Meet Daniel K Palmer

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Daniel K Palmer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel K , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?

Risk has been part of my life from the beginning. Growing up in Australia, I always felt this pull to explore something bigger. I left home young and threw myself into the unknown — first through travel, then work, eventually landing in cities like London and New York. I didn’t have a blueprint. I just knew I couldn’t stay still. That drive taught me early on that change isn’t something to be afraid of — it’s something you lean into.

I’ve taken risks at every stage — from starting over in new countries, to building a career from scratch, to creating a salon that doesn’t follow anyone else’s rules. But those choices weren’t reckless. They came from a deep sense of knowing what I wanted to build and the kind of life I wanted to live. Playing it safe never felt like an option to me.

Every risk I’ve taken has stretched me — made me braver, sharper, more honest. That mindset didn’t come from reading a book. It came from living it, again and again, and proving to myself that I could handle whatever came next.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a hairstylist, a salon owner, and a creative — but really, I’m someone who’s spent my whole life chasing beauty in its most effortless, lived-in form. I was born in Perth, Western Australia, and my journey’s taken me through Melbourne, London, and now Los Angeles — each city shaping not just my skillset, but how I see people, how I lead, and how I create.

What I do now — through the Daniel K. Palmer Salon — is more than just hair. It’s about transformation. It’s about creating a space where people feel elevated, seen, and relaxed all at once. I specialize in extensions and that undone, beachy texture that feels like you just stepped off a plane from somewhere dreamy. I want my clients to look in the mirror and feel like the best version of themselves — not overdone, not forced, just them, but enhanced.

Right now, what’s exciting to me is building something that’s lasting. The salon is growing — we’re expanding the team, launching an apprenticeship program, and creating new ways for emerging stylists to be mentored, trained, and fully supported. I’m also really intentional about the products we use — quality, sustainability, and performance all matter. Everything we bring into the space aligns with our values: authenticity, inclusivity, creativity, and care.

We’re not just cutting hair or doing color — we’re curating an experience. From the design of the space, which blends earthy Australian elements with edgier influences from London and NYC, to how we communicate with our clients and train our staff, everything is about intentionality. People walk in and feel like they can exhale. That matters to me.

At the end of the day, I’m focused on impact — helping people feel confident, supporting the next generation of artists, and continuing to push the industry forward in a way that feels grounded, modern, and real.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

For me, the three most impactful things have been intuition, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

Intuition is everything in this industry. It’s what guides your hands behind the chair, but it also shapes how you build relationships, navigate big decisions, and carve your own path. I’ve learned to really trust my gut — not just in how I approach hair, but in who I hire, what I say yes to, and what direction I move in next. For someone early in their journey, I’d say: quiet the noise. You don’t have to follow every trend or copy someone else’s path. Develop your own eye, your own style, and trust that.

Adaptability is essential. My career has taken me through multiple cities, different cultures, different salon environments — and every time I’ve had to start over, grow, and shift. The people who go the distance in this industry are the ones who can evolve. That means being open to feedback, willing to learn, and not getting too attached to one version of success. If you’re starting out, lean into change. Say yes to opportunities that scare you a little. That’s where the growth is.

Emotional intelligence might be the most underrated skill, but it’s everything. This job is so personal — we’re working directly with people, often at their most vulnerable. Being able to read the room, hold space for someone, and create trust is just as important as your technical skills. I’ve built real, lasting relationships with clients and team members because I genuinely care, and I listen. My advice? Work on your presence as much as your craft. Kindness, empathy, and self-awareness will take you far.

At the end of the day, talent is important — but your energy, your integrity, and your ability to keep growing will define your career.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I’d spend it being fully present — with my work, my people, and myself. I’ve built a life and a career that I’m proud of, but if I had just ten years left, I wouldn’t chase more — I’d deepen what’s already here.

I’d keep doing hair, because it’s never just been about hair for me — it’s about connection. Creating beauty, building confidence, sharing stories over the chair. That would never stop. But I’d also spend more time mentoring the next generation — passing on what I’ve learned, not just about the craft, but about resilience, creativity, and staying true to yourself in an industry that’s constantly shifting.

I’d make time for joy — traveling, tanning( feeling like a rotisserie chicken is my favourite past time ), being in nature, and surrounding myself with people who feel like home. I’d slow down enough to appreciate all the places this career has taken me and all the lives I’ve been lucky enough to be part of. I’d spend time in places that ground me, especially Australia, where it all started. And I’d make sure the people I love know how much they mean to me, every day.

I think when you really understand that time is finite, it strips everything back. You stop worrying about perception or perfection, and you focus on what matters: creativity, connection, and impact. That’s how I’d live the next ten years — with intention, gratitude, and a whole lot of love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Danielkpalmer.com
• Instagram: Danielkpalmerhair
• Other: Tim tok

  Danielkpalmerhair

Image Credits

Interior Designer / Photographer by @laetitiawajnapel

Construction/ Remodel by @wearehammerlogic