From content creation to the basics of connection, Original&Mineral hit some of New Zealand’s coolest salons to impart skills and a culture of a clean salon community, sharing stories and the love for O&M in an engaging and collective environment, writes Cameron Pine.

Having more than doubled salon business from 2018 to 2019, Original&Mineral is on a significant trajectory, since having pioneered Clean Colour Technology (CCT) almost seven years ago, founder Jose Bryce Smith says salons are more than ever taking note that hair colour is a health choice and a salon that is ammonia, PPD and resorcinol free is a desire that appeals to any customer whether by choice or by default.

“Health is the only wealth we have, no matter our success if we don’t have health we don’t have anything and this is what drives the Original&Mineral brand,” said Jose.

“New Zealand is an important country for Original&Mineral, with some of the best salons in the country in our tribe,” she said.

Being stocked in some of New Zealand’s best salons and with a new distributor in partnership, Morph distribution, the purpose of the creative team that hit Auckland on November 24 and 25 was to hold a colour and styling workshop at top New Zealand salon Ryder, as well as engage over an intimate lunch with their leading New Zealand salon network.

“It was exciting to have our editorial ambassador Brad Mullins and our COR colour ambassador Ash Croker to meet the New Zealand network and share their creativity. The biggest thing for me personally is the connections I get. I love to meet hairdressers and to hear about their wellness journey and secrets to success,” Jose said.

Brad and Ash Croker took to the industry leading surrounds of Auckland salon Ryder, for a workshop that enlightened staff from both Ryder and Fabrik salon with a deeper insight into the advancement of Original&Mineral technology and proven techniques from colour to care and finishing.

Owner of Fabrik, Jamie Dryden, and Greg Murrell (Ryder salon owner) often share education and motivate each other’s salon despite the hour plus drive from Auckland to Hamilton separating their salon, the energy of transparency that lies within the heartfelt Original&Mineral brand has New Zealand as perhaps its greatest advocacy.

“The vibe of being in New Zealand and collaborating with Brad was a fun experience for me. We shared some of our signature looks, I focused on my freehand signature technique and I shared my love for Restore,” Ash said.

“In addition to my glossing tips and trips I loved the enthusiasm and energy from the salon staff wanting to learn more. Their energy was so welcoming, I can’t wait to go back,” Ash said.

“Through some styling and finishing tips they may not have seen before and pushing the limits of what we can achieve with Original&Mineral products as well as allow them to go home with some new tips on finishing hair,” Brad said.

How to take the best pictures and capture the light also came into play – looking for salon fun with results and social media in the process.