FEATURING BOOKSY AMBASSADORS ALFREDO LEWIS AND PHILIP WOLFF

Booksy is delighted to announce their sponsorship of the Total Look Community’s Balayage & Shags Tour 2022, featuring noted professional beauty leaders and Booksy Ambassadors, Alfredo Lewis and Philip Wolff! During this 9-city tour that kicks off in September 2022 and runs through 2023, the creative and inspirational duo will be delivering a completely new, interactive educational experience that includes in-person demos of their signature techniques and styles, secrets on how they create Total Looks, opportunities for VIP business and social coaching, “hands-in” immersive training plus state-of-the-art, online “PRE-Digital Education Kit and POST Digital Education Review’. 

“Philip and I had been talking about doing a tour together for a few years but wanted to deliver something unique and fresh that we felt would really uplift the industry. As hairstylists, we crave a real connection, and we all need that in-person experience. So many beauty professionals were hit so hard during Covid and we were more determined than ever to do this tour! We also don’t see a lot of people doing both cutting and color education in one class and wanted to bring extra value,” commented Alfredo Lewis.

Philip Wolff agrees wholeheartedly with Alfredo and is delighted to be able to bring this tour to life.

“I truly believe ongoing education is, and forever will be, such a huge part of personal growth in this industry. As the world evolves, so does fashion and style. Alfredo and I wanted to offer both real world foundational education, as well as current trend color and cutting techniques to create the “Total Look” for clients/future clients.”

Why Booksy? “I was looking for an app that could help optimize my time in a very unique way.  Because I work in multiple places constantly, I honestly didn’t think something that could support me in a meaningful way existed until I came across Booksy through a friend.  I was a little hesitant at first because I felt the transition process from other apps would be too time consuming and a pain but NOPE, the team at Booksy made the transition so seamless and easy, and even offered features I didn’t know existed! One of my favorites is the Boost feature which allows for any artist to get discovered in their area, build a clientele quicker, and it’s all built right in the app! Bottom line, I love it, my clients love it, and my personal life loves it because Booksy also helped me organize my time for myself as well,” added Wolff.

“Alfredo and Philip are exceptional artists and educators that we are honored to have as our Ambassadors. We know their Balayage and Shags Tour is going to be something very powerful and unique in the industry that will help beauty professionals expand on their artistry, as well as their business acumen. Both Philip and Alfredo embody what we strive to deliver: top education, a community of professionals, and most importantly the confidence in Booksy to support their business in the best possible way,” commented Dee Hadley, Head of Marketing US, Booksy.

“In today’s hectic world, having the right tools for success is crucial. Booksy has literally everything I need to and even things I didn’t know I needed until I had them! It’s so easy and the support and exposure with Booksy is incredible. I moved across the country in 2020 and thanks to the Booksy marketplace I’ve been able to build a new clientele in half the time it would have normally taken me. Maybe less! It’s the real deal!” he added.

In addition to all the incredible education, tour attendees will receive a complimentary Booksy goodie bag, as well as a special deal for signing up. In addition, participants will receive a free Booksy card reader for your salon’s payment solution, which works seamlessly with the Booksy app. 

For more tour information visit: 

https://totallookcommunity.com

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

Jim Shaw, owner of Toni&Guy, Billericay, shares his knowledge on the perfect skin fade.

A fade is a classic men’s haircut and one that will come back on-trend time and time again and with that in mind, it’s an important haircut for men’s hairdressers to master. Below are my top tips for helping achieve the perfect fade in the salon/barbershop for your clients…

1. Ensure you have the right tools in hand before creating your cut. You will want clippers with a comb guard that you will use for the majority of your skin fade. I love to use clippers that are cordless to allow for maximum control. You will want scissors and a barber comb to allow you to make the cut more precise and clean, getting as close to the head as possible. 
2. Always start around an inch above the ears as a guideline, cut the hair with the 0 setting on your clippers from the bottom of the hairline up to the guideline and work your way around the head
3. Repeat the above process directly above the guideline point but change your clipper setting up a notch. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the sides of the head.
4. Don’t rush but ensure you have rhythm as you work on your fade. You don’t want to take away chunks of the hair or have any imperfections. Start slowly, build the rhythm and gain confidence. 
5. Ensure the cut has a flawless blend. If you have any imperfections, you can always go back over them or use your scissors to help neaten up the look. 
6. Use your hair tools to sharpen up the sides and accentuate the look.
7. Finish the look with styling products that will enhance the cut. I particularly like to use products like American Crew Boost Powder that give further volume to the hair on top that’s longer in length and give the look a more dramatic, statement finish or pomades and waxes with a matte finish like Label M Matt Paste to help give the hair shape whilst also having a natural finish. 

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has called on Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister, to provide a series of actions giving immediate support to hair, beauty and barbershop businesses and shore up their survival chances over the next six months.

According to the latest NHBF quarterly State of the Industry survey in July 2022, businesses are only just again showing the more positive signs of recovery that we first saw in September 2021, before it was choked off by the Omicron surge over Christmas. Only 44% of businesses are making a small or good profit, raising prices is a consistent trend and reliance on government support is still high at 50%. Business confidence has improved, but 42% of sector businesses still face the long shadow of debt built up during the pandemic lockdowns, which will take 63% of those indebted businesses more than two years to clear.

In a letter sent to both PM candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak last week, the NHBF requested the following:

1. Introduce a small business energy price cap with grant support.

A small business energy price cap for small and micro businesses, accompanied by emergency grant support for a six-month period, would shield them from crippling energy bills. Energy companies should also be encouraged to offer a range of flexible payment plans so that businesses are supported to pay off bills over a longer period.

In a sector where energy costs are the largest or second largest overhead, we know from a sector wide survey in March that the overwhelming majority have seen prices rise and for half by more than 50% over the last year. In response to rising prices, businesses are already cutting costs, putting up prices, holding off taking on new staff and introducing multiple energy saving measures. 

• Reintroduce 100% business rates relief.

Businesses need crucial help with fixed overheads, to maintain cashflow and keep them in business as energy and business costs rise. Building on the 50% discount, we would like to see 100% relief re-introduced as soon as possible and for the remainder of the financial year 2022-23.

The previous 100% relief was invaluable in supporting sector businesses through the pandemic. We also call for a freeze to the business rates multiplier that will rise in the autumn in line with inflation, to protect businesses from higher rises to rates bills.

3. Offer targeted apprenticeship incentives small and micro employers.

The sector is desperate to provide meaningful jobs to more young people, but in a sector made up predominantly of small and micro businesses, affordability is challenging in the current climate. The £2.7 billion made available in the Autumn Budget 2021 and £2 billion Apprenticeship Levy underspend offers opportunities to channel funding to small and micro businesses through offering apprenticeship incentives between £1,000-3,000 per employee. This would particularly to help fund the gap between the apprentice wage and the national minimum wage for older apprentices aged 19+. 

• Restraint on increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

We have called on the Low Pay Commission for restraint in their recommendations to the Government on further increases to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), given the current challenging economic environment. In response to the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and NMW/NLW in April, businesses absorbed some of the extra cost by reducing their profit margins, but many put up their prices. However, it is a balancing act and businesses can only raise prices so far before customers return less frequently.

• A fairer tax system and a crackdown on tax evading businesses.

The NHBF is calling for a fairer approach to the tax system which creates more of a level playing field between businesses with employees and businesses using self-employed individuals, a growing trend within the sector.

We would welcome further discussions with HM Treasury around the way that VAT is applied including raising the VAT threshold so that more small and micro businesses benefit from relief, reducing the VAT rate to 5% or introducing tiered rates for the smallest businesses to remove the disincentive to grow and remain below the threshold. 

We also call on the Government to lead a crackdown on informal businesses operating on a cash basis in the margins, not paying tax or VAT, which means they charge lower prices, undercutting and threatening the survival of responsible businesses and undermining pay legislation.

Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive, says “The sector is in the midst of the cost of doing business crisis, with energy bills rising at an exponential rate, supply price inflation at levels not seen for a generation, increases to staff costs and a skills crisis that is putting the future health of the sector at risk.

The sector has ridden the rollercoaster business environment over the last two years and survived, due to its own steely resilience and the vital support provided by governments across the UK. With continued support from the UK Government, we are confident that the personal care sector will continue to play a crucial role in the UK’s economic recovery, thriving high streets and community wellbeing.”

The hair and beauty sector makes a significant contribution to the UK economy, with £5.5 billion spent on services in 2019-20^[1] and consumer spend across the whole sector totalling £27.2 billion^[2] in 2018. Salon businesses, led predominantly by female entrepreneurs, provide valuable careers to 257,000 people, more than half aged 18-35, across the UK. The sector enhances the health and wellbeing of local communities and, despite the pandemic, the number of businesses continued to grow.

@nhbfsocial

NHBF

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^[1] Industry Statistics 2021

^[2] British Beauty Council ‘Value of Beauty’ Report, Oxford Economics (July 2019)

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.