Concept Hair Magazine Autumn 2023 issue

HEADLINE SPONSOR

editor’s word

Welcome to another packed issue of Concept Hair. We hope you are all excited and feeling motivated at the start of another academic year. Concept Hair will be with you every step of your learning journey, whether you’re reading the magazine, checking out the website www.concepthairmag.co.uk, or browsing all our social media channels.

This issue, make sure you check out our interview with Victoria Day, winner of the 2023 Learner of the Year competition. We hope what she has to say will inspire you to enter the 2024 competition — it really is a great adventure and, if you make it through to the final, an inspirational and fun-packed day!

If you are just starting on your hairdressing learning journey, good luck! The team here at Concept Hair hopes you love the hairdressing world as much as we do. And to everyone else, keep up the amazing work, an exciting and creative career awaits you!

Matthew Batham Editor

CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk

BUSINESS

PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk BUSINESS

SARAH HERNE sarah.herne@sng-publishing.co.uk

SENIOR DIGITAL CONTENT EXECUTIVE

Let’s Get Social

Keep up with Concept Hair all day, every day through our website and social media channels.

IG TEXTURED HAIR ACCOUNTS WE LOVE

These textured hair accounts are must-follows for inspiration, advice and education.

1 @yenedamtew Informative and educational video content, tips and tricks.

2 @nappstar_nyc Mesmerising video content that we could watch for hours.

3 @curlbellaa

Trichologist Angela provides excellent hair and scalp advice as well as other lifestyle content.

4 @lacyredway

Luxury high-end editorial looks on all hair types that to look at.

5 @4c_hijabi

A gem of an account that provides Afro and Hijabi hair care education as well as mythbusting hyped hair fads.

6 @slidercuts

Honest and real advice on a variety of topics, including barbering techniques, owning a business and building your clientele.

7 @michellethompsonhair

Award-winning texture expert provides nothing but gorgeous curls and glamourous hair.

8 @spookyruno

Bright and colourful hair inspo for all textures. For those who like their content on the edgy and alternative side.

9 @slickback_buttahtoast

Funny, educational and relatable reels. Ethan provides curls for days that you'll be obsessed with.

10

@myajoda

Awesome colour and short hair work. There’s some real hair art here.

A bit of extra TLC can give your social channels a huge boost — here are my tips for growing your social following… and keeping it!

Define your target audience: is it for clients or other hair professionals?

Engage with your audience byresponding to comments and messages

1 2 3 4 5

yourShowcase work with high-qualityphotos and videos, including reels

6

Collaborate with fellow influencers to reach a wider audience

Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility

Make sure they are specific

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS Go

“Showcase your work with highquality photos and videos”

7 Let’s Get Social / Autumn 2023

Run andcompetitionsgiveawaysto generate excitement

Monitor analytics and adapt your strategy accordingly

Post consistently to keep your audience engaged

withCollaborate other businessprofessionals, such as local bakeries and coffee shops, for promotions.cross-

SCAN HERE

Share contenteducational to position yourself as an expert. Don't forget your target audience. Clients will want simple tutorials for creating hairstyles at home and won't understand jargon

Viral

Watch this handy reel on how to ensure you’re always uploading at the highest quality.

Here For You 24/7

Head over to www.concepthairmag.co.uk now, for all the latest news, trends and collections. We’re here to support you! Follow us on social media for round-theclock inspiration, advice and competitions.

@concepthairmag

15 things

about me!

Daniele De Angelis is International Artistic Director and London Academy Manager at Toni & Guy.

Favourite celebrity hair colour?

Margot Robbie’s blonde in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Milla Jovovich in The Fifth Element

Best thing about hairdressing? Making an impact on people’s well-being

Who has been your main hairdressing mentor?

Worst hair cut you have ever had? When I let a friend of mine cut it on vacation

What inspires you?

The most important thing is to have the right mindset, then you can find inspiration everywhere

Favourite colouring technique? Free painting

Starter or dessert?

Dessert — I love ice cream and biscuits

A song you will never tire of?

Queen’s Another One Bites The Dust

Any creative ambitions? To have my work exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery

Styling product you couldn’t live without?

Career highlight to date? Winning London Hairdresser of the Year two years in a row

Biggest fear you have had to overcome to succeed in your career? Leaving my country, family and friends and learning another language

Colour, cut or style? It’s a package that comes together, but if I had to pick one, it would be cut

Most treasured possession? My family

Favourite hair trend?

French Bob

@daniele_deangelishair

DANIELE DE ANGELIS

LABEL.M Sea Salt

Cos Sakkas

Creating PicturePerfect Colour

1 Stay away from the hairspray, too much product will weigh down the hair and make the colour look dull and flat. Start off with a more natural look and build up the product as you take more photos.

2 Take photos of your hair colour against a neutral background - a busy salon can detract from the main focus, while a bright background can affect how the hair colour looks on camera.

3 Get lots of content by taking images and videos from different angles. You won’t get the perfect shot straight away, and shooting at different angles and on different mediums means you have content you can reuse again and again.

whenknowto stop

“Stay away from the hairspray, too much product will weigh down the hair and make the colour look dull and flat”

When you’re creating colour looks to share on Instagram, there are lots of hacks to showcase your work at its best. Follow these tips from some top hairdressing talent.

Ria Kulik, North Western Hairdresser of the Year and Owner, The HairBank, Urmston, Manchester

Ria Kulik

Ria Kulik

don't over-edit images

1

Don’t over-edit images — know when to stop. It’s obvious when a photo has been edited and it’s not a realistic expectation for clients or a real representation of your work.

An alternative to natural light is to use a ring light with a cool white filter. You will need to experiment with positioning and angles. 3

2

Crop the images after you’ve taken them, rather than zoom in. If you do want the photo to be more cropped, then move closer rather than zoom in as the quality will be better and it gives you more options

Simon Townley

When photographing creative colour, natural light works best, but avoid direct sunlight as this can sometimes change the tone of the colour. Have a play in different areas of the salon to find the perfect place

1

2

When positioning the hair to get a good photo, I always angle the client’s head. Stand behind the client and ask them to tilt their head backwards. Then ask your client to place their hands at the nape of their neck and spread their elbows out, then spread the hair over their arms. This makes hair appear thicker, and fuller and really shows off the colour. This is especially great for creative colour and allows you to showcase all the tones.

QUICK QUIZ

What type of light works best for Instagramfriendly images?

Christabel Legrand

3

For front-facing photos, angle the chin towards the collarbone. Ask your clients to close their eyes or look sleepy to give them a more relaxed appearance. If clients are happy to face the camera, get them to look over to the side rather than full-on as it looks more natural.

A Natural light

B Direct sunlight

C Fluorescent overhead lights

Answer: A

Pulp Riot Artist, Christabel Legrand

Simon Townley, Owner Simon Townley Hair, Burnley, Lancashire and Matrix Artist

hair talk

DURING THE CONSULTATION

SCALP PSORIASIS

Scalp psoriasis is a type of plaque psoriasis that can occur on parts of your scalp or on the whole scalp, causing patches of skin to become covered in thick scales.

It would be inadvisable to apply colour to a client with a case of scalp psoriasis as it would be a painful experience for them! Advise them to seek help from their GP or a trained trichologist before they embark on a colour service.

AT THE BACKWASH

PETRISSAGE

Kneading, wringing, skin rolling, and 'pick-up-and-squeeze' are petrissage movements. They are all performed with the padded palmar surface of the hand, the surface of the finger and the thumbs. This is a technique, often used in the conditioning and treatment part of the service.

EFFLEURAGE

This method relies on light to firm circular motions and strokes to wake up the scalp and increase circulation in the head. It can be employed across the scalp, as well as near the forehead and temples to relieve tension while shampooing. It is greatly effective for distributing shampoo throughout the hair.

words & terms

THE COLOURING PROCESS PEROXIDE

Peroxide, developer, and oxidant all have the same meaning. The job of the hydrogen peroxide is to lift the cuticle layer of the hair, and it is used with permanent, quasi, semi-colour and bleach.

LOWLIGHTS

Lowlights involve colouring either virgin hair (hair that has never been coloured before) or previously coloured hair, to a darker shade. This technique of colouring, either through weaving or panelling, adds depth to the hair.

7.34 OR 7GC?

There is a numbering system for colour. Each colour house has its own colour numbering system. However, colour theory begins initially with primary and secondary colours. 7 is the base colour, while the numbers or letters following the decimal point represent the tones.

You’re going to come across a lot of words and terms during your career as a hairdresser. We asked Marie Nieuwoudt, a tutor at Westrow Academy in Leeds, to talk us through some common terminology associated with colour services.

“Peroxide, developer, and oxidant all have the same meaning”

SPONSORS CONFIRMED SO FAR

WHAT IT TAKES?

#CONCEPTHAIR LOY24 LIVE FINAL IN MARCH SCAN HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Seize the Day!

Victoria Day, from South Essex College, is proud to be the Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2023. Concept Hair caught up with Victoria to find out what winning meant to her and how it has boosted her confidence.

The Interview

Concept Hair: How would you sum up your experience of taking part in Learner of the Year?

Victoria Day: Taking part in Learner of the Year has changed my life, and my confidence in my work has increased. My confidence in my everyday life has also flourished, allowing me to try new things and travel to new places. The experience was also insightful, showing me the level of skill within the industry.

CH: What did winning mean to you?

VD: This achievement has opened my eyes to the vast opportunities awaiting me. I didn’t believe in myself or my capabilities. Now I know what I can achieve, I am more open to putting myself and my abilities out there.

be

Confident

“My tutors now recognise that I am serious about hair”

CH: Have you noticed any other changes in your mindset or attitude since winning?

VD: I have noticed that I am more focused on achieving my goals and definitely more confident.

CH: Have you done anything since winning that you might have found difficult before?

VD: Because of my growing confidence, I have found it easier when talking to clients. Prior to the competition, I would hesitate when asked a question about the industry, whereas now I have confidence in my answer.

CH: How has taking part and winning helped you progress with your studies?

VD: My tutors now recognise that I am serious about hair. They are now giving me extra work and clients even after I've finished the course work so that I can keep perfecting my skills.

CH: Has it changed any of your plans for your future career?

VD: In the future, I plan to take part in more competitions, whereas in the past I would have been more wary about doing so. I may also decide to travel with my work in the future. This may be with a cruise ship or just doing destination weddings, for example. I’m keeping an open mind though as you never know what chances, choices, and opportunities may come your way.

CH: What would you say to anyone who might be a bit nervous about entering the 2024 competition?

VD: Honestly, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t make it through to the final, all that matters is that you tried

your hardest. It may be difficult to bring yourself to enter as there seems like such a small chance of winning, however, if you don’t enter then that chance is zero. Personally, I wasn’t going to enter, it was only because my teacher reminded my class on the last day that I did, and look where I am now. Just go for it!

CH: Any tips for those who do enter, on getting the most from their experience?

VD: Try to arrive at the venue as early as you can as you’ll be able to watch the other categories and all the amazing work produced. You'll also be able to watch any professional demos going on and learn from well-known and experienced hairdressers and barbers.

goals

OFTHE YEAR LEA R NER 2024

SCAN HERE

To find out more about how to enter Learner of the Year 2024 and speak to your tutor about registering for next year’s competition.

“I am more focused on achieving my

and definitely more confident”

spotlight on talent

The winners of the 2023 School Spotlight Award have plenty to celebrate. Here’s why entering this hairdressing competition is a must!

A massive well done to the School Spotlight Award winners and runners-up.

K EY STAGE 4: LEVEL 1

1 ST PLACE – Ellie Williams from East Durham College

1

You’ll get to use your skills creatively and experiment with the techniques you have learned during your studies. You can see from the work of the 2023 winners how they took things to the next level.

2 ND PLACE – Leah Owens from East Durham College

3RD PLACE – Ruby Knight from Harwich & Dovercourt High School

2

W inning or being a finalist will help get you noticed at the very start of your career and look great on your CV.

KEY STAGE 4: LEVEL 2

1 ST PLACE – Honey Bean from Helston Community College

3

There are some amazing prizes up for grabs. The 2023 winners walked away with goodies worth hundreds of pounds from our generous sponsors.

2 ND PLACE – Ella Harrison from Retford Education, Retford Oaks Academy

3RD PLACE – Amy Callaghan from Helston Community College

OFTHE MONTH LEAR NER

Learner of the Month is Concept Hair’s IG-based competition which gives hairdressing students and apprentices the chance to win amazing prizes.

Learner of the Month is a great way to express your creative side and win some incredible prizes, usually worth £100 or more. It couldn’t be easier to enter. Just take a picture of a look you have created, post the image on Instagram between the 1st and 20th of the month, tag us in the post @concepthairmag and use

mar 2023 WINNER Apr 2023 WINNER may 2023 WINNER jun 2023 WINNER

STUDY LEVEL: Level 3

SALON: Colby’s Hair and Beauty Lounge

“It’s so easy to enter Learner of the Month, and it’s an amazing opportunity for new and young stylists to promote their work and build up their client base.”

SPONSOR: Denman

PRIZE: Student Kit Bag

STUDY LEVEL: Level 3

SALON: Harvey Taylor Hair, Manchester

“I’m so pleased to have won Learner of the Month, as I love my job as a hairdresser.”

SPONSOR: CLOUD NINE

PRIZE: The Airshot, Original Iron and Clamshell protective case

STUDY LEVEL: Level 3

“I’m so happy to win an educational package sponsored by Matrix, which will help me elevate my skills and knowledge about cutting, colouring and styling.”

SPONSOR: Matrix

PRIZE: Hours of free online education from top Matrix artists

STUDY LEVEL: Level 2

SALON: Woolf Kings X, London

“I always love pushing myself to enter Learner of the Month, to help improve my skill. To win it is a great feeling and validates my hard work.”

SPONSOR: Wella Professionals

PRIZE: A product selection from Wella Professionals

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FANTASTIC PRIZES, TAG YOUR WORK ON INSTAGRAM #CONCEPTHAIRLOTM AND GET INVOLVED

Lauren Davis EAST COAST COLLEGE

Megan Eagling MICHAEL JOHN TRAINING Moi Venn WALSALL COLLEGE Emily Williams ALAN D, LONDON

#ConceptHairLOTM

SCAN ME

@hair._by.Lauren

@hairbymegs_xx

@hairbymoivenn @emilymaywilliams

Afro Hair: Myth Busting Guide

grows at the same rate

Gaining knowledge and skills relating to all hair types is essential if you’re going to carve out a successful career in hairdressing — this includes working with Afro and heavily textured hair. There’s a lot of false information circulating about Afro hair, so we’ve put together a handy myth-busting guide to separate the facts from the fiction.

MYTH 1: AFRO HAIR IS STRONGER THAN EUROPEAN HAIR

Yes, it’s a myth that Afro hair is extremely strong and resistant to damage. Afro hair is actually quite delicate. The tight curls and coils can be prone to breakage and dryness. Understanding its fragility allows hairdressers to tailor their approach, using gentle techniques and appropriate products to keep Afro hair healthy and vibrant.

MYTH 4: AFRO HAIR IS LIMITED IN STYLING OPTIONS

Nope! Afro hair is incredibly versatile, offering a range of creative styling opportunities. From intricate braids and stunning updos to luscious curls and sleek straightening, the possibilities are endless. By understanding the various techniques and investing time in learning Afro-friendly styles, you’ll be able to cater to a broader clientele and celebrate the beauty of diverse hair textures.

MYTH 3: AFRO HAIR DOESN'T NEED WASHINGREGULAR

Wrong! Afro hair requires regular washing, just like any other hair type. Skipping regular cleansing can lead to product build-up, scalp issues, and an unhealthy appearance. So, it’s important to educate clients about using sulphate-free shampoos and moisturising conditioners to maintain the hair's natural oils while keeping it clean and fresh.

MYTH 2: AFRO HAIR GROWS SLOWER THAN OTHER HAIR TYPES

Not true! Afro hair grows at the same rate as other hair types, although it may appear to grow slower due to its unique curly or coily structure. It’s also worth remembering that Afro and other extremely curly hair types shrink dramatically when wet, so it’s usually a good idea to cut when dry as this will give you a much more accurate impression of the hair’s length.

MYTH 5: AFRO HAIR DOESN'T NEED MOISTURE

This is definitely false. Moisture is the lifeblood of healthy Afro hair. The tight curls make it challenging for natural oils to travel down the hair shaft, leading to dryness and breakage.

“Moisture is the lifeblood of healthy Afro hair”

“Afro hair is extremely versatile”

THE CUT & STYLE

An effortless long one-length cut

THE COLOUR

A mix of dark brown with intensive blue accents

BLUE INFINITY

CREA-BOLD Indigo Blue: It is a ready-to-use hair colour that gives you this brilliant bold result thanks to its shine-enhancing ingredients

BLONDE EXPERT Lightener: Must have product to lighten hair, even dark bases, up to 9 lift levels, and prepare the perfect canvas for all looks

CARE & STYLE Smooth

Serum: Our best kept secret to give your hair a wonderful shine and frizz control

Make a bold statement with The Blue Infinity - a daring hair colour choice that embodies optimism and creativity.

This look is the ultimate eye-catcher, and this season's must-have hue. Ditch the old stereotypes of long hair and embrace your individuality with this fearless rich colour.

FEELING INSPIRED...

Discover the full steps here.

Ways I Made it Happen

James Kendell, Co-Founder of Collective Studios in Leeds, recently won the Fellowship Sassoon Scholarship, but this is just the latest in a long line of achievements in his career. Here, James talks about his top 5 career highlights that have helped make it happen for him.

1 FORMING LINKS WITH LEEDS UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB

I’ve had a long-standing relationship with players and senior figures at the club. It started when I was invited to Leeds United Football Stadium to shave the Sporting Director’s beard fully off for a charity event which was filmed for the club’s live stream, LUTV. I’ve been invited down as a guest on numerous occasions since that event. Through word of mouth, my reputation with numerous players has grown, enhancing my longterm working relationship with the club since 2017.

2 WORKING ON RADIOHEAD MUSIC VIDEO

I had the amazing opportunity to work alongside leading session stylist, Josh Goodwin, on the set of Radiohead’s music video for the track, Lift. Having previously assisted on numerous test shoots, Josh was asked to be a part of this and he asked me to join him. Meeting lead singer, Thom Yorke, was definitely a personal career highlight, as was seeing the inner workings of something of this magnitude.

“Winning the Sassoon Scholarship was a lifechanging achievement for me, both personally and for my career”

@jameskendellhair

Achievement and opportunity

3 OPENING COLLECTIVE STUDIOS

Most hairdressers dream of opening their own salon or barbershop, and I have been lucky enough to do this with three of my best friends. This space was created for freelance stylists to express themselves in a safe environment without being exploited financially or creatively. As we come to the end of our first full year of trading, I can say that Collective Studios has created the freedom and space I’ve always craved to take my skills to the next level.

4 WINNING THE SASSOON SCHOLARSHIP

Winning the Sassoon Scholarship was a life-changing achievement for me, both personally and for my career. I see it as recognition for my dedication and passion for hair. My hairdressing journey has been heavily influenced by my previous mentors who were Sassoon trained. I have always strived to attend the Sassoon Academy for their renowned education and now that’s a reality. I am honoured to have been chosen.

5 BECOMING A HAIR IN MOTION AMBASSADOR

Being a part of the ambassador programme for the education platform, Hair in Motion, has been invaluable. Having had the opportunity to assist on an education day in Milan was surreal. Being connected with a team of like-minded and highly talented hair stylists worldwide that supports each other’s goals and growth is incredible and so inspirational.

Create your own customised Trimmer, Clipper or Foil Shaver.

With a choice of 10 colours and personalised engraving, you can customise your tools to suit your creativity, personality, and style.

salon

Rainbow Room International , Glasgow

Life

We find out what makes the Rainbow Room International salon group a great place to work.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Here are four great reasons to train with Rainbow Room International according to Academy Director, Laura Leigh Kerr.

1

We provide a bespoke 8,000 sq ft training academy that is dedicated to apprentice training and assessment. All of our education team are stylists from our Rainbow Room International salons, so the trainees are consistently learning from the best.

2

Our apprentices also have opportunities to assist our art team at live shows and photoshoots, and we give them an opportunity to assist backstage at events, including the TRNSMT festival and the BAFTAs.

3

Our apprentices are an integral part of our business and allow our stylists to work with a high volume of clients while maintaining service so they will be using all the practical skills they are taught in training to assist our stylists with clients.

4

Once a trainee completes their apprenticeship, they will progress onto our three-month graduate stylist programme. This involves them working under me for a month in the academy, completing a target number of models, and then back in their salon under the watchful eye of their salon director, for a further two months with additional model targets. This not only refines their skills but also demonstrates the fundamental mehod of attracting clients to their chair, thereby starting to build a clientele.

“Our apprentices are an integral part of our business and allow our stylists to work with a high volume of clients”

@academyrainbow roomint

MEET THE APPRENTICE

Alana Robertson is a senior assistant at Rainbow Room International and expects to become a qualified stylist before the end of 2023.

Concept Hair: Why did you choose Rainbow Room International for your apprenticeship?

Alana Robertson: Rainbow Room International is an incredible company to be a part of. It’s been in the industry for years and has built up an outstanding reputation.

CH: What makes Rainbow Room International great at training?

AR: The assessors at Rainbow Room International truly support us and genuinely want the best for us. It's inspiring to know that they started right where we are now and have climbed their way up the ladder. They're like our personal role models, showing us that with hard work and dedication, we can achieve greatness too.

CH: What are the typical jobs you do within the salon while still training?

AR: Within a couple of weeks on the job, my boss Laura Leigh Kerr asked me to become her assistant. When I'm not in my class learning the theory behind

hair, you'll find me lending a helping hand, taking care of Laura’s clients. Additionally, I'm always there to support other stylists and make sure the salon remains impeccably tidy, clean, and inviting, creating a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.

CH: Are your colleagues supportive?

AR: When I hit a roadblock with a difficult cut or colour, I can always count on my Rainbow Room International family to come to the rescue. They have my back and provide support to help me overcome any challenges I face. When I conquer a particularly tough unit or any kind of accomplishment, they're right there, cheering me on and boosting my confidence.

CH: What are you most looking forward to about being a qualified stylist?

AR: I can’t wait to build my own clientele and create a special connection with people, where I can showcase my skills and make them feel great about themselves.

yourshowcaseskills

SCAN HERE

To see how Alana spends her day in the salon

“I can’t wait to build my own clientele and create a special connection with people”

HOW TO CREATE FRINGE-ENHANCING COLOUR LOOKS

CONSULTATION

During the consultation, assess where to place accent colours to emphasise the fringe. For this look, a slightly darker all-over colour is used to create richness and showcase the cut, with an accent of darker brown colour used within the fringe section.

SECTIONING

Section the fringe with two small triangles that will overlap each other when styled.

This step-by-step guide, from Pivot Point LAB, a bespoke VTCT learning resource, takes you through a fringe-enhancing colour technique.

Start at the back and apply your chosen all-over colour from roots to ends throughout the hair that is not part of the triangle sections.

Carefully outline around the triangles and hairline.

You can see here how the colour enhances the fringe, and the focal point changes based on the styling.

Process,

When applying colour, where on the head should you start?

A The front

B The right-hand side

C The back

Move to the first triangle and use a back-to-back slicing technique to apply your chosen accent colour from roots to ends. For this look, an intense purple colour was used.

A dark brown was applied to the second triangle using the same back-to-back slicing technique. Courtesy

be Your Own Best Friend

BE YOUR OWN CHEERLEADER

Boost your confidence by using positive affirmations

like "I am talented and capable". Remind yourself of your achievements and unique skills. Embrace self-appreciation and encourage yourself to grow and excel in your hairdressing journey.

FOCUS ON YOUR PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION

Acknowledge your progress and how far you've come, rather than getting obsessed with perfection.

Remind yourself "I am constantly improving, and every step counts".

Celebrate even the smallest victories to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.

MISTAKES ARE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Instead of dwelling on failures, view them as stepping stones to success. Tell yourself "mistakes help me improve and learn".

Embrace challenges and see each setback as a chance to grow and develop your hairdressing skills.

REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE ONES

Challenge negative self-talk by reframing it with positive alternatives. For instance, whenever you think, "I can't do this haircut," replace it with, "I am capable of learning new techniques and mastering any style". Train your mind to focus on possibilities and self-belief.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE

PEOPLE

Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who uplift your spirits. Engage with fellow learners or mentors who encourage you and share your passion. Building a strong support network will help you stay motivated, confident, and mentally healthy.

Positive self-talk is a powerful tool that can transform your mindset and enhance your overall well-being. Follow these tips and become your own biggest fan — you’ll feel better for it!

“Positive self-talk is a powerful tool”

“Instead of dwelling on failures, view them as stepping stones to success”

THE WORLDWIDE STANDARD FOR BARBERS & HAIRDRESSERS

GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER WITH WAHL

SCAN THIS CODE:

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOTTLE

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOTTLE COLLECTION

Hair: Sophia Hilton, Not Another Salon for Crazy Color

Make-up: MV Brown

Clothes Styling: Twinks Burnett

Photography: Chris Bulezuik Photography

The 'Think Outside The Bottle' collection, created by Sophia Hilton, Crazy Color’s Global Colour Ambassador, aims to inspire creative expression, celebrate individuality, and demonstrate the boundless possibilities of vibrant hair colour.

SCAN HERE to view the entire vibrant collection:

VIVA MAGENTA COLLECTION

Hair: Andrew Smith

Make-up: Louise Lerego

Styling: Magdalena Jacobs

Hair Products: Milkshake

Photography: Richard Miles

VIVA MAGENTA

For this collection Andrew Smith was inspired by the Pantone Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta.

“I think it’s a very commercial colour and, with the tone being a beautiful blend of warm and cool, I think the suitability will be endless.” Andrew Smith

The Perfect Blow-dry

Salon and session hairdressing star Ky Wilson gives us his top tips on creating the perfect blow-dry.

1

PREP THE HAIR

Before you begin the blow-dry, make sure your client has clean, freshly washed hair. Use a volumising shampoo and conditioner to give you more body to work with. Be gentle when you towel dry any excess water, as rubbing the hair too much will add extra unwanted frizz.

2

CHOOSE THE RIGHT HAIRDRYER

My go-to hairdryer is the new BaByliss PRO Falco dryer - it’s fast, quiet and lightweight which means it’s really easy to work with. It’s important for your dryer to have multiple heat and speed settings so you can work with all types of hair.

3 USE THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES

You’ll also need a solid round blow-dry brush, and the flattest dryer nozzle for the most concentrated airflow. You can also use rollers or heated rollers if you’re going for that superbouncy finish.

4 MASTER THE TECHNIQUE

As you dry each section, wrap the hair around the brush while pulling it away from the roots. Hold the nozzle flat against the hair to flatten the cuticlethis will give you the ultimate supersleek finish.

5 THE PERFECT FINISH

Cold air can be just as effective as hot air. Use the cold shot button on your dryer to lock in and set the style.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Find friends or family members to practise on until you get the perfect technique mastered. A good blow-dry is a salon staple, so it’s a really great skill to be able to master.

“Cold air can be just as effective as hot air”

@Babylissprouk

keep your clients

Jake Unger, Head of Education at HOB Academy, considers how hairdressers can inspire clients to be increasingly adventurous and loyal.

If we don’t keep our clients excited and inspired about their hair, why would they continue to come to us? They may know what they want to do with their hair, but many are open to suggestions and recommendations from you, the hair expert. Here are my top tips for inspiring clients.

@jakeunger

1 HAVE VISUAL REFERENCE MATERIAL

Mood boards, tear sheets, and celebrity references are the essentials for inspiring your clients. A basic haircut is available from anywhere these days, but how are you going to be different and elevate the clients' experience when they visit you? Choose your references carefully and take into account the lifestyle and aesthetic that picture represents. Again, anyone can make a mood board with Googled pictures. Searching the term “graduated bob” is going to bring up some awful references and ones that are not going to appeal to clients, whereas a picture of Hailey Bieber or model, Elsa Hosk, gives the clients something to fantasise about.

2

RECOMMEND PRODUCTS

In terms of hair care, I would suggest putting aside the issue of cost and focus on what the client really needs. Every client needs a good shampoo as well as a conditioner to care for their hair type, and every client needs a styling product and perhaps a finishing product too. Don’t presume they cannot afford it; it’s down to us to show them the value of what they are buying and the difference between the one you are recommending compared to those available elsewhere. Forget price, and be real with what they genuinely need, and the clients will make sure they have the best products in their bathroom, because they trust you

3 USE YOUR SCISSORS

Our industry has done itself a disservice over the last few years. Balayage and long hair look incredible, however, we have lost our six-week cut and blow-dry and half-a-head clients to a service that could stretch beyond every six months. Encouraging our clients to brave the chop to a Hailey Bieber-inspired bob or a Pixie Lott ‘pixie’ is a no-brainer Not only does the client look incredible and stand out from the crowd, but it is a shrewd business move as this will grow out noticeably quicker, resulting in more regular visits from the client and their friends.

“Mood boards, tear sheets, and celebrity references are the essentials for inspiring your clients”

“Encouraging our clients to brave the chop to a Hailey Bieber-inspired bob or a Pixie Lott ‘pixie’ is a no-brainer”

VTCT provides LAB, an online learning platform from PIVOT POINT. LAB offers a diverse range of resources designed to help you develop your skills and knowledge in preparation for working in the hairdressing, barbering, beauty and nail sectors. You can learn through interactive lessons, videos, quizzes and more.

Ask your training provider if they are using LAB, and get started today!

Discover more about Pivot Point Education at www.pivotpoint.co.uk

For information on accessing Pivot Point LAB and VTCT, check out their website: www.vtct.org.uk

The following exercises have been provided to test your knowledge on a range of skills.

STYLING TECHNIQUES

Answer true or false to the following statements.

Q1

When blow-drying or setting the hair, good elasticity is essential, as without it the hair cannot be stretched into new shapes.

Q2

Pin curls of various sizes can be used to create soft, textured curls in mid-length hair.

Q3

To create a longer-lasting curl, set hair should be allowed to cool under tension before dressing.

Q4

When removing back brushing, the hair should be brushed or combed from the roots to the ends to prevent damage to the cuticle.

Q5

The hair classification will affect the techniques, tools and products to be used when carrying out a blow-dry service.

Q6

Drying the hair in the direction of the cuticles will help prevent damage and bring out the hair's sheen.

Go to concepthairmag.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.

PROMOTING SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

Answer true or false to the following statements:

Q1

The benefits to the salon of promoting additional services and products would include increased income and a professional image.

Q2 Benefits to the client of promoting additional services and products include improving the condition of their hair.

Q3 Product recommendations should be made based on the latest offers.

Q4

The selling process includes listening to the client, recognising their needs, offering personalised advice and recommendations, and closing the sale.

ANSWER

Q5 Retailing is made easier by gaining a thorough knowledge of the products offered in the salon or barbershop.

TRUE FALSE

Q6 An effective retail display should be eye-catching and include the product prices.

TRUE FALSE

COLOURING

Complete the following multiple-choice questions by choosing the correct answer.

Q1

Which one of the following identifies warm tones? Ans.

A Orange, blue and red

B Yellow, red and violet

C Red, orange and yellow

D Violet, orange and red

Q2

Using an antioxidant conditioner after a colour will help return the hair to its natural pH level of: Ans.

A 4-5

B 4.5-5.5 C 5-6

D 5.5-6.5

Q3

Which of the following is the most suitable hydrogen peroxide strength to mix with a permanent colour to lift 2-3 shades? Ans.

A 12%/40 Volume

B 9%/30 Volume

C 6%/20 Volume

D 3%/10 Volume

Q4

Which of the following colours is a base 7, on the ICC? Ans.

A Light Brown

B Dark Blonde

C Medium Blonde

D Light Blonde

Q5

Which of the following techniques would soften the shape and create texture? Ans.

A Freehand

B Slicing

C Full Head

D Block Colour

International

BARBERING

Complete the following multiple-choice questions by choosing the correct answer:

Q1

At what angle should a razor be held while shaving? Ans.

Q4

Which of these is not a term identifying parts of a razor? Ans.

A Tang

B Point/Toe

C Front

D Shoulder

Q2 How many shaving zones are there on the face? Ans.

Q5

A barber can minimise fatigue during the shaving service by: Ans.

A Maintaining good posture

B Limiting conversation with the client

C Reducing the aftercare advice provided

D Maintaining communication with the client

Q3

Which hair type is more prone to developing ingrown hairs? Ans.

A Wavy

B Straight

C Curly and tightly curled

D Straight and coarse

Images courtesy of Pivot Point International

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