Blonde – it’s all about the finish
Want the secrets to making your salon a truly LGBTQ+ inclusive hub? Redken’s Safe Space initiative, curated by industry experts who care, is here to help – every step of the way
Salons are led by people who’ve forged their own path; armed with a drive to stand up and step out. They’re a community united in their uniqueness and are welcomed for it. But what about the person sitting in your chair?
Everyone wants to make an impact in their workplace. Consider the impact on your guests that your actions make. Do LGBTQ+ clients feel tolerance and acceptance of who they are in your space? You can power that feeling, that community – and Redken’s new Safe Space initiative makes it easy. It’s a free online learning kit to empower salons and stylists to create truly inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Co-created with It Gets Better UK, a charity supporting LGBTQ+ youth, the course offers six five-minute videos packed with advice from inclusively-minded industry experts. Expect to hear from award-winning Redken artist Jamie DiGrazia, founder of education resource HAIR HAS NO GENDER; Madin Lopez, founder of charity Project Q; celebrity stylist and Redken global consultant Vernon François; and many more. This is no lip-service to inclusion, this is backed by people who care.
Want to build trust with LGBTQ+ clients who’ve had traumatic past salon experiences? Keen for tips on making consultations gender-neutral and introducing gender-free pricing to your treatment menu? Redken’s Safe Space covers it all. After completing the course, you’ll receive the Safe Space Educated certification to display in your salon to show all are welcome in your space.
Becoming a Safe Space-educated hairdresser could mean the difference between life and death beyond the salon. According to a 2021 survey by the Trevor Foundation, a US LGBTQ+ non-profit organisation, just one accepting adult in a young LGBTQ+ person’s life can reduce the risk of suicide by 40 per cent. This isn’t just a ‘nice to have’, it’s a genuine life saver.
UK salons can also show their rainbow love by stocking and selling a limited edition of Redken’s iconic One United to clients. A stellar all-in-one treatment spray designed for all hair types, sale proceeds go towards supporting It Gets Better UK – and the wider LGBTQ+ youth community. Redken’s also put its money where its mouth is, with £30,000 already donated to the charity. Now, your salon can join it by stacking One United on its shelves. Clients are sure to notice its eye-catching colourful design and QR code, which can be scanned to access more resources. A sure-fire conversation starter at the backwash and in your chair, it’s time to bring LGBTQ+ activism through your doors and into your hearts. Be the safe space that will mean so much, for so many.
The LO-PROFX collection features an ergonomically designed cordless clipper and trimmer. With ultra-low profile, heavy-metal housing for hard-working durability and graphite zero-gap adjustable blades for extremely smooth cutting. The high-torque brushless motor gives consistent fast blade speed for the ultimate barbering experience.
Available now babyliss.com
19 th June and 10 th July 2023 will mark two of the most significant dates in the hairdressing calendar. The Ireland and UK Grand Finals welcome thousands of colour aficionados and enthusiasts to celebrate hair artistry and creativity.
Hundreds of Grand Finalists will compete live before a host of the industry’s elite. Join one of the biggest nights in hairdressing to see who will be crowned this year’s winners and be inspired by some of the most progressive hair artists, with their display of hair mastery.
With patented sub-micron technology, the Uberliss Bond System is a multi award-winning treatment for damaged hair.
A gamechanger for hairdressers, the Uberliss Bond System works to keep hair strong and healthy during colour and chemical services, without increasing the developer or processing time. Repairs broken bonds in three simple steps:
Hair elasticity increases to 121% when the full Uberliss Bond System is added to standard lighteners, making it the best performing bonding treatment on the market.
Uberliss Bond Sustainer, formulated with the patented Bond Regenerator technology, moisturising coconut oil and aloe helps clients maintain healthy hair at home. Available in a range of temporary shades, including Clear, Lilac, Platinum Jasmine, Red Flame, Pink Rose, and Purple Iris for keeping colour fresh.
As you read this, I’ll be prepping for our Most Wanted and It List Award judging days. It’s a time where I pop my Out of Office on, mute the phone, and dive into the entries that our brilliant participants share. There’s no better way to learn what salons and artists are up to, how they are tackling the tricky times and thrilling clients and their communities – it leaves me buzzing with loads of ideas for content. But this year I also wanted to hear from those whom salons and stylists collaborate with on their businesses. I reached out to some of the leaders of the industry’s most influential brands to gauge their understanding of the current landscape. What do they see as the challenges and opportunities for the future? Take a look from page 55. There’s also a deep dive into bossing your blonde business this summer (page 62), while we got to enjoy an afternoon with a brilliant blonde (and Most Wanted winner) Lisa Farrall, who talked us through her texture equality mission and the reality of a hectic session career from page 36 (it involves a trip to A&E, be warned). Why don’t you pop your phone on mute too, and enjoy…
Amanda Nottage Editorial director
The entries are in, and the judges are on their marks… Most Wanted and It List trophy contenders, your fate is now in the hands of our experts. Circle 16 June in your diary, when the 2023 finalists will be named! Meanwhile, do you fancy an evening with creative crusaders, discussing the new cultural norms? The Coterie returns to London on 4 July, with a dazzling line-up that includes session stylist Joe Mills; author, model and journalist Jamie Windust; short hair artist Keri Blue; barber and platform artist Leah Hayden Cassidy; and business owner Charles Rose. See page 46 for more. Finally, if you missed SELF/STYLED Sundays with Claire Chell for Überliss, Daisy Goord for Wella Professionals, and Abbey Jarrold for Indola, catch it again on our Facebook page.
creativeheadmag.com/events
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
AMANDA NOTTAGE
DEPUTY EDITOR
ANNIE MAY BYRNE NOONAN
ART DIRECTOR
NICK JABBAL
CHIEF SUB EDITOR
ADAM WOOD
DIGITAL DESIGNER
EVA VESTMANN
DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANT AOIFE CONNELL
DIGITAL AND SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
KELSEY DRING
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
LAURA TUCKER
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER
JENNY BROOKS
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
JOANNA ANDERSEN
PUBLISHER
CATHERINE HANDCOCK
With interchangeable patterned sleeves for creative stylists
Hairdressing and barbering apprenticeships in England will receive a hike in funding now that the Secretary of State for Education has approved the delivery of the Hairdressing Professional and Barbering Professional Apprenticeship Standards at Level 2.
Now split into two apprenticeship standards, the Hairdressing Professional at Level 2 will see an increase of £4,000 per apprentice, with a revised funding (band 14) of £11,000. For the Barbering Professional at Level 2, there’s an increase of £2,000 per apprentice, with the revised funding (band 12) of £9,000.
The increase follows years of declining apprenticeship starts in England, with recent numbers half of those starting just ve years ago. The revised standard moves the 2016 standard on further. New content will include employee rights and responsibilities, hairdressing/barber shop culture and history, social media, hair types and classi cation – type 1 straight (Asian hair) to type 4 coily/very curly (Afro/ texture) – and maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
Mandy Lodge-Stewart, NHBF president and member of the Hair Professional Steering Group, said: “It is great to see that the government is starting to recognise the contribution our sector makes to GDP and local communities. The new funding bands will have a huge impact on the sector by supporting providers and employers to raise the quality and standards of what we do.”
POLISHED BUT NOT perfected was the hair vibe at the V&A’s Fashion in Motion event, which featured the inaugural winner of the Netflix Next in Fashion show, Minju Kim. The hair team was led by Andrea Daley for L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, styling asymmetric braids and twists to create a done but undone finish. These brilliantly fused with Minju Kim’s signature style, which blends youthful playfulness and avant-garde haute couture with bold shapes and feminine characteristics. Fashion in Motion is a series of live shows at the V&A from leading designers globally, and L’Oréal Professionnel Paris has worked closely with the event since its inception more than 20 years ago.
SELF/STYLED Sunday is the ultimate freefor-freelancers event and is back on Zoom on 4 June! Helping you develop your skills is Überliss ambassador Claire Chell, who explains how to create the perfect hair canvas. Indola UK ambassador Abbey Jarrold will hone in on tailoring brighter tones to client desires for a summer of bolder hues. The event nishes with Wella digital craft expert Daisy Goord’s blonde balayage techniques and toner tips to make colours pop. Sign up for FREE at creativeheadmag.com/selfstyled-sundays
Cos Sakkas has been named as a nominee in the Most Wanted Hair Icon category for the rst time. The nominees are (pictured above, clockwise from top left): Sally Brooks, Errol Douglas MBE, Duffy, Gary Gill, Cyndia Harvey, Anthony Turner, Cos Sakkas, Guido Palau, Sophia Hilton, and Syd Hayes.
The climax of the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final, the Hair Icon award is bestowed upon the most in uential hair professional of the year. Entry is by nomination only, and dozens of experts working in hair, beauty, fashion, business, and the media cast votes. Nominees are then called upon to submit entries for judging by a separate panel, who each provide a nal set of scores to determine the Hair Icon victor. The winner will be named at the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final on Monday 4 September at Tate Modern in London.
Luke Pluckrose is to lead a team of L’Oréal Professional Paris stylists for a ‘cutting edge and progressive’ show at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final on 10 July at Battersea Evolution.
The creative director of Saks will be joined by Giuseppe Stelitano (Trevor Sorbie), Sarah Black (Arkive by Adam Reed), Frazer Wallace (The Haus Studio), Nancy Stripe (Stripe Hair Studio), Sarah Clarke-Lees (Saks) and Andrea Dorata (Dorata Hairdressing). Luke and the team will deliver ‘a twist on his signature craftsmanship and beauty-full hair’, with style and colour in motion.
Most Wanted Creative Talent winner Marlon Hawkins of Brooks & Brooks will lead a team alongside mentor Sally Brooks on a conceptual show for the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final Ireland, on 19 June in Dublin. They will be joined by Mike DeCanter, (Zeba Hairdressing), Callum O’Donovan (Edge Hair Design), Emma Marcey (Odd), Claudia Walsh (Davey Davey), Orla Langton (Wild ower), and Gemma Murphy (Dylan Bradshaw).
Make your salon a truly inclusive, welcoming and safe destination for LGBTQ+ clients with Redken’s Safe Space initiative. A free online resource featuring industry experts with a track record of supporting LGBTQ+ issues, the course includes six ve-minute videos covering topics such as making consultations gender-neutral to building trust with clients who’ve had traumatic experiences in the past. You’ll get certi cation at the end that you can display in your salon. WHERE lorealaccess.com
James Earnshaw hit the stage at DESTINATION 2023, Wella’s largest industry event of the year. More than 1,200 hair professionals from 57 countries gathered in Gran Canaria for three days of artistry, networking, inspiration, and the reveal of the Wella International Trend Vision Award 2023 winners.
Step away from the Pot Noodle; we have a clever alternative for a hot lunch. Say hello to Steambox, the world’s rst electric lunchbox that uses steam to cook meals on-the-go. It’s rechargeable and you can even track your lunch’s progress live on the app. £225, steam-box.com
The average bill in salons is rising, according to salon software brand Slick’s first quarterly industry report.
The brand revealed the main reason for this was price increases between January and March, as well as service upsells.
Clients are also shopping around, with a 32 per cent increase in new clients won by the average salon in the first quarter of 2023, compared with 2022.
However, cancellations are still rife, according to the report, and the cost to businesses ranged from £502 to as much as £4,659 a month.
Aveda has revealed its first UK & Ireland Artistic Team, which will be mentored by Antoinette Beenders. They are: Krysia West, Domenico Sansone, Sam Bell, Karen Thomson, Judith Rennie, and Davide Spinelli. Cos Sakkas has won International Hairdresser of the Year at the International Hairdressing Awards, while Sophia Hilton won International Hair Influencer, and Anthony Mascolo received the International Hair Legend honorary award.
Eco Hair & Beauty is collaborating with Green Salon Collective on Mirror Talkers, eco-tips to put on mirrors that salons can download from ecohairandbeauty.com for free to encourage conversations about sustainable hair care.
Royston Blythe and Nick Malenko of Royston Blythe salons are leaving salon life to take time out, as they mark 50 years in hairdressing. Charles Douek will take over.
These are stressful times for many and it’s vitally important that business owners prioritise the wellbeing of their staff to ensure a happy salon or barber shop. If business owners take the lead in providing this to their teams and themselves, everyone wins.
Regular communication with staff will help you understand the causes of the stress they may be experiencing and enable you to implement workplace wellbeing initiatives. These can include employee assistance programmes and flexible working hours, and create an open, supportive culture where staff can
talk about any issues they’re facing. As individuals we can adopt steps to help manage our own wellbeing. Discover what you find stressful and what helps you by making a Wellness Action Plan:
• Plan for how you might cope with any predictable pressure
• Develop an end-of-day routine to help you unwind
• Spend time on activities you enjoy and that take your focus away from stress – just going for a walk can work wonders
• Ask for help when you need it
Nurture relationships with friends and family
Practise gratitude – each day write down three things for which you are grateful
The NHBF provides support and solutions for all aspects of salon life – from a 24-hour legal helpline to energy advice and insurance support. Members have access to a range of resources saving you valuable time and money.
It provides the business support so you can concentrate on your clients and team! Why not take advantage of the Refer a Friend offer? Any existing NHBF member who refers a friend who then joins will receive a £25 Love2shop voucher, and the new member will get £25 off their annual membership fee. @nhbfsocial
To find out more information and how to join the NHBF, call 01234 831 965 or visit nhbf.co.uk
IN A COST of living crisis, it sometimes seems as though salon visits are the last thing your clients’ budget can stretch to, and the time between appointments becomes longer and longer. I’ve thought carefully about how we can offer some service alternatives that keep them visiting the salon, so that we can help our guests through this difficult time.
Opting for a dry cut can help save a few pounds by not going for a full haircut and style every visit. The client arrives with already shampooed and conditioned hair, then you can just trim the dead ends and style their hair as requested.
As an alternative to getting a full clipper cut every six to eight weeks, we can offer a light shape-up around the neckline and sideburns. It’s amazing how refreshing this area can make an existing cut look neater and more sharp.
Offering a differentiation in service between a trim and a restyling haircut can help clients budget more accordingly for their hair maintenance. If they are cutting one inch or less, this can be classed as a trim, which takes less time and could be booked with a lower-level stylist. If they are having more than a one-inch cut or creating a completely new shape, this can take more time and should be booked with a more experienced stylist.
During the consultation process, if it’s apparent that the client has a limited budget when it comes to the cut or colour service, let’s not forget they can opt for a rough dry to cut costs on their overall service.
The pressure of covering clients white/grey/sparkles every six to eight weeks can be timely and costly. But by offering clients the option to have their sparkles covered around the hairline and parting area or T-section at a cheaper price it can help them over longer periods of time.
It’s an oldie but a goodie! Sometimes our blonde clients are only stressed out by the parting and hairline area when it comes to highlights. For them, alternating a rotation
between T-section/half head and full head highlights can help clients budget around the situation. A new service we’ve created at Gro London is a T-section balayage, which focuses on the parting and hairline area and lightening in a balayage fashion. This gives the illusion that all the hair has been lightened with a couple of cheeky sections at the back if the client likes to wear a ponytail.
For those with a vivid hair colour, copper or artificial redheads, decanting some conditioner from the backwash with a few drops of a direct dye can help clients maintain their vivid hair colour for longer.
If a client is using an after-care bond building treatment at home, alternating an in-salon bond building service every other visit can help them to manage their budget accordingly.
@clhair__Redesign curls with a trio of treats from R+Co Bleu, packed with deeply nourishing banana fruit extract and black seed oil.
Soft Bounce Natural Texture & Curl Shampoo and Conditioner help enhance natural texture and curl patterns, while Rebounce Natural Texture & Curl De ning Crème adds hydration and shine.
RRP from £50 xpertprofessional.co.uk
Developed by barbers, STMNT has new products that deliver both care and style to the max. Hydro Shampoo and Serum create softer, stronger strands and balance moisture, while STMNT Curl Cream nourishes and de nes texture, STMNT De nition Spray ups the volume and STMNT Gel delivers smooth hold.
RRP from £20 stmntgrooming.com
K18 is all over social media, so be ready when clients come in looking for its lightweight formula oil that reverses damage on a molecular level –in just four minutes!
Bonacure R-TWO from Schwarzkopf
Professional offers instant repair for the summer of bleach, blow-drys and straightening ahead. We’re talking 93 per cent less hair breakage, 90 per cent fewer split-ends, and 10-times more resistance to damage!
RRP from £16.50
schwarzkopfpro.com
Überliss Frizz Elixir provides triple protection against frizz, humidity and thermal damage, while controlling static and smoothing and softening hair cuticles.
RRP £36 avloneurope.co.uk/uberliss
Pressing reverse on thinning, dull or damaged hair is as easy as 1-2-3 with this new range of RE/START hair shots from Revlon Professional. A brilliant way to boost your services and experience – clients are just ve minutes away from fabulous!
revlonproshop.com
Redken’s One United Limited Edition leave-in conditioner is a product with heart. A styling primer, it protects against hair breakage and proceeds go towards the It Gets Better UK charity to support LGBTQ+ communities.
RRP £23
uk.lorealpartnershop.com
capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk
salonsdirect.com
salon-services.com
Tonal Control is the new range of predictable acidic gel toners from Matrix. Pre-bonded, it puts you in control, with the formula visibly oxidising in real time so you know when the colour is ready to rinse!
matrixhaircare.co.uk
Could yuv change hair colour forever? It’s a smart lab that promises to save money, space and be more sustainable with re llable aluminium cartridges. The yuv Lab allows colourists to create bespoke formulations, and runs on a ‘pay as you dispense’ model. Subscribers get the yuv Lab machine, an iPad for app access, a thermal printer to label hair colour bowls, and access to business solutions.
Salon subscription: £49 a month yuv.co
Lots of clients are worried about sensitivity to colour. Fresh from Original & Mineral comes CØR.color, a vegan system that pre-links base and re ect colour pigments, allowing them to develop more effectively and evenly. That means better coverage with less risk of scalp irritation.
originalmineral.co.uk
Serious colour education has landed with the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma. A real rst for the hairdressing industry, it offers a game-changing degree-level certi cate. This is a watershed moment for hairdressing which will help show the professionalism and technical acumen needed to become a true colour expert.
The diploma will arm colourists with the most in-depth colour quali cation available. Learning is a mixture of days in the Wella Studio, self-study at home, virtual classrooms and both online and practical assignments. It will take about 18 months to complete and applicants must have completed the Wella Colour Expert course (previously known as MCP) rst. Following an intensive learning journey, students will graduate at Glasgow University in a formal ceremony to celebrate their achievement.
For colourists interested in embarking on the new Higher Level Diploma, Wella is offering free ‘Step Up’ digital sessions to learn all about the programme. Courses are scheduled for Wednesday 31 May, Monday 19 June and Monday 26 June. To enquire and book, go to education.wella.com or contact your local studio
The summer brings more blonde seekers. Wella Professionals top artist, educator, and master colouring and cutting expert, Sarah Mason (@sarahmasoncreative) discusses creating stunning blondes in record time with BlondorPlex Cream Toners
“This innovation is absolutely amazing! I am obsessed with the brand new BlondorPlex Cream Toners. The four incredible shades and booster allow me to create the most expensive-looking blondes. When the clock is ticking, they are a game-changer in the salon, and they also leave the hair feeling incredible in terms of condition, tone and shine. We have created a brand-new service in my salon to go with the launch of the toners, as we believe every blonde queen deserves a shining crown of glory!”
up your creative mojo
Professional’s new blonde toner range that’s creating stunning results. It’s also time to think about getting more quali ed with Wella’s new diploma, launching this summer
“I love the addition of BlondorPlex Cream Toners to the Wella Professionals portfolio. The shades provide us with the most requested blonde tones and have really helped us add an advanced and technically perfect experience for our clients, creating superior hair condition.”
CHRISTEL BARRON-HOUGH, WELLA PROFESSIONALS TOP ARTIST AND FOUNDER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF STIL @CHRISTELBARRONHOUGH
The BlondorPlex Cream Toners are so easy to use and give such an amazing even result every time. The shine and tonal quality are amazing, along with the consistency.
“The toners can be used on their own for ease of use or intermixed for more personalised results. I love /36 Crystal Vanilla because it’s super bright and creamy. I am also blown away by /36 Crystal Vanilla + /96 Sienna Biege, which gives off a bright and iridescent tone.”
ROBERT EATON, WELLA PROFESSIONALS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AND ART DIRECTOR AT RUSSELL EATON HAIR @ROBERTJEATON
You can now get a degree in hair colour thanks to Wella Education. Their brand new hybrid-format programme, launching this summer, is backed and accredited by Glasgow University – which means that yes, you’ll get a full graduation ceremony with cap and gown on completion!
COURSE NAME: Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma
FORMAT: Hybrid
LOCATIONS: London or Manchester
ENTRY CRITERIA: Applicants must have completed the Wella Colour Expert (previously known as MCP)
DURATION: 18 months
PROGRAMME STARTS: September 2023
The new programme is designed to continue your learning journey from the existing Wella Colour Expert, (formerly known as the Master Colour Programme), so you’ll need to have completed that course first. Attendees of the Wella Colour Expert usually have at least 5 years experience of hair colouring before they enrol.
The course format will be a mixture of days in the Wella Studio, self-study at home, virtual classrooms and both online and practical assignments. It will take around 18 months to complete.
The Programme Leaders are hosting free digital sessions where you can gain all the key info and ask questions - see details on the right > Or, head to education.wella.com and search ‘Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma’.
After attending the digital ‘Step Up’ session, you will be sent an application pack to complete and return to the Wella Studio before 30th June. The programme begins in September 2023.
Mon 19th June 10am – 11am
Mon 26th June 12pm - 1pm
Attending a session will give you the opportunity to ask any questions, includes financial information, and provides the next steps of the
NEW SPACES, FRESH LOOKS AND LOCATIONS TO HELP YOU WORK BETTER
Having launched his own line of products last year, Adam Reed has now returned to his beloved Covent Garden to open a salon space that embraces his ‘headcare’ mission wholeheartedly. It’s a salon, but it’s also a creative hub and a wellness space, hosting the Headcare Collective, a roster of like-minded individuals from the worlds of beauty, wellness, art and fashion. It’s a wonderfully personal hair home, the stairs littered with his own archive of beauty and fashion books, the shelves groaning under his famous fragrance collection. There are some choice pieces from his recent Spital elds location – the hair chandelier! – and some gorgeous new touches, too. “I want the space to offer beautiful comfort and an element of curiosity,” says Adam. “A place that is fun, but envelops you and makes you feel at ease and at home.” When can we move in?
@GEORGENORTHWOOD
A second location for this beauty editors’ favourite, George Northwood has headed east with a space that mirrors his effortless, undone aesthetic to a tee.
@NOCOHAIR
Featured on BBC’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr, the NOCO revamp is a unique ‘Japandi’ aesthetic that blends Scandinavian and Japanese design elements.
The director of Sally Montague Hair Group dives deep into finding and keeping apprentices
WE HAVE SEVEN salons and our homegrown apprentices go on to become fantastic stylists. To begin with, we looked at ourselves to make sure that we were offering an incredible salon journey and education. I believe that we now deliver that.
We hold a trial session for each apprentice and used to have a few applicants together in the salon at the same time. Don’t do this! Test them individually because if they are nervous then it won’t be a good experience or a proper trial. The next step is to refresh how you approach apprentices. Launch a campaign and make it your focus for a few months to drive the message. Open evenings, radio and newspaper articles may seem old school, but they work.
Appeal to the parents too. I have three daughters and thought about what I would have been looking for from a parent’s perspective. We put the reasons why your child should apply in language that you didn’t need salon experience to understand. We then sent this out to clients to forward to family and friends.
Salons offer a great working environment, so show that off as much as you can. Hold an ‘open session’ during a training evening to show what your education looks like. We need to show what being an apprentice is really like, to reduce the dropout rate. Finally, share your recruitment struggles with your salon teams. When you do have the right apprentice then everyone needs to get on board to help with training.
@sallymontaguehairgroupI was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was in year four at school, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I was diagnosed with ADHD. I’m now 30 and everything makes sense!
I’ve always struggled with reading, writing and spelling, but I never really understood why I was so disorganised and lacked attention. Knowing I’ve got ADHD made sense of that. I wanted to be a musician initially, but I did work experience in a salon and really enjoyed it. During my
apprenticeship I saw Robert Cromeans on stage and knew that’s what I wanted to do. He was performing like he was at a gig – his scissors were his instrument.
I’ve never known anything different so for me, being dyslexic and having ADHD is normal. It’s just the way I am and, while I struggle with some things, I excel at others such as being creative, working under pressure and thinking outside the box.
I'm a Pulp Riot artist and the focus is on the stylist behind the chair doing things differently. It lets me be as creative as I want. Having dyslexia and ADHD hasn’t defined me, it hasn’t made me – I did that, but it might have made me more resilient. I have to try harder and do things over and over again, but that’s no bad thing.
Full tints, highlights, chemical treatments and blow-drys; whatever your client’s favourite service, they’re likely fighting frizz and damage. Hair oils are the common solution to tame unruly manes, but many just sit on the surface instead of doing restorative work. It’s no wonder some customers wave them away...
Want to offer a final flourish with a difference? Then opt for something that fights frizz from within and deals with damage at the same time. Say hello to K18’s molecular repair hair oil, a scientifically smooth companion for all hair types and salon services.
This magnificent molecular repair hair oil hates surface level-smooth, it goes deeper. Backed by biomimetic hair science and its superhero ingredient K18PEPTIDE, the powerful yet weightless formula reverses hair damage on the molecular level in four minutes. Valiant and versatile; apply to damp heads before blow-drying to strengthen strands, and after on dry hair to immediately banish frizz, flyaways, and create stunning shine.
That career affirming moment when a client loves what they see in the mirror? Make it last with molecular repair hair oil. It offers a whopping 78 per cent reduction in split ends,* 104 per cent more shine* and a heat protection promise of 232°C,* so you can keep on styling AND smiling! There’s also 24 hours’ worth of frizz-fighting control,* thanks to its moisture restoring
ingredients including sunflower oil. So that smooth and bouncy client blow-dry you worked hard on is going to last far beyond the salon.
Customers in need of a total hair overhaul will get a clean, healthy hair canvas for creativity and expression with progressive results from the K18 professional molecular repair service (including the professional hair mist, hair mask and hair oil). And the shampoos and oils are wonderful takehome options for clients – so it's good news for client hair condition and your till!
Scientifically stronger hair shouldn’t stop in the salon; clients can continue their journey at home with the K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask. It creates stronger hair bases helping services to last longer while stylists can take their next treatments further with fewer damage worries.
Extend client hair dreams in-salon with the pro-chelating hair complex. Able to reduce seven types of metal and mineral build-up, hair is left bouncier and shinier with eye-catching colour vibrancy. It’s never been easier to offer strength, style, and smoothness. Reach for K18 molecular repair hair oil and the other products in its molecular engineered repair range. Happy clients, happy life!
Want to get science-smart on client hair repair? Discover more about the K18 molecular repair range, visit K18hair.co.uk @k18hair_uk
I GET UP AT… Either 6.30am or 7am. I hate getting up in the morning. I could lie there and have a cup of tea. But I also know that if I don’t get up, I’m never going get enough done in the day.
MY WORK WARDROBE CONSISTS OF…
On a shoot it’s much more casual than it is in the salon. It will generally consist of a pair of Vans, jeans and a black T-shirt.
MY JOB ENTAILS… In the salon it’s structure; in the session world it’s drama!
I GOT HERE BY… Being yelled at by my dad. And being obsessed with art and photography.
MY DAY CONSISTS OF… Anything from sitting behind a laptop sending emails, which I really dislike, to being pushed to creativity. It’s about personal development, pushing the mind into places that are
awkward, unknown and can be stressful. I love a challenge. And I love working with a team.
MY FAVOURITE WORK TOOL IS… The Italia Brava hairdryer from BaByliss PRO, it’s so good.
MY DAILY FUEL IS… A cup of builder’s tea: milk, no sugar, Yorkshire Gold.
MY SPOTIFY PLAYLIST INCLUDES… It changes all the time. Probably some house in there, I always like the sounds of Massive Attack. But it changes on the mood – you could put some Nat King Cole in there, a bit of Sade, especially when the sun’s coming up in Ibiza, where I spend a lot of time.
I’M ALWAYS PLANNING… World domination.
WHEN I GET STRESSED I… Do even more!
WHEN I GET STUCK I… Contemplate. I like to go into a spin class that’s dark and has really loud music and then I ruin myself on the bike!
THE HABIT I NEED TO BREAK IS… I need to try and be less controlling.
THE MISTAKE I LEARNT THE MOST FROM IS… Don’t cut too much hair off. You can always cut more off but you can’t put it back!
MY INBOX LOOKS LIKE… It’s always clear. I never have a dot or a number, ever!
MY BIGGEST INDULGENCE IS… I love ice cream, I have a sweet tooth. Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food is a favourite.
I DECOMPRESS BY… Exercising.
AFTER WORK… I’ll have a nice dinner in a restaurant, de nitely with a pint.
It’s a work tool, but I also mix it with my social life.
AccuWeather
I need to know so I can plan, especially if I’m on a shoot.
I check my chats to see what people are doing.
Time is a luxury. Want to boost hair vitality in just ve minutes? Press RE/START with Revlon Professional
Salon treatments take time and, for the most part, clients are okay with that. But what if you could offer them an in-salon treat that dramatically transforms their hair condition in just ve minutes? Turn back time on the damage done by in-salon by colouring, styling, and chemical treatments with the new Pro-Care System from RE/START, an exclusive and vegan salon experience from Revlon Professional.
Swap dull, damaged and weak locks for stronger, shinier and healthier-looking heads in the salon mirror. RE/START Pro-Care System is your own secret agent, able to strategically target areas that are most in need of deep, restorative TLC. With such clever tech zoning in on areas crying out SOS, you won’t need to worry about weighing down the hair afterwards. Targets are locked and loaded with RE/START!
The glue that holds the RE/START Pro-Care System together, the Antioxidant Powder is fuelled by plant-based ingredients and offers antioxidant protection against free radicals.
Mix it with one or two Liquid Care Shots for an emulsion that glides easily, targeting different hair needs and melts for a controlled application and even saturation. Tick, tick, tick!
Five minutes to a nish that’s fabulous, while boosting your service income too, that’s a RE/START we’re on board with!
It’s time for shots! Meet the three winners that will RE/START clients’ love affair with their hair
RE/START Repair Bonding Shot is a reparative vitality booster offering long-term hair protection against chemical treatment damage. Think 40 per cent better inner and outer damage recovery, four-times stronger hair and less breakage.
RE/START Colour & Shine Sealer Shot is designed for coloured hair, delivering longer-lasting vibrancy and shine in a ash. Hair porosity is reduced and equalised for more even colour results and protected against oxidative damage by up to 30 per cent. Expect 14-times smoother and more conditioned hair – impressive! –and greater light re ection.
RE/START Density Fortifying Shot is ideal for weak and ne hair. It strengthens strands and ghts against breakage while improving manageability. It also boosts volume through a root lifting effect. For clients craving 24 hours’ worth of volume,* three-times less breakage, and three-times stronger hair – this is the answer.
Stop what you’re doing and press RE/START on your in-salon haircare range with the new Pro-Care System from RE/START by Revlon Professional. To nd out more visit revlonprofessional.com; to become a Revlon customer visit revlonproshop.com
@revlonprofessionaluk
Bleaching, blow-drying, straightening… let’s scale back on the damage and the guilt with Bonacure R-TWO from Schwarzkopf Professional
If clients don’t return for a colour or styling top-up, what’s a regular excuse they use? It’s fears about damage – and they have a point. No service will shine if hair is in a bad way.
To keep clients returning for that beachy balayage or silky-smooth straightening treatment, they must trust that you really care about their hair – including its condition –in all services you deliver.
Stop over-processing hair without the extra care and turn to Bonacure R-TWO by Schwarzkopf Professional. It ensures that treatments will delight, not damage. Double bonding technology inside Bonacure R-TWO delivers instant hair repair for damaged and over-processed strands.
This clever formula works within the hair fibre to create brilliant new ones. It’s a handy helper that reinforces the
hair’s inner matrix and strengthens its alpha-helical structure, so every single hair fibre is stronger, more resistant to future damage, and with a lasting strength and lifespan.
Build up client trust in your colour and styling services as strong as double bonds with Bonacure R-TWO’s powerful assortment – clients can expect a hair damage reversal equivalent to one lightening and two balayage services,* and 20,000 combing strokes!** Compared with untreated hair, heads will experience a whopping 93 per cent less hair breakage,** 90 per cent fewer split ends,** and 10-times more resistance to hair damage.
Now we know what Bonacure R-TWO can achieve, let’s meet the hero products doing the hard work. Enter Bonacure R-TWO Restoring Essence, an instant bonding hair essence. A truly versatile essential, use it either before, during, or after a chemical
service. It can be applied as part of an easy two-part system with the intensive and fortifying R-TWO Rescuing Treatment or Renewal Sealer, the latter a leave-in hair mask that instantly strengthens locks, provides frizz control, and protects against heat up to 230°C. Scale back the damaging effects of chemical services at the backwash and rebalance the hair’s pH levels with Bonacure R-TWO Resetting Shampoo.
To achieve that desired shine, strength and softness while you colour and style, it can only be Bonacure R-TWO’s double bond-building brilliance by Schwarzkopf Professional. Damage is so yesterday…
Choose double duty on hair repair with Bonacure R-TWO by Schwarzkopf Professional. Find out more at schwarzkopfpro.com
@schwarzkopfprouk
Ready to up your extensions skills, fast? Join Great Lengths on its fresh new course to learn four time-efficient stunning styles to add to your services
In the salon it’s the final flourish that really seals the deal. That end look, perfectly styled and ready for Instagram or for going out, is what keeps clients coming back, time and again.
One of the best ways to transform hair without applying colour, extensions are the gift that keeps on giving. Great Lengths, the authority on professional-standard hair extensions and education, has a new education course to upscale your extensions offerings – in just 10 minutes! Say buh-bye to stale stylings and prep for new and fabulous finishes in a flash, with the 10-Minute Techniques course, led by award-winning extensions specialist Kirby Blythe.
But be warned: spaces are limited to only six places for each course date, so get in quick before your competitors do!
If you’re keen to add to your service offerings and make more money but you’re already as busy as can be, don’t worry. In this new course you’ll learn how to master each look in just 10 minutes, a solid timeand money-efficient investment!
You may be bored of working on the
same old extension styles – and that likely means those clients in your chair are feeling the same too! Don’t lose them to salons with more exciting options filling their feeds. Sign up and you’ll have more unique looks that stand out when you share on social, attracting new clients too.
On the day you’ll learn Kirby’s step-bystep approach to creating each stunning look. With eyes on business and style, she’ll show the versatility of using GL Tapes to create lucrative add-on services for clients.
From textured chignons and tousled ponytails to sweeping braids and charming half up-half down vibes; you’ll be creating looks that to make you stand out.
And you won’t just walk away with the skills and knowledge to create new, exciting, and profitable extension styles, you’ll also leave with placement patterns for the four fab looks and a digital advert to share with your followers on social media.
From festival boho to black-tie chic, join Kirby and Great Lengths so you can create the stuff of client dreams. Extensions have never looked so versatile!
10-Minute
with Kirby Blythe
Dates:
13 June Glasgow
17 July London
21 August Leeds
Cost: £90 for half-day course £180 for full-day course
Master new extensions styles that dazzle clients with new education from Great Lengths. To book your space or to find out more, contact the Great Lengths business support team on 0113 216 3064
@greatlengthsuk
She’s a star judge on The Big Blow Out, a stylist associated with artists such as Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar, and has twice won the Most Wanted Texture Expert trophy. She’s fun, she’s feisty and, as she tells Annie May Byrne Noonan, she’s on a mission to upskill the nation’s stylists to embrace texture equality, able to brilliantly cater to any texture, any age, any gender. To some she’s Ms Farrall. To us she’s…
Hairdressing can be a haven for people who feel left out in the cold. You hear similar stories from many stylists; that the local salon was a beacon of hope when the school system didn’t believe in them. For many people: the LGBTQ+ community, the neurodiverse... salon doors have, and continue to be, open wide.
“The hair salon was born from outcasts, it was home for those who didn’t have a safe space,” says Lisa Farrall, founder of WIG London, educator, TV personality, and award-winning session stylist. But she also knew there was a key piece missing to the salon inclusion puzzle, and that’s textured hair.
Knowledge around textured haircare is lacking in most mainstream UK salons, so Lisa has been on a mission to get them offering all services to all people, regardless of hair type, race, or anything else. This is no jumping on a bandwagon; she’s been fighting this cause for decades. Why?
Let’s head to Derbyshire and the late ’90s. A teenage Lisa after “an extra bit of cider money” headed to her local salon for her first proper job. Like many of her peers, she followed the well-trodden path of college education, but it all changed when one of her ‘curly-haired’ models was turned away by the educators. “There was no-one there to do her hair,” she recalls. “I said that I really wanted to learn how to do every single person’s hair, that it wasn’t right they should be turned away. My tutors told me to leave it alone, not to bother.”
Fired up and indignant, Lisa headed to Birmingham to study Afro textured hair. There her mentor Marie saw a skill in Lisa she wanted to develop and invited her to work in her Birmingham-based salon, which specialised in Afro haircare. “It’s where I learnt everything,” she smiles. After four years, a “big-name salon” came knocking and there Lisa became the de facto textured hair expert. “I’d be doing Fashion Week and became known as the girl who could do textured and Afro hair. Everyone would give me to the type 3 and type 4 hair types to work on.” By 2016, Lisa had come a long way. That year she won Weave Stylist of the Year, then Braid Stylist of the Year two years later and the prestigious Stylist of the Year – a triple whammy at the Black Beauty & Hair Awards (and she’s won plenty more since, including the inaugural Most Wanted Texture Expert, but more on that later). She’d also earned her place as a top name in session styling and was putting her textured knowledge to use in a management position at a lucrative hair academy. But then came the spanner in the works. “People that came to the academy were asking for a course with me, and the owner got his knickers in a twist and sacked me,” she says. “He told me it wasn’t The Lisa Show! So that forced me to go self-employed.”
Just like that early moment at college, Lisa took matters into her own hands. “It made me plunge further into the session world and to create my own training,” she says. “That’s why I launched WIG London – to make the industry texture-neutral – and I’ve been doing that ever since.”
Session stylist star, educator, TV star (the tea will be spilled on The Big Blow Out later) Lisa has had an incredibly versatile career so far, and does everything blooming well, but the unifying factor is herself. Being her own brand, though, comes with responsibility, particularly as she deals with sensitive topics.
“It’s important to use my platform wisely,” she states. “When I’m in charge of castings I make sure that all my models are diverse, and that
everyone is represented. The same goes for the collections I do too. There are certain arenas in which I can have a voice and I must make sure that I use my platform for that.”
“I have been inluenced by my peers, some of whom are strong Black women. I have made it my mission to educate myself and be aware of the pain and suffering that comes with history,” she adds passionately. “But it’s also important that we don’t take space but space. Taking up space is a problem, because you could be taking away what would otherwise be a safe space for others.”
For Lisa, creating an inclusive salon environment means “offering your services to every single person that walks through the salon door”, regardless of their gender, age, race, or hair type. But making it work requires education rst and that’s where WIG London comes in. Offering everything from textured hair cutting courses to advanced braiding, Lisa wants to create a mindset transformation from the salons she works with too.
Now engaged herself, Lisa brings a bridal party story to the table; “Imagine your best friend, who hasn’t got the same hair texture as you and is getting married, is forced to go to another salon because your one can’t do their hair. You can’t get ready together.”
The usual reaction from the stylists she’s educating is dismay; the penny drops on how unfair it is. “That’s what our textured hair communities face every single day.”
In Lisa’s experience, a lack of diverse clientele is a reason why many salons don’t offer textured hair services. “They say they won’t be able to practice and are afraid of getting it wrong.”
So, what’s her response to this? Work on a model head regularly to keep your training up, show in your window that you offer textured services, and sell professional hair products for textured hair. “That is making your salon more inclusive.”
Many also worry about a return on investment, but Lisa argues the nancial possibilities are endless. Expand your menu with services such as braiding and extensions, and stock the relevant products, and you’ll be looking at a whole new revenue stream.
She’s right, it’s not just inclusion, it’s good business sense. “It’s like saying ‘I don’t know how to do barbering because we don’t have many guys in the area’. You probably have clientele with short hair, regardless of their gender.”
The question of how Lisa can be an activist and advocate for all things kinky, coily, and curly might come up for those unfamiliar with the professional hair world. But in her own words, she’s “got the receipts” and lets the hair do the talking. “I’m respected because I’ve been doing this for the longest time,” she explains. “Not only do I talk the talk, I walk the walk – and I’m committed to using my platform for change and representation.”
Back to the topic of awards, she’s the reigning Most Wanted Texture Expert, having bagged the trophy two years in a row. What’s been the response? In short, overwhelmingly positive. “It’s been amazing,” she beams. “I went to a college recently and had people coming up to me saying they really wanted to learn [about textured hair] and that they loved everything I’m doing. I’m continuously having conversations at events that showcase my passion to push the conversation further on texture equality and to lift up and represent those already using their space to do this.”
Being a hair equality champion with an impressive session career has made Lisa a household name, but her appearance on E4’s The Big Blow Out alongside styling icon Sam McKnight, has taken her stratospheric. “People have stopped me in the street,” she grins. Why are people from outside the industry so drawn to the show?
Lisa thinks it’s the way it showscases the artistry of the craft and ies in the face of stereotypes that hairdressing as a career is a last resort. “It proves that we have to be creative thinkers and it shows the thought that goes into a look.”
At this juncture, an important question must be asked – what was it like working with the legend that is Mr McKnight? “We got on like a house on re!” she laughs. After meeting brie y on the rst day, the pair were thrown in the deep end. “I couldn’t imagine what the experience would have been like if I was paired up with anyone else. Our energy, along with AJ’s [Odudu, the show’s host], was electric and if I wasn’t with the king of catwalk it just wouldn’t have been the same. And for this it was one of the fondest work experiences I’ve ever had.”
Similar to Sam, her session career is the envy of young, fashion-minded stylists everywhere, and many follow her global career on the socials. She’s quick to point out the glaring differences between social media and reality. While this is something we all know, not many socially-savvy stylists are transparent about that gap, but Lisa is. One example she gives is of a recent overseas trip where the Reel of her relaxing in her rst-class seat with glass of champagne in hand is yet to be posted. She plans to detail the reality of this seemingly glamorous journey, including the lack of sleep and the search for her missing suitcase.
What about her favourite project to date? When you’re working backstage at The Brits or on a Harry Styles video with director extraordinaire Dave Meyers, it must be tricky to choose, but she points to working with Ed Sheeran on his Antisocial video. “Ed is very known for his look and for that video he experimented with so many different wigs and looked different in each scene,” she smiles. “The production was amazing. Ed was amazing, he really has a great sense of humour.”
The intrepid stylist also has some words of advice for fresh session starters on their rst day. “Be humble, kind, and listen. On the rst day you turn up, rather than asking a million questions about what celebrities other people have worked
with and what time you’ll nish, come with an open mind and observe and listen.”
Are there more egos in session styling?
Lisa thinks that’s more of an assumption. “It can seem that there are more egos in session because it’s the fashion scene; all jets, fast cars, and supermodels. But the reality is if you’re on a tour bus, there’s going to be 12 of you sharing the same toilet! There’s not much room for egos,” she grins.
Lisa works hard, that much is certain. If you had any doubt about her ‘show must go on’ mentality, just listen to this. Once, she ew to Santorini to work on a music video, where she took a tumble down some marble stairs and broke her coccyx. “Every time I sat down I squealed as I was in so much pain. My entire bottom and base of my back was that bruised!” But she carried on regardless, completed the shoot – which of course overran – and gingerly made her way back to the UK to treat herself to a trip to A&E.
This session business sounds like it should come with a health warning. That’s why
downtime is understandably oh-so precious. Armed with her French bulldog Elvis, she loves getting out in nature and enjoys serene forest walks. As a creative, it isn’t surprising that her outlets are similar. “I love music festivals and the music scene because I love culture.” There’s also a love of art, inking and even inking others.
There are plenty of plates spinning, so her personal maxim stays central, no matter what she’s up to: “Your ego is not your amigo”. “I always say it to my team,” she smiles. Looking to the near future, there are her impending nuptials to plan but she’s also looking to manifest more amazing career and life opportunities. “I hope there’s going to be more TV shows, bigger and better campaigns, more music videos, festivals, travel, more abundance, blessings, love and laughter.”
And with that, she’s off to pack for her next trip – destination, at least to us, unknown…
Sensational styling starts with great haircare. Raise the bar – and broaden your service menu – with STMNT
Some products are about stylish design and social media-ready snaps, but the best care is about substance too. For looks that last 24/7, heads and beards require a gentle, caring touch. For a premium groomed result that delivers every time, turn to STMNT.
Pioneered by modern barbering icons Julius Cvesar, Sofie ‘Staygold’ Pok, and Miguel ‘the Nomad Barber’ Gutierrez, STMNT is a no-fuss range that has been carefully curated by barbers, for barbers, and for clients who take their look seriously.
Styling success is built on strong foundations. It’s time to prep that canvas for great things… Enter STMNT’s Hydro Shampoo and STMNT Serum, the new must-have dynamic duo to achieve sculpted, soft yet strong strands and beards. Whether in your chair or using at home, this is a pair that cares.
Sulphate and silicone free,* STMNT’s Hydro Shampoo is a hair cleanser gentle enough for daily use, but its benefits are powerful. Cleansing without stripping – stressed-out hair, beards and scalps are soothed, strengthened, and moisturised, with balance restored.
Yes, those nourished locks will last but so too will the aroma. A heady scent of lavender, fresh citrus and tonka bean creates a blissful experience at the backwash that continues every time they step into the shower at home or
the gym, and when they step out the door to face the day.
Serums have become essential to many looking for that extra injection of hard-working ingredients. Yet some make hair flat and greasy, doing little to restore condition.
You can forget these concerns with STMNT Serum, the perfect follow-up to Hydro Shampoo. This deeply nourishing booster is packed with antioxidantrich vitamin E to deliver instant TLC to dry hair and rough beards.
Soothing scalps and strengthening strands while leaving hair lightweight and silky with perfectly balanced moisture, STMNT Serum is a versatile addition to your care kit. Work it into your hot towel services for an extra dash of luxury, or use it to make the cutting process smooth and silky. Clients will enjoy the same sensory pleasure of citrus, lavender and tonka bean found in STMNT’s Hydro Shampoo, enveloping them in a holistic regime to get every day started right. Crafted from scratch by the vanguard of the barbering world, use STMNT to offer clients an all-encompassing service at the backwash. From specialised scalp massages to steamed towel wraps or tailored beard care, STMNT is there to boost what you’re bringing guests in your chair. Want to make a statement with your services? Then you need STMNT.
To explore the full STMNT Care and Styling range, and discover hair and beard how-tos from its creators, visit stmntgrooming.co.uk @stmntgrooming
“We wanted to ensure we offered products that would not only benefit the in-store experience but the homecare experience too. We are so proud of the new additions, and we hope to continue to provide the industry with everything it needs over the coming years”
MIGUEL GUTIERREZ, AKA THE NOMAD BARBER, CO-CREATOR OF STMNT
STMNT wasn’t dreamed up in a boardroom; it was born in the barber shop, with three barbering stars behind it. This authenticity continues with its latest drop of styling essentials, designed to get your creative juices owing. With STMNT in your corner, every client will emerge with a look that is truly theirs – in the salon or at home.
Got a client with curls, coils, or waves for days that needs a helping hand? Reach for the new STMNT Curl Cream. Feel its rich and creamy texture in your hands before you apply – that’s the argan oil, which tames frizzy, coarse hair and improves manageability. After more control and de nition? That’s the job of the plant-based waxes; a tick for great texture without the
unwanted crispiness. The final touch is a stunning scent of coconut, sandalwood and orris designed by Julius Cvesar, barber icon and member of the STMNT founding trio.
For extra volume and a firmer hold without the dreaded stickiness, opt for the new STMNT Definition Spray. This super-powered solution creates iron-strong hold, tantalising texture and great definition, while also giving a fuller feeling to the hair without drying it out. The ingredients of sugar, salt, and glycerin are as natural as possible, yet do not scrimp on power or effectiveness. You’ll get the results you want with a semimatte finish. Those that dare to define will get an added by-product too; an invigorating scent of citrus and peppermint; the work of STMNT dream team co-founder, Sofie ‘Staygold’ Pok.
If you love a bit of OG suave styling, the third addition to STMNT’s new styling assortment is for you. Reach for STMNT Gel for that ‘classic with a twist’ look for strong definition, firmness, and lasting hold. The charcoal within creates a showstopping satin-like semi-matte finish. Don’t fear flakes, there won’t be any when it’s brushed through, and it’s also easy to wash out. Notes of spices, lavender, and a hint of wood are the signature scent from Miguel Gutierrez, the ‘Nomad Barber’, the third piece of the STMNT founding puzzle.
Professional styling products created by barbers, for barbers, with an eye on individuality, creativity, and that extra magic touch – that’s the way to make a STMNT!
KERI BLUE SHORT HAIR ARTIST AT HEX HAIRDRESSING, FOUNDER OF HUMAN FIRST
IDENTITY FLUIDITY
MODERN AUTHENTICITY
NEW CULTURAL NORMS
WE’RE HERE FOR IT. LET’S TALK ABOUT IT
CHARLES ROSE OWNER AND DIRECTOR AT CRATE CHESHIRE
LEAH HAYDEN CASSIDY BARBER, PLATFORM ARTIST, FOUNDER OF UNIT8 BY HAYDEN CASSIDY
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FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FRIDAY 16 JUNE
GRAND FINAL TICKETS ON SALE 9AM, MONDAY 3 JULY
CREATIVE HEAD’S MOST WANTED AND IT LIST AWARDS
CELEBRATE THE UK AND IRELAND’S MOST EXCITING HAIR TALENTS
CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/EVENTS
Are you overlooking a better way to connect with clients? Quite possibly, says Nicholas Nicola, founder of salon group Allertons. With invaluable experience spent behind beauty counters in department stores such as Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, and now with sites in John Lewis, Nicholas offers advice on the art and power of a carefully curated consultation
AND RECEIVE A BRUSH SELECTION FROM VARIS, WORTH MORE THAN £50*
SIGN UP NOW FOR JUST £10 VISIT CREATIVEHEADMAG.COM/SUBSCRIBE
Be one of the rst 10 new subscribers to Creative HEAD and you’ll receive a brush assortment from VARIS, worth more than £50. The set includes the VARIS Nylon Brush, the Paddle Brush and the Smoothing Brush.
VARIS tools are designed by stylists, for stylists. All the VARIS brushes in the range are lightweight – the perfect choice for professional performance.
Already a Creative HEAD subscriber? Then we’ve got something for you too! One lucky subscriber will win a range of VARIS brushes AND the VARIS SB2 dryer, worth more than £200.
The VARIS SB2 comes with a true ion generator that produces millions of ions to neutralise static frizz and yaways. VARIS hydroionic crystals are infused into the barrel of the dryer to further hydrate and condition the hair.
For more information, visit varishair.com
*For the rst 10 new subscribers to sign up between 1 June and 30 June 2023. Subject to availability, no cash equivalent will be offered.
Channelling the energy of supermodel Helena Christensen in Chris Isaak’s infamous Wicked Game music video, Jack Mead’s latest collection combines ‘90s cool-girl hair with a modern, editorial finish
itit it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it it LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST LIST
Who will be taking home a Most Wanted or It List trophy at the Grand Final? Set your reminders for 16 June, when we’ll be unveiling our 2023 finalists
What does the queen of colour predict for the season ahead? Tracey Cunningham talks trending tones, treatments, techniques and the secret to creating looks that A-listers love
The Coterie returns to London on 4 July with a jam-packed line-up of speakers discussing identity and authenticity. Want to be on the guest list? Get a ticket now!
We’ve seen a few tumultuous years, and the industry is still facing uncertainty as the cost of living – and of doing business – continues to bite. Throw in the impact of Brexit, lockdowns, and the conflict in Ukraine, and you have a maze of challenges to navigate. Where are we going? What lies ahead for UK salons, barber shops and hair professionals? Creative HEAD asked six of the most influential business leaders in hairdressing to share their take on today’s landscape, and what they’re doing to ensure a thriving future
MY TIME AS managing director of L’Oréal Professional Products UK&I has shown me that, without a doubt, personal services such as hair and beauty are critical to the social and economic wellbeing of people in the UK and Ireland.
These businesses are at the heart of communities and play a vital role in the lives of consumers – a recent L’Oréal survey reported 74 per cent of females agree that having their hair done by a professional supports their mental health and wellbeing.1
The positive impact of salons doesn’t just stop with consumer wellbeing, they are also a considerable component in helping to grow the UK economy. The British Beauty Council recently estimated that hair and beauty service providers contributed £5.1bn to the UK economy in 2022, and that the services division supports almost a quarter of a million jobs.2
Despite these contributions, the industry continues to face headwinds in the wake of an unpredictable few years. We know from our salon partners that challenges come from a range of different factors: soaring energy prices, the pace at which digitalisation is impacting the industry, the growing consumer demand for sustainable services, and the recruitment and apprenticeship crisis that continues to impact the workforce.
All of this has been echoed by the National Hair and Beauty Federation, which reported that only 49 per cent of businesses they surveyed were confident of their survival.3 Hairdressing has been dealt a tough hand.
From a consumer perspective, we know the cost-of-living crisis is causing concern. L’Oréal data shows that 77 per cent of women feel impacted by current market conditions 4 and are watching their spending as a result. However, the data also tells us that beauty regimes are not the first thing women sacrifice and this is backed up by positive indicators in our industry, with footfall into salons creeping back up, even with the rise in the cost of living. It’s our job to help salons capitalise on this, and L’Oréal
Professional Products is behind initiatives to upskill, convene and make things more convenient for our industry.
Hairdressing is a highly skilled job and salons are great places to build fulfilling careers, that can allow you to travel the world and work with some of the most inspirational and creative people. At L’Oréal, we are passionate about the endless opportunities of hairdressing and upskilling the next generation of industry leaders. Being able to offer online and face-to-face education has also been a game-changer, as we reach even more of our professional network, bringing them the support they need to develop their craft. Our new London Academy will also open this summer, offering hair professionals a state-of-the-art space to learn and create, with sustainable design at its heart.
We recognise that our salon partners value time and having more of it to focus on what matters most – their clients and their business. By stepping away from a more time-consuming ordering process facilitated by their Business Partners and replacing it with a more convenient 24/7 online platform with L’Oréal Partner Shop, customers can shop how they want, when they want, at a time most suitable for them. We’re always looking for new ways to innovate in this space.
We also know that every salon and stylist is unique, so over the past couple of months we’ve been touring the UK and Ireland, joined by salon and stylist partners, to listen, learn and be there for one another. We were able to celebrate the power of community and our partnership, and discussed how the industry can work together to build a resilient future.
Having joined L’Oréal’s UK&I Professional Product Division last year from its Australian counterpart, managing director David Higgins has seen salon partners face a truly testing time. But through upskilling and being there for the community, he argues that a bright future is on the horizon
“Salon footfall is creeping back up, even with the rise in the cost of living. It’s our job to help salons capitalise”
RUNNING A SALON BUSINESS in the current landscape is no easy feat. Managing appointments, recruiting and retaining a top team, building a loyal customer base and managing a cost-efficient business – salon owners have their hands full.
With the help of tech, salon owners can streamline their operations and grow their businesses like never before. Sounds like a dream, right? But only if you know how to make the most of it.
The rising costs of running a salon in the UK make the stakes even higher. Get it right, and you might be running a more efficient business, with a packed calendar and happy staff. Get it wrong, and it’ll add to the burden of rising rent prices and higher staff wages.
So, how do you get it right? How do you choose the software that’s best for your salon? Cost is an important aspect to consider for any business, and salons are no exception. Make sure to focus on a healthy return on investment for any spend on technology. Prioritise a subscription-free solution with a fair and flexible pricing model on optional features that allows salons of all sizes to access its benefits without breaking the bank.
Busy salon owners can’t afford to spend time on complicated software installations and extensive training. Choose a platform designed with simplicity in mind so you can get up and running quickly, without interrupting your operations.
Unlike generic software solutions, a platform such as Fresha understands the unique needs and challenges faced by salon owners makes it a better fit. Features are carefully designed to the specific demands of salons, giving you the right tools to grow your business.
We know how having multiple software applications for different aspects of your salon can be a hassle. Prioritise a single platform that integrates all the essential functions you need to manage your salon efficiently. From scheduling appointments and managing staff to tracking inventory and accepting payments, simplify salon management with an all-in-one solution.
Look for software which doesn’t just help you run your business, but one that helps you grow too. One that has a consumer marketplace where you can list your business, get millions of eyes on your offering – and drive new client bookings. Having a variety of marketing tools at your fingertips is more important than ever, so also make sure your platform of choice has a robust marketing offering that will make staying in touch with your clients a breeze.
At Fresha, we’re disrupting the status quo. We provide everything you need to manage your salon business effectively, all in one place, with a fair and flexible pricing model and no subscription fee. You can save time, streamline operations, and focus on what you do best: providing exceptional services to your clients.
Also, we’re also looking at how we can help salon owners thrill clients in their chair, delivering moments of joy that will keep them coming back. We’ve recently collaborated with the trend forecaster WGSN to identify beauty and wellness trends to share with business owners, to help them create relevant and perfectly timed services and experiences that can create a buzz and help get more people through your doors.
“The rising costs of running a salon in the UK make the stakes even higher to get tech right”
Steve Rodgers, chief marketing officer at Fresha, discusses how the right tech can empower your business right nowSteve Rodgers, chief marketing officer of Fresha
I AM A rm believer that data, combined with industry intelligence and a working knowledge of hairdressing, is what drives and informs leadership roles in this brilliant industry.
At this moment, everything points to an extremely positive outlook in the salon marketplace. Footfall is on the rise in the high street despite ongoing challenging climates, and salon partners I speak with have shared recent success in terms of driving growth in services and retail.
This is partly thanks to the ever-growing consumption of beauty electricals.* We lead and support this growth via our Innovation Laboratory in Cambridge, creating the latest and greatest in tech, an example being the ghd Duet Style launch. We’ve exceeded all expectations on our sales and we’re seeing some incredible results with our salon partners.
the tool is enabling them to provide new services and reach a wide variety of hair types. We know social media can be a little scary and sometimes time consuming, which is why our business development team breaks it down for our salon partners, helping them to create engaging content for their salon audience.
We also believe in meeting and learning together, the sharing of data and science and enjoying experiential events. In addition to bringing together hundreds of hairdressers at ghd Underground, our team also supports salons with local salon events.
We recently worked with Inanch London on a bespoke launch event for Duet Style that also celebrated all the services that the salon offers. They had an incredible guest list which enabled them to create earned media value from the event – meaning the
A key reason for my positive outlook is that I’ve seen how truly resilient and agile salon owners and independent stylists have had to be over the years, changing business models and strategies to adapt. We’ve all had to change so quickly to a new landscape of reaching our audiences. Clients’ buying behaviours are increasingly in uenced on social media platforms. This is an area that we have moved into in a signi cant way as we partner with hundreds of hairdressing professionals – specialist in uencers to magnify the importance and power of the professional hairdresser within the consumer decision-making process.
An example of our strategic response to support salons in making retail gains is our work with our Premier Partner Salons, which all had an exclusivity period with the ghd Duet Style. It was exciting to see several going viral on TikTok and Instagram, creating fantastic content to demonstrate and educate their audience on how
clients that they invited had a fantastic circle of in uence and they had some headline press coverage too.
At ghd we have a long-standing relationship with Creative HEAD’s It List Awards and the reason is simple – we believe it’s important to inspire and prime future talent to continue to evolve the industry. We also continue to offer a wide variety of education both live and virtual, from live streams where we have thousands of stylists attending virtually to view our latest collections, trends and techniques, to exclusive regional events. Education is the key to driving return on investment. The more we can continue to upskill ourselves, the more value we can bring to our business. We’re all life-long learners, and it’s that which makes us both adaptable and successful. How we reach audiences has shifted almost beyond recognition in the past few years. But the other part – how we relate to an audience – stays the same. The meeting and learning together is as important as ever.
“Everything points to an extremely positive outlook in the salon marketplace”
Resilience and agility is helping salon owners and independent stylists adapt to the ever-changing climate, says Liz Griffiths, managing director of ghd UK & Ireland
THE CURRENT CLIMATE is interesting, there is a lot of change and progression in our industry. We have salons that are thriving and investing heavily in education and developing their businesses, as well as salons that are consolidating and using this as a time to create a business to take them into the future.
There has been an increase in self-employed hairdressers, and more shared workspaces for artists to work independently but under the same roof.
How can we respond to the needs of our salons and freelancers right now? Two years ago, Wella became an independent company, meaning we have the agility of a start-up with the backing of 140 years of experience. Our goal is to be 360-degree business partners with salon owners – their success is our success. By supporting them in their business – with inspiration, education, and innovative products – we drive that success.
We know times are tough. The cost of living, the impact of Brexit on recruitment, and changing habits of clients are all important factors. However, at Wella we pride ourselves on being so much more than just a manufacturer. We can help provide the best experience for the client: our mission is to enable people to feel and be their true selves. When we get this right, the potential for growth is limitless.
Relationships have always been at the heart of our business. We combine the traditional approach of strong, personal relationships with hybrid events (such as our legendary TrendVision Award), an inspiring social media presence and a new community programme. We recently launched an Instagram channel for professionals (@wellaprofessionalsuki) and our target
is to become the number one beauty community. One of our new initiatives is Wella Red, an exclusive business partnership programme focusing on community, education and rewards.
I believe that businesses that set standards high and keep them consistent will stand the test of time. This all starts with education, which is our point of difference. We offer exceptional education across multiple platforms, including digital, in our studios and in salons. Our newest initiative is an industry first: the Wella Colour Higher Level Diploma. This is the first degreelevel certificate of this kind, making it a major step forward in recognising the professionalism and technical acumen needed to be a true colour expert. This intensive learning journey will take up to 18 months to complete and will arm colourists with the most in-depth colour qualification available. Students will graduate at Glasgow University in a formal ceremony to celebrate their achievement: I can’t wait to follow their journeys.
We’re seeing the demand for e-commerce accelerate, with Wella Store providing a platform to our customers 24/7. In a relationship-focused business, we recognise that offering customers the flexibility to engage with us in whichever way works for them is key. And we’re making significant investment to further enhance the platform in the next few years. We don’t believe this will ever replace the personal relationship that many of our salons have with their account manager, which has a critical role to play. But it does allow salons the freedom to engage with us in a way that works for them.
It’s also important to acknowledge the changing structure of our industry. There are more freelance hairdressers than ever before, and many people have adjusted the days and hours they choose to work since lockdown. So, for the growing freelancer market, we have launched the Freelancer Hub, which helps guide them on how Wella can help them grow their business both with training and relevant promotions.
High standards, ongoing relationships and community initiatives – that’s how Max Amen, general manager UK & Ireland at Wella Company, is supporting salons and freelancers in its network
“The first degreelevel certificate is a major step in recognising the professionalism needed to be a true colour expert”
AS I ENTER MY 25th year working in the hairdressing industry, I’m more in awe of the resilience and determination of hairdressers than ever before. Sometimes it seems they can withstand anything. But maybe that’s part of the problem?
When I’m out with our salon owners I hear that hairdressers are tired. A pandemic and now a cost-of-living crisis (which is disproportionately affecting salons) have taken their toll. Owners are dealing with the cost of electricity, gas and water going up, increases in the National Minimum Wage, business rates, rent and cost of goods, but they’re also being squeezed because some clients are having to prioritise paying their bills over having their hair done. Clients are stretching appointments longer than they ever have before, choosing lower maintenance services and cutting back on additional colour or treatment services. Is it any wonder we’re seeing so many hairdressers seriously considering their future?
At Davines it’s the passion and commitment that we and our partners have for the industry that sustains us and drives us through the most challenging of times. We’re focused on creating a community of hairdressers who thrive, working with our partners to help them grow their business.
An example of this is our Davines breakfasts, where we bring together salon owners and look to tackle some of the trials facing them. One of the biggest challenges now is recruitment. We invited our community to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of operating a self-employed model, a fully employed team, or a hybrid model. Salons love hearing real life examples but more than that I think they appreciate knowing they aren’t alone and are part of a community.
Our initiatives and campaigns are specifically designed to deliver incremental growth opportunities for our partners, focusing on new service campaigns and retail sales through opportunities that maintain the value of our brand. A Blonde Story is our latest campaign, designed to the needs of a salon, linking colour, treatments and retail together. It features new blonding services for salons, beautiful imagery created by our hair art director, Tom Connell, new colour shades and the treatments that help care for the colour after the client has left the salon.
Sustainability remains, as it always has, at the heart of Davines. We help our salon partners to employ sustainable solutions in their business as we know clients are more discerning than ever about how they choose to spend their money, actively looking for businesses that share their values. We regularly run Sustainable Salon courses at our new academy in London and regional academies. Our sales team share ideas to enable our partners to make more sustainable choices, as salons that are more sustainable are more attractive to clients.
The heart of Davines is our people, who bring our brand and our values to life every day. We have recently introduced wellbeing practices through a digital platform for our team, encouraging them to take steps to manage their stress, sleep, and mindfulness during the working day.
We believe that we need to do our best for the world, through beauty, ethics, and sustainability – and this is true now more than ever. This commitment runs through to our salon partners who have made Davines what it is today. We will continue to be there to support them, their teams and their businesses no matter what the world throws at us.
“It seems hairdressers can withstand anything. But is that part of the problem?”
For Matt Martin, UK general manager for Davines, creating communities of sustainable salons and hairdressers will help the industry thrive
THESE HAVE BEEN turbulent times for the industry, and while salons and individual hairdressers are adapting to a ‘new now’, unfortunately we are not seeing the same level of adaptability or forward-thinking from the traditional product houses.
The industry has stood still in terms of colour advancement. The focus has not been about the hairdresser or the salon – what they need, what will make their lives easier, how to make their business run smoother or with more profitability as well as how to generate creative opportunities. As a leading creative industry we are behind others, such as music and fashion, in utilising digital technology to elevate our daily craft.
This is why we launched yuv Beauty. We want to be people-focused and the yuv Lab provides the technology for hairdressers to create bespoke colour for every client, with ease and without waste. The yuv Lab creates precise bespoke formulations that are tailored to each individual client. From quarter shades to the addition of tertiary tones, pH control, and translucency-opacity levels, the system uses advanced technology to create the perfect blend of colours and tones, ensuring a flawless and consistent result every time.
In essence, the yuv Lab dispenses millions of custom colour formulations at the touch of a button, from a vessel that is no bigger than a coffee machine. This makes it ideal for salons and freelancers alike. Also, brands and manufacturers have a duty to care and be diligent regarding every aspect of their products – from ingredients, packaging, delivery and disposal – but there’s a lot of greenwashing in our industry. Even if colour tubes are marketed as being recycled, the amount of water
needed to clean them offsets any positive sustainable impact. And it’s not just the planet that this is hurting. It’s estimated that 30 per cent of a colour tube is wasted. So, if a tube costs £10, then £3 of it is ending up down the sink every time. That soon adds up.
The yuv closed-loop system eliminates this waste. Our colour is delivered in aluminium cartridges to be used in the yuv Lab. Once finished they are returned to us to be refilled and go back into use. In the rare event they have to be disposed of, they are completely recyclable because they are aluminium.
The world has changed, and we are used to a Netflix/Klarna subscription way of using services and buying products, so that’s what we have introduced. Our customers will receive the yuv Lab, an iPad and thermal printer (avoiding the need for ink) for £49 a month. The colour cartridges are sent free of charge in advance as the smart technology measures exactly what you have used, and this is all you are charged for each month. It’s a more modern way of doing business.
And because yuv Lab monitors colour usage we ensure ample stock is always within the salon, without the upfront inventory cost – so you never run out. The accurate measuring system eliminates over-dispensing, again saving money, and automatically tracks a client’s colour history so the information you need is always at hand. At yuv we only charge you per gram of colour you use, so you will never again have to pay for formulas you did not want or need.
The future of the industry requires a more thoughtful approach. Brands need to listen to what hairdressers need and work with them to develop solutions. By working together and embracing technology we will all be successful, while reducing our impact on the planet and creating a community in which to share ideas.
The world has digitised, and it’s time for hairdressing to catch up, argues Francisco Gimenez, chief executive and founder of yuv Beauty
“As a creative industry, we’re behind others in utilising digital technology to elevate our craft”
The word ‘bleach’ can still scare clients, but innovation is allowing for lighter looks with less damage.
We know blondes are the most pro table colour clients, yet damage can make many swerve bleach. Thankfully, the new generation of bleach and lifting lines are kinder than ever before, while also performing brilliantly.
Indola has reformulated its Blonde Expert range to lift up to nine levels, while its integrated Hair-Bond Technology signi cantly reduces hair damage. It has both an Ultra Cool Booster and an Ultra Lift Booster to dial up neutralisation or lift, while its Highlift – Special and Ultra Blonde products deliver specialised lifting.
“When I’m bleaching, especially on lighter bases, I always use the motto ‘low and slow’,” says Indola ambassador, Abbey Jarrold. “I always opt for a lower peroxide/developer and leave the bleach on for longer.”
Schwarzkopf Professional’s much-loved BLONDME line-up has been extended with new integrated Anti-Metal Bond Protection Technology to ensure the extra TLC to honour the hair’s health. It’s all about those extra ingredients that help protect during lightening.
Look at the ALFAPARF Milano Professional BB Bleach range and you’ll see its Easy Lift formula delivers up to 66 per cent less breakage than some of its rivals, thanks to a protective bond system.
So, thanks to the improvement of formulas, blonde is more inclusive than ever. Educator Anne Veck, says: “Be mindful that the bleach will elongate curl patterns and ensure you advise that the right regime of care makes everything possible.”
Once you have a foundation, it’s a blank space for the more experimental clients to get playful. New CREA-BOLD from Indola offers eight shades of vibrant tones that take quickly for brilliant results.
• 25 IRRESISTABLE COLOURS
• BLONDE EXPERT LIGHTENER TO ACHIEVE UP TO 9 LEVELS OF LIFT
• MAXIMUM PROTECTION WITH INTEGRATED HAIR BOND TECHNOLOGY
Mix
Crea-Bold Pastel Lavender & True Pink, diluted with Indola Color Treatment to achieve a tailored pastel pink blonde
COMBINE WITH CREA-BOLD FOR ENDLESS SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Expanding your service menu with backwash treats isn’t just about building your bottom line – it’s also delivering your clients their best blonde health ever.
Time spent lightening is time wasted if the hair looks frizzy and damaged as a result. But there’s no excuse now as the evolution of backwash treatments and bonding additives means hair health can look better than ever.
With the original bond-builder OLAPLEX there’s a built-in brand recognition, as many clients search out the treatment in salons. That brand recognition can help in conversations with clients too, especially those worried about lightening and the damage they think it will do to their hair.
“It’s crucial to explain that having a bond-builder mixed into the lightener will help prevent damage,” explains OLAPLEX artist and colourist, Tom Smith. “Also using the No.2 step in the salon and No.3 at home will continue to repair and protect their hair from the effects of damage, meaning they can stay blonde long-term.”
Another hair repair brand that consumers have love for is K18. The range of scientifically supercharged products K18 has made major waves on social media and fights damage and frizz from within.
Want to improve client hair condition while they’re going lighter in the chair? Reach for K18’s molecular hair repair service including a professional hair mask, mist, and oil, which reverses hair damage and dials down on frizz. It is sure to make those new blonde hues shine and feel stronger to the touch.
New to the UK this year, the Überliss Bond System uses patented sub-micron technology to improve hair elasticity during colouring, with no need to increase development time. You’ll want to take a look at the Platinum Jasmine Sustainer, says Jacqui McIntosh, Avlon European education director. “It’s a game-changer as it allows the colourist to do three things at once, saving time.” It deposits the direct dye molecules to help neutralise any brassy tone left after lifting; it allows the addition of the bond building technology to reinforce and strengthen the bonds broken during lifting; and it conditions and re-aligns the cuticles, reducing porosity while upping hydration.
Targeted, time-efficient hair-repair for heads subjected to rigorous colouring and chemical styling? It’s as easy as taking a shot with Revlon Professional’s RE/START range. RE/START
Repair Bonding Shot offers 40 per cent better inner and outer damage recovery for chemical styling, the RE/START Colour & Shine Sealer Shot delivers better colour vibrancy and condition, and the RE/START Density Fortifying Shot gives fine hair a lease of life. And don’t let metal build-up ruin your precious colour work either. Using the Metal Detox Pre-Treatment spray and mask by L’Oréal Professionnel Paris during a colour service helps eliminate excess copper, lock in your hard work and prevent any nasty particles from returning.
FROM UNBREAKABLE BLONDES TO IMPOSSIBLY SMOOTH CURLS–STRONG BONDS ARE BIG BUSINESS.
Power your salon’s growth with the patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ that revolutionized the industry with the invention of bond-building haircare.
Why thank you, social media, for truly teaching the consumer world about the importance of toners and glazes. And now clever new launches are making such finishes quicker than ever.
You can lift and get a lighter look, but we all know that the real finesse comes via the toner or glaze to nail the bespoke blonde for that specific client. Social media has showcased the true beauty of blonde, the variety of tones available. And thanks to that, consumers have a better understanding than ever before of toners. Yet, only about 20 per cent of blonde clients in UK salons have a toner. Think how much more business the other 80 per cent could offer.
How can a simple toning service boost bookings and business?
“By having trusted great results for both clients and colourists, who have total confidence in Shades EQ,” says April Pattara, Redken advocate and founder of Somewhere Salon. Shades EQ has cleverly capitalised on the power of social media to showcase the glossy, sumptuous results a toner delivers, all with its Bonder
Inside ensuring hair is healthier too. And with new VV Intense shades, there’s something fresh to discuss in consultations or to shout about online.
April loves the “perfect amount of sheer” from Shades EQ that supports the natural tone of the hair. “It gives a nice sparkle, as opposed to some that are more blanket coverage on blondes,” she adds. “The new Shades EQ 09VV Intense is like a secret weapon for creating the most neutral blonde!”
Many clients don’t have the luxury of half a day to sit in your chair, so toning can deliver a fresher look in a quicker appointment, handing you the opportunity to offer fast services that make a difference. “It’s all about time, creativity and freedom,” says Daisy Goord, Wella Professionals digital craft expert. “Clients can pop in on their lunch break and have a toner refresh, that’s so important.”
Daisy’s a fan of new BlondorPlex Cream Toners, a collection of shades that works in just five minutes, so colourists can make the most of the time they have, and see more clients over the course of their column.
Getting the perfect result can sometimes be a guessing game, testing sections of hair drenched in product to see when you need to rinse. Well, with new Tonal Control from Matrix, the formulas visibly oxidise in real time, changing colour so you can see when it’s ready.
Linking celebrity and fashion trends to toning services in menus is a savvy way of showing you have your finger on the pulse. Look at the moment all things pearl is having. Right on cue, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris has unveiled five Dia Light pearl shades and a French Balayage Pearl technique to help you make the most of it.
Innovation is also seeing colour do more than ever. New PureTone from ASP has a dual-action formula that offers permanent or tone-on-tone effects, depending on the application, and there are 35 intermixable shades, including 10 toners. And even iconic toners are moving with the times to ensure you have what you need to thrill every client.
A fan of Goldwell’s legendary TopChic? TopChic Zero is bound to impress. Ammonia free with up to 94 per cent naturally derived ingredients, it delivers intensive conditioning alongside naturallooking finishes and better-than-ever sustainability credentials.
ALL-IN-ONE ACIDIC DEMI-PERMANENT TONER + BONDER
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says Johnny Othona, director at Allilon. Join Allilon’s Textured Blondes one-day course and discover how to use slicing foil techniques to enhance textured blonde beauty. Learn the art of foil application and slicing on a range of textures and styles. That diverse hair knowledge will open you up to new clients.
For many, the naturally lowmaintenance look of balayage is what they want to get them through those carefree months. Ensure you’re on tip-top form by joining the Paint with Purpose one day in-person course with L’Oréal Professionnel global artist Harriet Stokes. Learn how to paint
From half-head highlights to your balayage, you’ve got your foundation in place. Now upskill with the techniques that will deliver next-level bespoke blondes while boosting your professional expertise.
Blonde is a journey, for the colourist as much as the client. You will need to be able to advise on the best strategy for the individual in the chair, so stay clued up about the latest blonde and balayage techniques. Education for colourists is always going to be money well spent.
“Blonde trends change so rapidly so it’s essential to stay one step ahead of the game, and the best way to do this is through education,” says Laura Elliott, head of creative education for Salon Promotions and Neäl & Wølf. “Investing in education and being able to offer different blonding services in salon means the colourist can maximise services and pro t. Learning about add-ons keeps the cash owing and your blonde clients looking fresh.”
Its most popular course is Blonde Perfection where, over two days, every blonde opportunity that can come your way is considered alongside bleaching, high lift tints and executing a spot-on toner for each client. “When there is a trend shift, our customers know exactly what to choose, but more importantly, they know why,” she adds.
To be a blonde expert you need to master colour from the inside out. Wella’s new Blonde Specialist Programme is a trilogy of blonde courses which explore all elements of hair lightening. Become a bona- de blonde authority and a dab hand at global application and advanced foiling with these fab courses. You’ll soon be the blonde guru in your area, and you’ll be ready for the stampede of blonde demands!
No blonde boss is worth their salt without a developed foiling technique for textured hair. “Blondes come and go but technique is forever. Investment in knowledge is key,”
different hair types and watch Harriet work her freehand magic. There will always be clients who fear colour due to damage. But you can still offer them colour services by taking the Great Lengths Balayage Blends course. It shows you how to add balayage style extensions to clients, who can experience all the great results of balayage without a chemical service.
IN PRISTINE,THE TEAM FROM RAINBOW ROOM INTERNATIONAL GEORGE SQUARE DELIVERS A RAW TAKE ON COLOUR AND STREET STYLING,WITH AUTHENTICITY RUNNING THROUGH ITS DNA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEKSANDRA MODRZEJEWSKA
HAIR Rainbow Room International George Square.
A team that bonds together stays together. In hairdressing, teams have no choice but to work with each other face-to-face. With all eyes on stylists, including from clients, harmony and morale need to be high and modern teambuilding events can help.
Stylists need a chance to cool off and bond away from the bright spotlights and basins, but don’t automatically book the pub for your next event. Widen your net to create a more inclusive experience for all. Can’t think of other ideas? Software provider RotaCloud’s head of people, Pam Hinds, has a few. “Outdoor activities like walking, hiking or geocaching are an option. You could learn a new skill together, like taking an art class or a pottery workshop, an escape room or team volunteering day.”
Think about the people an activity may exclude, she adds. Pub meet-ups may alienate those that don’t drink, while a super-active day isn’t inclusive for those with physical and unseen disabilities. Food? Consider allergies and intolerances.
Molly Dyer, head of people and culture at beauty brand growth experts Foundation, deliberately avoids organising events that focus on food and drink. “This includes cheese and wine tasting and cocktail masterclasses. We’ve recognised that while fun for some, they aren’t inclusive for others.”
Instead, Molly and her team have enjoyed everything from paddleboarding and adventure golf to simpler local events such
as Mastermind nights, board game nights, and post-work walks. “It’s important to remember that not everyone drinks, and to ensure that there are enough activities going on for people who aren’t very excited about the pub,” she adds.
Caregivers are another group to be mindful of, says Pam, so consider carefully the days and times. “After work isn’t the easiest time for those that need to organise childcare. Think about setting aside time during the workday instead.” Put the ball in your team’s court to decide the activity, she suggests. “If you ask people for their input or give them choices, you’re more likely to have a successful and inclusive team building experience.”
Finally, think about how you’ll promote the team building activity to staff. “Giving your event a name and an internal promotion campaign that accurately describes the content helps to build the right perception among employees and gets everyone excited, which helps all team members feel involved from the beginning,” advises Aimee Treasure, marketing director at diversity and inclusion consultants, Templeton and Partners.
Avoid branding that could alienate, she adds. “Names like ‘thirsty Thursday’ connotes drinking and ‘monthly social’ sounds talking based, which isn’t inclusive of neurodiverse individuals.”
The bottom line is you’re never going to please everyone. But with some care, you can be more mindful about your nal choice.
*When using Power 9 Bonder Inside, Shades EQ Bonder Inside and Acidic Bonding Concentrate vs. Redken Bleach without bonding and non conditioning shampoo