When it comes to practical, realistic hair advice, hair care tips from a professional hair stylist are often what make the biggest difference.
With over 16 years of industry experience, Lauren Mackellar has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading hairstylists, working with well-known faces like Zoë Foster Blake of Go-To, Olympia Valance, Nat Kelley, and Mavournee Hazel.
In 2020, Lauren brought her expertise into product form, creating ROBE Hair Care – the range she always wished existed. We spoke to Lauren to get her no-BS advice on caring for your hair, without overwhelming routines or unrealistic expectations.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Hair Care?
Ever get overwhelmed by the wall of hair products at the shops – or the mysterious bottles at the hairdresser that feel like a big leap from your knock-off ALDI dupe of Tresemmé?
We’ve been there.
That’s why we spoke to Lauren, drawing on her decades-long experience in all things hair, to answer the questions so many of us are desperate to know.
Before getting into what to do for your hair, we wanted to start somewhere important – what shouldn’t we be doing?
What’s the Biggest No-No for Happy Hair?
“Over-colouring and daily heat styling are both things that will weaken the look and feel of your hair.
Unfortunately, when we start noticing early signs of damage from chemical treatments or heat styling, we often end up using heated tools more regularly to get the desired result. That creates a vicious cycle – and ultimately, very damaged hair,” Lauren explains.
High-school me is nodding in agreement. Straightening my hair every day was a ritual, and after a while it felt essential because of endless flyaways. At the time, I knew nothing about heat protectant – or that I could control the heat setting on my clunky, grabby straightener.
Hair care can feel overwhelming once damage has set in, or when you’re not sure where to start. We’ve felt the same about skincare routines, too.
The 12-step scalp and hair routines floating around Instagram and TikTok also make me lose my breath watching them. What is a low-maintenance gal actually supposed to do?
One Simple Change to Improve Hair Health
“Learn to embrace your hair’s natural texture and back away from heated tools,” Lauren says.
“Hair is delicate, and when we use heated tools too regularly, the texture and quality become compromised.
By using products like Robe Clean + Finish, which nourish the hair and prep it for optimal air-drying with no styling needed, we can give hair a break and allow it to retain moisture and softness.”
What Do You Wish Everyone Knew About Their Hair?
“I used to get so hung up on the fact that my hair was fine-textured. All the models I saw growing up had thick, full hair,” Lauren shares.
“I also had a haircut as a teenager that went wrong, and the hairdresser said, ‘Well, it’s the best I could do with your hair.’ That really stuck with me and made me feel like there was something wrong with it.”
Lauren’s relationship with her hair has shifted over time – from dissatisfaction to genuine appreciation.
“I’ve learned that with the right products that support growth and overall hair health, you can bring out the best qualities of your natural texture.
Every hair type is beautiful in its own right – which is why I created the Robe range. I don’t want anyone to feel frustrated with their natural hair type if I can help it.”
Read: We Think It’s Time You Met Robe and Their *Stunning* Skincare-Infused Haircare
Must-Have Ingredients in Hair Care
“Look for formulas that balance conditioning and moisturising ingredients with protein,” Lauren explains.
“Protein strengthens the hair, but products that are too protein-heavy without moisture can leave hair brittle and even cause more damage.”
When it comes to active ingredients, Lauren highlights Redensyl as a standout.
“Redensyl helps stimulate dormant follicles, thickens each strand, and supports faster, longer hair growth. It’s one of the highest-performing ingredients that exists, which is why I’m so proud to have it in our lengthening range.”
“These ingredients are common, but they can damage the hair and irritate the scalp long-term. When developing Robe, I was adamant about creating shampoos that cleanse effectively without sulfates or stripping natural oils.”
Why Scalp Health Matters
“Our scalp is the soil and our hair is the crop – we can’t expect a healthy crop if we haven’t tended to the soil first,” Lauren explains.
“If hair is thinning or not growing well, the scalp often holds the answer. Feeding the scalp with the right ingredients supports stronger, healthier growth over time.”
Which ROBE Product Should Beginners Start With?
“All Robe products are treatments in their own right,” Lauren says.
“You can start with a shampoo and conditioner that aligns with your hair goals and know you’re getting more than average products. But if scalp health is your focus, The Tonic is a must.”
“It dries into the scalp without a trace, making it easy to use between washes. I wanted to create a wearable treatment that fit into real life – something you could apply and walk out the door with.”
You can shop the ROBE range at Australian retailer Adore Beauty, and via their website robehaircare.com.
Lauren’s No-BS Hair Care Advice, Summed Up
- Avoid over-colouring and daily heat styling
- Embrace your natural texture
- Choose products that support your hair type
- Balance moisture and protein
- Be kind to your scalp
- Invest in hair care you can use consistently
Check out ROBE online, follow @robehaircare on socials, or explore Lauren’s journey via her Instagram @laurenbmackellar.
Read more about Lauren’s story here:Here’s What Lauren Mackellar, Founder of ROBE, Shared With us About Her Battle With Cancer While Building a Brand.
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