Makawe Salon is a boutique hair salon located on Pollen Street in Thames, founded and operated by Tyla and Lydia—two experienced hairstylists with over 20 years of professional expertise each. The salon was born from a personal story: Tyla and Lydia met while working together in one of Auckland's premier salons, where their shared passion for creating beautiful, effortless hair sparked both a deep friendship and a vision to build something meaningful of their own.
After years in the city, Tyla envisioned bringing his talent back home to Thames, and Lydia embraced that lifestyle choice, recognizing that life on the Coromandel offers benefits for the soul and the perfect environment for raising children. They made the heartfelt decision to purchase Tyla's mum's original salon, allowing him to reconnect with his roots while honoring his family history. This blend of personal story and professional expertise shapes the salon's identity.
Makawe specialises in helping clients achieve easy, wearable hair styles that seamlessly fit their lifestyles while enhancing their appearance in a way that feels natural, confident, and authentically them. With over two decades of combined experience, Tyla and Lydia bring both professional skill and a relaxed, personable approach to every client, creating an environment that feels highly professional yet warmly personal.
Makawe Salon is more than just a place to get a haircut—it's a reflection of a personal journey, professional expertise, and a commitment to bringing quality salon services to Thames. Founded by Tyla and Lydia, two hairstylists with over 20 years of experience each, the salon carries a story that connects to the community in meaningful ways.
Tyla and Lydia's story began in one of Auckland's premier salons, where their shared passion for crafting beautiful, effortless hair sparked both a deep friendship and a professional partnership. After years in the city, Tyla envisioned bringing his talent home to Thames. Lydia, recognizing that life on the Coromandel offers something special for the soul and the perfect environment for raising children, embraced that vision. Together, they made the heartfelt decision to purchase Tyla's mum's original salon—a decision that allowed Tyla to reconnect deeply with his roots while honouring his family history.
At Makawe, the focus is on helping clients achieve hair styles that are both beautiful and practical. Easy, wearable styles that seamlessly fit into daily life—whether you're heading to work, out with friends, or managing the demands of family and career. With over 20 years of experience each, Tyla and Lydia bring both technical skill and genuine understanding of what clients need.
The salon's approach is distinctly personal. They take pride in helping clients look and feel confident, with a relaxed professionalism that makes you feel welcomed rather than just processed.