Cronulla’s Chic New Home of Hair
Pélo by Lago
Is it a little OTT to say finding the perfect hair salon can change your life? Maybe… but let’s be honest, does anything beat walking out of a hair salon with absolutely fabulous hair? When you’re completely satisfied with your cut and colour there is no better feeling. But finding a hairdresser that interprets your every want and need is no easy feat. It’s like finding a four-leaf clover: hard to find but lucky to have.
Kirby Lago, Founder of Pélo
Kirby Lago, founder of Pélo, knows all about beautiful hair and just how great it can make you feel (when done well), “Your hair is your crowning glory. Or at least; it should be. Quality hair brings with it radiance and confidence.” Kirby’s more than 16 years of experience, including time spent working at some of LA’s best salons, has given her the cutting edge.
We have been longing to find out more about Pélo ever since its doors opened in mid-August. Located in the heart of Cronulla, we were blown away with the salon's sophisticated design and feel. Kirby wanted the space to have an open energy about it. It is light, clean and all about different textures, “Black is so stereotypical in hair salons. I wanted to step away from that and create a space that had an earthy feel and almost European vibe.”
It’s certainly safe to say that Kirby nailed her brief. Pélo’s interiors are completely unique to the Sutherland Shire. Kicking off with a bang, Pélo has an entry worth talking about. The beautiful mural that leads you up the stairs certainly sets the scene for what's to follow. Upon entry you can’t miss the distinctive and unique finish of the reception desk, complimented by a magnificent wall mounted dry floral arrangement stretching close to 2m in length.
At second glance, we noticed there was no wall untouched, with venetian plaster used throughout to create a soft, gleaming finish that bounces light around the space. Curved edges with subtle texture epitomises timeless elegance and pairs perfectly with Pélo’s minimalistic aesthetic and uplifting soft colour palette.
What is your favourite part of the space you have created?
“I love how light filled the salon is and I especially loooove my table. I had it custom made by a friend of mine, I even picked out the colours of the pebbles throughout to tie in my salon tones.”
We aren’t surprised that the table is one of Kirby’s favourite features. Centred in the middle of the salon, it’s a real talking piece. The rounded table ties in the mirrors, curved menus and arch walls creating a coherent, seamless space.
Menu? Yes, you heard that right. Pélo’s in-salon menu is just the icing on the cake. Kirby says, “Clients can find anything from a chai almond latte to a prosecco.”
After taking in Pélo’s breathtaking interiors, we learnt more from Kirby and everything in the lead up to Pélo and creating her very own sophisticated salon experience.
Throughout her career in the industry Kirby has owned multiple hair salons in sought after locations such as Surry Hills. Kirby sold the business to focus on having her three beautiful children, whilst freelancing and perfecting her vision for Pélo by Lago. During this time she travelled to LA and worked with and was educated through the top salons so she could bring this knowledge back and apply it to Pélo.
“All of the knowledge and experience I was gathering was working towards putting together this business plan. I spent time with Business Coach, Tony Robbins where I also learnt invaluable skills that definitely came in handy when COVID hit. When I was signing the lease to this salon, I was actually in Randwick hospital with my newborn in ICU. This combined with COVID wasn’t part of my plan but one thing Tony Robbins taught me was that you need to pivot. While other businesses may crumble at the thought, you need to take on the challenge.”
Why Pélo? What does it mean?
“Pélo actually means hair in Spanish. My surname, Lago, is Spanish. I wanted to still have my name connected to it but I didn’t want it to be just about me. I wanted it to be a recognised brand.”
What separates Pélo hair from other hair salons.
“I think the overall customer journey. We provide a completely tailored and personalised experience. From the moment a client enters the salon, they go straight to the table to relax and are left with a gorgeous drink menu, all complimentary. They will then have a full consultative service to determine their individual hair needs and goals followed by a quote so they can sit back and enjoy their transformation.
We have a Pélo Bible that breaks down the customer journey and ensures a first-class standard every time a client comes in. From amazing customer service to the quality of work that the client receives, we want to create an unforgettable in-salon experience.”
Kirby is right in the middle of all the action at Pélo. From meeting and greeting to cutting and colouring, she takes the time to listen to each of her clients and to find out exactly what they want, so they walk out feeling like a brand new person. Kirby has two senior stylists, Emily and Tory in her close-knit team, who were both previously assisting Kirby over her time spent freelancing. “Here they learnt my way of doing things. It's important that they live and breathe the way I do hair so they can provide the same level of service and style for all clients.”
Do you have a signature style? What is Pélo known for?
“Pélo is known for enhancing your natural hair. We create low maintenance, lived-in hair colours and cuts that won’t compromise the health of your hair, only enhance it. A lot of the work I do is very detailed. Unfortunately, the majority of bad colour work is hidden by toner which causes great damage to your hair. For me, it's all about the detail and every foil around the hairline. When it starts to fade, the technique is so seamless that it will just get better and better over time.
Using Goldwell products ensures quality colour that lasts the distance. We support that with Apotecari, to give your hair the nourishment it needs. The health of your hair is at the forefront of everything we do.”
We noticed you share the space with The Skin Bar Cronulla, tell us a bit about how this came about.
“So Sam, owner of The Skin Bar has been doing my skin for years. I started to get skin needling done when I was pregnant with my middle child. Years ago we joked about joining forces. She outgrew her space, I outgrew my space and it just seemed like the perfect fit. As soon as you walk upstairs, The Skin Bar is off to the right and Pélo is off to the left.”
As far as we’re concerned, Pélo has everything you look for in a hair salon. The salon is effortlessly beautiful, bringing fresh new vibes to the Sutherland Shire. So choose the beverage of your choice (we’d go the Rosé) and sip away as Kirby and her team work their hair magic.
Posted October, 2020
