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Clients Experiencing Hair Loss? This Is The Right Way To Support Them

Clients Experiencing Hair Loss? This Is The Right Way To Support Them

Aug 16, 2024 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM HEADER

Clients Experiencing Hair Loss? This Is The Right Way To Support Them 

Trichologist Mark Blake shares his expert guide on giving guidance to clients

by Caitlyn | Industry News

Summersby Media
As stylists and salon owners, you play a crucial role in your clients’ hair journeys. Hair loss can be an emotional experience for many people, but with knowledge and the right approach, you can guide clients towards better hair and scalp health. Understanding the causes, treatments, and preventative measures can transform how your clients manage their hair loss.  

Educating your clients about the importance of early intervention is key. Hair loss often worsens when left untreated. Leading trichologist, Mark Blake, tells us that the best thing for clients to do is “get advice and start a hair loss regime as quickly as possible.” Hair loss gets worse if left untreated, so doing nothing is going to let the problem get worse. By guiding your clients to act early, you can help them preserve their hair health and confidence. 

One essential point to highlight is the seasonal nature of hair shedding. “Clients shouldn’t be alarmed if they notice more hair loss in September,” Mark shares. “It is the month that we see the highest proportion of natural hair loss in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s thought to be due to seasonal changes in light and weather.” While this is a natural occurrence, you should encourage clients to seek advice if they notice excessive or persistent shedding. Here are a few methods you can share with your clients, so they can start their health growth journey as soon as they leave the salon.  

Mark’s Tips for Hair Growth Restoration  

Many clients may not realise how crucial their diet is to hair growth. Hair is composed of approximately 85 per cent protein, and a lack of it can severely impact growth. Blake reminds us that “hair only grows from the protein eaten or retained,” highlighting the importance of a well-balanced diet for hair health.   

Secondly, scalp care is critical but often neglected. Blake suggests that clients exfoliate their scalp every six weeks, explaining, “the scalp ages 12 times faster than the skin on the body and six times faster than the skin on the face. The scalp is where the hair must grow out of, and it needs looking after.”  

Some clients believe that washing their hair less frequently will help reduce hair loss, but Mark Blake warns against this misconception. “As a Trichologist, I see more problems from hair loss patients who don’t wash their hair frequently than from patients who do wash their hair frequently,” Blake explains. He adds: “Clients should treat their scalp like any other part of their body. They should probably treat it better…scalp health is directly linked to hair health.” Encouraging clients to wash their hair regularly, focusing on scalp health, can help mitigate issues related to hair loss. 

 

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How to Further Support Clients 

As trusted professionals, you can offer more than just styling. Offering scalp treatments, exfoliation services, and hair loss consultations can set your salon apart as a wellness hub for clients concerned about thinning hair. Plus, partnering with specialists, stocking trichologist-recommended products, and training your team in hair loss management will better serve your clients and build trust in your expertise. 

Hair loss can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutrition, and even certain medical conditions or treatments. While understanding the root cause of hair loss is helpful, what’s more important is focusing on timely and effective intervention. Whatever the cause, action can prevent further loss and help restore hair health. The key is not dwelling on why hair loss happens, but rather how you can guide clients towards the best solutions to manage it. 

Hair Loss Awareness Month is a great opportunity for salon owners to enhance their services and raise awareness about hair health, even by simply adding more targeted scalp health treatments to your service menu. Offering this added layer of care can position your salon as a leader in holistic hair care. 

Hair Loss Awareness Month is a reminder that hair loss is a common issue, and it’s oftentimes tied up with many emotions, but it can be managed with the right knowledge and approach. As stylists, you are in a powerful position to provide education, support, and care for clients experiencing hair loss, helping them to regain their confidence and maintain healthy hair.  

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Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Aug 12, 2024 | EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

Beyond the Basics: Unlock Iridescent Colour With Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum’s Splicing Technique

Learn how splicing achieves customisable colour and sets new trends in the industry

by CAITLYN | DOCUMENTS

When it comes to hair colouring, innovation is everything. We heard from renowned colourist, Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, about his revolutionary “splicing” technique, a method that’s quickly becoming a favourite among stylists seeking to push the boundaries of creativity. Speaking exclusively to Creative HEAD, Brian shares the inspiration behind his technique, its versatility, and its future in the industry. 

The splicing technique was born from his desire to bring more depth and dimension and create a metallic feel. “As colourists, we work with slices every day,” Brian explains. “But I wanted more of an iridescent feel to these pieces.” This led him to experiment with the direction of the slices. After bleaching, he takes each section and splices it in the opposite direction, creating a stunning metallic effect. 

While splicing may seem similar to traditional slicing at first, the technique introduces a subtle but significant shift in execution. “Splicing gives you the ability to add harmonious or clashing colours quickly and efficiently,” Brian says. It’s not drastically different from traditional methods, but it does offer a unique twist—literally. 

Halley Brisker

Brian Leo McCallum

By altering the direction in which slices are made, stylists can create a more dynamic and customised look. This technique enhances the colouring process by allowing for more precise colour placement, which can result in a variety of visual effects, from subtle blends to bold contrasts. This flexibility makes splicing an invaluable tool for any stylist looking to push the boundaries of traditional hair colouring. 

The technique uses a range of high-quality products to achieve its unique results. Pictured below, Brian used Goldwell Elumen to create vibrant greens, Goldwell Topchic for striking silvers, and Goldwell Colorance for a rich rust orange hue. By splicing sections in different directions, these colours can either harmonise or contrast, depending on the desired effect. The result is a look that is both bold and sophisticated, with a depth that catches the light in a way traditional techniques cannot. 

One of the key benefits of the splicing technique is its versatility. “It can be used on all hair types,” he notes. Like any new technique, splicing comes with its own set of challenges. According to Brian, the biggest hurdle is speed. “The primary challenge for stylists learning the technique is speed,” he admits. “However, like any skill, practice leads to improvement. With a few attempts, stylists of all levels find it becomes easy to master.”  

“Splicing enhances the colouring process by allowing stylists to be more creative with colour placement. For clients, it promotes a more individualised and bespoke colour service.”

As hair trends continue to evolve, so too will the applications of the splicing technique. Brian originally developed splicing for creative looks in photo shoots, but it has since found a place in commercial salon work. “The possibilities are endless,” he says. As more stylists begin to experiment with splicing, it is likely to become a staple in the industry, offering new ways to bring depth, dimension, and individuality to hair colour. 

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Finding Success in Any Market: How Salon Owners Can Thrive in the UK’s Varied Markets

Finding Success in Any Market: How Salon Owners Can Thrive in the UK’s Varied Markets

Aug 12, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

Finding Success in Any Market: How Salon Owners Can Thrive in the UK’s Varied Markets

Navigating opportunities in both competitive hotspots and underserved markets 

by Caitlyn |  Industry News

Unsplash

New data released by beauty and wellness marketplace, Fresha, reveals Blackpool as the beauty and self-care captal of the UK, due to a record number of beauty salons compared to the population. Bournemouth and Glasgow follow closely behind – while Gateshead is last. The study also highlights surprising beauty hotspots beyond major cities, such as Chelmsford, Worthing, and Preston.  

The full data from Fresha can be seen here. 

For hair salon owners and stylists, choosing the right location to open or expand a business is a critical decision. The UK’s hair industry presents a range of opportunities—from bustling markets, where demand for hair services is high but competition is intense, to quieter areas, where the potential for growth lies in less saturated environments. Success hinges on selecting a location that aligns with your business goals, services, and target clientele. 

Fresha summarises this balance: “Those in areas with a high concentration of salons, like Blackpool or Glasgow, face stiff competition but can be reassured by the high demand for beauty services in these hotspots. These may prove profitable areas for budding make–up artists and hairstylists to practice their trade.” 

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Understanding High-Demand Markets 

High-demand markets such as Blackpool, with 403 hair salons per 100,000 residents, and Glasgow, which boasts 360 salons per 100,000 residents, offer both significant competition and substantial opportunities. The dense concentration of hair salons indicates a strong consumer demand for hair services—a critical factor for those looking to tap into an established and hair-conscious customer base. 

Success in these saturated markets often hinges on differentiation. Offering specialized hair services, building a distinct brand, or delivering an exceptional customer experience can set your salon apart. The competition may be fierce, but the rewards are considerable for those who can carve out a unique niche or deliver superior quality. High visibility, word-of-mouth marketing, and a loyal customer base can be achieved more quickly in these areas. 

The Potential in Underserved Markets 

Conversely, areas with fewer hair salons per capita, like Gateshead (40 salons per 100,000 residents) or Swansea (77 salons per 100,000 residents), present a different kind of opportunity. These markets may not have the immediate demand seen in larger cities, but they also offer less direct competition and the chance to establish your hair salon as a local leader. 

In underserved markets, the key to success lies in addressing unmet needs. Whether it’s introducing a wider variety of hair services, offering luxury treatments where they are scarce, or simply providing top-notch customer service, you can position your salon as the go-to destination in these communities. With less competition, there is more room to grow and potentially dominate the local market. 

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Balancing Risk and Reward: Thriving in Any Market 

The decision of where to open or expand your hair salon should reflect your specific business goals. If you are prepared to differentiate yourself in a crowded market, hair hotspots like Blackpool offer a ready and eager clientele. However, if you prefer to build your brand with less pressure from competitors, exploring less saturated markets might be a better fit. 

Whether you choose a competitive market or an underserved one, both paths offer potential for success. The key is aligning your business strategy with the characteristics of the market. By understanding local demand, differentiating your hair services, and building strong client relationships, your salon can not only survive but thrive in any market. 

The UK’s diverse hair industry offers numerous opportunities for savvy salon owners. Whether you are drawn to the thrill of a competitive hotspot or the untapped potential of a quieter market, with the right approach, your hair salon can achieve lasting success. 

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“YouTube Has Opened Doors For Me, Which I Didn’t Realise Could Open” – Paul Watts On Using Youtube To Grow Your Brand’s Online Engagement

“YouTube Has Opened Doors For Me, Which I Didn’t Realise Could Open” – Paul Watts On Using Youtube To Grow Your Brand’s Online Engagement

Aug 5, 2024 | CONVERSATIONS, CONVERSATIONS HEADER, EXPLORE

“YouTube Has Opened Doors For Me, Which I Didn’t Realise Could Open” – Paul Watts On Using Youtube To Grow Your Brand’s Online Engagement

Weeding through social media trends and finding an engaged audience can be a challenge for businesses, shifting your efforts to Youtube can help.

By Caitlyn | Business, Profiles

Halley Brisker

In the bustling world of social media, where Instagram and TikTok reign supreme for many, hairdressers may find themselves pouring into social media content that doesn’t necessarily translate into clientele. Paul Watts, a YouTube hair educator, Joico artist, and hairdresser, sheds light on this phenomenon, highlighting a crucial yet often overlooked portion of the social media landscape, YouTube.  

“For me, it’s crazy to see my fellow industry professionals devote their time to platforms that don’t give you a source of income. The amount of immense talent and effort that hairdressers feed into the social media game is unbelievable. They believe this is their opportunity to turn themselves into a business, but all that time they spend isn’t free – they’re sacrificing something.”  

Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok can indeed enhance visibility and help build a brand. However, Watts highlights a critical drawback: “when scrolling on Instagram and TikTok, my feed is swamped with creators copying one another and when you don’t get results that you want, that’s when anxiety starts to creep in. That’s the problem with trends – they’re a trend for a reason. Once everyone starts doing it, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of carbon copies.”  

This is where YouTube presents a compelling alternative. Unlike its counterparts, YouTube thrives on delivering value through educational content rather than transient trends. “YouTube isn’t about showing off what you have – it’s all about what you can offer and how you can help others to grow and develop their skills,” Watts explains. This focus on high-quality, free education allows hairdressers to create content that builds and nurtures a community of engaged viewers. 

“YouTube is the leading source of free high-quality education, which can help you to build and grow communities of like-minded individuals.”

“After joining the platform in 2020, I have amassed over 180k followers and over 28 million views. Having this audience has allowed me to share cutting and colouring tutorials, providing my subscribers with the highest quality education and industry secrets about cutting techniques, colouring, toning, bleaching, and styling. The monetisation of YouTube helped my business to recover from COVID quicker, and even helped to cover the costs of renovating my salon! YouTube has opened doors for me, which I didn’t realise could open.” 

As an educator, Watts sees vast potential in YouTube’s format: “Whether you want to be a hair agony aunt, a trend reporter, a step-by-step stylist, or something else – the opportunities are endless.” YouTube offers a platform where content creators can establish themselves as authorities in their field without falling prey to the “follow for follow” culture prevalent on other social media sites. 

Watts is candid about the challenges faced by those who feel obligated to participate in the overwhelming trend-forward culture of Instagram and TikTok. “I’m tired of hearing so many fellow industry professionals complaining about Instagram and TikTok and the toxic social media culture that has overcome our industry,” he says. “But they all say the same thing to me – ‘I have to do it for the brand.’ You absolutely do not!” 

“YouTube is a complete safe space without the follow for follow merry go round. People subscribe to your channel because they are genuinely interested in what you do.” 

YouTube offers a more relaxed approach to social media, with the added benefit of monetization opportunities. Watts himself has experienced significant benefits from his YouTube channel, including a global audience and lucrative collaborations with international brands. 

If you’re considering making the leap from other social media platforms to YouTube, now is an opportune moment. Watts encourages hair professionals to take advantage of the platform’s potential: “You’re not behind if you begin your YouTube journey now. You’ll be ahead of the industry, as even the big corporates haven’t got it sussed out yet.”

If you are looking to make this shift, Watts’ channel is the perfect starting point. Dive into his content to learn the ins and outs of effectively building your presence on YouTube. With expert insights on launching and growing a successful YouTube channel, his content is tailored specifically for busy hair professionals looking to elevate their brand.

Check out Paul Watts on Youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/@PaulWattsHair

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What You Need to Know on… Branding

What You Need to Know on… Branding

Aug 1, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, EXPLORE

What You Need to Know on… Branding

Maintaining a good brand takes thought and work, as does repairing a damaged one

by Amanda |  BUSINESS, FREELANCE

Unsplash/Austin Chan

What’s in a brand? Your business story as well as your reputation, for starters. Digital expert Harvey Morton offers some pearls of wisdom for getting going. “Conduct thorough market research to gain insights into your potential customers’ demographics, preferences, and behaviour patterns. Identify their pain points, needs, and aspirations.” Just don’t forget your competitors, he warns. “Explore their services, marketing techniques, pricing strategies and customer feedback,” he continues. “By understanding your target audience and competitors, you can position your brand effectively and create unique value.”

The early stages of brand building clearly require lots of research, but what about the more creative part? According to Hellen Ward, co-founder of Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa, the narrative matters. “When creating a new brand, you need to think about the story, the provenance. People need to quickly and easily identify what the brand values are, and what it stands for.” For growing an existing brand, Hellen advises to “identify the strengths, the core USP and go sniper with marketing, not scattergun.” Communicate what makes you stand out. “Market to your target customers and scream your points of difference, whether it’s the team, length of service, expertise, or luxury environment,” she adds.

Unsplash/ Vitaly Gariev

“Focus on building strong relationships with your customers through personalised experiences,” adds financial expert Garry Hemming. “Implement data-driven marketing strategies to better understand them and tailor the messaging and offerings to their needs. Leverage social media and content marketing to engage with your audience and showcase your brand’s personality and expertise.”

Partnerships and collaborations are another route as they “can help expand your brand’s reach”. This includes “complementary brands or influencers who align with your values and target audience”. This, he concludes, can help you “tap into new markets and build credibility for your brand”.

While it’s motivating to brainstorm and think about your goals, including the reasons for doing what you do, part of the brand journey is also about knowing how to respond when your brand is damaged. For Tom Skinner, managing director of digital marketing agency, Go Up, it’s important to apologise with sincerity, he advises. “Cut the business speak and imagine you’re talking to your own grandmother. So rather than ‘we’re sorry if some people misunderstood our Instagram post and were offended’, it should be ‘we’re sorry about our Instagram post’. Customers need to know you’re real. You’ll be surprised what can be rescued.”

Unsplash/Syahrir Maulana

However, simply saying sorry isn’t enough. “Prove you’ve changed,” Tom adds. “Demonstrate tangible improvement and a willingness to move past previous mistakes. Don’t just tell me you’ve fixed the car — take me for a drive.”

Sometimes, the extent of brand damage can mean that a rebrand is needed. Here, Garry has some pointers. “A fresh look and feel can symbolise a new beginning and signal a commitment to positive change. Be sure to involve your target audience in this process to gather their input and feedback.” However, a makeover on its own won’t guarantee customer support. “Consistency is key to regain trust,” he explains. “Ensure that all marketing materials and customer touchpoints are aligned with the renewed brand identity and messaging. Consider ongoing reputation management efforts to monitor and address negative sentiment and maintain a positive online presence.”

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