Professional Hairdresser December/January 2024

UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS WITH COLOR TOUCH

WHETHER IT’S FOR TONING, CREATIVITY, OR COLOUR CORRECTION, WELLA PROFESSIONALS PROVIDES YOU WITH ALL THE TOOLS TO BECOME AN EXPERT COLOURIST.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?

BOOK A 1:1 COURSE AT WELLA STUDIOS OR, IF YOU PREFER A DIGITAL OPTION – YOU CAN TAKE YOUR TIME ONLINE.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT COLOR TOUCH SCAN THE QR CODE HERE:

REGULARS

7FIRST WORD

8HEADLINES

10OUT OUT

Wella TrendVision 2024

12HOW TO FAIL

Phil Smith interviews

Anthony Mascolo

16SALON SECRETS SOS

Everyday working problems

18COLOUR MEMO

20BUSINESS MEMO

64VISIT

Butchers Salon

665 MINUTES WITH…

Ken Picton

BUSINESS

21HELP ME HAYLEY!

With Hayley Jepson

22THE LIFESTYLE BOSS

With Sheona Will

23THE LESSONS I’VE LEARNT

With Tracey Ann Smith

SPECIAL

24THE PERFECT PARTNER BY YOUR SIDE

Special Partnership with Wella Professionals

32PLUG INTO CHRISTMAS

12 days of electrical giveaways

PORTFOLIO

42 TRACEY ANN SMITH

46 HARINGTONS

50 TIM SCOTT-WRIGHT

54 DANIELE DE ANGELIS FREELANCE

57 Lacey Hunter-Felton

58 Sheila Abrahams MBE

59VOICE OF THE MONTH… Nancy Stripe

60SHOP THE DROP! Latest products

GIVING THE GIFT OF GREAT HAIR

We are spreading the festive cheer this issue as we charge up and ‘Plug into Christmas’ with 12 days of electrical giveaways. Lighting up the pages, each day you will have the chance to win one of our 12 top prizes.

With a selection of the best electricals out there, you can get your gift on with festive offerings for him, for her, or just a little Christmas treat for yourself to pop into your kitbag for 2025.

Keep an eye on our socials for the Twelve Days of Christmas starting on December 1st and you can plug into a new prize each day.

As we close 2024 with this issue, I’d like to give a big shout out to all our amazing regular contributors whose words of wisdom and inspiration have graced the pages of Pro Hair this year. These industry business brains and creative powerhouses have helped us deliver so much relevant and invaluable content that we hope has helped and inspired you in your salon life.

Huge thanks go to Phil Smith, Errol Douglas MBE, Mark Blake, Ben Lifton, Natasha Grossman, Inanch Emir, Sheona Will, Tracey Ann Smith, Hayley Jepson, Ruth Lundstrom, Lacey Hunter-Felton, Sheila Abrahams MBE and Luke Benson. From How to Fail to Freelance Forum, they’ve covered everything from working mums to pricing for profit and so much more!

Wishing you a very happy and profitable festive season from the Pro Hair Team.

Q @PROHAIRMAGWWW.PROFESSIONALHAIRDRESSER.CO.UK

Editorial Director

Nicola Shannon nshannon@hamerville.co.uk

Assistant Editor

Tabitha Shannon tshannon@hamerville.co.uk

Digital Manager

Rebecca Mcgeoch rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk

Designer

Donna Booth

Group Production Manager

Carol Padgett

Production Assistant

Claire Swendell

Commercial Manager

Laura Jowsey ljowsey@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Hairdresser, Hamerville Media Group Ltd, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.

Editorial & Sales Enquiries Phone: 01923 237799

Subscriptions to Professional Hairdresser are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year –£30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year –£50 post paid Airmail: 1 year –£80 post paid. To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk. ©2024 Professional Hairdresser accepts no responsibility for damage or loss, however caused, to any material submitted for publication. While every effort is made to ensure facts are correct at time of going to press, no responsibility can be accepted for incorrect product descriptions or facts. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without prior written permission from the publishers.

HEADLINES

THE SILLY LITTLE GIRLS CLUB

Introducing ‘The Silly Little Girls Club’, a new podcast led by the Pro Hair Awards 2024 Hair Influencer of the Year, Samantha Cusick. Influenced by the estate agent who questioned her first salon in Notting Hill, calling her a ‘silly little girl’, the podcast aims to celebrate the strength, resilience and brilliance of women everywhere. Guests will be females in business, both in and out of the industry, including Melanie C (Sporty Spice), Tanya Burr and Zoe Sugg.

CALLING ALL FREELANCERS!

Following the success of Salon RE:Source – the hairdressing industry’s multi award-winning sustainability guide – creators Anne Veck and Keith Mellen have launched a new eco toolkit aimed exclusively at self-employed hair professionals: Freelance Re:Source. Having consulted with a panel of self-employed experts, the FREE guidebook aims to inspire freelancers to make planet-friendly changes to their business through tailored advice, products and services. Freelance RE:Source can be downloaded free of charge here: www.rdr.link/HBD001

HEADMASTERS GET AHEAD

The Headmasters Group recently hosted their bi-annual Managers Conference at Chessington World of Adventures, focusing on motivating salon teams and preparing for the busy festive season. Alongside this, all 55 salons raised £30,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a Coffee Morning event, while preparations for the prestigious Headmasters Photographic Awards were taking place. The winners of the highlyanticipated competition will be announced on 8 January at the Battersea Evolution.

ON YER BIKES!

The annual Hair & Beauty Charity Bike Ride recently took place across 100km to raise money for beneficiaries across the UK. Taking in local landmarks in a 30˚ heat, the group of hair and beauty professionals spent four days cycling through the beautiful landscape of Cyprus. To donate to the Hair & Beauty Charity, visit: www.rdr.link/HBD002

CUTTING-EDGE COLLABORATIONS

Fresha has recently announced a strategic investment and partnership with Yuv. Through integrating Yuv’s technology, Fresha hopes to revolutionise the hair colouring process by enhancing precision and delivering personalised and consistent services for clients.

NEW SCISSOR CLUB SOARS

Salon Business Solutions has announced an exciting collaboration with the award-winning Ryebeck Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Lake District, the Ryebeck offers the perfect blend of relaxation, rejuvenation and luxury. For members of its Scissor Club, SBS are rewarding its customers with a free night’s stay at the Ryebeck on any Sunday of their choosing.

AN EVENING OF TRIBUTES AND TRIUMPHS

Francesco Hair Salons celebrated an unforgettable evening of recognition, achievement and celebration at the Francesco Hair Salon Business Awards 2024, bringing together the best

NHBF BULLETIN SHOWS MIXED GROWTH IN HAIR INDUSTRY

The latest bulletin from the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) reveals an evolving landscape for the industry. Hairdressers experienced a slight 1% growth over the last five years, marking the slowest-recorded growth in the sector. In H1 2024, a net loss of -239 units was observed, although this was a notable improvement from the -604 unit drop in 2023.

High street locations have seen a significant decline in occupancy, with a reduction of 982 units over the last five years. However, barbershops continue to thrive, maintaining their position as the fastest-growing category with an impressive five-year growth of 5,791 units.

Vacancy rates for hairdressers have increased by +0.5%, while barber vacancy rates remained stable. The bulletin also highlights that hairdressers boast the longest average length of occupancy, increasing to 7.8 years from 7.3 in H1 2023. Independents dominate the industry, making up 98% of hairdressing businesses, reflecting the strong entrepreneurial spirit driving growth despite challenges.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

MARK LEESON: GOLDWELL AMBASSADOR FOR KAO SALON DIVISION

As previous business partners, Kao Salon is thrilled to welcome back Mark as a Goldwell Ambassador (UKI), Co-Director Richard Darby and their salon team as Guest Artists, reigniting a long-standing, celebrated partnership. The move back to Kao Salon and Goldwell is also particularly significant as it coincides with Mark celebrating 40 years in hairdressing. Mark Leeson comments: “As most people will know, Goldwell is a name that is and has always been very close to my heart. Coming ‘home’ to Kao and Goldwell this year, as I mark four decades, feels like a very poignant move.”

JON AHERNE: UK AMBASSADOR FOR ASP

Co-owner and Founder of The Headspace Salon in Cardiff, Jon Aherne specialises in cutting and colouring techniques, as well as education. With over 15 years of experience in hairdressing, Jon has managed several leading salons and enhanced his expertise in precision cutting through high-calibre training courses, including those at Vidal Sassoon. As ASP’s newest ambassador, Jon is set to embody the brand’s spirit of innovation and excellence.

KAROLIINA SAUNDERS: GUEST ARTIST FOR R+CO

Heading up an exclusive education series, ‘Salon to Front Cover’, Karoliina Saunders is joining R+Co UKI as a Guest Artist. The new courses will offer stylists an opportunity to work backstage with her at London Fashion Week in February 2025. Auditions will be held in London and Dublin in January 2025, and those who are chosen will experience a unique entry point into the high-paced world of fashion styling. Find out more here: www.rdr.link/HBD003

THE WOW FACTOR

THE WELLA PROFESSIONALS UK & IRELAND TRENDVISION AWARD 2024 DID NOT DISAPPOINT WITH A SPECTACULAR EVENT THAT CELEBRATED HAIRDRESSING AT ITS FINEST. out out...

Over 600 guests descended on London’s iconic venue, Old Billingsgate, for an evening of glitz and glamour to celebrate the winners and runners-up. The finalists had competed throughout the day, before coming together in the evening for an exceptional night of entertainment and celebration.

The theme of the night was ‘self-expression’, which was perfectly fitting for the array of creativity that was presented. The event began with a drinks reception and an opportunity for guests to mingle and enjoy the stunning venue on the banks of the River Thames, before sitting down to a gala dinner which combined a ‘back to nature’ theme with theatrical artistry.

Wella Company General Manager UK & Ireland, Max Amen, opened the evening: “Tonight, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of TrendVision in the UK. We have celebrated more than 200 winners, and each time it becomes a life changing event in their career. TrendVision is not just about the finalists and the stylists, it’s also about the businesses that invest in education to train and elevate their teams. You are inspiring people to join this industry, and I

want to thank you very much for all the support and motivation that you bring, and for elevating hairdressing to such a premium level.”

One of the highlights of the event was the astonishing, boundary-pushing hair shows that took place throughout the night: Wella’s UK & Ireland Colour & Trend

Ambassador, Jordanna Cobella, presented ‘Renaissance’ – an interpretation of period hair, fashion and photography, celebrating the palette of the golden hour glow.

HOB Academy showcased ‘Infinity’, which brought together bold, innovative styling with futuristic fashion, pushing the boundaries of traditional beauty and showcasing an infinite range of possibilities.

STIL salon wowed with its show, ‘Scandi Style Storytellers’, where Scandinavian minimalism met bold, creative expression through hair and fashion.

James Earnshaw’s ‘Alien Allure: A Futuristic Hair Odyssey’ showcased futuristic beauty through an intense colour palette, from acid-wash to vivid purples, highlighting hair as the centrepiece of the avant-garde looks.

TONI&GUY’s ‘Hair at TONI&GUY’ was inspired by the brand’s iconic journey and previous collections, with looks that pushed the limits of hair on the runway.

Sassoon’s ‘Beyond Boundaries’ show fused stunning hair creations inspired by three powerful hues: red, black and white, drawing on themes from Paris and Berlin’s 1920s style.

In true Wella style, the night culminated with a high-octane after party with guests dancing the night away to legendary DJ, Fat Tony, who closed what was another incredible Wella Professionals industry celebration.

TONI&GUY

JORDANNA COBELLA

COLOUR VISIONARY (the global category)

UK winner: Dawid Mielnik, Regis Salon Manchester

Ireland winner: Maggie Grant, House of Colour

And the winners were…

CRAFT VISIONARY (local to UK & Ireland)

UK winner: Corinne McNaughton, Medusa Bread Street

Ireland winner: Alex White, House of Colour

XPOSURE CREATIVE COLOUR (for students only)

UK & Ireland winner: Skye Holford, Kleek Apprenticeships/Regis UK

STIL

HOB ACADEMY

JAMES EARNSHAW

SASSOON

PHIL SMITH TALKS ONE-ON-ONE TO SUCCESSFUL HAIRDRESSERS ABOUT THE PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN BUSINESS THAT HAVE MADE THEM STRONGER. FROM CAREER SETBACKS TO CRISES OF CONFIDENCE, PHIL FINDS OUT THE THINGS THAT HAVE GONE ‘WRONG’ AND THE LESSONS THESE SETBACKS HAVE TAUGHT HIS GUESTS ABOUT HOW TO DO THINGS RIGHT.

TO FAIL HOW

IN THE LAST OF HIS SERIES, PHIL SITS DOWN WITH ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S GREATEST LIVING LEGENDS, ANTHONY MASCOLO. WITH A CV BURSTING WITH ACCOLADES, ANTHONY IS CREDITED WITH SHAPING THE CREATIVE VISION OF TONI&GUY AND GOING ON TO SPEARHEAD TIGI AS INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR. AS WELL AS HAVING THE ‘MAGIC TOUCH’ WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR, HE’S A PHOTOGRAPHER, ART DIRECTOR AND, MORE RECENTLY, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF HIS GROUNDBREAKING MAGAZINE, INFRINGE. PHIL WENT TO MEET ANTHONY, FINDING OUT EXACTLY WHAT MAKES THIS INNOVATIVE MIND TICK AND HOW ‘FAILURE’ HAS NEVER BEEN A WORD IN HIS VOCABULARY.

HI ANTHONY. TO START THINGS OFF, CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER CHALLENGE OR FAILURE SO FAR… IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MISTAKE?

The thing is, I’ve never seen things as mistakes. Everything’s a challenge, but if you make it exciting, then it’s a good challenge and it becomes a lesson. There’s lots of things that make you happy, and some things that don’t, but you’ve got to focus on those good things.

For me, demerging the TONI&GUY business was a very sad time. I didn’t expect it, but it was an accumulation of many different things that were happening. The company had become so big, and it was pulling in all kinds of different directions. My challenge was always tying it together because the growth of what we were doing in the UK was also inspired by what we were doing in America. Collectively, we all were doing great, but there comes a time where you need to grow up a little bit and move on. Do I regret it? I didn’t like it at the time, but

ultimately it was a good thing. A blessing in disguise. Maybe at that moment, we thought, ‘oh, sh*t, what’s going on here?’, but it was a great turning point. We’re still family, and we were able to still move forward. The experience also allowed me to maybe grow a bit more and have a bit more responsibility. It allowed Sacha, Christian and Toni’s family to grow into taking the reins. It was an amazing journey that we had and I’m glad I had it. But yeah, that journey had come to an end, and I moved on to another. So, in answer to your question, I don’t believe that you do fail; you just keep trying.

IN THE BEGINNING, DID YOU HAVE ANY IDEA THAT WHAT YOU WERE CREATING WAS GOING TO BECOME THIS MONSTER OF A BRAND?

We always wanted to get just as good, if not better than Sassoon, but then it was about what we added on top of that. Obviously, it became about how much money, right? But for me, it was always how creatively strong we could be.

I’M FASCINATED BY PRODUCTS, SO CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT INSPIRED YOUR MOVE INTO THAT FIELD?

It was probably my brother Bruno that wanted to do the products. We used to work for other product companies – they’d hire us and make a lot of money from us showing them stuff. So, we thought, let’s do our own and complete the circle. With TIGI, it was originally because we needed certain things to do the looks that we were creating. We needed a gel and then we needed a mousse, and it just evolved from there.

IF YOU COULD START YOUR CAREER ALL OVER AGAIN, WOULD YOU DO ANYTHING DIFFERENTLY?

Not really, because if I knew I was gonna end up like this, I’d take it. I’m happy with the journey.

AND WOULD YOU STILL ALWAYS CHOOSE HAIRDRESSING?

Yeah, without a doubt. I’ve always loved hairdressing and my family always did hairdressing. I started in the shop when I was a kid, and I was doing hair when I was 14 years old.

HOW DOES SOMEONE CREATE SUCCESS IN THEIR CAREER? HOW MUCH OF IT IS TALENT AND HOW MUCH IS BEING IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME?

Talent is not just about being creative. I think talent can come from being good at business or from having the nerve to push yourself and have courage. Everyone has talent, and how strong that talent is will push you to great things in whatever you’re doing.

Toni was very talented. He was tough and he was persistent, which made him the ‘business brother’. Bruno was really talented, but he wasn’t talented like that. He was talented in ideas and entrepreneurship. Guy was a brilliant PR man –every client wanted to come and have him; he was an amazing people person. You know, that’s a talent. And I suppose you’d say that I was talented in doing hair, having a good eye and knowing how to achieve balance. I think we all have different talents. Where the luck came in is that we all had each other to be able to express all those different sides.

DO YOU EVER SUFFER FROM FEELINGS OF SELF-DOUBT OR IMPOSTER SYNDROME?

No. I think I’ve been blessed because I don’t rely on one thing.I did hair and I love hair; I did photography and I love photography. Now, I’m working with people and I enjoy leading people. My mother died when I was very young, and I

went to boarding school from the age of four till I was 12, so I only saw my family every three months. But it was fine. There was nothing wrong with that; it’s given me a very positive outlook on life. You just get on with it. As you go along, you realise the only real friend is your partner, and I have to say, I’ve been very lucky in that regard to be with my wife Pat. Blessed.

ARE YOU A PERSON WHO TAKES RISKS?

I’m working a lot on AI at the moment, learning how to use new tools to express my creativity. The thing is, people are frightened of AI but it’s really the same as how we used to do moodboards and everything else. It’s a new way of getting inspiration and creating things – you still have to come up with the ideas and piece the ideas together. It’s a really brilliant tool if you look at it that way. I’ve never worried too much about what

other people think – if I had an idea that I was excited about, and the people on the team were excited about too, then it’s irrelevant what other people think.

SUCCESS IS OBVIOUSLY DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE, BUT WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

Happiness is the definition of success. That’s it. If you’re not happy and you’re miserable and always a pain in the arse, you don’t feel great. The only way to get through this life is to feel great, and you do that by being happy and doing the things you love.

WHO IS A SUCCESSFUL PERSON YOU ADMIRE, AND WHAT LESSONS HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU?

Obviously, that would be my brothers – Toni, Bruno and Guy – for everything they’ve done. You know, people look and see what I’ve done, but they’ve done seriously amazing stuff. Also, Trevor Sorbie and Robert Lobetta – I love their creativity. Vidal was obviously a great and I look up to Tony Rizzo too. He has got such passion for what he does. He’s a wonderful man and I’ve really enjoyed working with him and supporting him. And obviously, I admire my wife.

HOW DO YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY TODAY, DO YOU TAKE AN INTEREST IN IT AT ALL?

I think it changed after Covid. Social media has changed it a lot, because everyone’s got their own profile and their own clients; everyone wants to be an individual and promote themselves.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL MOMENT RECENTLY?

I got the International Hair Legend of the Year Award at the IHAs – that was good. I’m enjoying retirement - traveling back to all the places we worked in, but never saw. We took my daughter to Japan, and I really enjoyed being a tourist.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE AT THE START OF THEIR CAREER?

Have the patience to really study. Be prepared that you’ll find it very hard when you don’t know something, but when you learn it, it becomes really easy. It doesn’t always come quickly, but don’t be afraid of not knowing. And don’t give up.

ANTHONY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. YOU ARE A LEGEND, AND YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME EVER SINCE THE FIRST DAY I MET YOU. THANK YOU.

SALON SECRETS SOS

We ask a selection of stylists, managers and salon owners to answer some of the most common questions that salons around the country are facing today…

“I want to maximise my retail this Christmas to get clients to spend more money in the salon, but I don’t know how to motivate my team to include product talk in their appointments.”

SHARON MALCOLM, SHARON MALCOLM HAIRDRESSING

Retailing should be an important part of your business all year round, but especially during the festive season. There’s lots more you can offer your clients with retail promotions such as three-for-two or a gift with purchase. These can allow your clients to save money on great products, as well as getting something for free – win-win!

Every year, brands such as Schwarzkopf Professional –which we stock in the salon – have something new on offer, so there’s always something fresh to keep clients excited about. We also have the gift sets on display in the salon, and we like to take clients over to have a look at them while their colour is developing. This gives us a chance to talk them through the products and their benefits.

At every styling station, we have a laminate on the mirror with a list detailing all the gift sets and product ideas for clients to read while they’re getting their hair done. We include everything from brushes and electrical tools to gift sets and special promotions – it takes some passion and determination, but it is totally worth it. Every year, we set ourselves a target with team incentives, this means it’s a win for the team who get a bonus and it’s a win for the salon as you make more money.

“At every styling station, we have a laminate on the mirror with a list detailing all the gift sets and product ideas for CLIENTS to read while they’re getting their hair done. We include everything from brushes and electrical tools to gift sets and special promotions – it takes some passion and determination, but it is totally worth it.”

“If you get it right, retailing during the festive season can give your business a real lift. It brings in extra cash for sure, but it’s also about showing clients the difference professional products can make compared to the products they buy on the high street…”

MICHELLE SUMMERS DAVIES, MD HAIR

Retailing at Christmas is really important to our business. The festive season is a time when people are ready to spend, and they want to give something that feels personal and useful to their friends and family – so what better than haircare products! Professional haircare products make a great gift because they’re not just nice to have; they actually help. It’s not only about selling them for Christmas, however, it’s about educating clients on what works for them so that they see the value all year round.

If you get it right, retailing during the festive season can give your business a real lift. It brings in extra cash for sure, but it’s also about showing clients the difference professional products can make compared to the products they buy on the high street… this leads to repeat sales long after Christmas. Gift sets and bundles also make things feel more special, which encourages people to buy.

It’s also very important that your team is on the same page when it comes to talking about products; it’s about making sure they understand what they’re talking about and that they feel confident recommending them. It’s good to get team members using the products themselves so they can speak from experience – clients trust their stylist’s advice, so when it’s genuine, it really clicks! Clients will value an opinion more if they can’t get it in a high street store or online. You can offer incentives like commissions, but it’s more about seeing product recommendations as part of looking after the client, not just selling.

COREY TAYLOR, NOCO HAIR

The key to a successful Christmas is getting your team involved. Our team are great at recommending homecare to our guests all year round, but they always do better with something to focus on. So, we have different incentives and fun challenges in place – things like ‘most treatments sold in a day’, ‘most gift sets sold’, ‘highest rebook rate’ and so on. It’s easy to forget to retail when you’re busy and your column is full, so make it fun and have something extra in place to incentivise your team.

Christmas seems to creep up on us quicker every year, but we always make sure we have plenty of stock because you can’t sell what you don’t have! Gift sets are always popular with clients looking for something a bit more personalised, and we find that they like to treat themselves too. Remember, whatever gift sets that are left can be broken down and sold individually afterwards.

When you go to a fashion or beauty store, they are very good at making sure their merchandise looks attractive – this shouldn’t be any different for salons. Making sure your retail is displayed well with a festive theme will make a big difference to catching your client’s eye.

“Our team are great at recommending homecare to our guests all year round, but they always do better with something to focus on. So, we have different incentives and fun challenges in place – things like ‘most treatments sold in a day’, ‘most gift sets sold’, ‘highest rebook rate’ and so on.”

Unique Colors, Unique You

Goldwell has recently launched its annual trend-inspired colour campaign, Unique Colors, Unique You. Inspiring stylists to unleash their creativity and take their expertise, craft and passion to the next level, the campaign features the ‘Iconic Muted’ collection, a carefully curated selection of Topchic, Topchic Zero and System @Pure Pigments.

Playing on the growing love for muted, earthy tones in fashion and design, Goldwell has translated these into the world of hair colour, creating an aesthetic world influenced by organic resources, natural landscapes, stone, clay and

Featuring a carefully curated selection of 18 existing Topchic and six existing Topchic Zero shades, the collection is enriched by six brand-new muted Topchic Zero shades to counteract and mute undertones for particularly soft, natural colour results. Capturing the essence of the unique earthy colours, the shade palette beautifully merges earthy, warm and stone-grey-inspired calm tones, all to create customised trend looks with soft, natural colour results.

To learn more, visit: www.rdr.link/HBD004

FILTHY RICH!

Rich, deep brown will be a major colour trend going into 2025, and it’s a great way to spice up a more traditional brunette hue. A spin off from the expensive brunette, this colour adds richer, deeper tones for a beautiful result.

While cowboy copper has enjoyed a rodeo-sized amount of usage, we will begin to see a richer variation of this hair colour moving into 2025. To achieve this rich, spiced orange/red tone, I recommend starting with a pre-pigment, before weaving in a few highlights around the crown (you can even paint in some deeper red lowlights amongst your global copper too). ASP Elixir Permanent

5 WAYS COLOUR ANALYSIS CAN HELP YOUR CLIENTS NOVA FANNER, NOVALUX HAIRDRESSING

Have you ever given a client exactly the colour they asked for, but their reaction is surprise and disappointment? Well, it’s probably because the colour itself is wrong for them. Nova Fanner, Educator and Ambassador for WELOVE, shares why offering a bespoke colour analysis is a crucial part of a consultation.

1.Personalisation. In order to ascertain the most suitable colours, accurate colour analysis takes the client’s personality and genetics into account. As a result, consultations become more bespoke and truly reflect the individual in the chair.

2.Enhanced confidence. Clients feel more confident with hair colours that complement their natural features and boost their self-esteem. They can leave the salon feeling younger, healthier and the very best version of themselves.

3.A holistic approach. Colour analysis allows you to offer a more holistic approach to colouring hair. By considering the client as a whole entity through using their personality and genetics, you can advise them on everything from styling and wardrobe, to make up and eyewear.

4.Less colour correction. When working more directly with the client’s genetics, you are less likely to encounter problems when

5.Better value

THE DATA DORK: MAXIMISING THE CHRISTMAS RUSH

Don’t Overlook This Seasonal Business Hack…

Offering Remi Cachet clip-in hair and hairpieces has been a real game-changer for our business, especially during the Christmas period. By having these in the salon, we’ve not only been able to meet the increasing demand for quick, high-quality, temporary hair solutions, but we’ve also opened up a whole new revenue stream. Clients love the idea that they can get a gorgeous new festive look, and many even purchase them as gifts or a treat for themselves.

I’ve also noticed that when we bundle clip-ins with a styling service or offer festive packages, clients are more inclined to buy, boosting our sales even further. It’s been a fantastic way to elevate our services, while still giving clients that extra level of luxury they expect from us.

CHRISTOPHER LAIRD, REMI CACHET BRAND AMBASSADOR

Adam Thomas, Pro Hair’s resident Data Dork and the Founder of the game-changing salon review platform and insights generator, salonspy, offers some festive business tips to support your salon beyond December.

Christmas is the busiest time of the hairdressing year, but it’s also the perfect opportunity to drive more than just bookings. Client reviews are magnets for new clients (it’s official that 97% of customers make choices based upon reviews), helping strengthen loyalty and enhancing your digital visibility.

By honing the habit of collecting feedback now, you’ll not only solidify relationships with current clients, but you’ll create a bank of social proof to help remain visible through the quieter months too. Through automating this review process, preparing responses and posting across key online channels, you can keep your business top of mind for potential clients post-Christmas.

Whether they’re repeat customers or first-time visitors, your clients are actively seeking:

Up-to-date reviews: Recent feedback (from the last three months) reassures clients that your services are consistently great. Verified reviews: Reviews linked to appointments hold more credibility and trust. Responses to reviews: Engaging with reviews (positive AND negative!) shows you care about client satisfaction.

Make reviews your secret weapon for growth and retention this festive season –and beyond!

DO YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO WORK WITH INFLUENCERS?

Influencers continue to be as influential as ever, shaping how consumers spend their money through promoting their favourite products, holidays and clothes on social media. In this new digital age, have you considered how influencers could help your business? Or is it not worth inviting them into your salon at all?

The team at Brooks & Brooks have recently started inviting beauty influencers into their Covent Garden salon. “It’s not something we have done before, but we now have a manager who has experience in this world and organises it for us,” Jamie Brooks explains. “For any salon business, it’s ultimately about bums on seats, but as we’re located on a high street, we need to be more consumer focused than we have been in the past.

“There’s a big difference between press and influencers; press have a following of readers, while influencers have a following of targeted consumers, so they are two totally different audiences. Recently, we teamed up with L’Oréal Professionnel to offer a treatment in the salon for selected influencers.

“The day was certainly a success for us, and we will definitely be doing it again. We have gained new clients from the influencers’ audiences, as well as the influencers themselves. It was hard work, but it was worth it!”

IF YOU’RE NEW TO WORKING WITH INFLUENCERS, HERE ARE JAMIE’S TOP TIPS:

• Work with your product partner. Their reach will be bigger than your own, meaning they can bring a broader range of influencers to your salon.

• Offload the logistics. If you have someone else in charge of negotiating social posts and salon mentions etc., you can concentrate on what you do best – hair.

• See it as business, rather than something nice to do. You have to get something from it to be worth the time and effort.

• Choose influencers that suit your brand. There’s no point getting an influencer with a big audience who likes vivid colours if you’re a balayage salon.

HELP ME HAYLEY!

Combining her successful careers as a hairdresser and a psychotherapist, Hayley Jepson is a coach on a mission. Her coaching business, The Resilient Hairdresser, has helped thousands of salon owners, stylists and freelance hairdressers navigate the fast-paced and ever-changing working environment. Here, Hayley is on hand to answer your questions.

Dear Hayley,

I hope you can help me; I’m so stressed out. I’m also mad at myself because I dothis every year! I havecompletely overbooked myself this Christmas. I’m working six days a week and nine in a row in the run-up to Christmas Eve, and then Iam workingin between Christmas and New Year too! I feel like cancelling all my clients and just hiding from everyone, but I need themoney, so I can’t. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thank you,

Fiona

Hi Fiona,

Firstly, I feel for you – I’ve totally been here myself! At this late stage, I would suggest a damage management approach. You say you don’t want to cancel any clients, so I’ll try my best to give you suggestions that avoid that. However, remember you are allowed to cancel some clients and move themto January if you are really struggling – it’s never worth sacrificing your mental orphysical health.

Try these suggestions...

• If anyone cancels, book out the space.

• Delegate as much as you can at home, so you can just focus on work. Who elsecan take over your responsibilities there?

• Cancel all social events until January; save your energy and rest when you can. I know that can sound miserable, but it’s vital at this point that you save asmuch energy as possible.

• Ask for help. Believe it or not, people like to feel helpful.

• Consider asking the clients that have booked between Christmas and New Year to moveto January? They absolutely might do this for you.

• Book some time off for yourself in January. You are really going to need to recover and recuperate after this.

Finally, while your feelings are fresh, I would write down how you feel right now and what you would have done differently. This way you can plan what needs to changefor next December to be better.

I wish you well!

Hayley x

Dear Hayley,

I feel silly saying this, but I always find January really hard. I feel like everyone is raring to go, setting goals and joining the gym, and I just feel deflated, exhausted and fed up. I feel like I should be making plans like everyone else, but I just want to crawl into bed and stay there. Sometimes I wonder if I’ve got SAD? Is that even a real thing? What do you think? How can I be more productive?

Thank you, Chris

Hey Chris, I think plenty of people feel deflated and in a low mood in January. It can be a tough time of year for many.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing –it was named as a type of depression in the 1980s. It’s thought the lack of daylight can cause a chemical change in the brain for some people, causing depression. I definitely struggle with my mood more in the winter too, so I hope it’s helpful to know you’re not alone in this.

Instead of trying to force yourself to be productive at this time of year, how would it feel to think of this time as a period of rest and reflection instead? More like hibernation and recharging. Instead of setting goals, think about what went well in 2024 and what you want to do differently this year. Take some time off in January if you can, and focus on the things that make you feel good.

There are also light boxes you can buy to use at home –they are said to replace the daylight missing at this time of year. Also, have a look at the daylight alarm clocks that simulate a sunrise. Both of thesethings can really help.

Look after yourself, Hayley x

THE LIFESTYLE BOSS

WHAT IS YOUR BRAND PROMISE?

It’s always been business first for Sheona Will. From starting her career at 15 as a Saturday girl to running a group of three thriving salons, Sheona’s astute commercial head has seen her grow a thriving business. In the last of her exclusive series for Pro Hair, Sheona shares her insights into how to run your salon like a boss. This issue, she asks you to consider exactly what your brand promise is.

When it comes to your business, your brand promise is the heart and soul of your salon; it tells both your team and your clients what to expect when they walk through your doors. It’s about living and breathing a set of standards, values and experiences that consistently reflect who you are as a business.

As your business grows, ensuring consistency in standards across multiple locations becomes even more vital. Your brand promise should act as a constant across all branches. Whether a client visits your flagship location or a new branch, the experience should be identical – high standards, impeccable service and the signature style you’re known for.

At the beginning of Bloom’s mission, I knew very clearly what it meant to me. However, whilst it has always resonated with me and some of the longest-serving team members, I realised it wasn’t really communicated to our guests, and it didn’t feel ingrained or practically useful across the rest of the team. And so recently, I decided it might be time for a refresh.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

INVOLVING YOUR TEAM

A brand promise is not a solo act. Your team is central to delivering it daily, so involving them in shaping that promise is crucial. My team did an amazing job working together to refine it and ensure it would sustain all the way through – from recruitment, interviews and onboarding to training sessions and everyday salon life. The promise will be there when the going gets tough, always helping the team to navigate those situations which might put them under pressure or the guest experience at risk.

“Your brand promise isn’t just nice to have, it’s a non-negotiable part of your salon’s identity. From the way your team delivers services to the atmosphere you create, it should be the thread that ties everything together.”

LIVING THE PROMISE

Once your brand promise is clearly defined, the real work begins –implementation and coaching it through. I used to think coming up with the ‘thing’ was the hard part, however, having been a bit of a ‘launch and leave’ culprit in the past, I know the toughest part is just about to begin. Surrounding yourself with a team whose passion and skills align with your brand promise is vital. The right team will help bring the promise to life, making sure that every guest interaction reflects the standards you’ve set.

You must ensure your brand promise includes every element of your business, from technical expertise to the look and feel of the salon itself. When I embarked on an update of our mission and vision, this is what was essential to me:

• To remain true to my original statements. What had been important in 2019 was still important today.

• To speak to both the guests and the team.

• To describe our signature hair look. It was only when I reviewed the original promise, I realised there wasn’t enough ‘hair’ in it – there was too much business and not enough creativity or visual reference.

Now, this is where many salon owners falter – they roll out a shiny new brand statement, but fail to ensure it’s truly adopted across every level. The key is coaching your team through the brand promise, consistently reinforcing it and ensuring it remains at the forefront of everything they do.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your brand promise isn’t just nice to have, it’s a non-negotiable part of your salon’s identity. From the way your team delivers services to the atmosphere you create, it should be the thread that ties everything together. Get it right, and not only will you win the trust of your clients, but you’ll also build a loyal following that keeps coming back for more.

THE LESSONS I’veLEARNT...

ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE

Tracey Ann Smith is the Global Ambassador for ASP and the newly crowned Professional Colourist of the Year at the Pro Hair Awards 2024, she has also owned multiple salons throughout her extensive career. In the last of her series, Tracey discusses why your customer service must be nothing less than outstanding.

Customer care has never been so important. When I think about my own experience in other sectors, the businesses that stand out are the ones that deliver amazing service. Regardless of the industry, I often find myself saying ‘the service was incredible’ before I’ve actually considered the product itself! Lots of salons can deliver great colour or a decent cut, but it’s the five-star service that adds the extra layer of satisfaction and makes clients want to return for more.

TRACEY’S TOP TIPS FOR DELIVERING OUTSTANDING SERVICE:

DETAILS ARE EVERYTHING…

Take yourself through your client journey and consider every step and the service level you’re offering. Go to a five-star hotel for the day and think about all the touch points where service is key. This doesn’t mean that every salon has to have five-star prices; you can be a high street salon charging really competitive prices, whilst still offering a five-star service. Think about smell, sound and all the senses. If a client approaches the door, does someone open it for them? Is the client instantly greeted? Are they all made to feel like a VIP, no matter how small the service they have booked in for?

POSITIVE ENERGY…

Think about the body language you’re using, the atmosphere within the team, the levels of positive energy and the language that is used. Don’t say ‘no’, even if something is not achievable. Instead, suggest an alternative that might be even better. Never underestimate the power of being positive, upbeat and happy.

BE THE EXPERT THEY WANT YOU TO BE…

Part of great service is knowing your business inside out –this means having exceptional hairdressing skills, understanding products and giving aftercare advice. Being the expert and offering the right advice all contributes to the experience of feeling like you’re in a safe pair of hands. Clients want you to problem solve their hair concerns, so it’s up to you to find the solutions they need and to communicate them.

GET PERSONAL…

Using your client’s name in conversation, making notes about the details you discussed and noting down elements of the last conversation are the little things that will make a client feel noticed and special.

SMALL TOUCHES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE…

Is your bathroom spotlessly clean? Do you have up-to-date magazines? Does your coffee taste really good? Are your brushes clean? Is dust gathering in the salon? Get the basics right before you focus on anything else. Think to yourself, ‘if an A-list celebrity walked in here now, would it be good enough?’

CONSISTENCY IS

EVERYTHING…

A great customer care culture is about consistently delivering, ensuring clients know exactly what they can expect on each visit. Think about the retail brands and shops that have stood the test of time – they’re all consistently maintaining standards. This is what makes them a ‘safe’ choice for consumers. In a world where businesses are closing daily, ‘safe’ is a very nice place to be.

THE Perfect PARTNER BY YOUR SIDE

PARTNERING WITH A HAIRCARE BRAND IS THE MOST POWERFUL WAY TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS, ENHANCE YOUR SALON SERVICES AND ATTRACT NEW CLIENTS. IT’S ESSENTIAL THAT YOU CHOOSE THE PERFECT PARTNER FOR THIS.

WELLA PROFESSIONALS PROMISES YOU A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP WHEN IT COMES TO THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT PILLARS OF ANY HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS – COLOUR, CARE AND EDUCATION. WITH A RENOWNED REPUTATION FOR ITS STRONG VALUES AND QUALITY PRODUCTS, WELLA PROFESSIONALS IS THE BRAND THAT STYLISTS KNOW AND TRUST.

“

Wella becoming the #1 Salon Colour Brand in the UK* is a recognition of our acceleration in the past three years and a celebration of the best hair salons in the market. Our role is to be their trusted partner, in good and bad times, always focusing on Craft, Education and Community. Our passion is always to provide the best support to enable them to unleash their creativity.

MAX AMEN, GENERAL MANAGER UK & IRELAND, WELLA COMPANY

*According to the 2023 edition of Kline’s Salon Hair Care Global Series (data for full calendar year 2023)

THE Perfect MATCH

Koleston Perfect + Color Touch

on any head.

WELLA PROFESSIONALS COLOR

TOUCH IS THE MOST VERSATILE DEMI-PERMANENT COLOUR FOR YOU.

COLOR TOUCH GIVES YOU UNCOMPROMISED VIBRANCY AND SHINE.

✔ Formulated with built-in Metal Purifier for true-to-tone intense vibrancy, no matter the hair condition.

✔ Gentle, demi-permanent formula for vibrant colour results that beautifully fade away over 28 washes.

✔ An empowering palette of 80+ shades for up to 70% grey coverage with soft regrowth.*

* With Color Touch Plus

ICONIC AMMONIA-FREE* FORMULA

✔ Optimised formula consistency for a more precise application.

✔ Now also vegan with vegan emulsion for a full vegan service.

✔ Gentle formula with up to 85% naturally derived ingredients.**

✔ Ammonia-free, silicones-free and mineral oil-free.

* Except Color Touch Plus which is low-ammonia. **Includes water and ingredients made from natural ingredients. See https://www.wella.com/professional/en-US/natural-formula.

KOLESTON PERFECT ACHIEVES RICH AND HEALTHY-LOOKING HAIR.

✔ Up to 100% grey coverage with healthy-looking results.

✔ Ultra Precision Technology for true-to-tone precision and bond protection over time.

✔ 140+ shades with distinct individual tonality.

PRODUCT SUPERIORITY

✔ Built-in metal purifier and anti-metal technology.

✔ ME+ dye technology. The only oxidative permanent hair dye molecule to replace PTD and PPD that reduces the risk of developing allergies.*

✔ Ultra precision colour technology for ultra precise and easy application.

SUSTAINABILITY

✔ 100% recycled tube.**

✔ 100% recycled caps.***

✔ 85% recycled FSC certified cardboard.

HERO SERVICES

✔ Pure Glossing.

✔ Koleston Perfect Lights (Mirror + shadow lights).

WORKING IN PERFECT HARMONY

When you are using Koleston Perfect on the roots, why not refresh the lengths and ends with Color Touch? Both colour brands have a similar SATURATION, INTENSITY, VIBRANCY and SHINE, partnering each other perfectly and enabling you to unleash your creativity and achieve any look on any client.

✔ No Bleach Blonde. WELLA PROFESSIONALS is giving away the top 20 KOLESTON PERFECT & COLOR TOUCH SHADES with developers, worth over £250! If you want to achieve perfect harmony with your colouring techniques, then enter now to win this combination

GET THE Perfect COVER LOOK

PUMPKIN SPICE MELT

created by @matherzberg

01. ROOTS

Color Touch

A: 30g 7/43 + 60g 1.9%

Deepen the first 5cm of roots with formula A

02.

LENGTHS & ENDS

Color Touch

A: 30g 7/43 + 60g 1.9%

B: 10g 8/41 +20g 4%

C: 10g 7/43 + 10g 10/34 + 40g 4%

D: 10g 0/34 + 20g 4%

Divide the hair into vertical sections from the crown to the hair line.

03.

Alternate formulas A, B, C & D through the lengths and ends.

Use fingers or your tint brush to blend the root colour into the ends colour for a seamless finish.

04. MELT COLOURS

In the last five minutes of development, comb all the colours together, from root to tip for a seamless COLOR TOUCH MELT.

THE Perfect HAIRCARE PARTNER

HAIR THAT’S IN NEED OF REPAIR, WELLA PROFESSIONALS COMES TO THE RESCUE OF BADLY DAMAGED HAIR WITH THE ULTIMATE REPAIR RANGE.

REPAIRING HAIR DAMAGE IN 90 SECONDS, THE ULTIMATE REPAIR RANGE REBUILDS BONDS INSIDE, WHILST REPLENISHING HAIR OUTSIDE.

✔ 99% less breakage.*

✔ 12x smoother hair.*

✔ Extra shine.*

THE ULTIMATE HAIRCARE ROUTINE IN FOUR STEPS:

STEP 1: CLEANSE

Shampoo: A lightweight cream shampoo for a luxurious lather and gentle, effective daily cleansing. Removes harmful impurities and starts the rebuilding process.

STEP 2: CONDITION

Conditioner: Creamy, deep conditioner to detangle, deeply strengthen, and repair every day without weighing the hair down. Hair is moisturised and left with a clean, fresh feel.

* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Step 3. Instrumental test versus non conditioning shampoo

STEP 3: TREAT

Miracle Hair Rescue: The star of the Ultimate Repair routine, and a major innovation in bond repair technology. A weightless liquid leave-in spray that repairs hair damage –inside and out –in just 90 seconds. Detangles as it intensively strengthens and smooths hair for transformative, long-lasting results.

STEP 4: PROTECT

Protective Leave-In: Delicate cream serum that protects, repairs and smooths all hair types every day. Creates hair that’s eight times smoother for easier styling. Offers 5-in-1 protection from breakage, UV damage, heat (up to 230°C/450°F), mechanical damage and frizz.

The Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Mask is an indulgent treatment for intense damage repair and smoothness without over-weighing the hair. The mask uses adaptive technology to create personalised repair for your clients’ hair – it targets the most-damaged parts and repairs it accordingly.

Giveaway

WELLA PROFESSIONALS is offering an ULTIMATE REPAIR PACKAGE including 2 of each Shampoo, Conditioner, Miracle Hair Rescue, Leave-In Serum and Mask worth over £250. To be in with a chance of being the Ultimate winner just visit: www.rdr.link/HBD006

“WE KNOW THAT EDUCATED STYLISTS GROW THEIR BUSINESS FASTER.”

WELLA PROFESSIONALS BELIEVES THAT STAYING UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES IS CRITICAL TO YOUR SUCCESS.

WELCOME TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF WELLA EDUCATION

The perfect partnership for your chosen way of learning, WELLA PROFESSIONALS offers you a wide range of career-boosting opportunities in ways that work best for you.

Whether you are a seasoned hair pro who is looking to upskill or you are an eager-to-learn newcomer to the industry, Wella has curated the right education and courses to help you achieve your learning goals and therefore your business and creative success.

If you partner with WELLA PROFESSIONALS, you will get access to the right support, at the right time, in the right way, wherever you are.

Wella Professionals + YOU

Perfect PARTNERS IN KNOWLEDGE

WELLA ICONS

Elevate your skills and business with Wella’s brand-new livestream, Wella Icons subscription.

✔ Exclusive access to Look & Learn seminars hosted by globally acclaimed Wella artists.

✔ Develop new skills and knowledge, become an outstanding colourist.

✔ Collaborate, network and share insights interactively with like-minded hair pros.

EDUCATION.WELLA.COM

Training on business, products, services and techniques, available 24/7 at the touch of a button.

✔ Free online seminars and tutorials.

✔ Information, self-learning modules, videos and more.

✔ Guides on specific techniques and inspirational seasonal collections.

✔ Earn certificates upon completion.

LEARN LOUNGE

The Perfect way to find out more:

Wella Learn Lounge is an educational platform aimed at upskilling hairdressers, designed to help enhance individual expertise and strengthen capabilities, leading to improved client satisfaction and business success. Learn Lounge offers self-paced learning videos on the Wella colour portfolio, allowing participants to engage at their convenience. The platform also includes interactive digital sessions.

STUDIO EDUCATION

Based in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin, these world-class training facilities offer courses to start you on your professional hairdressing career, including courses on the pathway to achieving Wella Colour Expert, Wella Style Expert and other Wella Expert qualifications.

WELLA COLOUR EXPERT

Push your boundaries to understand colour in depth, allowing you to grow your skills, clientele, creativity and business to their utmost potential. As well as the successful Wella Studio programme, there’s now a new online version, meaning you can access advanced education from wherever you are in the world.

Plug INTO CHRISTMAS

‘Tis the season to win!

Welcome to Pro Hair’s Twelve Days of Christmas giveaways! With over £2,250 worth of festive freebies to get your hands on, we are giving away the ultimate professional hairdressing electrical tools on the market right now.

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle, come back and visit the new link each day (no skipping ahead allowed!) to be in with a chance of winning.

All twelve winners will be announced via our Instagram @prohairmag in the New Year, so keep your eyes peeled. Good luck!

Day 1:

GHD ICED LUXE LIMITED EDITION CHRONOS

RRP: £299

Step into a glittering ice-scape this festive season with the new iced luxe limited edition chronos from ghd

For ice-cold curls or shimmering straight styles, the new chronos promises to deliver instant, long-lasting styles with maximum breakage protection. Plus, to complete the festive fantasy, the styler has been ‘frozen’ in pearlescent icy blue tones and is accompanied by a crisp, crystal blue vanity case.

Unleash your creativity with the Atmos 2 Ultra Dryer from Diva Pro Styling

With greater airflow for faster drying, plus increased air pressure for faster styling, the new lower-noise Atmos 2 Ultra Dryer has be designed to revolutionise salon drying and styling. This ultimate high-speed digital salon dryer comes complete with Ultra Ionic conditioning for a superior style and finish. DIVA PRO STYLING ATMOS 2 ULTRA DRYER RRP:

Day 3:

ELECTRIC HEAD JOG FUTARIA HOT BRUSH AND ELECTRIC HEAD JOG FUTARIA WIDE STRAIGHTENER

RRP: £90

Reimagining classic hairstyling to bring you effortless results full of volume and bounce, the new Futaria Hot Brush from Electric Head Jog combines quality, durability and high performance.

Encouraging users to achieve flawless waves and volume with ease, the optional rotating barrel and air flow function conveniently guides the hair into place, complete with a ceramic coated barrel to reduce frizz and leave the hair smooth and full of shine.

The hot brush also features temperature settings of 140°C, 170°C and 200°C to suit all hair types, a 30-minute auto shut off function for safety and a three-metre cable with 360° swivel to avoid tangling.

Offering quick and long-lasting results, the new Futaria Wide Straightener from Electric Head Jog has been crafted to ensure hair shines all day and into the night.

Designed to glide smoothly through the hair without snagging, the wide, floating plates optimise styling time for longer, thicker hair. Plus, complete with a copper, titanium coating, the plates use a negative-ion generator to create soft, smooth and glossy hair.

The tool contains an LED display with five different temperature settings – 160˚C–240˚C – to suit all hair types, a 30-minute auto shut off function for safety and a three-metre cable with 360°C swivel to avoid tangling.

Day 4:

ETI MAESTRO HAIR DRYER

RRP: £235

The Maestro Hair Dryer from ETI combines cutting-edge innovation with a sleek, compact design.

Designed with 2000w of power and equipped with a brushless motor, the dryer delivers an airflow of 89 m³/h, ensuring fast and efficient drying while minimising noise. Plus, the sleek design has been created to pack powerful performance into a lightweight, compact shape, offering maximum comfort during prolonged use.

KEY FEATURES:

2000w power for fast and efficient drying.

Brushless motor for durability and reduced noise.

Airflow of 89 m³/h for professional-level drying speed.

Three temperature settings for customisable heat control.

Cold shot button to lock in styles with a cool burst of air.

3.8m power cord for added flexibility and movement.

Two styling nozzles and one diffuser for versatile styling options.

Day 5:

BABYLISSPRO STILISTA

RRP: £180

Introducing Stilista, the brand-new advanced styler from BaBylissPRO.

With strong titanium plates and ionic technology, Stilista has been crafted to bring everything an in-demand stylist might need: quick power, reliable performance and long-lasting, flawless results.

KEY FEATURES:

True Titanium Plates: Crafted from titanium, the plates offer optimum heat transfer for perfect styling in just one pass, even when used at lower temperatures.

Advanced Ceramic Technology: This ensures heat is distributed evenly throughout the surface of the

Active Smoothing Features: The perfect pairing of naturally smooth titanium plates and ionic multiplying technology ensures that hair is left smoother, softer and sleeker with a longer-lasting finish.

Brand-New Curved Design: The tool’s housing is made from stay-cool materials to get closer to the roots of the hair, ideal for creating lift and volume. The curved design makes creating curls and waves effortless.

AMIKA BLOWOUT BABE THERMAL BRUSH

RRP: £95

The Blowout Babe Thermal Brush from Amika is easy to use while being ultra versatile.

The heated brush allows you to create a blowout look without a blow dryer or hot air, resulting in a sleek, frizz-free look.

BELLS AND WHISTLES:

1.5” Ceramic Barrel: Emits far-infrared heat that instantly penetrates the cortex of the hair cuticle from the inside out. Hair is heated evenly and in half the time of conventional heat, reducing the risk of damage.

0.5” Nylon Bristles: To gently grip, smooth and style all hair types and lengths. Ionic Generator: To increase negative ion output, resulting in shiny, smooth, frizz-free results with zero static.

180°C Temperature: To smooth all hair types and textures.

Heat Resistant Handle, Cool Tip

Design and Lightweight Body: To guarantee easy, comfortable and safe styling. Easy to Use and Store: An easy-grip, 2.7m, 360° swivel cord made of heat-proof fabric (up to 232ºC) and a professional hook.

RRP: £161.40

Inspired by master global stylists, for stylists.

Recognising that styling is part artistry and part craftsmanship, the VARIS collection was engineered to meet the needs of stylists by carefully considering every detail of the styling experience. Each tool has been created to allow the stylist to effortlessly execute their creative and artistic vision, every time.

Lightweight yet powerful, the VARIS SB2 Blow Dryer combines advanced brushless motor technology with a true ion generator, producing millions of ions that work to neutralise static, frizz and flyaways.

With Hyrdroionic Crystals infused into the barrel of the dryer to hydrate and condition hair, the dryer features six different setting combinations to allow for the perfect airspeed and temperature.

KEY FEATURES:

Weighs 490g. Powerful 2000w motor. Brushless motor technology. Six different heat and air settings. Easy-to-clean back filter.

Day 8:

CLOUD NINE ORIGINAL IRON LUXE GIFTSET

RRP: £269

The new, limited-edition Original Iron Luxe Giftset from Cloud Nine’s Christmas Starlight Collection range features the latest in healthy hairstyling technology.

This season, the new collection is amping up the tech and rolling out advanced heat protection features, including 11-setting temperature control (between 100 and 200°C) and frictionless Revive Mode for less snag and drag.

Day 9:

Featuring the Original Iron, a premium black case, Wet Brush, Detangling Comb and a black velvet-style case, give the gift of healthier, shinier hair this Christmas.

WAHL VANQUISH HAIR DRYER

RRP: £149.99

With a goal of bringing professionals and their clients together to create unforgettable hair moments, the new Vanquish Hair Dryer from WAHL combines a revolutionary drying performance with an innovative design to strengthen your client connections and get you closer to your canvas.

Delivering controlled airflow and efficient power for fast, even hair drying, the SmoothTone motor system removes harsh frequencies and keeps the volume low to allow users to keep chatting with clients as they dry. Featuring an LED screen that displays four heat and three speed settings, a memory function to lock in your settings and an auto-clean function for easy maintenance, the WAHL Vanquish has been crafted to enhance the overall styling experience.

KEY FEATURES:

Speed up Drying Time:

FlowControl delivers consistent heat that dries hair evenly from root to tip.

Keep Noise to a Minimum: SmoothTone motor system removes uncomfortable sound frequencies.

No More Wrist Fatigue:

design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue when drying for long periods of time.

Quick Drying Results:

digital motor delivers exceptional air speed for quick drying results.

Easy Maintenance: Auto-clean function keeps the filter clear of debris so you can keep the dryer working in top condition.

Safe Styling: Premium magnetic attachments fit securely to the dryer for safe styling.

Day 10:

PROXELLI KILA HOT BRUSH VOLUMISING

RRP: £57.79

Create beautiful volume, a super-smooth finish and soft and silky waves with the new Proxelli KILA Volumising Hot Brush

KEY FEATURES:

• Oval-shaped ceramic barrel for effortless volume and shine.

• Two different lengths of flexible bristles for enhanced grip and smoothness.

• Long bristles with round tip for optimum scalp comfort.

• Three different temperature settings – high, low and cool – to suit all hair types.

• 2m 360° swivel cord for ease and flexibility.

• Power: 1000w.

ALFA ITALIA TROPEA PRO MULTI CURL STYLER

RRP: £150

Become the master of all things curly with the Tropea Pro Multi Curl Styler from Alfa Italia

Featuring three different titanium barrels which all clip easily into a single base, the tool delivers controlled heat of up to 232ºC thanks to an advanced MCH heater. Complete with lightweight titanium barrel construction, Dual Voltage 110–240v for international travel and a heat-resistant three-fingered glove, the styler offers the ultimate curl creativity.

19mm Barrel: Ideal for creating tighter, bouncy and more-defined curls to add texture and life to the hair, particularly on shorter styles.

25mm Barrel: The most popular barrel size for creating a classic curl or beach wave look.

32mm Barrel: Perfect for creating soft, voluminous curls with lots of movement, particularly on longer hair.

NICKY CLARKE AIRSTYLE PRO

RRP: £249.99

Developed specifically to meet the demands of professional hairdressers, the AirStyle PRO from Nicky Clarke combines innovative technology with exceptional performance and a compact, lightweight design.

As well as featuring three temperature settings, three speeds and a cool shot function to ensure precise control over styling, the tool also includes three different styling accessories – a concentrator for precise airflow, a diffuser for enhancing natural curls and an aircurl attachment for effortless styling.

With infrared technology that helps to promote blood circulation, reduce stress on the hair cuticle and offer anti-inflammatory benefits for healthier hair and scalp, the ceramic air inlet and ionic conditioning works to keep hair smooth, static free and minimise heat damage.

Weighing only 350g and powered by a 2,000w motor with brushless technology, the AirStyle PRO also features self-cleaning capabilities, a lock feature to enhance user convenience and a 2.8m cord to ensure convenience in the salon.

Tracey Ann Smith

Hair: Tracey Ann Smith Make-Up: Roseanna Velin Styling: Ellen Spiller Photography: Michael Young

HARINGTONS

Hair: Haringtons Creative Team Make-Up: Dina Photography: David Ralph

“This collection takes inspiration from traditional Japanese fashion and cultural style. Through powerful, bold shapes, the images portray strong, warrior-like women.”

Tim Scott-Wright & Teri Lowe

Hair: Tim Scott-Wright & Teri Lowe Make-Up: Maddie Austin Styling: Clare Frith

Photography: Michael Young

Luminary

DANIELE DE ANGELIS

“Originating from the Latin word ‘Luminaire’ meaning light, my Luminary collection embodies a shining essence that celebrates individuality. Each model is a unique character, representing their influences and inspirations, inviting you to look beyond the ordinary.

Captured inside a light box, these images portray a visual narrative of confidence and glamour through textures, silhouettes and colours. The collection is minimalist, yet trend focused.

Luminary invites you to step into a world where light is not just illumination, but a symbol of influence and inspiration. It challenges convention, inviting you to delve beyond the surface and embrace inner brilliance. In this collection, we celebrate the power of individuality, the allure of creativity and the magic of light.”

Hair: Daniele de Angelis @ TONI&GUY

Colour: Jo O’Neill

Styling: Borna Prikaski

Photography: David Mannah

Freelance forum...

Dear Lacey...

Welcome to the final instalment of our monthly Q&A sessions with LACEY HUNTER-FELTON, the pioneering founder of the co-working and freelance community: Hunter Collective.

Dear Lacey, how has your early life shaped your approach to your career?

Ryan Steedman, Session Stylist and Colourist

Hey Ryan, thank you for your question.

It’s very healthy to look back at your younger self and explore what a younger you would say to the you of today (and vice versa!). Both the positive and the more-challenging early experiences do deeply influence our work ethic and drive us as our career progresses. So, while personal adversity can often feel like a burden, it can also be a powerful motivator if harnessed the right way.

• Embrace Your Challenges as Fuel: Your resilience and ability to turn those early life struggles into a source of strength can be remarkable. My advice is to continue leaning into those experiences, but to make sure you’re doing so with balance – it’s all about embracing the lessons and using them to fuel your future. By acknowledging where you’ve come from, you remind yourself of what you’re capable of overcoming.

• Project Your Future, but Stay Grounded:

Whilst I love the concept of ‘cosmic ordering’ (where you put your ambitions into the universe with confidence), I believe it’s just as important to also be open to the journey and allow for flexibility. That way, you won’t miss unexpected opportunities that may come in different shapes than you initially envisioned.

• Invest in Relationships – They’re Your Foundation: Ryan, I know that your career has soared in part because of the strong relationships you’ve built with clients – this is something I always emphasise in this industry. When you pour into your clients, they pour back into you. Continue to nurture those

connections, and they’ll serve as a solid foundation for your professional growth.

• Find the Right Environment for Growth:

Choosing the right environment is absolutely key, so always be mindful of the spaces you work in. A healthy, creative space does wonders for productivity and personal wellbeing; it should uplift, support and inspire you.

• Strategise Business Management:

Approach the admin side of things with dedication –this is something that’s been a big learning curve for me and I can’t stress it enough. For many creatives, business management is the unglamorous side of our work, but it’s really essential. I now treat it as part of the whole picture, always setting new personal goals in this area to ensure my business thrives alongside my creativity.

• Celebrate Your Wins – Big and Small: Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate the milestones. I always tell people: ‘no achievement is too small to recognise.’ Celebration should be recognised as a way to stay motivated and reflect on how far you’ve come.

Personal challenges can be the very things that push us forward, both personally and professionally. My advice to anyone facing adversity is to embrace it, use it as motivation and never shy away from asking for help or guidance. Whether it’s building stronger relationships, staying strategic in your business or celebrating your wins, the key is to keep moving forward with purpose. Every experience, good or bad, can shape your success.

Self-Care Setting

FHA Founder, SHEILA ABRAHAMS MBE, discusses the importance of wellness and self-care for freelancers.

As a hairdresser, freelancing can bring flexibility, creativity and control over your schedule. However, it can also introduce challenges that may affect your wellbeing, such as managing boundaries with clients, maintaining a work/life balance and avoiding burnout. Many hairdressers who work for themselves find it hard to set limits and make time for self-care, which can lead to stress and anxiety. This month, I want to focus on how to create healthy boundaries and prioritise your mental health.

Building Professional Boundaries

As freelancers, we can all be guilty of blurring the lines between professional and personal, but it’s important to remember that, ultimately, your clients are just that – clients. While you may develop a rapport and enjoy friendly exchanges, getting too personally invested in your clients can often lead to emotional strain.

One critical aspect of self-care is setting emotional boundaries. Ask yourself: Would I drop in for coffee with

this person outside of a work setting? If the answer is no, it’s a reminder to keep a professional distance. Clients may come and go for various reasons, and it’s important to protect yourself from emotional burnout when they move on.

We can also fall into the trap of saying ‘yes’ to every new client request, especially when starting out, but this is what can lead to burnout. It’s important to recognise when stress is building and take action to address it. By setting limits, you can create time for yourself and your personal life.

Another critical component of mental wellbeing is recognising your professional limits. As freelance hairdressers, there’s often a desire to please clients, even when it means taking on tasks you may not be fully comfortable with. However, saying no when a client asks for a service outside your expertise is a sign of professionalism, not failure. For example, if a client requests a colour correction that you don’t specialise in, it’s better to refer them to someone else than to take on a service that could end up causing you anxiety and damaging the integrity of your business.

Balancing Work and Life

A common challenge for freelance hairdressers is managing their own schedules. Unlike a salon job where work hours are predetermined, freelancers have the freedom to set their own hours. This freedom, however, can often lead to overworking if boundaries aren’t clear.

Start by writing down your ideal work hours. Do you want to work only during the week? Would you prefer to leave weekends free for personal time? Once you decide, make those hours known to clients – add them to your price list, make them clear on your website and set automated responses on your social channels. Just as a shop has opening and closing times, you should have clear working hours.

Prioritising Your Wellbeing

Freelancing can sometimes feel isolating. Without the camaraderie of colleagues, you may miss the support network, so it’s important to find your people. At the FHA, we have regional groups of hairdressers that talk and meet up, and we also have our online

Facebook group called The Staffroom that is always a constant buzz of conversation. We also have a technical advice helpline which is available whenever a member may need. As a freelancer, having these touch points with other hairdressers, can really help any worries that build up when you’re on your own.

As hairdressers, we are natural listeners, often becoming confidants to our clients, but we need to recognise that taking on the emotional burdens of others can weigh heavily on our mental health too. It’s essential to remind yourself: I’m a hairdresser, not a therapist. While clients may share personal stories, it’s crucial not to take those worries home with you. Establishing an emotional boundary between your professional life and personal wellbeing will prevent unnecessary anxiety.

Remember, you are not just your business – you are a person with your own needs and limits. Taking care of yourself is essential not only for your health, but also for the long-term success of your freelance hairdressing career. Prioritise your wellbeing, and your business will thrive as a result.

Mindfulness and Mental Health

In between appointments, you may need to create a mental reset. Whether it’s taking a short walk, practising deep-breathing exercises or listening to music, develop a ritual that helps you shake off any emotional weight from a heavy appointment before moving on to the next.

Mindfulness can be an excellent tool to maintain your mental wellbeing. Practising mindfulness helps you stay present and avoid worrying about things that might never happen. Instead of getting lost in potential future problems, focus on the task at hand, and deal with challenges as they arise.

Freelance hairdressing offers an incredible amount of flexibility, but without proper boundaries and self-care practices, it can lead to stress, burnout and mental exhaustion. By establishing clear work hours, maintaining emotional boundaries with clients, and practising mindfulness, you can protect your mental and physical wellbeing.

VOICE OF THE MONTH

“I’m a freelancer and...”

...these are my top three reasons to have a niche.

1 TO BECOME RENOWNED FOR WHAT YOU DO.

Being one of the industry voices for age-inclusive hair got the attention of brands, which led to four award nominations in 2024 and, most importantly, created huge client demand. People automatically think that it’s only the more-mature women who embrace their grey, but what I’ve found is that it’s women in their 30s and 40s who are struggling to be heard with their grey concerns. Really targeting this demographic through social media posts has increased demand hugely –to the point where I am never quiet!

Freelance forum...

My name is Nancy Stripe . I am the winner of Client Consultation of the Year at the Pro Hair Awards 2024 . I first decided to ‘niche down’ into balayage after being on mat leave for six months in 2015 and watching the hair world change around me. I knew that focusing my colour skills solely on this would be a smart move, and it saw my column get booked up for months in advance. Now I own a salon full of freelance colour specialists and we all have our niches that consistently attract new clients. One of my specialities is grey blending, and becoming a master at this has opened up doors I could only ever have dreamt of…

2 TO SHOW UP AS YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF.

Showing up on social media and finding meaning in your posts will bring authenticity to what you do. Clients and brands can clearly see this, and the posts where I really get to the heart of my grey-haired clientele always perform the best. I still love showcasing all different palettes of colour, but it’s when I get into problem-solving for hairdressers or client consultations that my posts really take off. When a post can transcend from hairdressers to consumers, the view count can be staggeringly high. I find that when a post of mine goes viral, the client enquiries always follow; all these roads lead back to bums on seats. I do still love other aspects of colour, however, and I make sure I carve time out for areas like colour corrections and copper transformations too. These might not do as well as my grey posts, but I still love them and it’s important to me that I still have variety in my day.

3TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER.

When you know exactly who your client is, everything becomes easier and free-flowing. Suddenly, you have social media posts with reason, a place to target your education plans and products that fit your brand. This might not be clear when you first decide that you’re going to niche out, but it all starts making sense as the clients find you. The potential to boost income is there for the taking, and it’s so much easier to market ourselves when we know our own identity. When you become ‘niche’, you become sought after, in turn bringing a premium price tag and high client retention rates. Ultimately, this has taught me that grey blending is not just a creative pursuit, but a very smart business decision.

SHOP THE DROP!

DO YOU BACK YOUR BLOWOUTS?

Featuring its keratin-enhanced bestsellers, Keratin Complex has launched the all-new Best-Ever Blowout Kit. The travel-friendly regimen includes the Keratin Care Shampoo, Conditioner and Kerabalm 3-in-1 Hair Balm, as well as a limited-edition double bristle detangling brush. www.rdr.link/HAD021

A TANGERINE DREAM

Australian professional haircare brand, evo, has expanded its staino colour line to include three new shades of direct dyes. Formulated with a high concentration of pigment to provide super-bright results, as well as a nourishing conditioner base to help seal the cuticle and reduce frizz, the results last up to 50 washes and fade true-to-tone. The three new shades include: Ivy, Tangerine and Flamingo.

www.rdr.link/HAD019

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!

The Color Freeze, Moisture Kick and Repair Rescue Spray Conditioners from Bonacure have had an upgrade. Powered by Schwarzkopf Professional’s new Care-Boost Complex, the revamped formulas leave hair feeling soft, nourished and moisturised after just one application. With 90% better combability, the formula uses an advanced blend of actives to deliver an enhanced level of care and deep conditioning, all whilst keeping the hair lightweight. www.rdr.link/HAD020

PICK N’ MIX

Offering full customisation of clip-in hair extensions, Gee Hair introduces its Custom Sets. As the first-ever online tool to provide total design control, the colours, sizes and lengths of hair can all be mixed and matched to create a truly customised style. Available in 14”, 18” and 22”, users must select two or more pieces to qualify for a custom set.

www.rdr.link/HAD022

FREE FOR THE MASKING

THE WONDER OF YOU

With a goal of redefining convenience without compromising on quality, Remi Cachet launches its Wonderpiece. This Half Weft extension is a single-piece clip-in hair strip designed for clients looking for a temporary hair enhancement solution. Offering a versatile option for those wanting to change up their style for a special occasion, without commiting to permanent extensions, the sophisticated design mimics natural hair growth to ensure a flawless, undetectable finish. The Wonderpiece is available in three different lengths – 16”, 20” and 24”–and 37 different shades.

www.rdr.link/HAD023

Professional haircare and styling brand Shed [salon hair every day] has released four professional therapy masks to complete its [wa]shed shampoo and conditioner lines: vivid bloom, thirst quencher, former glory and planet blonde. Each containing Hydrolysed Vegetable Proteins to increase moisture and improve the texture of the hair, the treatments work to promote hydration, prevent dryness, smooth the hair cuticle and combat frizz.

www.rdr.link/HAD024

TIME TO COOL DOWN! Introducing the new Platinum Mask Purple from INNOluxe, a product designed to neutralise yellow tones in lighter blondes to leave the hair feeling vibrant and healthy. Infused with Argan Oil, Cupuacu Butter and Hydrolysed Wheat Protein, the formula combats unwanted tones whilst strengthening and revitalising the hair.

www.rdr.link/HAD025

CURL CONNOISSEURS

From curly and textured hair experts Shedid & Parrish comes a new range of cleansing and conditioning products created using natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. The products include: Deep Cleansing Shampoo, designed to gently cleanse the hair and scalp to offer an effortless detangling experience that keeps curls hydrated and vibrant; Deep Restoring Conditioner, which serves to repair, strengthen and nourish dry, damaged locks, restoring elasticity and bounce; Silky Leave In Conditioner, to give the hair a smooth, silky feel that glides effortlessly onto the curliest of hair.

www.rdr.link/HAD026

Booked..!

I travelled to Croatia to do my own show for the Keune Global Manifest at an incredible venue in Dubrovnik. I was there to show the versatility of the new style range, reflecting the different products across my eight models. I wanted to showcase different textures and shapes paired with beautiful colour, while also doing a live haircut on my ‘Muse’ model.

CELEBRITY HAIRDRESSER, GROOMER AND SALON OWNER, LUKE BENSON, SHARES HIS LATEST SESSION SNAPS WITH US –YOU CAN FIND LUKE’S DIARY HIGHLIGHTS HERE WITH US EVERY MONTH IN PRO HAIR.

Follow Luke Benson @lukebensoncreative and @lukebensonsalon

CALL OF DUTY LAUNCH

This was such a fun job! Even though I’m not really a gamer, I love Call of Duty and it amazes me how huge the franchise is. To do a shoot for the new game launch, and to see all the background workings of some of the team involved, was really cool. And yes, that is real money in the briefcase! The security guards didn’t take their eyes off it!

ROMAN KEMP

As part of his Vodafone activation, I worked with Roman for the ‘Easy as Pie’ campaign at a pie shop pop-up in Shoreditch. I love the random workdays we have together, and when it’s your mate it never feels like work anyway! We trialled a new micro mullet haircut too, which hopefully went down as well as the pies!

@lukebensoncreative

CAMPAIGN

I recently had the honour of leading the new campaign for the Keune Style Range relaunch. I was involved in everything from the white label testing all the way to product design, so to be part of creating the key imagery looks alongside other Global Ambassadors was a really proud career moment for me. The products and imagery have been received so well by both clients and stylists around the world; it’s been a real success for the company, and continues to cement my relationship and growth with the brand.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The Passport to Keune event was my biggest show to date in my career! There were 700 people in the audience, including a mix of current Keune salons across America and some prospect accounts too, so I really had to impress! We were in Charleston, South Carolina, as this is the port where Keune stock arrives in America. My show was called ‘Fluid’ and I had seven models –six for a presentation and one for a live demo. The show focused on all of the wet and shiny elements to hair, whilst also showing the versatile shapes and textures achievable with the Keune range. It was one of the best work jobs I’ve had. Everyone was so welcoming, and the people involved from the planning (which started a year ago!) to the final event were amazing. I can’t wait to get back to the States and do more!

KEUNE UK STYLE LAUNCH EVENT

I also launched the new Keune Style Range to the UK Keune salons and prospects alongside some of my team from my salon. I spoke about my involvement in the range from start to finish, explained my relationship with the brand and showcased models to demonstrate the product. The event was held at the House of Keune by Bloom in London, but we totally dressed the space and lit it completely differently to give it such a new feel – complete with great music from my friend and his band and even better cocktails with names that reflected products in the range! Thank you to the Keune UK team for giving me the opportunity.

@lukebensoncreative

How did you decide on the style of your salon interior?

Our salon’s style is rooted in simplicity, with a raw, natural aesthetic. We’ve always been drawn to the beauty of reclaimed materials and the character they bring to a space. Carl, my husband, builds the salons himself, and we work together on the design, making sure it feels authentic to our values. The use of reclaimed wood and vintage pieces adds an earthy, timeless feel, perfectly complementing our sustainable approach.

Where did you find the inspiration for your design?

“Our design inspiration comes from nature and our commitment to sustainability. We wanted a space that reflected our love for organic materials and plant-derived products.”

Our design inspiration comes from nature and our commitment to sustainability. We wanted a space that reflected our love for organic materials and plant-derived products. The earthy tones, combined with raw textures like wood and metal, were inspired by natural landscapes. We also drew inspiration from minimalist spaces where every element serves a purpose, aligning with our ethos of simplicity.

Did you use an interior designer?

We chose not to use an interior designer because we wanted the space to reflect our personal touch. Katie and I designed everything ourselves, combining our skills to create an environment that truly embodies our vision. With Carl’s craftsmanship and our shared eye for detail, we’ve been able to bring the salon to life in a way that feels unique and genuine.

Describe the vibe created by your interior.

The vibe of our salon is relaxed yet sophisticated, with a touch of understated luxury. We aim to create a chilled and inviting atmosphere where clients can unwind. The dimmable lighting and warm, earthy tones set the mood, while the natural materials and thoughtful design elements contribute to a space that feels both sexy and serene.

Butchers Salon Visit

Susannah Richardson and her business partner, Katie Knox, are the duo behind Butchers Salon – the ‘eco-conscious, gender-equal and vegan salon group. As the winner of the Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year 2024 , sponsored by Easydry , at the Pro Hair Awards, we couldn’t wait to find out more about our winners...

What do you hope are your clients’ first impressions when they walk in?

We hope clients immediately feel a sense of calm and connection to nature. The raw materials and earthy colours are meant to create a welcoming environment that feels both warm and sustainable. We want guests to experience an atmosphere that’s effortlessly stylish and consciously crafted, allowing them to relax and enjoy their time with us.

What are the key elements of your salon design?

Key elements of our design include the use of reclaimed wood, vintage pieces and natural textures that bring the space to life. The separate room for our back basins is a standout feature, offering dimmable lighting for ultimate relaxation. Our colour palette of browns and earthy tones ties everything together, reflecting our brand’s commitment to sustainability and natural beauty.

How have you embraced sustainability within the design?

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From using reclaimed wood and repurposed furniture to sourcing eco-friendly materials, our design choices are guided by our commitment to minimising our environmental impact. The natural materials we’ve used not only look beautiful, but they also align with our ethos of sustainability, plant-based products and vegan values.

“From using reclaimed wood and repurposed furniture to sourcing eco-friendly materials, our design choices are guided by our commitment to minimising our environmental impact. The natural materials we’ve used not only look beautiful, but they also align with our ethos of sustainability, plant-based products and vegan values.”

What salon software do you use and what feature of it do you find most useful?

We use Zenoti software, which is the leading cloud software for salons. Its powerful booking system and customer management features help streamline our operations. The marketing tools are fantastic, plus we find the ease of appointment scheduling and automated reminders particularly valuable for keeping everything running smoothly.

Did your product brand or colour house influence your style of interior design?

Absolutely. Our choice of Aveda as a product brand, with its plant-derived and vegan philosophy, heavily influenced the salon’s design. The earthy colours and natural textures throughout the salon reflect Aveda’s commitment to sustainability and holistic beauty, creating a harmonious connection between the products we use and the environment we’ve designed.

What salon furniture have you chosen and why?

We’ve chosen Takara Belmont chairs and basins because they offer the best quality and comfort. Their design aligns with our aesthetic, and the craftsmanship ensures they’ll stand the test of time, which is important to us from a sustainability perspective. The chairs are not only stylish but also ergonomic, making them perfect for both our clients and stylists.

Do you have a dress code/uniform for your team?

We don’t have a formal dress code or uniform. We encourage our team to wear what they feel comfortable in, allowing them to express their individual style. This approach reflects our relaxed salon atmosphere and our belief in authenticity, ensuring our team feels at ease and confident while working.

Here I am at Picton & Co. – the artisan bar and deli we launched last spring. It was a project driven by a pure passion for experience-led food and retail; the idea is we sell what we serve and serve what we sell. It’s adjacent to the salon, and we just love the extra dimension it’s added to our business.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LATEST COLLECTION?

Flourish was born out of a vision I had for a relaunch. I wanted to be bold and different, and to shoot with more freedom as it was my first shoot for a few years. It was a definite fusion of hair and photography, complete with an editorial focus.

TO EAT: WELL, IT’S GOING TO HAVE TO BE PICTON & CO. MY FAVOURITE DISH RIGHT NOW IS THE CURED TROUT POKE.

TO VISIT: LONDON FOR A SHOPPING TRIP WITH MRS P.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ONE OF YOUR PROUDEST HAIRDRESSING MOMENTS?

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5minutes with KEN PICTON

Ken Picton, Owner of Ken Picton Salon in Cardiff, talks Beach Waves, Biographies and Big Green Eggs.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?

When I’m not working, I love to cook outdoors. My passion was ignited during Covid, where I learnt how to cook over fire. I have an outdoor kitchen with the centrepiece being my Big Green Egg and a large South African Braai. I even cook my Christmas dinner outside!

That’s really difficult. I’ve had so many fantastic moments – from winning awards for our collections and salon achievements to standing on stage to an audience of 10,000 people and flying around the world doing shows. The year 2015 stands out a lot as we were celebrating 25 years in business, and we won pretty much every award going! Everything from Business Recognition to Team of the Year, it felt like an amazing achievement to celebrate with my family and team.

TO LISTEN: I LIKE ALL MUSIC, WHICH IS JUST AS WELL AS IT’S CONSTANTLY ON IN THE BACKGROUND AT THE SALON!

TO WATCH: MOSTLY SPORTS, BUT I’M ALSO CURRENTLY LOVING SLOW HORSES

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TO READ: IT WOULD HAVE TO BE NEWS OR FACTUAL BOOKS – ESPECIALLY ABOUT PEOPLE, SO I LOVE A BIOGRAPHY.

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TO WEAR: TRAINERS – I’VE GOT HUNDREDS OF PAIRS!

TO USE: L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL TECNI.ART BEACH WAVES SPRAY. THIS IS A KIT BAG ESSENTIAL FOR ME.

TO LOOK UP TO: SIMPLE - MY WIFE AND CHILDREN. quick fire favourites

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