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.

Big Name Revealed For NAK Hair

Industry icon takes on European brand ambassador role

by AMANDA | INFORM

Andrew Barton is the new European brand ambassador for Australian favourite NAK Hair.

Founded 22 years ago, NAK Hair has more than 13,000 salon partners globally and has a serious focus on sustainability – products are vegan, cruelty free, eco-friendly and the brand is a One Tree Planted partner.

“My signature hair work – just like NAK Hair – is known for its timeless beauty, luxury and vitality,” said Andrew of his decision to collaborate with the brand. “I look forward to working with the NAK Hair team and hairdresser community creatively, educationally and supporting the brands PR and marketing campaigns.”

A multi-award winner and industry advocate, Andrew is also an Honorary Doctor of the Arts through Southampton Solent University, awarded for his services to hairdressing.

“It’s hard to think of another hairdresser who has the breadth of experience Andrew does, and he’s the perfect person to be part of the team building this innovative brand across the UK and Europe,” said Xpert Professional’s David Donnellan on behalf of NAK Hair Australia.

“Andrew joins us at a pivotal moment, helping to elevate our vision and presence across international markets with true artistry and authority,” added Hannah Cash, NAK Hair’s chief marketing officer.

Visionaries: Remastered Graduate

Closing ceremony to honour this year’s cohort from Revlon Professional mentoring scheme

by IZZY | INFORM

Irene Moreno, Lukas Payne, Karen Thomas, Ellie Smith and Phoebe Bashford

Creativity, collaboration and growth were at the heart of Revlon Professional’s Visionaries: Remastered closing ceremony, held at Electric Space, the event brought together this year’s four Visionaries – Phoebe Bashford, Lukas Payne, Ellie Smith and Irene Moreno – to celebrate the culmination of an intensive year-long mentoring programme.

“Visionaries: Remastered is about empowering talent to explore new ideas, take creative risks and discover their voice as artists,” said Revlon Professional education manager Karen Thomas. “We can’t wait to see what this year’s Visionaries achieve next.”

The afternoon showcased the cohort’s work through two photographic collections, Obscura and Evoke, directed and photographed by Danilo Giangreco, with both demonstrating how mentorship and collaboration can shape emerging talent. Guests also enjoyed a panel discussion, a live model presentation and a reception to mark the programme’s achievements.

Industry guests included Robert Masciave, Ceri Cushen, Danilo Giangreco, 2025 It List Visionary winner Emy Roccabella, Ian Harrold and judge Errol Douglas MBE, who presented each Visionary with a trophy. “Legacy isn’t built by chance, it’s built by those who care enough to guide, uplift and inspire,” he said. “Proud to play my part.”