Solo hairdresser Emma Chiverton opens Avari Hair salon in Kirwan

Offering specialised in one-on-on services with a focus on women’s cuts and colours, a new Kirwan hairdresser is getting tongues wagging. See what popular trend she’s embracing.

Emma Chiverton at Avari Hair in Kirwan. Picture: Evan Morgan

A former Asian market has received a makeover as a high-quality hair salon thanks to a professional stylist opening her second fashion business.

Emma Chiverton, who has worked as a stylist for 18 years, including eight as a salon owner in Darwin, opened Avari Hair owner at the Forrest Avenue Shopping Centre on 581 Ross River Road on July 4.

“This shop reminded me of my one in Darwin; it was quite central, the same sort of sized complex and I just thought it was a great idea being on a main road in between two big shopping centres,” she said.

“The main reason is that there is also a beautician here, which goes hand-in-hand: a hair dressers and a beautician … and there is easy parking.”

Emma Chiverton at Avari Hair in Kirwan with Colliers agent Reagan Stokely. Picture: Evan Morgan

Ms Chiverton said she was driving to Cooktown when she passed through Townsville and was instantly attracted to the city.

“It reminded me of Darwin a little bit, I liked the weather, I liked the size and I was here for two days and just thought, ‘I’m going to move here’.”

She said the city did not deserve its reputation.

“Compared to Darwin, it’s nothing,” she laughed.

“The people are friendly, I think it’s really pretty, the weather has been beautiful: I really like it.”

During the renovation process and the completed space at Avari Hair. Picture: Supplied.

Ms Chiverton said working on her own afforded her the opportunity to devote her full attention to her clients.

“You are able to actually able to listen to what your clients want and not just rush you out the door, that’s one of the main differences,” she said.

“I’ve never really wanted staff … and I don’t want to do hairdressing from home but from a shop.”

Ms Chiverton said Avari Hair specialised in one-on-on services with a focus on women’s cuts and colours, including the popular balayage colour application technique.

She described the balayage trend as a “lived-in” look.

Before and after visits to Avari Hair. Picture: Supplied.

“They are easier to maintain, and its way more natural looking, like it been in the sun and your hair has lightened naturally instead of having this extreme blonde grow-out.

She said the look was poor cost effective than traditional hair dyes.

“Back in the day you would have to come every six weeks to maintain a blonde whereas these days you could honestly come twice a year,” she said.

“I know it’s hard for people at the moment, hair is not something that you need to have done, it’s a luxury so you may as well make it last, you don’t need to come as often.”

Ms Chiverton said she also enjoyed working with more mature clients.

“I really love talking to them, they are just so full of really good stories – I’ve got so much advice over the years from older clients,” she said.

“I just always feel really good after I’ve done an elderly person’s hair, they are just fun to talk to.”

Emma Chiverton at Avari Hair in Kirwan with Colliers agent Reagan Stokely. Picture: Evan Morgan

Colliers leasing executive Reagan Stokley said the Forrest Avenue Shopping Centre was the perfect choice for a new salon in Townsville.

“With amenities and like-minded business within the complex this is a great location for a hair salon,” he said.

“There is magnificent exposure to an arterial road and in such close proximity to The Willows and Townsville Shopping Centre, I am sure that Emma will be run off her feet with customers in no time.”

Mr Stokley said there were two additional vacancies within the complex.

He can be contacted on 0417911467.

Originally published as Solo hairdresser Emma Chiverton opens Avari Hair salon in Kirwan