Pittwater Life November 2023 Issue

Hair & Beauty
Papillon Hair
spreads wings
Hair & Beauty
TEAM EFFORT: Deborah and Ben in the new Papillon space.
In-demand hair stylist Deborah
Raymond has unveiled a
dream new salon space for
clients and her team of handpicked
hairdressers in Avalon.
A destination for people who
appreciate the professional skills
required to create beautiful natural
hair that’s easy to maintain,
Papillon Hair first opened in Paddington
in 2012, relocating to
Avalon Beach after Deborah and
her husband made the move
here almost a decade ago.
“We were enchanted by the
charm of Avalon, its welcoming
community, and the coastal
beauty,” Deborah explained.
“My dream to open in Avalon
materialised in 2017 with the
launch of Papillon Hair and now
I’ve embraced an exciting opportunity
to relocate right next
door, crafting my dream salon
precisely as I envisioned it.”
The new salon in Garden
Court Arcade, Avalon Parade, is
luxurious and welcoming; the
extensive use of natural wood,
beautiful colours, and the soft,
filtered natural light that fills
the space, creates a soothing
atmosphere.
The project, which entailed
fusing two neighbouring office
spaces, removing walls, uncovering
boarded-up windows,
grinding and polishing concrete
floors, design and fit-out, was a
year in the making.
The space is meticulously
designed, with solid American
oak and marble finishes, handcrafted
pieces, fluted glass
and linen curtains juxtaposed
with the rough character of
the original concrete slab and
large windows opening out to
the colourful back alley.
Deborah collaborated with
talented local interior designer
Alex Johnson from Knot Studio
to select the colour palette
featuring captivating green tiles
and a stunning green marble
desk.
Her husband, Ben Raymond
from Vanwood, took the helm
in overseeing and hand-crafting
the entire fit-out, from the
intricacies of joinery to the creation
of custom-made benches,
floors, and windows.
Working alongside him,
Ben Haig Smith from Haig and
Smith played a pivotal role in
decision-making and produced
some of the custom-built pieces
in the salon.
“We were fortunate to have
the invaluable support of local
tradespeople, and the collective
effort has resulted in the
creation of something extraordinary,”
Deborah added.
Deborah says she is proud
to have been able to deliver
something for the community
to enjoy.
“Seeing the joy on our clients’
faces and that of my staff made
it all worthwhile” she said. “I
deeply care about my staff
and want to ensure they love
coming to work, so a perfect,
functional salon was a top
priority.”
Papillon is certified as an
official ‘Sustainable Salon’, upholding
the highest standards
in terms of waste management,
team training and overall social
responsibility. All products used
in the salon are chemical-free
and chosen for minimal harm
and maximum performance.
– Lisa Offord
*To celebrate the launch, Papillon
Hair Avalon is extending
a warm welcome to new
clients with an exclusive offer
(see ad this page).
62 NOVEMBER 2023
The Local Voice Since 1991
PHOTO: Martin Siegner