The doors to Coonabarabran’s newest hairdressing salon finally swung open last week, with talented stylist, Daniel Loader, launching Dusk Signature Hair. The Coonabarabran Times caught up with Daniel to learn more about the man behind the scissors...and have a sticky-beak at the beautifully styled space he and his partner Martin have created for clients.

Tell me about yourself?

I was born in Shellharbour and have been in the hair industry for just over 17 years and I am an international colourist and stylist. One of my great clients was Clare Bowen, best known for her role as Scarlett O’Connor in the musical-drama television series “Nashville”. 

I was extremely fortunate to have started my hairdressing career at an award-winning salon in Cremorne, Rachel Jones Hairdressers. It is here that I really developed and grew my passion for such an inspiring art. I went on to work at Empyre Hair Studio in Shellharbour Village and honed my skills and techniques.

I eventually moved to Lake Macquarie and met my partner, Martin. We have travelled and explored so many beautiful towns. We say that Coonabarabran chose us - we were welcomed so warmly upon arriving here in Coona and have made some really great friends who we consider family and we absolutely love living here.

Where did the idea to open your own salon in Coonabarabran originate?

When we first moved here I started offering a mobile hairdressing service and that was starting to go quite well... then COVID hit and I had to find another source of income as it was still so very uncertain as to what was going to happen with the hair industry. I commenced a casual position at the Shell service station and progressed to assistant site manager.

Once restrictions eased and things came back to some form of normality, I started my mobile business again. So many clients were asking when we were going to open a salon. We originally planned to open in 18 months time, however, Martin has taught me to be spontaneous so I told him that we were opening a boutique hair studio within six months and here we are now!

What services are you offering?

I am offering colouring, cutting, styling, detox and signature treatment services to suit classic, contemporary or fashion- forward individuals. We have also initiated a free trade space within our business to help support other small businesses and artists within our community.

Can you tell me about the products you use and what makes them unique?

It took 12 months of extensive research to find a company that is different and unique - I wanted something truly special, sustainable with certified organic natural ingredients and I wanted a company that didn’t feel like a company, but more like a family and I found Natulique. The products contain no ammonia, 98.2 per cent certified organic and naturally-derived ingredients. Natulique offers the lowest tox hair colour that is available, a minimum of nine essential oils and are certified vegan products.

In the age of “self- care”, what can a trip to the salon do for a client’s confidence?

A new colour or cut can make a huge difference and here at Dusk Signature Hair I have ensured I have received the best training in the industry - not just once, but throughout my entire career - so I am better able to give a lasting style and longevity of luscious rich colour that will boost your self-esteem and make you look and feel amazing. I believe hair is a journey and not just a service. Our business is to create relationships and build trust with our clients and in turn to build confidence in all of ourclients’ lives.

What has been the feedback from the public during your first week of trade?

We have received such an extraordinary, warm and overwhelming response within our first week. We are so humbled by the community giving us such a lovely welcome in business and well wishes.

Any future plans for the business?

We have a myriad of plans and promotions in the works and can’t wait to start rolling them out. When it comes to our promotions, we want to include other small businesses as well, as it’s our way of giving back. During September and October we will be having an amazing promotion and we have worked closely with Michelle from The Lighthouse and Eleasha from The Black Kockatoo to come up with some incredible prizes. Stay tuned for details of our first giveaway!

How does it make you feel to be one of several new unique businesses that have launched in town in the past 12 months?

Martin and I are truly overwhelmed to have received such amazing feedback already. The decision to start our business has come with great pride and joy, but also, like all businesses, there are risks and a lot of hard work involved to make it come to fruition. To say we are excited is an understatement and we can’t wait for what the future holds.