Beauty & Hairdressing, ABT Ltd, The Courtyard, Wixford Park, George’s Elm Lane, Bidford on Avon, Warwickshire B50 4JS
Beauty & Hairdressing is published by ABT Ltd. The publisher has taken all reasonable measures to ensure the accuracy of the information in this issue of Beauty & Hairdressing and cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions from any information given in this or previous editions of Beauty & Hairdressing or for any consequences arising thereof.
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ABT Members’ News
New Year, new goals? Or are you starting 2025 by doubling down and raising the bar in your business?
Whether you are starting January afresh with new goals or still have outstanding objectives from last year to master and achieve, this feels like the perfect time to to commit to your personal and professional ambitions. Having these ambitions written down in black and white (or in a note on your phone!), keeps you accountable for achieving them and enables you to see how far you have come.
What sort of targets should you set? From plans with a short turnaround for completion and others with long lead times which can be life changing, make sure to include a few of each, celebrating every win along the way. Take inspiration from Katie Godfrey who, in her latest article, highlights the importance of taking stock and setting a plan for 2025.
Whichever pathway you choose to embrace, ABT are here to support you, whether you’re just starting your career or are looking for your next challenge.
This year ABT really are all about our members; we have so much planned with big announcements coming that we can’t wait to share with you over the course of the year.
This looks to be the year of education and business development, giving beauty and hair professionals a wider understanding of all that is involved in business.
To stay ahead of your competitors, keep up with marketing and social media insights as part of your business’s day-to-day management. Content is King to keep you seen in this fast-moving digital era. We work in a visual industry where a picture, or reel, tells as thousand stories, so be sure to fully embrace it, work out your strategy and
stick to it. Start with small commitments to post a couple of times a week and build up to a sustainable level. Check out Alicia Humphrey’s article as she shares exactly how to succeed in social media marketing.
Post like a pro to promote your services or courses, and make use of clients’ before and after pictures to show what you can achieve. Educate yourself on the new treatments making waves amongst consumers and professionals, such as the Japanese Head Spa, and engage with your audience to see if they’d like you to add these to your service menu. If you do, be sure to share short form and longer videos of new treatments to draw in your clients.
Here at ABT we firmly believe it’s all about community and we are fully embracing ours. Throughout the year we look forward to meeting existing ABT members at trade events taking place across the UK and welcoming new professionals, educators and students to the ABT community. Registration is now open for tickets to Professional Beauty London, taking place at ExCel in March, and we’d love to see you there to share our latest announcements!
Amelia Black ABT Head of Brand & Marketing
Accredited trainer wins Educator of the Year
Hair Dr Academy has been named Educator of the Year 2024 by the Beauty Full Awards.
Based in Milton Keynes and founded by co-owner Demi Griffiths (pictured), Hair Dr Academy offers ABT Accredited courses in advanced hairdressing and hair extensions delivering students comprehensive training and resources ready to excel in the industry.
The Beauty Full Awards recognise the best of hair, beauty and aesthetics, assessing entrants with multi-tier evaluations and judging by industry experts including Beauty & Hairdressing contributor Katie Godfrey.
Hair Dr Academy: hairdrmk.co.uk
Accredited nail trainer recognised in local awards
ABT Accredited Savannah Maria Academy has been presented with the accolade for Training Academy of the Year 2024 in the South England Hair and Beauty Awards.
Established in January 2020 and run by Savannah Ford, the academy offers online courses in acrylic, gel and builder gel nail treatments.
Commenting on her achievement, Savannah told us:
“I am absolutely honoured to have won Training Academy of the Year 2024 for Savannah Maria Academy in the first South England Hair & Beauty Awards!
“Solely running the academy has taken a lot of hard work and dedication over the years. My passion, determination and being able to watch my students flourish into fantastic nail technicians makes all the hard work worth it.
“I am extremely proud of myself for this amazing achievement for the academy and thank all my students and the judging panel for this incredible recognition!”
Savannah Maria Academy: savannahmaria.co.uk/academycourses
National recognition for nail training school
The Nail Training Academy West Midlands has won a national award for teaching at the GB Beauty Awards.
ABT Accredited, the academy is run by Joanne Jones offering full nail technician courses as well as training in gel and acrylic extensions, builder gel, gel polish, nail art, manicure and pedicure.
The GB Beauty Awards are anonymously judged by beauty industry professionals and celebrate the talents of nail techs, makeup artists, beauty salons and educators across the UK.
Reflecting on her win, Jo Jones told us:
“I have won several regional awards but this is my first national and I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved. Throughout my journey I have been battling breast cancer too but never given up at all.”
The Nail Training Academy West Midlands: thenailtrainingacademy.co.uk
ABT Members invited for a free Salon Health Check
As we start a new year, The Smart Group has partnered with ABT to offer members a free of charge Business Opportunity Review.
Conducted on Zoom, this business health check may be helpful if your beauty business is experiencing static revenue and struggling to improve it. Undertaking this review will help you to establish where your business is and reveal what profit you could start making with the introduction of an energy-based device.
What’s more, you’ll also be in with the chance to win one of the luxury prizes on offer from The Smart Group including Afternoon Tea at The Ritz, dinner at the Gherkin, a Fortnum & Mason hamper, a champagne experience on the London Eye or £250 worth of SMART consumables credit.
The Smart Group has 33 years’ experience in the aesthetic beauty sector both as salon and clinic owners as well as distributors of leading quality assured equipment.
Book your free Business Opportunity Review at the-smartgroup.co.uk/opportunityreview
Elleebana founder attends London masterclass
Lash and brow brand Elleebana recently hosted an exclusive Global Ellevation Masterclass with more than 80 international Lash Artists and industry influencers in attendance.
Held at The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, the highlight of the event was the Lash Lift Mastery Session by Otto Mitter, Founder and Managing Director of Elleebana, who flew in from Sydney, Australia.
In addition, Master Educators Anieka Mudford and Amie Buckley demonstrated a lash and brow lamination combination treatment and discussed a 360-degree approach to the client experience respectively. Social media strategist Cherie Clonan shared her insight on elevating lash artists’ online presence.
A panel discussion and Q&A session followed sharing the expertise and insights of a number of lash industry leaders.
Commenting on the event, Otto Mitter, says: “Education and inspiration are at the heart of Elleebana’s ethos. We strive to deliver fun and engaging events that provide our salon and distributor partners with valuable insights to help grow their businesses in the world of lash and brow. This event in London was simply unforgettable, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from all attendees. We can’t wait to plan our next event, which will undoubtedly set new standards of excellence.”
Elleebana Europe: beautyrules.co.uk
Wicked star expresses individuality with OPI
OPI joined its newest Global Brand Ambassador Cynthia Erivo as she promoted box office hit Wicked, using her Grammy nominated role as Elphaba to showcase creative nail art looks.
Away from the film set, Erivo is known for expressing herself through her long nails and embellished, detailed nail art including her Met Gala maximalist French manicure created using OPI GelColor paired with encapsulated plants, petals and beetles.
“Nail art is so expressive. You can keep your nails very simple, or you can make them very extravagant, very fun, very crazy. You can pierce them, you can put jewels on them—the scope of what you can do with nails has always interested me, and I’m excited to share my inspirations and favourite nail looks with OPI fans around the world.”
Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador, adds:
“Cynthia is an absolute force, and OPI is so excited to partner with her. Nail color [sic] and nail art offers an amazing way to showcase your personality in a way that’s joyful and unique to each individual user. Cynthia embodies this sentiment with showstopping nail art that gives all of us a snapshot of her creativity, confidence, and sense of fun.”
OPI: opi.com
Annual Summit to explore systemic racial inequities
Phorest’s Salon Owners Summit 2025 will bring together leading voices in the professional hair and beauty sector for a panel discussion entitled ‘Breaking Barriers: Black Beauty and Redefining Excellence’.
Taking place on 26th-27th January at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, the discussion will explore challenges faced by Black hair and beauty professionals, entrepreneurs and consumers, including funding disparities and underrepresentation.
Hosted by Alex Bélisle-Springer (he/they), Phorest’s Global Education Content Lead, panellists include (pictured above clockwise) Dija Ayodele, Founder of West Room Aesthetics and Black Skin Directory; Keya Neal, Founder of Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race; Tendai Moyo, Founder/CEO of Ruka Hair; and Winnie Awa, Founder/CEO of hair care company Carra.
Alex Bélisle-Springer explains:
“This panel isn’t just a discussion, it’s a call to action in which we all have a part to play. Regardless of their role in the industry, attendees will leave equipped with practical insights to drive impactful, lasting change, and set new standards of excellence fuelled by a commitment to serving all communities, especially those historically underrepresented. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this pivotal conversation — get your tickets to the Phorest Summit today and be part of the change.”
Raise a toast to Caudalie’s latest partnership
French brand Caudalie has been named as the exclusive spa partner of The Wine Spa, a vinotherapy retreat located in Oregan, USA.
Vinotherapy is the therapeutic use of grapebased products, which are rich in antioxidants including resveratrol, shown to have antiinflammatory and anti-ageing properties. These compounds can help reduce stress and boost circulation whilst hydrating, nourishing and rejuvenating the skin.
Caudalie’s products, which are formulated using vine and grape extracts, have been combined into vinotherapy spa treatments including a 20-minute wine soak, massages and facials.
To prevent wastage, the spa has also partnered with a regional wine producer to provide repurposed wine for use in their wine soak treatments.
For those who abstain from alcohol, The Wine Spa also offers a non-alcoholic wine option for both drinking and soaking, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of vinotherapy.
The Wine Spa: thewinespapdx.com
Caudalie: uk.caudalie.com
Warning over unintended results of wage & tax increases
The British Beauty Council is warning that the hair and beauty industry will see a 4.6% increase in staff costs due to the introduction of fiscal measures set out by the UK government in the Autumn 2024 Budget, which could put 20,000 jobs at risk.
A Council commissioned report, Taxing Beauty, by Pragmatix Advisory, concludes that combining National Minimum Wage increases and changes to National Insurance thresholds and rates, along with new employment measures and business rates challenges, could increase staff costs to £9.5 billion.
The British Beauty Council says: “These measures show a clear failure to recognise that the vast majority of businesses in the UK are SMEs. Placing the burden on business to shoulder the majority of tax increases, particularly those with an almost 90% female workforce, is unlikely to lead to the benefits that the Treasury thinks.
“Instead, it will most likely prevent wage increases and deter people from hiring more staff therefore stifling growth. The beauty industry already has a growing movement towards self-employment, a fundamental issue with recruitment and a marked decrease in apprenticeships of over 70% – this will only exacerbate these challenges.”
In response, the Council is calling on the government to reassess the current VAT threshold and carry out a wholesale review of business rates whilst also evaluating unintended consequences such as lay-offs, employment freezes, forced self-employment, disguised employment and an increase in the underground economy.
British Beauty Council: britishbeautycouncil.com
Look Good Feel Better strengthens Board of Trustees
Sarah Harbon, General Manager of Benefit Cosmetics UK and Ireland, has joined the Board of Trustees of industry charity Look Good Feel Better.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the charity delivers workshops to those experiencing a change in their appearance caused by treatment for cancer. Led by industry-trained specialists, these face-to-face and virtual workshops help build confidence and lessen people’s feelings of isolation whilst managing the cosmetic and physical impacts of cancer therapies.
As a supporter of Look Good Feel Better for over a decade, Sarah Harbon has championed the charity both personally and through Benefit Cosmetics’ Bold Is Beautiful philanthropy programme since 2015. This new appointment reflects her significant contributions to the charity’s mission.
Commenting on her new role, Sarah Harbon says:
“I am honoured to join the Board of Trustees for Look Good Feel Better, a charity that holds a special place in my heart. Having worked closely with the organisation for several years through Benefit’s philanthropy programme Bold Is Beautiful, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact they have in supporting women and men through some of their most challenging times. By offering comfort, confidence, and a sense of light during dark moments, Look Good Feel Better has been a lifeline to so many of our friends, families, and customers. I am deeply committed to furthering their mission and look forward to contributing to their vital work.”
Look Good Feel Better: lookgoodfeelbetter.co.uk
Sarah Harbon, General Manager of Benefit Cosmetics UK & Ireland, is pictured with Mark Flannery, Chief Executive Officer at Look Good Feel Better, during their Snowden By Night Challenge Charity Trek.
Entries called for skincare awards
Nominations for the Free From Skincare Awards 2025 opens on 6th January, recognising the best toiletries, cosmetics and hair products from Europe which are either ‘free from’ animal ingredients, food allergens, artificial ingredients or fragrance.
The Free From Skincare Awards were founded in 2012 by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, chair of the Free From Food Awards, and Alex Gazzola, a writer and consultant specialising in allergies and ‘free from’ living.
Products can be nominated in 16 categories whilst there are also special awards for Best Brand, Free From Achievement, Best Labelling and Digital Presence.
Explaining the judging process, Alex Gazzola, says:
“Products undergo a unique assessment process, with input from experienced consumer testers and expert judges and cosmetic industry figures. This rigorous standard ensures the fairest results, as multiple viewpoints are considered before we make final decisions.”
Finalists will be announced in May with the winning products revealed in June.
Free From Skincare Awards: freefromskincareawards.co.uk
Birmingham hair brand wins Business of the Year award
Haircare brand Nylah’s Naturals is celebrating after being named Small Business of the Year at the Birmingham Awards 2024.
The brand, celebrated for its innovative, sciencebased products for textured and Afro hair, was recognised for its excellence, community impact and leadership in the hair and beauty industry.
Brand founder Kameese Davis was inspired to launch Nylah’s Naturals by her own experiences and her daughter’s need for products that nurture and strengthen textured hair, curls and coils, using sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients.
Commenting on the winning the award, Kameese Davis (pictured above) said:
“Winning the ‘Small Business of the Year’ award means so much to our team. It’s a celebration of the passion and resilience that has driven Nylah’s Naturals from its foundation. Our mission has always been to empower people with textured hair by delivering products that combine the best of nature and science while honouring their natural beauty. This recognition affirms the positive change we are creating – not just in the industry, but in the lives of our customers.”
She adds:
“This award is a reflection of the incredible support we’ve received from our local community, our dedicated team, and our loyal customers. Birmingham is the heart of our story, and being recognised here is deeply meaningful. It motivates us to keep striving for excellence, breaking barriers and creating products that benefit our diverse customer base.”
Nylah’s Naturals: nylahsnaturals.com
Photo Credit: Edwin Ladd - Mr Ladd Media
Join the Gelish Pro Academy for UK National Accredited Certifications. We are passionate about developing you, mentoring you and continuously supporting your personal development even after you finish your course.
We are always looking for exceptional talent to join our education team, contact us now and help shape the future nail technician.
“One
of the best things about Gelish education is the ongoing support from your educator after your training.”
Claire Blincoe, Gelish Master Educator
Email: support@gelishmorgantaylor.co.uk
Phone: 0203 814 2013
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2025 Dates Now Available
1st January
New Year’s Day Bank Holiday across the UK
LET’S MAKE
2nd January Bank Holiday in Scotland
31st January
31stJanuary
14th February
a date!
Whether you’re running an established hair and beauty business, or starting out from fresh in 2025, add these key dates to your calendar and stay one step ahead…
“[This is the] tax filing and payment deadline for tax returns for the 2023/24 financial year,” Ria-Jaine Lincoln MAAT, AKA The Beauty Accountant. “Self-employed business owners need to ensure that they are aware of any payment on account that they may also need to pay on 31st January; this can catch people out if this is their first year paying tax.
“A payment on account is an advance payment towards the next tax year. There are two payment on accounts and these are due when the tax liability exceeds £1,000 as a percentage of the tax due; 50% is due for payment in January, at the same time as the tax bill is due for payment, and then a second payment on account, at 50% of the tax bill, is also due by 31st July.”
From mid-January, start marketing your St Valentine’s Day specials – whether that’s couples massages, themed gift sets or voucher offers. Don’t forget to dress your salon interior or window to celebrate the most romantic time of the year!
2nd - 3rd March
2nd - 3rd March
14th February
Professional Beauty London 2025 takes place at ExCel London. professionalbeauty.co.uk/ professional-beauty-london
17th March
St Patrick’s Day
Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland.
17thMarch
March
5th April
30th March
Think about special offers you can market ahead of Mothering Sunday such as Mother’s Day packages, Mother/Daughter treatments, gift vouchers and retail items.
March
1st
April
On this date the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age) increase to £12.21 per hour for those 21 and over, £10 an hour for those 18-20, £7.55 per hour for those under 18 and apprentices under the age of 19 years.
gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
“This is the end of the 2024/25 tax year and once the tax year ends it is best practice to make a start with the tax return as soon as possible and before the 31st January 2026 deadline,” explains Ria-Jaine Lincoln MAAT. “This is even more important if you have a payment on account. If you stay on top of your numbers and notice that profit has reduced, there may be scope to reduce this before the second payment on account is due in July.”
6th April
Increases in statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental pay to £187.18 per week come into effect on this date. Statutory sick pay also increases to £118.75 per week.
gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave 6th April
27th - 28th April
18th - 20th April
Easter Bank Holiday weekend across the UK.
5th April
18th - 20th April
27th - 28th April
Professional Beauty & Hair Glasgow returns to the SEC, Glasgow. professionalbeauty.co.uk/professional-beauty-hair-glasgow
5th May
Early May Bank Holidayacross the UK
26th May Spring Bank Holiday across the UK
12th - 19th May
12th – 19th May
Mental Health Awareness Week. Take advantage of resources for managing workplace stress and become aware of how best to support staff, colleagues and clients who may be experiencing ill mental health.
1st - 30th June
Pride Month celebrating LGBTQ+ people. Use the many resources available to ensure you’re not discriminating in the workplace or your business.
15th June
FATHER’S DAY
14th July
Battle of the Boyne Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland.
15th June
1st - 30th June
Father’s Day – remember to market treatments and product ranges suited to Dads and take this opportunity to introduce them to your maleorientated therapies.
31st July
If applicable, a second payment on account of tax liabilities is due to HMRC.
4th August Summer Bank Holiday in Scotland.
25th August Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
28th - 29th September
Professional Beauty North takes place at Manchester Central. professionalbeauty.co.uk/professional-beauty-north
5th October
If you’re new to self-employment and have not previously completed a Self Assessment Tax Return, this is the date by when you should register with HMRC. Remember if you work for yourself outside of your PAYE position, you may be required to pay tax. If you’re not sure, speak to an accountant.
Salon Beauty (formerly Olympia Beauty) takes place at ExCel London.
professionalbeauty.co.uk/salon-beauty
20th - 26th October
British Beauty Week, organized by the British Beauty Council, celebrates the UK beauty industry at all stages of the supply chain. Look out for events that you can get involved in. britishbeautyweek.co.uk
20th - 26th October
31st October
If you’re submitting your Self Assessment Tax Return through the post, you must do it by this date. After 31st October, you will need to submit it digitally before 31st January 2026.
gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-return-forms 31st October
Black Friday 2025! Remember to plan your Black Friday offers well in advance. 28th November
28th November
FRIDAY 1st December
Cyber Monday - this is your opportunity to offer clients extra special online only deals. 1st December CYBER MONDAY
Katie Godfrey shares her 10 point plan to creating a successful 2025 business strategy.
IYour roadmap to
SALON SUCCESS
IIf you follow me on social media, you’ve probably seen the annual planning day we just had! Every year, I gather my team and set a full day aside to strategise for the coming year. It’s a crucial process for any business, no matter how big or small, and I highly recommend you do the same.
A new year is a golden opportunity to set your beauty and hair business up for growth, stability and success in the coming 12 months. In an everevolving industry, having a strategic plan isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. A well thought out roadmap not only guides you but also keeps you adaptable and competitive.
Here’s my guide to crafting a powerful strategy for 2025:
1. Reflect on 2024: Start with a review of the past year. Take an honest look at what went well and what didn’t. Which treatments were client favourites and which didn’t quite hit the mark? Identify your business’ strengths and weaknesses, assessing your successes and any setbacks. This reflection forms the foundation for making informed, future-focused decisions.
2. Set clear, measurable goals: Establish precise objectives for 2025. These should be measurable, achievable and relevant. Are you looking to boost revenue, grow your client base, introduce new services or elevate customer service standards? Defining these goals will give you a clear direction and help align your team with your vision.
Aim to break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps that you can track throughout the year to stay on target.
3. Embrace technology for growth: Technology is indispensable in today’s business landscape and it’s here to stay. Invest in salon management software that can help you streamline operations, manage appointments and gain insights from customer data. Online booking systems, automated appointment reminders and digital loyalty programs save time and boost client satisfaction.
Don’t forget the power of social media and online marketing to expand your reach. Instagram, Facebook and TikTok offer incredible platforms to showcase your services, share client stories and build your brand.
4. Prioritise training & skill development: Clients expect beauty professionals to stay current with trends and techniques, so prioritise ongoing education for your team. Schedule regular training sessions to ensure your staff are equipped with the latest skills. Consider bringing in industry experts for specialised training or sending your team to conferences and workshops.
Building a culture of learning not only enhances your offerings but also motivates your staff to deliver their best.
5. Enhance the client experience: Exceptional customer experience is the heart of a successful beauty and hair business. Map out the client journey, from booking to follow-up, and look for ways to make each touchpoint seamless and memorable. Personalised offers, loyalty programs and regular
feedback collection are all ways to build stronger client relationships.
When clients feel valued and appreciated, they’re more likely to return and refer you to others.
6. Diversify your service offerings: Expanding your services can attract new clients and retain existing ones. Look at what’s trending or areas that may complement your current offerings, such as wellness services, men’s grooming or advanced skincare treatments.
Adding new treatments every now and then keeps clients engaged and excited about what’s next, encouraging them to keep coming back.
7. Engage with the community: Being an active part of your community can create loyal customers who love your brand for more than just your services. Look for local events to sponsor or participate in, collaborate with nearby businesses and consider organising charitable initiatives. Not only does community engagement foster goodwill, but it also gives your brand visibility and strengthens your reputation as a caring local business.
8. Collaborate with charities: Working with charities is an incredible way to make a positive impact while enhancing your brand image. Choose charities that resonate with your team and clients. By participating in or hosting fundraising events, you’re able to give back while building brand awareness.
Consider quarterly events supporting different causes or an ongoing partnership with one charity.
Promoting these collaborations on social media not only raises awareness for the cause but also attracts clients who value businesses that give back.
9. Plan your finances carefully: Financial planning is the backbone of your strategic success. Develop a budget aligned with your goals, allowing you to plan for expenses, set revenue targets and forecast cash flow. Make sure to regularly review and adjust your budget based on performance.
Financial stability provides peace of mind and gives you the resources to invest in growth areas, such as new services or marketing.
10. Marketing & branding consistency: Consistent branding across all channels is essential for a strong, recognisable presence. Make sure your website, social media and in-salon materials reflect a cohesive image and message.
Putting
it all
together: The 2025 Success Plan
Creating a strategy for your beauty or hair business in 2025 is about blending reflection, vision and action. Start with what worked well in 2024, learn from it and look at what you want to achieve in the year ahead. Set measurable goals, stay on top of trends, engage with your community and make every client interaction count.
As you implement these steps, remember that flexibility is key. Regularly revisit your plan, adjust as needed and keep your team informed so everyone works towards a shared vision.
With a clear roadmap, your business can confidently navigate the challenges of 2025 and be ready to seize every opportunity for growth and success.
If you need any guidance in developing your 2025 plan, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you in setting goals, finding solutions and building a business that grows.
“Financial
Get yourself
FINANCIALLY SAVVY!
AAs announced in the Autumn 2024 budget, April 2025 is going to come with many changes for employees. We are seeing increases in national minimum wage and employers’ national insurance and a reduction in the threshold in which employers will start to pay taxes. This is being buffered slightly by an increase in employment allowance which should mean that those with fewer than four staff members may not be affected as much as employees with a larger team, as the employment allowance should cover the changes.
With the latest changes we may see another shift to self-employment for a lot of employees or employers forcing the switch. This is a huge grey area and one that you must seek guidance from a tax qualified accountant who understands this particular area of tax law. This is in addition to professional advice needed on employment law.
Cash flow is once again a very important area for all business owners especially with the upcoming changes. If you have not already, map out a clear cash flow plan for the next 12 months and beyond to help you to strategically manage the business and keep up with all the changes.
Pricing reviews are another important area and building a business that pays the business owner first and at regular intervals.
Making Tax Digital
Technology is something that all salon owners should be utilising to better manage the financial aspect of the business. It is also important that you take small but positive steps towards boosting financial literacy to help you to make better business decisions and navigate the changes.
Making Tax Digital is going to be the next big milestone for self-employed professionals. Eventually all selfemployed business owners where sales turnover exceeds £20,000 will be required to follow the new Making Tax Digital rules.
If you have an accountant, they will guide you through this; if you manage the books independently then do ensure you read up on the new making tax digital rules. Under the new regime, quarterly submissions will need to be made to HMRC compared to just the one tax return that sole traders currently have to submit.
Ria-Jaine Lincoln MAAT, AKA The Beauty Accountant, highlights changes that selfemployed beauty and hair professionals and business owners need to be aware of this year.
Your 2025 Finance and Compliance Checklist
3 Set up and get familiar with the online Government Gateway tax account (gov.uk). Save your UTR number and Government Gateway log ins somewhere safe.
3 Track income and expenses on a regular basis.
3 Set up a separate business bank account.
3 Schedule a date in the diary and call it Success Day each month. This is going to be the day you review the business numbers, plan tax savings, pay yourself and ensure that things are going to plan.
3 Get comfortable with accountancy technology available such as Quickbooks. Please do get in touch with The Beauty Accountant before signing up as we have licenses and training available on this as part of our ‘12 months to Making Tax Digital‘ campaign at competitive rates.
3 Save key dates in your calendar to ensure you don’t miss deadlines.
3 If completing your tax return for the first time, book a call with an accountant to ensure no bad habits or mistakes follow through to future tax years.
3 If you work within your salon business as an employee, ensure that your structure is legal and educate yourself on employee rights. This will ensure that you are not losing out as an employee in disguise, or opening yourself up to claims and penalties as an employer
Lincoln MAAT is a registered accountant specialising in hair and beauty accounting and strategic business coaching and advice.
Disclaimer: This article is written for guidance only and is not legal or tax advice. For bespoke advice, reach out on info@riajaineaccounts.co.uk to arrange a discovery call and/or consultation.
Ria-Jaine
Stand out Crowd the from I
In addition to providing membership and insurance services, a key aspect of ABT’s support of the professional beauty and hair sectors is through ensuring educational excellence is delivered. ABT Accreditation of training courses is a sought-after and respected mark of approval recognised in the industry.
By choosing a course that is ABT Accredited, students can be confident that training providers and course content has been scrutinised and passed as insurable with ABT.
“I have found that achieving [ABT] accreditation has significantly benefited my interactions with students,” says Demi Griffiths, co-owner of Hair Dr Academy (hairdrmk.co.uk) which gained ABT Accreditation for its hair extension training.
“Knowing that my work has undergone thorough evaluation and received official recognition instils confidence in my students, encouraging them to choose me as their study partner. This level of trust allows them to approach our study sessions with reassurance, understanding that they are learning from a source that meets established standards of excellence.”
“Coming from an educational background, I knew the importance of rigor and quality. [ABT] Accreditation makes your course stand out in a crowded market. It demonstrates that you’ve invested time, planning and careful consideration into your curriculum,” explains Karen Harvey-Conran, Founder and Owner of Karen Harvey-Conran Academy (karenharveyconran.com/academy).
“When students compare options, they’ll often select an accredited course because it offers credibility and the assurance of being able to secure insurance, which is vital in the beauty industry,” she adds.
Pinkfishes delivered their first ABT Accredited waxing course in November. “ABT has helped us reach more students and obtain more
Achieving ABT Accreditation for your courses should be top of your 2025 ‘to do’ list.
credibility for our brand new course,” says Paige McCarthy, Training Manager for Pinkfishes (pinkfishestraining.com). “Being accredited with ABT has allowed us to add more courses to our training college, meaning we are reaching a much larger span of students.”
She adds: “Being accredited with a hugely credible accreditor, such as ABT, has really helped our business where students are booking on with us especially down to the ABT logo being on our website.”
There are currently over 1,400 providers whose face-to-face and online courses have achieved ABT Accreditation. Whether you’re starting out as an educator developing your own courses in 2025 or have been running an established further education college for some time, ABT Accreditation may be something you wish to look into.
What does ABT Accreditation mean?
ABT Accreditation is open to providers of courses, qualifications or post graduate support training in the beauty, hair and complementary therapy sectors. You could work alone as an educator delivering one or two specialised courses or run a large further education establishment with a full programme of qualifications. Everyone goes through the same accreditation process and, because of the scrutiny applied, acceptance is not guaranteed meaning that gaining ABT Accredited Status places your course ahead of your competitors’.
Essentially, accreditation means that the course content and its provider has been assessed as passing strict criteria. It is important to remember that ABT Accreditation is not a national framework or a recognised qualification; each body will have their own criteria. In addition, ABT Accreditation applies to each course and does not blanket cover the training provider.
The main criteria that ABT accreditors will consider include:
• Is the college delivering an insurable course?
• Is the content suitable and do the course hours meet the industry standard?
• Is the trainer insured?
• Is the training being delivered by a teacher qualified to Pttls or AET standard?
To be accredited by ABT, the answer to all these questions at the time of application must be ‘yes’
What does accreditation offer you?
Gaining ABT Accreditation enables you to add the ABT Accredited logo to your certificates, website, marketing materials and course literature to highlight the quality of your education.
Because the ABT branding is trademarked, training providers are not allowed to use this logo unless their course has passed ABT’s strict criteria. “We always make sure ABT trademarks aren’t wrongfully used to protect our membership community,” explains Amelia Black, ABT’s Head of Brand and Marketing.
“Being ABT accredited has helped our business by adding credibility to our courses which in turn has driven sales,” explains Emma McNeill, Founder of Green & Gold Sugar (greenandgoldsugar.co.uk) which offers ABT Accredited sugaring hair removal courses. “When potential customers see the ABT logo they feel assured that the course is of a high accredited standard.”
You’ll also gain access to your personalised college portal where you can request any amendments to your accreditation, apply for new courses to be accredited and ensure your contact
details are up to date. This information is also displayed on the Find a Professional online listing, where potential students can search for ABT Accredited courses.
What’s more, you’ll be able to offer your students 10% off their ABT Membership and Insurance using a dedicated discount code, adding value to your course fees. You can also advertise your courses to ABT Members on the members’ website BeautyandHairdressing.co.uk at a reduced rate.
ABT will promote your courses with free editorial and social media support and you will receive a bespoke pack of assets to enable you to market your education to new students.
Plus as a valued member of our ABT community, you’ll have exclusive access to VIP areas at UK trade shows and invitations to ABT events and drinks receptions.
How to achieve ABT Accreditation
Firstly you should contact the ABT Accreditation team at accreditation@abtinsurance.co.uk
Accreditation is only dealt with in writing, email and through the dedicated college portal.
Accreditation Checklist
The ABT Accreditation team will ask you to submit the following:
3 A copy of your Lesson Plan which should include:
• Course timings
• Maximum number of attendees
• Prerequisites for attending the course
3 Training Manuals which should cover:
• Health & Safety/COSHH
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Contraindications of the treatment
• Step by Step instructions
3 Treatment qualifications for each of your tutors which need to be ABT/ nationally recognised
3 Teaching qualifications for each of your tutors which should be AET/ nationally recognised
3 Proof of insurance if held with an insurer other than ABT (for each tutor). This should include Teaching Cover and Treatment Cover. If required ABT can provide a quote.
3 An example of the course certificate you will award to students, including your business name.
3 A digital version of your logo in jpeg or png format.
“ABT’s portal guided me through everything I needed to provide,” explains Karen HarveyConran, who successfully achieved ABT Accreditation for her permanent makeup courses. “From lesson plans and student handbooks to proof of qualifications and insurance, it was all about careful documentation. The support from my designated contact person made it even easier.”
Upon application you will be assigned a dedicated Account Manager who will assist you in collating all of the information needed by the approvals team to assess whether a course is deemed accreditable.
You will need to submit your lesson plan, a training manual, proof of your treatment and teaching qualifications, a copy of the certificate that your students will receive and a digital version of your business’ logo.
Follow the checklist above to ensure everything is submitted and the process is as smooth as possible.
Whilst most accreditations take 21 days to complete, some are much faster, and your designated contact will keep you informed every step of the way.
What does ABT Accreditation cost?
ABT only charge fees for accreditation on initial application, If you’d like to gain accreditation for additional courses, online conversion and insurance administration at an additional cost. The current charge for accreditation is a single one-off payment of £250 for up to 10 courses. It is more cost effective to apply for accreditation for all of your courses at the same time.
Initial fees:
Up to 10 Courses: £250
Up to 15 Courses: £400
Up to 20 Courses: £500
Over 20 Courses: £600
Additional fees:
£40 per additional course after initial application has been received.
£30 per course to convert to online learning.
£100 per year to administer an active insurance policy held with anyone other than ABT .
Your next step
Whether you’re new to education or already have established courses accredited elsewhere, the ABT Accreditation team are on hand to answer any questions you may have and make the application process as straightforward as possible. Contact the team on accreditation@abtinsurance.co.uk, visit abtinsurance.co.uk or message us on Facebook at @AssociatedBeautyInsurance or Instagram @abtinsurance
Alicia Humphreys
PROMOTE YOUR COURSES
You did it! You’ve become an accredited trainer and your courses are ready to dazzle the hair and beauty world. You’re bursting with knowledge to share, but when it comes to promoting your classes, you might feel a little... stuck. How do you get the word out, reach your target audience and turn your expertise into thriving classes?
Luckily, social media is a fantastic (and often free!) way to showcase your courses, connect with your ideal students and build an engaged community. And don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with tips, platforms to focus on, and free tools to help you shine!
Content ideas to attract students
It’s time to put your content out there! Here are some content ideas to promote your courses and build trust:
1. Tutorials & Tips
Share short tutorials or quick beauty tips related to your expertise. If you’re teaching brow shaping, for example, post a “Top 3 Brow Shaping Tips” video to spark interest.
2. Testimonials & Success Stories
Showcase the success of past students with before-and-after shots or share their glowing testimonials in posts and stories. Social proof is powerful!
3. Behind-the-Scenes
Take your audience behind the scenes of your classes; share prep work, funny moments or live snippets. It humanizes your brand and builds trust.
4. Q&A Sessions
Host live Q&A sessions on Instagram or Facebook, answering potential students’ questions about your courses. It’s a great way to engage with your audience in real time.
5. Educational Content
Establish yourself as an expert by sharing educational content. Break down common industry myths, explain complicated techniques or discuss trends.
like a pro!
Alicia Humphreys provides ABT Accredited trainers tools to market your education
Free social media tools to level up your game
Promotion doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some free tools to make your life easier and your promotions more effective:
1. Canva
Design eye-catching graphics, course flyers, social media posts and even certificates with ease. Canva offers a ton of beauty and hairthemed templates, making it simple to create polished, on-brand visuals.
2. Metricool (My Personal Favourite)
Manage and schedule posts across multiple platforms, analyse your social media performance and keep track of audience engagement, all in one place. Scheduling posts in advance allows you to focus on teaching, knowing your social content is taken care of.
3.
Later
Visually plan and schedule Instagram content, preview how your feed will look and even access analytics to see what’s working. The free version is a great start for beginners.
4. Buffer
Buffer is a user-friendly tool to schedule posts on multiple social platforms. The free plan lets you schedule a handful of posts per platform, enough to keep your courses visible without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Facebook Business Suite
A fantastic free tool for managing posts and messages across Facebook and Instagram. You can schedule posts, reply to comments and gain insights into your content’s performance all in one place.
Choose the right platforms
Alicia Humphreys
Setting up your social media profiles
Before diving into the world of reels, stories and posts, you need to make sure your social media profiles are optimised. Here’s a quick checklist to help you stand out:
Profile picture: Use a clear, professional image or logo that represents your brand.
Bio: Craft a concise, impactful bio. Include what you teach, your unique selling point (e.g., “Specialist in advanced balayage techniques”) and a call to action like “DM to Learn More” or a link to your course website.
Contact info: Make it easy for potential students to reach you by including your email, phone number or website link.
Engaging your audience without burning out
Creating content can feel like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some quick tips to keep things manageable:
• Batch your content creation: Dedicate a few hours each week to create and schedule posts.
• Use templates: Save time by creating reusable templates for common content types.
• Repurpose content: Turn a long video tutorial into bite-sized posts, reels or stories.
• Set engagement boundaries: Allocate specific times to reply to commentsand messages to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Not every social media platform will be the perfect fit for promoting your courses. Here’s a quick rundown of some great platforms to consider and why:
Instagram
This is a go-to platform for all things visual and educational in the hair and beauty industry. Create engaging posts, stories, reels and carousels showcasing your skills, student success stories or behind-the-scenes content. Don’t forget to use relevant hashtags like #BeautyEducation, #HairTraining or #NailArtMasterclass to get discovered.
Facebook
With Facebook, you can create a business page dedicated to your courses, run events for upcoming workshops and even create a private group for trainees. Groups, in particular, create a sense of community and encourage interaction among members.
YouTube
If you’re ready to go all-in with video content, YouTube is a powerful way to establish authority. Share short tutorials, previews of what students will learn and testimonials from successful trainees. It’s a longer game but fantastic for building credibility and reach.
TikTok
Short-form video content is booming. Share quick tips, mini-tutorials or showcase fun, relatable snippets of life as a beauty educator. TikTok’s algorithm makes it possible to reach a large audience quickly, even with a brand-new account.
Don’t forget…
Social media is your stage, showcase your talent, connect with potential students and turn your passion for teaching into a thriving venture. With the right tools, creativity, and a sprinkle of consistency, you’ll have your courses fully booked in no time. Happy promoting!
Alicia Humphreys is Owner of Pink Fox Salon Socials, who help salons grow their social media presence and attract
new customers. pinkfoxsalonsocials.co.uk
Skin analysis device enhances treatments
A new hand-held tool to assist you in elevating skincare treatments has been introduced by +maskology.
Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) technology, trusted in both medical and beauty equipment, in just three seconds, the pocket-sized +maskology Skin Analysis Device provides precise measurements of the skin’s oil and hydration levels. These insights enable you to provide tailored solutions dependent upon the skin’s condition, advancing your treatments and enabling you to upsell to your clients.
Regular readings throughout a course of treatments also enable you to deliver accurate evidence that treatments are addressing your clients’ concerns, leading to enhanced client loyalty and repeat bookings.
+maskology®: maskology.co.uk
Achieve airbrush effect tan application
Sienna X has introduced a new Tanning Brush tool to help you achieve a flawless, streak-free professional self-tan application.
This densely bristled brush is crafted with 100% vegan, ultra-soft durable synthetic bristles which seamlessly apply and blend self-tan products to the skin. Its unique shaped handle and angled brush helps easy application in hard-to-reach areas and creases in particular on the hands, feet
The brush comes in a reusable zip-up leatherette bag for easy storage and to keep the brush clean from external dust and germs.
Sienna X: sienna-x.co.uk
What’s New
in Beauty
Crystal Clear elevate facials with six element treatment
Crystal Clear has introduced Skinstorm, a six-step multi-layered facial treatment that treats a range of skin concerns without downtime.
Crystal Clear Skinstorm utilises patented dissolvable oxygen infusion containing drone technology that is driven into the skin, creating a mattress effect to plump and firm. At the same time, dissolvable oxygenating infusion and active ingredients help kill bacteria.
Coloured light instantly rejuvenates the skin, with the treatment using red and blue light on acne, LED light to heal and repair and green light to eliminate pigmentation and dark marks.
Skin is refined thanks to dissolved oxygen combined with a fruit acid (AHA) blend and the application of freezing temperatures.
The treatment intensively rejuvenates, repairs, super cleanses, resurfaces, smooths, renews and actively attacks congestion.
Crystal Clear: pro.crystalclear.co.uk
Natural way to clean up waxing mess
To keep waxing areas spotless, Harley Wax has introduced its Natural Wax Solvent that can be used to clean most material, equipment, carpets, floors and furniture.
Formulated from 100% natural citrus and without harmful chemicals, the solution breaks down wax spills leaving no stains or discolouration.
With a fresh orange scent, simply apply to the wax spill, leave it to soak in and then wipe away.
Harley Wax: harleywaxing.co.uk
Four-in-one sculpting system targets common concerns
The Baldan Group has launched a new face and body resculpting device that incorporates four technologies that work in synergy on the face, stomach, arms, legs, buttocks and thighs to target stubborn cellulite and reduce fat.
The T-Shape 2 features multipolar and bipolar Radiofrequency triggering the production of new collagen to help tighten and firm skin, whilst Low Level Laser Therapy disrupts fat cells to encourage breakdown and elimination. In addition, Vacuum Aspiration Endodermic Technology stimulates lymphatic drainage and blood circulation to flush out toxins reducing the appearance of cellulite, and Mesosphere has a lymphatic drainage effect and modifies the resistance and elasticity of connective tissue.
The device also comes with a Multipolar Face Handpiece that delivers 760nm LED, electroporation, radiofrequency and vacuum for treatment on the forehead, cheeks, jawline and neck.
A course of 8-10 treatments, delivered once or twice a week, is recommended dependent upon clients’ desired results.
The Baldan Group: uk2.baldangroup.com
Manage client communication with Phorest’s new feature
Salon management platform Phorest has enhanced its offering for aesthetic clinics and salons by introducing a new pre- and post-care feature to help ensure clients receive consistent, accurate information before and after appointments.
The new automated patient instruction feature supports you in delivering outstanding client care, simplifying clinic workflows, reducing manual workload and enabling you to track client communication.
Phorest’s solution also supports regulatory compliance, ensuring that automated messages consistently deliver accurate information, meeting industry standards and reducing the potential for miscommunication.
Cillian Moloney, Lead Product Manager at Phorest, says:
“When we spoke to clinics, it was clear they needed more efficient, effective ways to handle patient communications. We created this feature to provide an important improvement to daily operations, enabling clinicians to focus on quality interactions that enhance patient satisfaction and trust.”
Phorest: phorest.com
Pinkfishes launches long-lasting brow stain
New serum harnesses the power of retinoids
Nimue Skin Technology has developed Retinal Power+ Serum to resurface, refine and boost skin radiance. The serum is formulated with a unique combination of two encapsulated retinoids, Retinal (Retinaldehyde) and Pro-Adapalene. Retinal is a second-generation Retinoid and the precursor of Retinoic Acid, achieving quicker results than other retinoids. Pro-Adapalene is a novel, third-generation retinoid that reduces the signs of ageing in the skin by increasing collagen production and calming inflammation. As an encapsulated retinoid, Pro-Adapalene is more stable and delivers a gentler approach compared to first-generation retinoids.
Designed to support ageing and environmentally damaged skin, multiple skin concerns are addressed including fine lines and uneven skin tone.
Sweet Squared: sweetsquared.com
Renowned for its lash products, Pinkfishes has recently introduced a Hybrid Brow Stain range, a long-lasting tint that bridges the gap between temporary and semi-permanent makeup.
The tint gently stains the hair shaft, skin and root, lasting up to seven weeks on the hair and up to 10 days on the skin.
The formulation is Henna-free and uses a durable pigment infused with Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera that gently conditions the hairs and skin whilst defining the brow. It can also be used in conjunction with Brow Lamination products.
The stain comes in four colours – light brown, medium brown, dark brown and black – which are intermixable so you can create bespoke brow colours for each client.
Pinkfishes Hybrid Stain products can be purchased individually, as a full kit or as a starter kit. ABT Accredited training is also available.
Pinkfishes: pinkfishes.com
Earthy celebrates the Goddess in all of us
Earthy Nail Polish has launched The Goddess Collection of plant-based nail polishes, featuring four metallic shades inspired by female strength and power when facing the challenges that everyday life can bring.
Colours include Aphrodite, an elegant pearlescent shade white; Theia, a cool edgy chrome; Freyja, a shimmering gold and Venus, a deep and moody glistening bronze.
Earthy Nail Polishes are certified vegan and cruelty free by Leaping Bunny, with a 21-free formula of 79% natural ingredients derived from Sugar Cane, Cassava and Corn. In addition, essential minerals, magnesium and calcium, strengthen and protect nails against thinning, weakening and brittleness.
Polishes also feature a sustainable bamboo bottle cap with seals made from 100% post-consumer plastic.
Earthy Nail Polish: earthynailpolish.com
Julep returns to its roots with new polish line
After a five-year hiatus, Julep Beauty has relaunched its nail polish category introducing a new 21-free Gel Nail Polish Collection.
The collection comprise nine quick airdrying gel-like polishes in a clean formula, offering buildable coverage from sheer to full with a high-shine finish.
Colours include Sweet as Sugar, Petal Pink, Natural Nude, Barely Beige, Tippy Taupe, Lovely Latte, Bubbly Berry, Express Espresso and Chill Out Cherry.
Commenting, Sara Mitzner, VP of Brand Marketing at AS Beauty, says:
“At Julep, we’ve always been committed to offering high-quality, clean beauty products that customers feel confident using. What many people don’t know is that Julep actually started as a nail polish brand. We’re so excited to bring Julep Beauty back to its original roots - but with a modern, clean twist that resonates with today’s beauty consumers.”
Julep: julep.com
What’s New in Nails
Redesigned products launched to make enhancements easier
The GelBottle Inc. has expanded and redesigned products in its ProTip and QuickShape professional nail extension ranges to meet the growing demand for easy and efficient enhancements.
Create celestial cat eye effects with new gel polishes
Artistic Nail Design has launched AstroBomb Cat Eye Gel Polish.
This limited-edition collection comprises magnetic gel polishes, each with a double-sided magnet, in two duo-chromatic shades to enable you to create a colour-shifting cat eye effect. Colours include Uf-Ooh!,l a duo-tone green and Cat-Astro-Fee, a two-tone purple.
AstroBomb polish is designed to be applied in a single layer over traditional gel polishes, magnetized to create a unique design and cured. The effect is especially effective when painted over black and darker shade polishes.
Sweet Squared: sweetsquared.com
The ProTip range of pre-walled and etched fullcover tips has been redesigned for quicker and more seamless application, created to deliver a flawless finish. New to the ProTip collection, the ProCut Tip Clipper has been designed specifically for precision trimming of the ProTip range ensuring quick, clean and consistent results.
For use with acry-gel, the QuickShape all-in-one extension solution features versatile upper forms for creating perfect apex nail extensions. Using these forms you can effortlessly craft coffin, almond, stiletto or short square shapes with just one form, eliminating the need for manual sculpting. For those seeking additional control, QuickShape Clips (pictured) assist in easier application delivering extra stability during the shaping process.
The GelBottle Inc: thegelbottle.com
Introduce the Original Japanese
AAs the hairdressing industry continues to embrace and initiate new trends, innovations that take client experiences and haircare to new levels of luxury with enhanced results continue to emerge. One of the most recent service revelations finding its way into a growing number of salons is a genuine gamechanger – the Japanese Head Spa.
As the first hairdressing company in Japan to develop a professional ‘head spa’ service for the salon industry, Takara Belmont equipment means that salons can introduce an unrivalled sensory experience that actively relaxes and calms, while tangibly improving scalp health, and promoting healthy hair growth. But while there
are many variations of this exclusive technique, Takara Belmont’s Original Japanese Head Spa ensures your salon can introduce the perfect treatment. By combining their world-class equipment with bespoke head spa accessories and exclusively curated techniques, salons can expand their range of expertise and well-being treatments, create a unique point of difference, and boost service incomes.
Katie Fielder, Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager, comments:
“Clients are increasingly looking to their salon for new haircare experiences that enhance their sense of wellbeing, while actively improving the condition of their hair and
scalp. The Japanese Head Spa chimes with this demand, and it presents a dramatic business boost for salons. As a Japanese brand with over a Century of heritage, Takara Belmont has a cultural affinity with well-being techniques created in the region, and our equipment is centred around giving salons and clients the finest head spa experience, which is now widely available in Japan and beyond.”
Three key elements of a Japanese Head Spa
As a therapeutic technique that offers clients supreme sensations of relaxation while delivering tangible and scientifically proven benefits for the hair and scalp, three key components contribute to the
Takara Belmont’s Katie Fielder highlights how this luxury service can elevate therapeutic hair and scalp care experiences, boost well-being and increase sales.
perfect head spa: Equipment, Technique and Environment.
To deliver what is essentially a spa-style service, thoughtful consideration to the setting will create a distinct ambience.
“Head spa treatments could take place at the backwash but creating a separate zone or sectioned area within the salon for this, and other specialised services, will reflect the quality of this experience and increase its value both for the client, and in terms of pricing for the salon,” says Katie. “A customised approach will elevate the sense of luxury and exclusivity, while commanding a higher price point.”
Equipment is pivotal to head spa experiences and it’s here that Takara Belmont’s promise
of the exceptional comes into its own. Specifically in support of head spa protocols, the spotlight falls upon their prestigious Yume Series in combination with the Spa Mist II processor, and a new Heath Bath accessory.
In recent years, as hairdressers have evolved into destination salons that deliver higher levels of luxury and refinement, by upscaling service quality and positioning themselves as more than just a place to cut and colour hair, Takara Belmont’s Yume Series established a new precedent in backwash innovation. Utilising leading-edge motorisation, thermostatic control, ergonomic design, and a unique neck rest design with
a gel-filled neck cushion and two gel-filled head pillows, the Yume Series continues to set the benchmark for technicians and clients alike.
“The Yume, Yume DX, Yume Noble and Yume Espoir are compatible with our Head Bath accessory, which is key to delivering head spa treatments. As the epitome of world-class innovation, our Yume Series delivers complete comfort and full body support, even during longer services like a head spa,” says Katie.
As another essential part of a head spa service, Spa Mist II not only enhances the atmosphere and ambience, it’s essential to scalp care and healthy hair growth. As a compact, highly functional
and versatile processor, Spa Mist II utilises ultrasonic technology that generates an ultra-fine microscopic mist. This gently opens the cuticle layer at very low temperatures to infuse treatment ingredients deep inside each hair strand, without dilution, before its Cool Shot feature re-seals the cuticle for tangibly improved outcomes, and longer-lasting results.
“Spa Mist II also effectively removes debris and build-up to gently cleanse the scalp and follicles resulting in a cleaner, healthier scalp while repairing and hydrating damaged hair, and promoting healthy hair growth. It also ensures that products used in head spa treatments penetrate into the hair and scalp more efficiently to enhance the benefits and results.”
As an exclusive addition to the Yume Series, Takara Belmont’s new Head Bath attaches to the Yume basin* to soothe and relax, as warm flowing water creates the definitive head spa experience. Head Bath enhances every client encounter while increasing the value of treatments by actively improving scalp health and well-being and, as Katie explains, this completes the perfect Japanese Head Spa.
to achieve this, while ensuring that clients enjoy lasting benefits to their hair and scalp.”
“Head spa treatments are all about creating the ultimate sensory experience with hair and scalp health at their core”
On a commercial note, Katie is also keen to highlight the business opportunities for salons too. “Head spa treatments will keep clients coming back and recommending to others, so it’s a great lever to build loyalty and attract new clients. In addition to promoting it as a new and specialised service, that will attract attention in itself, salons can also create packages and bundles, build it around other VIP and spa-style services, and create specific promotions. For example, Spa Mist II allows for the introduction of hand and nail conditioning treatments and enhanced colour outcomes, which can work in perfect synergy with head spa services. The opportunities are there for salons to really maximise their growth potential.”
“Head spa treatments are all about creating the ultimate sensory experience with hair and scalp health at their core,” explains Katie. “Supreme comfort, luxury and atmosphere are vital to the overall experience and the Yume Series, Spa Mist II and Yume Head Bath combine perfectly
By combining these worldclass equipment concepts, your salon can achieve unparalleled levels of comfort, create new sensations of luxury and relaxation, and boost hair and scalp health for clients. The equipment salons need to introduce the original Japanese Head Spa experience is available exclusively from Takara Belmont. Discover how to give your salon a point of difference that your clients and team will love, while maximising your revenue potential with Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme!
Discover Head Bath: takarahairdressing.co.uk/equipment/accessories/head-bath
Upgrade now with Takara Belmont’s 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme: takarahairdressing.co.uk/finance
* The Heath Bath accessory is compatible with the Yume, Yume DX, Yume Noble and Yume Espoir. Takara Belmont provides the equipment necessary to introduce head spa treatments, but it does not offer cosmetic products or training in these techniques. Please consult your product manufacturer for guidance.
What’s New in Hair
New curl collection formulated by OSMO
OSMO has introduced a new collection to transform and enhance Type 4A, 4B and 4C curls.
OSMO Essence comprises seven products specifically formulated to bring bounce, gloss and shine to parched, frizzy curls. Formulations are infused with nourishing Pataua Oil, hydrating Mango Butter and replenishing Squalane. As a result, hair is strengthened and protected, with frizz-free curls more defined and controlled.
The collection includes Reinvigorating Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Curl Enhancing Foam, Edge Taming Gel, Curl Re-energising Gel and Curl Renourishing Mask.
OSMO: osmo.uk.com
Gender-neutral hair health range launches
Stylist and educator Dan Gregory has launched a gender-neutral range of daily haircare and intensive treatments.
Journey Haircare comprises six hair care heroes that can be mixed and matched to suit individual hair requirements. Products are formulated specifically to enhance the health of the hair with ingredients including Marula Oil, Prickly Pear, Argan Oil, Shea Butter and Geranium.
The Journey Haircare range comprises Cleansing Shampoo, Hydrating Conditioner, Enhancing Serum and Treatment Mask along with styling products Prime & Define Lotion, Pliable Paste, Formation Fibre and Creation Clay.
Journey Haircare: journeyhaircare.co.uk
In line with the theme of personalised treatments, customisable hair extensions are now an expectation of clients to enhance their locks.
Tailoring your clients’
EXPERIENCE
Nicole Petty reveals the treatments that hair professionals should expect to be popular in 2025…
IInnovative and trending hair treatments and services are constantly emerging in the beauty industry, and hair professionals and salon owners must stay ahead of the curve to meet clients’ evolving needs.
Standard services simply won’t cut it anymore as customers increasingly want tailored experiences and the newest techniques to give them the hair of their dreams.
To help you thrive in a competitive marketplace, let’s see what you should expect to be popular in 2025…
“Standard services simply won’t cut it anymore as customers increasingly want tailored experiences.”
#1 Nanoplastia treatments
Keratin treatments have been the go-to service for clients seeking frizz-free locks, but nanoplastia and similar organic smoothing treatments are setting a new standard.
Unlike keratin treatments, nanoplastia doesn’t rely on formaldehyde and other harsh chemicals to achieve smooth hair. Instead, it relies on a blend of amino acids, vitamins and proteins that penetrate the hair structure to repair broken bonds and restore strength to eliminate frizz.
Offering nanoplastia and more nourishing treatments can help salons meet the growing demand for services that prioritise hair health without compromising results. This can attract a broader clientele by appealing to those with sensitive scalps and more fragile locks, as well as people who regularly straighten their hair chemically.
#2 Personalised scalp care services
Scalp care has become a major focus of maintaining healthy hair, with Japanese head spa services receiving thousands of posts and views on TikTok.
Studies have found that the condition of your scalp can impact hair growth and retention, so clients are now particularly interested in quite literally getting to the root of their hair problems.
Offering treatments like exfoliating scalp scrubs or deep hydration and relaxing scalp experiences can help clients address concern about dandruff, dryness and build-up to help stimulate stronger hair growth.
Salons can also consider using advanced scalp analysis tools that use imaging technology to assess scalp condition, oil levels and hair follicle health. Insights like this can help stylists tailor treatments to the needs of each client for a more personal experience.
#3 Dimensional balayage
Traditional balayage techniques have focused on surface-level highlights, but 3D and dimensional techniques are becoming the go-to for a more sophisticated and low-maintenance colour.
Techniques like ribbon balayage create layers of colour that add depth and natural dimension by incorporating strategic colour placement and multiple tones. This gives hair natural movement and a fuller, multidimensional appearance.
Dimensional balayage techniques are ideal for clients wanting to add low-maintenance depth to their locks as hair grows out, creating longer-lasting results.
Anticipating this demand and ensuring stylists can offer these techniques can help salons attract new clients and demonstrate an understanding of people’s needs for low-maintenance colour services.
Offering treatments like exfoliating scalp scrubs or deep hydration and relaxing scalp experiences can remove build-up to help stimulate stronger hair growth.
#4 Customisable hair extension installations
In line with the theme of personalised treatments, customisable hair extensions are now an expectation of clients to enhance their locks.
Quality extensions, including wefts, tape-ins and nano tips, provide a seamlessly natural appearance that integrates with natural hair. This makes installations more lightweight, easier to install, more comfortable to wear and more versatile for styling.
Salons that offer high-quality extensions that capitalise on new innovations in hair manufacturing can provide clients with extensions
that match hair colour, texture, thickness and density for truly custom installation that matches their styling goals.
Combining different extension types can offer the personalisation often necessary to achieve desired results. It can help address bond visibility issues with fine hair, give a less bulky appearance to hair and make application quicker.
#5 Glass hair treatments
Another viral treatment popularised by East Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, salons will be no stranger to the glass hair trend that skyrocketed in popularity this year after following the equally viral glass skin.
Shiny and frizz-free hair will continue to be popular in 2025, so salons should consider adding glass hair and glossing treatments to their service menu if they haven’t already. Semi-permanent treatments like hair glazes coat the hair shaft to create the shiny surface characteristic of glass hair, and they can be transparent or coloured which can revive dull colour for more vibrancy.
Alternatively, restorative options like hair lamination can infuse hair with collagen to smooth the hair cuticle to create a glossy and reflective finish.
As an ABT member, did you know that you can earn points to upgrade your membership level by leaving a review of your ABT experience on Facebook or Google?
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