Men’s zone
Headway talks to Lucas Tucker, creator of the bespoke men’s grooming range, Tucker Browne
What’s your background in the hairdressing industry?
I began my hairdressing apprenticeship in 2001. After working in London’s Mayfair, I returned home to Australia and worked as a freelance stylist until I began a new career in product sales, and then as a National Sales Manager. I had the opportunity to work with some wonderful brands, such as KEVIN.MURPHY and American Crew.
What inspired you to create the Tucker Browne men’s haircare range and where did the name originate?
I was inspired to create my own brand because I saw a gap in the market for a men's grooming brand with a focus on scalp and hair health. The name came from my surname – Tucker - and my wife's surname Browne. This is very much a family business. Although my wife has her own career as a fashion stylist, she continues to play a supporting role within the business and together with our three beautiful children, we work together to create products we love.
Can you talk us through the Tucker Browne offering?
Currently, we have 11 products in our range. We started out focusing on hair products and over time, we've added skin and body products to our offering. It's no secret men are beginning to care more about their grooming routines and it felt natural to supply our customers with what they need.
What kind of results did you want your products to deliver?
My desire has always been to create good quality products using the finest ingredients and without unnecessary chemicals. I’m focused on skin, scalp and hair health and that means including supporting ingredients to make this possible. Sea minerals, algae and essential oils all help make our products beautiful, easy-to-use necessities in every man’s grooming routine. We have a product to suit every hair type and our face products are natural and effective. Our Cannabis Seed Oil is loved by men and women worldwide.
We love the packaging. How important was this to you when creating the range?
We spent and continue to spend a lot of effort creating packaging that is functional and beautiful. I was tired of seeing the usual offerings for men packaged in black, brown, or traditionally masculine types of bottles. We took our love for the ocean and used shades of blue as the basis of our packaging and as we expand, our colour palette does too. Every bottle and tub is bespoke and speaks to our sense of a relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic.
How do you believe the male grooming industry has changed over the last five years and what do you see as its future?
Over the last five years, we've seen the barbering industry explode and that has meant a bigger need for grooming products for men. Alongside traditional hairdressers, barbers are developing their skills around colour, with bleach becoming popular and more mainstream. Fades have been hugely popular, which has seen barbers and stylists learn innovative techniques. We're also seeing customers demanding more of a full-service experience - they're asking for skin treatments and products for their face as well as traditional hair styling products. It’s become okay and even cool for guys to care about how they look.
Which is your must-have daily product?
That's an impossible question to answer! I use Cannabis Seed Oil every morning after my ocean and pool swimming and of course, before bed. I also use Texture Lotion daily as I love the way it stimulates my scalp and gives my hair the light hold I like. My wife and I have both been using our soon-to-be-released face wash and it has become a personal favourite!
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from nature, fashion trends, art, music and my love of the ocean. I create products I want to use but also the products I need to help me look and feel my best. These are the products other men are asking for and the products I know will make a difference to their lives.
What are your favourite cuts for men currently?
I'm a laid-back, beach-loving guy so I'm always attracted to a more natural look. Personally, I love a natural textured style.
How would you describe your personal style?
My own personal style could probably be described as relaxed, beachy and classic. I enjoy fashion although my wife naturally plays a big role in dressing me and buys most of my clothes. I usually feel best in natural fabrics like linen, organic cotton and wool, and prefer relaxed tailoring. I definitely appreciate a well-cut suit but spend most of my time in a lab coat creating new products or in bathers swimming!
How do you believe salons would benefit from having your bespoke range in-salon?
I believe salons that want to have a point of difference and a brand that is innovative yet natural will benefit from stocking us. Also, those who appreciate understated sophistication and quality. Not only does our range look beautiful on salon shelves but our products look great in bathrooms and I know clients will be drawn to buying, using and then becoming obsessed with each and every product they try.
Tucker Browne is distributed in New Zealand by Professional Hair Brands