The hair & beauty sector is once again at the frontline of the impact of the current economic instability, with a drop in the proportion of businesses saying that they are confident of their survival at 49%, down from 64% in July, as reported in the results from the latest National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) State of the Industry survey. 

These businesses have battled through the last two years and seen two periods of initial recovery in September 2021 and July 2022, but this latest set of results shows the fragility of the recovery.

Escalating energy costs, business supplier and staff costs have brought growth to a screeching halt. Sector businesses find themselves once again dealing with a set of survival challenges. Declining consumer confidence has meant that a sense of uncertainty has replaced the signs of recovery that we saw in July.

While the proportion of businesses making a loss has not increased, fewer businesses are making a profit with 35%, down from 44% in July, and there has been a corresponding increase in those who are breaking even at 46%, up from 36% in July.

The general trend towards increasing prices continues. 51% of businesses raised their prices over the last three months (although this was down from 62% in July). A further 65% (up from 51% in July) will do so over the next three months.

Reliance on external support has increased again, with 74% of businesses either partially or completely reliant on Government support, which is up from 50% in July, although not quite as high as January’s 81%. Unsurprisingly in the current climate, 77% are paying more for energy than they were six months ago. For half of businesses, energy costs have increased by 40% or more.

Debt levels are rising again, with 54% of businesses in debt, back to levels last seen in January. 42% of businesses in debt report that the amount of debt they are carrying has increased. 58% believe it will take them more than two years to clear.

Richard Lambert, chief executive of the NHBF says, “Many hair & beauty businesses are teetering on the edge of survival. A range of indicators including business activity, rising prices, rising debt, reliance on government support, uncertainty around survival and a dip in growth aspirations all signal shift towards a more negative outlook over the summer.

Businesses have benefitted from an array of support from the UK and devolved governments over the last two years, most recently in the form of the Energy Price Guarantee. However, further support will be needed through the winter and beyond and we are talking to the Government about how best to address this.”

The economic impact is having an obvious knock-on effect on staffing, recruitment, and apprentices. Recruitment intentions have dipped slightly and are less optimistic for the future. In the next three months, only 12% of the survey respondents are definitely, or likely to take on new staff (down from 27% in July). Over the last three months, 25% have cut back on apprentices (up from 17% in July). In a slight dip, only 9% were definitely or likely to take on apprentices in the next three months.

nhbfsocial

NHBF

Supporting the local community is a continuous goal for Denman International. Earlier this month Denman partnered with Annandale Men’s Hockey Club in South Belfast to help launch expansion of their landmark Schools Outreach Programme. Denman Chairman, Dr John Rainey MBE has long had ties to the club from his hockey playing days and was delighted to donate £2000 to fund opportunities for children that might not otherwise be able to afford to play the sport. The donation is part of Denman’s consistent and purposeful CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategywhich seeks ways to do good for the community, the environment and the industry. 

Speaking at the launch, Club Chairman John Stephens said ‘This program is all about bringing the sport of hockey to schools who would not otherwise have the opportunity to play it. The programme has proven very popular in introducing hockey to children in a fun setting. We are indebted to Denman and Belfast City council without whose support this expansion would not be possible.’

Dr John F. Rainey MBE, Chairman of Denman and the Denroy Group added ‘Sport is a great way for children to exercise and the kids really enjoy it. The work that Annadale is doing with these schools is absolutely fabulous and long may we continue to support this.”

Image: Teachers and pupils from Knockbreda Primary School, Dr John Rainey MBE Denman Chairman and Annandale Hockey Club Chairman John Stephens. 

Booksy, the leader in booking and business technology for the beauty industry, is honored to be the recipient of five awards by The Startup Weekly! This year’s awards attracted a record number of applications across different categories in the United States, and the winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of top executives, founders, investors, and industry experts.

The five The Startup Weekly awards Booksy is a proud recipient of are: 2022 Customer’s Choice, 2022 Software Companies to Watch, 2022 Diverse & Inclusive Employer, 2022 Exceptional Workplace, and 2022 Founder’s to Watch.     

Booksy was awarded The Startup Weekly’s 2022 Customer’s Choice award, which is awarded to companies that have demonstrated a commitment to customer satisfaction. Booksy’s user-friendly mobile app allows their over 15 million users across the globe to book anytime, anywhere with beauty professionals in their area.  

As Booksy’s software continues to advance, they were very proud to be recognized as one of the 2022 Software Companies to Watch! The companies in this category were evaluated based on growth, strength of the technology product or service, impact on the industry, and commitment to customer success.

Booksy is committed to their users, but they are also committed to creating an exceptional and diverse employee culture are proud to be awarded with The Startup Weekly’s 2022 Diverse & Inclusive Employer award and the 2022 Exceptional Workplace award! The companies in this category were evaluated based on a combination of employee survey results, proprietary fact sheets, online and offline reviews, and industry recognition.

Finally, The Startup Weekly presented Booksy with the 2022 Founder’s to Watch award! Recipients demonstrated distinct entrepreneurial excellence in building and growing businesses throughout the year. The final awards list was based on personal achievements, professional success, and contributions to the business community at large. 

Download the Booksy mobile app for free or visit Booksy.com to learn more.

ABOUT BOOKSY:

Booksy is a cloud-based appointment booking solution for hairstylists, colorists, barbers, nail artists, estheticians, massage therapists, salons, barbershops, spas and more. It offers appointment scheduling, calendar management, online payments, and a suite of marketing management functionalities. Android and iPhone apps supported. Booksy features two mobile applications: Booksy Biz for businesses and Booksy Lite geared more for independent professional plus a Booksy app for clients.

ABOUT THE STARTUP WEEKLY: 

The Startup Weekly is a leading independent source of news, insights, interviews, and awards for business builders across all sectors of the economy. The company’s media contributors include founders, business executives, investors, and other thought leaders. The Startup Weekly is committed to establishing a community for those pursuing entrepreneurial excellence. For more information, visit: http://www.thestartupweekly.com

Back by popular demand, the Hair and Beauty Charity Pub Quiz is returning for a second round, taking place simultaneously in Brighton, Edinburgh, Leeds and London, on Wednesday 19th October.

Hosted by the Hair and Beauty Charity, the pub quiz puts a new spin on testing your hair and beauty mastery. For one night only, put down your baffling colour correction formulas and brush up on your knowledge of the most iconic moments in hair and beauty.

Categories will include: a hairy music video photo round; a delve into your hair and beauty general knowledge; name that iconic movie makeover; celebrity hair and beauty; and who said that – a brain-teasing round of famous quotes. The lucky winners on the night will receive a round of drinks for their team – and the glory of knowing they’re the ultimate hair and beauty champs.

The bid to become the ultimate hair and beauty knowledge champions isn’t just for hair and beauty professionals either; press, PRs and non-industry contacts, friends and family are all very welcome to come and battle it out. All you need to enter is a team of no more than six – larger groups are asked to split into smaller teams. 

Tickets are priced at £15 per person, with every penny going directly to the Hair and Beauty Charity, who are dedicated to helping the lives of those in our industries who have fallen on hard times. Between the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and the shocking rise in reports of domestic abuse, the charity needs your help now more than ever.

Tickets are available to buy from hbpubquiz.eventbrite.co.uk

Follow @HBCharityUK on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter

Brighton:

The Walrus, 10 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AD

Edinburgh:

The Voodoo Rooms, 19a W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA

Leeds:

The Adelphi, 1-3 Hunslet Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JQ

London:

The Bowler, 28-32 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0BJ

Calling all curly, coily, wavy and tight textures! Keratin Complex, the professional salon industry leader in professional smoothing treatments, hair color, haircare, and styling ranges, has just launched their new leave-in conditioner specifically designed for all kinds of curl patterns. Did you know that keratin does not necessarily equal straighter, smoother hair? Signature Keratin strengthens hair and delivers healthy, beautiful results to all hair types and textures. Keratin Complex is proving this through their newest addition to the KCTEXTUREcollection.     

Introducing KCTEXTURE^® Leave-in Conditioner! The Keratin Complex KCTEXTURE is all about supporting beautiful, healthy curls every day with products designed to deliver amped up hydration and definition! 

Stylists and clients will love KCTEXTURE^® Leave-in Conditioner as this lightweight, ultra-hydrating leave-in conditioner restores curls and locks in moisture while adding curl definition, softness, and shine. Featuring a proprietary blend of Signature Keratin, coconut and watermelon seed oils, and soy and barley proteins, this hydrating leave-in strengthens and moisturizes, and while it’s designed specifically for curls, it can also be used on all hair fabrics. 

Give hair the ultimate boost of hydration with this best-in-class curl care. Prevent dry or frizzy curls with this all-new, versatile leave-in designed to seal in moisture to every curl while also helping to soften, detangle and protect the hair. It also helps deliver soft curl pattern definition.

Curly hair can be more prone to frizz, but this hair revitalizer reduces frizz and flyaways while improving elasticity. Use it on dry or damp hair to prep for protective or natural styling by spraying and distributing throughout hair, focusing on mid-shafts and ends, then style as desired. Or use it for finishing or refreshing a style by applying a small amount to hairline or throughout style to tame and control unruly dry hair. 

KCTEXTURE^® Leave-in Conditioner is an esssential part of the aftercare of KCTEXTURE^®Curl Enhancing Keratin System—the first-ever keratin treatment created for all curl levels that requires NO HEAT! It enhances and defines curly, coily and tight textures while restoring essential moisture to the hair. This treatment preserves all curl patterns, adds softness and shine and lasts up to 3 months!

KCTEXTURE^® Leave-in Conditioner is designed to maintain the results of the KCTEXTURE^®.  treatment and is the perfect addition to every curly hair regimen!

Keratin Complex products can be found at your local professional beauty distributor, SalonCentric or online at www.keratincomplex.com

ABOUT KERATIN COMPLEX

Keratin Complex, a leading full-service professional beauty manufacturer, was founded in 2007 and quickly gained national and international recognition thanks to its revolutionary keratin smoothing treatments. Keratin Complex realized that the key to creating an innovative treatment that was both gentle and effective lay in harnessing the power of keratin, an essential hair protein that delivers incredible benefits, all without breaking the bonds of the hair. Since its launch, Keratin Complex has introduced a number of ground-breaking products, including KCMAX – the company’s strongest, straightest smoothing treatment yet.

The world’s #1 booking platform launches its new partner referral initiative

Fresha continues to lead innovation by introducing advanced software features for hair, beauty, barbering and wellness businesses – with no subscription fee. In the latest of a series of new releases, Fresha has launched a referral program to reward existing Fresha businesses when they invite another business to their all-in-one platform.

The beauty and wellness industry is built on personal relationships, with recommendations between business owners being the most trusted way to share and discover leading products, platforms and trends. Loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations have played a large part to Fresha’s success as the most trusted platform in the industry and now businesses can earn Fresha credits when they recommend a friend to the platform.

Unlike other software, with Fresha there’s no contract and no subscription fee. Fresha manages bookings, scheduling and point-of- sale, all within one platform, for free.

Their optional paid features can be turned on and off at any time. These include low-cost payment processing, marketing features, and attracting new clients from the online marketplace.

Fresha has helped over 80,000 business owners elevate their salons, spas and barbershops to the next level. Word of mouth recommendations between business owners have been essential to shaping Fresha’s growth.

“Our partners are at the centre of everything we do at Fresha. We love to hear how much they enjoy using the software, and appreciate their recommendations as our strongest form of marketing.” says Leith Matthews, Head of Partnerships. “With our latest update, we are able to recognise and reward our partner’s endorsements and referrals of Fresha” 

The referral program rewards Fresha credits to both the new business being referred and the business making the introduction.

In keeping with Fresha’s reputation for simple and intuitive features, this new initiative is easy to implement – simply send an invite link and Fresha does the rest!

“The Fresha platform takes care of it all for you: from bookings, to payments and product orders, to promotions and client engagement, all in the smoothest way possible. We’re really excited to now be able to reward our partners when they share their positive experience with friends and other business owners.” says Leith Matthews, Head of Partnerships.

For more information about this new feature announcement, read our latest blog here https://blog.fresha.com/get-rewarded-for-recommending-fresha

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

Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Project Men had the amazing opportunity to visit the HQ of Captain Fawcett and spend the day with the team.

Captain Fawcett is one of the Project’s Brand Partners, with a heritage that harks back to 1905. Richie Finney, Captain Fawcett’s founder started the day, with an introduction about the brand. The team then had a tour of the Emporium to see all the barbering memorabilia on display. Then the team were taken through the various ranges of Captain Fawcett’s products, with by a demonstration from in internationally renowned barber Sid Sottung. The team were talked through the latest cutting techniques and product know-how to take back to their own businesses. Matakki Scissors, who are also a Brand Partner alongside Wahl and Barber Connect, was also present throughout the day. 

Matakki Scissors Director, Emma Curd said: “I absolutely loved the day with the team at Captain Fawcett.  I think this was one of my favourite Project Men days so far. The museum was so fascinating.”

Project Men member Alex Burt added: “Such impeccable hospitality and a fascinating tour of the headquarters. I was totally blown away by it all and can’t wait to try out the products.”

PROJECT: MEN TEAM LEADER: Simon Shaw

PROJECT: MEN TEAM MEMBERS:

Alex Burt – Teddy Edwards Cutting Rooms  

Emma Simmons – Salon 54

Sophie Fedoriw – Safy B’s

George Smith – Toni&Guy

Tammy Reynolds – Tammy Reynolds for Hair

Leanne Jones – Leanne Jones Hair Studio

Janene Hawkins Bush – Sir & Co Barbers

Blayre Turnbull – Urban Hair & Beauty

Scott Musgrove – Scott Musgrove Hair

Ian Young – Pompadour

Roisin Murphy – Hairven Salon Group

Lucy Melvin – Diamond Appearance

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For more information:

Instagram: @fellowshiphair

Call: 01295 724579  

Visit: www.fellowshiphair.com

Note: The Fellowship for British Hairdressing was founded in 1946 as the Fellowship of Hair Artists of Great Britain and over the years has grown in stature and now covers many areas of the professional hairdressing industry. The independent, non-political organisation is run by our members, focusing on promoting artistic and creative quality, and providing support for future hairdressing talent keen to make their own mark in the industry. All the projects are designed to nurture sills and provide a career pathway – ClubStar, PROJECT: X, PROJECT: Colour and PROJECT: Men and the coveted F.A.M.E. Team.  

As inflation across the U.K. remains at record highs, with reports earlier this year revealing prices rising at the fastest pace in 40 years, Vagaro seeks to lessen the burden of maintaining business operations and financial woes on small business owners during this time. 

Vagaro, the leading comprehensive business management platform for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries, is offering generous service options to small businesses in the U.K.

Realizing many owners are currently facing unavoidable cost increases in expenses such as wages, electricity, and supplies, the software company is providing relief for businesses by offering its most popular add-on features such as Xero integration, online store, and website builder, at no additional cost to the base price.  

These tools all have a proven history of increasing sales and revenue for users, which can greatly benefit businesses especially during these trying times.  

Additionally, Vagaro aims to help business owners find more breathing room by offering a low payment processing fee of just 1.29% + £0.20.  VP of Marketing, Charity Hudnall, says, “Cultivating strong relationships with our customers by truly putting them first is the strongest pillar in our company’s culture.  

Listening to their needs, especially during trying times, and responding not only with a solution, but a helping hand along the way, is ingrained in the way our entire team operates.  

When our customers succeed, we succeed, and our relationships are strengthened.”  

This is not the first time Vagaro has implemented relief for small businesses during uncertain economic circumstances. In 2020, the company previously offered its services to users completely free of charge due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  

Small business owners not currently on Vagaro who are looking to try a new software to help manage and automate their tasks can also currently sign up for an extended, 30-day free trial.   

About Vagaro 

Vagaro, Inc. is the leading business management and payment processing platform, and online marketplace for the beauty, fitness, and wellness industries. Service professionals in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia use Vagaro to manage, market and grow their business. Consumers choose Vagaro to search for and book wellness services on any device. To learn more, visit https://sales.vagaro.co.uk/ or https://vagaro.com.  

New, cooler blades paired with a powerful motor provide dazzling performance while the new gold finish dazzles the eye. 

Wahl Professional continues to upgrade the performance and look of their 5 Star product line with the release of the Gold Cordless Detailer® Li trimmer. 

The NEW 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li takes everything that barbers and stylists love about the 5 Star Cordless Detailer® Li and makes it even better. Wahl’s latest tool improves upon their world-renowned, extremely close-cutting, adjustable T-Wide blade made from high-carbon steel by upgrading the blade to add NEW titanium and DLC coatings. These stronger blades stay cooler, resist corrosion and are perfect for detailing and fine-line trimming. The 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li also comes with a powerful, full-size clipper motor that creates crisp, clean lines with one hit precision. Every 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li includes a premium weighted charge stand designed for small workspaces.

“The new 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li is flashy, but in terms of performance it’s absolute fire,” says Wahl Professional Educator Garland “G-Whiz” Fox (@thisisgwhizwahlclippers). “When I see those gold and black tools at my station, I know I’m ready to cut some clean lines.”

Cool Look, Cool Blades

Wahl knows the artists who upgrade to the new Gold line of 5 Star products appreciate the flashy appearance but care even more about performance. Now professionals can match the power and polish of the 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip® with the new 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li.

The adjustable T-wide blades are made of high carbon steel with titanium and DLC coatings. This allows for corrosion and heat resistant blades that stay cooler – even when close to the scalp. Blades can adjust to zero-gap for extremely close trimming, detailing and clean, crisp lines on hair of any texture or thickness. A pro-set tool that easily and accurately sets the blades to zero-gap is included with the purchase of the Gold Cordless Detailer® Li.

Professionals will also enjoy the powerful motor of a full-sized clipper with the convenience of a cordless detailer, designed to work for 100 minutes before its Lithium Ion (Li) battery needs to be charged. They can plug it in and keep cutting or use the included premium, weighted charging stand. 

Now that he’s been impressed by the new 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip®, “G-Whiz” Fox knows it’s time to upgrade to the 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li as well. “I’m sold on the black and gold,” he says. “My tools have to look as good as my cuts.”

Full Package

The Wahl 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li comes with:

• Adjustable T-wide blade with titanium and DLC coatings
• 3 guide combs (1/16”- 3/16”)
• Long-lasting, lithium-ion battery
• Matching gold and black premium, weighted charging stand
• Pro-set tool to easily, accurately zero-gap blades
• Pre-shave brush, oil, cleaning brush, and red blade guard
• Power cord, which can be used for both detailer and charging stand

Barbers and stylists can purchase the 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer® Li beginning in October for $189 atwahlpro.com or by visiting their local Wahl Professional distributor.

Booksy, the leader in booking and business technology for the beauty industry, is honored to be the recipient of the 2022 Exceptional Workplace Award by The Startup Weekly! The Startup Weekly presents the Exceptional Workplace Award to companies that have demonstrated a high level of commitment to employee satisfaction and engagement. 

This year’s Exceptional Workplace Award attracted a record number of applications across company stages in the United States. The winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of top executives, founders, investors, and industry experts. The companies were evaluated based on a combination of employee survey results, online and offline reviews, and industry recognition.   

“This year’s award recipients have gone above and beyond to drive workplace satisfaction and excellence. The judging panel was thoroughly impressed with all the awardees,” said Peter Justin, Managing Editor of The Startup Weekly.

“We are delighted and proud to have been given this award by The Startup Weekly and we thank them for this recognition. This truly underscores our core values as a company to provide an outstanding workplace for our talented team members who are the lifeblood of the organization,” commented Dee Hadley, Head of Marketing, Booksy US.

Booksy is a cloud-based app that connects over 15 million customers to thousands of beauty industry service providers around the globe. Booksy users enjoy the ability to easily book their own appointments with beauty providers in their area, and Booksy Biz allows beauty professionals to better manage all aspects of their business in one place, while also taking advantage of online marketing tools to promote their business and track growth. While Booksy partners with all their users, they also take pride in creating an exceptional workplace culture for their employees.  

Download the Booksy app to book appointments anytime, from anywhere. For business owners, consider Booksy Biz your personal assistant available via mobile, tablet, or web. Learn more at Booksy.com/biz.