BIBA began in 1975 in a small salon in Box Hill. From the start, it earned a following for strong technique and a modern approach to cutting. Clients travelled across Melbourne not only for the stylists’ skills, but for the atmosphere of a space that felt warm and welcoming.
In the late 1990s, BIBA Academy was established to bring that same standard into education. At the time, traditional hairdressing training felt disconnected from the pace and reality of salon life. The Academy was created to bridge that gap. Students would learn in working environments, with real clients, developing practical skills from the beginning. This hands-on approach remains central to BIBA Academy today.
BIBA was established by Pavlos and Carmel Divitaris.
In the early 1970s, Pavlos trained in London at Vidal Sassoon, one of the most influential hair salons of its time, during a period when the city was shaping global fashion and music. Precision cutting was redefining the industry and London was setting the pace.
Pavlos and Carmel brought that technical discipline and creative energy back to Australia, helping to lift professional hairdressing locally. Their combination of high expectations and genuine warmth continues to define BIBA.
They remain closely involved in the business and are a familiar presence around Fitzroy, often seen moving between the Academy and the salons, still engaged in the day-to-day life of the company they built.
The first BIBA Academy campus opened on Smith Street in Fitzroy and quickly outgrew its original space. As student numbers grew and employers increasingly sought BIBA-trained apprentices, the campus expanded into neighbouring buildings and through to Johnston Street.
More than a decade ago, a second Academy campus opened in Melbourne’s CBD to meet demand and create additional space for hands-on training. In 2025, a new salon opened on Brunswick Street to support advanced students and extend practical learning opportunities.
For more than 30 years, BIBA Academy has worked closely with salons across Australia. Employers often look to BIBA-trained stylists because they arrive with practical experience, confidence and a clear understanding of how a professional salon operates.
Apprentices balance salon employment with structured Academy training, while full-time students work with real clients in environments designed to reflect current industry standards. The aim is straightforward: graduates leave ready to step into a salon team and contribute from day one.
Today, Pavlos and Carmel’s sons, Ben and Simon, remain closely involved in the Academy, continuing the work that began in 1975. Several team members have been part of BIBA for decades, bringing continuity and experience to each new generation of students.
In 2025, BIBA marked 50 years in business. Across those five decades the industry has changed significantly, and BIBA has adapted alongside it, maintaining its focus on practical education, strong industry partnerships while preparing people for lasting careers in the salon industry.
Pavlos Divitaris is the co-founder of BIBA and BIBA Academy, built over more than four decades.
Originally trained at Sassoon in London, Pavlos brought a focus on precision cutting and a strong design philosophy to Australia, opening the first BIBA salon in Box Hill in 1975. What began as a small, instinct-driven venture grew organically into a national network of salons and academies.
At the core of his approach is a commitment to education, creativity and people. Pavlos founded BIBA Academy to share his knowledge and create opportunities for others, with a strong belief in hands-on learning and supporting individuals to build lasting careers.
Known for his grounded, intuitive leadership style, he continues to shape BIBA with a focus on community, integrity and the long-term growth of both the industry and the people within it.
Lyndal Salmon is the Creative Director and Head Educator of BIBA Academy. Known for her precision, vision and natural flair for hair, she is widely respected as both an outstanding educator and a driving creative force. Throughout her career, she has shaped the paths of thousands of hairdressers, with a deep commitment to education and the development of the next generation.
A highly awarded leader in Australian hairstyling, Lyndal’s accolades include Australian Hairdresser of the Year and international recognition through Wella TrendVision, where she has achieved both Platinum and Gold wins. As an ongoing international platform artist and educator for Wella, her work continues to influence the industry globally, balancing technical excellence with strong creative direction.
Carmel is the owner and matriarch of BIBA Academy, the heartbeat behind its evolution from a single salon into an enduring creative institution. She leads with presence, her inspiring fashion and fearless use of colour reflecting a deep sense of individuality and creative confidence. With a quiet strength shaped by decades in the industry, her leadership is instinctive, grounded in experience, and elevated by vision, always guided by a deep respect for the craft and the people within it.
She understands that true creativity doesn’t come from noise, but from stillness. From watching the sunrise, the birds chirping, the rhythm of footsteps, the hum of the world in the distance. It’s in these quiet moments that she finds clarity, teaching others to observe, slow down, and feel before they create. As a mentor, she has shaped generations of hairdressers, instilling not only technical excellence but a deeper awareness of intention, discipline, and self. Her presence extends far beyond the classroom or salon floor, her legacy living on in every student, educator, and artist who has come through BIBA.
Simon was almost born on his family’s salon floor, so a career in hairdressing seemed inevitable. The son of BIBA’s founders, Pavlos and Carmel Divitaris, Simon has inherited his parents’ talents for hairdressing and education, as well as their business acumen.
After a host of career highlights as a hairdresser including L’Oreal Colour Trophy wins, Melbourne Hairdresser of the Year awards plus the running four successful BIBA Salons, education is now Simon’s passion. Having now had children himself, he is more motivated than ever to teach the craft of cutting to future generations. His greatest inspiration at the Academy is the students themselves and their enthusiasm for their craft. He loves guiding those undertaking the Certificate III and Certificate IV in Hairdressing to careers in this exciting industry.
Known for her refined approach to colour, Marilyn’s work is built on refinement, precision and continuous evolution. Every creation is considered, intentional and always pushing beyond the familiar. A multiple AHFA Creative Colourist finalist, Wella Professionals Guest Artist and member of the Next Gen 2026 team, she brings both technical precision and a distinct creative voice. Considered. Evolving. Expressive.The kind of work that shifts the way you see colour.
Marilyn joined BIBA Academy because her love of hair is only matched by her love of education. Marilyn has been in the industry for over twenty years with a broad background salon ownership and management but has spent the latter part of her career as a teacher. After honing her teaching skills at other hairdressing schools in Melbourne, she finally joined us after falling in love values the environment of growth and encouragement that is always in the room. She’s motivated to our students in every way
Dean’s journey with BIBA spans an incredible 21 years. Starting as a shampoo assistant after school at BIBA Forest Hill, he developed his skills and qualified as a hairdresser by 19. He later became a familiar face at Gertrude Street before going on to lead BIBA Clifton Hill for 11 years, building strong relationships with both clients and team members along the way.
Now joining the BIBA Fitzroy team, Dean brings with him a wealth of experience, creative energy, and a deep connection to the craft of hairdressing. When he’s not behind the chair or teaching, Dean loves spending time in nature with his family the moments that keep him balanced and inspired.
Paul’s career began at BIBA Academy after being invited inside as a curious onlooker, sparking a path that has shaped his work ever since.
He trained as a hairdresser at BIBA and spent ten years working across its salons before completing a Communication and Design degree and working in Hong Kong, an experience that strengthened his teaching, communication and leadership skills.
Now an educator and barbering lead at BIBA, Paul is deeply passionate about teaching the fundamentals of cutting, design and posture. He focuses on supporting students through their individual learning journeys, helping them build confidence and develop their skills.
Committed to continuous growth, Paul brings a thoughtful, evolving approach to both his own practice and the next generation of hairdressers.
Mirella, Operations Manager of BIBA Academy, plays a central role in the day-to-day running of the school, bringing a sharp eye for detail and a strong drive for growth.
With a background in public relations, she combines industry knowledge with a distinctive personal style, supporting students, recruiting top teaching talent and guiding staff to reach their potential.
Starting as a hair model before becoming a key part of the administration team, Mirella has spent over 15 years helping shape BIBA into a leading institution, contributing to multiple industry awards and recognitions.
Known as the oracle of the academy, she continues to work closely with the director to evolve the school and drive it forward.
Cece has spent over 20 years shaping and refining her craft across Toronto, Montreal, London and Melbourne, working alongside leading names in the industry and developing a global perspective on hair.
Trained at Sassoon, she built a strong foundation in precision before moving into barbering, drawn to its structure and ability to challenge tradition. Behind the chair, she embraces diversity, approaching each client as an individual, with a focus on identity over gender.
Outside the salon, she continues to explore creativity through sewing, knitting and pattern making. As an educator, Cece encourages students to think beyond technique, developing their own perspective and understanding of the craft.
Michael’s lifelong passion for hair began early, securing an apprenticeship at his first interview and quickly gaining hands-on experience in a fast-paced salon environment.
He embraced every opportunity, from in-salon training to working backstage at major fashion weeks, while building a loyal client base known for personalised, beautiful hair.
After two decades in the industry and running his own successful business, Michael discovered a passion for education at BIBA Academy. He now focuses on mentoring emerging talent, helping students develop their own perspective within the craft.
Grounded in honesty, hard work and genuine connection, Michael brings an authentic approach to everything he does, both in the salon and the classroom.
Kirsten has over 35 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, beginning her career at 16 in Christchurch, New Zealand.
She developed a strong foundation across a range of salons, with a particular passion for elegant, intricate hair-ups and styling for special occasions and editorial work, known for creating refined, timeless looks.
Since moving to Melbourne in 2011 and joining BIBA Academy, Kirsten has focused on education, sharing her experience and supporting the next generation of hairdressers.
She brings a thoughtful, balanced approach to her work, both in the classroom and beyond.
Ellie began her hairdressing journey in 2012 as a salon assistant in Sydney, quickly turning after-school work into a full-time apprenticeship by the middle of Year 10.
By 18, she was a qualified hairdresser, spending the next seven years refining her craft and building strong technical skills.
After travelling, she moved to Melbourne and joined BIBA Academy, a place that had long inspired her.
Now part of the team, Ellie brings warmth, passion and a genuine focus on supporting the next generation, creating a space where confidence and learning can grow.
Chris has been hairdressing since 2007, building extensive experience behind the chair alongside a strong passion for education and mentoring.
He finds real reward in supporting students as they grow in confidence, develop their skills and realise their creative potential.
Now part of the BIBA Academy team, Chris contributes to its culture of education, creativity and community, helping students build a solid foundation for their future in hairdressing.
Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, spending time with his dogs and godchildren, and recharging through new experiences.
Nicholas has spent 15 years in the industry, with a passion that began early watching his mum work behind the chair. Drawn to colour from the start, he developed a hands-on approach, enjoying the process of building tones and bringing ideas to life.
His work focuses on creating results that feel right for the individual, whether bold or more wearable.
As an educator, Nicholas encourages students to explore, experiment and build confidence in their own approach, fostering a supportive and practical learning environment.
He brings a calm, focused energy to his work, with a genuine enjoyment of both the craft and the people around him.
Emily is a passionate educator who brings creativity, enthusiasm and a calm, engaging energy to the classroom.
Having realised her dream of becoming a teacher, she is driven by seeing her students grow in confidence, from their first steps through to delivering full client services.
As part of the BIBA Academy team, Emily values being surrounded by like-minded people who share a focus on creativity, growth and supporting the next generation.
Outside the academy, she enjoys sewing, slow mornings with coffee and her dog, and drawing inspiration from Victorian, pin-up and gothic academia aesthetics.
For more information or to talk through your options, get it touch or call our Fitzroy campus on (03) 9415 8488 to speak with our team.
Contact us→→For more information or to talk through your options, get it touch or call our Fitzroy campus on (03) 9415 8488 to speak with our team.
Our school is a place free from discrimination, where everyone belongs. We respect and celebrate the diversity of our communities, including people of all cultural and faith backgrounds, classes, gender or sexual identities, ages and abilities and we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all.
BIBA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
BIBA Academy of Hair and Beauty © 2026. RTO 6035. CRICOS 01709K.
