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Could Stylists Soon Be Wearing A Device Warning Them About RSI?

Could Stylists Soon Be Wearing A Device Warning Them About RSI?

Could stylists soon be wearing a device warning them about RSI?

L’Oréal Brandstorm competition final reveals winning innovations from around the world.

Team PROtect from France

A watch-style device to tell stylists when to stretch, take a break, and to warn when they might be about to do their body harm has scooped this year’s global L’Oréal Brandstorm final in London.

The L’Oréal Group’s innovation competition for young people, focused on helping kickstart their careers, saw Team PROtect from France impress the judges at the Riverside Studios in London. Its approach to supporting the physical health and wellbeing of hairstylists with wearable tech would see devices on the wrist and back that monitor movements and notify the wearer when they are entering zones of potential harm, promoting them to take a break or stretch to avoid issues such as repetitive strain injuries or back problems.

An intelligent comb that makes precision parting easier, complete with various comb attachments that would work with all hair types and textures while saving stylists’ time, was the runner-up idea from the US.

MyHair App, which connects consumers with personalised product recommendations and salon services that they can buy e-commerce, and includes AI capabilities, grabbed third place for the UKI team and Match Makers.

A watch-style device to tell stylists when to stretch, take a break, and to warn when they might be about to do their body harm has scooped this year’s global L’Oréal Brandstorm final in London.

The L’Oréal Group’s innovation competition for young people, focused on helping kickstart their careers, saw Team PROtect from France impress the judges at the Riverside Studios in London. Its approach to supporting the physical health and wellbeing of hairstylists with wearable tech would see devices on the wrist and back that monitor movements and notify the wearer when they are entering zones of potential harm, promoting them to take a break or stretch to avoid issues such as repetitive strain injuries or back problems.

The winning PROtect Team from France now starts a three-month “entrepreneurship” at L’Oréal’s Paris HQ to refine their idea with support from the company’s experts, with an aim to bring their idea to market to help hairdressers around the world.

Hayley Jepson

Judging panel

It was the first time that Brandstorm had focused on the L’Oréal Professional Products Division, with a challenge to “revolutionise the professional hair industry by leveraging technology to propel both salon businesses and the client experience forward”. It was also the first time the final had been held outside of Paris, with 130 young entrepreneurs from across the world invited to London to compete.

Charlotte Mensah, salon and product brand founder, was among the panel of judges, which also included L’Oréal Professional Products global president, Omar Hajeri. Hayley Jepson, the L’Oréal Professionnel Paris and Head Up ambassador, led a keynote session on the importance of resilience and good mental health practice during those early stages of a career.

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Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Salon owners, stylists and creative colourists gathered in Dublin to compete for the top spot. Here’s who scooped first place on the night…

LCT DUBLIN 2024<br />

New Hair Order, Mark Byrne and Lisa May

The L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland Grand Final hit the stage at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre and crowned New Hair Order as the 2024 winner – owner and colourist Mark Byrne and stylist Lisa May lifted the trophy for their multi-tonal take on a copper crop. 

There was an electric atmosphere in the room as salon owners, stylists and creative colourists gathered to compete for the big prize. Zeba Hairdressing’s Mark Sherwood and Augusto Miranda took second place, with Graham Santeliz Molloy and James Coleman of Brown Sugar claiming the final spot in the top three. 

LCT DUBLIN 2024

Mark Sherwood and Augusto Miranda, Zeba Hairdressing

LCT DUBLIN 2024

Graham Santeliz Molloy and James Coleman, Brown Sugar

Jake Murphy, creative colourist and apprentice at Zeba Hairdressing took home the STAR Award for his subtle striped look. Judges tasked to make the difficult decision on the night were Darren Ambrose, Andrew Mulvenna, Alan Edwards, Nathan Walker and Marcello Moccia.

Also on the night, Lauren McNeela of Stripe Colour Studio was named L’Oréal Colour Trophy Moving Image winner. The final winners to be revealed were Alex Doherty, Brandon Marchant, Elsie MacDonald, Francesca Bay, Isla McKelvie who scooped the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Future Talent Award. They will go on to have a mentorship day at the L’Oréal International Academy. 

Two dynamic hair shows thrilled the Dublin crowd. The first, created by Jason Hall Hairdressing’s Jason Hall and Strictly Xtended’s Abigail Butler, was an energetic combination of pop culture references. Mash Up saw striking silhouettes and elaborate fashion pieces, designed by Colin Horgan, that elevated the energy over the top of a mash-up mixtape playlist of trending tunes. Jason and Abigail were supported by young Irish talents, Peter Mark College’s Daryl Behan, Georgia Haverty, Kelly Byrne and Rebecca Robinson, Peter Mark’s Sadhbh Clifford, Hillary’s Sian Lloyd and Yolanda Dunne from Wildflower.

LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP
LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP

Mash Up by Jason Hall and Abigail Butler

LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP

Adam Reed and the ARKIVE by Adam Reed team then displayed true craftmanship with their show fRAmEwoRk. The show put a theatrical, cabaret spin on things, narrated through a VT featuring Adam and the team – Andrew Plester, Janet Barone, John Spanton, Luke Logan, Pia Wyatt and Samantha Bickle. The truly mesmerising performance was choreographed by Gareth Walker and featured statement headpieces with bold fashion styling and design by Adam Reed. 

LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework
LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework

fRAmEwoRk by ARKIVE by Adam Reed

LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework

Hairdressers, finalists and winners alike wrapped up their evening with the help of a live DJ, as the drinks continued to flow, and canapes were served, celebrating in style and danced out the night in true LCT Dublin fashion. 

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Clean Beauty? It’s More Than Just Products

Clean Beauty? It’s More Than Just Products

Clean Beauty? It's More Than Just Products

Promotion – Bonacure Clean from Schwarzkopf Professional

As the conversation around clean beauty gathers pace, Schwarzkopf Professional knows that the movement means so much more than the formulas of shampoos and conditioners…

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Clean model
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Clean

You’ve probably had plenty of clients in your chair asking you about what exactly is in the products you’re using, asking about formulas and ingredients. Clean beauty is not a passing trend; this is a way of life for an increasing number of consumers… but to be really clean? It’s going to take more than a shampoo!

With a passionate dedication to sustainability, Schwarzkopf Professional is keen to empower the industry to think differently about clean hair care. This is not just about using the right products – it’s a philosophy that goes beyond labels. The brand’s approach to clean beauty revolves around simplicity, sustainability, and transparency, showcasing that clean, free-from hair care doesn’t require compromising on performance. In fact, its next generation formulas – powered by vegan keratin and skincare-inspired ingredients your clients will know and love – can empower both your finished results AND your retail business. This is 360-degree thinking, building your business in line with consumer beauty trends to help you thrill more clients, today and in the future.

Why clean beauty matters…

What does clean beauty mean? It’s about choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals and made with a commitment to sustainability. And just look at the newest salons and the entrepreneurs behind them, as well as the freshest crop of independent stylists, because the clean beauty movement is reshaping the hairdressing industry. They are driving demand for products that deliver excellent results without the need for harsh additives. It’s not only their clients that care; so too do these new of stylists and salon owners.

Clean beauty delivers

The Bonacure Clean Performance range from Schwarzkopf Professional showcases its commitment to clean beauty;
that a clean approach to hair care leads to better hair health and a more sustainable future. Here’s why it matters:
Less build-up… and better texture: These formulas avoid heavy silicones and waxes, reducing product build-up and
enhancing hair’s natural texture and volume. Result!

Reduced risk of allergies: Post-Covid, lots of consumers are more sensitive to ingredients. The elimination of sulphates, artificial colorants, and other harsh chemicals makes clean beauty ideal for those with sensitive scalps or prone to allergies. Long-lasting hair health: Clean hair care promotes healthier hair long term, with fewer additives that can lead to dependency. Sustainability and environmental responsibility: By choosing clean beauty, you’re making a choice that benefits both your clients’ hair AND the planet. Surely that’s a convincing argument?

Myth-busting clean beauty

Yes, lots of people are talking clean beauty… but not everyone is getting it right. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions so you can consult with confidence. Being ‘clean’ doesn’t necessarily mean vegan, natural, or green – although these categories often overlap. Here’s what sets them apart:

Clean: Focuses on simplicity, avoiding unnecessary chemicals like sulphates and mineral oils.
Vegan: Excludes animal-derived ingredients but may still contain synthetic chemicals.
Natural: Uses plant, animal, or mineral-based ingredients, but isn’t necessarily eco-friendly.
Green: Emphasises environmental sustainability throughout a product’s lifecycle.

At its core, clean beauty is about using simple, essential ingredients that are kind to your hair and the environment… and Schwarzkopf Professional is inviting hair pros and clients to embrace the clean beauty movement! With its Bonacure Clean Performance range, Schwarzkopf Professional is totally committed to delivering high-performing hair care that solve your clients’ problems… while also being clean. Gorgeous looking, healthy hair and a cleaner conscience – it’s a futureproofing formula for your business!

Join the clean beauty movement with Schwarzkopf Professional as your planet-friendly partner! Discover everything about the brand, the products and the power of its skincare-inspired ingredients at schwarzkopfpro.com/bonacure 

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Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

More than half of stylists and clients favour of silent services – and they could earn you more money.

Danielle Garner
Samantha Cusick
Silent hair services are nothing new – in fact, they’ve been back in the news recently but fresh research suggests it might be time for more salons and stylists to turn down the chatter. More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance.

Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line. Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent.

More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance. Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line.

Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

 

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent. Consumer feedback in the survey included comments about “chat for the sake of it” and the desire to “switch off from the stress of the day”. “I wish there was an agreement you can make at the start of the appointment that the other person doesn’t want to talk,” said one client. Salons and stylists with neurodiverse clients have also discussed how noisy spaces can be overwhelming for many with social anxiety. Samantha Cusick, founder of Samantha Cusick London and Stā Studios, has introduced a silent appointment option on her salons’ online booking.

“We’re always seeking ways to empower our clients and create their perfect salon experience. ‘Silent appointments’ is a thoughtful initiative designed to honour our clients’ need for self-care and personal space, understanding that a salon visit is not just about physical transformation but also mental rejuvenation.”

She first checked with her salon audience on social media, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) voting for the option. Clients can request a silent appointment when booking, which means stylists “negate any small talk, allowing for a serene and introspective experience with no awkwardness. This approach respects individual preferences creating an environment of mutual understanding and care,” she added. But how is that communicated in a busy salon without that awkwardness? “We have a discreet method, and it’s quite simple: we place a small vase on the workstation. This subtle signal helps the rest of the team to adjust their approach accordingly.”

Samantha says that client feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with many appreciating the option to unwind or focus on ‘working from home’. “They particularly like that they can book the service online so again no need to feel awkward,” she explained. Should we shut up more for silent appointments? Let us know at @creativeheadmag.com

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