Business consultant Phil Jackson from Build Your Salon, offers these tips for managing your money within the salon.  

We are living in turbulent times and even world events occurring far from home are having an impact on your business.  Energy prices are on the rise and it won’t be long before our manufacturers have to pass increased costs along to our salons. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So much seems outside of your control. There are, however, a few simple moves you could be making to protect your business and ensure you remain profitable. 

Firstly, review your prices. I’m hoping you do this regularly anyway, but I’ve heard of a few salons that are delaying their pricing review ‘until things settle down’. To be blunt, things won’t settle down any time soon and you run the risk of running on reduced profit in the meantime. Holding out to see what your suppliers are doing could mean delays of weeks or even months. Far better to decide your prices on the information you have now and make an educated guess on what might happen in the next couple of months. Then implement any changes sooner rather than later. 

Price reviews can cause a little upset with your customers (though few will expect your prices to remain the same, particularly in the current climate). You can take some of the sting out of the increases and ensure your prices are set where they should be by reviewing prices more frequently. Six-monthly price reviews tend to mean smaller increases and some services may not need reviewing at all. In times of drastic change don’t be afraid to increase sooner than that. I am certain your customers would rather that than see you operate at a loss or even have to close your doors for good. 

Changing prices is far easier if you have made the decision to finally ditch physical price cards. Make your pricing available online or alternatively, if you have something you want to physically give your customers, exclude the prices and instead provide them with a link or QR code where the latest prices can be accessed. That means that changing your prices is a simple two-minute job rather than paying hundreds of pounds for a print run of price cards. It’s also friendlier to the environment than binning a box of unused cards. 

Encourage online bookings. Not only does it mean you can take bookings 24/7, it means your customers are shown the latest, up-to-date prices at the point of booking too. It will never suit everyone but it can make a huge difference to your business, particularly if you implement a booking fee to reduce no-shows. 

Finally, take the opportunity to review your costs. Some increases are unavoidable but shop around as much as you can for utilities and other supplies. Even 1% of costs saved can make a massive difference to your profits over a year. Sadly, we can’t exclude wages from this review. If you set your commission to an affordable level a few years ago but your fixed costs have increased, either your variable costs (including commission) will need to reduce or you are going to have to reduce your profit margin. Remember to take legal advice before making changes to contracts or pay. 

There is currently an affection for small businesses and salons that means your customers are less price sensitive. The best way to weather a financial storm is to remain nimble, adapt quickly and keep a firm grip on those things you can control. 

The Fellowship PROJECT: Men Team headed to RB Training in Stoke-on-Trent for the most recent training day to spend time with this month’s mentor, Gary Machin. 

Gary Machin, director of the Rogers Barber Shops, Founder of RB Training & Chairman of the Barber Council, has been a barber for more than 30 years. His recent work has taken him around the globe representing the British Barbers Association as lead educator, judging competitions, educating and supporting major companies. 

The team were joined by their team leader, Simon Shaw, and they spent the day learning all things men’s grooming – the art of shaving and skincare.  

Team member Tammy Reynolds said: “Our shaving day with Gary Machin was phenomenal. We were so well looked after by his team and after being taught three different shaves we even came away with a goodie bag of British Barber Association products. The Academy and barbershop were incredibly professional and faultless.” 

Scott Musgrove added: “Gary’s day focused on a shave day, which was completely new to me – so all the techniques and methods were all fresh ideas. It was a great day!” 

Blayre Turnbull said: “We had an amazing day with Gary Machin. I learnt so many things I didn’t know about shaving and the way he made an open razor shave look so effortless was brilliant.” 

Lucy Melvin added: “We learned about the different tools of shaving and the different quality of brushes and how to look after them. We learned about shaving facial hair and what problems we should look out for when shaving such as bad skin and thin hair. We were taught about the importance of head positioning when cutting the beard and how we should always use gloves when cutting beards and applying product. It was so much fun, interesting and educational and I can’t wait to try this service at some point.” 

Janene Hawkins concluded: “We received amazing hospitality from Gary and Racheal! Precision service for shaving delivered, BBA signature shave, fabulous to watch and I learnt so much more about products and the shave itself, ensuring my service is elevated to the highest of standards.” 

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 

Robert Eaton has been welcomed as the new President for the Fellowship for British Hairdressing at a star-studded event in London.

Ken Picton, who has led the organisation for the past three years, handed over the reigns to British Hairdresser of the Year Robert Eaton in front of industry peers at the President’s Night.

Held at the Brewery in East London, Ken relived some of his favourite times as President – and the challenges brought with the pandemic. But before he could leave there were a few surprises – he brought his Drinks with the President live to the stage with some of his favourite guests including Sally Brooks, Mark Woolley and Michael Douglas, while a video highlighted just some of the things he has implemented during his reign.

The F.A.M.E team presented their first show, Evolution. Alex Cook, Darrel Starkey, Jessica Hau and Lydia Wolfe – a showcase of their skills learnt so far this year, with stunning 5ft colourful ponytails, precision cuts and dynamic shapes.

Ken recalled: “When I took over as President in 2019 we had no idea what was ahead of us. But we have worked hard to modernise the Fellowship for a new era of hairdressing. It’s been a privilege to lead the Fellowship through these turbulent times and I look forward to being part of the future.”

Receiving his regalia, Robert added: “Today is very special for me, when I started my journey in the family business it was about networking and making friends. My whole career has been shaped by the Fellowship; I was part of the 2003 F.A.M.E. Team which was incredibly special and instilled in me the importance of nurturing the next generation. Now, it’s my time to give back and help young people in this industry. I want to work with as many people as possible to evolve the industry and continue the heritage the Fellowship has always had.”

Join the founders of LV3 and special guests for the barbering seminar of a lifetime on May 8th 2022!

Expect to leave this masterclass with innovative skills, knowledge and inspiration.

Whether you’re an aspiring barber or an OG in the game, this event caters to all.

Learn how to build your own brand, social media and business from some of the industry’s finest.

Watch live cuts and learn the latest cutting techniques from the world famous A-ROD, the LV3 UK ambassadors, and special guest barbers.

With an impressive Instagram following of 2 million followers, A-ROD is the world’s most followed barber.

VIP ticket holders get exclusive access to Meet & Greet A-ROD, front row seats and a goodie bag packed with $50 worth of LV3 products!

Enjoy an interactive podcast style presentation, and the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A with the team.

There will be competitive battle-offs, giveaways and much more!

End the day at the Chris and Sons Pop-up shop, where you will find plenty of LV3 gear, alongside many other exclusive and well-sought after brands!

For more information or to book your tickets, visit https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/chris-sons-l3vel3-founders-tour-uk.

Vivid, bright colour isn’t the domain of long, wavy hair – nothing looks more dramatic that a short vivid pixie crop – and if you follow the advice from Pulp Riot Artist Christabel Legrand, it’s easier than you think. 

“Vivid colour isn’t going anywhere – and for summer 2022 the brighter the better! We’re used to seeing gorgeous colourful waves on Instagram, but a pop of colour can add the wow factor to any short hairstyle. Icy and silver have always been a favourite for short hair, but we are starting to see people becoming more adventurous with pastel blues and pinks fast becoming trends.” 

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Here’s Christabel’s top tips for working with short hair 

1. Depending on what tone you want to achieve it’s important to make sure you have prepped the canvas properly. So, if you want to create a light pastel you will need to lift the hair to a level 9/10. I would then neutralise any unwanted pale yellow tones using either Pulp Riot Moonstone, Icy or Silver (depending on what tone you are creating) this means your pastel will look more true to tone. 
   
2. As hair fades and grows, clients will be able to enjoy it at every step. They will feel like they have a completely different hairstyle within a month.  
   
3. When lifting shorter hair isolate the hair to allow for maximum lift, check your sections and remove when lifted to the desired level.  
   
4. If you’re using Pulp Riot semi-permanent colour to create your vivid, don’t panic if it goes wrong, Blank Canvas will remove it and return it to its original canvas so you can start again! 
   
5. It’s important to look at your client’s skin tone; do they suit warmer colours or cooler tones? Look at their fashion, lifestyle – will the colour fit with their everyday look? Will they be able to maintain it at home? 
   
6. Talk to your clients about aftercare and also how regularly they may need to return for a follow up appointment. 

Green Salon Collective has partnered with sustainability consultancy The Liminality to offer a unique accreditation system for salons and other businesses in the hair and beauty industry. 

As the original authority on holistic sustainability throughout the UK and Ireland, Green Salon Collective is perfectly positioned to offer advice, support and guidance to businesses looking to improve their green credentials. Achieving GSC accreditation demonstrates to clients, staff and the wider industry that a business goes above and beyond when it comes to looking after people and the planet by creating a sustainable salon experience.

The GSC accreditation process comprises six simple steps, beginning with an initial preparation stage designed to ensure that applicants understand what is required of their business to qualify. The measures are stringent, based on everything from a business’s energy provider, waste reduction and food and drink options, to its staff policies and even its approach to diversity and the wider community. 

Following this, applicants should select the relevant fee (£199 for salons, £99 for freelancers) and complete an online questionnaire at a time to suit. GSC’s Accreditation Programme Director will then arrange to visit the primary business location for a personalised audit, during which they will verify the applicant’s claims. If for any reason all criteria is not fulfilled, they will offer personalised guidance on what further steps are required to earn accreditation.

‘We are thrilled to be able to offer salons a thorough and authentic assessment that helps highlight the efforts they have made to take sustainability seriously’ says Fry Taylor, GSC co-founder. ‘Our accreditation process is stringent but easy to understand, with advice that is simple to implement – our aim is to enable as many businesses as possible to become more socially and eco-conscious.’ 

To find out more about GSC accreditation or to apply for accreditation, please click here 

Launching April 2022

Features & Benefits 

• Can be used over tint. Hi-Lifts cut through tint where normal reds won’t. 
• Achieves maximum lift without the need for bleach. 
• Formulated with high levels of colour pigment deliver intensely rich and vibrant results. 
• Contains higher ammonia content for reach supreme lightening levels. 
• Can be used on a darker level to create a vibrant red. 
• Can be added to other reds in the range as a booster. 
• Available in 3 intensely rich and wearable shades. 

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SALON PRICE: £4.25 + VAT each per 100ml 

MIXING RATIO: 1 : 2 Hi –Lift tint can be mixing with 10 Vol / 20 Vol or 30 Vol depending on how much lift is required. Processing time – between 35 and 45 minutes. 

“The NEW OSMO IKON Hi-Lift Red series, give a bright, intense look to darker natural shades that we would typically have to pre-lift or mix into the other red copper choices on the chart to provide the results with a more vivid boost. Being able to add a red lifting choice into an already tinted brown without the need to pre-lift will be a real plus to any salon in busy times. Offering more options and choices to our clients with minimum fuss? Who doesn’t love to over-deliver when going for that loyal customer base! 

Partner this with the OSMO IKON Elevation Additives in Red, which can be added to any favourite shampoo or conditioner choice or even add into the Intense Copper, Radiant Red, and Purple Rouge in Colour Revive. OSMO has gone all out with this launch and have you covered for every red trend, technique wants, and desires for the season ahead.” 

OSMO® Ambassador, Adele Clarke and owner of Spectrum Hair, St Helens.

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Leaf Scissors is helping future stylists get the most out of hairdressing education by donating its scissors to aground-breaking training initiative.

Renowned across the globe for his exceptional education, Paul Falltrick is reigniting a UK-based training academy, in partnership with Ministry of Hair. Leaf Scissors understands that achieving higher levels of change starts at the root and so have agreed to gift repurposed scissors to ensure the students can learn with the best possible equipment.

There are few factors more important in hairdressing than having access to high quality tools which help produce the most professional results. Scissors are one of the biggest and most important investments in a hairdresser’s kit bag–yet many young stylists simply can’t afford the premium price point. Leaf Scissors recognise that powerful partnerships and the willingness to work together is an integral part of what makes the professional hair industry such an amazing place to be, and hope that this brand-new collaborative approach will encourage a knock-on effect.

“As a leading educator, there is nothing worse than teaching new techniques and precision cutting only to watch the hair ‘bend’ because of poor equipment,” says Paul Falltrick. “This donation from Leaf Scissors will give young underprivileged stylists a huge step forward in their career, helping them learn with the best possible equipment and in turn, helping to boost confidence during their training.”

Leaf Scissors Founder, Steve McManus says: “At Leaf, we believe that every hairdresser should have access to the highest quality tools and equipment. We offer our tools on a subscription basis, which makes them more affordable to all. At the end of the subscription, people usually upgrade and return their old pair to us, for us tore-use and help others. We are excited to be working with Paul Falltrick and the MOH academy by gifting their students some of our re-purposed scissors, which can help them learn and grow their hairdressing skills. We hope this initiative will enable the future stars of the industry to appreciate the importance of amazing tools!”

The Project Men team, a project that is run by the Fellowship of British Hairdressing, recently spent the day with barber Sam Campagna, learning barbering techniques as well as presentation skills.  

The day, which was held at Milton Keynes college, was split into two parts; the morning was all about refined fades from Sam, founder of Alternative Barbering Co, then Project Men team leader Simon Shaw joined Sam to take the team through the intricacies and challenges of being in front of the camera, learning about being interviewed and being in the spotlight!  Sam went through the principles of creating the perfect fade, while Simon talked about how to present yourself in front of the camera, how to handle media questions and the does and don’ts of talking to the media.  

Team member, Janene Hawkins, commented: “What an amazing day and great hospitality from Milton Keynes College. A day of demonstrations from Sam, learning the most refined fades I have ever seen, the need to be better just got bigger! Media was the subject for the afternoon with Simon, we received some brilliant advice and guidance and his ability to relax you and teach at the same time is enviable.” 

Emma Simmons added: “We had an absolutely amazing day, there are so many things I’ve taken away, I feel so much more confident both with my presentations and fades and now feel like I could take on anything.” 
Ian Young said: “We had a great day with Simon thinking global not local, and Sam learning new cutting techniques. Sam is a world class educator, and we had such an amazing day.” 

Project Men Team Leader  
Project Men 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 

Denman Brush Professional has partnered with PlasticBank® to help stop ocean plastic while improving collectors’ lives in vulnerable coastal communities. The partnership is part of Denman International’s mission to make a positive environmental, social and economic impact. PlasticBank ® is on a mission to stop ocean plastic by gathering a billion people across the globe to monetise waste while improving lives. Plastic Bank builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social Plastic® feedstock. Collectors receive bonuses for the materials they collect which helps them provide basic family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance. The company is creating a structure that will revolutionise recycling ecosystems to create sustainable, inclusive, circular economies.  

Now when you choose a Denman tool, you actively contribute to the prevention of over 45 metric tonnes of plastic from entering the ocean through our partnership with PlasticBank – that’s the equivalent of over 2.2 million single-use plastic bottles! To build on our mission of positive environmental impact, the Original Denman D3 Styler is now completely recyclable and at the end of its life it can be popped into the domestic recycling bin OR to extend the life of the brush, the pin pad can be purchased separately. John Rainey, Chairman of Denman International says “Plastic Bank is the most incredible initiative and we feel so privileged to partner with them. Enabling communities to improve their circumstances while giving industry an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact is transformative.”

To find out more go to Plasticbank.com or Denman International CSR.