Meet Kirby Lago: Award-Winning Hairstylist & Great Lengths Collective Artist
The Collective: Meet Kirby Lago
For Kirby Lago, great hair is quiet confidence — and she’s mastered the art of making it look effortless.
The multi-award-winning stylist, educator, and Pelo by Lago founder is known for soft blends, sunlit blondes, and lived-in colour that grows out beautifully.
With celebrity clients like Miranda Kerr and features in Vogue and Elle, Kirby’s Sydney salon is a destination for luxe, low-maintenance hair.
Now, as the newest member of The Collective with Great Lengths Australia, we sat down with Kirby to talk hair journeys, extension myths, and her signature approach to effortless colour
Her Story: Built on Obsession
“I started hairdressing when I was 14 and opened my first salon at 19 — I just knew this was it for me,” she says.
Kirby Lago didn’t stumble into hair — she sprinted in headfirst. That passion still drives her two decades on. But what keeps her inspired? The transformation — not just of hair, but of how her clients feel.
“I’ve had people cry happy tears in the chair after extensions or a colour correction because they feel like themselves again. That never gets old.”
Her Craft: Confidence in Every Strand
Kirby’s signature style is all about natural movement and dimension — blends that grow out seamlessly and styling that feels effortless.
“I’m inspired by tone, texture and the way light hits the hair. It’s never about doing the most — it’s about creating something that feels just right.”
And when it comes to extensions? Kirby’s on a mission to set the record straight.
“The idea that extensions damage your hair needs to go. When applied properly, maintained well, and removed professionally, they can actually help protect and support healthy growth.”
Why She Chooses Great Lengths
If she had to describe Great Lengths in three words? Seamless. Reliable. Luxury.
“What sets Great Lengths apart is how customisable they are — whether it’s keratin bonds or Essenza tapes. The quality is unmatched, the blends are flawless, and they support the natural hair. I can always find the perfect match thanks to their incredible colour range.”
One memorable moment? A client recovering from stress-related hair loss left transformed — not just physically, but emotionally. “We used keratin bonds to gradually build back fullness, with thoughtful placement and softness. She looked in the mirror and said, ‘I finally feel like myself again.’ That’s the power of good extensions.”
A Few Things You Didn’t Know About Kirby Lago
Red carpet muse? “Oof, hard to pick just one, but let’s go with Margot Robbie. I’d keep it effortless and elevated: soft bronde, clean highlights through the ends, and extensions placed just for fullness, not length.
For styling, I would do a barely-there wave with a brushed-out finish, polished but not ‘done.’”
Desert island must-have? “A heat protectant. I don’t care if there’s no power – we’re protecting this hairline from UV and salt.”
Best advice received? “‘Don’t just focus on the hair — focus on the person in the chair.”
That shifted everything for me. Technique is important, but the real magic happens when you actually listen, connect, and create something that feels true to them!’”
Kirby Lago’s story is one of passion, precision and authenticity — and her advice is as grounded as her work is elevated:
“If you stay committed and back yourself — it shows in everything you do.”
