Lee Cohen

Told by his high school careers advisor to ‘get serious’ when he breeched the notion of becoming a hairdresser, Lee Cohen’s passion for glitz, glamour and beautiful women became a magnetic force in drawing him into the industry he now dominates.

Earlier this year, Lee was crowned “Australian Hairdresser of the Year” at the 2004 Australian Hair Fashion Awards gala ceremony at Sydney’s Town Hall. The Australian Hair Fashion Awards has been dubbed the most prestigious and competitive awards in the hairdressing industry and to win it… the ultimate accolade.

So how did this lad from Dublin come to be the country’s leading trend setter in hair fashion? It was a long and very interesting journey…

While completing his schooling at Wesley College in Dublin, Ireland, Lee began working in a salon part time with some relatives in the industry. Despite the scoffs he received from his teachers and parents, Lee was undistracted and pursued his growing love for the exciting industry. He commenced his apprenticeship at the multi-award winning Reds Salon in Dublin and endured four years of tough, regimented training under their expert guidance.

And now, after gracing Australian shores with his gifted talent and unique creative flair, Lee heads a dynamic team of stylists at Reds Salon and Spa in Cairns which has strong links with its namesake, and Lee’s starting point, Reds Salon in Dublin.

Since setting up shop in Cairns, Lee’s salon has won many awards including 2000 QLD Small Employer of the Year, 2002 QLD Hairdresser of the Year and of course the most recent highlight, 2004 Australian Hairdresser of the Year.

Lee says the biggest challenge in opening Reds Salon and Spa has been to constantly expose themselves, building a respectable position in the market which avoids the common ‘one hit wonder’ syndrome.

And with that, says Lee, comes the difficulties involved with exposing the salon to new markets and cementing its position as an industry leader.

As for inspiration, Lee draws his from the very clients he endeavours to please. “My underlying inspiration is the passion I possess for hair and to simply see a client smile as they walk out the door,” Lee says.

“I believe ultimate service is about creating a journey rather than a destination. At Reds, we are about creating the ultimate service salon, combining creative hair fashion whilst nurturing a relaxing, stress relieving environment with pampering services going beyond hair and beauty.”

The inspirational growth of Lee’s salon can be attributed to his never-say-die attitude and commitment to uniqueness. “To grow you need to push the boundaries and constantly challenge the accepted norms, bend the rules and dare to be different,” he says.

“Ultimately, I think it is important to surround yourself with the best people and products. We have found by doing this, these people remain motivated, even during the ups and downs, and focused on constantly improving themselves and the salon as a whole.”

And what about Shortcuts in the salon? Lee describes Shortcuts as “one of the most valuable members of the team” and even accredits some of Reds’ achievements to the various functions of the Shortcuts program.

As an avid traveller, Lee says the reports function is essential in keeping evaluation short and sweet and takes his hat off to the marketing function’s impact on the salon’s success.

At the end of the day, Lee wants to be known as someone who has had a successful career, balanced perfectly with a magnificent lifestyle.

“I don’t judge and I don’t expect to be judged by the industry. I want to be remembered as someone who was game enough to push the boundaries and dared to be different.”