NEWS

Salon International Tickets are on Sale

Salon International, the UK’s leading hairdressing trade show, is back at Excel London from 11-13 October 2025 and tickets are available now! Whether you’re a professional hairdresser, barber, salon owner, or hairdressing apprentice, Salon International, supported by Headline Sponsor Vagaro, is the ultimate industry event for inspiration, education, networking, and innovation. Join thousands of like-minded professionals to discover new tools, techniques, and ideas that you can take straight back to the salon, head to hji.co.uk to get your tickets or scan the QR code below.

NOT ANOTHER SALON CLOSES ITS DOORS

Sophia Hilton announced the closure of her salon, Not Another Salon, on 31 May. “People often think of me as Not Another Salon -and that makes sense,” says Sophia. “We were a huge influence in the industry which changed the way so many salons operate. But what many don’t see is that the salon has only ever been a fraction of what I do. The truth is, I spend most of my life in my other companies -coaching hundreds of salon owners and stylists around the world. Not Another is my brand. Not Another Salon was just the beginning.” Head to hji.co.uk to read Sophia’s full statement and to find out what’s next.

£1,300
THAT’S HOW MUCH ZENOTI RAISED FOR HAIRCUTS4HOMELESS THROUGH TICKET SALES FOR THEIR INNERGIZE BEAUTY AND WELLNESS SUMMIT.

NEW GUIDANCE FROM HMRC HELPS DETERMINE EMPLOYMENT STATUS

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published new guidance to help hair and beauty professionals determine their employment status for tax purposes. Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the guidance includes information about common working practices and how they relate to employment status. Kelvin Shorte, Deputy Director, Taskforces & Specialist Compliance, HMRC, said: “Whether you’re a salon owner with staff or someone who rents out chairs, this guidance will help you understand your tax obligations.”

Award-Winning Film CROWN Tackles Hair Discrimination at UK Premiere

In May, award-winning short film CROWN premiered at Rich Mix London, drawing attention to the growing conversation around hair discrimination in the UK. Written and directed by Dash Kolos, CROWN is an exploration of the emotional and social impact of natural hair discrimination highlighting how it is often overlooked in both media and legislation. “In support of the C.R.O.W.N. Act, the film CROWN is a call to action for audiences who do not understand the impact of hair-based discrimination,” said Dash Kolos, the film’s writer and director. “I want to speak directly to an audience that hasn’t had a chance or a need to acknowledge hair-based discrimination. It’s my hope that anyone who doesn’t know about the C.R.O.W.N. Act and these stories can connect with the main character and is moved enough by the experience to become an accomplice.”

Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland Announces New General Manager

Kao Salon Division has announced that Christel Grootentraast, currently General Manager, Salon Benelux and Distributors for non-EU countries, will assume the expanded role of General Manager for Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland. Christel will leverage her industry knowledge and experience to drive fresh growth and innovation. “I’m truly excited to be taking on the role of General Manager for Kao Salon Division UK & Ireland alongside my responsibilities for the Benelux region,” she says. “The UK & Ireland is an incredibly dynamic and important market; I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and collaborating with our passionate and dedicated UK team as well as our valued and incredibly inspiring salon partners.”

“THIS TEAM HAS SHOWN WHAT IT MEANS TO PUSH FORWARD WITH HEART AND PURPOSE. EVERY STYLE, EVERY SMILE, EVERY CLIENT EXPERIENCE, THAT’S THE MEDUSA MAGIC. AND TONIGHT IS ABOUT CELEBRATING THAT. WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR FANTASTIC HAIR SALON PARTNERS BY COVERING THE COST OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING, AS PART OF OUR COMMITMENT TO INVESTING IN PROFESSIONAL HAIRCARE SKILLS AND FUTURE TALENT.”

EUROPE'S LARGEST AUTUMN INDUSTRY EVENT ANNOUNCED

The Professional Beauty Group has announced Europe’s largest autumn hair and beauty industry event, taking place in October 2026. Salon International and Professional Beauty London will join forces. Salon International 2026 will run from Sunday 4 - Monday 5 October 2026, at EXCEL London and will be joined by Professional Beauty London. Visitors to Salon International will be able to attend Professional Beauty London free of charge.

The group has also announced a new Hair and Beauty Salon Growth Summit for March 2026. Held at the newly renovated Olympia London from 1-2 March 2026, the Salon Growth Summit will feature two full days of business-focused content attracting key decision makers within hair, beauty and spa businesses. Tickets to the summit will be invitation-only.

Olivia Garden Becomes B Corporation Certified

Olivia Garden has been recognised as a Certified B Corporation for its commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. “This certification is more than a milestone. It is a reflection of who we are and what we believe in,” says Kai Ziekursch, General Manager of Olivia Garden. “We could not be more proud. It shows that excellence in product design and social responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Rainbow Room International Launches Dedicated Bridal Floor

Rainbow Room International has launched an exclusive wedding floor, providing a central, private space for bridal parties to get ready together at their Royal Exchange Square salon. The Exclusive Bridal Package offers a unique luxury, full-service experience for brides and their wedding parties, combining hair, make-up and pre-wedding treatments. “We wanted to create a space that brings everyone together and takes out some of the stress of the wedding morning, where brides and their parties can relax and soak up all the excitement and buzz of their special day,” explains Salon Director David Nicolson.