Three Hairdressing
When Jemal Guitry and Hazel Newman opened the doors to Three Hairdressing in 2014, their vision was clear: create a salon that balances creativity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place. Over a decade later, their Whangārei-based salon has undergone a transformation that reflects not only a new design, but the resilience and adaptability of a team that weathered a renovation story like no other.
An Interior Refresh with Purpose
Designed in collaboration with local architectural firm Designgroup AHK and built by Luke Eilering, the renovation focused on refreshing the interior and improving workflow throughout the space. “We wanted to create a clean, fresh aesthetic that reflects who we are now — both as a team and as a brand,” explains Jemal Guitry. “Functionality and atmosphere were equally important.”
The project began in February 2020 with a carefully planned, staged approach intended to keep the salon operational throughout. The team started at the back of the salon — the staff room, kitchen, and office — before working forward through the space. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit just weeks into the renovation, everything came to a halt.
Resilience Through Disruption
With the back half of the salon already gutted, the team faced the first twelve weeks of post-lockdown trading with a partially dismantled workspace. “It was a really tough time,” recalls Hazel Newman. “But our team and clients were incredibly supportive. We just kept moving forward, bit by bit.”
The main body of the salon was tackled next, with a full closure in 2022 for two intense weeks of building. “The deadline was tight,” says Guitry, “but our tradies delivered under pressure — we’re grateful to each and every one of them.” The final phase, the colour bay, was completed in September 2025, marking the official end of a six-year-long journey.
Design Through Evolution
Material shortages, skyrocketing building costs, and a post-COVID construction boom meant constant re-evaluation and adaptation. A national Gib board shortage forced the team to seek alternative wall linings. Finishes like the flooring didn’t go to plan and had to be reimagined. But these roadblocks ultimately led to better outcomes.
“One of the silver linings of the extended timeline was that we had space to be more considered with every decision,” says Guitry. “The final result is quite different from our original concept — and much better for it.”
The Power of a Team
The project wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Lisa Anderson, salon manager and chief project manager, who steered the process day-to-day. “Lisa was the glue,” says Newman. “She kept everything on track, liaised with tradies, and made sure we could still deliver an excellent client experience, even in the middle of construction.”
Spreading the renovation over several years also helped ease the financial pressure, allowing for more investment in quality details at each stage.
Looking Ahead
The final space, captured beautifully by Up Imagery, reflects a salon that has evolved with its people and its place in the community. It’s refined, functional, and full of character — much like the team who brought it to life.
“This renovation wasn’t just about updating our space,” says Guitry. “It was about redefining who we are, and how we work. We’re proud of what we’ve created — and grateful we made it through.”
