At an age when most are still trying to figure out their careers, 21-year-old Perth hairdresser Daniela Matic is about to take on one of the most competitive industries with the launch of a new hair care brand.
Starting in the hair industry at just 15 years old, Miss Matic quickly realised how many people suffer from the same issue of oily hair. After years of trying to find the perfect solution, Miss Matic said she took things into her own hands, realising there was a big gap in the market for a full oily hair care routine.
On Wednesday, after years of research, planning and testing, Miss Matic unveiled her own solution to oily hair – Orchard Maine. Orchard Maine has made its debut with a carefully curated shampoo and conditioner, which Miss Matic says has been specifically created to tackle the common hair frustration.
“A lot of brands focus only on an oily hair shampoo, but not many create both a shampoo and conditioner designed to work together for oily hair,” Miss Matic said in an interview with PerthNow. “For me that was important because even if you’re using the right shampoo, using the wrong conditioner can still weigh the hair down and make it become oily faster. I wanted to create a full routine that works together rather than just sorting half the problem.”
Miss Matic said the formula is a result of consultation with cosmetic chemists who helped determine how to keep hair oil free while also feeling healthy and looking shiny. “There isn’t just one secret ingredient, it’s really a combination of ingredients working together that makes a difference,” she said.
“In the shampoo, ingredients like celery seed extract help target excess oil, while ceramides and plant proteins help strengthen and protect the hair without weighing it down. In the conditioner, we focused on ingredients like ceramides, quinoa protein, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and repair the lengths, so you get moisture where you need it without adding heaviness at the roots.”
Being so young, Miss Matic said it was daunting to invest so much time and effort into a new brand, but her passion to help her clients kept her driven. “Being 21 is scary at times, but it’s also the best time to chase something you truly believe in,” she said. “I knew if I kept waiting for the perfect time, I would never do it, so I decided to take the risk and back myself.”
The shampoo and conditioner is just the start for Miss Matic who says she has big plans for her brand, which also launched with two combs and a cosmetics bag. “I want Orchard Maine to become more than just a haircare brand, I want it to become a brand people genuinely connect with and trust,” she said. “Long-term I would love see the Orchard Maine become a globally recognised brand known for creating products that are effective and make people feel confident in their hair.”
And while oily hair is her focus right now, she says an expanded collection of shampoos and conditioner for other hair concerns is definitely on the cards.
