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Mullets for a cause with Renata Da Ros

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The Nugget
April 24, 2026

★ Mullets for a cause with Renata Da Ros ★

Renata Da Ros as captured by Lauren, the falafel qween

Three aces will be cutting hair in the front window of Love Shack this weekend.

It started, as many good ideas do, mid-haircut.

“Conna (of Love Shack) and I sort of came up with the idea over a haircut in the chair. We thought, why not? Let’s just try,” says Undercut Club owner, Renata Da Ros.

The plan is this: raise $1,000 for mental health. Haircuts are by donation. Mullets are encouraged, but not required and it’s all happening on Sunday, from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Love Shack.

All proceeds go to the Black Dog Institute’s Mullets for Mental Health fundraiser, supporting suicide prevention research.

Why a mullet? The style is many things, including a guaranteed convo starter. And that convo might help someone.

“Everyone comments on a mullet,” Renata says.

If that feels like a stretch, there are other options — undercuts, eyebrow slits, something slightly out of character. The point is to spark a chat.

Renata always up for that.

The Undercut Club, now on Union Street, gives loungeroom vibes.

“It’s like a big warm hug.”

People come in for a cut, but they often stay.

“So many people, especially guys, say, ‘Oh, don’t want to go. I just want to sit here on the couch and have a beer or listen to music.’

“We encourage that. If you’re walking by, come in. Sit down. Have a chat… take ten, take half an hour.”

On a typical day, Renata and her co-workers, Rob (heeey fellow Canuck) and Thea, each see 12 to 16 people. Along with the haircuts comes conversation — sometimes light, sometimes not.

“I think people really open up in the chair and I think it's really important for us to create that space for people to open up. At the beginning of the year, with the Harcourt fires there were a lot of really emotional conversations in the chair.”

It’s part of the job, but it can add up.

In January, when the shop moved from Mostyn to Union Street, the team shifted to a four-day week.

“I think at the beginning of the year we were all pretty fragile there for a little bit. All three of us had things going on in our lives, personally. It was really important for us to go to four days and look after ourselves.”

De-stressing is different for everyone and the magic formula can take years to figure out.

Renata shared her mental-health maxing tricks, in case you want to copy.

“For me, small things like getting on top of your washing and meal prepping have such a huge impact on how my week rolls,” Renata says.

“I also love a big walk in nature with Madge (the queenly bulldog) and having that extra day with her.”

And, when possible, a spa moment.

“It's really exciting that Castlemaine is going to be getting two spas.”

The move to Union Street, where the rent is cheaper, has helped, too.

“For the first time in four-and-a-half years, I don't have to worry about the shop. The shop's running itself.”

That’s freed up time for new projects — including ideas for a youth program and finding ways to bring more activity to the quiet gem that is Union Street.

Renata is passionate about working with young people.

Before opening the shop in 2021, she taught barbering to young people at Malmsbury's Parkville College, a school for students in custody, secure care, or transitioning from these settings. 

“You spend time with those kids and they all told you ‘I was never good at maths, I'm not good at school. I'm shit, I've been told I'm shit.’ But they're great at drawing or anything they can do with their hands. Cutting hair.”

The Undercut Club grew out of that experience and a gap she saw locally.

“There were hair salons and there were barbers, but nothing in between.”

Renata has created an alternative with gender-neutral pricing, a broad client base and a steady stream of regulars.

“It’s probably the most diverse clientele that I’ve ever worked with.”

I have no doubt that sparkly crew will be gathering in the Love Shack window this Saturday to support mental health research.

“Maybe you want to do something a little bit different, a little bit outrageous.”

Renata, Rob and Thea would love it if people register ahead of time, but walk-ins are welcome.

“We’ll probably set the benchmark at somewhere similar to where we charge now and then whatever anyone wants to donate.”

The goal is to raise $1,000 and the mullet is optional, but do not rule it out.

  • Register for Mullets for Mental Health

  • Book a regular appointment at the Undercut Club - no more signup board!

  • Get a dose of Madge. For all wondering, she’s doing great. She has healed from ligament surgeries, shifted out of her Shop Dog role and is living a comfy life at home.

❀ Huddle time ❀

Jodie (of CFA Taradale fame) is hosting a huddle. 

Jade Miles will be at her 5 Acre Farm next weekend to talk about her book Huddle, which is all about community and how to build a deep one.

There’ll be food, a fire, and a good chance you’ll leave feeling better about the world.

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♡˖ Events ˖♡

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