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70 YEARS OF STYLE.
70 YEARS OF FAMILY.
70 YEARS OF FRANCO OF CANBERRA.
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In 2026, we celebrate something truly extraordinary — 70 years of the Calabria family in hairdressing in Canberra.
From a tiny two-chair barber shop at Bailey’s Corner in 1956…
To one of Canberra’s most iconic salons today…
This is more than a business anniversary.
It is a legacy.
In 1952, a young Italian man named Franco Calabria arrived in Australia with little more than passion, determination, and a pair of scissors. Born in Plati, Reggio Calabria, Franco learned his craft in his uncle’s salon before travelling to Australia in search of opportunity.
By day, he laid concrete in Canberra.
By night, he cut hair.
In 1956, encouraged by Professor Fred Emery and backed by Pasquale Capomolla, Franco opened a small barber shop downstairs at Bailey’s Corner. It had just two chairs.
In 1961, the salon evolved into Franco of Canberra — one of the first uni-sex salons in the capital. From there, the story only grew.
Franco travelled to Europe to master new techniques.
Worked in Milan creating magazine cover hairstyles.
Attended World Cup hair competitions.
Presented for L’Oréal across Australia.
Styled visiting dignitaries, performers, and political leaders.
Through every decade, the salon remained at the cutting edge — earning national and international industry recognition and awards along the way.
But beyond the accolades, it was always about the people.
For 70 years, you have trusted us with your weddings, graduations, job interviews, family portraits, special occasions — and everyday confidence.
We have watched generations grow up in our chairs.
Grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters.
Fathers, sons, grandchildren.
Some of you have been with us for decades.
Some are just discovering us now.
Every single one of you is part of our story.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for sitting in our chair and allowing us to be part of your lives.
Without you, there is no Franco of Canberra.
To the apprentices who learned their first scissor-over-comb in our salon.
To the stylists who went on to open their own salons.
To the receptionists who kept the heartbeat steady.
To the colourists, cutters, mentors and artists who shaped our reputation.
And to the Calabria family — Ann, Sam, James, Teresa, Lisa — who carried forward Franco’s discipline, creativity, and belief that: “The only way to survive is if the family’s involved.”
You are the reason we are still here 70 years later.
Across every decade, Franco of Canberra has remained committed to innovation, education, and excellence.
From early European techniques in the 60s and 70s…
To international collaborations…
To national stage presentations…
To award recognition across Australia and beyond…
We have never stopped learning.
We have never stopped evolving.
We have never stopped raising the bar.
Franco was known not just for his scissors, but for his music, laughter, storytelling, and larger-than-life personality.
The Carlton Lounge Trio.
Community dances.
Long lunches.
Family summers at Batemans Bay singing “Arrivederci Roma.”
This salon was built on connection, charisma, and community.
And that spirit still lives here.
Throughout 2026, we will be celebrating this incredible milestone with:
* Exclusive promotions
* Heritage throwbacks
* Client appreciation celebrations
* And some surprises you won’t want to miss
We invite you to celebrate with us.
Whether you’ve been with us for 40 years or 4 months — you are part of this legacy.
From a young immigrant with a dream…
To three generations of hairdressing excellence…
To a Canberra institution trusted by leaders, families and style lovers alike…
Thank you for being part of our journey.
Here’s to honouring the past.
Celebrating the present.
And shaping the future — beautifully.
When you book and complete any in-salon service, you will:
Automatically go into our BIG PRIZE RAFFLE
Get the chance to SPIN TO WIN instant prizes in-salon
It’s our way of saying thank you for 70 incredible years of loyalty, support and style.
Appointments will fill quickly — secure your booking early and celebrate with us.
Book now and be part of our 70-year celebration!
AHIA 2025 FINALIST – SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR
We’re incredibly proud to share that Franco of Canberra Hairdressing has been named a FINALIST in the 2025 Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA Creative) for Salon Team of the Year!
These awards are a major recognition in our industry, celebrating excellence in hairdressing, education, business, and professional product expertise across Australia and New Zealand. Being named a finalist is an honour that reflects the passion, creativity, and dedication of our entire team.
With over 70 years of hairdressing excellence, we continue to evolve, lead, and innovate — both inside the salon and beyond. Our commitment to our clients and craft drives everything we do.
We’re especially proud of our 2025 AHIA SALON TEAM photoshoot collection: TRANCENDENT
A versatile showcase of world-class hairstyling from our incredible team.
Hairstylists: Francesca, Tiy, Sally, Frankie, James
Photography & Post-Production: @fernandapedroso.photographer
Makeup: @adriana.makeupartistry
Production: Francesca
Always using: #LOréalPro and #Kerastase professional hair care products
To our clients and supporters — thank you for inspiring us daily.
Did you know?
Franco of Canberra has been a proud Intercoiffure Mondial member for over 50 years!
Being part of Intercoiffure Mondial, the world’s most prestigious hairdressing organisation based in Paris, means:
✔️ Access to the latest global hair trends & techniques
✔️ Exclusive training from top international stylists
✔️ The highest standards in hair artistry & client care
Our Leadership in the Industry:
Sam – Former President of Intercoiffure Australia
James – Current Artistic Director for Intercoiffure Australia
Francesca – Selected as a team member of the International Foundation Guillaume in Paris
When you visit Franco of Canberra, you’re choosing world-class expertise, innovation, and the best in luxury hairdressing.
Book your appointment today & experience the difference!
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Franco of Canberra Hairdressing are looking for talent so if you think you’ve got what it takes we’d love to hear from you.
There's no time like the present . . . Join the team.
We can't wait to meet you !!!
We have positions available for:
SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICES
ALL LEVEL APPRENTICES
SENIOR STYLISTS
_____________________ Good Hair Reflects Your Story & Your Spirit ___________________________
To Make A Booking
* Use our ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM or
* Call the salon to make a booking
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