Right altitude

CATHY McLean’s passion and professional approach to hairdressing is totally up front.
One of the first things clients see when they walk into Altitude Hair Studio in Yarra Junction is its mission statement.
“Times change, fashions change, people do too” – it says, promoting confidence that Altitude can offer the latest in hair and beauty techniques.
“Keeping you happy and helping you look your best are our priorities,” the mission statement continues.
That statement is very much what Altitude is about according to Cathy who has had her own salons for 14 years and previously managed salons in Melbourne, Toorak, South Yarra and St Kilda.
“Our main focus is service. That’s a priority,” she says.
“I want clients to come here and feel a real sense of service; I want them to go home feeling great and really feeling how much better their visit was for the whole experience.”
While Altitude has established a reputation for excellent service, Cathy says their claim to fame is what hairdressing is all about – colour work and techniques, colour correction work and skilful cutting and styling.
That attention to details includes individual assessment on each client’s needs – lost of talking and even more listening.
“I look at the eyes, skin, the hair type and texture, I ask questions about lifestyle and how the person wants to manage their hair at home,” Cathy said.
“I take all those things into consideration before offering an idea or selecting a style and colour I think will suit.”
Cathy’s daughter Kyra is the newest member of the Altitude team.
Kyra has just completed her waxing course and is currently doing taking colour courses to build her skills. Keeping up with current trends and products is something Cathy and the team not only take seriously but enjoy.
“We up-skill constantly,” Cathy said.
“We have training in-house several times during the year and do training outside the salon to keep our skills honed and appropriate for today.”
Cathy’s enthusiasm and professionalism is shared among her team who share her passion for their work and the people they serve.
“I’ve been hairdressing for 26 years and I still get a huge buzz out of it,” Cathy said. “I’ve never got over it.”
Altitude Hair Studio at Shop 3, 2454 Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction, is open from Tuesday to Saturday and late on Thursday nights.
Phone 5967 1550.