Deb on Hair trades decades-old salon for sleek new studio

THEY’VE worked side-by-side, bonding with clients and cutting, colouring and styling hair in the heart of Junee for 15 years. Now, beloved mother-daughter duo Debbie Longmore and Raegan Latu have turned the key on a new chapter—closing the doors of their decades-old salon in favour of a boutique home studio.

For Debbie, who became a qualified hairdresser in 1985, it’s the end of an era—but not the end of the story.

She first opened Deb on Hair in 1991, leasing a small shopfront in Railway Square, where she welcomed her first client—a moment etched into her memory.

“I absolutely remember my first client,” she recalls. “It feels like a lifetime ago, but I still remember the excitement of starting out in the industry I love.”

What followed was more than just a career—it was the foundation of lifelong relationships. Debbie’s salon became more than just a place to get a haircut—it became a sanctuary.

Former Deb on Hair salon of 34 years in Railway Square | Image: Supplied

For 34 years, the veteran hairdresser has dedicated her life not just to her craft, but to the people in her chair—clients who came not only for styling and colouring, but for conversation, comfort, and community.

“Over the years, my clients have become friends—some even feel like extended family. There’s trust, laughter, sometimes tears. We’ve shared so much.”

Debbie has styled the locks of multiple generations within the same families, with many children who once sat nervously in her chair now returning as parents with little ones of their own.

She tells The Junee Bulletin it’s “one of the most heart-warming parts” of her journey.

“It means the world,” she says. “To watch kids grow up, then come back with kids of their own—that’s not just business, that’s family. It’s incredibly special.”

Debbie Longmore first opened her salon in Railway Square in 1991 | Image: Supplied

But after standing behind the chair in Railway Square for more than 30 years, last month Debbie made the brave decision to close the salon doors for the last time.

The overheads, the pace, and the pull of something more personal prompted a bold move: a complete transformation of her home garage into a luxury boutique salon.

The move to a home studio, tucked away in a calm, thoughtfully designed space, has been both a practical decision and a personal one.

“I was ready for a new chapter,” Debbie says.

“After so many years in the same space, I wanted something more personal and relaxed—for both me and my clients. And honestly, I wanted to slow things down just a little.”

Debbie made the shift on April 5, 2025, and the response from her loyal clients was immediate.

“It’s been a smooth and happy shift,” she said. “Clients love the new space. It’s quiet, cosy, modern. It feels like you’re catching up with a friend, not just coming for an appointment.”

Designed with care and vision by her daughter, Raegan, the new salon is a peaceful retreat—reflecting not just professional polish but deep emotional investment.

“It’s warm and welcoming,” Debbie explained. “Raegan designed it to feel calm and inviting, like stepping into a little retreat.”

Deb on Hair’s new boutique studio on the corner of Hay and Broadway Streets, Junee.

Mother-daughter powerhouse, Debbie Longmore (right) and Raegan Latu (left) pictured in their new space

For Raegan, who has worked alongside her mother for 15 years, the journey has been nothing short of organic.

“Growing up around the salon, I was always watching, helping out, and picking up on the skills,” Raegan shared.

“At first I was just helping out, but then I realised how much I loved the creativity and the connection you build with clients. It just felt like the right path.”

Now, 15 years later, Raegan and Debbie are not just mother and daughter, but trusted collaborators—and their professional partnership is stronger than ever.

“We have a really great dynamic,” Raegan said. “We know each other so well, so everything flows easily. There’s trust, there’s laughter, and we share the same values.”

Letting go of the Railway Square space, which Debbie leased for more than three decades, wasn’t easy. The memories echo in every corner.

“I’ll miss the daily waves from people walking by, and being in the heart of town,” Debbie admitted. “But most of all, I’ll miss the memories that space holds.”

Debbie says she’s happy to let go of the overhead costs and is looking forward to a better work-life balance.

“Shedding those overheads feels like a weight off my shoulders—it’s given me more freedom and flexibility, which has been really refreshing.”

Deb on Hair’s new boutique studio on the corner of Hay and Broadway Streets, Junee.

Deb on Hair’s new boutique studio on the corner of Hay and Broadway Streets, Junee.

The new boutique setup—by appointment only—has allowed the mother-daughter duo to focus on quality, one-on-one experiences. The transition, they agree, has re-energised their work.

“The feedback has been amazing,” Raegan said.

“We’ve been able to create a more intimate and relaxed space that really reflects who we are and allows us to focus even more on quality, personal service. It feels like an extension of us rather than a traditional business setting.”

As for what lies ahead, both Debbie and Raegan are clear: they’re in this for the long haul—but on their own terms.

Their goals are grounded and heartfelt: to keep building relationships, keep loving what they do, and continue offering the same warmth and skill that’s defined Deb on Hair for decades.

“It’s exciting to shape the future of the business together,” Raegan said.

“We want to keep building strong, loyal relationships with our clients while continuing to grow through word of mouth.

“It’s about maintaining a high standard, staying passionate about what we do, and keeping that family-oriented, welcoming vibe.”

Reflecting on more than 30 years in business, Debbie says she’s forever grateful for the support she’s received.

“Grateful. Proud. And honestly, a bit emotional,” she admitted.

“It’s been more than just cutting hair. It’s been building relationships, sharing stories, and being part of people’s lives.”

And to the Junee community, Debbie has one heartfelt message:

“Thank you—from the bottom of my heart. For the trust, the loyalty, the laughter. I wouldn’t be where I am without this community, and I’m so excited to keep doing what I love in this new space.”