At SOAK Bar + Beauty, we believe beauty should never come at the cost of people or the planet. Guided by our core values - Fun, Quality, Self-Care, Community, and Integrity - we’re here to shake up the beauty game with conscious, inclusive experiences that feel as good as they look. From the products we stock to the way we run our spaces, we keep things thoughtful, transparent, and full of heart. We’re big on connection, big on trust, and big on sharing what we know so our guests feel confident and cared for every step of the way.

As the original licensed beauty bars in Victoria, we juggle two priorities: ultra-clean, high-standard services and a lighter impact on the planet. It’s not always easy - but we’re up for the challenge. We bulk order to cut down on packaging and delivery emissions, run paperless with smart digital tools (hello, colour wheel innovation), and prioritise refillables and recycling in our day-to-day. Where we can, we choose Australian-owned and made, female-owned, vegan, Low/no-tox, and recyclable products - because your beauty rituals can support local legends and the planet. We love educating our guests on these choices too, with service options that are low-waste and product lines that are as transparent as they are fabulous.

People are at the heart of SOAK - our team, our guests, our community. We believe beauty is for every BODY, and we’re proud to create a space where everyone is welcome, respected, and celebrated. From our inclusive hiring practices to our flexible, supportive work environment, we back our people to grow, evolve, and truly shine. Our team is made up of talent from 30+ countries, and we honour that diversity with intention - creating tailored roles, providing flexible schedules, and building a strong Culture of respect, collaboration, and fun. Career progression here is real: casual artists have grown into full-time leaders, managers, and even shareholders. We reward our team with bonuses, commissions, and monthly social events to keep the vibes high and the bonds strong. Their friends and family are in on the love too, with discounts and complimentary service perks that let them feel part of the SOAK magic. And when it comes to giving back? We’re all in. Throughout the year, we support causes that matter to our staff and clients, donating to selected charities and championing community connections that go beyond beauty.

We know the hair and beauty industry has work to do - and we’re holding ourselves accountable. We strictly follow award guidelines, including weekend penalty rates (yep, that means 22.5% more pay on Saturdays). To keep things operating for our small business, we’ve introduced a 15% Saturday surcharge to cover some of this cost - not ideal, but necessary to ensure our doors stay open for the experiences you love. All information relating to the Hair & Beauty Award guide can be found here: