Who’s A 2026 Remi Cachet Super Stylist?

Top extentionists for the brand revealed as new incentive programme is unveiled

by HAYDN | INFORM

Hair Syrup’s Lucie Macleod 

Extensions brand Remi Cachet have revealed their Super Stylists for 2026. The Super Stylist community comprises the top tier of Remi Cachet extensionists, offering them exclusive access to extra benefits that include discounts, training,collaboration opportunities and more. Discover who’s made it onto the 2026 Super Stylist Honour Roll.

Led by founder and global creative director Victoria Lynch, Super Stylists represent the most passionate and committed professionals. “Each year we open the Super Stylist opportunity for applications, ensuring that we broaden the chance to participate. We are always inspired by the quality and talent of the individuals that choose to apply,” she said.

A new part of the project for 2026 is the Super Stylist of the Month Incentive Programme, celebrating the stylists that go above and beyond as brand champions. Each month, one Super Stylist is celebrated for their creativity and impact, receiving a £100 Remi Cachet Gift Card and brand wide recognition across their channels. Every month focuses on a different way for Super Stylists to get involved, from content creation and creativity, to education, sustainability, storytelling and craftsmanship.

Timely Launches Conference To Tackle Salon Sector’s ‘Quiet Financial Crisis’

Research reveals that 21 per cent of UK salons are currently operating at a loss

by HAYDN | INFORM

Hair Syrup’s Lucie Macleod 

New research reveals that 21 per cent of UK salons are currently operating at a loss, prompting bookings and payments specialist Timely to launch a major new business conference aimed at restoring financial confidence across the industry.

The Business of Hair and Beauty, a free-to-attend one-day event, will take place on Monday 2 February 2026 at The Curve Club, London, bringing together salon owners, founders and experts to address what Timely describes as a “quiet crisis” threatening the long-term sustainability of the UK’s £30bn hair and beauty sector.  

The conference follows the release of Timely’s Beauty on the Brink report, which highlights how under-pricing, rising costs and low financial literacy are leaving thousands of microbusinesses and solo practitioners vulnerable, despite the industry employing almost half a million people nationwide.

Designed specifically for salon owners and beauty professionals, The Business of Hair and Beauty will focus on the practical tools required to thrive in 2026. Attendees can expect actionable insights into sustainable pricing, profit and loss management, and long-term financial planning, delivered through two core panel sessions and a headline keynote.

Leading the conversation is Lucie Macleod, founder of Hair Syrup, who believes that access to the right knowledge, rather than a lack of talent, is the industry’s biggest challenge. “Hair and beauty is a hugely resilient industry,” she says, “but far too many brilliant business owners are still operating under financial pressure. Events like this give founders the clarity and confidence they need to build sustainable, profitable businesses.”  

Tickets for The Business of Hair and Beauty are free, but places are limited, with demand expected to be high. Get yours here.

Blue Tit Goes Global

Salon group opens first international salon in Copenhagen

by AMANDA | INFORM

Blue Tit, the 17-strong London salon chain, is going international with a salon opening in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen.

Salon owner Mads Ruus spent more than 12 years in London with Blue Tit, later becoming Head of Blue Tit’s Academy. The salon’s design breaks away from tradition, with no reception desk or waiting area at the front. A fusion of Scandinavian hygge and minimalism, with London’s cool vibe, the space includes a nod to the building’s former life as a restaurant. Original metal-plated walls remain, softened with light blue hues and warm lighting to create a calming retreat for clients during treatments.

“My vision was to bring a slice of what Blue Tit London does best to Copenhagen, creating a space where clients can come in and feel part of a community as much as a destination,” said Mads. “Everything Blue Tit stands for sits at the heart of the Copenhagen salon’s identity, with a strong focus on being rooted in the local neighbourhood while reaching beyond it.”

Get In The Mood

Want to be part of a brand that could take your career to the next level?

by AMANDA | INFORM

Hair by Tracey Ann Smith, with photography by Jack Eames and make-up by Lauren Mathis

MOOD, the professional luxury hair brand, is looking to recruit new art team members to work alongside creative director Tracey Ann Smith.

Applications are now officially open for this unique opportunity to be the face of the brand while learning from mentors including Tracey Ann and MOOD ambassador Marlene Lamont.

Art Team members will also be invited to attend and showcase onstage at key industry events throughout the year, including HairCon, as well as get involved in the MOOD 2026 photoshoot this spring creating new brand imagery that reflects its luxury positioning.

New Art Team members will also receive substantial product packages throughout the year to fully immerse themselves in the products, recognise their quality and advanced formulas and understand how they perform on their clients and models.

To apply, you’ll need to submit a one-minute video providing insight into your career to date, and why you want to be part of the MOOD Art Team, plus two photographs of your work: one ‘behind the chair’ image and one professional image. (If you don’t have any professional imagery, you can submit two ‘behind the chair’ images.)

Applications will be judged by Tracey, with a shortlist being invited to attend auditions in front of a panel of experts, including AJC 93 communications consultancy and guest judges.

To enter, send your video bio and images to Tracey Ann Smith at creativedirector@jgruk.com

Deadline for entries is 9 February 2026.

Self-Assessment – Are You Ready?

What Hairdressers Need To Know Before 31 January 2026

by ZURI | INFORM

If you’re a self-employed hairdresser, stylist or salon pro, it’s time to get your Self-Assessment in order. The deadline to file your tax return and pay any tax owed for the 2024 to 2025 tax year is 31 January 2026.

Whether you’ve been freelancing behind the chair, running a side hustle or selling products between 6 April 2024 and 5 April 2025, you might need to complete a Self-Assessment tax return. Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of HMRC’s Natalie Brown.

What is Self-Assessment?

Self-Assessment is how freelancers, self-employed contractors and sole traders pay tax on their income. Employed stylists have tax automatically deducted from their salary, but if you work for yourself or haven’t been taxed automatically, you need to declare your income and pay any tax you owe.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return?

If you’re not sure, HMRC’s ‘check if you need to send a tax return’ tool on GOV.UK can help. Answer a few simple questions, and it will confirm whether you need to complete a return.

How Do I Get Started?

If you’re new to Self-Assessment for the 2024 to 2025 tax year, you’ll first need to register. HMRC has short YouTube videos to guide you step by step. Once registered, you’ll get your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), which is a 10-digit number that links to your tax record. Keep it handy in the HMRC app or your online account. Then gather your income, savings and other financial records, and use gov.uk or the HMRC app to complete your return securely.

Where Can I Go for Help?

If paying tax feels more intimidating than a full colour correction, you’re not alone. HMRC offers plenty of support to help you get it right:

• Videos and webinars – simple, step-by-step explainers, plus live sessions where you can ask questions.
• Digital tools – including the HMRC app, tax calculators for the self-employed and a digital assistant to help with quick questions. 
• Guidance tailored to freelancers – whether you’re renting a chair, juggling salon work with a side hustle or earning extra income selling online.

Key Deadlines

31 January 2026 is the final day to file your tax return and pay any tax owed. If you’ve overpaid, HMRC will process your refund once your return is complete and you can track it in the app.

What to Include on Your Return.

You’ll need to include:

• All taxable income – from salon work, side hustles and other earnings.
• Expenses – tools, products, chair rent, courses and other business costs.

You’ll also need to include information on any contributions you’ve made to charity or pensions that may be eligible for tax relief.

Make sure you keep records such as bank statements, invoices, contracts and receipts for your income and outgoings.

Can Someone Else File for Me?

Yes. You can authorise an accountant, tax adviser, or trusted person to file on your behalf. But it’s still your responsibility to make sure the return is accurate and submitted on time. It’s also important to remember to never share your HMRC login details.

Paying Your Tax.

The deadline to pay any tax you owe is 31 January 2026. The quickest (and least painful) way is through the HMRC app 

If paying in one go feels a bit much, don’t panic. HMRC offers options like payment plans, so you can spread the cost in instalments instead of paying everything at once.

Will I Need to Do This Again Next Year?

If you’re still freelancing or self-employed, chances are you’ll need to file again next year. If your circumstances change, let HMRC know so you can stop filing. And seriously… don’t ignore their letters! Even if you think you’ve got nothing to pay, it’s safer to check. Otherwise, you could end up with a penalty bigger than a botched bleach job!

One Last Thing…

If you’re self-employed, make sure you’re registered with HMRC. Whether you’ve been renting a chair for years or have just gone solo, it’s an important step to keep everything running smoothly.

To find out more information about registering as a sole trader  and setting up a business partnership on gov.uk.

Self-Assessment might feel more like paperwork than balayage, but getting it right keeps your finances looking flawless – so you can spend less time stressing over forms and more time creating beautiful hair and happy clients.