ALFAPARF Milano Professional Brand Ambassador UKI Paul Stafford wowed an audience of 85 of salon owners and teams at this sold-out event at Above Rooftop in Newcastle earlier this month.
Published:Paul Stafford recently hosted a successful launch event for ALFAPARF Milano’s new Semi di Lino Style&Care line in Newcastle. The event, held at Above Rooftop, drew a full house of 85 salon owners and their teams.
As a seasoned ambassador for ALFAPARF Milano, Paul shared his deep knowledge and passion for the brand by demonstrating the versatility of the new Style&Care products on three models. He guided attendees through a creative journey, showcasing various styling techniques from street-inspired looks to sophisticated salon styles.
We had such a brilliant turn out of incredibly dedicated and keen salon owners and their teams who were all incredibly eager to learn. Paul is always captivating to watch; his level of skill, dedication to perfection, and the intelligent, yet relatable way he showcases the craft of hairdressing makes him one of the best people in the industry to learn from. We are excited about the new Semi di Lino Style&Care range, and the feedback we have had since it launched this month has been excellent,” David Donnellan.
The new product line has already received excellent feedback since its launch. Paul was genuinely touched by the positive response and the vibrant energy of the Newcastle audience, feeling inspired to continue his work with renewed vigor.
For more information on ALFAPARF Milano Professional’s Semi di Lino Style&Care, please visit www.alfaparfmilanopro.com.
The Fellowship for British Hairdressing has announced Urban Hideaway in Nottingham as its fourth Centre of Excellence. This dynamic, four-floor creative hub offers state-of-the-art spaces for hair and beauty professionals, educators, and brands to collaborate and grow.
Published:The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is thrilled to announce Urban Hideaway as its fourth Centre of Excellence. Based in Nottingham, Urban Hideaway is a vibrant, creative hub packed with versatile spaces perfect for hair and beauty pros, educators, brands, and businesses. Spread across four floors, it’s set to become one of the Fellowship’s most exciting spots for education and training days for hairdressers and barbers.
At the open evening, there was plenty to get inspired by, including demos from Michelle Griffin, the Fellowship’s Vice-President and Project Extend Leader, alongside Marlene Lamont from the Project Extend Support team. James Parr and Michael Damiano from the Wahl Artistic Team brought their expertise to the stage, focusing on all things texture. The Design Essentials team also wowed the crowd with their textured hair techniques and education. The event was the perfect chance for hair professionals to connect, learn, and share ideas about the industry.
Urban Hideaway CEO, Collette Osbourne, shared her excitement:
“After working closely with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, we’re over the moon to be named their fourth Centre of Excellence.
This is such an amazing opportunity for Urban Hideaway to connect even deeper with the hairdressing and barbering world, and it allows us to offer even more creative opportunities for everyone using our space.”
Barry Stephens, CEO of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing, added:
“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Urban Hideaway as our fourth Centre of Excellence. It’s already a well-established creative hub with fantastic spaces for professionals, educators, and brands. We’re excited to collaborate further and provide even more opportunities for our members to enhance their skills and knowledge.”
It would seem obvious to say that a salon is successful if it is making enough money to stay open and pay staff, but is that where success stops? Lorenzo Colangelo, owner of The Gallery Hairdressing in Tunbridge Wells, believes the success can, and should, be measured by many things. He shares his view on the key indicators of success in a hair salon.
Published:Financial Performance
“Of course, the most obvious indicator of success is how much money your salon is making. This reflects how in-demand your services are and allows you to forecast business growth. You can track monthly, quarterly, and yearly revenue growth to measure financial health, calculate profit margins, and determine how much each client spends on average per visit, helping identify opportunities for upselling or price adjustments.
“In 2022, we analysed our finances and set an ambitious goal of £1.1million turnover to be achieved by the end of the year. Because we closely tracked our finances, we were not only able to achieve this, but set a further goal of £1.2 million in 2023 and beyond.”
Client Satisfaction
“This is an important one for me. How many clients are returning for repeat services? If you have a high retention rate, you will know that you can successfully manage client satisfaction. I recommend monitoring online reviews, feedback on social media, and star ratings on platforms like Google and Yelp to gauge customer satisfaction. You can also conduct your own customer surveys to gather direct feedback on client experiences, service quality, and areas for improvement.”
Staff Wellbeing
“Team productivity is important, but I want to know that my team is happy at work. That is success to me. Regular check-ins, one-to-ones, support, guidance and mentoring all play a role in team satisfaction. In fact, a team that is fulfilled and valued will directly impact performance, client service and retention. I implemented a new appraisal structure to help determine the team’s strengths, weaknesses and goals. This new system has positively impacted employee engagement and development and has significantly benefitted the business.
“You have to work on ways to keep people motivated and engaged, but I consider it my greatest success that the majority of my team has stayed for such a long time, and some have even been with me from the beginning. It is a relationship based on trust that inspires employees to perform.”
“Team productivity is important, but I want to know that my team is happy at work. That is success to me. Regular check-ins, one-to-ones, support, guidance and mentoring all play a role in team satisfaction.”
Operations
“Do you have a well-oiled machine? A business firing on all cylinders and fully aware of business operations is likely to be more successful than one that isn’t. Analyse how efficiently appointments are booked and managed, reducing downtime and maximising service capacity.
“Track the frequency of no-shows and cancellations and implement strategies to reduce them. It is also great practice to monitor how quickly products are sold and restocked, optimising inventory levels and reducing waste.”
Brand Awareness
“What do people think of you? How do you stand out from the crowd against other salons in your area? Measuring brand recognition and awareness will highlight the impact you are making both locally and in the wider industry. If you run marketing campaigns and use social media to promote your business and services, you can analyse engagement to better understand how well people know your brand.
“By paying attention to all of these things, you can effectively measure the success of your salon beyond just financial performance. My focus has always been to blend passion with profit, and I have shared our salon story and principles for success at many industry events. A thorough analysis also allows you to identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions to enhance the services you provide, the wellbeing of your team, and the overall business performance.”
Since 2021, the hair industry has faced its fair share of challenges. In the midst of economic uncertainties and pressures on small businesses, Phill Gallagher, owner of Dot Hair in Liverpool, shares his P Power Plan to not only survive, but thrive. Here is how Phill has harnessed the power of five key principles of positioning, privacy, premium experience, people and profit for solid salon success.
Published:POSITIONING
“A prime location is crucial for a successful salon. Our salon is strategically positioned in a vibrant, creative city known for its thriving community of independent businesses. This location allows us to cater to both residents and busy professionals, ensuring a steady stream of clients.”
PRIVACY
“When designing the salon’s interior, I prioritised creating a safe and comfortable space for both clients and stylists. By strategically spacing out the stations, we’ve ensured that clients can have private conversations with their stylists without feeling exposed. We understand that many clients use their salon appointments as an opportunity to unwind and share personal experiences. This thoughtful design fosters a sense of trust and builds positive relationships between our clients and stylists.”
“When designing the salon’s interior, I prioritised creating a safe and comfortable space for both clients and stylists. By strategically spacing out the stations, we’ve ensured that clients can have private conversations with their stylists without feeling exposed. “
PREMIUM
“Creating a premium salon experience is a top priority for me. This involves building a harmonious team environment and a luxurious setting. Our team is dedicated to supporting one another, and no task is too small for any member. We’ve designed our space to enhance the client experience. Each station includes coat and bag storage, keeping clients’ belongings close and at hand. Treatments are conducted in a designated area by a maximum of two team members, ensuring personalised attention. This approach not only elevates the overall experience but also strengthens the bond between our clients and stylists.”
PEOPLE
“Building a strong, creative team is essential for any salon’s success. Effective management involves encouraging a supportive and inspiring environment. A simple yet powerful strategy is to be physically present in the salon, even when you’re not booked with clients. This daily interaction builds trust and creates strong relationships with your team. To support your team’s growth, be a sounding board for their creative ideas and career aspirations. Small gestures, like making a cup of tea during busy periods, can go a long way in showing your support. As a salon owner, remember that your team is the backbone of your business. By investing in their growth and wellbeing, you’re investing in your salon’s future.”
PROFIT
“While profitability is undoubtedly a key concern for salon owners, it’s important to maintain a long-term perspective. Tempting retail opportunities can often arise, but it’s crucial to step back and assess the potential impact on your business’s overall profitability. My advice is to approach any new opportunity with a critical eye, weighing the pros and cons. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new trends and products, but it’s essential to remain focused on your business goals and avoid impulsive decisions that may not align with your long-term strategy.”
SB Eco has launched National Green Hairdresser Day to encourage every hairdresser to take small steps to being more sustainable
Published:Making any change in your business is about taking that first step. That’s why we’ve launched National Green Hair Day on February 18 to kick start the green hair journey and support those who are already on theirs.
For one day [initially, of course, we hope it makes you and your staff more mindful long term] we’re asking all salon owners to get their staff and clients onboard with a number of energy-saving initiatives.
If you want to get involved, simply email us here and we will send you a digital pack for free detailing how to get involved, offering marketing materials to share on your socials, email signature and how to talk to your clients to get them involved.
Salon owners and hairdressers are in a prime position to not only make changes to their own energy use, but also encourage their clients to be more eco-aware.”
Neäl & Wølf is bringing back its Rising Star Awards 2025, and it’s bigger and better than ever! This awesome competition is all about celebrating the creativity and talent of hairdressing students and apprentices. If you’ve got skills in styling, color, or extensions, this is your chance to shine.
Laura Elliott says:
“We’re so excited to bring back the Rising Star Awards! Last year’s competition blew us away with the amazing talent we saw, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.”
It’s super simple:
If you’re a student or salon apprentice, this is for you! Tutors and salon owners can also enter on behalf of their students.
This is your chance to show off your talent, learn from the best, and take your career to the next level. For all the details, check out the Neäl & Wølf website and get involved with #NWRisingStar!
If you’re a hair professional looking to level up your income and business game, Solstice Business Academy just launched something you don’t want to miss.
Published:Solstice Business Academy has launched a new course, Passion to Profit, to help you flip the script on your money mindset and show you how to build a profitable, sustainable career.
Running from January 6-8, this three-day course is packed with everything you need to break through financial barriers – and it’s a steal at just £9.95. Whether you’re tired of feeling stuck, undervaluing your work, or struggling with the numbers side of things, this course has your back.
Here’s the vibe: Passion to Profit isn’t just another “how-to” class. It’s all about transforming the way you think about money, showing you how to value your unique skills, and giving you the tools to crush it in sales, marketing, and budgeting. Basically, it’s a mindset and business glow-up in one.
Each day focuses on a different game-changing skill:
Meg Piper and Kelly Furnival, the brains behind Solstice Business Academy, said it best:
Many talented hair professionals don’t have the tools or confidence to turn their skills into real wealth. Passion to Profit is here to change that—equipping you with strategies and self-belief to grow your income.”
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! For more info or to grab your spot, head over to @Solstice_businessacademy or join the waitlist here.
Your future self will thank you.
Learn cutting-edge techniques, industry trends, and creative inspiration from one of the most celebrated figures in hairdressing, Suzie McGill, alongside the Rainbow Room International Art Team.
Published:Don’t Miss Out: Exclusive Session with Suzie McGill!
Looking to up your hair game? This February, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind chance to learn from the best! Join Suzie McGill – the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Hairdresser of the Year 2024 and Artistic Director of Scotland’s iconic Rainbow Room International – for an exciting and inspirational session on February 23, 2025, from 1 PM to 4 PM.
Where?
Rainbow Room International Academy
64 Howard Street, Glasgow
What’s in store?
Here’s what Suzie has to say:
“I’ve been lucky to work in an industry I love for decades, and education has always been a huge passion of mine. This session is all about sharing knowledge and sparking creativity—I want everyone to leave feeling inspired and ready to try something new!”
Tickets: £65.71
Available now on Eventbrite
Newcastle College’s partnered up with the ABLE programme, a VTCT-endorsed initiative led by acclaimed celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton
Published:This unique two-year programme is designed to address the industry’s skills shortage, inspire a younger workforce, and help budding stylists build strong foundations for successful careers in hairdressing.
Since its launch, ABLE has already empowered over 1,000 hairdressing students across the UK, and Newcastle College is proud to join this forward-thinking collaboration.
With over 200 students enrolled in hairdressing and barbering courses at various levels – from Entry Level to Level 3, including 16-18 programmes, adult part-time courses, and apprenticeships – Newcastle College is a cornerstone of hairdressing education in the North East.
The college boasts a team of eight dedicated lecturers and state-of-the-art learning spaces, including fully equipped training salons and the commercial salon The Retreat, housed in its vibrant city-centre campus.
The partnership kicked off with a visit from Andrew Barton himself, where students, staff, and local employers got the chance to meet the industry legend and explore the opportunities the ABLE programme brings to Newcastle College.
Andrew Barton shared his excitement: “At ABLE, we care passionately about supporting hairdressing colleges in their pursuit of training the future of British Hairdressing. We know that many of the icons and stars of the hairdressing industry started their journey being trained in colleges like Newcastle. My own career began as an apprentice in a village salon and was shaped by my local college. I’m delighted to welcome Newcastle College to the ABLE programme and look forward to inspiring their students to build extraordinary careers in hairdressing.”
My own career began as an apprentice in a village salon and was shaped by my local college. I’m delighted to welcome Newcastle College to the ABLE programme and look forward to inspiring their students to build extraordinary careers in hairdressing.”
The ABLE programme offers lecturers exclusive resources to enhance their curriculum and align with advanced and creative hair professional apprenticeship standards. Students benefit from unique tools such as bi-monthly video tutorials featuring Andrew’s expertise, an in-depth printed manual of salon principles, and personal engagement opportunities with Andrew.
The programme has three clear aims:
Beth Gubbins, Head of Newcastle College’s Hairdressing Department commented: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Andrew and the ABLE team to develop a college curriculum that meets the needs of the hairdressing industry.
We are delighted to work in partnership with Andrew and the ABLE team to develop a college curriculum that meets the needs of the hairdressing industry. ”
“Working in collaboration with industry is at the heart of Newcastle College and is key to developing a skilled workforce for the future. Our previous work with Andrew and Barton Bespoke has helped our learners develop new skills and confidence and is a fantastic example of the positive impact that working with industry has on young people.
“The ABLE programme will provide our staff and students with access to resources, training and hands-on experience, and we are looking forward to working together to produce the hairdressing experts of the future.”
This collaboration highlights Newcastle College’s ongoing commitment to offering top-quality education and training environments that help students excel in their careers.
Darrel joins Andrew Smith and Shelley Lane to pioneer the brand he loves
Published:Darrel Starkey is now the UK ambassador for milk_shake Hair Care, a brand known and loved for its natural ingredients and innovative haircare products.
As someone who values creativity and forward-thinking, Darrel couldn’t be more excited about joining the milk shake family.
He said: “I’m really excited to start this journey with a brand that is progressive and creative at the same time. I feel like we’re a perfect fit, and being able to join Andrew Smith and Shelley Lane as an ambassador is truly an incredible opportunity.”
“I’m really excited to start this journey with a brand that is progressive and creative at the same time. I feel like we’re a perfect fit, and being able to join Andrew Smith and Shelley Lane as an ambassador is truly an incredible opportunity.”
As an ambassador, Darrel will be working closely with the brand to showcase their product range and inspire others through creative collaborations, events, and education, so keep your eyes peeled.
With the new year in full swing, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing brought together its 2025 project teams for an inspiring day at Loft Studios. The event set the stage for a year of creativity, collaboration, and career-defining opportunities.
President Ashleigh Hodges welcomed the group, sharing the Fellowship’s rich history and emphasizing its mission to nurture the next generation of talent. She described the day as one of “creative collaboration,” urging everyone to make the most of the journey ahead.
The teams got to meet their Project Leaders and Supports, who will guide them over the next 12 months. Vice President Michelle Griffin introduced the Executive Board and invited previous project members to share their experiences. From building confidence to discovering opportunities, their stories highlighted just how transformative the Fellowship can be.
Award-winning photographer Chris Bulezuik shared his expertise on planning and executing photo shoots, while educator Belinda Mindset energized the group with a session on goal-setting and mindset shifts.
The day wrapped up with team sessions, where members shared their creative visions and set goals for the year ahead. The energy, inspiration, and passion in the room set the tone for an incredible 2025.
It’s never too early to start thinking about positive changes you can make to your business in 2025. As a topic that is close to our hearts, we caught up with salon owners who are already flying the green flag, to see what they have in-store…
Published:“As a small, local, eco salon owner, it would be easy to think I can’t make an impact on environmental change. However, I believe I have a responsibility to challenge myself, my team members and my clients to improve our sustainability measures in 2025.
“Already a member of the GSC, we recycle hair, foils, colour tubes, and metal through them, and plastic, card, paper, glass, and soft plastics locally.”
For 2025:
“The start of the year is always a good time to really analyse what sustainable practices you may be doing in your salon.
“You really need to get your team on board with whatever you decide to do sustainably. So have a meeting early Jan to make sure you’re all working to the same goals in the salon.
“We have reduced our water usage by using eco shower heads. These reduce the amount of water used. Also just shampoo once and keep the water temperature lower.
“Another great way to reduce water consumption is to switch to using disposable towels. Don’t forget to encourage your clients to take them home with them.”
For 2025:
“Whatever you do, I would recommend that all New Year’s resolutions are planned before the new year so you’re organised and ready to go in 2025.”