While many of us are still enjoying festive nails, others are already ready to move on from the sparkles, deep reds, and Christmas nail art. As January approaches, the focus shifts to fresh, clean, and understated manicures — but which nail trends are set to lead the way? To find out, Fresha beauty experts analysed Pinterest search data, revealing the nail styles people are already searching for ahead of their January appointments. The results point to a clear move towards muted, natural, and minimalist nail looks. Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha, commented: “Clean, fresh-looking nails are set to dominate January 2026, as people move away from bold, bright colours in favour of natural, understated styles to start the new year. As the year progresses, however, we anticipate a return to classic, vibrant shades — think olive greens, fluorescent yellows, and bright oranges — alongside bold nail art and statement accessories, as people experiment and have fun with their nail style.” The Most In-Demand Nail Trends for January 2026 📊 Top Nail Trends by Search Growth 1. Polka Dot Nails Average monthly searches: 5,100 YoY interest (December 2025): +1,273% 2. Bubble Bath Nails Average monthly searches: 16,800 YoY interest: +402% 3. Soap Nails Average …

“The world does not need more information, we’re drowning in tutorials, reels, and quick tips. What we’re starving for is wisdom, and that only comes from experience, guidance… and feedback,” said Vivienne Mackinder, founder of Vivienne Mackinder Education. “There is something profoundly powerful about being seen while you work. Not judged — seen. Sometimes we’re so close to our work that we can’t see the problems…where fear grips our hands, where we play it safe for so long that creativity slowly dies. It can come to a point where we simply don’t know what we’re doing wrong — until someone shows us. That is the power of mentoring.” Vivienne believes a great mentor must have: Real experience Survived failures A mastery of discipline and work ethic Understands psychology as much as technique Knows when to challenge someone… and when to cherish them Can see what the mentee cannot see “Track record matters…empathy matters…clarity matters. A mentor doesn’t give answers —they help find someone’s greatness,” said Vivienne. Mentoring can be done in person or on a screen, if the work is personal, precise, and transformational. Live Digital: “When I mentor and teach, I don’t just focus on learning a technique, my …

Blonde is back, and brighter than ever. Introducing the new salon sized 1 litre pump bottles of ASP Expert Haircare Ice Blonde Charcoal range: the next evolution in blonde maintenance, created for clients who demand brightness, hydration and tone control, all in one streamlined system. ASP’s Ice Blonde Charcoal range is a two-step regime powered by purifying charcoal and cationic conditioning agents working in tandem to neutralise brassiness and deliver clean, luminous blonde results. Why Charcoal? Acting like a magnet for impurities, charcoal gently detoxifies the hair while helping to maintain cooler tones and banish dullness. The result? Blonde that’s brighter, cleaner and effortlessly cool. The range is ideal for pre-lightened, white/grey or natural blonde hair that’s prone to unwanted warmth. The Range: Ice Blonde Charcoal Shampoo (1l)A sulphate-free, deeply cleansing shampoo that lifts dullness and yellow tones, while leaving hair hydrated, glossy and refreshed. Ice Blonde Charcoal Conditioner (1l)A lightweight, nourishing conditioner that seals tone, softens every strand and boosts mirror-like shine without weighing hair down. Whether you’re a colourist recommending post-service care or a client preserving your tone, Ice Blonde Charcoal is a modern essential for bold, brass-free blonde. With UV protection, sulphate and silicone free formulas and …

Wrap reports are incredibly revealing, and Remi Cachet’s headline trends from 2025 highlight the top shades, bonding methods, and lengths that salon customers embraced throughout the last 12 months. As a natural leader in luxury human hair extensions, Remi Cachet continues to deliver investment dressing for thousands of women, while also creating a strong revenue stream for salons. Below are the key trends extensionists and customers connected with in 2025. The biggest growth in 2025 came from volume enhancement services, often referred to as ‘tweakments’. This trend has been driven by women experiencing hair thinning due to menopause, post-partum changes, and GLP-1 use. Remi Cachet’s best-selling pre-bonded Nano Tips and patented Ultra Tips are particularly suited to this demand. Their lightweight, discreet design allows for precise placement, making them ideal for targeting thinning areas. These services broaden the extensions client base beyond length transformations and help stylists grow a more diverse extensions business. The extensions industry is entering a new era, with clients increasingly prioritising durability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. Clients are seeking extensionists who understand long-term hair goals and offer products that meet higher ethical and quality standards. TOP BONDING METHODS (2025) 1st – Elegance Injection TapesSuper discreet and …

Design Essentials has launched its latest product innovation: a new Loc & Braid Styling Gel, developed to deliver a reliable hold while caring for hair and scalp. Created for professional use across locs, braids, twists and ponytails, the gel combines lasting control with moisture and shine for a smooth, flake-free finish. Enriched with castor oil, the formula supports scalp health whilst strengthening the hair. The gel also locks in hydration, leaving styles defined and nourished without heaviness or residue, making it suitable for all textures and a versatile addition to any styling kit. “The Loc & Braid Styling Gel has been created with balance in mind. The strong hold paired with the care textured hair deserves, The castor oil infusion keeps hair healthy and hydrated while maintaining precision and control during styling.” Patricia Davis, International Lead Educator for Design Essentials. Key Ingredient: • CASTOR OIL: Softens the hair, supports healthy growth and helps seal in moisture. Naturally rich in antioxidants and antibacterial properties, it promotes a healthy scalp and smooth, shiny results. How to Use For Locs: 1. After cleansing and conditioning, section the hair and apply near the roots. 2. Twist or palm roll as desired. 3. Repeat until …

For 2026, hair is all about simplicity, movement, and individuality. From clean, sharp bobs to the natural texture of curls, and the soft, flowing liquid waves, the trends focus on styles that feel both modern and wearable At KIKU Salon in Inverness, founders Paul Ralph and Hiro Kudo are translating these trends into styles that feel adaptable and personal. “A hairstyle should feel like it was made for you, not just for the moment,” says Paul. “That’s what we focus on in every cut and finish.” Hiro adds, “Understanding our clients, their lifestyle and their hair, allows us to create styles that feel effortless and bespoke; it should never feel forced.” 1. The Sharp Bob Clean lines and sleek precision define the sharp bob, a style with a clean, modern feel. The sharp bob is a shorter cut with very straight, defined edges, and while it may look simple, it’s a highly technical haircut. “A sharp bob is about more than just cutting hair,” says Paul. “It requires attentiveness, structure, and understanding of the client’s facial shape and lifestyle.” Because the cut has no layers or graduation, every line needs to be placed with accuracy. “It’s actually a very technical haircut …

Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, is set to dominate salons across the globe next year. From the icy blondes, to creative interpretations: we’ve compiled some expert commentary on the bold statement shade. Tracey Ann Smith, Creative Director at MOOD “The 2026 Pantone Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is a beautiful clean, white tone with a slight grey/neutral tone to give it balance. It’s a shade that has a very calming and peaceful appearance and that signifies a fresh start – perfect as we enter a new year. Regarding hair, this is a beautiful shade for the winter season – almost snow like. It’s bold yet chic, and a great choice for those who are already blonde. Those with darker hair may need significant lightening to achieve this hue and to keep it looking clean and free of brassiness. When achieving this shade on clients, I would use MOOD Level 7 Bleach to pre lighten the hair to a clean base then tone using MOOD Demi Doubles for the perfect ice white. I would then recommend the MOOD Silver Specific Shampoo and Conditioner once every couple of weeks for my clients to use at home to keep …

ASP has launched a brand-new coffee shop collection of ELIXIR Permanent Colour, perfect for the latte loving clients in your life. From deep Café Noir, to creamy Caffe Latte, these shades deliver the most beautiful brunette & blonde results that clients will love this winter. Each limited-edition kit contains: 5 x ELIXIR Coffee Shop Shades 100ml tubes (4.036, 5.036, 6.036, 7.036, 8.035, 9.035) 2 x Crème Developers 250ml (3% 10vol, 6% 20vol) 1 x Technical Manual NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY. ULTIMATE COLOUR PERFORMANCE. • Vegan friendly & at least 92% naturally derived. • Easy to use & multiple options for all hair types. • Unrivalled condition & shine. • Ultra low ammonia. • Advanced anti fade technology & uv filters. • Perfect results with use of only 3%. • Market leading education – in salon – in store – online. Pricing: £36.45+ VAT For information, visit www.asphair.com

Dr. Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems, Inc behind the CHI® and BioSilk®, made history in Bethlehem, Palestine, as the first Arab American to light the Christmas tree. The City of Bethlehem held its first Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony since 2022, where Dr. Farouk was invited as the Distinguished Guest of Honor to light the Christmas tree by the Mayor of Bethlehem. The ceremony, titled “Peace to the World Shining in Bethlehem,” took place in Manger Square on December 6, 2025. Dr. Farouk was invited by the Mayor of Bethlehem, Maher Nicola Canawati, who praised the Farouk Systems Inc founder as a distinguished national figure whose international success continues to bring pride to the Palestinian people. Thousands filled Manger Square as the city welcomed the blessed Christmas season with music, prayer, and celebration. This year’s lighting held deep emotional resonance, serving as a moment of healing and unity. Lights illuminated Bethlehem’s night sky as a symbol of renewed hope – an emotional reminder of the city’s message to the world as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Dr. Shami shared how honored he felt to take part in the celebration, describing Bethlehem as the City of Love and Peace …

Introducing the PRO Tools range from leading professional beauty brand ALFAPARF Milano. Every PRO Tool is crafted with the stylist’s comfort in mind. Lightweight materials and perfectly balanced designs reduce strain during long styling sessions, while ergonomic handles and intuitive controls deliver effortless usability. The focus on form and function help to minimise fatigue and maximise precision, so hairdressers can focus on their craft and not their tools. The first release is made up of three professional hairdryers and two straighteners for for use in salons and to for salons to sell to customers. NEW – ALFAPARF Milano Oracle Hairdryer – Professional hairdryer powered by AI in Motion Technology, Salon Price €120/£105 | RRP €180/£165 Engineered to deliver rapid drying while protecting the scalp from heat damage Latest generation ionic generator reduces frizz leaving hair soft, shiny, and full of life Durable BLDC electronic motor boasts 2000-hour lifespan Quiet and efficient Cold shot button and built-in self-cleaning mode Professional three-metre cable Two precision nozzles and one diffuser for styling all hair types NEW – ALFAPARF Milano The Iconic Professional Hairdryer, Salon Price €69.95/£65 | RRP €69.95/£65 Lightweight and ergonomically balanced for styling and comfort Designed for professional use, delivering powerful, …

2025’s blonde moment was soft, radiant, and camera-ready — driven by a series of viral Schwarzkopf-coined shades that lit up both trade and consumer media. Lisa’s “Soft Mink Blonde” Coachella debut became a major inflection point, making it one of the most searched-for colors among consumers booking spring color appointments. Jennifer Garner’s “Champagne Ribbon Brunette” sparked a Google Trends breakout, with searches for “Jennifer Garner blonde” surging nearly 2000% and TikTok content around her hair now generating 100M+ annual views. Sydney Sweeney’s “Light Suede Blonde” which debuted at the 2025 VF Oscars Party, and Bella Hadid’s “Supermodel Blonde” which debuted at Cannes, generated countless salon color requests – rounding out the year’s most in-demand blondes. These looks were achieved using the following Schwarzkopf Professional essentials: BlondeMe Lightener Powder 9+ Premium Bleach: The brand’s strongest, most reliable lift with integrated bonding technology – ideal for creating the ultra-clean, even blonding work seen on today’s top talent, including Jennifer Garner, whose color was crafted by Tracey Cunningham. Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vario Blond Super Plus: a powerhouse lightener that delivers controlled, dependable lift while protecting the hair’s integrity, ensuring the clean, even canvas these blondes demand. Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance: the demi-permanent color that gives these blondes their signature refinement — soft tonal blending, customizable warmth control, and …

Three targeted tools that make effective scalp care easy for stylists and consumers Olivia Garden is proud to introduce Scalp Diva, a new collection of professional-grade scalp brushes designed to massage, cleanse, and exfoliate with purpose. Created with pro stylists and supported by trichology insights, Scalp Diva brings simple, effective scalp care to every routine. Designed for both professionals and everyday users, Scalp Diva fits seamlessly into any routine. Stylists can use the tools at the bowl to elevate cleansing services, boost relaxation, and prep the scalp for treatments, while consumers can rely on the same professional-quality performance at home to maintain healthier, more balanced hair and scalp between appointments.Designed for both professionals and everyday users, Scalp Diva fits seamlessly into any routine. Stylists can use the tools at the bowl to elevate cleansing services, boost relaxation, and prep the scalp for treatments, while consumers can rely on the same professional-quality performance at home to maintain healthier, more balanced hair and scalp between appointments. “Scalp health is essential for strong, beautiful hair,” said Anne Maza, Co-Owner of Olivia Garden. “We developed Scalp Diva to give stylists and consumers a set of tools that feel great to use and deliver real results.” The Scalp …

The 2026 Pantone Color of the Year Cloud Dancer 11-4201, is a “key structural color whose versatility provides scaffolding for the color spectrum”making it the perfect base for creative color, or for a gorgeous, all over soft white look. To create and maintain “Cloud Dancer” hair, try the following @PRAVANA color and care products: ChromaSilk 10.07 / 10.08 Extra Light Sheer Violet Blonde / Extra Light Sheer Pearl Blonde ChromaSilk HydraGloss 10P Extra Light Pearl Blonde (new!) Express Tones Clear, Violet and Pearl Platinum Toners in Lilac and Sand Award-winning Perfect Blonde Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Mask Clear Cleanse Shampoo Cloud Dancer Pro Tips from PRAVANA: Pre-lighten hair to a clean Level 10 (like the inside of a banana) with any of PRAVANA’s Pure Light lighteners Cleanse with the award-winning PRAVANA Perfect Blonde shampoo Towel dry and tone with Pearl to create the palest iridescent blonde, for a whiter result, add Violet Cleanse the hair once a week with PRAVANA Clear Cleanse to diminish minerals that can cause the hair to yellow or become brassy Utilize the Perfect Blonde regimen as the toner begins to fade, or to brighten natural white hair (not color-treated) PRAVANA Looks: Color by @georgeeblanco For the perfect white cloud-like …

On Sunday, January 25 & Monday, January 26, 2026, hundreds of salon owners from around the world will come together in The Dublin Royal Convention Centre for Phorest’s 10th annual Salon Owners Summit. Phorest, the leading provider of salon and aesthetic clinic software solutions, has announced the full speaker lineup, detailed agenda insights, and high-value workshop themes for its highly anticipated Salon Owners Summit 2026. The Summit is centered around the key theme – Thrive: The Human Experience Powered by Technology. Positioned as Europe’s premier growth-driven event for the hair, beauty, and medi-aesthetic industries, this year’s Summit is set to attract an audience of over 600 global salon and clinic owners. The two-day programme is meticulously curated to deliver not just inspiration, but tangible strategies for growth across the vital pillars of client, team, and finance. A core feature of the 2026 event is the exclusive unveiling of the initial feature drop in the new PhorestAI suite. Attendees will receive an exclusive first look at this brand-new functionality that will support their business while maintaining brand integrity and client experience. Full Speaker Lineup and Agenda Insights The 2026 lineup is curated to deliver practical business lessons, equipping owners with the knowledge to thrive in an evolving market. This year, the Summit will feature prominent industry leaders and …

Award-winning stylist and long-established local business owner Teresa Weller has officially launched her stunning new salon, Teresa Weller Hair Art, in the heart of Dorking. The glamorous opening event took place on Wednesday 19 November, welcoming clients, local businesses, media and supporters into the newly transformed Rotunda building on South Street. Four Gables Events delivered elegant catering, while The Bull’s Head supported seamlessly with logistics and refreshments throughout the evening. Tipsy Gin Company kept spirits high with bespoke gin cocktails, and Revlon Professional treated guests to luxury goodie bags. Entertainment was provided by singer David Jelly, who performed much-loved classics, and the entire event was beautifully documented by Liam Oakes, capturing stunning imagery and a video montage to mark the occasion. Radio personality Nicky Patrick from Radio Jackie joined Teresa for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, with Radio Jackie offering generous coverage of the launch. Teresa was also featured on BBC Radio Surrey, where she shared insight into her journey and the significance of opening in such a historic local landmark. >> A new chapter for an iconic Dorking building The launch marks the completion of Teresa’s extraordinary year-long renovation of The Rotunda, a distinctive 1928 circular building and much-loved part of the Dorking streetscape. Having been empty for more than three years, …

Products marketed as ‘magic’ or ‘burst’ gel removers may contain methylene chloride, a federally banned, highly toxic chemical. Consumers and nail professionals may be unknowingly using gel polish removers that contain methylene chloride (also known as dichloromethane), a highly toxic chemical linked to cancer, acute poisonings, and worker fatalities. As holiday shopping ramps up, the Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety (NMC), a council of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), is issuing an urgent warning about the dangers of these “magic removers” or “burst removers.” “Licensed beauty professionals and consumers should not be misled by products marketed as quick and easy ‘magic’ or ‘burst’ gel nail polish removers,” said Doug Schoon, Scientist and Chair of the Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety. “These products pose serious health risks, violate federal and state law, and undermine the safety standards that the professional beauty industry depends on.” Despite prohibitions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), gel nail polish removers containing methylene chloride are still widely available on major online retailers, often without proper labeling. “California has a regulation in place that prohibits the use of methylene chloride in any product,” shared Kristy Underwood, Executive Director …

Exit One Solutions announces with deep sadness the passing of its Co-Founder and CEO, Dina Elliot, who passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, after a fiercely courageous five-year battle with breast cancer. Dina was a deeply respected figure in the professional beauty industry and communications industries. Known for her expertise and remarkable ability to build meaningful and lasting relationships, she shaped how beauty brands showed up in the world with both creative and strategic excellence. More than 17 years ago, she founded Exit One Solutions growing it into an award-winning, full-service communications and marketing agency that helped propel brands nationally and internationally. To many across the industry, she was not only a strategic partner, but a connector, mentor and a friend. Over the course of her career, Dina held senior-level communications and marketing positions at leading organizations including Wella US, Shiseido Ltd. and The Lamaur Corporation. Before entering the communications field, Dina had an early career as an opera singer. She was one of the youngest students accepted into The Juilliard School and later attended the prestigious Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. She graduated from New York University, where she double majored in music and journalism, a reflection of her …

By Sam Kendall, CEO of SalonIQ Christmas can be the most magical time of the year, but in the hair and beauty world, it’s often the most intense too. Everyone wants to look their best for party season, so it’s only natural that clients try to squeeze in appointments before Christmas do’s, family gatherings, and the big day itself. This season can bring a huge boost in business, with clients often willing to spend more than usual. In fact, a survey of 2,000 UK consumers found that almost a quarter had budgeted extra for their salon visits over Christmas, with one in six planning to spend more than £100 – well above the average festive spend of £58.80. The pre-Christmas rush is lucrative and exciting, but it can take its toll. Salon teams often find themselves taking on more early mornings and late nights to fit everyone in, and that extra effort can quickly lead to fatigue. If not managed carefully, those long days and back-to-back bookings can lead to burnout – what the NHS describes as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion brought on by prolonged stress. It’s a fine balance to strike, but with a little planning …

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing celebrated another incredible year with their annual Luncheon and Awards, held at The Londoner – the biggest and best independent networking and awards event in the industry. 2025 was a year for laying foundations for the industry for years to come. Packed with an exciting array of new opportunities and most importantly, lots of Fellowship events, the progress, and steps taken this year will benefit our members and the industry in the future. The 2025 Fellowship Luncheon brought together over 500 U.K. and international industry guests to celebrate and reminisce over the last year, whilst looking forward to 2026 and the vision for what lies ahead. Welcoming the guests to the annual festive celebration, Fellowship President Ashleigh Hodges, recapped the year, honouring the Luncheon’s theme of ‘Innovate. Inspire. Evolve’, which underpins her presidency term. Ashleigh went on to thank the Fellowship members, sponsors, partners and audience for their continued support and loyalty over the last 12 months. With the anticipation already building, the 2025 achievements announcement began, with a host of fabulous names being awarded this year’s medals and titles. Ashleigh then went on to honour industry anniversaries and milestones, whilst remembering those we lost over the last year, including Charlie Miller, a poignant figurehead …

In the salon world, a name is often more than just what’s on the booking system; it’s a brand in itself. For some stylists, adopting a professional “salon name” can make all the difference when it comes to standing out, building a clientele and creating a memorable identity. At Rainbow Room International, this practice has become part of the team culture. When two or more stylists share the same name within a salon, one may be given an alternative name to use professionally. It’s a small but effective way to avoid confusion for both clients and the front-of-house team. “It makes the booking process smoother and helps clients differentiate between stylists,” explained Coco McMahon, Salon Director and Artistic Team Member. “Clients can easily ask for their stylist when they arrive, and it ensures the right appointment every time.” As one of Rainbow Room International’s most established stylists, Coco knows first-hand how powerful a name can be. She changed her professional name to Coco more than 30 years ago, and it’s a decision that has had a positive impact on her career. “I wanted a name that people would remember,” said Coco. “Something short, catchy, and full of personality. Looking back, …

Subscribe or get a copy of this edition here! Check out the digital version here. SalonEVO North America Issue 35 is OUT NOW! As we close out an incredible year and step boldly into 2026, this issue brings together the artistry, innovation, and inspiration shaping our industry’s future. ON THE COVER – milk_shake Artistic Director Gianluca takes our cover with a jaw-dropping creation that pushes the limits of visual transformation – all while keeping hair health at the forefront. FINAL CUT – Tom Connell, Davines Hair Art Director, delivers the definition of modern cool with boundary-pushing style direction. EVENTS – We soak up the Balearic sunshine at Hairtopia Ibiza with milk_shake, before joining the elevated grooming experience with DEPOT. Then it’s off to Atlanta with Vagaro, where we team up to create looks and conversations driving real industry change. IN THE CHAIR | ONE 2 WATCH | STYLIST ABROAD – We feature Ash Fortis, Shark Fin Shears Elite Global Ambassador, who opens up about her remarkable career journey and hints toward what we can expect from her upcoming photoshoot. Our One 2 Watch is the rapidly rising Angie Guenette, working with Bellami, Redken and more. And our Stylist Abroad is none …

Phorest, a global leader in salon, clinic, and spa software, is celebrating a milestone this year as its Client Experience Awards (CEAs) mark their 10th anniversary. What began in 2015 as a simple but powerful idea in recognising outstanding client care, has evolved into a global celebration of the businesses that consistently deliver five-star experiences. The CEAs are based on verified client reviews collected through Phorest’s inbuilt system. There are no panels, votes, or applications, only genuine client experiences, shared in their own words. To qualify, businesses must maintain a minimum average rating of 4 out of 5 stars across a full calendar year. In 2025, an unprecedented number of salons worldwide earned the honour, with hundreds of winners across the UK and Ireland. This includes long-standing five-star stalwarts such as Jardines Face & Body Clinic in Clondalkin, who have held their rating for ten years, and first-time winners like Ruby’s Nail & Spa in Celbridge and new Phorest customers House of Sassoon in London, whose warm atmosphere and attention to detail shone through in every review. A standout tradition of the CEAs is the personal delivery of certificates. Each year, Phorest team members volunteer to hand-deliver awards in their …

Hair Made Easi has unveiled four new tool innovations designed to elevate in-salon services, enhance client aftercare, and drive retail sales during the busy Christmas and New Year trading period. With multiple world-firsts in the collection, the brand continues to strengthen its position as a leader in professional-standard hair tools designed to improve results both in the salon and at home. Developed with stylists, extensions specialists and salon clients in mind, the new range strengthens Hair Made Easi’s commitment to healthy-hair tools that reduce damage, preserve styles, and support long-term hair condition all of which are key priorities for both professionals and consumers heading into 2026. Introducing the New Hair Made Easi Collection At the forefront of the launch is the XL Luxury Drying Wrap (£14.95), the world’s first XL microfibre hair wrap. At twice the size of standard wraps, it offers exceptional absorption and is ideal for salon environments where time efficiency matters. Its soft, fast-drying microfibre reduces friction and helps minimise damage, making it a valuable tool for extension clients, conditioning treatments, smoothing services and aftercare recommendations. The XL Luxe Satin Sleep Wrap (£17.95), also a world first, has been introduced to protect finished styles overnight. Its ultra-soft …

The Autumn Budget has landed – and while Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised stability and “fair, necessary action,” the UK’s hair, beauty and barbering sector was left wondering whether anyone in Westminster has actually seen a salon’s balance sheet lately. With income tax and NI thresholds frozen, a higher-than-expected inflation forecast, salary-sacrificed pension schemes being taxed, minimum wage rising again in April 2026, and dividend tax up by 2%, the overall message was loud and clear: costs are going up. Again. And the industry has a lot to say about it. BABTAC: “This adds pressure on already tight margins.” Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC – and former Treasury advisor – didn’t mince her words. “For small businesses continuing to navigate the current financial climate, the decision to freeze income-tax thresholds until the end of 2030/31 offers some certainty for planning and forecasting,” she explained. “However, the freeze on National Insurance thresholds will effectively increase employer contributions as wages rise with inflation, adding further pressure on already tight margins.” She added that taxing salary-sacrificed pension contributions removes “a valuable incentive” for staff while the OBR’s revised inflation forecast will squeeze both business overheads and client disposable income. And as …

The HOB Creative Team have retained the title for Artistic Team of the Year at the star-studded British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. The team took home the title with their stunning Silhouette collection. This is the fifth time the team has won the coveted title, thanks to the precision and intricate beauty of their images. HOB is no stranger to winning awards with International Creative Director Akin Konizi being named four-times British Hairdresser of the Year, with accolades including London Hairdresser of the Year and British Colour Technician of the Year. The British Hairdressing Awards was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane this week, and the team won the coveted trophy in front of a 1,500 strong audience of peers, influencers and press from the world of hairdressing. The evening was hosted by TV and radio presenter Rylan Clark, who was joined on stage by the team from organisers Hairdressers Journal International and sponsors Schwarzkopf Professional. Taking to the stage to collect the accolade, International Artistic Director Akin said: “We won this award last year which was a huge honour, but to win it again this year is amazing. I really believe in this …