Business consultant Phil Jackson from Build Your Salon, offers these tips for avoiding being overwhelmed.  

We all know that business can be brutal, life can be challenging, and being overwhelmed can be a frequent struggle for salon owners. But many salon owners are making things worse for themselves. That’s because, on the surface, their overwhelm looks like procrastination. 

Perhaps your goals are a little woolly.  Maybe you’re inattentive or you seek distraction when you should be working. Or it could be that you find you are constantly inventing excuses not to do something. If that sounds at all familiar, you’re procrastinating and a stern talking to might well be what is needed. Eliminate distractions, switch off your notifications and find the best time of day to focus on your work. Rekindle the passion for the task by reconnecting with the reason behind it. Getting more organised can help with procrastination too. Schedule your tasks and break them down into smaller chunks. 

But trying to deal with overwhelm the same way is a recipe for disaster. Imagine you have a friend who feels small and alone. They appear teary or irritable. They might even have physical symptoms of overwhelm. Anxiety makes their heart race or they feel short of breath. How would you treat that person? With a stern talking to? With a kick in the butt to get things moving? With scheduling and discipline? Of course not, yet we treat ourselves this way all the time. 

So many of us are over critical. The way we repeatedly speak to ourselves, in our heads is beyond anything we would dare say to someone else. Yet this continual chipping away of your own self-esteem has long-term effects. In fact, it can be devastating if you are feeling overwhelmed. 

The better approach is to increase the time and effort you put into self-care to reduce your anxiety. Take out your journal and try to identify what is at the root of those feelings of fear. Break overwhelming tasks down into tiny chunks. Celebrate each time you make progress. Delegate as much as you can to your team, to outsourcers, even to your children! But most importantly, be kind to yourself. 

The team at Aaron Michaels barbershop in Livingstone in Scotland were treated to a morning of education from Reuzel educator, Paul Taylor Clinch @pirate_paulus.

Paul was showing the team some of the expert techniques he has perfected over the years following his training at the world-famous Schorem barbershop in Rotterdam, home of the Reuzel brand.

The team asked him to demonstrate the specifics of side parting placement. Paul spent the morning showing them how he approaches a haircut by using varying shape patterns, and by starting on the top of the head first, perfecting the style and then finishing with the fade, if required.

Finding the baseline, working with precision, how to make the client feel relaxed and the importance of the final silhouette was all discussed.

Paul is a great advocate of letting the head shape and hair dictate the finished style using his experience and knowledge as a barber. Also, he taught the importance of working efficiently.

He finished the session by going through the Reuzel product range he recommended and what particular product to use to get the best hold for the specific style. He encouraged the barbers to use the product in the hair before the blowdry, as there is no point in finishing a cut, then having to misplace the look by adding product later.

Paul finished by showing the silhouette of the pomp he created, saying “This cut was designed based on the style the client asked for, the growth pattern, and the shape of the head.”

Aaron Michaels, owner of the barbershop said: “We were delighted to host Paul here today, I’ve been following his work for some time. We have all learned new techniques, loads of tips and tricks and it has given my team a new level of confidence. It has reiterated some of the techniques they already knew but Paul has explained them in detail showing them exactly why they are doing them and the results they can get.”

The event was part of a Reuzel tour, and the team has visited Rum Barber barbershop in Glasgow the day before to educate on specific techniques as well as Reuzel product use.

As Cruz Beckham is snapped on the cover of I.D Magazine with a pink buzzcut, the team at The Lounge in London’s Soho has seen a rise in requests for neon and bright hair from their male clients. 

Senior stylist Rosie Swindell says since lockdowns, more men are coming in to get their hair brightly coloured. “A lot more men are discovering there are more ways to express themselves with hair colour rather than just a cut, which is very exciting.  

“A lot of guys who have coloured hair in our salon tend to have shorter hair, but when the bleach has a regrowth it’s nice to keep the sides short and keep the length on top to retain the colour. Anyone can have fun and experiment with their hair, if they have the confidence to wear it you’ll suit it. It’s an amazing feeling having bright coloured hair and I’m super hyped that now guys are open to this more.” 

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While vivid colours are hard to achieve, Rosie and the team are applying pre-lightener we make sure the hair is lifted low and slow to maintain the condition so the toner lasts longer. “If the client is completely new to the whole hair dying situation I always recommend to come in for a top up whenever they need it. There is no right or wrong with this and some clients love the colour it fades into too.” 

Images: Hair by Louis Souvestre and Rosie Swindells 

Session stylist Matthew Curtis made an offer PROJECT: X couldn’t refuse – to come and assist backstage at New York Fashion Week. And with just a few days notice, several members gathered their kit bags and jumped on a plane to the city that never sleeps!  

Matthew, who also has a salon in Straford-upon-Avon, invited the team to join him to work on three shows. “I’ve always been a huge ambassador of supporting the next generation of stylists and, this year, one of my team members is taking part in PROJECT: X and given the great opportunity of being mentored over the course of a year by leading figures in the industry.” 

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Having led shows around the world for the past 12 years, Matthew extended the offer to the team with several agreeing at short notice. The weekend saw them work on British band Hardware LDN, designed by Jessica Horwell, followed by leading South Korean designer, Son Jung Wan, and a New York based collective of designers at Flying Solo. 

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Matthew added: “The PROJECT: X team is varied and obviously each individual had different strengths, which made for an intriguing and versatile team to have joined us at NY, and when it came to work, they embraced the looks for each of the shows really well. The team were happy to take on these new looks and adapted to each of the shows straight away. It was great to work with the team and give them an insight into what session work is really like. Most of all, it made me realise that what I can take for granted and the position I’m in is where I would of loved to have been at their stage so although I’m still striving for bigger and better myself, if I can give back and help guide more and work with a legacy foundation like the Fellowship, I will always be at the end of the phone.” 

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PROJECT: X leader Sam Burnett, said: “This was an incredible opportunity for the team members and they haven’t stopped talking about it since they returned. It gave them a real insight to working in a fast-paced environment and big thanks to Matthew, Unite Hair and Olivia Garden for making this an unforgettable experience.”  

NEW EDUCATIONAL STEP-BY-STEP COLLECTION FEATURING 5 VERSATILE LOOKS AVAILABLE ON ANDIS.COM

STURTEVANT, WI (March 2022) – Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of barbering and grooming tools, announced the debut of its FLUID Vol. 3 Collection led by Andis International Artistic Team Lead, Kevin Luchmun. This educational step-by-step video collection consists of five hairstyles, ranging from a low tapered afro to a modern bowl mullet, giving detailed steps, and guiding barbers and stylists through each look using Andis®cutting tools.

“FLUID Vol. 3 is a collection of five unique haircuts working with all types of textures and various lengths. It draws inspiration from around the world through my travel and doing various shows and seminars,” said Luchmun. “We have worked with a variety of Andis tools to create different haircuts and in each one of these step-by-step videos I’m showing you the techniques to create each specific look.”

Each FLUID Vol. 3 Collection hairstyle has a video tutorial demonstrating Luchmun creating and styling the finished look with Andis tools including: the iconic Gold Master Cordless Clipper, ProFoil Lithium Plus Shaver, and GTX-EXO Trimmer.

Andis International Artistic Team Lead, Kevin Luchmun, is an award-winning London-based barber, stylist, and photographer. He’s renowned for his blend of traditional barbering and high-end men’s hairdressing. During his formative years, he would continuously seek educational opportunities to further hone his craft and rose through the ranks where he held the position of International Art Director for Toni&Guy, heading up their men’s education division. Continuous learning helps drive Kevin towards a clear artistic vision and his technical haircutting skills have led him to become a huge inspiration to the industry and a member of the Andis team.

Barbers and stylists can purchase on-demand access to each FLUID Vol. 3 video directly at andis.com/BarberStylistEducation/VirtualEducation/ (choose the On-Demand Video section to find the collection).

The cost is $50.00 per video, with the first look of the series, The London Crop found at https://andis.com/BarberStylistEducation/VirtualEducationDetail/?EduItemID=1346. The Fluid Vol. 3 Collection videos will be released once per week on Tuesdays throughout the month of March.

For nearly 100 years, Andis Company has been a leader and innovator in the men’s grooming industry with its innovative technology and top-tier educational offerings. And is now offers a new online educational website andis.com/BarberStylistEducation. This one-of-a-kind site features incredible educational resources, including a suite of free, step-by-step video tutorials led by Andis Company’s world-class global educators to help expand skills, and much more.

Green Salon Collective have released details of its upcoming monthly events, aimed at educating both existing members and those interested in finding out more about the collective’s work. 

The company understands the importance of knowledge for addressing environmental and social issues and so has curated a series of events – both virtual and in person – designed to empower its members – and the wider industry – with up-to-date information on sustainability. 

The programme for the coming months is as follows: 

BARBEREVO UK AND IRELAND #31 – OUT NOW 

Get your copy here!

FROM ECO BARBERS TO ENVIABLE CHAIRS

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW. This issue is packed full of advice, features and trends to keep you up to date with what’s current.

There’s no mistaking the quiet confidence the RUGER . team are radiating from the front cover. The barbers may be female in an industry that is still very male dominated, but they are making their own statement through their work, and we are delighted to be able to showcase their latest collection.

Also, BarberEVO in collaboration with Wahl UK are buzzing to announce the chance to win a money-can’t-buy competition that will give you a full day’s mentorship with one of the members of the Wahl Artistic Team. Check out entry details on pages 46-47. It’s not to be missed.

Joining us for the first time as a columnist is BaByliss ambassador Pete Cranfield, he has a wealth of information to share from his two decades in the business and he opens up with some advice on how to prolong your clippers and trimmers rather than replacing them, in the name of sustainability.

BARBERCHAIRS 

Every client wants to feel like they are sitting on the Rolls Royce of barber chairs, but every barber has their own view of what that chair is. We have spoken to those that go for the classic, the vintage, the refurbished… all still amazing chairs that add a particular aesthetic to the barbershop as well as giving your client the comfort they deserve.   

SUSTAINABILITY 

The question is now why be sustainable, it’s why not be sustainable? The excuses no longer hold weight with so many eco options available. Coterie Barbershop and Noose & Key are just two barbershops that are flying the eco flag in every way. They have found solutions to every challenge, and we tip our hat to the effort they have put in for a more sustainable industry.  

HAIR ART 

With unlimited inspiration online, and advances in trimmers and tools, the talent in hair art has never been bigger. For some barbers, a fade is a fade, but for others, it is a blank canvas for patterns, designs, and masterpieces. We spoke to some of the UK’s finest hair artists about their inspiration, the tools they need to create those sharp lines and the trends they are seeing rolling back around.  

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.

Clear your diary for April 2nd and 3rd for Hairdustry Presents: Back To School featuring Presley Poe and Friends! 

Tickets are now on sale for this two-day event offering everything you need to elevate your hair career.  

Hairdustry has partnered with some of the most incredible artists that the industry has to offer, such as @presleypoe, @tailorfade, @leysahairandmakeup, @jacobhkhan, and @queenofthesouth512. 

April 2nd, 2022 will be an epic event featuring live artist demonstrations, social media hacks, and photography tips and tricks. Join in on April 3rd, 2022 for a full day of education, with hands-on and look and learn classes from your favorite artists in the industry. 

Meet Lesley’s friends: 

Pati Plymire: tips and tricks of braiding. 

Jacob Khan: Effortless real life haircutting, 

Trevor Moots: Bridging the gap between barbering and cosmetology. 

Presley Poe: Breaking into vivids: Understanding your color medium and applying them to everyday scenarios. 

Presley Poe: Hustle with heart. 

Leysa Carrillo: Forever curls. 

This incredible event is sponsored by Hairdustry: Your Day Off Podcast, which helps share the industry’s success stories that inspire and educate everyone in the business. And it is also sponsored by Schedulicity, the industry’s most dynamic booking system, a one stop shop for managing your business. 

All classes will take place on Sunday, April 3rd, at The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School 

The Temple: A Paul Mitchell Partner School 
22 West Church Street 
Frederick, MD 21701 

Show tickets are $50.00 and classes are priced individually.  

See www.presleypoeandfriends.com for all prices and further details.  

The 2021 Fellowship for British Hairdressing Award Winners came together this month for a special celebratory lunch to start the new year.

The winners, who picked up their awards at the Fellowship Luncheon & Awards at The Londoner in December, enjoyed a three-course Indian lunch at the trendy Dishoom in Shoreditch, London.

The 2022 F.A.M.E team also came together to mark the start of their exciting year of opportunities, which includes mentoring by some of the biggest names in British hairdressing and a photo shoot with their leaders Gary Hooker and Michael Young.

The lunch was also an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry, from sustainability to business challenges and the future of hairdressing.

Chancellor Ashleigh Hodges, who welcomed the winners, said: “This is the first time we have held a lunch for our winners, and it was important for us to celebrate their success, especially after the crazy 18 months we have had. It was lovely to see everyone and discuss some of the issues facing us all.”

The awards have been recognising creativity since they were launched in 1995, which saw Nicky Clarke take the first trophy for his wearable hair.

And the winners were:

Fellow with Honours
Jonathan Andrew
Andrew Barton
Junior Green

Gold Medal
Jo Martin

Member of the Year
Janene Bush

Individual Salon of the Year
Karoliina Saunders Hair Design

Salon Group of the Year
Blushes Collective

PROJECT: Colour Achiever of the Year – Darrel Starkey

PROJECT: Men Achiever of the Year–Tammy Reynolds

PROJECT: X Achiever of the Year–Emma Simmons

Snapshot Image of the Year
Efi Davies, TONI&GUY

Men’s Image of the Year
Charlie Cullen, Charlie Cullen Education at Joe and Co

Colour Image of the Year
Hooker & Young

Afro Image of the Year
Emma Simmons, Salon 54

International Image of the Year
Jacky Chan, Oscar Oscar Chadstone

For more, visit www.fellowshiphair.com  

On Tuesday, 8 February, Skills Minister Alex Burghart met with young people undertaking traineeships – as part of National Apprenticeship Week activity – at Falltricks Hairdressing Academy in Ipswich.   

Minister Burghart said: “It was inspiring to meet budding hairdressers undertaking traineeships at Falltricks Hairdressing Academy in Romford during National Apprenticeships Week.”  

National Apprenticeship Week 2022 is the 15th annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships – taking place between 7th-13th February 2022 across England. The week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.  

A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from six weeks up to one year, though most traineeships last for less than six months.  

Traineeships are a great way for young people to access the jobs market, enabling those aged 16 and 24 (or 25 for individuals with an education and health care plan) who don’t have the skills or experience to progress into an apprenticeship or a job.  

Minister Burghart explained: “Traineeships are a fantastic way for young people to get on the path to a good job, offering the necessary training and work experience to progress into work or an apprenticeship.”