Salonfocus Winter 2022

WINTER 2022

TH E ES SENTIAL MAGA ZI N E FO R SALO N OWN ERS

Successful teams need great leaders.

Here’s how to get the skills you need...

P22: IDEAS FOR 2022 Tips to help create growth and success in the year ahead

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P25: MENOPAUSE Why our industry is in a great position to bust the taboo

P32: LEGISLATION The common legal pitfalls for salons – and how to avoid them

P36: SOCIAL MEDIA Is your business using Instagram to its full potential?

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NEW SUPER LUXE RECYCLED METAL STORAGE TIN & Additional Colour Sleeves Available Seperately p y

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contents

THE CUT 5

Hello and welcome President Ian Egerton highlights NHBF support including an app and new programme

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The 12 things you need to know this issue The plastic packaging tax, a Beauty Backed grant scheme and your holiday entitlement questions answered

THE BUSINESS

22 Ideas for 2022 COV STORER Y

18 Leadership How do great barbershop and salon leaders get the skills they need to inspire their teams to deliver the results they need?

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How can you make your salon or barbershop boom this year?

THE INSPIRATION 42 Tools of the trade A snapshot look at the tools you can’t do without

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25 Menopause Help bust the myths around the menopause for yourself and your clients

44 What’s trending New products and the latest trends: from the ‘greyvolution’ to environmental awareness

28 Sustainability The world is changing rapidly.

It’s time salons change, too

46 How to...

Put your space to good use and capitalise on it

32 Legislation As a salon or barbershop owner, it’s important to keep your business on the right side of the law

36 Social media trends Are you clued up on Instagram? We look at how best to use it and explain its new functionalities

THE NHBF 48 Round-up Key news from the NHBF, including quick-fire Q&As with two new board members and the Top 100 Influencers

THE END

39 Accessibility Make your barbershop or salon accessible to all and stop missing out on the ‘purple pound’

50 60 seconds with...

Sophia Wyatt, the disabled clinic owner who says: ‘Things need to change’

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HELLO A ND W ELCOME T HE CU T

NHBF PRESIDENT The magazine of the National Hair & Beauty Federation

IAN EGERTON

IN LIFE, AS IN BUSINESS, IT IS NOT WHAT HAPPENS THAT MATTERS BUT HOW WE RESPOND

"

THE NHBF One Abbey Court Fraser Road Priory Business Park Bedford MK44 3WH 01234 831965 nhbf.co.uk sfenquiries@salonfocus.co.uk

CHIEF EXECUTIVE Richard Lambert

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Lucy Watson-Smith lucy.watson-smith@nhbf.co.uk 01234 834386

EDITORIAL Editor Emma Godfrey emma@salonfocusmagazine.co.uk Deputy editor Katie Smith Assistant editor Hollie Ewers Content sub-editors James Hundleby, Kate Bennett

DESIGN Lead designer Carrie Bremner Picture researcher Claire Echavarry

ADVERTISING advertising@salonfocusmagazine.co.uk 020 7880 6230

PRODUCTION Production director Jane Easterman Account director Emma Godfrey emma@salonfocusmagazine.co.uk 020 7324 2751

PRINTER Manson Group, St Albans

COVER ILLUSTRATION Alamy

© The NHBF 2022 All views expressed in salonfocus are not necessarily those of the NHBF. All efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information published in salonfocus.

However, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or errors and omissions in the information produced in this publication.

No information contained in this publication may be used or reproduced without the prior permission of the NHBF. Recycle your magazine’s plastic wrap.

hatever happens, at the NHBF our Members are our top priority. As the industry rebuilds, we must take every opportunity to advance our businesses – developing our teams to attract the clients we want, maximise revenue and increase profit.

In life, as in business, it is not what happens that matters but how we respond. This is why we launched our industry support programme at the end of last year. To find out more, read our interview with NHBF chief executive Richard Lambert on page 11.

Talking of advances, the NHBF app is now live, designed to let you access news updates, read blog posts, book webinars and download resources – all from your device. See page 48.

Of course, apps are only as good as the people who create and use them – just as businesses are only as good as the people who run or work in them.

Our cover story looks at the value of leadership, and how to set your salon or barbershop on the path to success.

With business models changing and higher demands put on employers, there is a greater risk of developing a stress-related mental or physical illness. This reinforces the importance of developing our own skills, gaining the expertise of others and using

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digital tools to help you not only cope, but also develop your learning, simplify tasks and grow your business.

Managing stress is essential, so we’re looking at hot topics around wellness.

The menopause is a fact of life for women – so why is it such a taboo subject? On page 25, we look at ways to educate about menopause in a positive and empowering way.

With one in five people in the UK having a physical disability, it’s also important to accommodate clients and staff with specific needs. We find out how to make your salon accessible on page 39, with further tips on page 50.

And with the recent focus on the environment, it is essential for us all to do our bit in the drive to sustainability.

On page 28 we see how salons and barbershops can contribute.

Throughout salonfocus we look at business ideas for 2022, as well as trends in social media – pick the ones that work for you, your team and your business. Whatever you do, be specific in your goals and choose your business partners and suppliers carefully to help you get there. Have a happy and healthy year ahead!

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Check your local LDPE facilities to find out how.

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TH E CU T N E W L AW S

THECUT The 12 things you need to know this issue...

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NEW L AWS T HE CU T

WHAT TO RE BE AWARE 22 OF IN 2022 Looking to the year ahead, what do salon and barbershop businesses need to be conscious of? We take a look at some new legislation.

Plastic packaging tax – coming into effect April 2022:

packaging, which will create greater demand for this material. This will, in turn, stimulate increased levels of recycling.

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WHAT: This is a new tax

WHY: The aim of the tax is

not expected to impact individuals unless businesses pass on the charge. It is expected that, even if all the tax is passed on to individual consumers, the cost to consumers will be small, as plastic packaging usually makes up a very small amount of the total cost of goods.

to provide a clear economic incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic

For information on how to get ready for this tax, go to bit.ly/plastic-tax-guide

COSMETIC INTERVENTION ADS BANNED FROM TARGETING UNDER-18S – COMING INTO EFFECT 25 MAY 2022: WHAT: Advertising guidance on the marketing of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures was updated in

IMPACT: This measure is

November 2021 to reflect new restrictions that prohibit cosmetic interventions advertising from being targeted at under-18s.

IMPACT: The guidance relates to marketing of interventions such as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, blepharoplasty, injectables, chemical peels and non-ablative laser treatments.

Access the updated guidance at asa.org.uk/resource/ cosmetic-interventions.html

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ore For m ial t n pote s to e g chan n and tio legisla yment o l p em turn ation, inform age 13 to p

that will apply to plastic packaging manufactured in or imported into the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.

Imported plastic packaging will be liable to be taxed whether the packaging is unfilled or filled.

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TH E CU T N E W S

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Beauty Backed grant scheme

The Beauty Backed Trust launched its first grant programme to continue to support the beauty industry after the pandemic.

There are two types of grants available for people who need a bit of extra support and guidance while getting back on their feet:

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SUPPORT GRANT

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A support grant is a financial donation for the benefit of previously established businesses and freelancers that need additional help and guidance

HAIR & BEAUTY CHARITY OFFICIAL IN SCOTLAND The Hair & Beauty Charity now has registered charitable status in Scotland, to match its status in England and Wales.

The charity’s president, Samantha Grocutt, said: ‘The charity started the application

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Hard gel nails are having a TikTok moment. An alternative to soft gel and acrylic, hard gel videos are increasing in popularity on the site, highlighting serious nail tech skills!

How skin friendly is your city? Cardiff came 12th in a global list of the best cities for skin health. Factors considered in the study included sun exposure, air pollution and stress.

The Welsh city was the highest ranked UK city, with Phoenix, Oslo and Montreal in the top three spots.

START-UP GRANT

A start-up grant is a financial donation targeted at individuals whose plans to enter or continue a career in the beauty industry were ended last year because of the pandemic. The grant could assist with purchasing equipment, securing suitable workspace or meeting additional training requirements. Each candidate can apply for up to £5000. Where relevant, equipment or stock may be provided in replacement of a financial donation.

It could be time to channel Paul McKenna: hypnosis is the latest therapy incorporated into beauty treatments. From a facial under hypnosis to massage and acupuncture combined with hypnotherapy, the aim is to destress and detox body and mind together.

to recover and evolve. Funds may be used to support the continued running of the business, additional training or the purchasing of new stock. Support grants will be limited to a maximum of £5000 per business.

For more information on this ongoing scheme, visit beautybacked.com

process after listening to feedback from our Scottish supporters, who felt it was important for the Hair & Beauty Charity to also be registered in Scotland.

‘Our trustees of the charity take their governance extremely seriously and welcome the new level of compliance within Scottish legal structure and charity law.’

10%

of the charity’s current beneficiaries live in Scotland

WHAT’S HOT, WHAT’S NOT

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cts Only 42% of ‘natural’ skincare products h are truly natural, according to research ed

by The Derm Review. Specialists looked ng at ingredients in 100 of the best-selling natural skincare products and found 58% contained synthetic ingredients..

A lack of make-up artistss catering for black skin and hairr has been highlighted by British model Leomie Anderson. In a social media video, she revealed she had to do her own hair and make-up at a show in New York.

The ‘Instagram face’ is over – Google search results show increased searches on having fillers dissolved or removed. The full lips and chiselled face are being shunned for more natural, subtle ‘tweakments’.

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What is the Industry Support Programme?

It’s a first, specifically tailored to the hair, beauty and barbering industries. The offerings within it are being led by our understanding of the needs of salon and barbershop owners through our industry and Member surveys. We’ve also set up a new working group, drawn from our membership, to help us screen potential ideas for the programme.

What will it involve?

The programme will be built around three themes as the foundation to help Members build successful and profitable hair and beauty businesses (see

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Three steps to greatness). In each case, the focus will be to provide support in a way that reflects the busy lifestyles of our Members, making best use of a combination of mobile-friendly online resources, community learning and live seminars.

When will the programme come into action?

We’ll be launching it over the next couple of months and then it will build up over the course of the year. We’ve developed

NHBF CA MPAI GN T HE CU T an ambitious plan for 2022 and will review and refresh the plan on a quarterly basis, introducing new ideas based upon the evolving needs of our Members.

Why has the NHBF brought it in?

As Covid-19 restrictions have eased, hair, beauty and barbering businesses continue to operate in a difficult environment, but there is growing evidence of resilience as they get back on their feet. We know from our Members that the

BUSINESS SUPPORT

BOUNCING BACK NHBF chief executive Richard N Lambert explains how the NHBF Industry Support Programme will help businesses not just survive but thrive in 2022 and beyond. bu

concerns of salon and barbershop owners are changing. They have moved beyond simply worrying about survival and now their major concerns are sustaining cash flow, dealing with increasing wage costs, retaining clients and recruiting staff. This means they will need new forms of trusted support from the NHBF to shift the odds in their favour.

THREE STEPS TO GREATNESS The NHBF’s Industry Support Programme is built around three main themes:

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Personal growth – helping our Members to become the best leaders and business owners they can be.

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2

Connection – helping our Members to be part of a more connected community and more engaged with their peers.

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Excellence – providing the tools to help raise standards and implement best practice within salons and barbershops.

FAST FACTS

6 85% 1998 2/3 85,000 Some 85% of Brits find it unacceptable to test cosmetics ingredients on animals

Yet it’s rumoured the UK could resume cosmetic ingredient testing for the first time since 1998

of Brits want to see animal tests for research phased out and a deadline set

A petition calling for a phase-out plan for animal testing in the UK has gained more than 85,000 signatures

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wants to hear from you Do you have some s expert advice for your fellow salon owners that you’d love to share? Or maybe you would you like to be interviewed for f the magazine?

12 We’re looking to add even more NHBF Member experience and expertise to the articles for the magazine. We would love you to come forward if you think you’ve got something to say from a barber, hair or beauty perspective – we want to hear from you all.

You would be adding invaluable depth and insight and shaping the magazine’s content direction. Could you help?

If so, please email the magazine’s assistant editor Hollie Ewers at hollie@ salonfocusmagazine.co.uk with your suggestions or for further information.

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LEGISLATION

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BUS I N ESS T HE CU T

Change afoot?

It’s anticipated that the Employment Bill, on hold since December 2019, will be published in 2022.

Measures could include: The government has confirmed plans to make carer’s leave a ‘day one’ right.

The leave will consist of up to five unpaid working days per year for employees with long-term caring responsibilities, to be taken in full or half days.

It can be taken to provide or arrange care for a person with a long-term care need, such as illness, injury or issues relating to old age.

Employees will have to give notice of at least twice the length of time being requested as leave, plus one day.

Tips and gratuities The government has confirmed its intention to ensure workers retain tips on a fair and transparent basis.

Employers will have to have a written tips policy and keep a record of how tips are dealt with.

There will be a statutory tipping code of practice for employers.

Neonatal leave and pay The government has also confirmed its intention to introduce statutory leave and pay for parents of babies requiring neonatal care.

Parents will have the right to take an additional week of leave for every

NHBF POLL 13

In our latest Member survey conducted in October 2021, you told us what you’re most interested in – and what your top worries are...

Extending maternity redundancy protection The government has confirmed its intention to extend the redundancy protection period for mothers on maternity leave.

Protection will apply to women from the point they notify their employer of their pregnancy until six months after their return to work, and will also apply to those taking adoption and shared parental leave.

Top 5 Member worries 1. Recovery of business – 64% 2. Increasing profits – 59% 3. Wage costs – 49% 4. Tax and VAT – 47% 5. Recruiting qualified and experienced staff – 46%

Flexible working A consultation on proposals to extend the right to request flexible working was published in 2021.

Responses closed in December 2021.

It’s likely any statutory amendments confirmed will be included in the Employment Bill.

Timescales are not yet confirmed, but the measures could be introduced later in 2022 and into 2023.

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MEMBER SURVEY

week their baby is in neonatal care, up to 12 weeks – probably in a continuous block.

Those with at least 26 weeks’ service, who earn above the minimum pay threshold, will be entitled to pay at the current statutory rate.

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Carer’s leave

Topics of most interest to Members 1. Business survival and recovery – 69% 2. National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage – 48% 3. Tax and VAT – 43% 4. Raising industry standards – 38% eg 5. Black economy (eg 5 cash in hand) – 35%

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TH E CU T E M P LOYM E N T R IG H TS

YOU ASKED, THEY ANSWERED How can salon owners manage holiday entitlement?

Our employment expert explains...

CAROLINE JOHNSTONE Senior employment law adviser, WorkNest

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If employers are using the NHBF contract of employment and handbook, then any holidays not used in the holiday year are normally lost. However, recent legislation means that employers must take into account periods where annual leave fell during a lockdown.

The Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (see Resources) allows up to four weeks’ holiday to be carried forwards for two years. Situations covered could include an employee who was self-isolating and too sick to take holiday before the end of their leave year, or an employee having been laid off or put on furlough. If this

means they have a large amount of leave to take (normal annual leave for any year plus days carried forward) in the next leave year, an employer can: Tell their employees they need them to take one or two weeks’ leave at a quiet period (specify dates) and give them a deadline to put their requests in by.

Sufficient time should be allowed to see if they can accommodate the requests and make any changes If employees have not made a request by that time, then the employer can enforce the same amount of leave as long as they give the required notice in writing (twice as much notice as the period of leave the employee is required to take).

Ask employees to put the bulk of their requests in by a certain time (allowing for some last-minute requests, such as weddings or special celebrations).

Encourage employees to take leave for health and safety purposes to get a break from work.

They cannot be paid for outstanding holidays, even if both parties might agree to that. The only time you can pay for annual leave is when an employee leaves an organisation.

Employers will have to carefully monitor leave in the next year or so, ensuring leave is encouraged and taken while there are sufficient employees to keep the business going. Normal processes for booking leave should apply.

ECONOMY

To celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the government has announced a four-day bank holiday weekend. This means the traditional late May bank holiday is being moved to Thursday 2 June 2022, alongside an additional bank holiday on Friday 3 June 2022.

While there is no statutory right to time off on any public holiday, the entitlement to additional leave on Friday 3 June will depend on the specific wording of your contracts of employment.

Check out the NHBF jubilee factsheet for more information: nhbf.co.uk/queens-jubilee

RESOURCES To read the Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, go to bit.ly/ covid-employment-changes Access the NHBF contract of employment at nhbf.co.uk/ contract-of-employment For the NHBF handbook, go to nhbf.co.uk/staff-handbook

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NEW MINIMUM WAGE RATES

Apprentices – from £4.30 to £4.81.

The Real Living Wage increases to £9.90 in the UK and £11.05 in London.

The National Living Wage for those aged 23+ will increase from £8.91 to £9.50 per hour from 1 April 2022.

National Minimum Wage rates will increase for the following ages: 21 to 22 – from £8.36 to £9.18 18 to 20 – from £6.56 to £6.83 16 to 17 – from £4.62 to £4.81

BUDGET: IN NUMBERS 50% business rate discount in 2022-23 for eligible businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, up to £110,000 £1.6bn to support T level roll-out £550m to be invested in adult skills 1.25% Health and Social Care Levy.

EXTRA BANK HOLIDAY IN 2022

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MEMBER QUESTION

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I can’t

cope

SUPPORTING HAIR AND BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR CHILDREN

Together we can help make a difference supporting terminal illness, domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty, mental health, and financial hardship SPONSORS GOLD

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MEDIA

EXHIBITIONS

BRONZE CAMPAIGNS

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We wish all NHBF members a happy, prosperous and healthy 2022 and look forward to helping you with all your insurance needs!

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11 WHY? ‘I’ve been teaching and practising mindfulness since 2009. I believe it was thee foundation that helped me transform my business, which almost went bankrupt during the 2009 09 recession,’ Caroline says..

‘Working on my mindsett was the catalyst for shifting my results, and ever since it’s ’s been a huge part of my work and my salon culture.’

INS PIRATI ON T HE CU T

‘The course is accessed via digital training, so each team member trai goes through each module goe individually in their own time, ind taking as long as they need,’ tak Caroline says. ‘At the end they Car complete a quiz and are scored com on their answers. Everyone who passes gets a certificate. If the pas entire salon team completes it, ent they can apply to us to become the an accredited mindful salon.’

MINDFULNESS MINDFULNE

WHAT? After using mindfulness for many years and seeing amazing results in her own salon, Caroline decided to create a training programme that would be suitable for any team member within any salon. ‘It helps them understand mindfulness more, and gives them simple tools that will benefit both them as individuals and the team as a whole,’ she says.

HOW? The course itself comprises exercises and training to help team members recognise that the way they think and feel has a big effect on their daily lives. There are also practices for staying calm.

The mind matters Salon owner and small business coach Caroline Sanderson’s Mindful Salon Source Code training has become the first CPD-accredited course of its kind in the world. She explains what it’s all about.

WHEN? ‘It’s a very rigorous and detailed process to become CPD-accredited,’ Caroline says.

‘We shared our training course and implemented a feedback form, and a test with a required pass rate to complete and qualify as a fully-accredited mindful salon. We had to set objectives for the course and provide details of our target audience. The assessor then accessed the training, worked through the programme and took the test before giving us the CPD accreditation.’

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To find out more about the CPD-accredited training, go to bit.ly/mindful-salon-source-code

AWARDS

NHBF WINS GOLD! The NHBF won gold for ‘Best communication during Covid-19’ at an awards ceremony celebrating the best responses to the pandemic.

The Covid Response Awards, held in November, paid tribute to the efforts of corporate and non-commercial organisations’ responses to Covid-19. The

various awards acknowledged specific teams’ resilience, resourcefulness and tenacity.

Judges’ comments for the winning NHBF entry included:

‘Demonstrated leadership within the hair, beauty and barbering industry. Agile in providing support to members and clarity of advice. Great use of social. Important impact on government policy.’

‘This for me is a great example of managing a crisis, grounded communications plan which was able to inform, influence and gain credibility at a government level.’

Find out more about the awards at covidresponseawards.com

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TH E BU SI N E S S L E A DE R S H IP

O

n a busy Saturday, an intoxicated potential client walked into FadeFX Barbershop in Bedford and demanded an appointment. When a team member checked availability out of courtesy, knowing they were fully booked, the person began shouting abuse at them.

The team looked to head barber Lorenzo Galletta to do something.

‘I walked over to the person, still receiving abuse, and calmly explained that we were fully booked, work on an appointment-only basis, gave him a business card and showed him how to book,’ Lorenzo says. ‘He left, defused, because there was no reaction from the team.’

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LEADING FROM THE FRONT WORDS ANNA SCOTT

Successful teams need great leaders.

How do great barbershop or salon leaders get the skills they need?

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LEA DERS HIP THE BU SI NESS

The day sticks in Lorenzo’s mind as an example of leadership for two reasons. Firstly, it showed his team that, no matter what the situation, they should be confident that they are safe at work. Secondly, if a similar situation were to arise when Lorenzo was not there, other team members will now know exactly how to deal with it.

Adapting leadership styles

IMAGE: ALAMY

The subtle difference between leadership and management is described by leadership expert Michael Maccoby. He says: ‘Management is a function that must be exercised in any business, whereas leadership is a relationship between leader and led that can energise an organisation.’

Effective leadership is the most important part of any successful team’s performance. When it comes to managing a barbershop or salon, there are three critical skillsets that leaders need, according to Dr Suzanne Ross, senior lecturer at Nottingham Business School. ‘Firstly, financial awareness. It is not enough to outsource this to an accountant. Owner-managers need to understand what the figures are telling them about the financial health of their business.

‘Secondly, commercial awareness of the market, competitors, client needs and supplier management.

Then, thirdly, the ability to build a good team. The people reflect your business and your brand.

Understanding how to recruit CHECKLIST talent, being able to coach and WHAT DOES A mentor, and knowing how to build GREAT LEADER a high-performing team that visibly reflects your brand in front of clients LOOK LIKE? is crucial.’

However, successful leaders have Achievementmany different characteristics, traits, oriented capabilities, strengths and styles.

Confident ‘There isn’t a one-size-fits-all and ambitious approach to leadership. Context Self-aware plays a part here,’ Suzanne says.

Skilled in ‘Rather than having a specific style, management, it’s important for leaders to be able organisation and to adapt their leadership style to suit people, and has different people and situations.’ business acumen Empathetic Respect for staff Resilient and adaptable Ethical and responsible

Motivating and creating buy-in Leadership expert Graham Wilson says: ‘I see so many over-managed or under-led businesses where the role of the manager seems to be to destroy confidence, to

" MANAGEMENT IS A FUNCTION THAT MUST BE EXERCISED IN ANY BUSINESS, WHEREAS LEADERSHIP IS A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADER AND LED THAT CAN ENERGISE AN ORGANISATION

HOW TO

DEVELOP EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP SKILLS

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Continuous education: not just in hairdressing and beauty skills, but also in life, business, communication and coaching skills. Put some time to one side to work on your personal development.

Work with a coach – they can help you recognise where you need to develop your skills.

Identify your personal and professional goals, then review your strengths and weaknesses in the context of them.

Look at what funded training is available, including the government’s Help to Grow campaign (see Resources) and the Chamber of Commerce’s regional offices, which offer access to a range of development opportunities – some of which are funded.

Have non-work interests, such as coaching a sports team, being a mentor or being involved in team-based or interpersonal activities. These help you create a work/life balance.’

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TH E BU SI N E S S L E A DE R S H IP

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destroy people and to ensure they’re disengaged and unable RESOURCE to achieve great results.

‘We need to flip Grow The Hel Help p to to G row campaign that around and start is a 90% % gov vernment-funded government-funded to focus our leaders programme intended to help on the individuals business owners develop their and the teams that management capability: are there to deliver helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk the results we need.

For me that’s about awakening possibility and coaching for high performance, while ensuring people feel safe and supported.’

One key aspect in developing a highperforming team is to challenge staff and make them believe they can achieve more than they think possible. Don’t just tell them what to do, but help them find solutions for themselves. Ask them to think about what worked for them and what didn’t. Find out DOS AND DON’TS what they want to achieve, and talk with them about how they can get there.

GREAT LEADERSHIP Simon Harris, founder of MySalonManager, DO owned and ran a group of four salons in Essex with 125 staff for 36 years. ‘Shortly Be patient after starting the business in 1980, I realised Have empathy that you cannot grow a successful business Recognise that each by just being creative,’ he says. ‘You have to team member will

understand what makes the business work, and that staff are your greatest asset.

‘Regular transparent communication about our successes and failures was essential to ensure buy-in from the team.

I would spend a significant amount of my time thinking how I could create a work environment that, if I was employed by my company, would motivate me to come in every day and work hard.’

Simon says the key when moving to a leadership role is to create systems and processes that everyone has to buy into and that are achievable by all, and to ensure everyone is managed consistently against those systems, standards and processes.

‘Consistent management of staff is key to creating a fair and motivating environment,’ he adds.

Team talk Becky Candy, hairdresser, coach and managing director of Becky Candy Salons in Chesterfield, says she spends a huge amount of time with her team, coaching them to achieve their goals. ‘My strongest personal quality is my passion – I am always learning, whether this is through courses, reading, researching or attending events. I am always striving to achieve more, and this helps me as a leader as it inspires my team.’

need a different leadership style Act with respect and honesty Have clear, inspirational values Create a strong team culture Play to your own strengths and be self-aware DON’T

Show favouritism Treat people unfairly Disrespect the team Set unrealistic expectations Be inconsistent Forget to give your team time Put yourself above your teammates

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LEA DERS HIP THE BU SI NESS

When it comes to being led, she says: ‘I need to be able to see that the leader has passion for what they are doing, that they are doing it for the right reasons and also that they respect my part of the journey they are on.’

Respecting individual contributions is a theme shared by Lorenzo: ‘Poor leadership is when no team member is allowed to show their individuality – too much of the same thing is never good for a business and never allows for individual creative talents to flourish.’

Accountability is also important for effective leadership, but people are much more likely to take ownership and accountability when they are

"

POOR LEADERSHIP IS WHEN NO TEAM MEMBER IS ALLOWED TO SHOW THEIR INDIVIDUALITY

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trusted, respected, listened to and involved in decision-making. Suzanne says, ‘Involving your people, coaching and mentoring them to develop their skills, listening to diverse views and opinions, and handling conflict well will help teams to take ownership.

‘A great way to learn how to be a better leader is by building good relationships with your people and asking them what they need from you to be able to do their job well.’

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that leaders and their team-mates in salons are one and the same. Lorenzo concludes: ‘Always be watchful and listen to the team.

Every team member always has something to bring to the table.’

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TH E BU SI N E S S ID E A S F O R 202 2

F

or the hair, barbering and beauty industry, now is the time to look to the future. We speak to three businesses to get their tips on growing your business in 2022.

Don’t be afraid to launch new services Dale Sampey, owner of The Barber House in Birmingham

‘If you’ve got a new idea for a service, give it a try. You just never know what

people want, and it could turn out to be really profitable. We’ve introduced a facial for men using Tom Ford products.

I wasn’t sure if men would want facials, but it’s proved popular – they tell us they enjoy the relaxation time.

‘We have big steamers that blow steam at them and then we apply a cleansing oil, scrub their faces, and use a hot towel followed by a cold towel. We then finish off the treatment with a moisturiser and give them a choice of Tom Ford aftershave. The treatment is only 25 minutes long, which means it doesn’t take long to

INTERVIEWS KELLIE SMITH

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BIGGER BETTER The question on everyone’s lips right now – how can you make your salon or barbershop boom this year?

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IDEA S F OR 20 22 THE BU SI NESS

train our apprentices. With such high demand, the service is really profitable.’

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

Crunch your numbers

Strengthen your ties in the local community

Bianca Jones, owner of Binks Hair Studio in Wiltshire

Sharon Brigden, managing director of SLBPR, a national PR and communications agency whose clients include beauty and hair businesses

‘Business owners need to sit down and go through their numbers. I went through my services with a fine-tooth comb and worked out to the minute how much each one was costing me. I found out I was working at a loss in some areas. I either scrapped these services or altered the price so it would work within the salon. You’ve got to crunch your own numbers and find out how much it costs for you to be open by the minute. The numbers don’t lie. If you know this and factor your prices into them, you won’t get caught out.

‘For instance, when I used to do a balayage, I included the toner in the cost. I worked out that the extra time needed to do a toner was around 30 minutes. The amount of money you spend on the colour itself is mindblowing. I stopped the free toners and put them up to a minimum price of £20.’

‘Most of your clients will be based in your local area, so it’s important to have strong community ties.

There are easy marketing areas you can focus on, like teaming up with other local businesses. They have their clients and you have yours, which gives you a double mailing list to contact.

‘It’s about understanding your clients. For example, if your clients like nice coffee and always come in with their own coffee, you could team up with the local coffee place they go to. Then you’re building a relationship with that business. Or you could team up with a good local sandwich bar and bring in lunch for your clients.

‘It’s important to think about who your clients are when deciding which local businesses to team up with. If you’re a budget salon, there’s no point in promoting your business at the local posh golf club. And if

CASE STUDY

SALON SPOTLIGHT: CHARITY FUNDRAISING

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Hazel & Haydn in Birmingham has been running annual fetes in the Jewellery Quarter to raise money for the local church. Local businesses have stalls and pop-ups at the event. The 2021 fete raised over £12,000, with more than 1200 people attending. The salon has also been running virtual events to showcase the work of local retailers in the area.

As well as running events, Hazel & Haydn has been working with a local charity called Suited for Success, which supports people who are unemployed to prepare for job interviews. This includes blow-drying their hair to help them feel confident about themselves.

Dale Hollinshead, art director at Hazel & Haydn, says: ‘This is helping to build knowledge of what we do as a business and bring new clients into the salon.’

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TH E BU SI N E S S ID E A S F O R 202 2

you’re a luxury salon, make sure you team up with another highend business.

‘You may also find potential new clients in local colleges and universities. Students also make great models for training evenings as they are more experimental with their hair. School playgrounds are also a good place to target new clients – you could offer free mini-consultations to parents.’

Look for new retail opportunities

gentleman’s umbrella and retails at £18, which leaves us with a good margin. We also sell branded water bottles. It’s good marketing and another source of revenue for the business.

‘We are licensed to sell alcohol and have a lovely bar open for people coming into the salon. You don’t need to be having a haircut to use it. You can book seats at the bar and we serve cocktails, champagne and beer. It’s another source of revenue.’

Dale Sampey

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‘Think about what you can sell alongside typical salon products.

We used to have a fantastic retail side of the business, but it’s now gone as people are used to buying online – so we’re trying to change and think about what we’re selling.

‘For instance, we now sell branded umbrellas as everyone needs one, especially if it’s raining when you leave the salon. The umbrella is a good-quality wooden-handled

STUDENTS MAKE GREAT MODELS FOR TRAINING EVENINGS AS THEY ARE MORE EXPERIMENTAL WITH THEIR HAIR

Find out what makes your staff tick Bianca Jones

‘I believe that when stylists love the work they do, they feel motivated and want to perfect their work. If they really love what they do, then the results will speak for themselves.

‘I recommend sitting down with each of your employees and asking them what makes them tick and what they’re passionate about. I do this regularly with each member of my team and adapt their work, depending on the conversations we have. Their passion will evolve, so it’s important to keep doing this rather than it being just a one-off conversation.’

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY

PREDICTIVE SHOPPING What is it? This technology uses data collection, analysis and artificial intelligence to predict which products shoppers want according to what they’ve already bought online. Businesses can use this knowledge to promote new items to their customers.

How could it help the industry? Bianca from Binks Hair Studio says: ‘I think predictive shopping has its place in the hair, beauty and barbering industries. Since lockdown, a lot of salons have migrated their retail sales online and created e-commerce shops. If predictive shopping takes off, I think it would boost retail sales.’

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M

enopause is a natural part of ageing that every woman will experience – but it has been described as being ‘where mental health was 10 years ago’ when it comes to talking about it, and there is still stigma surrounding this life stage.

An estimated 13 million women in the UK are living with the menopause. The NHS says it usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, but around one in 100 women experience it before turning 40.

Thinner and drier Rebecca Lewis, clinical director at menopause specialist clinic Newson Health Menopause and Wellbeing Centre, says oestrogen deficiency during the menopause can cause symptoms all around the body.

As well as causing hot flushes and night sweats, she says, menopause causes low mood, increasing anxiety, poor sleep, muscle and joint aches

and pains, bladder problems and vaginal dryness.

Oestrogen also affects hair and skin, meaning hair becomes thinner and drier, and skin becomes drier and itchy. Reduced collagen results in thinner skin, with loss of structure leading to decreased elasticity and wrinkles, Rebecca adds. Newson Health advises women with thinning hair to use a gentle shampoo and good-quality conditioner, and intense hairdrying should be avoided.

Matthew Curtis, founder of the Matthew Curtis salon in Stratfordupon-Avon, says his salon offers tailor-made treatments depending on the client’s hair problem. ‘If a client has thin, lifeless hair, we may treat this with a gentle scalp exfoliation to increase bloodflow and extend wellbeing to the scalp area. We can then follow with the densifying treatment, in n which we add radiance to the client’s hair.’

TOP TIPS

TALKING TO CLIENTS Give your clients freedom to explain their situation in as much detail as they feel comfortable with Ensure you refer your client to medical professionals if necessary Avoid pushing clients for answers they feel uncomfortable to disclose: remind them that they can download the Balance app, a safe space full of professional advice on the menopause Adopt a soft, relaxed tone to prevent your client from becoming more distressed.

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e, By learning about this stage of life, salon owners can share their knowledge with clients and staff to t. help bust the myths surrounding it.

AS TIME WORDS KATHY OXTOBY

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TH E BU SI N E S S M E N O PA U S E

ANNE WILKINSON

OPENING UP A CONVERSATION During her forties, Anne Wilkinson, near Stratford-uponAvon, had a partial hysterectomy, which she describes as ‘traumatic’.

Years later, she says hormone replacement therapy for the

SUPPORT AT WORK

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HR GUIDELINES Have an accessible menopause policy and associated manager guidelines in place so that both employees and managers know where to look for guidance and support at work.

The policy provides a useful starting point for discussion, but on its own it is not enough. Tangible action will often be required to support menopausal employees – for example, agreeing to adjust an employee’s shift pattern.

An absence management policy and a flexible working policy can also be useful for dealing with menopause issues.

Train managers on how to deal with workplace issues associated with menopause in order to improve their confidence and knowledge.

Make menopause and other ‘taboo’ subjects part of everyday conversation so that employees are more likely to open up and share their challenges.

Lorna Gemmell, employment law and HR training manager at WorkNest, which provides employment law, HR and health and safety advice.

menopause has transformed her life – as have her visits to the Matthew Curtis salon. ‘All the staff are trained to discuss menopause signs and symptoms. Rather than menopause being unmentionable, they open up a conversation about it,’ she says.

From offering treatments for dry, thinning hair, to signposting information about vitamin supplements, exercise and dietary

For women with hair loss – both clients and salon colleagues – the medication Minoxidil is ‘very effective in decreasing the amount of hair loss while increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, stimulating and prolonging hair growth in the process,’ he continues.

To manage dry skin, Newson Health says it’s best to ‘avoid products that lather, foam or bubble, as these will simply strip away grease from the skin’, and advises moisturising twice a day.

A helping hand Salon staff can play a vital role. The Matthew Curtis salon is training stylists to speak to clients about this stage of life, and is working with Newson Health founder Dr Louise Newson to signpost women to expert advice and guidance about the menopause.

Staff appreciate being given the knowledge to advise clients, and the training has been ‘great for client retention’, says Matthew. ‘Clients see us as people who have helped give them a piece of their life back.’

The initiative has also ‘debunked a lot of menopause myths for staff and clients, and created a safe space for

advice, staff give clients ‘the education and confidence to talk about the menopause’, adds Anne.

They also address the stigma – and Anne hopes other salon owners will be inspired to do the same. ‘Ensuring salon staff have training and awareness about the menopause is so important for clients, both for their physical and mental health and wellbeing.’

people to talk openly about their menopause problems’, he says.

Information and education Talking about the menopause and raising awareness can reduce the stigma, says Rebecca. ‘The hairdressing and beauty profession is ideally placed to do this as they often have a trusted and close relationship with their clients, who often find it really helpful to open up about how the menopause is affecting them.’

13 M 59%

women in the UK are living with the menopause

of working women aged 45 to 55 say it’s had a negative impact on them at work

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IMAGES: GETTY

MENOPA US E THE BU SI NESS

With so many myths surrounding menopause, evidence-based information is key. Matthew, for example, directs his clients to Newson Health’s free app (see Resources), where they can access expert content about the menopause.

Matthew believes ‘men also need to be better educated’ to create a positive culture around this stage of life – and workforce culture needs to change too. A 2019 study by not-forprofit company Newson Health Research and Education shows that

" MEN ALSO NEED TO BE BETTER EDUCATED TO CREATE A POSITIVE CULTURE AROUND THIS STAGE OF LIFE – AND WORKFORCE CULTURE NEEDS TO CHANGE TOO

10% of menopausal women give up work completely due to the menopause, 20% leave their jobs, 51% reduce their hours, and 52% take time off due to their symptoms.

Sarah Davies is co-founder and director of Talking Menopause, which delivers training to create positive change in organisations. She says it’s important to have conversations with staff about the menopause and for them to know they’re supported – for example, by ensuring they have a safe space in the staffroom for time out.

Proven strategies include flexible working patterns, regular breaks and access to ventilation, she adds.

Last year, Matthew joined forces with Newson Health to launch a UK-wide campaign for ‘menopause safe space salons’. Salons that sign up will receive menopause training and advice, and Matthew hopes it will empower menopausal women ‘to take control of their own bodies again’.

‘We want to make sure people have the right knowledge. It’s still a taboo subject but it’s something that affects all of us, whatever our gender. Menopause matters. And we need to talk about it.’

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RESOURCES Newson Health – hair loss: bit.ly/menopause-hair-loss Newson Health – skin changes: bit.ly/menopause-skin-change Balance app: balancemenopause.com Talking Menopause training: talkingmenopause.co.uk

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TH E BU SI N E S S S U STA IN A B IL IT Y

WORDS GEORGINA FULLER / MATT LAMY

When it comes to eco-awareness, the world is changing rapidly – and it’s time salons change too.

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STEPS TO GOING

C

onsidering the amount of resources used by the hair and beauty industry, sustainability and environmental awareness should be at the front of most salon owners’ minds.

A report by energy supplier Selectra estimated that a small salon uses 7000kWh of electricity a year – more than double the average UK household. And stylist and salon owner Anne Veck (see Top 3 tips for sustainability) has calculated that UK hair salons and barbershops generate more carbon dioxide emissions – around 750,000 to 900,000 tonnes a year – than many small countries.

‘Add in the huge amounts of energy, water, plastic and chemicals that we use, and the large amounts of waste, and the industry’s impact is considerable,’ says Anne.

‘And that doesn’t even include supply chains and the impact of the manufacturers who supply our products.’

However, lots of simple steps can be taken, and good eco-sense – with reduced demand for resources and less waste – can mean good business sense. The Eco Hair and Beauty project, for example, found that switching to eco-friendly practices could save the average four-seat salon £5300 every year.

So where should we start?

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S USTA INA BILITY THE BU SI NESS

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Systemic swaps

Joe Hemmings, owner of Bristol’s Bloggs Salons, which offer hair services and nail treatments, says salon owners have a responsibility to reduce their environmental footprint.

‘It’s up to us to act, to help leave the planet for our children and their children,’ he says.

Joe’s tips range in difficulty, starting with simple things, such as using eco-friendly energy suppliers, going paperless and using biodegradable towels.

‘You could also look at initiatives where companies plant a tree for every product you buy,’ he advises.

For salons wanting to take their measures even further, there are more complex systemic swaps, such as swapping air conditioning for a good ventilation system with more oxygen-producing plants around the salon, or changing the entire water supply and waste system to really reduce waste.

ANNE VECK

IMAGES: ISTOCK

TOP 3 TIPS FOR SUSTAINABILITY Change from cotton to biodegradable compostable towels, capes and gowns Switch to green energy Move to a sustainable, ethical product supplier

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Costing the feel-good factor

Although some measures come with an increased cost, Joe has found a way to accommodate this while highlighting his salons’ green credentials.

‘We charge every client a £3 sustainability fee,’ he explains.

‘We are lucky, as Bristol is a very green city and clients love the thought of helping the environment – but salon owners need to communicate with clients and their local community about their initiatives, to get people on board.’

Becoming environmentally aware can be attractive for clients and staff. Claire Higgs, owner of Nylon Hair Artists in Reading, says: ‘Our clients and team love the fact that we’re a green business. It’s one of the best things we have done since coming out of lockdown. We are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental footprint.

‘We recycle all our hair, and this goes to make hair booms that help with oil spills in the

‘The best and easiest way to be more sustainable is stepby-step,’ Anne says. ‘Start with baby steps like turning off the hot water tap or installing LED lighting, and do one new thing every week.’

To download Anne’s 2021 Sustainability Hero award-winning sustainable salon toolkit, visit: bit.ly/salon-re-source

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SMALL CHANGES = BIG DIFFERENCE ZOE REES, OWNER OF BLISS HAIR THERAPY

We’re a small salon in Worcestershire, but little changes add up and clients love the fact that we’re a sustainable business. When I tell them the extra one pound ‘Green Fee’ on top of their charge goes towards recycling costs, it’s a selling point – it gives people the feelgood factor.

We’ve switched to energy-efficient light bulbs, and all cans, cardboard, plastics and paper are recycled through the council. We have also put Ecoheads on our showers, saving around 390 litres of water a day.

We bought a starter kit from a salon recycling firm, giving us three bins for hair, metals and excess chemicals, plus a returns box. It costs about £210 for each recycling collection I order, which sounds expensive, but clients love it. We book a collection every four to six weeks and recycle around 187kg of metal, hair and chemicals per year – the weight of an average-sized motorbike! blisshairtherapy.co.uk

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FOCUSING ON BEAUTY SARAH HARMAN, OWNER OF HEATHFIELD HAIR AND BEAUTY

We have one beauty therapist and recycle everything we can from her room. The chemical impact is quite small as she does not offer nail extensions or gels, or do lash work except for tinting. We also use Decléor skincare, which focuses on natural ingredients, so our only chemical waste is wax and leftover facemask, which should not be harmful as it is mainly natural ingredients.

Being sustainable from a beauty perspective is not that different to sustainability in the hair side of the business, on a day-to-day basis. We changed our lighting to more energyefficient LEDs and have lots of clean air plants.

Everyone wants to do their bit, but it needs to be easy for people to contribute. That’s why salon recycling companies are a great idea. heathfieldhairandbeauty.co.uk

oceans. Any hair long enough will be made into wigs. All our chemical waste [such as glues or cleaning products] is taken too, so it isn’t going down sinks into the oceans.’

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Chemical alternatives

The chemical issue is a challenge but, as Claire says, salon-specific recycling firms such as Salon Sustainability will take chemicals away and treat them. And before that stage, there are things salons can do – in terms of cleaning, for example, brands such as Bower Collective, Neat and Bio D offer environmentally friendly products.

JC Aucamp, Salon Sustainability director, says that when salons reopened after lockdown, antibacterial sprays and hand gels became part of daily life – but these too can be ecosound. ‘Rather than sprays and wipes, which take years to biodegrade, salons

can use the Enozo spray, which changes water to disinfectant and is chemicalfree,’ he says.

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Reducing waste

Packaging and water use are also two areas in which the industry can significantly reduce waste.

‘Unfortunately, most hair products are still packaged in plastics,’ says JC. ‘The best alternative is to have a product refill station in your salon.’

In this regard, barbershops are also working hard to be more eco-friendly.

‘Using products in metal or glass containers is an important step,’ says Damien Diablo, at 1981 Barbershop in Truro. ‘Reducing water consumption is another. We use an Ecohead shower attachment that reduces water and energy usage by up to 65% and filters the water through minerals to nourish the hair.

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RIGHT TRACK 32

How can salon and barbershop owners ensure they’re staying on the right side of the law?

WORDS EMMA BENNETT

T

here’s a lot to think about when you run your own business – and complying with the latest legislation can sometimes take a back seat to the everyday task of keeping clients happy. But ignoring the law can have huge consequences.

NHBF director of quality and standards Caroline Larissey says: ‘It’s vital for businesses to be on top of the law, as it’s not traditionally something hair and beauty professionals focus on.

They’re fantastic at working on the shop

floor and meeting clients’ needs, and don’t always have the time to look at this detailed information. That’s why we have a wealth of Member-only resources on our website, which our Members can download and refer to so their businesses are up to date, safe, healthy and legal, and they can continue to focus on the daily running of their salon or barbershop.’

We look at some of the rules business owners must follow to avoid landing in hot water.

Make sure you’re covered All salon and barbershop owners should be insured to protect themselves in case a treatment goes wrong. But having cover is not enough – reading the small print is vital, as most insurers stipulate that specific records must be kept for insurance to be valid. The consequences for not doing so are potentially devastating, as Janice Beck discovered.

The owner of Time Out salon in south-west Scotland explains: ‘One of my regular clients attended for her usual facial the week of her daughter’s wedding. The next day – the day before the wedding – she phoned to say she had a reaction. I immediately contacted my skincare provider, who asked if I had a consultation completed – cue panic. The small print says a medical record must be signed and dated every time a client attends, then kept for seven years.’

Without these records, Janice wasn’t covered. She says the rule is a big ask for salon owners, who are wary of putting clients off by asking for this information time and time again.

‘Getting a client to sign a form every

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LEG IS LATION THE BU SI NESS

" HAVING COVER IS NOT ENOUGH – READING THE SMALL PRINT IS VITAL, AS MOST INSURERS STIPULATE THAT SPECIFIC RECORDS MUST BE KEPT FOR INSURANCE TO BE VALID

time isn’t practical,’ says Janice.

‘It could annoy them and cost the salon time and money, and there’s the issue of where to store the records.’ This dilemma prompted Janice to set up Arapio, a paper-free system enabling clients to complete forms before attending their appointment.

Janice’s client didn’t sue her, but not everyone will be so lucky. ‘She could have sued me for the entire cost of the wedding and personal trauma. If you’re not a limited company, you could lose your house, your business, everything.’

IMAGES: GETTY

Pay the right wage If you don’t pay the correct National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW) (aged 23 and over) you could be named and shamed by the government, and fined up to £20,000 for each employee who isn’t paid the right amount in any pay reference period. Check out current pay rates in the NHBF guide (see Resources), and don’t forget they go up every April.

There is also a special rate for apprentices (currently £4.30 per hour), but any apprentice over 19 who is in the second year of their apprenticeship should be paid the age-appropriate NMW/NLW. From April 2022, the rate for apprentices increases to £4.81 per hour.

Employers must also provide a workplace pension to all employees over 22, which must be at least 3% of their ‘qualifying earnings’. If you pay late or don’t pay the minimum, you may be fined by the Pensions Regulator.

MATERNITY

TREAT PREGNANT EMPLOYEES FAIRLY If a colleague informs you that they are pregnant, there are several steps you should take to ensure you are not left open to discrimination claims. Caroline Johnstone, senior employment law adviser at WorkNest, talks us through them.

Carry out initial and ongoing risk assessments during the pregnancy, as well as when breastfeeding mothers return to work.

Ensure employees have paid time off for antenatal appointments, although employers can request that these are organised outside normal working hours, if possible.

Some pregnancies are more difficult than others, and this can affect performance or absences.

Employers must make adjustments, such as allowing the employee to have extra breaks.

Confirm in writing when employees are going on maternity leave and when their return date is, as it gives you time to make necessary arrangements. They must give eight weeks’ notice to return earlier or extend their leave.

Discuss any business changes with employees when they are on maternity leave, especially possible redundancies.

Seek advice before taking any action – untangling a mistake is harder than following the correct course, even when you have the best intentions.

Do not pay for holidays accrued while an employee is on maternity leave.

Instead, employees must agree with their employer when to take annual leave.

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Complete your tax return If you’re self-employed, you must file a Self-Assessment and pay your tax bill by 31 January following the tax year, or you risk being penalised by HMRC. Amanda Swales, director at GoSimpleTax, says it’s important to keep track of your expenses. ‘We all know that sole traders can claim rent for premises or chair space, travel and home office equipment, but you can also claim for pre-trade expenses such as tools and equipment, advertising and insurance.

‘It’s possible that, once you’ve gathered your information, you may

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have missed something or made an error, so always double-check your receipts and bank statements.’

Don’t overpromise Business owners should be careful not to make misleading claims when advertising services and treatments.

Matt Wilson, media and public affairs manager for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), explains: ‘It’s for advertisers to prove their claims, rather than for the ASA to prove they’re misleading, so advertisers must hold robust evidence to back up their claims.

If that’s not available, they will be in breach of the rules and the ad in question will be banned.’

Care must also be taken when advertising fillers or other non-surgical cosmetic treatments to avoid targeting children, young people and vulnerable groups. The Botulinum Toxin and Cosmetic Fillers (Children) Act 2021, which came into force in October, made it illegal for prescription-only medicines such as Botox

RESOURCES Our series of NHBF guides: nhbf.co.uk/guides For legal advice on employment issues, contact the legal helpline Code of conduct for salon owners: nhbf.co.uk/ professional-codeof-conduct For a 25% discount off Self-Assessment software, go to gosimpletax.com/nhbf

to be advertised to the public, and banned fillers for under-18s. In early 2020, the ASA issued an enforcement notice to more than 130,000 practitioners across the cosmetics services industry, with more than 12,000 Instagram posts removed.

" CARE MUST BE TAKEN WHEN ADVERTISING FILLERS OR OTHER NON-SURGICAL COSMETIC TREATMENTS

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NEW ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR 2022

–

Fitzpatrick Calculators Our clever app calculates the client’s Fitzpatrick Scale based on their responses.

–

Feedback Forms Create your own feedback emails and Įnd out what your clients really want and like.

–

Automated Patch Test Reminders PrioriƟze safety – use our automated reminder service to alert clients who require a patch test renewal.

–

Professional Cheat Sheets Know what products to have on your trolley & what the best treatment is for the client’s concerns – only a few clicks away.

–

Client “Shopping List” Find our what products the client is interested in BEFORE they come in – making a sale has never been easier!

–

Automated Homecare Advice Sheets Meet insurance requirements and help your clients get the most from their treatments with PDFs sent straight to their inbox.

Consultation software for IOS, Android & Windows

www.arapio.com Arapio FP.indd 1 SF.Winter22.035.indd 35

15/11/2021 16:02 13:22 06/12/2021

TH E BU SI N E S S S O C IA L M E DIA T R E N DS

GETTING TO GRIPS In the first of a new series looking at the business side of social media platforms, we focus on Instagram, its new functionalities and how to make the most of them.

WORDS HOLLIE EWERS

36

I

nstagram not only allows users to showcase great work and highlight their services, it can also help create an online community to interact with clients directly. And the power of Instagram can’t be underestimated – in a poll commissioned by Facebook (see Resources), 76% of people in the UK said that Instagram helps them discover new products or services. So, here’s how you can use your account to its full potential.

Branding tool Think about Instagram as a branding platform. Often people will hear about you through word of mouth or via a search, so Instagram is a great platform to show what you and your brand are about. It can show what’s happening in the salon and the work being created.

Let people experience what you do and get a feel for your business to see if it is the right choice for them.

Engage locally

JOHN HALLBERG Salon business coach and founder of thesalonbusiness.com

Think about smart ways to reach people locally. The most concrete example is using local hashtags (for example, locations). Also, engage with and leverage local events and businesses to put you in front of a larger local audience.

Clear goal Why is your business on Instagram? Is it about building your personal brand?

Attracting new clients? Or both? Then plan how much time you want to invest in it. It shouldn’t be stressful, so only post when you feel you have something good to share that truly represents your brand and build up from that.

Customer service Don’t forget, Instagram can be a great tool when it comes to customer service.

It allows interaction with both current and potential clients via comments and direct messaging, and it creates a communication channel via polls and Q&As in your stories.

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S OCIA L M EDIA TRENDS T HE BU SI NESS

STAYING UP TO DATE

RYAN POWER

HELPFUL HACKS AND FEATURES

Salonology founder and mentor, salonology.uk

It’s important to stay up to date with the latest functions and tools, to make sure you’re not missing out on any business potential.

Consistency is key To make any sort of meaningful impact, you need to show up regularly. Ideally, you should aim for at least four to six quality grid posts per week and as many as six to 12 story posts if you can. If that sounds like a lot, do what you can manage, but most importantly, make sure the posts reflect your brand.

Story – For posting quick and fun photos or videos that can be edited with music, text and graphics.

Stories stay on your profile for 24 hours and can be used to host polls and Q&As. Share your posts on stories too, to increase engagement and drive traffic to your account?

Use the different features Whenever a new feature is launched, it’s usually worth using it because the platform normally rewards you with greater reach. This is certainly true with Reels, Instagram’s newest short video format.

Highlights – Specific story content can be saved as a highlight, which will stay on your profile. This is where you can keep important information that people can access at all times. For example, use your highlights to host your salon hours, price list and team profiles.

Show your personality Don’t be afraid to show more of you, your team and what you’re up to.

Use the opportunity to show off your personality and creativity. You’ve only got a couple of seconds at the most to grab a user’s attention so let your uniqueness shine through!

Reels – Short, creative and entertaining videos that don’t disappear after 24 hours (see Newest feature: Reels, overleaf).

Algorithm – The new 2021 algorithm detects interaction among several users to understand which content they like to see the most. It assumes that people who’ve interacted with your account before will be interested in new content, and if you like and comment on certain posts, you’re more likely to see more of this on your feed.

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IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

WORLDWIDE

IGTV – Instagram TV allows you to share longer videos – up to an hour – and could be used for interviews or even tutorials where you can edit the videos to speed them up to make them snappier.

Instagram Live – This allows you to broadcast live from your account and save the video after, where it will appear on your IGTV feed. Live broadcasts can create a conversation with followers, where they can ask questions.

THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN

1INSTAGRAM BILLION USERS

Don’t forget to test your tech before going live to avoid glitches.

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TH E B USI N ES S S O C IA L M E DIA T R E N DS

Be sociable

Size doesn’t matter

When your clients engage with you then engage back. A comment on your photo is an opportunity to deepen your bond with that person – it’ll serve your business well over the long run.

Don’t compare yourself with others online – the number of followers doesn’t always translate into money in the till. It’s far more important for your audience to be engaged with you than simply be large.

NEWEST FEATURE: REELS

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

JAYMZ MARSTERS 38

Hairdresser Jaymz Marsters co-owns The Watt salon in Norfolk.

He also came seventh in the NHBF Top 100 influencer list for 2021.

I currently have two Instagram accounts: @jaymz.marsters, which is my own personal hair account and @the.watt, my salon account. As The Watt is a physical location, it is set as a business account. This allows me to add extra contact information to my bio – like an address and map.

My other account, meanwhile, showcases my personal work and is set as a creator account. This allows me to express myself and my work in more detail.

If you have a salon account, make sure you are talking to your clients through your media as you would if they were sitting in your chair. They should feel like they have spoken to you and visited your salon without even stepping foot inside the door.

Reels are short (up to 60 seconds), fast-paced videos that appear in your main feed as well as their own ‘Reel’ tab. They’re being pushed by Instagram more than ever thanks to the rise of TikTok. John says: ‘As Reels are a newer feature, typically the algorithm will promote you more when you use them and you will get more exposure and reach more people, so if that is what you want, then go for it!’

Ryan agrees: ‘Reels typically get five to 10 times more views than normal videos.’

RESOURCES Facebook poll: bit.ly/ Facebook-Instagram-survey NHBF blog on how to use social media to boost your salon or barbershop: nhbf.co.uk/social-media John Hallberg’s blog on marketing your salon or spa on social media: thesalonbusiness.com/ social-media-for-salons Salonology’s social media podcasts: salonology.uk/ podcasts_categories/ social-media

JAYMZ’S TOP TIPS

1 2 3

All posts need to educate, entertain and engage Be social: comment and engage with followers Always prioritise quality over quantity

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ACCESSIBILITY THE BU SI NESS

WORDS NATASHA RIGLER

EVERYBODY’S With one in five Brits living with a disability, we look at how you can make your salon or barbershop accessible to all.

SALON EXPERIENCE

‘LIFE-CHANGING' Hannah Klewpatinond from HK Hair in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, has made her salon fully accessible. Clients can enter via a ramp and, once inside, signage is clear and the floor is on one level.

Although Hannah’s mirrors are anchored to the wall, they can be removed and placed on tripods. The most significant feature is the fully accessible sink – wheelchair and scooter users can drive right up to it and have their hair washed without getting out of their seat.

This has been life-changing for one client. ‘The lady is in her 40s and hasn’t been able to visit a salon for 20 years,’ Hannah explains. ‘Other salons just didn’t have the sink space for her because of her chair, meaning she would have needed to arrive with wet hair.

‘The lady can now get her salon experience and there is a real element of it being a special event when she comes in.’

T

here are 14 million people with disabilities in the UK – and, sadly, they are still fighting for equality. Access to everyday places is still an issue, and this includes salons and barbershops. Entrance steps can form a barrier, getting close to washbasins is out of the question for some, and clients

may have difficulties communicating with stylists. What can be done?

Make a difference The Equality Act 2010 intends to reduce discrimination for people with disabilities. Under the Act, business owners must make reasonable adjustments to their premises to overcome physical access barriers.

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TH E BU SI N E S S ACCESSIBILITY

" THERE IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT ’DISABILITY’ MEANS ’MOBILITY ISSUE’.

PEOPLE DEAL WITH DISABILITIES THAT OTHERS DON'T KNOW ABOUT

COMMUNICATION

GET LEARNING 40

Barber Kyle Suthers was born deaf but grew up fully verbal thanks to childhood speech therapy. For most of his 14-year career, he communicated with clients via lip-reading. Last year he received a cochlear implant, meaning he can now hear.

Kyle runs StoneDeaf HairDesigns in Leeds, and has clients with both physical and mental disabilities. ‘Being deaf has given me a good insight into how our industry treats clients and professionals with disabilities,’ he says. ‘Just learning about some physical and mental disabilities could give salon owners an insight into what people need. It is also key to advertise that you’re a welcoming place for people with disabilities.’

He believes having one staff member trained in sign language would be an incredible asset. ‘Some deaf clients may shy away from traditional services because they are unable to communicate their needs in a way that is fully understood,’ he says.

Nicole Hooper, a tutor manager at disability charity Scope, says: ‘People with disabilities should be able to go and have their hair cut or receive a beauty treatment like anyone else. We aren’t saying knock down walls, but there is an opportunity for business owners if they make a few adjustments.

Getting under counters can be difficult for wheelchair users, so raise the height.

Consider portable hairdryers, as they are easier to use with somebody sitting in an electric scooter.

‘There is also a misconception that “disability” means “mobility issue”,’ she continues. ‘People deal with disabilities that others don’t know about. Think about conditions such as autism, epilepsy, visual and hearing impairments, nonverbal and sensory issues. Many people can have anxiety and mental health struggles too.

‘You can adapt the working day so these people can come before or after opening hours.

Lights can be dimmed for certain clients, and music turned off. Children may benefit from visiting the salon before a haircut is even attempted. You can even leave moist tissue in the toilets for clients who suffer from a condition like inflammatory bowel disease.’

with disabilities want and deserve haircuts and beauty treatments.

‘By making places a little bit more accessible and by being a little bit more caring, businesses can have a piece of the purple pound,’ she explains. ‘We’re not saying everyone can dig up their entrance steps, but a portable ramp could be purchased. If it cost £500 but the person you bought it for visited regularly, you’ve gained a piece of the purple pound.

‘Our passion is for everyone to be treated the same, and with that comes a great business opportunity.’

Community spirit Kerry Hooper-Cross, owner of Styles Hair Salon in Chard, Somerset,

The purple pound According to Scope, the collective spending power of the people with disabilities in the UK – known as the purple pound – is more than £274bn. Nicole says there is a huge opportunity to be had within the hair and beauty industry, as people

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ACCESSIBILITY THE BU SI NESS

RESOURCES NHBF’s guide to making salons and barbershops disabilityfriendly: nhbf.co.uk/disability-friendly Learn how to feel more comfortable about disability with Scope’s End the Awkward campaign: bit.ly/end-the-awkward The Equality Act 2010’s Employment Code of Practice: bit.ly/equality-act-code-2010

In the workplace Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to the workplace when hiring an employee with a disability. Alexandra Farmer, head of team and solicitor at WorkNest, explains: ‘If there is a physical feature of the premises that puts a person with a disability at a substantial disadvantage in comparison with those without disabilities, they have the duty to make reasonable adjustments. This could include, for example, a feature of, or an approach to, the exit from or access to a building.’

Alexandra says it is not just physical features of a building that need to be considered either.

Auxiliary aids, including adapted keyboards and voice recognition software, should be provided if the employee requires it to do their job. Steps also need to be taken to ensure internal policies and rules do not put an employee with a disability at a disadvantage.

IMAGE: ISTOCK

contacted Scope when the charity opened a bridal boutique, The Bridal Room, in nearby Bridport, Dorset.

Kind-hearted Kerry provided free hairstyling for a promotional photoshoot and regularly displays Scope’s pre-loved gowns in her salon. She even bought a full-length boutique mirror for The Bridal Room using her own money.

As a thank you, The Bridal Room’s staff recommend Styles to brides-to-be.

Kerry, whose salon is disability friendly, says: ‘It’s important to me to make everybody feel the same. I’ve always supported Scope, as disabilities are close to my heart, so I wanted to help when I heard they were opening The Bridal Room. It’s the least I can do, given the difference they make.’

BEAUTY TIPS

41

ASK QUESTIONS Sophia Wyatt, a disabled beauty therapist and clinic owner based in Surrey, says salon owners and therapists should ask themselves: Are your treatments inclusive?

Is your salon accessible?

Are you and your staff trained and confident to work with clients who have additional physical or medical needs?

Do you share photos or stories of all your clients, or just the ones you think look the best?

Sophia explains: ‘Don’t be afraid to talk about disability and medical conditions – ask your clients about the condition, how it affects their lives, their treatment, and how other people react to them. Ask them if they would be happy if you shared their story to raise awareness and show how diverse your treatments are. Shout from the rooftops that you are here to help!’

Turn to page 50 for more on Sophia’s story.

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TH E I N SPI R AT ION TO O LS O F T H E T R A D E

TOOLS OF THE TRADE 42

What’s your secret weapon at work?

We asked you and some of this issue’s interviewees about the tools they can’t do without.

CLAIRE HIGGS NYLON HAIR ARTISTS, READING FEATHER PLIER RAZOR

‘I cannot live without my razor, for texturising, softening and the allimportant shag cut! I’m about to buy a new one!’

ANNE VECK

JAYMZ MARSTERS

DALE SAMPEY

ANNE VECK, OXFORD

THE WATT SALON, NORFOLK

THE BARBER HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM

THE CLAW RING

‘In 2019 I worked with Dirty French Girl to create Sensual Swag – a collection of three items of jewellery that look “swaggerific” as well as being practical hairdressing tools. The item I use most is the section Claw Ring – my favourite, and one I can’t do without. I’m using the ring for plaiting and hair extensions. It’s freeing my hands from holding a comb and I’m looking great at the same time!’

SENSIDO PRO COOLER

‘I can’t live without SensiDO Pro Cooler.

It is made up of blue/violet-based pigments that you add into your lightening formula. These neutralise warmer tones, giving results from cool beige to icy white without the need for “toner” after rinsing. I use it in almost all blonding and creative services. It cuts down appointment time, which means I can accommodate additional clients.’

BELMONT 1936 BARBER’S CHAIR

‘They don’t make them like this anymore. We have nine vintage chairs, and this is one of a pair that are the oldest in the shop – it’s also the heaviest.

I’ve been working in this chair for several years and love the pride of having people sit in it. People always comment on how comfortable it is. We had them recovered when we bought them, to look as original as possible.’

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The NHBF highly recommends that you check with your insurance provider that your policy covers the range of products used within your salon or barbershop

JAEDYN TAYLOR RURAL BEAUTY, BEADLAM MANICURE TOOLS BY NAVY PROFESSIONAL TOOLS

TOOLS OF THE TRA DE THE I NSPI RAT I O N

HAYLEY WOOD, ALANYA TAYLOR & BETH MCLANE WOOD’S OF WESTGATE, MANSFIELD CUTIEOILS CUTICLE OILS

BARRY LACHLAN EGO HAIR DESIGN, INVERNESS VESS 7 BRUSH FROM SASSOON

‘It’s my must-have for everyday salon work, ideal for bob shapes and shorter looks, and while we’re in the moment of fringes this brush is simply amazing.’

‘Martha, Ethel and Doris are manicure tools for pushing back and clearing away the dead cuticle, and are beautifully crafted by Navy Professional Tools. Perfect nail prep every time!’

‘We use them on every nail treatment and clients see the benefits of hydrated and nourished cuticles – fewer breakages, more growth and lovely soft skin around the nails.’

MARK WOOLLEY

SOPHIA WYATT

MOLLIE SCOTT

ELECTRIC HAIRDRESSING, LONDON

SOPHIA WYATT SKIN CARE & HAIR LOSS CLINIC, GUILDFORD

MOLLIE SCOTT HAIRDRESSING, SOUTHSEA

ELECTRIC P*-4 PREPARATION SPRAY NEEWER RING LIGHT

‘I use it as a cutting spray as it kills static, allowing me to take clean sections, and it’s brilliant backstage because it’s light and the hair feels natural. This is a game changer when clients tell you to not use conditioner because their hair is so fine – it works as conditioner and styling product. All the residue evaporates and it’s great to travel with as it locks to prevent leaking.’

‘I love this tool. I’ve got the multimedia version that my phone or camera can sit in, which is amazing for photos and videos. I also have a telescopic arm mounted on my wall that allows me to position it above me for the best targeted light.’

43

THE ORIGINAL IRON STRAIGHTENERS

BY CLOUD NINE

‘I can’t do without these straighteners!

I use them every day, all day, for straightening, waving, curling – the works. I love the heat adjusting section that can be tailored to each client’s needs.’

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TH E I N SPI R AT ION W H AT ' S T R E N D IN G

FASHIONABLE OR A FAUX PAS? Whether you embrace them or buck them, we take a look at the latest trends.

44

THE ITALI ITAL AN JOB THE THIN BROW LINE

IMAGES: GETTY / SHUTTERSTOCK / IMAXTREE

‘GREYVOLUTION’ revolution’ is still ‘ The ‘grey going strong, with more women m and more embra embr cing their greys.

Anoth Anot er celeb to join the d her brown bob gang is comedian Dawn French, who ditche 0 likes on her 47,00 than more With crop. grey a for f and fringe of her r favou in ented Instag Insta ram post, many have comm r look. simila a create to d inspire been and natura natur l style g fabulous and is Miche Mich lle Visage’s silver Mallen streak is lookin lle admitting Miche with out, growfull a to ative gre altern a great for it all ready yet isn’t she while her whole head is silver, that w streak. the with styling happy is and h throug sh to show

Slowly but surely, leaner-looking brows are filtering back into beauty. It seems like decades since we’ve seen anything other than bushy Cara Delevingne-inspired eyebrows, but thinner ones have been spotted on the likes of Bella Hadid at the various fashion weeks.

While salons shouldn’t expect a sudden rush of requests for waxing and threading, there definitely may be more interest in a skinny shape.

see d It seeme everyone was asking askin for the chop last year, ientss sporting with celebs and client lob – and the some form of bob or lo 2022. The n 202 trend is ongoing in ocus:: full Italian bob is the focus chic, its bodied, polished and ch can be worn th ca neck-grazing length should exude in any parting and shou r. On the subject shine and glamour. g of the late g-zag of partings, the zig-za looks set to 90s and early 00s look yin in the k, flying make a comeback, face of the generational ‘middle deb e. versus side’ parting debat

THE SKIN REPORT

BEAUTIFIED BRITAIN INDEX When it comes to skincare, male skincare and grooming is playing a bigger part and growing in popularity. This is reflected in the increase in social media searches and specific Instagram hashtags between January 2020 and July 2021.

649k 4.9m

searches were made using the hashtag #malebeauty

views have been made of the buzzword #brotox, which has had more than 89,600 hashtag uses

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ROMANS AND ASTRONAUTS AST

this winter are From Caesar to buzz, men’s hair trends s by the famou Made cter. short, short sleek and full of chara cut is super re auste this r, Caesa Julius al gener n Roma Rom s scissor trendy this season and calls for some seriou ly textured if a slight styled be also can it but ion, precis preci cut for softer softe look is preferred. Similarly, the buzz crisp fades, with ns, versio of y variet a in s come 2022 and lines and even colours – think blondes, silvers slicked-back the , client ional tradit more the For reds. on the look and the side parting have been seen ssional profe ed, sticat sophi a e provid and lks catwa catw severe as as being ut witho option that is still on trend r.

Caesa C the

SUSSING OUT SUSTAINABILITYanies

Skincare, make-up and body comp are displaying their sustainability and efficacy on their packaging as consumers them look more closely at products, assessing as for sustainability and scientific credentials well as efficacy. To take one example, Unilever, L’Oréal, LVMH, Henkel (the parent company of Schwarzkopf) and other major brands announced in September an industrywide scoring system for measuring a product’s environmental impact.

HAD ANY THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT YOU’VE READ? TELL US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS @NHBFSOCIAL

W HAT'S TRENDING THE I NSPI RAT I O N

THE LATEST

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW

SALON SOFTWARE UPGRADE Do you use Premier Salon or Premier Spa? You can now upgrade to Salon by Premier Software® before the end of January 2022 for just £295*.

Salon is Premier’s latest software solution, containing old favourite features and new ones to boost your business.

It is your personal assistant, marketing manager, social media guru, receptionist, accountant and business partner in one! *T&Cs apply Register for your upgrade at premiersoftware.uk/ salon-reconfiguration Discover Salon software at premiersalon.co.uk

SPREAD THE WORD

1.9m

#Instaman is another buzzword that has topped the hashtags, with 1.9 million uses and 217,300 views

Emmanuel Esteban has been announced as international brand ambassador for Diva Pro Styling.

Emmanuel is known for his avant-garde hairstyles, which he will be creating exclusively

with Diva Pro Styling products.

He will also showcase these skills within the hairdressing community, among industry experts, and at trade events.

Emmanuel has won many awards in his 16-year career.

With his unique approach, and as a highly rated creative, he will assist in Diva’s artistic vision of hairstyling. He will carry out a role as an educator in Diva Pro Styling tools by adapting artistic looks for everyday clients.

45

REPURPOSING PPE Denman International is recycling PPE waste into brushes and combs.

Parent company Denroy Plastics Ltd is working with Ulster University and its European partner to explore how PPE waste can become manufacturing-grade plastics.

Denman manufactures and collects used FFP3 masks, and is working with partners and recycling companies to sterilise and grind down common blue PPE masks. Denman Clipper Comb and Scalp Brush prototypes are in testing, and more products are planned.

John Rainey MBE, chairman of Denman International, said: ‘We have a company-wide impact strategy and the recycling of PPE plastics is an important element.’

To find out more, go to denmanbrush.com/pages/csr

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TH E I N SPI R AT ION HOW TO...

PUT YOUR SPACE TO GOOD USE Want to capitalise on any spare space in your business, but not sure where to start? Here are some top tips – from licences to legal contracts.

J

anuary gets us all thinking about what we want to achieve in the year ahead.

Indeed, now is as good a time as ever to think about the way businesses in the hair, beauty and barbering industries use their floor space. You could be looking to expand into new services and save money rather than employing a stylist, barber or therapist.

There are various pros and cons to renting out a chair, space or room in your salon or barbershop (see Considering the costs, right). But whether it’s right for you or not is down to you, your priorities and your persuasions.

1

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU’RE OFFERING

Anyone who rents a chair, room or space in your salon or barbershop is classed as self-employed and separate from your business. They will make their own decisions about how they run their business, such as hours of work, services they offer and prices they charge. In turn, they will be responsible for dealing with complaints from their clients. They will also keep their own business accounts and pay their taxes.

The government is currently consulting on employment status, and any changes may affect the self-employed status of people who

rent space. The NHBF will update Members on any changes as soon as they are made.

2

BE CLEAR ON CONTRACTS

Before allowing someone to rent space, you must have a contract signed and dated by you and the renter. This is as important for you as it is the renter, as it can help avoid confusion or disputes should things not work out as planned. The contract should be clear on what the renter will get in return for their payments to you – for example, heating, lighting and water.

It should also include the amount you are being paid, the date you will get paid each week or month, and how long the agreement is in place for, specifically for space and room renters. A probationary period is not

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

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HOW TO... THE I NSPI RAT I O N

"

AS A BUSINESS OWNER, YOU NEED TO MAKE IT VERY CLEAR THAT YOU ARE NOT TAKING ON ANY FINANCIAL RISK

advisable because this could align too closely to employment. Termination clauses in the agreement will allow the contract to be terminated.

Remember, laws can differ between each of the four nations so check what applies to your country (see Legal advice).

3

MAKE SURE YOUR CHARGES COVER YOUR COSTS

The price you are charging the renter also needs to be in the contract. Calculate how much you should charge as follows: A fixed rent (weekly or monthly) – known as the licence fee An agreed percentage of the stylist or therapist’s takings – known as the service charge A combination of the above.

you are covering all costs and making a profit. As a salon or barbershop owner, you need to make it very clear that you are not taking on any financial risk.’

For example, if you are VAT registered, ensure you add on VAT to the rent you are charging the person using your chair, space or room.

However, for beauty services only, VAT does not have to be added to the rent. For any other charges, however, rent has to be applied.

To find out how to calculate these licence fees and service charges, read our full guide (see Resources).

4

REMEMBER GDPR

Under UK law, everyone responsible for using personal data has to make sure this information is used fairly, lawfully and transparently. As such, the renter must protect the data they hold on clients.

LEGAL ADVICE

RESOURCES NHBF chair, space and room renting guide for salon owners: nhbf.co.uk/ chair-renting-guide

5

HIGHLIGHT HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Someone who is selfemployed and rents space or a chair must follow the necessary health and safety guidelines. This includes allergy alert testing and sensitivity checks for clients.

47

PROS AND CONS

CONSIDERING THE COSTS PROS

Save money on employment costs – for example, training or pension contributions Offer new treatments or services to your existing clients and attract new ones Gain flexibility if you can’t afford a fulltime employee.

CONS

If you have specific questions relating to the differences in commercial law across the four nations, NHBF Members can access our legal helpline.

For more information, go to nhbf.co.uk/legal-support

NHBF director Tina BeaumontGoddard says: ‘You’ve got to ensure

Lack of control – for example, you cannot tell your renter how much they should charge clients Competition and higher risk of poaching clients compared with employees Integration of employees and renters may be challenging.

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TH E N H BF R O U N D - U P

BF The NHBF re! app is here!

We are excited to launch our brand-new NHBF app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play by searching for NHBF. Our new app allows you to: Access news updates and blog posts with the option to bookmark articles Sign up to events and webinars Access all the NHBF Member

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resources such as guides, fact sheets and toolkits with the option to view your downloaded resources Receive notifications about important news items Manage your Member account details.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

COMMERCIAL DEBT HELPLINE As an NHBF Member, you have access to the new free commercial debt helpline, operated by Cromwell Seymour Group. If you’re feeling isolated and unable to talk to your family about what’s worrying you – maybe you’re anxious about paying back loans or you’re under pressure from your creditors – then Cromwell Seymour can help.

For more information, visit nhbf.co.uk/debt-helpline where you can fill out a short form, and a member of the team will be in touch.

Here’s a quick look at what the NHBF has been up to.

Last summer, the NHBF launched the Hair & Beauty Industry – Top 100 Influencers. It was an opportunity to recognise those in the industry who use social media to

To view the full list, go to nhbf.co.uk/events/ top-100-influencers

BACK TO EVENTS In October, the NHBF proudly sponsored the business learning stage at the Salon International and Professional Beauty shows.

We hosted a range of informative seminars, including: Recruitment, education and apprenticeships Planning ahead for 2022 Safeguarding your business health and safety.

MUSIC LICENCE DISCOUNT Did you know that, as an NHBF Member, you benefit from 10% off your PPL music licence? If you’re about to renew, call the membership team to find out more.

Remember – if you play music in your salon or barbershop, you must be licensed.

IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK

TOP 100 INFLUENCERS

influence, educate and innovate. The winners of the Top 100 were announced in November, via live stream on the NHBF YouTube channel from Electric Space London.

The top 10 were: Caroline Hirons Cher Webb Harriet Westmoreland Errol Douglas MBE Jamie Stevens Casey Coleman Jaymz Masters Abigail James Chloe Swift Charlotte Mensah Congratulations to everyone and thanks for a great night!

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ROUND -UP T HE NHBF

Meet ourr new n w mbe b board members: Fiona and Beverley

BEVERLEY BATES, CENTRAL ENGLAND Who am I?

FIONA JOHNSTON, SCOTLAND Who am I? I am an employer and salon business owner in Edinburgh. I provide training and assessing within my salon. I also work with John McNally MP as a political researcher for the hairdressing industry.

Experience: I have experience in education through lecturing and working to management level within quality assurance teams. This experience gives insight to the needs of the training sector within our industry.

I previously worked for the NHBF as regional coordinator for Scotland, so I understand how to promote the

interests of the NHBF and its membership. I also have three years’ experience on the UK Hair Council as the Scottish director.

Passion: I have a clear understanding of the industry’s needs, and the benefits that membership brings to the hair and beauty sector community. I have integrity and a strong ethical compass, which I think are essential.

Intention: I’m excited to join the NHBF Board to give something back to my industry at a national level. My experience gained from multiple aspects of hairdressing and barbering gives me a depth of knowledge to share and relate to.

"

From Warwickshire, I am a stylist, salon owner, and artistic ambassador and educator for the UK division of a luxury haircare brand. I’m also a salon consultant, business coach and life coach, helping salon owners to achieve awesome businesses and better lives.

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Experience: I have more than 40 years’ experience in the industry. I’ve been fortunate to have creative director experience, setting up a senior and junior artistic team, running stage shows, seminars and educating throughout the UK. I also have experience as a vice-president for a luxury haircare brand.

Passion: I’m passionate about the industry for many reasons but mainly because we make a difference to others on a daily basis. This is a career like no other, with so many opportunities, and it certainly never feels like work to me.

Intention:

I’M EXCITED TO JOIN THE NHBF BOARD TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO MY INDUSTRY AT A NATIONAL LEVEL

I’m really excited to be on the NHBF Board because this is such a pivotal moment for our industry. Dynamic and innovative leadership is needed right now – old ways no longer work and sitting alongside such respected colleagues on the Board is an exciting prospect. I feel it’s time for us all to work together to raise standards, gain the respect that we deserve, charge our worth and run thriving profitable businesses. And if I can be a voice to help build that community and share expertise, then it’s a start.

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TH E E N D 6 0 S E C O N DS W IT H . . .

SOPHIA WYATT The disabled beauty therapist and clinic owner shares her unique experience of the industry, and highlights why more needs to change.

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I had both my legs amputated… as well

My experience never stopped me...

as some fingers when I was 16, after contracting meningitis septicaemia.

In less than a year, driven by determination, I learned to walk and enrolled on a beauty course.

it made me more determined to succeed. I went on to have a successful freelance career as a film and TV make-up artist, travelling internationally and working on some incredible projects. I then moved into bridal hair and makeup, working with more than 1000 brides. I now own Sophia Wyatt Skin Care and Hair Loss Clinic in Guildford, Surrey.

I was inspired by… a glamorous make-up artist who, between jobs, visited the burns unit of the hospital I was in to show patients how to camouflage their scars. She invited me to watch and I was blown away by the impact make-up had on people. It changed their lives, and I knew it was what I wanted to do!

Sadly, I have often been told… that beauty isn’t the industry for someone like me. The negativity I faced in my training prepared me for a career in one of the harshest industries a disabled person could enter. Many times throughout my training and career I have been made to feel I didn’t belong – beauty tutors would tell me “You have to be beautiful to work in beauty”, and some actors and models refused to let me work on them because they saw I’d lost some fingers.

My current business is geared towards… cosmetic and medical treatments that really improve people’s lives – those who have faced life-altering conditions such as alopecia, cancer, scarring and burns. I specialise in semi-permanent make-up, medical tattooing and lasering.

Clients come to me… because I’m accessible and inclusive. Through my volunteer work with various charities, I have also become known for my expertise in treating medical conditions, and for offering a more sensitive experience to people who don’t feel confident enough to visit a traditional beauty salon.

Empathy is a huge part of what I do… I understand, I have my own story and struggles, and my clients with disabilities feel at ease because they know I can empathise with them.

My mission is… to make beauty more accessible to those living with illness or disability. I’m really proud of this industry because we are so diverse in terms of gender, sexuality and race, but in many ways we’re not as far forward as I’d like when it comes to catering for people with mobility issues and impairments. I hope to use my voice to change that.

I’m so proud to have won… Inspirational Person of the Year at Safety in Beauty’s Diamond Awards 2021. To be listed among major names like Caroline Hirons and then win has blown me away, and is exactly what I’ve worked towards.

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