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How To Combat Rising Costs Following National Budget Cuts

How To Combat Rising Costs Following National Budget Cuts

How To Combat Rising Costs Following National Budget Cuts

With years of industry insight, Edward James shares strategies to help salons adapt and thrive amid economic changes

by CAITLYN | INFORM

In response to the recent national budget changes, Edward James has openly voiced his frustrations over what he sees as damaging policies for the hairdressing industry. For salon owners like himself, these changes—including the reduction of business rates relief from 75 per cent to 40 per cent and the increase in National Insurance—pose serious challenges. He explains: “The reduced business rates relief, coupled with increased National Insurance, disproportionately impacts our industry – one that relies heavily on staffing and operates in a service-based economy.” 

As a highly respected figure in the hairdressing industry with over 25 years of experience, Edward James has built a name for himself not only as a top stylist but as a champion of sustainable and client-centred salon practices. Known for his luxury Edward James Salon & Spa locations across South London, Edward has won numerous awards, garnered a loyal clientele, and fostered an elite team that embodies his values of quality and community. 

Edward is well-positioned to critique these policies, having grown his business from a one-person operation to an award-winning network of salons employing over 100 people. He has dedicated his career to creating not only beautiful spaces but also stable employment for his team and a haven for clients. His insights into the impact of budget cuts extend beyond personal grievance; they reflect a deep understanding of the broader economic and community repercussions. “These aren’t just numbers – they’re people’s livelihoods, career opportunities, and local jobs that contribute to the economy,” he says. 

“”With high streets increasingly dominated by service-oriented businesses like salons, Edward believes the budget’s approach is out of touch with modern economic realities. Salons face substantial overheads, with 60 per cent of their operating costs typically going toward staffing, an unavoidable expense in a hands-on, client-focused industry. As Edward points out: “Salons require a significant workforce to provide personal services, meaning we’re facing substantial overheads on staffing alone.” 

Reflecting on his personal sacrifices, Edward shares: “I’ve dedicated 14 years of relentless work to this business, which challenges Keir Starmer’s perception of what a ‘working person’ entails. Business owners frequently work harder than anyone within the company, carrying significant responsibility. During the pandemic, our salons were forced to close for a total of 245 days, resulting in considerable team losses. Selling my home was essential to keep the business afloat, prevent closures, and avoid redundancies. My belief in our team’s resilience drove this decision, as I trusted we’d recover.”

 

 

Edward emphasises his ongoing commitment to reinvest in his business, manage debt carefully and develop career paths for his employees. “Our growth strategy – from a single salon to four locations – allows us to create more support roles, expand educational offerings and provide a better work-life balance, such as alternate weekends off and four-day work weeks,” he explains.

The new budget, he warns, could undermine such resilience, potentially forcing salons like his to cut jobs, reduce hours or even close locations. “With the reduction in business rates relief, I now face difficult choices: cutting jobs, reducing hours, and potentially closing one of our salons in Southwest London,” he notes, highlighting the tough decisions facing many in the industry. 

“We are considering relocating one of our salons to a destination with reduced rent and rates, as well as exploring mobile services and self-employment options. However, I’m deeply committed to maintaining a cohesive team atmosphere, which I believe is lost with a fully self-employed model.”

Edward urges the government to reconsider these budget changes, warning of the ripple effects that could stifle a vital sector of local economies. “A thriving hairdressing sector is essential to maintaining vibrant high streets and providing stable employment, especially in times of economic change,” he says. 

“We are exploring every option to uphold the high standards that define our brand. If our current structure becomes unsustainable, we may need to adjust hours, impacting client flexibility as well as our team’s,” he adds, acknowledging the difficult balance between meeting client expectations and maintaining quality.

 

Edward says, “Collective advocacy is crucial. Salons often get grouped with the broader ‘beauty sector,’ which is experiencing growth. Unfortunately, this masks the challenges salons face. Retail beauty operates with a smaller workforce, so employment taxes have less impact, and many products are sold online, avoiding the substantial burden of business rates. Hair salons, however, remain high-cost, high-commitment ventures that require fairer treatment to survive.”

In the meantime, he has stepped up to support other salon owners facing similar financial strains, offering his advice and strategies to help them remain resilient. His key recommendations include: 

  • Review Costs Regularly: Take a thorough look at monthly expenses to identify any non-essential costs that can be cut. Negotiate with suppliers to lower costs wherever possible, and reassess each expense line item. 
  • Optimise Operating Hours: Analyse customer traffic data to focus on high-demand periods. Consider reducing hours on quieter days to save on both energy and labour costs. 
  • Streamline Staff Schedules: Use scheduling software or data analysis to align staff levels with client demand, maximising productivity and avoiding unnecessary labour costs. 
  • Consider Self-Employment Models: If suitable for your salon, explore moving stylists to a self-employed model. This approach can relieve some of the tax burden associated with National Insurance increases, while also providing stylists with greater flexibility. 
  • Join Support Organisations: Connect with industry groups such as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Salon Employers Association (SEA). These groups provide valuable resources, a supportive community, and a collective voice for advocating industry-friendly policies. 

Edward’s advice offers a lifeline for salon owners determined to face these turbulent times with resilience and adaptability. For an industry that’s always been about creativity, connection and making clients feel extraordinary, these changes hit close to the bone. But with leaders like Edward, the hairdressing community is reminded of the power of unity and shared solutions. Together, with a focus on smarter strategies and mutual support, the industry can stand strong, protecting not just jobs but the heartbeat of the high street. 

“The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

“The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

"The Experience Starts At The Door” — Kitch Brings 1950s Kitchen Comfort To Islington

Celebrating individuality, nostalgia and unbeatable client experience, Kitch is a pastel-hued, kitchen-inspired salon offering a welcoming space for all. 

At Kitch in Angel, Islington, owners Luca Jones and Scott Humphreys are reinventing the salon experience, one pastel corner at a time. Their 1950s kitchen-themed space is anything but traditional, blending a sense of nostalgia with modern inclusivity. Designed as a vibrant yet familiar kitchen, Kitch offers everything from salon services to barbering, in an inclusive and gender-neutral setting. Kitch welcomes everyone to enjoy a unique salon experience that feels like getting your hair done at home with friends. 

Following their recent win for Most Wanted Best Client Experience, the team has been busy enhancing their signature space. This includes expanding the retro theme upstairs while introducing functional updates for an even smoother client journey. And while the decor is as pastel and charming as ever, it’s the updated backwash area that’s turning heads. The newly added basins sit next to the colour zone for seamless toning, and the installation of a new boiler ensures consistent water pressure across multiple stations. The bright pink cabinet housing the boiler ties functionality with the salon’s aesthetic, allowing clients to enjoy a faster, more efficient rinse without sacrificing the beloved Kitch vibe. 

“The experience starts at the door,” says Scott. “As soon as you walk into reception, we want it to be relaxed and easy – not too formal or stuffy. Having the dog by the door also helps ease everyone in. It’s an open, friendly environment.” This approach is what sets Kitch apart from traditional salons, making it feel more like a community hub where clients can truly be themselves. 

Central to the Kitch experience is its commitment to inclusivity, particularly for LGBTQIA+ clients. “We wanted to create a safe space for everyone,” says Luca. “Here, you can come in, be yourself, wear what you want, and say what you want. It’s a nice, fun place to be, and everyone seems super relaxed.” This openness and inclusivity foster a sense of connection among clients and staff alike, and the layout even encourages conversation between clients. “It feels like you’re part of a whole group. No one’s left out, no matter their age,” Luca adds. 

The recently expanded salon upstairs builds on Kitch’s charm, offering even more practical functionality while keeping its signature aesthetic intact. “Being able to use the backwash area properly is worth a billion dollars!” the founders joke.  

Kitch also brings a unique approach to customer service, emphasising listening and collaboration. “An important point is listening to what your client wants,” says Scott. “A lot of hairdressers go on a tangent and do what they want, but it’s important to tweak it your way while listening to the client’s wishes.” This dedication to understanding clients’ needs reflects the founders’ vision for a salon where everyone’s individuality is celebrated. 

Inspired by his upbringing, Scott explains, “My mum was a hairdresser, so there was always someone in the kitchen getting their hair done. It was usually a really fun time, especially after COVID. The kitchen was always a relaxed place, and that’s what we wanted here at Kitch – a space where people chat, laugh, and feel comfortable.” 

With a nostalgic design, high standards, and an inclusive atmosphere, Kitch in Angel is more than a salon; it’s a space where everyone can feel at home while getting top-notch service. 

 

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Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

Want To Work At London Fashion Week? Karoliina Saunders Has The Answer

The celebrated stylist launches an exclusive education series, offering the opportunity of backstage access to London Fashion Week 2025. 

by CAITLYN | INDUSTRY NEWS

Celebrated stylist Karoliina Saunders, renowned for her work as a session stylist and salon owner, has joined R+Co UKI as their new guest artist. Bringing her expertise to the forefront, Saunders will be leading an exclusive education series called ‘Salon to Front Cover,’ designed to train stylists in the world of high-fashion hair.

With extensive experience in the fashion and hair industry, Karoliina has worked with some of the most notable names in hairdressing, including Guido and Eugene Souleiman. As the Head of Session at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, she has cultivated a reputation for creativity and leadership in both salon and session styling. 

The ‘Salon to Front Cover’ series is designed to give stylists critical skills in transitioning from salon work to high-fashion editorial and runway styling. The series is divided into two courses: 

  • Essentials – Focuses on backstage etiquette, kit essentials, and key techniques. 
  • Enhance – Emphasizes creativity, advanced techniques, and the latest trends from fashion weeks. 

Stylists who complete the courses will have the chance to audition for a coveted spot to work backstage with Karoliina at London Fashion Week 2025, offering real-world experience in high-paced fashion environments. 

“I am thrilled to join R+Co as a guest artist,” says Karoliina. “This is a brand that aligns with my passion for creativity and innovation, and I’m excited to share my knowledge with the R+Co community.” 

With Karoliina Saunders leading the ‘Salon to Front Cover’ series, R+Co is set to offer one-of-a-kind education and career-shaping opportunities to stylists ready to step into the fashion world.  

Find out more here.

 

AI in Hair Colouring is A Game-Changer – But How Can It Help You?

AI in Hair Colouring is A Game-Changer – But How Can It Help You?

AI in Hair Colouring is A Game-ChangerBut How Can It Help You?  

Fresha’s partnership with Yuv brings innovative AI-driven technology to salons, offering tools to enhance precision and streamline services.

by CAITLYN | INDUSTRY NEWS
Fresha, a leading platform for beauty and wellness professionals, has made a strategic investment in Yuv, a beauty tech company pioneering AI-powered hair colouring technology. With Fresha’s network of over 120,000 beauty businesses globally, this move could revolutionise the hair colouring process, offering both precision and efficiency. While the thought of using AI in your salon may seem daunting, this will be a tool to help you, not replace you.  

Hair colouring is one of the most complex and creative services a salon offers. With years of training and experience, stylists have honed their craft, developing their own unique approaches to colour. So, it’s understandable that the jump to AI hair colour technology may seem suspicious. After all, how can a machine replicate the creativity and intuition of a stylist? The answer is it can’t, and it’s not supposed to. 

Yuv’s AI technology isn’t designed to replace a stylist’s expertise; it’s built to enhance it. By saving personalised colour formulas in client profiles, Yuv ensures that every visit delivers a consistent, tailored experience. This tool allows stylists to focus on their craft with the confidence that the formulas are accurate and repeatable. It’s not about taking creativity out of the process; it’s about giving stylists more time and freedom to push their creativity further. 

“Investing in Yuv aligns with our mission to provide the most advanced tools to beauty professionals,” says William Zeqiri, founder and CEO of Fresha. “Hair colouring is a cornerstone of the salon business, and by addressing the complexities of this service, we’re adding significant value to our platform.” 

Salon owners, too, might question whether adopting AI is worth the investment. But let’s consider the practical benefits. One of the biggest challenges for any salon is managing inventory – especially when it comes to colour products. Yuv’s technology seamlessly integrates with Fresha’s platform to provide real-time insights into product usage, automatically restocking when needed. This means less waste, reduced costs and always having the right products on hand.  

With over 120,000 beauty businesses using Fresha’s platform, the opportunity to embrace this technology is clear. But this shift will only happen if salon professionals are willing to trust it. AI is no longer a distant concept, it’s here and it’s designed to make your business more efficient while ensuring the artistry and individuality of hair colouring services remain at the forefront. 

Francisco Gimenez, founder and CEO of Yuv, adds: “Partnering with Fresha provides us with the platform and reach we need to revolutionise the salon experience on a global scale. Together, we’re set to transform how professionals and clients approach hair colouring, creating a more efficient and personalised process that benefits everyone involved.” 

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

A Fresh Start for Your Clients’ Hair

Promotion – JOICO

A deep-cleansing shampoo that removes build-up, protects colour, and leaves hair soft and shiny—perfect for salon professionals.

by CAITLYN | INFORM

As stylists, you know that hair endures a lot—product build-up, hard water residue, and environmental impurities can leave it dull and lifeless. But keeping hair healthy shouldn’t come at the expense of colour protection or moisture. Enter JOICO’s Defy Damage Detox Shampoo—a salon-essential that delivers a deep detox while building bonds and keeping hair vibrant. 

A gentle yet powerful detox, The Defy Damage Detox Shampoo offers more than just a cleanse—it’s formulated to remove heavy metals, copper, and salts that accumulate from everyday life, while also preserving your client’s colour. With bio-based chelators and activated charcoal as its hero ingredients, this formula acts as a magnet for impurities without stripping away essential moisture. 

Want to ensure the best results before colour services? This shampoo not only preps hair for colour but also ensures it’s in optimal condition, so colour adheres better and lasts longer. Think of it as the perfect first step before any treatment.  

This shampoo is professional-tested and client-loved. Bruno Marc Giamattei, creative director at JOICO EMEA, shares: “Hard water and build-up can be the hidden culprits behind damaged hair. The Defy Damage Detox Shampoo works wonders to reset hair, preparing it for colour while keeping it protected and smooth.” 

Give your clients healthy hair that shines with the Defy Damage Detox Shampoo. It is not just about detoxing—thanks to Moringa Seed Oil and Vegan SmartRelease Technology, hair is left nourished, shiny, and protected from future damage. It’s a must-have for stylists who want to keep their clients’ hair looking and feeling its best after every wash. 

 

Why Your Salon Needs It: 

  • Removes stubborn build-up from hard water and product residue. 
  • Preps hair for optimal colour absorption. 
  • Protects colour and leaves hair soft and shiny. 
  • Formulated with activated charcoal and bond-building technology. 

Discover JOICO Defy Damage Detox Shampoo and transform the way you cleanse hair in your salon.