The next instalment of Rendezvous Avec L’Oréal Pro presents thoughts and ideas from award winning artists Matt Clements and Scott Sloan. Get ready to goal set.

With a new year upon us, it’s time to reflect and assess upon the 12 months that were; rewarding your business and its people for the wins big and small, and of course, understanding areas for growth and improvement in 2023.

Forever with the best interests of ‘industry’ at heart, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Rendezvous Avec program continues to support and nurture the development of salons around the country through diving deep into the business and creative nous of its globally acclaimed roster of artists: The intention to push and inspire hairdressers and salon owners, emerging and established, to realise their full potential.

Here, we sit with Scott Sloan of SLOANS, and Matt Clements of Assembly Hair to discuss salon support, education and colour with strength.

TJ: Tell us a bit about your salon – location, style, expertise, demographic, etc.

MC: The Assembly was opened in 2006 by myself and my wife, Kristin O’Connor who is an incredible talent with the scissors. Our careers have always been city based, and following a 4-year Europe stint, we chose to relocate home and open a city salon at the beach (Sunshine Coast). Our lifestyles have always been heavily surf influenced and rely on this time with the ocean to kick start every day.

The Assembly literally means: a group or gathering of like-minded people gathered together for a common goal.

For both team members and guests, we wanted to have a shared experience, one of quality and progression – a place where art, music, fashion, and lifestyle become one.  We have a mixed client base of professionals, people seeking sophistication as well as anyone wanting to explore their edge – being an individual.

SS: Sloans has been dedicated to delivering a little modest glamour in a relaxed and sociable space for over 22 years. Situated on Sydney’s leafy lower North Shore, Sloans of Lane Cove quickly became the go-to destination for Sydney’s style set, attracting an enviable clientele. Sloans North Sydney was created in 2016 and the group has since been awarded AHIA Salon of the Year 2019 Winner, AHFA Salon Business of the Year 2019 Finalist as well as AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2021 (for Jordan Hone). Our vibrant team of 27 dedicated professionals channels a fashion forward vibe yet remains approachable and relatable. Armed with the latest tips and trends from the fashion capitals around the world, we are dedicated to creating cutting-edge colour and styles inspired by international runways, to ensure our clients’ hair is always a season ahead of the rest.

 TJ: Why did you partner with L’Oréal Professionnel?

MC: After many successful years with the same company, the time had come to expand – to breathe some new air into the business and the team. It was time to take a new direction and add some discomfort if you like. I had been judging L’Oréal Colour Trophy as a non-L’Oréal Professionnel member and was subsequently exposed to how they value people and business. Coming onboard with L’Oréal Professionnel felt very natural and we were welcomed with open arms … it felt fresh yet nicely familiar.

SS: We have worked with multiple brands and the relationship we have developed with L’Oréal Professionnel is second to none. Never have we had such proactive engagement with so much checking in, and so many incredible opportunities (presented to our whole team). With everything from editorial shoots to Colour Trophy and VIP education access, we have been spoilt for choice.

TJ: How does L’Oréal Professionnel support your salon?

MC: The support we receive is unparalleled. The brand covers just about everything you need from salon business development to individual and team growth, paired with expert product knowledge.

SS: The way L’Oréal Professionnel supports us is about so much more than products and business advice. We like to think of them as part of the Sloans salon family, as every time we speak with them, it’s encouragement and a friendly attitude which is greatly  appreciated by the entire team.

TJ: How does L’Oréal Professionnel help you in education, specifically through their Access program/education portal?

MC: Every aspect of product use and development is accessed through the L’Oréal Access Education Portal. This is a one stop shop for growth, a must for achieving and reaching your goals. It absolutely backs up our solid in-house training methods.

SS: The education on offer is absolutely world class and I feel confident that it’s the best we could be presenting to the team. We focus heavily on product training and have seen amazing results across retail sales growth. As key industry educators, we witness first hand the effort and attention to detail driving the program, and are so proud to play a part in educating the next gen talent of our industry.

TJ:How does the brand aid your salon technologically?

MC: L’Oréal Professionnel has advanced product systems from the front to the back of the salon which is incredibly important for us to maintaining modern business practices.

SS: Having the latest technology for our clients is fundamental to Sloans’ brand essence and our dedication to innovation. To be working alongside a brand with such a cutting-edge approach to hair gives the team so much confidence when dealing with clients or working backstage.

TJ:How is the new Metal Detox impacting your colour business?

MC: Metal Detox is certainly a game changer. If you demand bright, vibrant, and healthy colour results for your guests, look no further than the Metal Detox System. It looks after me while working within the L’Oréal Professionnel portfolio and our guests return with better, stronger hair that allows more freedom moving forward.

SS: The feedback from our clients has been phenomenal. They have raved about the quality of their colour and it’s driving them back into the salon to maintain that level of perfection. Metal Detox has also helped considerably with client retention (for new colour clients) as the results are so stand out, they don’t want to risk trying anything else.

TJ: What do you love about Metal Detox?

MC: Metal Detox IS simple and effective to use for everyone, which helps in a busy environment. I love that clients are noticing the difference in things hairdressers often perceive as their concern only: strength and condition, the clarity and saturation in a colour. When your guests feel these things, you’ve immediately elevated their experience.

SS: As a salon specialising in colour and colour education, we have been blown away by the results. Even from the first application, you can see a huge difference in the end result – this applies to all colour work, but especially for our blondes. The tone and overall condition of the hair are improved with the benefit of 87% less risk of breakage, which is truly remarkable.

TJ: What business components, like salon management, salon training and leadership, are you helped by through L’Oréal Professionnel?

MC: For us personally, it’s having access to people that have real skills and knowledge and are determined to see you and your business succeed.

SS: The business support has been monumental. In particular with the recent renovation of our Lane Cove flagship, we could feel their support every step of the way, involving themselves at every possible level to ensure the project was a success. Also, having their on-call advice during COVID was so appreciated.

TJ: What are you looking forward to next with L’Oréal Professionnel?

MC: We’re always looking to develop a stronger brand relationship that in-turn will strengthen our business, this isn’t always about having new things but doing the stuff we know, better. L’Oréal Professionnel are very well placed in the global fashion and beauty market, and their forward-thinking delivery of what the professional actually needs is all part of our experience with the brand.

SS: There is a lot on the horizon but we are most excited about future education opportunities. Having just travelled to India for a Cut and Colour focus, the opening up of borders again is so exciting for the industry. It’s been far too long catching up in person with the global L’Oréal Professionnel team.

TJ: What does being part of the L’Oréal Professionnel family mean to you?

MC: As a staunch individual who likes to create my own paths, I still love being part of something bigger – the L’Oréal Professionnel family is big, but I don’t have to compromise who I am or the direction The Assembly takes. This is so important in any successful relationship.

SS: It means so much! For us as Owner/Directors, being given so much access to support and opportunities that run right through the team – from director, to senior and apprentice –  is invaluable. There is something for everyone, and we are so grateful to be part of the family. Becoming Ambassadors has been a proud career highlight for both of us.

Continuing to share the love, L’Oréal Professionnel welcomes more salons and business owners to join the family and discover their PRO difference.

To find out how to work with L’Oréal Professionnel in your business visit www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au/contactus