Beauty destination: Pony Professionnel by Mana Dave

The affable and preternaturally stylish Mana Dave has always been one of my favourite local hair stylists - with talent and vision and lashings of charm and generosity to boot. Visits to his salon Blaze are always a treat, one that I wish I could afford to indulge in more often! Along with winning awards all over the globe he’s also helmed many of New Zealand’s top salons, so the fact that he is about to unleash a new concept is marvellous news.

Called Pony Professionnel, it’s in the heart of Newmarket and has been called “an oasis of expert advice, industry authorities and the finest product range, catering to men and women who love healthy hair.” Sound pretty damn good to me.

The award-winning team at Blaze Hair, spearheaded by Mana and Kate Smith, are the driving force behind Pony Professionnel, the ethos of which is based on the love of, care for and ongoing improvement of healthy hair. Brands on sale at Pony Professionnel will comprise a handpicked selection from Mana and his team that will include: Kerastase, LʼOreal, Pureology, Redken, Matrix, Biolage, Phylia de M (exclusive to Pony Professionnel), Morrocanoil, Davines, Kevin Murphy, Sebastian, ghd and Sans.

The in-store experience at Pony Professionnel will also offer premium Kerastase spa treatments for hair ($87 - $185 for 2hrs). This spa services use massage techniques designed for specific needs of the hair and scalp and having had one many years ago I can say that are incredible.

Pony Professionnelʼs on-the-go styling services are priced from only $40 - the dry-style and blow-dry services aimed at offering walk-in customers relaxation and nourishment for their hair amidst busy lifestyles.

I can’t wait to see the space as well - the interior concept for Pony Professionnel was designed by the seriously talented Katie Lockhart and promises to be beautiful.

Pony Professionnel opens on Thursday 11th October at 290b Broadway, Newmarket (oppositeMorrow Street). Can’t wait!