Shape of diversity

An inclusive beauty and body-shaping studio in the Mount is redefining body confidence.

Words Hayley Barnett
Photos Salina Galvan

When hairdresser Rāhera Haaker lost 30kg three years ago after the birth of her daughter, Layla, she was left with a “mum pouch”.

“Anyone who’s had a C-section will tell you those pouches can be stubborn,” she laughs.

She tried everything from changing her diet to including daily intense cardio into her already hectic schedule, but nothing seemed to help minimise her bump. At the time, she was living in Australia and had heard about fat freezing, so visited a nearby clinic and ended up with incredible results.

A short time later she moved back to New Zealand and sought out one more treatment, but soon learned it was much less accessible in her home country – in more ways than one.

“My whole kaupapa with anything in life is inclusivity,” explains Rāhera (Ngati Whakaue/Te Arawa). “There's a huge part of the beauty industry that’s not marketed towards minorities. And that’s minorities in terms of sexuality, cultural background, financial status, and social status. Salons and beauty treatment centres often don’t provide a space that everyone feels comfortable coming into. It’s 2023, and it’s time to market these things to everybody.”

And so Rāhera set up Āhua Studio in the centre of Mount Maunganui, offering Thermal Shock Fat Freezing (cryolipolysis) and Body Sculpting treatments. Having worked as a hairdresser for 13 years, she also runs her hair salon out of the studio.

Through her hairdressing, Rāhera has grown a loyal client base who are attracted to her down-to-earth, non-judgemental approach.

“A good portion of my hairdressing clients are on the spectrum or queer,” says Rāhera. “I like creating a supportive environment for people who might not feel comfortable in traditional spaces. It’s providing the little things, like our booking system includes an option for people to add their pronouns.” 

Though she caters to minorities, Rāhera has watched the growth in popularity of Thermal Shock Fat Freezing across all social groups, races and genders.

The non-surgical procedure removes stubborn fat from any part of the body using a technology that delivers a series of temperatures from hot to cold to hot, to shock the subcutaneous fat cells, causing them to permanently die. The dead fat cells are naturally disposed of over subsequent weeks through your lymphatic system.

The treatment process is painless, requires no anaesthesia, and your skin is protected from the risk of ice burn with a medical-grade gel pad. 

A typical session lasts up to one hour and it takes around 14 days to see results. The number of treatments depends on the person.

“It really depends on the buildup of fat and the size of the area,” says Rāhera. “Also how active someone’s lymphatic system is, and their dedication to diet and exercise at home. If it’s a little buildup of fat and they eat really well, drink lots of water and are still regularly exercising, one treatment will probably be enough. For larger pockets of fat, and when the diet isn’t the best, with not a lot of water, they would potentially need a couple more treatments.”

One treatment reduces up to 47 percent of fat cells and results are permanent. The results typically show from 14 days and continue to show for up to 90 days.

Her second offering, body sculpting, targets large muscle groups using Teslasculpt HIFEM technology. It sends electric currents to the muscles, causing concentric contractions. Its primary focus is muscle building with fat loss occurring the same way lifting weights would reduce fat in a certain area.

“It’s the equivalent of doing 36,000 situps or squats in 30 minutes,” says Rāhera. “It tones and builds muscle while dissolving fat.”

Both treatments work for anyone, but the sculpting is designed for those with smaller areas of stubborn fat.

But, regardless of your fat buildup, and no matter your gender, sexuality, age, race or social standing, you can rest assured Āhua Studio will welcome you with open arms. 

And it seems the machines don’t discriminate either. 

“I’ve seen amazing results in many different people,” says Rāhera. “It doesn’t happen overnight. It happens gradually each day, but after one treatment, whatever the size of the area, you’re definitely going to get
great results.” 
Ahuastudio.com