With over 30 years of experience, Sarah Spiers is the Founder of Chaulk Education and a highly sought-after Educator. Sarah is offering a deep dive into the real science of colour, how it’s made, how we see it, and how stylists should interpret it, with her two-day immersive masterclass.

The Science of Colour

Sarah’s approach looks at the differences in hair structure and texture, the chemistry of peroxide, pigment composition, and the physics of colour perception. Importantly, Sarah has implemented a brand-neutral approach as she believes that stylists should not be confined to techniques tied to specific brands, as true mastery of colour cannot rely solely on product-based training. By adopting a brand-neutral stance, Sarah addresses a common issue: stylists are often taught methods that only apply to one manufacturer’s products, making them vulnerable when they switch salons or when product formulations change.

“Colour is colour. If you understand the theory, you can use any product with confidence. I want stylists to walk into any salon, pick up any tube, and know exactly what they’re doing and have full creative freedom without limitations,” – Sarah.

Designed for Discovery

• Day One: Starts with hair analysis, diving into texture science, how coily hair differs from straight, and what that means for colour. From there, it’s a journey through formulation chemistry: understanding peroxide, pigment families, and colour types, permanent, demi, semi, and beyond.
  That evening, participants wind down with movement and mindset work led by Maxine from The Max Effect, helping recalibrate their nervous systems for the intensity of the next day’s learning.
• Day Two: Brings a deep dive into colour perception, light theory, and how our eyes and brains interpret colour. It also deconstructs the pigment families’ brands use, from natural to synthetic, and explores how to test, identify, and apply them more effectively.

“The way one stylist sees colour is completely different from another. Even the language we use to describe colour creates different images in our minds. My job is to help people become fluent in their own colour language,”- Sarah.

Collaboration, Confidence, and Content Creation

• Mindset coach Cristina Fazzone helps attendees embed what they’ve learned through confidence practices and cognitive frameworks. A professional photographer gives hands-on insights into lighting, colour reflection, and content creation, bridging the gap between artistry and digital storytelling.
• Youth Lab’s Representatives will be present at each event, showing how simplified scientific models can make advanced concepts click in seconds. Adding to the excitement, the YUV Colour Lab will also be part of the experience, which is a hands-on colour experimentation station, much like a paint-mixing machine, which empowers colour specialists to formulate with creative flair, giving control back to the stylist and inviting playful exploration. Through these interactive activities, the emphasis shifts away from traditional educator-led sessions and instead encourages discovery through each individual’s unique perception. Chaulk Education further supports this approach by sharing the untold facts often left out by brands and colleges, creating an environment where real knowledge meets real-world creativity.

In an industry where colour education is filtered through brand messaging, Chalk Education’s is a unique approach to colour education.

The tour is set to reach six UK locations throughout 2025, including Guernsey, London, Glasgow, Jersey, Manchester, and Cardiff. For more information or to attend, please visit – Become a Colour Master

Festival Season is fast approaching and with festival season comes lots and lots of great hair. So, we’ve asked some Industry Insiders to share their trend predictions for the season ahead with us.

Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International

This year, clients will be a lot more experimental when it comes to festival hair. We will
See clients opting for pastel hair colours, as well as bright and bold vivid shades, wearing these all over their hair or through sections and panels to give their hair a fun and playful look. When it comes to hairstyles, we will see the comeback of classic festival hair trends, which include topknots and buns – hairstyles that are easy to create and work well paired with day 2/3 festival hair when the hair starts to get a little bit oily, as a serum or oil can be distributed through the hair to slick it back and help create these styles. Accessories, including hair scarfs and ribbons, will also be prominent for festival season and are a great way to amplify any simple updo and give it added drama.

Gill Berry, JOICO

Braids are always a huge festival hair trend and will never go out of style. The great thing about braids is that they are so versatile, whereby there are a number of braid styles to choose from – from normal to Dutch and French braids. For 2025, we will see braids being incorporated more into half up half down styles, taking some hair away from the face and creating a pretty and very boho inspired look. We will also see more intricate braiding becoming popular, whereby clients will incorporate small braids around their face and into their partings to give their hair a cool and edgy vibe.

Quote from Sophie Chandler RUSH Artistic Team

Festival hair is expected to be a little more laid back luxe this year with a boho feel.
Loose beachy waves are going to be a popular style and we can expect to see lots of
hair accessories being used to create a cool festival style, opposed to lots of
complicated hairstyles. In addition to this, we can expect to see nineties trends across
the festival scene – think bangs and voluminous layers. This isn’t a look just for festival
time, it will be popular throughout summer and as we move into autumn too.

Chris Grimley, textured hair specialist, owner of Fusion Hair Co & Textured Curled Academy

Festival hair is all about balance—you need something that turns heads but can also last through heat, dancing, and long days outside. That’s why Doechii’s look at the Billboard Women in Music 2025 is such a perfect festival hair moment. Her micro braids, styled into a structured topknot, bring boho energy with a bold, futuristic twist – exactly what festival season 2025 calls for.
Micro braids are an ideal festival style because they’re low-maintenance but high-impact. They hold their shape, they’re endlessly versatile, and they work with every accessory under the sun. What makes Doechii’s look stand out is how the topknot creates elevation and movement, while the face-framing tendrils keep it soft and effortless. To make this style truly festival-ready, I always recommend weaving in metallic beads, shells, or UV-reactive threads—something that catches the light and enhances the whole vibe. And let’s talk longevity: a lightweight oil mist keeps the braids fresh and defined, while edge control ensures everything stays sleek without feeling stiff. This is festival of hair at its best intricate, expressive, and built to last. If you’re looking for the ultimate festival style this season, this is it.

Celebrity Hairstylist Jay Birmingham

Festival hair is all about getting creative, and this season, I’m obsessed with feathers as the ultimate statement accessory this festival season. They add colour, movement, and a touch of ethereal magic, transforming any style into something eye-catching.
For me, it’s all about weaving delicate, wispy feathers into loose, tousled waves or sleek, sculpted ponytails. The contrast between soft texture and bold adornment creates a striking, high-fashion festival moment. Whether you go for subtle neutral plumes for a boho edge or vivid, color-blocked feathers for a high-impact statement, this look is made to turn heads. The key to making it work? Placement is everything. I love layering feathers through braids, pinning them into ponytails, or tucking them behind the ear for a more effortless feel. Finish with a lightweight styling mist to keep everything secure while still allowing natural movement. Festival hair should feel playful, bold, and a little untamed—and feathers bring all of that energy together in the most care-free, stylish and fun wayy.

Quote from Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty

 Festival hair should be bold, expressive, and unapologetically fun. Nothing captures this energy better than vibrant, high-voltage waves. This season is all about striking, statement-making colours combined with effortless texture. Dua Lipa is known for her experimentation with these bold colours. What makes this style a festival essential is its fluidity and impact. Waves create movement and light reflection, which makes bold shades even more striking—whether it’s electric blue, neon pink, or fiery copper. This is a look that’s designed to *stand out in the crowd, on stage, and under festival lights. To perfect bold waves, it’s all about technique. I always recommend starting with a colour-protecting treatment to keep the vibrancy locked in, then enhancing the waves with a texture mist and a soft bend using a styling wand. The key is keeping the movement controlled but effortless, so the colour stays the main focus. Festival hair is about making a statement, and bold waves are the ultimate power move—high-energy, high-impact, and built to steal the show.”

Nicholas James, Celebrity Session Stylist

Influenced by the likes of Euphoria, bubble braids will be a staple in festival season, being loved for their practical and trendy look. When it gets to Day 2 or 3 of the festival, you need a style that will both keep the hair out of the face and still look chic. The key to nailing this trend is to create a relaxed feel to the style! The beauty of it is that it doesn’t have to be too neat and perfected and this look is best paired with wispy bangs to frame the face. Embrace flyaways and texture for an on-trend vibe, using clear elastics to create the bubble effect cascading down the hair.

Safy B, Owner of Safy B’s Hair Salon

Keeping your hair fresh and tidy at festivals is a challenge in itself – showers tend to be far and few, and you can’t always use straighteners to tame your mane. Braids are a great hairstyle for festivals as they require little to no maintenance once styled and can be easily jazzed up with other accessories, such as rings, charms, beads, bows and much more! The festival season also sees many clients wanting to take the leap and try more vivid hair colours – which is my forte! Festivals are a great time for clients to experiment with vivid hair colours and step out of their comfort zone! I’d recommend using semi-permanent dye for clients who are wanting to try out a new hair colour – this means clients can still have the fun and go back to their original colour. Pastels colours are always popular ones!

Mark Hayes, the long-standing creative pillar of the brand, has appointed Richard Ashforth as the new International Creative Director. Richard returns to Sassoon after carving out an impressive creative journey beyond the brand, building his own successful name in the industry. His comeback brings a renewed energy and a contemporary outlook, grounded in a profound connection to Sassoon’s design heritage.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be coming back to Sassoon and reuniting creatively with Mark Hayes. It’s an incredible honour to step into this role, following in the footsteps of some of our industry’s most iconic names. I look forward to adding a fresh creative perspective to the house, whilst upholding the cherished codes that have established this monumental heritage,” – Richard.

Mark Hayes steps into a newly created role as Senior International Creative Director—signalling a new era for Sassoon’s creative evolution. In this position, Mark will continue to shape and drive the global vision for Vidal Sassoon, overseeing international campaigns, seasonal collections, brand partnerships, and strategic alignment across education, product, and salon experiences. His appointment underlines the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of modern hair design, while staying true to the timeless principles that define the Sassoon legacy.

“As I step into this role, I’m proud to carry forward a brand philosophy rooted in architecture, precision, and innovation. This is not just an evolution of my own journey with Vidal Sassoon, but an opportunity to shape the next era of creative excellence for our teams and clients around the world,”
– Mark Hayes.

Together, Mark and Richard form a powerful creative partnership at the helm of Sassoon. As Senior International Creative Director, Mark will set the global vision and strategic direction, while International Creative Director Richard Ashforth leads the execution—overseeing campaign development, in-salon visuals, education content, and product creativity across global markets.

“This creative structure allows us to be both visionary and precise—global and local, timeless and cutting-edge. It gives us the clarity and flexibility we need to grow, inspire, and lead. This announcement marks a renewed investment in creative excellence for Vidal Sassoon—honouring its legendary heritage while forging a bold and collaborative future defined by innovation, artistry, and global impact,”
– Debbie Webster, Vidal Sassoon Global CEO.

More Info 
Online: www.sassoon.com
Instagram: @sassoonsalonofficial

“We’re delighted to have three new exceptionally talented individuals joining the Fellowship Executive Board. Chris Foster, Marnie Williams and Marcus Allen will bring their expertise and knowledge to the Executive Board to help nuture and develop the skills and talent of Fellowship Members. This Year, the Fellowship’s Executive Board will continue to encourage the growth of those who are new to the industry and those who have worked in the industry for many years. The Fellowship will be collaborating and bringing the industry together from all over the UK – with a focus on inspiring, educating, and encouraging salon stylists, salon owners, freelance stylists, and barbers,”
– Ashleigh Hodges, President of the Fellowship.

Chris Foster

An internationally recognised, multi-award-winning barber with a career that spans the worlds of grooming, fashion, education, and digital innovation. Chris was the first to create a dedicated barbering app for barbering education, breaking new ground in how industry knowledge is shared and scaled. He went on to establish his own academy and develop signature digital products designed to help barbers and hair professionals grow their influence and income. Chris is deeply passionate about bringing the tools and mindset of the digital world—such as automation and AI—into the hair industry, while always preserving its unique creativity and craftsmanship. Through his company, The Profile Guy Digital Agency, he equips professionals with systems that help attract, convert, and retain clients on autopilot—freeing up time so they can focus on what they love most. Chris Foster joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Technology. His role will explore how technology is shaping the industry and how to keep the Fellowship’s members informed on all things related to technology.

Marcus Allen

An internationally experienced Salon Management Professional and Educator, offering a proven track record of maximising profits and consistent growth in high end salons and businesses. Marcus co-created Paramount Business, a platform delivering advanced salon business education across the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, and Australia. Upon returning to the UK, he continued to shape the industry, supporting Urban Retreat before moving to The Refinery, a multi-award-winning men’s grooming brand. Alongside these ventures, Marcus remained active in London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks over the last five years. His focus on innovation and business transformation led him to become General Manager of Electric Space, a premium co-working salon, photography studio, cinema, and member’s space, redefining how creative professionals work and collaborate. Marcus Allen joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Business, where he will facilitate the best practices, innovation, new technology, and business tools to hairdressers, salon owners, and educators – strengthening the industry with a greater understanding and foundation.

Marnie Williams

The Head of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College with over 42 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry – starting out as a Stylist in the best Dublin salons, then working for L’Oreal as a Technical Consultant, ultimately becoming an educator in both the private and public sector. West Suffolk College is a 3 Star Fellowship Centre of Excellence, which was awarded for the achievements of their students and the opportunities that the college has created for their students. The college was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all 4 area of OFSTED measures, including ‘strong’ for the newest skills category. Marnie has worked alongside The Fellowship for almost 4 years helping to create the Centre of Excellence project, modelling, piloting, re-working, and developing a programme that will recognise excellent education for 16–19-year-olds leaving school and into industry. Marnie joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Education and Centres of Excellence, aiming to help bridge the gap between education and employment, whilst giving the next generation the support and preparation for succeeding in to industry.

“As the Fellowship moves towards its 80th Anniversary, and the industry continues to shift on its axis, we are delighted to have three new dynamic members joining us on the Executive Board. The plans we are putting in place today will benefit the whole industry of the future, both creatively and commercially. These new positions will help us gather and analyse business critical data, as well as attracting “Best in Class” Business, Technologyand Education Partners for the direct benefit of our members and the wider hairdressing community,” – Barry Stephens, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s CEO.

For more info visit www.fellowshiphair.com.

“The ABLE programme is designed to elevate college-based hairdressing education by providing the skills, knowledge, and confidence young professionals need to thrive. My own journey started in a local salon before college gave me the foundation to build my career, so I know first-hand how valuable this kind of training is. I’m thrilled to welcome West Lancashire College to the programme and look forward to helping their students develop their talent and passion for hairdressing,”
– Andrew Barton.

The ABLE programme is Designed Around 3 Key Goals:

• ABLE the qualifying student to be hairdressing salon ready.
• ABLE the qualifying student for employment within the hairdressing industry.
• ABLE the qualifying student for an aspirational career in hairdressing.

West Lancashire College Lecturers will gain access to industry-leading teaching resources that complement and enhance the existing curriculum, aligning with advanced and creative hair professional apprenticeship standards.

“We are delighted to be working alongside Andrew and team on the ABLE programme, and this collaboration further strengthens West Lancashire College’s commitment to delivering exceptional, career-focused education that empowers students with the skills and experience to excel in their chosen profession. We are very much looking forward to watching our students flourish over the coming months to become outstanding practitioners within the Hairdressing industry,” – Neil Farrell, Head of Curriculum for Creative & Service Industries at West Lancashire College.

The ABLE Programme

It was developed to help tackle the industry’s skills shortage while inspiring and equipping the next generation of hair professionals. Since its launch, it has supported over 1,000 students across the UK, and West Lancashire College is proud to become part of this forward-thinking initiative.

West Lancashire College

As a leading provider of hairdressing and barbering education, it offers a wide range of courses from Entry Level to Level 3, including full-time study programmes, apprenticeships, and adult learning opportunities. The college provides state-of-the-art training facilities, including industry-standard salons where students gain real-world experience in a professional environment.

More Info 
Online: www.andrewbartonlondoneducation.co.uk
Instagram: @andrewbartonable

Leading salon group Medusa has joined forces with Sparkle Sisters, an Edinburgh-based charity supporting women affected by homelessness and abuse, for a transformative day of beauty and empowerment. The initiative focused on making each individual feel valued, seen, and empowered. Medusa’s expert stylists worked their magic, offering professional haircuts and styling, while beauty therapists provided treatments designed to uplift and restore a sense of femininity and self-worth.

“At Medusa, we believe in the power of hairdressing to uplift and transform, not just aesthetically but emotionally. Working with Sparkle Sisters was a deeply humbling and rewarding experience. Seeing the joy and confidence on the faces of these incredible women is what our industry is all about,”
– Kati McAndrew, Creative Director, Medusa Teviot salon.

 

Sparkle Sisters provides vital support to women facing hardship, offering a safe space, essential resources, and opportunities for personal care and well-being. This collaboration highlights the impact of community-driven efforts in restoring dignity and confidence to those who need it most.

 

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A post shared by Medusa Hairdressing | Edinburgh Hairdressing (@medusahairdressing)

More Info
Online: www.medusahair.co.uk
Instagram: @medusahairdressing

With over 45 years of experience in the hair industry, Carol Ritchie brings an extraordinary wealth of knowledge, passion, and creativity to the OSMO team.

Now, as part of the OSMO education team, Carol is excited to align with a brand known for its innovative, salon-quality products. She is inspired by OSMO’s commitment to enhancing shine, volume, and colour across diverse hair types, and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and creativity with stylists nationwide.

“Carol’s vast experience within our industry is second to none and we’re very excited to share her expertise with the OSMO community. With such a strong educational background, we know that Carol will be inspiring and exciting our customers with her knowledge and skills,”
– Sinéad McLaughlin, OSMO Senior Brand Manager.

Carol’s Hair Journey

From winning competitions and the prestigious Golden Scissors Award during her college days, to join an artistic team, taking her skills to Paris and beyond. It’s no wonder that at just 23, Carol was running her first salon, which she later co-owned.

She graduated with a Cert Ed and Assessor’s Award, and eventually taught hairdressing at university level. In 2009, she joined Matrix as an educator and later as an artist, travelling across the UK to share her expertise in cutting, colouring, and her specialism – hair-up and bridal styling.
Carol also trained with the legendary Trevor Sorbie in the “My New Hair” initiative, offering complimentary wig cutting and styling services for those affected by cancer or alopecia, in partnership with her local Macmillan Centre.

Carol has freelanced, owned multiple salons, and currently leads her third award-winning salon – honoured with Best New Salon in 2024. Her work has featured at prestigious events including the National TV Awards, London Fashion Week, and Gok Wan shows. With a love for vintage styling, Carol is a regular fixture at the Goodwood Revival, recreating iconic looks from the 1920s to the 1960s.

More Info
Online: www.osmo.uk.com
Instagram: @osmouk_official / @osmoikon/ @carolritchiebespokehair

Once a vital source of additional revenue, product sales are now more challenging. Major retailers like Boots are now stocking professional haircare brands, and online shopping offers convenience to customers. As a result, many salons have experienced a decline in retail sales, even though clients still seek expert recommendations for the best products for their hair.

Yet, amidst these challenges, Scotland’s largest salon group, the award-winning Rainbow Room International, has experienced ongoing success in salon retail. One product, in particular, that has truly stood the test of time is ‘Worx’ a treatment and conditioner that has consistently been a best-seller in the salon group for decades.

“Back in the 90s, treatments were thick and time-consuming. Clients wanted something effective but without the weight. That’s why we developed Worx, a product that was light, fast-acting, and high-performing.

Worx

Recognising this gap, Adrian Foxworthy, Director of Rainbow Room International’s Clarkston and East Kilbride salons, spent a year refining the formulation, ensuring Worx delivered noticeable improvements across all hair types. To this day, Worx has strong client loyalty due to its versatility and ease of use. As a conditioner, it provides a quick and effective moisture boost when massaged through the hair and rinsed out, whilst as a treatment, it offers a more intensive option.

Clients still want expert guidance; they just need a reason to buy from their salon rather than a high-street retailer or an online store.

“Clients today are more informed than ever. They don’t just want a product recommendation; they want to understand how it works, why it’s suited to them, and how to get the best results. That’s where salon retail still has a huge advantage over mass-market alternatives.”

 

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Adrian’s Tips on Strengthening Retail Offerings.

• Understand Your Clients: Personalisation is key. Knowing a client’s hair type, concerns, and lifestyle allows for tailored recommendations that feel relevant and valuable.
• Educate and Demonstrate: Clients want to make informed decisions. Explaining product benefits, usage techniques, and long-term advantages builds trust and encourages purchases.
• Make Retail Engaging: Visual merchandising plays a crucial role. Thoughtfully designed displays, testers, and signage attract attention and drive sales.
• Offer Samples and Incentives: Providing clients with the opportunity to try before they buy increases confidence in the product and the likelihood of purchase.
• Refresh Displays Regularly: Keeping retail areas visually appealing and updated with new promotions maintains interest and encourages repeat purchases.
• Seek Feedback and Engagement: Encouraging clients to share their experiences fosters loyalty and allows salons to refine their retail approach.

“Retail should feel like a natural extension of the service we provide. Clients trust us to help them achieve their best hair, not just in the salon, but at home too. When we take the time to educate, demonstrate, and tailor our recommendations, they genuinely value that expertise.”

The Power of Trusted Recommendations

Clients are looking for more than just a product; they’re looking for expert guidance. Worx success within Rainbow Room International is proof that, when positioned correctly, professional-grade products still hold strong value in the market. For salons looking to strengthen their retail strategy, the key lies in expert education, personalised recommendations, and client engagement. When a product delivers real results and is backed by professional expertise, clients will always return for more.

More Info 
Online: www.rainbowroominternational.com
Instagram: @rainbowroomint

Join colour legend, Connor Stansfield and hair extensions icon & founder of Spectrum One Hair Extensions, Katy Grimshaw for an exclusive, look & learn collaborative day of five star education.

When: Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:30 – 16:30 BST
Where: Spectrum One Salon, 55 Deardengate Haslingden BB4 5QN
Cost: £434.07 general admission

Keep up with the ever changing demands of the current hair industry by perfecting your colour techniques and hair extensions install.

What You’ll Gain

• Insider business insight and education.
• Gain the confidence to excel straight away on the salon floor.
• Connect with fellow hair enthusiasts.
• Includes lunch.
• Free goody bag worth £300.
  Sponsored by: O&M, Crazy Color & Spectrum One Hair Extensions.

 

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More Info

Contact Katie: katie@katiebradenpr.com.
Online: www.spectrumonehair.com
Instagram:  @spectrumonehairextensions

Female founded Hello Bleach started in Australia in 2022 with a mission to create recycled innovative salon tools that not only elevate artistry but close the loop on plastic waste. Stephanie joins Hello Bleach with a proven track record of successfully launching and scaling professional hair and beauty brands across multiple territories. She has expertise in global supply chains, distributor partnerships, and industry innovation. Hello Bleach joins Stephanie’s portfolio of clients that includes Cloud Nine and Dense.

“We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Mason to Hello Bleach as our Global Distribution Manager. Her extensive international experience and unparalleled industry knowledge make her the perfect fit for this role. She shares our vision and mission to purposefully eliminate single-use plastics, reduce water and product waste, and will be instrumental in building strong distribution networks and ensuring our products reach stylists and salons worldwide,”
– Belynda Bennetts, Hello Bleach Founder.

Hello Bleach aims to accelerate its international growth and strengthen its position as a leader in professional hair bleaching solutions. Stephanie will oversee Hello Bleach’s global distribution strategy, working closely with partners to ensure seamless access to the brand’s innovative product range.

More Info

Online: @stephaniemason
Instagram: @hello.bleach

The name Nubian is associated with individuals who exude grace, strength, and an unspoken resilience. Culturally, the name conjures images of regal beauty and deep-rooted heritage, allowing those who bear it to feel an inherent connection with their ancestry.

Credits

Hair – Fellowship for British Hairdressing F.A.M.E. Team 2024; Elle Foreman, Stephen Campbell, Harry Andreou, Ilaria Bellemo. / Creative Director – Errol Douglas MBE / Photographer – Chris Bulezuik / Stylist – Borna Prikaski / MUA – Elizabeth Rita / MUA 1st Assistant – Kailey Walker / MUA 2nd Assistant – Izzy Wallace /
Sponsors – GLOWWA.

I guess it all started in December, when I realised I’m on the run-up to 40. In typical Sophia style, I pulled together a vision board for the next chapter of my life: global keynote speaking, finishing my book, doubling my property portfolio, expanding my members’ club to support even more salons and travelling the world with my family before my boy hits high-school. But… my salon wasn’t on it. Normally, I plan backwards from the future I want. But this time, I thought— why wait until I’m 40? Why not now?

It Was Never Just About The Salon.

People often think of me as Not Another Salon — and that makes sense. We were a huge influence in the industry which changed the way so many salons operate. But what many don’t see is that the salon has only ever been a fraction of what I do. The truth is, I spend most of my life in my other companies — coaching hundreds of salon owners and stylists around the world. Not Another is my brand. Not Another Salon was just the beginning.

This Isn’t About Struggle — It’s About Strategy

Yes, salon ownership is tough right now- really tough! But let me be clear: this isn’t a sad story. We’re closing the salon account with £400,000 in the bank — and that’s just from the salon business, not my other companies like online education. We’ve got no debt, paid full redundancies , and had we chosen to stay open, we would have had strong reserves for hard times if needed.

I’ve helped nearly all of my team find jobs, helped negotiated their commissions and given them mini classes on VAT and running their own set up. We might even be fitting out a salon for one of my long term team members! But the truth is, running a salon alongside so many other businesses and projects means I’ve been constantly turning down incredible opportunities. If I say no, I miss out. If I say yes I burn out. And then I’m a snappy wife, a shit mum, and not much use to anyone. Something has to go. Because I can’t keep saying yes to everything and still stay a good version of me. A version I’m proud of.

Why Don’t You Sell It?

Because you can’t sell me. We all know the team would walk if I sold it. I’d be robbing them. It would last a year tops. I’m not willing to watch my brand die. No thanks.
I don’t care about the money, I care about my reputation. I’ve worked too hard to build a brand that changed the game to crush it for a bit of exit cash. I’m taking ‘NOT ANOTHER’ with me.

The Truth Is… I’ve Outgrown My Dream.

One day, I looked around the salon and realised I was standing inside the dream of 26-year-old Sophia. And while I love her — I’ve grown. Not Another Salon was exactly what the industry needed a decade ago. but here are hundreds of little Not Another Salons now. I’m proud that we are copied. I literally spent a decade teaching people my techniques, concepts and strategies. I gave it all away. I kept nothing close to my chest. I shared all of my glory with my industry. But now… we’re not leading anymore. We’re part of something. And while that’s beautiful, it’s not enough for me.

What’s Next: Not Another Club

For the last year, I’ve been quietly building a new business called the Not Another Club. Something I believe the industry needs now more than ever. Set to launch in June 2025, I believe the industry doesn’t need another salon on the high street right now — it needs a new concept to lead us through strange times. It’s time for a new chapter and a new business to help what’s needed now…in 2025.

THEY CALLED ME CRAZY THE FIRST TIME. THEN THEY COPIED ME.
BUT THIS TIME, IT’S NOT ABOUT PROVING MYSELF, I DID THAT.
IT’S ABOUT LAUNCHING A NEW BUSINESS TO PROTECT AN INDUSTRY I LOVE.
– Sophia Hilton