Mecca is hitting the streets of Melbourne with a mammoth space dubbed ‘the largest beauty store in the world’ later this year. And, who better to offer in-store salon services? None other than British hair aficionado, Josh Wood.

A match made in heaven: Josh Wood and Mecca

‘For the first time we’ll be able to offer the whole Josh Wood 360 experience all in one place: salon services, sharing expertise on individual hair – and delivering the product,’ starts Wood, before explaining why Mecca feels like the perfect partner: ‘Mecca acts not just as a retailer, but as a beauty disruptor. We are intrigued by its willingness to create a ‘hands on’ experience as much as sell a product. Like us, they want to “take customers on the journey of expanding their beauty consciousness”.’

Josh Wood Colour’s 38-strong collection of at-home products and accessories will be on sale in select MECCA stores and online from July 1, with the salon opening at Bourke Street later this year. But, why did Horgan opt for Wood?

It’s a story of requited love: ‘We were honestly jumping up and down when one of the world’s most talented and visionary colourists said yes to working with Mecca. Josh Wood is the king of colour, an absolute genius, but it’s the way he and his team make you feel, like a million bucks, in the most beautiful, welcoming space, that truly stopped us in our tracks. That mix of personalisation, warmth and high-end artistry? It’s exactly what we want people to experience at our new Melbourne flagship.’

Wood is bringing a bit-of-Brit to Aus, welcoming members of his renowned Notting Hill staff onto the cutting floor across the world. Alongside, he will be scouting the hottest talent on the continent to ensure there’s the perfect mix of global and local talent.

‘As they say, great people attract great people. Josh’s team is next level. Creative, kind, and totally aligned with our vision,’ shares Horgan, excited by the prospect.

Falling for the British flair

The renowned founder of Mecca has long had a penchant for British talent, giving ample shelf space to UK-based beauty founders. She’s a particular fan of the flair in our haircare: ‘Josh Wood Colour, Hair by Sam McKnight, Arkive and Murdock Barbers of London, all have one thing in common…they come from a crew of British hair pros known for their creativity, diversity and cultural influence. Each of these brands bring that classic British know-how, but with their own twist.’

And, as if engaging in a game of cross-continental ping pong with his new stockist, Josh Wood retorts: ‘I plan to twist things up a little. I want to bring the creativity I use on the international runways and global fashion houses direct to Melbourne and put hair colour back in the spotlight, bring the techniques I use on Victoria Beckham and Kylie exclusively to our clients in Josh Wood Mecca.’

Why now? Aussies are hair obsessed

‘The Aussie market for hair care is booming!’ starts Wood before sharing that the market size is estimated at USD 1.40 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.78 billion by 2030.

What’s more, hair is the fastest growing category at Mecca, ‘We’ve gone from a small handful of brands only 10 years ago, like Bumble and Bumble and Living Proof, to now more than 20 brands that do it all’, shares Horgan, before keeping us guessing on whether Mecca might finally hit British soil.

‘Our dream is big: to be the world’s most-loved beauty destination. But right now, we’re laser-focused on showing up brilliantly for our customers in Australia and New Zealand. That said, we’ve quietly dipped our toes into the UK and beyond, launching MECCA COSMETICA online — and now we’re in Ireland, Germany, Italy, France and Spain too. Bricks-and-mortar? Never say never.’