Meet Debbie Litkowski GM, stylist, short hair expert. Chumba's Pommy Prime Minister.
Debbie arrived at Chumba Warragul in 2010 from Birmingham with two daughters and a plan. Sixteen years on, she runs the salon, coaches managers across Australia, and still does some of the best short haircuts and perms in the region — four days a week from behind the chair.
Empathetic, loyal, fun — and the one who keeps everything running
Debbie left Birmingham in 2010 with her two daughters — then aged 6 and 12 — for a better life and more opportunity. She landed at Chumba Warragul and never really left. The early months had their wobbles, but she found her feet quickly: the clients, the team, and the salon itself made her feel at home.
That was 16 years ago. Today, Debbie is the Art Director and General Manager of the Chumba Group, and the Salon Manager of the Warragul branch — behind the chair four days a week, then back running the business. She holds an MBA in Leadership, was an AHIA Salon Manager of the Year finalist, coaches salon managers nationally through Salon Business by the Keeleys, and sits on the board of Community Bank Trafalgar & District. She understands that different salons need different approaches: "One shoe certainly doesn't fit all."
Her clients know her as fun and chatty. The team knows her as the go-to person. Both are right.
"Bouncy, shiny and full of volume — that's great hair to me"
Debbie is a self-described 80s kid, and it shows: she loves volume, shine and movement. Her great hair is bouncy hair, and she's been chasing it for 36 years.
She's particularly known for short hair — her view is that a great short cut is all about shape and texture, and she loves that it can be slightly different every time. She's also been working with perms since she started. Every appointment begins the same way: consultation, images to set the mood, then execution designed to best complement the client in front of her.
Her favourite colour look? Soft, natural colour with movement. The kind that makes hair look effortlessly healthy and real.
16 years of happy clients
Five-star reviews from Debbie's clients, collected through our salon booking system.
"Thank you so much Debbie for always going above and beyond! Debbie really listens to my thoughts and concerns with my hair and the outcome is always spot on. Each and every time, my cut and colour exceeds my expectations. I would not hesitate in recommending Debbie to anyone. You're simply the best!"
"Debbie expertly helped me get the exact colour correction I was hoping for. She listened and translated my photo inspiration perfectly. Extremely happy with her professional experience and work."
"Always an incredible cut and leave happy :) Debbie is super talented and I hope she never ever leaves.... Ever!"
"Debbie was fantastic! She made me feel comfortable throughout the appointment, gave great advice on the style, and I love the final result. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back. Highly recommend!"
"A complete relaxing experience with this wonderful professional person."
"Always come out feeling good about my hair. Deb is amazing."
The quickfire round
Questions, answered
What is Debbie's role at Chumba?
What does Debbie specialise in?
What days does Debbie work?
I want to try a shorter style but I'm nervous — what would Debbie say?
Where is Debbie based?
Book with Debbie in Warragul
Short hair transformation, colour correction, a perm, or just a great cut — Debbie's done it all, 36 years and counting. First visit? She'll make it easy.