The Sunshine Coast has long been known for its sun-lightened hair and beach-brushed ease, but until now, there has been little choice for those with darker, thicker, or Asian hair textures.
That gap is about to be filled with the arrival of TONE., opening in Mooloolaba this October. Billed as the first Japanese hair and beauty salon on the Coast, it is designed to celebrate diversity while introducing a standard of craft and care the region has not yet experienced.
For paper mâché magazine, which covers beauty and cultural shifts across the Sunshine Coast and beyond, the arrival of TONE. signals a new era in coastal style and self-care.
TONE. is more than just a salon. It is a cultural shift, bringing the elegance, precision, and artistry of Japan into the relaxed rhythms of coastal life. It is a sanctuary that is both refined and welcoming, opening its doors to everyone, regardless of gender or hair type.
From byAya to TONE.
The story begins with byAYA, a Japanese nail, lash and brow salon founded almost a decade ago by two women who share not just a name but a philosophy. Aya and Aya brought with them the ethos of Japanese beauty culture: an emphasis on artistry, health, and high-quality products.
byAYA quickly became a cult destination on the Coast, known for meticulous technique and creative flair. Clients discovered the difference between a standard manicure and one enriched with Japanese gels that nourish the nail, or a lash treatment delivered with precision and unique for every individual.
This foundation of trust and excellence is what has paved the way for TONE.
“We wanted to create a space that feels both global and deeply personal,” the founders share. “byAYA taught us the importance of craft and care. With TONE., we are ready to take that philosophy further.”
Japanese Craft brings a New Language of Beauty
Japanese beauty has long been revered for its balance of innovation and tradition. The focus is never just on surface-level transformation but on holistic care. At TONE., that ethos takes form in precision hair cutting, bespoke colouring, and styling techniques drawn directly from Japan.
“Hair is identity,” one of the Ayas says. “Our role is to respect it, care for it, and elevate it.”
For paper mâché magazine, which often highlights design-led experiences, this approach resonates deeply. It is artistry that transcends trends, embedding luxury into the everyday.
Japanese Hair Practices and Products
At the heart of the salon’s treatments is SHISEIDO Professional Sublimic, a product line that applies cutting-edge skincare technology to hair and scalp. Each treatment is personalised, repairing damage from the inside out while infusing strands with hydration, shine, and resilience. The process is as much about wellness as it is about beauty, with aromatherapy-inspired formulations turning every appointment into a sensory ritual.
For those seeking transformative results, TONE. offers both Japanese hair straightening and Brazilian Keratin treatments. Japanese straightening delivers permanently smooth, glossy hair by restructuring its internal bonds, while Brazilian Keratin offers a gentler, semi-permanent option that enhances shine and reduces frizz. Together, they give clients choice and flexibility, always with hair health at the centre.
Having a deep appreciation for Japanese hairdressing excellence, the duo has built a team of stylists who have trained and worked in Japan. This commitment to quality ensures that the standards at TONE. reflect the artistry and discipline for which Japanese salons are known for.
An Edgy Salon in Mooloolaba
Walking into TONE. will not feel like stepping into another local salon. The space has been created with cool, contemporary tones. Sharp, monochrome, and edgy, it is reflective of the brand’s’ black-and-white campaign imagery, setting the stage for something sleek, bold, and fashion-forward.
Every detail has been considered. At the basins, clients recline fully flat, eliminating the sore-neck discomfort of traditional salon sinks. This thoughtful touch speaks volumes about TONE’s philosophy: no compromise on comfort, no cutting corners on experience.
The salon is proudly gender-neutral, welcoming everyone to experience the craft of Japanese beauty, regardless of identity or style.
A New Era for the Sunshine Coast
TONE. is not arriving in isolation. It is part of a broader movement of innovative brands shaping the Sunshine Coast into a hub for culture, creativity, and luxury. For paper mâché magazine, which documents the evolution of lifestyle and hospitality across the East Coast, the arrival of TONE. signals a new identity for Mooloolaba, one where global sophistication meets coastal ease.
Opening and Booking
TONE. will open its doors in early October in the heart of Mooloolaba. With ByAya’s loyal following already eager to experience this next chapter, appointments are expected to book quickly. Reservations can be made through their Instagram, where the founders are offering a first glimpse into the salon’s aesthetic and philosophy.
TONE. is more than a salon. It is an invitation into a new way of experiencing beauty – meticulous, elevated, and unapologetically bold. The Sunshine Coast is ready.
