NEWS

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NXT Unveils Autumn/Winter 2026 Colour Stories

As salons transition from late summer into autumn, colour takes on a richer, more considered direction. Reflective tones, soft dimension and beautifully blended finishes replace brighter seasonal hues, creating colour that feels effortlessly wearable, naturally refined and perfectly suited to the season ahead.

This autumn/winter, NXT celebrates three defining colour stories all created using products from the NXT colour range.

Leading the season’s trend is Smoked Silver Blend, reflecting the continued rise of grey blending services. Rather than concealing natural greys, the look enhances them with soft ash tones and seamless tonal transitions, creating healthy-looking colour.

Alongside this, Molten Copper captivates richer, naturally inspired copper tones full of warmth, shine and multi-tonal depth, while Luxe Brunette embraces glossy mocha and chocolate ribbons to create polished, dimensional colour with a flawless finish.

Together, these three looks capture the essence of NXT’s Colour Means More philosophy - professional colour that is beautifully wearable, technically considered and crafted with intention.

Available at Aston & Fincher, Capital Hair & Beauty and other leading wholesalers across the UK. For more information visit nxthair.co.uk/stockists or follow @nxthair

SALONS EXCLUDED FROM 20% BUSINESS RATES CUT FOR HIGH STREET VENUES

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a new 20% reduction in business rates bills for pubs, social clubs and live music venues in England, but the targeted relief does not extend to hairdressers, barbershops, beauty salons or aesthetics clinics.

The measure is due to apply from the 2027/28 financial year and will benefit nearly 32,000 eligible venues, according to the Government. It estimates that the typical pub will save around £1,100 during the year.

It comes on top of a previously announced 15% relief for pubs and live music venues in 2026/27, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze in their bills.

Announcing the plans, the Prime Minister said: “For too long, Governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”

76% OF UK SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND TRADESPEOPLE NOW SPEND TIME EVERY WEEK CREATING OR EDITING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT FOR THEIR BUSINESS, ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH FROM SPECIALIST INSURER MARKEL DIRECT.

Rainbow Room International Buchanan Street Surpasses £1m in Annual Revenue

Rainbow Room International’s Buchanan Street salon has hit a record-breaking milestone, achieving more than £1 million in revenue during the last financial year. It is one of 11 salons within the Rainbow Room International (RRI) group, which is home to salons in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Ayr, Clarkston, Uddingston and Bearsden.

The salon was the very first RRI salon to open in Glasgow in 1979 and, over the last financial year, has welcomed more than 10,000 client visits and delivered 4,500 colour applications.

Wil Fleeson and Shannon Fleeson took over the salon as their franchise in 2008. Wil said: “Reaching more than £1 million in revenue during the last financial year is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a reflection of the incredible team we’ve built, the loyalty of our clients, and the systems and education that Rainbow Room International has invested in.”

Cathy Weston, NHBF Director of Quality and Standards, on the Prime Minister’s fundamental changes to the education system:

“WE WELCOME THE PRIME MINISTER’S AMBITION TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE EARLIER ACCESS TO PRACTICAL EDUCATION AND REAL WORKPLACES. HAIR, BEAUTY AND BARBERING SHOULD BE PART OF THAT OFFER FROM THE OUTSET. THESE ARE SKILLED, CREATIVE CAREERS THAT PROVIDE ROUTES INTO EMPLOYMENT, MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY.”

HJ LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO CHAMPION HIGH STREET SALONS

Hairdressers Journal International and Professional Beauty are joining forces to launch a major new industry campaign, “At The Heart Of The Community”, designed to help the salon sector loudly demonstrate its vital economic and community value. The initiative arrives at a critical time for salon owners across the UK who are navigating unprecedented operational and cost pressures.

The campaign aims to shift the narrative around the industry by loudly celebrating salons and clinics not just as lifestyle spaces, but as foundational community anchors, critical drivers of high street footfall, and major creators of local employment.

Rather than acting in isolation, Professional Beauty Group’s mission is to amplify and celebrate the excellent advocacy work already being spearheaded by industry bodies, including the National Hair & Beauty Federation, British Hair Consortium, British Beauty Council and Salon Employers Association.

To ensure every business owner can actively participate, the campaign will provide a suite of free, professional marketing assets designed to boost local visibility.

Beyond consumer-facing marketing, the campaign will equip salon owners with the tools needed to demand structural change from local and national government representation.

Professional Beauty Group will supply formal, pre-drafted letter templates that therapists and business owners can use to easily write to their local MPs or councils to highlight the direct impact of current business rates, energy costs, and tax burdens on local commerce.

Alongside political lobbying, the initiative will act as a hub for industry knowledge-sharing.

Sponsored Brand News

K18 Introduces Hair Longevity Breakthrough and Science Certification Programme

K18, the biology-first haircare brand that transformed the industry through molecular repair technology, has launched FutureIQ biomimetic hair longevity serum – the company’s most significant innovation since the breakthrough molecular repair mask and its first step into addressing one of the most important emerging opportunities in professional beauty: premature hair aging.

“We as stylists have a unique relationship with our clients […] We are likely to be the first place a person shares their concerns if their hair density has changed, they’re shedding more, or they feel their parting is getting wider,” says Tom Smith, K18 Global Ambassador and Founder of AEVUM Salon. “FutureIQ longevity serum gives us a way to turn those observations into action.”

To further support the FutureIQ category, K18 is also launching a K18 Science Certification program designed to futureproof stylists’ careers by equipping them with exclusive longevity tools, education, and the confidence to identify, educate, and address signs of premature hair aging.

Head to k18hairpro.com/pages/get-certified or follow @K18Hair_uk on Instagram

Great Lengths Strengthens UK & Ireland Commitment with Acquisition of HB Collective

Great Lengths SpA has acquired HB Collective Limited, bringing its UK and Ireland business directly into the global Great Lengths organisation.

HB Collective has successfully led Great Lengths across the UK and Ireland, building a strong network of salon partners and delivering the premium products, education and support for which the brand is known. As a directly owned Great Lengths market, the UK and Ireland business will now enter a new phase of growth, supported by increased investment, closer international collaboration and direct access to the global organisation’s expertise and resources.

This will accelerate development across product innovation, industry-leading education, salon business support, marketing and brand development, while creating new opportunities to help GL salon partners grow and thrive.

Vito Pollina, CEO of Great Lengths SpA, said: “We see tremendous potential in this market and are excited to further strengthen the Great Lengths brand, deepen our partnership with customers and work closely with our UK&I team to unlock the full potential of the business.”

TREATWELL AND LONDON COLLEGE OF BEAUTY THERAPY LAUNCH CAREERS FAIR

Online booking platform and marketplace Treatwell partnered with the London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) to launch a new careers event connecting emerging hair and beauty professionals with prospective employers.

The event aimed to bridge the gap between completing beauty training and securing work by giving students direct access to salon businesses, recruitment opportunities and practical careers advice. It also gave participating salons the opportunity to meet students and newly qualified professionals interested in joining their teams.

Futures Fair gave students a clearer understanding of the different career pathways available within the professional beauty industry, covering both employed and self-employed routes. Alongside a recruitment and networking area, the event featured a ‘Knowledge Zone’, with panel discussions focused on entering the industry and building a successful career.

Aaron Gopinathan, Managing Director of Treatwell, said: “The future of our industry depends on the success of the next generation. Through Futures Fair, we’re powering the move from learning to earning, giving students the confidence, knowledge and connections they need to succeed, while helping salon businesses access the talent that will drive their future growth.”

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing Announces 2027 F.A.M.E. Team Semi-Finalists

The Fellowship Academy of Merit and Excellence (F.A.M.E) is an annual initiative that was created to nurture, encourage, and promote an elite group of up-and-coming hairdressers in all aspects of the industry. The F.A.M.E. Team enjoys a busy and fulfilling year which includes mentor days with a variety of industry experts, photoshoots, the opportunity to work on shows and seminars, and much more.

The 16 semi-finalists will take part in an all-day event on 8 September, where they will be asked to showcase their talent and creativity in front of a panel of judges. Eight hairdressers will then progress to the final on 5 October, with the 2027 F.A.M.E Team then announced on 7 December at the Fellowship Luncheon and Awards at the Londoner Hotel, London.

The 16 finalists are: Dean Lawton-Taylor, Johnson Blythe; Christina Thomson, The Little Hair Company; Shauna Johnson, Melissa Timperley Salons; Joe Sirry, SHAG!; Connor McIntyre, House of Lunor; Marcus Smith, Smith & Co; Finlee Spearing, TONI&GUY Colchester; Roman Sys, Roman Sys; Natalie Stephen, Voi; Lauren Yates, Mack Studios; Zara Keating, House of Colour; Amelia Krasinski, KH Hair, Arnold; Janene Bush, Heavenly Hair; Harley Mitsinga, Marcella, Margate; Liberty Hunter, Billi Currie; Connor Preston, Francesco Group.