Charmaine Otto is the dedicated owner of Hair By Char in Buderim, Sunshine Coast, a curl-loving and creativity-led salon founded by someone who truly understands textured hair from the inside out.
Char’s journey into hairdressing didn’t begin behind a salon chair. In fact, her first creative career was as a wedding and portrait photographer, where storytelling, artistry and connection were at the heart of everything she did.
“I’ve always been creative,” Char shares. “So when I decided to change paths, hairdressing just made sense.”
With very curly hair herself, Char felt naturally drawn toward specialising in curls. What began as personal curiosity quickly turned into a passion and then a calling.
“Having very curly hair myself, it just made sense for me to transition into being a curly hair specialist…so I did!”
After starting out chair renting, an opportunity arose that felt too perfect to ignore. “A small space came up that was the perfect size for me, and that’s when Hair By Char was born in Buderim in 2024.”
Today, Hair By Char is a dedicated curl space where clients feel understood and empowered to embrace their natural texture.
Char was introduced to Clever Curl early in her curl education journey and in a way that felt almost destined.
“My very first curly course was actually up in Cairns,” she explains. “The educator mentioned a brand called Clever Curl, which I’d never heard of before… then said they were based in Coolum – which was right where I lived!”
From that moment on, the connection felt natural.
“It was just meant to be.”
As Char continued to grow as a curl specialist, Clever Curl became an integral part of her salon work.
Favourite Clever Curl Products (If She Had to Choose!)
Choosing favourites from the Clever Curl range isn’t easy for Char but a few stand out as non-negotiables in her salon.
“Can I say every single one?” she laughs.
Her go-to trio includes:
- Curl Treatment – for ultimate hydration and deep moisture
- Humid Weather Gel – essential for Sunshine Coast humidity
- Curl Oil – for that extra nourishing boost and shine
Curl Techniques That Make the Biggest Difference
Like many curl specialists, Char hears the same concerns time and time again.
“It’s always about frizz and dryness. Dry hair is our nemesis, so being able to help people to hydrate and get that moisture in with the correct techniques and then seeing lightbulbs going off in my clients heads when they see how beneficial it really is.”
When it comes to textured hair, Char believes hydration is everything.
“I love and really encourage my clients to rope and squish water into your hair. To me that is THE most important part of your curly routine. When our curls are hydrated, everything else just works so much better.”
Clever Curl Refill Station
Sustainability is a core value at Hair By Char, which is why introducing a Clever Curl Refill Station was an easy decision.
“I love love love my refill station,” Char says.
“For me, it’s one of the most important parts of my salon.” Refilling helps reduce plastic waste, encourages conscious consumption, and rewards clients at the same time.
“You’re not throwing away bottles, it’s better for the planet, and you get a discount – it’s a total win-win.”
Visit a Clever Curl Specialist
Hair By Char is a space where curls are nurtured and celebrated. From hydration-focused techniques to sustainable practices, Char has created a curl sanctuary that reflects her values and lived experience.
If you’re on the Sunshine Coast and looking for a curl specialist who truly understands textured hair, you’ll find Char at Hair By Char in Buderim, Queensland, where any hair texture is welcomed and celebrated.
If you’d love to check out more about this salon or their incredible curl work, you can find them on Instagram @hair_x_charmaine or at https://www.hairbycharmaine.com.au/
