FASHIONABLE OR A FAUX PAS?

Sussing Your Socials

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With algorithms changing and social platforms constantly evolving, it can be hard to keep up with what to post and when, but Instagram guru and founder of The Hairdressers Social Club, Vivienne Johns, has suggested the trends she thinks are set to be big on both Instagram and TikTok.

Her predictions include:

● Content planning

● Videos showing your true authentic self

● Reactive videos

● Content packed with value

● Slow, organic follower growth

She also suggests trends that she thinks will disappear from social media, including:

● Scheduling content well in advance

● Curating ‘perfect’ feeds

● Buying followers

● Trend-led videos

● Copy cats

Report Special Relationship

Results of a YouGov survey of 1000 women on the social and psychological benefits of salon visits show that they not only boost outward appearance but also mental health and wellbeing.

Foot Botox

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Also described as a ‘stiletto lift’, the procedure of administering Botox to the feet is gaining popularity in the beauty sector. But it’s not for targeting wrinkly feet, as the name may suggest. Instead, it’s being used to tackle the pain felt from wearing high heels. Yes, people are swapping their gel cushions in favour of the procedure, which involves injecting Botox and dermal filler into the arch and heel of the foot. The aim is to paralyse the muscles and cushion the skin to reduce discomfort. Injections can also be made into bunions and calluses to have the same numbing and dulling effects to help with the pain.

52% say they value relationship qualities with the hairdresser, such as trust, loyalty and empowerment

70% find salon visits a vital opportunity for self-care

Pinterest Predicts

The annual Pinterest Predicts report is packed with forecasts, listing 27 trends for 2023 across 11 categories. The social media site makes predictions by analysing data and searches, and claims that 80% of predictions have come true in the last three years. Make an impact by offering:

1 Gemini hair: Two-tone tresses that mix natural hues with bright shades – think blues, purples and pinks. It’s already being adopted by Gen Z and Millennials.

The data: Blue and black braids +215%

Lavender and blonde hair +150%

Pink and lavender hair +345%

Brown to pink balayage +280%

Multi-tone hair colour +135%

2 Micro makeover: From bobs and braids to fringes and nails, the look is ‘short’. Almond nails are being swapped for short French manis, while long locks are getting the chop in favour of micro fringes, short afros (as seen via Charlotte Mensah) and ‘bullet bobs’ (think Florence Pugh).

The data: Micro French nails +235%

Chopped bob haircut +550%

Micro fringes +110%

Short stiletto nails +80%

Short braid hairstyles +45%

3 Crown care: It’s all about treating the scalp to revive roots, improve growth and incorporate scalp care – particularly appealing to those with short hair or hair loss. Try adding scalp massages, masks or treatments to your menus.

The data: Scalp massage techniques +55%

Clean scalp +55%

Scalp treatment for dry scalp +70%

Natural hair mask for growth +80%

Clean scalp build up +45%

Access the full report at bit.ly/Pinterest-Predicts-2023

Red Rules

While ‘Viva Magenta’ was announced as Pantone’s official colour of the year for 2023, reds, in general, are proving popular right now and influencing hair colour trends this year, say top stylists. And though reds can be notorious for fading quite quickly, you could encourage clients to take advantage of this by varying the shades each time they come in for a top up. Meanwhile, be prepared to see Viva Magenta (a ‘joyous’ shade from the red family) popping up everywhere – from hair, nails and make-up to interiors.

Unique Pampering

Booking agency SpaSeekers has revealed its top trending spa treatments for the whole of 2023. Will you be, or have you already started, incorporating any of these from the top 10 to your treatment menus?

A yoni steam, or vaginal steam, was the top trend, with a 124% increase in searches. The natural remedy steaming is carried out to ‘cleanse’ the womb, and claims to regulate menstruation and ease period cramps and bloating. It involves sitting on a special seat with a hole in it over herb-infused steam that rises up. Niche, perhaps, but it does highlight how specific female-focused treatments could appeal to women depending on their age and stage.

The rising popularity of crystals sees crystal healing massage featured in the list. Crystals and minerals are placed around the client while they receive their massage, to draw on healing properties and help release tension and stress.

Lymphatic drainage facials are up by 83%, with clients seeking to tackle puffy, dull and saggy skin. The facial uses lymph draining massage techniques to help sculpt the face.

51% deem the relationship they share with their hairdresser as close as that of a friend

1/3 said that feeling confident in themselves is the main reason they go to the salon

70% go to feel a boost of self-confidence immediately following a trip to the salon

1

Pick A Side

I believe salons need to either provide a luxury experience or aim for a high volume of turnover (for instance, no appointment necessary for the latter). The middle ground is a dangerous place to be: it has the most competition and the most economic pressure on clients. While salons can’t hike up prices overnight, you need to have a clear idea of which end of the scale you’re heading for in the long term. 2

Work Backwards

You can only set prices if you start with your profit target. Once you know what the profit target needs to be, you can start working back to what your turnover target needs to be. And when you have your turnover target, you can start to navigate pricing your services, bearing in mind your capacity.

About Phil

Phil Jackson has been in salons since 1999 and has seen the industry as an employee, salon owner, manager and teacher. He sees his work as bringing sound and proven strategies to salons.