The Salon Magazine December 2024

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Editor

Ailsa Newgreen ailsa@cimltd.co.uk

Managing Editor

Jade Evans jade@cimltd.co.uk

Publication Manager

Declan Wale

declan@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

Account Managers

James Davies jamesd@cimltd.co.uk

Katy Terrell kt@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

Design and Production

James Taylor james@cimltd.co.uk

Grant Waters grant@cimltd.co.uk

Administration Manager

Natalie Murray admin@cimltd.co.uk

Credit Facilities Manager

Gwen Lee creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

Marketing Manager

Lucas Payne lucas@cimltd.co.uk

Social Media Manager

Lily Lawson socials@cimltd.co.uk

Sales Director

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

Chief Executive

John Denning

Editor’s letter

With 2024 drawing to a close, I personally feel that I could have blinked and missed the whole year. Hasn’t it just flown by? This being said, I’m glad I didn’t blink, as it’s been a wonderful first year as part of the Salon Magazine team. Being part of a truly hardworking, talented and exciting industry every day is nothing short of inspiring.

With the most wonderful time of the year within touching distance, we’re here to fill your toolkit with essentials to get you through the busy period and enter 2025 with a bang. On that note, we’re making sure we end the year on a high and ‘nailing it’ from all angles, if you will! To round off 2024, we delve into the world of nails and, with the help of industry experts, we discuss if salons should be offering clients protection against UV nail lamps, and what to consider before choosing the e-file for you.

The demand for seasonal hair changes is showing no signs of slowing down, with copper still reigning as the shade of choice for some added winter warmth. In light of this, we dive into seasonal hair transformations, with industry experts guiding us on the versatility and importance of capitalising on these colourful client demands.

Alongside these two main features, we share our regular and much-loved Rising Star, Salon of the Month, Sustainability Solutions and, last but by no means least, Editor’s Day Out. This month our Editor’s Day Out focuses on Zenoti Innergize, a whirlwind three days in Las Vegas at the ultimate beauty and wellness summit. Dive in to hear from CEO Sudheer Koneru as he discusses maximising revenue and streamlining operations using Zenoti’s top features.

I hope you enjoy getting stuck into this issue as much as I’m going to enjoy tucking into some pigs in blankets, camembert, and the final ever episode of Gavin and Stacey! Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025. From all of us here at the Salon Magazine, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contents

10 SALON OF THE MONTH

As London’s destination for sustainable hair and beauty, we introduce Glasshouse as our Salon of the Month.

14 ESSENTIAL 5

Part of our wider nail focus, we hear from Mavala as they share five practical tips to keep therapists’ hands and nails healthy during treatments.

24 FIND YOUR FILE

E-files have experienced their fair share of negative press, but when used correctly and with the correct training, they can dramatically reduce prep and removal time. We share what to look for when buying an e-file.

28 SOCIAL MEDIA LOOK BOOK

We round off the nail feature with an array of our favourite nail images, including a little festive sparkle here and there!

35 HAIR COLOURING

Guided by industry experts, we explore cowboy copper as the colour of the season and highlight the importance of capitalising on seasonal transformations this winter.

64

5 MINUTES

WITH Allegra Ghiloni, founder of Allegra Ghiloni Style Socials, as she discusses why cultivating a relationship with your following is the key to growing a successful salon.

BABTAC

launch MENOPAUSE:

A Best Practice Guide to better equip beauty professionals for treating menopausal clients

BABTAC founder Lesley Blair MBE (She/Her), CEO of BABTAC (British Association of British Therapy and Cosmetology) & CIBTAC says “In an industry which has a predominantly female workforce and clientele, it is essential for both Salon owners and therapists to have processes and the knowledge to help both staff and clients navigate treatments for menopausal clients”.

This best practice guide is a pertinent and valuable resource for our members, especially for a predominantly female industry. We are also a sector synonymous with cultivating physical and mental wellbeing so believe it is essential for salon owners and staff to be equipped with the knowledge and understanding to support both their own team and their clients as they navigate their menopause journeys.

Top Tips for Treating Menopausing Clients According to BABTAC’s Experts

• Implement careful questioning during consultations to identify menopausal clients and any symptoms, medications and skin conditions.

• Encourage mindful skincare that transforms your clients’ routines into a soothing relaxing ritual.

• Incorporate relaxation protocols into treatments. You could consider using cooling tools such as gua sha and checking your client is comfortable with the room temperature.

• Encourage regular hydration, with herbal tea available as an alternative to caffeinated beverages.

• You could think about how you can foster a sense of community by organising events or gatherings centred around menopause awareness and support.

• Remember menopause affects people differently so listening carefully helps you personalise a treatment that addresses their unique needs.

Members can access the guide on BABTAC’s website: www.babtac.com

Keune Haircosmetics partners with Trevor Sorbie salons

Keune Haircosmetics is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Trevor Sorbie salons, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of both brands. Known for their pioneering approach and commitment to excellence, Trevor Sorbie salons are now utilising Keune’s premium products to elevate the salon experience for their guests.

Nathan Walker, Brand Education Director of Trevor Sorbie salon said, “We are entering a new era for Trevor Sorbie salons, and it’s essential for us to partner with industry disruptors who align with our vision. Keune has always prioritised the professional, putting the stylist and guest relationship front and centre, which resonates deeply with our team. The family-like atmosphere at Trevor Sorbie salons mirrors the values that Keune upholds, making this partnership a perfect fit.”

The collaboration signifies more than just a product exchange; it embodies a shared philosophy of innovation, quality, and community. Both brands emphasise the importance of nurturing relationships— whether between stylists and guests or within their own teams.

NHBF response to the Budget

The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons. Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue

While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

HairCon returns for 2025 to the iconic Victoria Warehouse in Manchester from 22-23 June

This is no ordinary trade show, it’s a revolution for the professional hair and barbering industry. A collective of industry-leading brands unite to craft an unparalleled experience, where creativity, education, and innovation come together to shape the future of hair. Unmissable stage shows, immersive brand experiences, noteworthy panel discussions, engaging demonstrations, HairCon brings the industry together like never before.

Creativity, commerce and connections come alive under one roof for a weekend of electric content and showcases, buying opportunities and trade discounts, and unrivalled networking moments. Join our portfolio of partner brands, innovators and industry titans; The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, Danger Jones, Glowwa, K18, Blonde Solutions, ELEVEN Australia, DENSE, Design Essentials, Vagaro, Keratin Complex, Tondeo, Zen and Novo Cabelo as they join forces to curate a stellar show for 2025, with many more to be announced.

Whether you’re a seasoned stylist or barber looking to elevate your hair game and get inspired, a buyer or salon owner seeking out the innovation and expertise to drive your business, or part of the new generation of stylists, gain insight and inspiration, ignite your career, and build your business to new heights in 2025 and beyond!

For more information, please visit www.haircon.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.

The Perfect Polish

Featuring as our talented Rising Star this month is Jessica Leahy, @byjessicaleahy, as she discusses her love for nail art, embracing your creativity as the key to standing out, and navy as the nail colour of the season!

When did you notice your passion for nails?

My passion for nails began during the COVID lockdown, when I would spend hours doing my own nails almost every day! At the time, I was also in university, so I thought it would be a fun side hustle that fit in perfectly with my exams and study schedule. Over time, my little business started to grow, and I realized just how much I loved not only creating nail designs, but also working in a salon environment. After graduating from university, I went straight into working full-time as a nail technician. Now, I’m here with a fully booked diary, making a living out of a job I’m absolutely in love with.

How did you find your style, and what are your tips for other nail specialists trying to stand out?

I found my style through experimentation; I love a challenge, and

I love trying new things on clients and try to never shy away from anything. This sparked my love for nail art and helped me develop the confidence to just try new things.

For other nail technicians looking to stand out, I say just embrace your creativity and always try new techniques. Don’t be afraid; the worst that can happen is you try the design again, everything is fixable! Stay connected with your audience to understand what they like to see, and keep learning about industry trends to keep your work fresh and exciting! Voiceovers are always a hit; I know it feels cringe to start with, but once you get used to it, you’re on a roll!

What would you describe your speciality as, and how did this define your target audience?

Being a nail technician who offers different nail treatments, I feel like I don’t have a specific speciality! I love doing all kinds of nails; saying that though, builder gel is taking over and I find myself doing it the most. I also love doing nail art; I find it really therapeutic and relaxing, and I love the instant satisfaction you get from completing a cute set. Due to this, I feel like my clients and audience are very varied. I often attract people who love fashion and trends, and they come to me because they know they’ll get a design that they love.

Jessica Leahy

Social media marketing is key to increasing a beauty professionals client base. How did you grow your following, and what content works best to increase bookings?

TikTok is such a great platform for growing a business; it’s fun, and the algorithm makes it easier to get your videos in front of new followers! I’m also noticing Instagram is getting better; more of my pictures are hitting the explore page, which is amazing for reach. Building a social media portfolio is absolutely key to increasing bookings, since clients love seeing the work I’ve done and getting a feel for the styles I offer.

What are your goals for the future, and how do you plan on achieving them?

I have so many exciting plans for the future! I just launched beginner nail courses, which I absolutely love teaching, and I’m so excited about expanding this part of my business. Over the past year, I completed my teaching qualification and put so much heart into writing my own training courses. Right now, I offer Gel Polish and Builder Gel courses, and I’m working on adding Acrylic and E-File courses.

My ultimate goal is to have my own training academy space where I can inspire other nail techs in the beauty industry. Another dream of mine is to create a community for nail techs, like a space where we can all support and learn from each other. I’ve just launched an online masterclass in the style of a

learning portal to make this vision more accessible and come to life.

What has been your favourite nail trend in recent months, and what trends are you predicting for winter nails?

Burgundy really is everywhere this autumn and winter; it’s such a cozy shade

that feels perfect for the season! I can’t get enough of it, especially combined with blooming gel designs. I’m loving flowers, croc print and marble effects. Chrome nails are still a favourite, and I feel like they never truly went out of style this year. Plus, I have a feeling navy blue is about to take off as a winter staple; I was hooked on it last winter and can’t wait to see more of it!

Salon of the Month Glasshouse Salon, London Fields

Welcome to Glasshouse, London’s destination for sustainable hair, beauty and wellbeing based in London Fields, Hackney. As a sustainability-minded salon, Glasshouse brings together experts in the fields of hair, beauty and spirituality who work to nourish and support the mind and body as one. All therapies and services have been developed with care and craft, specialising in products, services and treatments with maximum benefit to the hair, skin and body while causing minimum impact to the environment.

Products and practices within the salon align with this belief, and Glasshouse has sourced what they believe to be the cleanest and greenest brands available. From hair colouring to the drinks served to the cleaning products used, every brand is considered from an environmental and ethical perspective, ensuring that they are sustainably packaged, made and sourced, non-animal tested and, wherever possible, use fair trade, natural and organic ingredients.

When hiring for the salon, Glasshouse values having a team who share the same philosophy when it comes to sustainability and organic products. Alongside this, the team looks for stylists that take a really considered approach to hair, prioritising condition and creating cuts and colours that are effortless, embracing natural texture and tones so they are easy to maintain. A willingness and openness to learn new techniques, work with new products, communicate confidently, and build great relationships with clients is also vital. Glasshouse also pride themselves on minimising the hierarchy that is often present in traditional salons, to ensure everyone feels comfortable, contributing to support the team as a whole.

After working hard to create a relaxing and welcoming salon environment, Glasshouse regularly receives lovely reviews about the calming atmosphere, the team and the standard of work. They shared, “Reading feedback from clients is one of the most rewarding parts of the salon!”. When entering a traditional salon, often the odour of chemicals is the first noticeable smell, and Glasshouse clients feedback about how this isn’t the case here. Clients further complement the attention to detail, considering the experience as a whole, with a lovely menu of herbal teas, matcha, coffee and organic wine available.

For Glasshouse, it was vital that the interior reflected the salon’s ethos as well as its aesthetic. Working with designer Tim Rundle and Studio Hako to encapsulate this, Glasshosue

From hair colouring to the drinks served to the cleaning products used, every brand is considered from an environmental and ethical perspective.

opted for warm, neutral, earthy tones with a combination of soft curtains and more industrial features, with future plans to create a living wall. Each element was designed using sustainable methods, focusing on natural materials, simplicity and practicality. For example, the walls were finished with a dolomite plaster from Danish brand St Leo, which has been awarded one of the highest sustainability certificates available, while the welcome desk is made from earthy wood-chipped Terrazzo, utilising building by-products, and the salon’s table surfaces have been cut from panels made out of recycled plastic reclaimed from appliances. The majority of furniture within the salon has been sourced from vintage dealers and conscientious designers.

One way Glasshouse ensures their salon is sustainable is by partnering with First Mile and Handle Recycling, who provide a circular solution for hard-to-recycle salon waste, including colour foils, glass, metal, plastic packaging, bottles and even hair. The unique recycling programs ensure every piece of salon waste is safely and effectively recycled, recovered or composted. Any leftover colour is also collected and safely disposed of, ensuring it doesn’t enter the water system.

Utilising social media effectively, Glasshouse highlighted Instagram as being a great tool for building client base and awareness. After opening in 2012 Instagram has provided invaluable in terms of reaching out and connecting with other local businesses and communities, as well as conveying their aesthetic and philosophy to a wider audience. Clients of Glasshouse note they often visit the salon as it aligns with their values and they want to be a part of the sustainable ethos.

When asked what the biggest milestone for Glasshouse was so far, the team shared, “We feel so lucky to have achieved many significant things along the way, but having come from very humble beginnings in a small studio space in 2012, to opening our current 1500 square foot space in post-covid times was an amazing milestone.”

Looking to the future, Glasshouse aims to continue building on their holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing by introducing a vast range of wellness orientated services to their menu. Glasshouse recently welcomed the addition of a therapy room and their very own Glasshouse Hair, Skin and Body supplement, and we are excited to see where the future takes them!

Glasshouse also pride themselves on minimising the hierarchy that is often present in traditional salons.

Nails

Healthy Hands

From massage therapists to nail technicians, hand health is not just about aesthetics but is fundamental to your professional ability and career longevity. Lynn Mason at Mavala shares five key reasons why hand and nail health is essential for therapists, not only to enhance client satisfaction but to sustain a long and fulfilling career.

Your Hands are Essential Tools

Your hands are your primary tool for delivering quality care and ensuring client satisfaction. Maintaining strong, healthy hands is vital to managing the demands of daily treatments, which often involves repetitive movements like massaging and filing. By focusing on hand and nail health, you can reduce the risk of developing chronic pain or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, keeping your most important tools functional and comfortable for long-term use.

Reducing Injury Risks

Therapists frequently experience strain from repeated motions and static postures, with studies showing a high rate of work-related pain in the hands, wrists, and arms. To reduce the likelihood of injury, you can adopt preventive measures such as warming up hands, taking breaks, and stretching. These self-care habits help relieve the impact of repetitive stress, ensuring that you can maintain your physical health and stamina throughout the workday.

Protecting Against Chemicals and Skin Conditions

Exposure to chemicals found in beauty products can lead to adverse skin reactions, allergies, and skin sensitivities over time. Wearing nitrile gloves and using gentle hand care products can create a protective barrier, helping to avoid rashes and skin damage caused by frequent product exposure. This approach not only maintains healthy skin but also keeps hands looking professional and well cared for.

Ensuring Consistent Service Quality

Healthy hands enable you to deliver consistent, high-quality treatments without fatigue or discomfort impacting your performance. Regular self-care—such as using moisturising creams, maintaining nail strength, and taking short breaks—ensures hands are always in optimal condition. By prioritising hand health, you can work comfortably and reliably, sustaining a high standard of service that clients can trust with each visit.

Promoting Career Longevity

Physical demands and long hours can take a toll on therapists, making self-care crucial for sustaining a long and healthy career. Simple adjustments—like using ergonomic tools, hydrating, and scheduling regular breaks—can prevent long-term strain. These practices not only protect hands from wear and tear but also help maintain overall physical and mental wellbeing, allowing you to thrive professionally over the years.

Safety First

Popular for their durability, gel and BIAB manicures have become a staple in many clients’ monthly beauty routines. But these manicures require ultraviolet light to harden, and this poses the question: are UV nail lamps safe? With help from dermatologists and industry experts, we discuss the potential risks and how to protect clients moving forward.

Gel manicures have been a staple in the industry for long-lasting, shiny nails since their rise in popularity in the early 2000’s. Despite their popularity, the use of UV nail lamps in these manicures has started to raise a few eyebrows in the industry. It is commonly known that any exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer and, in this specific case, potentially nail melanomas. While we’re not here to scare you and your clients out of regular manicures, it’s vital to shine a light on the potential damage these lamps may be causing, and understand how to reduce any possible risk.

While some lamps are referred to as LED lamps and others as UV lamps, both emit ultraviolet radiation, predominantly in the form of UVA, which can significantly increase damage to your skin. Of course, skin damage won’t arise

overnight; it is the build-up of continued use that poses more of a threat over the years. That being said, this isn’t all doom and gloom, as we share multiple ways salons and nail technicians can significantly reduce the risk.

I, for one, shy away from sunbeds and direct sunlight on my face, always ensuring the factor 50 is close by, but I’ve never had the urge to act similarly with my nails. I do pride myself on being hot on SPF and sun protection, so I can only put my lack of action when it comes to my nails and hands down to it not being a common occurrence in the salon I visit. As someone who receives regular manicures, the thought does cross my mind whenever I place my hand inside the nail lamp of ‘What is this actually doing to my skin?’. This hasn’t discouraged me from my monthly salon visits, but has encouraged me to explore

the ways in which manicure enthusiasts can maintain their hand health.

When asked to address the primary concerns surrounding nail lamps, Dr. Derrick Phillips, Consultant Dermatologist, shared, “UV lamps are a ubiquitous feature of nail salons across the UK. The lamps emit low-level UV-A radiation over short periods; however, repeated exposure can pose a threat to the skin and nail health. UV-A penetrates deeply into the skin, damaging elastic fibres and stimulating a breakdown of collagen. Long-term exposure accelerates skin ageing, leading to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. It can also damage the DNA of skin cells, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer.”

Despite this, speaking to industry professionals, the primary concern for health surrounding nail treatments is

@tt.avenue

allergies to nail products, e.g. HEMA allergies. Professional nail technician, Lindsay Heigh, shared, “Developing an allergy to ingredients in nail products can lead to long-term health issues and a multitude of uncomfortable symptoms. To significantly reduce this risk, I ensure I am applying products correctly and using products with a lower percentage of the main allergens.”

Ava Amien, Head Nail Technician at Duck & Dry, noted they’re mindful of long-term effects, such as weakened nail beds from over-filing or thinning from frequent gel or acrylic applications. In light of this, Ava shared, “To reduce risks, I ensure gentle, precise filing with high-quality products that are less harsh on natural nails. I also advise clients to take occasional breaks from strong treatments.”

For Lindsay and Ava, clients don’t appear to be overly concerned with the use of UV nail lamps, treating the topic as more of a conversation starter and point of discussion than a primary concern. However, the same cannot be said for clients at Young Ldn Salon, as nail technician Emma Brown shared, “When more research was conducted on potential UV damage, we took it seriously, deciding we should go by the ‘better safe than sorry’ rule. Considering these risks, we have tackled it by applying sunscreen before the hands go into the UV lamp. This step has become a normal part of the gel manicure routine, and clients appreciate this, even if it was not an initial concern. We also carry a few pairs of protective gloves in the salon to use if necessary.”

When asked how clients may respond to wearing protective gloves during their appointment, responses were mixed. Ava acknowledged, “Some clients might appreciate the added protection and be open to it, while others might feel it’s unnecessary or uncomfortable, as they enjoy the full experience of the manicure.” Lindsay continued, “My clients trust me, so if I have done the research and made the decision that it was in their best interest to wear gloves, I know they would have no issue with this!”

As a salon looking to reduce the risk factor, Young Ldn have opted to offer sunscreen during all appointments, using gel in place of gloves. As Emma shared, “We would always be open

@charsflamingnailstudio

When more research was conducted on potential UV damage, we took it seriously, deciding we should go by the ‘better safe than sorry’ rule.

to a client wanting to wear protective gloves, but it is not something we typically recommend to them during an appointment. If, in conversation, a client seems particularly worried about potential UV damage, then we would recommend gloves to them and keep gloves in the salon.

Clients are seemingly fine with

sunscreen as it is more comparable to their everyday methods of skin protection. However, a physical object such as a glove can sometimes make things seem scarier than they potentially are. While we suspect there would be no push-back in the majority of clients wearing gloves, we imagine there would be a slight drop in clients having gel

products, as some people may be put off by the idea of gels if they consider the risk to be too high.”

From a product point of view, Andreia Professional Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Adriana Tomas shared the importance of usign the same branded UV lamp as the products being used. Adriana noted, “Matching the lamp and gel brand guarantees better results and safer treatments for your clients. It is essential to ensure that the gel cures correctly and achieves its intended durability, shine, and wear time. Each gel product is formulated to work with specific wavelengths and intensity levels, which branded lamps are designed to deliver precisely. This ensures an even, thorough cure, which helps avoid issues like lifting, chipping, or under-cured layers.”

Delving into the finer details, Dr. Derrick explained, “Regular manicures increase your cumulative exposure to UV radiation. This, in turn, increases the risk of skin damage and potential skin cancers over time, especially if protective measures are not implemented.

Although the intensity of UV A emitted by nail lamps is lower than that of traditional tanning beds, prolonged or repeated exposure can still cause damage to the skin and nail units.

Subungual melanoma is a rare form of melanoma affecting the nail unit. It manifests as an enlarging pigmented streak affecting the nail plate, dark pigmentation of the nail fold, abnormalities in the structure of the nail, and discomfort, pain or bleeding.

Another type of skin cancer that can affect the nail unit is subungual squamous cell carcinoma. It is caused by cumulative UV exposure and manifests as a rapidly enlarging, painful, scaly growth beneath the nail plate.”

To help mitigate the risks, Dr. Derrick suggested, “I would recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on the hands before using UV lamps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UVA radiation. Additionally, you could use UV-blocking gloves or specialised nail salon gloves, which can help minimise direct exposure to UV radiation during manicures.”

The aforementioned risks certainly provide considerable food for thought moving forward, especially with clients

@bylaurenmarija

Recommend applying a broadspectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on the hands before using UV lamps to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UVA radiation.

becoming increasingly aware of potential skin damage in all aspects of life. This being said, there’s no need to go and wipe out your local pharmacy of all their SPF; it’s best to opt for what works for you and your clients, considering the frequency of appointments.

For salons, considering clients’ health and safety beyond the basics can truly place you as an expert in the industry. Emma continued this notion, as she shared, “Demonstrating this level of care for clients will build trust and loyalty, while also ensuring to the client that the salon has their best interests at heart. With actual health benefits to the client, applying sunscreen or using gloves will help prevent lines, wrinkles and age spots. Additionally, if more salons try to tackle this issue, it could have a knockon effect, encouraging gel companies to offer alternatives to their current nail lamps.”

Ava shared Emma’s view here, as she encouraged, “Showing an increased awareness of client safety can significantly enhance a salon’s reputation and build trust with clients. It demonstrates a commitment to wellbeing, which can lead to higher client satisfaction and loyalty. It also positions your salon as an attractive location for new customers who prioritise health and safety.”

Even though the jury is still out on the exact possible skin risk developing from UV nail lamps, and it is certainly a risk much lower than tanning beds, it’s always better to be safe than sorry by offering protection to clients from the UV rays. Frequency really is the crucial factor here. If there are clients having their nails done weekly or biweekly, these are the clients it would be valuable to offer broad-spectrum spf or fingerless gloves to, just to demonstrate some extended consideration for their health.

Positioning yourself as a salon that goes that one step further, demonstrating care and commitment beyond the expected, will stand you in great stead for positive word-of-mouth recommendations and new clients who prioritise their health and safety. Now, you won’t find me cancelling my nail appointments going forward, but, as we all go to great lengths protecting our face and rest of our body from skin damage, why should our hands be any different?

Showing an increased awareness of client safety can significantly enhance a salon’s reputation and build trust with clients.

Polish your Skills

Did you know you can now become trained in Halo by the very own Halo team? Yes, they have a wide range of nail technician courses available, so... I guess the real question is... are you ready to start to slay the nail game?

Whether you’re a complete beginner and looking to start a career in the nail industry or simply wanting to enhance your skills a little further and learn something new! Our expert educators are here to make your transition through the nail industry as smooth and seamless as possible.

We believe in hands-on learning, from mastering manicures to creating intricate nail art to learning the latest, trending systems! We will be there to help you, along every step of the way.

So, how does it actually work?

From the moment you book onto a course, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to your course manual. All you need to do is read the manual prior to the course to make sure you are up to speed with what you will be learning!

On the day of the course, you will attend the class and be greeted by your Halo Educator! Find your table, which will be all set up for you, with your chosen kit for the course.

Refreshments are provided throughout the day, and we try to keep it relaxed but professional so that you feel comfortable within the learning environment.

Practical classes last 1-2 days, depending on the course. Included on the day we provide students with a contact sheet with head of education and technical advisor Tina Bell’s mobile number, email, and all relevant information.

We will also get you to join our social media platforms so that they have continued support once they leave. Including a Facebook group (our very own nail community) full of other qualified nail technicians at all different levels!

We also give them a list of recommended insurance companies and costing information so that you

have everything they need to start your own nail journey. You will also be given a discount code for you to stock up on any must-have Halo products in the beauty shop below the training school!

We want you to go away knowing you have 24/7 support and are feeling confident and excited about the next steps in your career!

You can find out about more information about our training courses on the Halo website and check out our blogs for a closer look at our training school!

Why not start the new year by learning a new skill and use the code TRAINING10 at checkout to receive 10% off of all our available Halo courses now!

Student

Testimonial: Tallulah Quinn

@ByBerrysBeautyx

“I’ve always loved doing nails, and the creativity it allows is so exciting for me! This industry challenges me in the best way, from experimenting with different colours, shapes, and designs! There’s such a thrill in putting my skills to the test and watching the client leave with a smile.

I chose Pure Nails Training because of how professional and clear their program description was. They explained everything—where the location was, what each day would involve, and the specific techniques we’d cover. Everything was laid out in an easy-to-understand way, which made me feel really confident going into the course.

So far, I’ve completed the Gel Polish Manicure course, and I loved every part of it! Everyone was so supportive, creating such a calm and relaxed environment to learn in. Even the nail room itself was so inspiring. It truly felt like a glimpse into the life of a nail tech!

I would absolutely recommend training with Pure Nails. The entire experience was great! The day was not only well organised but also a lot of fun. I am really excited for my next chapter!”

Nail’d It

On a mission to empower each student with the confidence, precision, and expertise needed to build a thriving career in the beauty industry, we hear from the NBM Academy to understand why their intimate studio and extensive curriculum are the perfect starting point.

Please introduce us to NBM Academy and what it strives to achieve.

Welcome to NBM Academy, a cosy, professional nail academy dedicated to helping aspiring nail technicians develop exceptional skills and creativity. We offer personalised, hands-on training for beginners, with advanced courses to follow, in an encouraging and supportive environment right from our home studio. At NBM Academy, we focus not only on mastering the latest nail techniques and trends but also on understanding the fundamentals of nail care and artistry.

With an array of nail techniques, what would you define as your speciality?

If I were to define my specialty, it would be precision nail art and custom designs. I like to focus on teaching intricate techniques that allow students to create personalised, high-quality nail art that stands out. This includes everything from hand-painted designs and delicate detailing to advanced gel and acrylic sculpting. The goal is to help students

develop their unique style and build a client base that appreciates precise, one-of-a-kind nail artistry that suits each individual client.

Please discuss your experience in the industry and what inspired you to help other aspiring nail technicians.

My own experience in the industry has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, from starting my business in the midst of COVID, working in multiple salons for three years, to deciding to go solo, opening a home salon and building up a new client base. Working on my own and seeing how far I have come opened my eyes to the idea that everyone starts where I did, and I wanted to share my knowledge, so NBM Academy was born!

With an abundance of nail academy’s available, what makes NBM academy stand out from the crowd? What sets NBM Academy apart is the

unique combination of a personalised learning environment and an emphasis on artistry and professional growth. Unlike larger academies, our homebased setup offers students a one-onone experience, where each student gets tailored guidance to truly master their craft according to their needs and skills. Additionally, our curriculum emphasises both technical skill and creativity, helping students develop a signature style that resonates with clients. By focusing on current techniques, innovative design, and hands-on practice, our academy prepares students not just to work in the industry but to excel and stand out.

How can our readers work with you?

To find out more information on NBM Academy or to enrol you can follow and message us on our socials:

@nailsbymegmiles www.nailsbymegmiles.com nailsbymegmiles@gmail.com

Find your File

E--files have experienced their fair share of negative press in the past, but used correctly and with correct training, e-files are perfectly safe and can dramatically reduce prep and removal time. Jenni Draper, Celebrity Manicurist, educator and founder of PersoNAILity shares what to look for when buying an e-file.

Using an E-file in a nail treatment can significantly speed up the process, as well as reduce the physical effects from repetitive use of hand filing. Buying an e-File can be confusing, prices can vary hugely and all the jargon can make your head spin. When purchasing a professional e-File there are many things to think about, not just the cost. Remember, buying cheap can be a false economy, ‘Buy cheap, buy twice’.

RPM

The RPM (rotations per minute) is the speed at which the drill bit rotates. The RPM will vary based on the type of bit used and the technicians preference. Choose an e-file where you can adjust the RPM depending on your bit and service.

Torque

Torque is the e-File’s ability to continue spinning at the machines RPM even when touching the nail. If the torque is too low for the RPM the machine will stop or slow. We recommend a torque of 3.0ncm or higher. The higher the torque the better!

Handpiece

The handpiece should be lightweight, if it’s too heavy it will begin to feel uncomfortable and hands and wrists will hurt after a days work.

The e-File should be quiet so you can hold a conversation and low vibration,

to prevent problems further down the line with problems such as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.

Training

Ensure that the company you are going to purchase your e-File from offers accredited training to accompany their e-File. This shows that they have an allaround understanding of the e-File and its uses.

Guarantee

As with anything electrical, problems can occur, make sure your e-File comes with a guarantee and purchase support.

‘Tis the Season

With an abundance of burgundy and star nail sets on the horizon, this can only mean one thing: it’s Christmas! To help ignite your festive flair, Grace Evans, @nail.huns, shares a step-by-step to re-create this beautiful look and really spruce up those nails this Christmas!

There is no doubt everyone chooses to celebrate Christmas in their own individual way, with traditions unique to individual

Products Used:

The Gel Bottle BIAB ‘Dolly’

The Gel Bottle Gel colour ‘After Dark’

Brillbird Brush & Go Gel ‘Go02’

Home of Nail Art chrome powder ‘Gold Rush’

The Gel Bottle gel glitter ‘#BLING’

The Gel Bottle extreme shine top coat

Brillbird nail art brush - 0 Long

families. From watching the local panto, forcing a partner to don a pair of matching PJs, or watching the Polar Express on Christmas Eve, there’s one activity I’m sure all can get behind: Christmas nails! Namely the easiest and chicest way for clients to feel festive this period. From demure and mindful glitter to an array of Christmas paraphernalia on individual nails, there truly is something for everyone.

As the temperature drops and the Christmas lights are switched on, there’s two staples in nail tech’s toolkit— burgundy and glitter! As a firm client favourite over the winter period, this gold chrome with burgundy French tip is the perfect way for clients to deck their nails this Christmas.

3 Top Tips:

- Use a gold chrome powder rather than a gold gel, this creates extra shine and make the colours pop.

- Always use a gel with built in top coat for the stars, this way the gold chrome sticks to it perfectly.

- If you find your chrome sticking to other parts of the nail (not just the stars) after you paint your French tip make sure to top coat the nail, buff with a fine grit buffer & then wipe with isopropyl alcohol before painting the stars - this works every time!

Finished Look

Prep the nails, apply Builder gel and buff and refine until smooth, if using normal gel instead of BIAB use a pale nude pink shade.

Step one Step four

Take a small sponge, I personally use the small eyeshadow applicators and gently rub your gold chrome into the cured black gel. Take a fluffy brush and dust away any excess chrome.

Paint a burgundy French tip, and cure for 60 seconds. Wipe with isopropyl alcohol.

Step two Step five

Take a dotting tool and apply a small dot of glittery silver gel into the centre of the stars. Cure for 60 seconds.

Step three

Using a dotting tool place a small black dot on the French tip line, and then using a thin nail art brush draw out the stars. Cure for 60 seconds.

Step six

Top coat the nail with extreme shine top coat and cure for 60 seconds.

Twinkle Tips

From statement accents to sparkling tips we’ve rounded up our favourite festive nail inspiration to share with your clients this Christmas.

Wig Made me Feel Like Myself Again

Every year, The Little Princess Trust helps hundreds of children and young people with hair loss by providing them with a free, real hair wig. Two people who know all about this free service are Teiva Collins and Sara Titchen. Here, they explain how the wigs helped to restore their confidence and identity at a time when so much was changing.

When Teiva Collins was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the first words she said to her mum Dawn were, “will I lose my hair, mummy?”

“I had to tell her that, yes, she would and that it would happen almost as soon as she began chemotherapy the same week,’ said Dawn.

Dawn reassured Teiva that she was beautiful with or without hair but quickly became aware of people staring at her little girl. That was when The Little Princess Trust stepped in.

“I loved my hair and I loved styling it,” Teiva explained. “So when I went to the hairdressers and they said we can get you a free wig I was so happy.”

Knowing that The Little Princess Trust could provide her with a free, real hair wig, Teiva bravely decided to shave her hair before losing it to treatment.

Dawn said that after being measured up, Teiva’s wig arrived and bore an uncanny resemblance to her daughter’s own hair.

Teiva has now finished her treatment

and her own hair has returned, but her involvement with The Little Princess Trust has remained as she has become an ambassador for the charity to help promote its free wig provision service.

Another wig recipient performing the same ambassadorial role with The Little

Princess Trust is Sara Titchen.

She was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 24 and, after undergoing chemotherapy, understands first-hand the impact that hair loss can have on someone’s confidence and selfesteem.

“Chemotherapy comes with side effects and, in my case, that included hair loss,” Sara said.

“I’m so thankful to have received a wig from The Little Princess Trust. Losing your hair is such a difficult thing to go through, so to be able to put a beautiful wig on and feel like yourself again is so special.”

The Little Princess Trust’s wig provision service is free and available to any young person up to the age of 24 who has lost their hair. Visit www.littleprincesses.org.uk or call 01432 352359 to find out more.

Teiva Collins received a wig after losing her hair while undergoing cancer treatment. Sara Titchen wearing her Little Princess Trust wig.

Teiva was able to style her wig in many ways.

The Future of Blow-Drying

Meet the Diva Pro Styling Atmos2 Ultra dryer. Blow-drying just got faster, easier, and more efficient. Whether you’re behind the chair or on set, the Atmos2 Ultra Dryer is a high-performance tool designed to accelerate drying and styling.

Diva Pro Styling has taken blow-drying to the next level with this powerhouse dryer that delivers more airflow for faster drying and more air pressure for quicker styling, all while being significantly quieter than previous models. Designed with professionals in mind, the Atmos2 Ultra features innovative, easy-to-change magnetic nozzles and an extra-large diffuser, ideal for styling all hair types. With added Ionic technology that reduces static, the Atmos2 Ultra guarantees a smoother, shinier finish, making it an essential addition to every stylist’s toolkit.

Lightweight and Ready to Go

For stylists on the move, the smaller Atmos2 Atom offers the same power as the Ultra but in an even lighter, more portable design. Weighing less than a quarter of the Ultra’s size, the Atom is perfect for freelancers and those constantly on the go. Like the Ultra, the Atom provides more airflow and air pressure for faster drying and styling with the added benefit of reduced noise for a more pleasant working environment. Magnetic nozzles and a magnetic diffuser are also included, along with the same Ionic technology for flawless results every time.

Celebrate Your Individuality CustomisablewithDesigns

Diva Pro Styling lets you personalize your dryer with a range of coloured sleeves to match your mood, location, or outfit. For a truly unique touch, you can also create

a custom design with logos or patterns.

ATMOS2 x Heffy Wheeler

Diva Pro Styling, a brand renowned for celebrating stylists and their individuality has teamed up with award-winning stylist and viral hair transformation queen, Heffy Wheeler, to create a limitededition ATMOS2 Heffy Dryer Sleeve. This exclusive collaboration celebrates Heffy’s bold style and the power of personalisation in every stylist’s toolkit, giving you a dryer that’s as individual as you are.

The Atmos2 range is a must-have for any stylist— with powerful technology,

customizable designs, and unbeatable performance.

www.divapro.co.uk @divaprostyling

Education Station

With the first Labour Budget presented on 30th October, we hear from the National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) on how this will impact business rates and employers in the industry.

What’s

the NHBF’s

initial reaction to the Budget?

In a difficult economic climate we were expecting rises to employers National insurance contributions given the speculation beforehand. Our main message to the government was to target support to employers in order to counteract rising wages and the measures in the Employment Rights Bill.

Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro

employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with

the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is

the sector’s number one issue. While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

What does it mean for hair and beauty sector businesses directly?

Wage Rates

• This was the key announcement we were expecting on Budget day. 5.8% increase in the National Living Wage had been mooted by the LPC beforehand. 6.7% increase in National Living Wage was the actual and slightly more than we were expecting. We had urged the

government to show restraint on wage rises and the 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate and 18% increase in the apprentice rate don’t really fit into this. The government will move to achieving a single adult rate ‘over time’.

Impact on Employers

• We specifically asked the government to counteract rising wages with targeted support to employers.

• Employers had a double below of an increase in Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025. In addition to a reduction in the NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000. The analysis says that this second measure will impact more on businesses even though the news was focused on the first measure.

• The better news for smaller businesses in the sector with up to four staff will be that the increase in the Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500 will soften the blow of rising employer NICs. 865,000 businesses will pay no NICs next

year. However, larger small businesses will not benefit as much from this.

• National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds (income tax and National Insurance) from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future. This may leave employers and employees with more money in the pocket.

Business Rates

• A large number of sector businesses already benefit from small business rates relief. The freeze in the small business multiplier is very welcome for them. Slightly larger businesses that were benefitting from the Retail & Hospitality business rates discount at 75% will see their bills go up as the relief now sits at 40%.

• NHBF is already feeding into the HM Treasury review of business rates to get the best for the sector, using feedback from the latest quarterly State of the Industry survey.

Hair Colouring

Boost your Bottom Line

With projected profit in salons being eaten alive by out-of-control costs, using systems to monitor and price colour for profit is the only way to max out the margins for every service. In light of this, we share 5 ways to maximise revenue through colour services with the help of Vish Colour Management.

Every Gram Equals Profit

One of the biggest business missteps is when additional colour is applied, but then not added to the final bill and so, effectively, walks out of the salon for free. Technology releases busy stylists dealing with clients back-to-back from the responsibility of remembering when more colour was mixed and how much. With a system like Vish, every gram used is recorded and if more than anticipated is required, this will be charged to the client to ensure profit is protected.

Wave Goodbye to Waste

Reweighing bowls at the end of a service identifies any waste and automatically refines the formula so there is no more excess at future appointments. Tech also makes it easy to remix smaller amounts as it does the maths and then indicates quantities of each ingredient, while also saving time. Stylists no longer need to write down lists of shades used in various formulas as tech captures and stores all formulas and client notes for them —and in Vish there is a unique option to save time by pre-mixing before clients arrive using Plan Ahead™ on the mobile app.

Be Alert to Creeping Costs

Typically, in many salons, the huge undertaking of updating menu charges is put off until that sweet spot in January when you can breathe and review. But, if a manufacturer has pushed their increased costs onto the salon in the middle of the year and the salon can’t react immediately, then profit takes a major hit. Those on board with technology can dodge the drama by updating price increases on the dashboard to ensure maximum revenue with every service.

Beat the Bloat

It’s easy to run up a huge stock of underused colours as most salons buy the same shades each week rather than waste precious time counting what’s on the shelf. The joy of using technology means you can monitor usage by the gram and replace only what’s been used. It keeps your stock shelves lean and limber and your cash flowing in a positive direction.

Believe in the Data

For some, the biggest benefit of using colour management like Vish has been cutting costs by as much as 40%. For others, it’s the 15-20% boost to revenue that comes from capturing every additional colour or previously missed service. Increasingly, though, the ability to further leverage data to separate labour and product costs has been gaining traction and transforming the struggling salon industry into a truly profitable sector.

To learn more, visit getvish.co.uk

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The hair care series has been developed to prevent breakage, strengthens, nourishes and brings out the best in your hair.

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Copper Craze

Temperature down, colour hues up! Copper certified itself as one of the hottest colours around in 2023, thrust into the limelight with the help of social media, and it continues to dominate in 2024.

With the help of industry experts, we explore the versatility of copper as a seasonal transformation, and the best products to help clients maintain shine and vibrancy!

With a vast spectrum of copper tones to choose from, there really is a shade for everyone. From copper brown, rustic copper, light auburn to peach and cowboy copper, the possibilities are endless, and this is where consultations are key! With an inevitable flurry of copper transformations on the horizon this winter, we’re here to provide the ultimate copper toolkit to navigate the plethora of makeovers this season.

When asked why copper transformations have surged in recent years, Tom Smith, International Creative Colour Director for Evo, shared, “Every autumn and winter, warmer tones trend, including copper tones, but the surge of soft and earthy copper tones that we saw in 2023 has turned ‘copper’ into a new category in the ‘natural looking’ sector of hair colour, alongside blonde and brunette. Remembering redheads occur naturally, soft coppers and

trending shades, such as cowboy copper, suddenly become desirable for those wanting a change but also wanting to remain looking natural.”

As the perfect transitional shade, Tania Betsy, Creative Salon Director at The Hair Movement, puts copper’s rise in popularity down to being a darker alternative to blonde, without moving entirely away from lighter tones. Tania noted, “While blonde has long been a staple, copper offers a vibrant yet natural

option, capturing warmth and depth, ideal for clients’ wanting to refresh their look.

Celebrity influences have also played a massive role in this trend, with highprofile figures like Emma Stone, Sophie Turner and Rihanna all having sported stunning copper shades, showcasing the colour’s versatility and appeal. Their bold choices have inspired many clients’ to embrace copper as a fresh, fashionable option that stands out. This blend of celebrity endorsement and the inherent appeal of copper has made it a real contender for those looking to make a statement and step out of their comfort zone.”

Siobhan Haug, Ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional, shared a similar view, suggesting, “I think the reason copper is so popular at the moment is because it’s so easy to adapt to anyone’s hair depth, lightness or skin tone. Meaning you can create a look that is beautifully tailor made and personal to your clients.”

With such an array of tones available, when it comes to consultations for copper transformations, a thorough understanding of the client’s desired outcome is more crucial than ever. Finding the perfect match for each guest is a blend of art and personalisation, and Tania encouraged, “During consultations, start by showing visuals, examples with similar skin tones, and discuss how subtle shifts in shade can bring out their unique features.

Consider the client’s natural hair base and eye colour, as these greatly influence how a copper shade will enhance their look. Eye colour, in particular, can create striking contrasts or harmonious blends, bringing out the warmth of copper tones.

Another key factor to consider is a client’s personal style, including colours they gravitate towards in clothing. If they love wearing warm tones, for instance, we might explore a richer, more intense copper. By aligning their shade with these elements, we achieve a colour that not only enhances their natural beauty, but also feels authentically them.”

Delving further into consultations, Peter Mellon Creative Director of Medusa, encouraged, “When having a client consultation, I would discuss eye colour, skin tone and if they would like a vibrant copper or a more natural

This blend of celebrity endorsement and the inherent appeal of copper has made it a real contender for those looking to make a statement and step out of their comfort zone.

copper. Lifestyle is also a considerable factor, taking time for maintenance appointments into account. I would also check their current hair colour and health, and would ask if they have any inspiration photos. If not, we would sit on Pinterest and Instagram until we found exactly what they were looking for.”

Marlon Hawkins, artistic director at Brooks & Brooks and a L’Oréal Professionnel artist, suggests two crucial elements to consider when using copper, noting, “I’m always looking at the natural tone of someone’s hair to achieve the best results, as well as skin and eye colour. Maintenance comes into

consideration. After that, I love digital mood boarding with a client, discovering their hair and skin identity through others, and the visual sparks starts to happen.”

With copper firmly being the colour of the season for big transformations, this provides the perfect opportunity to capitalise on special services and promotions. Peter suggested, “Imagine offering a ‘Makeover Package’ that takes hair from drab to fab with a rich, sexy colour makeover. Or, try something like “Copper Transformation Consultations” – a free sit-down chat about all things copper, with a discount if they book there and then. It’s the perfect chance to find the copper tone that’ll suit their complexion, helping clients step into the season with a fresh, head-turning look!”

Tom encouraged the use of social media to appeal to customers who may be on the cusp of a copper transformation, and shared, “Creating content around transformations and showcasing them on Instagram will help to encourage more similar requests. Showing multiple versions of a similar style of transformation in varying levels of intensity or commitment is a good way to appeal to a wider audience.

For example, a blonde to soft copper

Lifestyle is also a considerable factor, taking time for maintenance appointments into account.

using a temporary conditioning colour, like evo fab pro, will appeal to a different potential customer than going straight to an intense vivid orange using long lasting direct dye, like evo staino. In essence, the copper transformation remains, but the way in which it is done appeals to more people.”

With one of the most desirable attributes of copper hair being its vibrant nature, it’s only right we discuss how to create the perfect shade for your clients. For Marlon, amazing colour always starts with keeping the integrity of the hair, as shiny, vibrant hair will always turn heads. Marlon continued, “Depending on the level of vibrancy required, L’Oréal Professionnel have a diverse mix available, paired with Serie Expert Metal Detox and colour protection for the win. My copper choice of colour is L’Oréal Professionnel iNOA.

As a L’Oréal Professionnel Artist, the Dia Color range has never let me down

at topping up shine, and vibrancy that can be achieved in so many different ways because of the booster range allowing you to achieve limitless colour.”

For Siobhan, achieving the most vibrant copper colour calls for two rounds of colour application, as she explains, “To achieve the most vibrant copper colour, after pre-lightening, I would then pre-colour the hair, using a slightly lighter version of the desired copper shade. Following this, I apply a second application, this time in the final colour. This double process application allows you to layer up your copper shades, creating a really rich tonal result, helping the colour last longer too.”

Peter takes an alternative approach, as he encourages colourists to look at copper as individual shades in order to obtain the perfect look, instead of one block colour, as he suggests, “I would advise to lift to the correct base or choose a colour on the same depth as

your client. For a bright copper, you need to lift the base light enough to banana yellow – nothing more. For a deep rich copper, a medium-lift would be enough. Copper isn’t just a one-tone colour, it’s a mixture of orange, yellow and red.”

With extensive colouring prone to damaging hair, Adele Clarke, OSMO IKON Brand Ambassador and owner of Spectrum Hair Company, St Helens, emphasises the importance of using products that are kinder to the hair. Adele explained, “As we all know, as hairdressers, everything lifts warm when removing old darker shades, and to be able to tone a nice bright copper colour has given us a refreshing change from having to neutralise these shades out of every lift.

Technology in colour means that we’re now able to apply high lift coppers; I love to use the OSMO IKON High Lift Range, without the use of bleach, happy days! This is so much kinder to the hair and time efficient in one process, too. This has given rise to so many shades of copper, from blood orange to the more golden pumpkin spice looks too.

For easy upkeep, there are so many at home top-ups a client can do between visits, with products like the OSMO Intense Copper Colour Revive. These conditioning treatments make it easy to keep copper tones fresh in-between salon visits. Plus, it’s super quick and only takes 3 minutes to work.”

Discussing with clients how to maintain their vibrant colour is a sure-fire way to help upsell salon retail products while building on vital consumer trust. Tania highlighted the importance of a dedicated routine and the right products to maintain the vibrancy and shine of copper hair. Tania shared, “A sulphatefree shampoo and conditioner should be the foundation, as sulphates can strip the colour quickly. Switching to sulphatefree shampoo means guests will see an impressive boost in how long their copper colour holds up. Heat protection is another non-negotiable for preserving colour, protecting hair from damage and preventing fade. Importantly, encourage clients to book in for booster toner appointments. These regular touch-ups help enhance the richness of the copper and ensure it remains salon-fresh.”

Tom Smith had similar advice to give, as he suggested, “Washing hair with cooler water will help minimize colour

Showing multiple versions of a similar style of transformation in varying levels of intensity or commitment is a good way to appeal to a wider audience.

fade and using evo fab pro or fabuloso pigmented colour boosting treatments allows a customised or intense top up of tone between appointments. It’s also worth noting that the more natural looking copper shades tend to fade quite nicely and move into a strawberry blonde tone, whereas intense and vivid shades always look their best when freshly topped up.”

With copper of every variation showing no signs of going anywhere soon this winter, it’s time to really capitalise on these seasonal transformations. From

promoting retail sales, to capturing that ultimate transformation video, going copper is the perfect promotional material this winter. With a heavy focus on consultations, honing in on skin tone and maintenance, it’s vital to have a thorough, accurate discussion with your client prior to taking the plunge, to ensure your visions and tones align. But, most importantly, have fun with it and let your creativity flow! This tone is perfect for clients to express their individuality and add a pop of much needed colour to an otherwise rather grey British winter!

The Perfect Party Pony

With the festive period well and truly upon us and a calendar full of Christmas gatherings, there’s no shortage of opportunities for clients looking to show off their luscious locks! Australian haircare brand O&M and Spectrum One hair extensions share a step-by-step for the perfect party-proof pony.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite influencers and celebrities seem to have amazing, full ponytails that you can never seem to emulate no matter how many tricks you try? The answer is a ponytail hairpiece that stays in place come rain, shine, wind, or snow and looks good all night long no matter how many hours clients stay on the dancefloor!

Founder of Spectrum One Hair Extensions, Katy Grimshaw, talks through the exact step-by-step to recreate Ashley and Lauren’s look from the Nip Tuck Podcast with the help of Australian salon professional brand, O&M. O&M encapsulates ethical luxury, developing products that are completely clean from sulphates, MIT, parabens, triclosan, propylene glycol, phthalates, and gluten, meaning they are safe to use on coloured hair, sensitive skin, and anyone looking for a low-chemical product.

Products Used:

Spectrum One Power Pony Clip-In:

Designed to instantly transform your look with added length and volume. It blends seamlessly for a natural finish, while its secure clip-in design ensures all-day hold. Whether for everyday style or a special occasion, this ponytail adds a bold, voluminous statement to any look.

O&M Rootalicious Root Lift Mousse:

Designed to boost volume and lift hair from the roots for fuller, bouncier hair with lasting body.

O&M Original Queenie Hairspray:

Offers flexible, long-lasting hold, making it ideal for styling without stiffness.

O&M’s Frizzy Logic Shine Serum:

Designed to combat humidity and fight frizz, making it perfect for taming outof-control curls. The serum smooths and calms the hair, leaving it with a silky, lustrous texture.

O&M Thique:

A lightweight volumising powder that instantly adds thickness and texture to fine hair. It requires less product than heavier powders and nourishes the hair while delivering a light, full-bodied finish.

O&M Surf Bomb:

Delivers a beachy, tousled look when a dip in the ocean isn’t an option. Infused with Australian sea salt, it creates effortless waves, leaving hair textured and healthy.

Step one

Part your hair to your preferred parting style; middle, side, or no parting by smoothing your hair all back. Leave a section of hair out at the front hairline to style later. Apply a small amount of the O&M Rootalicious Root Lift Mousse, then slick your hair back into a midlength ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. Then hook and wrap a bungee band around the pony for extra support.

Step four

Take the section of hair left at the front of your hairline and spray O&M Thique for extra volume at the root.

Step two

We then secure the ponytail with bobby pins to keep it firmly in place and use the O&M original queenie hairspray to tidy up the edges.

Step three

Attach the Power Pony Clip-In by securing the comb grips firmly into the base of the bun. Wrap the thin part of the Power Pony Clip-In around the hair tie to conceal it and secure the end in with bobby pins. Spray the wrap with hairspray, I use O&M’s Queenie Hairspray to seal the ends down.

Step five

Then, add O&M Surf Bomb for additional texture to the hair before styling the hair to frame the face.

Step six

Finish the look by smoothing the pony with O&M’s Frizzy Logic Hair Oil and clients are ready to dance the night away!

Winter’s Flurry of Hues

As we move into December, a change in season not only signifies the beginning of the winter solstice – but the opportunity to transition to a new hair colour. From vanilla blonde to espresso brown, we chatted to industry professionals for their insights into the shades of the season.

As the temperature takes a sharp drop, so does the brightness the colours our clients choose. The air becomes colder, the nights become darker and the clients need to go cooler slowly comes out of hibernation –swapping their usual bright light shade for its deeper, darker counterpart.

Brian ‘Leo’ Mccallum, Owner of ROAR Hair & Beauty:

“’Espresso’ brown right now is my colour of the season – like Bella Hadid’s glossy cool toned brunette! It is a deep cool brown with only a hint of richness! It is versatile and can be adjusted to suit most salon guests. It is the perfect colour to enhance a base colour and then add ribbons of colour like coppers or violets for a true Autumnal feel.”

@roarhairandbeauty

@jaybenzhair

Jamie Benny, from Benny & Co.

“One of my stand-out shades for Winter 2024 has to be the ‘bronde’ blend. These colours occupy a perfect middle ground between blonde and light brunette, creating a look that feels naturally highlighted without veering into stark

white-blonde territory—think of Selena Gomez’s latest hairstyle. The appeal of these shades lies in their natural softness compared to the heavily highlighted and platinum looks that have dominated in recent years – and the shade’s ability to blend seamlessly makes it particularly desirable for clients!”

Safy Burton, Owner of Safy B’s Hair Salon:

“For me, it’s rich copper orange. It’s such a gorgeous shade for winter, and totally matches the autumn vibes as leaves changes colour – whilst adding a pop of colour to the dark nights! Rich copper is the more subdued counterpart of bright copper hair with more deep red undertones. It’s a rich, expensive-looking hue that my clients have been loving, and, well, as a copper myself, I’m a bit biased—but it’s definitely my top pick for winter 2024! “

Tracey-Ann Smith, Owner of French & Ivy:

“I don’t think there is a single person in the world right now that doesn’t have hair envy for Sabrina Carpenter’s gorgeous locks. Her vanilla blonde hue is the perfect choice for those who are wanting a subtle, taupe shade for the darker nights. This blonde is an ultra-dimensional creamy yet cool, soft blonde that can be achieved by blending a few highlights and/or lowlights to add dimension to the base colour.

To preserve this creamy blonde hue, make sure to use to use a champagnecoloured toner to get the hair that extra oomph!”

Tina Farey, Editorial Director of RUSH Hair:

“As expected, we’ve been seeing a spectrum of red hues on the AW24 runaway, from cherry red to deep dark

burgundy – and hair colour trends are no different! Dua Lipa’s dark ‘merlot’ red is perfect for Winter 2024 – it’s rich, bold and vampy, with hints of blue blended throughout to achieve a cool yet rich finish. This colour can be applied to a brunette base which makes it an accessible trend for clients who are wanting to change up there look for Winter 2024”.

Lea Shaw, JOICO UK

Blonde Ambassador:

“The hottest colour this winter – Syrup Blonde. This maple hue has been sported by the likes of Matilda Djerf; I can guarantee this will stay one of the sweetest shades as we move into the colder months. Syrup Blonde is an intensely glossy, rich blonde that seamlessly blends darker shades into a blonde base. This syrupy hue is a mix of warmer beige tones and bright golden tones, with a few low lights blended throughout to get that natural, sunkissed effect.”

@leashawhair

@officialrushhairbeauty

@tannsmithhairartist

@saffy

LaserHQ’s Rise with Elysion® Pro

Founder and Owner of LaserHQ, Helen Quayle, has grown her business from a single room set up in the back of a salon to a multi-location, award-winning chain of laser hair removal clinics across the UK, and we’re here to find out how The Elysion Pro 3500W grew the business by 400%.

From the Beginning

Seven years ago, after being made redundant, I decided to launch LaserHQ.

I conceived the concept after I noticed a gap in the market for laser hair removal. I was interested in laser hair removal, looking for somewhere to have it done myself, but couldn’t find any affordable options. The places that offered the service were either too pricey or didn’t specialise in it. I realised that there wasn’t a specific brand associated with laser hair removal.

My vision from the get-go was to be the best laser brand in the UK. I spent six months researching machinery and undertaking the specialist qualifications required to be a laser technician.

I built the company from scratch and

started out in a tiny room in the back of a salon as a one-man band; there were literally four walls, a bed and a machine.

As my client list and reputation grew, I branched out to Liverpool. Working all hours around the clock to meet the demand!

It took a good couple of months to build it up initially. Over time, and seeing the results that we were achieving with our clients with their ongoing treatment plans, I started realising how the service genuinely changed people’s lives. That’s when I really wanted to get the message out there. I used social media to really drum up awareness of my services and business offering. It was almost overnight that I noticed I was getting booked up. Before long I realised the workload

was just too much for one person, and I employed my first staff member, Vic, who helped me with bookings and admin and is still with me today. Putting the right team in place has always been an essential element of LaserHQ’s growth. It has enabled me to have the right support in place to grow the business and drive the brand forward.

The business was in a really stable position, and we had just had a full business restructure. The only weakness we had was our laser hair removal machines. Their reliability and repair terms meant that every time a head broke, I had to pack the machine into the boot of my car and travel to London for repair, taking up to three days and causing maximum business interruption.

Elysion Pro

We came across the Elysion Pro by chance before the pandemic hit, and straight away we were impressed with not only the aesthetic look but also how easy they were to operate, the reduced treatment times, and of course their two functions of dynamic and static mode. It also meant we weren’t as restricted and could perform treatments on tanned skin.

When Boris announced a nationwide lockdown and businesses temporarily closed, I admit I must have cried for a good 12 hours, scared, confused, and not knowing what was going to happen next. Then I had a lightbulb moment. This was going to be the time we needed to make the changes with our machines.

The rest is history. As time has gone on, I can verify that the Elysion Pro laser hair removal machines - or as I call them, ‘the workhorses of the business’ are hyper-reliable. Our machines are switched on 24/7 with back-to-back appointments.

The diode machines are a great allrounder, ensuring optimal results and a virtually pain-free experience. There’s a reason they are rated the best in the industry for their power, precision, and versatility.

We also have great service agreements in place with Sinclair, where they will guarantee to fix or replace a machine should anything happen, causing less interruption, which is great for business.

If I could give anyone the best advice when it comes to choosing machines, I would say to always do your research into the finer details, such as what happens when a machine breaks and also what additional support you will receive, such as training. Always check with your insurance what level of training they require you to have, as legislation changes all the time.

Fast forward to 2024, and what does LaserHQ offer?

Fast forward to today; we’ve just celebrated our 7th birthday, and the business is busier than ever. We now have five clinics, a training academy, and a supplies business! We have just opened our second location in Liverpool at Harvey Nichols.

About Laser HQ

At LaserHQ, we pride ourselves on offering a full training experience, including VTCT-government-accredited qualifications, manufacturer-led training, and advanced learning options such as one-to-one sessions, masterclasses, and online training courses. Every student who qualifies through the LaserHQ Training Academy gains access to valuable resources: preferential rates on Sinclair’s energy-based device lasers and 50% off our online training videos. With this complete package, we aim to support our graduates not just during their training but throughout their journey in the industry.

This December, we’re excited to offer a special 10% discount on all courses booked for next year! Simply use the

code NEXTYEAR10 when booking and pay in full during December to take advantage of this limited-time promotion. Don’t miss out on the chance to start or advance your laser career at a reduced rate!

For more details, get in touch with us at 07414271194, visit our website at laserhqacademy.co.uk, or email us at info@laserhqtraining.co.uk. We’re here to help you every step of the way!

Helen Quayle

Embracing a Sun-Kissed Glow

Built on a commitment to natural beauty enhancement, Beau Bronzage strives to deliver a luxurious tanning experience that leaves the skin with a beautiful sun-kissed finish and promotes skin health and self-confidence.

Introducing Beau Bronzage, an innovative tanning brand founded by Victoria Hargrave. After 12 years in the tanning industry, Victoria decided to create her own brand due to the ongoing struggle of securing a consistent supply of high-quality products. By combining premium ingredients with meticulously crafted formulas, Beau Bronzage was born from years of understanding what clients truly want and need, establishing itself as a go-to brand for both individual beauty enthusiasts and professional salons.

A key distinction of Beau Bronzage lies in its dedication to transparency and quality ingredient selection. Each product in the Beau Bronzage line is infused with nourishing, skin-friendly components, emphasising its organic DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) content. DHA is the active tanning ingredient responsible for achieving a sun-kissed glow, and Beau Bronzage’s commitment to using organic DHA ensures a high-quality, skinfriendly experience for customers.

In a market flooded with tanning products, Beau Bronzage stands out through its commitment to quality, ethical practices, and customer satisfaction. Unlike many brands that prioritise colour alone, Beau Bronzage focuses on delivering a naturally beautiful glow that is both even and adaptable to individual skin tones. Our unique formulas, crafted with high-quality, organic DHA, ensure that clients can enjoy a longer-lasting tan when properly prepped, applied, and maintained. Meaning that clients can look forward to a prolonged, radiant tan that fades naturally.

For salon owners considering adding

spray tanning to their services, Beau Bronzage offers an exciting, accessible entry point. Tanning services are an excellent way to attract a diverse clientele seeking a quick, confidenceboosting transformation. Victoria recommends that salon owners prioritise products that are both user-friendly and safe for a variety of skin types. For salons that do not currently provide spray tanning services, Beau Bronzage’s at-home tanning range presents a valuable opportunity to increase revenue by expanding their retail offerings. This retail line allows salons to diversify their product range, catering to clients looking for a high-quality at-home tanning solution.

To partner with Beau Bronzage,

salons can simply complete an online application through the professional section of our website, where they can conveniently place orders through their own online account. This efficient system ensures that our stockists have immediate access.

All of the team at Beau Bronzage welcome collaborations with both individual enthusiasts and professional beauty establishments. Interested readers can connect with the brand directly through the website, where they’ll find the professional section with an easy online application for new stockists, wholesale options, training resources, and customised tanning packages suited to their specific needs. www.beaubronzage.co.uk

We know having a tan is not just about how you look, but also about how it makes you feel.

At Beau Bronzage, we believe that everybody has the right to look and feel good about themselves, and a beautiful tan isn’t limited by age or dress size.

Whether you want to make your skin glow, give yourself a confidence boost for everyday life, or prepare for a holiday, we’re here to help you achieve the look you want with our vegan and eco-friendly self tanning products.

Next-Generation Corrective Serum

SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan is a reformulation of the brand’s cult HA Intensifier – and it’s now more effective than ever before. Proven to instantly plump and volumise the skin, the formula also works on a deeper level, amplifying the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels, visibly plumping and filling lines by 24 per cent.

A lighter, fresher texture than its predecessor, it is fragrance free, doesn’t pill and sits imperceptibly under make-up for a healthy appearance on all skin tones and types.

www.skinceuticals.co.uk

The Perfect Stocking Filler

This holiday season, CND™ - a leader in nail care and beauty innovation - introduces 100ml sizes in its CND™ PRO SKINCARE range, just in time for gift-giving. Ideal as luxurious stocking fillers, these compact bottles let clients experience professionalgrade skincare at home, while also allowing nail technicians to add a touch of indulgence to their seasonal service menu.

www.sweetsquared.com

Maintaining a Golden Glow

Together, the Bronzing Shimmer Liquid Highlighter and Kabuki Face & Body Blending Brush create the ultimate duo for achieving a radiant, airbrushed look with ease. Whether clients are preparing for a special occasion or want to add sparkle to their everyday look, this duo pack is their ticket to a luminous, glowing complexion.

Bronzing Shimmer Liquid Highlighter will unlock a new level of radiance and The Kabuki Face & Body Blending Brush is the new go-to tool for impeccable application.

www.beaubronzage.co.uk

Olivia Garden launches the Multi Brush Olivia Garden has relaunched their super-versatile Multi Brush just in time for the Christmas rush. This clever concept of clipin-handle, a series of leave-in barrels and two versions to spoil yourself with is specifically designed for hairdressing professionals but is also a winner as a Christmas retailing gift. The Olivia Garden Multi Brush is neat in all senses, it comes two ways, as a travel kit or a curler kit.

https://store.oliviagarden.com

Wave Goodbye to Unwanted Hair

Specifically designed for thick, stubborn hairs, Harley Gold Strip wax can be used to remove the most stubborn hair on all the larger areas of the body, making it ideal for male waxing. Formulated with Micro Mica which not only gives it its sparkle but also allows the wax to be removed more delicately and softly, leading to a more pleasant treatment for your clients. Available in 3 different sizes that can be placed directly into your heater, helping keep stress and mess to a minimum.

www.harleywaxing.co.uk

Introducing two new patterns for the Denman iconic D4 9 Row Original Styler. The Denman D4 is THE go-to styling brush and the backbone of every salon stylist’s kit. The 9 rows of polished pins allow for snag-free styling, the curved pin pad packs in extra tension to shape and create volume and the ergonomic handle gives comfort and grip all day long. www.denmanbrush.com

Super Styling

Innergize, Las Vegas

Under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, and perhaps not the type of event you’d associate with Sin City, over 1,000 of the best and brightest industry professionals were brought together for Innergize, the unique beauty and wellness conference, hosted by Zenoti at MGM Grand. More than an event, Innergize was a celebration to inspire business owners and shape the future of the industry.

About Zenoti

Zenoti, an all-in-one salon, spa and medical spa software, is the leading cloud software for beauty, wellness and fitness. With leading-edge technology and an AI-first approach, Zenoti doesn’t just help salons grow their business, but also helps you to increase revenue and profits.

You may be thinking, why Zenoti? What makes them different from other software providers? In 2010, founders Sudheer Koneru and Dheeraj Koneru were running a chain of successful salons, but were hampered by inadequate technology. In light of this, they set out to solve the problem and to create software that would transform the beauty and wellness industry. Using a plethora of knowledge from previous employment at Microsoft, Sudheer and Dheeraj married together their two areas of interest, wellness and technology, in order to improve the operations of salons and spas.

Innergize

After battling with some serious jet lag and acres of casinos, Innergize kicked off with an electrifying welcome from CEO Sudheer Koneru, delving into industry benchmarks, ground-breaking innovations and captivating stories of growth. From Sudheer sharing the state of the industry through data-driven insights, the greatest takeaway for me was the increase in cancellations, due to the ease of online booking and cancelling at our fingertips, without any repercussions. The message really encouraged salon owners to keep a card on file when booking to reduce lastminute cancellations.

Day one continued with talks focusing on how companies harness data for growth, as we learnt how to leverage diverse data sources to inform growth strategy effectively, and how to unleash our greatness with Bethenny Frankel, entrepreneur and television personality.

Next up was the final of Deep End, where three groups of finalists pitched their franchising proposals to a team of judges, just like watching the apprentice live! Congratulations to Drs. Staci Blume and Lacey Book of Well Infused, the extremely deserving winners of $50,000 investment and ongoing mentorship.

After a hearty lunch courtesy of MGM Grand, the afternoon continued with breakout sessions. These started with elevating sales mastery in beauty and wellness, bringing together a cadre of seasoned professionals to share proven strategies for setting and achieving realistic sales objectives that align with both individual ambition and the financial health of the business. Kyle Jones, CEO and Co-Founder of iCRYO, discussed the importance of a team-based commission structure to stop practitioners from thinking individually, and also to push the notion that practitioners in the hair and beauty industry, in essence, work

in relationship building, not necessarily sales. It was further noted during this session that sales, understandably, is an uncomfortable area for a lot of people, so, during training, it is advisable to demonstrate rejection role-play to make these tricky situations that little bit easier.

Next, we tuned into the managers’ success kit. In this workshop, the expert panel demonstrated how to streamline operations, acquire new guests, ensure a seamless guest experience, and attract

but also retain new talent, ultimately driving growth. The main takeaway here was to attempt to alter the perception of a receptionist, pushing the idea of a client experience specialist, as ultimately, they are the first and last face many clients see. Panellists encouraged the idea of utilising Zenoti’s ezConnect feature to enable real-time conversations with guests, boost engagement, and save time with automated appointment reminders.

After spending the afternoon meeting more of the passionate and extremely knowledgeable Zenoti team, the day ended with one final breakout session: Social Media Mastery, Crafting 5-star Marketing Strategies. Jonathan Millet, CEO of Townhouse, suggested focusing on organic content and UGC with gifted treatments, meaning no money is actually exchanged. Jonathan continued to share how, at Townhouse, they carefully select a small group of unpaid

ambassadors to create authentic and engaging content to share with their audience.

Jonathan also suggested splitting your marketing to consider clients who treat your salon as either a luxury or a necessity. For clients who view your salon as a luxury, they’re likely to spend more per visit, indulging in various add-on

treatments, but visit less regularly. On the other hand, clients who perceive your salon as a necessity will visit more regularly, but spend less per visit. Creating a clear distinction between the two enables you to tailor your marketing most effectively.

That evening, we partied the night away at Hakkasan (or should I say for as

long as my jet lag would permit), where we truly celebrated the deserving Deep End winners and Golden Hands Awards recipients. The Golden Hands Awards aims at recognising outstanding service providers in the industry, announcing eight exceptional professionals, chosen from 320,000 providers across North America, for their impact on guest experience and business revenue.

Bright-eyed and (not so) bushy-tailed, day two kicked off with an exceptional talk from John M. Cashion, Senior Practice Director and Head of Global Delivery, The Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center. At the forefront of beauty and wellness, creating lifelong clients is a cornerstone of their success. Throughout the session, John explored how to foster a culture of personalised service and genuine care. John highlighted the importance of creating emotional connections back to the brand and creating memorable customer service by delivering the unexpected.

Up next was the exciting reveal of what’s coming soon to Zenoti software: Zeenie, an everyday AI companion, so harnessing the full power of Zenoti

Sudheer Koneru, CEO and Co-Founder of Zenoti

Please discuss your history in the beauty and wellness industry.

I’ve always lived in Seattle, but there was a window of time when I’d finished working and thought I was going to retire. I thought let’s go back to India and spend a few years, and that’s where I got passionate about wellness, yoga and alternative healing. Then, 10 years ago, I thought, let’s start a business in this because I love it, and then, after I started running the business, I found scaling it really hard due to the lack of software. I had no intentions of starting Zenoti, but now, 10 years on, we are the number one salon management system in the world, in terms of size, customers and working with the best brands. We’re currently in 55 countries, which I don’t think many people realise, as 80% of our customers are in the US.

Have you found clients of particularanyage are less willing to introduce AI to their salon?

No, they’ve all been quite accepting of it really, and actually pushing for it. Even if you have both older and younger clients, as long as the quality of AI is excellent, clients will be happy. Crucially, the AI cannot be subpar; we have to deliver

excellent Chat GPT style quality to ensure client satisfaction. If you pick an engine that isn’t great and doesn’t offer top-quality AI, there will be issues, customers won’t be happy, and nobody will adopt it.

Have you seen any difference in uptake between countries?

We’ll have to wait and see! I think the force of AI is going to be so strong that anything you think around it, you’re probably underestimating in terms of what change is about to come. In 30 days, I can turn AI receptionist on for the whole industry. Why would people not do it? You’re going to improve your margins by 3-5% overnight just by turning it on and delivering great experiences to your clients. Which owner will say I won’t do it? That’s the key. The impact of AI will be too fast; you won’t realise how fast. We talk about margins, but we also need to talk about revenue growth. When you have all these missed calls, having an AI receptionist will enable you to follow up, which in turn leads to increased revenue. It doesn’t matter your age, you’re going to take the money, right? We initially launched in the US, and we got a lot of heat from our other areas, such as Europe and

software has never been easier. Zeenie can answer your questions, write for you, provide business insights, or even take the reins to perform actions on your behalf. Seamlessly integrated across Zenoti platforms, Zeenie is always by your side, helping businesses accomplish more in less time. I know you may be thinking this sounds daunting, or it won’t work effectively, but after seeing a live demonstration, Zeenie’s capability was more than I could have imagined with the use of AI agents to augment business operations firmly on the horizon. From rebooking clients seamlessly, with suggested add-ons, to telling new

clients the best places to park for their appointment to responding to leads that haven’t converted to bookings, the opportunities are truly endless.

Constantly pushing innovation, Zenoti have hired 150 engineers in the past month, as they strive to be the only software customers need to grow, thrive and prosper by championing the solutions you don’t even know you need yet. Regardless of any language barrier, AI will enable you as a hair, beauty or wellness professional to bond more with customers, bringing back some intimacy to the industry while AI takes care of mundane, yet essential, tasks.

Australia, trying to understand when their platforms would also have this capability. It really is a global phenomenon, for sure.

Is it easy for salon owners to transition their data onto new software with Zenoti?

Yes, it is easy! We’re the ones who have done a lot of automation for this specific data transfer; it’s fully automated. We have tools for salons transitioning from almost all current software providers. Traditionally, there’s a big delay between switching software platforms, but AI’s power is that it’s so fast to adapt that the AI receptionist will just work by pointing it to your website and, in two minutes, it’s able to take its first call. This will have a hugely positive impact on revenue as well.

How can Zeenie improve salon productivity?

Today, Zeenie can answer all questions from company policy, because all you have to do is point it at your employee handbook, and it processes it all for you. It can also analyse all of the guests coming into the salon on specific days to help you know who to upsell to on those days. It will figure out a lot of information on its own. Also, in terms of analysis, it can work out the lifetime value of certain customers and understand how to improve this. This leaves hair and beauty professionals to get on with doing what they do best.

As truly an end-to-end, allencompassing software system, it’s proven to be rather difficult to discuss just how much Zenoti could provide to your business. I, for one, found the concept of AI rather alien, or an almost frustrating, impossible concept prior to Innergize, with a strong misconception of AI taking over, rather than supporting. Yet, I left in awe of the software, with a strong feeling that the future of the industry was well supported by the myriad of precise, innovative features that will liberate many professionals by freeing up time for never-before-seen growth in the industry.

Out and About

After spending the previous month at various hair and beauty events in the industry, we’re here to let you know our discoveries!

Aspiration, Celebrating 10 years of pHformula

We joined the pHformula UK and Ireland team at the elegant No.11 Cavendish Square in central London to commemorate a decade of pHformula’s success here in the UK and Ireland. This momentous occasion brought together dedicated pHformula Skin Specialists for a day filled with inspiration and enriching experiences, fostering valuable connections within the vibrant skincare community.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy as attendees engaged in networking and celebration. The event featured insightful educational sessions led by the talented Susanna Porras from ART Club Barcelona and UK educator, Robert Russell-Haworth-Dunne. Following this was the highly anticipated awards ceremony where the team celebrated their leader, Pam Cushing, as the “Exceptional Woman of Excellence.” Her dedication and vision continue to inspire her team and her pHformula ‘family’.

The day concluded with a festive champagne reception, uniting everyone for a final toast to a remarkable journey and the exciting future ahead.

British Beauty Week Trade Hub

As part of the British Beauty Week, the Council’s trade hub returned for a day of inspiring panel discussions in iconic BAFTA, Picadilly. The day kicked off with Skincare Visionaries: The future of formulations. With the UK’s premium skincare market being the fastest growing in the EU5, we learnt what makes British products stand out.

Next up was the panel on the theme of this year’s British Beauty Week: creating a beauty industry that looks like you. With leading voices from across hair, makeup and retail spaces, we explored how we can all work together to ignite systemic changes to make beauty more diverse.

Following this was the big beauty debate of teen beauty and influencer culture. With the ethics of teen skincare being the biggest debate in beauty this year, this panel tackled it head on.

We then learnt how to unlock the power of social shopping with TikTok. As more and more brands are turning to TikTok shop, we learnt how to make TikTok ‘tick’ for your brand. Last, but by no means least, we learnt the importance of creating a beauty community and the power of authentic voices for brands.

Pink Ribbon Foundation’s BOLD Book Launch

We attended the Pink Ribbon Foundation at House of Keune by Bloom for the launch of their BOLD photo book beautifully photographed by Caroline Sikkenk. The BOLD book highlights the beauty of those who have lost their hair due to treatment for breast cancer. As part of a truly moving evening, we met the beautiful models who featured within the book and we learnt how BOLD helped to empower women and provide some much-needed confidence in extremely challenging times.

Sustainability Solutions

With the New Year on the horizon often bringing a handful of short-lived, unachievable resolutions, we hear from Green Libertines, Hannah Cowell and Graham Pollard as they share attainable sustainable resolutions to kick off 2025 as green and clean as possible!

Hannah Cowell, Sustainability Leader,

Butchers Salon @butcherssalon

Becoming more sustainable doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are four suggestions for you to consider:

1. Introduce a recycling programme in your salon. Get in touch with Green Salon Collective to find out how you can recycle your hair, metals, and disposable towels easily to reduce the amount you send to landfill. GSC offer a money-back guarantee too, so if you don’t love it or profit, they will refund you.

2. Cut down on water usage. Install some low-flow showerheads and taps to help reduce water in the salon. You could also consider putting signs up by sinks asking people to consider the amount of water they are using by turning taps off when not in use.

3. Educate your team and salon guests. Talk to others about the sustainable solutions you have implemented in the salon or those you would like to, and see if others have any other suggestions for you as well!

4. There are some things you can implement immediately in the New Year. Don’t forget, becoming a sustainable salon is a journey of exploration. It’s a gradual process, so go at your own pace.

Let’s make 2025 a year of positive change for the industry and the planet!

Graham Pollard, Salon Owner, Atelier 29

Here are three tips if your New Year’s resolution is to become a more sustainable salon:

1. Take stock

Twixtmas is the perfect time to review what you are currently doing and plan sustainable improvements. For ideas, follow me on Instagram @Atelier29.london.

2. What’s Free?

Work out what actions would be free, for example, replacing guests’ plastic water bottles with a filtered tap.

3. How do I monetise sustainability?

Plan how to profit from your sustainable salon. There’s three ways you can do this:

- Promote your sustainable credentials on social media and excite salon guests about the changes.

- Attract new clients (called conscious consumers) who will pay more for ethical products. Set an achievable goal, e.g. getting 10% more ethical business.

- When you increase your fees in January, include a ‘green tax’ of £1-£3 to cover investment in your new sustainable future. I have been there and done this. Trust me, no one complains about a safer planet and better wellbeing.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Sustainable New Year!

The Fellowship Focus

Welcome to our regular Fellowship Focus, where we celebrate the success of the F.A.M.E. Team Finalists, the exciting launch of Project Scotland, and build the anticipation for the yearly Fellowship Awards and Luncheon on 2nd December!

F.A.M.E. Team 2025 Finals

The 2025 F.A.M.E. Team Finals took place at Loft Studios in London, hosted by the Fellowship President, Ashleigh Hodges. The eight F.A.M.E. Team finalists took part in an intense day of judging – showcasing a long hair up look and presenting a bespoke show in front of a judging panel and a live audience to demonstrate their immense talent and technique. The judging panel for the F.A.M.E. Team Final included Christel Barron-Hough, Jacqui McIntosh, Simon Tuckwell, Lisa Farrall, Robert Massive, Zoe Irwin and Lydia Wolfe.

The eight F.A.M.E. Team finalists are:

• Dean Lawton-Taylor, Trinder Hair Studios

• Cameron Willetts, Comers Inside Out Hairdressing

• Annie Franklin, Prestige Hair

• Sam Bickle, Arkive by Adam Reed

• Troy Tobias, Anthony John Salons

• Stevie Leah Loscombe, Blue Tit

• Cheryl Poulter, Perfectly Posh Hair Design

• Bekki Delehedy, Dot Hair

The 2024 F.A.M.E. Team also

presented a showcase to highlight their journey over the past year – illustrating how they have grown both as individuals and as a team.

The 2025 F.A.M.E. Team will be announced at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Luncheon and Awards on the 2nd of December 2024 at the exclusive Londoner Hotel on Leicester Square – the most high-profile independent networking and awards event in the industry.

The Launch of Project Scotland

Project Scotland is a unique programme designed to showcase and develop Scotland’s top hairdressing talent across all areas of creativity – cutting, colouring, styling, and more. Project Scotland is about fostering creativity and collaboration, giving hair professionals the tools and inspiration to continue growing and pushing boundaries in their craft. The focus is on nurturing local talent, helping team mentees grow within the industry and contribute to Scotland’s hairdressing community.

Project Scotland mentees will have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn invaluable skills and techniques from some of Scotland’s leading industry professionals, including Simon Shaw, Suzie Mcgill, Tracey-Ann Smith, Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, Luke Ellis, Frazer Wallace, Linton Mac, and Scott Cooper. Whether through photoshoots, stage work, live sessions, or other creative projects, this programme provides opportunities to put newly developed skills into practice.

Project Scotland will be led by international award-winning stylist Colin McAndrew, who takes on the role alongside being The Fellowship’s Ambassador for Scotland. Colin is passionate about creative cutting and business education, knowledge which he will share with Project Scotland team. Colin McAndrew will be joined by Sarah McCulloch, owner of Dye for Love in Paisley, as Project Scotland Support.

Commenting on the launch of Project Scotland, Barry Stephens, CEO of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing said, “We’re absolutely ecstatic to be

launching Project Scotland in 2025. The immense talent that we have in Scotland needs to be recognised – and what a better way to do it! There will be no shortage of opportunities to grow and develop for the Project Scotland mentees with the incredible mentors we have lined up. Project Scotland offers comprehensive creative development for its mentees, covering every aspect of hair artistry, from cutting and colouring, to styling and beyond!”

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing Luncheon and Awards 2024

Widely recognised as the hairdressing

industry’s ‘unofficial’ Christmas party, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Luncheon and Awards are back for 2024. Taking place on Monday the 2nd of December 2024 at the exclusive Londoner Hotel on Leicester Square, the Luncheon is the biggest and best independent networking and awards event in the industry.

The Luncheon serves as an opportunity for Fellowship members, sponsors, brand partners, and their guests come together to network, all whilst celebrating the evolution of the Fellowship as it continues to shape the future of hairdressing. 2024 has a been monumental year for the Fellowship,

who have celebrated their highest membership to date, the arrival of a new Executive Board, their partnership with HAIRCON, the opening of two Centres of Excellence and the expansion of its educational opportunities for their members.

As always, the Luncheon will celebrate the creativity and successes of its membership with the Fellowship Hair Awards, which recognises the immense talent of its members, including the presentation of the Fellowship’s highest accolade, Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year, which last year was awarded to the incredible Tracey-Ann Smith.

Don’t miss out on the incredible event, book your tickets here today: https://form.jotform.com/info_info611/ fellowship-luncheon-2024

Empowering Future Beauty Professionals

Providing comprehensive education and training for individuals looking to pursue a career in the beauty and aesthetics industry, we hear from the House of Aesthetics Academy as they discuss the importance of personalised education and ongoing support while staying at the forefront of industry trends.

Please tell us about House of Aesthetics Academy.

House of Aesthetics Academy is a medical-led academy with various accredited courses. We are passionate about providing comprehensive education and training for individuals looking to pursue a career in the beauty and aesthetics industry. Our academy offers a range of programs and courses designed to equip our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in this field. Our trainers each have over 15 years of experience in their profession, with master’s degrees in their fields of speciality.

What inspired you to start House of Aesthetics Academy?

House of Aesthetics Academy was born out of a passion for beauty and empowerment. We wanted to create a place where individuals could learn not only technical skills in aesthetics but also gain confidence to establish their own businesses or enhance their careers.

What sets House of Aesthetics Academy apart from other academies?

What truly sets House of Aesthetics Academy apart is our commitment to personalised education, hands-on experience, and dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends and advancements in the aesthetics field. Our classes are kept small to ensure every student receives individual attention and

mentorship. Additionally, our support is ongoing, even months after training, whether it’s face-to-face or via telephone, ensuring our students are equipped with the most relevant cutting-edge skills.

Who

would you say is the ideal candidate for House of Aesthetics Academy?

For us, our ideal candidate is someone with a passion for beauty and a dedication to the artistry of aesthetics. We welcome both medical and nonmedical professionals, whether they’re new to the industry or seeking to advance their careers. Our primary requirement is a commitment to learning and a genuine desire to help others look and feel their best.

@houseofaesthetics_academy www.houseofaestheticsacademy.com 07940739185

When a child loses their hair, we help to restore their confidence and identity by providing them with a free, real hair wig.

Scan here to join other salons already supporting our work by sending us the hair donations needed to make our wigs.

www.littleprincesses.org.uk

5 Minutes With…

Allegra Ghiloni, Founder of Allegra Ghiloni Style Socials, a Social Media Agency that specialises in coaching salon owners, hairdressers and beauty practitioners in building their brand on social media, discusses why cultivating a relationship with your following is the key to growing a successful Salon.

If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that building a successful Salon takes more than offering excellent services. To stand out against competing salons and build a loyal client base, salon owners need to tap into the power of Social Media.

More than a space to share client transformations or showcase pretty pictures of your work, platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer an incredible opportunity to grow an engaged audience and cultivate a strong community, converting your followers into clients and advocates of your salon.

The way we use social media in the salon industry has evolved rapidly in recent years and with the rise of authentic, storytelling content, our followers now expect to feel connected to the Salons they visit. They want to feel like they are part of an exclusive community, not just another booking, and tapping into this need for deeper connection is key to growing your salon.

Cultivating relationships and building community means engaging authentically and showing up with integrity. Clients need to trust the expertise of their salon team, and social media provides the perfect space to build trust and showcase expertise. When your following see your skills through client review posts, transformation reels or authentic conversations they will choose you over another salon.

Building community plays a big role in nurturing follower relationships. When clients see themselves featured in your content, enjoy interacting with posts and feel genuinely cared about on socials, it is natural they will support the growth of your salon. This can involve responding to comments with heartfelt replies, interacting to stories or encouraging followers to react using story features.

Cultivating a relationship also means sharing behind-the-scenes moments at the Salon, the highs, the lows and the hard work that clients don’t often see during appointments. Sharing this personal side of your Salon helps clients see the real you and understand the passion that fuels your work. The more connected they feel, the more likely they are to book an appointment or recommend your services.

Working with salon owners as a social media coach, I have seen the incredible

impact that creating an online presence based on your values, personality and authenticity has when growing a successful salon. When I coach salon owners I teach the importance of actively engaging with your following, sharing unique, creative content, nurturing trusting relationships and making your audience part of your journey. It’s these small actions that build lasting relationships which continue to provide opportunities and growth for your salon long after your post was shared.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics Now

4 Adelade Row, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7EF

Hair Extensions

Cliphair

T: 03450 211 311

E: trade@cliphair.co.uk

E: info@aestheticsnow.co.uk @AestheticsNowww

Artemis

T: 0207 157 9758

E: support@artemisdistribution. com

W: uk.artemis.co @uk.artemis artemisdistribution

Sinclair T: 0207 467 6936

W: www.cliphair.co.uk @cliphairlimited @cliphair.limited @cliphairextensions @cliphairlimited

Hair Products

W: www.sinclair.com @sinclair.global

Zemits UK LTD

T: 020 4532 5922

W: www.zemits.co.uk

Beauty Products & Training

Nouveau Beauty

Furniture

Haircare

T: 01977 655 090

E: info@nouveaubeauty.com

W: www.nouveaubeauty.com

Avlon Europe Limited

Unit 2, Navigation Point, Golds Hill Way, Tipton, DY4 0PY T: 0121 522 2124

E: info@avloneurope.co.uk

W: www.avloneurope.co.uk @avlonuk AvlonUK

Soapbox PR

Unit 18, Hillgate Place, 18-20

Balham Hill, London SW12 9ER. T: 020 3133 3013

Hair Tools

REM

T: 01282 619977

E: sales@rem.co.uk

W: www.rem.co.uk

Innersense Beauty

T: +020 3048 4452

E: euorders@innersensebeauty. com

W: www.innersenseorganic beauty.co.uk @innersenseorganicbeauty Innersense Organic Beauty

Olaplex

E: uksupport@olaplex.com

W: uk.olaplex.com @olaplex @olaplex @olaplex

Insurance

Denman Professional Tools

Denman International

Clandeboye Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3JH

E: customer.services@ denmanbrush.com

W: denmanbrush.com @denmanpro

Morgan Richardson Ltd

T: 0800 731 2940

E: quotes@morganrichardson. co.uk

W: www.morganrichardson.co.uk/ salon-insurance

Lash & Brow Growth Serums

Avante Cosmetics

1 Short Hill, Harrow on the Hill, HA1 3BF

T: 07949 508 885

E: info@avantecosmetics.co.uk

W: www.avantecosmetics.co.uk @avantecosmetics @avantecosmetics @avantecosmetics

Natural Products

Inika Organic

T: +44 (0) 203 713 0149

E: simone@inikaorganic.com

W: uk.inikaorganic.com @inikaorganic @inikaorganic @inikatv

Nails & Beauty Products

Hive of Beauty Ltd

Natural Skincare

1 Queens Grove Studios, London NW8 6EP

T: 0845 450 4802

E: sales@hiveofbeauty.co.uk

W: www.hiveofbeauty.com @HiveWax @hiveofbeauty

Lisa Kon

E: hello@lisakon.co.uk

W: www.lisakon.co.uk

W: www.lisakontraining academy.co.uk

Salon Websites

Styler

E: support@styler.digital

AEOS

Aura-Soma Products Ltd, South Road, Tetford, LN9 6QB

W: www.aeos.net @aeosskincare activeenergisedorganicskincare

The BeMine Company Limited

Stoneyford, Clifton, Oxon, OX15 0PE

W: www.bemineco.com @bemineuk @bemineuk

Albert Ewan Design

T: 016 70 73 89 79

E: studio@albertewandesign.com

W: www.albertewandesign.com

Concept Salon Design Unit 11 & 12, Brookfield Business Park. Brookfield Drive, Aintree Liverpool, L9 7AS

T: 0151 523 0132

E: sales@salonfurniture.co.uk

W: www.salonfurniture.co.uk

Waxing

W: styler.digital +44 7305214688 @styler.uk styler.uk @styler.uk

Timely

T: 020 3808 0465

E: sales@gettimely.com

W: www.gettimely.com @timely @liketimely

Salon Solutions

T: +353 86 605 9840

E: lisa@salonsolutions.ie

W: www.salonsolutions.ie @salonsolutions.ie salonsolutions.ie

IMAGE Skincare UK

Ventre House, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 9JX

T: 0345 504 0461

W: www.imageskincare.co.uk @imageskincareuk

Karin Herzog

T: 07443 744847

E: hello@karinherzog.co.uk

W: www.karinherzog.co.uk @karinherzog.uk KarinHerzogUnitedKingdom

Luna Microcare Building 3, Chiswick Business Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, W4 5YA

T: 0208 899 7478

W: www.lunamicrocare.com @lunamicrocareofficial

Harley Waxing

T UK: 0845 612 1944

T International: +44(0)1984 623 209

E: orders@harleywaxing.co.uk

W: www.harleywaxing.co.uk @harleywaxuk harleywaxuk @HarleyWax harleywax

Skincare

Salon Furniture

Evolve Academy deliver Hairdressing and Barbering training at Level 2 & 3 for all ages.

We have a variety of options available including apprenticeships, advanced learning loans and refresher courses.