N. What drove the decision to include makeup applications in Dry & Tea’s menu?
On my first visit to Dry & Tea (as a client) I remember immediately thinking about makeup, it was probably the most natural addition to our business and was immediately successful. I initially put a trial in place using freelance artists to test the demand and we were fully booked from day one. We now directly employ over 15 makeup artists and it’s a category that just keeps growing. In 2017 we introduced our ‘Signature Makeup Menu’ - our top 5 looks, it makes it so much easier for clients to simply choose their look and let us create it for them. We are very passionate about the makeup side of our business. It makes us a true one stop shop when it comes to event preparation.

N. Hair salons are well known as havens of ‘me time’. Can you tell us a bit more about the ‘tea’ component of Dry & Tea?
Tea is a very important part of our brand DNA. We believe whole heartedly in the ritual of tea, the beauty of a perfectly brewed tea, and the effect it has on your mood. Being a tea house is complimentary to what we always try to achieve – some time out, relaxation, beautiful aromas and a total focus on the client. We have just launched our new menu with a gorgeous brand of tea called Tea Garden Co, and have a new and improved menu of 16 teas to choose from on every visit. For those who still need a little ‘kick’ we have the fabulous Espresso Mar-tea-ni tea – it’s tea combined with coffee beans – and its delicious!

N. What is the most popular signature look?
From a Blow Wave perspective, our New York Femme blow wave is the classic, bouncy style with volume and subtle curl. We create it using all round brushes and pride ourselves in our blow waves lasting several days! There is no corner cutting at Dry & Tea when creating the perfect blow wave. When it comes to makeup, our ‘Shimmer’ signature look has been very popular. It has a hint of smokiness on the eyes using bronze tones and a beautiful shimmering skin finish.

N. Dry & Tea pioneered the concept of the Blow Wave bar in NZ, and this has now become part of many a modern salon’s service offering. Why do you think the concept is so popular with New Zealand women?
Blow Waves make women feel great, and having beautifully styled hair is one of life’s little treats. It’s amazing how having great hair can change your mood and lift self-confidence. We pride ourselves on specializing in ‘affordable luxury’, not many salons specialize in what we do, however there are lots who certainly acknowledge that express appointments have become a part of life for so many women. Having a blow wave allows a little ‘time out’ and relaxation and in under 60mins you feel transformed!

N. Dry & Tea’s interiors, designed by Cheshire Architects, are unique spaces that challenge the traditional idea of what a hair salon should be. How do they enhance your customer’s experiences with the brand?
We don’t consider ourselves a salon, as such. We pride ourselves on having a unique environment that is more ‘spa like’ than salon. We embrace beauty in the form of floral artwork, plant life and are a digital free environment. Each of our 6 salons, all have their own ‘piece of magic’ in the fitout, but there is no doubt it is Dry & Tea when you enter. Nat Cheshire is undoubtedly one of the most brilliant minds I have worked with, his vision in creating the first 3 salons paved the way for the next chapter of locations. He truly brought the vision to life.

N. With 3 Auckland salons under your belt, what inspired you to open a salon in Melbourne?
When we first took over the business, we always knew this was a concept that would work very well in Australia. Melbourne is where we are from, and once we knew the timing was right, and the business was ready, we were really excited to introduce Australia to Dry & Tea. The response was immediately positive and we now have 3 salons in Melbourne with more growth to come. We have a lot of Kiwi clients in Melbourne who love the fact we expanded across the Tasman. Some drive from the other side of Melbourne for all of their hair needs as it’s a brand they know and love. We were approached by MYER to open Express format salons in premium stores, they loved the Dry & Tea concept and we now have the first 2 locations open – it’s a great partnership and fantastic brand exposure for us. Having a partner such as MYER has created a great platform for us, and brings an ‘experience’ into MYER that has been very much welcomed by the MYER customers. After all, getting a blow wave is one thing customers cannot buy online!

N. You’ve got 5 minutes to get ready. What do you do to your own hair?
Running out of Dry Shampoo is like running out of water – it’s a must in the morning when time of the essence! The Redken Pillow Proof 2 day extender is the best. It brings your hair back to life in seconds... blast with the hairdryer and you are out the door.