Pro Hair Stylist of 16 years, Lauren Mackellar, Tells us No BS Ways To Care For Your Locks
Lauren Mackellar has developed a reputation as one of Australia’s leading hairstylists.
Lauren has framed famous faces like Zoë Foster Blake, Olympia Valance, Nat Kelley and Mavournee Hazel.
In 2020, Lauren decided to realise her dream of creating the haircare products she had always wished for, creating ROBE Hair Care.
Photo source: Lauren Mackellar
Low care for hair?
Ever get overwhelmed by the wall of hair products at the shops- or the mysterious bottles at the hairdressers that feel like such a big jump from your knock-off ALDI dupe of Tresemme…?
We’ve been there.
That’s why we spoke to Lauren, with her decades long experience in all things hair, some questions we are desperate to know the answer to.
Before we get to what to do for your hair- we want to know. What shouldn’t we be doing? That seems like a great place to start.
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 to our hair from chemical treatments or heat-styling, we can end up having to use heated tools more regularly to get the desired result, which ends up creating a vicious cycle - and ultimately, very damaged hair.” Lauren explained.
Photo source: Canva
Highschool me is nodding in agreement. Straightening my hair everyday was a ritual, and after time, felt essential due to the endless fly aways. At that time I knew nothing about heat protectant or that I could control the heat setting on clanky, grabby straightener!
Hair care can become overwhelming when there’s been so much damage, or when you’re not really sure where to start. I know we’ve often felt the same with skincare routines.
The 12 step scalp + hair routines floating around Instagram and TikTok also make me lose my breath watching, and I wonder, what’s a low maintenance gal actually supposed to do, right?!
What's a change everyone at home can do right now to make their hair healthier?
“Learn to embrace your hair’s natural texture and back away from the heated tools! Hair is so delicate, so if we use heated tools too regularly, the texture and quality become compromised.
By using products like the Robe Clean + Finish, which nourishes the hair, and preps it for optimal air-drying with no styling needed, we can give our hair a break and a chance to retain its moisture and softness.” Lauren shares.
“I love this product. It took a few washes to get my hair used to it. Now my hair is soft, shiny and manageable. Love it.”
Photo source: Lauren Mackellar
With new ingredients and complicated formulas, it really feels like hair is a field of science on it’s own sometimes. Anyone who’s attempted a dye job at home knows all too well the recoil of underestimating something as simple (but complicated) as processing time.
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 of the models that I saw in magazines when I was growing up were girls whose hair was thick and full.
On top of that, I had a haircut as a teenager that went wrong - and the hairdresser said - "well, it’s the best I could do with your hair," which made me feel like there was something even more wrong with it.
My hair journey has taken me from feeling dissatisfied with my natural texture to now really loving it and appreciating it for what it is. I’ve learned that with the right products that actually bring out the best qualities of the hair (by supporting growth and ultimate hair health).”
“...Every hair type is truly beautiful in its own right – which is why I created the Robe range – I don’t want anyone to ever feel frustrated with their natural hair type if I can help it!”
What ingredients are your must-haves in hair care?
“Formulas that contain conditioning and moisturising ingredients that balance out protein – We know that protein helps to strengthen our hair, but often we reach for products that are so high in protein but lack any moisturising ingredients – and they can actually end up making the hair feel very brittle and even cause more damage to the hair.
When it comes to active ingredients, Redensyl is something truly amazing. It helps by stimulating the growth of dormant follicles, thickens each strand, and makes hair grow faster and longer…”
Redensyl: A powerful new plant extract that targets the stem cells present in hair follicles to encourage hair growth. Photo source: Robe Hair Care
“…I’m so proud to have Redensyl in our lengthening range because in my eyes, it's one of the highest-performing ingredients that exist.
When looking at ingredients that I would avoid at all costs when it comes to haircare, I would watch out for Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, Silicones, and Parabens. All of those ingredients are common in haircare, but will damage the hair and irritate the scalp in the long term.
When I was developing Robe, I was adamant to find a way to have shampoos that would lather up and clean the hair effectively, but without using any sulfates, or leave the hair feeling stripped of its natural oils.
We chose an ingredient that is derived from coconuts, and the result is beautiful, luxurious shampoo that leaves the hair feeling silky soft. I really hope more brands start to think outside the box when it comes to selecting ingredients for their products, and opt to include more ingredients that offer long term benefit, instead of going for cheap ingredients because it gives them more profit in their pocket!”
We've heard hair health starts from the root, how should that impact how we approach hair care?
“It was explained to me that our scalp is the soil, our hair is the crop – we can't expect to have a bountiful crop if we haven't tended to the soil first!
If our hair is thinning or not growing well, we can look at the scalp to help figure out why. And by feeding the scalp with ingredients that help our hair health, we can help to make sure our hair continues to grow strong and healthily.”
For the newly initiated to professional haircare, which ROBE product would you recommend?
“All of the Robe products are treatments in their own right – so you could start with a shampoo and conditioner that address your hair goals or concerns, and know that you’re getting more than your average products. But if you were interested in scalp health – The Tonic is a must.”
Note: Click “Haircare Quiz” on the ROBE site for a helpful hand to find what’s best for you, or shop by concern.
“It addresses so many hair concerns and is so easy to fit into your hair/beauty routine because when you apply it to your scalp, it literally dries in without a trace.
I wanted to create a wearable treatment that could be worn in between washes, in the hope that I could change peoples' thinking that a hair ‘treatment’ was something that needed to have time set aside for. I love that I can walk out the door with a treatment in my hair, and no one is the wiser!”
Lauren’s guidance tells us:
Steer clear of over-colouring and daily heat styling.
Embrace your natural textures, using products that support your hair type.
Be mindful of ingredients—focusing on a balance of moisture and protein, while avoiding stripping or drying products.
Be kind to your scalp!
Invest in hair care you can use consistently, and that make your hair feel how you love.
Check out ROBE online here
You can check out ROBE on socials @robehaircare
Lauren’s Instagram: @laurenbmackellar
Learn more about Lauren’s story here: Lauren's story
