Salonfocus Winter 2024

THE ESSENTIAL MAGA ZINE FOR SALON OWNERS

TOMORROW’S WORLD WINTER 2024

How much is artificial intelligence influencing the industry?

P27: SOFTWARE Which package can best keep your business running smoothly?

01 Cover_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 1

P30: SUSTAINABILITY As global temperatures soar, the industry is raising its game

P33: SALON FINANCE Smart ways to cut bills and rent, and make strategic savings

P39: HAIR LOSS Support, advice and products to help with this growing concern

13/12/2023 08:05

hair & beauty software

Get Found Get Booked Get Paid

Scan the QR Code to sign up for 30 days FREE!

SF.Winter24_002.indd 2

11/12/2023 10:18

contents

WINTER 2024

THE CUT 5

Hello and welcome President Amanda Lodge-Stewart greets the new year with optimism

6

The 12 things you need to read this issue From the NHBF’s response to the aesthetics licensing consultation to The Top 100 Index 2023 results and local community projects

27 Software

THE BUSINESS 22 AI

22

COV

STORER Y What does artificial intelligence offer the hair and beauty sector, and how are industry professionals already using it?

Top tips on what to consider when choosing software for your business

30 Sustainability What is the hair and beauty sector really doing to be more sustainable?

33 Finance Times are tough, but savings and negotiations can still be made to improve finances

44 THE INSPIRATION 47 What’s trending Chocolate as inspiration, new year nails and the future of beauty and wellness

3

48 Mood board Posts from some of the influencers who made the NHBF’s Top 100 Index 2023

THE END

36 Success An overview of the qualities it takes to be a successful salon or barbershop owner

39 Hair loss: part 1 A sensitive subject: how to best handle hair loss with your clients

50 60 seconds with...

The NHBF’s new chief executive Caroline Larissey

27

42 How to...

33

Prepare for the Big Switch-Off

44 HR series part 4 Make sure your employment contracts are all tied up with our expert advice

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

03 Contents_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 3

13/12/2023 08:07

Getting you /' Switch-Off é£ č

УР£é ·í ÙûÒõí Ć ·Ê Ê£

ǁ Ç££å·Ò¯ čÙû ÙÒÒ£ õ£

íûå£é­ íõ ć·­·

õ£Ê£å´ÙÒ£í

ưƷǹǠɫƷȵǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ȽɓȲƷȵǑƌȽɋ‫ژ‬ȽȲƷƷưȽً‫ژ‬ɬǚǠǹȽɋ‫ژ‬ ǵƷƷȲǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ƩɲƨƷȵ‫ژ‬ȽƌǑƷً‫ژ‬ƌǹǹ‫ژ‬ ƨƌƩǵƷư‫ژ‬ƨɲ‫ژ‬ȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ÞǠFǠ‫ژ‬ȵƌȄǒƷ‫ژ‬ǒɓƌȵƌȄɋƷƷ

ɓȲưƌɋƷ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ɋƷǹƷȲǚȏȄƷ‫ژ‬ǚƌȄưȽƷɋȽ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ future-proof‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽً‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ ǒƌǠȄ‫ژ‬ƌƩƩƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژڹ׎דژ‬ɓȽƷǑɓǹ‫ژ‬ǑƷƌɋɓȵƷȽ

û ·Ù é Ò ·Ò¯

Ġ¯żġ¯ Çûå ƌ‫ژ‬ȲƷȵǑƷƩɋ‫ٔژ‬ȲǹƌȄ‫ژ‬ƨٔ‫ژ‬ɋǚƌɋ‫ژ‬ɬǠǹǹ‫ژ‬ǵƷƷȲ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ȵɓȄȄǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ȽȂȏȏɋǚǹɲً‫ژ‬ǠȄ‫ژ‬ɋǚƷ‫ژ‬ƷɫƷȄɋ‫ژ‬ȏǑ‫ژ‬ ƌȄ‫ژ‬ǠȽȽɓƷ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ȂƌǠȄ‫ژ‬ƨȵȏƌưƨƌȄư‫ژ‬ȽƷȵɫǠƩƷ

ƷȄǚƌȄƩƷ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƩǹǠƷȄɋ‫ژ‬ƷɱȲƷȵǠƷȄƩƷً‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ ǒƷȄƷȵƌɋƷ‫ژ‬ȂȏȵƷ‫ژ‬ȽƌǹƷȽ‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ȵƷɫƷȄɓƷً‫ژ‬ ƨɲ‫ژ‬ǠȄɋȵȏưɓƩǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ƌɓưǠȏ‫ژ‬ȂƷȽȽƌǒǠȄǒ

Adam's Ć· £

Scan here

ɋȏ‫ژ‬ǹƷƌȵȄ‫ژ‬ȂȏȵƷ‫ژ‬ƌƨȏɓɋ‫ژ‬ '¾ǚƷ‫ ژ‬UG‫ژ‬Switch-Offًٔ‫ژ‬ ƌ ƌȄư‫ژ‬ǚȏɬ‫ژ‬ɬƷ‫ژ‬ƩƌȄ‫ژ‬ǚƷǹȲ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓِ

ٓuƌǵƷ‫ژ‬ȽɓȵƷ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓ‫ژ‬ȵƷƌư‫ژ‬ɋǚƷ‫ٔژ‬Oȏɬ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ȲȵƷȲƌȵƷ‫ژ‬Ǒȏȵ‫ژ‬ ɋǚƷ‫ ژ‬UG‫ژ‬°ɬǠɋƩǚ‫ ٮ‬ǑǑٔ‫ژ‬ƩȏȄɋƷȄɋ‫ژ‬ȏȄ‫ژ‬ȲƌǒƷȽ‫ژבגژۯژאגژ‬ ƌȄư‫ژ‬ƩȏȄɋƌƩɋ‫ژ‬ɓȽ‫ژ‬Ǒȏȵ‫ژ‬F¨--ً‫ژ‬ǚȏȄƷȽɋ‫ژ‬ƌưɫǠƩƷً‫ژ‬ǠǑ‫ژ‬ ɲȏɓٔư‫ژ‬ǹǠǵƷ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ǵȄȏɬ‫ژ‬ȂȏȵƷ‫ژ‬ȏȄ‫ژ‬ɋǚǠȽ‫ژ‬ɋȏȲǠƩً‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ǚȏɬ‫ژ‬ Ǡɋ‫ژ‬ÞUkk‫ژ‬ƌǑǑƷƩɋ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓ‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽٓ

Why ûå¯é £ ÒÙćŷ

°ƌǹƷȽ‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬uƌȵǵƷɋǠȄǒ‫ژ‬%ǠȵƷƩɋȏȵ‫ژ‬ƌɋ‫ژ‬°ƌǹȏȄ‫ ژ‬ȏȂȂȽ

Protect ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ȂƌǠȄ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ɋƷǹƷȲǚȏȄƷ‫ژ‬٢ǹƌȄưǹǠȄƷ٣‫ژ‬ȄɓȂƨƷȵ

Speed up ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ÞǠFǠً‫ژ‬ɬǠɋǚ‫ژ‬ȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ȵƌȄǒƷ‫ژ‬ȏǑ‫ژ‬°ɓȲƷȵǑƌȽɋ‫ ژ‬ȵȏƌưƨƌȄư‫ژ‬ȏȲɋǠȏȄȽً‫ژ‬ƌǹǹ‫ژ‬ƨƌƩǵƷư‫ژ‬ƨɲ‫ژ‬ȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ÞǠFǠ‫ژ‬ȵƌȄǒƷ‫ژۯژ‬ȽȲƷƷư‫ژ‬ǒɓƌȵƌȄɋƷƷ

ST

I Secure ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ȲȵǠɫƌɋƷ‫ژ‬ưƌɋƌً‫ژ‬ƌȄư‫ژ‬ǵƷƷȲ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ƩɲƨƷȵ‫ژ‬ȽƌǑƷً‫ژ‬ƨɲ‫ژ‬ȲȵȏɫǠưǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƩǹǠƷȄɋȽ‫ژ‬ɬǠɋǚ‫ژ‬ƌ‫ژ‬ưƷưǠƩƌɋƷư‫ژ‬ǒɓƷȽɋ‫ژ‬ÞǠFǠ‫ژ‬ȄƷɋɬȏȵǵ

-OF

Access ‫ژڹ׎ד‬ɓȽƷǑɓǹ‫ژ‬ǑƷƌɋɓȵƷȽً‫ژ‬ǠȄƩǹɓưǠȄǒ‫ژ‬Ʃƌǹǹ‫ژ‬ȵƷƩȏȵưǠȄǒً‫ژ‬Ʃƌǹǹ‫ژ‬ȽɋƌɋȽً‫ژ‬Ʃƌǹǹ‫ژ‬ƌȄȽɬƷȵǠȄǒ‫ژۯژ‬ƌɓưǠȏ‫ژ‬ȂƌȵǵƷɋǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ȽƷȵɫǠƩƷȽ

W H AT

Back-Up ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ɬǠɋǚ‫ژ‬ƌ‫גژ‬Gٖ‫ד‬G‫ژ‬ưƌɋƌ‫ژ‬ƩȏȄȄƷƩɋǠȏȄً‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ǚƷǹȲ‫ژ‬ǵƷƷȲ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓ‫ژ‬ƩȏȄȄƷƩɋƷư‫ژۯژ‬ɋȵƌưǠȄǒ

F'ŷ

Upsell ƨɲ‫ژ‬ǠȄɋȵȏưɓƩǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ƌɓưǠȏ‫ژ‬ȂƌȵǵƷɋǠȄǒ‫ژ‬ȂƷȽȽƌǒƷȽ‫ژ‬ǠȄɋȏ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ

HIS 'S WITCH

Flexibility ɋǚƌȄǵȽ‫ژ‬ɋȏ‫ژ‬ȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ǚƌȄưɲ‫ژ‬ȂȏƨǠǹƷ‫ژ‬ƌȲȲً‫ژ‬Ƚȏ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓ‫ژ‬ƩƌȄ‫ژ‬ǚƌȄưǹƷ‫ژ‬ƨɓȽǠȄƷȽȽ‫ژ‬ƩƌǹǹȽ‫ژ‬ȏȄ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓȵ‫ژ‬ɋƷȵȂȽً‫ژ‬ɬǚƷȄ‫ژ‬ɲȏɓٔȵƷ‫ژ‬ȏȄ‫ژ‬ɋǚƷ‫ژ‬ȂȏɫƷً‫ژ‬ȏȵ‫ژ‬ƌɋ‫ژ‬ǚȏȂƷ‫ژ‬

Уíí ¯£ oaŰ ǚǠ‫ۮ‬ȽƌǹȏȄƩȏȂȂȽ SF.Winter24_004.indd 4

%M??M{ oaŰ ‫ۮ‬ȽƌǹȏȄƩȏȂȂȽ

i ?= iM ûíŰ ‫׎׏דגژה׎דژג׎א׎‬ 11/12/2023 10:18

HELLO A ND W ELCOME T HE CU T

WITH THE NEW YEAR WE MARK NEW BEGINNINGS NHBF PRESIDENT The magazine of the National Hair & Beauty Federation

AMANDA LODGE-STEWART

THE NHBF One Abbey Court Fraser Road Priory Business Park Bedford MK44 3WH 01234 831965 nhbf.co.uk sfenquiries@salonfocus.co.uk

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Caroline Larissey

DIGITAL MARKETING DIRECTOR Samantha Turner-Meyern

ere we are at the start of 2024 – and a very happy new year to you all. I’m looking forward to a successful year for the sector, and a productive one at the NHBF as we continue striving to highlight and address the challenges you face.

With the new year we mark new beginnings, and I would like to congratulate our very own Caroline Larissey on her recent appointment to NHBF chief executive. I would like to thank her predecessor, Richard Lambert, for all the hard work and dedication to the NHBF, and we wish him all the best in his future ventures.

To find out more about Caroline and her plans for her tenure, see page 50.

While this time of year is synonymous with making resolutions – focusing on what we need to do better – I think it’s an important moment to be positive and reflect on everything we’ve achieved, both as individuals and collectively as an industry, over the past 12 months.

Notably in November, at the Association Excellence Awards 2023, the NHBF won bronze for UK Association of the Year, and salonfocus won silver for Best Association Newsletter or Magazine

H

EDITORIAL Editor Hollie Ewers hollie@salonfocusmagazine.co.uk Content sub-editors James Hundleby, Kate Bennett, Amy Beveridge

DESIGN Art Editor Tom Shone Picture researcher Jessica Marsh

ADVERTISING advertising@salonfocusmagazine.co.uk 020 7880 6230

PRODUCTION Production director Jane Easterman Account director Joanna Marsh joanna.marsh@redactive.co.uk

PRINTER Manson Group, St Albans

COVER ILLUSTRATION Adobe © The NHBF 2024 All views expressed in salonfocus are not necessarily those of the NHBF. All efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information published in salonfocus.

However, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors and omissions in the information produced in this publication.

No information contained in this publication may be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the NHBF. Recycle your magazine’s plastic wrap.

Check your local LDPE facilities to find out how.

(circulation up to 6000) – amazing results, showing hard work pays off!

We are also really proud of the Top 100 Influencer Index winner for 2023, Chlöe Swift, whose hard work earned her the coveted number one spot at our fabulous event in November. Congratulations to all of the deserving runners up too – read more about who’s who in our new Top 100 on page 17.

With digital presence and the future in mind, our fascinating cover feature on page 22 explores the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in hair and beauty services.

What did you think of the front cover of the magazine? This was actually generated by AI specifically for salonfocus, with key words from the feature as a guide! Let us know your thoughts on this and any of the content in this issue @nhbfsocial Advice on choosing the right software package for your business is available on page 27, and we have been asking industry experts what makes a successful salon or barbershop owner on page 36.

As always, we’ve aimed to pack the pages of salonfocus with plenty of great content – I hope you enjoy it.

5

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

05 Welcome_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 5

13/12/2023 11:43

TH E CU T N EW S

THE The 12 things you need to know this issue...

6

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

6-7 The Cut_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 6

13/12/2023 08:09

N EWS T HE CU T

NHBF HIGHLIGHTS KEY CONCERNS IN CONSULTATION RESPONSE

IMAGE: ISTOCK

The NHBF has submitted a comprehensive response to the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

The collaborative response, which includes valuable insights from NHBF Members and the Beauty Industry Group (BIG), brought to light several critical concerns for the government to consider: Creating a fair environment: A level playing field is needed in the industry – there are concerns that the proposed measures might create an imbalance between the beauty and medical sectors.

NHBF QUOTED

IMAGE: ISTOCK

The NHBF was quoted in the House of Commons in December during a debate about aesthetic regulation. NHBF chief executive Caroline Larissey said: ‘We are pleased that the chair of the Health and Social Care Committee has raised the concerns of the sector during a debate in Parliament with the minister Maria Caulfield. The NHBF continues to be fully engaged in shaping the licensing regime for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including collaboration with sector colleagues through the Beauty Industry Group. We look forward with interest to the government response to the consultation early in the new year.’

Clarifying categories and definitions: Further work should be conducted in categorising the procedures subject to licensing and defining the term ‘medical oversight’. This clarifying step would help ensure a more coherent regulatory framework.

Recognising sector definitions: A comprehensive survey should be conducted to understand the extent of aesthetic treatments performed in both medical and non-medical settings.

7

Public awareness campaign: The NHBF advocates the launch of a government-backed campaign, tied to the new licensing regime, to assist the public in making informed choices by guiding them toward safe, transparent, and competent practitioners and facilities.

Continuing dialogue: The NHBF is willing to engage and share expertise. Topics would include: ● The practical implementation of the licensing system ● Ensuring effective enforcement of the framework ● Shaping a registration scheme ● Defining qualifications and training criteria.

This collaborative approach would respect and acknowledge existing sector standards, qualifications and training.

For more information on the consultation, go to bit.ly/ non-surgical-consultation

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

6-7 The Cut_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 7

13/12/2023 08:10

T H E CU T N EW S

2 NEWS IN NUMBERS BUSINESSWOMEN BREAK THROUGH

WINTER SUPPORT LACKING

UK research has revealed the business categories with the highest female-to-male ratio of entrepreneurs:

21% 8

Wellness: 63% female vs 37% male

However, the research found that men are still twice as likely to start their own businesses, with women comprising just under a third of UK business founders.

NAIL INFECTIONS

A quarter of the UK population could be suffering from fungal nail infections, a footcare poll suggests. The survey also found that just 11% of sufferers are aware they have a fungal nail infection, while 89% don’t know the condition is contagious.

MALE GROOMING BOOM

Men are investing in self-care and grooming like never before, according to research by Clearpay.

Male shoppers made up a fifth (21%) of all beauty purchases this year – rising from just 1% in 2022 – while the overall beauty spend among men has increased 77% year on year.

HIGH STREET STAPLES

Barbers, nail salons and beauty salons are showing strength amid increasing high street vacancies, according to Local Data Company findings, with net growth of 304, 142 and 130 units respectively. However, the -414 drop in units among hairdressers shows the sector’s ‘vulnerability’ on the high street, the researcher said.

JOBS IN BEAUTY

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed there are

MORE THAN 4000 live beauty-related vacancies on the government’s Find a Job portal [correct at time of

3/4

going to press].

They include beauty therapist, merchandiser and lecturer roles.

‘This booming sector offers a range of exciting roles and skills development along

with progression opportunities and a new sense of purpose,‘ said a DWP rep.

BARBERS +304 NAIL SALONS +142 BEAUTY SALONS +130 HAIRDRESSERS -414

IMAGES: NOUN PROJECT / SHUTTERSTOCK

Hair and beauty: 76% female vs 24% male

In a survey of 500 microbusinesses (those with fewer than 10 employees), just 4% said they were happy with the government support in place to help with energy bills. Three-quarters reported feeling neglected when it came to financial handouts, compared with consumers and larger businesses.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

08 News in Numbers_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 8

13/12/2023 08:10

3

BUS I N ESS T HE CU T

MARKETING

GGIVE ME FIVE

Alice Kirby, director of Lockhart Meyer Salon Marketing, shares her top five tips for marketing on a budget in the year ahead.

1

3

BE SEEN FOR FREE Your Google Business Profile is more than just an online listing – it’s your free digital business card to the local community.

When potential clients search for ‘salons near me’, a razorsharp profile makes it more likely that they will choose you over your competition.

Optimise it with your services, opening hours and stunning salon photos.

2

CREATE A FREEBIE LOCAL BUZZ Locally is where 99% of your potential clients live – so add local hashtags to every social post to increase its reach in your neighbourhood and attract new clients.

Think #Brightonsalon #Brightonbeauty #Brightonhairdresser #Brighton (amend to your own local area).

IMAGES: ISTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK

4

BUDGETFRIENDLY BLOGGING Kickstart your new year marketing by launching a monthly blog to: ● Establish you as the trusted go-to professional for hair or beauty expertise. ● Boost your website’s Google and other search engine rankings. ● Provide standout content to use across all your marketing channels, keeping your business in the spotlight.

Stuck for ideas?

ChatGPT is a handy free tool for brainstorming blog topics and crafting an outline, giving you a solid starting point (see more on page 24). Then add your personal advice and professional insights for that human touch.

9

5

COST-EFFECTIVE SOCIAL GIVEAWAY Use gift cards to run a thrifty social media giveaway – but make sure the prize gift card can only be redeemed for services or treatments, not retail products, so the winner must book in for their prize. This makes your giveaway appealing to local people, which is what you want, as they are the most likely to become loyal paying clients.

NO-COST ADVERTISING It’s easy to overlook the marketing basics.

At the start of each month, record a punchy promotional message for your voicemail and on-hold service that promotes your January offers, new services or products, or gives a team member a boost.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

09 The Cut Gimme 5_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 9

13/12/2023 11:44

“ Vagaro is without doubt the most comprehensive system out there, it really is next level and adds so much value to our business both from the system's capabilities to the market-leading customer support.”

– LISA FRANKLIN

Owner, Lisa Franklin Clinic Prive

Join Lisa Franklin & 220,000+ other professionals on Vagaro. Scan the QR Code to sign up for 30 days FREE!

SF.Winter24_010-11.indd 10

11/12/2023 10:22

hair & beauty software

SF.Winter24_010-11.indd 11

11/12/2023 10:22

TH E CU T Q&A

MEET THE INFLUENCER

4

SARAH BRAWLEY

Professional hairdresser and content creator Sarah came third in the NHBF’s Top 100 Influencer Index 2023.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT FEATURING IN THE TOP 100?

12

Being featured is truly an honour, both personally and professionally. Working on your own can be extremely lonely, and being nominated for this award really made me feel noticed and recognised for the hard work I’ve put in.

WHAT WAS YOUR ROUTE INTO THE INDUSTRY? I started hairdressing when I was 20, but I never wanted to be a hairdresser when I left school. Before embarking on my apprenticeship, I underwent an art foundation programme at university.

Following that, I delved into the world of pattern-cutting, with aspirations to become a tailor. Ultimately, I realized it wasn’t a suitable path for me, but my creative inclination persisted.

DO YOU ENJOY BEING A SALON OWNER? Owning my own hair studio has been a dream of mine. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, but the fulfilment of creating a space where creativity and

STATS Socials: @sarahbrawleyhair IG followers: 72.8k TT followers: 405.7k

client satisfaction thrive is unparalleled.

I love being able to give my clients my undivided attention, working with just one person at a time and giving them the service they deserve.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

who featured in the Winter 2023 edition of salonfocus) this year and she is by far the most genuine and lovely person I’ve ever met. Her content is so beautiful, and she inspires me every day.

WHAT CONTENT GETS THE MOST REACTION? Content that provides valuable tips and anything that reflects my genuine personality tends to generate the most positive reactions.

WHAT’S THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS? It’s a combination of skill, innovation, commitment and consistency. Showing up as often as I can, with content I love, has led to my success.

WHAT’S PLANNED FOR 2024?

I am so excited. My biggest goal is that I want to carry on growing my community online and I want to be everyone’s reliable source. I don’t want to spill too much, but watch this space!

I love the transformative power it has.

Bringing out the beauty in my clients and boosting their confidence is incredibly rewarding. And then being able to educate them outside of the salon, so they can have the hair of their dreams every day, is also very special.

HOW DID YOU BECOME AN INFLUENCER? It evolved as a natural extension of sharing my passion on social media, connecting with a broader audience and resonating with them. TikTok is where it started, and experiencing my first viral video was mind-blowing.

WHO INFLUENCES YOU? My influences are diverse – from industry icons to emerging talents. I have people in the professional industry who inspire me in the salon every day, Emily Mander (@emilymanderhair) being one of them. I met Amber-Rose Peake (@amberrosepeakehair,

TT likes: 21.8m Top video view on TT: 28.2m

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

12 The Cut Influencer_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 12

13/12/2023 08:12

5

N EWS T HE CU T Streaming now, Untold Stories: Hair On Set is a documentary revealing the struggles of black British stars who faced emotional struggles when their hair needs were not met on film and TV sets.

Pantone's feeling peachy in 2024 with their colour of the year – Peach Fuzz.

The company says the heartfelt peach hue brings a feeling of kindness and tenderness, communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration.

The power of hairdressing in improving wellbeing is highlighted in the Not ‘Just’ A Salon campaign. It showcases salons as ‘places of comfort, conversation and expert pampering, as well as judgement-free spaces’.

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT HEALTH

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS The NHBF has partnered with Better Health: Every Mind Matters to help you feel good inside and out. hen it all gets too much, your clients know they have a friendly face and a space to relax and offload.

But who do you turn to when daily stresses boil up and life becomes a bit overwhelming?

Looking after your mental health is important, and Every Mind Matters has lots of NHS-approved practical tips, help and advice that can make a positive difference to how you feel every day – from meditation tips to sleep improvement email programmes

IMAGES: ISTOCK / SHUTTERSTOCK

W

and cognitive behavioural therapy – giving you access to coping skills when problems arise.

To access real support that fits into your daily routine, scan the code below or go to nhs.uk/every-mind-matters and start with a free Mind Plan quiz and get your personalised mental health action plan.

6

13

Mispronunciation of hair services like ‘balayage’ and ‘Efassor’ has led to more than half (56%) of Brits choosing a hairstyle or treatment that’s easier to ask for, instead of what they want.

Loose plastic glitter has been banned in the EU. But don't despair: biodegradable, plant-based sparkles are leading the way thanks to beauty innovators.

More than 85% of small businesses could be down almost £80 per appointment with ‘friendly’ clients because they are not charging for the extra time spent with them, a survey suggests.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

13 The Cut WHWN_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 13

13/12/2023 11:45

7

TH E CU T TA X

MEMBER QUESTION

YOU ASKED, THEY ANSWERED The NHBF has been working with HMRC on the following self-assessment FAQs to help the self-employed, business owners and those who have a part-time job in addition to their regular job to get started.

Q: WHAT IS SELF-ASSESSMENT AND WHY DO I NEED TO DO IT? A: Self-assessment is the process of declaring and paying tax on untaxed income. If you are employed, your employer deducts tax (PAYE) from your income. If you have additional untaxed income, you may need to file a tax return.

Q: WHO MUST SEND A TAX RETURN? A: You must send a tax return if you are

14

self-employed, had taxable income over £100,000, or need to pay the high-income child benefit charge. Use gov.uk’s free online tool to check your eligibility.

Q: HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR SELF-ASSESSMENT? A: Register through gov.uk. If you’re selfemployed, also register for Class 2 National Insurance contributions. You’ll receive a unique taxpayer reference (UTR) upon registration, which you need annually.

number and financial records. Check gov.uk for a list of necessary records.

HMRC'S TIPS FOR GETTING IT RIGHT 1. Plan ahead: Gather the necessary documents in advance.

2. Take your time: Ensure accuracy and don’t rush.

3. Go online for help: Use gov.uk.

4. Set deadline reminder for 31 January.

5. Don’t forget to press ‘submit’.

6. If your circumstances change, inform HMRC via the app or gov.uk.

Q: WHEN IS THE DEADLINE? A: The deadline for the 2022/23 tax year is 31 January 2024. If your filing or payment is up to three months late you’ll be charged a £100 penalty, and more if it’s later. You’ll also be charged interest on late payments.

Q: HOW DO I SUBMIT MY TAX RETURN? A: Complete it online, saving your progress. The time required depends on your tax complexity.

Q: WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE? A: Explore online resources and guidance on gov.uk before contacting HMRC. Video tutorials and step-by-

step guides on YouTube are available for first-time filers.

Q: HOW DO I PAY? A: Pay your tax owed via the HMRC app, online banking or your bank’s app. If you can’t pay in full, explore HMRC’s online payment plans.

Q: DO I NEED TO DO SELFASSESSMENT EVERY YEAR? A: Yes, it’s an annual requirement.

Report changes such as ceasing self-employment or updating your address on gov.uk before 31 January to avoid penalties.

For more infomation, go to: gov.uk/self-assessment-tax-returns

IMAGE: ISTOCK

Q: WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED BEFORE STARTING MY TAX RETURN? A: You’ll need your UTR, National Insurance

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

14 The Cut Questions Tax_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 14

13/12/2023 08:18

Get involved!

BECOME AN NHBF BOARD MEMBER

CAN YOU:

Are you an experienced

contribute valuable insights to shape the NHBF’s growth strategy? ● Make decisions that align with the NHBF’s core values and Members’ best interests? ● Promote NHBF membership, recruit new Members, and champion NHBF campaigns? ● Engage with the NHBF across social media? ● Attend two sector events, or meetings representing the NHBF? ● Support the NHBF by recognising excellence in the sector? ● Contribute to the NHBF’s marketing efforts, such as blogs, newsletters, articles, and salonfocus magazine? ● Attend four meetings in person and online?

professional in the hairdressing, barbering, beauty, nails or aesthetic industries? Have you been an NHBF Member for more than a year and are passionate about making a positive impact?

Then you might be interested in joining the NHBF Board!

● Participate in constructive debates and

If you’re ready to take your passion for the sector to the next level, APPLY NOW! Send your application and accompanying statement to membership@nhbf.co.uk by 2 February for consideration by the Board at their meeting on 5 February. Successful applicants will be installed at the NHBF’s 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held in London on 1 July at 1pm. Members are welcome to attend the AGM, please notify membership@ nhbf.co.uk if you wish to attend.

Only Members will be admitted.

JOIN THE NHBF ADVISORY BOARDS

IMAGE: ISTOCK

The NHBF is also looking for experienced professionals in the hairdressing, barbering, beauty, nails or aesthetic industries to join their advisory boards.

If you have a vision and a background that could support one of the boards, can actively participate in constructive debates, and align with NHBF’s core values, apply now! You’ll need to promote NHBF membership and campaigns, engage with the NHBF across social media, attend sector exhibitions, and contribute to campaigns.

Send your application and accompanying statement to membership@nhbf.co.uk by the close of play on 2 February. All reasonable expenses are paid as per NHBF expenses policies.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

15 Board Members Ad_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 15

13/12/2023 08:19

8 OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE NHBF TH E CU T N H B F N E W S

Take a look at what members of the NHBF team have been up to since the last issue.

Future of education

The NHBF was a finalist in two categories at the 2023 Association n Excellence Awards, held in London. on.

Amazingly, salonfocus won silver for Best Association Newsletter or Magazine (circulation up to 6000) and the NHBF won bronze for UK Association of the Year (over 1000 members).

NHBF digital marketing director Samantha TurnerMeyern (pictured) said: ‘Every effort we put in is to make business easier for our Members and advancing the industry, and it’s heart-warming to receive this recognition. Huge cheers to our epic team!’

Education and training took centre stage as the NHBF’s Amanda Lodge-Stewart, Caroline Larissey and Wendy Cummins joined the Hair Professional Apprenticeship Steering Group meeting at the Department for Education. This crucial gathering was hosted by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, and the NHBF is excited to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in our industry.

A Apprenticeship sshowcase

CBI conference We recently attended the CBI conference, which featured speakers Jonathan Reynolds MP and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt. Jonathan’s speech focused on sustained UK growth, industrial strategy and increased investment.

During the Q&A, we raised concerns about Labour’s Growth and Skills Levy policy, asking how it will benefit small businesses in the hair and beauty sector – historically, our sector has given huge opportunities to young people, but the affordability of apprenticeships for employers is now a challenge. His reply indicated that the intention is for small businesses to benefit from the levy as well, and they’ll make sure that skill needs are met across the UK through devolution.

W had a blast We ssponsoring tthe All Party Parliamentary Group P on Beauty, Aesthetics o and Wellbeing’s a apprenticeships a showcase event in Parliament Parliament, hosted b

by Carolyn Harris MP. MPs got the chance to connect with skilled beauty apprentices from all corners of the UK, diving deep into their journeys in the industry.

We also had some quality face time with MPs, delving into the funding hurdles faced by our sector – especially for small and micro businesses. We laid down our recommendations for apprenticeship levy reform, employer incentives and flexi-apprenticeship models.

DIARY DATES DON’T FORGET TO COME AND SAY HELLO TO US… ● 3-4 March – Professional Beauty London

IMAGES: @NHBFSOCIAL

16

Award winning!

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

16 The Cut NHBF out and about_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 16

13/12/2023 08:21

9

NHBF N EWS T HE CU T

TOP 100 INDEX

NHBF TOP INFLUENCERS 2023 Now in its third year, the NHBF’s Top 100 Influencer Index has been revealed for 2023.

he Top 20 spots were unveiled at a fun-packed event at St John’s Church in London’s Hyde Park Estate.

More than 100 industry professionals gathered to celebrate and acknowledge the efforts of individuals, including but not limited to those in hairstyling, skincare, make-up artistry, salon management and entrepreneurial leadership, who have been instrumental in promoting and shaping the sector on social media.

The coveted number one spot went to hairdressing influencer and hair stylist Chlöe Swift (pictured right), who has appeared in the Top 20 for the past two years.

Commenting on her triumph, Chlöe said: ‘I’m so pleased and genuinely surprised to have landed the top spot. As it’s ranked with social stats and analytics, you never know which way it will go – I was just hoping for a place in the top five, to be honest!

‘This year I really focused on posting six days a week consistently across three platforms, sharing hairstyling tutorials and tips for both professionals and consumers.

Thank you to the NHBF for the number one spot, I can’t wait for the year ahead!’

The 21st to 100th influencers were announced in the week leading up to the event.

Here is the official Top 20 for 2023:

IMAGES: @CHLOESWIFTSTYLIST / PETER HOGAN

T

Above: NHBF president Amanda Lodge-Stewart.

Below: Some of the winners with the event's presenters The Royal Serenity and Katie Walsh, and the NHBF's chief executive Caroline Larissey; the venue being set up; the sponsors’ logos

1. Chlöe Swift 2. Joseph I’Anson 3. Sarah Brawley 4. Jaymz Rigby-Marsters 5. Kirsty Meakin 6. Ben Brown 7. Amber-Rose Peake 8. Casey Coleman 9. James Earnshaw 10. Conor James Doyle 11. Harriet Westmoreland 12. Sarah Dixon 13. Jack Mead 14. Lydia Wolfe 15. Heff y Wheeler 16. Charlotte Cliff 17. Rob Wood 18. Michelle Humphrey 19. Lulu Richards 20. Sophia Hilton

17

This year, the Index received more than 250 nominations from across the hair and beauty sector.

NHBF chief executive Caroline Larissey said: ‘The NHBF Top 100 Influencer Index represents a celebration of innovation, talent and dedication within the hair and beauty sector, and I want to congratulate all the winners from 100 to one! It was great to meet so many new and familiar faces who work hard to promote their skills. I can’t wait to see what you all do in 2024!’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

17 The Cut the top Influencers_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 17

13/12/2023 08:23

1 10

TH E CU T CO M M U N IT Y

LOCAL SUPPORT

COMMUNITY CUTS

survey published in September revealed the extent of hygiene poverty – defined as being caught between being able to heat their home, pay their bills, buy food or keep clean – in UK schools. Almost three-quarters of school staff polled said there had been a rise in dirty uniforms, unwashed hair and unclean teeth among pupils – with even more expected in the current school year.

Seeing the financial struggle of families in her community in St Mellons, Cardiff, complementary

A

18

One of the volunteer barbers, Caleb

health practitioner and hairdresser Kelly Arthurs decided to help.

Just before the new school year started in September, she organised Community Cuts – where she and a few willing volunteers cut the hair of around 400 children over two days.

It wasn’t the first time Kelly had used her experience and tools to offer free haircuts – and it wouldn’t be the last, as she explains: ‘Hygiene poverty is a lot more than what you can see. I’ve been cutting the kids’ hair in my street for about a year.

People around here haven’t got much money and, as I’ve got the tools, I can provide it for free. But then I was in a soft play centre with my children, and one of the mums told me she literally has to choose whether to go food shopping or get the kids’ hair cut. It made me feel like this was bigger than my street. That’s when I thought of the idea for Community Cuts.

‘It was originally a back-to-school event – free haircuts for primary to Year 7 children. I spoke to the local “hyb” [community centre] and they volunteered the space for us. And then I reached out to other organisations and it snowballed – we had women giving away free period products for the older girls, a uniform shop giving free school uniforms, Miss Wales giving away free stationery packs. The local council had a small budget and provided pizza for the children, and colleagues from my work came to do arts and crafts with the children.

‘Fellow professionals also lent a hand. I put it on my Instagram and a barber said “Yes, I’m up for that.” And

hairdressers from the community also turned up on the day with their kits willing to do some hair.

‘It’s not just about the financial aspect. Kids can be cruel nowadays.

If you see a child going to school with a “mum haircut” or overgrown hair, you’ve got to think about the aspect of bullying that comes into it. It’s a lot bigger than we think.

‘The success of the event was overwhelming – seeing the kids’ faces after they’d had their hair done, especially when it was their first haircut. The families were so grateful.

‘I’m thinking about setting this up as a charity. I held another event in November, which was also a success.

I’m hoping to line up some more events and I’d like to be able to get some funding to do this for children, maybe even every month.’

Follow Kelly and Community Cuts on Instagram @community.cuts

IMAGES: @COMMUNITY.CUTS

Amid rising hygiene poverty across the UK, a Cardiff-based hairdresser offers schoolchildren free haircuts in a local event that has taken off.

Left and below: Some of the children who came along to the event

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

18 The Cut Community Cuts_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 18

13/12/2023 08:25

Search for SuperBooking Business on the App Store or Play Store

SCAN ME

SF.Winter24_019.indd 19

11/12/2023 10:23

Have your say!

The salonfocus readership survey is your chance to tell us what you think about your membership magazine, and to help shape the content you read and learn from.

What do you really think of your membership magazine salonfocus?

Love it but wish there were certain topics covered more often, or perhaps in a different way? Are there areas not being covered that you would like to read? What articles do you find most interesting?

And is there anything you would change?

We want to ensure that salonfocus continually provides you with informative, engaging and entertaining content that helps you to do your job better. In other words, we want to ensure that you get the most out of your membership magazine.

Your feedback is hugely valuable, and the readership survey is an opportunity for you to tell us what you think, and to help shape this award-winning industry publication.

As an added bonus and thanks, you could be in with the chance of winning one of two £75 John Lewis gift cards.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

Complete the survey at bit.ly/salonfocusreadershipsurvey-2023 SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

20 Readership Survey_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 20

13/12/2023 08:26

CHARITY

11

COM MUNI TY T HE CU T

FASHION ION SHOW S SUPPORT Salon team styles hair at local charity fundraiser.

WHO? Salon owner and NHBF Member Alex Kemp, along with her team at Hudson & Kemp in Enfield, have been styling models’ hair for The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre’s charity fashion shows since the events began in 2016.

WHAT? The models (usually around 12 of them) are all people who have been Alex (seventh from left) with models from the 2022 show through, or are currently undergoing, treatment for to make sure the hair stays perfect through cancer. The clothes they model are sourced three clothes changes. from the charity’s shops and shown off to WHY? ‘It’s a privilege to be involved and a an audience of around 200 spectators, all great way to support a local charity and give cheering them on. something back,’ says Alex. ‘The positive HOW? The salon closes for the morning and impact that being part of the event has on the models are pampered, preened and my team is wonderful – they talk about it styled by Alex and her team, who then carry with clients for weeks and it creates a great on their work backstage in the afternoon buzz in the salon.’

A volunteer having her hair styled by Alex

21 Alex with a model at the 2023 show

12

SPECIALIST SERVICES

Cancer care

Free treatments for clients diagnosed with cancer. anc Volunteering Nicola Ley, owner of Finchwood Aesthetics & Beauty in Kent, offers cancer care facials to clients who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment.

The idea came to Nicola through her volunteering work at a local hospice, where she would offer free holistic therapies once a week. However, when her dad was diagnosed with cancer, visiting the hospice became too ‘real’, she explains. ‘I had to give up volunteering. But I still wanted to help in some way, so I thought,

if I can get insured, I can start offering any clients with a diagnosis of cancer, and particularly those undergoing treatments including chemotherapy, a cancer care facial in my salon.’

Specialist facials Nicola trained in specialist facials and now offers the in-salon treatment for free on a weekly basis. ‘It’s an opportunity for those clients to visit a salon and have a pamper and be treated a bit more “normally”,’ she says.

Other services Nicola’s colleague Sophie Clark is a permanent make-up artist who offers free areola nipple tattooing for breast cancer clients who have had

a mastectomy or surgery. She runs a free clinic once a month at the salon.

Giving back ‘I encourage other salon owners not to be put off by insurance or training to be able to offer specialist services to those with cancer,’ says Nicola. ‘If people could give away just one free slot a week to offer services like this, it would be amazing and could help so many people.’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

21 The Cut Community_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 21

13/12/2023 08:27

TH E BU SI N E S S A I

TOMORROW’S WORLD 22

How are salon and barbershop owners using artificial intelligence, and what does the technology mean for the sector?

WORDS ANNA SCOTT

For example, AI can analyse a client’s hair or skin type to provide personalised consultations and tailored treatments.

Predictive analytics analyse customer data, which can help salons to conduct better marketing and develop new products. And virtual try-ons allow customers to preview hairstyles and make-up looks.

What is AI? AI is a bit of a misnomer, according to Richard Kavanagh, a Sydney-based hairstylist involved in developing AI for the hair industry, and CEO of virtual consultation assistant TheHair.App. ‘The technical term for AI is machine learning – a type of code that can improve its outputs the more input data it has,’ he says.

For example, ChatGPT takes all the data it has been fed and then, based on prompts entered by a human, outputs a response that is the most likely average of what it has seen before. ‘It’s not really “intelligent”

IMAGE: ADOBE

I

f you find yourself visiting JFK airport in New York, look out for MiNiCURE, an express manicure delivered by robots. The robot uses artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D technology to paint nails in under 10 minutes. Customers use a touchscreen, and the robot stops whenever they remove their hands from the dedicated manicure area.

Over in California, meanwhile, the Luum beauty salon offers eyelash extensions applied by a robot. A human lash technician preps the eyes and applies under-eye patches that are printed with a barcode instructing the robot which lash to apply and where to apply it.

These are extraordinary examples of the latest tech in the hair and beauty sector.

And there are other, more everyday ways that professionals can use AI to increase productivity and enhance customer experience, as well as for marketing and training purposes.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

22-26 Ai_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 22

13/12/2023 08:28

A I THE BU SI NESS

23

OUR SKILLS AND HUMAN TOUCH WILL NEVER BE REPLACED SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

22-26 Ai_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 23

13/12/2023 08:28

TH E BU SI N E S S A I

Benefits for business ‘AI can elevate a salon owner’s business,’ says Sam Turner-Meyern, NHBF digital marketing director. ‘It can enhance your clients’ experience and save staff time by assisting with routine tasks. AI-driven

CASE STUDY

24

AI WILL GET BETTER OVER TIME Digital marketing manager Laurence Wilson, who created Web2Walkin.com – a site for hairdressers offering deals and promotions, uses AI to brainstorm ideas for digital marketing content.

‘There are different AI-based tools, including ChatGPT, that can be used for creating pay-per-click ads, website content and blog posts, targeted at particular keywords,’ he says. ‘It’s speeding things up and coming up with ideas that might not have occurred to us.

It also manages the schedule of things like social media posts.’

However, he warns to take care when using Google and machine-generated content for organic internet searches. ‘You want to improve organic rankings to get more traffic, more leads and more appointments – but if Google thinks your content is low value and machine generated, your rankings can drop!

‘I’d say AI is quite reliable at the moment and will get better over time. But it’s always good to fact-check its results. Or get the AI to fact-check itself!’

appointment scheduling systems can optimise salon bookings, minimising gaps and maximising efficiency.

Smart scheduling software AI TOOLS THAT SALONS AND can also send automated BARBERSHOPS CAN USE reminders to clients, Runway enables you to convert reducing no-shows.’ text in real time, so that videos AI-powered chatbots on and images can be created websites or social media can using words. answer common questions, Photoshop AI lets you edit or for example about pricing and create images to use on social media channels or your website. opening hours. ‘Customer Jasper allows you to generate feedback is also important branded copy for a website, – knowing where you can targeted marketing campaigns, improve and offer different automated emails and SMS. services is key,’ says Sam. With CopyAI you can quickly However, AI doesn’t appear compose text for any purpose. to be widely used across the TheHair.App offers hair sector right now. Hairstylist consultations sent to the stylist Errol Douglas MBE says it before the appointment. tends to be used for booking Superbooking.ai is a new software system, set to launch in systems, colour consultations, 2024, with AI technology covering picture collages, and menus appointment booking, accounting, for eyelash and brow payment solutions, marketing illustrations: ‘It’s not huge.’ tools and more.

Sophia Hilton, who owns Not Another Salon in London and runs courses on AI and ChatGPT, agrees that few salons and barbershops are using writing AI – but those that do are ‘wildly ahead of the rest’.

‘They are using it to write marketing emails to their clients, social media captions, read and understand contracts with brands, edit employment contracts, create marketing campaigns, education manuals… the list goes on.

‘Being in a creative industry it’s natural that for some hairdressers and salon owners, writing is not something they look forward to.

‘And because we don’t do it often, it takes three times longer to do anything, which removes time from your business.’

How reliable is AI? But Sophia points out that when using AI such as ChatGPT, you can never guarantee the accuracy of what is written, so knowledge and understanding of the topic is essential. Sam agrees: ‘There is a lot to be explored about reliability and what tools would benefit a salon owner.

‘Relying heavily on an AI online system could cause havoc if it was to go wrong and

IMAGE: ADOBE

– it’s more like a parrot that has heard a few different words and starts mashing them up from memory,’ Richard adds.

TheHair.App asks clients about their hair habits, history, lifestyle and personal style, gets a before shot, assesses hair condition, recommends haircare and in-salon treatments, provides inspiration pictures and then previews the look, as well as managing expectations about different hair types and face shapes. The information is saved to a client’s file and sent to the stylist ahead of time.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

22-26 Ai_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 24

13/12/2023 08:28

A I THE BU SI NESS

25

IN AN INDUSTRY THAT RELIES ON HUMAN INTERACTION, AI CAN BE DAUNTING

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

22-26 Ai_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 25

13/12/2023 08:29

TH E BU SI N E S S A I

26

appointments were lost, or cost you more money if your product inventory management wasn’t accurately recording product usage,’ she adds.

Errol raises ethical concerns, including data privacy, algorithm bias and potential misuse of technologies, as well as job displacement. ‘Our business is built on communicating,’ he says. ‘Eye contact, touch and feel human contact. You cannot replace this with a robot. We calm people with anxiety down, robots don’t.’

He fears that AI may increase human laziness and unemployment, is expensive to implement, lacks creativity, cannot understand emotions and has difficult-to-implement ethics.

In an industry that relies on human interaction and personal touch, AI can be daunting for stylists, therapists, barbers and clients, Sam agrees. ‘Unfamiliar technology will take time and patience to get used to, and there is the worry that AI could eventually take a person’s job.’

The future In future, could parts of hair and beauty professionals’ jobs be done by robots? Laurence Wilson, digital marketing manager at Riva Hair Design in Dorset, can’t see the robotisation of hairdressing any time soon. ‘In fact, I hope it never happens.’

However, he can envisage parts of the job being done by AI, so professionals can spend more time with clients. ‘I can see a future where, as standard, the client’s head appears as an image on a device and the stylist could suggest ideas to the AI that then are rendered together with the client’s head on a tablet, for example,’ he adds.

CASE STUDY

AI IN NUMBERS Global AI in the beauty and cosmetics market is predicted to be worth

$13.3 bn by 2030

5%

About of salons and barbershops are currently using AI to assist with writing

‘Adjustments could be made with input to the AI by the stylist until the client is happy with the “design”. The stylist then works their magic. Where colour mixing is concerned, the AI could then come up with the correct proportions of colour to achieve the right mix and effect.’

Sam suggests that AI styling tools are a great way to enhance personalisation and client satisfaction. ‘They can be used to analyse a client’s face shape, skin tone and hair tone, empowering employees to

EMBRACING AI FOR TEXTURED HAIR One salon set on fully embracing AI and augmented reality (AR) is Niyo Hair and Beauty in Birmingham.

Salon owner Oyin Adebayo, who is also the founder and CEO of Niyo Group (a collection of brands focused on the economic empowerment of black women) has a dream where she sees ‘tech disrupting major industries that are underserved, including the afro hair and beauty one’.

Niyo Hair and Beauty claims to be the first AI- and AR-powered afro salon in the UK and is pioneering enhanced hair salon experiences. It uses a virtual consultant solution called Jora that lets users ‘try on hairstyles’ on their mobile or the web before they book an appointment. ‘The technology enables users to revamp their look in seconds but also recommends styles for the user based on their historical preferences, their style preferences taken from celebrities or influencers, their hair health journey and their hair and beauty concerns,’ Oyin says.

In time she wants the technology to be able to use voice commands to recommend styles for occasions.

‘With the implementation of this technology, I believe the industry will gain a new level of excitement for consumers.’

suggest suitable hair colours, styles and treatments.’ However, to reassure those in the sector that AI will enhance their business, more education and awareness is needed about what it can do, she adds.

Ultimately, many time-consuming aspects of a business don’t relate directly to the art, craft or execution of the service itself, and could be automated and improved. ‘But,’ concludes Richard, ‘our skills and human touch will never be replaced.’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

22-26 Ai_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 26

13/12/2023 08:29

S OF TWA RE T HE BU SI NESS

27

PICK AND

With so many salon software providers on the market, how do you know which package is right for your business? We ask the experts.

WORDS HELEN BIRD

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

27-29 Software_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 27

13/12/2023 08:31

TH E BU SI N E S S S O F T WA R E

28

MEET THE EXPERTS Jamie Mettyear, NHBF board member and director at Mettyears Day Spa, Salon & Café

Phil Jackson, business coach and owner of Build Your Salon

Heff y Wheeler, owner of awardwinning Hx Hair

Penny Etheridge, salon business consultant

‘This wasn’t optimising our time, and when we saw how we could set timings specifically to the duration of each service and still build in cleaning time, we were able to double the number of appointments we did each day.’

Since the research, from Square Appointments, also suggested that 42% of Brits want to make bookings after hours or at the weekend, it seems that some salon and shop owners could be missing a trick by not automating operations.

And it isn’t just appointment booking that can be streamlined with software.

Management processes such as staff rotas, stocktaking and social media posts can be handled quickly and easily using software packages, which then generate invaluable data for your business.

With an abundance of salon software brands on the market, where should business owners start? Our experts offer their advice.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Different providers and packages suit different business types and needs.

Jamie shares his thoughts on the strengths of some software brands on the market. ● Slick is great for both

● Fresha and Booksy

● Square Appointments

hair and beauty services.

The features allow you to personalise clients’ profiles and services, while being cloud based. ● iSalon is a quick and easy booking and point of sale system with newer, cloud-based features. It offers course booking capabilities and appointment options.

offer affordable and free options for smaller businesses. ● Phorest and Shortcuts are great for hair salons, with the option to add on beauty treatments. ● Aesthetic Nurse Software is perfect for aesthetic treatments and bookings – you can add medical notes for each client.

is great for businesses with an online retail store, as this can be linked so customers can order products online. ● Vagaro offers a great all-round business companion as it can also be used with their own accounting software and app connections – making things very quick.

IMAGES: ISTOCK

T

he digital age may not be as evident in the industry as you think. Recent research suggests that almost half (43%) of British barbers, spas and nail salons, among other personal care businesses, are not using tools to automate bookings. This is estimated to translate to more than a day of lost time every week.

Could you be one of those businesses that is losing time and missing out on clients? Áine Lavery, owner of Skin Future in Northern Ireland, used to be. ‘Before switching to online bookings, we offered fewer appointments per day, each with a wide booking window,’ she says.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

27-29 Software_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 28

13/12/2023 08:31

S OF TWA RE T HE BU SI NESS

WHAT TO CONSIDER DO... ✓ Phil: Make a list of the features you need, then ask other salon owners how they use their package, what features are missing, what they’ve tried in the past and why they didn’t like it. ✓ Jamie: Request a full pointof-sale system, general booking with an online booking facility and reports as core features.

✓ Heffy: Research different systems and how they work.

Reach out to brands and ask for demonstrations and to meet the team. It’s so important to try different systems to find the one that best suits your needs.

WHAT’S HAT’S THE CATCH? Is there re such thing as free business ss software – or is there always ways a catch?

Jamie: ‘There’s ere’s no such thing as free e – there’ll always be a charge at some point down own the line. Good software costs, but it should be built into the business budget.’ get.’

Phil: ‘Somebody wise se once said, “If you’re not paying for the product, ct, you are the product.”

I haven’t been convinced d

by “free” software yet – the marketing or reporting is usually where corners have been cut.’

Penny: ‘If you’re a selfemployed operator, then one of the free software providers will do the job for you. If you’re employing people or run a business where you have selfemployed people, you need to be able to benchmark your business busines against KPIs and know k what your product sales p

are against your revenue.

Some free providers can’t do d that.’

Heff He y: ‘I started Hx Hair with £30 in my account and an Instagram In page. Social media gave me a world of opportunities opportu and potential clients. It’s I the ultimate networking networkin tool, connecting you with a worldwide audience audien of clients, brands and other stylists. It’s also your digital shopfront – a free way to showcase your work.’

29

✓ Penny: Make sure you understand the data being generated – I’ve contributed to saving people’s businesses by helping them to understand their data and put measures in place to protect that business.

Sometimes, they’re going over the KPI of what you really should be paying people per what they bring in, or they’re paying out way too much in stock. That information is easily gathered by software.

✓ Heffy: Use video content on your social channels, make your content as authentic as possible and connect with others on social media and you’ll see organic growth. Client-generated content is a great way to share endorsements in an authentic and natural way. ✓ Phil: Shop on features first and price after. Even the most expensive salon software should more than pay for itself.

SHOP ON FEATURES FIRST AND PRICE AFTER. EVEN THE MOST EXPENSIVE SALON SOFTWARE SHOULD MORE THAN PAY FOR ITSELF

DON’T...

Phil: Be afraid to say goodbye to software when your business enters a new phase - nobody’s software fits everyone.

Phil: Be afraid to look outside the salon industry for software. There are some interesting scheduling options that are innovating at a faster rate.

Penny: Be embarrassed to ask what IT jargon means when software providers pitch for your business.

Ask the direct questions: Can I track team performance from this?

Can I benchmark my business against industry KPIs? Is that facility on your functions? It should be a yes or no answer.

RESOURCES ● NHBF salon software guide:

nhbf.co.uk/salon-software-guide ● NHBF Trade member software

systems and apps: nhbf.co.uk/ software-systems-apps

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

27-29 Software_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 29

13/12/2023 08:32

TH E BU SI N E S S S U STA IN A B IL IT Y

NO TIME TO 30

As global temperatures continue to soar, we explore how the industry is raising its sustainability game.

WORDS EMMA BENNETT

F

ollowing heatwaves, wildfires and flooding in Europe, 2023 was declared the hottest year on record. Climate change impacts are no longer a distant threat, and scientists warn that extreme weather events will be more frequent.

The hair and beauty industry has long been criticised for its high levels of carbon emissions and waste – from heating tools and hair dye to single-use plastic and foil waste. Net Zero Now found that the average salon appointment produces

around 3.1kg of greenhouse gas emissions. Its L’Oréal partnership Net Zero Salons, which helps salons to calculate, track and reduce that figure, is one of several initiatives that are working with the industry to help it become more sustainable.

Rosina Robson, NHBF director of policy and public affairs, says salons are doing more. ‘Because of the rise in energy prices there has been a sector-wide drive to reduce energy usage – we found 82% of salons are implementing some kind of energy efficiency.

That’s resulted in them looking more closely at their environmental impact.’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

30-32 Sustainability_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 30

13/12/2023 08:36

S USTA INA BILITY T HE BU SI NESS

BEING MORE SUSTAINABLE COULD SAVE A BUSINESS

£5000 A YEAR THE AVERAGE SALON BASIN USES

158 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY

It makes good business sense too.

The Sustainable Salon Certificate, developed by Southampton University, states that adopting a few simple eco-friendly practices could save a business more than £5000 a year. ‘There’s a growing consumer demand to support sustainable salons,’ said Rosina. ‘And businesses with positive policies find it easier to recruit and retain talent.’

One way to reduce waste is to join NHBF partner the Green Salon Collective (GSC), which collects and recycles everything from plastic and foil to hair cuttings. This year, the certified B Corporation celebrated having diverted more than 100 tonnes of salon waste away from landfill.

BARBERS SAY NO TO WASTE Truro barbershop 1981 opened in July 2020 and was the UK’s first standalone zero waste barbershop.

‘Being in Cornwall, we’re surrounded by greenery and beaches and we see first-hand all the plastics washing up on the shore,’ says owner Damien Diablo. ‘I was living a minimal eco lifestyle with my family and wanted to transfer that into the business.’

Everything in Damien’s shop has been upcycled – from the barber chairs to the stools, which are made of old milk crates. Hair products, scissors and combs are plastic-free, the organic cotton gowns are cleaned locally, and all hair is made into oil booms or donated to smallholdings and allotments for compost.

It’s an approach that Ally Papworth and Dan Hall are also taking at The Tin Can Barbers in Brighton, which is based out of an old shipping container and has its very own hair composter and veggie patch.

‘We wanted to show how simple it can be to be sustainable, using repurposed materials and very little budget,’ said Dan. ‘Every aspect of the shop is centred on sustainability, even down to the product companies we use – including One Society from Hastings, which uses recycled sea plastic in its packaging. We want to avoid being part of the problem and build a community around us that is part of the solution.’

31

THERE’S OFTEN A COST INVOLVED IN SUSTAINABILITY, BUT THE SAVINGS YOU’LL MAKE IN THE LONG RUN WILL FAR OUTWEIGH ANY MONEY YOU SPEND GSC member En Route Hair in Wakefield was named Sustainable Salon of the Year at this year’s British Hairdressing Business Awards. Owner Melenie Tudor has been reducing her business’s impact on the planet since volunteering at an orangutan sanctuary in Borneo 10 years ago and seeing the devastating impact

of the palm oil plantations on the rainforest there.

‘So much of what we buy from the supermarket has palm oil in it,’ she says. ‘I started questioning my suppliers and it went from there.’

En Route charges every customer a £1 green fee to cover the cost of GSC recycling, uses disposable Easydry wood pulp towels, and offers

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

30-32 Sustainability_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 31

13/12/2023 08:36

TH E BU SI N E S S S U STA IN A B IL IT Y

TOP TIPS SAY NO TO GREENWASHING Greenwashing is when a company makes false or exaggerated claims about its sustainability.

The Competition and Market Authority’s Green Claims Code says claims should be: ● Truthful, accurate and substantiated ● Clear and unambiguous ● Shouldn’t hide or omit important relevant information ● Any comparisons must be fair and meaningful ● Claims must consider the full lifecycle of the product.

Karine Jackson: ‘Do an assessment of your salon – look at all aspects of the client a and staff journey and make little improvements.’

Damien Diablo: ‘Start small.

For example, use refill shops rather than buying products in plastic dis dispensers. It doesn’t have to co cost that much extra – if anythin anything, it probably saves money money.’

CASE STUDY

BEING GREEN IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS Europe’s first B Corp certified salon group, Blue Tit, opened its 12th salon in Woolwich, south-east London, this autumn. By using non-toxic, organic Oway products that come in recyclable amber glass bottles, it has stopped more than 8000 plastic bottles from entering landfill every year. It has also saved 1.3 million litres of water waste by using ECOHEADS shower heads.

TOP TIP: Helping the environment doesn’t need to cost the earth, says co-founder Matthew Gebbie: ‘Be mindful about usage.

Turn off the heating at night, turn off taps while shampooing, use only one pump of shampoo, and so on. There’s a lot of waste in the industry and it’s not only having a massive effect on the environment, it’s also costly for the business.’

Melenie Tudor: ‘Make sure your team is on board – explain why you’re making certain changes and stick to your guns. After a while, these things become second nature.’

Ally and Dan: ‘Look at what yyou’re throwing a away the most an and see how you can replace that with more recyclable products products.’

RESOURCES ● NHBF sustai sustainability toolkit: nhbf.co.uk/sustainability-toolkit ● Rec Recycle salon waste: greensaloncollective.com ● Calculate your carbon footprint and create a bespoke

emissions reduction plan: netzeronow.org/hair-salons ● Sustainable salon accreditation: ecohairandbeauty.com/

sustainablesaloncertificate

IMAGES: ISTOCK

32

customers product refills with a 20% discount. Melenie also signed up to Vish, a colour-measuring system that calculates exactly how much colour is needed, avoiding chemical waste.

It can be hard to know where to begin your eco journey.

Karine Jackson ran Sustainable Hair in Covent Garden for 20 years before launching her sustainability consultancy last summer. ‘So many salons are behind – they’re not recycling or doing the basics like turning the tap off when washing hair,’ she says. ‘There’s a lot of great salons out there, and I want to help them make sustainability a part of their culture.

‘People are scared because there’s often a cost involved, but the savings you’ll make in the long run will far outweigh any money you spend. We’re a consumer world, but let’s be thoughtful consumers.’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

30-32 Sustainability_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 32

13/12/2023 08:37

F INA NCE T HE BU SI NESS

Salon and barbershop owners are facing a tough financial climate right now – but there are many ways to make savings and cut costs.

33

IMAGE: GETTY / ALAMY

WORDS KATHY OXTOBY

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

33-35 Salon Finance_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 33

13/12/2023 08:39

TH E BU SI N E S S F IN A N C E

T

Cutting costs There are plenty of ways to cut soaring energy bills. Phil uses disposable towels, resulting in ‘huge savings’ on washing and tumble dryer costs.

AS LONG AS YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS AND ARE PROACTIVE, YOU’LL RIDE OUT THE STORM

Tina’s salon uses low-energy bulbs, heating and air conditioning are on a low but constant setting, and lights and appliances are switched off when not needed – ‘small things that make a massive difference’, she says.

Salv Mulé owns Academy Salons, a five-salon group based in Surrey, and is a business coach and mentor. His salons have sensor lights in the stock rooms and toilets, as well as smart meters, and he negotiated a new contract with his energy supplier after researching different companies’ rates to get the cheapest deal. He has saved 20% on energy costs, with one salon’s bills reduced by £80 a month.

Take advantage of government schemes too. For example, Employment Allowance gives small businesses immediate relief from their National Insurance contributions and could save thousands – see gov.uk/claimemployment-allowance.

Consider saving on consumables.

‘Well-presented refreshments will still give the impression of premium quality,’ says Phil – no need to buy high-end coffees and teas. And there’s

TOP SAVINGS TIPS ● Explore rent options, such

as asking for a reduction or staggering an increase over five years. ● Reduce energy costs by installing smart meters, using disposable towels and low-energy bulbs, and switching off appliances when not needed. ● Do a weekly stock-take to keep stock control up to date and reduce product waste. ● Bulk buy products, including consumables.

bulk buying too: Salv used to buy refreshments for each of his salons at a time, but now buys for all of them using bulk deals.

Other top savings tips include negotiating a better deal on your credit card machine. ‘When we explained to our credit machine supplier that we found their fees too expensive and would need to look elsewhere, we received a 40%

IMAGE: ISTOCK

34

he last few years haven’t been easy, with salon and barbershop owners hit by the doublewhammy of Covid-19 and the cost of doing business crisis.

The latest NHBF State of the Industry survey shows that energy costs are the top business concern ( 79%), followed by the increased cost of trade supplies. Debt is also a problem for more than half of the sector’s businesses. However, there are still savings to be made.

Tina Hollis owns T2 Hair, Nails and Beauty in Sittingbourne, Kent, and is the founder of hair and beauty consultancy The Lonely Boss Lady.

She saved £27,900 on rent and business rates a year just by moving her salon to a property 100 yards down the road. While this required an initial outlay, she says, ‘within 18 months any costs were redeemed with what I’d saved on rent and business rates’. Consider renting out unused salon space, too, she advises.

And explore rent reduction: ‘The commercial property industry is on the downturn, and the last thing any landlord wants is an empty shop,’ says Phil Smith, owner of Smith England salon in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

‘It’s worth asking for a reduction.’

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

33-35 Salon Finance_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 34

13/12/2023 08:39

F INA NCE THE BU SI NESS

CASE STUDY

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IS ON THE DOWNTURN, AND THE LAST THING ANY LANDLORD WANTS IS AN EMPTY SHOP reduction, saving around £400 a month,’ says Phil.

To stay on top of bills, Tina recommends having savings accounts for different expenses, including rent, wages and tax. ‘Every week, I pay a standing order into each of my savings accounts – my “money pots”,’ she says.

Sarah Pigden, NHBF director of finance, suggests being ‘strategic in your choices to save, spend or invest by proactively planning your cashflows for both the short and long term’.

She advises: ‘If your income is seasonal, it is crucial to plan ahead.

Save during busy periods to cover future costs when income is lower, and take advantage of quieter periods to schedule in investments that will deliver future benefit, such as training or refurbs.’

Negotiate with suppliers Don’t be afraid to negotiate with suppliers, Sarah says. ‘Be clear in what you can afford, and clearly communicate your requirements.

‘Build positive relationships with suppliers to help them understand how they can support your business and your needs. Seek lower prices, but don’t forget about other opportunities for savings, such as delivery costs, discounts for bulk purchases and favourable payment terms. Compare alternatives, taking care to evaluate quality and customer service.’

Owners can also negotiate minimum payment terms with manufacturers. ‘When suppliers sell you a shampoo, they ask for

payment within 30 days,’ says Phil.

‘I’ve negotiated that to 90 days – the same deal as some supermarkets.

There are fantastic deals to be had, and manufacturers want your business. We need to be negotiating better terms and better costs.’

However, the importance of investing in and valuing staff is non-negotiable, he notes. ‘There’s a shortage of staff right now, and this is one area where I’m not looking to make reductions.’

He invests not only in education and training, but also in morale boosting measures, including treating staff to an annual weekend in Ibiza and offering financial support when they are in need.

‘It’s your job to keep employees happy,’ he says. ‘If someone is working well and hard with you, that’s gold dust – whatever the economic climate.’

Owners can also show staff that they value them by offering generous commission packages and helping individuals to achieve their career goals, says Tina.

With the cost of doing business crisis showing little sign of easing, many owners will be feeling anxious. However, says Tina, ‘as long as you know your numbers and are proactive, you’ll ride out the storm.’

Concentrate on what you’re good at,’ says Salv. ‘And remember, you’re not alone because everyone’s in the same situation. If you’re feeling isolated, join an online community for salon and barbershop owners.

And don’t be ashamed of what you’re going through. It’s okay to share.’

NEGOTIATE AND EDUCATE Leah Durrant is a salon business coach and owner of Leah Durrant Salon in Chertsey, Surrey.

‘When my landlord wanted to increase my rent by 20%, I negotiated to stagger it over five years. I explained that for me to stay long term those were the terms that would make things work.

‘To deal with rising energy costs I looked around for the cheapest tariff. I make sure appliances are switched off when not in use. I use disposable towels, which helped save around £800 a year on energy bills, as well as savings on the cost of a tumble drier, washing machine and laundry supplies.

‘With refreshments, I provide what people actually want, to avoid waste. I educate the team not to waste products – especially colour, where it’s easy to mix up too much. I don’t need to pay for marketing when I can use social media for free.

‘However, I really value my staff – I pay them well, invest in their training and look after them.’

35

RESOURCES ● NHBF factsheet – How

to negotiate with your landlord: nhbf.co.uk/ landlord-fact-sheet ● NHBF guide – Business finances, prices, wages and profits: nhbf.co.uk/priceswages-and-profits-guide ● Response Business Finance: nhbf.co.uk/ response-business-finance

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

33-35 Salon Finance_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 35

13/12/2023 11:45

TH E BU SI N E S S S U C C E S S

SIMPLY 36

What does it really take to be a successful salon or barbershop owner?

WORDS NATASHA RIGLER

A

ll small business owners dream of success – and on paper, it should be easy. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99.9% of the UK’s business population, so they’re a crucial part of the economy. But despite their founders’ hopes and dreams, almost 20% of new businesses will fail in their first year. Here, industry experts tell us what it really takes to be the best.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

36-38 Good Boss_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 36

13/12/2023 11:46

S UCCES S THE BU SI NESS

AIMING HIGH Life and business coach Jo Irving owns The Loft salon in Reigate.

She shares five important things to consider as a salon or barbershop owner.

1. PERSONALITY AND BEHAVIOUR You need to look at your personality and behaviour traits, because you aren’t just managing a salon – you’re also a leader. It’s important to be authentic, but sometimes you have to hold back a bit. It isn’t okay to say every thought that pops into your mind when you’re a leader. You need to be your best self and inspire those who work for you.

2. BUSINESS ACUMEN It doesn’t matter how good you think your business is – if your numbers don’t work, the business doesn’t work. But while it’s important to understand your figures, I wouldn’t let the financial side of things put you off owning a salon. It’s something we can all learn. The biggest part of personal development is the ability to say, ‘I don’t get this, so I’m going to learn’.

3. UNDERSTANDING THE CLIENT Getting to know your clients keeps them coming back. Our clients are very individual, so

communication is important.

Ensure time is made for consultations and that staff don’t just make assumptions. We also hold a variety of events for clients, which builds relationships and trust. We run coaching events and socials for other businesses and local people, as community is a big part of our ethos.

4. MANAGEMENT SKILLS It’s important to have continual growth as a manager. If you’re alone, get support where you can – lots of distribution brands have courses for salon managers. I’ve held coaching sessions for companies such as Schwarzkopf and Estée Lauder to look after their leaders.

It’s good to get on board with a brand that can support you in this way. It also allows you to get advice and ideas from other salon owners.

5. INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE To keep your team inspired and loving their work, make sure you aren’t just following the trends but staying ahead of the curve.

In my salon, we make time to keep the team inspired with moodboarding sessions and workshops to look at what’s coming down from the catwalk and onto the high street. We’re in the fashion industry and it’s important to get excited about these things. Stylists get bored quickly, but this gets them back to the core of what it’s all about.

37

THE BIGGEST PART OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IS THE ABILITY TO SAY, ‘I DON’T GET THIS, SO I’M GOING TO LEARN’ SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

36-38 Good Boss_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 37

13/12/2023 11:47

TH E BU SI N E S S S U C C E S S

THE MENTAL LOAD

38

Hayley Jepson, founder of The Resilient Hairdresser, runs workshops on burnout and stress, combining her qualifications as a stylist and psychotherapist.

While most people dream of having it all, Hayley says that a hectic work-life balance can prevent this. She recommends owners check their mental health daily and hold monthly check-ins with staff to ensure everyone is managing.

‘Being a good salon owner starts with yourself,’ she adds.

‘Many owners spend a lot of their energy putting out fires – they are in survival mode. But a big part of surviving is creating great cultures and a place where people want to work.

‘Look at your energy levels daily – it’s an early indicator for how you feel. When your energy is low, low mood and burnout will often follow. Behave accordingly. Take things on when you have capacity and say no if you haven’t.

‘It’s also important to model the behaviour you want to see from staff. People who are burned out have more time off sick, costing businesses. We need to show employees that it can be different, which will stop them from leaving the industry.’

THE NHBF VIEW Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, says: ‘Many successful salon and barbershop owners will attribute their success to promoting themselves and being passionate about the industry, their job and their business.

‘It’s about going into an environment they love, with staff whom they value and with customers they treat like friends.

‘It’s about waking up in the morning, taking an inventory of the previous day or week and then planning ahead.

‘It’s about having a passion for those good days, but also having a passion and drive to deal with those not-so-good days too.’

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS Gemma Scullion and Jade Picken opened Scullion & Scot hair salon in Sheffield in spring 2021. This year, they won first place in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2023.

The salon is vegan-friendly and LGBTQ+ inclusive, and Gemma, Jade and the team go the extra mile with clients, such as offering complimentary head, neck and scalp massages at the backwash and hand massages during blow-dries.

Jade says: ‘We want clients to come in and feel relaxed and welcome. We don’t want there to be any boundaries that could stop that.

‘A client recently left a review saying how welcomed she felt and how great the communication with the staff was. She has recommended us to her community, which is fantastic to hear.’

Gemma and Jade didn’t rush into building their workforce of seven – they spent time finding the right staff to fit their ethos, and work hard to ensure everyone is happy.

‘We are keen to avoid negativity,’ Jade adds. ‘If there is ever an issue, we highlight what needs to be worked on, offer our ideas and ask for theirs.

‘We’ve created a family environment, so our staff feel safe when speaking to us. It’s important to celebrate a job well done – however big or small.’

RESOURCES benefits and advice to help salon and barbershop owners to be the best they can: nhbf.co.uk/ advice-and-resources ● NHBF blog – Running a successful business: nhbf.co.uk/reaching-the-top

BEING A GOOD SALON OWNER STARTS WITH YOURSELF

IMAGES: ISTOCK

● The NHBF has a host of resources,

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

36-38 Good Boss_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 38

13/12/2023 11:47

HA IR LOS S : PA RT 1 T HE BU SI NESS

HAIR LOSS In a series off articles on n hair haiir loss, lo osss, wee llook att h how w oo ok a ow to approach sensitive a pproach h se ensitiive hair and h air a nd scalp sca alp issues with is ssu ues w ith cclients. lientts.

39

H

airr loss a ai loss iiss a growing concern g gr owin ow ing g co conc ncer ern n for women fo or ma many n w omen om en and an nd men. Th Thee hashtags #hairgrowthtips #hairgrowt wth htips and #scalphealth #sca alp lphe heal alth th have more ha ave mor oree th than an views 3.7 billion view ws on TikTok TikTo T k combined. And research hair researrch c from professional al hai air brand bran a d Nioxin shows that hair an loss ects people’s confidence, l ss aff lo affects dencee, with w th wi h 90% of women questioned saying sa n that they would wou uld like to see se more mo ore support, support r , advice advi v ce and products p oducts pr t to help with h ha hair i losss or thinn thinning. n ing.

Th is first featu feature This ure in a series on hair haiir loss looks at how w to approach appr p oach conversations conversations about hair issues in a sensitive ve way, as we explore r the he mental health eff ects of hair loss and how to effects train staff on this subject.

WORDS S KEL KELLIE LIE SM SMITH MITH

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

39-41 Hair loss Pt1_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 39

13/12/2023 12:15

TH E BU SI N E S S H A IR LO S S : PA RT 1

The impact on mental health

40

Hair loss can have a huge effect on mental health, says Rob Wood, director of Novo Cabelo, which offers a hair replacement system for people with reversible hair loss.

‘When people first come to see me about hair loss, they often feel anxious or depressed. People take home-based jobs because they don’t want to work in an office where the lighting shows their hair loss.

They’ve alienated themselves from social situations.’

Men who feel insecure about hair loss will joke about it as a defence mechanism, he continues. ‘If they continue to joke about it each time they come to you, you know they’re unhappy about it. If you’ve built up a relationship, I would recommend speaking to them about it when other people aren’t around. Ask them gently if they’ve thought about alternatives.’

Rob adds that women are more open to talking about hair loss. ‘It’s important to listen. If you have a good relationship with a client and you feel comfortable, ask if they would like to talk about it further.’

IF YOU HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH A CLIENT AND YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE, ASK IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR HAIR LOSS FURTHER Recognising types of hair loss

Example of alopecia areata (sometimes referred to as spot baldness)

TIPS FOR TALKING TO PEOPLE WITH HAIR LOSS Ebuni Ajiduah: ‘If you see someone with any type of hair loss, address it but then move on. Treat them as you would any other client.’

Example of alopecia totalis

John Belfield: ‘Be careful about giving medical advice. Don’t go down the road of telling someone they need to book a blood test. Instead, gently suggest they have a chat with their GP, if you feel comfortable doing this.’

Rob Wood: ‘I would urge everyone to learn about what is on the market, from hair replacement systems to wigs, so you have information to share with clients.’

There are different varieties of hair loss, including several types of alopecia. The latter includes alopecia areata, which is bald patches, and alopecia totalis, when the hair loss is across the whole scalp. There’s also female pattern baldness, which usually starts with hormone changes after puberty, pregnancy or menopause, and male pattern baldness, which can start in puberty.

NHBF Member John Belfield, a salon owner and trichologist, says he would expect hairdressers who’ve worked in the industry for at least five years to recognise common types of alopecia. ‘If you have a regular client and you notice changes in their hair condition, such as a patch that could be alopecia, it’s important to pass this information onto them. It’s better that the client knows, in case more patches develop.’

He adds that it’s important to approach hair loss gently, as it is a sensitive issue. ‘Give them reassurance and perhaps recommend someone who could look at it. For alopecia, you could recommend they see a registered trichologist in their local area.’

John suggests having a team member with you, if the client is comfortable with this. ‘This will train other people how to deal with this situation, so they can build their expertise.’

Know your limits Example of female pattern hair loss

If you don’t recognise what is causing someone’s hair loss, you

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

39-41 Hair loss Pt1_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 40

13/12/2023 08:43

HA IR LOS S : PA RT 1 T HE BU SI NESS

may want a second opinion from a colleague, says John. ‘Don’t go beyond your capabilities, as you could misdiagnose someone. For example, trichotillomania*, which is when someone is pulling their hair out, can be misdiagnosed as alopecia areata. If you’re not sure, leave it.’

If you see a child with hair loss, John advises gently speaking to the parents and suggesting they have a chat with a GP. ‘There could be a range of issues, such as family history or long-term medical issues.’

IMAGES: IMAG M ES: S ISTOCK ISTO S CK / SHUTTERSTOCK SHU U

Working with textured hair What about clients with textured hair? Salon owner, trichologist and NHBF Member Ebuni Ajiduah says that there’s a lot of stigma. ‘Black women are often made to feel that hair loss is self-inflicted because of tight braiding and relaxers, when most of it is health related.’

The care given by doctors and dermatologists lacks cultural nuance, she adds. ‘The advice for seborrheic dermatitis is to wash the hair every few days, y , but this feels impossible p for so ssomeone meeon onee with afro afrro hair.’ hair ha ir.’ .’

Because Beca Be cau usee of o tthis, his, a llot ot black women of b lack la ck w om men feel el eexcluded xclu xc lude ded d from o ssalons alon al onss

INCREASING THE MENTAL WELLBEING OF CHILDREN WITH HAIR LOSS Little Lady Locks in Oldham, a charity specialising in hair loss solutions for children, aims to boost the mental wellbeing and confidence of young people with hair loss.

It provides wigs, hair replacement systems and hair extensions to children with hair loss, free of charge. These are made using donated

hair and recycled hair extensions.

Founder Ashley Higgins was inspired to set up the charity after she trialled a hair system with a five-yearold girl and 16-year-old girl. ‘You see how you can change someone’s life. A little girl comes in withdrawn and then and she’s got her sparkle back.’

when they experience hair loss.

Ebuni says: ‘Stylists should find ways to accommodate everyone and make them feel welcome.’

To do this, stylists need to make sure women with textured hair can access the same treatment options as other women,, even if there are some so ome me llimitations. imit im itat it atio at io onss.

Ashley styles women’s hair to cover her costs, allowing her to provide the free children’s service. Some women she sees have also experienced hair loss.

‘It’s important never to make assumptions about how hair loss affects someone,’ says Ashley.

‘As a charity, we promote that bald is beautiful, but there’s a pressure from society to look a certain way, which causes anxiety and stress for children and adults.’

‘Gently explain that you may need to adapt the haircut or not put colour on the roots. By being open and adapting treatments, it helps people to maintain their sense of style and gives them hope.’

41

*Look out for a feature on trichotillomania in the next issue.

RESOURCES ● NHBF blog – Offering

hair loss solutions in your barbershop: nhbf.co.uk/hair-loss ● NHBF blog – Five common hair myths debunked: nhbf.co.u nhbf.co.uk/ hair-myths-debunked hair-myths-debunke ● The Institute of Trichologists: trichologists.org.uk ● Alopecia UK: alopecia.org.uk

39-41 Hair loss Pt1_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 41

13/12/2023 08:44

TH E BU SI N E S S HOW TO...

PREPARE FOR THE What does the digital switchover mean for you and your business? Adam Underwood, sales and marketing director at Salon Comms, explains.

WORDS CLAIRE MOULDS

42

Y

What do you need to think about?

our business telephone number is a crucial communication link with your customers, and it’s about to undergo a major transition.

Across the UK, telecoms companies are preparing for the ‘Big SwitchOff’. The existing analogue telephone network – the public switched telephone network (PSTN) – will be retired and replaced with a new digital system.

Instead of a traditional telephone line, digital phone lines will use your internet connection to make and receive calls through a service called voice over internet protocol (VoIP) – also referred to as ‘the cloud’.

Worryingly, 98% of business owners surveyed by Salon Comms at ProBeauty North and Salon International in 2023 weren’t aware of the change.

3

IMAGE: GETTY

1 2

2025 sounds a long way off, but it’s far better to make the transition sooner, so it’s a smooth, well-thought-out process rather than a last-minute rush.

If you don’t plan ahead, there’s also a danger you could invest in new equipment and technology now that may soon end up being incompatible.

Your current landline provider should contact you before the switchover to explain what will happen and what changes you need to make.

It’s likely that you’ll need to update some of your existing equipment, such as your handset(s) and upgrade your broadband router.

You might also want to explore alternative suppliers, which may offer a service that is better tailored to your needs and budget.

It’s likely that other business services are also linked to the landline – for example your card payment terminal, older broadband circuits, alarm and even door entry system. It’s important to know what else will be affected by the change and we recommend you reach out to all your suppliers in advance to get the full picture.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

42-43 How To_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 42

13/12/2023 08:45

HOW TO... T HE BU SI NESS

BIG SWITCH-OFF IT’S FAR BETTER TO MAKE THE TRANSITION SOONER, SO IT’S A SMOOTH PROCESS RATHER THAN A LAST-MINUTE RUSH

MYTHS BUSTED ● You will be able to keep your

existing landline number ● The call quality will actually

be better with a VoIP system than a traditional landline ● It won’t be more expensive and you may save money.

IMPORTANT DATES ● September 2023 – A ‘stop sell’

was put in place, meaning no new order requests will be accepted for services that use the old PSTN ● December 2025 – The PSTN will be switched off and all UK landlines that have not transferred to a digital phone service will cease to operate ● From 1 January 2026 – All landline calls will be made using a digital phone service.

4

If your business is in an area with poor internet service – such as slow speeds or an unreliable connection – then it’s important to have a ‘plan B’ for connectivity. We’d recommend having a 4G/5G back-up data service in reserve, because if the primary connection goes down, your business could come to a standstill, as this can affect all services that require an internet connection to work.

It might sound daunting but the move to digital phone lines offers business owners lots of opportunities, too, such as ‘audio marketing’. While waiting for reception to answer their call, clients can be greeted with a professionally recorded message highlighting an offer, new treatment or special event – potentially generating additional sales and revenue. If you prefer, you can also record your own messages free of charge.

5

BEWARE OF SCAMS The changeover affects every landline in the UK, and scammers are taking advantage of people’s lack of knowledge and confusion by targeting individuals and companies via phone, email or in person to get them to sign up to a new landline contract or buy expensive new equipment.

They might tell you: ● That your landline will be turned off much sooner than it will be ● That they are a ‘trusted local partner’ of your landline provider and that they’ve been asked by them to help you make the transition ● That your landline will no longer be maintained unless you switch.

If someone contacts you about the Big Switch-Off and tries to sell you a service or new equipment, you should: ● Always check their credentials ● Seek a second trusted opinion, for example from your current supplier ● Not be rushed or pressured into signing up to a new service or making a payment.

43

RESOURCES ● Look out for the new NHBF

guide to the Big Switch-Off, launching at the end of January ● The Future of Voice website, created by the telecoms industry, offers further guidance on the national transition to a digital phone: futureofvoice.co.uk/about-us ● For free advice, call Salon Comms on 0204 506 4510

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

42-43 How To_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 43

13/12/2023 08:46

TH E BU SI N E S S H R S E R IE S PA RT 4

44

Employment contracts aren’t just ‘nice to have’ – they’re the law. So what do you need to know?

WORDS PETER CRUSH

UP LOOSE ENDS SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

44-46 HR Issues_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 44

13/12/2023 08:47

HR S ERIES PA RT 4 THE BU SI NESS

T

aking on staff is the ultimate sign of a successful business.

But in doing so, salon and barbershop owners have a legal obligation to provide new joiners with a document outlining the terms of their employment – their employment contract.

‘Hiring new people is supposed to be exciting but it’s common for small businesses to find employment contracts daunting,’ says Mandy Hamerla, founder of SME-specific human resources consultancy Modern HR. While there can be a risk of getting bogged down in tricky employment law details (such as whether someone is an ‘employee’ or a ‘contractor’), she says that, broadly speaking, most contracts aren’t difficult to design if properly templated (see Resources, overleaf).

‘A contract is just a reflection of an honest conversation between a salon or barbershop owner and member of staff about expectations – presenting terms and conditions around the sorts of things that could get queried later down the line,’ she says.

‘It’s not about tricking anyone, just presenting all the elements all new employees would want to know.’

The basics – necessities On their first day, all employees must be given what’s called a ‘written statement of employment particulars’, which requires minimum key terms of employment to be provided at the start of employment (the full list of basics can be found at gov.uk/employing-staff).

There are also additional particulars that must be confirmed within two months of the employee starting, such as pension entitlement, any collective agreements and training.

Laura Williams, head of team and solicitor at WorkNest, says salon and barbershop owners can ensure compliance by simply wrapping this into a contract of employment and issuing it ahead of a new employee’s first day, ensuring it is signed as part of their induction process.

Some of these basics – such as holiday entitlements – are governed by statutory minimums, and owners need to ensure their contract terms are compliant. For other key terms, such as notice periods, there are also legal minimums (employees with more than one month of service but less than two years must have at least one week’s notice, rising by a week per year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks). It’s best to set these out clearly.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

The basics – where you’re free to set your own terms Some basic terms must be included but aren’t subject to specific employment law – for example, probation period length. Owners can technically set their own probationary terms, and are covered if the new joiner signs it. But this is

THE NHBF VIEW Tina Beaumont-Goddard, NHBF director of membership, says contractless may mean defenceless if you end up at an employment tribunal.

‘By law, employees are entitled to a written statement of basic terms, which can be incorporated into a more detailed contract of employment that will help you manage your staff effectively and protect your business interests if issues arise,’ she says. ‘It’s important to have well-drafted contracts, and that’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you!

‘We would suggest you avoid downloading generic contracts from the internet or use one that is written for a different industry, as these can often be out of date or irrelevant for your business.

‘Templates for employment and apprenticeship contracts are available free of charge to NHBF Members and are regularly reviewed by our employment lawyers to ensure they are always relevant to the hair and beauty industries. They will also comply with legislation and best practice.’

45

TOP TIPS ● DON’T COPY AND PASTE While copying and pasting a previous contract for a new joiner might save time, the law could have changed and certain statutory minimum terms may need updating. ● DIFFERENT WORKERS NEED DIFFERENT CONTRACTS While certain basics will carry over across different types of employee (full time/fixed contract/part time/ zero hours/temporary), each type of worker requires their own specific contract, because some rules vary – for instance around terminating employment mid-contract. Legal advice is best sought in these cases.

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

44-46 HR Issues_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 45

13/12/2023 08:47

TH E BU SI N E S S H R S E R IE S PA RT 4

where ‘the spirit of reasonableness’ comes in, according to Laura. ‘In any dispute further down the line, employment tribunals tend to look at whether it is proportionate, or not to industry standards, or what is expected to be reasonable,’ she says.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AREN’T JUST THERE TO PROTECT STAFF, BUT BUSINESS OWNERS TOO

Specific items to be aware of

HANDBOOK VS CONTRACT Without certain terms clearly laid out in a contract, it can be hard for an employer to terminate employment if they need to. But while it’s tough thinking of everything to put in a contract, there’s safety in the fact that there are ‘implied terms’ that might not be expressly set out in the contract but can be implied by common law or statute. These include things such as a salon owner’s duties around health and safety, creating a suitable working environment, or redressing grievances in a timely manner. These are more typically added to a supporting employee handbook, which goes into greater detail on these responsibilities.

not be paying them yourself, and are not responsible for holiday, sick pay and so on, certain obligations still apply. These include providing a safe working environment and nondiscrimination. These terms should be set out accordingly.

Training: As long as salon and barbershop owners have signed written consent from their employee, they can request that any training costs they incur are repaid by the employee if they leave their employment within a certain period after the training has been completed. Typically, repayment should be on a sliding scale, depending on how soon they leave after completing the course.

RESOURCES ● NHBF blog – Why are

contracts so important for your salon or barbershop business? nhbf.co.uk/ why-are-contracts ● NHBF blog – What rights do your salon or barbershop employees have? nhbf.co.uk/what-rights ● NHBF guide – Recruiting and employing people: nhbf. co.uk/recruitment-guide ● NHBF employment contracts and agreements: nhbf.co.uk/ contracts-agreements

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

46

Owners should pay particular attention to: Non-competes: Employment contracts aren’t just there to protect staff, but business owners too. Salon and barbershop owners have a right to protect themselves against people leaving and working for themselves (poaching clients) or for someone else while employed.

However, this is only up to a certain point. ‘Non-competes are a balance of protecting a salon’s business interests and someone’s freedom to work,’ says Laura. Noncompete clauses are typically three to six months, but the government has indicated it wants to reduce this to three months, so owners should check what the current rules are.

Employee or contractor? Someone hiring a chair in a salon will be an independent freelancer (or contractor) rather than an actual employee. However, while you may

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

44-46 HR Issues_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 46

13/12/2023 08:48

W HAT'S TRENDING THE I NSPI RAT I O N

FASHION OR FAUX PAS? Whether you embrace them or buck them, we take a look at the latest trends.

WINTER WARMERS

SCRATCH PREDICTS SCR Rebe Rebecca Hitchon of Scratch magazine shares the top nail trends mag for th the new year: ‘Expect playfulness and colour to dominate the nail realm in 2024, as the mood-boosting beauty beau trend continues. Fresha and WGSN’s The Future of Beauty and WGS Wellness Report 2024 (see Future Welln fresh) fresh notes that consumers will seek bold, bold joyful beauty – including in the fform of adventurous nail art – to uplift them. We’ve already noticed these requests infiltrating salon environments: the boundaries of nail envir art are a being explored more than ever, and professionals are using the art fo form to express the personalities, passions and personal milestones pass of themselves and their clients. th ‘Chrome artistry will continue ‘C to prevail in a variety of ways. pr This includes within 3D looks and on French tips, and in an abundance of colours: colou bold brights, pearly pear nudes and classic golds gold and silvers, offer ering versatility for fingers and toes.’

FUTURE FRESH FUTU Book Booking platform Fresha teamed up with w trend forecasters WGSN its first trend report: to create cre of Beauty and The Future F Wellness Report 2024. Having W Wel analysed some 600 million Fresha bookings and more than 2000 social media accounts, the report also includes interviews with leading industry experts such as barber and educator Mark Maciver and beauty entrepreneur Huda Kattan.

The report suggests that the Th emerging beauty and wellness eme trends that hold the keys for trend businesses to future-proof busin growth include dopamine beauty, grow prioritised indulgence, pet prior wellness, phygital exploration, welln cultural intellect, modern males, cultu gender-fluid futures, a makeover gend add-ons, multisensory for ad wellness, health tweakments, and welln accessible diagnostics. acces Access the full report at fresha.

Acc com/insights/trend-report/2024 com/

IMAGES: GETTY / SHUTTERSTOCK / ISTOCK / @JVNGLEBEAUTY

HAD ANY THOUGHTS GHTS VE RE ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE READ? TELL US ON OUR SOCI SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS RMS AL @NHBFSOCIAL

We’re not sure if it was the influence of the latest Willy Wonka film, but the hair and beauty trends this season appear to have been themed around the sweet stuff – from the glazed chocolate manicure ure to the cinnamon cookie butter hair. soft, r. The soft, sumptuous and warm shades extend to the ‘teddy bear blonde’ de’ hue, which has seen a 3400% increase in Google le searches, according ng to research by Wethrift rift.

‘Mushroom blonde de hair’ and ‘honey blonde’ were also popular searches, the research revealed. d.

47

REPORT

SELF-CARE A survey of 2000 men and women, by credit card provider Aqua, has revealed the self-care spending habits in the UK. On average…

90%

of Brits partake in some form of self-care each month

£4619 is the yearly spend on self-care

£374,139 is spent on self-care in a lifetime

£560 is spent on nail treatments each year (£45 per month)

£610 is spent on hair appointments each year

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

47 Trends_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 47

13/12/2023 11:49

TH E I N SPI R AT ION MOOD BOARD

48

IS IT INSTA GRAM MABLE? Here are a few examples of work from the influencers who made it onto the NHBF’s Top 100 Index 2023.

@hairbyamyosullivan Drogheda

#87

@thenaildresser Oxford

#47

@annieb1creations Chichester

#91

@stones_hair_quorn Quorn

#74

@hairstylistkristopher Bromsgrove

#83

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

48-49 Instagram Moodboard_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 48

13/12/2023 08:50

MOOD BOARD THE I NSPI RAT I O N

@vsvstylist Leicester

#29

@heff yx Rugeley

#15

@paintbyjaz Battle

#84

49

@paigegrahamhair Wolverhampton

@sh.hair.ne Alnwick

#88

#65

@sarahdixon_hair Lake District

#12

Have you created a style that you’re particularly proud of and want to shout about? Then post a picture to Instagram with the hashtags #salonfocus and #nhbfsocial and your shot could end up on these pages.

@normanboulton London

#28

@gypsyrosehair Sheffield

#70

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

48-49 Instagram Moodboard_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 49

13/12/2023 08:50

TH E E N D 6 0 S E C O N DS W IT H . . .

CAROLINE LARISSEY The new NHBF chief executive shares her career to date, her love of the sector and what she has planned for her tenure.

My previous role at the NHBF was…

50

director of quality and standards, which earned me a reputation as a committed, focused and resultsdriven individual.

I put myself forward for chief executive… because I felt my career achievements and dedication to championing the hair and beauty profession and the NHBF made me a perfect candidate. I fully comprehend and appreciate the diverse industries, people, influences and organisations, ‘diamonds and blooms, thistles and thorns’.

Caroline meeting a salon team on one of her trips

Supporting the hair and beauty sector is my passion... This was the basis at the start of my own career

more than 35 years ago as a Youth consumer-centric, innovative and Training Scheme learner, then diverse sector, and the individuals business owner, lecturer and within it – their resilience and national manager. I recognise enthusiasm are fantastic. the challenges and successes a hair and beauty Outside of work I’m business can face, a total gym bunny… as I have experience, and I love going empathy and real to fitness classes.

ABOUT CAROLINE understanding.

I’m also very into complementary Other positions held: and alternative ● Vice-president of As chief executive, I hope therapies – I’ve to… support Members the Federation of now got my level in maintaining safe, Holistic Therapists three in reiki, so legal and profitable ● Trustee at the Joint I’m a reiki master. businesses. I want Council Cosmetic While I always to raise quality and Practitioners (JCCP) give everything standards and to ● Chairperson, board 110%, I make sure help the sector gain member and ambassador I take time out the recognition it of multiple influential hair, for me with yoga, deserves by promoting beauty and aesthetics meditation and it to the government sector, associated and mindfulness. and highlighting its government groups. contribution to the Recognitions include: UK economy. ● Featured in the Women People may not know… I have in Trade Associations recently become What I love most about the Powerlist 2023 a mum again, to sector is… the passion ● An age-positive my puppy George. and drive, and the fact employer champion He’s a cavapoo, that no day is ever the ● Apprenticeship and who makes sure same – it keeps you on T level ambassador I take him on lots your toes! It’s also the of walks. buzz and the vibe of a

SALONFOCUS | W IN TE R 2 0 24

50 60 seconds with_Winter 2024_Salon Focus.indd 50

13/12/2023 08:51

IS YOUR BUSINESS AT RISK OF UNDERINSURANCE? Having so much going on in your salon makes it easy to rush through your insurance renewal, which can result in underestimating the level of protection you need. We are here to help you arrange the cover that is right for you, so your business and livelihood are protected should the worst happen.

Join over 1,500 NHBF members and benefit from: Dedicated and experienced team Members receive a 10% discount off their total premium Flexible record keeping options Enhanced equipment & stock cover

Equipment and Stock Cover

Our Standard Limits

Our Enhanced Limits for NHBF Members

Equipment breakdown

£0

£250,000 maximum claim limit

Fidelity guarantee cover (theft by employees)

Not Covered

Covered £25,000 in one period of insurance - £12,500 in any one claim

Loss of stock/contents at tradeshows and exhibitions including transit

£0

£25,000 maximum claim limit

"Jensten go above and beyond to ensure my salon is sufficiently protected. I have been a satisfied customer for 11 years I will trust the team to handle my insurance needs for many years ahead!”

Caroline Baughan, Caroline Mitchell's Hairdressing & Beauty Ltd

CALL US 0800 458 8181 VISIT OUR WEBSITE jensteninsurance.co.uk/nhbf NHBF Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Jensten Insurance Brokers Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales number: 08284692. Registered address: Beaufort House, 15 St. Botolph Street, London, EC3A 7BB

SF.Winter24_051.indd 15

11/12/2023 10:23

Become A Novo Pro TRAININ FROM TRAINING ONLY £3 £320* * Based on stylists working with one model + 2/ E MRdR u nENaEXR ufuEbZdX ƓğġĤĞŬ

Quote NHBF100 for a further £100 discount

AFTER BEFORE

Our training includes the following: ť NNRrr uf fvq Wvbb uqEZdZdX {ZPRf ť vbb PE~ fW YEdPrżfd uqEZdZdX |ZuY E bZ{R cfPRb ť qRR ruEquRq aZu |fquY ƓğģĞ ť qRR YEZq r~ruRcr uf XRu ~fv ruEquRPŬ ť qRR bZruZdX fd fvq !EuZfdEb ZqRNufq~ ť qRR NvrufcRq qRWRqqEbr PZqRNu uf ~fvŬ ť qRR ZcEXR EdP MqEdPZdX nENaŬ ť 1RNYdZNEb rvnnfqu ť +qZ{EuR WENRMffa Xqfvn cRcMRqrYZn ť RcMRqrYZn fW !f{f7 + Wfq bf~Ebu~ nfZdurŧ MfdvrRrŧ PZrNfvdur EdP cfqRŬ ť NNRrr uf YZXY pvEbZu~ nqfPvNur ť }nqRrr PRbZ{Rq~ WqfcŬ|ZuYZd uYR 2 dZuZEb uqEZdZdX Nfru ƓĠĞĞĞŬ :fv |Zbb .RNRZ{R u|f . !f{f EMRbf YEZq r~ruRcr |fquY E ufuEb fW ƓĢĤĞ |YZNY |Zbb XRdRqEuR Ed ZdNfcR fW ƓħĞĞŬ ! #/1 EWuRq MRdR u nENaEXR Wfq fdR ru~bZru ż ƓĤĢĞ fq u|f ru~bZrur |fqaZdX |ZuY fdR cfPRb Eu E Nfru fW ƓġĠĞ RENYŬ

learn.novocabelo.co.uk SF.Winter24_052.indd 1

11/12/2023 10:24