Professional Hairdresser X RUSH September 2025

A MESSAGE FROM ANDY & STELL

Dear Team,

Thank you !

We’re pleased to share the second edition of the Rush Wire with you all.

Another BIG thank you to you all for your continuing efforts to make Rush, the best it can be. We said last time, we are beginning to see the start of something special… and we whole heartedly believe this year is going to be a year to remember.

Back in 1994, when we launched the Rush brand with the opening of Rush Wimbledon, we laid our foundations & have since grown from strength to strength. Our brand was built for success following the following creative mix:

• TEAM SPIRIT

• SERVE THE CLIENT

• ENTHUSIAM

• DESIRE TO SUCCEED

• DREAMS

• A LOVE FOR THE SKILL AND MAGIC WE CREATE

Our work is unique; something truly special, a creative edge that will always be remembered.

Together with you all, we have developed our own style, showcasing that the Rush Way, is as strong as ever and we can’t wait to watch the year unfold and see what you all have in store.

Love, Andy & Stell.

REGULARS

7First Word

8Headlines

10Iechyd Da Lara!

Lara Johnson Lifestyle Turns 30

16Men’s Memo

19Sustainable Memo

20Business Memo

60Just the Two of Us

Tristan Eves & Michael Smith

62You Saw Them Here First!

Sharon Johnstone

64The Design Edit.

Kitch Hair

66What’s..?

Philipp Haug

BUSINESS

23Get a Head In Luke Doolin

24Together We Will

Louis Byrne

27Salon Strong in Tough Times

Debbie Digby

SPECIAL

30Post-Summer SOS!

COLLECTIONS

34Bruno Marc Giamattei & Dan Spiller for JOICO

38Alfa Italia

42Radar by Revlon Professional

46Goldsworthy’s x ClubStar 2025

FREELANCE FORUM

50Business Behaviours

Benjamin Shipman

51Let’s Talk!

Sheila Abrahams MBE

52Club Rules

Sophia Hilton

PRODUCTS

56The Launchpad

Latest products

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

We now have our finalists for the 2025 Pro Hair Awards and what a dazzling bunch of hair professionals they are! Making the awards shortlist is, in itself, a win. It is a powerful, positive message for your brand, your business and potentially your bottom line.

Success isn’t just about the trophy; it’s about visibility and credibility for you as a hairdresser. Being a Pro Hair Awards finalist means you can shout about being at the very top of your game.

So, in a couple of weeks’ time, on 15th September, we will be recognising and celebrating the talents and achievements of all our finalists. There is still time to secure your place at the Live Awards Final. Visit www.professionalhairdresser.co.uk/awards to get your ticket before it’s too late!

We’ll see you at STEREO in Covent Garden for an amazing night of industry celebrations.

Lastly, thank you to all the amazing brands that are supporting the 2025 Pro Hair Awards! They will be with us on the night to network and celebrate with you, our finalists and our winners.

@PROHAIRMAG Q @PROHAIRMAGWWW.PROFESSIONALHAIRDRESSER.CO.UK

Editorial Director

Nicola Shannon nshannon@hamerville.co.uk

Deputy Editor/Digital Editor

Tabitha Shannon tshannon@hamerville.co.uk

Digital Manager

Rebecca Mcgeoch rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk

&

Designer

Donna Booth

Group Production Manager

Carol Padgett

Production Assistant

Claire Swendell

Commercial Manager

Laura Jowsey

ljowsey@hamerville.co.uk

Professional Hairdresser, Hamerville Media Group Ltd, Regal House, Regal Way, Watford, Herts, WD24 4YF.

Editorial & Sales Enquiries Phone: 01923 237799

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©2025 Professional Hairdresser accepts no responsibility for damage or loss, however caused, to any material submitted for publication. While every effort is made to ensure facts are correct at time of going to press, no responsibility can be accepted for incorrect product descriptions or facts. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without prior written permission from the publishers.

HEADLINES

Hair Council Heads up the House of Commons

The Hair Council and selected guests were invited by Rupa Huq MP, to enjoy afternoon tea on the terraces of the UK Parliament, Westminster. The event was an opportunity to reflect on its quest to make State Registration mandatory, celebrate those that have championed the cause and hear from two MPs who are supporting this mission. Registrar & Chief Executive, Gareth Penn, stated, “We are helping to shape the future for every small business in this country, but there is a lot more work we need to do. We are a skilled, essential, unified workforce who contributes thousands of jobs and billions of pounds to the UK Exchequer. The more of us that are State Registered, the more of a voice we have.”

A Royal Celebration for Tony Rizzo

Tony Rizzo, Founder of the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his exceptional contribution to leukaemia research and support for children with blood cancers. The honour was presented by HRH Prince William at Windsor Castle, marking a proud moment for Tony and his family, who have spent over four decades championing the cause through the globally renowned Alternative Hair Show. Since its inception, the show has raised over £15 million, thanks to the dedication of artists, sponsors and supporters across the hair industry.

Local LecturerHairdressing Wins National Award

Lisa Charles, a hairdressing lecturer from Nescot College in Ewell has won the Silver Award for ‘Further Education Lecturer of the Year’ in this year’s prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. Due to her innovative and compassionate approach to teaching and learning, Lisa was chosen from thousands of nominees. She has set up projects to teach students while they make a difference in the communitysupporting cancer patients, homeless people and those living with dementia. Lisa is now in the running to win the Gold Award, which will be announced in an award ceremony and on the BBC’s The One Show later this year.

Denman Donates to CRADLE

Ellie Goan, the first CRADLE Charity Ambassador in Northern Ireland, recently dropped by the Denman International Head Office in Bangor to pick up brush donations for her Comfort Bag Project. Providing support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy or the termination of pregnancy, one of the ways CRADLE helps women through these difficult times and prevents feelings of isolation and loneliness is through providing ‘Comfort Bags’ during their hospital stay. These thoughtful bags include donations from brands that offer everything from deodorant and ear plugs to lip balm and a Denman D14 mini styling brush.

#MAKEITWITHWAHL

Celebrating the barbers and stylists that have chosen to trust and rely on Wahl tools, Wahl Professional has launched the second evolution of the ‘Make It With Wahl’ campaign. Highlighting a brand legacy that speaks to dedication, craftsmanship and high standards through the inspirational stories of four barbers, the campaign calls for the barber and stylist community to share their own stories using #makeitwithwahl.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Wella’s New Wheels

F1 ACADEMY recently announced Wella Professionals as an Official Partner of the all-female racing series, reflecting the two brands’ shared commitment in inspiring a new generation of women to pursue their highest ambitions. Susie Wolff, Managing Director of F1 ACADEMY, said: “We are very proud to welcome Wella Professionals as an Official Partner in the beauty company’s first-ever venture into sports sponsorship. It is fantastic to see Wella Professionals, a brand driven by innovation and championing creative craft for more than 140 years, supporting our mission to fuel the future of women in motorsport.”

Tracey Ann Smith: Creative Director for MOOD Hair Colour

A brand known for its sustainable products and commitment to innovation, MOOD Hair Colour has announced the appointment of Tracey Ann Smith as its new Creative Director. With a long-standing international hairdressing reputation and eight British Hairdressing Awards under her belt, Tracey will lead and oversee all things creative across product development, visual identity and campaign imagery.

Christel Grootentraast: General Manager for Kao

Salon

Division UK & Ireland

Kao Salon Division is pleased to announce that Christel Grootentraast –currently General Manager for Salon Benelux and Distributors for non-EU countries – will assume the expanded role of General Manager for Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland. A seasoned executive known for her strong leadership and passion for creativity, Christel joined Kao in 2002 as Marketing Manager for the Salon Benelux team. In her new role, Christel will leverage her deep industry knowledge and extensive experience to drive fresh growth and innovation for the company.

Stephanie Mason: Global Managing Director for Cloud Nine

Continuing its legacy of female leadership to drive category innovation and change, Cloud Nine has appointed Stephanie Mason as its new Global Managing Director. Beginning her new role just as the company embarks on a bold rebrand, Stephanie will spearhead Cloud Nine’s growth and expansion plans worldwide.

Andrew Barton: Wig Industry Ambassador for the HBSA

The Hairdressing & Beauty Suppliers Association (HBSA) is proud to announce the appointment of award-winning hairdresser, Andrew Barton, as its first HBSA Wig Industry Ambassador. In this role, Andrew will shine a much-needed spotlight on the UK’s world-class wig industry – a sector that plays a vital role in supporting NHS patients and restoring confidence to those experiencing medical hair loss.

THIS YEAR MARKS A MILESTONE MOMENT FOR LARA JOHNSON LIFESTYLE IN SWANSEA, AS THE WELSH HAIRDRESSING LEGACY CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY.

FOR LARA JOHNSON, HER HUSBAND AND CO-DIRECTOR, DOM CAPEL, AND THEIR DAUGHTER AND SALON OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, TILLY CAPEL, THE PAST THREE DECADES HAVE BEEN A JOURNEY FILLED WITH ADVENTURE, ACHIEVEMENT AND DEEP-ROOTED PURPOSE. AND, IT’S ALL BEEN FUELLED BY AN UNWAVERING LOVE OF HAIRDRESSING.

THEIR STORY IS ONE OF GRIT, PASSION AND DRIVE TO BRING FIVE-STAR HAIRDRESSING TO WALES. IT WAS BUILT ON HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND, ABOVE ALL, KINDNESS. THOUGH THE NAME ABOVE THE DOOR BELONGS TO LARA, IT’S THE TEAM THAT DEFINES THIS SALON: A CLOSE-KNIT GROUP WHO ARE NURTURED, RESPECTED AND DEEPLY VALUED.

WE SAT DOWN WITH LARA, DOM AND TILLY TO REFLECT ON THEIR REMARKABLE JOURNEY…

Iechyd Da Lara!

LOOKING BACK WITH LARA

“I knew from a very young age that I was destined to be a hairdresser – there was never a doubt in my mind! I started my career onboard cruise ships, travelling the globe and honing my skills in some of the world’s most prestigious salons at sea. The standards there were nothing short of flawless.

Next, came London. Determined to reach the top, I joined Charles Worthington’s Covent Garden salon, where I truly discovered the craft of luxury hairdressing. It was an unforgettable experience, but my heart always belonged to Swansea.

I saw a gap in the local market for a salon that could bring the standards of London hairdressing home to Wales. So, I took a leap! Leaving behind a packed London column, I opened a salon in Mumbles, in my hometown of Swansea.

My vision was clear: invest in local apprentices, provide career opportunities for stylists who wanted to stay in the area and create a business that matched the quality of London’s most exclusive salons.

Dom retrained as a hairdresser, and he joined the venture wholeheartedly. We immersed ourselves in every aspect of the industry. The Alternative Hair Show, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, stage presentations, editorial shoots – you name it, we were there! That commitment

fostered a whole new mindset among our team, many of whom have stayed with us for more than 20 years.

Though I’d originally set out to have just one salon, opportunities led us to expand quickly, and soon we had four. With three children under five, Dom travelling globally as a ghd ambassador and multiple salons to manage, the pressure certainly was immense.

Eventually, we made the decision to return to our roots. We consolidated, keeping our flagship in Mumbles, expanding the space and bringing our entire team under one roof. It was the right move; we had built something beautiful and regained precious family time.

Five years ago, our daughter Tilly joined the business. Her impact has been just incredible. Her fresh perspective brought positive change, and the team have immense respect for her. I’m so proud of the business we’ve built together, and knowing that Tilly is leading us into the future fills me with joy.

I was just 25 when I opened the salon, and in hindsight, I wish I’d had more support with the business side. I’ve since realised that success doesn’t mean expansion. Instead, it’s perfectly okay to focus on a single, thriving, well-loved salon and pour everything into that.

One of our greatest sources of growth has been our partnership with Wella

Professionals. The support they offer –whether through education, events or networking – is second to none. They truly understand the hairdresser and salon dynamic.

Thanks to Wella, we’ve built meaningful relationships and discovered a powerful network of like-minded professionals. Their ethos is all about unity, collaboration and support, and we’re genuinely proud to be part of the Wella family.”

A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS WITH DOM

“This year, we’re honouring our journey with a full calendar of celebrations: parties, industry events and team-building days.

We’re also putting a fresh spin on education, and we’ve initiated an education swap where we trade places with top stylists outside the salon. I’ve loved being a guest educator in other spaces, and our team have benefited massively from the incredible talent we’ve welcomed into our salon.

It’s such a powerful way to keep education flowing, and the currency is simply a swap of time. It’s a win-win!”

I saw a gap in the local market for a salon that could bring the standards of London hairdressing home to Wales.

”

LOOKING FORWARD WITH TILLY

“Five years ago, I graduated with a degree in law, so I definitely didn’t plan to work in the salon full-time! I was just helping out on reception while figuring out the next step, but then our manager retired and I stepped in permanently. I loved it; I’ve never looked back.

Since then, I’ve implemented new initiatives around holidays, commission structures and flexible working. These changes have helped to future-proof the business and create a better experience for the team.

Moving forward, our focus is on team retention and internal growth. Lara and Dom have built something truly special, and I feel incredibly proud to help carry that legacy. Seeing how loved and respected they are only deepens my appreciation for what we’re building together.”

FINAL REM

Visit https://professionalhairdresser.co.uk/awards/

HAIR STORIES

Schwarzkopf Professional launches

FOR EVERY YOU. Bringing together education, innovation and inspiration to help every hairdresser shape their unique hair story.

Celebrating Individuality and Artistry in Hairdressing FOR EVERY YOU. reflects Schwarzkopf Professional’s belief that every hairdresser’s journey is unique, and that this individuality is something to be celebrated.

As your partner in craft, Schwarzkopf Professional offers the tools and inspiration you need to become the hairdresser you want to be, giving you a voice to tell your story and express yourself creatively. Offering exceptional experiences, the brand gives its stylists the opportunity to define their personal hair story.

FOR EVERY YOU. offers support that is tailored to your personal journey. This will unfold across multiple touchpoints, showcasing Schwarzkopf Professional’s diverse product portfolio and its ability to meet the unique needs of every salon.

Building a Global Community of Artists

Emphasising the ‘YOU’ in FOR EVERY YOU., Schwarzkopf Professional has partnered with a diverse group of global artists to share their unique journeys and showcase their signature services. This creative collective of artists will inspire hairdressers worldwide, offering fresh perspectives and elevating the art of hair colouring and styling.

With FOR EVERY YOU. its commitment to individuality, creativity and empowerment –ensuring that every hairdresser has the resources and inspiration to shine.

...it

“Schwarzkopf Pro is for me because... with Daniel Granger @danieljgranger

has the highest level of professionalism, accuracy, consistency and power.”

Daniel Granger is a Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador in the UK.An acclaimed hairdresser, educator and television personality, he is also the Founder and Creative Director of Daniel Granger Hairdressing in Northampton. Beyond his work in the salon, Daniel is a passionate educator, regularly hosting training sessions, masterclasses and seminars to inspire the next generation of hairdressers. His commitment to education and mentorship has made him a respected figure within the global hairdressing community.

LONDON FASHION WEEK

For Schwarzkopf Professional, London Fashion week is a brilliant way to INSPIRE upcoming hairdressers throughout its salon community. By offering these exclusive backstage experiences at both February and September’s LFW, stylists can unleash their creativity and experience session styling in a fast-paced and inspirational environment.

“I love that London Fashion week opens doors for my team. These opportunities with Schwarzkopf Professional allow my stylists to be part of something extraordinary, like assisting the brilliant Philipp Haug. Whilst I’ve closed that chapter to focus on my own path, I’m still building a connected circle with opportunities that INSPIRE my team and create new pathways for them.”

CELEBRITY PARTNERSHIPS

Another way Schwarzkopf Professional strives to INSPIRE its community is through collaborating with celebrities at the pinnacle of pop culture and aligning the brand with key cultural hair moments.

One of the latest celebrity brand ambassadors for Schwarzkopf Professional is 29-year-old Australian singer-songwriter and actor, Troye Sivan. As the new face of BLONDME, the Schwarzkopf Professional colour and care brand for superior blonding, Troye embodies the brand’s values authentically through his own hair story, which has always included ‘blonde eras’.

“Celebrity partnerships keep Schwarzkopf Professional visible and competitive, which is so important in today’s market. I have great respect for many of the brand’s collaborations, such as Troye Sivan, Dove Cameron and Sofía Vergara. These people have worked very hard to build their reality, and they’ve pushed through challenges to earn their place. I find that celebrity role models can be an incredibly refreshing way to stay up to date with current trends and INSPIRE both me and my salon team.”

HAIR BY SCHWARZKOPFPRO

“I always knew I needed to be with a brand with the highest level of professionalism, accuracy, consistency and power. This is what I got with Schwarzkopf Professional. I chose them because I knew we could INSPIRE each other and educate together. I truly believe that education is the only way to grow any business in our always-evolving industry; there cannot be growth in business if you stay stagnant. It is this education and inspiration that lies at the heart of Schwarzkopf Professional.”

Learn More About FOR EVERY YOU

HAIR BY SCHWARZKOPFPRO is a platform to INSPIRE the global hairdressing community. As inspiration is all around us, Schwarzkopf Professional has curated an array of different stories from throughout the world of hair, empowering artists worldwide to share their craft, creativity and personal stories. Within these pages, hairdressing professionals can celebrate modern hair culture and the variety of artistic inspiration told by leading colourists and stylists from around the globe. The book features insights on how their personal journeys inspired their signature looks, as well as salon-friendly techniques and services.

“As hairdressers, we draw inspiration from everywhere; no two people have the exact same references when it comes to being creative. This is exactly why my team have found such a great cultural reference piece in the new HAIR BY SCHWARZKOPFPRO book; it’s a powerful tool of inspiration.”

Stay up to date with FOR EVERY YOU. by following @schwarzkopfprouk onInstagram and keeping up with the #schwarzkopfpro hashtag.More information is available at: www.schwarzkopf-professional.com

HAIR: Stacey Wright & Alan Beak

MAKE-UP: Hayley Armstrong

PHOTOGRAPHY: Cody Jai Murray

TOOLS: Denman Professional

An Electrical Evolution MEN’S

Wahl (UK) continues to grow its cutting-edge trimmer range with the new Peanut Li. Developed with stylists and hairdressers using innovative technology, the evolution of the trimmer brings the ‘Sterling 2’ features into a sleek, cordless design with 110 minutes of run time.

KEY FEATURES OF THE PEANUT LI:

Featherlight Versatility: The compact, lightweight design allows you to seamlessly switch from trimming to bulk cuts, tackling any style with confidence and comfort.

Power off, Travel On: The travel-lock feature keeps your trimmer powered off, so you can pack with confidence.

Power That Pops: With a high-powered 7000 RPM motor, the tool can cut through all hair types.

Rapid Recharge: The tool isUSB-C compatible with a quick-charging battery.

Easy Upkeep: Thequick-detach blades make cleaning and maintenance hassle-free for long-lasting performance.

Man of the Hour

You Gotta Roll With It! memo

With the return of Oasis creating a serious buzz around the world, we caught up with multi-award-winning men’s hairdresser, Jim Shaw, to discuss a trend that’s certainly made a comeback – the Oasis-inspired Mod Haircut…

“Originating in the 60s and taking inspiration from Liam Gallagher’s 90s hairstyle with its rock ‘n’ roll feel, the mod cut is characterised by a medium length on top with volume, a short, cropped fringe and medium length sides that almost resemble long sideburns,” explains Jim. “The look is structured and combines layering techniques and shapes to create movement within the hair, all whilst keeping a straight, precise line on the top of the head.”

Jim describes how, “this cut is a versatile style that can be tailored to suit most face shapes and hair textures, including those with curly hair. It is, however, particularly flattering for those with square faces, as it helps to soften any angular features whilst complementing the jawline and cheekbones for a more-balanced look.”

“Lastly, when it comes to styling, I find that American Crew Whip is a lovely product to use. It will slightly enhance the texture within the hair, whilst keeping it smooth, soft and moisturised with a natural shine.”

Introducing GLOWWA hair food for men, a targeted daily supplement designed to support fuller, healthier hair in men. Rooted in the brand’s inside-out philosophy, GLOWWA MENS not only supports hair health, but mental performance, hormonal balance and overall confidence. The formulation is 100% natural, veganfriendly and free from fillers or fluff.

Denman X Plastic Bank

The Denman Professional partnership with Plastic Bank has recently reached a significant milestone, preventing over 8.5 million plastic bottles and 170 thousand kilograms of plastic reaching the world’s waterways and oceans to date.

Now in its third year, the partnership helps Plastic Bank with building ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities, as well as the reprocessing of the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain. Collectors receive credits for the materials they collect which can be redeemed against family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition and health insurance.

Denman Professional CEO, Kevin McNamee, says, “The Plastic Bank partnership is pivotal to our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, and the work they do makes a material difference to the communities in their programme. This is a fantastic milestone, but the work goes on and so does our support.”

Brand It With B-Corp!

Olivia Garden

Olivia Garden Europe is proud to announce its official certification as a B Corporation. Following a rigorous certification process, the brand has been recognised for its commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Olivia Garden’s efforts span a wide range of initiatives, including sustainable product innovation, ethical and transparent supplier relationships, an inclusive and people-centred company culture and an increased focus on environmental responsibility through improved packaging solutions and conscious operations.

Easydry

Easydry has been officially recertified as a B Corporation, reaffirming its position as a leader in sustainable business for the hair and barbering industry.

Originally certified in 2022, Easydry was among the first ten companies in Ireland to achieve B Corp status. This latest recertification demonstrates measurable progress across every area of the business, setting new standards for salons looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality.

SUSTAINABLE memo

Sustainability Vs Sanity

Every salon owner knows the pressure to do more with less. Recently, that pressure includes being more sustainable. However, when rising costs, client expectations, team preferences, health regulations and supplier constraints all collide, sustainability can start to feel like just another impossible task on a never-ending list.

This is the reality uncovered in a recent study on circular economy practices (think: reducing, reusing, recycling) in UK salons. PhD researcher, Stephanie Hodgson,interviewed salon owners, managers and freelancers who were already trying to reduce waste and make smarter choices. The findings? Even highly motivated salons are running up against everyday challenges.

Stephanie’s research highlights how this isn’t just about money – though budget is always a factor – it’s about priorities. Most salons are small, independent businesses trying to stay afloat while managing staff, stock, training, marketing, compliance and, of course, clients. Sustainability matters, but it can’t always come first.

However, if meaningful progress is going to happen, it can’t rest on individual shoulders. That’s why a new UK-wide study is inviting hairdressing professionals to share what really helps (or hinders) sustainable choices. Whether you’ve overhauled your product range or barely know where to start, your voice can help paint a fuller picture of what salons need to succeed.

“I’m not just here to publish findings in an academic journal,” Stephanie says. “I’m here to make sure the insights from this research reach the people who shape the day-to-day reality in salons. I’ve seen the creativity and care this industry brings to everything it does, and I believe salons deserve practical, well-informed options; not just the pressure to ‘do

better’ with no support.”

This survey could help make future sustainability efforts more realistic and more tailored to the realities of salon life.

Scan the QR Code to take the survey.

The Consultation Queen: Holly Fairley’s

Secret

Weapon

After a long, hot summer of sun, salt and styling, many clients return to the salon with hair that’s definitely seen better days. Faded colour. Dry lengths. Thirsty ends. Frazzled fringes. Sound familiar? Holly Fairley (aka @_riohair_) explains why now is the perfect time to remind your clients – and yourself – just how powerful a great consultation can be…

“Consultation is everything,” says Holly, who’s known online for her honest, content-rich approach to client chats. “It’s the moment a client decides if they’re going to trust you with their hair or not. First impressions matter, and they need to feel heard,” she explains.

For Holly, aftercare is never an afterthought; it’s something she weaves in from the very start. “Talking about home care during the consultation helps clients make better decisions,” she explains. “Take summer, for example - the sun, salt water and chlorine can really fade vibrant colours faster than

usual. If someone wants a bright red but isn’t ready for the maintenance and aftercare it demands, that’s a chance to redirect the plan. It’s about honesty – helping them understand what their hair really needs to survive and thrive after the summer season.”

Holly tailors her consultations to the person in front of her. “I read body language a lot. Some people know exactly what they want and take control, whilst others need more support, more information. Either way, comfort is key – I need them to

feel relaxed and heard.”

One area where Holly keeps things real is retail. “I do find it uncomfortable sometimes,” she admits. “I never want clients to feel like I’m forcing a sale. So, I just speak from experience and recommend what I use myself.”

Her top picks for postsummer repair? “K18 is my goto – I’d never bleach without it! Clients love it too; they always comment on how soft and strong their hair feels afterwards. And I’m all for a good purple shampoo, but it has to be the right one. My absolute fave is Schwarzkopf Professional BLONDME Purple

BUSINESS

Shampoo – it’s consistent, never patchy, and it feels amazing.”

Ultimately, a great consultation sets the tone for everything that follows, and after a season of sun and styling, clients need your guidance more than ever.

“Remember, great hair doesn’t stop at the backwash, and great advice starts with a conversation.”

4 Ways to Bring Down Your Insurance Premium

Dean Laming, Managing Director at Salon Gold, the UK’s largest specialist insurer of hair salons, simplifies the ways you can get the most from your policy without paying over the odds...

1

Insure All Stock for Its Wholesale Value:

In the event of a loss, insurers will cover you for the cost to replace your items. Any loss of profits would be covered under the business interruption section of your policy. However, customers often make the mistake of insuring the retail cost of goods, which will increase premiums. Insurers will only pay out on the wholesale price, so get this checked and make sure you’re not paying for cover that you can never claim on.

2

Beware of Under-Insurance:

Some insurance policies include an ‘average’ condition. Meaning that, if you were to insure your stock for 50% of its value, you will only get paid out for 50% of the claim. For example, if you have a total loss of stock worth £10,000 (wholesale cost), but only insure for £5,000, your claim value will be reduced by 50% if your policy has an underinsurance condition. So, rather than having £5,000 paid out (your sum

insured), you will only get £2,500. Instead, you should include ALL items when calculating your stock sum insured.

3

Consider Seasonal Increases:

Some insurance policies may feature an automatic sum insured uplift around busy times of the year. This means that you can keep costs down by insuring for the average value of stock you will be holding at any one time, safe in the knowledge that this will automatically be increased (at no extra charge) during busy periods. For example, the Salon Gold policy for salon owners includes a 100% seasonal increase for stock. This allows you to hold twice as much stock during November and December, and for 15 days prior to any Bank Holiday.

4

Never Hold Too Much Stock

The best way to improve cashflow and reduce insurance costs is to only hold as much stock as you need or actively use. Some salons hold huge amounts of stock which does not move quickly,

therefore leaving them with cash tied up in products which are not regularly used or sold. To avoid this, keep an accurate inventory with regular stock takes and don’t hold stock which doesn’t sell.

How to Create a Five-Star Client Experience

Two connoisseurs of customer care at STIL Salon (Front of House/Senior Colour Director) and Experience Manager) – reveal their award-winning tips and tricks for truly mastering the client experience…

QWhat does ‘creating the perfect first impression’ mean to your salon?

Creating the perfect first impression at STIL Salon means making every client feel welcomed, valued and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. It is about creating an experience that reflects our high standards and passion for what we do. Our goal is to build trust and comfort right from the start.

Q What are the most important things you do in the first 30 seconds of greeting a client?

The first 30 seconds are all about setting the tone; welcoming, professional and personal. We always offer a warm and genuine welcome with a friendly smile, eye contact and greeting the client by their first name. This instantly makes the client feel acknowledged and appreciated.

Q How do you handle difficult or unexpected situations while still maintaining a great client experience?

We have clear systems and procedures in place to ensure consistency across our Front of House team, allowing us to manage

Q What systems or tools do you rely on to make sure nothing falls through the cracks?

To stay organised and deliver a consistently high standard of service, we rely on clear internal communication and a reliable salon booking system that caters to the salon’s needs. We have clear training plans for all new Front of House team members with a comprehensive training manual which can always be referred to at any time.

Q What role does appearance and atmosphere play in Front of House excellence?

At STIL Salon, appearance and atmosphere are at the heart of what we do. From personal presentation and a smart and professional attire to a warm, confident tone of voice, every detail reflects the high standards and refined aesthetic our salon is known for. A thoughtfully designed Front of House, a calm and clean environment and subtle uplifting fragrances all contribute to a luxurious and welcoming experience.

Q What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone new to a Front of House salon role?

One key piece of advice is to stay calm and composed, especially in a busy environment. Remaining calm helps you to stay focused and attentive to all the TNT’s – ‘Tiny Noticeable Things’, –which are often what make the biggest difference in a client’s experience.

A Festival of Hair at Your Fingertips

Earlier this year, industry-leading ambassadors took to the stage at the exclusive ASP Hair Carnival Extravaganza in Marbella, sharing innovative techniques, trends and artistry that are shaping the future of hairdressing. Now, the brand is bringing the expertise straight to you…

Whether you missed the event or simply want to revisit the magic, ASP’s exclusive online masterclasses are now available on-demand. Created to inspire, educate and elevate your craft using the ASP product portfolio, there are three Masterclasses now available to everyone: Innovate, Inspire and Create.

Featuring the ASP Ambassadors with step-bysteps on how to create the key looks showcased at the Carnival, the educational content covers colour, cutting and styling, all in bite-sized video form. To watch the masterclasses, simply head to: www.asphair.com

Need Someone to Save Your Socials?

The Hairdresser’s Social Club, founded by the winner of Professional Social Educator of the Year at the 2024 Pro Hair Awards, Vivienne Johns, is proud to announce the launch of its most comprehensive course to date: the Social Club Course.

Designed specifically for hairdressers, salon owners, beauty professionals and freelancers in the industry, the course provides the structure, tools and personalised support needed to get stylists showing up confidently on social media.

“Whether you’re completely new to social media or looking to improve your current strategy, this course will help you feel in control, inspired and equipped to post with confidence. It really is for anyone in the hair and beauty industry feeling overwhelmed by social media or unsure what to post,” Vivienne explains.

Want to win a FREE place on the new Social Club Course worth £750!?

We are offering one lucky spot exclusively to a Pro Hair reader Visit www.rdr.link/HBK001 to enter now!

GET A HEAD IN...

Management

CHECK OUT OUR EXCLUSIVE ‘TIPS FROM THE TOP’, AS WE SPEAK TO LEADING BRAND DIRECTORS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY – IN EVERYTHING FROM MARKETING AND SALES TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HR. IN THIS SERIES, WE FIND OUT HOW THEIR SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE CAN BE APPLIED TO YOUR SALON BUSINESS.

This month, Luke Doolin,the Managing Director UK & Ireland for Phorest Salon Software, explains the importance of benchmarking for growth.

“How do I know if we’re doing well?” It’s one of the most common questions I hear from salon owners, but it’s also one of the trickiest to answer. Even if your team feels busy, your columns are full and your till totals are steady, it’s easy to wonder whether that’s normal, good or just okay.

As salon professionals, we thrive on creativity, connection and care, but when it comes to the business side of running a salon, there’s often a missing piece: context. Without something to compare your performance to, you’re left flying blind or relying on gut feeling.

That’s where benchmarking comes in. And whether you’re using a dedicated tool like the new Phorest Benchmarking Report or not, the principles behind it can sharpen your business thinking and help you grow with more intention.

What Is Benchmarking?

Put simply, benchmarking means comparing your performance against a wider standard – i.e., other salons in your area, your sector or even nationally. It allows you to ask: are my results in line with the rest of the market?

True benchmarking means assessing yourself against salons exactly like yours. Salons in the same or similar location, salons of the same size and salons doing the same services.

However, the value of benchmarking isn’t just in the numbers alone. It’s in what you do with them. When viewed in context, your data becomes a roadmap; it points to where you’re strong and where you might need to shift focus.

Five Questions for Every Salon Owner

1.What does ‘good’ look like in this industry?

Knowing the typical rebooking rate or average spend for similar salons helps turn vague goals into tangible targets.

2.Where is your business strongest?

It’s not all about problems; benchmarking

“Without something to compare your performance to, you’re left flying blind or relying on gut feeling.”

should also highlight what’s working, so you can double down on your strengths.

3. What area needs the most attention right now?

With ten priorities competing for your time, identifying the one that will make the biggest impact helps you focus your energy.

4. How does my team understand these goals?

Business success isn’t a solo pursuit; sharing KPIs with your team gives them clarity, purpose and motivation.

5. What action am I taking based on my data?

It’s not about collecting reports. It’s about creating momentum and deciding what’s next and how to get there.

What We’re Seeing in the Industry Right Now

At Phorest, we work with over 12,000 salons globally. Here’s what’s standing out right now:

• Rebooking is still the foundation of growth Salons with high rebooking rates tend to outperform in nearly every other metric.

• Retail is becoming a bigger differentiator. Top-performing salons are treating retail as an integrated part of the client journey.

• Client retention is the new marketing. Instead of constantly chasing new clients, the most efficient salons are investing in loyalty.

Practical Next Steps

for Any Salon

So how can you apply this thinking, today?

• Pick one key metric to track this month. Start with rebooking or retention –measure where you’re at and set a realistic improvement goal.

• Talk numbers with your team. When the team understands why rebooking matters, they’re more likely to own it.

• Ask peers for insights. If you don’t have software that shows local comparisons, build your own network. Share anonymised figures and trends with other trusted salon owners.

• Look for small wins. Improving one KPI by 5-10% can have a big knock-on effect over time.

TOGETHER WE WILL THE SCIENCE OF AFFIRMATIONS

LOUIS BYRNE IS AN INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER, SESSION ARTIST AND MINDFUL COACH. HIS RESET AND WELLBEING PLAN, ‘I CAN, I AM AND I WILL’, ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TOWARDS GROWTH, POSITIVITY AND MINDFUL LIVING. THROUGHOUT THIS SERIES, LOUIS EXPLORES WHY INNER WELLNESS IS THE INNER FOUNDATION OF HAIRDRESSING EXCELLENCE. THIS MONTH, HE EXPLAINS WHY AFFIRMATIONS ARE MORE THAN JUST WORDS...

Let’s get one thing straight: affirmations aren’t just fluffy Insta quotes or woo-woo wellness trends. Done right, they’re powerful tools to rewire your brain, boost your confidence and build resilience. And let me tell you: that’s exactly what we need in this industry.

Whether you’re on the salon floor smashing back-to-back clients, working for yourself trying to make rent and build a brand or just juggling life and scissors, the pressure is real no matter what. Burnout is common and self-doubt is loud. That inner critic? Sometimes, she’s got a megaphone.

So, how do we change the story…?

Saying “I Can, I Am and I Will” might sound simple, but the science behind it is solid. When you repeat positive affirmations — especially ones rooted in action and belief — you’re literally training your brain to think differently. And this isn’t fluff; it’s back by real neuroscience.

Researchers have found that self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward centres, particularly the ventromedial prefrontal cortex –this is the same area that lights up when you eat good food, get a compliment or nail a banging colour correction. (Source: Falk et al., PNAS, 2015.) So, when you affirm yourself, your brain registers it as something rewarding. You’re carving out fresh mental roads that say,“I’ve got this,” even when old ones try to say, “I’m not good enough.”

Why is this important? Well, we work in a high-speed, high-stakes environment. Clients trust us with their look, their story, their feelings, and most of us have a natural instinct to give, give, give. However, if your default inner voice is running off broken factory settings – from trauma, conditioning or just plain survival mode –then giving can come at the cost of your own confidence and wellbeing.

I don’t speak on this from theory, I speak from experience. There were times I doubted myself hard, and times I felt like I didn’t belong. My upbringing didn’t hand me a silver spoon; it handed me clippers and a hard work ethic. However, what changed the game for me wasn’t waiting to be chosen; it was me choosing me. Every day, I told myself:  I Can. I Am. I Will.

Affirmations are your way of rewriting the old scripts:

“I’m not clever enough.” “I am capable.”

“I can build something of my own.”

“I’m too much / not enough.” “I am exactly who I need to be.” free, accessible and powerful, and if you make them part of your daily mindset, they start to stick. Even when life gets loud.

That mindset carried me from local salons to working with the world’s most beautiful stars. It helped me create a global empowerment movement, launch coaching programmes in schools, publish a journal that’s now used in classrooms, produce affirming TV features and curate art exhibitions that uplift the under-represented. I’ve sat in rooms I once dreamt about, and I got there not just with skill, but with belief. Not every day was easy, but the reset was simple

So, next time you’re feeling the pressure, take a breath and drop into three simple truths:

I Can – I’ve got the power, the tools and the heart to keep going.

I Am – I know who I am. I’m learning. I’m growing. I’m here.

I Will – I’m not finished yet. There’s more to come. I’m building my next chapter.  Because hairdressing isn’t just about what you do with your hands; it’s about what you believe in your heart.

TURNING RETAIL INTO REVENUE

SALON STRONG IN TOUGH TIMES

DEBBIE DIGBY IS THE CEO OF PASSION4HAIR AND THE FOUNDER OF THE FEATHERS SALON GROUP. ALSO SERVING AS A BOARD DIRECTOR FOR THE NHBF AND COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE HAIRDRESSING COUNCIL, HER JOURNEY IS MARKED BY HER DEDICATION TO ELEVATING INDUSTRY STANDARDS. IN THIS SERIES, DEBBIE UNCOVERS THE TRIED-AND-TESTED STRATEGIES FOR SALON SUCCESS.

Andrew Slater Hairdressing is a well-established and successful salon in Malvern, Worcestershire. With over 35 years of experience, Andrew has extensive business knowledge. The salon is no stranger to retail either; in fact, it has been a fundamental strategy for decades. Despite recent negativity surrounding retailing in salons, with some claiming that pushing products alienates clients, Andrew continues to grow this vital revenue stream. This last year, his retail turnover has increased by 35% due to a shift in his approach. Here’s how he did it…

Online Sales

“There is no denying that competition from online sales has been a challenge,” Andrew admits. “We have overcome that, however, by partnering with SalonLove.shop, which means we have a direct shop link on our website. From a client’s perspective, they are essentially shopping online with us, but in reality, SalonLove manages the orders, so we don’t have to worry about packing and shipping. (We still earn a 32% commission on sales though.) For us, retail starts in the salon, but having the SalonLove option secures our recommendations when clients need the convenience of going online.”

Power of Three

The ‘Power of Three’ is a technique Andrew brought back from his recent attendance at the Eufora Business Intelligence Course in San Diego. “If you put three products in front of your client whilst carrying out the service, you have a 92% chance of selling one product. If you place two products, the rate is 50%, and with one product, it reduces to 30%,” he explains. “Since

Andrew’s Top Takeaways:

“One of our most popular incentives is time off! On a monthly basis, we reward 1st, 2nd and 3rd place performance with a couple of hours off to come in later or go home earlier.”

✔ Home care should always be part of the client journey.

✔ Consistency is key.

✔ Never underestimate the ‘Power of Three’.

✔ Education over pressure – always.

✔ Don’t forget to reward the team for results.

implementing this strategy and seeing the results for ourselves, it is not unusual for our stylists to place 5-6 products –in terms of sales, it’s the more the merrier!” Andrew was convinced of the effectiveness of this technique through the breakthrough of Estee, a young stylist who had been unable to achieve her retail sales targets. “Estee started off doing £40-£90 per week, but I spent some time teaching her the ‘Power of Three’. Suddenly, she was doing over £500 per week, which is terrific!”

Disruptor

Andrew has installed a purpose-built Disruptor Unit between the front door and the reception of the salon. In the run-up to Christmas, that unit generated £8,000 in sales of seasonal gift sets. “The psychology is that by interrupting the normal flow and creating an engaging display with interesting seasonal themes, clients appreciate seeing what’s new and discovering the value-added offers available,” he explains. “We ensure that our retail area and windows are constantly evolving to create interest. We want our clients to have the correct home care so their hair looks good 365 days of the year – not just on the day they visit the salon!” Andrew added.

Team Rewards

“It’s important to remember that stylists do not sign up for this ‘salesy stuff’. You have to accept the responsibility of constantly reinforcing what’s in it for the client, the business and the team,” says Andrew. “I like to keep it fun, using things like charts and competitions to reward the team. One of our most popular incentives is time off! On a monthly basis, we reward 1st, 2nd and 3rd place performance with a couple of hours off to come in later or go home earlier. Most recently, the whole team also had a weekend at Butlins – it was a fun and well-deserved treat for being committed to the growth and results.”

POST - SUMMER

Summer hair needs good aftercare and INDOLA is here to help you and your clients transition into the new season.

FALL REFRESH

Breathe new life into blonde hair, restoring shine and strength with INDOLA’S BLONDE EXPERT Insta Strong range.

After a summer packed with fun in the sun, hair can lose its sparkle. This look focuses on strength, shine and styled movement – perfect for blondes ready to refresh their look. Here’s how...

STEP 1: Cleanse hair using BLONDE EXPERTInsta Strong Shampoo. Follow with Insta Strong Treatment, leaving in for 5–10 minutes to repair and hydrate.

STEP 2: Towel-dry and apply Insta Strong Restoring Spray evenly throughout the hair for extra strength and heat protection.

AUTUMN COLOUR BRILLIANCE

Embrace the rich, vibrant hues of autumn with products supporting instant colour vibrancy while ensuring long-lasting colour protection and a silky feel.

WHAT TO USE

• CARE & STYLE Color Shampoo

• CARE & STYLE Color Treatment

• CARE & STYLE Glam Oil

GLAZE IT UP PREP

Use the CARE & STYLE Color Shampoo and CARE & STYLE Color Treatment boosted with CARE & STYLE Glam Oil to protect hair from colour fading, while nourishing and strengthening each strand. This will keep the colour beautiful and add a little extra shine and a silky feel to the hair.

HEATLESS BEACH WAVES

Keep the carefree vibe of summer alive a little longer with INDOLA’s service, designed to refresh and recreate signature beach waves with ease and elegance.

WHAT TO USE

Use the CARE & STYLE Light Mousse and CARE & STYLE Treat & Tame to define natural waves, adding texture and a touch of bounce, all without the need for hot tools. Follow up with CARE & STYLE Flexible Hair Spray for a natural-looking hold.

• CARE & STYLE Light Mousse

• CARE & STYLE Treat & Tame

• CARE & STYLE Flexible Hair Spray

Achieve shiny, frizz-free results to keep hair looking polished and smooth even after the most humid months.

WHAT TO USE

Apply CARE & STYLE Thermal Protector to shield hair from the styling process, hot tools and environmental stressors. To finish the look, use CARE & STYLE Glaze It Up and CARE & STYLE Finishing Serum, which smooth the hair cuticle and lock in a glossy, polished finish, while protecting against frizz.

• CARE & STYLE Thermal Protector

• CARE & STYLE Glaze It Up

• CARE & STYLE Finishing Serum

AFTER SUMMER, HAIR WILL USUALLY HAVE DRIED OUT WITH A REDUCTION OF ITS NATURAL LIPIDS AND MOISTURE LEVELS. AS A RESULT, THE COLOUR WILL INEVITABLY HAVE FADED LIGHTER AND WARMER TOO. WHEN CLIENTS RETURN TO THE SALON, PRIORITISING REHYDRATION AND TONE IS CRUCIAL. I RECOMMEND THAT YOUR POST-SUMMER SERVICES COMBINE VARIOUS PACKAGES OF DEEP MOISTURE TREATMENTS – THE GREAT HYDRATOR FROM EVO IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES.

TOM SMITH, EVO INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE COLOUR DIRECTOR

POSTSUMMER SOS!

The Inner Fix

After a season of sun, sea and scorching heat, a client’s hair will often need more than hydration; it will need repairing from the inside out. The Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask from K18 works by reconnecting broken keratin chains within the hair’s inner structure, restoring its strength, softness and elasticity for a post-summer restart.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A GOOD TRIM! EDUCATE YOUR CLIENTS THAT A POST-SUMMER HAIRCUT WILL SPRING LIFE BACK INTO THEIR LACKLUSTRE HAIR. IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE DRASTIC, JUST ENOUGH TO KEEP BREAKAGE FROM TRAVELLING FURTHER UP THE HAIR.

HARRY ANDREOU

5 Ways to Care for Textured Hair After the Summer Months

CHRIS

GRIMLEY, TEXTURED HAIR SPECIALIST

Textured hair is naturally more prone to dryness, especially after the heat and humidity of the summer months. To restore moisture and keep the hair healthy, it’s important to take a gentle, consistent approach. Here are my top five tips for repairing textured hair now summer is over:

1

Deep Conditioning Is Essential

Through September and beyond, I recommend deep conditioning on a weekly basis. Look for treatments that are rich in moisture – ingredients like Shea Butter and Aloe Vera can really help to nourish the hair and improve manageability.

2 Keep Up With Regular Trims

Heat and sun exposure can leave the hair’s ends feeling brittle, so I always suggest a light trim to remove any damage. It’s a simple way to refresh the shape and help prevent further breakage.

3 Use Protective Styling

Protective styles such as braids or twists are a great option post-summer. They help to reduce daily manipulation, which can lead to breakage, and they also protect the hair from the environment as we move into the cooler months.

4 Sleep On Silk

A small change like switching to a silk or satin pillowcase can make a big difference. Cotton can draw moisture out and cause friction, whilst silk helps retain hydration and reduce frizz overnight.

5 Embrace Heatless Styling

It’s also a good time to take a break from heat tools. There are so many heat-free techniques that can enhance natural curl patterns, such as Twist Outs or Bantu Knots.

KEEPING THE HAIR HYDRATED IS ESSENTIAL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT ESPECIALLY AFTER THE WARMER MONTHS. THE SUN CAN DRAIN THE HAIR OF ANY MOISTURE, LEAVING IT DRY, DULL AND DESPERATELY DEHYDRATED! I ALWAYS ADVISE CLIENTS INVEST IN A SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED TO LOCK IN HYDRATION. MY TOP RECOMMENDATION RIGHT NOW IS THE JOICO HYDRA SPLASH HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER – IT DELIVERS ULTIMATE HYDRATION WITHOUT WEIGHING DOWN THE HAIR, HELPING YOU ACHIEVE SILKY LOCKS WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON VOLUME.

DAN SPILLER, JOICO EMEA AMBASSADOR

GREAT SCALP CARE ALWAYS STARTS WITH EXFOLIATION!

PRODUCT, OIL AND DIRT CAN BUILD UP ON THE SCALP OVER TIME, REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE HAIR SHAFT AND FORCING THE HAIR TO GROW FINER AND WEAKER, SO EXFOLIATING THE SCALP IS ESSENTIAL. I USE THE DENMAN D6 SCALP BRUSH IN THE SALON AND RECOMMEND IT TO MY CLIENTS TOO – IT HAS SOFT BRISTLES THAT GENTLY STRIP AWAY BUILD UP AND MASSAGE THE SCALP, BRINGING HEALTHY BLOOD FLOW TO THE FOLLICLES. EASY AND EFFECTIVE. BRANDON MESSINGER, DENMAN CREATIVE, FERGAL DOYLE HAIR

A ThreatTriple

Designed to support hair that’s been compromised by chemical processes or environmental stress –particularly after the damaging effects of sun exposure, chlorine and saltwater – the Ultra Care range from MOOD offers a threestep system to regenerate, hydrate and restore manageability. The range includes the: Ultra Care Shampoo, to remove impurities, rebalance moisture and improve elasticity in the hair; Ultra Care Mask, to deliver targeted repair to

Ask the Expert: Mark Blake

MARK BLAKE (MIT WTS IAT), A LEADING, GLOBALLY RECOGNISED TRICHOLOGIST FOR NIOXIN, ANSWERS YOUR TOP SCALP CONCERNS…

Q

What are the signs of poor scalp health?

Poor scalp health is simply when the scalp needs some extra TLC. The warning signs can include redness, burning, tightness, itchiness, flaking or scaling. As a trichologist, when I look under a microscope, I want to see a healthy scalp that is pale, with no scale or clogging around the follicle opening.

Q How can you really cleanse the scalp?

We always refer to it as hair washing, but it should be called scalp washing! Advise clients to use their fingertips to rub the scalp when shampooing, this will loosen dead skin and remove excess sebum. Don’t rub the ends of the hair – the shampoo will clean it automatically as it falls down the hair shaft, plus

unnecessary rubbing could actually cause damage. Tell clients to make sure they have washed all the excess shampoo and conditioner from their scalp – if any product is left in, it will cause sensitivity or dryness. Lastly, when combing the hair, always start at the ends and work upwards, gently teasing out any knots.

Q What is your go-to product to help scalp nourishment?

Nioxin’s Dermabrasion is an incredible in-salon scalp treatment. Clients love the super-clean feeling it gives them, plus it creates a base to grow great hair. For maintenance, the Nioxin System Kits are essential for keeping the scalp healthy and combatting thinning.

JUST LIKE SKINCARE, HAIRCARE IS NO LONGER ABOUT MASKING PROBLEMS; IT’S ABOUT NURTURING FROM THE ROOT UP. THE ‘SKINIFICATION’ OF HAIR MEANS TREATING THE SCALP WITH THE SAME RESPECT AS THE SKIN ON YOUR FACE, CREATING A FOUNDATION WHERE TRUE, LASTING HAIR HEALTH CAN THRIVE. WITH THIS IN MIND, I LOVE USING THE SCALP CLINIX AND FIBRE CLINIX RANGES FROM SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL. I OFFER IT AS AN IN-SALON TREATMENT AND ALSO ENCOURAGE CLIENTS TO USE THE RETAIL VERSION AT HOME. JUSTIN MACKLAND, FREELANCE HAIR STYLIST

Captivating Colour

JOICO hosts a magical masterclass for colour creatives: Beyond Excellence.

Colour is an expression of creativity – a vessel for illustrating individuality and devotion to the craft of hairdressing. As colourists, there is nothing as exciting as when you have a blank canvas to unleash your genius. JOICO have curated their Beyond Excellence programme to take colourists on a transformative journey, ensuring that they are at the forefront of emerging trends and techniques.

In late April, colourists from across Europe came together in London to witness two days of colour magic, with this experience being highly regarded as the final masterclass of their Color Excellence programme, a celebration of what they have learned throughout the training programme.

Day one kicked off with presentations from the JOICO EMEA & UK Education, Communications and Business Development Teams, who spoke about JOICO’s plans for their 50th anniversary year, along with the products that will be debuting throughout the year.

In the afternoon session, JOICO EMEA & UK Creative Director, Bruno Marc Giamattei, and Dan Spiller, JOICO EMEA & UK Colour Ambassador, shared their tips and tricks for prepping hair for a photoshoot. Cogs began to turn in the guests’ minds, as they began putting together ideas of how they would eventually co-ordinate their own photoshoots – something which most of them have never experienced.

“We’ll never stop growing, learning and sharing our knowledge with one another –it only makes us stronger”

Day two kicked off with a Q&A from the visionaries behind JOICO’s creative collections - JOICO EMEA & UK Creative Director Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO EMEA & UK Colour Ambassador Dan Spiller, photographer Jamie Blanshard, stylist Ellen Spiller and make-up artist Katie Moore. Delving deep into the fundamentals of shooting a collection, it was evident that each and every word from the discussion kept the audience completely captivated, as they soaked up the team’s knowledge.

This uplifting ambiance continued into the second half of the day, as the guests

experienced a live photoshoot where they watched a collection unfold in front of their eyes! Shooting a total of nine looks throughout the day, the team showed the value of true teamwork with stylist Ellen Spiller carefully selecting pieces that incorporated orange and golden tones to harmonise with make-up artist, Katie Moore’s warm toned make-up creations and the backdrop that photographer Jamie Blanshard has chosen to use.

When it came to shooting the looks, the guests watched in awe of the genius of JOICO EMEA & UK Creative Director Bruno Marc Giamattei and JOICO EMEA & UK Colour Ambassador Dan Spiller. A table overflowing with JOICO’s hero products sat to the side of the set, acting as a creative portal for Dan and Bruno to bring their visions to life. As the shutter of the camera began to click, the room fell silent, and the guests observed as the magic was brought to life. The guests watched in amazement as Bruno began to move strands of hair until they gave him the result he desired –demonstrating the stamina needed for continuing until you have the perfect shot. Both the models’ hair and wigs were styled to perfection, with the end result being a cornucopia of looks that illustrated a variety of colours, lengths, textures and silhouettes.

The combination of bringing each of the team’s individual strengths together to getting that perfect image and making the hair pop; the guest could feel the great rapport that the

team had. The guests embraced every tip and trick that the team shared with an open mind, eager to expand –with some even getting the opportunity to get hands-on themselves!

Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO EMEA & UK Creative Director said: “What an amazing couple of days working with JOICO Europe on their Color Excellence programme. It was incredible to meet so many passionate hairdressers from across Europe, as we came together to create something marvellous. We’ll never stop growing, learning and sharing our knowledge with one another – it only makes us stronger.”

Half a century of healthy hair, a rich heritage of innovation and discovery, the launch of iconic products and most importantly, our passion of the hairdressing industry. JOI is at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to craft the future of healthy hair –here’s to the next 50 years of JOI!

BeyondExcellence

Bruno Marc Giamattei and Dan Spiller  MAKE-UP: Katie Moore  STYLING: Ellen Spiller  PHOTOGRAPHY: Jamie Blanshard PRODUCTS: JOICO

Alfa Italia

“For this campaign, I wanted to showcase three versatile finishes that each told their own story, whilst still feeling wearable, modern and effortlessly styled. It was important to me that each look felt authentic and had its own personality, and the tools made it very easy to create these beautiful textures and shapes.”

Melissa Timperley

RADAR

MAKE-UP: Maddie Austin

STYLING: Zoe Bell

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Ralph

PRODUCTS: Revlon Professional

ART DIRECTION: Andrew Jose and Dodge Mackay @ Andrew Jose for Revlon Professional

FLiP BOOK

GOLDSWORTHY’S X CLUBSTAR 2025

This collection was created during a Fellowship Hair ClubStar mentor day, led by project leaders, Josh and Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy. The session showcased essential wig skills, including wig-wrapping techniques and constructing a custom wig from scratch on a live model using pre-coloured hair wefts.

The process culminated with a dramatic transformation – cutting the wig from long to short directly on the model, before being photographed in a flip book style to show each step of the cutting process.

With 12 transformative hairstyles ranging from long to short, each stage is a nod to the power of precision, storytelling and the journey of style evolution.

LET’S TALK TEXTURE

Hair texture is a top client concern, and yet only 1 in 5 women have ever had a demi-permanent smoothing or permanent hair straightening service*. This is mainly due to concerns over chemicals and hair damage**. With texture trending in the media and on socials, the opportunity is here for you to embrace this salon service and deliver dream hair – glossy, straight or defined curls – to your clients.

WELLA PROFESSIONALS

PRO+ PERFORM

PERMANENT CURL & STRAIGHTENING

✓ The first perm with PLEX TECHNOLOGY for incredible hair quality

✓ New minimalistic improved formula

✓ New improved scent

✓ New formats and simplified line-up

✓ New education

Learn more on our Education Hub here: https://education.wella.com/course/view .php?id=15731

WELLA PROFESSIONALS

Give your clients the gift of three months of effortless styling, everyday**

CLIENT BENEFITS:

✓ Anti-frizz, faster blow-dries

✓ No after care restrictions

✓ No sulphate-free shampoo required

✓ Eight ingredients only

✓ Low-fume formula for a worry-free salon experience

✓ Lasts up to 12 weeks**

BUSINESS BENEFITS

✓ Boost your profits

✓ High value, faster service

✓ One product, lasting results

✓ Exclusive salon service

✓ Patented technology

*According to Kline's Salon Hair Care Global Series (data for the full calendar year 2024, published in May 2025), with rankings based on product value sales in local GBP currency.

**Lastingness may vary depending on hair type and hair care routine.

To find out more, visit: https://uk.wella.professionalstore.com/wella-professionals -smoothfiller?icid=UK_display_wellastore_landing-page_ 01.09.2025_smoothfillerprohair

Freelance forum...

BUSINESS BEHAVIOURS

BENJAMIN SHIPMAN, CO-FOUNDER OF THE HAIR MOVEMENT, LOOKS AT THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL FREELANCE HAIRDRESSING BUSINESS.

The hairdressing industry operates on a misconception that technical excellence fuels success. However, we all know there’s more to being successful than a great haircut.

Understanding behavioural psychology can give you the competitive edge, and when you understand why people make decisions, you can influence those decisions effectively.

The industry is experiencing unprecedented change. Those who master the behavioural aspects of business won’t just survive; they’ll thrive and go on to shape the industry as we know it. Of course, technical skills remain important, but behavioural intelligence is what separates industry leaders from followers.

There’s an opportunity for every freelance and independent stylist to build something extraordinary, because here’s the thing: the real magic of any business happens in the 80% that lives outside the craft. Yes, technical skills matter, but they only account for about 20% of what makes your business thrive. The rest is about communication, leadership, conflict resolution, team culture, marketing, guest experience and mindset.

I spent many years living abroad, working globally as a leadership and management consultant, and partnering with brands like Adidas, Levi’s, IKEA, Intel and Sheraton, to name a few. My background is in behavioural science –the study of how people think, feel, act and make decisions. It might not sound directly related to hair, but it turns out that understanding human behaviour is one of the secret sauces to building any successful business.

So, what can we learn from these big brands?

1Brand Consistency

When IKEA expanded across markets such as China, Russia and India, one thing became very clear –the brand was uncompromising. It didn’t matter where it was operating, the IKEA culture was

“the

real magic of any business happens in the 80% that lives outside the craft. Yes, technical skills matter, but they only account for about 20% of what makes your business thrive.”

bigger than the local culture. That might sound bold, but it wasn’t arrogance; it was about clarity, consistency and commitment to brand values. Everyone knew exactly what they were signing up for, what was expected of them and what they could rely on.

This kind of clarity creates safety because when people feel safe, they can focus on what really matters. That lesson has always stuck with me, and it’s now one of my own golden rules; no one person is bigger or more important than the brand.

For independent and freelance stylists, this means creating consistent client experiences, from the booking and the consultation, all the way to the finish. Inconsistency can breed anxiety, while consistency will build trust and loyalty.

2

Long-Term Vision

How many times have you flip-flopped, changed direction or compromised, not because of your long-term vision, but because of team and peer pressure? Change is powerful (it keeps a business growing!), but we’re not just reacting to change, we’re leading it.

That said, a brand is only as strong as the people within it. Skills can be taught, but energy, attitude and alignment with your brand values? That should be non-negotiable.

3

The Power of WOW

Guests come first, and they’re always right... even when they’re spectacularly wrong! Next, comes your tribe and their wellbeing. Lastly, the business. And here’s the reality: when you take care of the first two, the third takes care of itself. I stole this straight from Disney, 18 years ago. They call it the ‘Power of WOW’, which prioritises guest experience above anything else.

LET’S TALK!

HOW TO GET NOTICED AS A FREELANCE COLOURIST

SHEILA ABRAHAMS MBE, FOUNDER OF THE FREELANCE HAIRDRESSERS ASSOCIATION (FHA), SITS DOWN WITH AWARD-WINNING FREELANCE COLOURIST, CASEY COLEMAN

SHARING HOW HE FOUND HIS VOICE AND WHY CO-WORKING IS THE FUTURE, CASEY EXPLAINS WHAT EVERY FREELANCE COLOURIST SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING SOLO.

into overheads and wages, and start reaping the benefits of my own hard work.

Sheila: Casey, congratulations on being crowned the Vivid Colour winner in our 2025 Freelance Awards! Tell me, what sparked your passion for vivid colour and how did your journey in hairdressing begin?

Casey: I first got into hairdressing in Swansea. I started out as an apprentice, but if I’m honest, it just didn’t work for me. So, I stepped away from hair altogether, had a bit of time out, then came back to it properly at 19 as a full-time mature student at college. That’s where I did my NVQ Level 2 and 3. It was after finishing Level 3 that I really got into photoshoots, and that opened the door to a job in Cardiff, where my love of colour really took off. The vivid stuff came a bit later. Right before Covid, I felt this growing need – not just from clients, but from myself – to do more creative work. I was craving placements, mixology and colours that felt a bit mad in the best way. During lockdown, I went all in. I bought 20 doll’s heads, ordered a load of colour and just started creating vivid tutorials from home. That was a turning point. What started as creative play ended up becoming a core part of my professional work: shoots, wigs, shows, salon clients... everything!

Sheila: Yes, lockdown really did change a lot of people’s career directions. You’ve built a strong personal brand as a freelancer, when did you decide to go out on your own and what motivated that move?

Casey: Even though I was employed for much of my career, I’ve been freelance since the start of 2018. I closed my salon and made the jump because I wanted to focus on myself, to stop pouring money

That said, freelancing isn’t for everyone. I’ve just reopened Chair Salons as a co-working freelance space, and it’s taken all the pressure off managing a team. It’s a place where other freelancers can come in, feel supported and still run their own business with none of the loneliness I felt at the start of my freelance journey.

I’ll be honest, working alone hit me really hard at one point; my mental health really took a dip. That’s one of the reasons I created Chair Salons in the way I did – a shared space, built around community. Everyone runs their own business, but no one has to feel alone.

experiences because I know it helps others. Someone in the industry once accused me of talking about it for likes, which was hurtful, but also completely missed the point. It’s not about views; it’s about connection. A problem shared really is a problem halved.

Sheila: I think it’s wonderful to recognise that emotion, and then open a space to help combat it. What advice would you give to others looking to make the jump?

Casey: Don’t do it completely solo. We’re social creatures; look for a co-working salon or a shared space so you’re around like-minded people. Unless you’re really mentally strong, going at it alone can be incredibly isolating.

Sheila: That’s exactly why I created the FHA –in order for freelancers not to be alone and still have that community we all need. You’ve been refreshingly open about mental health – why do you think it’s important for people in our industry to talk about it more?

Casey: Mental health has been a taboo in this industry for too long. People shy away from it, but I’m open about my

Sheila: I totally agree. What are some of the ways you look after your own mental wellbeing, especially as a freelancer? I go to therapy, I make time for friends and family, I use the sauna and cold plunge, I train and I lean on my creative work to keep me grounded. Even the salon environment itself – with its calming music, scent and light – is designed to help.

Sheila: You’ve certainly mastered the art of attention-grabbing content, but a lot of our members struggle with confidence on camera –how did you find your voice online and how can others do the same?

Casey: As for content creation, I think the secret to engaging people is simple: be yourself and have fun with it. Hairdressing doesn’t have to be so serious all the time; you can still be professional and have a laugh. That’s what I try to do – I have fun with my work, and I think people connect with that.

Sheila: Excellent! Lastly, if you could give one tip to every freelance colourist out there trying to get noticed, what would it be?

Casey: Inject a bit of fun into your work, man! Let that joy come through online, that’s what people respond to.

Freelance forum...

CLUB RULES

WHY YOU STRUGGLE TO RAISE YOUR PRICES AS A FREELANCER

SOPHIA HILTON IS THE FOUNDER OF NOT ANOTHER CLUB – A COMMUNITY-LED MOVEMENT IN BUSINESS AND LIFE COACHING FOR THE HAIR INDUSTRY. IN THE FIRST OF AN EXCLUSIVE NEW SERIES FOR PRO HAIR, SOPHIA TACKLES THE EMOTION AROUND YOUR VALUE AND YOUR PRICING.

Let’s stop pretending that your problem with raising your prices is just about maths. It’s not; it’s about you. The truth is, the number on your price list is less about money and more about how you feel about yourself. People love to make it about spreadsheets and calculators, but for most hairdressers, money is so emotional. If you’re struggling with your self-worth, it will show up in your pricing… Every. Single. Time.

It’s Not a Pricing Problem; It’s a You Problem

I’m not going to sugarcoat this: if you constantly feel guilty for charging what you’re worth, if you flinch every time a client says, “How much?”, or if you panic at the till and start chopping bits off the bill, it’s not about your service; it’s about your self-worth. If that’s where you’re at, you don’t just need a new price list, you need therapy. And fast.

The quicker you start dealing with the deep stuff – your fear of rejection, your need for approval, the little voice in your head telling you “You’re not enough” – the quicker you’ll build confidence around money. Because, without that inner belief, no pricing strategy in the world will hold.

I say this not just from personal experience, but from deep research. I’ve been teaching money mindsets on tour across Australia, the UK and online, and the same patterns show up again and again. Ultimately, we don’t charge more because we don’t feel we’re worth more.

The Term ‘Know Your Value’ Is Misused

Everyone’s shouting “Know your worth!” online, but let’s be honest, a lot of it is just people testing the waters to see how high they can charge and still get away with it. This isn’t knowing your value; it’s throwing spaghetti at a wall (which is a little dishonest, in my opinion).

If you want to raise your prices and feel good about it, you need to do the work to actually increase your value first. This means improving your service so you feel proud of every detail. Upgrade the experience: swap the same boring Biscoff biscuit for something that surprises and delights your clients. Step up your personal presentation: if you’re still turning up to work in your sliders, no make-up and your wet hair scraped on top of your head with “I’m sorry I’m late” being the first thing that comes out of your mouth, then you’re really going to struggle.

If your game goes up, your confidence goes up. And when your confidence goes up, so do your prices, naturally.

Raise Your Skills Before Your Prices

Let’s be real… if not every client is returning, and if you’re still finding some jobs stressful or unfamiliar, you’ve got work to do. None of us are perfect.

You don’t need a five-grand masterclass; you need YouTube, a mannequin head and commitment. I get it, you’re tired, the kids need dinner and you’ve got other responsibilities, but here’s the tough love – if you want a better life, the only way is through. You either give yourself more skills or you stay stuck and broke.

Raising your prices without raising your skill set? That will just fuel your imposter syndrome. Raising your skills first? That builds bloody strong confidence.

Stop Discounting at the Till

This is a big one, and I see it all the time. You’re too scared to tell the client what it costs upfront, so you wait until the end, and then panic when you see the total. So, what do you do? You knock a bit off. Every time. You discount out of guilt.

The fix for this is simple: always over-communicate the potential costs. For example, I’ll say: “If I need to reapply bleach or add extra highlights, that’s a £50 add-on. I’ll only do it if needed, and I’ll let you know before we go ahead.” That way, if I do it, I charge it –no guilt, no surprises. If you just go ahead and don’t tell them, however? You’ll be too nervous to mention it and you’ll lose out every time because you’ll panic price drop.

If you’re a freelancer and you’re struggling with any of this, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with thousands who’ve felt exactly the same. That’s why I created Not Another Club, a support network that helps freelancers and salon owners get real about money, mindset and business.

Revolutionising the future of blonde repair, Revlon Professional’s new Ultimate Repair Pre-Wash offers 4 key benefits in just 4 minutes.

The new Ultimate Repair Pre-Wash from Revlon Professional features a patent-pending technology that reverses damage and restores hair to its natural properties** , with visible results in only 4 minutes.

THE ULTIMATE FORMULA presents the FAB FOUR:

TRIPLE-BOND ACTION

Covalent bonds – Resilience

Ionic bonds – Flexibility

Hydrogen bonds – Movement

AMINO ACIDS

Fillers repair the keratin micro-ruptures in the hair

CHELATING AGENTS

Targets and neutralises the harmful metals behind hair damage

STRENGTH

ELASTICITY

REPARATION

PREVENTION

WHAT’S NEW ABOUT REVLON PROFESSIONAL’S MAGNET?

Many bonding products only focus on rebuilding covalent bonds. With MAGNET, you don’t need multiple products or complex steps. Everything you need for full hair recovery is in one solution – an easy and effective way to restore healthy hair.

FULL HAIR RECOVERY = STRENGTH + HIGH ELASTICITY + 3D INTERNAL REPARATION + PREVENTION

1 2

TRADITIONAL APPROACH

MAGNET’S APPROACH

30X STRONGER HAIR*

BOND IN SYSTEM+: A unique combination of strengthening ingredients for the ultimate results with maximum hair protection.

3

ULTIMATE REPAIR PRE-WASH

Patent-pending technology that reverses damage and restores hair to its natural properties**, with visible results in only 4 minutes.

THE ONLY RANGE YOU’LL NEED FOR TECHNICAL MASTERY

Forget about carrying extra inventory. With Revlon Professional’s MAGNET, you can achieve technical mastery with just one product range.

THE LAUNCHPAD

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Designed to combine the speed of tape extensions with the seamless, secure finish of wefts, Remi Cachet has launched the new Twin Tab Micro Weft Hair Extensions. These 4-cm wide Twin Tabs feature an innovative, patented design that provides a sandwich-like fit to enclose the rings, ensuring secure and discreet application. Made using the brand’s highest quality Elegance range, the injected strip mimics natural hair growth for an undetectable finish, while the thin, lightweight top ensures maximum comfort.

THE GOLDEN TICKET

Offering another level of blonde brilliance, JOICO has released its Blonde Life Demi Gloss Toners in brand-new Level 12 and Gold shades. The high-shine, high-impact Level 12s are available in three new sheer hues –Natural, Violet and Titanium – for the lightest blondes out there. And the new intermixable Gold shades - 9G (Gold Coast) and 10G (Bondi Beach) –aim to infuse pre-lightened locks with a warm, golden, sun-kissed reflection.

A BIRTHDAY TREAT

In celebration of its 20th birthday, evo hair has created a limited-edition version of its pete ionic paddle brush. Sporting a bespoke design from the brand’s latest campaign, destination evo, the brush has been crafted as the perfect companion for smoothing and detangling, complete with anti-static nylon pins to reduce frizz for more manageable hair.

TIME FOR A BOOST? Schwarzkopf Professional has now introduced a high-performance upgrade to five of its most-loved Bonacure care products, now powered by innovative Care-Boost Complex technology. Designed to deliver instant transformation with every use, this advanced blend of active ingredients enhances combability and detangling, while delivering salon-level softness, nourishment and moisture, without weighing the hair down. The five Bonacure essentials now featuring the new formula are the: Bonacure Repair Rescue Sealed Ends+, Bonacure Repair Rescue Treatment, Bonacure Color Freeze Treatment, Bonacure Color Freeze Silver Treatment and Bonacure Moisture Kick Treatment.

LET IT SHINE!

Aveda has launched its brand-new Miraculous Oil. Crafted to create a light-reflecting shine and immerse the senses in a calming aroma, the luxurious formula works to illuminate, soften and strengthen every strand. Featuring a blend of botanical oils – including Tsubaki Oil, Daikon Seed Oil and Aveda’s exclusive Camelina Oil ferment –the product has been formulated to help leave hair feeling soft and smooth with a radiant shine.

THE HYDRATION STATION

Crafted with professionals in mind, Neäl & Wølf has introduced a brand-new addition to its HYDRATE collection – the HYDRATE Leave-In Conditioning Spray. The lightweight mist works by deeply penetrating the hair shaft to deliver moisture, offering clients an effortless way to maintain silky, hydrated hair between washes. The product also works to help balance hair porosity, particularly for clients with low-porosity hair.

PLAYING IT COOL

Rapture Hair Extensions has unveiled two new ash blonde colours: 630 and 640. Designed to meet growing demand for cool-toned blondes, these shades offer stylists greater versatility when creating seamless, natural-looking results. Both shades are available across Rapture’s premium Original range in lengths of 10”, 16” and 20”, ensuring suitability for a wide variety of styles and clients.

TURN UP THE HEAT

Introducing HeatBounce, a new, weightless conditioning heat protectant from K18. Powered by ResiliCore – a patented, heat-shielding technology inspired by resilient proteins found in nature – the product formula transforms from a lightweight cream into a fine mist to deliver conditioning without weight. Due to the size and molecular makeup of the technology, the product can penetrate right through to the hair’s cortex, offering protection up to 232°C.

THE NEW HAIR ON THE BLOCK

A PIONEERING PROCESS

Sweet Squared has announced the exclusive distribution of CALECIM Professional’s Advanced Hair System – a professional solution for hair regeneration that uses pioneering stem cell technology. Rooted in 20 years of medical research, CALECIM works to increase follicle cell production, improve hair thickness and grow overall hair count. The drug-free, non-invasive solution is ideal for clients seeking safe, science-led results from their salon professional.

Renowned extension specialist, Hadley Yates, has recently launched CURATED, a professional-grade hair extension brand developed specifically for salon professionals and hair artists. Hadley’s goal is simple: to provide stylists with high-performance hair that looks, feels and behaves like the client’s own. Including Bonds and Tapes, both available in 14”, 18” and 20” and either a curly or smooth texture, the range focuses on tonal harmony, seamless integration and longevity.

CAPSULE COLLECTION

A NEW LUXURY COLLAB HAS JUST DROPPED!

Premium hair extensions brand Beauty Works has unveiled a hair collaboration worth knowing about for 2025: Beauty Works x Huda. This is a visionary hair collection with a peak luxury vibe, curated with international beauty mogul Huda Kattan.

Blending Beauty Works’ award-winning expertise with Huda’s signature glam aesthetic, this game-changing range brings luxury hair extensions into the salon and into your hands, allowing you to achieve effortlessly glam transformations that your clients will love.

The collaboration kicks off with a luxurious new edit of hair extensions in five exclusive, Huda-designed shades, all tailored to flatter a wide range of hair tones and textures.

Carefully curated by Huda herself, all products are crafted from 100% cuticle Remy human hair, designed for seamless highlights, rich dark roots and multidimensional hues.

Professional-Only Extension Methods

Made for salon application with multiple reuse cycles:

•Slimline Tape (14”–28”) – Ultra-discreet, pre-taped extensions.

•Invisi Tape – Mimics natural hair, perfect for layering colour or fullness.

•Express Weft – Pre-taped for 20-minute applications.

•InvisiTip / NanoBond – Ideal for custom placement without glue or heat.

•XXS Weft – Hand-crafted, ultra-lightweight and glue-free.

Available exclusively to certified salons POA via trade accounts.

For your clients with thinning hair or those who are looking for temporary solutions, then Beauty Works x Huda has you covered:

Barely There Clip-In Set

Invisible clip-in extensions with a push-up effect to mimic natural hair growth. Ideal for everyday volume and length with zero damage. Available in 18”, 20” and 22”.

HUDA HUES

The five stunning and exclusive multidimensional shades are inspired by Huda’s Middle Eastern heritage, eliminating the need for bleaching or damage.

Barely There Mix & Match Range

Customisable extensions that blend into the hairline with precision.

•Minis – For face-framing or filling fine/thinning areas.

•Duo – Add targeted volume to hairline or parting.

•Volumiser – 4-clip weft for boosting overall density.

Not only are both of these Beauty Works systems great for retailing, they can also be cut in as a service, creating a welcome source of additional revenue for your salon.

IN THIS SERIES, WE DELVE INTO THE DYNAMICS BEHIND SOME OF HAIRDRESSING’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIPS. WHY ARE THE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL ASPECTS OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP SO STRONG, AND WHAT ARE THE DAY-TO-DAY SECRETS THAT HAVE MADE THESE POWERFUL DUOS LAST THE DISTANCE...?

JUST THE 2 OF US

Tristan on Michael

I was working at Fish in Soho, and Michael used to come in and get his hair cut with somebody else. Once, as he was about to leave, I told him he should book in with me next time if he wanted a decent haircut! It became a friendship that grew over about 10 years and eventually (once I’d grown up, basically!), we decided that it was a good idea to get together. I wasn’t considering coming to the countryside or anything like that, but I had a skill set and Michael had a skill set, and together, we felt we could be unstoppable.

really nice guy, but he’s also able to take the hard line.

When it comes to the salon floor, I know how it needs to be from the service and the practical point of view. I’m consulted on everything, but we have our areas of expertise, and we stick to them. We set out the vision for Tristan Eves right at the beginning, and our values are completely aligned.

Character-wise, we’re absolutely opposite, but morally, we’re on the same page. Michael is a classic Scorpio – there’s a sting in the tail. I’d say Michael is stubborn, but he thinks before he speaks, and he’s much more measured and less emotional than I am. That’s an advantage though, as he’s Front of House and understands all about clients’ needs. As a role, that part is so important. Michael’s a

Michael is like my agent and my manager. My phone used to ring all the time –now his rings instead! Running the salon is an ongoing thing; it’s a living, breathing entity and so we do speak about it all the time. For 15 years, we’ve literally lived and worked together, so it’s inevitable that work life and home life blur, but we’ve learnt over the years about balance.

Trust is the most important thing I’d say in a partnership. We’re married, so we’ve got a legally binding trust thing going on, but you’ve got to trust the person that you’re in business with. You’ve

got to have the same moral compass too, or at least be able to agree on the important things.

The plan for the future is to grow. We’ve established ourselves in this first 10 years, and now this next 10 years is about improving the quality to an astounding level. We’re extending the salon and building on the superstar service, combined with the brilliant, perfect hair we’re already known for. We believe perfection is achieved by changing often. The salon never stays the same; it’s always growing and improving. It’s a modernist way of looking at things, moving with the times and not getting stuck in the rough –that’s how you move forwards and become bigger and better.

Michael on Tristan

My first impression of Tristan was that he had an awful lot of energy and charisma. It was the early days of Tristan’s hair career when we met, and I was working in advertising. So, while Tristan’s career was taking off with session work and celebrities, I was involved in big advertising campaigns. It was all part of that life in Soho at the time.

I was a single dad and needed to be home more for my son, so shortly after we met, I had stopped full-time work in London. I was doing some consultancy work from home in Sussex, and as my son became more settled, I didn’t really relish the thought of commuting back up to London. Starting the salon just all came together at the right time. It made more sense to focus on getting the salon off the ground, and it was quite a straightforward transition. I’d spent my whole career in advertising, managing the creative process and the creative teams, so in many ways it’s not very different. The main thing for creative people is making sure they’ve got everything they need around them, so they can just totally focus on the creativity.

emotional level; he’s creative and he’s

passionate about everything. That passion can be quite volatile at times, but he also has a magnetic personality that just draws people to him. The only thing we’re ever likely to fall out over is that Tristan wants everything immediately, where I’m more measured and prefer to think things through. I’ll be the one who has that continual attention to detail, so it’s best just to tell Tristan the big stuff at the last minute.

To make it work, I think you have to have a clear delineation of responsibility. Tristan knows he’s in charge of the creative side and how the salon operates on a day-to-day basis. I’m very much about how the business is run –making sure everyone’s paid and the supplies are all in on time, etc. We’ve learnt over the years about balance, so when little things are going wrong or someone’s behaviour becomes an issue, the sooner you can highlight it and discuss it, the easier it is to deal with in the long run.

Time away from the salon is important. A perfect day off for us would be a nice walk on the beach with the dogs, some lunch and an afternoon sitting outside reading a book in the sunshine.

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS:

Who’s the bigger perfectionist? We both are, in different ways.

Who’s the chattiest? Tristan.

Who takes longer to get ready for a night out? Michael.

Who is the hairdressing duo you most admire?

Nicky and Lesley Clarke.

If you two weren’t in the hair industry, what’s another job you could imagine doing together?

House renovations or anything that has a practical side and a creative side.

Describe your partnership in three words Long-lasting, loving, educational.

YOU SAWTHEM HERE first!

AT PRO HAIR, OUR RADAR IS ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE HOTTEST, UP-AND-COMING TALENT. IN THIS SERIES, WE DISCOVER THE STYLISTS WHO ARE SHAKING THINGS UP IN THE WORLD OF HAIR AND UNCOVER EXACTLY WHAT’S ON THE MINDS OF THESE FUTURE HAIRDRESSING STARS.

WATCH THIS SPACE – YOU SAW THEM HERE FIRST!

SHARON

JOHNSTONE @ HAIR COUTURE, EAST LOTHIAN

Hi Sharon, can you tell us a bit about your background? How did you get into hairdressing?

I started hairdressing back in 2000 when I was just 15 years old. I was on my exam study leave when I decided I didn’t want to go back to school – I was just desperate to get started in hairdressing! I was too young to start an apprenticeship, so I did a 6-month course at college for under 16s, before getting a job in a high-end Edinburgh salon. That was where I qualified when I was 18, but I then went self-employed when I was only 19 years old and set up my own freelance business. I have been self-employed ever since (I’m now 40!).

What’s been your biggest career highlight so far?

Definitely opening my first salon when I was 26. It’s been open for 14 years now, and it continues to go from strength to strength!

What’s your greatest ambition?

My ambition isn’t just to be known as a

great hairdresser, but to build my brand for my salon’s future and my employees’ future. I have a 16-year-old daughter who is at the start of her hairdressing journey, and I would love to open up opportunities for her future.

What inspires your creativity?

Being able to see other stylists on social media definitely inspires my creativity. Also, I love attending hair shows, conferences and education days – they’re so great for sparking creativity and inspiration.

What does the hairdressing industry look like to you today?

To me, the industry looks more exciting than ever. There are lots more opportunities nowadays, which is great – I think it’s largely down to social media and stylists being able to showcase their talents more. I feel the industry is taken more seriously these days too, and stylists are now able to charge their worth.

Is hairdressing what you thought it would be?

Hairdressing is a lot more than I thought it would be back when I started in 2000. A lot of people get the impression that it’s all about standing behind a chair cutting hair all day, but there is so much more to the hair world! There’s a whole other side of it which I am loving exploring –things like photoshoots, awards, hair shows, magazine entries and lots more.

Do you have a signature style or technique that sets you apart?

My signature style is blondes and seamless blends, finished off with a classy wave. Having ADHD makes me a perfectionist, so I focus a lot on the attention to detail. This also helps me create stunning bobs – another one of my signature styles. I love a good bob!

Are there any particular products, tools or technologies you’re obsessed with

right now?

I absolutely love my Hot Tools Curl Bar –it’s an absolute must in my tool kit for creating waves and curls. Also, my favourite brand, Neäl & Wølf – I couldn’t achieve the colours and styles I do without its products and colours!

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in hairdressing today? For anyone starting out, my advice would be to stick in and work hard. A lot of young people get the impression that hairdressing is easy, but it’s really not. It can be seriously hard work, but when you see your clients’ happy faces, it makes it all worth it. People starting out need to realise it’s a marathon not a sprint, and to become the best hairdresser you can be takes years of practise.

What do you think makes a great hairdresser stand out from the rest?

It’s not just the fabulous results they create, but their personality too. How a hairdresser makes their clients feel is just as important as how they make them look. Also, a bit of humour. I aim to make my clients laugh at least once each visit!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

In 10 years’ time, I would like to see my brand grow to a larger scale, my salon running smoother than ever and possibly my very own daughter taking the reins. I’d love to have more opportunities in the industry and hopefully more awards under my belt. Most importantly, I hope I’m still loving doing hair and having fun!

“A lot of young people get the impression that hairdressing is easy, but it’s really not. It can be seriously hard work, but when you see your clients’ happy faces, it makes it all worth it.”

The Design Edit.

How would you describe the design of your salon?

Kitch is a small but larger-than-life salon based on a 1950s kitchen fantasy. Like something from inside a Tim Burton daydream, the space is designed to recreate the nostalgia of having your hair done in the kitchen, surrounded by your best friends. It’s a riot of sugary pastels, clever storage and custom-built features that make every inch work harder. It’s fun, functional and totally unique.

Do you have any curated pieces or special features in the salon?

IN THE HEART OF ANGEL, ISLINGTON, LIES A CUTE, 1950sKITCHEN-DECOR-THEMED SALON CREATED BY LUCA JONES AND SCOTT

Almost everything was made bespoke by a company who usually do prop design and festival builds. Our trolleys slot under the mirrors and look like retro cookers. Every mirror has a door with storage behind – the fridge door is actually a cupboard and the tumble dryer door is the fridge! Even the reception desk is a giant lilac washing machine with our logo spinning in the drum. Everything –including the graphics – was designed just for us.

How have you embraced sustainability within your design?

We’ve used acrylic tiles throughout the bottom half of the salon because they’re stain-proof and super practical. The boxed-in backwash area is done in the same material – it’s warm, waterproof and built to last. We designed everything ourselves to be multifunctional, space-saving and long-term, so there’s nothing wasted and nothing off-the-shelf.

Do you have a dress code for your team?

No dress code – we encourage individuality and want everyone to feel like themselves. Our whole vibe is about celebrating difference and making people feel good, and that goes for our team as much as our clients.

Salon Furniture?

All bespoke – made by a festival/prop build company.

Product brand?

R+Co and NAK.

Software? Phorest.

Other services offered?

Beards and facial hair.

Number of stations? 5. Give us three words that reflect the vibe of your salon.

What’s the reason you fell in love with hairdressing?

I’m from a hairdressing family (you could say it’s in my blood!), but I fell in love with this career when I started my apprenticeship at TONI&GUY in Germany. The passion and care that the hairdressers I was working with had for their work hugely inspired me, and working in a salon just felt like the place to be.

What’s the most treasured item in your kitbag?  It’s actually my kitbag itself! Just after we signed the lease for our salon, my wife very kindly bought me a kitbag with our new salon logo embroidered on it. It was such a nice moment seeing our new brand come to life.

What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far?

There are a few! One would have to be heading up my first show at London Fashion Week, and another is winning London Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards.

WHAT’S..?

Philipp Haug

on FASHION WEEK, FIBRE CLINIX and FOOTBALL HEROES

What’s your drink of choice at the bar?

I’m from Southern Germany, so I would go for a blonde beer. If that’s not available, then a Whiskey Sour.

What’s your go-to takeaway order?

What’s the favourite look you have created?

During London Fashion Week AW24, Schwarzkopf Professional sponsored the FROLOV show, and I had the

creating an undone texture with a grungy, lived-in edge to the hair. The final looks were super cool and full of attitude.

What’s your go-to hair product right now?

My favourite and most-used product at the moment is Schwarzkopf Professional’s Fibre Sealer from the Fibre Clinix range. We literally cannot order enough! We are always running out of it in the salon as it’s brilliant for all hair types and creates incredible shine –everyone’s always reaching for it!

I drink a LOT of coffee… so a black Americano with one scoop of ice.

What’s the last thing you bought?

Being a dad means mostly buying for the kids! My eldest son just had a brilliant school report, so I bought him an Inter Miami Messi jersey as a special treat. His face when he saw it was amazing –Messi is his football hero.

What’s your top binge-watch recommendation?

I’m not a huge TV person, but I love tennis –I could watch it for hours.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I’m sorry to disappoint, but sadly I don’t have a musical bone in my body… I would be straight out of the building before anyone could get me in front of the microphone!

RUSH NEWS MARKETING UPDATES

AUGUST saw a record breaking month for Press Appointments both from an influencer outreach, to local journalists. So THANK YOU to all those salons who continue to deliver exceptional STC and quality hairdressing to our VIP’s. Here are some of our recent favourites:

AUTUMN WINTER 2025 THANK YOU

We’re now in full Autumn flow for our 50% OFF Colour offer, running until 3rd December. During this time, please keep your window banners on display until further notice.

And dare we say it, we are getting ready for our busiest time of the year (and our favourite month here in marketing) XMAS the Rush way! Keep your eyes peeled for anything Christmas related, as it will be finding it’s way to you shortly.

BY NOW, YOU SHOULD HAVE ALL RECEIVED YOUR UPDATED SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE IMAGES & UPDATED BIOS. Please ensure you copy these correctly, as these links allow us to track clicks to your individual booking pages and most importantly, clients to book directly from your Insta Profiles.

WITH ALL SALONS LOOKING & FEELING THE SAME, WE HOPE TO STREAMLINE

ACADEMY UPDATES

It’s been a buzzing few months at the Academy, and we’re excited to share everything the team has been up to— from training the next generation to taking our artistry international.

WELCOMING ITALIAN TALENT

Over the past couple of months, we’ve hosted two special events for visiting Italian students. A great cultural exchange and a chance to share the Rush way with a global audience.

SCOTLAND CALLING – BAEK’S NEXT EVENT

Our very own Baek is heading north for an exciting upcoming event in Scotland. Keep an eye out for highlights — always an inspiring showcase!

ACADEMY UPDATES MILAN POLAND

We’re proud to announce that we have finalised in THREE categories at this year BHA’s. Kirsty & Tina for Colour Technician of the Year, Andy for Southern Hairdresser of the Year and our Art Team for Artistic Team of the Year. A huge congratulations — this is a major moment and reflects the incredible creative talent within Rush.

THE ART TEAM GOES GLOBAL

The Rush Art Team is heading to Milan and Poland for upcoming shows, continuing to represent our creative vision on an international stage. Stay tuned for more behind-thescenes action!

ASSISTANT TRAINING AT THE ACADEMY

We welcomed a fantastic group of assistants for a 2-day intensive training course focused on colour application and blow-drying techniques. Their enthusiasm and commitment were incredible — a real pleasure to teach!

SCHOOL OF RUSH –ELEVATING STANDARDS

If you’re holding trade tests in salon and someone isn’t quite at the salon-ready level, don’t forget to promote the School of Rush. It’s a perfect opportunity to offer tailored training and support to get them confidently on the floor.

Email: Natasha.harrison@rush.co.uk to recommend someone.

GOLDWELL SHOW – SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT

The team brought their energy and expertise to the stage at the Goldwell Show in July. A brilliant event that showcased both technical skill and the artistry Rush is known for. Thank you to all that attended and showed their support!

Salon International is just around the corner — make sure it’s on your radar. It’s a chance for all of us to come together, learn, connect, and celebrate everything hair.

Thanks to everyone across the salons and academy who continue to make Rush the creative powerhouse it is. Keep sharing your successes — we love celebrating you!

CLIENT CARE UPDATES

RUSH REVIEWS: STARS OF MAY–JULY

The love is real… and so are the 5-star reviews.

Massive shoutout to our top-performing salons this quarter, your service is shining bright!

01. BRIGHTON: 89 Positive Reviews

02. PUTNEY: 68 Positive Reviews

03. GUILDFORD: 67 Positive Reviews LEANNE FELIX

04. STRATFORD: 48 Positive Reviews LILY KINGWELL

05. BROMLEY: 47 Positive Reviews

LEANNE FELIX

02. NIKOLAOS KAIMAKIS (BRIGHTON): 28 POSITIVE REVIEWS

STAND OUT TEAM MEMBERS

Clients can’t stop raving about the magic you bring. Your commitment to service does not go unnoticed and we appreciate all the hard work that you do! Keep it up, team, your talent and care are making waves. Let’s keep those stars coming!

01. JENNA WOODYATT (GUILDFORD) 37 POSITIVE REVIEWS

DELLA CRAZE (KINGSTON): 20 POSITIVE REVIEWS

Stars

04. DANIELLE JEPSON (PUTNEY): 18 POSITIVE REVIEWS

HAJRIE ZUQOLI (BRIGHTON): 17 POSITIVE REVIEWS

GOOGLE REVIEWS INDIVIDUAL SALON GROWTH

We’ve been focusing in on Google Reviews. Each salon’s score helps build trust with new clients, and we know that great experiences lead to great feedback. We’re encouraging everyone to remind happy clients to leave a review, it really does make a difference. Please see below some of our statistics from May–July.

Congratulations to the following salons who have increased their salon rating: CLAIRE GOVER & KINGSTON:

(SPECIAL MENTION: NOW RUSH’S

GOOGLE REVIEWS:

1,157

TRUSTPILOT:

105

ZENOTI:

1,432

ZERO SALON(S)

Salon who have not received any negative feedback in May–July:

NICOLA KEITHJOPP + GEMMA & REIGATE SALON

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR MICROSOFT TEAMS CHANNEL WEEKLY TO VIEW AND CELEBRATE THE POSITIVE REVIEWS FROM THE PREVIOUS WEEK!

HOT NEWS AFTER DARK IS BACK!

Join us at the Rush Academy, Monday 1st September from 6:30pm for an incredible evening led by our Rush Art Team. It’s one not to be missed. RSVP to clodagh.girling@rush.co.uk

A warm welcome to Jack, our new Manchester Manager! Jack has already made a huge impact and we’re excited to see you bring the magic back to Rush Manchester.

SALON SHOUT OUTS HOT NEWS

HUGE

CONGRATULATIONS to Edite who has been promoted to a manager at Rush Cambridge. We are all so excited to see you progress in your new role.

WATCH THIS SPACE

NEW SALONS COMING SOON!

Rush Richmond is in build! Watch this space as we get ready behind the scenes to reopen a gorgeous new salon in the heart of Richmond.

The home of our brand, Rush Hair & Beauty Croydon will be having a huge refurb and become a gorgeous new, combined salon.

We’re excited to share, Rush will be coming back to Dorking. More details to be shared soon.