Styles by Tess: Meet Toowoomba's top-rated hairdresser for 2025

Toowoomba’s top hairdresser has revealed the salon secrets every client should know before sitting down in the chair. See her list of dos and don’ts for perfect hair.

Toowoomba's best hairdresser as voted by The Chronicle readers is Styles by Tess owner Tessa Scofield, Monday, October 27, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

At only 24 years old, Toowoomba hairdresser Tessa Scofield has proven herself a pro – honing her styling skills from a very young age.

“I started my traineeship when I was 14, almost 15, finished that before I got to year 12 and did my apprenticeship while in year 12,” Ms Scofield said.

The esteemed hairstylist was named Toowoomba’s best hairdresser of 2025 by The Chronicle readers, securing the title in a landslide win.

Her love of all things hair sparked on the sporting field, where Ms Scofield and friends would experiment with braids, knots and twists.

“I played sports in school, so we were always trying to do different things with our hair to keep it out of our faces,” she said.

“My guidance counsellor then suggested hairdressing and that was that.”

In March, the young business owner opened her own salon in Rangeville, a stylish modern space equipped with the equipment to have you looking your best.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have my clients, I couldn’t ask for better, they’ve been with me for a long time,” Ms Scofield said.

“Eventually I’d love to grow the salon but for now I’m enjoying keeping it nice for my clients.”

From extensions to balayage, Ms Scofield tackles almost every hair request … except one.

“I like almost everything … I just don’t do perms, it’s just a choice,” she quipped.

Tessa’s top tips for great hair

To wash or not to wash

Ms Scofield recommended against skipping wash day before your salon appointment – especially for those looking to colour their locks.

“You should wash your hair before going to the hairdresser because the colour can’t penetrate enough now because of the natural ingredients,” she said.

“You never used to have to wash your hair before going to the hairdressers because there were a lot of harsh chemicals in colour whereas now there’s less and less as we’re trying to go more down the organic route.

“And always two shampoos! For some reason people still don’t know you are supposed to do two shampoos before you condition.”

Frequent trims ≠ healthy hair

Old wives’ tales may have had you believing frequent cuts are the only way to maintain healthy locks, but Ms Scofield had a different take.

“Everyone always says you have to cut it all the time, I don’t actually think you do,” Ms Scofield said.

“If your hair is feeling nice and healthy, you’re using the right products, you shouldn’t have to.

“Just follow what your stylist says – trust your stylist!”

Weather appropriate

When choosing the right hairstyle for a big event, Ms Scofield suggested working with the weather, not against it.

“Everyone is doing slick styles right now but I will always love a messy bun,” Ms Scofield said.

“I think they look good and no matter what weather they’re going to stay looking good.

“If you’re all sleek and straight, one bit of windy weather and it’s all blown out of the way – messy buns look good all of the time.”

Blonde ambition

Ms Scofield said those wanting to maintain healthy blonde hair over the summer months should focus on keeping their tresses moisturised or risk bleach damage.

“You don’t have to use blonde shampoos all the time, it should be a once a month, once every two weeks type of thing,” she said.

“And always use a good moisturiser after – which is different to conditioner.

“You should do two shampoos or a treatment, whatever you feel is needed, then after conditioning add in a nice leave-in moisturiser or oil, then let it dry or blow dry it.”

Low maintenance success

Ms Scofield suggested lovers of low maintenance, quick and easy hair care should prioritise quality shampoo over anything else.

“Use a really good cleansing shampoo, something with mint in it, so then you don’t have to wash your hair all the time,” she said.

“Wet it in the morning, ruffle it around, you don’t have to go to that much effort – men or women.”

Styles by Tess is located at Suite 4, 22 James St, Rangeville. Bookings available at stylesbytess.com.au. Limited spots remain for 2025 so make sure to book in fast!

Competition was fierce this year, with several amazing Toowoomba salons hot on Ms Scofield’s tail.

Congratulations to our runners up:

Taylah Jean’s Hair Studio

Sophrosyne Hair Artistry

Daphne Salon

Originally published as Styles by Tess: Meet Toowoomba's top-rated hairdresser for 2025