We love a new concept in salons and Dry & Tea is certainly that. We talk to Dry & Tea owner Amy Sznicer about her inviting salon, which combines hair styling with professional makeup application, decadent cups of tea – and very few mirrors! The clever concept has been a major hit in New Zealand – and it’s just recently moved into Hampton in Melbourne.
Can you tell us about the concept of Dry & Tea?
Dry & Tea is all about affordable luxury – we have combined our very popular blow wave and styling bar with tea house to provide a space for clients to enjoy express (or long) services in the most beautiful way. We also offer full service cut/colour and hair extensions.
When did your Melbourne salon open? And why did you decide on Hampton?
Our first Australian salon opened in late August. We have a list of target locations, and the Bayside of Melbourne was high on the list. A great opportunity came up in a new development in Hampton and it ticked all the boxes for us, so we went for it! The Bayside clientele is similar to our wonderful clientele in Auckland where we know our formula works.
You have three successful New Zealand based salons, why did you want to open in Australia?
I am a Melbourne girl! I lived in Auckland when working for a major fashion retailer and discovered the Dry & Tea brand when it was very new. I was instantly hooked on the concept and took it over in June 2014. I then opened the 3rd salon in Auckland with the view to bring the business into Australia.
Is there anything different about the Hampton salon?
Every Dry & Tea salon has the same DNA as the other Dry & Tea salons… but it is really important that they all have a point of difference that makes them special. Each salon has its own unique floral print that we blow up on walls, ceilings and use as an anchor feature. Hampton’s floral print has been done by a talented Australian artist and its vibrancy and depth of colour is a real feature in the salon.
Why you think Dry & Tea has become such a hit?
Our clients tell us daily that they love the fact they can come into our space and they are not like a normal ‘salon’… they are full of plant life, floral prints, very few mirrors and above all – wonderful service. Our extensive T2 tea menu is a much loved part of the experience, as is our Signature Blow Wave Menu that clients use to select the look they want. Clients leave feeling as beautiful as they look. Great hair and makeup is a must… but equally so is the experience.
You offer makeup in your treatment menu, what looks do you offer?
We have introduced the very beautiful BECCA Cosmetics range, along with BITE beauty into Hampton. Both ranges give a flawless finish and are now leading global brands in Sephora. Clients come to us for these ranges. We provide any makeup look a client wants – from the ever popular smoky eyes to a dewy natural look! Our talented makeup team can create any look.
What have been the most popular looks so far?
From a Blow Wave perspective our ‘New York Femme’ and ‘Bondi Wave’ looks are always very popular. Our ‘Braid Envy’ menu is much loved by clients with the ‘Passion’ crown braid dominating in the most requested!
You had a lot of applicants for the makeup roles at Dry & Tea. Why do you think this is?
We offer above all a great place to work. We are known for our focus on fashion and staying up to date on trends in styling, makeup and cut/colour. We have a strong focus on training and believe in promoting a positive and fun company culture. We believe if our team love what they do, our clients will only benefit from that. We have a lot of fun.
What is the most popular hair look at Dry & Tea?
This season is still all about braids, texture and the perfect ‘messy bun’. From a colour perspective we love hair contouring, babylights and the long bob. Above all we look at each client and really work to enhance their features, and are always complimentary to skin tone, face shape and their overall look. We want every client to LOVE what we do; this is the most important thing.
What’s next? Any other salons in the planning?
YES! We have more sites we are currently looking at in Melbourne, with Sydney and Brisbane to follow. We also have a couple more sites in New Zealand that are crying out for Dry & Tea
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Definitely a new experience for Melbournites!!