The Power of Education at C’ba Hair

How Emma Hayes is Building an Inspired, Future-Ready Salon Culture

By Anthony Gray

In the heart of Queensland’s hairdressing scene, one salon is proving that education is the true engine of excellence and culture. Under the leadership of owner Emma Hayes, C’ba Hair has built a reputation not only for beautiful, luxury hair experiences, but also as an educationdriven haven for hairdressers at every stage of their career.

Emma’s approach to learning is dynamic, structured, and deeply embedded in the ethos of her salon. It’s this commitment to continuous growth — for herself, her team, and the next generation — that makes C’ba Hair a standout example of what modern salon education can look like.

More Than a Salon: Building a Culture of Care and Excellence

Emma Hayes didn’t open C’ba Hair just to create another salon. Her vision was to develop a space where artistry thrives, clients feel valued, and hair professionals are nurtured and empowered to be their best.

“Our philosophy is simple,” Emma says. “We want every client to leave feeling their most beautiful and confident. But that only happens when you have a team who are continually learning, passionate about their craft, and inspired by their environment.”

Today, the C’ba Hair team is a carefully curated collection of kind, talented individuals who embrace that philosophy. Emma’s leadership focuses as much on developing people as it does on delivering great hair.

“You can teach anyone a skill,” Emma explains. “But you can’t untrain a bad attitude. We look for people with passion, kindness, and the right mindset. From there, we invest heavily in their growth.”

A Structured, Layered Approach to Team Training

At C’ba Hair, education is not left to chance. Emma has built a structured program that meets the needs of stylists at every level:

For Next Gen Stylists (Apprentices)

Emma calls her apprentices Next Gen Stylists — a deliberate shift in language that reflects her commitment to nurturing their potential.

“They’re the future of the industry,” she says. “So, we invest heavily in their development.”

C’ba Hair’s Next Gen program combines:

• In-salon learning and theory sessions

• Hands-on practice on models

• External workshops with industry partners and educators

• Professional skills development, including client communication, consultation, and salon culture

Importantly, Emma has partnered with MIG Training, which she describes as “the best hair college in Queensland,” to provide further structure and support.

“MIG gives our Next Gen Stylists a fantastic foundation,” Emma says. “We work closely with them to ensure the salon and college training complement each other.”

Why Education is Non-Negotiable

Emma’s passion for education is at the core of C’ba Hair’s identity — and a major reason for its continued success.

“In an industry that evolves so fast, education isn’t just important, it’s integral,” she says. “It keeps our team skilled, creative, and motivated. It also ensures we’re always offering our clients the very best.”

But it’s not just about keeping up with trends. For Emma, education is also about leadership and setting an example.

“Salon owners, don’t forget your own education!” she urges. “When your team sees you continuing to learn, it keeps your passion alive and leads by example.”

Emma herself frequently undertakes training alongside her team, staying current with both technical developments and leadership skills.

For Experienced Team Members

Emma’s commitment to education doesn’t stop with apprentices. She is equally passionate about providing continuous learning opportunities for her experienced stylists.

“Our Masters and Creative Stylists know that they are expected to complete at least three external education experiences each year on top of what we provide in-salon,” Emma says. She believes that even seasoned professionals must continue to evolve — not just to remain competitive, but to stay inspired.

“It’s about keeping your skills sharp and your creativity alive,” she explains. “If you stop learning, you stop growing.”

Partnering with Industry Leaders

A big part of C’ba Hair’s education success comes from strategic partnerships with leading brands and organisations.

Emma proudly works with:

• Redken

• Kerastase

• Evo

• Showpony

• Olaplex

• Lakme Aura

• GHD

• Sustainable Salons

These partnerships provide more than just product knowledge. They open up access to the latest trends, cutting-edge techniques, and some of the best educators in the business.

“We do workshops, in-salon training sessions, and attend industry events,” Emma says. “It’s about bringing the very best back to our team — and ultimately to our clients.”

Attracting and Retaining Great People

Emma’s education philosophy also plays a crucial role in attracting and retaining great staff. In a time when the hairdressing industry is facing talent shortages and high turnover, C’ba Hair continues to build a strong, stable team.

“I believe in creating a supportive, inspiring environment where people can grow,” Emma explains. “We offer lots of opportunities for education and reward talent. But most of all, we foster a culture where people feel valued.”

Emma’s leadership style is inclusive, nurturing, and transparent. She ensures her team understands that education is an investment in their future, not just an expectation.

“People want to work where they know they’ll be supported and developed,” she says. “That’s what we offer at C’ba Hair.”

Advice to Salon Owners and Stylists

Emma is passionate about helping others in the industry embrace the power of education. For salon owners, her advice is simple: make education a priority — and not just for your team, but for yourself.

“It keeps your passion alive,” she says. “And it shows your team that you’re walking the talk.” For stylists, Emma encourages curiosity and a growth mindset.

“Never stop learning,” she says. “The more you know, the more opportunities you create for yourself.”

And for apprentices and Next Gen Stylists?

“Ask questions, be open, and invest in your growth,” Emma says. “You’re the future of this amazing industry.”

A Bright Future Built on Education

Looking ahead, Emma is committed to deepening C’ba Hair’s focus on education.

“We’ll continue to evolve our training programs, strengthen our partnerships, and give our team the best possible opportunities to learn and grow,” she says. “Education will always be at the heart of what we do.”

In an industry that is constantly changing, that mindset gives C’ba Hair a powerful competitive edge — and ensures that its team, clients, and culture will continue to shine.

Emma’s view is that: “We’re in the best industry of all. Let’s keep learning and make it even better.”

@c_ba_hair @mig_training