Ever wondered what happens when passion meets purpose... and a whole lot of curls?

Sarah Eustace The Curl Alchemist

Hi, I'm Sarah. The Curl Alchemist!

I'm the hands, heart, and soul behind The Curl Alchemist. I’ve been hairdressing for over 21 years, starting my apprenticeship at just 16 years old.

In my third year, I noticed my boss using a cutting technique meant for straight hair and something just clicked. I could see how it could transform curls, even though no one was applying it that way yet. From that moment on, I started cutting and caring for curly hair differently. It simply made sense.

For the next 15 years, I quietly did things my own way treating curls as their own unique art form while most stylists stuck with traditional methods.

Then in 2019, when my beautiful son Nixon was born, everything shifted. I decided to embrace my passion fully and run with it. Back then, not many people knew what the Curly Girl Method was or why I was doing things differently. Now, clients seek me out because of it and that’s been the most rewarding evolution of my career.

Curly hair rfesult The curly alchemist dunedin

I’m a big believer in supporting local, sustainable, and women-led businesses, and I’m proud to use vegan and cruelty-free products in my salon. Every choice I make — from what’s on my shelves to who I collaborate with aligns with those values.

Education is a huge part of what I do, too. I built my salon with the goal of creating an environment that’s welcoming for everyone especially busy mums, neurodivergent clients, and those with social anxiety. My son and many of my clients have inspired that mission. I want everyone who walks through my doors to feel safe, seen, and celebrated for exactly who they are.

And if you’ve had hairdresser trauma or have been let down before I get it. You don’t need to rush the process here. We’ll take it one curl at a time, rebuilding trust, confidence, and that beautiful relationship between you and your natural hair.

At the end of the day, I’m not just here to cut curls — I’m here to educate, empower, and create a space where you finally feel at ease in your own hair.

Sarah XO