HAIRBIZ Year 18 Issue 4 by mochagroup

By Sam James

FUTURE 54 captures fleeting moments of pure joy and abandon. A second of exhilaration gone forever as the music shifts and changes. A timeless dancefloor where retro nostalgia and our futuristic world meet and merge. Disco was an escape from reality in the 70’s. From a world dealing with war, gay liberation and women’s rights. In FUTURE 54 there is a new escape. From a world where every movement is recorded and tracked, people no longer look eye to eye and reality and virtual is blurred. The disco styling is universally recognisable and could be back on the dancefloor at Studio 54, but it highlights the essence and influence of digital culture. It’s disco for a distant generation. There is a longing for the simplicity yet excess and abandon of the past. with an emphasis on juxtaposed metallics, sparkling textures, shimmering movement and sharp lines. This is a celebration - everyone is equal and free on the dancefloor.

CREDITS:

Hair: Sam James

Photogrpahy: Andrew O’Toole

Fashion: Catherine V

Makeup: Janice Wu

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

SAM JAMES AHIA CREATIVE 2024

“What an incredible night! From the inspiring runway shows to the industry coming together to celebrate, it was one to remember. There was so much talent across the finalists this year and it was an absolute privilege to be announced as the AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year for 2024. I am over the moon and can’t wait to see what exciting things are ahead.”

Sam James, AHIA CREATIVE 2024 Australian Hairdresser of the Year

GIGI By Andrew Cobeldick

Step into a whimsical and exhilarating world where the grandeur of the Met Gala collides with the prestige of the Oscars, but with an unexpected twist – it’s 3 AM, and the night is still young as you find yourself frolicking through the city streets. Infused with the euphoria of a night to remember, each hairstyle in this collection exudes an air of carefree exuberance and untamed beauty.

CREDITS:

Hairdresser: Andrew Cobeldick

Make up: Serena Rose

Photographer: Dave Richards

Stylist: Sopheak Seng

Retoucher: Val Cabadonga

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR BUOY SALON AND

“It feels absolutely unreal and I cannot sum up this feeling in words! I’m just ecstatic that all the hard work and love has paid off and I’m so excited for this journey ahead.”

Andrew Cobeldick, AHIA CREATIVE 2024 New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year

74Hairdressers Side Hustles By Sophia Hilton 76 The Art of Consultation Part 3 By Nathan Yip

Bridging the Gap: Award-Winning Hairdressers versus Social MediaFamous Hairdressers By Justin Pace 80 Sustainable Salons Partners with Greener for Business to Turn Every Salon in Australia Green By Paul Frasca

90 Tech Trends in Hair By Digital Health Co

Dopamine Beauty and Prioritised Indulgence By Fresha

Expectation Vs Motivation By Kym Krey

Popularity VS Profitability By Renee Andrews

108 The Path to Progress By Angeli Marie Shaw

Balancing Mental Health By Julie Piantadosi

Australia’s Only

PROFESSIONAL COLOUR MANUFACTURER

De Lorenzo has always been an Australian owned and made company, with a rich history that goes back over 80 years.

We develop and manufacture all our products at our headquarters in Silverwater, NSW. Each product is designed to suit Australia’s unique climate and conditions.

Our 100% vegan certified Nova360º range offers a complete professional colouring system, allowing you to achieve the full spectrum of colouring from the cleanest of blondes to rich dark hues and every fashion shade in-between.

De Lorenzo provides a world of high performance natural hair colour and supporting haircare products in one complete series.

Infused with Australian native plant extracts, protein complexes and Novabond technology, the results will ensure truer, richer, longer-lasting colour, complete white coverage and unmatched shine and condition.

A truly Australian home grown brand supporting salons with natural and organic beauty.

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PUBLISHER

Linda Woodhead linda@mochagroup.com.au

GENERAL MANAGER

Jarred Stedman jarred@mochagroup.com.au

EDITOR

Louise May louise@mochagroup.com.au

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Nina Barbara nina@mochagroup.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochagroup.com.au

ADMINISTRATION

Jess Richmond jess@mochagroup.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise May

Rikki Moir

Rex A.C. Silver

Kristie Kesic

Kristina Russell

Rebecca Wood

Sophia Hilton

Nathan Yip

Justin Pace

Paul Frasca

Digital Health Co

Fresha

Dwight Hodge

David Watts

Faye Murray

Kym Krey

Sarah Garner

Belinda Haigh

Renee Andrews

Angeli Marie Shaw

Julie Piantadosi

OFFICE PO BOX 252

Helensvale Plaza

Qld 4212 P: 07 5580 5155 mail@mochagroup.com.au www.mochagroup.com.au

DISTRIBUTION

Australia Post - Print Post 100005498

PRINTING Printcraft

PUBLISHED BY mocha group

PUBLISHERS OF HAIRBIZ, BEAUTYBIZ & BARBERSHOP

HAIRBIZ is published six times a year by mocha publishing ABN 65 091 846 189 No Part of the publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission. HAIRBIZ does not accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies, original artwork or other material. The views expressed in HAIRBIZ are not necessarily those of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted if the publication is delayed or prevented by factors beyong the control of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for errors in copy, or for any loss arising from the failure of an advertisement or any part thereof to appear.

Editors

letter.

Hello and welcome to Issue 4 of Hair Biz Magazine! a true celebration of creativity, innovation, and the unstoppable talent within our industry.

We have recently celebrated the 2024 Australian Hair Industry Creative Awards (AHIA - Creative), and what an event it was! A huge congratulations to all the winners; your dedication and artistic brilliance have set new benchmarks. I also extend a massive congratulations to all the finalists. The collections this year were phenomenal, showcasing the unparalleled talent we have here in Australia and New Zealand. As a member of the judging panel, I was deeply inspired by the brilliance and passion of every entrant.

This year’s AHIA Creative saw the largest number of entrants to date, a testament to the growing talent and competitive spirit in our industry. The award ceremony was nothing short of spectacular, complimented by three breathtaking hair showcases featuring the exceptional talents of hair directors Justin Pace, Danny Pato, Jacky Chan, Oscar Cullinan, and Natalie Anne.

It was an unforgettable night, and it felt incredible to gather and celebrate the best our industry has to offer.

The AHIA - Creative concluded a brilliant weekend following the Hair Festival at the Sydney ICC in Darling Harbour. The energy at the trade show was electric, reminiscent of the vibrant days of the old Hair Expo. It was invigorating to witness such enthusiasm and camaraderie, and I am already super pumped for next year!

I also had the pleasure of attending the AHC Industry & Leadership Days at the Fullerton Hotel. It was a fantastic couple of days, and I’ve covered the highlights in this issue. And that’s not all—this edition is packed with so much more!

We celebrate our new AHIA Creative winners, introduce our 2024 Hot Shots, honour our Hall of Fame recipient Jamie Carroll, and feature industry icons such as Paul Graham, Jordan Tabakman, Dr. Simone Lee, and the UK’s Giuseppe Manco.

We also profile some amazing salons, including Rock Paper Scissors, Studio Muse, Soul Hair, and have an insightful chat with Lani from Organic Suku. Plus, we bring you coverage of Sophia Hilton’s recent Hilton Hundred lunch event in Brisbane.

Adding to this amazing lineup, our business writers and bloggers are back with their expert advice, guidance, and tips & tricks to help you strengthen your salon business and personal development. From branding and marketing to mental fitness and gaining clarity, there’s something for everyone in this issue.

We are navigating a tumultuous economic climate, with many salons experiencing cancellations, postponements, and a downturn in client spend. I encourage you all to stay focused, keep your head in the game, remain consistent, and exceed client expectations. When your pricing increases so should your standards!

I recently came across a saying that resonated deeply: “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”

Until next time!

Big love & hugs,

Louise

May – Editor of Hair Biz Editor in Chief for Mocha Group louise@mochagroup.com.au

@louisemay_hairbeautybiz @mochahairaustralia

Giuseppe Manco: THE ITALIAN DREAM

By Rikki Moir, Gorgeous PR, UK

Giuseppe Manco’s salon is a hidden gem. Nestled in the heart of historic Winchester UK, its stylish interior and friendly Italian welcome provide the perfect hair sanctuary. Known for its precision cutting, colour transformations, and top-notch customer service, the salon is fast becoming one to beat.

We met with Giuseppe to find out about his Italian heritage, the heights of his current accomplishments, and what’s on the horizon for Giuseppe Manco the salon, the man, and the brand.

Born and raised in southern Italy, Giuseppe’s ambitions started early on. “Ever since the age of 13, growing up in a small village in southern Italy, I dreamed of having my own hair salon,” he recalls. “I wanted to become one of the all-time greatest hairdressers.”

His first step to realising his dream came when he relocated to England. “When I came to the UK, I got a job at one of the most elite salons in the upmarket city of Winchester. I worked there for many years, building a clientele and a good reputation. During that time, I began to shape the vision for my own salon,” Giuseppe explains.

Clients would often ask Giuseppe when he was going to strike out on his own, so when the opportunity presented itself, he grabbed it. “My wife Veronika and I opened the doors to Giuseppe Manco in June 2021. We’d just come out of lockdown and didn’t know what the future held, but it felt like the right time. We went for it because we believed so strongly in our product and our philosophy. We understood that hairdressing is more than just cut and colour. It’s about emotions and great

service. I wanted my own salon to be the ultimate example of amazing customer care, making my clients feel special, not just while they’re with us, but afterwards too,” says Giuseppe.

With a clear vision in mind, Giuseppe went to work. Specialising in precision cutting, colour correction and premium services that prioritise hair and scalp health, the salon elevates each appointment, creating what Giuseppe calls “a holistic beauty regime”.

“We use Hair Spa rituals treatments using exclusive bio-organic, sensory products from the Italian-derived Philip Martin’s range, plus Revlon Professional Eksperience treatments, all carried out in the most relaxing, luxurious environment,” Giuseppe describes.

Just like a leisurely Mediterranean lunch, the salon has a ‘no rush’ policy, ensuring that each client receives undivided attention and care. At the heart of Giuseppe Manco’s philosophy is a commitment to exceptional service, provided by both him and his team.

“Right from the start, we decided to set up a ‘Company Blueprint’, to make everyone on the team understand and follow our business map,” he explains. “The blueprint covers all the details, from how the salon looks to what music is playing. It reinforces our principles of exceptional

customer care. We have expectations on almost every part of the client experience, from washing hair, to how we serve the coffee. Some may say we’re crazy about the small details, but it has really helped us to have success from the beginning and we know that we are delivering our brand goals every single day.”

In addition to his dedication to quality, Giuseppe puts huge emphasis on continuous improvement and professional development. He invests heavily in ongoing training and education for himself and his team, making sure they remain the cream of the crop.

“It’s our aim to nurture talent all the way from apprentice to stylist, to salon director. Every week, we provide inhouse training covering not only technical approaches but also other aspects such as consultations and customer service. We offer all staff education from our partners

Giuseppe Manco

Philip Martin’s (some of which take place at Philip Martin’s house in Italy) and UNITE. Our staff is our biggest investment and our greatest reward,” smiles Giuseppe.

Today, just three years on from opening his salon, Giuseppe is solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft. “The salon won Regional Salon South at the HAIR magazine Awards this year, which was such an honour,” he beams. “I also reached the finals of the British Hairdressing Awards Southern Hairdresser of the Year last year and won Best Local Salon at the Salon Business Awards too.”

Previous accolades include winner of Best New Salon in Hampshire at the Salon Awards 2022, and finalising at the Estetica Salon Design Awards. From exclusive photoshoots with Pro Hair Magazine to showcasing his talents on prestigious platforms like Salon International and London Fashion Week, Giuseppe’s presence continues to grow. His involvement in the various competitions that comes his way and relentless pursuit of educational opportunities make him unstoppable.

This year sees Giuseppe creating something brand new. He recently shot his latest collection, ‘For the Love of Valentina’, which as we speak is still under wraps. “We searched the country for a girl who would best interpret my visualisation of my haircut collection. On meeting Valentina and discussing the concept I had no doubt that she was the perfect choice. We took her hair on a journey from long and straight, creating movement and style through exacting cuts and applying texture over a period

of 24 hours,” describes Giuseppe with pride.

Giuseppe adds: “To create this collection, I used all the foundation techniques of the haircut because I wanted to show that, with foundation techniques, hairdressers can do an amazing job and create stunning haircuts. This collection was very much done to demonstrate precision haircuts and shapes in the hair. Each haircut was inspired by one foundation technique.”

Giuseppe is now embarking on the next chapter of his career - education. With a recent qualification as an Educator in precision cutting, Giuseppe’s vision for the future is crystal clear - to evolve into an International Educator, paving the way for the next generation of hairstylists.

“Down the line, I’d love to set up a Giuseppe Manco Academy and maybe further salons around the UK and Italy,” he shares. Reflecting on his journey, Giuseppe looks back at where it all began: “It’s good to have goals and I think that young boy in southern Italy would be proud of what his dreams have become.” We couldn’t agree more.

@guiseppe.manco

@gorgeousprhair

LA DOLCE VITA

Hair: Giuseppe Manco at Giuseppe Manco

Make up: Megumi Matsuno

Styling: Anna Latham

Photography: Andrew O’Toole

A masterclass in style and elegance, this collection epitomises everything Giuseppe Manco stands for. Crafted with true Italian flair and grace, La Dolce Vita combines precision cutting with feminine styling and finishes that celebrate the most glamorous interpretation of the female aesthetic.

Giuseppe & Veronika Manco

DR. SIMONE LEE:

TRANSFORMING TRICHOLOGY WITH INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP

By Louise May

Dr. Simone Lee is a formally trained trichologist, scientific researcher, and leadership expert with a master’s degree in leadership from Deakin University. She completed her trichology training at the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences in Queensland and received clinical education through the World Trichology Society of America. Most recently, Simone obtained a PhD from the University of Southern Queensland.

With more than three decades of experience in the cosmetic and cosmetology industries, Simone has owned one of Western Australia’s most awarded salon brands since the age of 18. She has worked creatively with countless celebrities in film and television, held multiple international fashion week creative director positions, and secured top contracts as an innovative leader, hair science educator, and media representative for leading cosmetic brands such as Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional, Dyson Australia, and Virtue Labs, where she was involved as a hair science authority. Holding formal qualifications in training and assessment, Simone has delivered cutting-edge creative hair science programs globally for conglomerates such as the Jean Yip Group Singapore, GHD, and Medavita Malaysia. She has also appeared on national television during a Today Tonight story concerning her research into the linkage between scalp and facial aging.

Dr. Simone Lee’s contributions to the field of trichology extend beyond her role as an educator. Her establishment of the Australian Institute of Trichology, following her esteemed membership in the World Trichology Society of America and The American Hair Loss Council, is a testament to her commitment to the industry. This decision was driven by her passion for teaching, continuous growth, and the need to provide sophisticated hair science learning propositions for hair

practitioners in Australia and globally. Her continued involvement in the industry, as a member of InterClinical Labs, Safe Laboratories Australia, and The Australian Hairdressers Council, along with numerous hair science media contributions for leading organizations such as Mocha Publishing, News Corporation, Vogue Australia, and Mamma Mia, further solidify her position as a trusted leader in the field.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Dr Simone Lee about her journey…

Can you tell us about your journey in the industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in Trichology?

As a young woman, I left my regional home to live with my grandmother due to family circumstances. My mother was in the hospital, and my father couldn’t cope. My grandmother informed me that school wasn’t an option and that I needed to work, so I began working in a hair salon, earning $93 a week, of which my grandmother took $80. Fortunately, the salon I joined was one of the best in the nation, cementing my passion for the industry. I completed my apprenticeship, won awards, and saved money from several jobs, learning the art of enterprise along the way.

At 18, my father suggested I buy a salon to help support the family financially, which ended my dream of working as a wiggie in West End theatres or as a film artist. The salon we bought was in a rough area with

high crime, quite different from where I had worked before. Struggling to make ends meet in my mid-twenties, I applied to study the new Certificate 4 in Trichology. This decision paid off as I obtained top-level positions in film and television due to my trichology background, working as a personal artist for actress Alicia Vikander and as Head of Department for countless film productions. My trichology skills were invaluable, such as designing 22 runway shows for Kevin. Murphy, where I used my knowledge to keep models’ hair in excellent condition despite back-to-back shows.

Can you tell us about your training in Trichology at the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences?

I completed Certificate 4 in Trichology at Queensland’s Institute of Applied Sciences. Dermatologists developed the formal trichology course, and all exams were taken in the presence of medical professionals. My grades were consistently high, and I was informed that I was likely the only hairdresser to complete the qualification fully. Unfortunately, shortly after I finished, Certificate 4 in Trichology was removed from the hairdressing training package, a disappointing move given its importance. This formal training laid a solid foundation for my understanding of hair and scalp health, equipping me with the skills to diagnose and treat various hair loss conditions, a qualification that remains recognized by ASQA.

What was it like studying clinical education with the World Trichology Society of America?

I trained at the World Trichology Society (WTS) in Staten Island, New York. While the training was valuable, I noticed a gap in the scientific practices performed by Australian hair stylists compared to what could be achieved at a cosmetic level. This realization led me to form the Australian Institute of Trichology. The WTS founder, a PhD academic, inspired me to pursue scientific research and achieve a PhD. I aimed to evolve AIT’s training to enable hair stylists to manage cosmetic hairdressing with precision. Today, I am Dr. Lee, having completed a quantitative scientific PhD in

Australia without a high school diploma or undergraduate degree. My journey through WTS highlighted the importance of clinical education and its potential to revolutionize hairdressing practices, bridging the gap between creative artistry and scientific rigor.

How are you applying your trichology knowledge in your current work?

The Australian Institute of Trichology has released an online course for trichoscopic hair evaluation methods for hairdressers, covering foundational knowledge of common hair shaft and scalp conditions using trichoscopic technology. My current work involves pairing human intelligence with technology to create personalized digital hair-cutting procedures using trichoscopic imaging, matching certain scissors to hair types for optimal results, and strengthening hair during the cutting process. From what I have researched and experienced as a clinical trichologist, hair could become more damaged after a haircut if scissors are blunt or different texturing shears are misused than what it was before the cut. I am also researching and developing practical methods for hairdressers to monitor scalp and hair health, such as pH and hydration testing, to improve their procedures and craft fabulous, healthy hair for their guests. These advancements aim to enhance the overall hairdressing experience, ensuring that stylists can provide the best possible care for their clients’ hair and scalp.

What are some of the key projects you are working on right now?

My scientific research and creative work focus on anti-aging of the scalp and hair. As a film and television makeup artist, I explore trichoscopic imaging of eyebrow hair and the facial skin beneath it. I gauge how specific eyebrow treatments affect the hair’s structure and skin, addressing issues like inflammation and scarring from chemical treatments. Trichology has enormous potential in the beauty sector. In my recent project, the mini-series “The Claremont Murders,” I used trichology for accuracy and care in hair and makeup design, a practice I will continue in my upcoming work. This project showcased the practical application of trichology in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of scientific knowledge in creating realistic and healthy hair designs for on-screen talent.

Can you discuss the significance of your research on the linkage between scalp and facial aging and its potential impact on the industry?

I began researching the linkage between scalp and facial aging in 2017 while working in my trichology clinic. I noticed several clients had scalp wrinkles connected to their foreheads and researched skin elasticity and thickness changes with age. My mother was dying from cancer, and I wanted to provide gentle care

for her hair and scalp. During this research, I learned about the negative implications of applying certain chemicals on the thinner skin of older people and the potential absorption through the scalp’s vascular network. My findings suggested that aging scalp conditions could impact facial aging, a discovery I felt could be transformative for the hairdressing industry. This research led to an article titled “The New Fountain of Youth” in Hair Biz magazine and a feature on Channel 7’s National Today Tonight Program. The implications of this research are vast, suggesting that regular scalp care and appropriate treatments can significantly affect facial aging, offering new avenues for both trichologists and cosmetologists to explore.

What are your plans for the Australian Institute of Trichology in the future? What are your future goals in the field of Trichology and hair science?

I aim to continue providing intelligent, evidence-based scientific learning proposals for hair stylists and beauty professionals. I also intend to work with leading brands to improve hair science innovations. My goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical use by stylists, ensuring that products developed for scalp health are effective and user-friendly. Despite facing challenges and biases as a trichologist and hairstylist, I am committed to advancing the field through education and collaboration. By partnering with brands, I hope to enhance product development processes, ensuring that new products meet the practical needs of both stylists and clients, thereby fostering innovation and excellence in the industry.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments in hair science?

I don’t consider myself the sole authority in trichology but one of many. I believe in collaboration and continuously push myself to learn and share knowledge. I practice hairstyling in my salon and clinical trichology in the AIT clinic. I join specific hair science organizations and leave when there’s no alignment with my goals. Most recently, I joined the International Trichology Society, which comprises top hair and scalp specialist dermatologists. This membership aligns with my pursuit of excellence in trichology. Staying updated requires constant engagement with the latest research, attending industry conferences, and participating in professional networks, ensuring that I remain at the forefront of advancements in hair science.

What do you enjoy most about teaching and sharing your knowledge with others?

I enjoy being a contributing force as an educator, constantly pushing myself to be better through sharing, caring, and learning. Teaching allows me to inspire others, helping them realize their potential and achieve their goals. Sharing my knowledge and experiences not only enriches others but also fuels my passion for continuous growth and development in the field of trichology and hair science.

www.australianinstituteoftrichology.org

INDUSTRY NEWS.

THE AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL APPOINTS MELISSA KALAN AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Melissa Kalan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Melissa succeeds the esteemed Sandy Chong, whose retirement was announced earlier this year after 14 years of dedicated service.

Melissa Kalan brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive renowned for her steadfast commitment to elevating professional standards, fostering robust business relationships, and cultivating industry communities that drive meaningful change. For over a decade, Melissa served as CEO of the Australian Revenue Management Association (ARMA), where she significantly raised industry benchmarks across the tourism and hospitality sectors.

During her tenure at ARMA, Melissa spearheaded the submission process to the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to establish a nationally recognised and accredited VET course for industry professionals, developed Advanced and Mastery certifications, and developed an innovative online training simulation game. Melissa also curated and directed numerous industry summits, including the Tourism Employee Awards, and published 12 issues of RM Magazine, all aimed at nurturing talent and advancing professional capabilities within the sector. Her strategic leadership and advocacy for professional recognition and development fostered a vibrant professional community of members and partners and made her a respected figure in the business community.

In 2021, Melissa joined the Board of Global Women Connect Inc and serves as CEO Advisory. She has been an invited speaker and moderator at more than 55 industry conferences and is a strong advocate for professional recognition and upskilling. The AHC Board is confident that Melissa will be a powerful advocate for change amongst government and the training sector for Australian salons.

“I am honoured to join the Australian Hairdressing Council as CEO,” said Melissa Kalan. “I am eager to apply my experience to support Australian salons, enhance industry standards, and actively aid innovation within the hairdressing profession. I look forward to working closely with our members to ensure their continued growth and success.”

The AHC is currently engaged in several initiatives aimed at enhancing member experiences, refining training and education programs, and advocating for factors critical to the success of its members. Melissa’s extensive association and business acumen will play a pivotal role in leading these efforts and guiding the AHC into its next phase of growth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Kalan as our new CEO,” said AHC Chair Clint Piper. “Her proven leadership in fostering professional communities and advancing industry standards will be invaluable as we continue to support and advocate for our members.”

The Australian Hairdressing Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to Sandy Chong for her unwavering dedication to the hairdressing industry and, specifically, her exemplary leadership during her 14-year tenure as CEO. We wish her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement.

As Sandy transitions from her role, her continued contributions will ensure a seamless transition and sustained positive impact for AHC members and the broader industry.

www.theahc.org.au

integration with

Colour Management Software in Australia and New Zealand helping hair salons maximise revenue and reduce colour waste.

Vish uses Bluetooth scales teamed with the Vish colour bar app to record formulas during the mixing process. Formulas are adjusted so there is no waste, and where additional product is needed it is charged accurately to clients, ensuring every client visit is equally profitable.

Commenting on the integration, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software General Manager Alyssa Dowsett said, “We’re so excited to bring this new integration to our customers. Together, Vish and Kitomba are helping hair salons profit more from their colour services and reduce wastage. With clients stretching out their appointments and watching their spending, it’s more important than ever to ensure salons aren’t pouring profit down the drain.”

“With colour being one of the larger expenses in the industry, our integration with Vish means our customers will have the depth of data they need to make impactful decisions.”

The integration between Vish and Kitomba means all appointments sync between the two systems, making it simple for team members to use.

Each stylist can see their clients for the day in the Vish app, start mixing and adjusting colour ratios on Vish’s Bluetooth scales, and send the captured colour used for that service to the front desk for a quick and easy checkout.

Aygun Sana, Head of Sales and Operations at Vish said: “By automatically informing the front desk of costs, Vish enables salons to restructure their pricing model to generate additional revenue and ensure equal profit on every service regardless of how much product is needed in every service.”

“The unit costs of every colour, lightener or toner used can be added to the client bill, ensuring the basic costs of the service are fully reimbursed. This alone can generate an average of 10-15% more profit.”

www.kitomba.com/au/

KITOMBA LAUNCHES INTEGRATION WITH VISH COLOUR MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Kitomba Salon and Spa Software recenty launched a new

Vish

LOCAL SUBURBAN SALON TAKES ON THE WORLD

Congratulations to Frank and Helen Ciccone and the team at HAIR BY CICCONE in Macleod, Melbourne.

Hair by Ciccone was just awarded International Salon of the Year at the Social Media International Hair & Beauty Awards which is a huge achievement!

Judges from around the world had the tough decision on who took out the award

It’s amazing to see a small suburban salon from Macleod rise to the top among hundreds of competitors worldwide. Their dedication and passion for their craft & customer service truly shone through.

After 28 years’ operating Hair by Ciccone, the Ciccone’s are enjoying the welldeserved recognition and continue to inspire in the hair industry.

REVLON PROFESSIONAL RELEASES THE FIRST LEAVE-IN BALAYAGE TREATMENT

Hair care brand Revlon Professional has launched the first leave-in treatment scientifically designed to address the specific needs of balayage hair. Revlon Professional’s RE/ START Balayage Care Cream is a multi-action formula that strengthens, shields, and revives the hair after just one application.

The Balayage Care Cream combines innovative technology with professional performance to strengthen hair by restoring inner bonds and fortifying the hair fibre to prevent breakage. Containing Oxi Guard 2.0TM technology and advanced ingredients, the new product has been formulated to shield the hair from external aggressors and protection from heat of up

to 230°C, helping to prevent colour fading from heat styling, washing, and UV exposure. Designed to instantly revive balayage hair, the cream also nourishes and seals the cuticles for enhanced shine and softness.

Suitable for all types of balayage-treated hair, clinical trials showed that after just one application, hair is 8 times softer and 4x more hydrated, and 96% noticed stronger hair. After 6 weeks of use, the care cream preserved up to 90% of the balayage’s brightness.

Revlon Professional continues to cement its position as the leader in professional haircare with the launch of RE/START Balayage Care Cream. Offering quality results and advanced hair care in one product, the treatment can be used on its own or in conjunction with Revlon Professional’s RE/START Color range for optimal results.

For more information on Revlon Professional please visit www.revlonprofessional.com

INDIE EMPOWERMENT SUMMIT

Introducing the first-ever Indie Empowerment Summit in Australia!

This one-day conference is tailored exclusively for independent hair, beauty, and wellness freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re a home operator, a mobile freelancer, a rent-a-chair professional, or a member of a shared workspace—or if you’re still considering the leap into independence—this event will support you in building and expanding a business that offers the freedom, flexibility, and financial success you desire.

Join the event for a day filled with inspiration, education, and practical insights guaranteed to elevate your personal brand and independent business to new heights.

When: MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Where: Ovolo Hotel Woolloomooloo

Tickets on sale now: events.humanitix.com/indie-empowerment-summit www.indiesummit.com.au

• cont’d over page

“I’ll create some highlights in France”

At TAFE NSW we aim to turn potential into not just skills, but Skillaroos –just like Hannah Gerritsen, a hairdressing graduate from TAFE NSW Wollongong West. Whether you or your employees want to learn a new skill, upskill or re-skill, there is a hair and beauty course to help reach your goals.

Enrol now for Semester 2, 2024.

INDUSTRY NEWS.

MALIBU C’S MISSY PETERSON COMES TO HAIR FESTIVAL

For over two decades, Missy has ignited the industry as a corrective colour expert. While being an American Board-Certified Hair Colourist as well as a Certified Clinical Trichologist and Hair Loss Specialist, Missy’s passion for education never ceases. She is a firm believer that the core of the industry lies in continuous learning and boundless innovation. Fuelled by her unwavering passion, Missy collaborates with multiple organisations to push the boundaries of the industry to new limits.

When Missy took on the role of a global educator for Malibu C, she had one clear vision: empower her industry peers through mentorship and hands-on training. At both trade shows and online seminars, Missy ignites a passion in up-andcoming artists who are eager to learn new, cutting-edge techniques. Missy has taken on many different roles in her journey; from an assistant, stylist, corrective colourist, salon owner, editorial stylist, and now lead global educator, Missy has refined her skills in helping clients and stylists worldwide. Since becoming a certified Hair Loss Specialist and Trichologist in 2015, she has been able to bring the latest knowledge, treatments and products to her clients, nurturing both their hair and scalp care as well as their confidence. For the first time, Missy brought her expertise to Australia for Hair Festival 2024 where she hosted exciting education sessions and unveiled the cuttingedge Malibu C Head Lab scoping services. Attendees learnt to master the use of Malibu C’s customised haircare and corrective colour wellness remedies for addressing all scalp and colour-related issues. Hairdressers can use these skills to witness not only a dramatic improvement in quality but also a substantial boost in revenue, opening up a whole new world of possibilities! @malibucpro @datelineimportsaustralia

UNWRITTEN LAUNCHES ‘REVIVE THE REEF TOUR’ TO SUPPORT CORAL REEF CONSERVATION

Unwritten is thrilled to announce the launch of the ‘Revive the Reef Tour,’ an ambitious and impactful initiative designed to bring together independent hairdressers in a journey of education, conservation, and community support. This unique tour by CoFounders Rob Aubin and Hayden Brooks, will cover approximately 7,000 kilometres, starting in Sydney to Bamaga (on the Cape York Peninsula and back). The Unwritten ‘Revive The Reef Tour’ aims to raise awareness and funds for the Reef Restoration Foundation (RRF).

The tour will feature multiple stops along the east coast of Australia, including events in Brisbane and Cairns. Hairdressers and conservation enthusiasts are invited to join us on this journey to learn about the critical state of coral reefs and the essential work being done to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Unwritten product and merchandising drops will happen at the events for attendees.

“We’ve been supporting the Reef Restoration Foundation with a donation from every product sale since we launched a little over a year ago. We wanted to turn it up and try to merge a tour to see indie hairdressers with a fundraising

for the RRF, so we came up with the #revivethereef tour. It’s going to be a gruelling 3 weeks, but hopefully some beautiful sights, and I hope we can deliver the $5,000 check to RRF at the end! “ Rob Aubin

The Reef Restoration Foundation is a leader in coral reef restoration on the Great Barrier Reef. Their Resilience & Recovery program focuses on addressing severe coral bleaching caused by climate change. By establishing midwater nurseries that produce a billion additional coral larvae annually and protecting these nurseries during adverse conditions, RRF aims to accelerate natural processes of renewal and recovery, ensuring the survival and prosperity of coral reefs.

Unwritten invites everyone to be a part of the ‘Revive the Reef Tour.’ By donating, participating in events, or spreading the word, you can contribute to the adaptation and resilience of coral reefs. Your support is crucial to the success of this initiative. For more information and to get involved, visit The Revive the Reef Tour page and Reef Restoration Foundation’s Website www.rrf.org.au

To Donate, visit the Donation Page: www.chuffed.org/project/unwritten-revive-the-reef

SOFIE POK WOWS AT HAIR FESTIVAL IN AUSTRALIA

For the first time in Australia, the hair industry was treated to a special appearance by the renowned BaBylissPRO Barberology Ambassador and BlackFX creator, Sofie Pok, also known as @staygold31. Known for her modern LA style, intricate looks, and precise lines, Sofie graced the Hair Festival with her expertise, captivating an eager audience of barbers and hairstylists.

Attendees of Sofie’s session were given a rare opportunity to elevate their barbering skills through detailed breakdowns of cutting, fading, and styling techniques. Sofie’s insights extended beyond the technical, offering expert tips on enhancing social media presence, crucial for modern barbers seeking to build their brands.

The session proved invaluable for both novice and seasoned barbers, all keen to refine their craft with Sofie’s renowned techniques. Participants also enjoyed an engaging meet-and-greet with Sofie and received a complimentary goodie bag, which included discount vouchers redeemable at the BaBylissPRO stands.

Sofie Pok, celebrated for her international lifestyle brand Staygold31, has dedicated the past decade to perfecting her art. Her accolades include Female Barber of the Year by Barbercon, Men’s Shot of the Year, Fade Shot of the Year at Behind the Chair, and Barber of the Year at the American Influencer Awards. As a proud global Barberology Ambassador for BaBylissPRO, Sofie prides herself on sharing expert tips and tricks to empower other barbers in the industry using her favourite BaBylissPRO tools, as well as providing useful insight about growing a presence as a barber on social media.

Hair Festival not only showcased Sofie’s exceptional talent but also inspired a new wave of barbers aiming to reach new heights in their careers.

Sofie Pok with Fraser Forsey at the AHIA Creative

INDUSTRY NEWS.

Intercoiffure Australia Announces Winners of the G.O.A.T. 24 Apprentice Competition

Intercoiffure Australia has announced the winners of the fourth annual G.O.A.T. 24 Apprentice Instagram Competition.

Intercoiffure Australia National Fashion Director, Terrina Brown said that the field of entries were impressive, and all competitors should be proud of their work.

Elly Rentis of Orbe Hair Norwood, Adelaide won the G.O.A.T. 24 Open makeover transformation category, which invited all Australian apprentices including non-Intercoiffure members. This is the second year in a row that Elly has won the Open category.

“The judges were impressed by the radical make over done by Elly which included a fresh, new cut and colour transformation from grown-out blonde to an on-trend peach poppy colour,” Intercoiffure Australia National Fashion Director, Terrina Brown said.

The 2nd and 3rd Year Cut and Colour competition was won by Larni Roberts of Zedz Hair, Palmyra, Perth. This is also Larni’s second win. “Larni completely transformed her client from a very long, straight blonde style to a wavy, mid-length foiled look,” Terrina said. “Larni’s client took to Instagram to say how happy she was with her fresh, new look.”

The 1st Year Styling category was won by Dylan Hinkley of Circles of Hair in Subiaco, Perth. “Dylan created a long, wavy look on the model’s beautiful, copper hair,” Terrina said. “The hairstyle needed large rollers, brushing out, blow drying and hairspray to achieve the final look which the judges just loved.”

Terrina said that the G.O.A.T. 24 Apprentice Instagram Competition’s purpose was twofold to, of course, showcase apprentice work and to introduce apprentices to competition by creating a video reel according to competition rules.

“We ask apprentices to plan their videos in detail,” she said. “Following competition guidelines is very important in this competition and any others that they will enter over their careers.”

Winning entries can be seen on Instragram @intercoiffureaustralia

• cont’d over page

OPEN Winner: Elly Rentis, Orbe Hair, Adelaide – Before & After

2nd & 3rd Year Cut & Colour Winner: Larni Roberts, Zedz, Perth - Before & After

1st Year Styling Winner: Dylan Hinkley, Circles of Hair, Subiaco

INDUSTRY NEWS.

MADE FOR ORIGINALS

Experience a Hair Industry event that doesn’t just push boundaries, it sets new ones!

Spark your creativity and redefine the future of the Hair Industry by learning from industry legends and rising stars from Australia and around the world. Each session covers the latest trends, techniques and technologies in colouring and styling.

Be among the first to see and experience our brand-new products, connect with the O&M community, stylists and industry professionals AND witness live demonstrations at each stage.

“We loved the amazing energy from last year, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level,” said O&M Founder Jose Bryce Smith.

Expect world-class live education from industry experts, great vibes, and so much more - this is going to be THE education event of the year Made For Hairdressers.

O&M COR.Creators to grace the stage

• Jose Bryce Smith

• Jaye Edwards

• Amelia Jane

• Kim Haberley

• Sheridan Shaw

• Kindale Godbee

• More to be announced

Made for Originals – Made for Creatives – Made for Hairdressers

Date: September 15th, 2024, 11AM - 9:00PM

Hosted by Kirsty Anne

Tickets available at: www.originalmineralpro.com

AMERICAN CREW LAUNCHES NEW E-LEARNING PLATFORM

INSPIRED BY AMERICAN COLLEGE AESTHETICS

As the World’s Leading Premium Men’s Hair Brand*, American Crew continues to inspire the latest hair trends with the launch of its new e-learning platform CAMPUS. Available via the Revlon Professional Always On e-learning site, CAMPUS represents a new way for stylists to discover the world of American Crew and the brand’s extensive portfolio of professional grooming products.

The CAMPUS e-learning platform is designed to encourage barbers to LIVE in a new grooming era, LEARN from the professionals, and STYLE with confidence, providing a curated library of products and education to help Aussie hairstylists stay on top of international trends.

Heavily inspired by American college aesthetics, CAMPUS shares a range of new hairstyles from the Northern Hemisphere such as the new pompadour, long crop and short wolf cut. Spotted on celebrities such as Finneas Eilish on the Grammys red carpet and Barry Keoghan at London Fashion Week, the American college aesthetic is expected to be one of the biggest trends this winter. Sharing the products and steps behind the lookbook, the CAMPUS platform empowers stylist to try these new trends, so they can feel confident expressing their personal style. Taking you back to university, CAMPUS breaks down the grooming journey into six departments, each focusing on a specific aspect of men’s grooming.

The Department of Sculpture: Learn to define your signature look and build upon your sense of style with the American Crew Matte Clay, Fiber and Forming Cream.

The Department of Physics: Helping you master the art of adding volume and texture for multi-dimensional, gravity-defying styles with the American Crew Boost Powder, Matte Clay Spray, Alternator Spray, and Light Hold Texture Lotion.

The Department of Optics: Let your new skills shine and achieve distinct, sleek styles with high-shine styling products like the American Crew Heavy Hold Pomade and Firm Hold Styling Gel.

The Department of Wellness: Elevate your grooming routine with aromachologyinspired fragrances that care for your hair, skin and mind including the 3-in-1 available in Classic, Tea Tree, Ginger + Tea and Chamomile + Pine scents.

The Department of Trichology: Take a scientific approach to hair care for a healthy, irritation-free scalp with products innovated to treat specific concerns such as the American Crew Daily Deep Moisturizing Shampoo, Daily Moisturizing Conditioner, Daily Cleansing Shampoo, Detox Shampoo and Anti-Dandruff + Dry Scalp Shampoo.

The Department of Shaving Arts: Sharing specialised facial hair and skincare tips for a precise and comfortable shaving experience with the American Crew Precision Shave Gel, post-shave Beard Serum, and Beard Balm.

With an emphasis on professional guidance, the CAMPUS e-learning platform reinforces American Crew’s position as a leader in men’s grooming and education, empowering stylists to discover trends, refine their style, and achieve confidence in their grooming routines like never before.

For more information on the CAMPUS campaignvisit www.revlonproalwayson.com

INDUSTRY NEWS.

SUCCESS FOR PAUL DARE AT CIBE 2024, SHANGHAI

Shanghai recently played host to the 63rd edition of CIBE, China’s premier B2B hair and beauty exhibition and among the sea of innovators and industry leaders, one name stood out – Paul Dare.

Multi-award-winning hairdresser and precision cutting master from South Australia, Paul Dare, brought his expertise and renowned Dare Chisel® to the forefront of the event. With nearly four decades of experience, Paul has long been recognised for his ability to blend sculptural freedom with technical precision, a skill that has made him a revered figure on stages worldwide.

This year, Paul’s Dare Chisel® generated considerable interest, not just among Chinese barbers, but also from educators within the industry. The tool, which is considered an essential in every creative hairdresser’s kit, captivated the attention of many, including a prominent educator with a vast network of hair schools across China. This connection has paved the way for an exciting collaboration that hopes to see the Dare Chisel® introduced into the Chinese market, complemented by Paul’s signature online masterclass, ‘Cut Like a Master’.

In recognition of his contributions and influence, Paul Dare was honoured with the prestigious Gold ‘Outstanding Brand’ award and a Silver ‘Master of Styling’ award. These accolades underscore his enduring impact on the industry and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of stylists.

As Paul returns to his salon, Dare Hair in Hyde Park, South Australia, he continues to develop his online education platform ‘Cut Like a Master’ which is in the final stages of a major upgrade due for release at the end of 2024 which will see him passing on his knowledge and inspiring future stylists. The success at CIBE 2024 is a significant chapter in his illustrious career, promising exciting developments in the global hairdressing landscape. Visit darechisel.com and pauldare.co for more information

BEST IN AUSTRALIAN HAIR

Monday 1st July saw Australia’s leading creatives celebrating at The Star, Sydney for the annual Australian Hair Industry Awards Creative 2024 gala evening. After a record-breaking showing by Australia’s most inventive hair minds, Adelaide’s Sam James, of acclaimed salon SJ Establishment, was the recipient of the biggest award of the night- AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023. Major winners included Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa for AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2024, Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson for AHIA International Hairdresser of the Year 2024 and Jamie Carroll honoured with the Dennis Langford Hall Of Fame Award.

Held on the final night of HAIR FESTIVAL, the evening was again MC’d by resident Mocha Group host, Will Fennell, with three incredible shows conceptualised and choreographed by the always surprising Adam Williams with more hair, fashion and entertainment moments than ever before. The 2024 Creative Couture opening performance by 2023 AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year Justin Pace and 2023 AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Danny Pato, assisted by the 2023 Hot Shots team turned the Avant-Garde theatrical thermos to full blast. Then, iconic salon

group Oscar Oscar celebrated their milestone 35th anniversary in style with Jacky Chan creating stunning looks with partner REDKEN, before international darling Natalie Anne recalibrated the catwalk in a showcase filled with it-girl cool to close out the night. Guests then headed to the on-site after party hosted by Rogue Beauty until the small hours of the morning.

Launched in 2012 by respected industry pioneers Mocha Group, the AHIA’s are celebrating their 12th year as the trusted national award platform which provides a benchmark of excellence across both specialist and individual Educational and Business categories and the third year that the Creative categories have been given their own awards program.

Within the comprehensive awards division from Mocha Group, the AHIA Creative Awards program highlights the creation and execution of trends focused photographic collection work representative of the exciting talent across the hair and barber industries. Entries this year were judged by international hair icons including Sally Brooks, Sam McKnight, Cos Sakkas, Hooker and Young, Candy Shaw and Vivienne MacKinder, not to mention influential figures from International Media including Charlotte Grant West from HJI, UK, Nicky Pope from Tribu.te Magazine, UK, and Veronica Boodhan from Salon Magazine, Canada. The evening also saw the announcement of the much-anticipated 2024 HOT SHOTS team

judged by local legends including Justin Pace, Jayne Wild, Scott Sloan, Benni Tognini and Mary Alamine. This unique initiative puts a spotlight on the industry’s most exciting next-gen talent and provides the chance for those 31 and under to take their career to a whole new level. The very first Medal of Honour recipients were also acknowledged, recognising their achievement of winning award categories three years in a row, with Stevie English for AHIA Master Colourist of the Year and Danny Pato for AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year.

Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead acknowledged that the future of the industry is in excellent hands; “With the sheer number of entries this year, every winner should be so proud of their achievement. The quality collections and exciting creativity that our industry has put forward is truly world-class and testament to the strength and sustainability of the industry. Congratulations to all of our deserving winners.”

Special thanks goes to Major Sponsors Redken, Amazing Hair, Excellent Edges and NatalieAnne Haircare and Supporters Jadore Hair Supplies, Gamma+, Danger Jones, Matrix, Hair Festival, Dateline Imports, Heiniger, O&M, Expo4Barbers, Schwarzkopf, Rogue Beauty, Joico and Evy Professional.

2024 AHIA CREATIVE WINNERS

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair

EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR

Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop

AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design

COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR

Breakthrough Team

(Laura Szakaly, Toni&Guy South Yarrah. Tia WrightPihama, Toni&Guy Perth. Liam Johnson, Toni&Guy Mosman. Delphine Kanuma, Toni&Guy McMahons Pt.)

MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR

Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR

Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion

AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Johnny Georgiou

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

Bond Hair Religion

HOT SHOTS TEAM

Adam Harant, Wild Life SoGo

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

Victoria Shayler, Sir Fletcher

NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion

VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Benjamin Martin, Salon XVI

QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair

WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jude McEwen, Toni&Guy Perth

SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Lisa Robertson, Parlour Glenelg

NORTH ISLAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Ella Thompson, Dharma

MEDAL OF HONOUR

Stevie English: AHIA Master Colourist of the Year

Danny Pato: AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year

BTS DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR

For Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion NSW/ACT Collection

COLOURIST – Amber Bullock

PHOTOGRAPHER - Andrew O’Toole

MAKE UP ARTIST - Kylie O’Toole

STYLIST - Catherine V

DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME AWARD

Jamie Carroll

INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Sam James, SJ Establishment

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR

EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR

AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR

Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair Presented by Gamma+

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair Presented by Rogue Beauty

Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion Presented by Redken

Johnny Georgiou (Collected on his behalf) Presented by mocha group

MEDAL OF HONOUR

Stevie English: 3 x AHIA Master Colourist of the Year (Collected on his behalf)

Danny Pato: 3 x AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Presented by mocha group

NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR

Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative Presented by Dateline Imports

MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR

Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair Presented by Excellent Edges

COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR Breakthrough Team (Laura Szakaly, Toni&Guy South Yarrah. Tia Wright-Pihama, Toni&Guy Perth. Liam Johnson, Toni&Guy Mosman.

Delphine Kanuma, Toni&Guy McMahons Pt.) Presented by O&M

MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop Presented by Heiniger

AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design Presented by Amazing Hair

HOT SHOTS TEAM

Adam Harant - Wild Life SoGo - (Collected on his behalf), Domi Cherie - Tsiknaris Hair, Ella StewartStevie English Hair and Victoria Shayler - Sir Fletcher Presented by Joico, EVY Professional, Amazing Hair & Excelent Edges

WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jude McEwen, Toni&Guy Perth

Presented by Expo4Barbers

SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Lisa Robertson, Parlour Glenelg Presented by Matrix

QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair

Presented by Danger Jones

NORTH ISLAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Ella Thompson, Dharma Presented by Intermedia/Hair Festival

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR Bond Hair Religion Presented by Schwarzkopf Professional

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa

Presented by mocha group

VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Benjamin Martin, Salon XVI

Presented by Curate Awards

INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson (Collected on his behalf)

Presented by Natalie Anne

NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion

Presented by Jadore Hair Supplies

DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME AWARD

Jamie Carroll

Presented by Sara and Jackson Langford

BTS DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR

For Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion NSW/ACT Collection COLOURIST – Amber Bullock. PHOTOGRAPHER - Andrew O’Toole MAKE UP ARTIST - Kylie O’Toole. STYLIST - Catherine V Presented by Lily Blue Communications

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Sam James, SJ Establishment

Presented by mocha group

2024 AHIA DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME

A highlight of the AHIA Gala each year is the announcement of the recipient of the Dennis Langford Hall of Fame Award and this year was no exception. In honour of its namesake, Sara and Jackson Langford once again delivered the news to be this year, Jamie Carroll

Hair and beauty has been a passion for over 40 years for this year’s recipient, who was born and raised in outback Australia. His country background saw him shearing sheep and after initially working as a photographer, working with artists such as Roxette, Joe Cocker, Duran Duran, English legend Sir Cliff Richard, and many more, he entered the world of hairdressing and has never looked back.

He is the recipient of the Order de Chevalier, better known as a French knight in the Arts for Intercoiffure Mondial and has been a member of Intercoiffure here in Australia for the last 20 years.

Jamie won a Global business award for customer service judged by U.C.L.A, created the “Top to Toe”, best-selling project in TAFE in the early 90s and was part of the World Cup hair team.

He has consulted with online training for Just Cuts and worked behind-thescenes for other major chains and companies like Goldwell, Wella and Pivot Point USA.

He has had his hair and photographic work published in more than 40 countries and was an official sponsor for Australia Week promoting trade in the USA, though the G’day LA initiative, along with such luminaries as Olivia Newton-John, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, and Keith Urban, to name a few.

Jamie is a celebrity hair stylist both at home and overseas and most recently was commissioned to work on the new Rebel Wilson movie.

His picture appears on the famous Getty’s site naming him as a hairdresser, who made a video on how not to look for a job interview with messy hair, unshaven, shirt unbuttoned, wrong collar (winged), tie askew and too thin. Jacket too casual, runners too casual and untied, and his pants unironed!

Most recently he assumed the Patron role for SKWAD – Special Kids with a Disability, he continues to work on the floor at his salon in the Sutherland Shire and one of his proudest moments, he says, was taking the photo of Vidal Sassoon’s hands, that started and inspired the campaign “Helping Hands for Hurricane Katrina.”

Taking on Vidals’ personal advice to be a life-long learner, he has not only learnt but taught, and left a huge mark on the hairdressing community both here in Australia and on a global scale.

Congratulations to Jamie Carroll

DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME AWARD

Jamie Carroll. Presented by Sara and Jackson Langford

Viktoria and Jamie Carroll

HOT SHOTS TEAM MEET THE 2024

A key highlight at the AHIA CREATIVE was the announcement of the much-anticipated HOTSHOTS team for 2024, putting a spotlight on the industry’s most exciting next-gen talent and providing the chance for these young superstars to take their career to a whole new level.

With a prize pool worth in excess of $25,000, the 2024 team was announced by sponsors.

Adam Harant, Wild Life SoGo

Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair

Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair

Victoria Shayler, Sir Fletcher

Prizes include a full styling kit by Joico, full electrical kit form EVY Professional, a scissor kit by Excellent Edges, Extension Kit by Amazing Hair, not to mention a 3 day stay in the Hot Shots house and a photo shoot with Andrew O’Toole!

Adam Harant, is a Master Stylist at Wildlife SoGo, having been there since 2018. He is a KMS Guest Artist and Hair director for Campaigns for brands such as Hansen and Gretel, Double Rainbouu and P.E NATION. His work has been published internationally both in print an online.

“The Hot Shots team is both a celebration of hairdressing skill and creativity. It’s an opportunity to grow the industry’s future and I can’t wait to work with three other young creatives and to collectively transform. It makes me so excited to imagine how my skills and creative process could develop further under the guidance of the mentors and working in collaboration with my team mates.” Adam Harrant

Domi Cherie is a second generation hairdresser and the Director Colourist/ Extensionist and Salon Manager at Tsiknaris Hair. Her journey in the hairdressing industry has been one fuelled by relentless dedication, a pursuit of excellence, and an unyielding passion for her craft. Her passion for hairdressing transcends the confines of a profession; it is an intrinsic part of who she is.

“I believe that my track record of unwavering passion, and relentless pursuit of mastery makes me an ideal candidate for the Hot Shots Team and I am so ready and eager to bring my unique perspective, talent, and dedication to the team, contributing to its collective success while furthering my own growth and development.” Domi Cherie

Ella Stewart is a New Talent Stylist at Stevie English Hair and thrives on colour transformations! She has her own style, unique strengths and an eclectic and truly special group of clients. Her job is not just about doing good hair- it’s about building something that brings joy! She says through creative colouring she has learned there is excitement in the accidents and beauty in the mistakes and is a unique stylist, not only for what she can already do, but because of her daily experiences, mentors and need to continue to learn.

Organic Solutions for Hair

e-smooth by EVY: a transformative haircare line designed to harness the powers of nature and science for unmatched smoothing results. This innovative range redefines beauty routines with its unique, organic, and highly effective formulations that promise to turn unruly hair into sleek, manageable locks.

Our smoothing emulsion, a shampoo, will straighten/smooth hair in just one step (an in salon service) in 1 – 2 hours with 90% organic wild crafted ingredients. e-smooth is compatible with all chemical services and hair types.

What sets e-smooth apart is its commitment to safety and sustainability. Completely safe and smoke free while being free from parabens, sulphates, and nasties, our 100% vegan products are as kind to the environment as they are to your hair.

Suitable for all ages, including children and pregnant women, e-smooth is a safe choice for stylists and clients alike.

“The EVY PROFESSIONAL e-smooth system is a simple-touse, time saving system. The e-smooth enables us to tone hair simultaneously, and we love the fact it means a smoke-free salon! An Australian brand that’s 80% organic is also a bonus and the service extends, post salon experience, with four retail products for ongoing maintenance.”

Joe Habaki, TONI&GUY, Armadale

ORGANIC WILD CRAFTED

Unleashing Creativity: PAUL GRAHAM’S STYLE

REVOLUTION MASTERCLASS

When you think of hair competitions, visions of stunning hairstyles and perfect techniques likely come to mind. However, Paul Graham’s recent Style Revolution Masterclass, hosted by CPR Hair is transforming this notion, offering a platform that not only hones one’s artistic expression but also delves into the “business of accolades.” It was the first of its kind in creative hair design education for CPR.

With years of experience in winning awards, Paul blends creativity with strategy to foster career and salon longevity. “Artistic expression is wonderful, but it’s better when the work you create is supported by a career that enables these opportunities,” he emphasises.

Paul’s approach to hair competitions celebrates individuality and creativity, as evidenced by the minds he blew during his recent class with his innovative techniques for creating Avant Garde hair designs.

Paul’s methods challenge the traditional techniques used in everyday hairdressing, urging stylists to transcend industry standards with their creativity and individuality.

“Beauty is subjective,” Paul states. “When I think about traditional beauty standards in hairdressing competitions, it’s always that obligatory head shave with the fringe cut tightly near the hairline. This is popular, but I advocate for more. I hone my skills for the Avant Garde, showcasing technically skilled and creatively advanced members of our community.

I spend hours perfecting cuts and colours, but I’ll spend a year or more on something Avant Garde. I create work that I’m proud of.”

Paul inspires aspiring stylists to push boundaries. “I’m inspired to create with my scissors and tint brush, but also by materials from Bunnings or Spotlight,” he shares. His philosophy encourages looking beyond the salon trolley and embracing experimentation. “Start experimenting, be excited to do so,” he advises.

Communication and strategy are key in Paul’s teachings. He advises participants to read and understand competition rules, and then exploit them creatively. “This is how your creativity will shine,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to communicate with event organisers for clarification or permission to implement an experimental technique that could set you apart.”

Paul emphasises the importance of not focusing solely on hair. “Perfect hair is not the most important part of competitive hairdressing,” he explains. “It’s no more or less important than model selection, makeup, and photography. Produce work that has meaning and tells a story.”

Paul’s mentorship is comprehensive and transparent. At his Style Revolution class, he provided attendees with a detailed booklet outlining his entire process for assembling award-winning submissions, along with personal career insights and photographic collections. “If there’s only one thing you take away from today, let it be the knowledge of

how accolades work and how success in this arena can continue to benefit you long after the trophy,” he says.

Paul’s philosophy champions continuous learning and experimentation. He often cites Sassoon, “the greatest hairdresser of all time,” as a model of innovation. “Sassoon reinvented the wheel of hairdressing. What many call rules and boundaries, he saw as discovery and invention. Don’t be afraid to be like Sassoon. Let your originality and creativity lead your competition work.”

Paul encourages stylists to infuse personal stories and values into their work. “Not everything has to be literal. Let your work express feelings and issues important to you,” he advises. “Whether it’s a homage to a loved one or a reflection of your personal journey, infuse your work with meaning beyond hair.” Finally, Paul inspires stylists to overcome self-doubt and embrace the exhilarating challenge of hair competitions.

“Recognise opportunities that enhance your career and happiness,” he says. “Curating an awards submission grants you complete control. Enjoy the creative freedom and satisfaction of telling your own story.”

Paul Graham’s Style Revolution is more than a masterclass—it’s a movement. It’s about empowering stylists to embrace their creativity, push boundaries, and create work that tells their unique stories. So, take the leap, experiment boldly, and let your

BUILDING A BARBERING EMPIRE WITH

JORDAN TABAKMAN

By Louise May

Jordan Tabakman, the Lead Educator for Gamma Plus, has a rich family background in hairdressing. After exploring various career paths, he ultimately found his passion in barbering. His dedication and innovative approach have led him to international acclaim, educating barbers around the world.

Jordan discusses his role with Gamma Plus, the importance of social media in his career, and his favourite tools. He also shares his insights on upcoming hair trends and the inspiration behind his successful journey. Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of Jordan Tabakman and his contributions to the barbering industry.

Barbershop Editor Louise May chats with Jordan…

Where did the Barbering journey all begin?

Having both parents who were hairdressers I grew up around it. I went off and tried different careers before I fell into barbering and haven’t looked back since.

Can you share a bit about your journey?

After starting my barbering career, I tried many different paths to break through, photo shoots and education which is what I had a big passion for and got my first sponsor, which allowed me to travel globally educating in Europe, UK, and India where I met a lot of top stylist and built a network in which I’ve been able to utilise in business. Not only Barbering but also building brands that we have done. and now ultimately has led to opening up salons in India and Dubai.

What factors do you feel have contributed the most to your success as a social media influencer?

The biggest attribution to social media has been showing what’s possible in the industry, from being trusted by some of the biggest celebrities in the world with their haircuts to also showing if you work hard and be yourself, organically you can build a big network in which personal brands see your value which ultimately can lead to great opportunities in travelling the world educating or doing business.

You are lead educator for Gamma + can you tell us about this role and why you chose to work with the brand, what do you love about Gamma+?

I actually parted ways with a brand previously I’d worked with for 6 years and wanted to focus on our salons and personal development and then was lucky enough to be approached by gamma+ to have a discussion on what we could do together.

First, I wanted to try the tools and see if they worked for me which is an essential when it comes to promoting a reputable product, I instantly fell in love with the tools and decided it’s the right thing to work closely with a brand that I value and the people who work for the brand and their vision aligned with mine that I value a lot. we have put together an amazing education and ambassador team that all bring so much value to the brand and they make my job being the lead educator easy.

What are you most looking forward to with your role with Gamma+?

Separate to the current exciting plans within Australia and New Zealand, Carmelo head of Gamma+ Aust/NZ and I, challenged ourselves to look outside the box as I’d been doing business in India, and with his contacts in Pro Edge Blades it made sense to take Gamma+ to India and give the hair artists the tools they deserve. Ultimately, I’m excited about the growth of the brand in both countries and the opportunities we get to give people being associated with a strong brand like Gamma+

What are your favourite Gamma+ tools to work with and why?

Currently I’m using the x-ergo clipper, cyborg trimmer, skin clipper and boosted foil shaver. They’re my go to tools for my haircuts.

Can you share any insights or predictions regarding upcoming hair trends that you believe will be popular over the next 12 months?

We tend to follow suit of UK with trends, but it was exciting to see the mullets with skin fades becoming very popular over there now in which Australia has been doing for a while. Personally skin fades will never die out but I’m noticing a lot more tapers and burst fades are in trend currently.

Who inspires you in the industry?

My biggest inspiration has been my father who has trusted me as a business partner to take The Barber Club brand into a whole new element of modern barbering and to see the team we have now at all our shops and the growth of each team member through the internal and external opportunities is what inspires me every day. I tend not to look for inspiration so much within the industry as my main focus is on creating opportunities for everyone through all the platforms, we have through Gamma+, the Barber Clubs new education platform in which our team is running, and many overseas projects we are doing with new hair care/styling brands.

Can you talk to us about your Gamma+ tour? Where are you off to and when and what education are you doing?

We have a jam-packed Calendar this year. The end of May will see us Launch the extensions to the Boosted Family in Trimmer and Shaver. Then in July we are doing a road show tour of major cities in India expressing new styles India hadn’t seen before through using the Gamma+ tools and getting stylists to understand how important the tools they use on haircuts are. Over and above this, our team of Educators and myself continually work with Schools and Tafe Colleges around Australia to help bring the art of barbering to the next level with Gamma + Tools.

Can you tell us about the India Academy. We have launched our first salon in Delhi, next month we open in Hyderabad which will be our flagship salon with our first academy and have signed contracts with master franchise licence holders to expand The Barber Club and newly formed women’s hair and beauty company The Beauty Club largely over all of India and Dubai.

@jordantabakman

@gammaplusaus_barber

@gammaplusaus

@thebarberclubindia

CLIPPERS AND HAIRDRESSING

HEINIGER’S HIGH-TECH TOOLS MARK A NEW EVOLUTION IN HAIR CUTTING.

By Rex A.C Silver

Clippers - Most Hairdressing Salons have a house set, at least. Most hairdressers these days have their own and, highly likely, a set of trimmers, primarily for guys who still prefer to get their hair cut in a salon. God bless them! Every salon has its star operator who loves doing a few guys’ cuts and can bust out the barber moves to execute a sick fade if your client is so inclined. But is there more to Clippers than meets the eye?

To go forward, let’s look back...

In the eighties, the birthplace of modern hairdressing as we know it today, as this was the point in time when science and technology started playing a major factor in the advancement of our craft, a hairdresser had one set of scissors, a feathering razor, and maybe one set of texturising scissors. The old school of thought in the very best salons of the day was that using texturising scissors was cheating; in fact, at times, they were banned altogether at the Vidal Sassoon and Toni & Guy Academy’s, as were clippers, no one ever uttered the word clippers, dare not say their name.

The core underlying message back then was to bring out the best hairdresser in you through sheer discipline and hard work. The moral of the old-school mindset is admirable upon reflection, but in today’s technologically driven world, it just seems dated and obsolete.

TODAY

Over the years, technology and our tools have evolved, reflecting the changing landscape of our craft. Today, we have a diverse array of tools at our disposal, each designed to serve a unique purpose in modern hairdressing. We use them to perform the function for which they were designed, and we expect the results to be consistent and on point.

CLIPPERS

What about the untapped potential of these machines? They can be used for much more than just a short back and sides, fades, and boys cuts.

Heiniger has developed a range of cutting tools whose versatility opens up a world of creative possibilities, inspiring us to explore new techniques and styles. Clippers and Trimmers so advanced in motor and blade technology, the thought process on approaching how we use clippers in hairdressing will be changed forever... a new methodology to cutting hair with precision-built tools to do so. How very exciting.

Let’s talk to three trailblazers embracing this tech and incorporating the Heiniger cutting system with their work.

Dual-qualified Hairdresser/ Barber and current Australian Modern Barber of The Year Matthew Clarke

I am experiencing freedom of expression with these machines. The Heiniger cutting system is certainly a welcome addition to my tool set. I am particularly drawn to the Orion model for exterior base shapes. It has a rotary motor that oscillates the blades in a rhythm, back and forth in a cutting motion, the timing of which is perfect for longer hair-cutting techniques. I then use the two trimmers, the Libertus and Pegasus-Mini, to add texture to the interior and ends. I can offer complete personalisation with my work and to my clients.

Tarik Yašarevic is a multi-awarded Hairdresser and owner of MR T Salon Melbourne

I love the whole system. Every model has its place and serves its purpose well. With both scissors and clippers, the most important thing to me is the blades, and the Heiniger System gives me beautiful, crisp, sharp finishes. Everyone knows the best watches in the world come from Switzerland; I had very high expectations that were met with results far beyond that of my dreams of what they can deliver me as someone who is a quality-oriented professional in terms of what I choose to use as tools.

Robert Braid Heiniger Artistic Director. Dual-qualified Hairdresser/ Barber. UK Barber Hall of Fame recipient. The creativity aspect of my work has just gone to a whole new level, really. The fundamental principles of cutting hair are the same, of course, but adding the Heiniger cutting system and tools takes my work and the pleasure I get doing it to new heights.

I love free-hand techniques with both curly, and straight hair using the Tauro for my base outline. With these machines, you can cut dry hair beautifully with such a great finish. I’ll texture with the Pegasus-Midi and Libertas. Up close to the scalp on short hair, the Pegasus-Midi is the go-to tool for a soft feminine fade. I am saving valuable time on the floor removing bulk with the Sirius before I go in and do a more detailed intricate cut on both long and shorter hair. Using the range as a system, I’m finding and creating new ways every day to enhance my skill set with these machines.

Let’s conclude

We are Hairdressers. We are creative, bold, experimental, daring risk takers, and proud of it. That is why we are the innovators of fashion, for as we know, fashion starts from the head down!

Rock Paper Scissors FUTURISTIC REFURB FOR

By Louise May

At the core of Rock Paper Scissors is multi-awardwinning salon owner and creative director Pauline McCabe. Renowned as Perth’s authority in hairdressing, education, and mentoring, Pauline is a regular session stylist for International Fashion Week hair styling.

Pauline’s journey, from the quaint streets of Paisley, Scotland, to the vibrant shores of Perth, Australia, is a testament to her flair for travel and unwavering commitment to the artistry of hairdressing. With a devotion to creativity, Pauline flourished under the mentorship of industry icons like Trevor Sorbie.

Ask any hairdresser where they draw their inspiration, and the answers can range from fashion, nature, travel, and film sets. For Pauline McCabe, the answer is more visceral. With a background in fine art and as a talented painter, her creative thoughts are often, quite literally, drawn out in one of her sketchbooks.

“My background in art has been a great addition to my career,” she acknowledges. “It’s informed and developed my style and given me a visual eye for line, balance, and form. I always reference back to art in my hair work.”

In the dynamic world of hair and beauty, Rock Paper Scissors has emerged as an awardwinning hair salon recognised internationally. Conscious, alive with a fresh perspective, and a touch of sophistication, Pauline enlisted Jessica Alice Design to re-imagine the salon space and elevate the client experience.

A Year of Excitement

It’s been a whirlwind year so far for Pauline. Starting in January at Paris Fashion Week with Jean Paul Gaultier and Simone Rochas, she worked alongside Holly Smith, whom Pauline began collaborating with in 2023 on Boss in Milan. This incredible show saw Pauline working on hair for Gigi Hadid. Back in Australia, she participated in the O&M Ambassador Conference in Byron Bay at the Sunranch.

The following week, Pauline attended London Fashion Week, working with the incredible Anna Coffone on Holzweiler, Chet Lo, and David KOMA.

Next, she collaborated on an on-stage educational Masterclass with Natalie Anne in Perth, showcasing her fabulous new product range. Pauline then travelled nationally, educating for O&M on their Future Fashion Classes and preparing teams for Sydney Fashion Week, where she directed some of the shows for ghd and O&M as their brand ambassador.

“Building my team and brand is crucial to the success of my company,” Pauline says. “After 14 years, we have grown from strength to strength. Now with a team of 20, we have 5 apprentices.

Developing our youth is the core and future of our industry, and I am passionate about educating and mentoring our future generation. This year, I will continue to work across Fashion Week, nationally and internationally, as well as creating new collections and mentoring my creative team with their photographic work.”

Pauline’s commitment to excellence and environmental responsibility is reflected not only in her work but also in the salon’s ethos. The salon boasts a highly skilled and personable team dedicated to their craft and exceptional customer service.

The Refurb

Pauline’s vision is to infuse creativity and modernity, showcasing the brand for what it is today, with an emphasis on forward thinking. On the first meeting with interior designer Jessica Alice, when ideas were presented for the space, Pauline shared one of her concept boards for the Aus Hair Fashion Awards collection. “The idea behind this concept was based on the increasingly widespread concept of artificial intelligence and its juxtaposition with the natural world,” she explained, “embracing the hyper-natural spectrum of colour.”

“The duality between our visions was strikingly apparent as we shared a glance and realized our worlds had collided,” says Jessica.

Jessica developed innovative ideas, turning the salon into an art gallery-like space showcasing “commissioned pieces from local creatives”. Her fresh, modern designs brought a completely new feel to the space. Fremantle, WA, has a vibrant atmosphere of creativity, community, and style, which Jessica integrated into her designs.

“I’m all about building relationships that last a lifetime,” says Jessica. She connected with local makers and artists who pour their souls onto canvases, using their work to enhance the salon’s aesthetic. This approach elevated the salon and supported the local creative community.

Standout Features

One of Pauline’s favourite pieces is an organic hydroformed sculpture by Douglas Powell. “I aimed to design a freestanding sculpture using the organic nature of unrestricted hydroforming. The bends in the shape result from variations in volume throughout the structure. When a larger volume transitions to a smaller one, it forces the steel to bend,” explains Douglas.

Also featured are three turned Tennon lamps in Azure Cobalt blue by Manner Furniture, adding a pop of colour in front of the stainless-steel hair bar.

Jessica Rayment, originally from the UK but now calling Australia home, embraces the beauty of life’s simple pleasures. With prior experience as a project designer specialising in commercial design and build, she has transitioned into a creative stylist and interior designer. Collaborating with developers, architects, builders, and fellow interior designers, she operates under Jessica Alice Design, an emerging studio in Perth specialising in interior design and editorial styling. Jessica prioritises building lasting relationships and supports local makers, small businesses, and artists throughout her creative journey. Together with her collaborators, she brings dreams to life, one space at a time.

Credits:

Salon: @rockpaperscissorsfreo + @pauline_mccabehair

Interior designer: @jessicaalice_design

Salon photos: @emtangles

Duzi Objects, Douglas Powell - @duzi_ objects

Manner Furniture, Mark Lilly - @ mannerfurniture

Blackbutt timber bespoke furniture , JP woodworks - @jpwoodworkswa

Original fit Out, Ohlo Studio - @ ohlostudio

About Jessica Alice Design

A SOURCE OF Artistic

INSPIRATION

By Louise May

Upon stepping into Studio Muse, you’ll quickly realise this is no ordinary salon visit. Located on the iconic Sydney Harbour at Jones Bay Wharf, the salon provides expansive views of the city and harbour. Picture glistening waters, city skylines, and the scenic Barangaroo waterfront. It’s nothing short of spectacular.

Your appointment kicks off with a signature head and neck massage, followed by your choice of refreshments, you can even choose to sip on a Margarita whilst you sit and unwind and take in the breathtaking view. This serene start is just a taste of the indulgence that awaits.

Studio Muse is deeply committed to sustainability, paired with an exquisite salon atmosphere. Founded by Laura Kim, a visionary artistic director with over two decades of experience in the hair and beauty realm, the salon stands out for its use of vegan, organic, sustainable, and biodynamic hair colour and products. Whether you’re drawn to Laura’s signature ‘lived-in’ colours or looking to have your hair expertly styled by the dedicated team, Studio Muse promises a personalised and transformative experience.

Editor of Hair Biz Louise May chats to Laura Kim, Artistic Director at Studio Muse. As an Aveda National Colour Ambassador, Laura is passionate about creating beautiful hair with vegan products and she was recently featured in Glamour UK with a spotlight on her Cherry Chocolate Brunette.

How did you get into hairdressing and what do you love about the industry?

I got into hair as I used to do my Mums and my friend’s hair when I was quite young. So, I was able to gain an understanding and passion very early. I was doing makeup and hair styling and entered the hair and beauty college in Seoul as soon as I was old enough to do so.

I love making people look and feel beautiful by highlighting their natural beauty to make them feel confident.

When did you open Studio Muse and what was the inspiration for the salon?

I first opened our salon in the Sydney CBD in June 2013 under the name ‘Solace’. This was a very busy area that was constantly inundated with walk-ins and during the COVID period I decided it was time for a lifestyle change. For some time, I had wanted a salon on the iconic Jones Bay Wharf on Sydney Harbour, and I decided to move into a beautiful, 3-storey space at the very end of the wharf facing Barangaroo and the Harbour Bridge. I also re-branded as Studio Muse after my creative inspiration; my Bichon Frise, Muse!

Studio Muse is committed to creating beautiful hair with vegan products, tell us about this philosophy?

Hair comes from the human body. Your Mum gave you life and your body gives organic life to your hair. This is a natural process and should be enhanced by clean, vegan products. I love the process and the results these products provide.

What has been a career highlight of yours and your greatest challenge?

Probably moving from the hustle and bustle of the CBD to a peaceful, creative space on the Harbour. Plus, the opportunity to name my beautiful salon after my Muse was a definite highlight too!

My greatest challenge is to constantly lead my team by moving forward and continuing to improve and enhance our creativity, but this is also the most exciting part of my day to day.

You have a highly experienced team; how do you retain great staff and clients?

Being honest with the team and showing them my ideas as well as keeping a very open space for them to share their own knowledge and skills means that we can all improve and grow together. We’re like a family now and enjoy working together so I think that environment helps to keep everyone close.

I try to give guests new ideas on each visit - from season changes to lifestyle growth. I try not to keep things the same visit after visit. I want them to keep striving for the highest standard in their own aesthetic and hopefully that keeps them coming back.

What’s special about the client experience at Studio Muse?

In-salon we provide a calming atmosphere with head massages and shoulder rubs as well as a fantastic view that our guests can enjoy with a tea or some organic wine with their experience. Our stylists are all phenomenally talented so guests can relax knowing they have some of the most amazing stylists in Sydney looking after them.

Who inspires you in the industry?

I actually get inspired by fashion designers and fashion shows. I look at modern day trends as well as previous eras, such as the 90s looks, as well as romantic comedy movie characters that make me feel good.

What do you value most in your partnership with Aveda? What do you love about the brand?

The support. I love how they support me with even just the little things and that we can contact them any time knowing they will try their best to accommodate me and my team. They have always treated us a partner and I really appreciate that. I love the fact Aveda products are natural and vegan. It means I can trust the products on my guests and myself.

Tell us about your role as Aveda National Colour Ambassador?

Easiest ambassador role in the world. I love Aveda colour and simply want people to know how amazing this professional colour is. Especially the non-bleach colour transformations that are exclusively formulated by Aveda - my guests love it! Healthy, shiny hair is trending and only Aveda can perform to such a high quality and yet be natural and healthy for the hair.

Can you share your favourite Aveda products and why?

The Botanical Repair professional bondbuilding treatments are my favourite. They are so high performing and easy to use. If you are colouring, especially with bleach, these products will transform your guest’s hair to make it so healthy and shiny.

How do you stay ahead of hair trends?

I do look at a lot of global social media, especially European. Their seasons are opposite so I can forecast what will be in trend for hair & makeup. Also, my team inspires me a lot so I love when they share with me what they believe will become in trend.

You were recently featured in UK press for your Cherry Chocolate Brunette shade, tell us about this?

I love working on individual skin tones and colours and at the moment plum lip is trending, so I created this colour on one of my guests. They saw my IG reels and contacted me straight away - it was quite exciting for them to reach out.

What’s next for you and Studio Muse?

We love sharing our knowledge and professional skills to other professionals so they too can offer their guests healthier colour and styling. We launched Less Is More education recently which is a salon-friendly education platform where you can learn from full head blondes and brunettes to classic long layered cuts and bouncy blowouts - our signature looks. Watch out for our classes coming later this year!

@studiomuse_hairsalon

AFRO-TEXTURE HAIR CARE TRANSFORMING in Australia

Lani Molefe had the pleasure of designing organic SUKU to represent and celebrate the texture community. She created the brand to provide the Afrotexture community access to professional hair care through products and trained stylists.

Upon moving to Australia, Lani was disheartened to find that, despite the abundance of salons, very few could adequately colour, cut, or style Afrotextured hair. Lani wasn’t looking for specialised skills like braiding; she was looking for a simple basin wash, treatment, and finishing that showed that she had visited a salon.

This inspired Lani to start a hair blog educating women about caring for their hair. In 2019, she teamed up with Chrissy Zemura of Zemura Salon, now their Global Creative Director, to launch the first in-salon Afro-texture Treatment, the SUKU Oil Treatment.

Formulated with a blend of organic oils, this treatment was designed to deeply nourish and hydrate Afro-textured hair, promoting health and manageability. This collaboration laid the foundation for an education-focused service, allowing salons to welcome Afro-texture clientele into their beautiful spaces.

We recently caught up with Lani to chat about Organic Suku.

Can you share the inspiration behind the founding of Organic Suku and how your personal journey influenced it?

I started Organic SUKU as a celebration of texture. Growing up in Zimbabwe in the 90s, before the dawn of one beauty standard, women and men were and still are, constantly changing their hairstyles. As a newly independent country, this may also have been an expression of our sense of freedom. Still, nevertheless, in the space of a few months, you’d see people rocking very different hairstyles: from a short natural do to relaxing it, then braiding it and adding a weave install after two months. It was and continues to be the way of the Afro-textured community.

And so, we celebrate the whole person’s hair choices at organic SUKU.

My journey, from experiencing diversity in texture [supported by salon professionals] to lacking it in Australia, influenced the creation of organic SUKU and the launch of organic SUKU Pro.

Can you explain how ancient African hair care techniques influence the products and treatments offered by Organic Suku?

Zimbabwean traditions, including hair care, are orally taught. Often, the young sit with their sisters, mothers, and aunties, being taught specific care and styling techniques. What I’ve been able to do at organic SUKU is to take those beautiful moments of teaching and adjust them into a professional context to allow stylists to learn a methodical and structured approach to caring for and styling Afro-textured hair.

The SUKU Treatment, our signature treatment, is the first step in joining our SUKU salon pathway. You’ll learn texture fundamentals and gain product knowledge. With our team’s commitment to your growth, you’ll start welcoming tighter textures into your salon space, offering a treatment that delights clients with tight textures with a brand they trust.

Can you describe the key ingredients and the benefits of using Organic Suku products for textured hair?

We recently launched our Salon Professional Collection, which extends into cleansing and treatments by porosity. It targets common texture concerns such as dry and itchy scalp, dry hair leading to breakage, hair loss due to styling, tangled and matted hair, and managing damaged ends. This collection resets Afro and Multi-textured hair through detangling, cleansing, hydration and deep moisture-infused nourishment.

Our hero products are Shea Butter and Shea Oil, known for their hydrating and nourishing properties. These ingredients and others in our formulations ensure that each strand is brought back to an optimal moisture zone.

Our ‘care’ and ‘treat’ collections alleviate dry and itchy scalp while providing much-needed moisture to curb dryness that leads to hair breakage and tangled and matted hair. Our ‘style’ collection provides definition, sleekness, soft bounce, and high sheen finishes without compromising the gentle care textured hair needs to maintain its health.

Chrissy Zemura

The benefits of using Organic SUKU products include deep hydration and nourishment from the scalp to the ends, thanks to actives with a low molecular weight that penetrate deeply into the hair shaft. This allows us to work effectively with textured hair of all types.

How do you integrate trichology into your hair care products and treatments, and why is it important for textured hair?

Trichology informs our understanding of the hair and scalp and is central to our approach to educating and product formulation. Our formulations are gentle yet effective, promoting the health of both the scalp and hair.

Hair loss is a prevalent issue across all hair types, but it is particularly common in the textured hair community due to certain styling techniques. By integrating trichology into our methods, we educate stylists on best practices to enhance hair health and prevent hair loss.

What makes Organic Suku’s approach to Afro-textured hair care unique compared to other brands in the market?

We focus on viewing the texture client as a whole person with varying needs and finish desires—just like any other person. We believe that Afro-textured clients belong in your chair, no matter what your niche happens to be. If you primarily style natural, lived-in looks, include the Afro-textured client—they need your expertise. If you specialise in balayage with a high gloss wave finish, include the Afro-textured client—they have the length to enjoy that look. If you run a blowout bar, believe me, include the Afrotextured client—they want that finish too. The truth is that Australia is changing. More people with textured hair are now calling Australia home and expect professionals to care for their texture. Additionally, younger generations expect inclusivity as part of a service provider’s commitment to creating welcoming spaces.

With 67% of the world’s population having textured hair, understanding and catering to this demographic is not just a trend, it’s essential to future-proof your business. Our comprehensive education, product suite, and ongoing support equip stylists to treat Afro-textured hair with the same expertise as any other hair type. This approach allows textured clients to walk into more spaces and experiment with different looks, and it’s a market opportunity that you can’t afford to miss.

Salons that embrace this inclusive approach can expand their clientele. Textured hair clients invest 2-3 times more than their straighter-

haired counterparts due to the nature and frequency of treatments that this texture affords them.

Organic SUKU is committed to redefining niches based on technique, not hair texture, ensuring that all clients receive the highest care and expertise from you.

Can you tell us about your education platforms?

We have created a hybrid form of education that incorporates digital and physical workshops because it is important to experience texture as we educate. These classes can be stand-alone or part of a pathway to becoming a fully inclusive salon or a confident best-in-class film, fashion, and editorial stylist.

Our classes are focused on students realising that their current skill set can be adjusted to textured hair, and they walk away with the ability to transfer what they have learned immediately. Of course, practice is needed to hone any new skill, so we support our students in getting in the right amount of practice through frequency and access to models or mannequin heads that mimic actual Afro-textured hair.

Our trained professionals continue to demonstrate that becoming texture-inclusive elevates salon culture through higher team engagement, becoming an employer of choice, skill enhancement, and creative opportunities outside the salon, all while growing a new client base.

Organic SUKU was at this years Melbourne Fashion Week, can you tell us more about this?

Participating in Melbourne Fashion Festival early this year was a significant milestone for Organic SUKU. Seeing our hair team, led by our decadestrong texture stylist Banan, bring our vision to life on the runway was a moment we will always be thankful for. As an emerging Afro-textured professional hair brand, it was an honour to have the trust of Tina Waru, organiser of The Global Indigenous Runway, to bring her vision to life.

We are thrilled to announce that our partnership will continue in 2025 and look forward to supporting Tina’s vision of celebrating cultural heritage and creativity in fashion.

How do you envision the future of hair care education for textured hair, and what plans do you have with Organic Suku?

I envision a world where the hair you grow is never a barrier to receiving professional care.

To realise this vision, we are committed to building the first generation of Master Texture Stylists in Australia through holistic texture education. Our goal is to equip individuals to become best-in-class professionals, offering pathways to mastery in salon spaces, fashion, editorial, and film, guided by our leadership team, leaders in texture and passionate about education.

Our recent appointment of Global Education Director Michelle Garande, a UK-based texture educator and multi-texture stylist who with her salon background progressed into the film/tv, fashion space, underscores our strategic direction and commitment. Michelle’s expertise will be instrumental in creating Australia’s first generation of Texture Master Stylists.

For professionals, it starts with getting on our waitlist to join this pioneering group of Texture Master Stylists in Australia.

www.organicsukupro.com @organicsuku

Soul ALL ABOUT

By Louise May

Soul Hair Studio in Gunnedah, born in 2020, wasn’t just a salon—it was a dream realised amidst shifting landscapes, even before the chaos of COVID. After a journey of exploration through different locations, owner Andrea Mackellar, finally found her perfect spot, where Soul now thrives.

Andrea’s drive wasn’t just about styling hair; it was about crafting an experience that resonated deep within. Having worked in various salons, she knew she wanted Soul to be more than just a stop for a haircut. It had to be a place where people walked out feeling as good on the inside as they looked on the outside.

Andrea’s vision was simple: create a space where her team and herself loved to go to work at each day. Andrea believed that if they genuinely enjoyed what they did, that passion would naturally transfer to their clients. At Soul Hair Studio, it’s not just about the scissors and the dye—it’s about the energy they bring, the connections they make, and the confidence they inspire.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Soul Hair Studio owner Andrea…

How do you define the holistic approach of your salon? What makes your services and philosophy stand out?

At Soul Hair Studio, our holistic approach revolves around the satisfaction of both our team and our clients. We pride ourselves on being a client experience-focused salon, where every moment, from the booking of an appointment to the final farewell, is infused with love and passion

While great hair is undoubtedly essential, we believe it should merely be the starting point. Our philosophy centres on creating an environment where every interaction leaves a lasting impression of care and dedication. I consistently remind my team that our goal isn’t just to deliver exceptional hairstyles but to ensure that every client feels valued and appreciated throughout their journey with us. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to fostering genuine connections and providing unparalleled service. Our dedication to client satisfaction goes beyond the chair—it permeates every aspect of our salon experience, creating a space where clients not only look fabulous but also feel truly cherished.

How does it feel to be selected as the very first CPR Hair Signature Salon? What do you think this status will bring to your salon and clients?

Being selected as the very first CPR Hair Signature Salon is an incredible honour— one that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It’s a testament to the dedication and talent of our team, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

This recognition isn’t just about us; it’s about showcasing that exceptional talent and experiences aren’t confined to metropolitan areas. By receiving this prestigious status, I hope to shine a spotlight on the thriving beauty scene in regional areas, demonstrating that top-notch, high-end experiences can be found right here in the countryside.

For our salon and clients, this status signifies not only a validation of our commitment to excellence but also an exciting opportunity to elevate our standards even further. It opens doors to new possibilities, collaborations, and connections within the industry, while also reassuring our clients that they can expect nothing but the best when they walk through our doors.

In what ways do you believe your salon’s ethos and practices align with CPR Hair’s values and mission?

The alignment between our salon’s ethos and practices with CPR Hair’s values and mission is truly remarkable, and it’s what initially drew me to collaborate with CPR in the first place. At the core of both our salon and CPR Hair lies a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and genuine care. We believe in creating not just beautiful hairstyles but unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact on our clients. This dedication to exceptional service and genuine care is at the heart of everything we do.

Working with CPR Hair isn’t just about business; it’s about forming meaningful partnerships with like-minded individuals who share our passion for making a positive difference in the industry. Their focus on fostering relationships and supporting the growth of salons aligns perfectly with our own values, making it a natural fit for collaboration. Ultimately, our shared belief in the power of good people and genuine care forms the foundation of our partnership with CPR Hair, and it’s what drives us to continue striving for excellence every day.

Can you describe your salon’s relationship with the local community? How do you engage with and contribute to the wellbeing of your regional town?

Our salon’s bond with the local community is like family. In a small town, connections are everything, and we’ve built ours on trust and genuine care.

We focus on making every client’s experience unforgettable, and it’s been our community’s heartfelt wordof-mouth that’s fuelled our growth. We’re not just about hair; we’re about being there for our neighbours, whether it’s through events, charity work, or simply lending an ear.

We’re proud to say we’ve gotten involved with local charities, such as supporting the women’s shelter for DV survivors. Plus, we celebrate important events like International Women’s Day and Pride Month, because inclusivity and empowerment matter to us. In our salon, everyone’s treated like family, because in a small town, that’s what it’s all about.

Education seems to be a core part of your mission. Can you elaborate on the type of educational space you’re aspiring to create for the rural area?

My own journey began with a fortunate start in an apprenticeship that deeply valued both internal and external education. It instilled in me the importance of laying a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that you continually build upon. This philosophy has guided me throughout my career.

For our salon, I envision an educational space where apprentices and seasoned professionals alike can come together to expand their horizons, refine their techniques, and stay on top of industry trends. Whether it’s through hands-on workshops, seminars led by industry experts, or collaborative learning sessions, our goal is to provide a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to reach their full potential.

What kinds of programs, workshops, or training sessions do you offer?

The programs, workshops, and training sessions we offer at Soul Hair Studio are designed to cater to both aspiring hairdressers and seasoned professionals, ensuring continuous growth and development for everyone. For our apprentices, we have

dedicated training sessions every Thursday morning, spanning 3-4 hours. During this time, they receive my full attention as we focus on learning and perfecting specific skills. This personalised approach allows them to receive hands-on guidance and support tailored to their individual needs. In addition to apprentice training, we hold monthly team meetings where we come together to discuss salon operations and goals. These meetings also serve as an opportunity to link in educational sessions, providing ongoing learning for the entire team. A recent and significant initiative we’ve implemented is the Soul Hair Studio Salon Roadmap. This comprehensive training manual consists of six phases, covering everything from fundamental skills to advanced techniques. What sets it apart is the inclusion of monetary incentives along the way, rewarding not just competency but excellence.

The roadmap encompasses a wide range of topics, including professional attire, client communication, and intensive colour theory, ensuring that every aspect of our craft is thoroughly explored and mastered. By offering a combination of structured training sessions, ongoing education, and a comprehensive training manual, we aim to create a learning environment that caters to the diverse needs and aspirations of both aspiring hairdressers and seasoned professionals. Our goal is not just to develop skills but to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement throughout our team.

Reflecting on your journey since opening, what have been some of the most significant milestones and learning curves?

Looking back on the journey since we opened, one of the most significant milestones has been building my team. Initially, I never imagined myself as

someone who would take on staff. I simply opened the salon because of my passion for hairdressing and creating an environment where I could enjoy my work every day. As demand for our services grew, so did my team—gradually, one by one. This forced me to adapt and learn how to integrate new talent, each with their unique personalities, into the fold while ensuring they align with the ethos of the salon. It’s been a journey of growth, both personally and professionally, navigating these learning curves and building a cohesive team that shares our vision.

Where do you see your salon in the next five years, and what steps are you taking to realise that vision?

In the next five years, I envision our salon becoming a pioneering standard-setter in the area. My goal is for quality service to be accessible regardless of where you live. Additionally, I anticipate seeing more “Soul babies” being born, as it’s crucial for me to provide a safe space where mums can balance their careers and family growth seamlessly.

To realise this vision, we’re taking proactive steps. We plan to expand our educational efforts by running workshops, sharing our expertise with others in the industry. Furthermore, we’re exploring the potential for opening a new location, broadening our reach and impact while maintaining our commitment to excellence. These steps are all geared toward solidifying our position as leaders in the industry and ensuring that our values of quality and inclusivity remain at the forefront of everything we do.

@soulhairstudiogunnedah @cprhair

Andrea Mackellar

Let’s tackle the problem at the source!

By Kristie Kesic

Recently I advertised for a first- or secondyear apprentice, and I received 111 applications. This was the largest number of applicants I have ever received in 8 years of owning my business. Now I’m not going to try and say they were all good, some never returned our calls, some didn’t turn up for interviews and some weren’t for us, BUT the fact 111 people took the time to apply to work at my salon was something I take great pride in.

As I sorted through applications, the alarming trend I noticed was the number of second and third-year apprentices applying, saying that they know they are behind because they’ve never received the training they needed or wanted, and they were willing to go back a year to restart their training.

I found myself wanting to apologise to all of them for their bad experience, and I did apologise to those ones I had in for interviews. But hang on, why am I apologising? I didn’t do anything to them, I didn’t give them those bad experiences, but people in our industry did, and that doesn’t sit well with me. So that’s why I found myself apologising on behalf of our industry, so for just a second they knew we weren’t all bad.

Of the applicants I got in for interviews they all said they responded to my ad because I said I closed the salon on Tuesday afternoons for training. Some said they had wanted to get into the industry for a while, but they had friends who were apprentices that told them how shit the industry was because they got no training and they just cleaned so because of that it had deterred them from starting hairdressing. This was a total light bulb moment. Why is it always the apprentices that get the bad rap. Have we ever stopped and thought to hold account those owners who are employing these apprentices and not giving them training and treating them badly forcing them to leave the industry because they are sick of being cleaners.

Why is it so easy to put the blame on apprentices, why isn’t the focus on the lazy owners. If all owners did what they are meant to and train their apprentices, these apprentices wouldn’t be lazy because they won’t be bored. If they got the correct training, they wouldn’t turn into unskilled seniors. If apprentices were treated with respect, they wouldn’t be telling their friends how bad our industry is deterring others away from our industry. Imagine if they were instead telling their friends how great our industry was enticing them to join our industry.

I’ve had to put some hairdressing pages on mute or leave the group because it’s all bitching and whingeing about staff being unskilled, there’s no positive coming out of these open Facebook groups and negativity feeds negativity.

My view on this is how about we start looking at the source of this problem.

Look at sports. You have a coach, your coach plans the training sessions each week for you to turn up to, you participate in said training sessions, your coach shows you drills and skills, adjusts training sessions to get the best out of you and gives you feedback for you or your team to get better and to perform at your best. In sport if your team doesn’t perform the blame ultimately lies on the coach. If an athlete doesn’t perform well individually or as a team you will always hear them say when interviewed that along with their coach, they will go back to the drawing board and work on what they got wrong and fix it. If a team or individual performs well, the coach is always congratulated because they did that, they trained that. Food for thought, how many coaches get sacked because their team constantly under performs?

So, bring it back to our industry. If owners aren’t planning training sessions, if owners aren’t allocating time for training sessions, if owners aren’t showing our apprentices the skills and giving them the knowledge they need to become a skilled senior, who’s fault is it that the apprentice is unskilled? If apprentices are unskilled, how do we expect to grow skilled seniors and a skilled industry. Who’s really failing our industry. I’ll tell you who, owners who aren’t training their apprentices.

Now don’t get me wrong when two of my incredible apprentices left recently (one moved interstate and one left the industry to do music) I found myself with the mentality of I too have had enough. What was the point in putting in all this work and training when they can ultimately just leave. I was ready to pivot my business, just hire assistants and work one on one with our clients. Thankfully I very quickly snapped out of my self-pity party and went if I do that, I too become part of the problem and I only want to be part of the solution. If we all have the mentality of what’s the point in training apprentices anymore, where does that leave our industry. I have the mentality that when great apprentices or any staff leave, I have had the privilege of being part of their journey and I will still be their biggest supporter.

If you’re reading this and thinking who is this woman and what does she know. I’ll tell you who I am, I am an owner that has had an apprentice mum threaten me, has had times in which 3 applicants responded to my job ad and an owner that went through something in which I had advice from 3 lawyers, the AHC, and an apprenticeship board for a problem that literally had nothing to actually do with my salon or me but was made my problem. So, trust me when I say I get it when you say it’s too hard. But I am also the owner that closes her salon of 8 staff every Tuesday afternoon for 3 hours for training, I am an owner that has seen members of her staff win apprentice of the year, 2 x hotshots team members, curate award winner and this is just my emerging team and I’m the owner that still thinks the biggest flex or achievement is seeing your team achieve their goals.

If you are reading this article and thinking for even a second, I could be talking about you then now is the time to look in the mirror and put your hand up an say I’m part of the problem. You then have a choice to be better and chance to change your ways and be part of the solution.

I said above negativity spreads negativity, but this also means positivity spreads positivity. If you are an owner questioning your ways and not knowing where to start, start by surrounding yourself with the positive of our industry, those people doing amazing things. I choose to be surrounded by owners in the industry that are the leaders and that are only doing good. The ones training their apprentices and growing a strong industry from within the walls of their own salons. The ones that go through all the feels and still choose to embrace apprentices and be their support and think of apprentices as just as important as any other member of their team. At the end of the day, I can’t do my job without my apprentices and if we aren’t training apprentices how will they grow into skilled hairdressers and then what happens to our industry.

Kristie Kesic Owner Cobelle Creative @cobellecreative

@kristiekesic_colourist

Embracing Hair Colour Choices: Insights From Morning TV.

By Kristina Russell

I had an exciting morning recently when I was interviewed on Sunrise Morning TV on Channel 7! I was invited to discuss how people are navigating the cost-ofliving crisis by considering DIY hair colour options, including the controversial topic of box dye.

Understanding Box Dye Choices

Box dyes have seen a resurgence lately due to their affordability and accessibility. With rising expenses, many individuals are opting for cost-effective solutions to maintain their hair. As salon professionals, it’s important to understand why clients choose box dye and how we can support them in achieving their desired results without judgment.

My No’s for DIY Colouring:

Certain DIY practices can be damaging or unpredictable. Here are my absolute no’s for at-home hair care:

- Colour Strippers: These can strip hair of essential oils and leave it prone to damage.

- Hennas: They can be difficult to control, resulting in unpredictable colours. Henna is impossible to bleach over when the client wants to remove it in the future, which I think is a misconception because it claims to be healthy and natural.

- Home Hair Bleaching or Balayaging: Professional techniques involving bleach should be left to trained professionals to avoid uneven results and potential damage.

Best Options for DIY Box Dyes:

While some at-home options may not be ideal, there are products that can be used with caution:

- Brown Root Retouch Kits: Ideal for covering or blending greys temporarily between salon visits.

- Root Touch-Up Aerosol Spray: Great for quick fixes before important events but should be used sparingly to avoid buildup.

- Peroxide-Free Colour Rinses: These are gentle options for refreshing colour without damaging hair structure. Does your salon retail range include temporary

toning products? If not, now is the time to invest in a range that can deliver salonquality toning products for your clients.

Salon Choice Products:

For those looking to maintain salon-quality results, consider these top three product options for in-salon purchase:

- Toning Shampoos: Help maintain colour vibrancy and neutralise unwanted tones.

- Toning Conditioners: Nourish hair while enhancing colour and shine.

- Temporary Colour Mousses: Provide temporary colour enhancement and styling benefits.

Tips for Low Maintenance Hair Colours:

By recommending some low-maintenance colour options and techniques, you empower clients to enjoy their hair colour for longer periods. Educate them on the importance of using colour-safe products and regular toning treatments to maintain vibrancy and health. Here are some strategies to recommend to clients, allowing them to enjoy beautiful hair with less frequent touch-ups:

- Reds: Opt for rich, coppery tones that fade gracefully and blend naturally with roots. Suggest using long-lasting semipermanent colours instead of permanent dyes to avoid committing to frequent regrowth touch-ups. Reds typically require more maintenance due to faster fading, so advise clients to invest in colour maintenance and toning products tailored for red hair.

- Blondes: Recommend shades like honey or golden blondes that require less frequent touch-ups. Long-lasting semi-permanent options can provide vibrant colour without the commitment to regular root touchups. Balayage or hand-painted techniques offer softer grow-out lines compared to traditional foil highlights, minimising the contrast between regrowth and coloured hair.

- Coppers: Vibrant and warm tones can be easily refreshed with toning treatments between salon visits. Suggest semipermanent colours for clients who want

to avoid frequent touch-ups. Balayage techniques can help soften the grow-out phase, ensuring a natural transition as hair colour fades.

- Brunettes: Natural-looking browns blend seamlessly with roots, allowing for longer intervals between salon appointments. Avoid drastic changes in hair colour (more than two shades lighter or darker), as they can result in noticeable regrowth lines. Balayage and hand-painted techniques create a softer, more natural grow-out compared to solid or block colouring methods.

High Maintenance Hair Colour Options to Avoid for budgeting clients:

To help clients on a budget, advise against high maintenance colour options that require frequent salon visits or intensive upkeep:

- Platinum Blondes: High maintenance due to frequent toning and root touch-ups.

- Fashion Shades (e.g., Pastels, Vivid Colors): These fade quickly and require regular salon maintenance.

- Complex Balayage or Highlights: These techniques need professional touch-ups to maintain their blended effect.

It’s all about helping to educate our clients to make empowering choices and my experience on morning TV highlighted the importance of offering supportive advice and solutions to clients exploring DIY hair colour options. By understanding their motivations and providing professional recommendations, we can empower clients to make informed choices about their hair care.

Let’s continue to foster a positive and inclusive salon environment where every client’s choice is respected and supported. Together, we can ensure that everyone achieves beautiful and healthy hair, whether they choose salon treatments or DIY solutions.

Please contact me to inquire about attending a class or hosting a hands-on workshop or demonstration session in your location in 2024 or 2025. I will be touring across Australia and internationally. Send me a DM on Instagram at @colourkristina

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Rooftop Reflections: Sophia Hilton’s, Hilton Hundred Lunch

By Rebecca Wood

Picture this… A sunny afternoon in Brisbane, on a rooftop balcony 21 floors up at the Terrace Rooftop, with breathtaking views and a gorgeous Insta-worthy bathroom! This was the scene for an unforgettable lunch recently hosted by none other than UK’s Sophia Hilton for some of her Hilton Hundred members.

The atmosphere was buzzing with energy, laughter, and great conversation, with ten of us sharing stories related to both business and life in general, and we even had one dedicated member who flew all the way over from New Zealand.

The event wasn’t just about business—it was about building a community. We swapped stories about hair, life, and everything in between. The connections we made that day were genuine and lasting, reflecting the incredible spirit of the Hilton Hundred.

Now, about the Hilton Hundred program itself—it’s a year-long mentorship that covers everything you need to know about marketing. Starting from the basics of branding, like brand personality, choosing your logo, colours, and fonts, the program moves into social media strategies, including posts, stories, reels, and captions. Advanced topics like using ChatGPT for marketing and crafting newsletters are also part of the curriculum.

Each module is delivered through live Zoom sessions, follow-up Zooms, and recorded content on an easy-to-use platform. And if you ever need help, Sophia and her dedicated team are just a WhatsApp message away. The program is more than just learning—it’s about creating a supportive network of 100 business owners from around the world.

Sophia’s approach is practical and tailored to your unique business and clients. She’s straightforward, ridiculously informative, and an absolute gem to work with. During the Brisbane lunch, it was clear why she’s celebrated globally in our industry—her kindness, compassion, quirkiness and downto-earth nature shone through.

Rebecca Wood chats with Sophia about her time in Australia and her Hilton Hundred Program…

Sophia, you seem to have a special connection with Australia, can you talk to us about that?

Yes sure! Well, my husband is Australian, and I have been coming back here for years, and I have such a soft spot for Kiwi’s and Australians. My Hilton Hundred Social Media Marketing Membership has grown so much here in Australia & NZ, it is the biggest growing country for me in the whole world and I just love you all.

Can you tell us how you specifically teach salon owners from a grassroots level and not to be influencers, how to be successful salon owners?

Ok, so I know there are a lot of mentors out there teaching how to be an influencer, but that is not what I do! I am an influencer myself, but that is not what I teach. I teach normal people (salon owners) how to get bums on chairs. So, you are not going to learn from me how to be followed by millions on TikTok. I am not going to do that... But what you are going to learn, is how to make your salon business more successful, and I think that’s what makes my membership different to others around the world, is that I am just about the normal people who have normal everyday salons.

Can you tell us how to join your program and why it would be beneficial for us?

You get mentored by me, you learn social media marketing, email marketing, how to reach out to your community, how to work with influencers, in every way possible for you to get bums on seats in your salon business. You can apply by jumping on my website and

filling out your details to apply to join, and I will get my team to reach out to you. It is only $100 month, and I am going to look after you for 12 months!

www.notanotheracademy.com

@hiltonsophia @notanotheracademy @rebeccawoodeducation

CURVEScontemporary

SLOANS SALON LANE COVE @sloanssalons

HAIR FESTIVAL 2024:

Hosts over 6,000 Hairdressers!

Hair Festival 2024 was held at Sydney’s ICC from June 30 to July 1, marking a notable shift in both schedule and venue. The event experienced significant growth, attracting over 6,000 attendees—a 30% increase from the previous year.

Renita Collins, Festival Director, expressed enthusiasm about the turnout and feedback: “It’s been fantastic to watch Hair Festival grow every year. We knew changing not just the venue but dates was going to be a risk, one that was well worth it. This year truly showcased the diversity and the very best of the exceptional hair industry.”

Highlighting camaraderie, creativity, and innovation, Hair Festival 2024 united the hairdressing community through product showcases, demonstrations, and competitions that energized the show floor, education sessions, and beyond. Collins added, The vibe was electric and it was thrilling to be a part of. Stay tuned for 2025 dates, to be announced soon.”

The heart of the event, the Festival Hub, offered free entry and served as a focal point for attendees, featuring over 90 brands showcasing the latest in business, technology, hair care, color products, extensions, tools, salon furniture, and more. The hub included specialized areas such as the Barber Hub, Business Hub, and THE STAGE., sponsored by Artègo and Pivot Point, which hosted bite-sized educational sessions and the Hair Festival competitions throughout the weekend.

Guests were welcomed with complimentary attendee bags containing products from sponsors like NAK Hair, Pure and Juuce, and Hair Aid, while Paul Mitchell sponsored the lanyards.

The educational component underscored the industry’s commitment to growth, with 20 sessions covering topics ranging from business strategies, color trends, and hairstyling techniques to barbering and beyond. Sessions featured insights from both local talents and international experts, providing inspiration and practical knowledge.

The REALtalk Business Forum, a highlight of Sunday morning, fostered discussions on innovation, sustainability, social media, holistic salon practices, and salon management, encouraging open and transparent conversations among industry leaders.

The live Hair Festival Competitions, held in a new timeslot on Monday morning at THE STAGE., sponsored by O&M, introduced new categories, cash prizes, and a revised awards structure that culminated in crowning the Hair Festival Champion. The competitions drew large crowds, showcasing the creativity and skill of participating hairdressers.

Gary Prigge from O&M emphasized the event’s focus on nurturing new talent: “We are investing in the next generation, it’s about being clean and kind in everything that we do. Sponsoring the live competitions with new hairdressers and new energy was really important and there was a great success in what we saw unfold, with beautiful work, new faces and new names. It was really nice to have it on the floor, so it created a vibe and hype and attracted attention.”

In the evening, Wonderland, hosted at The Establishment bar, offered attendees a vibrant experience amidst metallic decorations and a glowing, multi-colored archway perfect for Instagram photos. Celebrating Rogue Beauty’s tenth anniversary with a festive atmosphere, the event featured live music, canapés, interactive stations, and ample opportunities for socializing and networking.

Chris Hammond, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Rogue Beauty, expressed gratitude for the collaboration: “Teaming up with Wonderland was an ideal match for us as we mark our tenth anniversary at Rogue Beauty in Australia. There couldn’t have been a better occasion to express our gratitude to the Australian hairdressing industry than at one of the year’s most prestigious events. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Hair Festival and Wonderland for many years ahead.”

Sustainability remained a core focus throughout the event, with initiatives such as sustainability pledges, recycling programs in partnership with Sustainable Salons and Waste Free Systems, and dedicated sessions at REALtalk and within the Festival Hub.

Having the 2024 AHIA Gallery, showcasing all of the award finalists within Hair Festival covering a whopping 56 metres in total added to the event and showed the support that both mocha group and intermedia have for each other over this iconic hair weekend. Finalists and fans enjoyed looking over the incredible work by the talented stylists from Australia, New Zealand and internationally confirming that through the creative hair fashion forward thinkers, the industry is in very safe hands. Looking ahead, dates for Hair Festival 2025 will be announced soon.

For more information, please visit www.hairfestival.com.au

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL

Embracing Change and Shaping the Future.

Passion for hairdressing and barbering education reached new heights a few weeks back on the iconic AHC, Hair Festival and AHIA Weekend.

Day 1 saw the AHC Industry Day 2024, held at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, bringing together a diverse group of industry professionals, including RTOs, teachers, salon owners, independent and company educators, and business coaches, all dedicated to the advancement of industry training and apprenticeships. Day 2, saw the same venue host the Leadership Summit, followed by Schmoozefest, a gathering of industry leaders and salon owners marking a celebration of innovation, community impact, and leadership transitions within the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC).

Day 1: Shaping the Future of Hairdressing and Barbering Education

The day began with registration and a warm welcome from MC Richard Kavanagh, who set the stage for a day filled with insightful discussions and collaborative planning. Anthony Gray, AHC Chair of Education & Training, provided an update on the AHC’s efforts to enhance education and training in the industry, emphasising the urgent need for a new Training Package that aligns with the current demands of apprentices and salons. The first highlight of the day was an interview with Brendon Mann of Epic Hair Designs, conducted by Sandy Chong. Mann shared his experiences and insights, shedding light on the evolving landscape of hairdressing and the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.

Natalie Turmine, CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), delivered a compelling keynote speech, detailing the current status and future timeline of the Hairdressing & Barber Training Package. She emphasised the critical role of stakeholders in shaping the new Training Package, ensuring it meets the needs of future apprentices. Turmine’s address was followed by a SaCSA survey, whose results were discussed in depth, providing valuable data for the ongoing development of the training framework.

After a morning tea break, the discussion continued with a review of the Training Package by the AHC Education & Training Committee. This session provided an opportunity for attendees to voice their opinions and contribute to the shaping of the future training standards.

The afternoon session featured a lively presentation by Sandee Harris, Employment Liaison Officer with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). Harris led a discussion on innovative recruitment solutions tailored to the hairdressing and barbering sectors, focusing on attracting and retaining apprentices.

A notable segment of the event was the Industry Panel, which brought together Belinda Cooper and Hannah Gerrittson, Belinda’s Hair Creations. Jenelle Charlton from West Wollongong TAFE. Jimmy O’Brien and Ian Yuen from Jimmy Rods Barber Shop. Gareth Philpott from The Barber Academy. This interactive panel provided diverse perspectives on the industry’s challenges and opportunities, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at driving positive change.

The day concluded with a workshop on SaCSA Professional Development and Micro Credentials, focusing on the continuous education and training that occurs postqualification. This session encouraged attendees to brainstorm and share their visions for the future of professional development in the industry.

The AHC Industry Day 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for passionate industry professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and shape the future of hairdressing and barbering education. As the event came to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of ideas to implement in their respective practices. The future of the industry looks bright, thanks to the dedicated efforts and innovative ideas generated at this pivotal event.

Day 2: Leadership Summit: Embracing Change and Innovation

The event commenced with an in-depth industry round-up, providing the latest statistics and figures from the Australian Taxation Office, Fair Work Ombudsman, and software company members. This session offered attendees a comprehensive overview of the hair industry in 2024, helping businesses understand their position in the current landscape.

The summit featured three outstanding international presenters who shared their wisdom and strategies for business growth and community impact.

James O’Loghlin: James’ keynote combined

humour with practical advice on innovation, mental health, and persuasive communication. His diverse career and engaging style offered attendees valuable techniques to foster a culture of innovation and improve their overall business practices.

Gary Strachan: Gary highlighted the transformative power of his ‘Deadly Hair Dude’ program, which provides hairdressing training and education to remote Indigenous communities. His heartfelt presentation underscored the social impact and sustainability of his initiatives, earning him the 2024 COSBOA Small Business Champion award.

Andrew Griffiths: Andrew captivated the audience with his unique approach to business strategy, advocating for being the most expensive in the market as a means of future-proofing. His extensive experience and powerful storytelling provided attendees with actionable insights to transform their businesses and personal lives.

The event also marked a significant leadership transition within the AHC. After 14 years of dedicated service, Sandy Chong stepped down as CEO, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership. The AHC extended its heartfelt gratitude to Sandy for her contributions to the hairdressing industry and wished her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement.

Welcoming Melissa Kalan as the new CEO, the AHC is excited about the future. Melissa brings a wealth of experience as a senior executive, known for her steadfast commitment to elevating professional standards, fostering robust business relationships, and cultivating

new CEO. Her proven leadership in fostering professional communities and advancing industry standards will be invaluable as we continue to support and advocate for our members.”

The Leadership Summit concluded with Schmoozefest, a lively networking session filled with food, drinks, and engaging conversations. Attendees left the summit armed with new strategies, insights, and connections to drive their businesses forward in the ever-evolving hair industry.

Shortcuts is a premium business management software built for salons, spas, clinics and barbers. Celebrating 30 years as a global industry leader and innovator, we have helped thousands of salon owners worldwide to run successful businesses.

THE 2024 WINNERS CELEBRATE A

ONCE IN A LIFETIME VIP PRIZE EXPERIENCE IN SYDNEY!

The winners of the 2024 CURATE Awards have experienced a unique opportunity to become an active part of the hair industry outside of their salon apprenticeships.

As part of their winner prize package, Tori Yardley, Maiya Rice and Byron Davey enjoyed a jam-packed VIP experience in Sydney with a creative hair shoot, visit to Hair Festival and attendance at the AHIA Creative gala. Fourth CURATE Awards winner, Morgan Humphries was overseas and sadly missed, but with the team in spirit.

Envisioned by Brisbane hairdressing icon and AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace, the CURATE Awards platform gives our most exciting talent the

chance to excel on both the national and international stage with access to global judges and exciting social media reach.

The key focus of the prize experience was the creative shoot day under the mentorship of Justin alongside Photographer and GM of Mocha Group, Jarred Stedman, MAGAP Australian Makeup Artist of the Year 2023, Chereine Waddell, and Director of Lily Blue Communications, Jo Coles, on site at L’Oréal Academy. The day kicked off with a congratulations video from Kitomba Salon and Spa Software followed by a mentor

session with Justin, Jarred and Jo before hands on hair prep began for the full day shoot using tools and products supplied by Gamma+ , Excellent Edges and L’Oréal PPD, with Sustainable Salons bins at the ready.

On the Monday, the team were then special guests at the Excellent Edges stand at Hair Festival where they collected their personalised scissor kits which had been prescribed over a Zoom session by the master Pete Walstab. They were also given a money-can’t-buy opportunity to spend a couple of hours one-on-one with Pete and

Jules Tognini, being shown how to use their incredible new kits.

As passionate Gen-X talents, they are all heavily invested in the importance of industry sustainability so were thrilled to meet CoFounder Paul Frasca at the Sustainable Salons stand and speak with the rest of the team to learn about their latest eco-initiatives.

With growth and development a priority in the CURATE Awards program, the team were also invited to head along to a number of Educational Sessions at Hair Festival, namely

L’Oréal Pro Connect ‘Multi-Million Dollar Moves’, ‘Mane Masters’ and ‘Open Mic’.

Finally, the CURATE Winners enjoyed the hair industry’s night of nights in style, at the AHIA Creative gala event. Not only were they able to meet and network with the biggest names from around the county but they also received a special mention on screen, as did Supporters, Finalists and Judges.

What’s next? Stand by for the finished collection images which will be published in HairBiz and also distributed globally, giving

them the opportunity to be seen by creatives all around the world.

CURATE Awards gives thanks to Major Partner L’Oréal Access, Media Partner Mocha Group, Sustainability Partner Sustainable Salons Australia as well as Proud Supporters Excellent Edges, Australian Hairdressing Council, Kitomba Salon and Spa Software and Gamma+ for the phenomenal success of the inaugural year. Be sure to keep eyes peeled for the launch of CURATE Awards 2025 which will be announced soon.

TOTAL IMAGE COLOUR AND STYLING AWARDS

Hosted by The Circle and CPR Hair

This year, The Mane Event competition returned for its second amazing year, boasting over 190 entries. An esteemed panel of industry professionals judged a shortlist of the top 10 entries, each casting their rankings for their favourite top 3. These votes were then combined to determine the top 3 finalists, who were promoted through CPR’s channels. For the first time, the top 3 entries were open to a public voting system, allowing the CPR community and the finalists’ supporters to vote for their favourite entry.

The winner as well as 2nd and 3rd place finalists were announced at CPR’s Mane Gala evening, held at The Ivy in Sydney. It was a night of celebration for the CPR community during the Hair Festival weekend. Guests stepped into the chic Ivy Sunroom for an evening filled with culinary delights, crafty cocktails, and non-stop entertainment.

THE TOP 3 - THE MANE EVENT 2024

First Place - Paul James Graham, Owner of Paul and Paul Salon.

Second Place - Aimee Egan, Owner of Aimee Egan Hair

Third Place - Kristin Gillies, Owner of Salt Hair Newcastle

Last year’s winner, Chloe Taylor, was present to hand over her title to this years winner Paul James Graham, co-owner of Paul & Paul Salon, Gold Coast, on stage, with trophy and flowers in hand.

Inspiration and Creative Process behind the winning look: Clean lines and bold, dynamic contrasting colours, very much in the realm of Sassoon. Paul is inspired by creative thinkers that like to blend classic with modern trends. When looking for inspiration its a matter of looking what is out there and seeing what sings to him.

When creating Paul’s entry image, he starts on wardrobe and decides what the model will wear. From here this sparks ideas on what hair will work with that look.

And how does it feel to be the winner of The Mane Event? “It feels really good”, says Paul. “I love CPR, I’m proud to be a CPR ambassador and I love any opportunity to put the skills and knowledge I have to the test and be creative with it. I hope to inspire others through the process.”

For aspiring stylists wanting to enter a competition like The Mane Event, Paul says “Definitely do it, but first decide on why you want to do it. What is your why? If you’re looking for a creative outlet to create

something that you really want to create, go for it. If you want to do something to win, reach out and connect with others who have had success in that part of the industry. But ultimately, do it because its a really great way to grow your career and your skill set, and its an amazing creative outlet.”

Kristin’s inspiration behind her total look was to bring together everything that she loved in life - sunsets, festivals and natural, lived-in colour. Her creative process unfolded as she started to work her magic on the hair, with all the elements she had brought bringing together a fun, tousled beachy look. Kristin says “Have a go and don’t put so much pressure on yourself - enjoy the process because that’s important! Stick to things that you love in and out of the hair world”.

Aimee says her inspiration was based on looks that she has seen that had movement and pops of colour. Her model had clean, scalp bleached long healthy hair (almost unheard of!) so she wanted to utilise that to create something amazing. As the shoot played out, Aimee says there was an amazing flow of energy in the room as they got into the groove, throwing the hair to achieve the movement that you see in the final image.

The Mane Event competition opens for another year of entries from 1st September 2024.

@thecircle_cprhair @cprhair @paulandpaulsalon @pauljames_graham @kristingilliescolourist_ @salthair_ @aimeeeganhair

EDU-TAINMENT WITH REVLON PROFESSIONAL AND AMERICAN CREW

By Louise May

This approach has attracted new audiences to their programs: those who are time-poor, those seeking inspiration, and beginners in the learning stages. Both brands worked together to create inspirational learning experiences tailored to their customers’ and salons’ needs.

Revlon and American Crew also looked outside their salons into the world of specialist educators, considering how they could create unique education programs to attract new audiences to their brands.

Hair Biz Editor Louise May chats with Geoffrey Herberg, the Education Field Manager for Revlon Professional Brands Australia, to find out more about the available education across both the Revlon and American Crew platforms.

Can you tell us about the Always On 24/7 digital training platform and how it has enhanced your educational offerings?

The Always On 24/7 digital training platform has significantly enhanced Revlon Professional’s educational offerings by providing flexible, comprehensive, and accessible learning opportunities for hair care professionals. The content of our training allows hair professionals to explore new territories and maximize talent with creativity to meet all your needs.

Versatility and accessibility 24/7 meets today’s learners’ needs regardless of location and programs offer diverse content,

interactive and engaged learning, customized learning paths, and personal experiences. Users can create personalized learning paths tailored to their interests and career goals, ensuring they get the most relevant education.

The platform includes tools for tracking progress and achievements, helping professionals stay motivated and on course and keeping salon owners and managers well-informed of their progress. Upon completion of courses, professionals receive digital badges and certificates that can be displayed on social media profiles and resumes, showcasing their expertise.

And we also recently introduced new American Crew techniques specializing in men’s grooming with step-by-step videos, learning guides, and product information about our latest collection.

Can you elaborate on the diversity of educational opportunities Revlon Professional offers?

In addition to our workshops, events, and Always On platform, we also educate in our Revlon Professional salons, which offers diverse educational opportunities designed to cater to hair care professionals at all stages of their careers. Our customized programs may include Social Media, Trends Tracker, Colour Foundations, Creative Toning, and Colour Correction, among others (our core education), e-learning modules, or, as we like to call them, EDU-tainment. These programs may also include webinars to address the challenges often faced by hairdressers in remote locations. By offering such a wide array of educational opportunities, Revlon Professional ensures that hair care professionals are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills, helping them stay at the forefront of the industry. These programs are presented by our internal educators for Revlon Professional and American Crew.

How does Revlon Professional remain at the industry’s forefront through its education programs?

Revlon Professional continues to lead the industry through its comprehensive and

Geoffrey Herberg

innovative education programs, focusing on several key areas. The brand employs highly experienced and renowned industry experts to lead its education programs. These instructors provide valuable insights and hands-on training that elevates participants’ skills.

What is your approach to education at different levels across the hairdressing industry?

Our educational approach caters to apprentices, beginners, intermediate and advanced hairdressers and barbers, ensuring comprehensive growth at each stage. As a company, our role is to support the salon, whether the salon owner, senior stylist, colourist, or apprentice - everyone has a different journey.

For apprentices, we focus on core skills with extensive hands-on learning and essential knowledge about hair structure, product use, and client consultations. Beginners build on these basics, refining their techniques and beginning to explore industry trends through interactive training. Intermediate learners advance to more complex methods in the salon or by attending our specialised workshops. Continuous learning is supported through regular updates, digital resources, and in-salon education programs (our EDUtainment programs).

Let’s talk about your internal education team and the role of your workshop educators?

Internal Team: Each Revlon/American Crew internal education team member brings unique skills and perspectives to our dynamic and effective educational environment.

Geoffrey: As a seasoned educator passionate about innovative teaching methods, Geoffrey leads curriculum development as the Education Field Manager. He ensures our workshops are engaging, up-to-date, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our participants and works with our guest artists, educators, and ambassadors to create and deliver inspiring education.

Laura: Laura loves to share her knowledge and skills by presenting informative, interactive, and inclusive salon workshops. Her approach ensures participants feel supported and empowered to achieve their learning goals.

Rhiannon: Rhiannon brings a lot of knowledge and enthusiasm to our team. She makes sure our workshop content is spot-on and always relevant. She’s also great at mentoring and supporting our educators and participants, creating a friendly and collaborative learning environment.

This team ensures that our workshops are educational, inspiring, and transformative. Our educators are passionate about helping participants grow their skills and confidence in hair artistry.

Workshop Educators: The role of our workshop educators is crucial to the success of our programs. They show participants various hair styling, cutting, and colouring techniques, ensuring everyone understands the steps involved. Our educators provide one-on-one support, helping participants practice and refine their skills with real-time feedback. They also share valuable tips, trends, and best practices from the hair industry, helping learners stay current and inspire creativity and encouraging participants to experiment and develop their unique style. Our external educators also create a positive and collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and learning from each other.

What innovative training resources and inspiration do you provide for today’s hairdressers, and how do your education programs support the industry’s future?

Revlon Professional incorporates interactive and hands-on learning experiences, including live demonstrations, workshops, and practical sessions. This approach enhances learning outcomes and ensures participants can effectively apply new skills. The brand leverages digital platforms to provide online courses, webinars, and tutorials.

This accessibility ensures that professionals can continue their education anytime, anywhere, keeping pace with the fast-evolving industry. With a presence in numerous countries, Revlon Professional’s education programs have a broad reach, allowing them to influence and improve hair care practices worldwide. This global perspective helps the brand stay ahead of regional trends and innovations.

How do your inspiration events and international influence inspire Revlon Professional and American Crew brands hairdressers/ barbers?

We are passionate about featuring the latest hair trends worldwide through our educational offerings. Our events keep hairdressers and barbers at the forefront of the industry. This global perspective allows them to offer fresh, trendy styles to their clients. Our Inspiration evenings feature leading industry educators and influential hairdressers/barbers who demonstrate their interpretations of trends and share their creative ideas.

Showcasing the latest products and tools from Revlon Professional and American Crew helps hairdressers and barbers stay updated with innovations that can improve their work quality and efficiency. These events bring together a diverse group of professionals, fostering a community where they can exchange ideas, tips, and inspiration. Building these connections enhances their professional growth and broadens their horizons.

Our inspirational events and international influence drive the passion and creativity of Revlon Professional and American Crew hairdressers and barbers, helping them deliver exceptional service and stay ahead in the industry.

www.revlonprofessional.com

We are passionate about featuring the latest hair trends worldwide through our educational offerings.

A GROUNDBREAKING COL OR SYSTEM

In the world of hair; coloring, innovation and sustainability are becoming increasingly intertwined. The latest advancement in this arena, Evolution of the Color, sets a new standard with its environmentally conscious approach and cutting-edge technology.

Here’s why this groundbreaking color system is making waves in the salon industry.

Jarred Stedman , GM of Mocha group recently visited Alfaparf Milano at Hair Festival to find out more and also caught up with Global Amabassador Bill Tsiknaris , to talk about his role, Evolution of The Colour and his recent AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year Finalist Collection.

Bill, you are the Australian Global Ambassador for Alfaparf Milano Can you give us a little insight into your role and what it means to you to be part of the Alfaparf family?

We’ve been part of the Alfaparf family for five years now, and in that time, I’ve had time to work and grow with the brand, visiting head office in Italy and seeing first-hand what they’re all about. They are probably Australia’s best-kept secret in relation to hair care companies. It’s such a large company in relation to what they do and what they produce. Having such a close connection with Anthony Nasso, General Manager for sales and marketing and the team at Alfaparf Milano Australia, means things get done quickly. When we first joined the brand, all it took was one quick phone call and nothing was ever a problem. For us to deal with a brand like that is essential. For us to deal with a brand like that is essential. We wanted to partner with a brand that was efficient in relation to what they offered, taking into consideration both service and quality. And now on top of that working with and using Evolution of the Colour is allowing us to benefit from incredible innovation guaranteeing that our clients walk away happy as they consistently get not only the perfect coverage but the fashion results they dream of.

How does Evolution of the Color affect your salon in terms of quality and performance and desired outcomes on customers?

With 119 shades that are fully intermixable, Evolution of the Color is a creator’s dream. This flexibility allows stylists to craft personalised shades, unlocking endless creative

possibilities. The special shade series, including Platinum shades and harmonisers, delivers stunning blonde results and achieving perfect grey coverage from the first application is a hallmark of the brand. The color system’s alignment across all shade charts, including the Color Wear Cream system, ensures consistent and precise results and the patented Color Guard technology innovation guarantees even distribution and long-lasting color results, protecting hair from UV rays, blue light, and pollution. One of the stand-out features is its quick rinse color, which significantly reduces water usage. We prioritise sustainability, and this innovation can save almost 30% of water per application. Also, it is packaged in 100% recycled aluminium tubes, with a small plastic cap that can also be recycled.

Seeing your magical pathway grow is a true honour and Congrats on all the placements in the AHIA Creative Awards. How does Alfaparf colour lines help you in competition work? Obviously colour plays a huge role in our collections and something I am very proud of. With Evolution of the Colour representing the pinnacle of innovation and sustainability in hair coloring, it works perfectly both in the salon and for our photographic collections. It excels with its intense, fashion reds and coppers and its blondes are second to none. These shades outperform major competitors in both vibrancy and longevity, the Cover Reds series, in particular, offers a unique advantage with its vibrant, true-to-tone reds. Alfaparf’s Evolution of the Color represents the pinnacle of innovation and sustainability in hair coloring. With its eco-friendly features, advanced technology, and unparalleled performance, it’s set to revolutionise the hair industry.

For salons committed to excellence and environmental responsibility, Evolution of the Color is the ultimate choice.

Credits for Collection

Hair: Bill Tsiknaris

Colour: Chris Tsiknaris

Make-up: Brooke Stanley

Styling: Domi Novella

Photography: Bill Tsiknaris

www.alfaparfmilanopro.com

Bill Tsiknaris

Discover Evolution of the color, the long-lasting permanent cosmetic color with patented technology that offers comprehensive color protection.

LOVE YOUR EVOLUTION

Evolution of the color, the long-lasting permanent with patented technology that offers color protection.

Discover Evolution of the color, the long-lasting permanent cosmetic color with patented technology that offers comprehensive color protection.

exclusive long-lasting vegan* color service. hyaluronic acid and free from PPD.

ingredients of animal origin or derivation.

For an exclusive long-lasting vegan* color service. With hyaluronic acid and free from PPD.

TENTED COLOR GUARD TECHNOLOGY IN THE US AND ITALY

For an exclusive long-lasting vegan* color service. With hyaluronic acid and free from PPD.

*free from ingredients of animal origin or derivation.

alfaparfmilanopro.com

*free from ingredients of animal origin or derivation.

animal origin or derivation. long-lasting vegan* color service. acid and free from PPD.

PATENTED COLOR GUARD TECHNOLOGY IN THE US AND ITALY

sales@alfaparf.com.au

PATENTED COLOR GUARD TECHNOLOGY IN THE US AND ITALY

alfaparfmilanopro.com

sales@alfaparf.com.au

COLOR GUARD TECHNOLOGY IN THE US AND ITALY

alfaparfmilanopro.com sales@alfaparf.com.au

has been developed from Gamma+’s idea of wanting to design a cutting-edge, made in Italy hair dryer

Ion generator with on-off switch that controls the emission of negative ions G-Tron turbo 120,000 rpm digital motor that generates extreme air

Extraordinary filter cleaning warning

360° 3D intake system for faster and Certified bactericidal and sanitising

Reduced noise to hairdryers in the LED interface indicating each of the 12 combinations of heat and speed.

The Color of ChangeREDEFINES HAIR COLOR

WITH UNIVERSAL PRE-BONDED TECHNOLOGY

A game-changing shift is happening in the world of hair color, and it’s happening one pre-bonded strand at a time. Matrix Professional, a brand synonymous with innovation and stylist empowerment, has ushered in a new era by integrating pre-bonded technology across its entire color portfolio: SoColor, SoColor Sync, and Tonal Control.

For years, the beauty industry has grappled with the delicate balance between achieving stunning color results and mitigating the damage often associated with the coloring process. The result? Clients forced to choose between their dream shade and the health of their hair. Matrix has changed this. By harnessing the power of pre-bonded formulas, they’ve created a new reality where stylists can confidently unleash their creativity, and clients can embrace the transformative power of color without compromise.

But what exactly is pre-bonded technology, and why is it so groundbreaking? The science, while complex, boils down to this: these intelligent formulas work by reinforcing the hair’s internal bonds during the color process. These bonds, responsible for hair strength and elasticity, are often compromised during traditional coloring,

leading to dryness, breakage, and dullness. Pre-bonded technology acts as a protective shield, preserving the hair’s integrity and ensuring that color is deposited onto a stronger, healthier foundation.

The benefits:

Uncompromising Color Vibrancy: With prebonded technology, color takes on a whole new dimension. Shades are richer, more multi-dimensional, and infinitely more vibrant.

Long-Lasting Results: Because the color is anchored to healthier hair, it simply lasts longer, meaning fewer salon visits and more time enjoying your stunning new look.

Improved Hair Health: The days of sacrificing hair health for color are over. Pre-bonded formulas mean stronger, more resilient strands that can withstand the rigors of coloring, styling, and everyday life.

Elevated Salon Experience: For stylists, it’s a game-changer. The ability to offer clients a full spectrum of color services without compromise opens up a world of creative possibilities, fostering trust and building lasting relationships.

Matrix’s decision to integrate pre-bonded technology across its entire color portfolio is a testament to its commitment to both artistry and hair health. SoColor, SoColor Sync, and Tonal Control all stand united, offering a comprehensive color experience where vibrant results and hair integrity go hand in hand. This is the new standard of hair color –a future where every shade is a statement of confidence, not a compromise.

Learn more via L’Oreal ACCESS www.lorealaccess.com

A blissful ﬁve minutes where the entire head soaks in warm water... The soothing sound of ﬂowing water transcending you r client to a blissful relaxed state. Only moisture remains to promote scalp health and well-b eing. The Yume Headbath can be attached and removed easily with the client in the treatment position. Yume Headbath attachment is compatible with most Yume lie-flat completely serie s

Luxury

With customer comfort and operator ergonomics as our key considerations, two synergic upholstery finishes and textures combine with premium quality materials to ensure ultimate comfort for the client, and the supreme service experience for the operator.

Sublime Comfort

Experience the sensation of being enveloped in a chair with a supremely soft cushion and a double-cushioned backrest.

Legrest

The bucket-shaped legrest embraces and cradles the legs in pure comfort and relaxation, even for the tallest of clients.

Lie-Flat Completely

When clients are lying on their back, the Yume Noble is completely flat with zero degree tilt allowing a fully flat posture

Lumbar Cushion

The lumbar cushion adapts to each individual body shape to gently support the hip area.

• Headbath Sold separately

• Includes carry bag

Neck Rest Cushion

Stress on the neck is alleviated by supporting it in perfect balance at three points via two gel-ﬁlled head pillows and neck cushion

• Compatible with most Yume lie-flat completely series

VIEW VIDEO

30

YEARS OF BEAUTY AND

INNOVATION:

THE SHORTCUTS STORY

By Louise May

Hey, Beauty Salon Owners and Stylists! We’ve got some exciting news to share—Shortcuts has officially turned 30! That’s right, three whole decades of revolutionising the beauty salon industry. Shortcuts have poured their hearts into making your salon operations smoother and your services shine even brighter. So, buckle up and join us for a delightful trip down memory lane as we celebrate the remarkable milestones Shortcuts have achieved.

The Beginning: From chaos to order The early days: Pre-1990s

Remember the days before the ‘90s? Salons were buzzing with creativity, but behind the scenes, it was a bit of a mess. Appointment books were overflowing, records were scattered everywhere, and managing daily activities felt like a juggling act. Then came the early ‘90s, and with them, the advent of computers, bringing some much-needed order to the chaos.

“In the pre-90s, before Excel was even a thing, as a salon owner, I used to draw up tables and handwrite customer names. We’d tick off services and retail purchases, then add it all up using carbon paper between A4 sheets. These basic systems helped me track data, manage finances, and run marketing campaigns. It was labour-intensive, but it laid the foundation for what’s now revolutionising salon management.”

- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

The

birth of Shortcuts: Early 1990s

Seeing the struggles hair and beauty salon owners faced, a small and determined team set out on a mission to simplify salon life. Driven by the mission to disrupt the status quo, Shortcuts was born. In 1994, Shortcuts made a bold move by getting one of the first touchscreens in the country. This game-changing moment set the stage for Shortcuts’ innovative software, designed specifically for touchscreens. They redefined appointment scheduling, record keeping, marketing, and reporting, setting a new standard for salon management technology.

Embracing the digital age: Late

1990s-2000s

As we moved into the late 1990s and early 2000s, Shortcuts led the way in salon management innovation. They embraced the internet, introducing cloud technology for online booking and automated marketing. However, amidst this digital revolution, they noticed a gap – many clients didn’t have websites, making it difficult for them to reach potential customers online. To address this, in 2007, Shortcuts launched My Local Salon a salon directory that not only allowed salons using Shortcuts to take online bookings but also helped them be discovered by more clients. This initiative not only boosted visibility and accessibility but also bridged the gap between salons and potential clients who relied on online searches.

The Smart Era: Advancements in salon technology Innovations ahead: The 2010s

With smartphones becoming a part of everyday life, Shortcuts introduced their guest app in 2015, revolutionising the salon experience. This app put booking, rewards, and promotions at clients’ fingertips, enhancing the overall salon experience. This new era of convenience and connection made every salon visit memorable, benefiting both salon owners and clients.

Looking ahead: The future of salon management

Covid-19 acceleration: 2020s

Amidst the unprecedented challenges of the 2020s, the hair and beauty salon industry underwent a seismic transformation, with online bookings and contactless payments emerging as lifelines for safety and convenience. Shortcuts wasted no time in responding, swiftly prioritising features like online booking and contactless payment solutions.

According to Jo Burgess, Co-founder of Shortcuts Software:

“We saw a massive uptake in online booking and putting cards on file for payments. All of a sudden, it became acceptable for consumers.”

- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

Shortcuts also innovated rapidly, rolling out features like automated messaging to coordinate salon visits and minimise wait times, in response to social distancing requirements. Despite the hurdles, Shortcuts remained steadfast in our commitment to providing cuttingedge technology and unwavering support, ensuring that service quality remained their top priority.

Curious about how Shortcuts can help your beauty salon? Speak with our specialist today. 1300 667 374

As we look to the future, Shortcuts remains committed to evolving with the ever-changing salon landscape. They’re all about enhancing beauty salon operations with data-driven tools, enabling informed decision-making and outstanding client experiences.

With advancements in automation and data analytics on the horizon, Shortcuts is prepared to lead the next revolution in salon management. The future promises extraordinary innovations, and they’re excited to embark on this journey with you.

Thank you for 30 incredible years!

To our incredible clients and partners, thank you for your trust and support over the years. As we celebrate this milestone, we promise to continue listening, innovating, and supporting you. We’re dedicated to the beauty industry and always tuned into your needs. We’ve got some exciting updates on the way, especially for solo operators—something special just for you! Here’s to 30 fantastic years of Shortcuts and many more years of excellence and innovation ahead. Let’s keep creating magic together!

- Jo Burgess, Co-founder, Shortcuts Software

Hairdressers Side Hustles.

By Sophia Hilton

Times are tough for hairdressers here in the UK and I know it’s not much better over in the southern hemisphere either.

Recently I’ve been doing an investigation into hairdressers that have side hustles to support their income. To be honest, I’ve been really positively inspired by the resourcefulness of our industry, and the creativeness of ideas to keep many of us making ends meet.

Here are the top five Side Hustles, people are using to support their hairdressing business.

1. Number one has to be the growing trend for hairdressers, becoming travel agents.

We spend all day talking about holidays, so why not make commission on them. My friend, Carly Cardel from Rugger barbers now spends each Tuesday booking holidays for her clients. She gets a day off the floor working from home, which helps her with her energy levels, gives some more variety and supports the quiet days in the barbershop. I think it’s genius. Drop her a dm @carliecardle_ to ask her questions.

2. Hair loss services.

I predict theses services will grow much bigger than hair extensions in the next 5 years. From wig toppers of ‘glue on’ men’s hair systems, the clients you get from this are incredible loyal and happy to pay for you to take that feeling hair loss gives, away.

3. Renting out your space.

From collaborations with makeup artists to relationships with product brands renting out the space is a great way to ensure you’re making some money at least one day a week. Many people tell me that the money they make each month from those partnerships ensure that their rent is paid.

4. 24/7 tanning booths.

My friend Loz at The Rumours Are True over there in Australia has a 24/7 tanning booth that does not need to have a human operating it. She tells me that she has people purchasing at 3 am in the morning! That’s crazy!

5. Less of a side hustle more for long-term wealth.

Strategy is buying your own building. The amount of money that we waste on rent is absolutely crazy, wouldn’t it be great if that was going into our pockets? In the UK here, we have some tax efficient ways to buy a property by buying it through the business. If you’re thinking of buying or moving home, pause it and buy your salon space instead.

My number one tip is to make sure that the venture is not going to damage your main dream. It’s great to be able to make money on the side, but when that takes over your bigger goal, that’s where the problems lie. It’s okay to make this for a period of time, if it means more in the long run. Delayed gratification is how we make it big in this world.

If you want to learn more about Side Hustles, check out my webinar!

www.notanotheracademy.com/en/courses/hiltonhundred-membership/

The Art of Consultation Part 3

Ok, part 3 to the consultation saga.

By Nathan Yip

The last two articles I have highlighted the most common mistakes and my top tips regarding client consultations.

To recap, overall, I think the biggest issue is that we forget that a consultation isn’t and shouldn’t be a script or a rehearsed bunch of questions to obtain and outcome.

A consultation is an opportunity for an operator to truly get to know and understand the HUMAN they are about to service and to create an experience that the client can feel truly seen and heard.

Excellent execution requires skill and talent but also deeply understanding your clients wants and needs, to achieve this you need the most honest and in-depth information, to acquire this you need to ask brilliant questions.

Better Questions = Better Answers = Better Results.

Understanding the vital components of communication: 55% Non-Verbal, 38% vocal, and only 7% is words. Meaning how and why you deliver the conversation and message is way more Important than the words in your script.

Understanding the context or the overall “why” your client is asking for what they are asking, not just what they are asking for. Getting really curios as to why they want something or why they have deviated from your long-term plan.

Then there are the technical elements outlined below that will set you up for success:

Preparation: Be prepared, prepare your day, consider what clients you have that day, if it’s a new client consider if you need extra time, what are they booked for, think about trying a new approach to your consultation. If it’s a client you’ve been seeing for years, consider offering a change and be prepared if they come back with a “yes” or “what do you think?” Make sure you have an idea in mind.

Use technology!!! There are some great preconsult technologies out there, I use a mix of two, I predominantly use The Hair App (I send a link to my clients in my reminder text prompting them to take a selfie which uses AI to analyse their hair type and recommend hair care and treatment suited to their needs. It then has a bunch of visual tools include an AI try on which allows them to match their face to any hairstyle

they upload. We also use Timely Consults in salon which can be sent out pre-visit. Both save me loads of time in the salon and allows me to prepare and adjust timings if it shows the client wants a transformation.

Facial features vs Face Shapes - in my opinion teaching face shape is obsolete, I’m sure most of you remember learning about oval/heart/pear shapes but these were all done on a two-dimensional image and doesn’t take hair line or hairstyle etc into consideration. I prefer to actually stop and assess the human in front of me and decide what I think are their best features and try to work out what they think theirs are (Hint: They will generally be the features with the most make up on them as they will be trying to accentuate them.) Then once you have done that make decisions and recommendations that will either highlight/accentuate their best features and bring attention to them or work out ways to disguise their least favourite or least appealing features.

THIS IS OUR JOB! This requires nonjudgementally critiquing their face, neck, eyes, hair skin etc.

Photos - Photos are great, as they say a photo says a thousand words, but it can also be

confusing when you look at it too closely or take it on face value. It can also be confusing when someone shows you full mood board and none of them are the same. It’s your job to decipher what they like about each image or find a correlation between them all. I simply ask them what they see or like in each image. What you need to do is decipher what it is you client is trying to show you, I go through each photo as and ask “what is it you like about that photo, get them to be specific, do you like the length, the tone, the softness, their

smile. Ask and listen, pay attention to each bit they show you.

In summary, A Consultation is an opportunity for two human beings to connect and for the stylist to

interpret, understand, summarise and clarify using verbal and non-verbal communication tools and then process the data given and confidently recommend length, style, tone advice, hair care regime and styling advice to fully serve the clients’ needs.

Being prepared is key even before your client even sits in your chair, consider the technology available such as THE HAIR APP. @thehair.app

Scrapping scripts and using less words but shorter powerful open questions such as “tell me about your hair” letting the client unload and address each concern in the order it was expressed.

Using simple language that you both understand (No technical terms or Jargon) adapt to your client’s language and mirror key words they use.

Pay attention to body language and get really curious about the overall context of what your client wants and needs (Not just what they ask for) and be confident to recommend something they haven’t.’

Assess facial features and get real clear in what they are trying to show with their images!

Good luck and go forth!

If you want to chat more about this or enquire about consultation education catch me at @prettyvac_nt

Peace x

Bridging the Gap: Award-Winning Hairdressers versus Social Media-Famous Hairdressers

By Justin Pace

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of hairstyling, two distinct personas have risen to prominence: the award-winning hairdresser and the social media-famous hairdresser. Each commands attention and admiration, yet their paths diverge in fundamental ways, shaping the landscape of the hair industry.

When considering an award-winning hairdresser and social media-famous hairdresser, there are five key differentiators that clarify the essence of each persona and their contribution to our vibrant craft and industry.

1. Mastery of Craft and Experience: The Artisan versus the Digital Maven

At the core of every award-winning hairdresser’s journey lies a foundation built on years of dedication, skill and handson experience. They’ve honed their craft through rigorous training, apprenticeships and participation in recognised competitions, becoming true artisans of hair artistry. With an intimate understanding of various techniques, trends and hair types, they possess the ability to craft bespoke styles that seamlessly blend creativity with technical precision.

In contrast, social media-famous hairdressers often ascend to fame through the digital realm, where the power of social media reigns supreme. Whilst some exhibit remarkable skill, others rely more on the allure of their online persona than extensive hands-on experience, their rise to prominence propelled by captivating content, viral posts and the ability to enthral a vast online audience with their visually striking work.

2. Recognition and Credentials: Badges of Honour versus Digital Validation

The accolades adorning the shelves of an award-winning hairdresser’s salon serve as tangible proof of their expertise and dedication to excellence. From coveted plaques and trophies in industry competitions to certifications from renowned institutions, each accolade represents a milestone in their journey (testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of their craft.)

Conversely, recognition for social mediafamous hairdressers often manifests in the form of digital metrics – likes, comments and shares. Whilst immediate digital validation can be gratifying, it may not carry the same weight as industry accolades earned through years of hard work and dedication. Yet, within the realm of social media, a stylist’s influence and reach can transcend physical boundaries, shaping

trends and inspiring industry commentators around the world.

3. Client Relationships and Service: Trust and Intimacy versus Digital Engagement

For award-winning hairdressers, the bond forged with clients extends far beyond the salon chair. They prioritise building lasting relationships, fostering trust and delivering personalised consultations tailored to each client’s needs and preferences. From attentive listening to thorough execution, they go above and beyond to ensure exceptional service and satisfaction, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy within their salon.

In the digital realm, social media-famous hairdressers navigate a landscape where followers outnumber salon clients. Whilst stylists excel at captivating online audiences, as most of these followers may not be salon clients, the dynamic differs in the absence of face-to-face interaction. Yet, amidst the sea of digital personas, some possess an innate ability to forge authentic connections, testament to the universal language of hair artistry.

4. Focus and Priorities: Tradition and Innovation versus Digital Stardom

Award-winning hairdressers remain steadfast in their pursuit of perfection, rooted in a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to innovation. They invest in continuous education, skill refinement and staying abreast of industry matters, leveraging social media as a tool to showcase their work while staying true to the core values that define their craft.

Conversely, social media-famous hairdressers often prioritise cultivating a strong online presence and leveraging social media platforms to expand their

reach. The allure of likes, follows and brand partnerships may steer their focus toward content creation and individual promotion, sometimes overshadowing the traditional salon work that forms the foundation of our craft.

5. Education and Training: Awards and Accolades versus the Leveraging of Online Platforms

An award-winning hairdresser often has extensive formal education and rigorous training, typically pursuing multiple certifications from accredited institutions and seeking out advanced courses. Their accolades are usually from industryrecognised competitions, reflecting high technical skill and creativity.

In contrast, social media-famous hairdressers gain popularity through leveraging online platforms to showcase trendy, visually appealing work. Their relatable, informal teaching style and the visual impact of their content create a strong desire amongst aspiring stylists keen to learn techniques from someone they admire. This immediate demonstration of skills and results, allowing instant accessibility and authenticity, drive higher demand for their classes compared to those offered by other industry educators (who may not have the same digital presence or trendsetting appeal.)

In conclusion, the juxtaposition of awardwinning hairdressers and social mediafamous hairdressers underscores the diverse landscape of the hair industry. Whilst each persona brings unique strengths and perspectives, both collectively enrich the fabric of hairstyling as an art form. By embracing the nuances of each persona, we celebrate the multifaceted possibilities of our craft in the world of hair.

New to the intergallactic collection

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Crafted with Swiss engineering excellence, the all-new Heiniger clipper range embodies unparalleled quality - each one delivering power, precision and performance when results matter.

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Sustainable Salons Partners with Greener for Business to Turn Every Salon in Australia Green.

By Paul Frasca

Sustainable Salons has teamed up with Greener for Business to push their mission of transforming every salon in Australia into a green space. Australian salons currently send over 2 million kilograms of waste to landfills each year, including hair clippings, aluminium foil, plastics, and more. To put that in perspective, it would take 480 years to collect that much waste in a standard home wheelie bin!

Sustainable Salons is more than just a recycling program. They help salon owners cut their general waste bills by up to $3,000 by collecting up to 95% of salon waste and giving it a new life. This program is designed to be cash flow positive, collecting everything from salon foils and leftover colour to bottles, chemicals, hair sweepings, and even pet fur, and turning them into new products.

Having already diverted nearly 2 million kilograms of salon waste from landfills, Sustainable Salons is partnering with Greener to further scale their impact among Australia’s 26,000+ hair and beauty businesses.

Thanks to this new partnership, salon owners can now save 50% on Sustainable Salons’ setup fees. Plus, members get free access to Greener for Business, usually valued at $228 per year, which helps them reduce emissions and waste across their entire business.

Paul Frasca, co-founder of Sustainable Salons, emphasised, “Over 2,000,000 kilograms of salon waste are still being sent to landfills every year. Our program isn’t just about recycling; it’s about closing the loop and giving materials a new lease on life.” He added, “Our partnership with Greener adds

so much value for salons, particularly in areas such as energy, water, and equipment - getting salons onto renewable energy, reducing water usage, using more efficient equipment - because being sustainable isn’t just about waste.”

Tom Ferrier, Founder of Greener, noted, “With increasing landfill levies, recycling is now better for the bottom line. Businesses are paying more than double for red bin pickups - that’s just like throwing cash in the bin.” He added, “We’re excited to help salons shrink their general waste bills and adopt more climate-friendly solutions like diverting their waste with Sustainable Salons.”

Benny Risher, co-founder of Eco Heads, remarked, “Helping more businesses get onto Greener is a very important initiativegiving people a simple platform with all the tools and resources they need to be more sustainable, reducing waste and emissions, and helping them save money and grow their business at the same time.”

The new partnership officially launched at the 2024 Hair Festival in Sydney. Salon owners can sign up for the exclusive 50% off Sustainable Salons setup offer and join Greener for Business for free.

Jenny Burns, Head of PR and Communications at the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC), highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Making sure salon owners have the tools and services they need to get greener is critical to ensuring a sustainable future for our industry.”

Sustainable Salons and Greener for Business are committed to helping salons save money while reducing waste and emissions. This partnership reduces upfront cost barriers for businesses to take the next step on their sustainability journey. Existing Sustainable Salons members can join Greener for free and access tools, resources, and exclusive offers to save money and transition to more sustainable solutions.

An example of this initiative in action is Toni&Guy in Newcastle, which is already saving over $3,600 a year and reducing their business emissions by 22.1 tonnes simply by switching to a more sustainable electricity plan.

Additionally, salons can make significant savings with efficient equipment. For instance, rinsing out a full head of colour using a regular tap takes around 6 minutes and uses 60L of hot water. By switching to more efficient equipment like the POD by EcoHeads, businesses can save as much as 4 minutes and 49L of hot water, reducing water and power bills. For salons doing 15 heads of colour a day, this could mean an extra hour every day to put back into growing the business.

For more information and to take advantage of this offer, salon owners can sign up to Greener for free via Sustainable Salons by scanning the QR code below.

Tom Ferrier

Shake the Flake. Ditch the Itch.

Malibu C Scalp Wellness Collection harnesses vitamin C technology, rosemary, spearmint oil, pro-vitamin B5 and proteins to sooth away scalp’s dryness and improve hair’s strength. Includes shampoo, conditioner and 4 x treatment sachets. 100% vegan.

Hair Washing Done Differently

Prepare for a different experience. Launching in Australia this August, epres Healthy Hair Shampoo and Conditioner are high-performance formulas infused with exclusive Biodiffusion bond repair technology. Free from quaternary amines which coat hair and end up in our water supply.

From Lacklustre to Luminous

Hair serum is better with 12Reasons. Designed and formulated in Australia, 12Reasons Argan Oil

Hair Serum, Keratin Hair Serum and Marula Oil

Hair Serum are transformative. From strength to shine to rich nourishment, each 100% vegan serum renews and replenishes.

One Battery. Unlimited Tools. BlackFX joins the FXONE universe, an entire ecosystem of tools based on one battery.

BaBylissPRO FXONE BlackFX Clipper, Trimmer and Double Foil Shaver revolutionise the way you work. Greater efficiency, ease of use and powerful precision in matte black.

The Evolution of Perfection

Ten key new upgrades for a more extraordinary blow-dry. iQ2

Perfetto Hair Dryer is here. Elevated perfection with new filter, on/off Smart Pad for increased efficiency, turbo function, antibacterial element, Venturi nozzle and even alerts you when the rear filter needs cleaning.

Colour is Creative Power

Remove the limits on your creativity with new Screen Puredips Colour Recharger Hair Masks. Revive, intensify and enhance while delivering brilliance, brightness and shine. 12 directly intermixable shades which unveil infinite creative possibilities. Easy, fast, non-committal colour. 100% vegan.

Thirst Trap

The ultimate thirst trap. Qiqi Super Soaker Smoothing Masque goes beyond hydration. Hydrating agents and botanical extracts quench strands with intense moisture. Let hair revel in enhanced softness, smoothness, shine and vitality. Available in 250ml and 1L.

Control Your Ions

You’re in control! Turn ions on or off for MAXIMUM styling flexibility. BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Dual Ionic Hair Dryer features dual ionic technology for incredible versatility. 2x the ions! On: smoothness and shine. Off: body and volume. Lightweight, ultra-quiet.

Plant-Powered Volume

Powerfully plant-driven volume. Aluram Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner add weightless hydration, fullness and volume. 100% vegan and free from

The Luxury of Styling

HH Simonsen Styling Lotion and Dry Texture Spray meld with the hair for a magical boost. Styling Lotion’s light texture is ideal for de-frizzing and soft styling. Dry Texture Spray delivers enviable texture, hold and volume. Created in Denmark.

Travel Away, Style Away Hotter, faster, better… on the move! Silver Bullet Styleaway Duo Set includes mini, 22,000 RPM hair dryer and midi ceramic tourmaline straightener with heat to 220°C. Dual voltage for worldwide use. Part of Silver Bullet’s new and exciting travel-friendly line.

Bullet Instinct-X Clipper harnesses an unparalleled 11,500 strokes per minute vector motor. 4 hours cordless runtime. Includes three interchangeable bodies.

See The Light

Pre-lightened hair in need of a boost? Work your magic with Echos Color Vegan Light Toners. New toners which are ammonia-free and antiyellow, with no lift. Shades include Ash, Platinum, Pearl, Beige, Cream and an Illuminator. 100% vegan.

Haircare with Honesty

Arriving in Australia this July, get ready for botanically rich, conscious colour care. Shibui haircare is sincere, daily haircare which protects and enhances hair colour. 100% vegan and sustainable formulas, free from sulphates, parabens and gluten. Made in USA.

HAIR SHOP

DUKE

AND DUCHESS RECEPTION

AND THE HUGGIE BY COMFORTEL

DESKS

Bringing a touch of modern elegance to your salon workspace. Featuring a refined satin finish, fluted texture, and stone-like accents, they warmly welcome clients while adding a subtle charm to your space. Whether you prefer the bright and modern look of the Duchess or the dark and sophisticated look of the Duke, both options offer functionality and style to suit your reception area’s needs. Meet Huggie, the embrace you didn’t know your salon needed. Huggie, an electric reclining wash lounge is here to hug you in comfort, and it shows in every curve of its textured black upholstery and compact design. From an electric reclining feature that comes with a soothing vibrating massage function to a sliding and tilting basin adaptable for all client heights and comfort preferences, Huggie is more than just a salon wash lounge. It’s a sanctuary of relaxation, tailored for those who appreciate a little extra pampering. www.comfortel.com.au

ONYX GHOST SERIES BY JRL

The JRL Onyx Ghost Series is the latest addition to the JRL arsenal, promising to elevate your hairstyling game to new heights. Featuring all the advanced technology found in the current Onyx series, with a sleek new white colourway, these tools aren’t just about performance—they’re about making a statement. Unleash your inner barber with the JRL Onyx Ghost Clipper, a professional-grade tool designed for flawless fades and sharp cuts. It features Smart-Clip Technology that automatically adjusts motor speed for smooth, even cuts, and dual speed options of 6,000 and 7,500 RPM for ultimate versatility. The Onyx Fade Precision Blade ensures clean lines and effortless fading. It features Reset IQ Charge Technology, up to 5 hours of runtime and Cool Blade Technology to prevent overheating. Enjoy comfort and control with its quiet motor, advanced lever locking with five secure length adjustments, and an LED display to monitor battery life. The JRL Onyx Ghost Trimmer is a professional-grade trimmer ideal for precision and performance, suitable for hairdressers, barbers and stylists. Lithium-ion battery provides up to 4 hours of runtime. With a high-speed motor running at 8,200 RPM, it tackles even thick hair with ease. The patented EZ-GAP M Blade ensures clean, flawless zero gaps every time. Empower your craft with the JRL 2020H Forte Pro Ghost Hair Dryer, featuring a 100,000 RPM motor and 2,150 watts for rapid drying. Built with a durable brushless DC motor, it delivers consistent performance, while negative ion technology ensures smooth, shiny hair. The auto-cleaning function maintains optimal airflow, and with 3 heat settings and 3 speed options, it offers precision for all hair types. Lightweight for easy manoeuvrability, it includes a styling concentrator, smoothing nozzle, and diffuser. The JRL Onyx Ghost Pro Foil Shaver featuring patented Magnetic Levitation Technology for reduced friction and irritation. The ultra-thin, skin-friendly foil captures even the shortest hairs, ensuring a close shave. It includes an 8,000 RPM motor for efficient shaving, quiet operation, and an LED display for battery status. Advanced battery technology offers 2-hour charge providing 3 hours of runtime. Backed by a 2-year warranty, the JRL Onyx Ghost Pro Foil Shaver redefines shaving comfort and closeness. www.jrlaus.com.au

X•HORIZON BY GAMMA+

X•Horizon developed from Gamma+’s idea of wanting to design a cuttingedge Made in Italy hair dryer that meets all the needs of hairdressers. Quality, design and high performance are just some of the features that describe the X-Horizon! Horizon is an imaginary line that separates the sky from the earth and the sea, the ultimate limit towards which the view can be pushed, the human sense that reaches furthest. This is why X•Horizon is an ambitious and innovative project, created from their vision to go beyond the boundaries of the imaginable.. A product that goes beyond expectations, overcomes limits and opens up new possibilities in the world of hairstyling. www.gammapiu.it

HAIR SHOP

The NEW Pink collection celebrates the brand’s 20th year supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The collection features the helios, platinum+, max, glide, and gold all

With every purchase of ghd’s limited edition pink stylers, you will also receive a soft touch zip bag. $20 from every fondant pink limited-edition purchase goes to National Breast Cancer Foundation

www.ghdhair.com

DUET BLOWDRY BRUSH BY GHD

The new ghd duet blow-dry – the first 2-in-1 hair dryer brush that effortlessly transforms wet hair into a luxuriously smooth, voluminous blow dry finish with no heat damage, 3x more volume, no frizz and 50% more shine. Designed for use on wet hair, new ghd duet blow-dry is the first tool to use Heat-Air Xchange Technology – a pioneering aerodynamic system that harnesses airflow to actively heat the barrel and snag-free bristles – creating salon-worthy blow dries at home, on all hair types, with absolutely no heat damage and with 40% less energy consumption than a hair dryer and a brush. www.ghdhair.com

GROW BY OITO HAIRCARE

OiTO Haircare’s GROW Shampoo is a luxurious hair and scalp cleanser that delivers an indulgent spa-like experience every time you wash. Formulated by a leading trichologist in Brazil, GROW Shampoo is fortified with a unique blend of essential oils including Rosemary, Lavender, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang and Lemon Grass, to effectively nourish, remove impurities and clear excess build up without drying or stripping the hair and scalp.

OiTO Haircare’s GROW Conditioner helps to detangle, calm, and leave hair feeling lush, revitalised and supported. Developed by a leading trichologist, GROW Conditioner contains an active blend of essential oils including Wheat Germ, Argan oil, Avocado oil and Jojoba to help to renew, nourish, and promote increased hydration when hair needs it the most. www.oitohaircare.com

ARIES 7 TIER HAIRDRESSING BEAUTY SALON TROLLEY BY JOIKEN

A 7 Drawer 360-degree rotating unit – the embodiment of functionality and style for all your Salon storage needs! This innovative unit is designed to seamlessly blend practicality with a touch of modern elegance, offering a perfect solution for organising your Salon space. Constructed with durability in mind, the Aries 7-Tier Hairdressing Beauty Salon Trolley boasts a sturdy framework made of highquality tinted clear ABS plastic, ensuring both transparency and resilience. The inclusion of the tinted clear ABS plastic adds a sleek and contemporary look to the unit. The joining tube, a crucial component of the trolley allows the draws to rotate 360 degrees is crafted from robust stainless steel, providing stability and longevity. One of the standout features of this drawer unit is the 7-tier design, offering a generous amount of storage space for all your essentials. The 360-degree rotating trays provide easy access to your items from any angle, allowing for efficient organisation and retrieval. Whether you’re a professional looking to streamline your workspace or a home organiser in search of a chic solution, the Aries 7-Tier Hairdressing Beauty Salon Trolley on Wheels is the perfect choice. With its clear ABS construction, stainless steel joining tube, and 7-tier rotating trays, this trolley is not just a storage solution – it’s a statement piece that combines functionality with a touch of sophistication. Upgrade your organizational game with the Aries 7-Tier Hairdressing Beauty Salon Trolley – where style meets practicality, and convenience meets elegance!

Features: 360-degree rotating trays, 7 Tier Trolley, Tinted Clear strong ABS construction, Stainless steel joining tube, Click’n’Clean Easy toolless cleaning castor wheels, Sturdy structure and Generous storage space www.joiken.com.au

Tech Trends in Hair: Embracing QR Codes and NFC for Business Growth.

By Digital Health Co

In 2024, staying ahead with the latest technology tools is not just an option, but a necessity for hair business owners. You may already be familiar with QR codes from their widespread use among salons during COVID for check-in purposes. But what you might not yet fully appreciate is how QR codes and Near-field Communication (NFC) technologies can significantly benefit your hair business in 2024 and beyond.

QR codes are essentially barcodes that can store a wide array of information and are accessible through a simple scan with a smartphone camera. NFC, on the other hand, allows two devices—like a smartphone and a payment terminal—to communicate when they’re close together, enhancing customer interactions through touchless technology.

Adopting new tech might seem daunting, especially if you feel particularly techsavvy or are pressed for time. However, the integration of QR codes and NFC into your salon’s operations is more straightforward than you might think. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and can be implemented quickly to improve efficiency, enhance client experience, and increase your marketing reach.

That is why we’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about QR codes and NFC. From boosting appointment scheduling capabilities and promoting special offers to collecting customer reviews and streamlining payments, you’ll discover practical ways to incorporate these tech tools and future-proof your hair business.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT QR CODES

As a hair business owner, understanding the potential of QR codes can transform the way you engage with clients and manage your operations. A QR code consists of black and white squares which can be scanned by a smartphone camera and provide access to a digital link instantly. Initially embraced for health and safety during COVID, QR codes now offer much more. For your hair business, they are a gateway to seamless growth, enabling a connection between your salon and online presence.

Appointment Scheduling

With a QR code displayed on promotional flyers, business cards, or your storefront window, clients can conveniently schedule appointments outside of business hours, reducing barriers and improving conversion rates.

Marketing Promotions

QR codes can enhance your marketing strategies by linking to exclusive offers, upcoming events, or loyalty programs. Place them in your salon or on receipts to engage customers and encourage interactions. This not only boosts customer retention but also attracts new clients looking for special deals.

Building Mailing Lists

Encourage clients to scan a QR code to subscribe to your mailing list. This can be an effective way to grow your audience for email marketing. Offer a small incentive, like a discount on their next visit, to encourage sign-ups directly through the QR code.

Prompting Google Reviews

Place a QR code in visible areas within your salon that link directly to your Google Business profile. Reviews are crucial for local SEO and help new customers discover your salon. Making the review process as easy as scanning a code can significantly increase the number of positive reviews you receive.

Digital Menus and Services Lists

Instead of traditional printed menus, a QR code placed on your door or waiting area can direct clients to a digital list of your services. This not only reduces physical contact points but also allows you to update your offerings in real time without additional printing costs.

WHY YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER AN NFC

Near-field Communication, also known as NFC, is a technology that allows two devices—like a smartphone and an NFC tag—to communicate with each other. This

technology can be pivotal in enhancing the customer experience in hair businesses through its simplicity and versatility. Unlike QR codes, which require a camera to scan, NFC interactions are almost instantaneous upon touch or proximity, which can be particularly useful in fast-paced environments like hair salons.

To use NFC, a smartphone simply needs to be brought near an NFC tag to trigger an action. These tags can be programmed with various tasks, such as opening a website, initiating a payment, or even launching an app. NFC’s potential to transform day-to-day operations and customer interactions in your hair business is substantial. It offers a fast, secure, and engaging way to connect with clients, manage payments, and streamline administrative tasks.

Seamless Check-In Process

Implementing NFC can streamline the client check-in process. Clients can simply tap an NFC-enabled device at the entrance or reception desk to mark their arrival, which can integrate directly into your scheduling software. This not only speeds up the checkin process but also reduces manual errors associated with it.

Secure Transactions

NFC can facilitate secure payment transactions. By enabling clients to pay for services with a simple tap of their phone, you’re not only providing convenience but also enhancing transaction security with encrypted data transfer.

Enhanced Customer Experience

NFC can be used to personalise the customer’s experience. For instance, tapping an NFC tag could bring up their preferred list of services or special offers tailored to their history with your salon. This level of personalisation can significantly enhance client satisfaction and loyalty.

Efficient Operations Management

Beyond customer-facing benefits, NFC can help in inventory management and staff scheduling. Tags can be used to track product usage or staff attendance, automating what would otherwise be time-consuming tasks.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING STARTED WITH NFC AND QR CODES

Before diving headfirst into implementing QR codes and NFC technology into your beauty business, there are several key considerations to take into account to ensure a smooth and successful integration process.

Security and Privacy

One of the primary concerns when adopting any new technology is ensuring the security and privacy of both your business and your clients. When using QR codes and NFC, it’s essential to choose reputable platforms and providers that prioritise data encryption and protection. Additionally, educating yourself and your staff on best practices for securely handling customer data will minimise the risk of data breaches or cyberattacks.

Technical Requirements

Assessing the technical requirements for implementing QR codes and NFC is crucial to avoid any compatibility issues or unexpected challenges. Ensure your salon’s hardware— such as POS systems, smartphones, and tablets—is compatible with NFC technology. Likewise, check that your staff and clients’ devices support QR code scanning and NFC functionality (most smartphones do) to guarantee a seamless experience for all parties involved.

Cost Considerations

While QR codes and NFC offer numerous benefits for your beauty business, it’s essential to weigh the associated costs before proceeding with implementation. Consider factors such as initial setup costs, ongoing maintenance expenses, and any subscription fees for software platforms or services. Create a budget that accounts for these costs and assess the potential return on investment to determine the feasibility and long-term sustainability of integrating QR codes and NFC into your business operations.

Customer Education

Introducing new technologies like QR codes and NFC to your clients may require some education and explanation to ensure smooth adoption. Provide clear instructions on how to scan QR codes and use NFC tags, whether through signage in your salon, instructional videos on your website, or hands-on demonstrations during client appointments. By empowering your clients with the knowledge and confidence to engage with these technologies, you can maximise their effectiveness and enhance the overall customer experience.

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH QR CODES AND NFC FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Now that you understand the potential benefits of QR codes and NFC for your beauty business and have considered important factors, it’s time to take practical steps to implement these technologies effectively.

Practical Applications for Beauty Businesses

Before diving into implementation, identify specific areas of your business where QR codes and NFC can add value. Consider how these technologies can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive growth. For example, you might start by using QR codes for appointment booking and collecting customer reviews, while NFC could facilitate secure payments. There is always room to grow so don’t feel like you need to integrate these tech tools in every aspect of your business straight away.

Choosing

the Right Tools

and

Platforms

Research and select the tools and platforms that best suit your business needs and budget. Many free online software – like Canva – offer QR code generators that allow you to create custom codes. Similarly, explore NFC-enabled payment systems and devices that integrate seamlessly with your existing hardware and software infrastructure.

Integration into Your Salon Operations

Once you’ve chosen your tools and platforms, integrate QR codes and NFC into your business operations systematically. Train your staff on how to generate and use QR codes, as well as how to facilitate NFC transactions. Update your marketing materials, signage, and digital platforms to incorporate QR codes and NFC tags where relevant.

Implementation Tips and Best Practices

When implementing QR codes and NFC in your hair business, consider the following tips to maximise effectiveness:

● Place QR codes in prominent locations throughout your salon, such as reception areas, treatment rooms, and retail displays, to encourage client interaction.

● Test QR codes and NFC tags regularly to ensure they function correctly and provide a seamless user experience.

● Monitor and analyse the performance of QR code and NFC campaigns using analytics tools to track engagement and conversions.

FUTUREPROOFING YOUR BUSINESS WITH QR CODES AND NFC

Embracing QR codes and NFC technology offers hair businesses a pathway to futureproofing their operations and enhancing customer experiences. By leveraging these tech tools, salon owners like you can streamline operations, boost marketing efforts, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.

QR codes and NFC provide endless possibilities for engaging with clients, from simplifying appointment bookings to facilitating secure transactions and personalised experiences. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, integrating these technologies into your business not only positions you as a forward-thinking industry leader but also ensures that you remain competitive and relevant in the years to come.

By addressing potential concerns and taking practical steps to implement QR codes and NFC effectively, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in your hair business. Embrace the power of technology to future-proof your salon and delight your client with seamless, innovative experiences that set your business apart and boost growth.

At Digital Health Co, we blend our beauty background and tech expertise to bring you curated, effective, and growth-centric digital solutions. We understand all too well your treatments and services, your client’s needs, and your business goals.

Learn more about Digital Health Co www.digitalhealthco.com.au/mocha

Dopamine beauty and prioritised indulgence: How to incorporate these trends into your salon.

By Fresha

The hair, beauty and wellness industry is always evolving, with cultural drivers and technological changes pushing the industry forward every single day. Fresha, the world’s biggest salon software, recently published their first trend report with WGSN.

Crafted from 1000+ consumer surveys over three continents, plus the data from 600 million bookings on their platform, Fresha has tapped into what’s trending and what the future holds for this industry.

One stand out trend was dopamine beauty and prioritised indulgence

Consumers are placing higher value on expression and emotional wellbeing, which is triggering a rise in hair and beauty services that are both meaningful, and playful. They’re prioritising their self-expression and focussing on finding services that are right for them.

Dopamine beauty is wellness that prioritises playfulness

It’s about exploring self-expression through colours, textures and scents to create a feelgood effect. The trend focusses on joy and mental wellbeing, rather than just physical health.

It comes as a response to trends like clean girl aesthetic or no-makeup makeup. Dopamine ditched the beige and decided to bring back youth-like wonder to improve mental health, and see hair, beauty and wellness treatments as a chance to be playful.

While the dopamine beauty trend has emerged in many ways, like glitter make-up or intricate nail art - there will always be an opportunity to incorporate into your salon services.

You can do this by offering services that are both trend-driven and dopamine-boosting.

Prioritised indulgence shows that clients are focusing on wellbeing more than ever

Fresha found that over half of Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X see hair and beauty services as essential, compared to 37% of Baby Boomers. Younger generations are also more comfortable spending more time and money on hair and beauty, reclassifying what was previously seen as indulgent into a necessity. And making sure that there’s a wellness element to their more necessary appointments, like a haircut.

So, prioritising an emotional approach to client care becomes more and more important. And remembering that clients that use their time at the salon as time to treat themselves: it’s rarely ever just a haircut.

AS featured in the last edition of HAIRBIZ, Fresha recently spoke to one of their partners, WILLOMINA, a hair salon in Woollahra Village, Sydney

Kassandra and Chris, the co-owners, spoke about their approach to client care. “It’s really important to our clients, that we remember that when they come to the salon it is an important part of their day. And so, it’s important to me that they have a really beautiful experience. We have to remember that someone might have saved for two

months to come and have their hair done, or maybe they’ve just had a baby and this is the first time they’re coming in to get their hair done after.”

So, tapping into wellness in your salon is a huge part of the client experience. Incorporating things like head massages and an array of drinks helps create a calming atmosphere that will turn your salon into a space where clients can take a deep breath and switch off from the world. Suddenly haircuts become more than just a functional service, but something that boosts their wellbeing and their dopamine levels.

Creating personalised and calming experiences will keep your clients coming back, because they’ll know that when they do, they’ll feel better about more than just their hair.

Fresha is the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by allin-one free business software with integrated payments. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simplifies business operations and enhances customer experiences. To learn more, visit fresha.com, download Fresha on the App Store and Google Play, or follow Fresha on Instagram and Facebook. For more information please go to fresha. com/for-business

Be willing to showcase your ability to have fun with both colour and texture.

Whether your salon is a raging success or you’re feeling the effects of the current economic climate, you can pull only three levers to grow your salon business.

By Dwight Hodge

In our modern age, it’s easy to get caught up in the allure of quick fixes, AI hacks, or magic pills. If you’ve ever delved into these ‘solutions’, you’ve likely encountered snake oil salesmen or been overwhelmed by a convoluted 27-step process for success. But fear not. There are simpler, more effective ways to grow your salon business.

Let’s pose a hypothetical. You need to grow your business. Times are tough, and margins are thin. Some months, you make a profit, and others, you struggle to pay yourself a wage. You need to make more money.

Question:

What can you do to make more money right now?

Wow! What was your first thought after reading that question? Did you feel overwhelmed or stressed? Is the idea of coming up with an answer fear-inducing?

Unfortunately, many salon owners are using this approach and asking themselves broad, overwhelming questions with infinite possible solutions or answers. The risk is you feel so overwhelmed you fail to make a decision, let alone take action.

Success doesn’t have to be complicated or frightening. Most successful businesses and leaders follow simple methods and processes, and the three levers I am about to share are no different.

Sometimes, the most challenging part of running a business is keeping things simple. We often think things need to be technical and complicated to work well. Simple is best because it is easy to understand, share with others, and implement.

The following three levers are the only ways to make more money and grow a successful salon business.

Lever 1 - More Clients

If you had one hundred clients spending $100 each, you would make $10,000. If you gained twenty more clients, your income would increase to $12,000.

Lever 2 - More Spend

If your one hundred and twenty clients spent an extra $10 each, your income would increase from $12,000 to $13,200

Lever 3 - More often

If your one hundred and twenty clients visited your business seven times a year instead of six, your yearly income would increase from $79,200 to $92,400.

This example shows $32,400 in additional income, or a 35% increase from $60,000 to

Would pulling one or all of these levers be bad for your salon?

Your ability to distil this and other concepts and principles down to their simplest form or find a mentor or coach who already has dramatically increases your potential for success.

Why will simplifying business concepts and principles increase your chances of success?

The first question posed before discussing the three levers was broad, nonspecific, and open-ended, causing you to feel overwhelmed and fearful of making the wrong decision.

Considering the three levers narrows your focus down to three simple, concise and specific questions:

• What three things can I do to find more clients?

• What three things can I do to increase my client spending?

• What three things can I do to have my clients visit more often?

There is an insightful saying: where focus goes, energy flows. These three questions perfectly illustrate this. When you focus your time and energy on a specific task, instead of jumping across 15 different things at once, you get results!

A clear, specific focus reduces feelings of overwhelm and stress, which, if unchecked, can lead to a limiting and negative state of mind.

Flipping your negativity to a positive state of mind does something incredible: It makes you smarter. Yes, you read that correctly. Studies show people with a positive state of mind make 35% more intelligent decisions than those with a negative state of mind.

Getting back to the critical task of making

more money, before answering any questions, check yourself. Are you approaching this task with a positive frame of mind?

Remember, your level of positivity impacts how smart your decisions will be.

Will you answer one, two, or all three questions above?

When answering the questions, brainstorm and list your answers. Don’t be limited in your thinking, the crazier the idea, the better.

Review your list and highlight your top three answers.

Two attributes distinguish top answers from the rest: minimal time and energy to execute and a high level of impact.

From your list of top answers, eliminate two and focus solely on your top response.

List all the possible actions you could take to achieve the desired result. Once again, select the top three actions. Eliminate two and focus on the most effective action to achieve the result.

Focusing on a single action to achieve a specific result simultaneously reduces feelings of overwhelm, stress, and fear while boosting confidence, effectiveness, and results.

Higher levels of self-confidence quiet your mind, your self-doubt and your unconscious judgement.

You become more curious, listen better, and uncover more opportunities to thrive.

By entering each day with a stronger and more positive state of mind, you make more effective decisions and achieve even greater success.

Which lever are you going to pull today?

Dwight Hodge. NLP Master Practitioner, Leadership & Business Coach, Author. dwight@dwighthodge.com

$92,400, highlighting your salon’s potential.

Profit! The Gateway to Business Freedom.

By David Watts

In the Hair & Beauty industry higher profits aren’t just a numbers game, it is the key to unlocking the doors to personal freedom, business longevity, and a simpler, more fulfilling life.

Unfortunately, what I see a lot is misdiagnosis when it comes to business challenges. Success doesn’t come from knowing your numbers, it’s about understanding the story they tell so you can stop leaving money on the table.

If your business decisions seem to be draining your bank account instead of filling it, there might be undiagnosed issues at play. When you start uncovering opportunities that can boost your bottom line the magic starts to happen.

The true power of profit:

It is not just about financial gain; profit is the bridge to personal freedom. When your business is truly profitable, it becomes the vehicle for the life you desire, not a source of stress.

Financial freedom offers the ability to build a life that resonates with your personal values and dreams, set your own schedule and to pursue your passions outside of work.

Psychologically, the shift from financial strain is empowering. You feel more in control, your overall well-being levels up, and work becomes a source of joy, creativity, and personal growth.

Profitability in the salon is also important for the well-being of your team members. It provides the opportunity for self-improvement and personal development, the chance for skill enhancement, and the security to explore their professional potential.

Why it matters for business longevity:

Profit plays a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and sustainability of a business. It serves as the lifeblood that fuels growth, resilience, and adaptability. Salons that consistently generate profit are better equipped to withstand the test of time. These salons are able to invest in growth, navigate challenges, attract top talent, and importantly service their clients better.

In business we need a buffer against economic downturns or unexpected challenges. Building profit into your salon will serve as a financial cushion, helping weather unforeseen circumstances without the wheels falling off.

Team members are more likely to stay committed to a salon that demonstrates stability and growth. They also find it easier to attract top new talent by offering competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development opportunities. Long-term client relationships contribute significantly to your revenue. Profit allows salons to invest in delivering high-quality

products and services. Satisfied clients are more likely to be loyal and advocates for the brand.

Debt is one of the biggest challenges I see impacting salons’ bottom lines, it is crippling to cash flow. Profitability provides the money to pay off debts, reducing financial liabilities and interest expenses. A salon with lower (or no) debt is better positioned to succeed long term.

The profitable strategy for business freedom: When working with salon owners to diagnose financial issues we are effectively looking for which profit levers to pull. I think that salon owners should be generating 30% profit and accepting anything less is short changing themselves and the business.

How you approach the numbers will determine what lever to pull…

You can analyse your fixed expenses and ensure they are sustainable; they can blow out and impact your profitability quickly. If you ask your accountant, they will generally tell you to cut expenses, it is how their brains are wired.

However, as a strategy it ignores the commercial reality of investing in valuable business activities like marketing or coaching. The true diagnosis would be to check the return on investment from your marketing or coaching as turning that tap off could have a detrimental effect on your profit.

There are some quick wins to be found in your bank statements generally; forgotten or unnecessary subscriptions, old insurances still active or finding other hidden expenses you have long forgotten are all things you can tidy up and save money on but in reality, your fixed expenses are just that, fixed.

To improve your ratios around fixed expenses you can generally only increase your sales. This strategy often creates more headaches and is an all too familiar story across our industry.

Many salon owners run into more trouble as their sales increase, they don’t have more money in the bank, in fact they often have less, and this is because their menus are not priced for profit.

Pricing is impacted by your variable costs like wages and cost of goods, yet these are often ignored when it comes to setting up our service menus. There are too many salons that have guessed the price of services or used the market as a guide.

You can analyse performance, utilisation and many other metrics in your salon but if you ignore the price you charge for your services you are likely to misdiagnose your problem and focus your efforts in the wrong place entirely.

It’s also not enough to say that you will raise your prices by a particular percentage, you actually need to do the work to know what it costs to perform EVERY service on your menu and build your profit into the pricing.

Honestly, this is a time-consuming task, but it is well worth it. You will need to measure usage and amounts of products and guessing or estimating here won’t work. You need to base this on how your salon operates and not what the supplier may suggest you are using.

Now for the reality check, you will probably need to rip the band aid off and execute on implementing your new prices. Your financial future depends on it.

The fear of client backlash often looms large when contemplating price increases. However, the prevailing wisdom that “no one will notice your price increase” holds a powerful truth. The majority of your clients won’t even blink.

For you and your team it’s not just about adjusting numbers on a menu; it’s about ensuring you provide your clients absolute value that aligns with your newfound pricing. Clients accept price increases when they identify a corresponding increase in the value they receive. It’s not just a financial transaction, it’s their conscious choice to invest in an experience.

Strategic Profit Mastery:

Strategic pricing involves a multitude of decisions. It’s about recognizing the unique value you bring and balancing your pricing structure with the perceived worth of your services. This strategic dance ensures not only financial gain but a profound impact on the health and longevity of your salon.

You need to be Replaceable!

By Faye Murray

So often as a business coach, I am introduced to a salon owner who is seeking help and guidance to get their life back.

- I’m exhausted

- I am not getting any time off

- The rest of the team need to be busier

- I don’t have any time to manage my business

- I am so busy, but I have no control

- I am not making enough money for the hours and effort I put in

Do you recognise some or all of these points? Many salon owners will.

You have created a very successful salon that is YOU focused.

You have become irreplaceable.

How can you make some changes so that you can embrace the words?

“My business is successful and can operate efficiently without me”

level of commitment to your decision.

STEP ONE - You need to change your attitude

You need to accept that it is time to make changes. Some of the changes may not be easy to implement.

It is much easier to manage change with other people. You are now talking about change within yourself.

Some focus areas:

- You need to reduce the number of hours you spend actively working with clients

- You need to maximize the number of hours your team members spend working on clients

- You need to have quality time to manage your business that is set each week

- You need to not “feel guilty” about the changes you need to make

A good management strategy when looking to implement change within a salon business is recognise that you need to “mini manage.” Identify the bite size pieces that make up the big plan and start to work on each area. It won’t happen quickly. If you look at the big picture it will seem to be too difficult to achieve and you won’t know where to begin.

STEP TWO - Reduce the number of your client hours

This is where you need to be strong. Imagine your doctor advises you to reduce the time you spend working on clients. They tell you that the consequences of not doing this will affect your long-term health. You would most definitely take the steps that were appropriate. You need to apply the same

My suggestion is that you “allocate” “not try”, one full day a week to work on your salon business. If you are a small business half a day might be all you need. It is called Business Development Time.

Do not apologise, for taking this time off to your team or clients. This time is just as essential as you doing a full column of clients for a day. Block out this time in your appointment schedule each week as a constant.

Update your client history

Go through your personal client history and add all the details that you carry in your head. All the special things you do for your clients. That way the team member you pass over to will be totally aware of what the client’s needs and expectations are, and you will avoid the comment “she is not as good as you”

Create Systems

Every professional salon should have a system for everything that is done in the salon. From the way each hair service is done to the way each client is offered personalised service touch points. Consistency will always be the key to developing a great salon reputation. Remember your aim is to develop a “salon” quality reputation not just yours as the owner.

The development of a salon policy and procedure manual is a great first step. If it is not written down it can become grey. This is a big investment of time but well worth it long term.

Plan for the Future

You now have time to plan and think about positive changes you need to make in your salon. You have now become the ideas

person and if you manage it well you will delegate the action needed to implement new fresh ideas. Your clients will benefit, and your team will love the new fresh changes.

Inspect What You Expect

When you step away from doing all the handson tasks and start to delegate, you need to learn to check to make sure that things are being completed as you need.

Don’t be impatient if, when you do check you find it is not quite to your satisfaction. Again, explain what you require and remember to come back and check again. Eventually it will be done well. Lose the “it is easier to do it myself” attitude.

The difference between a leader and a manager

Do you want to be a leader or a manager?

Management is a position you are given. Leadership you earn. If you want to know which style you are, here is a simple test. If you look behind and your team is following you are a leader, if no one is following and you are doing it all alone you are a manager, and your team will resist rather than get excited about their day-to-day work.

Ask these two questions -

Are you a leader in your salon?

Are you replaceable in your business?

The answers need to be both “Yes” for you to have great success in coming years and enjoy what you do.

This article was written by Faye Murray from Your Coach. For more information about business coaching and the Zoom training sessions Faye offers contact: 0409 342 653 faye@yourcoach.net.au & www.yourcoach.net.au

Expectation Vs Motivation, Are you ‘motivating’ too much?

By Kym Krey

A question I’m often asked is ‘How can I motivate my staff to hit their targets?’, and my answer is probably not what you’d expect.

We all know that a highly motivated team can lead to outstanding results, exceptional growth and highly profitable businesses, and we also know that trying to achieve these things without a highly motivated team is nigh on impossible!

But why is it so hard?

As leaders, we are often under the (false) impression that motivation is something we can do for or give to our teams. But the reality is that motivation is an inside job!

We definitely have responsibilities, and we certainly can impact an employee’s feeling of motivation at work, but can we really motivate someone who doesn’t want to be motivated?

I say no.

Our role as leaders is to:

1. Create a positive working environment that provides support and encouragement, promotes collaboration, respect and recognition.

2. We need to ensure that our employees have the knowledge and tools to do their roles well and provide opportunities for growth and progression.

3. We need to ensure that our team feel accepted and valued as individuals and feel fulfilled in their roles.

4. And we need to set clear goals and expectations around both performance and behaviour that ensure our team understand the ‘rules of the game’ and what’s required in return for their position, salary and benefits as well as provide regular guidance and feedback on how they’re doing and what would bring them better outcomes.

In my view, if we’ve hired the right people, taking time to ensure that our new recruit is well aligned with our values and wants to achieve similar things, and given them a clear understanding of what’s expected of them as a member of the team, it’s not our role or responsibility to need to motivate them to perform basic daily duties. These are expectations.

This is a professional, paid relationship. It’s a contractual agreement between the two of you, where you, as the employer, offer the position, provide an agreed salary plus entitlements, benefits, career opportunities and investment in education and training, in return for them meeting the specific expectations of the position.

These will likely include:

BEHAVIOURAL

- Punctuality

- Personal Presentation

- Honesty

- Enthusiasm

- Teamwork and Cooperation

- Behaviour toward clients

- Reliability

- Commitment to training etc

PERFORMANCE

- Time Management: ability to deliver services to industry standard in required time frames

- Achievement of minimum KPI expectations through thorough effective delivery of Client Journey experience

- Skills progression according to Training Plan milestones

You will make these expectations clear before offering the position, equip them with the knowledge and skills to meet these expectations during your induction and onboarding, and work closely to refine their mastery of them during your Continual Coaching Conversations moving forward.

You make it clear and then you work closely with them to make it happen.

So you will need to pay close attention to their behaviour and performance from day one. You will literally be measuring their ability to perform your signature consultation process via Client Av $ spend; their ability to diagnose issues and correctly prescribe ideal solutions, then share this knowledge with guests via their Retail % and their ability to build trusting relationships and prescribe ongoing treatment plans via their Rebooking %.

Provided you have explained and demonstrated to them exactly how each of these processes should be delivered, these numbers measure how well, how thoroughly and how engagingly they are following your processes and delivering your prescribed client experience (i.e. the promise you make to your clients in your marketing, that they are honouring throughout that visit).

To me, these KPIs have little to do with ‘selling’ or ‘upselling’ to hit a target and everything to do with whether your stylist is just ‘processing transactions’ (i.e. just doing hair for money) or creating memorable and highly professional experiences that ‘wow’ clients and create strong emotional connection to your business.

With something as important as your client’s trust or your business’ reputation at stake, you’re not saying:

- ‘Would it be OK if you looked after our clients in this way?’

- ‘It would be great if you delivered what we’ve trained you to do, but if you don’t feel like it today, I understand’

- ‘We like to WoW our clients with these specific processes… but only if you agree…’

What you’re doing at the time of offering them the position is saying: “I’m willing to offer you this role, this salary, this investment in your ongoing education and these opportunities, in return for these specific expectations. Do we have a deal?’

If the offer is accepted, you now have an agreement. You give this; they do that.

When they do achieve these expectations mind you, we need to be all about the recognition and celebration- remember that you are literally shaping someone’s selfbelief through this process- and when they exceed these expectations, they need to be well rewarded with commissions, bonuses and rewards- it’s profit-share time, but what happens when you fall into the trap of trying to use extra rewards just to get them to meet the basic expectations of their role?

You make those expectations optional, that’s what. “If you do this, you’ll get that. Will you do it now?” Dangerous territory, and you’ll need a bigger and bigger ‘sugar hit’ (reward) even to have the same effect, so you’ll find

yourself needing to entice them with more and more, just to meet the basic expectations of their role (that you agreed to at the start).

If you are trying to motivate your staff to meet their basic expectations, you’re on a slippery slope! You’re teaching them to be bribed rather than committed to the delivery of excellence, and the wonderful things your business is doing for your guests and team members.

As you can imagine this doesn’t usually end well. Employers grow increasingly resentful, and employees grow increasingly disengaged.

“Why don’t they do it?” is the question asked, and “Because you allowed them not to” is the answer you don’t want to hear. But it also indicates that your employee seems somewhat uncommitted to the goals of the business or at least seems unwilling to put in the required effort to make them happen. That’s the issue you need to address.

So, now your question is, if they’re not doing it, what can you do?

1. You take them back to the agreements you made at the start of their employment. ‘Do you remember when we spoke about…. And do you remember when you gave me your word that you would….’

2. You show them the gap between what you agreed and what they’re doing. “Well, here’s what I’m seeing/getting and that’s very different to what we agreed. Here’s why that’s a problem…’

3. Show them what they need to do to turn

the situation around, get back on track and meet your expectations. ‘So what I need you to differently is…….’

4. Check they’ve clearly understood. “So that I know I’ve explained this clearly, just repeat back to me what you’ve understood that I’ve said’. (is this correct or do you need to clarify?)

5. Ask for their commitment. ‘OK great. So will I be able to rely on you to do exactly that from now on?’

(Those who’ve worked with me in leadership will be familiar with the final ‘Do I have your word?’ final commitment!)

So, yes, absolutely create a culture of high performance around shared core business values which celebrate excellence and rewards high achievers (Reward the behaviours you want repeated!) but be clear on the minimum expectations required to hold the position, in return for their salary and benefits so you don’t blur the lines between minimum required standards and exceptional results.

How On Earth Do We Read Our Client’s Minds?

By Sarah Garner, Digital Bloom

Let’s tip the ‘usual’ article format on its head, shall we? Let’s get straight to the juicy point - ask yourself (out loud) these questions:

- Who (and what) greets your clients as they step into your establishment?

- Which scents envelop them upon arrival?

- How does your business resonate in both physical and online realms?

- How seamless is the booking process for your clients?

- How are client’s concerns handled in the event of a booking issue?

- What is the sensory experience of receiving a product order?

- How do you respond to positive or negative feedback on social platforms?

- Do you offer opportunities for clients to engage and explore new offerings?

Each question holds a vital piece of information to understanding the emotions at play in your current brand experience. I’m inviting you to reflect on your existing customer journey and see where you can immerse yourself deep into the minds of your clients, sit in their shoes and tweak things so they do feel you’ve read their minds.

It’s no secret in today’s competitive market, across all industries, crafting an unforgettable and consistent brand experience is vital. While consumers in the beauty industry have numerous choices for treatments and insanely overwhelming product ranges to explore, it is the brand experience that fosters loyalty and transforms occasional customers into diehard devotees.

First thing’s first. What’s a brand experience?

It’s the very thing that extends beyond your products and services, it’s the feeling that forges a deeper and more intimate connection with your clients and team members (existing and prospective). It becomes the deciding factor between someone choosing your business over the competitor down the road.

The emotions, thoughts and sensations evoked when interacting with a business is the central focus point many large brands pour endless hours (and dollars) intentionally crafting. One thing they are standout at? Continually refining and optimising their brand experiences, ensuring there are seamless interactions for their audiences across all platforms they are present.

But why is it important?

Brand experience is crucial as it goes beyond mere transactions, shaping the emotional connection between a business and its customers. It is the sum of every interaction, from the first point of contact to post-purchase engagement, influencing perceptions and fostering loyalty. It creates a lasting imprint in our client’s minds, influencing their preferences and driving repeat business. A well-crafted brand experience not only

enhances client satisfaction but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, as satisfied clients are more likely to share their positive experiences, contributing to brand advocacy and attracting new clients.

So, the best way to get inside your clients minds? Easy. Ask them.

List 5 of your most favourite clients (they don’t need to know that they’re your fav), think of all the reasons why you love them and how you feel when they come into your business. Walk them through each stage of the client journey and ask them how they’re feeling, what they would like to see changed, what they love and to stay the same.

Take them across three key stages of your customer journey - exceeding your clients in across areas will make sure your brand experience is as flawless as Beyonce’s twerk in Single Ladies.

The unfolding experience extends across these categories: pre-purchase, service and post-service. The ‘before’, ‘during’ and ‘after’ interacting with your brand.

In the pre-purchase stage, the excitement builds as clients anticipate their visit to your salon, spa, or clinic. A positive brand experience involves easy booking, a navigable service menu, appointment reminders, accessible location, and seamless entry into your space, ensuring a positive first impression.

The service phase encompasses the insalon experience and the booked service. Pay attention to reception, waiting room ambiance, consultation, the sensory aspects of your space, moments of surprise and delight, and, of course, the service itself.

As clients leave the service encounter feeling blissful and enamoured with your brand, they enter the post-service encounter. This stage is an opportunity to evaluate the checkout process, retail and product recommendations, re-booking options, product packaging, unboxing experience, and any follow-up communication.

The brand experience doesn’t finish when a client walks out the door; it’s an ongoing journey. A flawless encounter at each stage of this three-step model means that, when exposed to your marketing, clients already harbour a positive brand experience and are more likely to engage.

As clients increasingly spend time shopping online, the brand experience is not confined to in-person interactions but extends to your website, social media channels, email marketing, and online store. Brands that find ways to infuse online experiences with personalisation and cater to their unique audience’s needs elevate their brand experiences.

Consider the nuances of your responses to messages, reviews, and comments, the layout of your website, text accessibility, ease of shopping or booking, and response speed to clients. While each interaction may seem trivial on its own, collectively, they contribute to shaping a brand experience that communicates, “you’re one of the good ones.”

The effort you invest in creating an exceptional brand experience must translate into consistency. Avoid the pitfall of elaborate experiences that lose their lustre upon repetition or vary between employees. Consistency should underpin every interaction, ensuring that regardless of where, who, or when someone engages with your brand, they encounter the same exceptional experience.

Ultimately, brand experience is the cornerstone of building enduring relationships, ensuring that clients not only choose a product or service but become dedicated patrons, influencing long-term success and resilience in a dynamic market.

Sarah Garner is the Founder and Creative Director at Digital Bloom, an industryspecific branding boutique dedicated to making your hair, beauty or wellness brand turn heads for all the right reasons.

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The Social Media Playbook for Hairdressers: What’s Working Right Now!

By Belinda Haigh, Founder & Director, Social Standards.

In the fast-paced world of social media, trends shift as quickly as hairstyles. As a hairdresser, mastering these trends can elevate your salon brand and attract a loyal clientele.

Here is your ultimate guide to what is currently working on social media, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve.

1. Short-Form Video Content: The Reign of Reels and TikTok’s Short-form videos are no surprise when it comes to social media marketing, but it is even more important than ever to ensure you are creating engaging video content. Hair transformations, client consultations, and behind-the-scenes footage are all great ways to build further connection with your audience.

2. Authenticity and Personal Branding

Gone are the days of perfectly curated feeds. Today’s social media audience craves authenticity. They want to see the real you, not just your work. Share your personal story including struggles and successes. Client experiences are a terrific way to build trust and credibility online, as well as interactive style videos like Q&A’s to create a sense of community and increase engagement.

3. Educational Content: Establishing Expertise

Position yourself as an expert in your hero service offering by creating educational content. This not only helps increase your follower count but also establishes your authority. Consider creating tutorials and how-to videos for hairstyling or haircare routines. Give your opinion on upcoming trends and professional products.

4. Collaborations and Influencer Partnerships

Collaborations can significantly amplify your reach. Partner with influencers, like-minded brands that your ideal client follows, or fellow hairdressers to create mutually beneficial content. Keep your goals in mind and ensure you are partnering with businesses that have the same values and feel as yours (complimentary, not competing).

5. User-Generated Content and Client Features

Leverage the power of your satisfied clients. Encourage them to share their new looks and tag your salon. User-generated content can be a goldmine for increasing engagement, getting seen by new audiences, and sharing story-telling content from the client’s point of view (POV). People want to see real people with real-life results, and this helps build trust among potential clients.

6. Consistency and Aesthetic: The Visual Appeal

While authenticity is crucial, maintaining a visually appealing feed is still important. Balance both by sticking to a consistent posting schedule to stay top-of-mind with your audience. Use free scheduling tools to plan your content and save time. Choose quality content over quantity, and ensure you incorporate your salon brand colours, fonts, and values.

As we only work with hair salons, we understand that staying on track with your salon’s social media marketing is difficult. My number one tip is to treat it like a client - make a ‘social media appointment’ in your calendar each week to create your content for the week ahead so you do not have to stress over it when you’re busy on the salon floor, and you can stay consistent! Happy posting!

About Social Standards

Has another week gone, and you haven’t found the time to post consistently on your salon’s social media accounts? Or you do not even know what you should be posting about!?

Say goodbye to stress and anxiety over posting on your salon’s social media accounts and HELLO to us, Social Standards - exhairdressers and digital marketing experts!

We offer a range of digital marketing services for hair salons that level up your social media marketing and make it stress-free!

Scan the QR code below to book a free 30-minute chat with Social Standards.

OR Come and say hello on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @socialstandardsau Socialstandards.com.au

2024 WINNER’S AFFILIATE CHARITY 24*7

EASY FOILS AT A TOUCH OF A PINK BUTTON

an electric foil machine doing the hard work for you

In a Limited Edition Pink colour, The 24*7 Automatic Foil Machine i s the easiest and most reliable way to prepare your foils. It’s fully programmable with a choice of 4 foil lengths, 4 fold options, and a custom length feature. Made in the UK, it reduces wasted foil costs and staff costs on preparation.

$100 of every machine sold goes to support a great cause!

For every pink machine sold, Comfortel will donate $100 to the 2024 AHIA Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year winner. A $10,000 cheque will be presented to the winner’s affiliate charity at the 2024 Australian Hair Industr y Awards – Bus i ness gala a wards night o n 2 0 th October, 2024.

Popularity VS Profitability

Popularity vs Profitability…a conundrum faced in the world of social media for a hairdresser with designs on making that next lasting impression as positive and powerful as the one before.

One, or both of these avenues will help some along their desired path, but hey, at our core it’s our individual style and the grace in which we choose to express our profession that will help us determine the road best suited to building a unique sustainable brand.

From concept to creation, carving out a space in the crowded world of social media for your brand requires limitless energy – energy which needs to be channeled to delivering the best versions of our personalized service and engagement with our community that drives the transformative experiences we create for our clients.

In an age increasingly saturated by influencers, the pressure – perceived or real – to emulate such identities needs to be massaged in a manner so that you have adequate charge to dedicate to your own pursuits.

Let’s address the elephant in the room; the incredible educators and influencers we look up to on social media, many of them have built their careers around partnerships with brands which is admirable. What we as an industry need to recognize is the strategy influencers use on social media is completely different to a salon owner who owns a brickand-mortar space

The way influencers monetize on Instagram is through creating content that aligns with specific marketing objectives from the brands they partner with. Whether they’re showcasing products, techniques, or trends, their primary goal is to educate and influence their audience (e.g. you) while promoting these brands.

Unlike influencers, your objectives as salon professionals are deeply rooted in building a thriving community that comes from local business. While it’s inspiring to see their reach and engagement, it’s crucial to recognize that their strategies are tailored to achieve different outcomes on social media. The way they measure their success on this app may

include follower growth and engagement rates and reach, whereas your focus is on client acquisition, retention, and community engagement within your state or local area

Now is the time to stop and think, as you navigate your journey on Instagram, which path best suits your business goals, core values and unique personality. Ask yourself these questions before you create content for your salon page. Am I leveraging this platform effectively to grow my salon business and connect with my local community? Am I prioritizing content that resonates with my ideal clients and demographic which drives actionable results?

Clarification for you and your community are essential to obtain the road map that leads to your own social media success in whatever capacity it may be.

Are you using Instagram to elevate your salon’s voice and connect with your local community? Are you nurturing relationships that go beyond likes and followers? Remember, success on Instagram isn’t just about visibility; it’s about building a supportive engaged community and growing your salon sustainably.

Instead of getting lost in the noise of influencer culture, instead let’s focus on driving tangible results that impact your own bottom line. This involves creating content that attracts your dream clients, creates a desire for the services you offer and most importantly drives website traffic, generates inquiries via direct messages, and ultimately converts followers into loyal paying clients

Having followers is great, but generating sales from your community who trust you is even better

It’s really important to not lose who you are on social media, it can be a noisy place. It’s time for you to create a place on Instagram where authenticity and business objectives go hand in hand, where every post serves a purpose beyond chasing vanity metrics (likes, followers, views per post) and the neverending pursuit of chasing the algorithm.

This business path celebrates your salon’s unique vibe and community spirit. It’s about confidently sharing your own journey, from client transformations, showcasing your own unique salon space and your team culture, what makes you stand out from the crowd? Let’s face it, how many salons are there in your local area? What makes you different?

When you authentically showcase your salon’s personality, you will attract clients who align with your values, this is how to create a loyal community who buy from you. It’s not about catering to a global audience but about nurturing meaningful connections with those who appreciate your expertise and vibe the same way you do within the four walls of your salon.

Your Instagram is the digital shopfront to your salon business. Ensure its a mirror into your salon vibe to attract clients from all your social media efforts.

By ditching the pressure to conform and instead celebrating what makes your salon unique, you create a community where clients feel seen and valued. When new clients following feel seen and valued through your content, this is when they convert into bookings.

Some people move through social media without any awareness or care of the impact that they are having on their community. The smoke and mirrors of social media, the heavily edited photos and only showing snapshots into picture perfect lives leaves us dealing with major imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy and it needs to stop. This whole mindset of putting others down to raise yourself up in the name of more reach on social media is high school behavior and its time as an industry that WE. DO. BETTER.

We all know how toxic social media can be at times, with the reality of online bullying and trolls, the pressure that it can create, this unhealthy obsession with chasing virality and popularity. We focus a lot on the next generation coming through the industry and the impact that social media is having on their mental health and I couldn’t agree more, it’s a massive issue. Unfortunately, I see it firsthand daily, but the truth is it affects us all.

How do we do better?

Collectively.

Communication and collaboration, I believe, are the foundations for each and every one of us to feel empowered to be ourselves. Remember: nobody is you…

This is your superpower. Having a myriad of followers may be the sugar hit your ego needs from time to time. However, there’s nothing more comforting and important than a supportive community, strongly committed to your well-being and genuinely invested in nurturing relationships is core to what we do.

Let’s not forget – like attracts like.

I believe in a collaborative approach, investing heart and soul in our industry for mutual growth and sustained success for all. Our mission - care and support for each other to continue our journeys of being boldly independent

Renee x Salon Society @salonsocietyaus

In the heart of the digital era, there’s a place where salon professionals gather, not just to exist but to thrive - this place is Salon Society. A collective society bound by the shared ambition of standing out in the digital world, where every salon, big or small, finds its unique voice.

Salon Society is a community, a safe space where salon professional come together to grow, learn, and shine. We believe that a salon’s online presence should be as vibrant and individual as the styles they create.

Salon Society isn’t about adapting to the digital world; it’s about redefining it, one salon at a time. It’s a place where being a part of a society means having the support to be boldly independent.

Salon Society – where every salon has a voice, and every voice shapes the future of the industry.

The Collective Voice -

A collective event curated for the hair and beauty industry with business support, education, connection and collaboration. A judgement free inclusive place. Join us for real industry conversation and fun connections, as a collective. These events are inspiring and create empowering conversations. Leave having found your new industry bestie.

@thecollectivevoice_

The Path to Progress: Shifting your Mindset for Salon Success this Financial Year

By Angeli Marie Shaw

As another financial year comes to an end and a new one dawns on us, now is a great time to start thinking, planning and implementing for the next twelve months. A lot may describe this time of the year as a quieter or slower time, or perhaps you’re busier than ever, regardless, with the current pressures experienced broadly across society such as cost of living increases, changes in consumer spending and clients wanting more for their dollar, now is as good a time as any to utilise any down time to set yourself up for the new financial year.

Now, when it comes to getting things done, it’s more than likely that you will feel pressure, distraction and overwhelm, but guess what? Your biggest obstacle may in fact be YOU! But there is good news! Just as you may be part of the problem, you too can also be the solution! It all starts with YOU!

Here are my 7 suggested tips to get YOU started and moving in the right direction with momentum, drive and a solid plan!

1. Just do it - The first steps are always the hardest, but until they are taken, the idea of progress remains just that; an idea. If you’re finding yourself distracted or lacking self-confidence, focus on just getting started. Break larger tasks into small, more manageable pieces and don’t worry about being perfect, after all, perfection is in the mind. Don’t forget to block out any negative influences and when asking questions, focus on growth and consciously think about what you’re asking. Asking others if they’re ‘quiet too’ serves no real purpose, other than perhaps not feeling alone in your situation, but I can guarantee you will not find solutions this way. Whilst sometimes difficult to get the ball rolling, once it does, you’ll find momentum to keep going.

2. Tackle any negative self-talk that arises and confront it – We all know that voice, the one we’ve had to silence and that holds us back. Remember that for every negative message, there’s a positive truth that will override it. For example, if you find yourself saying ‘I don’t know if I can do this’ try saying ‘I’m going to try and do this’. A simple change in language but can have a huge impact in the way you move forward.

3. Acknowledge your strengths and remember that a strength is more appetite than ability, and it’s that appetite that drives us to want to do it again. Contribute the best of yourself everyday into what you do, after all, a strength is an activity that strengthens you.

4. Stop comparing! When you compare yourself to others, it can lead to low selfconfidence and depression as well as actually deplete motivation. This certainly won’t lead you closer to any of your set goals. Instead, try tracking your progress and celebrating what you have accomplished so far. Other people’s goals are THEIR goals, set and focus on YOUR own goals and watch your progress!

5. You are who you hang with – Be mindful and aware of who you keep company with because those that you interact with regularly have a direct influence on who you are and what you do. Try and surround yourself with people who encourage you and hold you accountable. People who you can learn positive habits from. Even the interactions you have online can have a direct impact on you, but you have the choice of what you feed your mind. Again, run with the right crowd and be mindful who you hang with, online and in real life.

6. Remember your WHY – It’s so important to constantly reconnect with your purpose! And if you can’t connect the dots between the activity and the big picture, then stop doing it! This will help stop you from going through the motions of doing something for no reason, or not knowing the reason why you’re doing it. Clarity and direction are valuable, and their power shouldn’t be underestimated.

7. Familiarise yourself with your inner world – Believe it or not, you can press pause in any moment and step back, observing any repeating patterns or old recycled habits that don’t serve you. When you do this, you begin to see what is actually happening. Feelings that may be ruling your actions, old resentment that has been dragging you down or the constricting effect of believing your own thoughts. When you discover what you do that makes you suffer, you can begin to instead choose what brings you peace.

Now you probably have plenty of reasons why you don’t get things done, struggle to reach goals or perhaps you’ve lost your drive, however one thing you can start with focusing on and the one which you have the most control over is YOU. If you’re constantly telling yourself that you’re not capable of having what you truly want, unconsciously, you will make it your truth. How does that sit with you? Not good? Well, the good news is that you can change it!

Wishing you nothing but growth, empowerment and success this coming financial year!

Love & Bliss, Angeli xxoo

Angeli is a Holistic Empowerment Coach, Mindset Mentor/Trainer and founder of The Bliss Coach. To work with me in 2024, get in touch by visiting www.theblisscoach.com.au or follow us on my socials @theblisscoach to connect and find out more.

Balancing Mental Health While Maintaining Standards In Salons And Clinics

By Julie Piantadosi

Running a business in 2024 sure is challenging. Navigating through making profit, creating client experience, taking care of your staff and importantly taking care of yourself can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and, if you’re doing it while trying to look after a family as well it truly becomes what almost feels unsustainable.

Firstly, there is a big difference between mental health and mental illness. Mental health is something that we all struggle with, from time to time. We now have a tired overworked burnt-out workforce, and often, young people especially, struggle with their own personal resilience and when our resilience is poor, we lose focus. Standards and performance drop and we are more likely to be sick more often. So, building resilience in our teams is essential not only for their mental health but for their whole wellbeing.

Mental health has lots of variations on the spectrum. Many people suffer from mild symptoms of anxiety, like sweaty palms feeling anxious around a difficult client, low self-esteem, and lots of self-doubt, these can lead to physical symptoms and when these symptoms are overbearing can lead to panic attacks.

Some people suffer from mental illness, which

is very different to mental health. Mental illness requires a doctor or a psychiatrist, and treatment can be ongoing for the rest of their life. It is our duty of care as leaders that if we think one of our team members is suffering from mental illness that we get them to the GP, at the very least. It is our responsibility to do so.

The goal Is to balance the wellbeing of those around us while knowing it’s absolutely crucial to still maintain excellent standards for our salon, ensuring our clients are always receiving the best level of care and service possible. This requires ongoing effective communication, an abundance of kindness and empathy and a tough backbone.

Balancing these two aspects can be challenging, but is essential for creating a thriving, sustainable workplace, where people show up together as cheerleaders, bringing out the best in each other and supporting each other in our dark days, so that we can

enjoy the bright days too.

Mental health issues can affect anyone. It shows no discrepancy and can affect the young and the Old. Beauty therapists often face unique stressors, including long hours, high client expectations, often difficult clients and the physical demands of their work. Burnout, anxiety, and stress are common, impacting job performance and personal well-being. Clients may also visit salons seeking not just beauty treatments, but a reprieve from their own mental health challenges, looking for relaxation and a boost to their self-esteem.

Not only a does a beauty therapist need to be committed to delivering the best treatments possible, but they also need to learn how to effectively communicate, demonstrating empathetic communication while knowing they don’t actually have the tools or skill sets to help their clients with mental health, that’s what professionals do who work in this

space of treatment for mental health day after day. So sometimes, being an effective listener as a beauty therapist is the very best support, we can give to our clients who are struggling.

To be sustainable in these challenging times, it’s essential to Create a supportive environment.

To foster a compassionate and inclusive workplace, it’s crucial to start with education. Provide training sessions for your team that cover the basics of mental health awareness, including recognising signs of mental health issues, understanding how to approach conversations sensitively, and offering support effectively. This foundational knowledge helps in creating an environment where employees feel safe discussing their mental health without fear of stigma or reprisal. Often, a local psychologists will be committed to sharing and impacting their community and may be willing to share with your team.

Implementing well-being Policies and Practices is essential for your business. You could Consider implementing flexible scheduling options to help employees balance their work and personal lives. Regular breaks are vital, especially in an industry where employees are on their feet for extended periods. Provide access to mental health resources, such as counselling services or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer confidential support and guidance. Business owners should always be recommending their staff for checking in with their general practitioner to discuss their mental health and well-being and if necessary, seeking the skill set of a psychologist can be very positive.

Clearly communicate these policies to your team and ensure they are implemented consistently. An open-door policy where employees can discuss their mental health concerns with management without fear of negative consequences can also be very beneficial.

While it’s important to prioritize mental health, maintaining the high standards your clients expect remains critical. This balance can be achieved by setting clear expectations and providing ongoing training. Ensure your team stays updated on the latest beauty techniques and industry best practices through regular workshops and training sessions.

Foster a culture of teamwork where employees support one another in achieving both personal and professional goals. When team members understand that their wellbeing is a priority, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed to maintaining high standards.

My Practical Tips for Balancing Mental Health and Standards in salon -

1. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with employees to discuss their workload, stress levels, and overall well-being. These check-ins can help identify issues before they escalate and show

employees that their well-being is valued.

2. Healthy Work Environment: Create a calming and organized workspace that reduces stress and promotes well-being. This might include ergonomic equipment, soothing decor, and a well-maintained break area where employees can relax.

3. Encourage Self-Care: Promote selfcare practices among your team. This could involve offering yoga or meditation sessions, providing healthy snacks, or encouraging activities that promote physical and mental health.

4. Client Education: Inform clients about the importance of mental health and create a welcoming environment where they can feel comfortable and cared for. Consider offering services that specifically address relaxation and stress relief, such as massages or aromatherapy treatments even for clients not booked for these treatments.

5. Recognition and Rewards: Recognise and reward employees for their hard work and dedication. Positive reinforcement can boost morale and show appreciation, which in turn fosters a positive work environment.

6. Transparent Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication channels. Keep your team informed about business goals, changes, and expectations, and encourage feedback. Feeling heard and involved can significantly impact employees’ mental well-being.

7. As a leader, and business owner never ever stop learning. I always recommend that anyone running a business who is struggling with their own mental health needs to visit the general practitioner, asked for recommendations to a counsellor or psychologist who can support you during these challenging times.

8. Replace the word mental health, with well-being. For an example if you are encouraging a team member to have a mental health day, you would change the words to a

well-being day so that we can use positive language around mental health rather than negative language.

9. Everybody has something going on in their life. All of us have some trauma either from our past or things that we’re going through right now so staying compassionate and using empathetic communication is essential for continuous success in business and if you see someone is struggling, get them to make an appointment and talk to their GP!

Conclusion

Balancing mental health and maintaining high standards in salons and spas is not only achievable but essential for longterm success. By prioritizing mental health, creating supportive policies, and fostering a positive work environment, you can enhance both employee satisfaction and client experience. This approach not only benefits your team but also leads to a loyal and satisfied customer base, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of your salon.

Remember, mental health and mental illness often need treatment so unless you are a trained professional like I am, always, always, encourage your team to speak to the general practitioner.

Together, we can better understand mental health and thrive in our businesses at the same time while supporting the people around us and ourselves

Julie Piantadosi is a former Salon and spa owner who is now a sought-after speaker high in demand cooperate trainer and qualified psychotherapist specialising in the link between standards in the workplace and trauma.

*According to Global ISO 16128 Standard, 86%-98% naturally derived means that plant and mineral-derived materials and water, all of which undergo limited processing, make up at least 86%-98% of the formulas

@joicoaustralianz @sabre_haircare

Exclusively distributed by Sabre Haircare / 1300 764 437 / joico.com.au

HEALTHY HAIR COMES NATURALLY

HOT SHOTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF MOCHA GROUP

Models: JR Management

Jarred Stedman

Creative Director/ Producer: Linda Woodhead &

Stylist: Kellie Woodhead

Artistic Hair Director: Carolyn Gahan

Makeup: Kylie O’Toole

Photographer: Andrew O’Toole

CREDITS:

Special thanks to everyone who played a role in making this dream become a reality!

Guided and mentored by Andrew O’Toole this experience is truly priceless and something that will be remembered and treasured for many years to come by the team!

Prep was hosted at Vic University and for the first time the shoot was held on location in Yarraville at the iconic heritage listed Hot Shots house itself. The team created a stunning mix of colour, length and precision cutting resulting in a collection that could easily grace any high-end fashion magazine in the world!

But above all she is strong, forward thinking, modern and eclectic.

Taking advantage of the beautiful palette of Colour by Joico and Extensions by Amazing Hair, our muse came from old money; an aristocratic world of class systems, leisure, parties, and politics. She uses her trendsetting fashion and style as a message to others that she is a wealthy enough to travel the world, pay for expensive things, and flaunts them over others.

Each look was inspired by the fashionable elite in high society; the smart set. They are Beau Monde - Beautiful People.

BEAU MONDE

HOT SHOTS Team were ready for the creative aspect of their tenure. Culminating in an all-expenses paid photoshoot with world class photographer Andrew O’Toole and Kylie O’Toole, the team consisting of Anne Russell, Meghan King, Mikelah Jayde Riley, Paige Cameron spent a few precious days together once again to create sheer beauty in a collection that evolved through the team creative process before and during the shoot under the mentorship of Hair Director, Carolyn Gahan.

Having already received their prize packs of a Joico styling kit, EVY Professional electrical kit, Excellent Edges full scissor kit and an Amazing Hair editorial styling kit, while in the HOT SHOTS House, not to mention mixing with iconic hairdressing greats both in real life and via zoom, the 2023