E J Deluxe Hair’s Ebony Jade O’Brien named best hairstylist in Burnett
South and North Burnett readers have revealed their choice for the region’s best hairstylist, with the winner emerging from a 28-strong field of nominees to claim the crown.
South Burnett
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A beloved South Burnett hairdresser and businesswoman has been crowned as the best hair professional in the Burnett for the third year running.
Ebony Jade O’Brien from E J Deluxe Hair Boutique came out on top of the recent poll of South Burnett Times’ readers for best hairstylist in the North and South Burnett.
E J Deluxe Hair Boutique received 21 per cent of the 128 votes, with Emily-Jo Ricketts from SG’s Hair Designs coming in second with eight per cent of the vote.
Third place was a three-way tie; Alison Gott from Studio J, Amber Naumann from The Barber Shoppe and Tamika Ziebarth from Amiches Hair each received seven per cent of the votes.
Ms O’Brien, who previously owned and managed the popular and long-running salon HairDo4U, went out on her own late last year after 10 years in business.
“In the past 12 months I have rebranded from Hairdo4U to E J Deluxe Hair Boutique and gone solo,” Ms O’Brien said.
“This was a massive decision personally and business wise but has hands down been the best thing for my family and also my business.”
In 2023, HairDo4U won best hairdresser by a fraction, with 25 per cent of the total votes, and Ivy Lane Hair Studios came in second with 24 per cent of the vote.
Last year brought about another win for HairDo4U, who took home the title of best colourist with 25 per cent of the votes once again.
“It’s an honour that I’m still being acknowledged for my hard work and skills in the hairdressing industry,” she said.
At 29 years old Ms O’Brien is already a veteran in the industry, starting during her school days when she studied a Certificate Three in Hairdressing.
She wanted to be a hairdresser for as long as she could remember, and loved playing with her nana’s and mum’s hair when she was little.
The mum-of-two made the decision to go out on her own to have more creative control, connect with her clients more intimately, and to spend more time with her young children.
“Running a business is hard enough as it is but having children changed that for me and I needed to weigh up how to manage both,” she said.
“Which is why I’m now solo so I can work my schedule around my boys.”
Ms O’Brien said business is busier than ever and she currently has five-to-six month waiting period for new customers, who are reaching out regularly.
“Balance is something I’m still learning, some days are great others are difficult,” she said.
“I spend late nights responding to messages, bookings, quoting, and scheduling content just so I’m not taking away time from my boys during the afternoon/early night.”
E J Deluxe Hair Boutique was one of the most nominated businesses in the recent call out for best hair stylist on the South Burnett Times Facebook page, with many people praising her work in the comments.
Lisa said Ms O’Brien completely transformed her fragile locks and praised her customer service skills.
“She worked absolute magic taking my extremely fine hair from black to a beautiful blonde,” she wrote.
“Not only is she incredibly skilled, but she’s also so friendly and welcoming. I always leave feeling amazing!”
One woman said she travels from New South Wales to have her hair done by Ms O’Brien.
Cheryl said Ms O’Brien was a caring and kind person, who was “an artist with hair”.
“She is a beautiful, caring and kind woman who understands how you feel and creates miracles that give you the ability to face the world again with renewed confidence,” she wrote.
The beloved local stylist said it was amazing to see the ongoing love and support she has received from customers recently and throughout her career.
“It’s still a pinch me moment that so many people love my work and me personally,” she said.
“I think they see the hard work I put in behind the scenes and it’s great to have that acknowledgment.”
Ms O’Brien teased an exciting new development coming to her business, but wouldn’t reveal any details just yet.
“I’m always on the lookout for something new to bring to my space and do different to others,” she said.
“Whether that’s a product or service, at the moment I am working on something but you’ll have to wait and see what that is.”
You can find out more about E J Deluxe Hair Boutique here.
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