NOW OPEN: IHF STAR TEAM APPLICATIONS

May 7, 2024 | INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

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NOW OPEN: IHF STAR TEAM APPLICATIONS

The Irish Hairdressers Federation seeks new wave of talented stylists as the competition for 2025 team begins.

The Irish Hairdressers Federation is launching its annual search to find passionate and highly motivated individuals who will make an impact on the future of the industry. Candidates must complete an application and virtual interview process, those who make a lasting impression on the judges will be invited to the semi finals to showcase a Colour & Cut model before the judges whittle it down to a handful of finalists. Applications close at the end of May.

Here’s what you need to know

Applications open to all trainee stylists currently undergoing training and will still be undergoing training by November 2024
You have 300 words to grab the attention of the judges
Entry is FREE
Applicants must be over 16 years of age
Applications close Friday 31 May 11:59pm

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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.

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MEET THE ARKITECTS – ARKIVE BY ADAM REED UNVEILS EDUCATION

A talented team from the Covent Garden salon joins forces to create accessible and affordable education.

Adam Reed, the 2023 Most Wanted Session Stylist, is unveiling Adam Reed ARKIVE Education to share the salon’s techniques with a wider audience. Andrew Plester, director of education at ARKIVE by Adam Reed, heads up the team of John Spanton, Sam Bickle, Janet Barone, Luke Logan and Adam Reed himself. Collectively, they’ll be known as The Arkitects.

“Andrew has created this education programme for hairdressers to come and learn how ‘we do hair’,” explained Adam. “With a history of sharing knowledge, our team is anything but gatekeepers. In fact, we want to make our tricks and techniques accessible to everyone. We want to change the face and pace of learning.”

“The Arkitects is an amalgamation of great talents,” said Andrew. “We’ll be offering a mix of structured and unstructured learning from core, classic cuts to more creative courses. Sharing knowledge is powerful. I’ve got a strong background in stage work and education, and I’ve been lucky to have been around great people so far in my career. This takes it to the next level.”

At its official launch, all proceeds from the evening were donated to Haircuts4Homeless. The event was supported by L’Oréal Professionnel Paris, Akito Scissors, Equip the Creative and ARKIVE Haircare.

ARKIVE Education kicks off with two courses: Core Men’s with Andrew Plester on 27 May and Core Classic Cut & Colour with John Spanton and Andrew Plester on 23 June.

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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.

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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.

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HOW TO BRING A LEVEL OF LUXURY TO BARBERING

Promotion – STMNT Grooming Goods

Salon owners Ryan Lewis and Charles Rose share the business benefits of introducing luxury STMNT Grooming Goods backwash services

To boost your business (and most importantly your bottom line!) it’s vital to explore exciting, fresh ways to elevate the client experience. Not only is the barber shop or salon a place to help clients look good, but it’s also a safe, welcoming space which gives clients that extra something to leave them feeling good, too. A great service goes beyond the haircut itself, but this doesn’t mean you need to implement huge changes or shifts in your service menu, it can be as simple as adding a level of luxury to their usual appointment.

A perfect way to enhance the experience is to maximise the current services, adding extra steps at the backwash with the products you use. STMNT Grooming Goods offers a full range of sophisticated, lifestyle-driven, genderless care products to support barbers in delivering more luxurious treatments.

Ryan Lewis, owner of Club13 in Hull, recognises having a backwash as an unequivocal feature of the space. Having recently been granted permission to add a backwash to his space, Ryan wholeheartedly believes this will improve the overall quality of the space and give his clients a moment of zen. As many of Ryan’s clients work in trade, it is not uncommon for them to visit straight from work, making a backwash even more beneficial in ensuring hair is a clean canvas for cutting techniques.

Ryan Lewis

Ryan and his team work with STMNT products to enable them to provide enhanced backwash services which are bespoke to each individual. “The thing that makes the STMNT Backwash Services so unique is simple – it’s the products themselves. The quality is second to none,” says Ryan. “Integrating STMNT Backwash Services into our existing services is seamless. We’ll highlight the benefits of the backwash experience during client consultations and offer it as an optional add-on to their haircut. Through promotions such as discounted package deals or loyalty rewards, we’ll encourage clients to try out this new service and experience the difference for themselves.”

If you’re considering adding a luxury backwash experience to your business, Ryan’s advice is to think of the long-term benefits! Not only does it enhance the overall client experience and set your business apart from competitors, but it also opens up opportunities for increased revenue through add-on services and retail sales.

Luxury backwash service

Having originally trained as a hairdresser, Charles Rose, owner of Crate Cheshire, wanted to bring that level of luxury typically seen in hair salons to a barbering space. He believes it is vital that all clients, no matter their hair length, are given a moment of luxury and relaxation when having their hair cut and styled.

“Collaborating with STMNT has been key to providing this elevated experience,” says Charles. “The luxury grooming products enhance the sensory experience and provide nourishment for the hair and scalp.”

Charles Rose

Clients can choose from the following services, where depending on the choice of service, this will include haircare from the STMNT Care line, a specialized scalp massage, steamed towel wrap and/or tailored beard care.

Soothe & balance: A nourishing care routine, focusing on the scalp and hair to gently cleanse and hydrate, leaving a moisturized feeling – particularly beneficial for drier hair and scalp types.
Deep clean & care: A powerful cleansing experience that removes product build-up to refresh hair and scalp – recommend as a regular purifying backwash service to provide an extra fresh feeling.
Groom & care: A bespoke regime that combines a caring hair, scalp and beard service with a moment of relaxation – perfect for those who have a little extra time to enjoy a more holistic approach to self-care.

Crate Cheshire has noticed a big business benefit since adding the STMNT luxury backwash service, setting the salon apart in a competitive market and improving client loyalty. It’s also a great way to attract new clients seeking premium services, inevitably boosting business growth.

To discover more about STMNT products, head to stmntgrooming.co.uk