• 45% search online when trying to find a new hair salon
• 24% of people follow their hair salon on Instagram
• Phorest’s 2022 Client Experience Awards celebrate the salons dominating online

According to research from Phorest Salon Software, over a third (34%) of British people say that they were influenced to choose their current hair salon based on the business’ online reviews and online reputation, while 28% look to online reviews when choosing a beauty salon.

When attempting to find a new hair salon to visit, 45% of respondents said they searched for salons on Google, while 30% searched on social media.  Other online research methods included searching on Google Maps (13%) and viewing the online listing platform Yelp (6%).

Consumers are also using the internet to search for new beauty salons to visit. Of those surveyed, 32% searched for beauty salons on Google, 42% searched on social media, 9% used Google Maps, and 2% used Yelp to find beauty salons in their area. 

UK consumers aren’t just using the internet to search for new service providers, however, 24% of participants said that they follow their regular salon on Instagram, while 25% follow their individual hair stylists’ Instagram pages. Beauty salon clients are even more engaged with their salon online, with 43% of those surveyed saying they follow their beauty salon on Instagram and 35% saying they follow their specific beautician, therapist, or technician. British clients seem to be more connected with their service providers online than consumers in many other regions surveyed. In Canada, for example, 70% said they don’t follow their stylist or salon on any social media platforms. 

Commenting on the data, Verna Wall, Lead Researcher at Phorest, notes: “These findings show that British consumers are extremely engaged with hair and beauty service providers online-both when trying to find a new salon and when keeping up to date with their current service provider. As a UK salon business, it’s never been more important to nurture your online presence. Ask for online reviews, engage with your client base on socials, and think seriously about how you’re showing up on the internet to current and potential clients. Those who take their online reputation seriously will clearly win business over those who are not paying attention to their online reviews and social channels.”

This month, Phorest will be sending out their annual Client Experience Awards. These awards reward salons who keep a minimum of 60 online reviews above an average of 4 stars over a 12-month period, presenting them with a physical (and virtual) window sticker for their salon. 

Verna continued: “Salons love to collect these awards year-in-year-out and display them on their shopfront to broadcast their exceptional customer service. But the greatest benefit for these award-winning salons is the ability to publish their top reviews to their Google Business and Facebook profiles from Phorest, allowing them to capture the market that, from the above research, clearly puts a lot of weight into online reviews. These reviews are important both when choosing a new salon and sticking with an existing salon. We are delighted for the Phorest CEA award winners for 2022 and hope that both their window stickers and their killer review profiles continue to help fill their seats with new clients over the next 12 months.” 

Congratulations to the very first winner of Booksy’s Get Discovered Backstage contest: Eddie Gallegos, the award-winning barber, better known as @monster_eddiejr! Earlier this year, Booksy, the leader in booking and business technology for the beauty industry, partnered with Idle Hand Collective, a group of traveling barbers and hairstylists who provide complimentary haircuts to top performers and artists at music festivals around the world. Together, Booksy and Idle Hand Collective joined forces to give beauty pros the incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to style some of the country’s most popular musicians backstage at top music festivals.

While many extremely talented barbers, stylists, and nail techs competed to showcase their talent at PsychoFest in Las Vegas from August 19^th– 21^st, Eddie’s freshly sculpted cuts, cosmetology background, and long list of 5-star reviews pushed him to the top of this month’s competition.

Eddie Gallegos is the owner of Monster Eddie Jr. Barber Shop in Henderson, Nevada. When Eddie found out that he would be cutting and styling hair for chart-topping rockstars, he admitted to becoming “a little emotional.” The opportunity to showcase his talents after 10 years of dedication to the barbering and cosmetology industry means so much to him. Over the years, the industry has introduced him to a host of like-minded professionals, opened numerous career doors, and given him the opportunity to set an example for others. 

“It’s just been a long journey, and this is just super special for me. It’s a very special moment because people will see my skills, get to hear my story, and know that I come from a good place. I just want to be able to inspire people. Thank you Boosky for this opportunity,” said Eddie through tears of joy.  

“Anyone that comes from a rough upbringing knows change can come when you give your all to something positive. It’s not easy, and there’s a lot of hard work behind it, but if you give it your all, you can definitely achieve anything,” said Eddie.

The Booksy’s Get Discovered Backstage contest is running through November 2022. To enter this contest, visit www.booksy.com/blog/us/get-discovered-backstage/. 

Booksy providers must meet three eligibility requirements:

1. Must have an active Booksy account
2. Have at least 10 reviews on your profile
3. Have cumulative profile review rating of at least a 4.8 or above

Winners will be notified of their win three weeks before the music festival they want to attend. Each winner will also be able to take advantage of an exclusive one-on-one educational opportunity by learning and asking questions about the celebrity styling industry. The opportunity to create a look for your favorite artist or style a bonafide rockstar who’s been at the very top of your playlists doesn’t come around often, so act fast and complete the application form today! Also remember to download the Booksy Biz mobile app for free or visit https://booksy.com/biz/en-us to learn more.

Kacie Nguyen, founder of Sunkissed Salon in San Jose, California was named the Salon & Spa Grand Prize Winner and Calen Koenig, owner of Electric Barbering in Williams, Arizona was named the Barber Grand Prize Winner. The Takara Turns 100 Contest was announced in conjunction with the celebration of Takara Belmont’s 100^th Anniversary. Participants were asked to share their dreams, experiences, and success stories for an opportunity to take home a grand prize package.

“Our team received many incredible submissions in the Takara Turns 100 Contest from a lot of amazing beauty and barber professionals around the nation,” said Kohei Fujimoto, COO at Takara Belmont USA, Inc. “It is truly an honor to celebrate our customers and their stories.”

“We couldn’t be more grateful or proud to be a part of every one of their journeys,” said Koji Orita, Executive Vice President of Takara Belmont USA, Inc. “It’s because of them and their enthusiasm for their profession, industry and for our products, that we can celebrate over 100 years of business.”
Sunkissed Salon, located in San Jose, California, values not only their client’s lush locks, but their client’s time and overall salon experience as well. Their mission is to provide the best experience they can, helping their clients achieve their beauty goals.

“When I started Sunkissed salon, I wanted to make sure our salon met every high-end expectation…so of course, I had to go with the best, which is Takara Belmont. Our chairs, stations, shampoo bowls & rollerballs are all Takara Belmont”, said Kacie Nguyen, Founder of Sunkissed Salon.

In 2016, Kacie Nguyen purchased her first commercial unit, a fresh build with nothing inside. Through hard work and dedication, the empty shell was transformed into the thriving salon that it is today.

“I’ve worked hard to be able to open my own salon. It’s basically my second home therefore I only want what’s best”, said Kacie.

Sunkissed, featuring dark hardwood floors, tall brick walls and white subway tile is a small slice of the Big Apple in sunny California. Whether a client is getting shampooed in a relaxing RS Luxis shampoo unit, taking a selfie of their new ‘do on the tan leather couch in the reception area, or helping themselves to coffee and a snack in the kitchenette, this salon makes any guest feel right at home.

Electric Barbering is a two-chair shop, established in an old courthouse building, located in a historic Arizona town with proximity to the Grand Canyon and Route 66. Their goal is to create an atmosphere where clients will enjoy the haircut experience and depart looking forward to their next appointment.

Calen Koenig, founder and owner of Electric Barbering, spent many years in the construction industry. He found his passion for barbering later in life after being laid off as a HVAC technician. While unemployed, a friend told him about a barbershop. This barbershop changed Calen’s life, inspiring him to work in an industry that made a positive influence on people’s everyday lives. After attending barber school, he spent 7 years working through different shops before returning to his hometown. Life came full circle when he was handed the keys to a space that held memories of many life milestones including his own high school graduation. Calen transformed this space into the town’s first barbershop. His ability to build a unique and memorable brand with a shop design that features two vintage 225 Belmont chairs and a collection of western cowboy and 70’s motorcycle décor, has turned Electric Barbering into more than a shop, but a destination.

“I want to live simple and provide a quality space for people and enjoy my time. The [225 Belmont] chairs get much praise because they don’t ask for attention, but they are too interesting to ignore and that’s the type of space I hope I’ve created,” said Calen.

For more information about the winners and their stories or to view images of their salons and shops, click here. The Takara Turns 100 Grand Prize Winners, Runner-ups, and Honorees can be found on Takara Belmont’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Release boasts a stronger motor, cooler blades, and an eye-catching color.

Style or substance? Flash or function?

Proof that cutting tools can have it all, Wahl Professional introduces the next generation of the world’s most popular professional clipper.

The new 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip® has everything you love about the Magic Clip® – blades that blend hair seamlessly and an ultra-lightweight feel that’s comfortable to hold all day. Plus, features that take it to the next level, including a more powerful motor, blades that stay cooler thanks to new titanium and DLC coatings, plus a sleek new gold finish that’s complimented by an included matching premium, weighted charge stand and a full set of premium cutting guides with metal clips.

“There’s nothing else like this on the market,” says Wahl Professional Educator Garland “G-Whiz” Fox (@thisisgwhizwahlclippers). “The way it cuts. The way it looks. The way it feels in your hand.”

Power Meets Pizazz

You can’t help but stare at how these clippers look in the light. And barbers and stylists who use them can’t help but notice the difference.

The stronger motor cuts through thick, wet, and textured hair easier than ever, and yet the new blade surface stays cooler than ever.

“These titanium and DLC coatings reduce the friction of the blades’ surface,” said Fox. “So, even though the blades are rubbing together faster, they stay cool.”

These DLC blades also stay sharper longer and resist corrosion, all while barely making a sound.

“Smooth and silent,” says Fox. “It’s a cutting experience on a different level.”

Full Package

The Wahl 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip comes with:

• Lightweight, ergonomic design that’s comfortable to hold all day
• Patented stagger-tooth™ blades with titanium and DLC coatings
• Matching gold and black premium, weighted charging stand
• 8 patented premium cutting guides with metal clips
• Long-lasting, lithium-ion battery
• New gold color

Barbers and stylists who have the golden touch—and want a clipper to match—can purchase the 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip beginning August 15^th for $229 at wahlpro.com or by visiting their local distributor.

Earlier this month Denman CEO Kevin McNamee attended the FIA World Rally Championship in Finland to present the Toyota team with their very own bespoke brush. The unique brush design was fully wrapped using specialised High-Definition Micro Fusion technology. The brand-new technology from Denman is energy efficient and environmentally friendly and delivers a premium, textured finish by infusing the print into the body and handle of the brush with recyclable films and water-based inks. The new Deluxe range from Denman will carry designs using this new technology.

“Denman is committed to continually developing new products and supporting creativity. Demand from the market led our team to look for new techniques in brush decoration. Our customers, hairdressers, barbers and beauty professionals have high expectations in terms of design and appearance. Using specialised High-Definition Micro Fusion technology, this new process incorporates full-wrap designs to offer a premium, textured finish. Investing in this new machinery allows us to react quickly to the creative wishes of the market and offer innovative personalisation on demand,” says Denman CEO Kevin McNamee.

The new print technology is scratch resistant and currently available for Denman D3, D90L, D83, D38, D81 and D82 tools.

BOOKSY EXPLAINS HOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY.

Booksy, the leader in booking and business technology for the beauty industry, knows that an unfortunate business reality for beauty professional is client no-shows or cancellations at the very last minute. These can have a significant impact on income and leave gaps in schedules that cannot be filled.

Booksy has a tool to help service providers reduce the angst and occurrences of no-shows and reduce the impact of client cancellations easily.

Through Booksy’s No-Show Protection feature, service providers can charge clients a percentage of a service upfront or apply a cancellation fee in case of a no-show or last-minute cancellation. Booksy’s research shows that clients are more likely to commit to an appointment after a payment has been made upfront, or if they know that last minute cancellations will result in a fee. Prepayments and Cancellation Fees are two effective and easy ways that business owners can keep their revenue stream and reduce the frequency of cancellations.

After a month of No-Show Protection settings being implemented, business owners who use Booksy saw a 20% decrease in cancellations!

How simple is this?

1. When a service provider sets up Prepayments on the Booksy app, a client will be prompted to make a payment upfront. That payment can be the partial price of the service the client is receiving, or it can be the full amount – it’s up to the provider. When the appointment is completed and the client is checked out, the Prepayment will be deducted from their total. If the client does not show, business owners keep the Prepayment.

• When Cancellation Fees are activated on the Booksy app, a clients will be prompted to put their credit card on file when they begin to schedule an appointment through Booksy. If a client cancels at the last minute or does not show up to their appointment, service providers have the option of either automatically or manually processing the fee or waiving the charge. When setting up Cancellation Fees, a service provider can choose how many days or hours in advance a client must cancel to avoid being charged a fee. Additionally, providers can write a customized message about their Cancellation Policy, which will be clearly published on their Booksy profile.

Protect your time and your bottom line using Booksy’s No-Show Protection. Download the Booksy Biz mobile app or visit Booksy.com/biz to learn more.

The latest NHBF State of the Industry survey findings show that, after a long, hard two years, the sector is finally showing again the more positive signs of recovery and levels of business confidence that we first saw in September 2021. However, the sector is still in a fragile place within a ‘perfect storm’ of rising staff costs, energy prices and supply price inflation, and so the NHBF is calling on governments across the UK to continue to support the industry’s recovery. 

Hair & beauty businesses endured a difficult winter and slower than expected spring, partly due to the emergence of multiple Omicron COVID 19 variants which led to staff shortages plus client absences due to both illness and fear. This interrupted the initial recovery that businesses had reported in September 2021. 

The NHBF State of the Industry survey, which took place between 27 June and 8 July this year, shows businesses feeling more confident as they travel on the path to business as usual. The survey shows:

• 44% of businesses are now making a small or good profit (up from 30% in April). 36% are breaking even. However, one fifth of businesses (20%,down from 27%) are still making a small or substantial loss.
• Raising prices is now a consistent trend; 62% raised their prices over the last three months (up from 43% in April). A further 51% will do so over the next three months (down from 58% in April).
• Reliance on external support has reached its lowest point over the last two years but is still high at 50% of businesses (down from 58% in April) that are either partially or completely reliant on Government support.

Staffing, recruitment and apprentices

• Recruitment intentions are showing slight improvements; in the next three months, 27% are definitely or likely to take on new staff (up from 17% in April).
• Over the last three months, 17% have cut back on apprentices (similar to 16% in April). More positively, one fifth (21%,doubled from 9% in April) were definitely or likely to take on apprentices in the next three months.

Richard Lambert, chief executive of the NHBF says, “It’s encouraging to see that two thirds (64%) of businesses are now confident of their survival which is up from 57% in April. But that still leaves a significant third (31%) who are not sure that they will survive until the end of the year. 

This means that the measures that we have been asking governments across the UK to address – from continued support on business rates to more employer incentives to hire apprentice – are still vitally important to help this 31% survive and all other hair & beauty businesses continue to grow.”

He continues, “With continued support from each national Government, further UK government support into the autumn and incentives for apprenticeships, we are confident that the personal care sector will play an important role in the UK’s sustainable economic recovery, the future of thriving high streets and community wellbeing.”

The full list of what the NHBF have been asking UK and nations’ governments for is:

• An increase in the 50% discount on business rates for 2022-23 in England and further discounts in the other nations; in addition to flexibility on repayments of CBILS (Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme) and bounce back loans to offer much needed support to those suffering financial hardship.
• The reintroduction of the Job Retention Bonus (£1000 per eligible employee) through to the autumn of 2022 to sustain jobs and businesses and restraint on further increases to the National Minimum Wage and apprenticeship rate until the recovery is more stable.
• More attractive apprenticeship incentives to employers, focusing on the development of affordable apprenticeship schemes specifically for small businesses. In particular, to make it financially viable for them to recruit and retain apprentices. Most important is to find ways to fund the gap between the apprentice wage and minimum wage for apprentices aged 19+, which is currently difficult for businesses to afford.
• Asking the Low Pay Commission, who are advising the Government on rises to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) in 2023/24 to look at slowing down the introduction of wage rises. This is help businesses through a predicted difficult few months of rising business costs, ensuring they protect their business and their employees’ jobs.

• Government to lead a crack-down on those businesses in our sector who avoid paying tax and so are driving down prices and damaging legitimate businesses already under pressure.

As the world’s #1 booking platform, Fresha continues to lead software innovation and introduce advanced features for hair, beauty, barbering and wellness businesses.

With partners involved in shaping their software experience with Fresha, by requesting the tools and features they need to run their businesses even more efficiently, Fresha has listened and responded by introducing six new automated text notifications. From rescheduled and cancelled appointments to thank you messages, salons can now keep their clients informed like never before.

Making sure clients receive up-to-date information about their appointment while avoiding no-shows and late cancellations is important to keep clients happy, and protect businesses from potential loss. In addition to Fresha’s existing appointment reminder text message, these six new text notifications are now available to Fresha partners.

Appointment confirmation

Send clients an appointment confirmation once they’ve made a booking online or in-store. This important step lets clients know all the important details about the appointment they’ve just made, such as the date, time and address.

Appointment reminders

Enabling reminders for upcoming appointments ensures clients remember their appointment, which also helps to reduce no-shows and cancellations! Salons simply decide what time the reminder goes out, whether it’s one or two hours, or one or two days before.

Rescheduled appointments

If an appointment needs to be rescheduled, partners can send an automated text message to confirm this. Salons will also be able to include any updated information regarding their appointment.

Cancelled appointments

Appointment cancellations are less than ideal, but they do happen. Whether the salon or the client needs to cancel their appointment, a text message can now be sent to confirm the cancellation. If the client cancels, they will also receive information about any late cancellation fees that may apply.

No-shows

What’s worse than a cancellation? A no-show. If a client misses an appointment, businesses can now automate a text message to let them know, along with information about the fees they’ve incurred for not arriving at their appointment.

Say thank you!

As well as helping partners to manage issues, Fresha’s improved text message feature gives salons the option to send a ‘Thank you for visiting’ message once the client has completed their treatment and checked out. At this stage they’ll be prompted to rate and review the salon, and they’ll be given the option to leave a tip. If they do add a tip, businesses can also set up an automated text to thank them for that too.

For more information about this new feature announcement, read our latest blog here https://blog.fresha.com/automated-texts-fresha   

To join Fresha free, visit https://www.fresha.com/for-business  

Two years ago today, shops across the United States begun to reopen after a lengthy lockdown due to the Pandemic, BarberEVO worked with Gillette on keeping your clients, your staff, and yourselves safe.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be a major investment and Gillette wanted to do its part for the barber community by providing equipment that helped better protect those of you who were just getting back at work, along with your valued clients.

To help keep the barber community safe as shops were reopening, BarberEVO teamed up with Gillette to donate 20,000 protective face shields to barbers across the United States.

This was part of a larger relief effort to support workers, relief agencies and communities on the front lines of the pandemic. To date, Gillette has produced and donated more than 300,000 face shields for health care workers in response to the needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lots of barbers across the US received their face shields and sent out their gratitude online:

“Shoutout to @Gillette for sponsoring our sweet new face shields! Shaves and facials have never been safer!”

Prodigy Salon// @prodigysalon

“The Gillette face shields are great…Our clients love them and it gives them peace of mind to come in the shop to get a haircut – thank you!”

Marcus Williams// Marc Republic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“#Salute to BarberEVO & Gillette for donating these face shields to barbers!”

Sipp the Surgeon// The Art of Barbering, Grand Prairie, Texas.

“The face shields help me out so much by protecting my clients and I from spreading anything around. Knowing I’m protected allows me to be at peace when cutting, I’m not so worried about the virus and I can focus on the haircut and taking care of my clients.”

Josue Morales// Sway Styles, Detroit, Michigan.

“We love the new Gillette face shields! They’re super light and comfortable. Not only are they providing important extra protection for all the barbers, but our clients also appreciate them because it shows we’re taking their safety seriously as well.”

Erik Zaiatz// Bostonian Barbershop, Boston, Massachusetts.

Denman’s annual Stage Star UK & Ireland 2022 Competition has now launched and the search is on for the newest exciting hair platform artist. The competition is now in its seventh year and welcomes hair professionals seeking to boost their careers, build their profiles and find their chance to shine. It’s the perfect competition for stylists that stand out from the crowd, have the passion and skill to make an impact but have been waiting for their opportunity to share their creative vision and techniques in front of a live audience.

The winner will receive:

-A shoot with award winning photographer Des Murray.

-A year of education and creative guidance from world leading academy Allilon plus one-to-one sessions with Denman Ambassadors!

-The opportunity to work with the Denman team on their creative shoots, attend prestigious industry events and gala dinners, work on product development and of course receive a comprehensive set of all Denman products and tools!

The four shortlisted finalists will get the chance to showcase their skills live on the Main Stage at this year’s Salon International in October in front of a panel of industry experts and a packed live audience. The finalists will need to demonstrate the preparation, skills, stage presence, creativity and the Denman product knowledge to warrant being crowned Denman Stage Star 2022. PLUS this year the competition is global as our UK finalists will be joined on stage by the STAGE STAR USA winner.

James Forte winner of last year’s competition says “Since I’ve won Stage Star my career has skyrocketed. I have had VIP access to prestigious industry events, attended multiple photo shoots, and received fantastic mentoring and training. My shoot with Des Murray has also finalised in the Newcomer of the year category of the British Hairdressing Awards! Denman has taken me under their wing and taken amazing care of me. I couldn’t recommend the competition highly enough. Just give it a shot!”

How to enter?

Entering Denman Stage Star 2022 is simple and can be done online using your laptop, tablet or smart phone.

Enter now with three easy steps:
1. Send Denman your social media links
2. Create a 2-minute video explaining why you should be the next Stage Star Winner.

Optional:
3. Send Denman your portfolio or website if you would like to provide additional examples of your work

STAGE STAR closes on August 26th!

Send all entries to stagestar@denmanbrush.com.