Gallo Hair boutique salon is located in the trendy and convenient location of Crown Street, Sydney. It is a contemporary and stylish salon with some lovely finishing touches such as elegant decanters for water and vases brimming with fresh flowers on a central bar-like platform, beautiful chandeliers, a leafy outdoor courtyard and perfume for clients to use in the toilets. Its charmimg hotel decor and features add to the relaxed atmosphere in which clients are treated like guests and enjoy the experience as well as the results. Clients leave the salon with lustrous locks as the team are highly skillful in their colour, cutting and blow-drying techniques. Salon owner Philip Gallo established the salon seven years ago; we spoke to Philip and colourist Francesco Petrone about Gallo Hair.
Q. How did you get into the industry? What inspired you?
My father is a barber and when I left school I wasn’t sure which direction to go in but wanted to do something creative. I already had hairdressing skills having helped my father out so decided to work for a salon. I went to work for a salon called Synergy and, being there, saw that hairdressing did not restrict you to a salon floor but that you can do other things with hair and work in films, commercials, fashion and editorial. I also had aspirations to own my own business.
Q. What sets Gallo Hair salon apart from other hair salons?
Boutique space means that clients don’t get lost in the crowd and can build a relationship with all the staff. We are definitely a destination salon – recommendations and referrals continue to bring new so a consistent high level of service is a must.
Q. How do you and the other staff stay ahead of the trends?
One of the best ways to stay ahead of trends is to set them. There is no denying that pop culture and mass media are a strong influence on people. Keeping an eye on what is going on in the fashion world is of course a good way to stay on trend but should not define your every opinion.
Salon Owner Philip Gallo
Q. What products do you stock and use in salon and why?
Our main salon brand is Wella which is the foundation of the colour end of the business. Wella have a well-developed product range and are industry leaders and innovators. They are also famous for their natural blonde colours. I have trained with Wella and the team are also guest artists for the brand which means we travel each year conducting workshops and seminars nationally. We also stock Kevin Murphy’s line of products, Sebastian Professional and Moroccan Oil. We are always open to trying new products and if we love them or feel they’d benefit our clients we don’t hesitate in stocking them.
Q. What incentives do you offer return customers?
New clients to the salon receive a $40 voucher for their second visit. This encourages them to return and continue to build a relationship with their stylist or colourist. We often run SMS deals exclusively to our client base throughout the year.
Q. Tell us about the staff.
Members of the Gallo Hair team work across many areas of the industry. We have a strong presence in hairdressing education through our association with Wella. Members of the team are also on hand to colour and style many of the Channel 7 newsreaders, including Chris Bath and Sarah Cummings, while others attend Fashion Weeks in New York, Paris and London.
Q. What staff training do new staff get?
Our junior staff have a regular training program, a mix of dedicated practical training sessions within the salon and external seminars held by our affiliated product suppliers.
Q. How does the salon promote itself?
We get involved with as many projects as we can, educating at seminars and workshops, working on projects in television, film and fashion industries as well as working on salon and collaborative shoots. We also have a newsletter which was started about 12 months ago; it has been a great way to keep our clients excited and up-to-date with what has been going on with the team and about upcoming projects and creations. We also regularly update our Facebook page.
Colourist Francesco Petrone
Q. What is your signature style?
Although we tailor a look to suit a client, we do love beautiful long layered hair which can show off our teams’ well honed round-brush blow drying skills. We’re also fond of styles which make a statement.
Q. What current summer trends are you replicating on clients?
Love it or loathe it balayage is here to stay. Many clients are trying the trend for the first time and, whether it be a subtle or dramatic change, it is a versatile look that can be tailored to suit any client.
Q. What, in your opinion, is the most important thing a hair salon should provide?
A great service. Clients should feel comfortable like a guest at a hotel. We have a relaxed environment here so clients don’t feel inhibited. We are selective about who we hire and choose down-to-earth people who love what they do. Our staff can be individuals and we don’t have a uniform.
Q. What is your personal philosophy on hair care?
Never sell anything to someone which they don’t need. We give our professional opinion on what the hair requires but believe that less is more.
Q. What is one hair product you can’t live without?
One important product for coloured hair is a good moisture treatment or leave in conditioner. Moisture gives the hair shine and movement and eliminates frizziness. Healthy hair looks so much better. Morroccan Oil is also a fantastic product and, containing no silicon, is relatively natural. Being absorbed into the hair cuticle it works from the inside out. It is a defrizzer and shine product.
Q. Any future plans for Gallo you can reveal?
Well, I have aspirations to open more salons and am waiting for the right time. My priority is to be there for my clients who respect and appreciate loyalty.
Visit www.gallohair.com to find out more