HUNTER & MANE

A FEW HOURS with Jess TRANSCENDS just a REGULAR HAIR APPOINTMENT;

RATHER, it’s a PERSONALIZED, THERAPEUTIC and DEEPLY EMPOWERING EXPERIENCE for anyone WHO TAKES A SEAT IN HER CHAIR.

Jessica Hunter, founder of Hunter & Mane, wearing an olive green blazer, running her fingers through her hair

Owner + Master Stylist

JESSICA HUNTER

An island girl at heart, Jess is deeply influenced by the laid-back, coastal lifestyle, which has shaped her approach to hair colour and styles. Jess’ passion for the beauty industry led her to become a hairstylist, with a focus on empowering women to feel beautiful and confident. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, she has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and skills, turning countless hair dreams into reality.

Known for her craft

Jess specializes in creating stunning, natural looks, from dreamy lived-in blondes to rich dimensional brunettes and beautifully blended balayages. In her work, she strives to emulate the sun's natural lightening effects, delivering purposeful, dimensional, and effortless looks for each client. Using advanced colour techniques, Jess also ensures that her clients' colours and cuts last up to 3 to 6 months, providing long-lasting beauty and confidence.

THE PERFECT LIVED-IN LOOK

Woman wearing blue jens a white top facing away from the camera, with hair dressing tools in her back pockets
Hair dressing tools placed on a white table, with a pair of shoes pictured on the floor below the table

OUR SERVICES

HUNTER & MANE is MORE than JUST A SALON — IT'S A PLACE where LUXURY meets COMPASSION, and where EVERY CLIENT IS TREATED like FAMILY.

A note from our founder

MORE THAN JUST A SALON

My family and upbringing shaped my path to becoming a hairstylist, but it was a realization about the state of customer service in our industry that led me to create this space.

Over the years, I've worked in various salons, spas, and independent settings, witnessing firsthand the inconsistencies. This drove me to fill a gap—to offer more than just a haircut or colour, but an experience that feels like coming home. 

When clients walk through our doors, I want them to feel instantly at ease, knowing they're in skilled hands and that they'll leave looking and feeling beautiful and confident. From the warm greeting and a cuddle with Walter (our furry friend) to a flawless blowout and style, every aspect of our service is designed to make clients feel pampered and cared for. 

Hunter & Mane studio shelves featuring curated hair care products
Jess Hunter, Hunter & Mane's Founder, wearing a white hoodie reading a white and green book called Kinfolk

MY ROOTS

My grandfather, Bill Hunter, and my Nana, Yvonne Hunter, were steadfast in the salon industry. Grandpa was a skilled hairstylist, while Nana managed their beauty distribution company. My maternal grandmother, Ursula Funke, was also a hairstylist, and my mother, Heidi, followed suit, working alongside her in their salon and day spa, where my Mom specialized as an aesthetician.

My father, Ron Hunter, played a different yet crucial role in the beauty industry—he worked as a delivery man for the family's beauty supply company, making deliveries to salons in the area, including where Ursula and Heidi worked. Ron and Heidi quickly hit it off, bonding over their shared passion for the industry. This connection led to the intertwining of our families.

MY INSPIRATION

This industry isn't just a career path for me; it's a heritage that runs through my veins. Growing up, I was immersed in stories of my family's experiences in the beauty world. Photos of them working in their salons filled me with wonder and inspiration.

I fondly remember watching my grandmother skillfully perm, cut, and style my mother's hair in the kitchen, yearning to join in and help create those beautiful styles.

MY PURPOSE

As I matured, my father, now a tradesman, recognized the stability and resilience of the beauty industry. He encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a hairstylist and tradeswoman, often reminding me, "It's recession-proof, honey! People will always find a way to look and feel good." His words proved prophetic, especially in today's world, where, following a global pandemic, I find myself three years into owning and operating a thriving private boutique salon I am proud to call: HUNTER & MANE.

Hunter & Mane Founder, Jessica Hunter in a white hoodie, with eyes closed practicing mindfulness
A hair dresser combing through a client's hair while sitting in the studio char

“A heritage that runs through my veins”

HUNTER, my FAMILY NAME, IS NOT just a PART OF MY BUSINESS’ NAME and BRANDING; it's WOVEN DEEPLY into my CAREER and ROOTS.