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PROFESSIONAL HAIRDRESSER

Quif. Beyond Question.

SEPTEMBER 2026

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ISSUE 07 SEPTEMBER 2026

CONTENTS REGULARS

BUSINESS

6 8 12

23 The Next Cut Andrew Barton 24 Samantha Says… Samantha Cusick 27 Start With the Customer Peter Cross

28 62 64 66

First Word Headlines Out Out Wella Studio Manchester Talking Heads A Conversation Around Damaged Hair Hairdressing Unbound Richard Monk My Hair Hero Jacob Scully Meets Mark Hayes The Design Edit. MiKo Studio What’s..? Cos Sakkas

SPECIALS 31

The Extensions Edit. Hair Extensions Round-Up 60 The Italian Connection A Spotlight on Italian Hairdressers

COLLECTIONS 46 David Cassidy

FREELANCE FORUM 53 A Freelance State of Mind Brooke Evans 54 Going Solo Brent Barlow

PRODUCTS 56 The Launchpad Latest Products 58 Step-by-Step Schwarzkopf Professional 59 Colour Close-Up Crazy Color

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Get youre! r tickets he

TIME TO SHINE September is a big month in fashion, as creativity takes centre stage, new trends emerge and the brightest designer talent is celebrated. It’s also the perfect backdrop for recognising the very best in hairdressing, and to reflect on the incredible creativity, passion and professionalism that makes our industry so unique. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Pro Hair Awards. This year’s finalists are now eagerly awaiting to find out if they’ve won, and what an exceptional line-up they are. To every stylist, salon and educator who has made the shortlist, you should be immensely proud. Reaching the final isn’t just recognition from your peers; it’s proof that your talent, dedication and commitment to your profession have set you apart. Of course, everyone dreams of taking home a trophy, but being named a Pro Hair Awards finalist is an achievement in itself. It gives you the opportunity to showcase your success to clients, colleagues and the wider industry, building credibility, raising your profile and reminding everyone why you’re among the very best at what you do. The countdown has now officially started! On Monday 7th September, we’ll come together once again at STEREO in London’s Covent Garden for an evening dedicated to celebrating the people who continue to inspire our industry. It’s always one of the highlights of the hairdressing calendar – bringing together creativity, competition, camaraderie and plenty of unforgettable moments under one roof. Whether you’re up for an award, supporting a finalist, celebrating with your team or simply joining us for an incredible evening with the industry’s best, we can’t wait to see you there! Finally, we want to say a big thank you to all our fantastic category sponsors. Your continued support helps make the Pro Hair Awards possible, and together we’re celebrating the talent, innovation and passion that continues to drive our industry forward. Good luck to every finalist - and here’s to another unforgettable Pro Hair Awards!

@PROHAIRMAG

Q @PROHAIRMAG

WWW.PROFESSIONALHAIRDRESSER.CO.UK

Editorial Director

Designer

Nicola Shannon

Donna Booth

nshannon@hamerville.co.uk Deputy Editor/Digital Editor Tabitha Shannon tshannon@hamerville.co.uk Digital Manager Rebecca Mcgeoch rmcgeoch@hamerville.co.uk

Group Production Manager Carol Padgett Production Assistant Claire Swendell

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

Commercial Manager Laura Jowsey ljowsey@hamerville.co.uk

Editorial & Sales Enquiries Phone: 01923 237799

HAIR: QUIF ARTISTIC TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL YOUNG

Subscriptions to Professional Hairdresser are available at the following rates: UK: 1 year – £30 post paid Europe and Overseas: 1 year – £70 post paid Airmail: 1 year – £99 post paid. To be removed from this magazine’s circulation please call 01923 237799 or email circulation@hamerville.co.uk. ©2026 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.

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HEADLINES Wella Wins at British Grand Prix Wella Professionals recently took centre stage at Round 3 of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season at the FORMULA 1 PIRELLI BRITISH GRAND PRIX at Silverstone, with a bold multi-platform activation designed to celebrate individuality, confidence and female empowerment. Marking a new chapter in its partnership with all-female racing series F1 ACADEMY, the event created a dynamic platform to inspire self-expression, build confidence and elevate female voices across sport and culture. Across the racing weekend, Wella Professionals also supported the British Grand Prix Wild Card entry – with Swiss racing talent, Chiara Bättig, taking to the track in the brand’s bespoke red Wella livery inspired by its ‘Make It You’ campaign. ©Charli Stagg at Everby

Colourstart Celebrates Five Years of Safer Colour Services

This summer marked the fifth anniversary of Colourstart, the universal professional allergy screening system designed to help salons identify potential hair colour allergies before treatment. Developed over 15 years in collaboration with leading dermatologists, the brand introduced a new approach to allergy screening for professional hair colour services. Combining an MHRA-licensed allergy screening test with its fully auditable Colourstart Passport technology platform, the system has given salons a consistent, compliant and brand-independent solution to managing colour allergies.

Pivot Point x Pints & Ponytails

Renowned hair mannequin brand, Pivot Point, has been recently collaborating with Pints and Ponytails – the viral workshop where fathers gather at local pubs to enjoy a drink and learn how to braid and style their daughters’ hair. Founded by the creators of the Secret Life of Dads podcast, Matthew Carter and Lawrence Price, the events feature professional stylists guiding dads through a variety of hair styles. Jan Laan, Vice President, International Business Development for Pivot Point, comments, “The project is so inspiring, and we could see the guys needed mannequins that would be as realistic as possible to practise on. Suppling different hair types and ethnicities on real human hair gives attendees the best practical experience to take home and create ponytails and plaits on their daughters.”

The Hair & Beauty Charity Bakes a Difference

The Hair & Beauty Charity is inviting hairdressers, salon teams and beauty therapists across the UK to dust off their aprons and get baking in support of colleagues, friends and industry professionals who need our help. The Charity’s Bake Sale invites everyone from apprentices to salon owners to host their own fundraising bake sale, with all proceeds going directly to support members of the hair and beauty community facing hardship, ill health or crisis. Salons that fundraise will also be able to climb a fundraising leaderboard, with a special prize for those who raise the most! Register your event online now and you will receive a free Bake Sale kit which includes edible cupcake toppers, napkins and a heart cappuccino stencil to get you going.

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Beauty Works Announces Global Ambassador Collective

Bringing together some of the industry’s most respected names across salon, session, celebrity and education-led hairdressing, Beauty Works has announced the expansion of its global ambassador collective. Joining the team is: Edward James, Harold Casey, Pete Burkill and Sarrah Hamid, who will all work alongside current global ambassadors, Jack Luckhurst and James Lear to champion the brand’s ongoing commitment to hairdressing professionals. Together, the global ambassadors will support Beauty Works across education, content, product insight, events and professional community building, helping stylists unlock the full potential of extensions – both for creative transformation and for salon business growth.

Schwarzkopf Shapes Futures Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International and Schwarzkopf Professional Ambassador, recently spent an unforgettable two weeks in the Philippines with Schwarzkopf Professional for the Shaping Futures charity programme – an initiative that empowers disadvantaged young adults by providing life-changing, hands-on hairdressing training. Suzie was joined by Kevin Kahan, Owner of Kevin Kahan Salon, as part of the education team. Together, they helped provide the young adults with practical training and confidence, opening doors to real career opportunities within the hair industry. Their aim was not only to inspire creativity, but to provide a pathway towards independence and long-term success too.

Happy 100th Birthday to Ann Herman!

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing was recently delighted to celebrate the 100th birthday of Fellowship Patron and industry icon, Ann Herman. Born on the 28th of June 1926 in Perth, Scotland, Ann began her hairdressing journey upon leaving school, but this was quickly interrupted when she joined the Royal Naval Nursing Service from 1943 to 1948, spending her time working in Sri Lanka and throughout the UK. After the war, Ann reignited her passion for the industry, working in several salons around London before acquiring a salon in North-West London. In the 1970s, Ann was invited to join the Fellowship for British Hairdressing (formally known as the Fellowship of Hair Artists of Great Britain). She held multiple roles within the organisation – from Vice President to Deputy Chairman to Chief Show Coordinator and Events Director – firmly establishing herself as a Fellowship legend. She was also the first person ever to receive the high honour of Fellow with Distinction. Throughout her role as Chief Show Coordinator and Events Director, Ann was renowned for being the toughest critic when it came to artists performing on stage. Having been involved in the organisation for more than 40 years, Ann spent decades producing and running some of the highest quality live events that the Fellowship has ever seen. Simon Shaw, the President of the Fellowship, commented: “Throughout her remarkable career, Ann Herman has inspired countless hairdressers, encouraged creative excellence and helped so many individuals realise their potential. Her legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Fellowship, and it is a privilege to celebrate this incredible milestone with her.”

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A legacy of

LEARNING

25 YEARS OF INSPIRATION – CELEBRATING WELLA STUDIO MANCHESTER’S HERITAGE OF HAIRDRESSING EXCELLENCE.

or a quarter of a century, Wella Studio Manchester has been more than just a place to learn; it has been a creative hub, a launchpad for careers and a driving force behind professional hairdressing across the North. As the studio celebrates 25 years in its landmark city-centre location, Wella Professionals looks back on an incredible journey that continues to shape the future of the industry. Some places become part of the fabric of an industry, and Wella Studio Manchester is undoubtedly one of them. For the past 25 years, this studio has stood at the heart of hairdressing in the North-West, welcoming thousands of hairdressers through its doors to learn, create, collaborate and be inspired. While the current studio celebrates its silver anniversary, the story actually began much earlier… The original Manchester Studio opened on Brazennose Street opposite Manchester Town Hall in August 1985. A modest space comprising of just one salon, a lecture theatre accommodating around 80 guests and a single meeting room, it quickly established itself as an important destination for education. Then in 2001, Wella Professionals made a bold investment in the future of Northern hairdressing, relocating to its now iconic city-centre home. The move transformed the educational offering, with three fully equipped salons, two theatres,

dedicated meeting facilities and a welcoming lounge area, tripling the size of the original academy and creating what is the professional education centre in Manchester and the wider North-West. Since then, Wella Studio Manchester has cemented itself as a cornerstone of British hairdressing education. Over the years, at least three generations of stylists have started, developed and elevated their careers within its walls. From apprentices taking their first steps into colour education to established salon owners refining advanced techniques, the studio has consistently provided world-class education without Northern hairdressers needing to travel to London. Its stages have welcomed some of the industry’s most influential names, including Nicky Clarke, Anthony Mascolo and the TIGI Artistic Team, Sacha Mascolo, Sassoon, Andrew Collinge, Beverly C and Jordanna Cobella, Jennifer Cheyne, Charlie Taylor, Keith Harris and the HOB Academy, each helping to educate and inspire countless hairdressers throughout the region. The studio has also played an important role in advancing colour education. It hosted the very first Wella Colour Expert programme, then known as the Master Colour Award, helping establish one of the industry’s most respected colour qualifications. And, in a piece of television history many may not know, the studio was even transformed into a health spa as a filming location in 2002 for the hit BBC series Cutting It, starring Sarah Parish and Amanda Holden.

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“Wella Studio Manchester has always held a really special place in my heart,”

NIKKI CLIFFORD

, salon owner, international says artist and Wella educator. “It was where I completed my Colour Expert back in 2012, and now, years later, I’m fortunate enough to return teaching my own classes there. It feels incredibly full circle. As both a salon owner and educator, I’ve seen first-hand how important regional hubs like Manchester are for developing Northern talent, inspiring creativity and making world-class education accessible outside London. It has helped shape so many careers, including my own.”

COLIN MCANDREW

of Medusa Hairdressing agrees. “The Manchester Studio has played a huge part in developing talent across the North of England and Scotland. It’s much more than a training space; it’s somewhere people come together to learn, share ideas and grow in confidence. The warm welcome, sense of community and passion for education make it a home for creativity, collaboration and friendship.”

ANDREW COLLINGE

, who has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the studio, adds: “I even remember the original studio. It’s fantastic that Wella has supported hairdressing and education throughout the North-West and surrounding regions for all this time. Long may it continue.”

A TIMELINE...

SPONSORED CONTENT

For many leading names in British hairdressing, Wella Studio Manchester represents much more than bricks and mortar:

1985

Wella Studio Manchester opens on Brazennose Street.

2001

Moves to its current city-centre location.

2002

Hosts the first Wella Colour Expert (then the Master Colour Award).

2002

BBC Cutting It films at the studio.

2001–2026 Welcomes three generations of Northern hairdressers.

2026

Celebrates 25 years in its current home.

Those sentiments are echoed throughout the industry. For countless hairdressers, Wella Studio Manchester is remembered not simply for the education it delivers, but for the confidence it builds, the friendships it creates and the careers it helps shape. Twenty-five years on, the Wella Studio Manchester continues to be at the forefront of education in the North. To celebrate this special anniversary, Wella Professionals has invested in a brand-new salon within the studio itself – The Hive – which now offers a sleek, fresh and inspiring environment for students to learn. Whilst this time is about celebrating the remarkable legacy and impressive history of Wella Studio Manchester, the brand equally continues to champion the thousands of individual success stories happening in the present and look forward to inspiring many more in the future.

Here's to the next chapter...

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out out...

Industry leaders, guest artists and salon partners gathered to honour the studio’s legacy as one of the North-West’s leading destinations for hair education. The evening featured live presentations from Wella Professionals artists Calum Tierney and Jon Wilsdon, alongside Global Ambassador James Earnshaw, who showcased contemporary looks to demonstrate the creativity and technical excellence that continue to define the brand. Guests were also among the first to experience a newly refurbished salon space, unveiled as part of Wella’s ongoing investment in providing world-class facilities for education, innovation and professional development.

Silver Celebrations WELLA PROFESSIONALS RECENTLY MARKED A MAJOR MILESTONE AS WELLA STUDIO MANCHESTER CELEBRATED 25 YEARS IN ITS CITY-CENTRE HOME, WELCOMING MORE THAN 80 GUESTS FOR AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION, CREATIVITY AND CELEBRATION.

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For 25 years, Wella Studio Manchester has been a hub of the Northern hairdressing community, helping to nurture talent, develop skills and inspire creativity. As the only academy of its size and calibre in Manchester and the wider North-West, it has played a pivotal role in shaping countless careers and supporting hairdressers at every stage of their journey. The celebrations continued with music, drinks and heartfelt birthday messages from hairdressers around the world, highlighting the strong sense of community Wella Professionals has built over the decades and the global connections forged through education.

As part of a wider network of studios across Manchester, London, Edinburgh and Dublin, Wella Professionals remains strongly positioned to offer hairdressers incredible access to education, inspiration and career development opportunities. This commitment to professional learning reinforces the brand’s dedication to supporting the future success of the industry. The anniversary event was a fitting tribute to a studio that has inspired generations of hairdressers, celebrating an incredible legacy while looking ahead to an exciting future. Here’s to the next 25 years of creativity, learning and excellence!

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The

CURL Edit

Introducing the New INDOLA Curl Heroes Curls are more than just a hairstyle; they are a statement of individuality, heritage and self-expression. From soft waves to tight coils, textured hair deserves specialist care to help it look and feel its very best. Recognising the unique needs of curly and textured hair, INDOLA has expanded its care and styling portfolio with a collection of new Curl Heroes. Designed to support every curl pattern, these targeted additions focus on the essentials that curly-haired clients need most: deep hydration, scalp care and effortless styling. Created to complement the existing INDOLA CARE & STYLE range, the new products make it easier for hairdressers to cater for all types of hair textures, delivering healthy-looking, defined and manageable curls with confidence. Whether your client is looking to enhance natural texture, combat dryness or simplify their styling routine, INDOLA’s latest curl-focused innovations provide the tools to unlock every curl’s full potential.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Meet the NEW INDOLA Curl Heroes The range is specifically designed to address the core needs of curly and coily hair: soothing and rebalancing the scalp, leaving the hair feeling nourished, and providing natural shine and long-lasting curl definition. The new range comprises of three new curl heroes:

Curl Therapy Cleanser Made with Moringa Oil, this is a gentle, non-stripping cleanser with a high conditioning effect to tame unruly hair while providing a moisturised feel and improved definition.

The formulas are vegan and free from sulphates, alcohol and parabens. Scalp Therapy Serum Made with Hyaluronic Acid, this is a soothing and rebalancing serum with a weightless, non-greasy formula that helps to reduce the feeling of dryness and scalp discomfort.

Curl Embracing Mousse Made with Glycerin and Polymers, this is designed for long-lasting definition, providing curls with bounce and shine while leaving the hair with a nourished feel. It also offers heat protection up to 230°C while fighting frizz and static.

Smarter Curl Care INDOLA’s #SimplySmarter ethos is all about making salon care and styling work harder with less. Providing you with a streamlined yet high-performing portfolio that delivers across multiple hair needs without overcomplicating the offering, either in salon or for homecare. With this new range of curl heroes, #SimplySmarter is brought to textured hair, equipping you with simple, effective solutions that can support individual hair texture needs for all your clients. True to the brand’s flexible, mix-and-match approach, the new curl heroes sit perfectly alongside the existing INDOLA CARE & STYLE portfolio, making it possible to create bespoke rituals tailored to each client’s individual texture, curl pattern and lifestyle. Whether the focus is moisture, definition, scalp comfort or styling support, INDOLA’s new curl line gives stylists a smarter way to personalise textured hair services without the need for a complicated routine.

Be part of an empowering community of hairdressers and join INDOLA online! For a whole host of trending inspiration and engaging ‘edutainment’, plus a wealth of product details and the know-how to create on-demand looks, visit www.indola.com. Don’t forget to follow @INDOLAUK on Instagram and share your looks with the community by using the #SimplySmarter hashtag!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

OLIVIA GARDEN IS INVITING SALONS ACROSS THE UK TO TURN A SIMPLE BRUSH INTO A SYMBOL OF HOPE, KINDNESS AND SUPPORT WITH ITS 2026 LIMITED EDITION FINGERBRUSH COLLECTION, HELPING TO RAISE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.

Share The Pink Message More than a styling tool, these special edition Olivia Garden Fingerbrushes have been created as a symbol of support, hope and connection. Available in two expressive shades – Pink Ink and Paper Blush – the collection is designed to encourage meaningful conversations within the salon community while helping to raise awareness of a cause that touches so many lives. At the heart of this year’s campaign is a simple but powerful idea: Write a message. Share it. Pass it on. Join the circle. Whether it’s a few words of encouragement, gratitude or support, every handwritten message has the potential to brighten someone’s day whose life has been touched by breast cancer. From Olivia Garden to salons, from stylists to clients and beyond, each message helps create a growing circle of kindness and solidarity for those affected by breast cancer. “Pink is more than a colour; it’s a message,” says Olivia Garden.“Through these limited edition brushes, we want to encourage salons to start conversations, spread kindness and show support for everyone affected by breast cancer.”

Write a message. Share it. Pass it on. Join the circle.

Supporting the campaign also means supporting an important cause. For every limited edition Fingerbrush sold in the UK, £1 will be donated to Pink Ribbon, helping to fund vital breast cancer awareness initiatives and support those affected by the disease. Olivia Garden will also donate £5 from every limited edition Scissor Kit sold to the charity. Perfect for salon retail, the striking pink Fingerbrushes not only make a beautiful addition to any styling station, they also give clients the opportunity to take home more than just a favourite styling tool. They serve as a visible reminder of resilience, compassion and the strength of a community coming together to make a difference.

We decided to highlight the ‘Think Pink’ Limited Edition Fingerbrush because it is already a popular brush and we can collaborate with such an amazing charity. Amie Sillis, UK Educator FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OLIVIA GARDEN’S RANGE, SCAN THE QR CODE

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rts up Continuing our conversation for 2026, we ask expe hair and down the country their thoughts on specific types, textures and treatments. This month, we have everything you need to know about damaged hair…

CHLOE HOUSTON SENIOR STYLIST AT HOUSTON HAIR “As a stylist, damaged hair can be more challenging to work with – mainly because it doesn’t hold colour or style as well as healthy hair. It can feel rough, become tangled easily and it’s more prone to snapping during brushing or styling. I do a lot of bouncy blow-dries in the salon, and you can really see the difference in healthy hair. It holds the shape, movement and volume beautifully, whereas damaged hair often struggles to maintain the style and can become frizzy or fall flat much more quickly. That’s why assessing the condition of the hair before any service is so important, and we always have honest conversations with our clients about what’s achievable while keeping the hair healthy. Our motto in the salon is

‘condition over colour’, because protecting the integrity of the hair comes first every time, and healthy hair will always give the best results.”

SPECIAL

TALKING HEADS:

Damaged Hair

BRUNO MARC GIAMATTEI CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR JOICO EMEA “For me, when it comes to working with damaged hair, my top priority is educating clients about what is going to work for their hair and how they can prevent further damage. From choosing

products that are specifically formulated for their hair type to adjusting the temperature of the water or the number of times they wash their hair, it’s crucial to help your clients understand the importance of nailing their at-home haircare routine in order to keep their hair in good health.”

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LUCY PALMER FOUNDER OF HAIR GAIN “When we talk about damaged hair, we often focus only on the hair we can see: the split ends, dryness, breakage and lack of shine. Of course, the right external care is important, but truly healthy-looking hair also starts from within.

If the body is under stress, lacking key nutrients, going through hormonal changes or recovering from illness, the hair can often be one of the first places to show it. Clients may notice more shedding, weaker strands, slower growth or hair that simply does not feel as full and resilient as it used to. That is why I believe damaged hair should be approached in a more holistic way. Yes, salon

treatments, masks and bond-building products can help improve the condition of the hair fibre, but supporting the hair from within is just as important for long-term hair health. At Hair Gain, our focus is on helping people support healthier, stronger and fuller-looking hair as part of a consistent daily routine. For clients dealing with fragile, weakened or thinning hair, it is about looking at the whole picture: nutrition, stress, lifestyle, scalp health and the products they are using at home.”

TINA FAREY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AT RUSH HAIR “Whilst you can’t fully reverse the effects of damaged hair, you can stop the problem from growing. Depending on the condition of the hair, I always recommend my clients get a trim every six

to eight weeks. This will prevent any split ends from travelling further up the hair shaft, which weakens the hair’s overall structure and leads to more breakage. I keep telling my clients that even an inch off the ends will completely transform the appearance of their hair – thankfully, they listen!”

CHARLIE ILLI TOP STYLIST AT BROOKS & BROOKS “September is the perfect time for a post-holiday consultation for clients with damaged hair. Brits love the sunshine, and whether they’ve made the most of the sunny days at home or been basking in the heat abroad, their hair will definitely be in need of some TLC before the autumn. It’s easy

to forget that hair needs protecting from the sun just as much as our skin. Sunlight damages the hair’s proteins and pigment, often leaving it weaker and duller looking. The start of a new season is an ideal time for clients to invest in their hair and start looking beyond the effortless styling we have been seeing through the summer months. I always recommend

an intense conditioning treatment as the perfect solution for ridding hair of any nasties it may have picked up while away – including salt and chlorine.”

SUZIE MCGILL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT RAINBOW ROOM INTERNATIONAL “For blondes that come into the salon for highlights, I always advise that they try to alternate between a full head and a half head (or have two half-head appointments followed by a full head) in order to reduce damage to the hair.

More lived-in services – such as balayage and free-hand colour techniques – are also great for helping to reduce breakage whilst still keeping the hair looking fresh.”

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SPECIAL

TERRY LONGDEN TECHNICAL EDUCATOR FOR OSMO “When it comes to cutting or colouring damaged hair, it’s important to remember that it’s

okay to give up on a lost cause when the hair is so severely damaged that there’s no coming back from it. Sometimes, the best course of action is simply to cut away the damaged hair and create a new style. As experts, we always need to be confident and honest with our clients.”

SAFY BURTON OWNER OF SAFY B’S SALON “If we’re talking about lightening already compromised hair, I would always look at improving the hair’s condition first. Before attempting any major change, I would recommend a few appointments that focused purely on rebuilding the hair – such as with K18’s in-salon treatments, for example. However, if the hair is severely damaged, no treatment can completely reverse that. Sometimes, the best thing you can

do is remove as much of the damaged hair as possible, and instead focus on growing new, healthy hair. At the end of the day, healthy hair always looks better, holds colour better and gives you the best long-term results. I’m also never

afraid to say no if I don’t feel the hair can safely achieve what the client wants. Protecting the integrity of the hair will always come first!”

SUSANNAH RICHARDSON CO-FOUNDER OF BUTCHERS SALON GROUP “Caring for damaged hair needs to be consistent, gentle and realistic. Clients need a routine that combines gentle cleansing, conditioning, strengthening and bond-building treatments, and to always use heat protection before styling.

It is also important to reduce mechanical stress, avoid overusing hot tools and be disciplined about regular trims, as split ends and breakage will only worsen if left unchecked. Healthy-looking hair is rarely the result of one product alone; it comes from a routine that supports the hair over time.”

LUKE BENSON GLOBAL ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOR KEUNE

ANNE BUTTERLY CEO OF EASYDRY INTERNATIONAL “Hair is at its most vulnerable when wet, particularly if it has been coloured, bleached or chemically treated. At this stage, excessive rubbing with a towel can increase friction, leading to tangles, roughness and breakage.

One of the simplest ways to protect damaged hair is to dry it more gently. Rather than rubbing, instead blot or squeeze away excess moisture using a highly absorbent towel. This helps to reduce unnecessary handling and places less stress on fragile strands. Yes, the products used on damaged hair matter, but the way hair is treated immediately after washing can be just as important in supporting its condition and appearance.”

“Damaged hair is one of the most common concerns we see in the salon, but it is important to understand exactly what type of

damage you are working with before recommending a treatment plan. Heat, colour, lightening, environmental stress and mechanical damage from brushing or styling can all affect the hair in different ways. And for clients, the main sign is usually hair that feels rough, lacks shine, tangles easily or is more prone to breakage. My advice is to take a two-part approach. Firstly, in salon, always

be honest about what the hair can realistically handle (especially when colouring or lightening), then, at home, ensure your clients have a consistent care routine that supports strength, softness and manageability without overloading the hair. A good repair routine should not just make the hair feel better on the day, it should help clients maintain stronger, more flexible hair between appointments.”

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THE DAMAGED HAIR

Product Round-Up JOICO The JOICO K-PAK 4-Step Hair Repair System works to reconstruct, rebuild and protect damaged hair. The steps include: Step 1 Clarifying Shampoo to remove chlorine minerals and product build-up; Step 2 Cuticle Sealer to neutralise the hair’s pH and smooth the cuticle; Step 3 Deep-Penetrating Reconstructor to repair damage; Step 4 Intense Hydrator to quench dry hair.

REVLON PROFESSIONAL The RE/START Bond Repair range from Revlon Professional has been designed to transform the way we treat damaged hair. Inspired by skincare science and formulated with advanced Lipid Bond Filler Technology, the products work to penetrate deep into the hair’s key layers, covering four hair levels to target the core of the damage.

WELLA PROFESSIONALS The Ultimate Repair Hair Care Set from Wella Professionals helps to provide inside-out hair repair through a powerful combination of AHA (to rebuild bonds inside the hair) and Omega-9 (to replenish the outside of the hair). Containing the Ultimate Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and Miracle Hair Rescue Spray, the trio work together to leave the hair feeling stronger, smoother and shinier.

AVEDA Aveda Damage Remedy is a targeted care range designed to help improve the look and feel of hair that’s been affected by heat styling, chemical services and everyday wear. For clients dealing with dryness, brittleness, tangling or visible breakage, the Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair is a leave-in treatment crafted to instantly repair the look of hair and protect against breakage.

K18 Formulated to provide conditioning protection against damage from UV rays, mechanical styling and environmental aggressors for up to three days, K18’s DAMAGE SHIELD Protective Conditioner works to maintain hair health and improve smoothness and shine. Containing the K18PEPTIDE for replenishment during washing, the nourishing conditioner fortiﬁes the hair’s exterior lipid barriers, making it more resilient and resistant to damage.

Easydry The highly absorbent Easydry Towels are comprised of a smooth, silk-like texture that is designed to prevent friction, tangling or disturbance to the hair cuticle. Through replacing rougher rubbing actions with a gentle blotting or patting technique, the smooth fabric is able to glide over the hair more seamlessly, minimising damage. Ultimately, this can result in less frizz and fewer split ends – especially on textured or coloured hair.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

RESHAPE THE RULES OF HOLD OLAPLEX IS BRINGING ITS BOND-BUILDING AUTHORITY TO STYLING, WITH AN EXCITING FINISHING ESSENTIAL THAT DELIVERS FLEXIBLE HOLD, HEALTHY-LOOKING RESULTS AND A SMARTER WAY TO ADD VALUE TO EVERY APPOINTMENT. Hairspray has long been one of styling’s biggest compromises – with stronger hold often associated with stiffness, crunch and that unmistakable, ‘hairspray feel’. Today’s clients, especially younger consumers, demand more and want styles that last, but with hair that still feels soft, touchable and healthy. With the new OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray, OLAPLEX is challenging everything stylists and clients thought they knew about hairspray. Bringing OLAPLEX’s bond-building expertise into the styling category, OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray has been created for the hair looks and demands of today – polished but natural, styled but soft, long-lasting but never feeling overloaded. Offering medium, buildable hold with a dry-touch, brushable finish, it helps keep styles in place while protecting against frizz and humidity – all without the crunch or stiffness. For everything from bouncy blow-dries to sleek ponytails, soft waves and occasion hair, OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray will be a valuable new addition to your styling armoury. It gives the hold needed to maintain shape and structure, whilst allowing hair to move, feel touchable and retain that healthy-looking finish clients increasingly expect.

WHERE STYLING MEETS SCIENCE At the heart of OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray is its Bond Set Technology. This is a smart, encapsulated peptide working inside the hair strand, whilst flexi-polymers and moisture actives keep the outside looking glossy, hydrated and completely natural. It means you can use a finishing spray that doesn’t just hold the hair in place, but it also aligns with the healthy-hair message clients now expect from their styling products. The result is a hairspray with a guaranteed professional performance that feels far more in tune with today’s care-led approach to hair.

BETTER FOR BUSINESS For your business, OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray doesn’t just offer a better finishing spray – it also presents a stronger commercial opportunity. As it bridges styling and care, it gives you a more elevated way to finish your clients’ hair and a more compelling product story to share with them. When a client loves how their blow-dry or hair-up looks and feels, OLAPLEX Shape Set Hairspray becomes an easy recommendation to help maintain that result at home. It supports retail by giving clients a product they can see and feel the benefit of, while also helping you build more premium finishing moments into the service itself.

WHAT IT DELIVERS

buildable hold with a healthy-looking finish. • Medium, brushable results with no crunch, flakes or stiffness. • Dry-touch, Long-lasting and humidity defence. • Shine, softnessfrizzandcontrol lightweight nourishment. • Repair and strengthening support with every use. • FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON OLAPLEX SHAPE SET HAIRSPRAY, SCAN THE QR CODE

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Few people embody creativity more naturally than Revlon Professional UKI Artistic Ambassadors Danilo Giangreco and Robert Masciave. Whilst both have built careers at the highest levels of the industry, what stands out most is not the work they’ve created, but the freedom they’ve been given to create it.

work is never separate from the salon. Every show, shoot or presentation teaches you something that eventually finds its way back to the client sitting in your chair. It might be a technique, a new way of looking at shape, texture or colour, or simply a different way of thinking.”

For Danilo, that relationship has always been rooted in trust. “When I first spoke to the Revlon team, they were interested in numbers, but they wanted to know me,” he reflects. “Where I was going creatively and what I wanted to achieve.”

That commitment to sharing knowledge and opening doors echoes throughout Revlon Professional’s wider culture. From Visionaries and Colour Specialist to academy education and artistic mentorship, creativity is viewed not as something exclusive, but as something that grows when it is shared.

That understanding has shaped a partnership spanning international shows, education projects, creative shoots and industry presentations. Rather than prescribing a direction, Revlon Professional has consistently encouraged individuality, artistic exploration and personal growth.

CREATIVITY WITHOUT LIMITS For Revlon Professional, creativity isn’t something that sits separately from education, innovation or partnership, but it runs through everything the brand does. From stage work and editorial shoots to salon floors and academy classrooms, creativity remains one of the most powerful ways to inspire confidence, spark new ideas and move the industry forward. Here, Danilo Giangreco and Robert Masciave discuss artistic freedom, inspiration and creating opportunities for others.

Robert shares a similar perspective. Having worked with the brand for more than two decades, he describes creativity as the thread that connects every aspect of his career. “Hairdressing is my playground outside the salon,” he says. “In the salon, we have a responsibility to our clients, but creativity is about expression.” That freedom to explore ideas has allowed both ambassadors to develop work that extends beyond the salon environment while remaining deeply connected to it. However, neither sees creativity as a purely personal pursuit. “What we want to do – whether it’s on stage, at a show or through education – is inspire people to go and create,” says Robert. For him, creativity isn’t reserved for collections, competitions or industry accolades. “Creativity isn’t just about creating collections or working on stage. For me, it gives hairdressers confidence behind the chair. The more creatively engaged you are, the more solutions you can offer your clients, the more individual your work becomes and the more enjoyable the job is. Creativity keeps you curious, and curiosity is what helps you continue evolving throughout your career.” Danilo shares that belief, seeing a direct connection between artistic work and the day-to-day salon experience. “The creative

Danilo believes the greatest creative successes come when collaboration replaces competition. “It’s not about ego,” he says. “It’s about working together.” That spirit is reflected across Revlon Professional’s artistic community, where educators, ambassadors and salon professionals are encouraged to learn from one another, challenge ideas and push creative boundaries. The objective is not simply to showcase creativity, but to create an environment where others feel empowered to explore their own. For Robert, craftsmanship and creativity will always go hand in hand. Technical excellence provides the foundation, but imagination is what transforms a service into something memorable. “You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you don’t have the skill to execute them, they stay in your head.” It’s a philosophy that mirrors many of the themes explored throughout this series. Whether through leadership, education, mentorship, partnership or technical development, Revlon Professional’s approach consistently centres on helping people realise their potential. Creativity is simply another expression of that commitment. Ultimately, both ambassadors share the same goal: to inspire others to think differently, create boldly and continue growing. “The aim is to show the best of what Revlon Professional can offer creatively,” says Robert. “The goal is always the same: to inspire. If someone walks away thinking, ‘I never thought of that,’ then we’ve done our job.”

To learn more or to become a Revlon Professional stockist, visit www.revlonprofessional.com/contact

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BUSINESS

WHY DO AWARDS MATTER?

THE NEXT CUT CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, AWARD-WINNING HAIRDRESSER, ANDREW BARTON, BELIEVES IN EVOLVING YOUR CRAFT THROUGH CREATIVITY, BUSINESS ACUMEN AND MENTORING. THIS MONTH, HE ACKNOWLEDGES THE IMPORTANCE OF ENTERING AWARDS. As the Pro Hair Awards kick off awards season in our industry, let’s take a moment to remember how incredibly special these accolades are. It’s not just about trophies; it’s about recognition, celebration and community. Having spent many years both entering and attending, I can honestly say that awards play a far bigger role in shaping our industry than people often realise. The Pro Hair Awards has become a benchmark for excellence – not just due to the calibre of work, but because of the people it brings together. And being ‘a fly on the wall’ at an event like this is something quite special. Before the lights go up and the winners are announced, there’s an energy in the room that’s hard to describe. Yes, you see nerves, excitement and anticipation, but you also see camaraderie. Competitors supporting one another, teams rallying around their finalists and mentors quietly proud of the talent they’ve helped shape. To me, that’s what makes our industry unique. Of course, awards are competitive, but we mustn’t forget that they’re also deeply supportive. From a personal perspective, entering awards has always pushed me creatively. It forces you to step outside of your day-to-day work and ask yourself: what am I capable of when I really push the boundaries? That process alone is invaluable. You begin to think differently, refine your eye and challenge your own standards. Regardless of the outcome, you come out stronger. Of course, recognition matters too. Winning, or even being shortlisted, can be a turning point. It builds confidence, opens doors and positions you within the industry in a new way. Clients notice it, peers respect it and opportunities follow. But I always say: the real value isn’t just in the result; the real value is in the journey. For salon teams, awards like the Pro Hair Awards can be transformative. They create a shared goal – something to work towards together. The process of planning and submitting an entry brings teams closer. It encourages collaboration, creativity and pride in what you do. And when that effort is

“The Pro Hair Awards has become a benchmark for excellence – not just due to the calibre of work, but because of the people it brings together.”

recognised, the impact on morale is huge. I’ve seen teams completely re-energised by entering awards; it gives them momentum and it reminds them why they love what they do. From an industry perspective, awards set the standard. They showcase what’s possible – not just in terms of technical skill, but in creativity and innovation. They highlight emerging talent, celebrate established names and create a platform for inspiration. And, importantly, they document the evolution of our craft. If you look back over the years at award-winning work, you can see how trends have shifted, how techniques have developed and how our industry continues to move forward. That’s incredibly powerful. However, perhaps the most underrated aspect of awards is the sense of connection they create. At events like the Pro Hair Awards, you’re surrounded by people who understand what you do. People who share your passion, your challenges and your ambitions. Conversations happen that wouldn’t happen anywhere else. Ideas are exchanged, relationships are built and mentorship happens organically. And that’s where real growth begins. Of course, not everyone wins. And that’s something I think we need to be more open about. Entering an award takes courage, so when the result doesn’t go your way, it can be disappointing, but it should never be discouraging. Because every entry is a step forward, every shoot is an opportunity to improve and every submission is a statement that you’re serious about your craft. And that matters. So, if you’ve ever considered entering, my advice is simple: do it. You never know where it might lead. And even if you don’t take home the trophy, you’ll gain something far more valuable: growth, confidence and a deeper connection to this incredible industry we’re all part of. Simply put, I’ve always believed that celebrating success, whether it’s your own or someone else’s, is what drives our industry forward. When we recognise great work, we raise the bar for everyone. I look forward to seeing you on 7th September!

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BUSINESS

HOW TO RECOMMEND RETAIL WITHOUT THE HARD SELL

SAMANTHA SAYS... SAMANTHA CUSICK, AWARD-WINNING SALON FOUNDER AND OLAPLEX AMBASSADOR, SHARES HER VALUABLE BUSINESS ADVICE WITH PRO HAIR READERS. HERE, SHE DISCUSSES HER RELATIONSHIP WITH RETAILING. I have never been comfortable with the hard sell and, honestly, I never will be. It feels uncomfortable for the client, it feels uncomfortable for the stylist and it’s just not the energy we want anywhere near the salon experience. But here’s the thing: we do need to sell products. The industry benchmark for salon retail sits at around 10-20% of total revenue, and most salons are falling well short of that. We also know that clients who buy products from their salon tend to book more frequently. For an industry that operates on genuinely slim margins, getting this right isn’t optional. The moment retail becomes transactional, you lose the trust that makes the whole salon relationship so powerful in the first place. However, when it’s done properly – when it’s rooted in education, real results and actually understanding the person sitting in your chair – it stops feeling like selling altogether. It just becomes part of the service, and clients receive it that way too. For me, it always starts with education. No two heads of hair are the same, so I always talk clients through exactly what’s happening with their hair – whether that’s from colour, heat styling or general fragility. Then, I explain how supporting bonds at home will help them hold onto their results for longer. Once they understand the ‘why’, the ‘what to use’ becomes a completely natural next step. Nobody feels sold to when they’re just being given information that makes sense. As an Olaplex ambassador, it’s been genuinely exciting to watch how far at-home care has come. Being able to show clients that, with the right products, they can get smarter, faster results that actually fit into real life is such a powerful thing. And that

“The moment retail becomes transactional, you lose the trust that makes the whole salon relationship so powerful in the first place. ”

immediate result of softer, stronger, glossier hair after a single use is everything. Because when a client can see and feel the difference straight away, it stops feeling like a recommendation and starts feeling like a discovery. Lifestyle is the other thing I always come back to. It’s such a huge driving factor for in-salon purchases, and I don’t think we talk about it enough. If something feels complicated, time-consuming or just unrealistic for someone’s life, they simply won’t stick to it. We’re working with a generation who want results, but they also want ease. That’s why I love pre-wash treatments like Olaplex No.3PLUS, which takes three minutes, slots into an existing routine and makes consistency genuinely possible. The backwash is also such an important part of this for me. It’s one of the only moments in an appointment where a client is completely relaxed – not distracted, not on their phone, just experiencing their hair in real time. When they can actually feel the softness, the strength or the slip at the basin, the whole conversation shifts. It stops being all about a product on a shelf and starts being about how to keep feeling like this at home. And that’s really the whole point. Retail should never sit separately from the service; it should be the continuation of it. When clients experience results in the chair, understand why those results happen, and are given something simple and realistic to maintain them at home, it becomes mutually beneficial. We’re not selling products... we’re extending results, protecting colour and building trust. When you get that right, retail doesn’t feel like selling at all; it just feels like care.

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BUSINESS

STEP THREE – AMID THE AI HYPE, DOUBLE DOWN ON THE HUMAN

START WITH THE CUSTOMER IN THIS PRO HAIR EXCLUSIVE, PETER CROSS – AUTHOR OF START WITH THE CUSTOMER AND EX JOHN LEWIS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR – TAKES US THROUGH HIS SIX-STEP JOURNEY TO BUILDING A WORLD-CLASS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE... IN A WORLD WHERE NEARLY EVERYTHING’S CHANGED! AI is everywhere. Something which was, just recently, a secret code known only by the few, is now a universal language known by everyone. The implications of this seismic shift won’t have passed you by, but rather than getting too caught up in its possibilities for your business, this month’s column comes with a plea to remember that hairdressing is, in fact, deeply human. Society is facing a silent, growing crisis: the critical deficit of authentic human connection. We shop online. We work from home. We bank through apps. We meet multiple potential life partners virtually, only to cast them aside with a single, brutal swipe. Our world is increasingly efficient, but it is also increasingly lonely. So, as AI increasingly saturates the digital channels and your customers’ world becomes louder, overcrowded and more chaotic, authentic human experiences are becoming the new business differentiators. Analogue is the new luxury. Banks are pivoting back to conversations and expert advice. Last decade’s hot new trend in hospitality was smart tech: frictionless hotel rooms which would eliminate human contact, mobile keys to skip the front desk, room service via QR codes and TVs controlled with a tablet. The latest trend, however, is high-touch travel: blind travel where you don’t find out your destination till you arrive, digital detoxes and off-grid sanctuaries. Richer, sensory human interactions will be the new builders of trust and loyalty. The more we automate our world, the more valuable authentic human connection becomes. And in this way, a visit to the salon offers sanctuary from a world which is becoming too hot, too fast and too isolated for many humans to handle. AI will undoubtedly help streamline operations, track stock forecasting, optimise booking calendars and generate targeted marketing, but none of this should come at the

“The more we automate our world, the more valuable authentic human connection becomes. And in this way, a visit to the salon offers sanctuary from a world which is becoming too hot, too fast and too isolated for many humans to handle.”

expense of what your client really wants from you: human expertise and personal connection. Your technology has got a job to do, but that job is to free up time for you to care for your clients. The result? A salon which ultimately allows your customer to buy back the time to be human. When a client comes into your salon, maybe they aren’t just looking for a haircut or treatment; maybe they’re subconsciously seeking a shared human space? Because most digital experiences are, arguably, very similar. Your customer might feel that much of their life is now quite vanilla, leaving them crying out for brands and businesses that capture their imagination. They want to be inspired, connected, entertained and educated. So, know your customers inside out and keep copious client notes. Stand out in a digital age with thoughtful, hand-written touches. Listen actively with the intent to understand. Look up, smile and make eye contact with all the salons’ clients, not just your own. But, most importantly, remember that the most treasured commodity for your client is their time. We live in an era where customers are under unprecedented time pressure. Studies show that the modern customer feels more rushed, more stressed and more starved of time than any generation before them. Technology has enabled and empowered us, but it has also conditioned us to expect instant results. We have zero tolerance for digital inconvenience. Your client expects their time to be both respected and rewarded, and they will judge you based on your ability to save or enhance this. Hairdressers, beauticians and therapists (jobs that demand deep expertise, physical dexterity, judgement and empathy) are the roles expected to be the most resilient to a world overrun with AI. But that is if – and only if – we remember to leverage our human advantage...

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Hairdressing is one of the most versatile careers – and it’s definitely not all about life on the salon floor. From backstage at Fashion Week to global education platforms, developing product lines and coaching the next generation, today’s hair pros are carving out incredible careers in every corner of the industry. In this series, we spotlight the trailblazers who have taken their craft into new arenas and found extraordinary success along the way.

RICHARD MONK ON TRICHOLOGY Richard Monk has spent over two decades as Colour Specialist and Art Director at award-winning salon, The Gallery. After seeing a growing number of clients concerned about hair loss, scalp health and thinning hair, Richard has recently expanded his expertise beyond cutting and colour by completing a qualification in trichology. A L’Oréal Colour Specialist and former L’Oréal ID Artist, Richard has completed a two-year trichology qualification, giving him a deeper understanding of the science behind hair and scalp health. In this edition of Hairdressing Unbound, Richard shares his thoughts on why trichology is becoming an essential part of modern hairdressing.

How did you first get into trichology? I’ve always been medically minded and interested in the science behind hair, but the moment that really pushed me towards trichology was a young client who developed alopecia. She didn’t know why it was happening and, if I’m honest, neither did I. I wanted to help her, but I didn’t have the knowledge to give her the guidance she needed. That experience stayed with me. I realised I wanted to be able to advise people properly, but I didn’t know where to go or who to refer them to. That eventually led me to complete a Level 4 ITEC qualification in trichology through TrichoCare. It’s specifically designed to bridge the gap between

hairdressing and the more medical side of hair and scalp health, which was exactly what I was looking for. Was there a moment you realised trichology had become a real part of your career? I think there have been a few moments that have stood out. I’ve had clients I’ve known for 10 or 15 years who suddenly started experiencing hair loss, and they didn’t know what to do or where to go. Before, I wouldn’t have had the answers, but now I can explain what’s happening and give them a route forward. One of the most rewarding journeys has been with a good friend of mine, who was actually one of the first people I worked with while I was doing my qualification. We’ve now seen around a 75 per cent increase in his hair growth! It’s a great feeling when all the effort you’ve put into the training starts giving something back. There’s definitely a sense of pride, but it’s also more than that – you get happiness from helping people. What have been the most memorable moments so far? For me, the highlights are the moments where you can genuinely make a difference to someone’s confidence. As hairdressers, we’re used to making people feel good with a great haircut, but this feels different. If someone has lost a lot of hair, you can’t always give them the result they want because the canvas isn’t there. When you help someone improve the condition of their scalp, increase hair growth or regain

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thickness, you’re helping them get back to a place where they can feel like themselves again. Once the hair is healthier, fuller or stronger, then you can start creating the looks they really want. That’s incredibly rewarding. What has been your biggest challenge? The biggest challenge was the training itself, because it takes you into areas that are very different from traditional hairdressing. You start with health and safety, risk assessments, physiology and human biology, before moving into consultations, assessments and diagnosis. It’s a lot of science and a lot of theory. However, the biggest adjustment has probably been changing the way I think about consultations. It’s no longer just about the hair in front of you; you have to look at the whole picture. You’re looking at nutrition, hormones, stress, medication, lifestyle and overall health.

What do you think makes someone successful in trichology? I think you need genuine curiosity and a desire to keep learning. The industry is evolving all the time, and clients are far more knowledgeable than they used to be. People are coming in talking about scalp inflammation, hormones, gut health and different types of hair loss. The conversation has shifted from, “What shampoo should I use?” to, “Why is this happening to my hair?” To be successful, you have to be willing to keep asking questions, keep studying and keep looking for the reasons behind what’s going on.

What is your essential toolkit? Observation and consultation skills are probably the most important tools you can have. Trichology isn’t about miracle products or quick fixes; it’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. You need to know when something is cosmetic, when something needs further investigation and when it’s appropriate to refer somebody on. We’re not doctors and we’re not nurses; we’re the middle people. We help clients understand what’s happening and point them in the right direction when needed. You also need to be able to have honest conversations and look at the bigger picture – rather than just chasing trends or miracle cures. What does life look like for you now? Most of my trichology consultations currently come through existing clients and word of mouth. We haven’t fully launched it as a stand-alone service yet because we’re working on how it fits within The Gallery, and making sure it feels like part of our overall philosophy rather than something completely separate. The way I work now is much more holistic. Alongside my regular salon clients, I’m having deeper conversations around scalp health, hair loss and long-term hair wellness. I’m seeing a lot of diffuse hair loss linked to weight-loss injections, stress-related alopecia and menopausal thinning. For men, there are more conversations around pattern hair loss too, with people exploring options like minoxidil, supplementation and scalp therapies. It’s added a completely new dimension to what I do as a hairdresser. What resources, mentors or influences inspire you most? Anneliese Hesse has been a huge influence. She was one of my educators when I completed my colour specialist training, and she’s one of the people who inspired me to go down this route. She’s brilliant at cutting through the myths around hair loss and scalp health, and explaining what really works. Stephen Law has been an inspiration too. I’d also recommend TrichoCare, who I completed my qualification with. They’re fantastic for hairdressers who want to bridge the gap between salon work and trichology.

What do you wish you’d known before you started studying trichology? I wish I’d understood the limitations of trichology sooner. We’re not medically trained practitioners, and there are limits to what we can do. Understanding that earlier would have helped me focus more on the things I can genuinely offer clients, while recognising when it’s time to refer somebody on for further medical support. That’s probably the biggest lesson I’ve learnt.

SPEEDY 3!

Give us your top three tips for breaking into trichology: 1. Start by learning about your own scalp health. 2. Be curious and keep asking questions. 3. Understand that healthy hair starts much deeper than the strand itself.

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HAIR: GREAT LENGTHS USA

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THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT The Extensions Edit.

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6 Foolproof Ways to Successfully Introduce Extensions Services CHRISTOPHER LAIRD, REMI CACHET SPECIALIST AND FOUNDER OF LAIRD & CO When introducing extensions, the biggest mistake I see salons making is treating the service as simply an add-on. No, extensions should be considered as its own specialist department – with dedicated education, consultations and aftercare. Here are my six key touchpoints for success:

Ask Yourself: ‘Who Is Your Ideal Client?’

Are you offering length, volume, colour correction, density for thinning or all of them? Understanding the demand in your area will shape everything from training to stock investment.

Choose Your Supplier Carefully

Remember That Consultations Are Pivotal

Look beyond the hair itself to education, support and brand values. You want a supplier that invests in your innovation and genuinely supports your growth.

Consultations should be more indepth than a standard appointment. I discuss lifestyle, maintenance, budget and long-term hair goals. I always say that clients buy confidence first and hair second, and the consultation is where you build that trust.

4 5

Price Purposefully

Pricing should reflect more than the cost of the hair; it should factor in your expertise, appointment time, stock holding and the experience you provide. Don’t undervalue a service that requires your specialist skills.

Market Your Skills

In many cases, extensions are the secret behind the big, expensive-looking hair clients see on red carpets and social media. Use this to your advantage by showing believable transformations and educating your audience on the different methods you offer.

Invest in Your Team

REMI CACHET

Extensions are a premium service, and consistency is everything. Ongoing education, regular training and a clear client journey will help build trust and ensure your extensions business grows sustainably.

EXTENSIONS SHOULD ENHANCE THE HAIR, NOT PUT IT UNDER MORE STRESS. EDWARD JAMES, FOUNDER OF EDWARD JAMES LONDON

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NICHOLAS JAMES TUCKER

Demystifying Different Types of Hair Extensions NICHOLAS JAMES TUCKER, FOUNDER OF NICHOLAS JAMES HAIR

Invisible Tape Extensions This is my preferred method of hair extensions, and it’s the only system I currently offer in the salon. They’re lightweight, discreet and lie beautifully flat against the head, creating an incredibly natural finish. They also allow me to customise colour by blending multiple shades throughout the hair.

Nano Ring Extensions Nanos are an excellent option for clients who want individual strand placement and targeted volume. They offer great flexibility when applied correctly and they work particularly well for finer hair.

Weft Extensions Wefts are ideal for clients with medium-to-thick hair who are looking to add significant volume and length efficiently. They’re a fantastic choice when suited to the right hair type, and they can create beautiful, fullbodied results.

My 4 Hair Extensions Non-Negotiables HADLEY YATES, CO-FOUNDER OF CURATED AND HADLEY YATES HAIR

1 2

When it comes to cutting and styling extensions, it’s all about creating a seamless blend. I always start by dry cutting the extensions because it allows you to see exactly how the hair will fall and move naturally.

Texture Is Everything

Using a razor or thinning scissors through the ends helps remove weight and soften the finish. If the ends are too blunt or bottom-heavy, the hair can look bulky and unbalanced. Adding shape around the face is also key – it helps blend the extensions into the natural hair while creating movement where it matters most.

Prep, Prep, Prep

Be Realistic in Your Styling

Because extensions have been sitting in packaging, it’s really important to mist them with water and give them a blast with the hairdryer once you’ve finished cutting. You’ll notice the texture relaxes and behaves much more like natural hair, making it easier to do a final visual check and refine the blend if needed.

When it comes to styling, always ask your client how they would usually wear their hair. Styling the extensions in a way they’ll actually wear them gives you both the opportunity to see how the finished look sits, while also giving your client the confidence to recreate it themselves at home.

NICHOLAS JAMES TUCKER

Strive to Be Seamless

FOR MANY CLIENTS, EXTENSIONS ARE NO LONGER JUST ABOUT ADDING VOLUME, BUT ABOUT RESTORING CONFIDENCE. THE RIGHT EXTENSIONS METHOD CAN BE GENUINELY TRANSFORMATIVE – GIVING CLIENTS BACK A SENSE OF CONTROL WITHOUT CAUSING DAMAGE. SARAH STREET, GREAT LENGTHS UK EDUCATION MANAGER

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Client Conversations: Caring for Extensions 101 INANCH EMIR, FOUNDER OF INANCH LONDON AND GOLD CLASS EXTENSIONS BRUSHING Brush your hair on a daily basis from root to tip. Using a soft bristle brush or a detangling brush, take small sections and gently brush from the bonds to the ends of your hair.

WASHING Wash and condition your hair at least once a week using a sulphate-free shampoo and conditioner. The Gold Class Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner, for example, have been formulated to prolong the life of your hair extensions.

STYLING Styling products should only be applied to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair, and not on the bonds. Straighteners, tongs and heated rollers can be used on 100% human hair extensions, however they must be kept away from the bonds.

TALITHA MACKIE, FOUNDER AND CEO OF FOX & VAMP

FOX & VAMP

EXTENSIONS ARE THE HIGHEST-MARGIN SERVICE IN MOST SALONS, BUT ONLY IF YOU PROTECT THE STANDARD. INVEST IN PROPER TRAINING RATHER THAN A QUICK CERTIFICATION: DON’T ALLOW ANYBODY WHO ‘THINKS THEY KNOW HOW’ TO FIT EXTENSIONS, AND NEVER LET STOCK QUALITY GO DOWN TO SAVE MARGIN. POOR QUALITY OR POOR FITTING UNDOES A YEAR OF REPUTATION.

INANCH EMIR

FOX & VAMP

INANCH EMIR

SLEEPING Before you go to bed, tie your hair in a low and loose ponytail – this will prevent it from tangling whilst you’re sleeping. Consider using a silk pillowcase too, as this will allow your extensions to breathe, helping stop friction and hair breakage.

DRYING Using a blotting motion, toweldry your hair thoroughly from root to tip after washing. Always blow-dry your hair on a cool or lukewarm temperature, and don’t attempt to speed up the process by putting the temperature on ‘hot’ as this can melt the bonds.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Make the unnatural... natural Designed for professionals, CURATED is the new stylist-founded hair extensions brand bringing a fresh approach to luxury hair. URATED is a stylist-founded luxury hair extensions brand created exclusively for professional hairdressers. Built on the belief that the best extensions should look, feel and behave like the client’s own hair, CURATED combines premium-quality, 100% human hair with a carefully considered professional range designed to support exceptional salon work.

All hair within the range is ethically sourced, and made from premium, 100% human hair, making it suitable for all hair types and textures. Whether adding discreet volume, creating length or enhancing colour work, CURATED has been designed to integrate beautifully with natural hair while delivering exceptional longevity and wear. It gives stylists complete creative freedom while maintaining the luxury finish their clients expect.

With the brand philosophy of ‘Making the unnatural, natural,’ CURATED represents a considered approach to modern extensions services and has been designed to seamlessly blend innovation, integrity and premium quality. This ensures stylists have access to consistently high-performing hair without compromising on ethical standards, whilst always delivering hair that looks, feels and behaves naturally.

The launch collection features both Bonds and Tapes, available in 14”, 18” and 22” lengths across a versatile palette of 20 carefully selected shades. It is available in both smooth and curly textures, giving stylists even greater flexibility when creating bespoke results for every client.

CURATED is about craftsmanship, confidence and integrity. I wanted to create a range I’d be proud to use in my own salon – hair that performs, wears beautifully, and respects both the client and the source. Hadley Yates, Founder of CURATED

What’s on Offer? ✔ 100% ethically sourced human hair. ✔ Certified hair sources across the entire range. ✔ Bonds: 25x per pack. ✔ Tapes: 5x sandwiches per pack. ✔ 20 expertly curated shades. ✔ 14”, 18” and 22” lengths. ✔ Hair available in two textures: curly and smooth. ✔ Created exclusively for salon professionals.

As a brand founded by stylists, CURATED has been developed with a genuine understanding of salon life – with professional performance at the forefront to ensure the collection elevates the quality and creativity of professional extensions artistry. The result is a luxury extensions range that delivers on every level – beautiful hair, exceptional craftsmanship and complete confidence for you, the stylist.

To discover the full CURATED range and to register for salon accounts, visit: www.curatedhairextensions.com

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TAPE THAT CHANGED THE GAME Rapture Hair Extensions has spent more than 20 years perfecting a service that delivers salon speed, premium hair quality and trusted performance for your extensions clients.

Hair extensions are about far more than adding length alone. Clients are now looking for fullness, versatility and instant transformation, while stylists need services that deliver beautiful results without compromising on efficiency, wearability or hair health. This is why tape extensions continue to be one of the most in-demand methods in salon and why Rapture Hair Extensions remains a name that professionals trust. As one of the first to bring tape hair extensions to market more than 20 years ago, Rapture has helped shape the category from the very beginning. It’s pioneering heritage is valuable because it means proven expertise, a deep understanding of how extensions services fit into the reality of busy salon life and a system refined to meet the needs of the modern stylist.

FAST, FLEXIBLE AND SALON FRIENDLY At the heart of what Rapture offers is speed without compromise. Lightweight, discreet and easy to use, Rapture tape extensions allow stylists to create a new look quickly. Whether the client wish is adding fullness through the lengths, enhancing colour without chemicals or delivering a full transformation, the tape system offers a salon-friendly solution to achieve high-impact results in a time-efficient way. This speed also creates real flexibility for the stylist and the business. Extensions services no longer need to be reserved just for major transformations – with Rapture, they can become part of a wider premium service menu, from subtle density work and colour enhancement to quick confidence-boosting changes that clients can see instantly. For salons, this means more opportunities to add value to the business with a service that feels both aspirational and commercially smart.

PREMIUM PERFORMANCE Beautiful results start with beautiful hair and Rapture’s extensions are backed by Banbury Postiche, giving stylists and salons the reassurance of premium-quality hair that looks polished and feels soft. The finish is natural, luxurious and designed to blend seamlessly with the client’s own hair, whether used for a complete transformation or a subtle enhancement. Rapture also brings a valuable ‘confidence’ message to the consultation. Its tapes are approved by trichologists not to harm the scalp – this gives stylists added reassurance when talking to clients at a time when scalp health is playing an increasingly important role in haircare. For stylists, this means being able to recommend the service with even greater certainty, and for clients, it reinforces the sense that they are investing in an extensions system that prioritises both beauty and care. Further underlining its professional credentials, Rapture is also the preferred supplier to Combline Enhancement Systems – a reflection of the trust the brand has earned within the professional extensions market.

CREATIVITY AND CONVENIENCE Maintenance has also been designed with efficiency in mind. Rapture offers rapid, residue-free removal, helping to make refit appointments cleaner, quicker and easier to manage. This practical benefit has a real impact on the smooth running of extensions services in the salon. When it comes to colour matching, Rapture offers stylists the freedom to create bespoke, polished results with more than 50 colour combinations available, all supported by next-day delivery. From seamless blending to statement transformations, it’s a system built for creativity as much as convenience.

WHY CHOOSE RAPTURE…? ✔ Lightweight, easy-to-use tapes for fast application. ✔ Create a new style in minutes, not hours. ✔ Premium-quality hair backed by Banbury Postiche. ✔ Approved by trichologists not to harm the scalp. ✔ 50+ colour combinations with next-day delivery. ✔ Preferred supplier to Combline Enhancement Systems. ✔ Tape extension pioneers with more than 20 years of expertise. ✔ Rapid, residue-free removal for efficient maintenance appointments. ✔ Unique 3cm length, allowing for greater flexibility and less stress on the scalp. ✔ For salons looking to offer an extensions service that is fast, premium, scalp-conscious and commercially smart, Rapture Hair Extensions continues to set the standard.

TO EXPLORE THE FULL RAPTURE HAIR EXTENSIONS COLLECTION, VISIT: WWW.RAPTURE.CO.UK

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3 Ways to Make Extensions More Sustainable

GREAT LENGTHS USA

VICTORIA LYNCH, FOUNDER OF REMI CACHET

Choose Well

Look for brands that have transparency on hair sourcing and ethical standards. The B Corp certification is the gold standard, and for extensions it means that people, planet and product are all aligned to deliver the best quality and choice of hair.

Prioritise Quality

Recycle!

Your customers are looking for a solution – whether that’s length, volume, colour variation or density – but your guidance on hair quality will depend greatly on the durability of their investment. For longterm wearers, seek out hair that can be reused (with the right care) for up to 12 months.

How to Boss Your Business With Extensions

Usable hair can be donated to Little Lady Locks (littleladylocks.com), a charity that makes wigs and hair pieces for children suffering with hair loss. Discarded hair can be sent to Matter of Trust (matteroftrust.org) to make hair mats that soak up chemical and oil spills.

PAUL YATES, CO-FOUNDER OF CURATED AND HADLEY YATES HAIR

Treat Every Client as a Walking Advertisement The quality of your work should naturally generate word of mouth recommendations – it’s the best free advertising you can do and it builds the most loyal clients. We want all our clients to be asked who does their hair!

Build a Reputation Before Building a Team Your reputation is your biggest marketing tool. Start slow and organically, always making sure that the work is executed at your highest standard. Invest in training, social media and client reviews.

Retention Is More Valuable Than Acquisition A client returning every 6-10 weeks is far more valuable than a stream of new clients who may only visit once. Invest in this loyalty. Provide an exceptional service,

aftercare and follow-up calls in order to guarantee that rebooking before the client leaves.

Charge for Expertise, Not Just Your Time The best extensionists don’t just compete on price, but they charge for colour matching, perfect placement, cutting, styling and aftercare. Knowledge and skill are imperative, so you need to position yourself as an expert, not just someone who fits extensions.

Emotional Transformation Justifies Premium Pricing Clients don’t just buy hair; they buy confidence. They buy thicker hair, longer hair, a younger appearance or a solution to thinning hair. Every consultation needs to focus on the final outcome, so you need to strive to fully create the vision.

I’VE BEEN AN EXTENSIONS EXPERT FOR OVER 20 YEARS NOW, AND I’VE FOUND THAT EACH AND EVERY CLIENT ULTIMATELY WANTS THE SAME THING: THEY WANT TO FEEL LIKE THEMSELVES. WHETHER SOMEONE IS RECOVERING FROM SHEDDING, GOING THROUGH A HORMONAL CHANGE OR DEALING WITH MENOPAUSE, EXTENSIONS GIVE MY CLIENTS CONFIDENCE… AND THAT MEANS THE WORLD TO ME. NATASHA GROCUTT, OWNER OF NATASHA GROCUTT HAIR SALON

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The Veil Weft CURATED CURATED is expanding its premium extensions collection with the launch of the Veil Weft – an ultra-light butterfly weft designed to deliver effortless volume, seamless blends and all-day comfort. Crafted from 100% Remy human hair, the butterfly-style construction creates a finer, flatter profile than traditional wefts, allowing the hair to sit discreetly against the scalp for an undetectable result. The lightweight design also offers greater flexibility during application, making it ideal for creating bespoke transformations tailored to each client’s hair type and density.

Luxury Curly Hair Extensions Gold Class Targeting clients that dream of voluminous curls, luscious waves or dramatic curly transformations, the Luxury Curly Hair Extensions from Gold Class offers a range of high-quality solutions tailored to meet unique style and preferences. Made from 100% natural hair and sourced from donors in India who have natural waves or curly hair, the extensions mimic the texture and movement of natural curls. The range is available up to hair type 3C – with 22 base shades and seven rooted shades.

Double Wear Reversible Weft Beauty Works Introducing the Double Wear Reversible Weft from Beauty Works – a new innovation that offers two distinct colour stories within a single, seamless weft. Combining the brand’s most advanced shade blends with a reversible construction, the Double Wear Reversible Weft gives stylists and clients the freedom to transform their look without commitment. To support accurate shade matching, the Double Wear Reversible Weft Colour Ring is also available as a professional tool, featuring all 10 exclusive shade combinations made from 100% Cuticle Remy human hair.

ADAPTI Zen Luxury Extensions

LATEST LAUNCHES Studio Remi Cachet

GL Weft Linea Great Lengths Great Lengths has recently introduced GL Weft Linea. Crafted from 100% Remy human hair, the weft has been designed to deliver discreet, natural-looking results with enhanced comfort, versatility and performance. The Natural Cut design, created using multiple double-drawn hair, enhances authenticity and ensures a more lived-in, seamless result – ideal for thinning-haired clients looking to add both volume and length with a premium and natural feel.

The new Studio range by Remi Cachet has recently joined the brand’s portfolio. The line is designed for everyday wear, delivering natural-looking length, movement and volume for the more price-sensitive client. It features 100% Remy hair with a double-drawn, mid-ratio construction, and an expected wear period of up to nine months with correct aftercare. Available across four core Remi Cachet methods (including weft, tape, nano and ﬂat tip) in 38 bestselling shades, this is a ﬂexible extensions solution at an accessible price point.

Zen Luxury Extensions has recently unveiled ADAPTI, a professional weft extensions system that hopes to transform the way salons apply, maintain and remove tape wefts. At the heart of the innovation is ADAPTI-SKIN, a specially engineered support component that sits between the client’s natural hair and the Luxury Series+ ADAPTIWEFT. Unlike traditional tape-weft systems, the adhesive is attached to the ADAPTI-SKIN rather than directly to the client’s own hair, allowing the skin to support both the bond and the weight of the weft. The result is a more controlled, supportive application that is designed to be signiﬁcantly kinder to the client’s natural hair, whilst still delivering comfort, stability and precision.

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Crafted in Colour From rich, multi-dimensional brunettes to luminous blondes and vibrant statement shades, this striking collection from Quif showcases the versatility, performance and creative freedom that today’s professional colourists demand. Created by the Quif Artistic Team through collaboration and a shared vision for premium results, the campaign demonstrates how modern colour can combine technical precision with effortless luxury.

About Quif: A Colour Partner Created Around the Ambition of Today’s Professionals

Behind every great colour service is a colourist with vision, creativity and ambition. But to achieve their full potential, professionals need more than a colour range; they need a partner that inspires them, supports their development and understands what it takes to build a successful salon business. Quif was created around this belief. Designed exclusively for professional hairdressers, the British, family-owned colour brand is dedicated to empowering salons and stylists with high-performance products, expert education and meaningful business support. Built with professionals at its heart, Quif is committed to helping colourists feel confident, excited and supported throughout their careers. The ambition behind Quif is simple: to create new possibilities for the UK’s most ambitious salons and stylists. By combining innovation, education and partnership, the brand helps professionals unlock their creativity while delivering the consistency and reliability required in today’s busy salon environment. The Quif colour system has been developed to provide exceptional performance with maximum flexibility. Featuring advanced dual-system technology and a pre-blended base, the range helps simplify formulation while giving colourists the creative freedom to achieve personalised results. From everyday salon services to more complex colour transformations, Quif is designed to provide dependable results with every application. Offering up to 100% grey coverage across a choice of developers, the portfolio delivers superior deposit, precise lift and an optimised pH performance, whilst helping to support the internal structure of the hair. The result is

premium colour performance that allows stylists to create beautiful, long-lasting results with confidence. Education is a key part of Quif’s commitment to professionals. Recognising that learning and development are central to a colourist’s success, the brand offers training designed to support every level of experience. From essential colour fundamentals through to the advanced Quif Colour Mastery programme, stylists have access to education that helps them strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge and continue growing throughout their career. Quif’s dedication to the professional community goes beyond product and education. As an independent brand, it is agile, responsive and focused solely on supporting salon partners. The team behind Quif understands the industry because they are connected to it, making decisions based on the needs of hairdressers rather than simply following market trends. For salons, that commitment is matched by a strong commercial proposition. Quif has been developed to deliver value without compromise – helping businesses optimise their colour investment through competitive pricing, reduced stock requirements and a risk-free swap-out guarantee when introducing the brand. The brand’s values are equally important. Quif is committed to making positive progress through vegan and cruelty-free formulations, 100% recyclable packaging and a commitment to using 100% renewable energy in production. It is a brand focused on meaningful action and creating a future that professionals can be proud to be part of. For ambitious colourists and salons looking for more than just a product supplier, Quif offers a complete partnership – one built on creativity, support, education and a shared belief in the future of professional hairdressing.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

HAIR: Quif Artistic Team (Brooke Evans and Joseph Ferraro assisted by Georgia Mountain and Amelia Wilmott) MAKE-UP: Maddie Austin STYLING: Clare Frith PHOTOGRAPHY: Michael Young PRODUCTS: Quif

“Whenever I approach a campaign, I always begin by asking what the brand wants people to feel – rather than just what they want people to see. With Quif, the answer was confidence in colour. The photography was built around that idea – creating images with softness, movement and sophistication that celebrate the technical excellence behind every look. The ambition was to produce a campaign that elevated everyone involved. It showcases Quif as a colour-first brand, while giving Brooke and Joseph the space to express their own creativity and technical skill. My photography is always about creating a world that people want to step into; a world where the hair becomes the main character rather than just another element in the frame.”

MichAEl Young, PHOTOGRAPHER

41 11

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“The photoshoot was such a great experience to be a part of as an assistant! To be able to showcase Quif and demonstrate how it is capable of depth, shine and vibrancy was fantastic. The day on set was amazing, and I loved seeing the Quif vision come to life with some incredible artists and such creative talent. There was such a positive atmosphere, and I think the collaboration and the passion from everyone involved really shows in this collection.”

Amelia Wilmott, Centre Stage winner

“Seeing the Quif colour brand come to life at this photoshoot was a real highlight. The brand has so much to offer hairdressers, and these images capture exactly what it represents: sophistication, a premium standard and incredible versatility. From the moment the day started, there was such a calm and creative atmosphere. Every artist worked together with the same vision, making the whole experience feel effortless and authentic. Watching that vision become reality was really special, and the final images speak for themselves. I’m so grateful to have been part of such a talented team and can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Brooke Evans, Quif Brand Ambassador

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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SPONSORED CONTENT

“With this collection, we wanted to celebrate the versatility of Quif colour – from rich brunettes and warm mochas to bold reds and icy blondes. The brief was ‘cool girls’ meets luxury, with expensive-looking tones, polished techniques and effortless elegance. Every texture – from sleek, glass hair to voluminous curls – was designed to show just how much range and depth Quif colour can achieve.”

Joseph Ferraro, Quif Brand Ambassador

“This shoot really showcases the brand’s sophisticated, premium colour with a polished finish. Quif has been designed to celebrate artistry, and it inspires you to colour with confidence and create lasting impressions.”

Georgia Mountain, Lulabells

To learn more about Quif and explore the full range of products, scan the QR code or contact the exclusive distributor at: info@alanhoward.co.uk / 0845 345 8535

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Havlys (Sea Light) David Cassidy Hair: David Cassidy at Palette & Bristle Make-Up: Jacqui McElroy Styling: Jess Eaton and Paula Dyer Photography: David Ralph

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“In Scandinavian coastal folklore, the sea is often seen as a keeper of light, drawing you in with reflections that feel almost otherworldly. Inspired by subtle Selkie legends, mythology and the resilience of coastal flora, Havlys explores the space between land and water, softness and strength.”

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“Luminous blue tones flow through the hair like refracted sea light, with a depth inspired by Yves Klein and his iconic ultramarine works – using blue not simply as colour, but as atmosphere, emotion and immersion. The result feels fluid, reflective and quietly powerful; like light moving beneath the surface of the sea.”

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Voices From the Salon Floor... Street Style – Get the Salon Look The Look: Curly Confidence Curly Confidence is designed to enhance the hair’s natural texture using the NEW INDOLA Curl range, combining moisture-rich care with lightweight styling for soft, bouncy, frizz-controlled curls. This look focuses on hydration, definition and effortless movement, creating glossy, touchable curls that feel natural and wearable every day. APPLICATION

Step 1: Healthy curls start with the right cleansing routine. The NEW Curl Therapy Cleanser is a hybrid cleansing conditioner that can be alternated with Hydrate Shampoo as your in-between cleanse. Hydrate Shampoo is ideal as an everyday shampoo thanks to its moisturising yet lightweight formula. Apply Intense Repair Treatment through the mid-lengths and ends to replenish the hair’s internal bonding structure while restoring softness, elasticity and strength. Step 3: For a natural finish, allow the curls to air dry with minimal disturbance. For maximum definition and volume, diffuse the hair upside down using a low heat and low airflow setting.

Convo With My Client... SIAN ROSCOE, INDOLA UK AMBASSADOR

“I struggle with frizz, what am I doing wrong in my routine and how can I improve it?” So, struggling with frizz is usually to do with moisture – and this is all about preparing the hair properly. Making sure you’re using your INDOLA Curl Embracing Mousse and a bit of INDOLA Treat & Tame always helps with frizz and anti-humidity. Also, it’s about what you do when the hair’s dry, making sure you don’t overwork the hair to cause frizz. But for me, when it comes to frizz, it’s all about moisture and preparing the hair.

BEFORE

Step 2: After detangling, apply Curl Embracing Mousse to damp hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. Work in sections and brush or comb the product through sparingly to ensure every curl is evenly coated without overloading the hair. Once distributed, finger twist individual curls for enhanced definition or use the INDOLA Curl Brush to create consistent curl groupings. The lightweight mousse provides long-lasting definition, bounce and shine while maintaining a soft, touchable finish without stiffness or crunch. Step 4: Once the hair is completely dry, warm a few drops of Glam Oil or Finishing Serum between your palms, before gently scrunching or patting the product onto the curls. Choose the finishing product according to the hair type: Finishing Serum is ideal for providing lightweight frizz control and shine, whilst Glam Oil offers richer nourishment. Step 5: Complete the look with Glaze It Up if additional shine is desired. This final step enhances light reflection and gives curls a healthy, polished finish while maintaining their natural movement and definition.

W H AT T O U S E

INDOLA Curl Therapy Cleanser • NEW INDOLA Shampoo • INDOLA Hydrate Repair Mask • INDOLA Intense Embracing Mousse • INDOLA Curl Glam Oil • INDOLA Finishing Serum •

For more information on INDOLA, visit www.indola.com or follow @indolauk on socials for the latest updates and expert tips.

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Freelance forum...

A FREELANCE STATE OF MIND AWARD-WINNING FREELANCER, BROOKE EVANS, DISSECTS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT STYLIST. THIS MONTH, SHE LOOKS AT RECOGNISING THE VALUE OF YOUR OWN TIME. As salon owners and stylists, we spend a lot of time talking about how we create incredible colour, deliver exceptional consultations and give clients an experience they’ll never forget. But there’s one conversation our industry still struggles to have confidently: how to place a value on our own time. I’ve learnt over the years that one of the biggest shifts you can make in your business isn’t charging more; it’s respecting your diary. Because if you don’t value your own time, why should anyone else? Every appointment in your book represents more than just an hour or two in the salon; it represents preparation, product costs, planning, creative energy and, ultimately, income. When a client cancels at the last minute or simply doesn’t turn up, it’s not just frustrating, but it’s something that directly affects your business, your team and your profitability. This becomes even more important with premium services. Colour transformations, extensions, balayage corrections or creative colour appointments often require hours of your day, significant product investment and careful scheduling. These aren’t appointments you can simply fill at short notice. This is why we introduced booking fees. For us, booking fees aren’t about mistrusting clients or making booking more difficult; they’re about creating mutual respect. When a client commits financially to an appointment, they’re far more likely to honour it. It also demonstrates that your expertise, your time and your diary have value. And, when it’s communicated professionally, we’ve found that clients understand this. Think about it – people will happily pay deposits for holidays, restaurant reservations, beauty treatments and even gym memberships. Why should hair be any different? Especially, when we’re delivering bespoke services that can take half a day or more.

“For us, booking fees aren’t about mistrusting clients or making booking more difficult; they’re about creating mutual respect.”

The key is being transparent from the outset. Make your bookingfee policy visible on your website, booking platform and confirmation emails. Explain why it’s there, what happens if they need to rearrange and how much notice you require. Equally important is having the confidence to stick to your policy. If you continually waive cancellation fees or refund outside your agreed terms, clients quickly learn that your policies aren’t really policies at all. Consistency builds trust and sets expectations. Protecting your time also means learning to say no. Remember, not every client is the right client. We’ve all experienced serial late-cancellers, ‘appointment shoppers’ or people who book multiple consultations with no intention of committing. However, every space they occupy is time that could have been given to a loyal client who values your work. Running a successful salon isn’t just about being talented behind the chair; it’s about making smart business decisions. We invest in education, premium products, marketing and our teams. So, protecting the hours in our diary should be viewed in exactly the same way. And, when you start valuing your time, something interesting happens... your clients do too. They arrive on time, communicate better and appreciate the service they’re receiving, because you’ve clearly communicated its worth. Our industry is full of incredibly talented professionals who often put everyone else’s needs before their own, but valuing your time isn’t selfish; it’s sustainable. It allows you to build a healthier business, reduce unnecessary stress and focus your energy where it belongs. And that’s on creating amazing hair for clients who genuinely appreciate what you do. At the end of the day, your time is one of the most valuable things you have. Don’t be afraid to protect it.

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Freelance forum...

GOING SOLO AS MORE AND MORE STYLISTS ARE CHOOSING TO GO SOLO AND ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT, THE TRADITIONAL SALON MODEL IS UNDERGOING A PROFOUND TRANSFORMATION. DRIVEN BY A DESIRE FOR GREATER AUTONOMY AND A BETTER WORK-LIFE BALANCE, THESE INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONALS ARE REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY. NEXT IN THE SERIES, WE SPEAK TO BRENT BARLOW ABOUT HIS SOLO MOVE. Brent Barlow is an award-winning hairdresser who has been working in the industry for over 20 years. He provides bespoke hair services to his clients in a Phenix Salon Suite, as well as delivering education for Quif and undertaking session work. With a genuine passion for cutting, Brent is dedicated to sharing his creativity, technical expertise and years of experience with both clients and fellow professionals.

and meet people within the industry off your own back. Once you do meet people, you can make your own community for support. Looking back now, what advice would you give to someone considering stepping out on their own? It’s very boring advice, but just try to be as organised as you can be! Make sure you’re monitoring everything from finances and stock to tea bags – it’s really hard to just nip out and get something when you’re really busy! But most of all, just do it. I believe in gut instinct, and if you feel something is right and you want to make it work, you will.

What fears or doubts did you have before going out on your own? I was worried about having a smaller, more intimate space to hold appointments in. My clients were used to being in very busy salons, and I was worried that the switch might not provide the energetic environment they were used to. As it turned out though, they actually preferred the more intimate, calmer experience. How has going solo changed the way you work with clients, if at all? To be honest, it’s not changed much in terms of dealing with my clients. However, I feel I’m definitely more relaxed, and the by-product of that feeling creates a better service. What’s been the most unexpected upside of working alone? I would say it’s how I’ve found myself enjoying the mundane things like cleaning up or folding the towels. The sort of jobs that I really didn’t enjoy in the past, but now – because it’s for me and my space – I get to take pride and joy in keeping my space clean and presentable. What’s one thing people don’t talk about enough when it comes to working alone in this industry? Self motivation. When you haven’t got a team around you to help you get through the tough days, it can sometimes be hard to pick yourself up when you’re feeling down. That said, I also think that you need to make a real effort to go

What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since making the move? The biggest challenge I found was setting my own boundaries. I had a tendency to overwork myself, mainly because I thought that was the right thing to do. I overcame it by being really honest with my clients about what was actually achievable for me within my working hours.

“I’ve found myself enjoying the mundane things like cleaning up or folding the towels. The sort of jobs that I really didn’t enjoy in the past, but now – because it’s for me and my space – I get to take pride and joy in.”

Beyond the hairdressing itself, what has surprised you most about running your own business? Definitely the support from other self-employed hairdressers. It seems that we’re all in it together! I’ve found that reaching out to people for business and hair advice has not been ignored or gatekept by other stylists, which has been great. Does this format of working give you more or less freedom? In some respects, more freedom and in others, less. I never have to worry about when I want to take a holiday or when I get to watch my kids’ school performances without asking a manager. But, on the other hand, it’s really hard when you are feeling under the weather and you have to drag yourself up and just get on with it. Overall though, I would say I have a better balance, because fundamentally, I am the one choosing how to manage my own working life.

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ONE-STOP COLOUR CALLING IGORA ZERO AMM This range is free from ammonia and ammonia odour for a truly pleasant colour experience. Powered by Phytolipid Technology, the formula delivers natural-looking true-to-tone results, up to 100% white hair coverage, and long-lasting and intense colour. With seven new tones ranging from the most sought-after naturals to the trendiest coppers, this range allows you to achieve the most beautiful results that meet all your colouring needs.

SHOP

Care Goals

Styling Mission

FIBRE CLINIX BONDING RICH CREAM-TO-OIL Transforms from a cream into an oil to tame frizz, add definition and improve overall manageability. Provides coarse hair types with an instant boost of nourishment. Delivers a smooth and shiny finish with up to 93% less frizz*. Prevents split ends and hair breakage, providing long-lasting repair results. Provides heat protection up to 230°C/450°F.

• • • • •

*When using the Bonding Rich Cream-ToOil, versus untreated hair.

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The go-to place for independent stylists…

OSiS Session Allowing you to maintain longlasting styles without compromise, OSiS Session is an extra-strong-hold hairspray that protects hair against humidity, heat and wind, whilst adding a luxurious finish. The result is shiny hair that can be brushed out easily without leaving a flaky residue.

POLYCHROME SERVICE LOOK Hair by Alice Fender @alicefenderhair Colouring Products: Foils using BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+, + BLONDME Premium Developer 2% | 7 Vol. Wet Balayage using BLONDME Premium Lightener 9+, + BLONDME Premium Developer 6% | 20 Vol. Root Tap using IGORA VIBRANCE 7-0 + IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% | 6 Vol. Global Gloss using IGORA VIBRANCE 10-5 + 0-00 + IGORA VIBRANCE Activator Gel 1.9% | 6 Vol.

• • • •

AS A SESSION AND BRIDAL STYLIST FOR OVER 24 YEARS, I AM VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT MY HAIRSPRAYS! SO, ONCE I STARTED USING OSIS SESSION, IT HAS FAST BECOME MY GO-TO HAIRSPRAY. IT PROVIDES LONG-LASTING HOLD WITHOUT LEAVING THE HAIR STICKY OR FLAKY. IT’S ALSO EASY TO BRUSH OUT, LEAVING MY CLIENTS’ HAIR WITH BEAUTIFUL SHINE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! CARLA VILJOEN @CARLA.VILJOEN

Technique: “To create this bright, creamy Polychrome blonde with a soft, lived-in look, I used a mix of teased slices, weaves and babylights throughout the hair, as I love blondes that still have dimension and grow out softly. Around the hairline and face frame, I focused on fine babylights to get maximum brightness and make everything around the face really pop. I always like to keep a little bit of depth behind the face frame as it makes the blonde look brighter and more expensive. To finish the lightening process, I did a wet balayage at the basin to brighten up the existing blonde, elevating the overall finish without losing that soft, natural look. I then went in with a subtle root tap to melt everything together and keep the overall look seamless. To finish the colour, I applied a global gloss with gold tones, as I find gold reflects the light beautifully and helps blondes look brighter, creamier and more expensive.”

TOP OF MY SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL SHOPPING LIST IS... I absolutely cannot live without Fibre Clinix Fibre Sealer – it’s my ride or die! I use this product on 95% of my clients, it’s that good. It’s the best product for protecting your clients’ hair, and making it soft and silky. Alex Trippier, @alextrippierhair

ALL ABOUT BONDING The new, upgraded Schwarzkopf Bonding formulations within IGORA and BLONDME are your guarantee of strong performance and reliability in every colour service.

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THE LAUNCHPAD MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL Crafted to deliver mirror-like shine and effortless styling, JOICO’s Dream Blowout Glass 72hr Frizz Fighter has recently been released in a new 500ml size. The heat-activated spray works to control frizz, reduce breakage and protect against heat damage – all whilst leaving the hair silky smooth. Formulated with the brand’s SmartRelease technology, the liposome continuously releases Rosehip Oil, Arginine and Keratin to help repair, strengthen and protect hair from the cumulative effects of daily styling.

HEALTHY HYDRATION Introducing the new Rosemary & Mint Stimulating Super Moisturising Shampoo from Design Essentials, released to complement the already-existing Rosemary & Mint Conditioner and offer an optimised duo for a healthy and hydrated hair and scalp. Infused with a blend of rosemary and peppermint, the system gently removes build-up while restoring moisture balance and improving manageability. Suitable for all hair types and textures (1A–4C), the duo is particularly beneficial for dry, damaged or lacklustre hair in need of hydration and refreshment.

POLISHED PACKAGING Say hello to OSMO’s newly redesigned Day Two Styler, bringing a fresh new look to one of the brand’s most trusted styling essentials. Designed to cleanse hair without water, this professional dry shampoo helps absorb excess oil and sebum, whilst also restoring volume and freshness to limp or lacklustre hair. The revamped packaging reflects OSMO’s contemporary, professional identity while maintaining the same high-performing formula inside.

A SMART SOLUTION Twenty years after launching the world’s ﬁrst automatic hair foil dispenser, Procare returns with its most advanced innovation to date. Introducing the 247AIR. Engineered to give colourists greater control, speed and creative freedom – as well as addressing one of the industry’s growing priorities: waste reduction – the dispenser helps stylists work faster and optimise foil usage. By cutting only what is needed, the 247AIR actively reduces waste while contributing to more sustainable salon practices.

A RITUAL FOR RADIANCE Inspired by the transformative power of organic, fair-trade Argan Oil, the new Orofluido collection from Revlon Professional combines luxurious care with high-performance results. Designed for all hair types, each formula helps to nourish, smooth and enhance shine while enveloping the hair in the range’s signature fragrance – a sophisticated blend of vanilla flower, bergamot, creamy musk and sandalwood. From cleansing and conditioning to intensive treatment and finishing, Orofluido works to transform everyday haircare into a moment of indulgence – leaving the hair beautifully soft, luminous and full of life.

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JACK OF ALL TRADES Designed to care, protect and perfect, the new One For All Leave-In Elixir from Aveda offers 25 plant-powered benefits in one product. A multi-tasking leave-in for all hair types and textures, the product works to instantly hydrate, smoothen, soften, add shine, control frizz, detangle, condition and improve manageability. Positioned as ideal for busy clients who want a simple but effective styling and care step, it can be used to support smoother, shinier and more manageable hair without weighing it down.

TURN UP THE VOLUME!

LIGHTING THE WAY

Dedicated to science, sound and self-expression, Decibel Haircare recently launched in the UK with a volumising professional hair service. The exclusive 140dB Complex works by moving through the internal structure of each individual hair strand and using ingredients specifically formulated to increase hair thickness and volume. The launch includes four products: an in-salon treatment, an at-home treatment, a shampoo and a conditioner.

ALFAPARF Milano Professional has recently expanded its Semi di Lino Sublime range with the launch of Liquid Light. Developed with cutting-edge Lamellar technology, this instant, rinse-out liquid treatment delivers ultra-glossy, fluid hair whilst sealing the cuticle to lock in moisture and shine. Enriched with moisture-retaining Hyaluronic Acid and the signature Sublime Water Fragrance, the formula deeply penetrates the hair to transform texture and enhance manageability.

TIME TO TAKE CONTROL Organic Colour Systems (OCS) has unveiled a complete reimagining of its professional styling portfolio with the launch of the new Control range. This is a collection of 11 products developed around one belief: styling products shouldn’t just shape hair, they should help care for it too. Designed to support stylists through every stage of the styling process, the range has been organised into five clear categories: Prepare, Build, Shape, Define and Finish. The new vegan line combines professional styling performance with thoughtfully selected ingredients to offer a more holistic approach to haircare.

NATURAL GROWTH Schwarzkopf Professional is shining a fresh spotlight on its ammonia-free permanent colour range, IGORA ZERO AMM, with the launch of seven new shades. Designed to strengthen the offering for salons seeking high-performing colour with a more pleasant colouring experience, the expanded range delivers true-to-tone, long-lasting results with up to 100% white hair coverage. Free from ammonia and ammonia odour, IGORA ZERO AMM uses Phytolipid technology to support even pigment penetration, enhanced care and natural-looking colour results. The seven new shades joining the range include: Naturals – 8-06, 6-06; Cendré – 7-16; Golds – 8-51, 7-57; Reds – 9-7; Highlifts – 10-51.

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STEP-BY-STEP

THE ARTISTS: Colour: Lesley Jennison Styling: Lisa Farrall

POLYCHROME ESPRESSO WITH SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL BEFORE:

THE COLOURS USED: POLYCHROME COLOUR 1: IGORA ZERO AMM 1-0 + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 3% | 10 VOL. (1:1) POLYCHROME COLOUR 2: IGORA ZERO AMM 7-16 + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 9% | 30 VOL. (1:1) COLOUR 3 (ROOTS): IGORA ZERO AMM 6-06 + 4-13 (2:1) + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 3% | 10 VOL. (1:1) COLOUR 4 (MID-LENGTHS & ENDS): IGORA ZERO AMM 6-06 + 4-13 (2:1) + IGORA ROYAL Oil Developer 6% | 20 VOL. (1:1)

STEP 1 Section the top into two 1cm diagonal-back sections from the parting, then take a small triangle from the fringe.

STEP 2 Take a diagonal slice above the parietal ridge and apply Polychrome Colour 1.

STEP 3 Take a second, thicker back-to-back slice and apply Polychrome Colour 2.

STEP 4 Repeat the same technique on the fringe and opposite side.

STEP 5 Apply Colour 3 to the roots, then Colour 4 to the mid-lengths and ends.

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COLOUR CLOSE-UP

Ne wA ddi tions True Copper:

Say hello to Crazy Color’s first colour launch in over seven years…

A rich, saturated copper designed for glossy warmth.

Going soft

Spicy Copper: A vibrant, warm copper with bold undertones.

Pretty Peach: A true, vivid peach.

Inspired by the rise of whimsical beauty, bohemian self-expression and sun-faded festival aesthetics, Crazy Color has launched five brand-new shades designed for a softer, more romantic take on vivid colour. For salons, the launch responds to the growing demand for softer creative colour options that sit between natural and vivid, offering clients a more approachable way to experiment with expressive colour. The new tones have been designed to either work alone, blended together or layered over different bases to create bespoke results – ranging from soft, pastel washes to richer, boho-inspired copper finishes.

Dusky Pink: A soft, vintage rose pink.

Baby Blue A dreamy, pastel blue.

As always, Crazy Color’s semi-permanent formulas are vegan, cruelty free, made in the UK and designed to encourage individuality and experimentation.

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The Italian

Connection

ITALIAN BY HERITAGE, BRITISH BY CAREER – THESE ARE SOME OF THE NAMES SHAPING THE UK HAIRDRESSING LANDSCAPE TODAY. WE FIND OUT WHAT DREW THEM HERE AND WHY THE UK CONTINUES TO FUEL THEIR CREATIVITY.

RINO RICCIO (Manifesto, London)

I The UK wasn’t my safe choice, and that’s exactly made the decision to come to the UK as an experienced hairdresser.

why I chose it. There’s a raw, creative energy here that you can’t control, and I was drawn to that. The UK made me feel like I could take risks and actually be recognised for taking them. Italy gave me discipline and a sense of beauty, but the UK has given me freedom to experiment, to express myself without fear and to connect with people from all over the world.

In Italy, there’s confidence in simplicity – the idea of letting the hair move, breathe and live. Less structure, less ‘perfect’ finishing, but instead a focus on the idea that beauty doesn’t need to be overworked. However, what inspires me about the UK is the attitude. It’s fearless, sometimes even a bit rebellious. People are willing to try, fail and reinvent themselves, and that keeps you sharp. You can’t be lazy in that environment! I’ve never thought of ‘leaving’ or ‘returning’ when it comes to my Italian roots; I think of it as ‘evolving’. Italy has always been a part of me, but right now I’m building something here that still has more to say. If I go back one day, it will be with a completely different version of myself.

DAVIDE SPINELLI (DS Hair Education)

started my career in Italy as a colour technician, but I wanted to be recognised for cutting hair as well. At that time, there wasn’t the same level of structured education, so I made the decision to move to the UK in 2006.

For me, the UK offered something different. There was a clear structure behind the work, a strong level of education and real opportunities to develop. I spent many years working in Covent Garden at Trevor Sorbie, which played a huge part in my development. More recently, I’ve moved into freelance work and now base myself in Soho, which gives me a different kind of flexibility. The level of education and structure in the UK is something I still really value, and it gives you a strong foundation to build from. At

GIUSEPPE STELITANO (Trevor Sorbie, London)

ondon has always felt like a place where ideas can exist without permission. It’s fast, diverse and open, and that made it the strongest environment to build my career. I first came to London as a teenager, and I remember meeting Trevor Sorbie by chance while I was working in a restaurant. We spoke about what I wanted to do with my life, and then, when I later decided to become a hairdresser, I knew this was where I wanted to come back to train. I joined the salon nearly nine years ago – starting as just a barista and over time progressing to Creative Director. Now, I’m trusted with shaping the creative direction of the brand and carrying forward Trevor’s incredible legacy. That journey reflects what the UK industry offers: nothing is given, but if you commit, push yourself and stay consistent, there is a path. Italy will always be part of me. It shapes my taste, my culture and my sense of beauty. There’s a focus on making things look effortless, but with intention and control. I think that attention to detail and finish is what really elevates the work.

the same time, however, I do think UK hairdressers could learn from the Italian approach. There’s more focus on natural movement and a softer way of approaching shape, which can sometimes be lost when technique

Home, for me, is no longer just one place. London is where I’ve built my life, but I carry Italy with me in everything I do. If I

becomes too rigid. Italy is part of me, but with a home and family here in the UK, my focus is very much on my work now.

return to Italy, it would be with a new perspective – not as a step backwards, but as a different chapter.

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BRUNO MARC GIAMATTEI (Marc Antoni, Henley)

’m a second-generation Italian hairdresser. My father had a barbershop, and my brothers and I would work there after school and at weekends. It never felt like a job; it was just what we did as a family, and we loved it. From early on, my dad instilled the importance of training and education. We would go into London to train with Alan International and the Sassoon Academy, always hungry to learn more. That foundation has stayed with me throughout my career. I opened our salon in Henley when I was 19, and today we have four salons across the South East. At one point, we also had

salons in Italy, which gave us a real insight into the differences between the two cultures. They

are very different, but there’s something to learn from both. I feel fortunate that we not only visit Italy for pleasure now, but as an integral part of our international work too.

For me, the UK hairdressing industry is a real community – it’s a hub of creative minds who all work together to help hairdressing evolve. It really is an honour to be a part of. My children Paolo and Charlotte are part of the team, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’m not sure if my Dad pictured this in his future when he arrived from Southern Italy all those years ago, but we can’t wait to see where the next generation take us.

ANDREA DORATA (Dorata Hairdressing, Marlow)

’d moved to London as a teenager, so my career naturally developed here. In many ways, the UK shaped me professionally from the very beginning. When it came to building my life and my career, I chose London because I recognised the opportunities there.

experiment and to challenge conventions. It’s not just about technical ability; it’s about creativity, identity and saying something through your work. That said, I do think UK hairdressers could learn something from the Italian approach. Italian hairdressing is

The UK offers a unique environment where creativity and business can grow together. It allows you to evolve – not just as a hairdresser, but as a brand and a business owner. It’s exposed me to a

instinctive; it’s about how the hair moves, how it feels and how it lives. I’ve always had the utmost respect

much wider range of clients, hair types and expectations, which has pushed me to become more versatile and more precise. British hairdressing is fearless. There’s a willingness to push boundaries, to

for the British industry as a whole – the standard is consistently high and that collective creativity is what makes it so influential globally. Italy is my foundation, but my emotional and creative roots are in the UK, so my identity really sits between the two.

LORENZO COLANGELO (The Gallery, Tunbridge Wells) y father opened a salon here in 1980, having trained as a barber in Italy. Growing up around hairdressing, I always knew I was going to join him in the business – it was never really a conscious decision! I took over in 1995 and rebranded, but I’ve always shared my father’s belief that there isn’t anywhere better than the UK for hairdressing education and vision.

I sometimes dream about Italy – cutting hair overlooking the Bay of Naples in Sorrento or in an olive grove in Puglia – but the reality is that running a business there is even more challenging than it is here in the UK. British hairdressing is,

and always has been, inspirational. The level of talent across the UK and Ireland is phenomenal – from home-grown names to international stylists who have made the UK their home.

If there’s something we can learn from Italy, it’s the uncompromised design of some of their salons. Their vision, flair and creative nature often lack the technicality of British hairdressing, but it’s genuinely amazing. We celebrated our 30th anniversary last year, and I can’t think of a better place to have called ‘home’. We continue to grow, to evolve and to make the most of every opportunity. Dad is proud.

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JACOB SCULLY X MARK HAYES THEY SAY NEVER MEET YOUR HEROES. WE SAY: DO. MY HAIR HERO IS A REGULAR PRO HAIR FEATURE THAT BRINGS TOGETHER TWO WORLDS OF HAIRDRESSING TALENT FOR ONE HONEST, UNFILTERED CONVERSATION. IN EACH ISSUE, WE INVITE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE HAIRDRESSING FACES TO SIT DOWN WITH THE INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS SHAPED THEIR CREATIVE JOURNEY FOR A CONVERSATION THEY’VE WAITED THEIR WHOLE CAREER TO HAVE... AND GUESS WHAT? WE GOT EXCLUSIVE ACCESS!

I trained at Sassoon, so Mark Hayes has always been more than just a name to me; he’s part of the foundation of how I see hair. The discipline, the precision, the thinking behind every shape… that all comes from that world. To sit down with someone who’s helped shape not just the Sassoon brand, but generations of hairdressers, felt like a full-circle moment for me.

Jacob: Mark, you’ve dedicated over four decades to Sassoon and helped shape its global creative direction. Can you tell me a little about the legacy you’ve created? Mark: It will be five decades next year, and I’ve been cutting hair across six decades now – which sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud! I joined Sassoon not knowing anything about hair; I just liked the idea of hanging out with cool people who were into art and music, and all that sort of thing. But when I got there, I realised the company was as much about those things as it was about creativity, style and design. Then I got to know Vidal, and the atmosphere just completely inspired me. So much of who I am has been shaped by Sassoon. I’ve also been lucky enough to work alongside some of the best people in the industry – Roger Thompson, Christopher Brooker, Tim Hartley, Annie Humphreys, Phillip Rogers, Richard Ashforth, etc. I learnt from all of them. And I think if I’ve left any legacy behind, it’s trying to give more people more creative opportunities, more of the time. The higher up you get, you realise your success is determined by the success of others, not just your own. Jacob: You worked under some legendary names, but what was it like taking the reins creatively yourself? Mark: Terrifying and exciting in equal measure! By that point, I’d already been at Sassoon around 30 years, but taking over the reins creatively was still daunting. I realised very quickly what an enormous responsibility came with representing the most famous name in hairdressing. But equally, it was a tremendous opportunity. I remember saying to Annie Humphreys at the time, “Do you think I can do it?” and she replied, “But you’ve kind of been doing it forever.” Jacob: You’ve worked with so many incredible people, so who would you say inspires you the most creatively? Mark: I’m fascinated by session stylists, both past and present. Obviously, Guido and Eugene Souleiman – visually, their work is always stimulating. Then you go back to people like Ray Allington, who probably doesn’t get talked about enough, but was hugely influential. Trevor Sorbie as well – someone who developed a very distinct visual identity beyond Sassoon. And today? I’ve got enormous admiration for Josh Lamonaca. Not only for pioneering modern men’s hair, but because he’s such a genuine person too.

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Jacob: If you were to choose three people that you’d want in your art team (out of everyone who you’ve worked with over your whole career), who would you pick? Mark: If I was building my own dream art team? Christopher Brooker, Tim Hartley, Annie Humphreys… and I’m sneaking Richard Ashforth and Peter Dawson in there too! Jacob: Richard obviously left Sassoon, built SACO, then returned. Do you think he brought something different back with him? Mark: Absolutely. Every creative leader leaves their own fingerprint on the brand. Christopher took things one way, Tim made it more fashion-led, I probably made it more educational and strategic, and now Richard brings a completely different visual vocabulary again. That’s healthy. That’s how creative brands evolve. It also takes courage to stand there representing Sassoon and say, “This is the vision for now.” But as someone once said to me: “It’s better to be looked over than overlooked.” That’s what Vidal did. He was the original disruptor. He created hair that simply didn’t exist before, and because of that, all of us are still here talking about it today. Jacob: Sassoon training is known for its discipline and standards. How do you maintain that level without intimidating people? Mark: It’s a mindset more than anything else. You can train ability, but attitude is much harder to change. If someone genuinely wants to improve, you can work with that. But they have to be prepared to practise every single day and be their own sharpest critic, rather than just wanting praise. The best people stay open to learning forever. Jacob: I did all my training here and I genuinely think it made me a better hairdresser. Teaching other people has also improved my own work massively. Mark: Completely. Having the skill yourself is no guarantee you can communicate it to someone else, but when you teach, you develop a much deeper understanding of your craft because you have to explain why you’re doing something. You can’t just say, “I don’t know.” You have to break it down properly. And there’s nothing better than someone suddenly saying, “I get it.” That’s an amazing feeling. Jacob: How important is it for a hairdresser to develop a recognisable signature style?

Mark: All the best hairdressers are technically good – cutting, colouring, whatever their discipline is. But what separates truly great hairdressers, is that they sincerely care about the person sitting in the chair. I’ve met incredibly talented people who were more interested in showing how brilliant they were than actually connecting with the client – and the difference shows in the end result. A great haircut changes how someone looks, but it also changes how they feel. Vidal used to say clients walked out of the salon slightly taller after a haircut, and that human connection is everything. That’s why I’ve always considered hairdressing a craft rather than pure art. You’re not working on a blank canvas; you’re working with another human being. Jacob: After such a long career at the top, what still excites you creatively? Mark: The creative process itself – as in the genesis of an idea to its fruition – whether that’s a haircut, a collection or an educational concept. I think all great creatives are collectors. You gather inspiration constantly – images, conversations, fashion, music. You store all these things away and eventually they come together into something new. I remember Karl Lagerfeld being asked what inspired him, and he simply said, “Everything.” Jacob: The industry has changed massively since you started. What’s been the biggest shift? Mark: Technology has changed the industry beyond recognition, but what hasn’t changed

Talking to Mark reminded me why Sassoon has had such a huge influence on me – not just technically, but in the way I approach hairdressing as a whole. His passion for education, creativity and people is still so strong after all these years, and that’s incredibly inspiring. What stayed with me most was the idea that success isn’t just about your own work; it’s about creating opportunities for others too.

is the one-to-one relationship between hairdresser and client. That human connection is still exactly the same. There is a very fine line between finding your vocation and missing it. Somehow, through no grand plan of my own, I found mine – and I’ve been lucky enough to spend 50 years surrounded by so many talented people that I’ve had the good sense to learn from!

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The Design Edit. MIKO STUDIO IN NORTHAMPTON IS A FORMER INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO TRANSFORMED BY HAIRDRESSERS KOREY GRANTHAM AND MITCHELL GOUGH.

How would you describe the design of your salon? MiKo Studio was designed to feel more like a beautifully curated home than a traditional hair salon. We wanted to move away from the clinical feel that some salons can have, and instead create a space where clients instantly feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome. The design is inspired by timeless interiors rather than hairdressing trends, with classic colours, warm earthy tones, natural materials and layered textures all creating a calm atmosphere. Our salon design has personality and character, thanks to the preservation of some of the original features and the enhancement of its natural, grand proportions. The design has created an easy, spacious flow with distinct areas, and every tool or product has a place – ensuring the salon is as functional for our stylists as it is inviting for our clients.

Do you have any special features in the salon? One of our favourite features is our central ‘lounge’ – a comfy seating space and alternative consultation area. We never wanted clients to feel like they were sitting in a doctor’s waiting room, so we created a relaxed space that welcomes them right into the heart of the salon. We also love our bespoke coffee bar, complete with stylish bar stools and specialist refreshments. This area has become so much more than somewhere to grab a drink; it’s where we carry out consultations or where clients can sit, relax or even get their laptop out to do a bit of work. These spaces completely change the pace of the appointment and encourage our clients to truly enjoy the experience. We also must mention our dedicated private room, for clients who may feel overwhelmed or require more privacy. Since opening, the room has welcomed clients undergoing cancer treatment, those wearing hair systems, neurodivergent clients, people with religious reasons and a client living with severe Tourette’s syndrome. The room makes sure all clients can enjoy a comfortable and dignified experience.

Give us three words that reflect the vibe of your salon. Home-from-home. Timeless. Calm.

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Quick-Fire Five: How have you embraced sustainability within your design? We have made conscious choices where we can. We use a recycling system for our salon waste – including colour boxes, peroxide bottles and other product packaging. We’ve also gone paperless with our card machine, which helps cut down on unnecessary paper receipts. Throughout the refurbishment, we were keen to support local businesses, so we worked with local tradesmen from the area wherever possible – alongside plenty of help from family and friends! We also invested in quality furniture and fittings that are made to last, rather than choosing cheaper options that would need replacing in a few years. For us, sustainability is about making sensible, long-term decisions and supporting the local community where we can.

Salon Furniture? Salon Equipment Centre Product brand? Schwarzkopf Professional, ghd and Glowwa. Software? Slick. Other Services Offered? Hair replacement systems, bridal packages and bespoke private appointments in our private room. Number of stations? 7.

Do you have a dress code for your team? We don’t have a strict dress code because we want our team to feel comfortable expressing their own style and personality. We simply ask that everyone looks smart, professional and well presented while at work.

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WHAT’S..? Cos Sakkas

TON I & GUY Global Creative Director on Family Rituals, Farrow & Ball and Old Fashioneds

What’s your favourite look you have created? It’s from the collection I won London Hairdresser of the Year with for the second time: a yellow flat top with the little black flick. I just love everything about it. What’s the reason you fell in love with hairdressing? Training was a big moment for me – the demos, the creativity and the freedom to express yourself through hair. Then, of course, making my clients smile made me fall in love with it even more!

What’s the most treasured item in your kitbag? Scissors, of course. They are an extension of my arm! However, my LABEL.M Grooming Brush is also essential – I always use it to finish my looks.

What’s your go-to karaoke song? Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen. I think I’m quite the singer... others might say different, but that’s only because they’re jealous of my vocal talent! What’s your go-to takeaway order? Souvlaki – it’s a taste from Cyprus that’s full of flavour and always satisfying. The one my dad makes is the best!

What’s the most memorable moment in your career so far? My first work trip to Italy with my mentors. It was a dream come true! What’s your go-to hair product right now? LABEL.M Sea Salt Spray. It gives effortless texture that never looks overdone.

What’s the last thing you bought? Paint from Farrow & Ball for our hallway. What’s your top binge-watch recommendation? Cashero and Beast Games. It started with just the kids watching it, but now it’s become our Wednesday family ritual. What’s your drink of choice at the bar? An Old Fashioned or a JD and Coke.

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