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

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

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.

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

“I Wanted To Be Somewhere Where Everything Is Designed For Me, The Hairdresser”

Inside Host Manchester, the brainchild of scalp bleach expert Sarah Louise Keane.

by KELSEY | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Located just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly on historic Ducie Street, Host Manchester offers hairdressers a home-from-home – a bespoke space which puts their craft firmly in the spotlight. Set in the iconic former ‘Home’ nightclub, the space captures the spirit of innovation and individuality, packed with unique details and nods to Mancunian culture, like the carefully curated prints seen on the gallery walls.

Spanning two floors, the light, spacious space is the epitome of thoughtful design, with every detail considered with the hairdresser in mind.  “The biggest thing for me – not just as someone who teaches who needs a space designed for that – but as a hairdresser who works for herself, I wanted to be somewhere where everything is designed for me, the hairdresser,” Sarah says. “As nice as it is to have a dimly lit backwash, if you can’t see what you’re doing, it’s not ideal,” she adds, laughing.

The three key areas which the space addresses are light, layout and the backwash area. First and foremost, there are massive windows which span both floors. There are also 36 Daylight Bars that mimic natural light, ensuring perfect visibility no matter the weather – ideal for the many days of rain that Manchester is known for!

The backwash areas are strategically placed to maximise the benefits of natural light upstairs, while downstairs, the event and education space has been designed for creativity and learning.

The hairdressing stations have also been carefully positioned to take full advantage of the natural light flooding, ensuring that every station is bathed in optimal light. The thoughtful placement also encourages collaboration through an open, inviting atmosphere. “We wanted to create a space where everyone can come together – whether that’s a hairdresser working behind the chair, someone who does education, or people like Peter [Host’s co-founder], who wants to have a branded event,” Sarah explains. “We can do it all under one roof!”

Related

“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

Wildflower’s Give Back Day honours community, compassion and connection on the busiest retail day of the year, 23rd December

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

Wildflower Dublin closes for Giveback Day

For six years running, Wildflower in Dublin has made the bold and compassionate choice to close its doors to paying customers on 23 December, the busiest day of the year, to give back to the community. The salon’s annual ‘Give Back Day’ has become a cherished tradition, creating space for connection, support and reflection on what the holiday season is truly about. 

“I wanted to do something at the end of the year to bring everyone together, to create a connection, and to remind us what life is about,” says Danielle Garner, owner of Wildflower. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the material side of Christmas, but this day is about something deeper.” 

The tradition began in 2018 with free haircuts for members of the homeless community. “The first year, I went to Dublin Simon Community and looked after people who were homeless, doing their hair for Christmas,” Danielle recalls. “The following year, we did it for parents of children who were terminally ill at our local hospital. That was the most profound year. It was the start of something bigger for us.” 

Wildflower Dublin Giveback boxes

Wildflower Dublin goodie bag

That second year also marked a significant shift for the Wildflower team. Before opening the salon for Give Back Day, the staff participated in a yoga and cacao ceremony. “That morning in 2019 was really impactful. It shifted something in the team – it allowed them to be more open, to express emotions,” Danielle shares. “There were a lot of tears and open hearts. It changed the course of Wildflower, leading us to embrace wellness more holistically in our work.” 

Over the years, Wildflower has tailored each year’s Give Back Day to different causes. “One year, we focused on people surviving domestic abuse. Another year, we supported families through Laura Lynn,” Danielle explains. “Laura Lynn helps families with housing, funding, and emotional support for children who are unwell, and they also have a children’s hospice.” 

This year’s event follows a format that worked well in 2023. Families are invited to the salon in small groups, divided into time slots. “We start with parents whose children are unwell, then parents who have lost children. It gives them a chance to talk to others who’ve been through the same experience,” Danielle explains. “It’s a safe space for connection, and we’ve seen how much it helps.” 

Wildflower’s generosity extends beyond haircuts. Local businesses contribute to goodie bags for the guests, adding thoughtful touches to the day. “Chupi, the jewellery brand, always includes something beautiful – sometimes a piece of jewellery or a Christmas ornament,” Danielle shares. “Mysa Homeware, a vegan candle and soap brand, is contributing this year, and Urban Health is providing catering with nutritious granola pots and fruit and juice for the day.” 

Danielle is hopeful other businesses will join the success of Give Back Day. “I don’t know of anyone else doing something like this in the industry,” she says. “It would be so beautiful if more businesses could pause to give back. Even if they can’t close for the day, contributing to goodie bags or supporting events like this would make such a difference.” 

Want to join the spirit of giving? Businesses can contribute to Wildflower’s goodie bags or start their own version of Give Back Day. Let’s make this season a little brighter for those who need it most. Reach out to Wildflower to learn more! 

Wildflower Dublin salon

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

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

“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.”  

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“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

“Going Grey Is Fine If A Client Suits Grey Hair, But They Are The Exception”

Salon owner Gustav Fouche discusses the pros and cons of clients transitioning to grey and why ‘growing old gracefully’ isn’t the same for everyone

by KELSEY | CONVERSATIONS

bebop team members
Gustav Fouche
“I always say going grey is fine if a client suits grey hair, but they are the exception. For most people, they see ‘going grey’ as just leaving the hair to go grey naturally, which doesn’t work, because it doesn’t suit the skin tone. It requires work to make grey hair look good.”

“More and more, I see other hairdressers suggesting clients transition to grey but that massively impacts business. All of a sudden, clients think, ‘Oh, we can just leave our hair.’ It encourages them to leave the salon and do nothing with their hair going forward. The result? You have regulars who used to visit every six weeks now no longer visiting at all.”

“A lot of people discuss growing old gracefully, but what does that even mean? It’s each person’s individual wants and needs. For my clients, I encourage them to be outrageous. I love outrageous. Let’s shock the people. When people walk in the street, let them look at us, be quirky and bring out all your uniqueness. That’s what I love. If your uniqueness is to be very Chanel, then that’s fine. And if your uniqueness is to be very Alexander McQueen, then that is also okay. But let’s bring some personality, whatever level of scale that is, let’s encourage clients to show it in their looks, whatever their age.”

“Really look at your client. To give them the most flattering result possible, the perfect grey requires salon services. That may not be every six weeks, but rather an appointment every eight to 10 weeks (or at the most four times a year) to make the grey creamier, to add texture or whatever is required for them to look amazing.”

“A lot of people discuss growing old gracefully, but what does that even mean? It’s each person’s individual wants and needs.”

“We need to look at ways to keep them coming back – it’s the same for balayage clients! If you only see a client once in four months, do you realise how many clients you need to see to actually have a full diary? On a typical day, if you see six clients and they come every four months across a five-day working week, that is 30 clients. If you think of this across a four-month cycle, that’s 500 people that you need to have as clients. That is massive for a general diary, which is typically 180 clients. The reality is you would need to see double the number of clients to have the same outcome.”

Gustav with his client June

“As an industry, we need to look at how we will survive. I have grey-haired clients, but they will see me for a gloss, toner or neutralisation. They do not leave their hair to its own devices. Look at each client as an individual and see what you can do to enhance because every single client’s hair can be enhanced. And it may be very subtle. Speak to your clients – find out what they like and what they dislike – and tap into what makes them unique. The key is offering bespoke services tailored to their needs.”

Gustav’s salon

“A lot of my older clients now have a pink or purple piece in their hair, and that is the attitude that we should embrace. Let’s uplift people. Let’s take them to a place where they can stand and look and just be happy and confident. I think women are the best things ever, and we as hairdressers should celebrate them and help them grow in confidence by bringing out that inner reliance in them. I think that is is the true skill that hairdressers have.”

“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

“The Important Thing Is Giving People The Freedom To Express Themselves”

Pont Smith and Chloe Herve’s ethics-first business ethos has taken their bebop salon brand from tiny start-up to an award-winning mega-space that’s on the radar of major fashion brands.

by CATHERINE | DOCUMENTS

bebop team members

The bebop team set the mood – and the clients love it

Launched by Pont Smith and Chloe Herve in 2017, bebop is an industry success story – a bright, airy salon in London’s Holloway with a brilliant vibe, great music and a team of big, colourful personalities, who, alongside hair and nail services, do a roaring trade in tooth gems. People love the quirkiness. Two-and-a-half years ago, bebop had to expand into sizeable new premises to cope with surging client demand. In the last 12 months it’s made the Best London Hair Salon list in TimeOut magazine and won Best Salon Team at Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted awards.

We’re not surprised. Because if you ever needed an example of a modern, forward-thinking hairdressing business with a completely fresh approach to creativity, teamwork and clients, bebop is it. Chloe and Pont have built their brand carefully and ethically from day one, pioneering gender-neutral pricing and eco-conscious practices long before they were trendy and priding themselves on providing inclusive, super-friendly service and a buzzing atmosphere in the salon. Their overriding ethos? “Treat other people the way you would want to be treated yourself.”

Pont Smith

Pont Smith

“When Chloe and I went into business there was a lot of stuff that we’d always moaned about in our own careers, so we made a pact that we would never do that to anyone else,” says Pont. “Listening and communication are such a big thing with us and expressing thanks as well. We know we are lucky we’ve got such good stylists with us, and we couldn’t be where we are without them, so gratitude’s a big one and just trusting them as well.”

The bebop team is undoubtedly a big part of the brand’s success – a bunch of 22 charismatic extroverts that clients love to be around. But with the vast majority declaring some form of neuro-divergency, Pont and Chloe have had to figure out a different way of working to create the perfect environment for them to feel comfortable.

“Our business model has always been quite open – everyone’s individual and that’s how I try to run the business. So, if someone wants to do four days, they work four days. If someone wants to be employed, they can be. It’s kind of down to them. With mental health being such a big issue, I think you need a bit more freedom nowadays, you can’t put everyone in the same box. And while it can be a bit chaotic at times, the team genuinely care about what they do, they’re completely invested in it and they work really hard at it, too.”

“Our business model has always been quite open – everyone’s individual and I want us to reflect that”

While Chloe takes care of the numbers in the business, Pont, whose background is in education, takes care of the people – but with such big characters to deal with, he admits he’s got his work cut out. “Team meetings can be quite taxing!” he smiles. “But the important thing is giving people the freedom to express themselves. Creating the right atmosphere is key when you’re dealing with neuro-divergency and that trickles down from the top. I spend time making sure I’m mentally fit and kind on myself because that works down to the guys on the floor. And our atmosphere is what the clients really enjoy and comment on.”

bebop at Most Wanted Grand Final

bebop strike a pose at the 2024 Most Wanted Grand Final

When Chloe and Pont launched their business, they talked about flipping the hair industry on its head. “We wanted to do everything differently,” says Pont. “We wanted to think the opposite of what the industry was thinking – it’s the only way to make the industry grow.” When, after two-and-a-half years, bebop moved into its current, much bigger premises, a key part of the vision was to use the space for events and to create a sense of community among London salons that they felt was lacking back then. The salon’s pub quizzes, led by the team, are legendary (a recent St Patrick’s Day edition saw clients buying tables and staff pulling pints of Guinness), and the bebop Hair Jam, where the team invites 12 hairstylists from all over the UK and Europe to showcase their work (“There’s no judgment, no competition, we’re all just there having a good time looking at good work and sharing ideas and networking”), is fast becoming a recognised annual industry event.

bebop salon

bebop’s salon doubles up as an event space

Collaborations are another line of interest. In May 2023 bebop were approached by SSHH Ltd, the creative agency for the Kickers shoe brand, who were gearing up to relaunch the Kade shoe and saw bebop as the ideal venue to captivate the youthful, fashion-forward target market. The salon was transformed into a vibrant showcase for fashion, fun and creativity, with DJs providing the sounds, attendees hitting the dancefloor, and the bebop team providing hairstyling with colourful hair beads, exclusive nail art and tooth gem installations. “I never see hair salons collaborating with big brands like that,” says Pont. “It was a lot of hard work because we’re such a small team to be working out all the logistics and stuff, but it was a cool thing to be part of and our team loved it.”  The team is now planning a collaboration with homeless charity Crisis, as well as exploring opportunities with other clothing brands. “We’re just figuring things out with them, seeing whether there’s a good fit,” says Pont.

“I spend time making sure I’m mentally fit and kind on myself because that works down to the guys on the floor”

Looking to the future, bebop is all about pushing the boundaries of what a salon can be. The business has set up an online shop selling a range of bebop merchandise, including neon mugs, logo T-shirts and a bebop camo cap that sold out within days (such are the benefits of having a clientele that can’t get enough of you!). “We’re even considering creating our own product line,” says Pont. “Our dream is to see bebop’s concept take off in different parts of the world.”