On the PIVOT POINT LAB platform, entitled Skills Zone, can be accessed by NHBF members anytime, anywhere via their phone, tablet or laptop. 

Skills Zone will host a series of easy-to-follow guidelines and lessons in line with the NHBF Professional Code of Conduct. 

Lessons include:

• Understanding qualifications and training requirements
• Being clear on Health & Safety
• Understanding consultation and allergy alerts
• How to manage advertising, promotions and pricing
• Understanding pay and tips

Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive said: “Running a hair or beauty salon or barbershop business can feel very complicated, with lots of things that need to be in place to allow professionals to concentrate on building a client base. 

“The launch of the Skills Zone, which can be found in the Member Benefits area on NHBF.co.uk, offers free access to the NHBF School on PIVOT POINT LAB. LAB provides newly developed professional standards resources to master the knowledge required to protect your clients and your business.”

Janet Coates, PIVOT POINT LAB, Customer Experience & Engagement manager said: “Point LAB is a great platform to provide online educational support to the NHBF Members in the most modern and easily accessible way”.

Resources are easily accessible via your phone or tablet and will be key in helping your business grow, so ensure its future success by signing up online to the new NHBF Skills Zone.

To find out more about Pivot Point and stay connected visit:

Website: pivotpoint.co.uk

Facebook: facebook.com/PivotPointUK

Instagram: @pivot_point_uk

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Image Awards are back for 2022! The most anticipated awards in the hairdressing calendar sees hairdressers and barbers across the UK recognised for their innovation, inspiration and beautiful imagery.

Some of the most iconic hairdressers have won the award, including Nicky Clarke, Anthony Mascolo and Errol Douglas MBE. Now, the categories are open for entry, inviting hairdressers from across the UK – and internationally – to enter the awards with the stunning images they create. 

For 2022, images must be from 30 May 2021-30 September 2022 and rather than uploaded onto Instagram as in previous years, there is a special private entry portal. Closing date is 30 September, judging is totally anonymous, and the winner will be announced at the Fellowship Luncheon & Awards on 5 December.

Also launching for 2022 are the Art & Commerce Awards, previously known as the Business Awards, with two new categories.

Fellowship Image 

The ultimate award – an image that showcases the professionalism, passion and skills from British hairdressing. 

2021 winner – Casey Coleman, Chair Salon

Afro Image 

An image that captures all textured hair, curls and coils, taken in a professional environment.

2021 winner – Emma Simmons, Salon 54

Colour Image 

A stunning professional image puts hair colour at the heart of the image. 

2021 winner – Jonathan Turner, Hooker & Young 

Men’s Image 

An outstanding image from a professional collection, or an individual shot taken in a professional environment. 

2021 winner – Charlie Cullen, Joe and Co 

Snapshot Image 

Whether it’s a client, a friend or non-professional model, this hair photo showcases your work outside of the photographic studio. 

2021 winner – Efi Davies, TONI&GUY

International Image 

If you are based outside the UK, this is the category for you! 

2021 winner – Jacky Chan, Oscar Oscar Salons

Art & Commerce Awards 

Individual Salon Award

Recognising the very best individual salons in the UK.

2021 winner – Karoliina Saunders

Salon Group Award

Open to independent salons, or those that are part of a group or a franchise with two or more salons.

2021 winner – Blushes Collective

NEW! Session Hair Stylist of the Year 

Aimed at those who work in the fashion world, from behind the scenes at fashion weeks to working won international brand campaigns and high-profile celebrity photoshoots. 

NEW! Educator of the Year

Aimed at individuals or teams providing hairdressing education, including colleges, private academies, in-salon educators and freelancers.

NEW! Hall of F.A.M.E. Award

Open to all former members of the F.A.M.E. Team, share your unique stories of success after being part of the mentoring programme 

Closing date is 30 September, visit the website for all the details https://fellowshiphair.com/awards-1/2022-fellowship-luncheon-hair-awards

Booksy presents a game changing night full of inspiration and entertainment for you and your salon, barber, or beauty business!

Meet fellow entrepreneurs from in and around Sheffield for a night of entertainment, masterclasses and advice on how to not only survive, but thrive and get to the top of your industry. The event is hosted by Booksy UK and is free to attend for Hairdressers, Barbers, Beauty, Nail & Lash businesses.

What you can expect on the night

• A masterclass in hairdressing and barbering from Alan Beak and Pedro Plastics 
• Tips on how to protect and grow your revenue from Alice McNails
• Access to exclusive offers and incentives from Booksy and partners
• Three-course meal and drinks
• Industry networking opportunities
• Quality entertainment

Please note this is a private event for the beauty industry for hairdressers, nail/lash salons and barbers. Dress code is smart/casual and please bring ID with you on the evening. If you’d like to bring an industry guest they will need to make sure that they register for their ticket.

Date and time

Mon, 19 September 2022

18:00 – 22:00 BST

Location

Crowne Plaza Royal Victoria Sheffield

Victoria Station Road

Sheffield

S4 7YE

• 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.” 

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.

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.