NEWS

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Professional Beauty Group Launches #SupportOurSalons Campaign

Hairdressers Journal International has seen how the Autumn 2024 Budget has affected hairdressers and the personal services sector – from the increase in National Insurance Contributions, to the impact the Budget will have on apprenticeships. Surveys suggest that some salons will be forced to close, while others will cut back staff and apprenticeships – which will have a long-term effect on our industry. The measure will drive business underground, with people potentially using selfemployment contracts which will have a negative effect on HMRC’s revenue. With that in mind we are launching the #SupportOurSalons campaign, dedicated to sharing your stories, as well as reporting on any changes to legislation. Head to hji.co.uk to join our campaign to get your voice heard.

THE WINNERS OF THE BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS 2024, SPONSORED BY SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL, ARE ANNOUNCED

On 25 November 2024 the winners of the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, were announced at the Grosvenor House Hotel, a JW Marriott hotel on London’s Park Lane. Hosted by Rylan Clark, Hairdressers Journal International Executive Director, Jayne Lewis-Orr, Schwarzkopf Professional General Manager UK and Ireland, Julian Crane, and Hairdressers Journal International Editor Charlotte Grant-West and Deputy Editor Sian Jones, the 1400-strong audience were entertained and inspired over the course of the evening. Cos Sakkas took home the trophy for British Hairdresser of the Year for the third year in a row. Turn to page 26 to see all the highlights and winners from the night.

23,000 THAT'S THE NUMBER OF GOOGLE SEARCHES MADE EACH MONTH IN THE UK FOR “HAIRDRESSING COURSES” ACCORDING TO ONS DATA – THAT’S A 16% INCREASE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

NXT COLOURIST OF THE YEAR 2024 WINNER ANNOUNCED

Jack Tucker from HeadKandy Hairdressing has been crowned NXT Colourist of the Year 2024. “Jack’s exceptional talent and creative vision stood out among an incredible field of entries, earning him this prestigious title,” commented General Manager Alan Revitt. “The judging panel, comprised of industry icons and HJ’s Jayne Lewis-Orr, were blown away by the standard of submissions, making their decision a true challenge.”

Entries Open for L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artists Programme

The L’Oréal Professionnel ID Artist programme has revealed that entries are open. The ID Artist programme has helped launch and evolve the careers of some of hairdressing’s brightest stars – including Marlon Hawkins, Nancy Stripe and Abigail Butler. ID Artist is a two-year mentorship and development programme that aims to foster hairdressing talent, no matter what stage you have reached in your career. Running from March 2025 until December 2026, the programme will take successful applicants on a creative and inspirational journey, opening doors through new connections and experiences while developing skills to help members achieve their full potential. If you think you have the talent and commitment to qualify for the 2025/26 programme, head over to lorealaccess.com for all the details. Submissions close 16 January 2025.

Revlon Professional Announces Line-up of Ambassadors and Creative Artists for 2025

Revlon Professional gathered an elite line-up of creatives and roster of talent that will lead Revlon in an all-new educational programme for 2025.

Revlon Professional UKI Group Education manager Rio Agor Watts will be at the helm of an all-new education programme, assisted by Philip Meehan, Brand Master Educator Ireland and Karen Thomas Brand Master Educator UK. As well as some long-standing partners, there are also two new faces being welcomed into the Revlon family. Erica Liburd joins as UKI Cross Cultural Texture Expert and Ashley Long joins as UKI Revlon Creative Artist. Head to hji.co.uk/revlon-professional-ambassadors-creative-artists-2025 to see the full line-up.

Nine business groups representing the retail industry have written to the Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison MSP, asking her to ensure retailers in Scotland are awarded rates relief for 2025-26. NHBF Chief Executive Caroline Larissey said:

“WHILE ENGLISH SALONS WILL BENEFIT FROM RATES RELIEF, OUR SCOTTISH MEMBERS NEED THE SAME SUPPORT TO PROTECT JOBS AND KEEP OUR SALONS VIABLE. THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT HAS THE FUNDING AVAILABLE THROUGH BARNETT CONSEQUENTIALS TO PROVIDE THIS RELIEF – IT’S ESSENTIAL THEY PROTECT A SECTOR THAT PROVIDES VITAL CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.”

RUKA PRO ACADEMY HOSTS TEXTURED HAIR EDUCATION EVENT

Ruka, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional and Got2B, hosted the Ruka Pro Academy event dedicated to redefining textured hair education at Stā Studios, London. The sevenday programme bridged traditional hairdressing expertise with trend-led, client-relevant techniques for textured hair. The courses were tailored to those navigating life stages, from parents caring for their children’s hair to those experiencing postpartum changes, greying, menopause-related hair concerns, and foundational protective styling. Led by International Association of Trichologist members Afope Atoyebi, Shannel Watson, Stephanie Sey, and stylist Shayna Dawes (Braid Bar LDN), these sessions offered science-backed solutions in a safe, engaging space. “This is what empowering the next generation of beauty entrepreneurs looks like – teaching inter-generationally to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to learn about their hair,” said Tendai Moyo, Ruka’s Co-Founder and CEO.

Hairdressing Co-Working Space Hunter Collective Announces Closure

Hunter Collective, the co-working salon space founded in 2016, has announced its closure. CoFounder Lacey Hunter-Felton, entrepreneur, educator and hairdresser said: “Hunter Collective has set a benchmark and blueprint for what has become a thriving market sector.” Hunter Collective pioneered concepts that placed its membership at the centre of its business, delivering inclusive hubs, content creation Labs and coining the phrase ‘Brand Neutral’.

Moroccanoil Hosts Winter Experience for Salons

On Monday 2 December, Moroccanoil invited salons for an inspirational evening with Gareth Williams, Moroccanoil Global Ambassador. Guests enjoyed an immersive experience featuring the latest Moroccanoil innovations and expert insights from Gareth and Creative Team Educators Vanessa Boland, Sharon Dale and Aisha Brown who demonstrated the new Color Rhapsody Ultimates Collection on models with resistant grey hair. Gareth shared: “I wanted to embellish tone to create a softer contrast through the mid-lengths and ends so everything in this colour is very fluid.”