Empowering the next generation of hair and beauty professionals.
Published:Launched in 2024, Salon Manager has quickly made its mark, transforming how salons, spas, and clinics run their day-to-day operations. Designed to take the stress out of managing a business, the platform allows owners and educators alike to focus on what truly matters — delivering outstanding client experiences and training excellence.
Its growing reputation has seen the software embraced not only by commercial salons but also by a rapidly expanding number of educational institutions. Colleges across the country are turning to Salon Manager to give their students real-world experience with cutting-edge technology — and it’s proving to be a game-changer.
Tailored specifically for the unique needs of colleges, the Salon Manager system streamlines class scheduling, simplifies client bookings, and reduces admin overhead for tutors. Meanwhile, students gain hands-on experience with the same high-end tools they’ll encounter in professional settings — equipping them with the digital skills that salons now expect in a modern workforce.
With flexible configuration options, the platform can be adapted to suit the needs of any college — large or small. It’s this combination of power, simplicity and flexibility that’s helped Salon Manager become the go-to choice for educators looking to raise the bar.
Rapid class setup
Online class and client booking
Mobile stock control
Device-agnostic access
Digital consultation forms
Role-based permissions
Multi-factor authentication for security
“It’s a very exciting time for Salon Manager as we continue to expand into new sectors. We’re thrilled that over half of the UK’s hair and beauty colleges now trust us to support their students and staff. It’s a strong endorsement of our mission — to help the industry thrive through simple, smart digital tools. We’re hopeful that it won’t be long before every college makes the switch to Salon Manager,”- Rikki Tronson, General Manager at Salon Manager.
With its roots firmly planted in innovation and customer success, Salon Manager is showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re running a salon or shaping the future of the industry in education, it’s clear: Salon Manager is the name to trust.
For more info please visit www.salonmanageronline.co.uk.
Tom’s top tips for working with festival-inspired hair.
Published:According to evo creative colour director Tom Smith, 2025 festival styles will also incorporate hardware and utilitarian accessories.
“Metal, wood and unconventional materials will be added to braids, buns and woven into updos’ with mixed textures and partial up-dos. As stylists we can get ready now to inspire our clients and encourage them to book appointments for the festival season with interesting accessories, beads, braids, bands and fabrics and play around incorporating them into braided styles and half updo’s,”- Tom.
Speak to your clients who you know are likely to be social over the summer and see if you can suggest an add-on style to their upcoming appointment. Festival hair is also a great way to share different styling skills on social media. Make sure to take pictures to share on your socials; take content of the process and use this to promote your new service option. And ask your clients to tag you in your transformations.
1 Less is more. Baby braids around the face with a couple of interesting beads is fast, simple and youthful.
2 Consider asymmetry. Accenting one side of the hair and leaving the rest as usual keeps the look elevated and not too try-hard.
3 Avoid backcombing or crimping which will lean too ‘costume’. Instead, keep hair texture beautiful and modern and rely on braids and twists in key areas to add texture.
More Info: www.evohair.com/us
Achieve up to 3x faster High-Definition results that last all day with the latest ghd chronos curve range. The new ghd chronos curve collection is designed to speed up styling while protecting hair from extreme heat damage thanks to its multi-award-winning ghd chronos HD Technology.
Featuring 2 professional wands and 2 professional tongs. The new chronos curve tools with advanced curl-responsive technology react to your curling actions and respond to your hair needs, for faster curling1 and high-definition results that last all day.2. No touch-ups needed. Engineered with advanced curl-responsive technology to ensure the optimum curling temperature of 185ºC is maintained across the entire barrel, ghd chronos curve allows you to create easy, frizz-free curls, quickly – up to 3 times faster!1 and with up to 50% more shine4 and no extreme heat damage.5
Head to ghdcurlfinder.com from 9th July 2025 and complete the ghd curl finder quiz to discover 240 AI generated looks that can be achieved with the range and identify your perfect chronos curve tool.
A new bombshell has entered the range: long hair girlies, we heard you!! You’ve been crying out for a ghd larger barrel tong (that’s right, we see the comments!) and we’ve delivered. The max wand uses ghd’s exclusive curl-responsive technology for creating tumbling loose waves; perfect for hair that’s chin-length or longer.
For those waves that look like you’ve just stepped off the beach. The conical wand has a unique tapered barrel that can create natural-looking curls, for a beautiful beachy effect. Perfect for all hair lengths, this wand is easy to use, for everyone from hair novices to red carpet professionals.
Looking for Hollywood glamour or old money waves? ghd chronos classic tong is your new best friend for defined waves. Using the curl responsive technology, you can create HD results, frizz-free curls & waves3 with 50% more shine.4
Achieving those big voluminous curls has never been faster or easier thanks to the new ghd grand tong. For up to 50% smoother results5, using a tong is helpful for creating uniform curls when you’re in a hurry or looking for a polished look.
All styling products and tools are available in the best salons, department stores and ghdhair.com.
This landmark deal brings the revolutionary biotech-powered haircare brand directly to professional salons.
Published:At the heart of Sweet Squared is one mission: to Serve the Pro with the best brands, the best service, and the deepest commitment to the professional community. With K18 they’re doing exactly that. This landmark deal marks one of only two strategic distribution partners in England, Wales, and the Channel Islands. It sits alongside iconic brands like KEVIN.MURPHY, COLOR.ME, epres, CND™, and Nimue Skin Technology within Sweet Squared’s portfolio.
“K18 chose Sweet Squared because we serve the pro exclusively — we don’t just sell products. Our passion for education, service, and salon success made us the obvious partner for a brand rewriting the rules of haircare. Our sales team couldn’t be prouder — or more pumped!” – Samantha
Sweet, co-founder of Sweet Squared.
K18 has redefined hair repair with its patented molecular technology, earning cult status among stylists and clients alike. And now, thanks to Sweet Squared, salons can access this breakthrough innovation with unmatched support, education, and service. The partnership kicked off in style on Tuesday, June 24th, with an internal launch event at S2 HQ attended by K18 Founder Suveen Sahib.
For more info visit: www.sweetsquared.com/our-brands/k18-hair
Introducing the highly anticipated High Altitude Blondes collection.
Published:Beauty Works has announced the relaunch of their iconic collaboration with influencer and entrepreneur Molly-Mae Hague.
The collection debuts two exclusive new blonde shades in all Beauty Works extensions methods, curated by Molly-Mae herself, alongside a luxurious soft bristle brush designed specifically for effortless extensions styling.
Reflecting Molly-Mae’s Aesthetic
The collection is minimalistic, polished, and timeless. These shades are perfect for creating classic blowouts, sophisticated updos, and voluminous looks suitable for every occasion.
Coming September
Further extending the collaboration, Beauty Works and Molly-Mae will unveil additional styling and haircare kits in September 2025, providing customers with everything needed to achieve Molly-Mae’s effortlessly chic hairstyles at home.
“Our partnership with Molly-Mae continues to evolve, reflecting her personal growth and unique style journey. This new chapter is about empowering everyone to express themselves through their hair, seeing it as an accessory that complements their daily mood and personality,”
– Penelope Cheshire, Founder and CEO of Beauty Works.
Explore the new collection: www.beautyworksonline.com/collaborations/beauty-works-x-molly-mae
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Back and bigger than ever for 2025.
Published:This year, the finals will be held virtually (date to be confirmed), offering even more opportunity for global participation.
Founded by Alternative Hair Show President Anthony Mascolo, the International Visionary Award is the only competition of its kind – a true celebration of vision, artistry, and individuality. Now celebrating over two decades of creativity, this prestigious global competition continues to champion originality and talent in artistic hair design.
Have Your Artistry Seen Across The Globe
Those selected in each category will have their work showcased in the International Visionary Award Virtual Live Event. In previous years, it’s been streamed live to an international audience of over 2.5 million viewers.
Entry Tips
We encourage you to submit as many photos as possible across our three categories: Cut and Colour, Mens and Avant Garde, to boost your chances of becoming a finalist in the 2025 International Visionary Award Virtual Event.
Charity Donations
All entries are a direct donation to our charity – Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation – Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charitty: 1147189)
Enter now: https://alternativehair.org/iva-2025/
In-salon celebrations, social media campaigns, and raffles.
Published:Dawn Bramhall, who joined KH Hair as an apprentice in 1986, took the reins as franchisee in 2003 and says it still feels amazing to be leading the very salon where her incredible journey began.
In-Salon Celebrations
On Friday 30th May, an in-salon celebration day will be held, featuring fizz, balloons, bunting, and plenty of smiles! Plus, every client throughout May will receive a stylish branded tote bag as a thank you from salon director Dawn Bramhall and her team.
Social Media Campaign
As part of the month-long celebrations, salon clients are being asked to nominate friends in a fun and heartfelt social media campaign for the chance to win a luxurious pampering experience.
Raffle
There is also a raffle being held with a chance to win £500 worth of hair and beauty vouchers, with all proceeds going to the 2nd Arnold Scout Group.
Staying Current
The salon has seen some big changes and faced several challenges in its 40 year history. From expanding into a neighbouring unit to the Covid Pandemic. Committed to keeping the salon vibrant, innovative, and full of opportunity, they’ve recently undertaken a full refurbishment of their beauty rooms by redesigning them into a luxurious, modern space.
“We believe in staying current, so we refresh something in the salon every single year. Whether it’s new wallpaper, updated décor, or rearranging product displays, we love to keep the space feeling fresh and exciting for our clients. They love seeing what’s new each visit – and we love surprising them!
– Dawn.
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Celebrations
To kick off 40th anniversary celebrations, the team recently enjoyed a fun-filled camping trip complete with dancing, singing, and lots of laughs.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to each and every one of our team. For all their hard work, creativity and unwavering spirit. They are the heartbeat of KH Hair Arnold and I couldn’t be prouder of the passion they bring every single day,” -Dawn.
The Future
Dawn says she’s always looking ahead for ways to grow and improve, with training remaining at the core of their vision. Passionate about growing future stars in the industry, the team regularly support local schools and New College Nottingham with work experience visits and their award-winning apprenticeship scheme.
“And to our wonderful clients, thank you for being part of our journey. Your loyalty and support mean the world to us. Many of you feel more like friends than clients – and together, we’ve built something truly special in this wonderful little town,”- Dawn.
For more info on the brand, visit www.khhair.co.uk.
Set to take place at the Iconic Natural History Museum!
Published:Wella Professionals UK & Ireland Final is to take place on Monday 6th October 2025 at London’s legendary Natural History Museum—a venue as awe-inspiring as the artistry on display.
Photographic Entries Close Monday 16th June. All successful photographic entries will go straight through to the compete live at the UK & Ireland Final.
Simply complete an online entry form, submit a stunning before-and-after image, and share your transformation on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag and hashtag correctly! All entries must be from the last 12 months and must be original.
For more information visit www.wella.co.uk/trendvision or contact the Wella Events Team at wellaevents@wella.com.
Win a money can’t buy experience to come behind the scenes at evo’s next photoshoot in Australia.
Published:evo are searching for the best Colourists in the hue-verse, from may 19 to July 20.
1. Post your best hue-verse creation on instagram or tik tok (photo or video entries accepted)
2. Tag evopro on instagram or evohair on tiktok
3. Include your formula in the caption
4. Use the hashtag #bestinhue2025
Evo are going global to select two winners; one from our hue-verse stylist community and the other an evo educator.
A behind-the-scenes evo experience, to work with the evo creative team at our next creative, new product or education photoshoot.
2024 PRIZE WINNER
Last year’s best-in-hue winner, Abigael Mccormick (@hairbyabigael) stole the show with her vibrant entry that featured an elevated copper colour created using hue-verse. Abigael, who is co-owner of the space in canada, approached this colour with the intention to have fun and be creative.
Her advice to fellow colourists? “Set the goal, mentally set the standard, formulate with intention, be honest with yourself, trust your formula,” she said. “hue-verse has got you.
More Info
https://www.evohair.com/evo-hair-evo-pro/professional-ranges/hue-verse/best-in-hue/
Recognize and rewarding exceptional color talent in the hair industry.
Published:JOICO’s Color Talent Awards are now open with three exciting categories to choose from, representing a range of different skills and expertise – and they couldn’t be easier to enter!
Step 1 – Choose Your Category
Pick the one that aligns with your vision and expertise—this is your moment to shine!
Step 2 – Pick Your Mood Board
Let your creativity run wild and use one of the inspirational Mood Boards as a starting point to create a trend-setting masterpiece!
Step 3 – Let Your Imagination Get Creative
It’s time to bring your vision to life. Create a stunning hair color look based on your chosen category and mood board.
View this post on Instagram
Step 4 – Submit Your Entry
Once your masterpiece is finished, upload your entry to Instagram, using the correct hashtags for your category, tag @joicoeurope, and make sure that your account is public! Entries open on the 1 st of June 2025 and close on the 1 st of November 2025.
Step 5 – Winners Announcement
The winners will be announced in January 2026 after careful deliberation from our star-studded panel of judges.
These include Bruno Marc, Giamattei, Grace Dalgleish, amongst many more. All have a wealth of experience in entering and winning awards and competitions.
For full entry details visit: https://colortalentaward.joico.eu/.
As a hairdresser, the tools you use make all the difference. When you’re back-to-back with clients, you need something fast, reliable, and kind to hair. That’s why we’ve completely fallen for the Diva Atmos Professional Stylers.
From the first time you use them, you’ll be able to feel the difference. The Adaptive Heat Technology means no more going over the same section multiple times – just one smooth pass and it’s done. That’s a game-changer when you’re short on time but still want flawless results.
What really impressed us was the instant heat recovery – it’s super quick and keeps the temperature consistent, even through thick or coarse hair. Plus, the ceramic floating plates infused with Macadamia, Argan Oil, and Keratin give hair the kind of shine clients always ask for, with way less heat damage.
There’s a plate width for every hair type and styling need – whether it’s tight curls on short hair with the 13mm or smoothing out thick, long hair with the 51mm XXL wide plates. And they feel great in your hand – lightweight, ergonomic, and built for long days behind the chair.
The adjustable heat settings, auto shut-off, and dual voltage are all thoughtful touches that show these were designed with pros in mind.
It’s rare to find a tool that combines speed, performance, and care in equal measure. The Diva Atmos Professional Stylers have raised the game.
The good news, we’re giving away one entire set worth £799 in the SB Awards raffle. Tickets are just £5 and proceeds go to Little Lady Locks charity, helping young people suffering from hair loss.
Purchase your raffle tickets via the QR code below before April 30, 2025. Ts and Cs apply.
Order now at divapro.co.uk
Follow for pro tips: @divaprostyling
A visionary hairdresser, educator, and entrepreneur, renowned for her creativity and dedication to the hairdressing industry, we’re speaking to Brooke Evans. As the owner of The Grid Collective in Shropshire, Brooke has cultivated a space that blends artistry with innovation, offering bespoke hair services while fostering a collaborative, forward-thinking salon environment. Her talent has earned her industry-wide recognition, including being a Midlands Hairdresser of the Year finalist and a former member of the prestigious FAME Team. Beyond the salon, Brooke is a proud Quif Ambassador, sharing her expertise and passion for colour through education. Her commitment to mentorship and innovation allows her to inspire the next generation of stylists while pushing creative boundaries with cutting-edge techniques.
What are your go to techniques for achieving the best balayage?
For me, achieving the perfect balayage requires a combination of techniques rather than relying on just one approach. Every client has a different texture, colour history, and desired outcome, so tailoring the application method is key to creating a seamless and natural-looking balayage.
I love combining techniques such as blending freehand painting with foilyage, freehand painting allows for a soft, sunkissed effect, while foilyage enhances brightness and lift in areas that need more definition. This combination of techniques creates a beautiful contrast while maintaining a natural blend.
I also like to incorporate babylights to create delicate, fine highlights that seamlessly transition into the balayage. Babylights add depth and dimension without creating harsh lines, helping the colour grow out naturally. I love using this technique on clients who want a low maintenance balayage that still looks polished over time.
Another key element is feathering the colour at the roots to create a soft transition, avoiding harsh demarcation lines. This ensures that the balayage looks effortlessly blended, whether the client prefers a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation.
I always customise the placement of highlights based on the client’s hair length, face shape, and natural movement. Strategic placement enhances the clients features and creates a natural, multi-dimensional effect, but also offers a bespoke look every time.
By combining these techniques, I can achieve a beautifully bespoke balayage for each client. The key is personalisation, ensuring that every balayage is tailored to the individual client.
When it comes to creating bespoke colour application for clients, Brooke also loves scalp bleaching.
One of the most personalised colour services I offer is scalp bleaching. This technique has been growing in popularity, and what makes it so exciting is that no two applications are ever the same. Every client has unique preferences, hair conditions, and maintenance goals, which allows me to make tailored adjustments each time they come in.
What I love about scalp bleaching is the versatility it provides. Whether it’s refining the tone, adjusting the level of brightness, or incorporating creative colour panels, there’s always an opportunity to customise the look. Some clients prefer a clean, icy platinum, while others enjoy softer, more lived-in blondes with subtle warmth. The beauty of this technique lies in its adaptability – I can modify the tone each session to match the client’s evolving style and skin tone.
To add even more dimension and uniqueness, I often incorporate different colour placement techniques.
Strategic colour blocking, for instance, allows me to create bold statement looks by adding contrasting or complementary shades to specific sections of the hair. Hidden panels of colour can also provide an unexpected pop, perfect for clients who want something fun, yet versatile.
My goal is to always to create a look that is completely bespoke to each client, whether they want a classic platinum, a pastel-toned finish, or something more creative with colour panels. By continuously tweaking placement and tonality, I can ensure that every client leaves with a colour that feels fresh, unique, and perfectly suited to them.”
How do you manage a busy column while avoiding burnout?
It’s a challenge, especially as a self-employed stylist. My schedule is incredibly full, but I’ve learned that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential – particularly since having a young family.
To achieve this balance, I limit my salon days to just three per week. While those days are fully booked and intensely busy, this structured schedule allows me to maximise productivity without experiencing burnout. By concentrating my appointments into fewer days, I can provide high-quality service to my clients while still having time to recharge and spend with my family.
Beyond the salon, I also work as an educator for Quif, a role that fuels my creativity and passion for the industry. I take on this responsibility one to three times a month, which keeps my career dynamic and fulfilling without overwhelming my schedule. Education allows me to step away from the salon chair while still engaging with my craft in a meaningful way.
For me, time is just as valuable as financial gain. It’s not just about working more but about working smarter not harder, optimising the hours I do spend behind the chair. I ensure my appointments are well-organised, and I remain intentional about my time, avoiding unnecessary overbooking that could lead to exhaustion.”
