This week marks the end of an era for Australian hairdressing. Following 8 years of partnership, Oscar Cullinan (Oscar Oscar Salons) and Paloma Rose Garcia have officially parted business-ways.

But as the world continues to spin the pages of a new chapter move with it. World, welcome PALOMA – Sydney’s fresh-faced destination for hair and wellness, and the culmination of one 15-year-old apprentice’s dream.

“Whether personal or professional, when it comes to change in life, I believe it all comes from intuition. This evolution came from a place of just knowing that the time was right, that I was ready,” starts Paloma.

“Oscar and I have parted ways with nothing but respect, admiration and well wishes for one another and our respective businesses. Oscar has taught me just about everything I know in regards to business and processes, and without this guidance over the years, I wouldn’t be in the position to open PALOMA.”

Maintaining residency on Oxford Street, Paddington (in the same premises), PALOMA presents a whole new jam. It’s fresh, fashion-forward yet understated, and knows that true beauty starts from the inside. PALOMA is grounded and empowered, and while she takes her coffee with almond and H2O with an anti-oxidant shot, loves to let her hair down, too. Gin with a dash of tonic, thank you Sir. She’s free, stylish and with sex appeal to boot. This defines the PALOMA ambassador and exactly how the team aspires to make clients feel, every day.

The change has so far welcomed a fresh lick of white paint to the exterior façade (where natural light lingers for the perfect Instagram shot) and new branding across street signage and in-salon service menus.

“When people hear that I’ve launched my own salon they assume I’m rolling out a whole new shop fit out … calm down I’ve just bought out a business partner, I can’t afford it!”

“What I have done is work with the best of the best across branding and copywriting, and have committed to a three month PR and marketing campaign to really drive the launch.”

“This has been a dream of mine since I was 15years old, so I’m going hard! The process of creating the branding and new salon manual has been one of the most enjoyable parts.”

The PALOMA colour scheme feels more beauty than hair with a directive of terracotta and nudes. The antithesis of Eighties salon culture, the tunes are trending yet chill and the attention to detail on a whole new level. The wellness and lifestyle aspect is a modern (and genius) addition for the guest; truly marking the space a retreat for award winning hair design. The hair appointment is a huge investment of money yes, but the most valuable commodity of all: Time. PALOMA makes every minute worth it.

“The wellness and lifestyle aspect is just an extension of who I am … I’m really passionate about it. Anyone who knows me knows I am scent-obsessed (I wear perfume to bed!) and to me this sensual element is crucial to a luxury experience.”

PALOMA is a stockist of Maison Balzac candles and presents every guest one of the brand’s glass carafes and matching goblets filled with your choice of still or sparkling and enhanced with one of three Beauty Chef beauty boosts (Collagen, Antioxidant or Hydration). Once your order is placed and consultation concluded, prepare for your ‘sensory journey.’ Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, inhaling a different dōTERRA essential oil each time. Which most resonated with you today? Let your PALOMA staff member know and they’ll proceed with a ritual head, neck and shoulder massage.

The people and products Paloma surrounds herself with are important, and as a proud member of Sustainable Salons Australia, she looks to formulas that embody both a luxury and environmental aspect. Oribe, Kérastase and now KEVIN.MURPHY line the retail shelves, and in big news, KEVIN.MURPHY (Color.Me) now dominates the basin room.

“I approached KEVIN.MURPHY wanting to stock their retail and then flew down to Melbourne with my two lead colourists and salon manager to experience Color.Me.”

“We played around with the range and the results were just amazing. Not only is the performance phenomenal but the range is completely ammonia free (except for the bleach), and as a boss there is a duty of care to create the healthiest environment for my staff and of course, clientele.”

For Paloma her business is her team and so the decision to title her salon PALOMA was a hard one.

“I still feel a bit uneasy about using my name. I like to pride myself on being a down to earth person … the success of my business isn’t about me, it’s about my team and I stand by that. However the brand experts assured me PALOMA was the best choice given I’m in here a lot, everyone knows me in the business and my name is akin to the brand.”

Ambassadorship is a big part of PALOMA’s strategy with none other than Sydney mum, It Girl and professional model, Anna Feller the unofficial ‘face of the business’ and star of the new PALOMA campaign shot in May this year.

“Not only is Anna an awesome chick but she really embodies who we are, we’re all about undone, cool, effortless hair and have really made a name for ourselves for achieving just that.”

“Our colourists are all about root shadowing techniques and using high lift rather than bleach for highlights …  essentially it’s how I think women look the most beautiful, I love women looking hot and to me that means less is more. There is so much ‘more is more’ in Sydney, and that’s fine, but we’re not about that.”

Neither are we.

Hairdresser Tip! While the PALOMA team is currently brimming, Paloma is always open to talking with people who are passionate, dedicated and with the right skill set (Ash Croker has just joined the team!).

Visit paloma-salon.com | Follow @paloma_salon