1 mins
WELCOME
AsI write this Ed’s Letter we’re counting down the days to the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional on Monday 29 November. You can sense a real mix of excitement and nerves in the air (we love reading your DMs!) It’s going to be amazing to be back together again. Check out the ten British nominee collections from page 39 – they’re breath-taking! I loved the fact that I couldn’t guess whose was whose when I saw them at the judging day back in September… The cream of the crop of our industry are certainly pushing their personal creative boundaries.
And getting an insight into creative processes is something that clients are increasingly wanting to see more of too. I kept a beady eye on the Colour Stage at Salon International and the audience really engaged with the artists that showed them their colour menus and shared how they sold colour services to their clients. Check out our colour menu feature on page 24, Tom Connell hits the nail on his head with:“Everyone can do a half head of highlights, but the best colourists assess the hair holistically with tailored, bespoke colour. After all, the client is not paying for you hands, they are paying for your mind and years of experience.” So true.
Elsewhere in the issue we hear from Nikita and Jonathan Fisher on their first year in business on page 17 (what a year!) and two hairdressers battle it out on whether children should be welcomed in the salon in our Debate on page 20. As education enthusiasts will know, in-person courses are picking up again – some with the option of digital sessions. We run down what’s hot for 2022 on page 32 in terms of learning and don't miss the inspirational stories that show how education can improve business, further personal development and foster talent.
One person that was all about nurturing talent was Chris Williams. The tributes to him on page 19 are so fitting. Andy Heasman put it so wel when he said, “Chris had the heart of a Viking and the soul of an angel” This is an industry that treasures its talent, and Chris’ absence will be forever felt.