Soho-based The Lounge, owned by award-winning session stylist Joe Mills, has launched its new gender-neutral pricing list.

The salon, which has recently undergone a whole new look, has introduced new pricing for services, now based on hair length rather than gender. Removing the traditional male and female service menu, there are now three structures – Short Hair, that is above jaw length; Mid Length Hair for hair that is below the jawline and above the collar bone; and Long Length Hair, for those with longer lengths past the collar bone.

Owner and session stylist Joe Mills, says: “It is something we have been offering for quite a while, but it was time we made our gender neutral pricing official. We have a real cross section of clients coming into our salon and it makes sense to offer services based on hair length. It also means all our clients are paying for the time, expertise and professionalism of our stylists regardless of their gender.

“Our stylists are incredible at short hair as well as long hair and havebeen trained inall forms of haircutting, so updating our service menu made sense.”

The salon, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has recently undergone a whole new look after a severe flood during lockdown earlier this year. The salon now has a home-home-home feel with comfy seating and a muted colour palette.

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Find out more about Joe Mills:
www.theloungesoho.co.uk
www.joeandco.net

Instagram:
@joemillshair
@joeandcosoho
@theloungesohohair

Judging has been done for the anticipated Fellowship Image of the Year Awards 2021–and the finalists in the five categories chosen.

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 skills and provide a career pathway – ClubStar, PROJECT: X, PROJECT: Colour and PROJECT: Men and the coveted F.A.M.E Team.

First launched in 1993, the prestigious awards have seen some of the most inspirational hairdressers clinch the title–and this year’s finalists can now be revealed!

Chancellor Ashleigh Hodges says: “This year we had another record amount of entries entered into our Image Awards and with two new categories, Afro and International, it was a very hard job for all our judges. As always, it’s a great way for our members to showcase their incredible work and I look forward to celebrating the winners in December at The Luncheon and Awards.”

The 2021 Finalists Image of the Year

Casey Coleman
Cos Sakkas
Emma Simmons
Karoliina Saunders
Melissa Timperley
Tracey Devine Smith

Colour Image of the Year

Adrian Hair London
Andrea Dorata
Ashley Gamble
Dorata Marlow
Goldworthy Hair
Hooker & Young

Afro Image of the Year

Anne Veck
Emma Simmons
Karoliina Saunders
Rick Roberts

Men’s Image of the Year

Caroline Sanderson
Charlie Cullen
Daniel Rymer
Sam Elliot

Snapshot Image of the Year

Brandon Messinger
Casey Coleman
Colin McAndrew
Efi Davies
Emma Vickery
Fatal Hairdresser

International Image of the Year

Danny Pato
Dee Parker Atwood
Jacky Chan
Jamie Furlan
Samij Hair
Shogoide Guchi

Tickets for the Luncheon and Awards are now on sale: www.fellowshiphair.com

Leaf Scissors have added to their sustainable line-up with four combs made from eco-friendly wheat straw, offering the market a more planet-friendly alternative to plastic. 

Combs and scissors go hand-in-hand for stylists, and as the industry’s most forward-thinking scissor brand, Leaf are proud to now be complementing their tools with a collection of sustainable combs for salon professionals.

Like traditional plastics, wheat straw is extremely lightweight and durable. However, unlike traditional plastics, wheat straw doesn’t require the use of damaging fossil fuels for production and instead puts to use a by-product which would otherwise go to waste. 

Straw is the by-product which is left over after a wheat harvest. It was traditionally burnt but is now being used to create a flexible new material. Raw wheat straw contains cellulose, which can be broken down to produce polymers. Plastic is made from artificial polymers, but polymers created from wheat straw are completely natural – and boast the same benefits. The production of wheat straw provides farmers with an additional source of income while reducing their carbon emissions, and wheat straw products are naturally anti-bacterial, anti-odour and 100% biodegradable – win, win!

Brand Ambassador Ky Wilson says, “Making more conscious and sustainable choices is so important to me and is exactly what drew me to working with Leaf Scissors, therefore I couldn’t be more excited for this new launch. Finding a durable but sustainable alternative to plastic combs is a dream come true, plus the general aesthetic and the packaging are beautiful to. I cannot wait to see these in the hands of hairdressers everywhere!” 

Leaf’s new collection includes a colour comb, detangling comb, tail comb and cutting comb. Plus, for every Complete Comb Set sold, Leaf will plant 20 trees, helping ensure that your purchase makes a positive difference to the planet. 

Brand Founder, Steve McManus, says “Leaf combs are the next step in our mission to make our company and industry more sustainable. The innovative use of a bi-product is key in the comb creation. We must continue to explore different ways of creating products and solutions for our customers that not only provide great products but have as little impact on the planet as possible. At last, a real alternative to the plastic combs we all use each and every day.” 

Complete Combs Set RRP £30.00 or individually for £10 each.

To explore the full range, product information and more insight into the brand, head to www.leafscissors.com. For more information on Leaf Education, visit www.leaf-academy.com.

To keep up with the latest news follow @leafscissors on Instagram or check out the #leafscissors hashtag.

Over the past 18 months, the charity has helped more beneficiaries at any one time than ever before in the charity’s history – and yet this was during a period where traditional fundraising events were all postponed due to the pandemic.

Hair & Beauty Charity is excited to launch its annual raffle, which will be one of its most significant fundraising events this year. The money raised will help make a big difference to support industry colleagues struggling financially, and support industry professionals in crisis.

All raffle prizes have been generously donated by our wonderful industry.  Prizes include: £1000 cash, £500 vouchers for Liberty, Selfridge’s and Tiffany, and a treasure trove of goody bags and gift sets from our wonderful industry… the prizes in this year’s charity raffle are bigger and better than ever. But you must be in it to win it!  For a full list of the prizes visit the charity website.

Tickets cost just £1 each and can be bought online or paper booklets.  The Raffle draw will take place on 7th January 2022 with celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas hosting the draw at the Electric Studio in London.

To buy a ticket visit: https://www.hairandbeautycharity.org/raffle

For more information on how to donate, fundraise or support the Hair and Beauty Charity, please visit www.hairandbeautycharity.org  or call 01234 831888 or email info@hairandbeautycharity.org

For press information, please contact essence@essencepr.com

iSalon have introduced a whole new way of working, getting rid of contracts, and bringing in a more salon friendly way of working with subscriptions. The last eighteen months have taught us as an industry that we need to be adaptable and flexible, iSalon understand this and have introduced affordable subscription software for salons. This new business model gives salons the freedom to work in a way that works for them.

This brand-new subscription plan from iSalon allows salons to pay for their software on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. Existing customers have the option to transfer to this new payment plan to save money or maintain their contract with full support. New customers will have access to iSalon software at an affordable cost. From just £19 a week, this software is available for less than the price of a haircut, virtually paying for itself.

As part of their mission to become more sustainable, iSalon have linked this business update with their mission to be more sustainable with the software company pledging to planta tree for every new subscription. By signing up to iSalon’s subscription plan, not only will salons gain flexibility and incredible value for money, they will be helping the environment too.

iSalon Software, Head of Sales Mike Waldon commented;

“It was important to us to introduce this new business model to cater to the needs of all salon owners. We felt it was important to ensure our software is accessible for those on different budgets that want a reliable system that will enable them to work more efficiently in the salon. Being able to link this with our sustainability mission is an excellent addition.”

For further information on iSalon Software, please contact Rebekah@ajc93.com.

If you are looking for a year of mentoring, inspiration, education and fantastic opportunities, then the Fellowship Projects are for you!

Applications are now open for those who are interested in joining one of the teams – PROJECT: Colour, PROJECT: Men and PROJECT: X

PROJECT: Colour

This annual programme brings the finest colourists together for a year of pure hair artistry.

The industry’s world-renowned colourists share their unique colour application techniques, creativity, art direction on photoshoots and vision in an exciting calendar, designed by Project Leader Paul Dennison, that will see you improve your knowledge and skills and become the best you can be.

PROJECT: Men

The ultimate education aimed at hairdressers and barbers looking to develop their skills in the ever-growing men’s grooming market. Project leader for 2022 is Simon Shaw, who has put together an amazing programme of events, workshops and shoots – there’s nothing else like it for barbers and men’s hairdressers.

PROJECT: X

Described as the finishing school for hair, it’s aimed at qualified hairdressers who want to add finesse, knowledge and creativity to their portfolio.  Led by Project Leader, Sam Burnett, you will spend time with some of the most inspiring mentors in the industry to take your skills to another level, including stage time and photoshoots.

President Ken Picton, says: “There is nothing else like our Projects in the industry. They offer unrivalled opportunities with some of the best mentors in the industry, seminars and workshops with the most creative minds and the chance to put your new skills to the test in a special photoshoot. Some of the industry’s brightest stars have been part of our Projects and next year we have lots of exciting experiences planned for the new members.”

The application process is quite simple – head over to fellowshiphair.com and follow the instructions to apply. Deadline has been extended to 29 November 2021.

Dunnikier Barbers, based in Kirkaldy, was voted Best Barbers at an event held at Keavil House Hotel last month.

Evelyn Duncan has owned the business with her husband Chic for the past 26 years. Across Fife, there were some 500 businesses nominated for the award and this was narrowed down to 40 for the final.

In the category of Best Barbers there were five barbers who were all up for the top prize.

The business has four fully qualified, experienced barbers who are all self-employed.

It has been up and running since October 1996 and Evelyn revealed how they found out that they had been nominated.

She said: “We were put forward by the public in May. Part of the process was that a mystery shopper came to the barbers and the organisers of the awards also visited to meet the team and ask questions.

“We found out on the night we won. It is a great achievement considering the number of barbers that have opened in Fife in the recent years. We were delighted to reach the final – we never expected to win.

“We hadn’t had a night out together for a long time because of Covid restrictions and decided to treat ourselves.”

Dunnikier Barbers goes on to compete in the Scottish Business Awards next March. Image: Fife Photo Agency

Slick Gorilla made their statement in the barber industry with their market-leading Hair Styling Powder. Born in barbershops in Leeds, the brand offers a range of styling products that are recognised and used globally, which is why they embrace their KING of hair products status.  

The brand previously launched its ‘The New Chapter’ campaign, that highlighted its position in men’s fashion and how its products play a huge part in this area of men’s lifestyle. The campaign pushed the brand into new territories and their latest venture sees the team collaborate with two unique brands that allow Slick Gorilla to reach a range of audiences.

Slick Gorilla x Matt B Customs saw the brand team up with a Manchester-based brand that specialise in trainer customisation, to create a one-of-a-kind Slick Gorilla trainer. Matt B Customs has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, music & sports and the Slick Gorilla collaboration aligns both brands’ messages of creativity, innovation & individuality. The partnership displays Slick Gorilla’s street style statement as a fresh pair of trainers are just as important to style as a fresh haircut.

Slick Gorilla x Northern Monk collaboration combines two brands that share the same values. Community and collaboration run through the veins of Northern Monk, with countless creations with musicians, artists, charities and much more, that express their core message.

A community built on strong relationships and acknowledgment of creativity, much like the barber community that Slick Gorilla embraces and invests in. Slick Gorilla teamed up with fellow Leeds-born Northern Monk, to create a unique beer can design and labelled up an exclusive range of THE KING OF THE JUNGLE German Lager.

“Slick Gorilla recognise individuals and organisations that showcase innovation and talent. We aim to use our platform to create something unique that appeals to all types of audiences,” said Ari Farbod, Slick Gorilla co-founder.  

Award-winning men’s hairstylist, Jim Shaw, owner of Toni & Guy salon Billericay, shares his thoughts on autumn and winter men’s hair trends.

CUTS& STYLES:

Slick Back – for the dapper man! Slicked back styles look incredibly sophisticated and professional. This style looks particularly great when worn with a haircut that has length on the top and is shorter at the sides, really helping to show off the haircut and giving structure to the hair. Using a hairdryer to slick the hair back off the face is the easiest way to create this look before finishing with a pomade, gel, or wax to help create the shape and hold it in place. You can use a product with a shine for a sleek and shiny finish or a matte product for a more natural finish depending on what the client prefers.

Long Waves – after all the lockdowns many male clients have been experimenting with long hair looks and embracing their long hair and natural textures. Long hair is here to stay and looks particularly great when worn messier for a relaxed finish. If your client has natural curls or waves, use a curl-defining product or salt spray to enhance these and give the style further body and volume. Although long hair may require less regular cuts, it’s important that clients do book in for cuts for their long hair to keep it looking its best, free from split ends and frizz.

Caesar Hair Cut – For male clients who want to ooze style this will be one of the most on-trend haircuts this season. With this look it’s all about the scissor work and ensuring the cut is as precise as possible. I also love the versatility of this look, the client can wear it super sleek and straight for a more sophisticated finish or for day-to-day and quicker styling, this look also looks fantastic when paired with texture. A texturising spray or matt pomade can be applied through the hair with fingers to break up the hair and give it a softer appearance. You can also incorporate some choppy layers into this style for further texture.

Buzz Cut – this is a great look for men who want to show off their facial features and allow them to really pop and for men who want a haircut that’s lower maintenance and requires little to no styling. I love using clippers to create this look and going shorter on the sides to create a gradual fade and to give the look a more on-trend finish.

Side Part – the side part has made a comeback over the past couple of years and it remains on-trend for autumn/winter 2021. The beauty of this style is that it can instantly update your male client’s look and give it a more contemporary finish. It’s also great for those who may want to make their hair appear thicker in appearance, as the style adds volume and height to the hair. I love pairing a side parting with a quiff for a statement look with extra volume.

COLOUR:

Blondes – warm, golden shades of blonde will be huge this autumn/winter and can be worn all over the hair or through highlights to give the hair dimension. Silver and ashier shades of blonde will also be popular and look great on all complexions and on men of all ages, giving them a super trendy ‘cool guy’ look.

Pastels – pastel hair shades are becoming more and more on-trend with men and pinks, in particular, will be one of the most sought-after pastel shades this season. The pink tone can be as bold or as subtle as the client likes and lighter shades of pink are particularly great for blonde-haired clients who want to give their hair a funky update but want something that will wash out easily and won’t be a big commitment

Reds – coppers and mahogany shades will be another huge trend for the new season. These colours come back year after year in autumn/winter and are great shades that work well on all skin tones and hair types. For men who don’t want to go too bold with their red hair, they can give their brunette hair a slight copper tone or they can experiment with copper highlights or flashes of red.

Mat Jones, @boneyardcuts_ of Boneyardcuts barbershop in Birkenhead is in the middle of training to take on a mammoth task on November 6^th for Movember, the leading charity dealing with men’s health issues. He plans to do four marathons in one day, back-to-back, in four different disciplines. That’s 26.2 miles on a rower, then a static bike, then a ski erg, and finally bring it home with a full 26.2 miles running the streets… all in the same day.

Mat has always been into fitness, and became a barber five years ago and has just opened his own shop on the Wirral.

“I’ve always trained and exercised so this event, when I got it into my head, was always going to happen. I like to challenge myself mentally as well as physically. I am not sure if anyone has done this before or maybe done something similar. This event was meant to happen last November but due to Covid, we put it back a year, as there was limited access to training facilities.

“Once I had decided on doing it, I thought why not do it for Movember, as I know it is quite big in the barber industry and it’s all about mental health, which after the lockdown there may be more cases than there used to be, so it’s very important to me to get the message across.”

Mat trains six days a week at 6am every morning before work, and sometimes he fits in another session after work in his gym at the barbershop. He also has to fit in spending time with his family and kids.

Mat predicts it should take him between 14-16 hours to complete the task all going well.

Mat’s Movember Four Marathons in One Day:

26.2 mile row on a rowing machine 

26.2 mile bike on a static bike

26.2 mile ski erg 

26.2 mile road run

All will be done in the barbershop, except the road race.

To motivate Mat on his huge challenge, you can donate to his page for Movember HERE.