Wonderful things come to those who sign up!
Simply sign up and we'll give you 10% off your first order.
Meet the Collective: Lizzie Lam
Hey, I’m Lizzie Lam – a self-employed stylist working from a lovely little town in Suffolk! I’ve been hairdressing for 13 years now, and every day I’m still so grateful I get to do something I love so much. Here’s a little insight into my journey, my style, and what the ELEVEN Collective has been up to lately!
Quick Fire with Lizzie🔥✂️
How long have you been a hairdresser?
I’ve been hairdressing for 13 years! I started with an apprenticeship at a local salon, which was the perfect way to begin. It wasn’t always easy – there were definitely some mistakes along the way – but learning on the job taught me the foundations that I’ve built on ever since.
Why did you want to become a hairdresser?
I’ve always been a creative soul – I studied art, photography and media at sixth form, then went on to university to study fashion styling. But a few months in, I knew it wasn’t for me. I’d always been fascinated by hairdressers when I was in the chair myself, so I decided to explore it… and I’ve never looked back!
What’s your specialty and why?
I’m all about lived-in, sun-kissed, low maintenance colour. In 2020, I came across Emily Mander’s lived-in colour education and I was totally hooked – it was a whole new way of looking at hair. For me, hair colour is like artwork – I love working with contrast, depth and tone to complement someone’s skin and eye colour.
That was also when I discovered ELEVEN Australia – I saw Emily using I Want Body Texture Spray, ordered it instantly, and it’s still my go-to for soft, beachy waves with lightweight hold and beautiful texture!
If you could be any famous hairdresser, who would you be?
It would have to be Kaine Vakai. I recently did a course with him and WOW – his presence is incredible. The way he shares his knowledge, his love for creating content, and how he balances educating, running his own salon, and building businesses while travelling the world… it’s so inspiring!
If you could invent something for the industry, what would it be?
A long wash basin – one that lets long hair rinse out like a shower instead of swirling and tangling up. Total game changer!
This Month with the ELEVEN Collective 💥
We had an amazing session with Sophie, all about session styling – perfect timing as we get ready for HairCon!
She demoed four styles: undone waves, a ponytail, faux bangs and twisted braids. Then we got stuck in, practicing each one for ourselves. I absolutely loved the session – it really boosted my confidence and gave me practical tools I know I’ll use again and again.
I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about HairCon… creating hair on stage is totally new territory for me, but I’m ready to be pushed out of my comfort zone. I can’t wait to take on this challenge and walk away with a brand new experience under my belt! 💪✨
Want to follow Lizzie’s journey? Keep an eye out for her at HairCon – we know she’s going to smash it 💥
#TheCollective #ELEVENAustralia #HairConReady #LivedInColourLove
When I’m visiting a salon, one of the most common conversations I have is around retail — and more specifically, how to make it work without feeling like you’re selling. You know what I mean. That awkward moment when a stylist’s finished the service, the client’s happy, and now there’s that pause — “Should I mention the shampoo? Do they want to buy it? Will it feel pushy?”
The good news is, when retail is done right, it doesn’t feel like selling at all. It becomes part of the client journey — natural, helpful, even expected.
So, here’s something I put together recently for a salon we support. They stock ELEVEN Australia, and were looking for practical ways to improve their retail touchpoints. It’s a full 360 checklist — starting before the client even walks in the door, and finishing well after they’ve left with great hair and a smile.
Before the Visit: Set the Tone
Retail doesn’t start in the salon. It starts online.
- Is your website showcasing the retail products you love? Include descriptions, images, and benefits.
- Does your confirmation email or SMS mention the amazing products used in-salon, like ELEVEN Australia’s Miracle Hair Treatment?
- What are your socials saying? Regular tips, stylist favourites, and behind-the-scenes posts help warm clients up to the idea of buying.
- If you use pre-visit forms, include a question like: “What products do you currently use at home?” It opens the door to better recommendations.
Window & Reception: First Impressions Count
I always encourage salons to think of their window and reception area as silent retailers (they don’t take days off either 😉).
- Use seasonal displays to highlight your hero products — the ones that sell themselves when people try them.
- Ensure there’s clear signage near the desk. Something simple like, “Love what your stylist used? You can take it home today.”
- Put key products on the reception desk, ELEVEN Australia’s latest product SMOOTH ME NOW FLYAWAY HAIR BALM has been flying out of salons when they put all their stock on the reception desk!
- Have your front-of-house team trained to mention promos or bestsellers. It’s not about a hard sell — just a gentle nudge.
The Consultation: Ask the Right Questions
This is where the magic happens. The consultation is your golden opportunity.
- Encourage stylists to ask about the client’s current home care routine.
- Then, recommend a product as part of their service solution. It’s not “you should buy this,” it’s “this will help with what we’ve just discussed.”
When ELEVEN Australia launched, they built the brand around simple language and straight-talking product names — so use that to your advantage. No jargon, just results. As Joey Scandizzo says “Haircare doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to work!”
Backbar & Styling: Show and Tell
This one’s huge, and often overlooked.
- When washing hair, get stylists to say what they’re using and why. For example: “I’m using ELEVEN’s Deep Clean Shampoo today to really clarify your scalp before we add volume.”
- During the blow-dry, explain what you’re applying and how to use it at home.
Clients remember how something made them feel — so give them a great sensory experience and the confidence to recreate it themselves.
Retail Shelves: More Than Just Display
This is where your products live — and the difference between a shelf that sells and one that just stores is all in the detail.
- Keep your shelves clean, well-lit, and organised by category — shampoos, conditioners, treatments, styling.
- Use product stories. A few short words about why a product works can do wonders. For example: “SMOOTH ME NOW – Perfect for frizzy hair. Tames, smooths, and adds shine.”
- Refresh your displays often. Just moving a few things around or switching a front-facing shelf to highlight seasonal favourites like ELEVEN’s Frizz Control Shaping Cream can spark new interest.
- Think in solutions, not just products. Group items together that solve a problem: a volume trio, a curl bundle, a summer rescue kit.
- Encourage your team to treat the shelf as a talking point, not an afterthought. The more familiar they are with what’s there, the more naturally they’ll bring it into conversation.
Your shelf should be a silent service assistant — always ready to support the stylist’s recommendation and make it easy for the client to say yes. I love the retail shelving at Marzipan Hair in Truro
Checkout: Make It Easy
If you’ve done all of the above, checkout is the easiest part.
- Products should be right there, at eye level.
- The receptionist can say something like, “Would you like to take home the products your stylist used today?”
- Better still, if you can, have the receipt list those products by name — great for next-time reminders.
Aftercare: Stay in Touch
Don’t forget about the follow-up. A smart aftercare strategy keeps the conversation going.
- Set a reminder email for 4–6 weeks later: “Need a top-up of your Miracle Hair Treatment?”
- Share styling tutorials or Instagram reels showing how to use what they bought.
- Offer loyalty points for retail purchases — a great way to build return business.
Final Thoughts
Retail shouldn’t be a bolt-on to your service — it should be baked into every stage of the client journey.
If your team believe in the products, if they understand the why, and if you build it into your salon flow from start to finish, clients will thank you for the guidance. And yes, they’ll buy more too.
If you’re an ELEVEN Australia salon and want help training your team on this, or even refreshing your displays — just shout. That’s what we’re here for.
Hey, I’m Tom!
I’m a 19-year-old self-employed hairstylist with a passion for everything hair! I work across two amazing salons—Bliss Hair Therapy and Blushes in Cheltenham—which allows me to work with a diverse clientele. I love variety, and having the opportunity to create different looks every day is what keeps me inspired.
The hair industry is my world! I thrive on attending and working at hair events, always putting myself forward for photoshoots and creative opportunities. This year, I’ve taken a huge leap and entered the British Hairdressing Awards for the first time! I’m constantly pushing myself to grow and evolve—because in this industry, there’s always something new to learn.
I’ve been a hairdresser for four years, and my passion started because I found the industry so inspiring. If I had to choose my speciality, it would be balayage—it’s my most requested service, and I love making my clients’ hair look absolutely stunning.
If I could step into the shoes of any famous hairstylist, I’d pick Chris Appleton—he’s one of the best and most well-known, and that’s exactly what I aspire to be: an industry leader.
And if I could invent something for the hair industry, it would be bleach- and colour-proof clothing in any colour. Right now, most are just black—but, as I said, I love variety!
This month, as part of the Eleven Collective, we had an incredible colouring course with Katie Groves. I learned and practiced some fantastic techniques, and I couldn’t wait to take them back to the salon and put them to use! This year with the Eleven Collective is going to be amazing, but what I’m most excited about is HairCon with the team—it’s going to be an inspiring and fun couple of days, and I can’t wait!
Meet ELEVEN Australia Collective member Katie Guise
Tell us about yourself?
Hi, I’m Katie Guise! I’m 31 years old and have been in the hair industry for over 15 years. My journey began in West London, where I started as an apprentice, learning the foundations of hairdressing. From there, I gained experience working in a variety of salons, as well as in fashion and session work, which allowed me to explore different aspects of the industry and refine my skills. 2.5 years ago, I took a major step in my career and opened my first salon, a dream I had worked towards for years. Being able to create a space where both my clients and team feel inspired and confident has been incredibly rewarding. I absolutely love working alongside ELEVEN and the Collective team, as it fuels my creativity and allows me to collaborate with other passionate artists. Surrounding myself with talented individuals who share the same drive and love for the industry constantly pushes me to grow, learn, and evolve as a stylist.
What did the collective get up to this month?
This month has been massive for the ELEVEN Australia Collective team! Not only did we have an amazing cutting education session with the incredible Ben Nott, but we also had the honour of assisting Joey Scandizzo and Andrew O’Toole on the Sydney to Shoreditch Tour. The energy, creativity, and talent in the room were just unreal, and being part of something so inspiring has only fueled my passion even more.
Why did you want to become a hairdresser?
I’ve always wanted to do hair. Even from the age of eight, I was obsessed! I used to cut my grandad’s hair for £1 (don’t worry, I’ve had a price increase since then). I even still have the last pound he ever gave me from 22 years ago—it’s something I’ll always treasure. Hair has always been and always will be my passion; there’s nothing else I could imagine doing.
What would you say your speciality is and why?
Although I specialize in colour, my absolute favourite thing is taking a client on a complete hair journey, from start to finish. There’s something so rewarding about working with someone over time to completely transform their hair, whether it’s a major colour change, restoring hair health, or helping them rediscover their confidence. That transformation process is what keeps me inspired every single day.
If you could be a famous hairdresser, who would it be and why?
If I could be a famous hairdresser, hands down, it would be Sally Brooks. What a boss—an incredible talent and a true icon in the industry! Her work is next-level, and her passion for education and creativity is something I really admire.
If you could invent something for the hairdressing industry, what would it be?
If I could invent one thing for the hair industry, it would definitely be trolley wheels that never get hair caught in them. Seriously, someone needs to make this happen! Every hairstylist knows the struggle, and I feel like this would be a game-changer in the salon.
Why book the new ELEVEN Australia Trend Cutting Class?
We talked to ELEVEN Australia Educator Ben Nott to find out why…
In the Eleven Australia trend-cutting course, we guide you through the art of blending scissor and razoring techniques to effortlessly create on-trend, high-demand cuts that clients are asking for in salons today. This course focuses on two gender-neutral, macro trend haircuts: The first is a longer, shaggy, ’70s rock-inspired style. Following the popularity of the butterfly and wolf haircuts, this look marks the next evolution of longer-layered hair trends. The second is a chic, chin-length cut with curtain bangs, featuring soft internal texture and movement while maintaining a fuller shape that works beautifully both curly and straight.
I absolutely love teaching the trend-cutting course because new styles and trends are always coming out but nowhere else seems to teach stylists how to create and achieve them with confidence. Showing hairdressers of all abilities how to utilise cutting with a razor – which is something most of us have either forgotten or were never properly taught in the first place – is so rewarding. I’ve often had students proclaim they want to become the salon razor specialist at the end of this course! Showing the class that in cutting, much like colouring, the importance of strong sectioning patterns ensures the accurately and effectiveness of creating these cuts time after time, with confidence in the end result.
“I can’t state it enough, everyone should attend a cutting course! There is something for every stylist no matter how experienced you are. It was so inspiring learning and being reminded of different techniques and tools to create different looks that are salon friendly and commercial. I even did one of the cuts I learnt the next day on a regular client and was so impressed with the finished result.”
-Amber Bird, Peterborough
“I completed this cutting course with Ben and I found it super inspiring! I would normally shy away from using a razor when cutting hair in the salon but after the course I’ve already used elements of the haircuts – my clients are loving the Sabrina Carpenter fringe vibes and the razor makes it way easier to achieve! Ben was really knowledgeable and super encouraging, he also taught us ways to adapt the techniques to make them more transferrable!! I would recommend any hairdresser looking to try a new technique in cutting to do this course with Ben!!”
-Daisy Baxter, Cornwall
“I recently completed the Edu Cutting Trends course, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The course really helped me understand how to create different looks and styles using both a razor and scissors, which is a great combo to use for today’s trends. I love that the looks we learnt are client friendly and I can actually take these techniques straight back to my salon and apply them day-to-day, which makes it so much more valuable.
– Corey-Marie Smith, Cardiff
Ben, the trainer, is fantastic. He has zero ego, which made the whole learning process so relaxed and enjoyable. His teaching style is super clear and relatable—no question feels silly, and he always takes the time to answer them thoroughly. I’ve had razor cutting training before, but I’ve never felt as confident as I do now. After Ben’s course, I left feeling ready to implement everything I’d learned immediately, and I was genuinely proud of the work I created during the session. It’s given me a real boost in my confidence and skill level! Highly recommend it.”
-Jenny Hainsworth, Harrogate
“I would highly recommend the cutting course and Ben as a teacher. His approach is really warm, friendly yet professional. The structure is perfect for a new or stylist in training as it’s broken down into really easy bite size sections! He is so hands on and really helped explain things when I got a bit stuck (due to lack of experience and confidence!)
Katie Guise, Essex
I feel like I came away with a much greater understanding for cutting generally as well as for the specific cuts we were taught. The different use of tools, including razors, scissors and thinning scissors to create various effects and textures was so valuable.”
-Lucy Johnson, Plymouth
“It’s been a while since I’ve done a cutting course, and this did not disappoint. Ben was great at delivering all the info and I came away with some great tips for different sectioning methods, as well as reminding me that I have razor in my kit bag that should be used more! felt like I’ve come away knowing I can use these cutting techniques on clients.”
-Stacy James, Kettering
“This was my first cutting course I’ve attended in years. Cutting has never really been ‘my thing’ but after leaving I feel it has opened a whole new door for me. Not only are the cuts super versatile for everyday life in the salon they also let you get super creative. After leaving I feel super inspired to offer a whole new service to my clients. Ben was literally the best educator for this! The knowledge he has and the patience is incredible and I will definitely be booking on more.”
-Zoey Weston, Ilkeston
“Ben is an incredible teacher. He made all of the steps really easy to follow and explained everything really, really well so we could create some amazing haircuts. We did two haircuts of really modern, on trend styles and they’re all techniques that you can use in the salon, which is absolutely amazing!”
-Tom Rowley, Alvechurch
“Thank you so much for yesterday! absolutely loved the trend-cutting class! as a colour specialist a cutting course is normally something I avoid as it’s slightly out of my comfort zone! But you really broke down & simplified the new techniques and sectioning patterns which made the workshop so fun + relaxed! Definitely has encouraged me to push myself with my cutting & even think about booking another cutting course!”
-Emmie Rae, Surrey
“I was with the Eleven Australia Collective team and we had a step-by-step tutorial on cutting. This was based on the haircuts by Melvyn Royce Lane – who is incredible – and Ben Nott who helped us and talked us through all of the steps in person. We did a shag cut and then a commercial bob cut and I learned some amazing new techniques that I had never even tried before. I’m now up to scratch with all of these techniques and I can’t wait to bring them back to the salon!”
-Lizzie Lam, Beccles
Tell us about yourself in a few words?
Hi my name is Daisy Baxter, I have been hairdressing for 10 years!! I started my hair journey as an apprentice at Marzipan Hair salon in Cornwall and have been there ever since – they can’t get rid of me!
I’m so Grateful for being part of the collective and excited to see a different side of the industry. I’m looking forward to being pushed in a safe community and learn from other like-minded hairdressers.
Tell us what the collective got up to this month?
This month the ELEVEN Australia Collective Team were treated to a hair cutting workshop with the wonderful Ben Nott. With colour clearly being my favourite thing ever, cutting courses can sometimes feel a little out of my comfort zone but Ben was super knowledgeable and encouraging – providing the perfect environment to get stuck in and try new techniques.
We learnt two great haircuts, the first being a gender-fluid, shaggy, mullet style created mostly using just a razor. I would never normally pick up a razor but less than 24 hours later I was using one back in the salon! Ben perfectly explained step by step how to achieve a super cool 80s-style vibe, whilst inspiring each of us to put our own twist on the cut meaning all of our end results looked totally different! Despite all following the same steps, clever stuff.
The second haircut, a textured bob, was my favourite. Bringing an undone feel to a classic cut by using a razor to craft the most effortless-looking face-framing fringe. Very Sabrina Carpenter, which all of my clients are loving at the minute. The razored fringe moment enabled us to attain the perfect length and texture – in half the steps it would normally take me with scissors! Again, once we’d all finished our looks, lining up the doll’s heads – no two cuts looked the same! Ben talked about different ways of styling the hair to give a different result and I’ll definitely be stealing his tips and tricks for day-to-day salon life!!
did you want to become a hairdresser?
Honestly, I loved playing with hair! I feel super lucky that hairdressing doesn’t feel like work to me, I absolutely love having the opportunity to create looks that give people confidence and make them feel good about themselves. Over the years I’ve had the privilege of working with the most amazing clients, each on their own little journeys and being a little part of it is so cool.
What would you say is your speciality and why?
My speciality is definitely all things colour. There’s nothing I enjoy more than a seamless, natural-looking hair colour, I think it’s timeless. Whether that’s a beautifully blended blonde or a soft multi-tonal brunette and everything in between. Bespoke colouring that is easy to maintain at home and doesn’t necessarily require a 6-week colour top-up has become my forte! I have a strong passion for creating the perfect colour formulas to compliment skin tone and the overall vibe of what my client might ask me for! I also love colour correcting, sinking my teeth into a challenge and helping people get to their dream hair!!
If you could be a famous hairdresser, who would you be and why?
If I could be a famous hairdresser, I’d choose Tracey Cunningham. She’s a true icon in the industry, especially when it comes to colour. I admire how she’s been able to shape trends while keeping her clients’ hair looking so natural and effortlessly beautiful. Plus, her ability to transform the hair of A-list celebrities shows not just skill but a deep understanding of what works for each person’s unique look. I’d love to be known for creating such gorgeous, personalised colour that makes people feel confident and glowing!
If you could invent something for the hairdressing industry, what would it be?
If I could invent something for the hairdressing industry, it would be a gown that adapts to the seasons—cooling you down in the summer and keeping you warm in the winter, offering comfort no matter the temperature.
Thanks Daisy 🙂
The Mocha Mousse hair trend is inspired by Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, which is a rich, warm brown with a hint of taupe. This shade is designed to evoke feelings of comfort and natural beauty, making it a versatile and universally flattering choice for many people.
Mocha Mousse can be used in different hair colouring techniques, such as all-over colour, highlights, balayage, or ombré styles. It blends well with other palettes and serves as a great base layer for multidimensional looks.
We asked Jo Robertson Wonderful Brands Education Director and Paul Dennison ELEVEN Australia Brand Artists for their interpretation of the trend.
Jo Robertson – Wonderful Education Director says
What is the Mocha Mousse Trend?
The Mocha Mousse trend is a game-changer for the hair industry, offering a versatile colour option that suits a wide range of skin tones and hair types. This soft, neutral brunette can be customized to complement both warm and cool complexions. The key is to keep the tone subtle and sophisticated, reminiscent of an “old money” brunette. It spans from a cool espresso martini brunette to a sun-kissed caramel, ensuring there’s a shade for everyone.
Who is best suited to wear this trend?
One of the best aspects of the Mocha Mousse trend is its flexibility. You can apply it globally or use it over pre-lightened sections to add dimension. It works well as a quick refresh with a demi-permanent colour over an existing shade or as a colour melt using a permanent colour.
How can I learn more about the Mocha Mousse Trend?
YELLOW Professional are launching a new class to explore the many tones you will be able dive into the brunette shades that will be taking over salons in 2025.
In this class, you’ll discover how to deconstruct the latest Mocha trends and delve into the four key brunette tones. You’ll learn to use the colour wheel to formulate these shades, gaining the confidence to either neutralize or enhance existing tones. By the end of the class, you’ll apply your newfound knowledge to create the four trending tones on a quadrant head.
To book this class speak to your Wonderful Brands Account manager or view the education book here.
How can you market this trend?
To market this trend, create mood boards showcasing the various tones and share images with descriptive names for each shade. Naming the tones helps establish a unique identity for the look, making it easier for clients to request specific styles, like the “Espresso Martini Brunette.” Promote the trend on social media and through email marketing, including details on how to book the service.
Paul Dennison – ELEVEN Australia Brand Artist
What I love about the Mocha Mousse Pantone is its versatility for most clients. The tone is neutral, not overly warm, making it adaptable to various skin tones. It works particularly well with olive skin and brown eyes, blending into a smoky caramel with a neutral feel to create dimension, especially if there are lighter pieces in the hair.
Applying an ELEVEN Australia liquid demi-permanent colour over pre-lightened areas can add contrast and provide a simple seasonal change. Consider using a muted palette of soft golds at levels 7 or 8 for a subtle yet striking effect.