Real Sonder

There’s something about a fresh haircut that feels like hitting the reset button. ✂️✨

It’s not just about taking off a few centimetres or reshaping your style, it’s about carving out a little time for yourself. A chance to slow down, switch off from the outside world, and enjoy a great conversation with someone who knows you almost as well as your best friend.

The relationship between a client and their hairdresser is a special one. We celebrate your milestones, hear your stories, share a laugh, and send you back out into the world feeling just that little bit lighter, brighter, and more confident.

If your hair (or your soul!) could use a little refresh, we’ve had a couple of last-minute appointments become available today and tomorrow.

Book in now and mention this post and we will treat you to a beautiful scalp and hair treatment to elevate your experience ( added value $65.00)

Treat yourself to that fresh-cut feeling - we’d love to see you. 🤍

I’m incredibly excited to share that I’ll be returning to New York Fashion Week this September.
Every time I step backstage at fashion week I’m reminded of why I fell in love with this industry.
The energy.
The creativity
The pressure .
The collaboration
The privilege of watching a collection come to life from the very first hair test through to the final walk down the runway. This year I will mark another incredible chapter in my fashion week journeys having previously worked backstage in New York, Paris and Milan - each experience has shaped the way I approach hair - not just as a stylist but as an educator and a creative.
One of the greatest privileges is working alongside some of the world’s leading session stylists and talented hairdressers from every corner of the globe. It’s an environment where ideas are shared, techniques evolve and trends are created long before they reach our salons.
One of my favourite memories was working backstage at the Missoni Show in Milan with Eric seeing the collection come to life long before it hit their glamorous stores.
I’m looking forward to another week of learning, beginning with an incredible Hairstyling Masterclass before the excitement of backstage life unfolds.
The beauty of fashion week is that no two days are ever the same.
Personally the biggest reward is bringing everything home. The techniques the trends, the inspiration, the confidence to keep pushing creatively because every experience backstage makes us a stronger salon back here in Melbourne.
Over the years we’ve also had the privilege of sending members of our own team to experience fashion week and watching them return inspired has been one of the most rewarding parts of building Real Sonder.
I’m so grateful for another opportunity to represent our salon on the international stage with the Mr Smith creative team and I can’t wait to take you all behind the scenes. New York here we come.!
Wendy x

A little glimpse of Issy’s very first wash and set... and what a start.
Creating beautiful volume, bounce and movement on Mena, Issy prepped the hair with Mr. Smith Mousse, carefully hot tonged each section, then brushed it through to create this soft, full-bodied finish. She completed the look with Mr. Smith Hairspray for hold and Dry Texture Spray to add that extra lift and effortless texture.

We’re incredibly proud of what Issy has achieved already.
Her attention to detail, passion for learning and natural talent are shining through, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to grow and create even more beautiful hair.

Issy is now taking expressions of interest from hair styling models as she continues to refine and build her styling skills over the coming months.

If you’d love the opportunity to be one of Issy’s models, we’d love to hear from you! Simply email us a current photo of your hair along with your weekday availability. Model sessions will take place Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
For a limited time only a styling session with Issy is only $35

[email protected]

A few days deep with the Mr. Smith Education Team at our annual conference — and lm almost ready to officially kick off my education journey with Mr. Smith, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Huge love to Heather and Freda for the knowledge, creativity and inspiration over the past few days. I’ve loved every minute and getting to know the incredible team I’ll be working alongside makes what’s ahead even more exciting.
The energy is high. The inspiration is real. Let’s do this. 🖤

Creamy butter blonde, layered with ribbons of light.

A seamless blend of soft golden tones and delicate highlights creates dimension, movement and that effortless, sun-kissed glow. It’s luminous without being bright, rich without feeling heavy—the perfect balance of warmth and softness.

The kind of blonde that catches the light beautifully from every angle.

Your next Mr. Smith obsession comes with a little extra.
Spend $100 or more on any Mr. Smith products and we’ll gift you a complimentary Mr. Smith tote bag.
Minimal. Functional. Effortlessly cool. The perfect carry-all for salon days, weekend markets or everyday errands.
Available while stocks last.
Visit us in salon to stock up on your favourites and take home your limited-edition tote.

Today was the final day of the Mr. Smith Foundations Techniques class here in Melbourne.

Last year I was a student in this course, and this year I’ve had the privilege of returning as Heather Packer’s assistant.

After nearly 30 years in this industry, it can be challenging to discover new techniques and stay inspired, but over the last three days our students have gained so many new techniques and there have been lots of “aha” moments.
Heather and Freda have been incredibly generous, sharing not only their technical expertise but also the stories and experiences behind creating some of fashion’s most iconic moments.
To my extended hairstylist community-
If you want to truly understand what it takes to become a successful, in-demand session stylist, this is a course you should absolutely attend. There really is nothing else like it in Australia.
And to my clients, get ready for Wendy on turbo! My creative bucket has again been filled x