Toowoomba’s best hairdresser for 2023 revealed

After asking readers to take part in our poll, we can now reveal the top ten best hairdressers in Toowoomba voted by you. Find out here.

Whether you are looking for a quick trim, an up-style for an event in the evening, or feeling like a whole new hair colour, we’ve got you covered.

Your votes have been counted up Toowoomba, here are the top ten best hairdressers around!

1. Robbie Verwey – Atchara Salons

Working as a hairdresser for 15 years, Robbie Verwey has a passion for the industry and loves making his clients feel and look amazing through their hair.

Starting his hair journey in Central Queensland, Mr Verwey then went on to complete his apprenticeship through the Brisbane School of Hairdressing.

Moving to Toowoomba six years ago, Mr Verwey began his own business in his garage which quickly grew from there.

Having now found its forever home on Duggan St, the team at Atchara Salons strives to make every guest feel valued and welcomed.

Mr Verwey said every hairdresser is polite and genuine, and allows each client to feel part of the team.

Robbie Verwey from Atchara Salons

2. Chrissy Stankiewicz – The Salon by Chrissy

Three years ago, Chrissie Stankiewicz opened her boutique salon, and with 30 years of hairdressing experience, she always provides a luxury hair experience at The Salon by Chrissy.

“I get such a rush from it all … I truly think doing hair is my love language,” Ms Stankiewicz said.

Ms Stankiewicz said the team and her clients have become her hair family.

“I have such loyal, amazing clientele they are fantastic,” she said.

“We build actual relationships with every guest it’s not just about the hair but the connection.

“I started with one apprentice and she has recently become a senior stylist. I am very passionate about educating my staff.”

Chrissy Stankiewicz from The Salon by Chrissy

3. Jason Cherry – Hair by Design

After 30 years in the industry, Jason Cherry said was all he ever wanted to do was become a hairdresser. Moving from the rural town of Surat, Mr Cherry began his apprenticeship in Toowoomba.

Known for being an honest, straightforward stylist, Mr Cherry strives to be consistent in his work, and always pays attention to the small details.

Owner of Hair by Design, Mr Cherry said being self-employed makes a big difference to his work life.

For him, talking to his clients and catching up on their lives while cutting their hair is one of the best parts of his day.

Jason Cherry of Hair by Design, Tuesday, May 12, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

4. Natalie Schmidt – Hair Room on Russell

Natalie Schmidt started her career working in local salons at 20 years old. Quickly becoming a talented stylist, Ms Schmidt joined forces with her business partner, Rebecca Mortlock, and started Hair Room on Russell.

The pair specialise in alternative haircuts and aim to be more outside the box than most salons around.

Ms Schmidt said she enjoys having the freedom to give people their dream hair at her salon.

“The biggest compliment is the vibe of the salon is very welcoming,” Ms Schmidt said.

For Ms Schmidt, there is never a day when she comes to work and doesn’t love it.

Natalie Schmidt from Hair Room on Russell

5. Zoe Babington – The Mixx

Since she was a young girl, Zoe Babington had a passion for hairdressing, some even saying that she was a natural at it. Leaving school at 15, she began her hair journey at Pascal and Co in Dalby. Deciding to expand her knowledge and talent in hairdressing, she moved to The Mixx in Toowoomba.

“The Mixx Toowoomba is my hair home and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Ms Babington said.

“The girls I work alongside are always inspiring me to continually be a better hairdresser and stay on top of the latest trends.

“I come to work, to ultimately create beautiful hair for my clients, but I love the meaningful friendships that I have created through my work.”

Zoe Babington from The Mixx

6. Halina Wills – Halina’s Hair Designs

Working alongside her best friend, Toneille Bennett for 11 years at Hair Razing Hair Designs, Halina Wills is known for a making her clients feel at home, treating everyone like her friend.

Hair Razing Hair Designs had to unfortunately close last year after Ms Bennett was diagnosed with cancer. Ms Wills continues to keep their passion for hair alive by running her own business, Halina’s Hair Designs through Katrina’s Hair and Beauty Studio.

Known as a genuine, down-to-earth person, Ms Wills decided to shave her head last year to raise money for Ms Bennett.

Thanks to the donations from many of their loyal clientele, Ms Wills raised $19,000. Ms Wills said her clients are the reason she loves her job and has her business.

“I feel so lucky to have my beautiful clientele,” Ms Wills said.

“I try to make them feel welcome and comfortable. It’s not just about hair but about making sure your client is happy.”

Halina Wills of Halina's Hair Designs

7. Taylah Thomson – Pure Hair Toowoomba

Taylah Thomson is in her 11th year of hairdressing, continuously striving to provide a welcoming, quality experience for all her clients at Pure Hair Toowoomba.

“I try to fit my clients in no matter what, especially during the holidays. I tend to come in earlier or stay later to fit around their schedules,” Ms Thomson said.

“Some of my clients drive from Brisbane or Roma. I am so glad they continue to choose me to do their hair.”

Ms Thomson specialises in cutting curly hair and doing it well. She is also currently completing a trichology course to learn more about the science of the hair and scalp.

The self-paced course will allow Ms Thomson to understand more about hair-loss, scalp issues, and alopecia should her clients have those issues.

“I wanted to learn more about it because I hate when people come in and they have a problem that I can’t help with,” Ms Thomson said.

Taylah Thomson from Pure Hair Toowoomba

8. Jacinta Gibson – Air Hair Studio

Starting as a school-based trainee, Jacinta Gibson has honed her skills as a stylist for 20 years. Specialising in short-hair styles, Ms Gibson is known by many as a master hairdresser.

Ms Gibson said she loves to connect with her clients and is always looking to build a genuine connection. “We work in an absolutely beautiful space and we have such a great team,” Ms Gibson said. “Tracy (owner of Air Hair) really supports and nurtures our own journey.”

Jacinta Gibson of Air Hair Studio

9. Shandyce Wolff – Air Hair Studio

Shandyce Wolff said it has always been a childhood dream of hers to be a hairdresser.

Starting her journey when she was 14, Ms Wolff said she has been living her dream ever since.

Now working at Air Hair, Ms Wolff’s colleagues call her the “styling wizard” when it comes to long hair.

“I try to be relatable with my clients … I love to catch up with them,” Ms Wolff said.

“The fellowship that we have here at Air Hair is incredible, we are a big happy family.”

Shandyce Wolff of Air Hair Studio

10. Penny Cattonar – At the Hair Shack

A hairdresser for 33 years, Penny Cattonar has worked in Sydney, Toowoomba, and Canberra before settling back in Toowoomba to raise her family.

Opening up her own business, At The Hair Shack in 2015 in Gowrie Junction, Ms Cattonar’s business is a beautifully fitted salon in her garage where clients are treated to personable, one-on-one experiences.

“I love my job I can’t imagine doing anything else. I really consider my clients as my friends,” Ms Cattonar said.

“I always use products that are the best on the market.

“Its great to be able to work flexible hours at home. I can fit around my clients needs.”

Penny Cattonar of At The Hair Shack