A set of good hair extensions can change a girl’s life. Just ask Emilly Hadrill. The founder of Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions got her first set at the age of 19 and knew she’d come across something truly special. “I absolutely fell in love with the look and feel that extensions gave me,” she says. “I went from super fine hair that had me lacking confidence to a full head of hair that I could style and feel glamorous with.
This led her to wanting to share the feeling with others, at a time when hair extensions weren’t as widespread in popularity as they are now. “I created a space that was luxurious and personalised for my salon guest and it grew really quickly from referrals!
“In the very early days I went from a home set up to a small 30-square-metre commercial space in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast with myself often working 12 hour days.”
Now, her hair empire comprises four salons across Australia (including one in Brisbane and one on the Gold Coast) and about 30 team members. And as much as extensions are what the business became known for, they offer full hairdressing services with some of the most talented hairdressers and up-and-comers in the industry.
“After a couple of years I started employing team members who were fully qualified hairdressers to take the business from just hair extensions to a larger space offering all hairdressing services as well,” she says.
“This gave us the ability to do custom colouring and very personalised colour matches.”
As well as facilitating happy clients, Emilly also loves being able to provide a workplace her staff genuinely love.
“I am so proud of building something that has created an environment where friendships are made, fun is had and growth is inevitable while working for the brand,” she says.
“We recently had a large two-day conference where we were finally able to fly all team members to be together post-Covid. It was a very special weekend to see how far we have come and how happy our team members are. It was a bit of a pinch me moment!”
Looking at all the salons’ thrilled clients and stunning results, Emilly is really proud of what she’s built and loves making people feel amazing about themselves. “We might be known for extensions but once a client comes to us they almost always end up having their colour and other hairdressing services done with us,” she says.
Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions’ Brisbane salon is located at 9 Doggett Street, Fortitude Valley.
Visit Emilly Hadrill Hair & Extensions to find out more.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
