Wow! What a crazy six months! Six Months Of Iron and Ivy has truly been an adventure. I think this is the first time I have had to actually sit down and update our website blog.

It’s been a fantastic whirlwind so far! It seems like only yesterday that I was unpacking the furniture and stocking the shelves at 1 am. I was with my three staff members getting the studio ready for a full day of clients on May 7th, 2019.

Fast forward six months and in that time we’ve become an ambassador of Great Lengths hair extensions. We’ve hosted Australiasia’s Educator of the year, Jules Tognini, for his “liloffthetop” education course. This was for hairstylists from all over the South Island.

We’ve won “Best Salon Design” at The Industry Awards in Wellington for our studio. The past six months of Iron and Ivy have been transformative.

Our core team has grown from three members to eight. We now have three Senior Artists, a new Emerging Artist, and a Studio Assistant + Host. With 2020 rapidly approaching I never dreamed we would be hitting such highs in such a short space of time.

Our speciality in blondes and balayage have become “insta-famous” within New Zealand. We have new clients visiting us from as far as the Bay of Islands and Auckland to enjoy our work.

I’m so proud of my team and their dedication to consistently educating and pushing their craft. They bring our clients’ hair dreams to life. Six months in, Iron and Ivy’s reputation has flourished.

Iron and Ivy has always been a dream for me and I would not be here today without the support of my wonderful clients. Each and every one has been with me on this journey. I feel like the success of Iron and Ivy is a shared experience. It warms my heart to see my clients happy and enjoying the Iron and Ivy experience. I thank you all personally.

2020 will see some more exciting additions to Iron and Ivy hair. We intend to continue to set our sights on being the premium choice for Hair and Beauty within Queenstown-Lakes. We have a few surprises in store for Queenstown. The past six months of Iron and Ivy have laid a strong foundation for these plans.

We’ll be updating our blog more regularly. This will bring you the latest exciting news from the studio for our valued clients.

Whether you’re a current member of the Iron and Ivy family or thinking about having a complimentary consultation to discuss your hair goals, we look forward to welcoming you all.

Join us in our beautiful space and we’ll see you in the studio!

Kind Regards

Lauren McMurray-Sherwin | Art Director

Frequently Asked Questions

What does six months of consistent salon visits do for hair health?

Six months of regular trims, targeted treatments, and professional product use makes a significant, visible difference. Split ends are regularly removed before they travel up the shaft, colour maintenance stays on track, and the stylist-client relationship deepens so your hair gets better results each time.

How does the stylist-client relationship develop over time?

Over multiple visits, a stylist builds a detailed picture of how your hair behaves, grows, and responds to different treatments. The longer the relationship, the more personalised and precise your care becomes — your stylist knows your history without you needing to explain it every time.

What’s a realistic hair transformation timeline?

For major changes — like going from dark to blonde, or recovering from damage — six months to a year is a realistic minimum. Trying to compress this into fewer appointments usually compromises the hair’s integrity. Patient, staged transformations always yield healthier, longer-lasting results.

How often should someone ideally visit a hair salon?

For most people, every 6-8 weeks for cuts and every 8-12 weeks for colour maintenance is the sweet spot. This keeps hair healthy and style fresh without over-processing. Your stylist can advise a personalised schedule based on your hair and goals.

Does maintaining a regular salon schedule save money in the long run?

Usually yes. Regularly maintained hair avoids the need for expensive corrective treatments, major haircuts to remove damage, and the cost of trying to fix problems at home. Think of it like regular car servicing versus waiting until something breaks.

About Iron + Ivy Hair Studio

Iron + Ivy is Queenstown's award-winning hair studio, located inside Queenstown Central Shopping Centre on Grant Road. Our team of specialist stylists bring real expertise and a genuine love of hair to every appointment — whether that's a colour transformation, a lived-in balayage, a precision cut, or bridal hair for a wedding in the mountains. We work with a focused clientele because exceptional hair takes time, skill, and care. You'll always leave knowing exactly what went into your hair and how to look after it at home.

Let’s make it happen — book your visit to Iron + Ivy Studio

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Ready to visit Iron + Ivy? Explore our Queenstown balayage service, our Queenstown hair extensions, or our Queenstown blonde specialist services — or book a consultation today.

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