Last week I was lucky enough to have my hair cut and blow dried at what can only be described as Auckland’s trendiest new salon. This place is a recipe for success when owned and operated by Steph Hosking and Paula Satterthwaite, two award winning stylists with a strong passion and natural flair for what they do.

I walked in to be greeted by a warm smile and welcome from the girl on reception, and was offered a coffee straight away which was very much needed at 10am on a Saturday morning!

The salon itself is simple and modern with lots of natural light , It has a very intimate and happy feel about the place.

After a fairly in depth consultation with Paula where she listened intently and advised me on what cut would be best for my hair I felt completely confident to let her proceed with what she had suggested. I was then taken to the basin to get my hair washed and was pleasantly surprised by the seat I sat in ,they are rather different to the usual upright leather seats where you have to tip your head back causing your neck to feel a little uncomfortable ! Instead you are almost in a lying position so that your head just naturally falls back into the basin making the head massage even more enjoyable.

Paula who is a clear perfectionist took a lot of time cutting and styling my hair to an end result I was extremely happy with! Paula who has worked at both New Zealand and New York Fashion weeks also took the time to show me some different ways to use the GHD iron which I found very helpful and could see why in 2009 she won GHD Australasian Expert of the Year.

Below are some questions I asked both Steph and Paula to help you out with this seasons styles and products

1. What has been the most requested style so far in 2010?
Styles do change every season and alot of preference is depending on what the catwalks and celebrities are doing.  This season longer layers are in more demand, fringes are starting to get longer with a soft sweeping effect, for summer. Kera Straight Treatments are new and becoming very popular, we are calling it the permanent blow dry.

2. A new season is upon us which usually means a new hair trend. What is the trend for Spring and Summer for cuts and colours?
Styles this season seem to be alot softer with center partings making a come back and lots more movement.  The bob is now grazing just on collar length and shorter styles are following the grown out Agnes Dean style with keeping the layers longer. The Balayage (a lightening technique focusing on mid lengths to ends) is very popular this summer, keeping ends lighter to give that disheveled, rake your fingers through it hair for instant sexiness. Textured windswept ponytails are a stylish solution for humid summer.

3. What are your must have products?
Here at Luxe&Duke we are really loving the Sebastian range.  The HYDRE Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner provides intensive nourishment and adds moisture to hair while keeping body and silky movement, it is also colour safe. For summer the POTION 9 Wearable Styling Treatment is a must have!  Its a versatile styling cream with 9 Botanical Extracts helping to  restore lost moisture and rejuvenate the health and look of your hair.  Perfect for styling your hair into multiple looks with flexible hold.  

LUXE & DUKE
483 Richmond Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland,
corner of Castle St & Richmond Rd
09 360 1477