About Salon First
In 1989, Salon First began as a small, heartfelt response to a big problem.
At the time, beauty therapists and nail technicians were struggling to find the right products, the right advice, and the right support. Most wholesalers focused on hair — leaving the beauty industry in the background.
Seeing this gap, Beth Merkus, a qualified Beauty Therapist, Nail Technician, and salon owner herself, decided to do something about it. Together with George Pawlowski, she founded Individual Beauty Care — later known as Backscratchers Nail & Beauty Supplier, and now proudly Salon First.
Beth’s passion for helping other professionals, paired with hands-on experience in the industry, shaped the foundation of who we are today — a company built on genuine care, education, and service.
Our Promise
From the start, our goal has never changed:
to make sure every beauty professional has access to the products, knowledge, and support they need to do what they love.
We’re still family-owned, still passionate, and still focused on putting you — the salon owner, the therapist, the artist — first.
Because we know what it’s like to be in your shoes, and we’re here to help make your job easier, every day.
That’s what Salon First stands for.
It’s in our name.
It’s in our story.
And it’s what we’ll keep doing — putting the Salon First.
Your Partner in Professional Beauty
At Salon First, we believe great salons start with great support.
For over 35 years, we’ve been helping beauty professionals across Australia grow their businesses — supplying the trusted brands, expert advice, and fast service they need to keep their clients glowing.
We’re more than a wholesaler. We’re a partner that understands the day-to-day of salon life — the last-minute stock runs, the product launches, the clients who rely on your results. Our job is to make yours easier.
What We Do
We supply over 5,000 professional beauty products across waxing, lash & brow, skincare, tanning, nails, and salon essentials — all from brands you know and love.
With same-day dispatch, Melbourne showroom pickup, and expert trade support, we’re here to keep your salon stocked, efficient, and ahead of the curve.
Whether you run a bustling spa or a home-based studio, Salon First is your one-stop shop for everything beauty.
Our Promise
We don’t just deliver boxes — we deliver confidence.
Confidence that your clients get the best, that your business runs smoothly, and that you’ve got a team behind you who genuinely cares.
Our promise is simple:
- Professional-grade only. Trade-quality products, trusted by experts.
- Fast and reliable. From our Melbourne warehouse to your door, daily.
- Always supporting pros. We’re here for beauty therapists, brow artists, and skin specialists who take their craft seriously.
Education & Community
We believe education powers success.
That’s why we host workshops, demos, and live events featuring top industry educators — helping you stay inspired and upskilled.
And with our Salon First Beauty Tribe, you’ll join a community of like-minded professionals who share ideas, wins, and the occasional must-have product tip.
Proudly Australian. Passionately Professional.
From our beginnings as a family business to becoming one of Australia’s most trusted salon suppliers, we’ve stayed true to one goal — helping beauty professionals do what they love.
We’re here for you. Every order, every call, every day.
Because when your business grows, so does ours.