done by incredibly glamorous stylists. Each and every time we’d leave the salon, she’d have the biggest smile on her face. She felt confident, beautiful and radiant - that’s the power of a haircut.
I see the same look on my clients’ faces when they leave my salon.
That’s what I enjoy most about working at Synergy Hair Melbourne - making women look and feel their best.
It’s why I have done what I’ve done for over 27 years and it’s why I’ll continue to do so into the future.
What’s a hair myth you want to bust here and now?
One of the biggest hair myths I constantly encounter is ‘keratin smoothing will damage my hair’.
When performed by a qualified specialist, a keratin smoothing treatment won’t damage your hair. In fact, a keratin smoothing treatment can be nourishing to your hair by cutting down frizz and reducing the time it takes to do your hair at home.
Keratin smoothing treatments are one of our most popular services and naturally comes with a lot of questions. I answer our most frequently asked questions here.
What do you look for when hiring new stylists and colourists?
We’re always on the hunt for Melbourne’s most talented hair stylists and colourists. We’re after those who push the boundaries of their hair artistry, those not afraid to try something new and those who take pride in their craft.
Above all, I look for creativity, passion, skill and fun energy - the rest we can teach you.
Check out our careers page to enquire further.
