NEW SURVEY FINDS 50 PER CENT OF BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS IDENTIFY AS NEURODIVERGENT – BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE INDUSTRY?

May 3, 2024 | INDUSTRY NEWS

CATEGORIES > INFORM

NEW SURVEY FINDS 50 PER CENT OF BEAUTY PROFESSIONALS IDENTIFY AS NEURODIVERGENT – BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE INDUSTRY?

A recent survey conducted by Vagaro highlights the significant presence of neurodivergent professionals in the beauty industry.

It’s common knowledge in the industry that many hair professionals are neurodivergent, but a recent survey from salon software brand Vagaro revealed that half of the beauty industry identifies as such.

The research also explored how salon salons and spas cater to neurodivergent clients, highlighting the role of technology and software in creating inclusive spaces and the human aspect of nurturing relationships, empathy, and understanding.

27 per cent of survey participants said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer and 43 per cent of participants said they offer services specifically tailored to meet the needs of clients who are neurodivergent or on the autism spectrum.

Findings suggest that these salon and spa professionals proactively ask about accommodation requests beforehand, as well as offering quieter or noise-reduced options such as quiet hair clippers, providing an array of lighting options, and more.

27 per cent of survey participants said they work on a team with a neurodivergent peer.

Technology is also crucial to creating a welcoming space for neurodivergent clients, with 56 per cent of those asked agreeing that technology helps make accommodations for neurodivergent clients, pointing out that scheduling software plays a crucial role in reducing sensory overload.

They said capabilities such as online booking systems, digital check-ins, forms, and automated appointment reminders help reduce factors that can contribute to overstimulation and streamline the overall experience. “Our survey showcases the growing dedication of salon and spa professionals to inclusivity and innovation,” says Charity Hudnall, Vagaro chief marketing officer. “By encouraging acceptance, celebrating diversity, and leveraging technology, we can create more accessible
spaces for both neurodivergent clients and industry professionals.”

See the full findings of Vagaro’s survey of neurodivergence among salon and spa professionals on the Vagaro blog, highlighted amid National Autism Acceptance Month.

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > PORTFOLIOS

"ERUDITION" BY LISA FARRALL, DESMOND MURRAY AND WIG LONDON PHOTOSHOOT MASTERCLASS

Erudition is the result of WIG London’s Photoshoot Masterclass with Lisa Farrall and Desmond Murray, offering a mentoring day where stylists got hands-on experience doing hair on set and seeing the creative process in full swing. From braids to colour, it’s got the
lot…

Photography: Desmond Murray
Hair lead: Lisa Farrall
Stylists: Cally Borg, James Farrer, Chris Grimley, Hannah-Marcia
Larden, Bekie Taylor, Carol Ritchie, Chelsey Stone, Stevie Leah, Lucy Melvin
Assistants: Annie Franklin, Sophie Rose Goldsworthy
Creative direction: Lisa Farrall and Desmond Murray
Make-up: Melissa Victoria Lee
Styling: Lewis Robert Cameron
Location: WIG London

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > CREATIVE PROJECTS

“I LOVE DOING HAIR ON CLIENTS BUT CAN’T HANDLE TRADITIONAL SALONS” – ASHLEIGH HODGES ON THE GENESIS OF MASH CREATIVE STUDIO

The Hackney-based space is now open for creatives, with sustainability at its core.

Ashleigh Hodges

Ashleigh Hodges keeps a lot of plates spinning. There’s her role as a global colour ambassador for Davines, her session work as part of the Hairdotcom team and her ever-expanding involvement with the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. Now, she’s opened her own space as well as unveiling her own education. Ashleigh talks us through the key ingredients to her Mash…

What’s the aim of Mash Creative Studio? 
To offer a sustainable, calm and creative space for hair professionals and beyond. I work in so many areas of our industry – from flying around the world on campaign shoots, teaching or working on TV – so I wanted to create a space to bring my creative community together. Being a former photographic studio, it was perfect to create a multi-functional space for creatives. I love doing hair on my clients but can’t handle being in traditional salons – so much noise and stimuli for this autistic girl. I wanted to create a space that offers a calm environment for both hairdresser and client, with sustainability at the forefront. 

What’s on offer at Mash?
We offer the space for photoshoots, seminars, education, intimate events, chair rental and more. If you’re trying to make the world a better place, we have the creative space for you to do just that.

Talk us through the design concept…
Sustainability was at the forefront of our design. Working with the motto “the world doesn’t need more stuff” made us think outside the box creatively when it came to interior design. All the furniture has been sourced second-hand from markets or flea markets, the House of Hackney feature wallpaper and soft furnishings were sourced from a sample sale. My aim was to curate a beautiful canvas for people and brands to be able to make their own mark when renting out, while keeping our own signature character. 

How will you be marketing your space to collaborators? 
We have created beautiful brochures about the space that are sent out to everyone on our mailing list. Authentic marketing is my aim, reaching out to people personally and helping to shape their creative ideas into reality. East London is a hub of creativity so connecting with others within the community is paramount. Curated social media posts, and working with those within our growing community to spread the word and benefit from that. 

What advice do you have for independent stylists looking for a working space?  
Find the space that’s right for you. Test a few out, try them on for size before you settle down. You will know if it’s right within the first hour. There are so many great work spaces out there depending on your professional needs. Look at your business and find the right one that aligns with it. Think of it as a long-term brand collaboration; you want to make sure your two brands lift each other up. 

What are your future plans? 
So many things! My brain never rests. I already have more plans for Mash Creative in the pipeline, and with the launch of my new academy there’s lots coming there too. And to top it off, I’m about to become the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s youngest ever president. I’m ready to shake things up for sure! 

CATEGORIES > INFORM

WELLA PROFESSIONALS AND PANTONE JOIN FORCES IN “BIGGEST COLLABORATION EVER”

Inspiration found in key Pantone shades of the season.

The full Colour Crush collection

Wella Professionals is collaborating with global colour expert Pantone on its summer collection, Colour Crush – dubbed on Instagram as its “biggest collaboration ever”.

Revealed on the cover of Creative HEAD’s March issue, Colour Crush sees Wella Professionals ambassadors Jordanna Cobella and James Earnshaw working together on the season’s take on the new era of colour blocking.

James Earnshaw developed seven looks that incorporate the key Pantone shades of the season for inspiration.

Lilac Spirit – a fresh floral hue combined with a luminous peach

Rose Dusk – a velvety pink which comes alive when paired with a deep, alluring burgundy

Vivid Amber – glows with an intense, golden warmth and teamed with a richly pigmented red-hued brown

Pink Pearl – a delicate, natural creamy hue teamed with a rich deep brown

Dulce de Leche – a smooth and creamy caramel shade, set against a complex midnight black

Barley Gold – a delicate sun-baked golden blonde fused with a nutty and rich brown

Sunset Blaze – autumnal fiery oranges, set against a tranquil tinted blonde

“At a time when authentic self-expression has become so paramount, this collection enables individual style and personality, to create edgy and fun combinations,” said Laurie Pressman, vice-president at Pantone Color Institute.

The looks were created using Koleston Perfect, Color Touch, Shinefinity and Illumina Color from the Wella Professionals’ colour portfolio. Inspired by shades from nature, interior design, and make-up, Colour Crush signals a shift from cool ash tones, with warmer hues prevalent, as seen in the two key trends Peach Blush and Strawberry Glaze.

The collection showcases salon and stylist friendly techniques to help colourists get creative and grow their business, with face framing concepts and colour blocking panels.

CATEGORIES > INFORM

CAN NEW CAMPAIGN CUT COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN IRELAND?

Business organisations including the Irish Hairdressers Federation collaborate on pushing for lower VAT rate as part of new SaveJobs campaign.

A new campaign to reduce the cost of doing business is launching from an alliance of
organisations representing and supporting small businesses across Ireland, including the
Irish Hairdressers Federation and the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation.

The SaveJobs campaign is fighting for a permanent 9 per cent VAT rate for the personal
grooming, entertainment and experiential, and food services sectors.

Together, they aim to reduce the cost of doing business, create more jobs, and help small
businesses thrive by advocating for supportive policies and relieving burdens imposed by
government policies.

Within the campaign, the alliance spotlights how Irish SMEs cannot compete with wage
premiums paid by multi-national employers and public services. It says benchmarking the
minimum wage against these will fail, costing jobs and businesses.

It’s also pushing for small businesses to be heard in discussions about employment terms. It points to the Labour Employer Economic Forum, which it argues lacks small business representation, even though SMEs employ 60 per cent of the Irish workforce. It’s pushing for pro-rata representation on the Forum.

To sign the pledge and join the campaign, visit savejobs.ie/takeaction

In addition to the Irish Hairdressers Federation and the Hair and Beauty Industry
Confederation, organisations that have signed up to the Savejobs.ie campaign include:the
Restaurants Association of Ireland; Irish Hardware Association; Nursing Homes Ireland;
Retail Excellence Ireland; Vintners’ Federation of Ireland; and Convenience Stores &
Newsagents Association.