CYRIL MOUREAU, VÉGÉTALEMENT PROVENCE
A plant-based cosmetic house and salon, built around open mindedness and a deep respect for the Earth, Végétalement Provence always seemed destined to set up shop in Byron. Led by master stylist Cyril Moureau, their newest space is now open right here on Easy Street. We caught up with Cyril for a yarn...
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We’re thrilled to have Végételment Provence at Habitat. What drew you here?
My partner and I had been talking for a little while about leaving Bondi where we lived at the time. In 2020 we fell pregnant and from the perspective of our growing family the need for being closer to nature and people with the same values became bigger. I was working in the Végétalement Provence salon in Sydney at the time, but my business partner and I wanted to open a second location, so Byron was the obvious choice. Particularly Habitat because it’s in alignment with our sustainable values. We strive to bring the best quality ingredients to our clientele and Byron is the perfect place for that.
What products and services does Végételment Provence provide?
We offer a wide range of services from plant-based colour with no chemicals, and yes it covers grey hair, to low-tox hair colour, to vegan straightening with nano technology. We also have an extensive product range including, but not limited to, skin care, body care and hair care, of course. All our products are made in France and ethically sourced, from the composition to the packaging. All our products are plant-based, and our goal is to offer more than just a service but a real olfactive experience.
Why is sustainability and plant-based products so important to you?
Our skin is our biggest organ and knowing that it makes sense to work with ingredients that can reduce the chemical intake that we put on our skin every day. Végétalement Provence has been around for more than 15 years, and the values of the brand are in alignments with our current times and the need of the planet and the people living on it. Over my career I’ve seen many hairdressers forced to quite the industry due to skin or respiratory illnesses caused by the exposure of harsh chemicals, so I believe offering cleaner, more sustainable products and services is the only way forward for my peers and our clients.
What sets Végételment Provence apart from a traditional salon?
First, I'd say our range of products and their unique composition of ingredients. As I mentioned, Végétalement Provence is a unique brand with unique values, and therefore this sets us apart from traditional brands. All our products are the perfect balance between high tech and respect towards the environment.
The space you’ve created here is beautiful. What were some of your inspirations when designing it?
Thank you. The first things that came up were community and connection. For me those two things were important when we were looking at designing this second salon. No big mirror to sit in front of for hours, instead replaced by a communal table where people can exchange ideas, chat and connect. The big idea behind our design was also that we wanted clients to feel relaxed, have a break from their busy lives, and enjoy the experience of being pampered with a great sense of professionalism, in a safe and cool environment.
How’d you get into the industry?
I grew up with my older brother being a hairdresser. Every weekend friends would come to have their hair done in his little studio in our home and I fell in love straight away. I love seeing the smile on my client’s face when we're finished. Connecting with people was also what drove me into the industry. We do more than just hair, we're a confidant. Clients will tell us things that not many people would know about them, and I really like that trust.
What are a couple of your most popular hair products?
Our Cataplasme range is probably the most popular. It's a colour line made 100% of organic plants. Then our hydrating home care range, including our hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Plus, our hydrating leave-in mist is just to die for. Our skin care range is just fabulous too! The Végétalement Provence range is more than just a line of products, it’s a real experience, and you're welcome in our space to try them out any time.
Whose hair would you love to do, living or from the past, and why?
I would have loved touring with the Rolling Stones. I’m a big fan. Growing up, my dad was always playing them on vinyl, along with other big rock bands in our home. Living in the '70s would have been great.
What are you most proud about regarding the business?
Giving people an alternative to chemical hair products. We often have clients coming to see us who are suffering from an allergy to mainstream hair dyes. Some haven’t coloured their hair for years due to the lack of non-chemical alternatives. Seeing them leaving the salon happy with a new look they thought they could never achieve is priceless. Our mission is to bring cleaner solutions to the people and that's our most proud achievement.
When you're not working, where can we find you?
At the beach, or the pool at Habitat with my family.
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Ready for some plant-based pampering? Pop into see Cyril at 4/5 Easy Street or click here for pricing and bookings.