Urban Hideaway Revealed As Fellowship’s Newest Centre Of Excellence

Jan 8, 2025 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

Urban Hideaway Revealed As Fellowship’s Newest Centre Of Excellence

The creative hub in Nottingham becomes the fourth centre to host events and education

by AMANDA | INFORM

Nottingham’s Urban Hideaway is the latest Centre of Excellence for The Fellowship for British Hairdressing. The latest location is a creative hub with multifunctional spaces suited to hair and beauty professionals, educators, brands and businesses across four floors.

The collaboration will see Urban Hideaway become one of the Fellowship’s most innovative spaces for hosting education and training days for member hairdressers and barbers.

The new partnership was celebrated an open evening event which included demonstrationsfrom the Fellowship’s vice president and Project Extend leader, Michelle Griffin and Project Extend support, Marlene Lamont. Other demos were hosted by James Parr and Michael Damiano from the Wahl Artistic Team and the team from Design Essentials, which showcased textured hair education.

Simon Shaw, Collette Osborne, Ashleigh Hodges and Michelle Griffin

Urban Hideaway chief executive, Collette Osborne, said: “The Centre of Excellence project will bring us closer to the heart of the hairdressing and barbering industry, which in turn allows us to provide more creative opportunities and support for those who use our space.”

Other Fellowship Centres of Excellence include West Suffolk College, the WestrowAcademy in Leeds and the Sassoon Academy in central London.

The Fellowship’s Centre of Excellence initiative delivers a mix of inspiration and education to members, including student membership and a Finishing School at West Suffolk College to help graduates stand apart when looking for their jobs.

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Have Periods Caused You Problems At Work?

Jan 6, 2025 | CONVERSATIONS, CONVERSATIONS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Have Periods Caused You Problems At Work?

Cristina Fazzone shares her experience… join her on a webinar on 27 January

by AMANDA | CONVERSATIONS

From waiting lists doubling to a Westminster report warning about misogyny in medicine, conversations around women’s reproductive health and the pain that many experience has suddenly – and finally! – become big news. Women with conditions including heavy periods, endometriosis and adenomyosis are being dismissed when they ask for help, members of Westminster’s Women and Equalities Committee concluded in December… something freelance hairdresser Cristina Fazzone knows all too well.

She is now urging our female-driven industry to take notice and act – and she will be joining Creative HEAD, alongside The Menstrual Health Project team and period coach Connie Owen (@conniemarieowen), to discuss how to support those with menstrual health challenges in work in a Zoom on Monday 27 January (you can sign up here to take part). Here, Cristina shares her personal experience of living – and working as a hairdresser – with regular, debilitating period pain…

Cristina Fazzone

“Menstrual health can be a scary thing to wrap your head around. My first scan revealed I had polycystic ovaries. I was told one of the reasons I was experiencing severe pain could be because the cysts can expand to such a big size and even potentially explode. A graphic image, I know! And scary to imagine this might be happening inside your own body.

“The delivery of this news (from mainly female doctors) has always been abrupt. The topic is taboo and there is little education around it. Why is there a lack of empathy, even from females?

“We all know hairdressing is a female-driven industry – it’s estimated that 87 per cent of workers are female. So, consider this: 90 per cent of women with periods say they experience pain; 40 per cent say this pain is so bad they miss work; and more than one in 10 (14 per cent) of women have menstrual health complications and debilitating pain every month.

“These are statistics I know all too well and have experienced firsthand throughout my adult life. So, as a female-driven industry, why are we not talking about it?

“Besides a handful of good months, I’ve experienced period pain as an obstacle and distraction from school and work for 16 years. From the first day I started my period in year 7 through to today at 28 years old, when I’ve finally started to understand more about menstrual health and how to improve my periods myself.

“On the first day of my cycle I’m almost guaranteed to have to cancel any plans. The pain leaves me cramped up, unable to move my body, often throwing up, howling in pain and occasionally ending with a 999 call. Statistically, most women have experienced something similar.

“When I worked in salons, I often faced issues from female bosses when I called in sick or cancelled clients due to my period pain. There was a lack of conversation around the topic and I would love to see this change.

“Calling in sick became a monthly thing for me. As a hairdresser, this is a nightmare. When I became self-employed eight years ago, this became even more of a problem, I had to manage and rearrange a fully-booked column while in pain. Luckily, I have been blessed with loyal and understanding clients, but this isn’t the case for everyone and menstrual health can become a huge barrier to growth at work.

“Females who don’t experience period pain on this level can wonder if people like me are exaggerating. We need to shatter this judgment to help women navigate and manage this pain in their personal and working lives.

“There are several things I’ve learned along the way to help avoid my periods becoming an issue in my work, including using natural remedies. With a regular cycle this is somewhat manageable, forecasting is possible. But Mother Nature is Mother Nature and she’s always got her own plans!

“If you’re reading this and can relate, remember that it’s going to be okay. Whether you cancel work due to pain, lose clients, face difficulty with bosses due to sick days, struggle to manage your own column because of it, or battle with the pain… in the end health comes first. You can try and fight against it and force your way through it, but you will only make it worse long term. Dedicate time to healing yourself first, and everything else will slot into place. Without your health you have nothing.

“I’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries, dysmenorrhea, potential endometriosis, low iron, B12 deficiency – all related to menstrual health. There’s an empowerment that comes with investigating your own health and understanding what might help. I’m channelling the energy of my experience to help my sisters in the industry!

“As a predominantly female industry I truly believe this is a topic of conversation we need to navigate and normalise. And I hope this is the start of a beautiful shift.”

Join The Discussion!

Join Cristina and Creative HEAD on a Zoom workshop with The Menstrual Health Project team and period coach Connie Owens to discuss how to support those with menstrual health challenges in work.

9.30am on Monday 27 January

Sign Up Here

“We Have Zero Option But To Stand Down For A Few Days”

Ruth Lundstrom, founder of The Freelance Suite, shares her own journey

Ruth Lundstrom

“Once a month, cis women are rudely interrupted by our periods. For some they’re almost unnoticeable, but for others they can be debilitating. This can have a huge impact on how we show up for work and for our clients – if we can even show up at all.

“For many years mine were very heavy and the first few days were unbearable. This can put some of us out of work. We have zero option but to stand down for a few days and if you’re freelance, this can lead to a drop in earnings and a rescheduling headache.

“I had a breakthrough 10 years ago when I removed sugar from my diet. I no longer experienced the bloat, pain or heaviness.

“As I switched out sugar, I naturally ended up eating a wholefood diet. This helped balance my hormones and made my cycles easy to sail through and I don’t endure the same dip in mood.

“My approach to health is always, ‘what are we putting in the tank?’. It’s my first approach before I go down the medication route. I believe the body and mind are even more powerful if they are fed the
right ingredients.”

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Looking For Your Next Colour Technique? Convertible Colour Is A Fresh Way to Deliver Bespoke Results

Jan 3, 2025 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES

Looking For Your Next Colour Technique? Convertible Colour Is A Fresh Way to Deliver Bespoke Results

Gina Conway’s technique blends bold colour with everyday wearability

by CAITLYN | TECHNIQUES

When it comes to innovative colour techniques, Gina Conway has mastered the art of blending playfulness with practicality. Her “convertible colour” method is designed to give clients a pop of personality that can be hidden or revealed at will. As Gina puts it, “It’s something a little bit of fun and spicy that’s just for you.”

Convertible colour offers clients a subtle yet exciting way to experiment with bold shades without committing to a full transformation. By placing vibrant colour just beneath the natural parting, this technique lets clients enjoy the best of both worlds.

“If I’m going to a conservative setting, I can completely hide it by parting my hair on the opposite side,” explains Gina. “Or, if I just want to kind of see a little bit of it, I’ll pull my hair back, and you’ll see a little streak of it coming down.”

For clients with grey hair, convertible colour offers a chic and modern alternative to harsh regrowth lines. “When the grey comes in, it still is fun and cute and cool,” Gina shares. “It’s perfect because it’s still light, so you don’t have that strip of contrast…”

Gina often recommends complementary colour pairings like fuchsia and copper or milk chocolate and caramel. “Soft pink tends to be everybody’s favourite right now,” she adds. “But finding two colours that wear well together can make all the difference.”

Perfect For:

•The Corporate Convert: Clients who need to maintain a conservative look while expressing their personality

•The Colour Curious: Perfect for those who’ve been eyeing creative colours but aren’t ready for full coverage

•The Grey Transition Client: Ideal for adding dimension while embracing natural silver

•The Style Chameleon: Clients who love changing their look based on occasion

•The Creative Professional: Those who balance corporate environments with creative industries

How to Create Convertible Colour

The process is straightforward but requires a keen eye for placement and blending:

• Section Placement: Choose a section about an inch and a half wide, just below the natural parting.

• Blend Seamlessly: Add a quarter-inch strip of natural colour over the bold shade to ensure it can be hidden when styled.

• Tailor the Colour: Select shades that suit the client’s lifestyle. Gina notes, “It’s a fun little secret pop that lets clients feel like they’re trying something new without it being overwhelming.”

Convertible colour is suited to clients balancing different aspects of their lives. “If they’ve got a playful lifestyle but a conservative job, you know how far you can get away with it,” says Gina. The result is a personalised touch that reflects their personality while adapting to their daily needs.

For colourists, Gina’s convertible colour technique is an opportunity to connect with clients in a fresh, exciting way. Whether it’s blending grey regrowth with rose gold or creating vibrant streaks of fuchsia, this method offers endless possibilities. As Gina puts it, “It’s a great way to present something new to clients you’ve been working with for years.”

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Sam McKnight: Why I’ve Joined A New Union For Fashion Creatives

Dec 18, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Sam McKnight: Why I’ve Joined A New Union For Fashion Creatives

Set up to tackle widespread exploitative workplace practices, Bectu Fashion UK hopes to bring about change

by CATHERINE | DOCUMENTS

In March 2024, not long after the A/W show season had come to a close, Creative HEAD reported on how hair creatives were being bullied to work for free in a fashion industry that generates an astonishing £37bn every year, according to the British Fashion Council. Sadly, low – or often no – pay, long hours and toxic workplace cultures are the norm for many freelance session stylists, as well as the make-up artists, clothes stylists and nail techs who work alongside them.

And it’s not just young talents at the outset of their career who are affected. Even session legend Sam McKnight gets treated badly. “As with everything in life, the money stays at the top and doesn’t trickle down – and hair and make-up are the easiest victims,” he says.

Well, now Sam – and the many thousands of other creatives who work in fashion backstage, on set and for the red carpet – have a new champion. Bectu, the long-established union representing staff, contract and freelance workers in the media and entertainment industries, has been working with a specialist committee to help fashion creatives launch a union all for themselves. And now it’s ready.

Bectu Fashion UK is a new branch of Bectu that has been created specifically to represent freelance hairdressers and other creatives in a non-performance fashion role. Membership gives you access to advice on any aspect of your work, from whether your pay is above national minimum wage to bullying, as well as a 24-hour legal support helpline, assistance with chasing monies owed and discounted Public Liability Insurance that’s tailored specifically to fashion creatives. There are also plans to provide tools, training and guidance to help fashion workers negotiate their pay, terms and conditions.

Membership fees are dependent on your gross annual earnings, ranging from £10/month to £350 annually.

“Because there’s no history of unionisation in fashion, this is a space that we need people to buy into, because if we don’t get that groundswell of involvement, it’s not going to work”

But Bectu and the Fashion UK committee are clear that for this new union to work, everybody needs to work together and participate. The more people who join Bectu Fashion UK, the bigger the opportunity to change the industry for the better – for example, by demanding fair pay and treatment – and the approach they are taking is highly collaborative. They’ve set up a WhatsApp group you can join, even if you’re not a Bectu member, so you can share experiences with fellow fashion creatives, you have access to member meetings and you can even join the committee yourself when elections come around. And because Bectu has helped many other similar sectors to unionise, they can look to those for guidance and learnings and to understand how to make progress more quickly.

Says Bectu Negotiations Executive, Naomi Taylor: “Because there’s no history of unionisation in fashion, what we’re saying is this is a space that we need people to buy into, because if we don’t get that groundswell of involvement, it’s not going to work. Yes, we need membership subscriptions to resource it, but we also need people to participate in things like surveys so we can get data around the issues that people are dealing with and that will allow us to work out what we can do to help.”

The Fashion UK committee is clear that understanding the key issues facing sector workers is vital, and has already conducted a survey of around 500 fashion creatives, the results of which will be released in February 2025, ahead of Fashion Week (see snapshot below).

Says Naomi: “If we can build the numbers to a kind of tipping point, where we can start to campaign on the issues that are coming out of the survey, then we can start to put pressure on employers and on government also, because a lot of the changes that are being introduced around employment rights are not going to be impactful for people who are self-employed or freelancers. This is one of the most important things about being in a union – having someone to speak up for you.”

Bectu Fashion UK committee member Famida Pathan is a freelance make-up artist with first-hand experience of typical freelance struggles. She finds being part of Bectu Fashion UK particularly useful when dealing with issues like monies owed: “In the past, I found myself pursuing bad debt through the Small Claims Courts. But having a union means I can go to someone who will step in on my behalf, whether that’s talking to the client directly or even pursuing a legal claim if they think there’s a good chance of success. I’ve been working in this industry for 20 years and this is the first time I’ve felt there’s support for me in my career. I no longer feel like I’m on my own.”

“I’ve joined Bectu Fashion UK because things need to change” – Sam McKnight

“The situation for fashion creatives has been getting incrementally worse over the past 20 years. It’s multi-layered, but there’s been a devaluation of what we do, a lack of respect. We’re not called ‘hair and make-up’ anymore; since social media came along, we’re Glam Squad. I find that offensive because it diminishes what we do and takes away your individuality.

“It’s come about because there are people working in the industry now who are not educated in what it is we do and have no idea of what’s gone before and what we need. They’re just a person with a clipboard. As a consequence, backstage conditions have become scuzzier, smaller and with the wrong kind of equipment. Meanwhile, on set you’ll find that the lighting guy and the caterer will get credited, but not the hair and make-up. And this is despite the fact that beauty advertising is bringing in more money for magazines than fashion. And if Vogue aren’t crediting you, then that sends a message down the line that everyone thinks that’s okay.

“In the piece that Creative HEAD wrote about pay someone said something that I found interesting – that we shouldn’t get too pushy about being paid because we’re creating art. And I thought, ‘Yes, absolutely. And that’s where the abuse starts.’ Because these people know that we’re so desperate to create that, and of course we’ll do it for free, but actually it’s not your art – you are creating it for somebody else who owns it. It’s never yours unless you’ve paid for it.

“The reason why I’ve joined Bectu Fashion UK and am advocating for them is because things need to change. I can speak up because I don’t give a shit if people don’t book me anymore, whereas someone less established in their career might not want to for fear of getting blacklisted. I’ve heard a few horror stories from people saying their agents have forbidden them to join any union, which is totally illegal. The agent is now bullying the stylist!

“So, yes, there will be people who don’t want to change the status-quo because they can draw on this amazing talent pool for free and they don’t want the uprising. But that’s not going to stop us. It’s important that we structure minimum day rates and impose certain working conditions, because otherwise the Wild West will continue. Bectu Fashion UK is something I believe in and something I feel our industry needs. And I’m excited that in 2025 we’re really going to go for it!”

Sam McKnight’s award-winning haircare and styling range, Hair By Sam McKnight, is now available to be stocked in salons. For more info contact salons@sammcknight.com.

“I’ve joined Bectu Fashion UK because things need to change” – Sam McKnight

“The situation for fashion creatives has been getting incrementally worse over the past 20 years. It’s multi-layered, but there’s been a devaluation of what we do, a lack of respect. We’re not called ‘hair and make-up’ anymore; since social media came along, we’re Glam Squad. I find that offensive because it diminishes what we do and takes away your individuality.

“It’s come about because there are people working in the industry now who are not educated in what it is we do and have no idea of what’s gone before and what we need. They’re just a person with a clipboard. As a consequence, backstage conditions have become scuzzier, smaller and with the wrong kind of equipment. Meanwhile, on set you’ll find that the lighting guy and the caterer will get credited, but not the hair and make-up. And this is despite the fact that beauty advertising is bringing in more money for magazines than fashion. And if Vogue aren’t crediting you, then that sends a message down the line that everyone thinks that’s okay.

“In the piece that Creative HEAD wrote about pay someone said something that I found interesting – that we shouldn’t get too pushy about being paid because we’re creating art. And I thought, ‘Yes, absolutely. And that’s where the abuse starts.’ Because these people know that we’re so desperate to create that, and of course we’ll do it for free, but actually it’s not your art – you are creating it for somebody else who owns it. It’s never yours unless you’ve paid for it.

“The reason why I’ve joined Bectu Fashion UK and am advocating for them is because things need to change. I can speak up because I don’t give a shit if people don’t book me anymore, whereas someone less established in their career might not want to for fear of getting blacklisted. I’ve heard a few horror stories from people saying their agents have forbidden them to join any union, which is totally illegal. The agent is now bullying the stylist!

“So, yes, there will be people who don’t want to change the status-quo because they can draw on this amazing talent pool for free and they don’t want the uprising. But that’s not going to stop us. It’s important that we structure minimum day rates and impose certain working conditions, because otherwise the Wild West will continue. Bectu Fashion UK is something I believe in and something I feel our industry needs. And I’m excited that in 2025 we’re really going to go for it!”

Sam McKnight’s award-winning haircare and styling range, Hair By Sam McKnight, is now available to be stocked in salons. For more info contact salons@sammcknight.com.

Eight in 10 UK fashion creatives pressured to work for free, research shows

In autumn 2024, Bectu Fashion UK surveyed more than 500 fashion creatives working in roles such as hair and make-up artists, assistants, fashion and accessories designers and photographers about their workplace experiences. The survey found that:

• Just one in ten fashion creatives (10 per cent) say they feel secure in their job.

• Only 14 per cent are paid on time for the work they do.

• Half (51per cent) of fashion creatives are earning under £30,000 a year before tax from their work in the industry.

• More than seven in ten have struggled financially (72 per cent) in the past year

• Eight in ten (79 per cent) have felt pressured to work for free.

• And 83 per cent say that behaviours that would be considered toxic and inappropriate in public life are often tolerated in the fashion industry.

The responses also paint a bleak picture of poor work/life balance, with more than 7 in 10 reporting struggling with their mental health in the past year, and most (59%) saying their work has negatively impacted their personal relationships.

“Under-paid, under-respected and have no one to tell this to because HR is in the pockets of the CEO, who is our boss” – senior creative assistant

“The expectation seems to be that we, as freelancers, can be paid whenever suits the employer. There’s no other industry where you provide a service, and all terms are blatantly ignored with no consequences. It feels to me that it’s getting worse year on year” – photographic assistant

The full survey results will be published by Bectu Fashion UK in February 2025, just before London Fashion Week. Creative HEAD will report the findings as soon as they are made available.

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Five Ways to Help You Stay Sane Through the Christmas Rush

Nov 8, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, FREELANCE, HOME EXPLORE

Five Ways to Help You Stay Sane Through the Christmas Rush

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Head Up coach, Hayley Jepson, shares essential advice for a balanced festive season

by CAITLYN | EXPLORE

max-van-den-oetelaar-buymYm3RQ3U-unsplash

Max Van Dan OeteLaar for Unsplash

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and for stylists and salon owners, the festive season can bring more than just holiday cheer. Packed schedules, high expectations and back-to-back appointments can leave even the most experienced professionals feeling overwhelmed. But it’s possible to navigate the holiday rush without losing your cool.

L’Oréal Professionnel’s Head Up coach, Hayley Jepson, is here to share her top tips for reducing stress and staying balanced through the season. “Mental health is the number one challenge for hairdressers,” she says, highlighting the importance of looking after yourself as you look after your clients.

Here are five ways to keep holiday stress in check.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference. Drinking water throughout the day can help maintain focus and energy levels, something that can start to wane during long hours.

Bring Snacks

Busy days can mean missing meals, which leads to a drop in energy and mood. Plan ahead and stock up on easy, nutritious snacks that you can eat between clients. Jepson recommends bringing snacks that are quick and filling: “Have them in your bag so you always have something with you”. A quick snack can keep your energy up, even on the busiest days.

Set Boundaries

The desire to please every client is understandable, especially during the holiday season. However, learning to set boundaries can be essential to managing your stress. “We get stressed as hairdressers when clients are late, or if a colour isn’t going to plan,” Hay explains. “It’s wise to focus on what you can control and not what you can’t.” She suggests saying no to that extra appointment if you’re already stretched thin and communicating clearly with clients about your time limits.

Take Micro-Breaks

A few minutes here and there can help refresh your mind and body. Between clients, take a moment to stretch out your arms, back, and shoulders. These small breaks make a big impact on both physical and mental stamina, helping you get through each day with more ease. “Stretch when you have a minute – your body will thank you!” says Hayley.

Ask for Help

There’s no need to handle it all alone. If a colour isn’t going as planned or a client is particularly demanding, don’t hesitate to reach out to a colleague for a second opinion. “Sometimes it can be good to get a second opinion on what to do in times of stress,” she adds. “We can start to feel out of control when things go wrong, so reaching out helps us get out of our own head.”

Extra Support for the Busy Season

If you’re looking for additional tools to support your mental fitness, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Head Up program offers free online videos on managing stress, setting boundaries and avoiding burnout. Each video is quick and designed for hair professionals, perfect for a watch on your lunch break or commute.

Plus, Head Up has teamed up with Calm, offering hairstylists three months of free access to the meditation and relaxation app (and 50 per cent off the annual subscription). Through Calm, you’ll find guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep tools designed to help you unwind and stay grounded.

The holiday season may be hectic but taking small steps to look after yourself can make all the difference. As Hayley puts it, “focus on what you can control, and give yourself the space to nurture your own well-being.”

Head Up videos can be found on L’Oréal Professionnel Head Up website.