Recent Ringworm Cases Raise The Question: Is Hygiene A Growing Issue In Barber Shops?

Nov 28, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

Recent Ringworm Cases Raise The Question: Is Hygiene A Growing Issue In Barber Shops?

Reports of ringworm infections linked to barbers have reignited debates about hygiene practices and industry regulation.

by MADDI | INDUSTRY NEWS

Mike Taylor, owner of Mike Taylor Education barbering academy in Poole, has denounced “cheap, dirty, unqualified barber shops” to BBC News after seeing “loads of cases” of young male clients catching ringworm after barber visits.

“I’d say 70 per cent to 80 per cent of clients coming in ask for skin fades. To get that effect you’ve got to use the foil clipper, but the problem is it takes in hair and it needs to be thoroughly cleaned,” he told the BBC, while one Bournemouth local and barber shop regular, Christian Reynolds, experienced the consequences of poor hygiene firsthand. “I felt annoyed because, after researching, I realised it was due to improper practice and not cleaning equipment properly,” Reynolds said to the BBC.

Taylor’s outburst has shone a spotlight on the responsibility of barbers maintaining hygiene levels. “The close proximity of clippers to the skin creates an ideal environment for fungal infections,” said Miles Wood-Smith, master barber and creative director of Murdock London. “Ensuring tools are sterilised and promoting good aftercare for clients is crucial.”

Gareth Penn

Gareth Penn, registrar at The Hair and Barber Council, pushes for stricter standards as part of its ongoing mandate for registration for hairdressing and barbering. Penn argues that the rise in infections also reflects broader industry challenges. As the number of barber shops increases – 663 more shops in 2023 according to the Local Data Company – price competition forces some establishments to cut costs, often at the expense of hygiene standards or proper training.

“The high street is depleting, it’s dying and then suddenly there’s 12 barber shops on the same street and they’re all trying to go a little bit cheaper than each other,” added Mike. “If the prices have to be knocked down then something else has to go and maybe it is all the time spent cleaning the equipment or the time spent getting the proper knowledge.” Increasing costs following the October Budget will also add pressure.

Charles Rose, 2023 Business Builder winner at the 2023 It List awards and founder of barber shop/grooming brand Crate Cheshire, called for a renewed focus on education. “Now that this issue is being spoken about more widely, I hope it will encourage barber shops to prioritise cleanliness and prevent further cases of ringworm,” he said.

With ringworm now being discussed more openly, there’s pressure on barbering to increase hygiene levels and training to safeguard clients. As Penn concludes, “Prevention is far easier than treatment, and it’s time we made consumer safety a priority.”

Charles Rose

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“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

Nov 27, 2024 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“We’re Curating Something Special Here” – Inside The Noir, Edgy Revamp Of Josh Wood’s Atelier

A decade on, the iconic Notting Hill salon has transformed into a sleek, modern space with
a bold vision – blending high-end design, artistic flair and next-level support for its talented team.

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

A decade after its initial launch, the Josh Wood Atelier has enjoyed not only an interior refresh but a business rethink, too. Design group West and Vittori were brought on board to elevate the space. “I wanted it to look slick, stripped back, modern,” says Josh. “It’s a little more noir, slightly edgier. We’ll be hosting art and flower installations, so we need to have a backdrop that can keep evolving.” His favourite element? A pink quartz underlit table in the colour room: “It glows,” he whispers, describing it as his pièce de résistance. “It took some doing with engineers because those quartz bricks are quite heavy. It was a labour of love.”

This transformation wasn’t just aesthetic; it reflects a shift in the Atelier’s ethos. Josh explains, “We wanted to think about the next five to ten years and what the industry might look like. It’s about creating a much cleaner, crisper space – a blank canvas – using very high-quality furniture and materials. The design before was quite full-on and we pared it back to focus on timeless functionality.”

Located in Notting Hill, just behind Holland Park tube station, the Atelier aims to strike a balance between its international reputation and a local salon feel. “A lot of our clients are high-profile or high-net-worth individuals, and their image is incredibly important. But they don’t see hair as separate from their overall look – it’s about the full picture,” he explains. “So, we think about how they’re going to look and feel at the end – whether they need brows, lashes, nails or make-up. We’re a one-stop shop for incredibly time-starved clients.”

The redesign also prioritised flexibility, allowing the space to evolve over time. “The upstairs floor, for example, used to feel more curated with old furniture I’d collected – library tables from France, a black metal chest from America. Now, we’ve stripped it back so it’s more open and adaptable. I dream of hosting a sculpture exhibition up there one day,” Josh shares.

Beyond the physical changes, the Atelier now operates more like a talent management agency, nurturing the careers of its self-employed stylists, including The It List Editorial Stylist winner Mike Mahoney. “The industry has shifted,” Josh explains. “Most people here are self-employed and running their businesses. We encourage their growth, whether that’s through creativity or building a team. We act almost like agents, helping manage both their salon clients and creative work. If someone has a big job, we’ll take care of the logistics so they can focus on their craft.”

Clients have embraced the changes wholeheartedly. “They love the freshness and cleanness of the space,” Josh says. “But more than that, they appreciate the spirit of the business. We’re curating something special here, from partnering with Chanel for make-up at Claridge’s to introducing Bio Sculpture nails and collaborating with local food producers. It’s all about creating opportunities and taking the headache away from the team, so they can focus on what they do best – being creative.”

‘At KIT, Everything Is Prescriptive And Tailored To The Individual’ – Inside Karrie Fitz’s Vision For Elevating Hairdressing Talent

From behind the chair to elevating global talent, Karrie Fitz of KIT Studios reveals the emotional and strategic alchemy behind building a successful hairdressing career and brand.

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

For Karrie Fitz, founder of KIT Studios, the journey into the hair industry has been anything but traditional. From starting as a salon assistant in Ireland to leading a forward-thinking agency that reshapes how hair professionals approach business, Karrie’s career has been defined by creativity, adaptability and a drive to elevate the craft.

“Hair was always my path,” Karrie explains. Growing up in a household surrounded by creativity – her parents ran a garden centre – Karrie was drawn to hands-on work. ‘It wasn’t so much why hair but rather, what else could I have done? Hair was a natural fit.’

With the encouragement of her mother, Karrie wrote a CV and landed a job at Hugh Campbell Hair Group in Ireland. “I loved it so much,” she recalls. “But after 10 years, I realised being behind the chair wasn’t for me. At 25, I wanted to do something different – not out of hair, but not doing hair in the traditional sense.”

In search of inspiration, Karrie took a trip to London with a friend. “We were walking around Notting Hill, popping into vintage shops and I suddenly thought, ‘I’m moving here.’ A month later, I was in London.”

Karrie’s first role in London was with Rush Hair, where she earned accolades like Newcomer of the Year and a spot on the junior art team. Yet, something still didn’t feel right. “I thought moving to London meant I’d be doing shows and Fashion Week, but it was still five days behind the chair. It wasn’t the change I was looking for.”

@kitstudios on Instagram

After a year and a half, Karrie left Rush to go freelance, assisting on music videos and editorial shoots. “I entered a competition with Rankin and created some of my proudest work. But even then, I knew I wasn’t quite where I wanted to be.”

A chance opportunity at L’Oréal marked a turning point. Initially freelancing as an educator, Karrie transitioned into a full-time role after six months. “Moving into the corporate world was worlds apart from salon life. I struggled with presenting myself in a corporate way. But with the right mentorship, I found my footing and started to thrive.”

Karrie’s creative instincts quickly found a new outlet in digital strategy. While working on L’Oréal Professionnel Paris’ Instagram account, she noticed a gap in the content. “The page was very consumer-focused, but we were talking to hairdressers. I wanted to showcase the amazing work happening in our academy every day.”

To address this, Karrie launched L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Education UK on Instagram – a bold move that grew the page by 30,000 followers in just six months. “That was a real pivot point for me. It showed me the potential of digital platforms in connecting with hairdressers and elevating their work.”

After five years at L’Oréal, Karrie moved to Hamburg to work with Schwarzkopf Professional. “Working on a global scale was amazing. I collaborated with incredible talent like Paddy McDougall and Andy Smith and led projects like Essential Looks and Indola’s Street Style collections.’

Despite the professional success, Karrie felt isolated in Germany. “I didn’t speak German, and I was quite lonely. So, I decided to return to London.”

Back in London, Karrie collaborated closely with Jack Howard, helping him grow his digital profile. “We worked on fine-tuning his content to go viral while adding real value for his audience. It was such a buzz to see the results – thousands of new followers, millions of views. It was success after success.”

The momentum led to the creation of KIT Studios in 2021. “I wanted to build something that truly supported hair talent and brands, helping them grow their profiles and achieve their goals. At KIT, everything is prescriptive and tailored to the individual. It’s about mentoring and strategising in a way that’s unique to each client.”

Karrie emphasises the emotional aspect of the work. “A lot of what we do is addressing emotional blockers. Whether it’s fear, limiting beliefs or confidence issues, we sit with those and help people move forward. Growth often comes from discomfort and that’s where the magic happens.”

KIT Studios has since expanded into consumer PR and content production, with plans for further growth. “We want to elevate the industry by thinking outside of it. Our team works to create fresh, exciting opportunities for our clients, whether that’s through PR, events or digital strategy.”

Looking ahead, Karrie is developing a digital platform to serve hair professionals at all stages of their careers. “It’s a one-stop destination for hairdressers worldwide. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, find freelance work, or simply grow your profile, this platform will be for you.”

Reflecting on her journey, Karrie shares, “I’ve been told before that the most valuable person on your team is the one who doesn’t always agree with you. At KIT, we’re not afraid to have honest conversations, even when they’re uncomfortable. That’s where real growth happens – for us and our clients.”

From her early days in Ireland to the launch of KIT Studios, Karrie Fitz has remained committed to elevating the hair industry, one connection at a time. “It’s about creating spaces where people can thrive, both creatively and professionally. That’s what keeps me excited and inspired every day.”

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‘It Would Have Been The Easy Route To Open On Saturdays’ – Sacha Fleming On Her Forward-thinking Approach To Salon Business

Nov 19, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

‘It Would Have Been The Easy Route To Open On Saturdays’ – Sacha Fleming On Her Forward-Thinking Approach To Salon Business

Closing Saturdays: why Sãn Studio is rewriting the hairdressing rulebook

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

In a bold move that challenges longstanding industry norms, Sacha Fleming, founder of Sãn Studio, has chosen to close her salon on Saturdays. The decision, rooted in her desire for a better work-life balance, has not only reshaped her business but also inspired her team and clients to rethink what really matters.

For Sacha, closing on Saturdays wasn’t just a business decision; it was deeply personal. “I wanted to achieve my dream of a work-life balance, creating a working life that would always fit in with my family,” she shares. “Taking time for myself and our family instead of creating a crazy hectic business life that I ended up hating.”

When Sãn Studio opened, Sacha made it clear: Saturdays were off the table. “It would have been the easy route to open on Saturdays, an age-old tradition and service we are expected to provide,” she comments. “It would bring in more clients and more revenue, but it wouldn’t make us happy. We have no plans to change it. We get a proper Friday feeling, and we love discussing our weekend plans!”

Sacha Fleming

Sacha noticed a shift in how clients scheduled their appointments, with Saturdays no longer the busiest day of the week for many businesses. “I saw more and more people arriving during the week for hair appointments with their laptops in hand, ready to continue work while fitting in their routine hair appointment,” she explains.

This observation became central to Sãn’s design, which features purpose-built work-from-home stations. “Creating purpose-built work-from-home stations for clients to comfortably work with everything they needed was our way into freeing up our weekends,” Sacha says.

Three months after opening, the concept has been a hit. “We now have online bookings specifically requesting a work-from-home station,” Sacha says. “So much so, we already have plans to build more in the new year.”

San Studio

The response from clients has been overwhelmingly positive. “Clients have been amazing – some switching it up and working in the salon during the week instead to make sure they can get in, others praising us for putting ourselves first,” Sacha shares.

She highlights how many women have supported the decision. “Women in our chairs tell us every day about how important it is to be around your family and how fast those early years go. My children are three and five, and my husband and I have them as our number one priority.”

The decision has also had a profound impact on the team. “It has encouraged all the girls working within Sãn to put personal and family life first,” Sacha mentions. “Something, as hairdressers, we have struggled to do in times past.”

San Studio

Sacha’s advice to fellow salon owners considering a similar move is clear: “It’s a huge decision. It’s not easy. But we all must be aware of a happy, sustainable workplace. Be bold and choose you!”

By closing on Saturdays, Sãn Studio has set a new standard for what a modern salon can look like – one that prioritises well-being without compromising on quality. With plans to expand their work-from-home spaces and growing support from clients, Sacha is confident in the path she’s chosen. “We’re building something different, something sustainable,” she says.