Much like the status of Taylor Swift and Blake Lively’s volatile friendship, when it comes to hair care, one ingredient continues to divide opinion almost squarely down the middle. Oil. People have strong opinions about it. For years, the idea of adding oil to hair has been met with hesitation, conjuring images of weighed-down strands, greasy roots and a style that falls flat. But the latest generation of luxury hair treatments is challenging that perception, proving that the right oils, combined with expert technique and targeted formulations, can deliver softness, shine and strength without compromising movement or volume.
At Sydney’s Marc & Maxwell, that philosophy has taken centre stage with the Mr. Smith Luxury Oil Treatment – a ceramide-infused ritual designed to replenish stressed strands, restore lost lipids and return hair to its healthiest, most luminous state.
Founded by Marc Armstrong and Sabrina Maxwell, the salon nestled like a treehouse atop a quiet corner block overlooking Bourke Street, Surry Hills, has built its reputation on a combination of technical precision, personalised service and an understanding that exceptional hair should not only look beautiful when you leave the salon – it should feel effortless to maintain long after.
“I’ve been hairdressing for over 30 years, and what has always driven me is precision cutting, education and creating hair that not only looks beautiful in the salon but is easy for clients to wear every day,” says Marc.
“Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredibly talented people, including training in London and working backstage at fashion events. When Sabrina and I opened Marc & Maxwell, we wanted to build a salon that combined technical excellence with a relaxed, luxury experience.”
That same commitment to craftsmanship is what made Mr. Smith a natural partner for the salon.
An Australian professional hair care brand known for its refined formulas, considered approach to ingredients and elevated aesthetic, Mr. Smith has developed a global following by creating products that sit at the intersection of performance and simplicity.
“For those who haven’t discovered Mr. Smith yet, I would describe it in three words: style, simplicity and substance,” says Marc.
The New Era of Hair Restoration
The Mr. Smith Luxury Oil Treatment is designed around a simple but powerful idea: hair needs more than moisture alone.
Over time, hair can lose essential lipids and ceramides due to heat styling, colouring, environmental exposure and natural ageing. These components play an important role in maintaining the hair’s strength, elasticity and ability to retain moisture.
The in-salon ritual combines the Mr. Smith Luxury Shampoo, Luxury Masque and Luxury Oil to deeply replenish and nourish the hair, with the treatment customised according to each client’s individual hair needs.
The process begins with a double cleanse using Luxury Shampoo before the stylist applies a bespoke blend of Luxury Masque and Oil through the mid-lengths and ends. Using the Mr. Smith Detangling Brush and a specialised glide-and-seal technique, the product is worked carefully through each section of hair to maximise absorption.
A warm towel wrap follows, allowing the nourishing ingredients to penetrate further, before a final rinse and finishing application of Luxury Oil leaves the hair visibly smoother, softer and more reflective.
“The Oil Luxury Treatment is much more than putting oil on your hair,” explains Marc.
“In the salon, we’re able to customise the treatment to your hair type and concerns, then apply it with professional techniques, massage and controlled heat to maximise absorption. It deeply nourishes the hair from within while also improving the scalp environment.”
Why Ceramides Are Becoming Hair Care’s Hero Ingredient
For those hesitant about using oils – particularly anyone with fine or easily weighed-down hair – Marc says the misconception comes from choosing products without understanding what the hair actually needs.
“[Esnure] your stylist has diagnosed your hair type and needs properly,” he says.
“Mr. Smith Luxury Oil’s key ingredient is ceramide, which is a lipid that is key for holding in moisture. It’s lightweight and benefits all hair types.”
Ceramides have become increasingly recognised in beauty for their ability to support the protective barrier of both skin and hair. In hair care, they help improve softness, flexibility and resilience, making them particularly beneficial for colour-treated, lightened, heat-styled or environmentally stressed hair.
The result is not simply a momentary cosmetic improvement, but a foundation for healthier-looking hair.
“Straight away, clients notice incredible shine, softness and smoother, more manageable hair,” says Marc.
“Frizz is reduced, hair feels lighter and healthier, and styling becomes easier.”
Over time, he explains, the benefits become even more apparent.
“With regular treatments and good home care, we see stronger hair, improved elasticity, fewer split ends, better moisture retention and healthier overall condition. It’s about building healthier hair rather than creating a temporary cosmetic finish.”
Repairing Hair Requires Balance
One of the biggest shifts in modern hair care has been moving away from the idea that damaged hair can be fixed with a single hero ingredient.
While protein has long been marketed as the answer to breakage and weakness, Marc believes true repair requires a more balanced approach.
“One of the biggest mistakes is assuming more protein equals healthier hair,” he says.
“Protein is important, but damaged hair also needs moisture, lipids and balance. Too much protein can actually leave hair feeling stiff and brittle.”
This philosophy also applies to prevention. Rather than waiting until hair becomes severely compromised, regular treatments can help maintain strength and resilience before damage occurs.
“It’s much easier to protect healthy hair than to repair severely damaged hair,” Marc explains.
“Regular treatments help strengthen the hair, improve moisture levels and create a healthier cuticle, making it more resilient to heat styling, colouring and environmental stress. Prevention is always better than cure.”
Behind the Brand: Why Marc & Maxwell Chose Mr. Smith
For Sabrina, the partnership with Mr. Smith represents a shared appreciation for beautiful hair, thoughtful formulation and education.
“I’ve always loved creating beautiful colour and healthy hair,” she says.
“For me, it’s about making people feel confident when they leave the salon. Mr. Smith stood out because it isn’t just another product range – it’s Australian, sustainably minded and genuinely performs.”
“As our relationship has grown, we’ve had the opportunity to work with the education team and backstage at Australian Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, which has been an incredible experience.”
Those fashion week experiences have become some of the most defining moments in Marc and Sabrina’s careers, allowing them to work alongside some of the industry’s most respected names.
“Working backstage at New York Fashion Week has been one of the biggest highlights of our careers,” says Marc.
“Having the opportunity to work under hair gurus like Laurent Philippon and Freda Rossidis has been incredibly inspiring. They’ve worked on shows such as Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs.”
“It pushes you to think creatively while delivering under pressure.”
Yet for the pair, the most rewarding part of their journey has been building a salon community and watching their team grow.
“As rewarding as those experiences have been, nothing compares to watching Marc & Maxwell grow from an idea to what it is today, mentoring our team and seeing them develop into exceptional stylists, gain confidence and create beautiful work every day is what we’re most proud of.”
The Beauty Ritual Worth Investing In
For anyone looking to extend the results of a professional treatment, Marc believes the biggest impact comes from returning to the basics.
“Stop using supermarket brands,” he says.
“If you’re going to invest in one thing, invest in a quality shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. Healthy hair starts in the shower.”
Sabrina’s advice is equally simple.
“Always use heat protection before styling. It’s the easiest way to prevent unnecessary damage. Stop believing everything you see on social media – experts’ advice is worth its weight in gold.”
In the end, much like the Taylor Swift and Blake Lively friendship headlines reminded us, every story has more than one side. And, while hair oil has spent years as beauty’s misunderstood character, unfairly associated with greasy roots and weighed-down strands, the latest generation of luxury treatments is rewriting the script – and proving that the right formula can transform oil from a styling risk into a restoration ritual.
After all, every good comeback needs the right era. And for hair oil, that era may have finally arrived
