Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year 2025: Stā Studios
12Meet the Winner
Professional Co-Working Space of the Year 2025: Williams & Hirst
22Talking Heads
A Conversation Around Coloured Hair
26Hairdressing Unbound
Phil Smith
60I’m a Celebrity...
Get Me My Hairdresser!
Carl Bembridge
62My Hair Hero
When Danny Malone met
Mark Leeson
64The Design Edit
The Hair Salon
66What’s..?
Taylor Borthwick
SPECIAL
14The Earth Month Edit
33Top of the Pops
Schwarzkopf Professional
BUSINESS
28Culture Club
Katya Milavic Davies
29The Next Cut
Andrew Barton
30Beyond The Chair
Lorenzo Colangelo
COLLECTIONS
40HOB Creative Team
46Smartest 73
FREELANCE FORUM
51A Freelance State of Mind
Brooke Evans
52Going Solo
Kerry-Ann Buckell
PRODUCTS
55It’s Time to Power Up
Electricals Round-Up
58The Launchpad
The Latest Products
59Step-by-Step
Schwarzkopf Professional
CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION AND CREATIVITY
April is Earth Month, a time to pause and question what kind of impact you are making. Not just on your clients, but on the world around us.
Hairdressing is a resource-heavy, plug-in, product-driven industry. Every colour bowl, every foil, every rinse, even the flick of a switch, is part of the creative process, but with it comes environmental consequence. Sustainability in salons has moved from an optional conversation to an essential one.
From water-saving backwashes to smarter product choices, refill stations, cleaner formulas and better recycling systems, salons are proving that high performance and responsibility can go hand-in-hand.
Stylists are now so much more knowledgeable and sustainably smarter. As hairdressing professionals, you influence purchasing decisions, lifestyle habits and industry standards every day. The conversations you initiate behind your chairs have consequence; when you choose greener suppliers, reduce waste or simply talk to clients about conscious consumption, you are helping to shape a more sustainable culture. And let’s be honest, clients nowadays care - they are asking questions and they want transparency. They want salons and brands who align with their values.
In our Earth Month Special this issue (page 14), we explore how sustainability and creativity coexist, and we shine a spotlight on the salons, stylists and brands pushing for smarter, more conscious ways of working, without compromising on creativity or results.
Professional Hairdresser, Hamerville Media Group Ltd, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.
Editorial & Sales Enquiries Phone: 01923 237799
Subscriptions to Professional Hairdresser are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year –£30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year –£70 post paid Airmail: 1 year –£99 post paid. To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk.
In an industry full of talent, standing out matters.
Winning a Pro Hair Award tells your clients, peers and the wider industry exactly who you are: A leader in professional hairdressing.
This is your opportunity to be recognised for your skill, creativity and business success by an independent panel of judges who truly understand the industry.
BE ON TOP? WHY ENTER?
Because being great deserves reco gnition.
The Pro Hair Awards celebrate all professionals pushing boundaries, from exceptional stylists and colourists to forward-thinking salons, educators and industry influencers.
SIMPLE TO ENTER
We have made the entry process easy, accessible and affordable: 1. Tell us why you deserve to win.
2. Upload your strongest images. (These don’t need to be new or exclusive!)
3. Submit one short video showcasing your work and success.
KEY DATES
ENTRIES OPEN: MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2026
ENTRIES CLOSE: TUESDAY 5TH MAY 2026
JUDGING PERIOD: 18TH MAY – 1ST JUNE 2026
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: MONDAY 15TH JUNE 2026
TICKETS ON SALE: MONDAY 15TH JUNE 2026
LIVE AWARDS FINAL: MONDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2026
HEADLINES
Wella Expands Its Education
Wella Professionals has unveiled a brand-new, studio-based education course designed to fast-track the development of apprentice colourists and support salons in bringing new talent confidently onto the salon floor. Recognising a growing need for additional, salon-relevant training for apprentices, The Next Generation – Colour Edition is a two-day education programme created specifically for Level 2 apprentices who have successfully completed their first term colour and lightening hair module assessment. The course is available exclusively to Wella salons, and it will run across its London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin studios from April 2026.
Andrew Barton Climbs Kilimanjaro for Kidscape
Renowned celebrity hairdresser and charity ambassador, Andrew Barton, successfully reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Standing at 5,895 metres, the daunting climb was undertaken to raise vital funds and awareness for Kidscape, the anti-bullying charity that he has been an ambassador for for over 10 years. Andrew was joined by a team of 40 volunteers who braved extreme altitudes, sub-zero night temperatures and intense physical exhaustion. Together, the group has raised more than £100,000 to support Kidscape’s mission to provide children with practical support and safety.
Andrew Barton commented, “Bullying can leave lasting scars. Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it pales in comparison to what some children go through every single day. If this challenge helps even one child feel seen and supported, it was worth every step.”
RIP Dr John Rainey MBE
Dr John Rainey MBE, Chairman of Denman Professional and Denroy Group, passed on 10th February 2026. As the leader of a proud family business, John poured his heart into every aspect of Denman and the Denroy Group, and he built a business culture and legacy that reflected the deep-rooted dedication, love and integrity that he had for his own family. A remarkable leader, a visionary engineer and an inspiring entrepreneur, John’s belief in people shaped the culture of Denman.
Salon Gold Gathers the Data
Salon Gold, one of the UK’s largest insurers of hair salons and freelancers, recently conducted a survey of 1164 professionals, and the results are in. Over 78% of respondents are confident about their business prospects for 2026 – with less than 5% who aren’t confident and 17% who were neutral. This proves good news in a tough current climate, suggesting that the hair and beauty industry are proving resilient, upskilling in business strategy and understanding how to weather a tough economy.
The majority of respondents said that their biggest challenge is work-life balance (cited by 43.8%) which was well ahead of business issues like finding new clients (24.7%) and managing finances (13.3%).
What’s more, 36% of respondents have added new services to their existing offering, with the majority of beauty therapists (over 60%), trichologists (over 70%) and holistic therapists (over 60%) increasing their menus. Over 40% of hairdressers are also widening their services too.
Lastly, 50% of respondents said clients were ‘definitely’ becoming more conscious about sustainability and product ingredients, with 38% saying clients were ‘somewhat’ more conscious.
2026 Architects of Design Announced
ALFAPARF Milano Professional Architects of Design (AOD), the elite education programme designed to foster high level talent, has announced its team for 2026. It brings together a mix of 12 hairdressers from across Ireland and the UK who will spend the next year learning from industry experts.
The programme recently kicked off in Dublin with ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI, Jamie Benny, and it will continue with lessons from Simon Shaw, Andrea Dorata, Ben Brown, Paul Stafford and Samantha Byrne. The year will then end with an exciting two-day shoot at the ALFAPARF Milano Academy in London.
The 2026 team is: Chelsey Stone, Paul Carlin, Sienna Scarr, Mandy Hogan, Darren Luby, Emily Dunne, Matthew Morris, Catherine Gormley, Lee Hathaway, Jane Stacey, Dan Pryke, Jodie Naughton.
Confident Classics Gets an Upgrade
Designed to provide accessible, affordable education that is available on a local level, JOICO has created Confident Classics – a fundamental cutting system that features nine classic haircuts alongside complementary colour techniques, all based on the principles of Line-Graduation-Layers. Recently, the second edition of the Confident Classics training programme has launched, with a specific focus on triangle shapes. Each class features a variety of lengths that are styled in different ways, providing attendees with useful skills that can be translated into their salon work.
JOICO Head of Education, Danielle Swartebroeckx, explains, “Investment in upskilling yourself or your team is crucial to stay on top of your game –it is very relevant in today’s competitive market.”
Stā Studios is an award-winning, high-end co-working space created exclusively for the hair industry. This brand-neutral, multidimensional studio champions individuality, offering 20 thoughtfully designed workstations, flexible meeting areas, a community lounge, private studios, content creation suites and podcast booths, designed by hairdressers, for hairdressers. Founded by Samantha Cusick, Stā Studios also features Stā Caffeinated, an in-house coffee and matcha bar, and is available for industry education and events.
Where have you put your trophy? It lives at Stā Studios on the bookshelves in the members’ lounge. Right where everyone can see it. A little reminder of what is possible.
What made you want to enter the Pro Hair Awards 2025?
I entered because I wanted to prove that sustainability and luxury are not opposites. Our industry can be wasteful, and I believe we have a responsibility to do better. Stā Studios was built to feel premium, elevated and design-led, but behind the scenes, every decision is intentional. I wanted to show that you can run a beautiful, high-end space and still make conscious choices. That was important to me.
How did it feel when your name was announced as the winner of Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year 2025? Honestly, I was in shock! I was just sat in the crowd, not expecting it at all. When they called our name, it felt surreal. Then it hit me, and I just felt so proud. Proud of the team, proud of the space and proud that what we are building is being recognised.
What does winning this award mean to you?
It means that the industry is ready for change. It tells me that doing things differently is not only possible, but that it’s celebrated. It has made me want to go further, push harder and keep raising the bar. If we can influence even a handful of other salons to rethink their impact, that feels powerful.
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the Pro Hair Awards this year?
Just do it. Back yourself. Tell your story honestly and do not try to second-guess what you think judges want to hear. The most powerful entries are the ones that are authentic. And if you are proud of what you are building, that will always come through.
Can you share any exciting plans you have for the coming months?
We are opening a brand-new Samantha Cusick London salon, which is being designed with sustainability at its core. We are also expanding our sustainability initiatives at Stā, including growing what we are doing with our rooftop bees, who produce honey for Stā Caffeinated. It feels like the next chapter is all about building a bigger impact.
How has winning Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year impacted your business and your clients?
It has strengthened our commitment. Clients love knowing they are supporting a business that genuinely cares. For the team, it has been a huge morale boost. And for me personally, it has lit a fire to keep going. Awards are lovely, but progress is better.
What was your favourite takeaway from the night?
That the industry is full of brilliant people doing brilliant things. It felt like a room full of ambition, creativity and energy. That is always inspiring.
Did you make any new friends or contacts on the night?
Always. These nights are like a school reunion mixed with a networking event. You bump into people you admire and leave with three new ideas and five new WhatsApp contacts!
Most memorable After Party moment?
I actually left early because I had a client the next morning, which is very on brand for me! Sustainable but sensible.
Who had the best moves on the dancefloor?
I am going to politely decline naming names, but there were definitely some questionable moves happening before I left...
Any other comments?
Winning Professional Sustainable Salon of the Year is not the finish line; it is a reminder that we can all do more. I want to keep proving that sustainability is not beige or basic; it can be bold, luxurious and commercially successful too.
Three words to describe how this win made you feel? Proud. Validated. Fired-up.
Williams & Hirst is a multi-award-winning, co-working salon and creative space in the heart of Soho, London. Founded by Ross and Jack Williams-Hirst, the concept was built to redefine what modern independent hairdressing looks like.
Designed as a premium shared environment, Williams & Hirst empowers independent stylists to run their own businesses while being part of a collaborative, design-led community. With flexible membership options, transparent pricing and a focus on professionalism, the space bridges the gap between independence and structure.
Home to over 30 of London’s leading freelance talent, the salon also hosts brand launches, education, editorial shoots and industry events – positioning it as not just a salon, but a creative hub.
Built on the philosophy ‘Work Independent, Not Alone,’ Williams & Hirst champions autonomy, community and elevated client
What made you want to enter the Pro Hair Awards 2025?
We built something different. A co-working salon in the heart of Soho. Entering the award felt like it was backing our model and backing every independent who chooses to work and grow their business with us.
How did it feel when your name was announced as the winner of Professional Co-Working Space of the Year 2025?
Total disbelief for about three seconds… then pure pride. It felt like validation for the risk, the hard work and the vision.
What does winning this award mean to you?
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the Pro Hair Awards this year?
Enter. Back yourself. Tell your story honestly. The industry needs more originality and less imitation.
Can you share any exciting plans you have for the coming months?
More brand collaborations, bigger events and growing our 30+ team of independents. We are also working on getting the wheels in motion on something we can’t talk about yet, but it’s very exciting!
It proves that the co-working model isn’t the future; it’s the now. It’s recognition for business done properly.
How has winning Professional Co-Working Space of the Year impacted your business and your clients?
It’s given our independents even more credibility behind the chair. Clients feel it, brands feel it and the standard rises.
What was your favourite takeaway from the night?
That the industry is full of supportive, creative business owners and hairdressers. The energy was unreal.
Did you make any new friends or contacts on the night?
Absolutely. The best conversations always happen off stage – that’s where future collaborations are born.
Most memorable After Party moment?
Seeing how happy everyone was for each other.
Who had the best moves on the dancefloor?
We think the Pro Hair ladies really let their hair down and showed everyone how it’s done!
Three words to describe the Live Final night? Fun. Inspirational. Unforgettable.
WILLIAMS & HIRST
PROFESSIONAL CO-WORKING SPACE OF THE YEAR 2025
SPONSORED BY
EARTH MONTH The
My Sustainability Non-Negotiables
SAMANTHA CUSICK,
OWNER OF STĀ STUDIOS AND THE WINNER OF PROFESSIONAL SUSTAINABLE SALON OF THE YEAR AT THE PRO HAIR AWARDS 2025
Be the Salon That Actually Does Something In 2026, sustainability cannot just be a line on your website; it has to live in your space. We’ve registered every Samantha Cusick London salon and Stā Studios as official drop-off points for The Great British Beauty Clean Up and installed collection boxes in each location. It opens up conversations at reception, it brings new people through the door and it shows we are not just talking about waste, we are actively helping reduce it. That shift matters.
Reward Responsible Behaviour, Not Just Big Spending
If you are going to run an incentive, make it meaningful. Think loyalty points or maybe a complimentary treatment add-on for clients who bring in empties. It should feel like a thank you, not a discount bin. When you reward sustainable behaviour, you create long-term habits, and that is far more powerful than a flash sale.
Look At the Waste No One Sees
Most salons focus on what is visible – colour tubes, foils, packaging, etc. – but the real shift is happening behind the scenes. Over-ordering stock, over-pumping at the backwash and products expiring on the shelves.
Tighten your systems, track what you actually use and train your team to be conscious. It is amazing how sustainability and profitability often sit side-by-side.
Make Sustainability Feel Aspirational
There is still this old narrative that sustainable equals rustic and not luxury… it categorically does not. At Stā Studios, we have rooftop beehives producing honey for our coffee shop, we use renewable energy and we have refill systems in place. Clients walk into a luxury space and then discover it is deeply sustainable – that element of surprise is powerful. You can be high-end and high-impact at the same time.
Talk About It, but Make It Normal
Sustainability should never feel like a lecture; it should feel like part your culture. Train your team to explain why you are collecting empties, for example. We talk about how most beauty packaging ends up in landfill and how salons generate huge amounts of waste. When clients understand that their old shampoo bottle is not just rubbish but a resource, they get involved. When it is woven into everyday conversation, it becomes the standard rather than a statement.
5 Ways You Can Create Real Environmental Impact in Your Salon
ZOË REES, OWNER OF BLISS HAIR THERAPY AND GREEN LIBERTINE FOR THE GREEN SALON COLLECTIVE
1
PLEDGE to Reduce Single-Use Items. Swap disposable for reusable – think reusable gloves, metal clips and offering shampoo and conditioner refills. One small switch like this can drastically reduce salon waste and expenditure, improving profits as a result.
2
As an eco-conscious salon owner of over 18 years, I want to share my realistic, simple sustainability pledges that stylists can make to create a real impact. No big overhauls, just better habits done consistently. These are five small daily pledges that all add up to make a big difference:
When doing up your salon, be sure to have a good look around first –you will be surprised how much someone else’s trash can be your treasure! We renovated so much of the salon with junkcorrugated sheets and old pallet wood for the walls, left over tiles for the reception flooring, even down to old railway lighting. I always feel so much better when I have found something second-hand and given it a new lease of life...
BROOKE EVANS, PROFESSIONAL FREELANCE HAIRDRESSER
OF THE YEAR AT THE PRO HAIR AWARDS 2025
PLEDGE to Save Water. It sounds simple, but turning off shower heads between rinses, fixing dripping taps and swapping to a water-saving shower head like Ecoheads can save thousands of litres of water annually for a busy salon.
3
PLEDGE to Recycle. Simple changes like recycling cut hair and used colour tubes can significantly reduce landfill waste whilst also
empowering your team to feel part of the solution. Green Salon Collective offers great support to stylists who want to make positive changes like this.
4
PLEDGE to Research Your Products. Small buying decisions make a huge collective impact. Supporting brands who offer refills, have recyclable packaging and use vegan formulas will seriously elevate your eco-conscious business.
5
PLEDGE to Talk About Sustainability. Use Earth Month as a conversation starter to kickstart this sustainable journey and teach your team to understand the ‘why’ behind these changes. Shout about it and be proud of your pledges!
Say Goodbye to Fast Fashion
As part of the professional hair industry, we have a responsibility to try and break the cycle of fast fashion.
I find that so much ‘bleach-proof’ clothing on the market can feel like a compromise – the same predictable, polyester, tunic-style pieces designed purely for function, with little thought for style, longevity or sustainability. At the same time, I saw the wider fashion pattern repeating itself: Collections being churned out season after season, only to be discounted shortly after. That constant production-and-disposal loop is fast fashion, and I wanted to challenge it head-on.
Yes, my goal was to create pieces that are seasonless, timeless and built to last, but I also believe the conversation needs to go further than fashion. The textile industry is responsible for over 10% of global emissions, and as hairdressers, we contribute to that waste through our disposable approach to workwear. I created Jade Hayter to
help shift the industry mindset, and to educate professionals on why we need to change the way we buy and wear clothing.
Because real change doesn’t come from buying more; it comes from buying with intention. And for our industry, that change needs to start now.
JADE HAYTER, FOUNDER OF JADE HAYTER CLOTHING
Growth Has to Be Green
BILLY RYAN, CO-FOUNDER OF TRIBE SALONS
As a salon that uses significant resources, we have a responsibility to reduce our environmental impact. By minimising waste, lowering energy consumption and partnering with suppliers who share our values, we boost efficiency, reduce overheads and attract clients who appreciate ethical business practices. It’s a win-win – for the earth and for us. Here are my top four tips for salons looking for better sustainability:
Sustainability is a journey. Start small, focus on steady progress and develop practical habits that are easy to maintain.
The most sustainable choice isn’t always clear. For example, choosing between single-use, biodegradable towels and reusable cotton towels requires balancing environmental impact, practicality and cost.
While there may be initial costs, the long-term savings and efficiency are well worth it. There’s no need to implement everything at once.
Empower your team. It’s your responsibility to encourage your team to make thoughtful, everyday decisions that align with your long-term sustainability goals.
For sustainability to be a success, it has to be collaborative. During Earth Month, we gift our clients wildflower seeds to plant at home, encouraging biodiversity beyond the salon walls. These simple gestures open conversations, build awareness and allow clients to feel part of something positive. When sustainability is shared, it becomes more than a policy; it becomes a culture.
RACHEL-JENNER CLARKE, OPERATIONS MANAGER AT HARE & BONE
With AEVUM, we made a conscious decision to bake sustainability into the project from day one, rather than adding a green gloss later: From a build point of view, we chose long-life materials and modular furniture, so pieces can be repaired, refinished or repurposed rather than ripped out every few years. All the lighting is LED with temperature and brightness control, so we’re reducing energy draw while still working at a really high technical level for colour. All of our consultations and records are digital, which cuts paper straight away, and we’re very selective about suppliers, looking for brands like evo and easydry that take manufacturing, packaging and refill seriously rather than treating sustainability as an afterthought. Waste is separated rigorously, and we’re putting proper recycling streams in place for colour tubes, foils and chemical containers rather than letting everything head to landfill.
We also think about sustainability in terms of behaviour. Longer, more thoughtful appointments mean fewer corrective visits, healthier hair over time and, ultimately, less chemical processing across a client’s lifetime.
TOM SMITH, CO-OWNER OF AEVUM AND INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE COLOUR DIRECTOR FOR EVO
Stop Binning Hair!
ASHLEY HIGGINS, FOUNDER OF LITTLE LADY LOCKS CHARITY
Little Lady Locks, the children’s hair charity I founded in 2018, is calling on stylists to raise awareness that human hair extensions can be reused and should not be thrown out.
When removing extensions, simply keep them in a neat pile, secure the tops and send them to us – we then sort the hair for usability into texture, colours and lengths. Where the extensions still have some life, they will be used to make wigs and hair pieces for children suffering with hair loss. And where the hair is unsuitable to be used for this, we send it on to the Matter of Trust charity, where it is used in hair matts to absorb oil and debris in oceans and waterways.
Sustainability Starts With People
When you think of ‘sustainability’ in the hair industry, your mind may jump to eco-friendly packaging or refillable shampoo bottles, but for Blue Tit London – a collective of 17 salons across trendy neighbourhoods – sustainability means something deeper.
For Blue Tit, sustainability is about people, and it starts by reimagining what it means to build a career in hairdressing. Rather than offering jobs that burn out talent, the salon group has created a culture where stylists can grow, thrive and feel supported every step of the way. They were also the first salon collective in Europe to achieve B Corp certification, a mark of businesses committed to putting purpose before profit.
At the heart of this philosophy is the Blue Tit Academy, which provides structured training, mentorship and development at every level – from apprenticeships through to leadership. Stylists aren’t just taught how to cut and colour; they’re
also showcase their talent at festivals, on shoots and at industry events. It’s a model that’s attracting diverse new talent and keeping creativity alive for the long haul.
And the results are written in the career journeys of the people who bring Blue Tit to life. Take Areeb Qaiser, for example. She first picked up her scissors as an apprentice in Durham, never imagining where it might take her. Today, she’s a Level 3 Stylist at Blue Tit Streatham, with a career full of festivals, shoots and creative projects. Or Aileas Lee-Porter, whose career began eight years ago with an NVQ and a desire to learn more. Having mastered cutting, colouring and working across all hair types through the Academy, Aileas is now not only a Level 5 Stylist at Crouch Hill, but also an educator, passing on her skill set to new students.
Stories like Areeb’s and Aileas’s show how education at Blue Tit goes beyond technical training, highlighting the positive outcomes of offering wellbeing benefits and leadership support. Of course, Sustainability is also deeply ingrained in the business, and Blue Tit collaborates with charities, diverse and female-led businesses, social enterprises and fellow B Corps too – truly championing community at every turn.
And what’s the result? A salon collective where sustainability isn’t just about recycling; it’s about creating careers with real longevity. By investing in people first, Blue Tit proves that the future of hairdressing can be as kind to its people as it is to the planet.
Sustainability is easier than you think. It’s not hard to start adding eco-conscious practices into the salon; the hard bit is sticking to it long term and doing it properly, rather than just ticking a box.
HARRY ANDREOU, OWNER OF STUDIO U
BLUE TIT LONDON
7 Things Your Salon Should Be Recycling
STEPHANIE BRUCE, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION
✓ Hair: Recycle and compost any hair types and trimmings of any length.
✓ Aluminium Tubes: Recycle your empty colour tubes as well as any other aluminium cosmetics tubes.
✓ Foils: A whole head of foils (or even the foil that you wrapped your sandwich in!) can go in the recycling bin if it’s made of aluminium.
✓ Aerosol Cans: Most hairsprays and deodorants are recyclable, but they must be empty.
✓ Bottle Tops: Recycle your metal bottle tops, commonly found in salons on wine bottles and olive oil bottles.
✓ Drinks Cans: Empty fizzy drinks or beer cans can be recycled.
✓ Foil Lids and Chocolate
Foils: Your Pot Noodle or yoghurt might have a recyclable lid. Do the ‘scrunch test’ to find out – scrunch the item into a ball, if it stays scrunched up it’s made of aluminium and if it springs back it’s made of plastic.
Through using initiatives like Recycle My Salon, sustainability practices are low effort and accessible for busy salons – it keeps pricing low (from just £40 per collection), simplifies the booking process and removes operational burdens that may prevent stylists from recycling. What’s your excuse?!
A Beat on B Corp
Susan Collins Home of Hair
Back in 2024, Susan Collins Home of Hair became Ireland’s first B Corp certified salon, but the change didn’t happen overnight. The brand’s founder, Susan Collins, talks us through the small, practical changes she implanted on the salon’s sustainable journey:
We Chose Purpose Led Partners: We aligned ourselves with brands whose values matched our own, starting with Davines. It’s commitment to sustainability, ethics and transparency helped us strengthen our own standards across products, education and supply chains.
We Reduced Water, Energy and Laundry Usage: One of our most impactful changes was switching to easydry towels across both salons. This dramatically reduced laundry, cutting water consumption, electricity usage and chemical detergents. A simple swap with a huge environmental pay-off.
We Tackled Waste Head-On: From colour tubes and foils to general salon waste, we introduced structured recycling systems and work with the Green Salon Collective to minimise what goes to landfill.
Scrummi
Remi
Cachet
Additional Lengths Ltd, the group behind professional hair extensions brand Remi Cachet, has officially become a Certified B Corporation. The certification applies across the entire Additional Lengths Ltd group, including Remi Cachet, Additional Lengths and Qute.
“Becoming a Certified B Corp business is a powerful, independent validation of the ethics, care and integrity behind Remi Cachet. This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about raising standards and proving that luxury hair extensions and responsible business can, and should, go hand-in-hand,” says the brand’s Founder, Victoria Lynch.
Sustainable disposable towel brand Scrummi has successfully recertified as a Certified B Corporation, achieving a score of 103. This marks a significant increase from its 2022 score of 87, reinforcing Scrummi’s long-term commitment to using business as a force for good. “Recertifying as a B Corp is a powerful testament to the commitment of our entire team to building a business that is a genuine force for good.” comments Founder and Managing Director, Rob Cooper.
Great Lengths
As the first hair extensions brand globally to achieve B Corp certification, Great Lengths continues to set the standard for what responsible luxury looks like in our industry. B Corp status is more than a badge; it recognises businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. For Great Lengths, that commitment runs through every part of the brand –from ethically sourced, voluntarily donated temple hair, to a fully-traceable and circular supply chain. And, for salons and stylists, partnering with a B Corp means offering clients complete confidence in where that hair comes from and how it is handled.
By choosing B Corp Certified brands, salons can align themselves with companies that place, people, community and the planet alongside performance – leading the way for a more responsible future in the hair industry and beyond.
TALKING HEADS:
Continuing our conversation for 2026, we ask experts up and down the country their thoughts on specific hair types, textures and treatments. This month, we have everything you need to know about coloured hair…
DAN SPILLER
COLOUR AMBASSADOR FOR JOICO EMEA
“Achieving perfectly coloured hair is both a science and an art form; there are hundreds of different factors that could affect the final product. This means that the steps that you take before you begin the colouring process are even more important! I always recommend that stylists begin with an in-depth consultation to ensure that the client’s expectations and your vision align. It’s essential to look at your client’s thickness and porosity before you begin the colouring process too. This will determine how well your client’s hair will take to the colour.”
NANCY STRIPE
OWNER OF STRIPE
COLOUR STUDIO
“When it comes to coloured hair, I am an expert in grey blending, and the number one priority when caring for grey hair is always the condition. Without it, the hair can quickly feel coarse, dry and unmanageable, which often pushes clients back towards full coverage for purely cosmetic comfort.
When I begin the grey blending process, everything centres around preserving moisture, strength and shine. I refuse to lift beyond what the hair can safely tolerate, even if that means compromising on lift. I’m very clear in consultation that I will stop before the hair becomes brittle!
Finally, a strong cut and confident style are transformative for grey hair. Letting go of a length that no longer serves them often marks the moment a client truly steps into their grey era.”
ColouredHair
SUZIE MCGILL
INTERNATIONAL
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF RAINBOW ROOM
INTERNATIONAL
“In the process of colouring, hair can often become dehydrated with colours, toners and bleach, so ensuring that extra moisture is injected into the hair is crucial. I’d recommend investing in a good quality hair oil or hair mask that has been specifically formulated for dehydrated hair.
To maintain the colour’s vibrancy, I always recommend that clients use lukewarm water to prevent fading and drying the hair out. I also suggest dialling down the heated styling tools. And when they are going to use heat, I make sure they’re always using a heat protectant – even if they’re only blow-drying. Consistently styling the hair without a heat protectant will leave it wide open to damage, resulting in the colour fading faster.”
VICTORIA LYNCH
FOUNDER AND OWNER OF REMI CACHET
“For clients seeking a colour change without the commitment, I recommend adding hair extensions in selective shades. This is a perfect way to add tone, highlight and dimension, transforming a client’s entire look through the clever placement. High-quality, human hair extensions can come in up to 60 different shades that last up to 12 months, so choosing to add and blend new tones to work with the seasons is a great way to keep clients looking fresh and locked in.”
HEFFY WHEELER
OWNER OF HX HAIR
“Things have been pretty quiet on the vivid front for the last few years, and we’ve seen a lot more clients lean into softer, more natural shades and subtler placements. That being said, 2026 is absolutely the year that vivids are making a comeback! This year feels like a real throwback to 2016, with that unapologetic, retro energy – think mermaid hair, raccoon-tail stripes, galaxy hair and nothing that is delicate or watered down. Right now, people are jumping in head first and fully committing to the vivid trends! We’re seeing a lot of wacky, bespoke placement stripes, pixels and holographic panels – it’s all about that ‘perfectly imperfect’ finish where it looks intentional, but not overly polished. We’re seeing more intricate sectioning patterns, flame hair, red ombrés, full rainbow looks and bold coloured ombrés from root to tip.”
DEAN LAWTON TAYLOR
SENIOR STYLIST AT TRINDER HAIR STUDIOS
“When working on a hair transformation, you really need to consider the history of the hair and what colour applications have been used over the past 12-18 months. This will give you an idea of whether the hair can handle a big transformation and how to go about giving it to them. You also need to consider the client’s vibe – we’ve all had that client that wants to go dark or red, and then six weeks later they want to be back to platinum! So, considering how much longevity they will achieve with a specific shade is really important.”
SIOBHAN HAUG
CO-FOUNDER AND CREATIVE
DIRECTOR OF HAUG LONDON HAUS
“The way you style and care for your coloured hair is absolutely vital in ensuring long-lasting colour. With this in mind, I recommend always using sulphate-free products – I find the Fibre Clinix Vibrancy range from Schwarzkopf Professional is an excellent choice. Something we love to offer to our colour clients in salon is the Haus Mix. This is a luxurious, conditioning mask that contains a semi-permanent pigment that is custom blended. It works to keep the salon colour vibrant, glossy and full of life long after a client leaves the salon.”
ANNELIESE HESSE
DIRECTOR OF HUMANKIND HAIR
“For any colourists looking to grow their skills in 2026, I have three main pieces of advice: Firstly, make sure you have a personal development plan. Don’t just scroll through ‘the education brochure’ and see what’s on offer; actually think about what you want to achieve, then set out to find it.
Next, find an educator that you connect with. Not enough importance is put on this! You’re far more likely to hear, engage and retain information if you’re in sync with the person teaching you. Every time you switch off during a class, it’s money down the drain, so choose someone you enjoy listening and talking to!
Lastly, book things in now. You know you’re going to get busy and forget the longer you leave it. If it’s something you know you want to do, then make it happen.”
THE COLOURED HAIR Product Round-Up
ASP EXPERT HAIRCARE
ASP Puretone is an ammonia-free, dual-action colour that can be used as either a permanent or tone-on-tone colour. With 35 intermixable shades, 10 toners and both a cream and liquid activator, the range offers an efficient solution for professionals to
REVLON PROFESSIONAL
Revlon Professional has recently unveiled its 2026 Hair Color of the Year: 66.66 Bold Crimson Red. Designed for the fearless and unapologetic, 66.66 Bold Crimson Red is a powerful and emotional colour that symbolises the courage to stand out and the energy to embrace change.
JOICO
The K-Pak Color Therapy from JOICO works to extend the longevity of colour and retain moisture in the hair.
Formulated with African Manketti, Argan Oil and JOICO SmartRelease liposome technology, the colour care system works to lock in vibrancy whilst simultaneously knocking out hair damage.
SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL
Discover the new IGORA Fashion Lights portfolio from Schwarzkopf Professional, powered by innovative Schwarzkopf Bonding Technology for healthy-looking, beautiful results. With up to 5 levels of lift, the upgraded range can be used on bases 6 and darker, as well as lifting through moderately colour-treated hair.
AVEDA
Last year, Aveda launched its new Full Spectrum Demi-Permanent Vegan Treatment Hair Color with patent-pending TRIS ColorIntegrity Technology. The range features precise molecular targeting, optimising colour deposition for
WELLA PROFESSIONALS
Created in response to a key client demand of maintaining colour vibrancy while improving the overall condition of colour-treated hair, the new Ultimate Color from Wella Professionals optimises colour vibrancy, alongside enhanced resilience, moisturisation, UV protection and improved manageability.
Hairdressing is one of the most versatile careers – and it’s definitely not all about life on the salon floor. From backstage at Fashion Week to global education platforms, developing product lines and coaching the next generation, today’s hair pros are carving out incredible careers in every corner of the industry. In this new series, we spotlight the trailblazers who have taken their craft into new arenas and found extraordinary success along the way.
PHIL SMITH ON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
When you think of Phil Smith, you think of big ideas, sharp business instinct and products that reach far beyond the salon. From building global salon brands to launching multiple mass-market haircare lines, Phil has carved out a formidable career in product development. In this edition of Hairdressing Unbound, we sit down with Phil to explore how hairdressing expertise can translate into successful products – and what it really takes to build a brand.
How did you get into product development?
I always wanted to do products. I’d worked with TONI&GUY during the early Bed Head days, and I had a fascination with products anyway. Then, I had the fortuitousness of meeting Umberto Giannini on holiday! If I was unsure before, he totally convinced me that products were the way forward.
At that point, I was also competing for British Hairdresser of the Year, and I was the only finalist who didn’t have their name on a bottle. I was approached by Sainsbury’s – would I be interested in endorsing an entry-level hair product?
They saw an opening for me that could mirror the success of Jamie Oliver at the time, who was relatable and accessible compared to the more high-end chefs. I think they saw me as the Jamie Oliver of the haircare world!
Has there been a single moment that you knew you’d made it?
Everyday is a pinch-me moment! I still can’t believe I’m doing this after 20 years. The thrill, the sense of
achievement or satisfaction – whatever word you want to use – still hits home today, exactly the same as it did the first time I ever saw my products on the shelf. It’s a remarkable feeling because it’s just a tiny handful of hairdressers that have achieved that. When you put aside ego and financial reward, I get off on the fact that I’m part of that tiny group globally.
What have been the highlights or most memorable moments so far?
My biggest highlight is the fact my
the first brand on the shelves in Sainsbury’s was massive, but probably the biggest success was hair accessories. I spotted an opening and that really propelled my profile. On the back of the hair accessories, my haircare grew tenfold, and it got me into Argos and Sainsbury’s with electrical products too.
That was the turning point; that was when I knew I had to leave salons behind and focus more on products. Every production line visit is overwhelmingyou’re about to manufacture thousands of bottles of a product with your name on it. I try desperately hard to remain humble and keep my feet on the ground, but I do have moments of sheer excitement. And when someone tells you, ‘I use your product’ – that’s a really nice buzz.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
In the whole time I’ve been doing this, I don’t think there’s ever been a month where I’ve not been under pressure! From changes in raw material laws, to container shipping costs going up and manufacturing costs skyrocketing... it just goes on. When you’re dealing with retailers like Sainsbury’s, you have a duty to supply product when you say you will, or you lose shelf space. But that’s tough when manufacturers tell you production is pushed back eight weeks because there’s an aluminium shortage. Retailers demand better margins constantly. If you put it on a scale: 80% of the time you’re unhappy or stressed and 20% of the time you get little glimmers of achievement –but it’s those glimmers that keep you going. It’s not for the faint-hearted; I estimate that I’ve taken ten years off my life doing products!
What would you say is your secret to success?
I’m not sure I can answer that because I don’t consider myself to have been truly successful yet. When I started this, my
can, then hand it over to a bigger manufacturer to scale it further. Success is exiting – whether that’s for a pound or ten million pounds. The money doesn’t bother me anymore; I just want to achieve an exit knowing that I’ve taken the brand as far as I possibly can. There’s no rhyme or reason to what makes a brand successful, but I’ve always refreshed my brand – appearance, fragrance and story – every 24 months. I invested heavily into that, and I think that’s why it’s survived for 20 years.
What are the traits you need to succeed?
You’ve got to stop thinking like a hairdresser and think more like an investor. If I invest a million pounds into this, how do I get my million pounds back? You’ve got to understand spreadsheets, you’ve got to be competent on a computer, you’ve got to understand lead times, you’ve got to almost be a chemist and you’ve got to know how to hold yourself in listing meetings with retailers.
What does life look like now compared to when you were in the salon?
My early years were wrapped up in dealing with staff issues every day, and trying to find enough money to pay VAT and wages. Today, I’m still doing all of the above, but on a much smaller scale on the salon side. I’m still fascinated by products – I’m obsessed with finding the next super ingredient or innovation, and I’m still working with chemists and manufacturers to test products and develop my pro range. There’s never a day without meetings. All of that said, my absolute favourite thing is walking with my dogs!
Who are your biggest mentors?
Toni Mascolo was my biggest mentor in virtually everything I’ve ever done. When I have a problem, I still think, ‘What would Toni do?’ Also, my dad and John Carne – they were the first two people that instilled personal ambition in me. Lee Stafford is also an inspiration - he’s the last hairdresser I’ve known to exit a brand really successfully.
Is there anything you wished you’d known?
That it’s a long game. And how difficult it is to get a product listed in store. I thought you came up with something and retailers jump all over it… they don’t. It’s very, very difficult! When you embark into product development, you should do it for passion and not for profit. If your only driver is financial, you’ll never succeed. Passion should always come first.
SPEEDY 3!
Give us your top three tips for breaking into product development:
✔ You don’t need a full range; one product can carry a brand. Come up with one winning idea, trademark it, make a small amount and sell it.
✔ We live in a tech world now. If I had my time again, I’d launch online first before going into retail.
✔ Keep your feet on the ground. Hope for the best, expect the worst and understand it takes a long time.
HOW TO BE FEARLESS
CULTURE CLUB
BACK IN 2009, KATYA MILAVIC DAVIES LAUNCHED MYLA AND DAVIS,AN INDEPENDENT, SOUTH LONDON HAIRDRESSING GROUP WITH FOUR SALONS. IN AN EXCLUSIVE SERIES WITH PRO HAIR, KATYA EXPLORES HOW TO CULTIVATE A SUPERCHARGED SALON CULTURE WITH A THOROUGHLY MODERN MINDSET.
As business owners and leaders, we’re natural risk takers (sometimes by default!), but as every business owner knows, not every experience is one we want to shout about from the rooftops. Instead, it’s about learning how best to balance business instinct with calculated decisions and associated risks. It’s about feeling the fear, but doing it anyway.
Becoming fearless in business didn’t come easy to me. I was 19 years old when I opened the original Myla and Davis salon in 2009, and it’s hard to explain just how steep that learning curve was. I found it very difficult to manage a team that was older than me, but ultimately, it was this that shaped our brand ethos. I made plenty of mistakes, but I learnt from each and every one.
Pivoting, not pausing, has been key. It’s a mindset that helped me navigate the closure of our Deptford salon location. We’d chosen the area a few months before Covid hit, but the pandemic led to a real lack of development there. Relocating our loyal team to our Crofton Park salon, a few miles down the road, was our first, most important step before we reimagined the space as an educational academy venture. Here, our apprentices would enjoy a beautifully sustainable space to learn, develop and flourish creatively, with accessible external training provided by our sustainable product partner.
However, despite careful planning, the October 2024 Budget removed the financial support that made a standalone academy viable. We had to rethink... and fast. Without the ability to sustain a dedicated training space, closing the doors on Deptford became the only realistic option, even though it wasn’t part of our original vision. This wasn’t a failure; it was circumstance. What matters is how you react and adapt when the landscape changes beyond your control.
Instead of seeing it as a setback, we’ve integrated adaptive education into our existing
“Managing people within a modern-day salon environment requires a heavy dose of bravery. You’re saying, “trust me. I’ll look after you,” which then requires you to deliver on that promise.”
salons while developing a more fluid, flexible in-salon training structure. This has allowed more team members to get involved and keep the Myla and Davis learning culture alive, but without incurring the additional cost of an academy. It’s been a success in a different way –smaller in scale, but closer to our core values and those of our team.
Crisis is a conduit for change, and how you lead during these times is essential.
Here are my top tips for pivoting rather than pausing:
• Success isn’t just about big milestones or award wins; it’s about the small decisions and affirmative actions we take every day.
• Conflict builds character, but crisis defines it. Challenge and change are an unavoidable part of running a business, but they help you develop a resilience and skill set that may surprise you.
• Momentum matters most. When you pause, you risk losing confidence, visibility and connection with your team and clients. Pivoting and refining your brand offering keeps you in motion, even if the direction changes.
• Managing people within a modern-day salon environment requires a heavy dose of bravery. You’re saying, “trust me. I’ll look after you,” which then requires you to deliver on that promise.
• It’s not about constant reinvention; it’s about evolution. Staying relevant and true to your values in a changing environment is key.
As everything evolves so rapidly, sticking to your business and personal principles is the ultimate bravery. You cannot be all things to all people, but if you believe in your values, you’ll always know which decision to make. For me, it’s honesty and integrity that ultimately make you ‘fearless’. Take the leap and the net will appear...
THE POWER OF SOCIAL OCCASION HAIR
THE NEXT CUT
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, AWARD-WINNING HAIRDRESSER, ANDREW BARTON, BELIEVES IN EVOLVING YOUR CRAFT THROUGH CREATIVITY, BUSINESS ACUMEN AND MENTORING. IN THE SECOND OF HIS NEW SERIES, ANDREW SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON CREATING AND MONETISING SOCIAL OCCASION HAIR.
Social occasion hair has always been part of salon life, but today it’s one of the most exciting spaces for creativity and commercial growth. From proms and parties to weddings, festivals and milestone celebrations, these moments matter to clients, and they’re willing to invest when the experience feels special.
Too often, occasion styling is treated as an afterthought rather than a core business category. When approached strategically, it can elevate your brand, boost profitability and turn one-off appointments into loyal, long-term clients.
Occasion hair is no longer just polished updos and wedding blow-dries. Today’s clients move fluidly between looks – sleek one weekend, bohemian the next, edgy and expressive at festivals, then refined again for events.
Festival hair in particular has transformed the category. It’s younger, more experimental and heavily influenced by fashion, music and social media. Crucially, however, it still demands professional skill. Longevity, comfort and individuality matter just as much as visual impact. By positioning festival hair alongside proms, parties and weddings, you can attract a younger, trend-led audience, create seasonal demand outside traditional peaks and showcase your creativity in a highly shareable way. Remember, it’s not a separate service; it’s part of the same occasion mindset.
It’s also important to realise that trends don’t come from scrolling endlessly and copying looks; they come from understanding direction. Across social and festival hair right now, we’re seeing: Texture over perfection; hair that looks styled but effortless; personalised details, braids, embellishments and accessories; a move away from ‘same look, different client’.
I like to build seasonal trends boards for my team, something physical that highlights the wearable versions of these editorial trends. These are a great way of instilling creative confidence in your stylists. Remember, clients always trust experts who know what works now.
“When clients understand what they’re buying, price becomes secondary. Occasion hair, especially festival hair, is marketing gold. It’s visual, emotional and made to be shared.”
However, trend forecasting should always ask one question: How does this translate to a real client, in real life, for hours on end? If your menu still says, ‘Hair up – £X’, you’re leaving money on the table. Occasion hair should be structured around the experience, not the time. Some more effective ways of wording your menu could be:
• Event and Party Styling – polished looks for birthdays, dinners and celebrations.
• Festival Styling – expressive, trend-led looks designed to last all day.
• Signature Occasion Hair –personalised styling with consultation.
• Luxury Occasion Experience –prep, consultation, styling and finishing touches.
This leaves room for potential add-ons, giving you the chance to increase profitability across all occasions:
• Blow-dry or prep packages.
• Hair glossing or conditioning before the event.
• Accessories, embellishments or extensions.
• Early-morning or out-of-hours bookings.
When clients understand what they’re buying, price becomes secondary. Occasion hair, especially festival hair, is marketing gold. It’s visual, emotional and made to be shared.
So, when it comes to social media, occasion hair thrives on: Short-form video, before-and-after transformations, behind-the-scenes creativity and stylist personality.
Don’t just show the finished look, talk about its durability, comfort, weather and dance resistance and how the style holds up in real life. Clients want reassurance as much as inspiration. If you look confident, they feel confident booking.
Social occasion hair is where artistry meets opportunity. It’s expressive, visible and profitable when treated with intention. By forecasting trends, structuring services, marketing seasonally and building loyalty, you turn one-off moments into a sustainable revenue stream. This is the future of occasion hair: Creative, confident and commercially smart...
LESSONS FROM THE MATRIX
BEYOND THE CHAIR:
WHAT OTHER INDUSTRIES CAN TEACH US ABOUT RUNNING A SALON
LORENZO COLANGELO HAS RUN THE GALLERY IN KENT FOR 30 YEARS – A SALON THAT WAS CROWNED PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENT SALON OF THE YEAR 2025 (SPONSORED BY WELLA PROFESSIONALS) AT THE PRO HAIR AWARDS. IN THIS SERIES, HE TELLS US ALL ABOUT THE SURPRISING LESSONS HE’S LEARNT ABOUT SALON OWNERSHIP THROUGH LOOKING OUTSIDE THE HAIR INDUSTRY.
I’ve had a number of salons reach out to me recently asking for help, and something keeps coming up that genuinely surprises me. Lots of salons are setting targets around what an individual wants to earn, not what the business actually needs. And for me, that’s backwards. If you’re not looking after the business, you’re not really looking after anything at all. One of the tools I use a lot with my team is a matrix. I didn’t invent it – it’s adapted from business models that exist well outside hairdressing, including the Boston Matrix – but we’ve made it relevant to salon life. And I can tell you, it’s been a real eye-opener.
At its simplest, the matrix looks at two things: value to the customer and value to the business. And within that, we place our team into four very clear categories:
At the bottom left, you have the Order Taker. This is where most people start (and where many stay). A client says, “I just want an inch off,” and that’s exactly what they get. No challenge, no deeper consultation, no real thinking about hair health or long-term journey. It’s not wrong, but it’s transactional. You’re taking an order, not acting as a trusted advisor.
At the bottom right, you have the Pleaser and Giver. High value to the client, low value to the business. This is the stylist who wants everyone to be happy – adds treatments, gives things away, forgets to put items on the bill, avoids retail conversations. Clients love them, but the business suffers. You’d be surprised how many people sit here without realising it.
At the top left is the Hard Seller. High value to the business, low value to the client. Targets are hit, products are pushed – but trust is low. In the short term, it can look successful. In the long term, clients leave. People can feel when they’re being sold to, rather than advised.
And then there’s the top right – the place we want everyone to get to – the Partner. High value to the customer and high value to the business.
This is where professional advice, creativity and commercial awareness all meet. The client feels looked after, not sold to. The business thrives. Everyone wins.
What I ask my team to do is place themselves honestly within this matrix. Why are your clients loyal but your figures low? Why are your sales high but your rebooking is poor? The answers are often right there.
We’ve even adapted the model further. There’s one category that doesn’t belong anywhere on the matrix – the Negative Influencer. The person who dismisses retail, resists change and undermines belief systems. You simply can’t carry that energy in a business. If someone isn’t aligned with what you’re trying to build, they don’t belong on the journey.
What’s important to understand is that everyone starts as an Order Taker. Progression often means accidentally slipping into the Pleaser role because people feel uncomfortable charging or owning their value, but clients don’t come to us for half an inch off; they come for expertise, advice and experience. They want professional guidance – that’s the job.
Right now, retail in our industry has dropped dramatically, but if we want to grow without exhausting our teams, we have to think differently. That means innovation, experience-led value and helping our people become true partners in the business – not order takers, not hard sellers, not givers who burn themselves out.
When a client is sitting in your chair, they’re not a cold lead; they’re already invested. The question is: What are we offering them in that moment? What is the minimum or the maximum value we genuinely believe in?
For me, this matrix has become a simple but powerful way of aligning people, purpose and performance. And once your team understand where they sit and where they’re heading, everything becomes much clearer.
EDUCATION THAT MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE
The way hairdressers learn, engage and grow is changing dramatically. For Rio Agor-Watts, Head of Education at Revlon Professional, it’s no longer about a
“Hairdressers need education that genuinely meets them where they are right now,” says Rio. “If you’re feeling stale, stuck or in need of a spark, learning something new –whether that’s a technique, an idea or a different way of looking at your work – can completely refresh your mindset.”
Crucially, Rio believes education must reflect the diversity of the people it serves. “Education shouldn’t feel exclusive or intimidating; it should feel like it fits you,” she explains. “We all learn differently. Some people want fast-paced delivery, some need time to absorb, and for many neurodivergent creatives, feeling supported and understood makes a huge difference. Accessibility isn’t optional; it’s essential. Education should make sense to everyone.”
That belief underpins the structure of Revlon Professional’s education offering. From face-to-face academy learning and in-salon sessions to the ‘AlwaysOn’ digital platform, collaborative Look & Learn seminars, Mega Sessions and even live streaming via Meta Ray-Ban technology, the approach is intentionally flexible. “Education should adapt to the learner, not the other way around,” Rio adds.
Since stepping into her role, Rio has focused on elevating not just the course content, but the people delivering it. “Education has to be relevant, helpful and supportive,” she explains. “To build that level of quality and care, you have to love what you do – and that love sits at the core of every programme we create.”
For Rio, the true power of education goes far beyond technical skill. “I’ve always believed education is the key that unlocks confidence,” she says. “It shapes mindset, builds belief and helps people achieve things they didn’t think were possible. Techniques will evolve, trends will come and go, but the way we make people feel when we share knowledge is priceless.”
Integrity also shows up in how education respects hairdressers’ time, energy and investment. “Education should be a healthy habit, not the last thing on a to-do list,” Rio says. “With rising costs and constant change, I understand why training can get delayed, but skipping education is one of the biggest disservices we can do to ourselves creatively.”
Staying relevant in a saturated education landscape requires clarity. “We stay anchored to our core values while being agile and unafraid to think differently,” she explains. “We track trends, we innovate, but most importantly we stay connected. Revlon Professional has always been a brand for the people.”
Looking ahead, Rio is excited by programmes designed to actively move careers forward. From Visionaries: Re:Mastered, an exclusive mentorship programme offering industry exposure, to the Colour Specialist Course, delivering deep technical mastery and new opportunities, the focus is clear.
“These programmes don’t just teach – they transform.”
Ultimately, Rio hopes every hairdresser leaves Revlon Professional education feeling something meaningful. “I want them to feel their time was truly well spent. That they learnt something exciting, felt supported, connected with others and had fun. Most of all, I want them to feel that we genuinely care.”
To learn more or to become a Revlon Professional stockist, visit www.revlonprofessional.com/contact
ETHICAL LUXURY
GREAT LENGTHS DEMONSTRATES HOW ETHICAL BEAUTY, TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE AND COMMERCIAL SUCCESS CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER.
When it comes to extensions, today’s clients are buying into more than length or volume; they are investing in quality, longevity and a brand ethos that reflects their personal values. With Great Lengths, stylists know that beautiful hair will never come at the expense of performance, integrity or responsibility.
Luxury Without Compromise
Great Lengths has long championed the concept of luxury without compromise, developing extension systems that combine technical precision with discreet, wearable results.
The Pre-Bonded Keratin Extensions are engineered using flexible GL Keratin bonds that support natural movement and long-term wear. Designed to blend seamlessly with the client’s own hair, the system allows stylists to create transformations that feel authentic rather than constructed.
Alongside this sits GL Tapes Natural Cut, a system developed to deliver ultra-natural finishes through tapered construction and bespoke layering. The design removes harsh lines and helps create soft, contemporary silhouettes.
Salon Support
Through its Certified Salon programme, Great Lengths supports hairdressers with advanced technical education, consultation training and business development resources. Rather than simply adding extensions to the service menu, the focus is on helping salons building real extensions expertise to enhance client trust and support long-term profitability. And new for this year, Great Lengths has included a Foundation Cutting Course, designed to improve the final shape, blend and wearability of extension services through considered cutting techniques.
Sustainable Values
Ethical beauty has become a defining factor in client decision-making.
Great Lengths was the first hair extensions brand globally to achieve B Corp certification, recognising its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
The certification reflects a business model built around long-term responsibility rather than short-term gain, covering areas from community investment and employee welfare to supply chain integrity.
Central to this is Great Lengths circular sourcing philosophy. All hair is ethically obtained through voluntary donations made during the traditional Hindu practice of ‘Tonsuring’ in Indian temples, where participation is entirely consent-based. Proceeds are reinvested into supporting local communities, while rigorous traceability standards ensure premium quality without ethical compromise.
Circular Beauty
The lifecycle of Great Lengths extensions continues beyond the salon. Through its partnership with The Little Princess Trust, clients can donate extensions once they have finished with them. The donated hair is transformed into wigs and provided free of charge to children and young people experiencing medical hair loss.
A Thought for Earth Month
As the industry continues to move towards responsible luxury, Great Lengths demonstrates that sustainability, creativity and commercial success can go hand-in-hand.
TOP OF THE POPS
POP ICONS by the Schwarzkopf Professional UK Ambassadors
At Schwarzkopf Professional, we are the AUTHORITY IN COLOUR and the go-to partner in building a business that is as commercially sharp as it is creative.
To celebrate, we’ve dropped a brand-new collection inspired by the world’s most influential pop icons. Our UK Ambassadors paired up on set to reimagine legendary looks through a modern lens, blending pop culture trends with commercial styles.
From bold transformations to versatile colour worlds, these looks are designed to inspire. Who is your pop icon?
Siobhan Haug, Kevin Kahan, Rick Roberts, Tim Scott-Wright, Ashley Gamble, Suzie McGill, Debbie Gee, Sharon Malcolm, Gary Taylor, Sophie Gibson, Philipp Haug. Photography: Michael Young Styling: Clare Frith Make-Up: Maddie Austin
PRODUCTS
“We were inspired by a Doja Cat shoot that felt retro-futuristic, glamorous and slightly dangerous, and we loved the idea of working on a wig to really explore that concept. I layered IGORA Vibrance 9.5-9 with 0-99 repeatedly across the wig to build intensity and shine, then introduced panels of deeper tones using 6-99 to create dimension behind the hairline at the front and back. Working on a wig gave us the freedom to be more expressive with colour placement, creating bold pops and depth that really reflect Doja Cat’s fearless, editorial style.”
• IGORA Vibrance 6-99 + 0-99 with IGORA Vibrance Activator Lotion 1.9% / 6 Vol applied in panels to create dimension behind the hairline, both at the front and back.
CUT & STYLING
• The hair was cut with a blade to shoulder length, with layers to frame the face.
• Session Label The Mousse was used liberally, before setting the hair in rollers.
• The hair was then brushed through with Session Label The Flexible hairspray.
DOJA CAT
“Doja Cat’s look in that shoot felt architectural and striking, so the cut and styling needed to mirror that strong shape. I used a blade to cut the wig to shoulder length with soft layers framing the face, allowing the shape to feel structured but still glamorous. After applying plenty of mousse, I set the hair in rollers before brushing it through with flexible hairspray to create a polished, sculptural finish. The result feels bold, retro-futuristic and full of attitude, perfectly capturing the spirit of the inspiration.”
Kevin Kahan
MILEY CYRUS
INSPIRATION: MILEY CYRUS
PRODUCTS
Sharon Malcolm
“I was inspired by one of Miley Cyrus’s most iconic hairstyles from years ago, but wanted to bring it right up to date through the colour. I used IGORA Vibrance shades 7-67 at the roots and blended 9-57 with 9-7 through the mid-lengths and ends to create soft dimension and texture within the tone. The result is subtle but full of movement, which really complements the modern, textured shape Gary created. It feels current, effortless and a beautiful nod to Miley’s evolving style.”
HAIR: SHARON MALCOLM & GARY TAYLOR
COLOUR
• On the roots, IGORA Zero Amm 7-67 + IGORA Royal Oil Developer 3% / 10 Vol.
• On the mid-lengths and ends, IGORA Vibrance 9-57 IGORA Vibrance 9-7 with IGORA Vibrance Activator Lotion 1.9% / 6 Vol.
CUT & STYLING
• A horseshoe section was created from the crown to the temple.
• This was worked back from the fringe with a razor.
• The nape was sectioned, before trimming and shattering the length at the bottom to avoid blunt lines.
• The back of the head was connected to the crown with the final use of the razor, working around the ear and hairline in sections to create that soft, textured mullet.
“Miley Cyrus is known for her fearless, textured shapes, so I wanted the cut to reflect that iconic mullet silhouette, but with a softer, more modern edge. I worked with a razor throughout to remove any blunt lines, creating a horseshoe section and connecting the crown through to the nape for plenty of movement and flow. The finished look has texture, elegance and a contemporary feel that pairs perfectly with Sharon’s dimensional colour work.”
Gary Taylor
INSPIRATION: LADY GAGA
“For me, Lady Gaga is all about strong silhouettes, geometric shapes and unapologetic drama, so the cut and styling had to reflect that. I created a super sharp bob with a glossy, blunt fringe, then built height and structure through a session-style beehive using mousse, backcombing and pinning to give it that showgirl energy. The finish is sleek, bold and sculptural, a look that feels edgy, iconic and completely in keeping with Gaga’s statement aesthetic.”
Ashley Gamble
HAIR: TIM SCOTT-WRIGHT & ASHLEY GAMBLE
• Using wefts, section the hair into quadrants. For the black, apply IGORA Royal 1-0 + IGORA Royal Oil Developer 6% / 20 Vol.
• For the green, IGORA Vibrance 0-33 + IGORA Vibrance 0-00 with IGORA Vibrance Activator Lotion 1.9% / 6 Vol.
• For the blue, ChromaID in Blue and Purple.
CUT & STYLING
• Apply Session Label The Mousse in the roots and blow-dry, and then repeat to create a base for the beehive.
• Backcomb the hair and pin/twist into place to create a session beehive
• Create a glossy, shiny fringe with a clipper cut to give a blunt finish.
PRODUCTS
LADY GAGA
“I was inspired by Lady Gaga’s constant evolution and her fearless approach to fashion and identity. Although she’s often associated with blonde hair, we took inspiration from her recent tour looks, where she wears a darker, sharper bob. I pre-coloured panels using IGORA Royal, Chroma ID blues and purples and IGORA Vibrance, working into a hair topper so we could introduce bold pops of colour against the dark base –a nod to the way Gaga uses wigs and pieces to transform her look so dramatically. It allowed us to keep the structure strong and graphic while still bringing in that playful, show-stopping colour she’s known for.”
Tim Scott-Wright
CHAPPELL ROAN
“Chappell Roan is all about statement, drama and shape, so the styling was built around creating that impact. We used hairpieces to add volume and presence, prepping the natural hair with OSiS Air Whip and the wefts with Super Shield before tonging them on a very small barrel to create a tight, spiral texture. By placing the pieces carefully and building the shape section-by-section, the finished look feels bold, expressive and dramatic, exactly the kind of energy Chappell brings to her image.”
Debbie Gee
“We were inspired by Chappell Roan because she represents bold, youthful drama and isn’t afraid to be completely over the top with her look. For the colour, I worked on the wefts to create a vibrant copper using IGORA Royal 7-77, 0-77 and 5-7, adding depth and definition through some of the darker pieces so the tone felt rich, playful and full of energy. The result is a colour that really complements the hot texture and theatrical feel we wanted to achieve, perfectly reflecting Chappell’s fearless, fashion-forward style.”
Suzie McGill
INSPIRATION: CHAPPELL ROAN
HAIR: SUZIE MCGILL & DEBBIE GEE
COLOUR
• Wefts were coloured using two different formulas. 1: IGORA Royal 7-77 + IGORA Royal 0-77 with IGORA Royal Oil Developer 6% / 20 Vol. 2: IGORA Vibrance 5-7 + IGORA Royal Oil Developer 6% / 20 Vol.
CUT & STYLING
• The hair was prepped with OSiS Air Whip.
• The wefts were prepped with OSiS Super Shield and then tonged.
“Jade is iconic for wearing her hair big, full of texture and full of personality, so the styling was all about enhancing that. I used the curly girl method on dripping wet hair, applying OSiS Air Whip in sections before defining the curls with Session Label The Definer and The Miracle for shine and richness. By lifting the roots with a styling brush and diffusing through a centre part, we created a bold, voluminous curl pattern that really captures Jade’s statement hair aesthetic.”
Philipp Haug
INSPIRATION: JADE THIRLWALL
COLOUR
• The blonde wefts were given a root tap using IGORA Vibrance 5-0 + IGORA Vibrance Activator Lotion 1.9% / 6 Vol.
CUT & STYLING
• Using the curly girl method, OSiS Air Whip was applied to dripping wet hair in sections.
• Session Label The Definer and The Miracle were used to give shine and richness to the curl.
• Took the hair section-by-section with a styling brush to get a root lift.
• Diffused with a centre part.
JADE THIRLWALL
PRODUCTS
“We chose Jade as our pop icon because she’s constantly evolving and isn’t afraid to experiment with her look, especially when it comes to her hair. She’s known for having subtle hints of colour that still feel bold and expressive. For this look, I added a soft root tap to the wefts using IGORA Vibrance with a gentle one-inch blend, so the colour feels rich, lived-in and supportive of the overall volume and texture in the style.”
Sophie Gibson
HAIR: SOPHIE GIBSON & PHILIPP HAUG
“I was inspired by Raye because she has such a distinctive sense of style that blends vintage influence with a modern edge. For this look, I kept the cut as a clean, trimmed bob with a natural gloss, allowing the shape to feel timeless yet current. I refreshed the roots using IGORA Vibrance to enhance depth and shine without overpowering the simplicity of the look. For styling, I prepped the hair with Air Whip and BLONDMEOil before blow-drying –setting it in irregular sections to avoid anything feeling too ‘done’. Brushed into place and finished with The Flexible hairspray and Sparkler, the result feels effortless, polished and very true to Raye’s understated but striking aesthetic.”
Rick Roberts
INSPIRATION: RAYE HAIR: RICK ROBERTS
RAYE
COLOUR
• Root touch-up using IGORA Vibrance 0-00 + IGORA Vibrance 4-0 with IGORA Vibrance Activator Lotion 1.9% / 6 Vol.
CUT & STYLING
• OSiS Air Whip and the BLONDME Bondfinity Deep Repair Oil were used to prep the hair before it was blow-dried.
• The hair was set in all different ways so it was irregular, before it was sprayed with Session Label The Flexible hairspray and brushed into place.
• The hair was then finished with OSiS Sparkler.
HAIR: HOB Creative Team
MAKE-UP: John Christopher
PHOTOGRAPHY: Richard Miles
ilhouette
HOB Creative Team
“Silhouette boldly explores the relationship between precision and form. Focused on wearable, geometric haircuts, the collection features sharp lines, tousled textures and architectural shapes that highlight craftsmanship and control.”
Akin Konizi, HOB International Creative Director
“Each cut is a sculptural statement, designed to frame the face and accentuate bone structure. Strong angles and clean silhouettes lend a futuristic, graphic edge to the overall aesthetic.”
“To create Manga, we were inspired by the rise of modern Japanese fashion and its influence on future trends. The collection channels a youthful street sensibility, with a fusion of dynamic style, bold statements and unapologetic self-expression. Celebrating individuality, personality and creative freedom, each look explores a spectrum of textures, vivid colours and sculpted shapes.”
Debra Smart and Jo Lomax
Voices From the Salon Floor...
Street Style – Get the Salon Look
Introducing the NEW PCC Silver Veil from INDOLA. A modern, white hair-blending technique powered by the new PCC Smart Lift, designed specifically for 80–100% white bases. This is intelligent toning that softly enhances and blends while preserving the natural luminosity of white hair –no flat colour, no heavy coverage and no compromise.
The Look: Silver Veil Toning
Silver Veil is a luminous beige blonde with a soft, neutral-to-cool reflect. Subtle beige and ash-blonde tones create refined depth and dimension. This is white hair, elevated.
Apply through the lengths and ends of the complete underneath section. Process for 10 minutes, then apply Colour A to the roots of the lower section to maintain a seamless blend.
Step 3: Process & Refine
Allow the colour to process for a full 35 minutes.
Apply through the lengths and ends and allow to process for 10 minutes, then apply Colour B to the roots of the star section.
Step 4: Cleanse & Enhance Rinse thoroughly and cleanse and condition with the INDOLA Color range. Finish with INDOLA Color Treatment to enhance shine, smooth the cuticle and lock in tone clarity.
Begin by cleansing with INDOLA Color Shampoo to protect the tone and maintain vibrancy in the hair. Follow with INDOLA Color Treatment to smooth the cuticle, enhance shine and keep the colour looking luminous and multi-dimensional. For softer, more flexible colour results in salon, mix your chosen PCC shade with INDOLA Color Transformer instead of developer to achieve a demi-permanent effect with added shine and reduced commitment.
To refresh tone between appointments, recommend INDOLA Color Style Mousse for reviving faded shades, enhancing dimension or neutralising unwanted warmth in just one step.
• Color Shampoo
• Color Treatment
• Color Transformer
• Color Style Mousse
or
Convo With My Client... EMMA DIXON
Client: “I’m starting to go grey, but I don’t want full coverage. Can grey blending still look polished?”
Yes, absolutely! Grey blending allows you to embrace those sparkles of wisdom while keeping the overall result intentional and refined. By mimicking and softly diffusing your natural or chosen shades, we create multi-tonal movement that feels elevated rather than obvious.
It’s a journey with options along the way. You can choose fuller coverage or something more translucent –think lipstick versus lip gloss. It’s also perfect if you’re growing out a previous full colour or simply wanting to soften contrast as more white appears.
Blending gives you a softer grow-out, lower maintenance and a polished finish that evolves with you. And with techniques like Silver Veil, white hair becomes something to enhance, not hide.
Freelance forum...
A FREELANCE STATE OF MIND
BROOKE EVANS IS OUR PROFESSIONAL FREELANCE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR 2025 AT THE PRO HAIR AWARDS – SPONSORED BY THE FREELANCE SUITE. IN AN EXCLUSIVE SERIES WITH US, SHE DISSECTS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT STYLIST. THIS MONTH, BROOKE CONSIDERS HOW TO PRICE YOURSELF AS A FREELANCE HAIRDRESSER.
Working out your pricing as a freelance hairdresser can feel genuinely overwhelming. Not because you’re bad at business or not trying hard enough, it’s because, as an industry, most of us were trained to be brilliant hairdressers, not brilliant business owners.
We’re taught everything from technique, timing, client care, colour theory, cutting, styling and product knowledge, but very rarely do we get taught how to price a service in a way that covers costs and creates a profit. When we go freelance, we’re suddenly expected to know how to calculate overheads, plan for quiet periods, factor in holidays and build a sustainable income... no wonder we find this daunting!
One of the biggest mistakes freelancers make is deciding their pricing based on what other salons around them charge. Your prices are not just about what a service costs in colour and time; they also need to cover everything else it takes to run your business. That includes things like product costs, insurances, tax, national insurance, chair rental, education and booking systems. And all of this is before you even take a wage!
If you’re not factoring these things in, it’s easy to end up in a situation where you’re fully booked but barely breaking even. Or worse, working at a loss without realising it. If numbers aren’t your comfort zone, a pricing course or calculator can be a game changer. These can help you input all your outgoings and build service costings that don’t just cover the cost, they create a profit.
I found that one of the best ways to make pricing feel simpler is to break it down into an hourly figure. I work with a financial advisor, and I know not everyone is in a position to afford that, but the method we use is something any freelancer can do: Essentially, we just go through my monthly and annual outgoings, expected income and how many hours I want to work realistically, then we calculate
“A
lot of hairdressers accidentally price themselves to survive, not to succeed. Once you know your minimum hourly figure, the next step is deciding how much profit you want to make on top of it.”
what I need to earn per hour just to cover my costs. This gives me a ballpark minimum hourly figure – the amount I need to make every hour just to cover expenses. Once I have that number, pricing services becomes much easier.
A lot of hairdressers accidentally price themselves to survive, not to succeed. Once you know your minimum hourly figure, the next step is deciding how much profit you want to make on top of it.
Freelancers (especially those who are new to being self-employed or have recently left employed salon life) forget that you don’t get sick pay, you don’t get holiday pay, you don’t get pension contributions and you don’t get a guaranteed wage. That means your pricing needs to include all of those things.
For example, I always factor in 4–5 weeks off per year and make sure I cover the cost of that throughout the year. Otherwise, what happens? You finally take a holiday, and your income drops. You also need to consider a backup pot for emergencies, pension contributions and quiet periods, as we all know that some months are busier than others.
One of the most damaging trends in our industry is comparing prices; we’re all guilty of it. We see what another freelancer or salon charges and immediately question ourselves. But here’s the truth: You have a completely different business. Your bills, business rates and overheads will be different. Remember, just because someone is known as ‘expensive’, it doesn’t automatically mean they’re profitable.
If you take one thing away, let it be this: Work out your minimum hourly figure, build profit on top and stop comparing yourself to other people’s price lists. Because being booked and busy is great, but being booked, busy and profitable is the goal.
Freelance
forum...
GOING SOLO
AS MORE AND MORE STYLISTS ARE CHOOSING TO GO SOLO AND ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT, THE TRADITIONAL SALON MODEL IS UNDERGOING A PROFOUND TRANSFORMATION. DRIVEN BY A DESIRE OF GREATER AUTONOMY AND A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE, THESE INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONALS ARE REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY. IN THE FIRST OF A NEW FREELANCE FORUM SERIES, WE SPEAK TO KERRY-ANN BUCKELL, OWNER OF KB THE HAIR STUDIO, ABOUT HER SOLO MOVE.
Had you always planned to go freelance?
Opening my own salon wasn’t part of the plan; it came from a place of necessity and resilience during one of the hardest chapters of my life. After leaving a toxic working environment while recovering from cancer surgery, I chose to put myself first and rebuild my future. When I found a small available space, a voice in my head told me to try. That leap of faith changed everything. In just six months, I launched a private 1:1 luxury salon suite, and soon after expanded into a second space to support other independent stylists.
Did you have any fears or doubts before going out on your own?
My biggest fear was simply whether I would be busy enough. Leaving a traditional salon means leaving behind footfall, familiarity and a built-in network of clients, so I worried about whether people would actually follow me. I wondered if I was really ready to run my own business, manage everything myself and carry that level of responsibility. Looking back, those fears were completely natural, but they didn’t need to control me. In reality, my clients not only followed me, but they supported me more than I ever expected.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve gained creatively since working solo?
Confidence. When I was starting out, I would often ask other stylists for their opinions before making decisions, especially when it came to colour. Working solo meant I no longer had anyone to lean on in that way. This felt daunting at first, but it actually pushed me to trust my own knowledge, instincts and experience. Over time, I’ve been able to develop my own creative identity, and that has been incredibly empowering.
How has going solo changed the way you work with clients, if at all?
It’s changed the experience more than I ever
“My biggest fear was simply whether I would be busy enough. Leaving a traditional salon means leaving behind footfall, familiarity and a built-in network of clients, so I worried about whether people would actually follow me.”
imagined. Many of my clients have told me that they actually prefer seeing me in a solo setting. The experience here is private, calm and luxurious. Clients get my full attention, my energy and my care without any distractions.
What’s been the most unexpected upside of working alone?
The biggest surprise has been how much busier I am! I genuinely expected things to slow down, but the opposite happened. Having my own brand, space and identity has actually attracted more clients, more opportunities and more recognition than I ever had before.
What’s one thing people don’t talk about enough when it comes to workingalone in this industry?
Support, especially when it comes to mental health. As stylists, we wear so many hats – we listen, we counsel, we motivate, we problem solve and we absorb a lot emotionally from our clients. Yet, when we have a bad day ourselves, we often feel like we have to mask it, swallow it and show up regardless. Working alone can make that even harder because you don’t always have someone there to offload to.
Was there anything you had to unlearn after leaving a traditional set-up?
Absolutely! I had to let go of the belief that you need a big team around you to be successful, and that a smaller, more private space can be just as powerful.
Looking back now, what advice would you give to someone consideringstepping out on their own?
Go for it. You truly can’t grow unless you’re scared. Leaving what’s familiar is never easy, but if something in your gut is telling you that you’re meant for more, trust that feeling. Building KB Hair Extensions and opening KB The Hair Studio has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
The go-to place for independent stylists…
ONE-STOP SHOP
COLOUR CALLING
BLONDME Glow Toners
Say hello to this truly acidic toning range. Available in 15 shades, it delivers intense shine and a healthy glow from within –in just 10 minutes!
• No lift. No damage.
• Gentle formula* for all types of pre-lightened hair.
• Powered by Acidic Glow Technology for intense shine and Anti-Metal Bond Protection Technology for more even toning results.
• Provides a silky-hair feel and reduced frizz for a glossy hair surface.**
I LOVE THE NEW BLONDME GLOW TONERS BECAUSE THEY REFINE MY CLIENTS’ HIGHLIGHTS WITHOUT OVERTONING. THE RESULT FEELS CLEAN BUT STILL SOFT AND LUMINOUS. THE HAIR LOOKS SHINIER AND HEALTHIER, GIVING AN EXPENSIVE-LOOKING BLONDE FINISH.
SAULO FRANCO, @HAIRBYSAULO_
POLYCHROME SERVICE LOOK
“Here, we used the Polychrome technique, which essentially means painting with multiple colours. Everything was achieved using a freehand technique with BLONDME Clay Lightener and 12% Developer; no foils were used at all during the process. We worked with three different shades of the new BLONDME Glow Toners, starting with a halo section around the front to keep the look bright and light using Frosty Gold (10-51) Through the interior and internal parts of the hair, we transitioned into Biscuit (949) and Soft Gold (9-54). The idea was to keep that lightness around the face, moving into softer, more natural golds throughout the rest of the haircut for a beautiful, sun-kissed effect, which can be beautifully maintained at home thanks to the BLONDME Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s giving me a real 90s-inspired result –what I’d call the ‘new ombre’ rather than a standard balayage for this year.”
Styling Mission
OSiS Air Whip
Enhancing the hair’s manageability during blow-drying, whilst protecting it from heat damage, OSiS Air Whip is a flexible, light-hold mousse that can be layered to increase hold without stickiness or crunch.
Care Goals
BLONDME Bondfinity Deep Repair Oil
Deeply repairing and strengthening blonde and lightened hair without weighing it down, BLONDME Bondfinity Deep Repair Oil uses BONDFINITY TECHNOLOGY to restore the hair’s health –creating resilient hair bonds and locking in the hair’s own keratin. This is a pro-active, permanent repair, resulting in hair that is seven times stronger after just one use. What’s more, it smooths porous hair for beautiful shine, thanks to 24-hour frizz control, and protects it from styling damage with 230°C/450°F heat protection.
SHOPPING LIST IS...
“OSiS Texture Craft is the one product I absolutely couldn’t live without. It comes everywhere with me and is my desert island essential! Ideal for professionals and everyday use, it’s the perfect product for adding hold whilst enhancing a beachy texture.”
Tim Scott-Wright, The Hair Surgery, @timscottwright
Fran Weber, Seckingtons,
THE AUTHORITY IN BLONDE
Truly dedicated to the diverse needs of blondes, the versatile BLONDME colour system enables you to master any blonde challenge and to create the most stunning blonde looks.
IT’S TIME TO POWER UP
All the latest electricals on our radar...
Spoilt for Choice
Offering new and improved levels of speed, efficiency and care, the Atmos Stylers from Diva Pro Styling feature
Adaptive Heat Technology to continually adjust the heat output of the styler’s plates, ensuring consistent heat from root to tip. With true one-pass styling possible as a result, hairdressers are able to reduce time whilst simultaneously minimising heat damage.
Suiting all hair types and styling needs, the styler is available in four plate widths: 13mm Super Slim Styler; 25mm Standard Styler; 42mm Wide Styler; 51mm XXL Wide Styler. What’s more, the floating ceramic plates are infused with Macadamia, Argan Oil and Keratin to deliver enhanced shine and nourishment.
La Dolce Vita
With a brand ethos inspired by the sophistication and beauty of Italy, the latest launch from Alfa Italia pays homage to the glitz, glamour and style of one of Italy’s most famous regions, Portofino. The Portofino Titanium Pro Styler has been designed with innovative new technology, incorporating
High and Dry
Introducing the HD Hypersonic Dryer from Qute – a low-noise, lightweight and quick-drying new tool that allows stylists to create silky-smooth and luxurious results. Complete with negative-ion technology to efficiently break down water molecules, the dryer includes four speed settings, three heat settings, memory function and a 3m cord, as well as two magnetic detachable nozzles and one magnetic detachable diffuser.
Transformed Technology
result, essential moisture is maintained within the hair and antibacterial properties eliminate odours and help prevent colour fade. With Titanium plates for superior heat-conducting properties, the straightener is able to retain consistent temperatures, ensuring an effortless glide
Engineered for power, control and comfort, the new Drying Wand from BaBylissPRO is a reimagined tool designed to meet the demands of modern, professional stylists. Its high-performance digital motor generates a precise, high-density airflow for faster drying, while its advanced, dual-ionic technology reduces frizz and boosts shine. With a revolutionary design that makes it an effortless extension of the stylist’s arm, the tool is lightweight and ergonomic for easy handling and manoeuvrability. Crafted with a fast, quiet, long-life motor to deliver consistent performance in both salon and session environments, the tool’s new, patented technology evenly distributes the air flow for faster, more concentrated drying. What’s more, the attachments include an ultrathin concentrator nozzle, a straightening pik and an advanced ceramic diffuser –all of which click securely into place with an easy-release push-button mechanism and are neatly housed in a storage stand.
Mastery on the Move
Continuing to evolve and innovate within its community of professionals, Wahl has developed the Vanquish Compact – a new hairdryer that offers all of the well-loved features of the Vanquish, but in a more compact body that weighs 15% less. Ideal for on-the-move session stylists, mobile barbers or educators on the road, the super lightweight design
Bring On the Bounce
improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue when drying for long periods of time.
Complete with premium magnetic attachments that fit securely to the dryer for safe styling, the design also includes a quiet motor for a more comfortable drying experience and an auto-clean function that keeps the filter clear of debris.
Cloud Nine has recently launched its newest addition to the Airshot Pro hairdryer attachments – the Volumisers. Crafted for a quicker, bouncier blow-dry, the brand-new hair dryer attachments (intended solely for use with the Airshot Pro) includes two barrel attachments that wrap the hair with a powerful airflow to create long-lasting, voluminous curls. With one attachment made for curling hair to the left of the face and one for curling to the right, the wrap attachments have been engineered to ensure a bouncy look with ease.
Freeze the Frizz
A pioneering breakthrough in professional haircare, Hair.TOXX has introduced its Cryotherapy Treatment to repair, regenerate and rehydrate the hair and scalp using sub-zero technology. The professional tool at the heart of the treatment, the Frozen Machine, seals in a bespoke nutrient blend at -16°C, locking active ingredients inside the hair shaft.
Shaped like a flat iron for ergonomic ease, the frozen machine does not straighten or alter the hair’s natural structure, so the treatment is also ideal for curls and textured hair. Formulated with antioxidant-rich açaí berries, mineral-packed glacial water, hydrating hyaluronic acid, restorative avocado butter and protective propolis, the treatment works to reduce frizz, increase shine, strengthen hair and enhance
One Size Fits All
Through the Airshot Pro’s Ionic technology and personalised temperature control, the hair dryer attachments aid even heat distribution, meaning stylists can create big blown-out curls without unnecessary damage.
Introducing Whosewood Couture styling and drying tools, a new brand offering next-generation technologies to provide optimum power and performance, whilst remaining quiet, light and compact. Each appliance comes with the ONECord system, allowing cables to be detached and used on every item in the range. This essential step in modern cable management means that work stations, kit bags, external shoots and shows can be easily managed with only one cable for all tools.
Plus, the carefully curated range of electricals each come with a dark brown, vegan leather kit bag, containing softly padded pockets and pouches to keep the products carefully stowed.
THE LAUNCHPAD
HEAVY LIFTING
INDOLA has expanded its PCC range with the launch of PCC Smart Lift – a new lifting innovation created for smarter blonde services inside the PCC world. Introducing a one-step lift and tone category with seven new shades, Smart Lift is designed to work seamlessly within the PCC portfolio, offering creative flexibility, tonal direction and soft white hair blending without compromising hair integrity.
STAY ALL DAY
Bringing another addition to its dedicated extensions aftercare range, Remi Cachet has launched a feather-light, extension-safe, medium-hold Hairspray. Designed to lock in style whilst still leaving the hair with natural movement, the product is infused with Pro-Vitamin B5 to give shine, tame flyaways and enhance polish. The new hairspray is comprised of a non-sticky, non-drying formula, preventing build-up in the hair and ensuring an even distribution for a natural hold and shine.
THE BELLE
OF THE BALL Denman has released its latest brush design – Denman Deluxe Blue Belle 9 Row Original Styler wrapped in a beautifully delicate floral print ideal for spring kit updates. With nine rows of polished pins for snag-free styling and a curved pin pad for extra tension, the brush is ideal for wet-curl defining, creating volume and blow-drying on all hair types and lengths.
PURPLE PARADISE
Crafted to create brighter, longer-lasting blondes, the new
TripleBright
Oxidation Defense Purple Shampoo from K18 removes metals and minerals to restore ideal hair tones. The easy-to-apply foaming shampoo is powered by K18 triple-action technology to neutralise existing brassiness without staining or overtoning, as well as defending against future brassiness too.
A STITCH IN TIME
Sebastian Professional recently launched a range of new hybrid products under the Potion 9 Collection. Featuring five high-performance haircare and styling products – plus one salon-exclusive treatment – the Potion 9 line is powered by a blend of nine botanicals*. Along with intense moisturisation and smoother strands, the Potion 9 system delivers a multitude of benefits, including frizz control and softness. The line’s indulgent, warm fragrance includes rich notes of fig and amber, adding a sensorial experience to haircare routines.
* Excluding Nourishing Shampoo and Lite Conditioning & Styling Spray
TAKING THE BISCUIT
Introducing the ELIXIR Biscuit Blonde Collection from ASP, a limited-edition collection featuring six ELIXIR shades that make up a full ‘Biscuit Blonde’ menu –including Sugar Cookie, Iced Biscuits, Brown Sugar and Ginger Biscuit Blondes. Formulated with a considered blend of permanents, high-lifts and toners to lift, colour or tone in just one tube, this trend-leading toolkit promises fast, flawless and in-demand colour.
CHUNKY CONTOUR
WITH SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL
THE COLOURS:
THE STEPS:
STEP 1
Take two triangular sections in the contour areas on both sides of the head, focusing on asymmetry.
STEP 2
Take another triangular section in the back. STEP 3
Starting in the back triangular section, pre-lighten using back-to-back foils with Lightener 1
STEP 4
Apply the Base Colour on the remaining hair from roots to ends. Develop for 20–45 minutes, then follow with FIBRE CLINIX post-lightening service.
STEP 5
Apply the Pre-Tone formula to the pre-lightened sections from roots to ends. Develop for up to 20 minutes, then rinse.
STEP 6
At the sink, apply Colour 1 at the base and melt into Colour 2 through the ends. Control visually, then rinse with tepid water until the water runs clear.
I’M A CELEBRITY... GET ME MY HAIRDRESSER!
Carl Bembridge
Here to feed your celebrity fix with a new series for 2026, Pro Hair is catching up with different celebrity hairdressers and session stylists in their natural hair habitat – breaking down all the latest A-lister looks from the red carpet and beyond.
Carl Bembridge has firmly established himself as a leading figure in the world of A-List celebrity hairdressing. With a 20-year career taking him around the world, he’s built a reputation for impeccable skill and a fresh, innovative approach to hair, becoming a go-to name within the industry. Over the past decade, Carl has specialised in celebrity work, collaborating with high-profile talent across red carpets, fashion weeks and editorial shoots, creating polished, camera-ready looks that move effortlessly from backstage to spotlight.
Melanie C
Ariana Madix
This look was created for Ariana while hosting. It was a modern take on the iconic ’90s Pamela Anderson updo, with our own contemporary twist. I blow-dried the hair using the ghd Helios dryer to build volume and bounce, then smoothed it with straighteners, adding a soft bend so the hair naturally fell into place when styled up. Before pinning, I prepped the hair with Color Wow Style on Steroids to add texture and grip, making it perfect for an updo. Pieces were coated with Pop & Lock, then lifted, tucked and flicked in different directions to create a deliberately undone finish that was glamorous, effortless and full of movement.
Mel really suits wearing her hair with a natural, undone tousle, so I wanted to bring that same effortless texture into her iconic Sporty Spice ponytail. The result was a sleek, snatched high pony with a soft, beachy wave running through it –snatched but relaxed and full of movement. I secured the hair using Útiles Beauty hair ties for a strong yet hair-friendly hold, then waved the ponytail with the ghd Waver and finished with Color Wow Style on Steroids to shake out the waves and enhance that lived-in feel.
Nicole Scherzinger
For this look, I created a super sleek yet softly feathered style –a modern evolution of the classic Cher straight glass-hair trend. Instead of a middle parting, we opted for a side part to give the look more movement and shape. On the heavier side around the face, I gently flicked the layers inward to frame her features while keeping the finish ultra smooth. I used the ghd Max Wide Plate styler to create a soft bend without losing shine, then finished with Color Wow Dream Coat for that flawless, glossy, glass-like effect. This product also combats
Kelly Rowland
This look was created for a major event in Paris, where Kelly wanted voluminous, luscious hair with beautiful movement. Working with the layers she already had, I enhanced the shape by adding a few subtle clip-ins to create extra thickness and bounce. Using a 44mm tong, I achieved a smooth, blown-out curl that sat perfectly between smooth and curly for a soft, glamorous finish. I
Maura Higgins
For the National Television Awards red carpet, I created a super sleek updo but with that extra detail. I snatched the hair up using Color Wow Cult Favorite Hairspray and Pop & Lock for shine and control. I moulded the details into hair art, and secured with Texas Hold ’Em for long-lasting hold. I finished with Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray to give a flawless, camera-ready gloss to complete the total look.
MY HAIR HERO
Danny: Mark, you’re one of the most respected names in global hairdressing. Let’s go right back to the beginning: When did you first know hair was going to be your thing?
Mark: I’d always been interested in hair, fashion and that whole world. At 16, I spotted a salon job advert in the local paper and went down to one of the nearby towns for an interview. They gave me a day’s trial the next day, then took me on through a YTS training scheme (which was what everyone did back then).
I didn’t really know what to expect, but the minute I was in the salon environment, I was hooked. I saw how people came in one way and left completely different - how a haircut or colour genuinely changed how they felt about themselves. That buzz of transformation was addictive! I started as an apprentice working alongside a colourist, and that first year shaped everything for me. In the 80s especially, hair was incredibly personal. It was about individuality and identity. I watched people walk out with a new lease of life, and I remember thinking, this is powerful. That was it for me.
Danny: When did competitions first come into the picture?
Mark: Representing the country internationally didn’t happen until the late 90s, but I entered local competitions early on in the salon I worked for – NHF work and things like that. At first, it was very practical. We used competitions for local press and PR, and clients loved seeing their salon doing something exciting. Then somewhere along the line, I got the competition bug. Once you get a taste of winning - or even just being recognised - you want more. You start pushing yourself harder.
THEY SAY NEVER MEET YOUR HEROES. WE SAY: DO.
MY HAIR HERO IS A REGULAR PRO HAIR FEATURE THAT BRINGS TOGETHER TWO WORLDS OF HAIRDRESSING TALENT FOR ONE HONEST, UNFILTERED CONVERSATION. IN EACH ISSUE, WE INVITE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE HAIRDRESSING FACES TO SIT DOWN WITH THE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SHAPED THEIR CREATIVE JOURNEY FOR A CONVERSATION THEY’VE WAITED THEIR WHOLE CAREER TO HAVE... AND GUESS WHAT? WE GOT EXCLUSIVE ACCESS!
Danny: You’ve won an incredible number of awards over the years. What have those honours meant to you personally and professionally?
Mark: Honestly, whenever we enter an award, the aim is always to win – that competitive streak never goes away! And over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to win at every level: photographic, team awards, all sorts. There’s a lot of silver back at the salon! But for me, it’s never just been about trophies; it’s always been about the team.
I’ve always been a massive fan of Mark’s work. Every time I’ve ever seen one of his catwalk shows, I’ve just thought, ‘wow!’. Being picked for the Revlon Professional Visionaries programme a couple of years ago was huge for me, and having Mark as my mentor for that whole year made it even more special. I honestly couldn’t begin to list everything I learned from him, but it has had a massive impact on my career. A lot of where I am today comes from that time.
We’ve used awards to build the business and to really anchor the culture at Mark Leeson. Awards help create energy in a salon. They get bums on seats, but they also make clients feel part of something. We’ve also always used awards as a way to give back through education, sharing knowledge and opening doors for people who might never imagine themselves in those rooms.
MARK LEESON X DANNY MALONE
Danny: Where do you get your inspiration?
Mark: Literally everywhere! Life itself! It could be walking down the street and spotting a poster, scrolling your phone and seeing something for half a second –an outfit in a shop window or even a piece of fabric – you’ve always got to be looking. There are so many creatives out there now, so it’s about finding something that’s just slightly on the edge. We all cut and colour hair, but it’s the combinations you choose and how you present it.
Danny: I remember we were out for dinner one time, and you suddenly went, “Whoa, whoa,” and I was like, “What?” I had no idea what you were talking about! Then you pointed at the wall and said, “Look at the colours on the wall.” That moment really stuck with me. There’ve been loads of little things like that I’ve taken away over the years. Even with haircutting - I remember you telling me to look at buildings before I even start shaping hair. I actually do that now when I’m working on competition pieces. It might be a weird building shape, but I’ll take something from it and think, where could I use this?
Mark: Yeah, when you’ve done a new collection or a collaboration, I think people love the story of what’s behind it. Where did you get it from? Where’s the inspiration come from? I think that’s great.
Danny: Is there a part of your job you enjoy most or is it the variety that keeps it exciting?
Mark: I think it’s the variety. I’ve been very lucky in that sense. I’ve spent years behind the chair and I still do, but I’ve also travelled all over the world. I love how every country approaches hairdressing differently. Even though we’re all technically doing the same thing, the perspective shifts, and you learn so much from that. It’s never really felt like work to me because it’s always been a passion. One day I’m in the salon, the next I might be shooting a collection overseas!
Talking to Mark reminded me exactly why he’s always been such a big influence on me. He’ll always be a hero of mine. His generosity with knowledge is endless, and I feel incredibly lucky to have learnt from him and to now call both him and Richard Darby close friends. Our relationship has always been centred around the creative aspect of hairdressing, so it was great to explore the business side too – how he invests in his team, makes decisions and finds inspiration. Every piece of advice Mark shares stays with me and continues to shape my journey as a hairdresser.
Danny: You run a very successful salon. How do you personally balance the creative side with the business side?
Mark: Partnership is everything for us. Richard handles the business side and we share the creative side. I don’t run the finances, but we talk constantly and bounce ideas off each other. If one of us says no, then it’s a no - and that honesty is important. For sole owners, it can be really tough doing everything alone; having another perspective keeps you grounded. As creatives, we can disappear off down a rabbit hole, but you always have to keep one eye on the numbers.
Danny: A lot of young stylists look up to you. What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Mark: Get involved in everything you possibly can. This industry
isn’t a nine-to-five if you want to move forward creatively. Assist on shoots, help at shows, reach out to people, send emails, ask questions. Be a sponge and soak everything up!
Danny: How important is it to be strong in both cutting and colouring?
Mark: For me, they go hand-in-hand. A haircut without colour is like a day without sunshine. Colour doesn’t have to be loud –it might just be a soft gloss or shine – but it enhances the shape. When I’m creating imagery, I design the shape first, then place the colour into that haircut. I always look at an image in black and white first, then wherever the light sits, that’s where the colour can really be pushed. And client colour versus photographic colour are completely different things too. Shoots require intention, and you’re always thinking about how the camera will read it.
Danny: If you had to give one golden piece of advice for creating a photographic collection, what would it be? I remember you always saying to me, “Make sure your kit bag’s right.” At the time I didn’t really get it – I hadn’t ever thought about bringing things like string or thread with me! – but that stuck with me.
Mark: Yeah, preparation is everything, but it starts with having a clear concept and communicating it early. Everyone involved needs to be singing from the same sheet. You can’t leave it until the morning of the shoot –get the team involved early, share your vision and stay open on the day.
Danny: Finally, the industry keeps evolving. How do you see the future - especially with things like AI and competitions?
Mark: Change is inevitable, and when you’ve been around a long time, it can feel huge. AI is an amazing tool – it’s great for mood boards and helping people get started –but it can’t replace individuality or passion. What will always stand out is signature work – your take on a haircut, a colour palette or a shape, for example. The bob has been around forever, but you can still make it unmistakably yours... that’s where creativity will always win.
Salon Furniture? Vintage.
Product brand? Davroe.
Software? Phorest.
Other services offered? Education, networking events and community projects.
Number of stations? Nine.
The Design Edit.
OLIVER BLACKABY SHOWS US ROUND THE HAIR SALON, AN ECO-CONCIOUS, PLANT-FILLED HAVEN IN SUNNY EAST SUSSEX.
How would you describe the design of your salon?
Our salon is a light, plant-filled space designed to feel warm, open and welcoming. With over 100 plants, reclaimed furniture and large windows bringing in plenty of natural light, the atmosphere feels calm yet full of life.
We’ve designed a private area for clients who need additional support or would prefer more privacy, alongside a relaxed drinks bar serving local coffee and snacks, including gluten-free and vegan options. Flowers and greenery are everywhere, and we use our Oway oil products in diffusers throughout the salon, so the space always smells incredible.
Do you have any curated pieces or special features in the salon?
Yes, our space features bespoke furniture that’s been repurposed and upcycled. We have some old Victorian doors from a school gym that are perfect room dividers, and our retail area is an old pine side unit with second-hand kitchen wood surfaces to make the shelves. And not forgetting our custom-made carts for the team to store their tools in.
We also have carefully chosen artwork, 1960s barber chairs and repurposed furniture that is both beautiful and functional. We love collaborating with local creatives, so many of the details in the salon have a
story behind them.
(My mum sources, restores and maintains most of our preloved and vintage furniture - she’s got a real gift!)
How have you embraced sustainability within your design?
Sustainability was a key part of our design process. We prioritised reuse and longevity – from repurposed materials and second-hand pieces to working with brands who share our values. Our aim is to create a space that’s thoughtful, not wasteful.
Do you have a dress code for your team?
No, we don’t have a dress code, we encourage our team to dress in a way that feels authentic to them whilst still being professional. Personal style is celebrated, just like the work they create. But honestly, our team could be on a fashion catwalk – they each have such strong individual style!
What’s the reason you fell in love with hairdressing?
I’ve always loved how hair can instantly change how someone feels about themselves, but the real turning point was discovering the hair community.
Attending the International Hairdressing Awards in Lisbon in 2024 opened my eyes to how big, creative and exciting this industry really is.
What’s the most treasured item in your kitbag?
My kitbag is chaos, but in the best way! It’s full of brushes, tools and the occasional reel of gardening wire. My most treasured items are my long-tailed YS Park pin comb and
WHAT’S..?
Taylor Borthwick Professional Young Talent of the Year 2025 Winner ( )
on Pink Gin, Peshwari Naan and the Pro Hair Awards
What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?
Definitely hearing my name called out as the 2025 Professional Young Talent of the Year at the Pro Hair Awards. I genuinely didn’t see it coming! It was one of those pinch-me moments that made me realise my little journey was actually becoming something big.
What’s your go-to hair product right now? This is an easy one! You
What’s your favourite look you have created?
My favourite look was back in October on the Academy Stage at Salon International. I created a fun look using gardening wire to make an edgy plait that could be transformed in salon.
What’s the last thing you bought?
A new BaBylissPRO hairdryer. The December rush completely killed my last one!
What’s your top binge-watch recommendation?
The Good Doctor on Netflix. It’s an easy watch, but I love how it highlights the real
challenges adults with autism face in the workplace and everyday life.
What’s your go-to takeaway order? It has to be an
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I’m not really a karaoke kind of gal, but I’m never far from the dancefloor – especially when Summer of ‘69 is playing! You’ll hear me screeching along with my friends, but we like to change the lyrics to ‘Summer of 629’ as this is my stock car racing number and it holds hundreds of amazing memories!
What’s your drink of choice at the bar? You’ll most likely find me standing with a pink gin and tonic in hand.
