After more than 1500 nominations and hundreds of votes the Mercury readers have crowned Ben O’Brien Tasmania’s Best Hairdresser, with his Derwent Park salon Rebel @ Heart Hair Boutique sweeping up Tasmania’s Best Salon.

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Mr O’Brien said he was “very grateful” that his family business of just over three years had already garnered so much community support.

“I was very excited and very happy with getting that top award from the Mercury,” he said.

Mr O’Brien started hairdressing with his mother Marianne 14 years ago before eventually starting Rebel at Heart with her and with his partner Sam.

“That family feel is what differentiates us,” he said.

“We know our clients on a really personal level.

“You don’t get this kind of award without loyal clients who believe in what you do.”

Mr O’Brien is no stranger to awards, with colour companies recognising his talents and prompting his new role as a national educator with Milkshake Australia.

“I’m starting to educate salons on my styling, it’s a new career move for me,” he said.

The Tasmanian born and bred hair stylist said the new direction has allowed him to travel internationally and bring the best current trends from Italy back to Hobart.

“You always have to remember where you started and give back to everyone that helped you create what you are today,” he said.

“This industry evolves on quite a regular basis, so I’m always doing extra courses and continuing to learn through my influences to keep on current trends with styling as well as colour.”

The hard working hairdresser said he styled for roughly 55 weddings this season, and will open a styling booth at the Hobart Cup racing tent this Sunday.

COMMENTS

Michelle King: Ben O’Brien at Rebel @ Heart Hair is the best hairdresser in Tasmania.

Love everything about him. The Salon feels like home every time you walk in the door. Every Rebel staff member greets you with a hello and smile by far the friendliest and best salon in Tasmania.

Florence Ransley: My favourite salon is Rebel @ Heart Hair Boutique, the hair stylists there are amazing. You are always treated like you are one of the family. They definitely work well together. If I have to pick one hairstylist from there it would be Sam Treloar, Rebel @ Heart Hair Boutique.

Dee Harris: Alisa from Highway Hair who has been my hairdresser for at least 15 years!! she is very talented and took the leap last year to open her own mobile service which is sooo convenient as a mum of 2 kids! We can get the whole family done in the comfort of our own home (including colours ladies!! Not just cuts!)

Vicki Williams: Milliee Oakley at Haylo Hair Design Moonah. Absolutely understands what I want and I wouldn’t go to anyone else!

Juana Williams: Milliee Oakley at Haylo Hair Design Moonah. Friendly, knowledgeable and on point head massage.

Matt Knight: Becky Turner!! Hands down she has done all the hard yards not only does she know how to cut hair she has got all the knowledge into the right look for your hair you can find Becky as well as her talented co-workers at Caj Hair and Beauty Moonah! Becky thanks for looking after our family the past few years!

Bianca Shearing: Caj Hair and Beauty Studio!!! Favourite place to get my hair done always walk out feeling so pleased with my hair.

Anthony Krueger: Matt Hastings, Genre Hair - a wonderful human who is an artist above the rest. He chats with the clients, understanding what they say they want, mixed with what they don’t yet know they want.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS go to Matt Hastings at Genre Hair, Hobart who scored a swath of votes and narrowly missed out on the top five, as well as Eye Am Hair, which just missed out on Best Hair Salon.

COMMENTS

Ann Garnett: Jakadjari... not saying which artist/hairdresser because I want to get in when I need to get to in. Amazing.

Sally Healey: Don’t live in Tas anymore but still visit every single time I return to Jakadjari. The best!

Katie Evans: Erin Wiggins most definitely have followed her for years brings in a lot of business where ever she goes - Taylored Hair, Sorell. Funky upbeat and a great bunch of girls very reasonably priced. Greeted with a smile every time

Simmy Bee: Wayne from Sfumato he can absolutely transform anyone. I get compliments on my hair but never as many as when he cut and styled it. I felt 20 years younger, I was in a rut, he asked a load of questions about my life, my vision, my hopes.

Kris Carr: Rachael Sibley at Mazí Hair! I have followed Rachel from one salon to another then watched her and a brilliant team open their own salon, which is beyond successful. (So much so you can hardly get in).

Hd Min: Hands down Mazi Hair. I will never go anywhere else.

Jen Makin: Eye Am Hair are simply fab - I’ve had my hair done by all of them and always come out feeling fantastic. The funky caravan backdrop probably helps, and the complimentary gin and tonic doesn’t hurt either.