The latest addition to the KAO salon family is a tonal masterpiece offering clients much more than lived-in hair reminiscent of Australian beach living. It’s a passport to the European coast; interiors inspired by some of the world’s most iconic shoreside cities and their spirited sense of freedom. Cronulla, NSW, welcome Pélo by Lago. Here, we chat with owner/founder and mother of three, Kirby Lago. 

TJ: How and when did you get into hairdressing?

KL: I’m now 31 and have been hairdressing since I was 14 years old!

TJ: Can you tell us a little about your hairdressing journey?

KL: I opened my first salon when I was 19 years old. I had multiple salons over the past few years in locations such as Surry Hills. I sold my last salon to focus on growing my family whilst freelancing and building my vision for Pelo.

TJ: What inspired you to open Pélo by Lago?

KL: I just had this idea of building a salon that not only created beautiful hair but made people feel something special at the same time. I wanted to perfect that culture and vibe.

TJ: The customer experience is very important at Pelo By Lago, how did you develop the customer journey?

KL: I really worked out what I wanted and then created a “Pelo Bible” detailing how we do everything and anything at Pelo. This ensures every guest experience is consistent across results and experience.

TJ: You juggle your career with 3 young children, how do you make it work?

KL: Following the birth of our third child, my husband and I decided he would be the stay at home Dad. He is amazing at it! I work four huge long days and then have three days “off” with the family. It has been a sacrifice for both of us, but that’s what it’s all about when deciding to have a family. Ours just looks a little different to most.

TJ: Pélo by Lago is all about enhancing the natural hair and you’re also a blonde specialist.

KL: I’m obsessed with how hair moves. So, I love creating these beautiful lived-in colours for brilliant dimension and texture. So sexy and feminine … I love it!

TJ: In only a matter of months Pélo by Lago has celebrated amazing success, what do you attribute this success to?

KL: Vision, planning and execution. No luck involved here. Every single detail of Pélo by Lago was considered and purposeful.

TJ: What advice do you have for other stylists thinking about opening their own salon?

KL:Timing is everything. Make sure you’re in the right headspace. Have clear goals and enough energy to give to your new space. Know what your brand is about so clients can relate and want to be a part of it.

TJ: Who do you most admire in the industry?

KL: Jaye Edwards. He has done an amazing job at lifting the level of respect and acknowledgment for our industry. I feel hairdressers are more valued now.

TJ: Advice you live by?

KL: Keep investing in yourself. Whether it’s hair courses, a business coach or life podcast. The more you grow in yourself, the more you can achieve. Surround yourself with people you admire and respect and be mindful of what you give energy to.

TJ: How did you choose your salon brand partners?

KL: Goldwell to me, just means quality. The colour work I can create with the product, I believe, is superior to any other brand. I want to create healthy beautiful colours that last, and that’s the Goldwell guarantee.

TJ: Favourite Goldwell products and why?

KL: Silk Lift Lightener. This is a one luxe lifter! The lift is immediate with this product and results are stable and healthy.