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“It’s A Little Bland And It’s A Bit Safe” – Colourists React To Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2025

“It’s A Little Bland And It’s A Bit Safe” – Colourists React To Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2025

Dec 11, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

“It’s A Little Bland And It’s A Bit Safe” – Colourists React To Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2025

Buzzing brunette or bland beige? We get your thoughts on Mocha Mousse

by AMANDA | INDUSTRY NEWS

Pantone has spoken, and for 2025 we have Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year. Influencing shades in everything from design to fashion, hairdressing always looks on with keen interest to see if a hue will be revealed that can be inspirational for both business-building colour services and creative flair. What’s been the reaction to this year’s coffee-flavoured shade…?

“It is a little bland and it is a bit safe, but let’s face it – it can’t be exciting vivid, vibrant tones every single time! What we need to remember is these colours are not only used for hair, they’re also used for design and inspiration. I think it’s good that it’s more commercial this year as this will probably help maximise some more colour bookings. It’s quite a neutral tone so a lot of different people can wear it. It’s also great for younger stylists who are looking for inspiration. For Pantone to release a colour every single year that delivers inspiration is spot on.”
Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty, Glasgow 

Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty, Glasgow

Hair by Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, ROAR Hair & Beauty, Glasgow 

Hair by Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London 

“I would describe Mocha Mousse as a luxe colour with a tone that is saturated, making it light and fluffy, complementing the lightness with the deeper organic dessert tones. With a nod to its natural organic tertiary shade, it is super wearable. I personally think a huge colour trend for 2025 is dimensional colour so adding variation with colour and depth helps bring this Pantone shade to life in hair.”
Marlon Hawkins, Brooks & Brooks, London 

 

“My initial reaction to Mocha Mousse came with a touch of disappointment – I had my heart set on some kind of fresh green tone this year. But the more I think about it, the more I can see why this shade was chosen. It’s a clever, consumer-focused choice that aligns perfectly with current trends. Subtle yet luxurious, its warmth and richness tap into the softer, more wearable looks that clients are loving right now. 

“This shade is incredibly approachable, making it ideal for clients who want to refresh their look without being too dramatic. It’s perfect for glossing, balayage and creating dimensional tones, so I can see it being a big hit in salons. While it’s definitely a safer choice compared to recent years, it has real potential to become a trending request because it’s both natural and indulgent. 

“To capitalise, salons can embrace its luxurious vibe with packages like ‘The Mocha Melt’, offering toning, glossing and a polished blow-dry. Social media will be key – before-and-afters, gloss techniques and styling ideas can really inspire clients to book. 

“Mocha Mousse feels like a reflection of where trends are heading. It’s a versatile and consumer-friendly colour that gives salons a fantastic opportunity to connect with clients.”
Safy B, Safy B’s, Aylesbury 

Hair by Safy B, Safy B’s, Aylesbury 
Hair by Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge, Shropshire 

“This shade creates a stunning, expensive-looking finish that’s more natural and neutral compared to the bold tones we’re used to seeing from Pantone. The neutral aesthetic is a huge trend right now. Even though balayage requires less frequent maintenance, toners do fade over time, which can lead to more regular bookings for touch-ups. We’re embracing mocha as a colour for everyone – light blonde mocha, medium mocha, and dark mocha. It’s a versatile option that suits all clients, whether it’s a full head colour, money piece, highlights or balayage. Best of all, it doesn’t need pre-bleached hair, making it accessible and profitable for salons.”
Brooke Evans, BE Ironbridge, Shropshire 

 

“Mocha Mousse is such a beautiful shade with broad appeal. While some colourists might see it as ‘safe’, I think it provides the perfect canvas for stylists to showcase their expertise. This tone allows for endless customisations – dimensional balayage, root smudging, and tonal glossing – that can create bespoke, premium looks for clients.  

“From a business perspective, I see this shade driving more bookings, particularly for clients wanting low-maintenance yet luxurious hair colour. It’s also a great opportunity to re-engage with clients who might’ve veered away from bold colour trends (classic blonde clients) as it offers a sophisticated and versatile option. To maximise the buzz, salons could promote ‘Mocha Mousse’ packages, including complimentary glossing treatments to perfect the shade. For stylists, it’s a great chance to elevate consultations, showcasing how this trend can be tailored to every client’s natural tones and lifestyle.”
Fergal Doyle, Fergal Doyle Hair, Bristol 

Hair by Fergal Doyle, Fergal Doyle Hair, Bristol 
Hair by Lydia Wolfe, Jack & The Wolfe, Lymington 

“Maximising on this trend will be all about upselling professional treatments. While embracing Mocha Mousse may mean for many returning to their natural base or a low maintenance colour, they absolutely will need their stylist’s help getting that intense reflect and shine that makes this shade look expensive and beautiful. Glossing treatments, glazes and bond builders, frizz taming and regular toning to keep brassy undertones under control will mean this colour could be surprisingly big business for us.”
Lydia Wolfe, Jack & The Wolfe, Lymington

 

“To be honest, Pantone colours have never really been any interest to our clients directly. For us as creatives, they can be useful barometers for colour trends, but I do find this year’s colour a bit bland. It’s not as bold and exciting as previous years but still something colourists can get behind. “For hair, Mocha Mousse is a perfect base for all balayage tones as it blends seamlessly into caramels and blondes. Its greatest selling point is that it is complimentary on both darker and lighter skin tones and is a shade that can be achieved on both dark and light natural bases so it’s a great all-rounder for the busy colourist. Revlon Professionals .8 tone is where I’ll be heading to achieve the perfect neutral for all shades.” 
Ceri Cushen, Metropolis Hair, Surbiton 

 

“Mocha Mousse strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and subtlety. Its name conveys thoughtful luxury – light, creamy, and rich yet approachable. This earthy hue, enhanced by silky undertones, feels fresh and contemporary. As a versatile, light-inspired shade, it captures the evolving trends of 2025. I can’t wait to see its impact in fashion and beauty. It’s a dream hair colour for those craving the richness and warmth of brunette with a touch of cool for added sophistication. Its light, versatile tone flatters a wide range of skin tones, making it effortlessly stylish. It works beautifully as an all-over shade, delivering a rich yet soft finish, and serves as the perfect base for balayage, paired with complementary warmer and cooler tones to add delicious depth and texture
Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons, Clapham 

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Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return

Dec 11, 2024 | CONNECT, HOME CONNECT, INFORM HEADER, SELF STYLED

Self-Employed? This Is How To Nail Your Tax Return 

If you hate maths, we have the tips on ensuring your tax return is less of a headache

by AMANDA | CONNECT

Tax can be a headache if you’re self-employed. Unlike being employed, where tax is automatically sent to HMRC from your payslip, sole traders must declare, calculate and pay tax manually via self-assessment. It can be daunting when you’ve not done it before. TaxScout’s head of finance, Francesca Morante, shares how to make it less of a headache with four tips to help you tackle your tax return. 

Understand The Tax Year And Deadlines

The tax year runs from April to April: 6 April to 5 April.

This means that a single tax year takes place between two calendar years e.g. 2024/25. Your earnings, profits and taxes are calculated based on this period. Check out the table for an example of how this impacts your tax return:

BUSINESS START DATE TAX YEAR DEADLINE TO FILE TAXES
1 November 2023 2023/24 31 January 2025
1 April 2024 2023/24 31 January 2025
30 April 2024 2024/25 31 January 2026

You have nine months from when a tax year ends to file and pay your self assessment bill. Put these key dates in your diary: 

  • 6 April: the start of the tax year
  • 5 October: the deadline to register for self-assessment
  • 31 January: the deadline to file and pay your self assessment 
  • 5 April: the end of the tax year

Get Familiar With The Taxes You Owe

As a self-employed person, you owe two major taxes – income tax and National Insurance. What you pay depends on your total earnings. The more you make, the more you pay. Here’s how HMRC charges income tax: 

EARNINGS PER YEAR TAX BAND TAX RATE 
Less than £12,570 Personal allowance 0% 
£12,571 – £50,270 Basic rate 20%
£50,271 – £125,140 Higher rate 40% 
More than £125,141 Additional rate 45% 

When it comes to National Insurance, there’s only one tax the self-employed pay, known as class 4 National Insurance. It’s fairly straightforward; on any income that’s more than £12,570 per year, you pay: 

  • 6% on your profit between £12,570 and £50,270
    2% on your profit of £50,271 or more

Maths not your favourite? Don’t worry! Try this income tax calculator instead to estimate what you owe. 

Learn The Vocab: Earnings, Expenses And Profits 

Wording is important, especially in tax. Earnings and profit are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. And they’re super-important when it comes to your bill.  

  • Earnings – this is everything you earn; all the money you make before any tax-free allowances, reliefs or other deductions 
  • Profit – your earnings minus allowances, reliefs and deductions 
  • Expenses – when you spend on your business. These can include accounting costs, hairdressing equipment and products etc, and you can deduct these from your total earnings to only pay tax on profit. These deductions are known as expenses 

Claim The Trading Allowance 

Did you know that sole traders don’t have to pay tax on the first £1,000 of earnings? It’s known as the trading allowance. Claim it in addition to the first £12,570 of your income that’s income tax and National Insurance free.

However, it’s only worth claiming if your expenses for the year total less than £1,000. This is because you can’t claim both expenses AND the trading allowance – it’s one or the other. So, claim whichever is higher: this will bring down the cost of your tax bill. 

Worried About Mistakes? Get An Accountant 

Staying on top of your tax situation isn’t only for the sake of good organisation. HMRC is vigilant when it comes to tax debt and mistakes made on your self assessment. There are penalties for missing deadlines, paying late and incorrect calculations. 

So, many self-employed workers opt to work with a professional accountant instead of tackling HMRC online solo. The benefits of using an accountant vs DIYing your tax return are:  

  • Reduced stress of having to educate yourself about tax 
  • Avoiding common mistakes that result in fines
  • Keeping your bill as low as possible by claiming relevant allowances and expenses 

But traditional accounting practices can be costly. TaxScouts.com try to combine the best of both. Your own accountant, a straightforward, 100 per cent online process – all for £169. 

Filing A Tax Return In January 2025? 

If you started your self-employed business anytime before 6 April 2024, you probably need to file a tax return for the 31 January deadline. The sooner you kick off, the sooner it’s sorted. File with TaxScouts by 31 January 2025 and you can get 10 per cent off your tax return. 

Visit taxscouts.com/partnership-creative-head. Need a little more help? Contact support@taxscouts.com. 

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“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”

Dec 10, 2024 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, CREATIVE PROJECTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“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!”

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Revealed – 2025 Pantone Color Of The Year

Revealed – 2025 Pantone Color Of The Year

Dec 6, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

Revealed – 2025 Pantone Color Of The Year 

Hairdressing-friendly Mocha Mousse unveiled to boost interest in rich browns 

by AMANDA | INDUSTRY NEWS

Pantone Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse

Mocha Mousse is the 2025 Pantone Color Of The Year, revealed by the colour-centric design institute. 

Pantone has described the shade as “a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort”. With brunettes already identified as a major growth area for salons in 2025, the Color Of The Year reveal chimes in perfectly to help hairdressing drive trend-fuelled colour treatments and services. 

Pantone Colour of the Year Mocha Mousse

“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director at the Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.” 

Mocha Mousse follows the 2024 sensation that was Peach Fuzz, a definite hit in hairdressing, encouraging pastel glosses and glazes in chairs across the UK and Ireland. 

The Pantone Color of the Year programme engages the design community and colour enthusiasts in a conversation around colour, and serves to highlight the relationship between colour and culture. Pantone selects a colour each year that captures the global zeitgeist, expressing a global mood and an attitude – all in a single, distinct hue. 

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“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

Dec 5, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, DOCUMENTS HEADER, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

“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

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