CUTTING EDGE
For 30 years, ADO Hair salon in Tauranga has put the luxe into locks.
For 30 years, ADO Hair Salon in Tauranga has put the luxe into locks.
WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN
Everything about Jason and Penny Davies screams creative. The husband-and-wife team and owners of ADO Hair Salon are lively, animated and above all incredibly knowledgeable about the industry. This year they celebrate 30 years together as both salon owners and in marriage, with 2026 looking to be a year filled with new projects and professional goals.
Achieving this kind of longevity as business owners is no mean feat, yet both Penny and Jason fizz with excitement about the journey so far and the road ahead.
They met, Jason tells me, in 1993. By 1996 they were married and had purchased the business from Jason’s previous boss, when they rebranded to ADO.
Even as young professionals they thrived on the energy of Tauranga. “We’ve always loved Tauranga as a base,” says Penny. Adds Jason, “At the time, our main supplier was L’Oreal Professional and so they were able to offer a lot of opportunities - that connection in Paris was really important. Having the infusion of international trends coming through was vital to our business growth.”
By the early 2000s, L’Oreal Professional strengthened the relationship further by recognising the talent of the team, selecting Jason to go to Paris, which was, he says, “a very humbling experience, but one which really opened our eyes up to the possibilities.”
This dynamic was stepped up further when Jason was chosen as an educator (a position he retained for 11 years), meaning he has been instrumental in bringing innovative styles, techniques and technology from the heart of the industry in Europe back to New Zealand.
Despite both being ridiculously creative, Penny and Jason together drill into the different business aspects of the salon. They then come together, constantly inspiring each other with their love of the craft. They are generous with their talents, sharing them with the community. If you’ve ever been to a local event with mind-blowing hair or props, from dance shows to Tarnished Frocks and Divas, you can be sure this couple is behind the scenes.
But the ability to harness the crazy and streamline their trade has been a big part of their 30 years in the industry. As Jason explains, “There’s a symbiotic nature to it, with the artistry supporting the business, but the business simultaneously supporting the creativity.”
With hair one of the most trend-led aspects of an individual’s experience, it’s exciting to know that the salon is not just following but leading with flair. Along with the consumer accessible styles, Jason says, “we can also turn our hand to the zanier looks.”
Penny and Jason have always prided themselves on their fusion of different methodologies; they bring in the cleaner cuts of Vidal Sassoon, but equally will work to the softer textured styles championed by Toni & Guy. This flexibility is something they acknowledge has served them well.
When I ask what they feel their greatest achievement has been over the years, they are in accord. “Penny and I both feel it’s the way we’ve created a salon with a distinctive vision and a leading-edge team that’s endured within the industry. We’ve cultivated a longstanding clientele that’s supported us, and we’ve done it together.”
As for the ‘where to next’, the excitement is palpable. Penny is the first to let the cat out of the bag. “We’re planning a boutique training programme, where we train up new skilled stylists, taking in ten, keeping a couple and the rest will go to other salons”.
With Jason’s background in education and Penny’s passion to nurture talent, this feels like the perfect next chapter. ADO.NZ
Ahead of the curve
Salon G’s Shelley Pullar brings a fresh perspective this spring, with soft layers, natural texture and colour that enhances every angle.
Salon G’s Shelley Pullar brings a fresh perspective this spring, with soft layers, natural texture and colour that enhances every angle.
PHOTOS Deborah De Graaf | MAKE-UP ARTIST Sophie Garth | SUNGLASSES Secret Optics | STYLIST Robyne Dowdall
Spring 2025 is here, and this season is all about the cut. Bold pixie cuts, cowgirl layers and even bobs are getting a makeover with curved edges and feathered insides that feel fresh and not too fussy.
The best part is that haircuts are finally working with your natural texture, not against it. It’s all about enhancing what you already have and tailoring it to your face shape. Here at Salon G, we’ve been focusing on helping clients understand how their face shape plays into not just their cut, but their colour too. Think of it like contouring, where bright pieces (like baby lights around the hairline) highlight and add width, while deeper tones (like a soft root smudge or mid-lights near the cheekbones) create depth and really make your features pop.
Colour-wise, we’re steering away from bold, chunky blocks. Instead, we’re loving softer, more lived-in colour, with panelled ribbons, blurred roots and those sun-kissed, low-maintenance tones. Warm shades are big right now: think cherry cola, spiced ginger, rich caramels, espresso browns, and our forever-fave, teddy bear blonde.
Thinking of brightening things up for summer? Book a blow dry and mention this article to get a free Tailored Pre-Spring Hair Treatment, courtesy of Wella at Salon G. You’ll leave feeling totally refreshed and ready for the season.
A cut above the rest
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions.
Words Hayley Barnett | Photos Salina Galvan
Sam Henry knows a thing or two about hair. She’s been in the hairdressing biz for more than 25 years, owns Shine Hair Co in Maungatapu and has just recently opened her gorgeous new salon, Studio May, in Ōmokoroa.
Aimed at the discerning client who likes to keep on top of their hair game when it comes to style and care, Sam says Studio May aims to provide cutting-edge service in a relaxed, modern environment.
Here, Sam sits down with UNO to provide the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask.
UNO: What’s the best way to restore damaged hair?
Sam: Our hair gets a constant beating from the sun’s UV rays, as well as combing and brushing daily, not to mention colouring and the use of heated tools. It’s no wonder 91 percent of Kiwi women have damaged hair! Unlike skin, our hair cannot repair itself. When the outside layer loses its lipids (the natural protective layer) the cuticle (inside the hair) becomes more exposed, resulting in flyaways and fragile locks. This is sometimes why your colour/toner fades quickly. There's nothing left for the colour to hold on to. You need a product that rebuilds the bonds inside the cortex, along with Omega-9 on the outside, to recreate a protective barrier for the cuticle. This is where you see that healthy shine. Ultimate Repair by Wella Professional smoothes hair and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours.
Do you really need to shampoo twice?
Have you ever shampooed your hair and wondered why it’s not lathering
up much? The first shampoo removes surface dust, dirt, styling product
and sweat. The second shampoo gets right into your hair shaft and deeply cleanses, now that all the build-up has been removed. Always follow through with a conditioner. Squeeze out excess water and apply your conditioner to the length only. For best results, leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse. Remember, shampooing without conditioning is like cleansing your face without moisturising. It’s a no from me!
Why is it so important to use heat protection?
In a nutshell, if heat protection is not used, your colour can “shift”, meaning blonde hair will go brassy and grey hair will go yellow. The cuticle becomes damaged and any weak spots in your hair shaft will break. It doesn’t matter if you’re drying your hair straight from the shower or you’re just doing a touch-up with the straightener – heat protection should be used every time. Wella Luxe Oil Serum is great for medium to thick hair and can be used both to protect it and give it shine. For finer hair, Wella Thermal Image is a light spray, protecting hair from up to 220°C heat. For our blonde babes, the Wella Luxblonde Bi-Phase is
a violet-coloured spray which prevents brassiness, as violet counteracts yellow tones.
Does a cold water rinse really make your hair shinier?
Yes and no. The cold water will smooth down the cuticle of your hair, giving it a glossy, sleek look as opposed to a frizzy, flyaway, dull look. However, your hair has no living cells and doesn’t react to cold or heat. Use serums to hydrate and smooth the cuticle and be sure to gently dry hair with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it.