Salon Magazine February 2023

THE UK’S LEADING PUBLICATION FOR SALON OWNERS AND MANAGERS

Editor Jade Evans jade@cimltd.co.uk

Editorial Assistant

Brooke Tremain brooke@cimltd.co.uk

Publication Manager

Declan Wale declan@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 112

Account Managers

James Davies jamesd@cimltd.co.uk

Api Somboongedd api@cimltd.co.uk

Hannah Moody hannah@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 creditcontrol@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

Credit Facilities Manager

Lauren Sharpe admin@cimltd.co.uk

Tel: 01795 509 103

Marketing Manager

Paris Kennelly paris@cimltd.co.uk

Sales Director

Tom Woollin tom@cimltd.co.uk

Chief Executive

John Denning

On the cover

Image courtesy of SimplyHair www.simplyhair.co.uk

Editor’s letter

February 6th-12th is a salient date in the calendar for the salon industry as it celebrates National Apprenticeship Week. With the theme for 2023 being ‘Skills for Life’, our main focus in this issue is Training and Education; here we look into what apprenticeships can bring to your salon and where to seek advice. With inspiring content provided by some of the biggest names in the sector, our February issue promises not to disappoint.

As a part of the wider feature, newly re-branded Kleek Apprenticeships spotlight one of their students in our popular Rising Star feature where you can hear it from the horse’s mouth, as to just how beneficial the training system is. Our Essential 5 piece is also perfectly situated in the edit as it highlights five tips for getting the most out of your apprentice.

Making up the other half of our second issue of 2023 is, of course, our regular pieces in the shape of Salon of the Month, which features Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab, the Social Media Look Book, Industry News and a plethora of incredible Collection Images by some of the greats.

I won’t say too much more or I’ll spoil the fun, so, please enjoy yet another Salon Magazine and don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is something in particular you’d like us to spark conversation or offer advice on.

© 2023 CIM Online Limited, 1st Floor, Saphir House, 5 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8GD. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be type written. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to CIM Online Limited. The publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement.

Jade Evans, Editor

Staying in the loop

Anne Veck wins prestigious award

Award winning Hairdresser Anne Veck has done it again, scooping up the prize for the Commercial Colour Category award at the Big One Awards with Tribu-te, Paris. Winning over the judges with her beautiful collection ‘Mood Indigo’ was French born Anne Veck.

Mood Indigo is a beautiful blend of blue, violet and indigo, these hues perfectly radiate power and charm. Speaking on her win Anne Veck says, “I am over the moon with this award and to win it in my home country means the world. This collection is a beautiful reminder of why should celebrate and champion woman of all ethnicities. Thank you to everyone involved in creating these beautiful creations.”

Jamie Stevens is Keune’s creative style ambassador

Keune, announces Jamie Stevens as its new Creative Style Ambassador. Stevens, the multi-award-winning hairdresser, salon owner and go-to stylist for a number of celebrities and TV programmes, has more than twenty years of experience and is known around the world as one of the most innovative and creative stylists in the industry.

Jamie is set to fly the flag at various shows and events to share the best-kept secret in the hairdressing industry, as well as inspiring salons nationwide both with creative education at the Keune flagship academy in Central London and roadshows across the country.

Jamie said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to help the ongoing development of such a prestigious and iconic brand, which has enjoyed such a magical past and will continue to have a very promising future.”

Darren Potter, general manager of Keune UK, added: “His enormous enthusiasm for all things hair is matched by his brilliant creativity and we can’t wait to start working with him on some very exciting projects coming up in 2023.”

WE PROVIDE THE WORLD WITH

Professional

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IN A FRIENDLY, CURIOUS AND HONEST WAY

We do this by developing 100% vegan products with colour protecting formulas and using CO₂ compensated packaging

Fellowship for British Hairdressing launch educational app

The Fellowship App will provide accessible education from world class Fellowship Members, building a community of like-minded hairdressers to share and showcase their work, watch content created by the Fellowship’s Project Teams and book tickets for Fellowship events. App users can visit The Knowledge for the latest step by steps in cutting, colouring, and dressing hair.

Fellowship President, Robert Eaton said: “Our new app provides an incredible amount of information and education. Our vision for the app is to be the go-to tool for all hairdressers from apprentices and trainees to senior, freelance stylists, salon stylists and salon owners who want to discover the best in hairdressing education and inspiration. With content being updated regularly there’s no need to ever be stuck in a rut or in need of inspiration.”

The Fellowship App is free to download, search Fellowship Education on the App/Google store.

Aveda search for new creative team

Aveda is giving talented and creative individuals from across its salon network the opportunity to transform the world of hairdressing as part of its UK & Ireland Artistic Team. Following the audition process, six lucky artists will be selected to join the elite team that will be led by award-winning stylist and Aveda’s Vice President Global Creative Director, Antoinette Beenders. In addition to being mentored by one of the world’s leading stylists, the team will be given the chance to further enhance their skills, create inspirational assets and will represent Aveda at large-scale events.

Hayley Hughes, National Education Manager for Aveda, said: “Being part of the first ever Aveda UK & Ireland Artistic Team is an incredible opportunity and I can’t wait to see the talent that will be on show. The hairdressers that will be joining us on this journey will be embarking on a fully engaging opportunity which will not only further their experience as an artist, but allow them to be truly immersed into the creative world of Aveda.” www.avedapurepro.com

Create a Stand Out Salon

Stand

With TikTok dominating many of our online lives, and brands jumping on board to create their own content. As an inherently aesthetic business, salons and stylists are perfectly positioned to harness the potential TikTok and Reels has to offer, but how do you stand out amongst a sea of competition?

Creating a recognisable online image for your hair business

Consistency is key, without an underlying theme, a miss-mash of styles or design ideas will not build a recognisable brand look. Consider the types of clients you serve and build your vision around what they would appreciate.

It doesn’t have to cost the earth

The great news is that creating a recognisable online image doesn’t have to cost the world, you just need some clear visual anchors for your brand, and this is where the inspiration for our Instagrammable salon range was born.

We have curated a range of products that compliment a wide range of salon interiors, so they can be mixed and matched to compliment your own branding, and really elevate your presence both online, and on the salon floor.

Customers love to be immersed into a brand experience, therefore creating online content that features beautifully foiled hair, will pique the curiosity of potential customers, and tempt them into seeking the same experience in real life.

Gone are the days of being sat in front of a mirror with creased silver foils and

a crusty 2 month old magazine, clients are looking for a much more glamorous experience, watching carefully selected and aesthetically complimentary foils being put in their hair, whilst sipping on a barista style latte or herbal tea; taking full advantage of the free Wi-Fi you have to offer.

Creating an Instagrammable salon experience

A pretty space will help build your reputation by word of mouth and ensure customers capture and share their visit

online, encouraging others to book an appointment.

Creating a selfie spot and incorporating hashtags that feature in your space are a great way to encourage this behaviour. It isn’t unheard of for clients to specifically seek out these spaces purely on the basis of a stunning selfie spot, so this is a key opportunity not to be missed! We created our very own selfie space using pampas and a neon sign, making it super easy for clients to share great images with their followers.

With aesthetic tools like colourful foils,

out online with Instagrammable salon tools, as told by Amy Filippaios, founder of SimplyHair UK.

In The Spotlight

SimplyHair foils are the perfect cost effective way to inject some personality into your salon space.

SimplyHair has a range of colours and designs, which makes it super simple to find something that will compliment modern salon interiors. Whether you have a minimalist theme where our Palm Print design would feel right at home, a super girly salon where our Pink Floral and Lilac Leaf would look like it was custom designed just for your space, or a clean and classy traditional salon where our Gold Floral has the mature edge your clients are looking for, colourful foils are the perfect way to inject colour, personality and individual style.

Available in both 100m Roll and Pop Up options, our foils start from as little as £10.39 per box*

*Price based on customer holding a SimplyHair trade account.

So the question is…which colour are you choosing?

as well as a nice interior, you are giving your clients an unmissable opportunity to snap creative content, and this is the type of online marketing that will see your salon business grow both online and offline.

Endless opportunities for content

The days of before and after images have now been replaced with Reels and TikToks which not only showcase your work, but also showcase your business and staff, so it is vital that you have considered how you visually represent your salon in order to grab the attention of new clientele.

Reels and TikToks of perfectly foiled hair, work stations curated with matching combs, clips and scissors, and adapting trending audios so they are relevant to a salon environment are the marketing strategies adopted by many leading salons today. Having the right tools are the small details that are key to standing out from your competition, creating content that your audience will instantly recognise.

Kitch Hair (@kitchhair) are a great example of a brand who have created a visual identity for their business online,

through the use of carefully curated tools and interior choices. Their images are instantly recognisable to their followers and intriguing to potential new clients. Combining this interior aesthetic with pink foils will immerse your client into the experience, and offers something exciting and unique they may not have experienced before and may be willing to pay more for.

Our top tips on creating a show-stopping interior:

Tip 1 - Start with a mood board. Think about what you want your brand to represent, what colours resonate with your brand and how they can be incorporated into your interior. This will also help you to stick to a style and not purchase items that don’t fit the overall look and feel.

Tip 2 - Don’t underestimate the small details. Inject personality into your salon by upgrading your everyday styling tools. Coloured dye brushes, branded aprons and patterned hair foils can give the ordinary an extraordinary look, and really help to encourage and inspire clients to share their experience on TikTok and Instagram.

Tip 3 – “Invest in a “star”. If you have

the budget, creating a focal point will instantly add impact. For example, a large neon sign can bring your salon to life and the soft light adds to the ambience, helping you to refresh your salon’s look without having to replace the existing furniture. For a low-cost makeover, a brightly painted wall with complementary framed digital prints can instantly lift your space and bring your brand visuals into the salon.

www.simplyhair.co.uk

Leading the revolution

You probably know Treatwell as a booking platform - but it has so much more to offer. A complete solution for salon management, online booking, and more, Treatwell provides you with the tools to give your salon a business makeover.

As hair and beauty professionals, we know that our industry is in the midst of .a digital revolution. Treatwell - Europe’s no.1 marketplace and salon software - has been playing a leading role in this revolution since 2008.

Treatwell’s innovative salon software, Treatwell Pro, was designed with hairdressers, beauticians, and personal

“Since opening my AVEDA Hair Salon in July 2022, Treatwell Pro has been a great addition to the business. Not only is the system user friendly, but it also provides so many features to navigate your day to day activities. Having the cloud system where you can log in from any device is so handy, as well as the integrated App so you can have the same access and features as you would do on a normal PC. Having the Treatwell marketplace is an extra bonus which allows you to gain new customers without doing anything.” - comments Santiago Figueroa, Founder/ Director at Santi’s Aveda London on his experience of using Treatwell Pro.

care professionals in mind. The aim is to help them manage and build their businesses to reach new heights. At the same time, Treatwell’s marketplace allows hair and beauty lovers to find a fabulous range of salons easily, and book their appointments in just a few clicksanytime, anywhere.

Treatwell’s core mission is to revolutionise and digitally transform the hair and beauty industry: empowering salon owners and professionals to run the best version of their business, and equipping them with the tools they need to do so. Treatwell Pro helps salons say goodbye to pen and paper and embrace the possibilities of digitalisation, making both everyday salon life and long-term business goals simpler and easier.

Over 50,000 salons across Europe already trust Treatwell to help them level up their businesses. These salons not only have access to their industry-leading salon software; they also benefit from unrivalled visibility on Europe’s largest hair and beauty marketplace. Here, salons can be found (and booked) by the millions of potential new clients browsing Treatwell - where around 8 million appointments are booked every month.

Treatwell Pro allows hair and beauty professionals, including salon owners and those who rent chairs or spaces in a salon, to manage their businesses in every way. From filling up calendars to building customer loyalty and being discovered by new clients - ultimately, Treatwell allows salon professionals to take back their time and focus on what they do best: creating amazing experiences for their clients..

Attracting and retaining new clients is a priority for any salon owner, and a sure-fire way to help build a strong business. Treatwell connects salons with new clients every day, with verified reviews, an online storefront, professional photography, and unbeatable visibility to help businesses stand out from the crowd. Treatwell’s free and automatic appointment reminders, engaging marketing tools, and customisable appointment notes then help salon owners to create unforgettable experiences for their clients which keeps them coming back for more.

We all know that empty spaces in the diary can mean wasted time (and money) for a salon. With Treatwell Pro, salons can fill those spaces with 24/7 online

booking through Treatwell’s marketplace and other integrated platforms, such as Reserve With Google, Instagram, Facebook, Apple Maps, and Google Maps. What’s more, they can easily use Treatwell’s smart last-minute and off-peak discounts to get the bookings rolling in at quiet times.

With intelligent analytics and reporting, Treatwell makes long-term business goals a reality, too. Salon owners can simply and easily unlock powerful insights into their business progress, and use that data to develop a strategy for success. And, when it comes to the bottom line, Treatwell’s intuitive POS system makes handling and tracking payments, as well as printing receipts, much easier too. It’s quick, secure, and worry-free - so you can ensure your hard work is paid for safely.

Treatwell offers all of this, and so much

So yes, Treatwell is much more than a booking platform. On average, salon owners currently save an hour per day on salon admin. They have 65% fewer missed appointments, and 15% more new clients per year visiting their salons and booking treatments. Treatwell is truly the digital partner for salon professionals, and they’re constantly working on new features to help make the hair and beauty experience seamless for both salons and their clients. Watch this space for more exciting news and innovations from Treatwell.

www.treatwell.co.uk/partners/

more - with countless other features that ultimately help salon owners run their businesses better.

Training & Education

Image © Kleek Apprenticeships

Essential 5

As apprentices can have a knock-on effect to the reputation and revenue of a business, Kleek Apprenticeships share five tips on how to get the most out of your candidate.

Use The Right Tools

When you start your search for a new apprentice there can seem to be a lot to take on board. Working with an established training provider can help take up the strain, with support and assistance to help you find the right candidate and they will give you the knowledge and tools required to make the apprenticeship a success.

Get The First Day Right

Once you have decided on the right person for the role and their first day comes around take the time to properly induct them into your salon. Your new apprentice may have just left school and this new life can be quite daunting. Introduce them to their new colleagues, show them around the salon, give them a good explanation of their new role, give them time to settle in and make sure they know the rules of your salon, don’t presume they know things like no mobile phones on the salon floor.

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail

Get the best out of your new apprentice by letting them know how life in their new role will progress. Working with your training provider, set out a week-by-week timetable. An example would be weeks 1-4 could be shadowing an experienced member of staff while helping to keep the salon presentable, week 4 could be learning and performing hair washes for colleagues’ clients. This gives them a target to aim for and keeps them engaged and moving forward.

Leave Your Door Open

Let your apprentice know you and their colleagues are there to answer any questions they have and encourage feedback from your apprentice on how they think their apprenticeship is going. Have regular reviews to see how they think are progressing, ensuring they are happy and that they are learning at a pace you are both happy with.

Celebrate Their Wins

People thrive on happy feelings, when your apprentice hits a milestone in their training share it on your social media channels, congratulate them and give them praise when it is earned. A happy worker is a good worker, and it will give them a reason to push on and complete their apprenticeship even quicker. kleekapprenticeships.co.uk

A journey to success

After working closely with Kleek Appreticeships, Maddy Kennington, passed her EPA with flying colours and this month features as our Rising Star. We found out exactly why Maddy is one to watch and about the great opportunity which Kleek provided her with.

What an amazing way to start 2023 for one fantastic Rising Star apprentice at Regis Holmes Chapel.

Maddy Kennington, a Level 2 Hair Professionals Standard apprentice with Kleek Apprenticeships, passed her EPA with flying colours, scoring the maximum 700 points, and receiving fantastic comments from her assessor: “Maddy creatively combined and adapted a range of techniques to personalise the cut for the client in a way that maximised the style potential.”

When we spoke to Maddy she was extremely happy with this accolade, and she gave us an insight into how she was able to achieve such an amazing result.

Maddy, who worked towards her qualification during the period just after the covid lockdowns found her apprenticeship “hard but rewarding”, she continued: “I came to Regis after my previous apprenticeship couldn’t

continue due to the lockdowns, so I had an idea on how it worked. However, it was still a bit of a steep learning curve which the team at Regis and Christina from Kleek helped me get through.”

She mentioned that the support she received from both her Kleek educator

and the team at Regis Holmes Chapel was second to none: “Everyone was so supportive throughout my apprenticeship and whenever I had a problem, I knew I could rely on them to find the answers.”

When asked what the ambitions

are for the future of this rising star, Maddy said she was looking forward to progressing her career within the industry and continuing to develop her skills and knowledge to become the best she can and to succeed as much as possible.

Finally, as with all apprentices who come through their program with Kleek, Maddy was keen to help aspiring hairdressers with some sage advice.

“Working in a hair salon is a hard but rewarding career, it’s not just about cutting hair and chatting to clients there is a lot more involved, but an apprenticeship is a fantastic way to learn the skills and knowledge to give you an amazing start in the industry. So, if you are interested in becoming a hairdresser, I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship as the starting point.”

Maddy’s determination, dedication, and willingness to learn, alongside the outstanding support from Kleek Apprenticeships and her team in the salon has helped her achieve an amazing result and we are looking forward to seeing how high this rising star can reach.

kleekapprenticeships.co.uk

Celebrating opportunity

As the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships will be taking place between 7th13th February 2023, we look into what apprenticeships can bring to your salon and where to seek advice.

An Apprenticeship is a tailored learning programme for those looking to develop their skills within the hairdressing industry. Incorporating all aspects needed within the qualification units that provide underpinning skills, knowledge and understanding required for apprentices working towards their Hair Professional Standards.

As we gear up to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week which kicks off on February 6th, Jake Unger, Head of Education at HOB Academy, praised apprentices as the ‘unsung heroes within a salon’ as they play a fundamental role in ensuring a five-star client experience is provided.

“Having young and enthusiastic apprentices in the salon encourages ongoing education that is provided from more senior members of the team, and this results in both the apprentices and qualified stylists and colourists consistently improving their skill sets.” Jake added.

With the government law encouraging teens to stay on in further education, alongside the distorted views that social media platforms portray, it is a challenge to entice school leavers to see the incredible opportunities that the hairdressing industry has to offer. Jake believes that becoming a hairdresser is a life skill, and feels that this is one of the most rewarding industries to be in, but knows success doesn’t just happen overnight.

“Three years of hard work and determination are required to qualify to the HOB standard and some of the roles and responsibilities apprentices hold aren’t very glamourous. To overcome these challenges, we are focused on building connections with young people by attending local school career talks,

where we can engage with potential apprentices directly. We bring along other key members of the HOB Family, that are young and aspirational, and this helps to inspire our audience.” Jake explained.

In order to really get the most out of the apprenticeships scheme, HOB Salons use their own social media platforms to champion all the different avenues that this industry offers. From the internal education we offer to fashion week, shoots, shows and seminars, as well as displaying a clear career path if someone wants to work their way up to management or even owning their own salon one day, “It’s our responsibility to show how rewarding this industry can be,” Jake finished.

Operations Manager, Stephane

Young apprentices can be among the most dedicated workers.

Ferreira, at Live True London, believes that training apprentices from the beginning is definitely an easier route. Not only do they soak up the company’s ethic and motto, they also learn the ways of working with a clientele and the hair technique used.

With statistics showing that apprentices are more likely to remain loyal to the salon they are trained in, we asked Stephane if Live True London has built trusting relationships with their apprentices to which she replied: “Yes, if an apprentice is with us from the start of their education and goes on to qualifying with us, they stay and run their column in our salons.

“Many other salons get apprentices just to cover their cleaning tasks and then let them go in the wild after they qualify. The difference that we can bring is that when we hire apprentices to be trained, they know that they will have a secured position with us afterwards as a stylist and that they will be busy and have a clientele to work with.” This can then contribute to greater client retention as guests like seeing those familiar faces and get used to how particular stylists work.

Daniele de Angelis, Academy Manager at TONI&GUY, explained that he enjoys working with apprentices as he feels it’s always easier to work with a blank canvas rather than someone who may have picked up some bad habits:

“Students on our Beginners Course range from those with absolutely no experience to those with a little bit of experience, and you find it’s usually those with no experience who pick things up easier.”

Like with anything, challenges are always bound to pop up, but it’s the way you deal with them that will bring the benefits. Daniele revealed that the industry they are struggling to attract the younger generation, purely because it’s not something you can learn quickly.

• Young apprentices can be amongst the most dedicated workers, bringing fresh perspectives, ideas and new skill sets into the workforce providing a positive influence on your business. This can result in increased efficiency and profitability.

• You can instil your company’s ethos and culture from the start. This can help the apprentice to quickly integrate into your way of working and gain the skills and behaviours needed to develop and progress.

• It can be simpler to train an apprentice who has not picked up ‘bad habits’ elsewhere.

• ‘Home-grown’ apprentices tend to be loyal and more likely to stay on with their employer. They can progress and be promoted saving you time and money on recruitment costs.

• Existing staff can gain new skills by mentoring and supporting apprentices.

Benefits of hiring an apprentice in your salon outlined the NHBF’s Caroline Larrisey include:

It involves a lot of training, a lot of work on the shop floor and it’s hard work, but Daniele explained: “We do everything in our power to make it as enjoyable as possible.”

At Rainbow Room International, apprentices have always been an integral part of the business. Leigh Kerr, Director of Rainbow Room International’s Academy and current British Hairdressing Awards Educator of the Year, sees that apprentices bring another dimension to your team: “They are full of promise and drive, with some fantastic ideas. Client’s love having the apprentices in the salon, and are always genuinely inquisitive as to how well they are getting on in their training.”

Westrow Academy’s Principle, Laura Shinners, agrees that apprentices are essential to the evolution of the hairdressing industry; they’re the cogs that keep the salon wheels turning, allowing you as salon owners to develop, evolve and produce the next generation of hairdressing talent.

Westrow’s directors have always placed great emphasis on finding diamonds: assistants who truly shine,

developing a business model over the years that has supported not only its own business growth, but the development, growth and culture within the hairdressing industry at large.

It’s training and talent that underpin everything you do and an apprentice’s education doesn’t end the moment they qualify and progress to the salon floor: “Our students know we are passionate about developing their skillsets and mindsets, taking a 360-degree approach of philosophy, concept, implementation, re-evaluation, recognition and reward. What’s key here is that we look at how we can encourage individual performance with a targeted approach to help improve abilities, skills and confidence in a learning environment,

and in terms of personal growth.” Laura added.

Anyone over the age of 16 can become an apprentice, including existing employees (in some cases, there is an upper age limit, for example, in Northern Ireland).

Caroline Larrisey, Director of Quality and Standards, NHBF commented on the opportunities apprenticeships provide to not only the candidate in question, but the salon too: “Growing in-house talent, offering someone a great opportunity, and bringing new energy, creativity and ideas to your beauty business are just some of the great reasons to take on an apprentice,” says Caroline.

Apprenticeships are vital in providing clear long-term paths to skilled employment. The hair and beauty sector is significant, with employers covering every corner of the country, providing jobs and opportunities for lasting careers. Apprentices provide an opportunity for employers to ‘grow their own’ staff and develop a crucial talent pipeline for their business.

Growth in self-employed practitioners

I find it much easier to train someone from scratch.

within hair and beauty has significantly impacted self-employed individuals who rarely employ apprentices. The pandemic has played a part, as school leavers have received little or no career advice or leading to the reduction of young people currently in an apprenticeship in our sector.

Caroline explained how there has been a significant decline in young apprentices coming into the hair and beauty sector in recent years. In 2019, in England, 9,932 hair apprentices were starting their careers in the hairdressing industry. In 2020, the numbers were significantly reduced to 7,037.

The Government has shown a commitment to reskilling and training the UK’s workforce as we come out of the pandemic. The Government’s latest Skill Recovery Package, whilst welcomed, offered £3,000 to employers for each new apprentice they hire. With a typical 16-18yr old apprentice full-time wage for 24 months (the period of the apprenticeship) costing around £14,660 and a typical salary for an apprentice aged 19+ being about £20,800 – the £1,500-£2,000 funding provides little

incentive for employers within the sector during this challenging financial period.

Caroline highlighted the fact that salons should shout about their staff qualifications and professional development, as it can help massively with increased footfall.

“A great salon brand differentiates you from the competition and represents what you stand for, who you serve, and what benefits your clients can expect. Salons are largely about image, health, and self-improvement, so it stands that your brand should incorporate recognition of you staff qualifications and professional development to make your business ultra-attractive to your clients.”

Stacey Whyte, Creative Director at Cheveux Salon, talks first-hand from her experience on the benefits she enjoyed through her apprentices, describing them as ‘the backbone of a salon.’

Stacey added: “I find it much easier

to train someone from scratch, including the basics of how to act in the salon, presentation and client skills rather than having to undo old habits or changing to the ways our salon may run. When it comes to skillset, if we have someone new in we will do a refresh over everything and fine tune or adjust what we feel necessary, adding into the training plan. Whereas having someone from the very start is a much more natural learning process and they are able to absorb our salon ethos more rapidly.”

Whatever the needs of your business, you can decide where you would like to nurture and develop expertise.

Apprentices can provide you with the skill and professionalism that your salon needs to be prepared for the future.

If after reading this article you are still unsure of where to turn, please don’t hesitate to get in touch for further advice surrounding apprenticeships.

It’s our responsibility to show how rewarding this industry can be.

Developing passion

With the help of some of the biggest names in the industry, we look at the importance of training and education within your salon and how to decide where your team need refreshing.

As a professional within the salon sector you will have undoubtedly experienced a range of training as part of your journey, but in an industry which never stand still, with constant innovations and evolvement, keeping on top of regular education is paramount to the success of a business.

By investing in yourself or your salon staff you are advancing the continued accomplishments of your company or business, which in turn, can lead to greater opportunities in the future.

Laura Elliot, Head of Education at Neal & Wolf, explained that their insalon and academy education is always based on what the salons ask for and seasonal trends: “If we see a specific need and a common theme in terms of certain struggles or problems, we very quickly pull the educators together and brainstorm how to answer their questions whilst making it enjoyable.”

The broader the skill set, the more ability the stylist has to appeal to a wider audience.

Gaining further training, experience or endorsements not only offers leverage within a salon in terms of greater client experiences, but these achievements are a great addition to any marketing strategy. If you have invested time in to gaining an accreditation, you must remember to get this in front of your audience as this could be what sits in between a potential new customer booking an initial appointment. Reputation is so important to consumers these days. With hundreds of new salons opening year upon year, it has become a competitive space, meaning added value goes a long way.

Laura said: “The biggest advertising a salon can do in my eyes is shout about their achievements on social media, promoting their certain individual skill sets and how they got them.”

With training and education being key to the longevity of a salon business, it is important to ensure you opt for an established training provider. Lisa recommends attending a course with a colour house rather than someone independent: “The reason for this is that you know the message and product information is completely accurate. When a salon advertises a stylist’s completion the salon can hashtag and tag the colour house which can increase clientele and online traction.”

Salon owners may or may not be trained in all areas of treatments and services. For example, a salon owner may be trained in hair and not have a clue about the beauty treatments on offer. Due to this, Salon System Educator, Lisa Stone, suggests investing in courses that will give you not only qualifications to carry out the services should a therapist call in sick but it also means you have a better understanding of what your therapist should or shouldn’t be doing.

“Courses that are essential for running a business such as health and safety, business skills, leadership and management, professional standards, first aid, social media, and marketing.” Lisa added.

Experienced therapists need to keep up to date with current trends in order to stay relevant. Upskilling is important to learn more advanced techniques which may not have been available when originally training or to build on knowledge which is already there.

Lisa gave the example that an experienced waxer could take an advanced waxing course or speed waxing to help improve on time and increase revenue, they could learn intimate waxing and take their waxing skills to another level opening their business up to new clientele.

So, is it beneficial to undertake courses

outside of our industry too? According to Lisa, absolutely!

As someone passionate about mental health, Lisa undertook a course on mindfulness course to help with coping mechanisms for the stress and strain of everyday life.

“From doing this I felt motivated to learn to become a mindfulness practitioner, as I could see the benefits this could have on my clients.

“It also encouraged me to incorporate mindfulness mediation into my treatments and has helped my clients get the best experience from my services.”

With there now so many courses available, research is key in order to find the right one for you. You may be newly qualified or just want to expand your skillset.

When searching for a course, Ruth Atkins, Salon System Educator, advises not just going by the price; it’s important to bear in mind that this is an investment and you need to understand what you are getting in return as well as the basic training.

“For example, in addition to teaching the latest lash techniques and creative trends, Salon System’s Creative Lash Technician course also covers health and safety, client care and troubleshooting, promotion and marketing, as well as a brand new interactive Lash Pamper Party

concept to help professionals boost their revenue and promote their business.” Therefore, this is a reminder to bear in mind exactly what the course includes as for a few more pounds there are likely to be other factors involved.

It’s imperative to regularly refresh your skills within the beauty industry as there is a vast amount to keep up to date with. Ruth agrees that the beauty sector is evolving at an alarming rate with new products, techniques and technologytake your eye off the ball for a moment and you’ll soon be left behind. Clients are scarily up to date and will definitely begin asking about new treatments or trends. Nothing is more embarrassing then not being able to answer, regardless of your opinion on the treatment.

Sean Hanna, Owner of the L’Oreal Professionnel salon, seanhanna, explained that he can always tell the difference in expertise between staff with more and less training.

“The broader the skill set, the more ability the stylist has to appeal to a wider audience. They have more confidence which in turn helps them build clients more quickly and they can charge more for appointments and services,” Sean added.

Advice is something which the hair and

beauty salon is certainly not short of, but when it comes to guidance surrounding training and education, Sean explained that by sharing ideas with other business owners is what helps him: “I often become inspired by what others are doing and then personalise the ideas to fit my own brand. Industry publications are great too, as are organisations such as the Fellowship.”

Jake Unger, Head of Education at HOB Academy, revealed that with HOB’s incentive – Promotion through Qualification, it allows individuals to progress to the next level: “It’s essential that the training and skill level works parallel with what each team member is charging.

“For a stylist to move to the next level it’s important for them to demonstrate that they have the skill set to be comfortable and are able to perform at that level. Our aim is to encourage them to consistently educate and develop themselves so that moving up to the next level is seamless and even expected by clients.”

By having a team each of different skillsets works really well in order to appeal to a broader audience as each client will be working with a different budget.

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC & CIBTAC, sees the importance in clarifying the difference between qualifications, accredited short courses, non-accredited training and in-house salon training and also to point out that currently there is no regulation governing the standard of training required to work in our sector.

“While this might sound good in terms of salons being able to be as unique as they wish, the danger of an underqualified salon owner making decisions without the underpinning knowledge necessary to ensure the safety and security of their staff and clients is a real concern. Government regulated qualifications are available but can only be awarded by Awarding Organisations (AOs).

“These qualifications are treatment based and each modality takes into consideration the nuances of different businesses while still ensuring that the underlying health and safety and professional protocols and standards are maintained. They are also mapped to a National Occupational Standards (NOS) and these are updated regularly in line with new innovations, technologies and therapies. A professional and appropriately qualified salon owner would therefore be far more adept and

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proficient at incorporating their own unique character while still maintaining the highest levels of professionalism.” Lesley added.

Lesley revealed that at BABTAC they have been advocating their own members to market accreditations for a very long time. It forms part of the promotional strategy for the new consumer campaign which they have just launched at Parliament.

“As an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation we are well placed to know the difference between regulated qualifications and actual validated accredited Continual Professional Development (CPD) training and courses that potentially aren’t fit for purpose or mapped across to the National Occupational Standards (NOS).

“One of the greatest issues we face currently is the lack of regulation governing our industry, including governance of training criteria and content and how courses can be marketed and sold.”

Lesley sees that there is a dual need here not only for professional businesses to promote themselves and their worth (given their level of skill) but also to educate the consumers of the very limited legislation currently governing our industry (many of whom are oblivious to this fact) and provide them with the tools to make informed choices.

This is the main objective of BABTAC’s new TIME Campaign: “As one of the few organisations who self-regulate our members we have a robust verification process which includes pre-requisite learning requirements to insure different modalities. Our members receive Qualified, Verified and Insured Member assets and we encourage

them to display these proudly in their salons, while also promote their verified skills and standards to their clients and potential clients across all their marketing platforms (digital, social, email, CRMs, traditional etc). Any qualification done by our sister organisation CIBTAC, is Ofqual regulated (by government) and any Short Course accredited by BABTAC has actually been through a vigorous application process overseen by our highly qualified educational team.”

As already mentioned, there is little to no legislation governing the hair and beauty sector or the standardisation of training or accreditation and even who can claim to be a ‘certified accreditor.’

Lesley explained to ensure that the training you provide really is fit for purpose it is very important to choose an accreditor that actually does have the expertise to oversee this: “Having our own in-house Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation (CIBTAC) allows

us to provide expert oversight to ensure that each centres training is appropriate and maintains the highest standards.

BABTAC & CIBTAC as an umbrella organisation is a Regulated Awarding Organisation and a Self-Regulating Governing Body in one - we can provide both the expertise and knowledge required to provide and assess training & qualifications while concurrently self-regulating our own members to ultimately ensure the highest levels of professionalism possible.”

Leigh Kerr, Director of Rainbow Room International’s Academy and current British Hairdressing Awards Educator of the Year sees that hairdressing is a bit like learning how to drive. Your SVQ teaches you how to learn all the necessary manoeuvres and how to be safe. But we all know that your first year on the road is what really makes you an excellent driver: “Hairdressing is the same. Just because someone has passed their SVQ, there is still a good year at least of learning ahead of them. And understanding that they are responsible for having that discipline to learn more to further their career. Regular one-to-ones with your team and access to further training where needed is vital to ensuring they feel supported and can upskill and refresh where necessary.”

Demonstrate your commitment to staff training and development from the moment a new employee joins you and continue to stay on top of it to ensure you don’t fall behind. It is experience which contributes to a greater reputation and will therefore generate more custom.

Start the journey now

At VTCT, we’re passionate about Apprenticeships as a step towards your dream career. But what is being an Apprentice really like? And what skills do you need to get there? We spoke to Jody Jones, VTCT’S Business Development Manager for Apprenticeships, to find out all you need to know.

Jody, tell us about your background and how you got to where you are today?

I was always inspired by my Mum, who is still hairdressing, so I started working in a hair salon at 14 whilst doing my GCSE’s, in my local village salon at the weekends. After two years they asked me if I wanted to do an apprenticeship there. I then went on to do my apprenticeship in Kent. Having this team behind me still keeps me motivated for our industry today.

After working in different salons, I worked abroad and on cruise and private ships. On my return to the UK, I wanted to give back to the industry. I felt so lucky to have seen so much of the world and wanted to inspire the next generation.

I began teaching apprentices at Headmasters in Soho, whilst doing my teaching qualifications. I then went to work for Wella Professionals as a Technical Educator. I then realised I wanted to go to the root of our hairdressing education to have the biggest impact – and this is why I now work for VTCT.

Why should young people consider an apprenticeship over other career paths?

Different types of learning environments

suit different learners. The unique part of an apprenticeship is immediately having a job; you are getting paid and are in the industry from day one. An inspirational hairdresser once told me “in hairdressing we steal with our eyes”, that could not be truer in apprenticeships. You are exposed to so much and are learning without realising.

As a Hairdresser, what do you see as the key skills that are needed in the profession?

You will master people skills, managing your environment and time effectively, colour related science, cut and haircare and lip reading (!). There will always be towels to wash and dry, but you have the greatest gift as a hairdresser. You have the ability to allow people to express

themselves and showcase who they are - that is truly the most amazing thing you can do for someone.

What do you see as the key ‘skills for life’ for young people today?

We now have accredited courses for the key skills this generation needs. Mental Health Awareness, Sustainability and LGBTQ+ are areas in which VTCT proudly offer qualifications. These are what the industry is looking for - if you can demonstrate your passion, as well as how you influence the people and the planet around you, you will stand out.

Are you keen to develop, or support someone else on their journey towards their dream career? Visit our website www.vtct.org.uk/apprenticeships/

The future of apprenticeships

Kleek Apprenticeships is the newest apprenticeship training provider on the block, but don’t worry, we have a great pedigree. Kleek Apprenticeships have over 25 years of experience of providing specialist hair and beauty apprenticeships, we offer OFSTED Outstanding rated training and are also the hair and beauty apprenticeship training provider of the year for 2022.

Kleek Apprenticeships are a bright, youthful, and dynamic provider reflecting the fast moving and energetic world of training.

This means that you and your team will be receiving outstanding training from welcoming, friendly, and experienced educators who will celebrate strengths and support you with all the challenges that you face.

Kleek Apprenticeships are proud to be one of the country’s top training providers for Hairdressing, Barbering, Wellbeing and Beauty Therapy apprenticeships.

Why Kleek Apprenticeships?

Over 25 years of experience has shown us that a great bond can be created between students and educators. A bond that will be looked back on fondly by the professionals of the future. We wanted to emphasise this genuine sense of community and belonging.

We wanted people to feel proud of their time with us as they complete their apprenticeship training.

Working with the idea of being part of a close-knit group, we decided on the name: Kleek Apprenticeships.

Derived from the noun: ‘Clique’ to mean a narrow, exclusive circle or group of friends, it will help our apprentices, employers, and employees to feel part of something bigger and give them the feeling of security and confidence this group provides. But Clique wasn’t youthful and dynamic so we decided on the phonetic spelling to create a contemporary sounding name that will jump to the front of the mind when thinking about hair and beauty apprenticeships.

Our experience has also taught us that a salon’s greatest asset will always be its people. So, we will continue to offer topquality education that not only teaches the technical skills to succeed but helps to build the knowledge and behaviours to excel in the industry.

If this has sparked your interest and you want to find out more about the outstanding apprenticeships available through Kleek, you can find us online at www.kleek.ac.uk, or give us a call on

A Kleek apprenticeship is the start of a dream career in the hair and beauty industry.

Our outstanding rated, practical based apprenticeships are available to learners of all levels so, if you are looking to improve your current skills, are starting from scratch, or want to re-learn skills you have from years ago there is an apprenticeship for you.

There are a wide range of apprenticeship standards available, our team of experienced Kleek Educators provide in salon training across the country and in house via our Kleek Academies located at the heart of Darlington and Maidstone. Our educators will plan and oversee a tailor-made learning programme for each apprentice and offer support and guidance both online and face to face.

Our programmes enable learners to prepare well for working with clients and help them to develop a passion for hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy, and wellbeing and holistic therapies, allowing them to become highly valued employees in the salon.

If you are looking for an outstanding apprenticeship training provider and

want to work with the best in the industry, where the apprentice and their employer are at the heart of everything we do, visit www.kleek.ac.uk, or give us a call on 01325 281295 where we are always happy to answer any questions you might have about our apprenticeships.

“Absolutely recommend Kleek Apprenticeships especially Joanne. She’s fab with my girls and always there to help.” - Caz Lamb, Salon Trainer, Burke and Hare

“Our apprentice is currently training with Kleek and I can honestly say they are the best. The amount of support we receive is outstanding and her tutor Danielle is always there to offer any help guidance or support.”

Kay Slater,

01325 281295 we would love to chat.

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Salon Owner, Pamper Pit Stop

You don’t have to just take our word for it, here’s what employers we work with are saying…

The secret to success

It’s a well-known fact within the beauty industry that well-trained waxing therapists mean higher revenue streams and greater client retention… Multi-award winning beauty supply company, Beauty Triangle echo this below.

As business owners many of us realise that training our staff is important, however, we often fall short in this area. Post-graduate waxing is something that gets left to the wayside and sadly waxing taught at NVQ level sees therapists barely able to do a basic bikini wax, let alone a Brazilian and very few college students are taught to use Hot Wax at all. Beauty Triangle International set out to change that, offering Lycon Introduction and Advanced intimate waxing courses to empower therapists, seriously upskill them and share the Lycon secret to success.

We all know there are many waxes on the market, but do they offer an advanced system that provides superior results for clients? If you opt for a basic waxing system, you will never capitalise on the potential money to be earned. Off-the-shelf systems do a mediocre or bad job. They will remove hair, often remove skin too, there will be in-grown and broken hairs, potentially bruises and blood spots. You need a waxing system that offers tailored waxes to clients which will suit their hair and skin type. Lycon ensures a waxing system that offers your clients a superior treatment with Hot and Strip wax for all types of hair and removes hair as short as 1mm - salons lose time and money if clients are turned away because hair is too short.

But (and this is the big BUT) - You can have amazing products, BUT in the hands of unskilled, nervous therapists, it spells disaster. A well-trained waxing therapist using Lycon products will generate much greater revenue and earn your salon a good reputation. Waxing can produce the highest percentage

of profit and repeat business every four weeks resulting in excellent client retention. We ensure that your therapists understand how to use the full waxing system, and become confident with this. It’s important they learn how to apply the correct amount of pre-cleanser/oils, hold the spatula correctly, apply the correct amount of pressure and wax, and use the correct techniques. With intimate waxing, it’s not only about waxing skills, but guaranteeing the client’s comfort and experience. We discuss types of position the client needs to get into without losing dignity. Also, how to multi-task by applying multiple patches, a client does not want to be in a treatment room for hours - time is money. Everyone wants the highest margins, and when waxing,

there can be an awful lot of waste e.g. paper strips, pre and post products, disposable products-we train therapists how to work more economically, helping your profit margins grow. Our clients see their client base growing - and not through expensive marketing - but through word of mouth and repeat business.

If you are going to make one good decision this year look at who needs training, invest in your therapist, you will recoup the training cost in their first few waxes performed. Waxing is a beauty necessity for millions and these clients are wanting to go to the best… we are here to help you achieve this with our elite training and premium products.

www.lyconuk.com

Level up

As we move into 2023, it’s important that you start the year on the right note and set yourself up for success! Want to find out how we can help you transform your business and increase your profits? Look no further!

At Shortcuts, we work closely with our customers to create solutions that will actually work for you! Our team come from the hair, beauty and barber industry and help us design features that will solve your problems and run your business efficiently.

Shortcuts has over 40 features, which can be utilised to take your business to the next level!

Our clients love how easy it is to:

Get more bookings

Ready to get more bookings and return clientele than ever before? We have many ways to help you attract new bookings, even while you’re kicking back

on your day off. Not to mention, turn those bookings into returning clients!

Banish no-shows

No-shows are no-good for anyone! They cost you time, money, and patience. We’ll help you banish lastminute cancellations and no-shows for good, and help you manage client expectations, so everyone is happy.

Cut your to-do list in half

You’ve got more important things to be doing than admin work. We’ll help you cut down time on the little things, so you can get back to the big picture and what you love most - flexing those creative skills of yours.

Create an experience to remember

Shortcuts helps you provide a highly personalised guest experience so you can treat each and every client like a

VIP. You’ll create stronger, more loyal relationships, and keep them coming back time and time again. Who doesn’t love convenience? Our technology makes it a true pleasure for your clients to do business with you.

Make everything run smoothly

Shortcuts truly is a game-changer for you and for your business. We’ll help you run a tight ship at your front desk, motivate and inspire your team, keep track of stock, and manage your clients more effectively. We’ll cut your admin workload in half by simplifying your daily tasks and automating the essentials.

Get in touch today for a free consultation. 0161 972 4900

www.shortcuts.co.uk/salonconsultation

Book a free consultation and transform your business today!

Want to find out how we can help you transform your business and increase your profits? Look no further!

Shortcuts has over 40 features, which can be utilised to take your business to the next level!

Book a free consultation with our team today and set yourself up for success.

Salon of the Month Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab, Wolverhampton

The atmosphere at Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab embodies that of a warm and inviting space. Founder of the salon, Rory Antonio, explained how upon opening the salon he aimed to provide a hub of creativity where people could socialise and get together: “The idea of the salon was to create more of a studio vibe, nice and spacious where everyone can feel involved.”

In terms of furniture and finishing touches to the décor Rory wanted to do something different as he revealed: “I didn’t want it to look like just another hair salon.” The use of dark colours throughout have helped to create a calming and relaxing ambience in the salon.

Although Rory knew he wanted to use a dark shade on the walls, he was originally concerned about the salon being too dim, as he understands how important lighting is, especially for those client selfies.

“I made sure to brighten the salon up with lots of spotlights and mirrors which make the space feel bigger than it actually is. Sometimes using a dark space can make a room feel small and enclosed and whilst I wanted the studio to have a cosy feel I didn’t want it to feel too dark for clients when they sit in the salon chair.” The launch didn’t come without its challenges though as Rory revealed that the building was previously a bank which meant it took a lot of time to get it just right, as the natural light was limited.

“I chose the copper and orange furniture to create a cosey, homely feel contrasting against the dark blue walls, along with the bronze styling bar in the middle.”

After opening the salon in May last year, Rory decided that his favourite element to the salon décor is the neon lights: “Clients love it too, it’s a great backdrop for their in-salon selfies which do our online marketing wonders.”

Rory understands that luxury can mean something different to everyone, but that a space designed carefully can transport anyone to a place of relaxation. We asked him if there was a particular mood or setting in mind he wanted to create through the use of the interior, to which he said: “ The dark walls, dark floor and bronze accents were decided upon in order to create a cosy, welcoming and relaxing mood. Elements such as the neon sign are just a touch of my personality, to show people that we can be a little quirky and welcome anyone who feels a little different.”

Whilst there is an overall feel to the space, Rory revealed that there are elements of the salon that really do create different atmospheres. For example, the back wash room is tucked away, in its own little private haven which the team refer to as the ‘spa room’. It is botanical themed, with calming green tones and all empty nooks and crannies are now home to gorgeous plants.

“We understand that there is nothing more un-relaxing than lying on your back, feeling a little self-conscious as people walk by with a fabulous view up your nose. Clients should be able to enjoy a shampoo and head massage in privacy and peace.”

Rory finished by explaining that the design of his salon is what’s been key to building may client relationships and friendships. Aesthetics really do go a long way!

@roryantoniohair

A little pic up

Do not fear, this month’s hottest pics are here! Have a look at these beauties from the world of salon.

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Montibello Vegan 360° Service

MONTIBELLO recognises the beauty market is growing and evolving towards more natural needs, so allow us to introduce their Vegan 360° service.

With today’s client looking for simple and natural looks, they also want effective products that care for the hair and the planet. Montibello’s high performance products that make up the Vegan 360° service, bring a unique opportunity to update and upgrade your salon services.

Focusing on sustainability, natural botanical ingredients and reduced packaging, Montibello has taken action in caring for hair, caring for people and the environment.

Lightening

DÉNUÉE ammonia and fragrance-free charcoal lighteners (with activated charcoal made from 100% natural bamboo), can lift colour by up to 7 levels and provide greater protection against damage. The lighteners neutralise and reduce the appearance of undesired warm tones helping produce more even, well-toned shades. With eight plant extracts and powerful marine algae, the botanical bond care nourishes and protects the hair structure and reduces breakage.

Colouring

DÉNUÉE – Montibello’s water-based, ammonia-free hair colour is a leap forward in permanent colouring. Offering precise, reliable, and natural looking results, the range meets all the requirements for a superior colour service.

Revolutionary AQUAGEL technology supplies a powerful water-based pigment release system while achieving colour results that mimic the shades of natural, undyed hair. Eight plant extracts and calamine soothe and protect the

scalp providing optimum comfort during the service.

100% natural-looking coverage, and guaranteed long-lasting results, DÉNUÉE enhances vibrancy and natural shine, offering versatility to adapt to every need – available in 76 intermixable shades.

ÉCLAT, Montibello’s innovative acidic pH demi-permanent hair colour, transforms colour services into a treatment. With an explosion of vitality and benefits, Éclat provides amazing coverage in only 20 minutes!

With an acidic pH of 6.9, Éclat does not alter or lighten the hair’s natural melanin, which ensures flawless, healthy hair. It’s a versatile range and suitable for 100% of your clients and offers Tech Bonder Technology, Plant proteins and Vitamin C. Combined, they anchor the colour and protein filler into the hair, while replenishing and strengthening the structural bond, adding shine, and rejuvenating the hair.

The Éclat range comprises of 34 fully intermixable shades, with a transparent

Clear for glossing services or diluting shades.

Treatment & Styling

DECODE ZERO is a new generation of high-performance, additive-free, vegan formulas designed to care for and nourish the hair on a regular basis.

Essential Shampoo and Balm moisturise and soften the hair while protecting against colour fade and pollution. Decode Zero Cure leavein serum intensively treats the hair, restoring, reviving, and strengthening the hair fibre.

Complete the 360° with the Decode Zero Styling products. A range of invisible hold formulas for clean, natural styling, with weightless, free-moving hair. Formulated with up to 94% natural origin ingredients, Decode Zero provides natural beauty that is more than a trend…it is a new lifestyle.

For full product information visit www.montibello.co.uk

•

Botanical Bond Care complex with 8 plant extractS & Powerful marine algae

• INTENSE Powder lifts up to 7 levels - pure & clean natural results

• SOFT Cream Gel GENtly lifts up to 3 levels for shiny, protected hair

•

Fragrance Free

• 70% less plastic

Healthy Competition

Four ways entering competitions will help you to level up your skills as told by Lash Factor.

It’ll get you outside your comfort zone

Performing your craft at a competition is a completely different experience to carrying out appointments in your treatment room. For one, you can’t control your surroundings. Plus, if you travel abroad for a competition, you may not even meet your model until you get there! Although these things can cause some techs to panic, the truth is you’ll likely adapt to the situation at hand. While many of us try to stay inside our safe, protective bubble, it’s important to venture outside of it now and then. You’ll be surprised at how your industry knowledge allows you to be flexible with the resources you have. And if things didn’t quite go to plan? Great, you’ve got a starting point to go away and grow your skills.

It’s a chance to network

Whether it’s an in-person or virtual competition, chances are you’ll be able to network with other like-minded professionals. Through connecting with others, you’ll be able to create support groups where you can share tips, advice, recommendations and more. You’ll be amazed at the knowledge you can gain from your peer’s own experiences and perspectives and how that translates to improving your own skills.

You’ll learn about new products and techniques

As well as meeting new people through competitions, you’ll likely be introduced to new products and techniques. Some in-person competitions will also host conferences, often covering innovative new methods and tips to help you up your skills; this may even be the case for virtual contests too!

Learn from the judges and fellow competitors by following them on social media. Many professionals will share lots of free online content, including product recommendations and go-to methods.

Feedback will help you to grow

Feedback is a huge bonus of getting involved. Whether it’s positive or constructive criticism, having experienced industry leaders critique your work allows you to grow and improve. At most competitions, you will probably get some useful comments from the judges, allowing you to work on specifics when bettering your practice.

Taking the plunge and entering a competition might seem daunting at first. In fact, most of us are guilty of thinking about the worst that can happen, rather than what we can gain

from the experience. By focusing on how contests can help you to grow your skills, you’ll start to see them as an essential part of your continuing professional development.

Ready to commit?

Why not enter the ÉLAN Asia Show taking place in Antalya, Turkey, from 15th May until 21st May 2023? You’ll have the chance to participate in Brow Shaping, Brow Lamination and Lash Lifting competitions (plus makeup contests), as well as attend talks from some of the industry’s top professionals. All this while staying in a 5-star hotel!

Plus, we’re offering you 15% off any ticket that’s €520 or more when you quote the code LASHFACTORELAN15 on any line of the registration form at elanasiashow.com/en lashfactor.co.uk

More volume after one use

Focused on hydrating and strengthening hair from the scalp, this clinically tested range features a shampoo, conditioner, mousse and mist. The products are focused on giving you healthy, voluminous hair that looks ‘lit from within’. The star of the range is ALTERNA’s Marine Plumping Complex, a blend of volumising ingredients that features Sea Kelp for plumping and hydration, and Keratin, Panthenol and Biotin to fortify the hair from within. To make the regimen even more uplifting, it’s scented and is truly a sensual approach to self-care. www.alternahaircare.com

Hair

Growth Gummy Bears

Roze Avenue sugar free gummy bears will help you achieve a longer, healthier & stronger hair! This unique formula is made by combining science and nature for your advantage. The gummy bears contain the highest quality beauty boosting ingredients including Biotin, Vitamin C & E. Take two delicious Hair Growth Gummy Bears a day. It’s your choice whether you take two Hair Growth Gummy Bears at the same time or if you want to experience that tasty raspberry chew twice a day, morning and evening. rebelbeautybrands.com 01442 248104

Salon system for natural regeneration

Premium units to upgrade your salon

The new Noir range Made in Britain by REM. The Noir Styling Chair and Wash Unit can be purchased in economical Black upholstery or choose from a range of 25 coloured fabrics to suit your Brand. Contact us now on 01282 619977 or email sales@rem.co.uk

Zemits UK introduces The First Aesthetic Cryo-Thermal Contrast System - Zemits FrioLift. The FrioLift technology combines two noninvasive rejuvenation techniques - deep heating by Radiofrequency and cold treatment by Cryotherapy. The contrasting temperature difference causes the skin to undergo a shock, creating neocollagenesis of the dermis’ deep layers. This natural regeneration process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. www.zemits.co.uk

FOR HOME AND PROFESSIONAL USE

Julienne’s Sensitive Brow Tint Kits are the perfect all-in-one tint solution for sensitive and allergyprone skin.

This dermatologically approved, hypo-allergenic formula delivers salon-rich colour to brows while remaining gentle and kind to the skin.

The all-inclusive 5ml kits provide a minimum of 12 applications. The 15ml tube for salons will provide 35 applications (developer sold separately).

The development time controls colour intensity, enabling the user to achieve the perfect shade for their skin tone.

Available in Light Brown, Dark Brown and Midnight Black

Paint Me Pretty

After being born in lockdown, Paint Me Pretty by Aleasha is the up and coming nail brand, designed by a professional for professionals. Below, Founder of the brand Aleasha Rennie, reveals what the products strive to achieve and how the range could benefit your business.

With a huge passion for art, nails and nail products it was always a dream of mine to build my own brand.

With lockdown beginning and allowing me to have time to do it, this is when Paint Me Pretty was born. Being a part of the nail community, an award winning nail technician, an ambassador for brands and with 13 years’ experience under my belt, I knew I had the knowledge to create my dream and once I started I couldn’t stop.

I loved experimenting with nail products, glitters and colour in my nail art designs but I often found I had to mix brands or even mix my own colours to create the design in envisioned in my head. Now, I can create my own bespoke colours and share it with the nail community and my clients. I saw a gap in the market for the products I was ideally looking for and with the help of the nail community we are proud to work with nail technicians all over the world to achieve the latest top trending products.

One of the best parts of creating Paint Me Pretty is seeing my clients get so excited about the shades. It makes their whole appointment and client experience so much more fun. The names of the gel polishes are all Scottish related which is something very unique to my brand. My friends and family play a huge part on choosing the names and it’s incredibly fun. My last collection I had a colour named after my daughter Frankie and if you haven’t seen this colour yet it’s a reflective pink glitter which I have never seen on the internet before and it’s now our best seller!

Our goal is to ensure every person walking out of the salon feels pretty. Since starting Paint Me Pretty, one of the main priorities is the quality, ensuring it is outstanding. Our colours are so pigmented that some require just one coat. We are so proud of our polishes

and if you haven’t tried them out yet I guarantee you will love them too.

Tell us about your product range and how it can fit in to the work of a professional?

Paint Me Pretty began with just 6 pastel colours from our pretty pastels collection and now we stand with 74 stunning shades and are forever growing with the additions of builder gels, top, base coats and more. We have just released 14 brand new colours including reflective gels; one of the top trending products. Not only are our gels long lasting with the most super pigmented shades, we are also cruelty free and vegan. We have an amazing 10% off our new Fall and Pretty Reflective collection when you buy the full collection and don’t miss out on our Valentine’s sale on February 14th where you can get 15% off with the code LOVEPRETTY (offer starts 7am12pm).

You can stock our range here

www.paintmeprettybyaleasha.com

@paintmeprettybyaleasha

Our colours are so pigmented that some require just one coat.

Collection – KALOS

Hair – Paolo Giamattei

Photographer – Jamie Blanshard

Styling – Ellen Spiller

MUA – Katie Moore

Where versatility, usability and individuality count

Additional Revenue Streams

Studex UK

Unit 7, Holkham Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE2 6TE

E: studex@studexuk.co.uk

W: www.studexuk.com

Facebook: Studex UK

Linkedin: Studex UK

Instagram: studex_uk

Aesthetics

Zemits UK LTD

T: 020 4532 5922

W: www.zemits.co.uk

Furniture REM

T: 01282 619977

E: sales@rem.co.uk

W: www.rem.co.uk

Haircare

Olaplex

E: uksupport@olaplex.com

W: uk.olaplex.com

Instagram: @olaplex

Facebook: @olaplex

Twitter: @olaplex

Hair Extensions

Hair Made Easi

Unit 21, Bury Business Centre, Kay Street, Bury, BL9 6BU

E: hello@hairmadeeasi.com

W: www.hairmadeeasi.com

Instagram: @hairmadeeasi

Facebook: @hairmadeeasi

Twitter: @hairmadeeasi

Pinterest: @hairmadeeasi

The Hair Extension Group

T: 024 7635 3293

E: trade@thehairextensiongroup. co.uk

W: www.thehairextensiongroup. co.uk

Instagram: @nakedweave

Facebook: nakedweave

Hair Products

Soapbox PR

Unit 18, Hillgate Place, 18-20 Balham Hill, London SW12 9ER.

T: 020 3133 3013

Hair Tools

Denman Professional Tools

Denman International

Clandeboye Road, Bangor, County Down, BT20 3JH

E: customer.services@ denmanbrush.com

W: denmanbrush.com

Instagram: @denmanpro

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

Instagram: @avantecosmetics

Facebook: @avantecosmetics

Twitter: @avantecosmetics

Natural Makeup

English Mineral Make Up

10 Waterlane, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2JZ

W: www.englishmineralmakeup. co.uk

Facebook: @englishmineral makeup

Twitter: @EMMCompany

Instagram: @english_mineral_ makeup

Natural Products

Inika Organic

T: +44 (0) 203 713 0149

E: simone@inikaorganic.com

W: uk.inikaorganic.com

Instagram: @inikaorganic

Facebook: @inikaorganic

Youtube: @inikatv

Nails & Beauty Products

JK London Ltd

167 - 171 Willoughby Lane, Tottenham, London, N17 0RT

T: 0208 885 5551

E: onlineorders@jklondon.com

W: www.jklondon.com

Facebook: /jklondonltd

JICA Beauty

37 Oakdene Road, Peasmarsh, Guildford, Surrey. GU3 1ND.

T: 01483 574500

E: beauty@jica.com

W: www.jicatrade.com

Facebook: @Jica Beauty Products

Twitter: @JICABeauty

Instagram: @jicabeautyproducts

Lisa Kon

E: hello@lisakon.co.uk

W: www.lisakon.co.uk

W: www.lisakontraining academy.co.uk

Natural Skincare

AEOS

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

W: www.aeos.net

Facebook: /activeenergisedorganic skincare

Instagram: @aeosskincare

The BeMine Company Limited

Stoneyford, Clifton, Oxon, OX15 0PE

W: www.bemineco.com

Facebook: @bemineuk

Instagram: @bemineuk

Payment Systems

EVO Payments UK

T: 01218279100

E: salesenquiry@evopayments.com

W: www.evopayments.co.uk

Plasma

Plasma Elite PO Box 3218, Caterham, CR3 4DD

T: 07967392081

E: info@plasmaelite.com

W: www.plasmaelite.com

Instagram: @plasmaeliteoffical

Salon Furniture

Albert Ewan Design

T: 016 70 73 89 79

E: studio@albertewandesign.com

W: www.albertewandesign.com

Concept Salon Design

T: 0151 523 0132

E: sales@salonfurniture.co.uk

W: www.salonfurniture.co.uk

Salon Software

Salonist

T: +6568170086

W: www.salonst.io

Salon Tracker Ltd

30-38 Dock St, Leeds, LS10 1JF

T: 0113 350 8230

E: info@salontracker.co.uk

W: www.salontracker.co.uk

Salon Telephones, Broadband, AV Marketing and Technology

Salon Telephone Services

130 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BD

T: 0204 506 4510

E: info@salontelephoneservices. co.uk

W: www.salontelephoneservices. co.uk

Instagram / Facebook: @salon telephoneservices

Skincare and Soap

Spritzy Limited

Suit 312 Cumberland House, 80 Scrubs Lane, London, NW10 6RF

W: spritzy.co.uk

Instagram / Twitter: @spritzy_ldn

Tanning

Tan Empire Ltd

All your tanning needs

Unit 17, Cloverlay Industrial Park, Canterbury Lane,Gillingham, Kent, ME8 8GL

T: 07535352956

E: info@tanempire.co.uk

W: tanempire.co.uk

VISIT US ON STAND U10