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Sponsored Brand News

ASP Seeks Next Generation of Talent

ASP Expert Haircare is calling on ambitious hairdressers to take the next step in their careers, as applications remain open for its highly regarded Colour Rebels Artistic Team. Designed as an immersive two-year mentorship programme, Colour Rebels aims to nurture emerging talent and provide stylists with the skills and experience needed to thrive at the highest level of the industry.

Open to both salon-based and freelance hairdressers, the fully funded initiative offers successful applicants the opportunity to work alongside one of the world’s fastest-growing professional hair brands. ASP is now sold in more than 50 countries, with the programme offering access to career-enhancing experiences including live shows, international events and photoshoots, plus professional product support, with all expenses covered.

ASP says Colour Rebels is designed for stylists who want more than life behind the chair, providing a platform to showcase their work on both national and international stages while refining their artistic voice.

Applications are now open and close on 18 January 2027. Successful candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to a live interview before the final team is selected and embarks on an immersive boot camp.

For more information and to apply, head to asphair.com/rebels

THE FELLOWSHIP FOR BRITISH HAIRDRESSING F.A.M.E TEAM RETURNS TO SALON INTERNATIONAL

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing announced the 2027 F.A.M.E. Team Finals, sponsored by K18 and Olivia Garden, will return to Salon International on 4 October.

Following the semi-finals, which took place on 8 September at the TONI&GUY Academy in London, eight finalists were selected, who will take to the HJ Stage to participate in a series of challenges, alongside presenting a two-minute show to demonstrate their talent and technique to a panel of judges and a live audience.

The 2026 F.A.M.E. Team, led by Christel Barron-Hough, will also present a showcase which highlights their journey throughout the year – illustrating how they have grown both as individuals and as a team.

“First of all, I want to congratulate this year’s F.A.M.E. Team Finalists – the calibre of talent we’ve seen has been next level,” said Simon Shaw, President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. “I’m delighted that this incredible event is returning to Salon International and that we are able to provide the next generation of hairdressing with a global stage to showcase their talent. We are thrilled to embark on a renewed journey with Salon International – this collaboration marks an exciting moment which highlights our shared passion for excellence in hairdressing artistry.”

8% THE AMOUNT OF MONTHLY REVENUE BUSINESS OWNERS AGED 35-44 ARE LOSING ON AVERAGE TO CANCELLATIONS AND NO-SHOWS, ACCORDING TO DATA FROM BOOKING PLATFORM FRESHA. THAT’S DOUBLE THE 4% AVERAGE LOSS REPORTED BY OWNERS AGED 45 AND OVER.

Hairdresser Receives Honorary Doctorate from Bath Spa University

Eddie Ilic, the Bath-based hairdresser known for his community project, Eddie’s Street Cuts, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Bath Spa University in recognition of his work.

Discussing the project, Eddie explained: “It began with just me, a pair of clippers and a belief that something as simple as a haircut could help someone feel human again. Since then, it’s grown into a team of incredible volunteers who give up their own time to provide free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness across Bath and Bristol. What started as one idea has become a real community, and seeing other hairdressers wanting to get involved has been one of the greatest gifts.”

Looking ahead, Eddie has planned a 4,000-mile cycle across America along with one of his friends, where they will be stopping in five cities to provide free haircuts for people experiencing homelessness alongside local charities and volunteer hairdressers. “Our hope is to inspire hairdressers around the world to realise that our profession is about so much more than hair,” he adds.

GLASGOW SALON OWNER HOSTS ‘BACK TO SCHOOL CUTS’ COMMUNITY INITIATIVE

Grant Carr, founder of Garcon in Glasgow, hosted a community initiative for the second year running, providing children with free haircuts in time for back-to-school season. Created to help ease the costs parents face before children return to school, the event saw Grant, along with fellow hairdressers Ray Murdoch, Carmen Innes, Dean Lamb, Sofia Karnejenko and Grant’s former teacher and mentor, Mags Nolan, take over the Columkille Church Parish Hall, offering 80 appointments across the day.

“The cost of sending kids back to school is getting ridiculous,” commented Grant. “Bringing the kids into our city centre salon would be too much too, so we took it to them. Giving back is great, but it’s really about making the kids feel confident and ready for that first day of school – and a great haircut can go a long way towards this.”

Grant and his team of volunteers were also joined by fellow local businesses, including the Cambuslang and Rutherglen Family Support Hub, Scran + Roadie, and Super Park.

Graeme Fawns, founder of @66 Hair & Lifestyle in Glasgow, on the introduction of a new dry cutting face framing service.

“WE HAD THESE LITTLE GAPS IN THE DIARY, SO RATHER THAN JUST LETTING THEM SIT THERE LOOKING LONELY, WE CREATED SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY WANTED. FRAME ME UP IS QUICK, AFFORDABLE AND DOES WHAT IT SAYS. IT’S GOOD FOR THE CLIENT AND THE BUSINESS – AND GREAT FOR YOUNG STYLISTS TO CREATE A ROUNDED CLIENT BASE.”

URBAN RETREAT SET TO RETURN WITH THE LAUNCH OF URBAN RETREAT SUITES

Urban Retreat, which formerly ran the spa in iconic department store Harrods, is returning, with a new space for freelance hair, beauty and wellness professionals to operate from. The first Urban Retreat Suites location, One Smithfield, is set to open in central London in November. The venture is being launched by Urban Retreat founder George Hammer, along with hair industry educator John Gillespie, who has been named as Chief Executive.

It has been established to respond to a shift in the market that has seen many practitioners go solo while still wanting the support and sense of belonging associated with an established salon or spa. Urban Retreat founder George Hammer, said: “The industry has evolved, and this is our opportunity to evolve with it. Urban Retreat Suites gives outstanding professionals the stature and surroundings of a leading luxury brand, while allowing them to own what they create, from their client experience to their future growth.”

Sponsored Brand News

Procare Unveils the 247AIR: A New Era in Intelligent Hair Foil Dispensing

Twenty years after launching the world’s first automatic hair foil dispenser, Procare returns with its most advanced innovation yet. The 247AIR combines precision Airflow Technology with smart digital controls, delivering effortless pickup, flawless placement and consistent foil cutting, all engineered to streamline workflow and reduce salon waste.

At the heart of the system is an integrated app, letting stylists customise foil length in real time - using only what’s needed, supporting both creative flexibility and cost efficiency.

Alongside the 450m Premium Foil, the 247AIR introduces the industry's first Dual-Texture Foil: a 130m Superwide refill developed exclusively for the dispenser. Its silky-smooth exterior folds effortlessly, while a unique high-grip interior secures placement, reduces slippage and supports more even saturation. Trialled by over 100 professional stylists ahead of launch, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

Toby Watts, Sales Director at Procare, said: “Our new Dual-Texture Foil is a perfect example - inspired by conversations with colourists, we’ve re-engineered a salon essential to deliver better grip, greater precision and a more confident colouring experience.”

For further information, please contact toby@hairfoil.com or call 07503 640146.