Ella Jones has the sort of lustrous locks that you imagine comes from assiduously brushing it 100 times every night. Healthy and glamorous and 'done', but in a way that looks like it's just naturally that glorious.
As general manager at Parnell's luxury retail emporium Faradays, Jones is used to being surrounded by elegance and her hair follows suit. "At work – it’s 100% about polish (cue the Dyson)." But it's refreshing to hear that even the eternally put together Jones has moments when she lets her hair down.
She let us in on the secret to getting luxurious locks and offers some sage advice for loving the hair you have.
Your platinum blonde shade is very dreamy. Have you always been this blonde?
I have always been super blonde. My mum and sister are as well. These days I do get a little help to keep it to my ‘natural born’ shade!
Is it a lot of upkeep? How do you maintain your hair between salon visits and keep it looking so healthy?
I get blow-waves more often than I would care to say… I just absolutely love getting my hair done. For me it’s about doing something for myself. It’s part of my care routine, looking after my hair.
I also invest in good products and at the salon I do like to get treatments to ensure that it’s super healthy, especially after I’ve had highlights. And I love a regular haircut. I probably go to the salon every 8-10 weeks.
Do you blowdry or air dry?
Do I ever let it air dry… I feel like that’s quite a luxury to have time to let it dry naturally! The quintessential ‘nowhere to be’ situation. I never really get to do that unless I’m on holiday.
I swear by my Dysons – I have the Air Wrap and the Supersonic Hairdryer. I don’t like using excessive heat on my hair. I don’t touch straighteners for example – due to the shade and because it is so fine, I feel like I need to look after it that little bit more carefully.
What products do you use to take care of it?
I use Kevin Murphy Angel Shampoo and Conditioner, and Eleven Miracle Hair Treatment – oh my god, it smells so good. And I use the K18 hair mask (both at home and when I go to the salon). I love looking after my hair from within as well as on the outside.
I often use the same products for styling as well. I have naturally quite fine hair so it’s nice to be able to use them for styling purposes as well so that I don’t have too many products weighing it down.
Who ‘does’ it?
Viv from M11 does my hair – cut, colour and treatment. She is God. Literally the best hair stylist and colourist for blondes I’ve ever come across, and I’ve had some horror stories. A particular experience in New York comes to mind that made me look like I came straight out of the '80s, and not in a good way… there is photo evidence but I will not be sharing that publicly!
I feel like Viv pushes me a bit in terms of the cut, in terms of styling, and she’s really conscious of hair health as well. She always makes me feel like the best version of me.
And Leo at M11 does my blow waves – as well as being a very talented stylist, I love his personality. It makes the whole process so much fun. He does an incredible job, it’s always big and bouncy.
I imagine working in a glamorous place like Faradays requires a polished look. What’s your go-to hairstyle for work?
I think it really depends on my outfit and the weather. I don’t really like fussy hairstyles. I love a slicked back ponytail. I also love a messy up do with a claw clip. If it’s down, it’s most often in waves.
How would you describe your relationship with your hair - today, and in the past?
Hair for me is an interesting one. I’ve always had a love hate relationship with my hair to be honest. I always love everyone else’s hair – isn’t it funny that we always want what we can’t have.
I’m a big advocate for all of the girls with fine hair, it’s something I am really quite conscious of, but you have to go with what you’ve got and make the most of it.
Colour wise, I’ve begged Viv to take me brunette but was not allowed (due to the above!). I’ve tried pink though - a dusty rose which was fun.
I’ve learned that looking after it is so important, always choosing health over the overall aesthetic. I’m actually growing my hair at the moment which I haven’t done since I was quite young. It does make me feel super feminine, but then I love that sense of polished power you instantly feel with a sharp bob, which I’ve done before and will probably do again!
Does your approach with hair differ for events / work / the weekend?
If I’m going to an event I will always get my hair done professionally. Who needs makeup if you have an amazing blow out? Sometimes it’s a bit fun to add a little length for an event, like a super long pony. It’s fun to play with it and try different things.
On holiday or on the weekends during the summertime, I love having sea salt in my hair. Even though it’s quite gritty I love that ‘just out of the ocean’ feeling. I’m not super precious with it in summer on off-duty days. I love the creamy tones it transforms into when it gets a little sun.
Do you use a lot of accessories? What types and where do you get them?
I love accessories - silk scrunchies, barrettes, headbands, I love them all. They’re so easy to wear and instantly transform your whole vibe. My new Alaïa leather studded headband is a current favourite.
Who else do you think has great hair? Who is your hair idol?
Sydney Sweeney has great hair – I’m just generally obsessed with her and want to be her to be honest. Love the bangs, the colour is perfection. It’s just really chic, youthful, and not too ‘done’.
Any other good hair tips?
Invest in good products and have fun with it. I don’t stress about it too much - rock with what you’ve got that day. And if it’s a bad hair day, just throw on some lipstick or statement earrings as a distraction – and tomorrow will be better!