Viral hair trends: friend or foe? – Creative HEAD Magazine

First came pumpkin spice, now clients are requesting cowboy copper, cherry cola and all else besides. Is the continual cycle of hair trends on social media good for business? Justin Mackland of Ishoka discusses…

@justinmackland_hairartist

“Now more than ever, social media channels have become saturated with upcoming hair trends which appear to have split hair pros into two teams: FRIEND OR FOE?

‘Cowgirl Copper‘, ‘Candlelit Brunette’ and the ‘Octopus Cut’ are a few of the year’s most talked about trends. As professionals who are seeing these trends come to life, naturally we are aware that these may not be new or fresh techniques. However, our clients who don’t posses our knowledge are often oblivious to the fact that what they are seeing online or in magazines are slightly modernised variations of trends from years gone by.

While I understand how frustrating it is to be be presented with these images and videos during a consultation, as if it’s something new, I do think it’s super important that we get onboard with our clients’ enthusiasm for these ‘trends’. If we do, then we can really profit from them in salon.

Since the pandemic, many salons in the UK have been forced to work under stringent measures, have been saddled in recovery debt or even had to close their doors. So, the fact that this year we are seeing a massive shift in the public being prepared and excited to try something new is a win-win for everybody.

Marketing these trends online creates a buzz with your clients, as well as encouraging them to book their next appointment. It may even result in them booking a higher ticket service than what their ‘usual’ may be. A massive part of being a hairstylist is making our clients feel amazing. By adding these names to the finished result, it’s only going to fuel their confidence and give them a sense of being on point and fashionable.

In the salon, I’ve always been taught that if I’m cutting a style I need to make it my own. This could be a bob, and whether clients think it’s a French bob or an Italian bob, I should put my mark on it. Making it bespoke to the client is what adds individuality and personal flair to their style. Fashion trends come full circle all of the time, so why can’t we do the same with hair while profiting in a business sense at the same time? Let’s keep our industry a positive, fun place. It’s time to embrace the old, the new and whatever they want to call it next!”