Meet Chris Gratton Warragul's finest. For 17 years and counting.
aka β Chumba's Guiding Light, Soul, Heart Beat and Blessing.
Some stylists do hair. Chris does something else entirely β he listens until he understands you, and then makes you look exactly like yourself. After 17 years at Chumba, his approach hasn't changed: every client leaves feeling welcome, heard and understood.
Loyal, hardworking & deeply present
When Chris arrived at Chumba in 2009, he was hoping this would be the culmination of his hairdressing career β the place that would see him through to the end. Seventeen years later, he's still here. What's kept him? Great clients, a team he believes in, and the freedom to be entirely himself.
His path to the chair is unlike anyone else's. Before hairdressing, Chris was a classical musician. He dabbled in fashion design, walked a yogic philosophical path, worked runway and editorial styling, moved through photography and education β and eventually came back to the salon floor. His words: "Our past shapes who we are and I am a culmination of all experiences."
Today, Chris is Chumba's highest-ranked stylist and the quiet mentor behind every team member at both salons. His clients describe him as "an integral part of their self care." The team? "A broad experience from scary to elation."
The great clients. The freedom and the space to be himself. And the simple truth that this is his place of flow.
Nature was the original artist
For Chris, colour and form in hair are inseparable from the natural world. He sees himself as part of that artistic expression β humbled by it, informed by it, always studying it. His garden isn't just a hobby; it's a reference library.
His current inspirations: Iris Van Herpen, the couture designer who was first to use 3D printing in fashion and whose philosophy towards innovation he finds simply extraordinary. Simon Sinek, for his grounded and real view on the professional world. And an Instagram artist called 'Unskilledworker' β whose use of colour palette and emotion he describes as "just simply moving."
On perfectionism: "Perfection is a utopian value that is always being chased β hence making oneself alive and vital on all levels of existence."
17 years of happy chairs
Five-star reviews from Chris's clients, collected through our salon booking system.
"Thanks Chris, the ticks kept adding up. Fantastic colour, amazing shampoo and head massage and then an awesome hairstyle to go to the movies tomorrow. I have also just had a lady stop me and ask where I got my hair done. Another positive tick. Thanks again Chris."
"Such a lovely first time experience at this salon after moving from interstate. Beautiful, friendly, professional people, gorgeous old building and lovely environment. Chris is also a beautiful soul and oh yes, a GREAT hairdresser. Thanks for having me, listening and looking after my hair."
"Great as always. Wouldn't go anywhere else β been coming to Chris for years."
"Chris is brilliant and I couldn't be happier with my cut."
"I was happy as I am every time I get my hair done by Chris β thank you again for all you do for me. Maree xo"
"The best cut I have ever had. I love the style. Thanks Chris."
The quickfire round
Questions, answered
Where is Chris based?
How do I book with Chris?
What does Chris specialise in?
Is Chris available at Windsor?
How long has Chris been at Chumba?
Book with Chris in Warragul
New colour, a fresh cut, or something you've been putting off for years β Chris's invitation is simple: come sit, and let's make this right for you.