Business

The New ghd Wave

Featuring ghd advanced technology across three barrels.

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ghd wave creates loose beach waves that last all day with 2x less frizz1, 30% more shine2 and no extreme heat damage3; giving waves you’ll want to wear for days.

Instantly create defined, voluminous waves with a professional finish, no extreme heat damage3 and minimal effort with its ghd PTC heater technology. It ensures the optimum styling temperature of 185°C is maintained across the three barrel. Enter the new wave of hair styling.

The new ghd wave (From RRP: £159/€179) is available from 28th April in the finest salons, department stores and ghdhair.com.

Business

Project X Collection 2024

Think futuristic rebellion meets high-fashion edge.

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“In a world where individuality reigns, we’ve created a vibrant community that embraces rebellion through creativity and collaboration. This collection is the culmination of a mentorship journey with 12 talented hairstylists, united.”

Business

Sassoon Academy Heritage Course

Master the Icons of Hairdressing

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A unique four-day programme that offers hair professionals the rare opportunity to master the iconic Sassoon haircuts that revolutionised the hair industry in the 1960s and 70s.

Recreate Legendary Haircuts

Gain the skills to recreate legendary looks that have inspired generations, including the Nancy Kwan, Five Point, The Veil, Mouche, Box Bob, and Peggy Moffitt styles. Developed by Vidal Sassoon and the original International Creative Team, led by Roger Thompson and Christopher Brooker, these geometric cutting techniques remain the foundation of modern precision haircutting.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will engage in step-by-step, follow-along demonstrations conducted on mannequin heads, under the guidance of Sassoon Academy instructors. With a focus on perfecting geometric shapes, iconic lines, layering, and graduation techniques, this course delivers an immersive experience in precision cutting and finishing.

Who’s It For

The Sassoon Academy Heritage Course is designed for experienced hair professionals with a minimum of five years salon experience who are eager to refine their skills and master the artistry of Sassoon’s most enduring and recognisable hairstyles. Participants should have a Level 2 NVQ (or country equivalent) in cutting and finishing techniques.

Rediscover the legacy that reshaped the global hair industry. Enroll in the Sassoon Academy Heritage Course and take your craft to the next level.

 

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Location: House of Sassoon, 16 Greek St, London W1D 4DR
Price: £1,400.00 (exc. VAT)
Duration: 4 Days
Course Date: May 6-9, 2025

Book Here

Business

Bloom Leadership Team Gathers in Glasgow

To Reinforce Their Brand Promise

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Geographically diverse with salons in Aberdeen, Glasgow & London, the Bloom salon group are bound together with a PROMISE to deliver GREAT HAIR.

The BLOOM PROMISE

This recently launched to all team members and thousands of loyal customers is the foundation of the group’s business success. The BLOOM PROMISE underpins the strategy for the business including recruitment, team training, creative, client experience and the brand’s signature hair, and the leadership teams meets bi-annually to discuss strategy.

Leadership Team

  • Bloom Founder – Sheona Will
  • Creative Lead – JR Slane
  • Group Brand Lead – Andrew Barton who is UK Creative Ambassador for Keune and boasts over three decades of hairdressing experience.

“In an industry that faces various challenges, we are proudly blooming. It’s the joint force of all and evolving what we do that drives the business forward and is at the core of the Bloom DNA. Our team are the focus for our growth and the coming together of the leadership minds to develop the next steps on our business journey and how we communicate the direction we are travelling is key to future success. The BLOOM PROMISE leads our strategy as a toolbox to guide every aspect of the business and being both team and client facing is integral to the business,”
– Andrew Barton.

“It’s a rare opportunity when we get together as a team of leaders. Although I know it’s super important, it often feels there should be other priorities in play. I never regret bringing the team together – it actually reduces the pressure and helps us all positively address the challenges faced when running a successful and sustainable salon in 2025,”
– Sheona Will.

Business

Hairdressers Take to the Streets to Protest in Parliament Square  

The industry pulled together to show its support for tax reform.

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The peaceful protest organised by the British Hair Consortium, took place on March 17th in central London. Hairdressing and beauty salon owners gathered at London’s Parliament Square, in a bid to request that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will throw the sector an economic lifeline. It is hoped that the ‘Save Our Salons’ rally will get the attention of Government.

Unbalanced Tax System

According to the British Hair Consortium, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030, as an unbalanced tax system is decimating the hair and beauty industry. Things need to change.

The Solution

The British Hair Consortium says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.

“We won’t stand down and let our industry die. The support shown by our industry was incredible and I hope that we have gained the attention that we need to show Government that we need a lifeline. We need VAT reform and we’re not going to stop shouting for this to happen,”
– Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium.

For more information on The British Hair Consortium go to https://www.bhc.org.uk/
@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons

Eco

ghd Style Squad – Now Open for Entry!

10 spots up for grabs for the UK&I’s hottest hairdressing talent

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Calling all emerging Hairstylists! Apply for an exclusive opportunity to join the ghd Style Squad. With 10 coveted spots up for grabs, the ghd Style Squad mentorship programme is a money-can’t-buy chance for young, up-and-coming talents to unlock career-defining experiences and sharpen their craft.

Who Can Apply?

Open to Stylists currently doing NVQ Level 2 or 3 (or equivalent) or those in their first two years of hairdressing, the programme offers unparalleled exposure, mentoring, and a host of exciting opportunities that are sure to set the chosen squad members on the fast track to success.

The Mentorship

  • Full ghd product training
  • Work together on creative challenges
  • Attend exclusive inspiration days with mentorship from the ghd education team and guest artists.
  • Front-row access at brand events and activations.
  • Chance to showcase their talent on major projects, including global and UK launch events, and photoshoots.
  • Hands-on education from top industry pros like James Earnshaw and Michelle Thompson.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to launch this year’s UK&I Style Squad mentorship program! It’s an incredible opportunity for up-and-coming hairstylists to refine their skills, unleash their creativity, and gain invaluable industry experience. I can’t wait to see the talent this year brings – good luck to everyone applying!” – Sarah Dixon, ghd key Account Educator and ghd Style Squad Mentor.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Register your interest by emailing stylesquad@ghdhair.com to request an application form.
2. Create and upload an on-trend, 60-second how-to video using your favourite ghd tool – either self-styling or on a model with a step-by-step caption – to Instagram or TikTok. (No doll heads or AI allowed).
3. Tag @ghdhairpro and use the hashtag #ghdstylesquadUKI.
4. Send your video and completed application back to stylesquad@ghdhair.com before the closing date.
5. Entries close at 5pm on Tuesday, 1st April 2025.

Eco

Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2025 Winners Announced

Marking an extraordinary celebration of the next generation of hairdressing and barbering talent!

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Held at Telford College, Judges selected the winners from 56 Finalists. Each finalist showcased their passion, creativity, and skills as they competed for the top spot in their chosen category.

Beyond the Competition

The day provided an invaluable opportunity for Finalists and Attendees to connect with like-minded Professionals, engage with leading industry brands, and gain inspiration from the Education Stage hosted by the ‘How To Cut It’ Platform team. Dom Lehane, Founder and Presenter of the renowned hair industry podcast ‘How To Cut It’, served as the guest compere.

Sponsors

  • Headline Sponsor L’Oréal Professionnel Paris
  • Alan Howard, Denman International
  • Wahl Professional
  • WIG London
  • The Fellowship for British Hairdressing
  • HTCI Platform
  • VTCT

The Judges

  • Andrea Dorata on behalf of L’Oréal Professionnel Paris
  • Adam Murphy on behalf of Alan Howard
  • Emma Dixon on behalf of Denman International
  • Dean Gleeson of Wahl Professional
  • Lisa Farrall from WIG London
  • Ashleigh Hodges on behalf of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing
  • Head Judge, Nicola Steinbach from VTCT

The Winners

OVERALL Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2025 Winner: Jess Maundrell from West Suffolk College

Category Winners:

Styling Level 1 – Fairytale
Brooke Williams – Coleg Menai

Styling Level 2 – Fairytale
Kayleigh Blears – Coleg Llandrillo

Hair Up Level 2 – About the ‘Ton
Teagan Davies – Reds Hair Company

Hair Up Level 3 – About the ‘Ton
Mia Guynan – West Suffolk College

Barbering Level 2 – Sharp Maverick
Denis Banatean – Nelson and Colne College, Nelson Campus

Barbering Level 3 – Sharp Maverick
Kian Dixon – Leeds City College, Printworks

Colouring – Colour Wheel
Ji-Eun Jo – Nescot College

Textured Hair – Glamour
Rhianna Burford – Barnfield College

Avant-Garde – Environmental Impact
Jess Maundrell – West Suffolk College

“Concept Hair Learner of the Year is all about celebrating the next generation of hairdressing and barbering talent. It’s incredible to see these learners showcase their creativity and technical skills on such a prestigious platform. We are so proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see them thrive in the industry!”
– Zoë Tanner, Managing Director at Concept Hair.

For more information about the event visit @concepthairmag on Instagram.

Eco

Wella Professionals & ghd Elevate Victoria Beckham’s AW25 Paris Fashion Week Show

In partnership with lead Hairstylist Anthony Turner

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Effortless yet considered was the focus backstage, with an emphasis on strong and hair. This season Victoria and Anthony opted for a smooth side parting, gathering longer hair into a low, undone pony.

Product

Wella’s ULTIMATE REPAIR products prepared the hair, delivering fast***, inside-out repair that strengthens, smoothens, and restores shine to damaged hair. This innovative formula rebuilds bonds from within, replenishes the hair’s exterior, and provides up to 99% less breakage and 12x smoother results, making it the ultimate haircare partner for the runway. The models’ stunning looks were perfected with the newly launched ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum, which offers heat protection while nourishing their hair in just 30 seconds. The result is irresistible smooth and healthy locks, with 96 hours frizz control to keep their styles flawless beyond the end of the show.

Tools

The new ghd chronos TM max styler and its innovative technology identifies the users’ styling motions and reacts by delivering the right amount of power into the plates to maintain the optimum temperature of 185°C to a new ‘higher level’ of precision.

  • 85% larger plates1,
  • Delivers 3x faster styling2 for HD results that last 24 hours3, saving precious time backstage.
  • Creates flawless, up to 90% more mirror like shine hair, with no extreme heat damage4.
  • Reduces frizz by 2.5×6.
  • Close-edge plates mean you can now get closer to the roots when styling for perfect root-to-tip results.

“This season, we embraced a fresh, effortless hair look with a sleek, low ponytail and smooth side part—strong yet undeniably feminine. We achieved this with Wella Professionals’ Ultimate Repair Range and the new Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum, nourishing and replenishing the hair, then finished styling with the new ghd Chronos Max.” – Victoria Beckham.

“I loved working with Victoria Beckham to create the look for her AW25, which is fresh and effortless, to match the mood of the collection. We mixed a feminine, yet strong look and opted for a side parting and low and clean ponytail. To nourish and repair damaged hair we used Wella Professionals and GHD – my go-to brands backstage”
– Anthony Turner, Lead Hairstylist.

Anthony’s Step By Step

STEP 1: Apply ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue on damp hair
STEP 2: Followed by ULTIMATE SMOOTH Miracle Oil Serum to the hair
STEP 3: Next the hair was dried with the ghd helios and then prepped with the ghd chronos max
STEP 4: Final step was the ghd curling tongs on some girls, setting with Wella Professionals Mistify Me Light.

Follow on Insta @wellhairuki @wellaprofessionalsuki

Business

GLOWWA Announces Jack Mead as New Brand Ambassador

He’ll collaborate closely with the brand, bringing his expertise and passion to the forefront.

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“We’re beyond happy to welcome Jack to the GLOWWA family! He felt like a natural fit, already a strong believer in our brand, making him the ideal ambassador to champion our mission. With his wealth of experience and genuine passion for our products, his perspective perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering real-world results that benefit both stylists and clients alike.”
– Suzanne Cooper, GLOWWA Founder.

“I’m proud and excited to be part of this incredible brand. GLOWWA is changing people’s lives in a way that hasn’t been possible before. I’ve seen dramatic changes in my own hair and my clients! I’m looking forward to documenting and sharing our journeys in the coming months,”
– Jack Mead.

Jack and GLOWWA are a perfect match, both committed to empowering Stylists and Clients to revolutionise their haircare routines with an inside-out approach. GLOWWA’s focus on clean, active ingredients complements Jack’s passion for optimising hair health and wellbeing.

Impressive Career

As co-owner of Jack & The Wolfe in Lymington with his wife Lydia, he’s styled celebrities like Pixie Lott and contributed to campaigns for premium beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, as well as fashion week shows for Yuhan Wang. Featured in Vogue and Elle, Jack’s creativity and expertise have earned him over 248k Instagram followers and a loyal client base.

More Info
Online: glowwa.com
Instagram: @glowwa

Eco

Aveda Continues its Mission to Protect and Provide Clean Water with Annual Earth Month Campaign

Through purchases of Aveda’s limited-edition Earth Month product.

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This Earth Month, Aveda, the purpose driven pioneer of high performance, plant-derived hair care, aims to change worlds with clean water through its support of global nonprofit charity partner, charity: water.

Charity: Water Partnership

Aveda first launched its annual Earth Month campaign in 1999, and has since raised more than $72 million for hundreds of global and local organizations, providing clean water to more than 1.5 million people and protecting thousands of local watersheds. Together with charity: water, Aveda focuses on providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene to people in need during Earth Month 2025 and beyond. With access to clean water nearby, communities are healthier and have more time to go to school or earn an income.

Fundraising Initiatives

There are various ways that Aveda is encouraging community action during Earth Month. Through purchases of Aveda’s limited-edition Earth Month product, joining Aveda’s Earth Month campaign activities, prioritizing water-saving habit shifts, or direct donations to charity: water.

“Earth Month is a time for us to reflect on and reaffirm our dedication to the mission that Horst Rechelbacher, Aveda’s visionary Founder, instilled. His unwavering commitment to caring for the world we live in continues to guide us as we champion initiatives for Earth Month and beyond. These efforts are not just events; they are a testament to our enduring responsibility to environmental stewardship and social impact. Through Earth Month, we honor Horst’s legacy by actively engaging our community and fostering a more sustainable future for all, ” – Shane Wolf, Global Brand President, Aveda.

 

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Earth Month Product

For this year’s Earth Month campaign, Aveda will be selling its Botanical Repair™ Bond Building Styling Creme (£22.00) – a multi-benefit styling cream that adds flexible hold and smooths frizz while building bonds for stronger hair. Created in a limited-edition 100ml size featuring special packaging designed by Artist Melissa Koby (@mkoby_). £12.00 from each sale* will go directly toward funding clean water projects with charity: water.

“When creating this design, I drew great inspiration from the visual representation of water’s natural movement, hopefulness, and connection – all of which I feel embodies Aveda’s Earth Month mission,”
– Melissa Koby.

AVEDA CLEAN WATER CHALLENGE

Starting on World Water Day and throughout Earth Month 2025, Aveda is encouraging participation in the #AvedaCleanWaterChallenge – a social campaign of weekly focuses highlighting small but impactful habit shifts that contribute to global sustainability initiatives. The first three weeks cover counting how many times per day you access clean water, prioritizing eating vegan, and focusing on reusable and recyclable items in place of single-use plastics, respectively. These are followed by two key annual Earth Month activations for Aveda: ‘No Wash Day’ and ‘Aveda Walks for Water’.

No Wash Day

On Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, Aveda invites individuals to skip a hair wash as part of the brand’s #NoWashDay campaign. By forgoing a hair wash, participants can save an average of 6 gallons1 of water each day. Influencers and creators worldwide will champion the cause by highlighting their nowash styles featuring the limited-edition Earth Month product and other Aveda no-wash day musthaves like Shampowder Dry Shampoo, building support and momentum for #NoWashDay and inspiring followers to actively participate in the movement.

Aveda Walks for Water

On Sunday, April 27, Aveda encourages its customers, partners, employees, network and everyone interested in this cause to join the Aveda Walks for Water initiative. Recognizing that people in developing countries walk an average of 3.7 miles daily to access clean water, Aveda aims to engage participants in a 3.7-mile walk in solidarity, raising awareness for charity: water and emphasizing the importance of universal access to clean water. Participants are encouraged to post about their walk on social media using #AvedaWalksForWater to further spread awareness for the cause. Join your local Aveda location on a walk or plan your own outing with family and friends. Small actions can make a big difference, and there is power in every step.

 

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AVEDA’S MISSION OF CARE

In accordance with Aveda’s founding mission to care for the world we live in, the brand has pioneered and established new benchmarks of environmental responsibility in beauty for decades. Aveda prioritizes environmental leadership and responsibility across its entire business, with special emphasis on vegan and Leaping Bunny Approved formulas, responsible sourcing, responsible packaging, responsible manufacturing, and helping protect and provide clean water to people in need. Further, Aveda is a certified B Corporation, meeting high verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability.

To learn more about Aveda’s mission and sustainability initiatives, visit aveda.com/mission-of-care.

Eco

How To – Bantu Knots

A Step-by-Step Guide from Michael Kent, Blue Tit.

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Whether you’re hitting the club, brunch, or just chilling at home, Bantu knots are a versatile look. Let Michael Kent guide you through the process.

What You’ll Need

  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Rat-tail comb
  • Hair clips or sectioning clamps
  • Your fave leave-in conditioner or moisturizer
  • Styling gel or edge control… if you love a sleek finish
  • Hair oil or butter for extra shine.
  • Small elastics for those stubborn knots.

Step 1: Prep That Hair
Start with clean, detangled hair. Bantu knots work on any hair texture, but slightly damp hair is where the magic happens. Grab your leave-in conditioner or moisturizer and work it through your hair.

Step 2: Section
Using your rat-tail comb, part your hair into sections. The size is up to you – smaller sections give you a cute, intricate look, while larger sections scream drama and boldness. Secure each section with a clip so you’re not fighting stray strands while you work.

Step 3: Smooth It Out
Add a bit of styling gel, butter, or oil to each section to keep things smooth and frizz-free. Run it through with your fingers or a comb until your hair is softer.

Step 4: Twist It Up
Grab a section and start twisting from the roots to the ends. Keep it tight, but don’t overdo it—we want snatched, not stressed.

Step 5: Knot It
Here comes the fun part: take that twist and wrap it around itself at the base to form a knot. Keep wrapping until you’ve got a cute little bun sitting pretty. Tuck the ends under the knot, and if it’s flying away, secure it with an elastic.

Repeat
Work your way through all the sections, taking your time to make each knot as flawless. Pro tip: play some Beyoncé or Doja Cat while you’re at it – it helps with the vibe.

Step 7: Set and Forget (For Now)
Once you’ve got all your knots in place, let them air dry or sit under a hooded dryer if you’re in a hurry. Want to make it extra sleek? Wrap your hair with a satin or silk scarf.

Step 8: Rock the Knots or Release the Curls
You can wear your Bantu knots as-is, or you can unravel them for bouncy, defined curls. When you’re ready to take them down, be gentle – separate the curls with your fingers and fluff.

More Info 
Online: www.bluetitlondon.com
Instagram: @michaelkent_hairdressing

Eco

Sassoon Connect Launches in the UK

A groundbreaking global initiative designed to elevate hairdressing education in schools, colleges, and salons.

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This innovative program allows institutions to integrate Sassoon’s world-renowned training into their curriculum, providing Students with a prestigious Sassoon qualification at an accessible cost.

  • Upskill Educators.
  • Enhance training quality.
  • Improve teacher retention.
  • Enrolled schools and salons can have up to eight teachers trained at a time.
  • Tailored training sessions offering after-hour or weekend classes.

Structured Modules

The Sassoon ABC cutting, colouring, and barbering programs are available in three structured modules. Each module comes with a comprehensive manual, a Student workbook, and digital content, allowing seamless integration into existing school curriculums. Teacher training follows a step-by-step, follow-along format, where each Educator works with a mannequin and laptop while being guided live by a Sassoon Educator.

Already running in various parts of the world, Sassoon Connect is shaping the future of hair education by making elite training more accessible than ever. Sassoon Connect launched in the UK this month with West Suffolk College as the first FE College partner.

“There are many positives to the Sassoon connection. The Sassoon Connect Programme gives our Level 2 Hairdressing Students the chance to train under a globally recognized brand, setting them apart in the industry with an additional Sassoon-certified qualification. By achieving a Sassoon Connect verified certificate alongside their Level 2 qualification, students will enhance their employability and open doors to career opportunities in prestigious salons,”
– Karen Baldwin, Lecturer at the Hairdressing Eastern Education Group.

“I think this is an incredibly exciting and inspiring programme! I am thrilled that West Suffolk College are able to offer this, being the first college in the UK to offer this I believe it speaks volumes about their already excellent standard, and I’m pleased this has been recognised by Vidal Sassoon. Having the opportunity to be part of the programme, develop my skills to a level recognised and certified across the world is absolutely fantastic and will be hugely beneficial for my career progression and future opportunities! Thank you, West Suffolk College!”
– Rebecca McLachlan is a WSC Student, Level 2 Hairdressing.

“This is a great step forward for the industry and local salons. Bringing Sassoon’s world-class training into West Suffolk College will give young people a much higher standard of education, making them more employable from day one. This benefits not just them but also salons like mine, ensuring we get well-trained stylists who are ready for the salon floor,” – Neil & Lisa Bell, Owners of local salon Charlie Milz Hair & Beauty, Stowmarket.

“At Vidal Sassoon we believe that education is the lifeblood of our industry and there needs to be a way to support this journey for both apprentices and salon owners. The UK has long been a champion of apprenticeship schemes, offering young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop industry-recognized qualifications”, – Tina Robinson, Global Education Sales Director at Vidal Sassoon, and an Ambassador for Habia.

“Sassoon Connect plays a crucial role in training college educators to deliver the Sassoon ABC methodology, with lecturers trained by a Sassoon Academy leader, like myself. By equipping teachers with this structured approach, the platform helps improve student recruitment and retention, ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. This also supports the upskilling and retention of teachers, strengthening the quality of education provided in colleges. Furthermore, upon completing their studies, students earn a Sassoon Diploma, a prestigious credential that enhances their employability and opens doors to career opportunities in the hairdressing industry,” – James Greaves, Creative Operational Director.

“One of the key challenges in apprenticeship schemes is ensuring that all learners receive consistent training. Sassoon Connect addresses this by offering an extensive library of educational materials, from video tutorials to interactive learning modules, enabling apprentices to reinforce their knowledge at their own pace. This digital approach complements in-salon/ in-college learning, ensuring that apprentices build a strong foundation in technique and theory,”
– Tina Robinson.