February 2008 Archives
Categories
HJi Jobs
About February 2008
This page contains all entries posted to Hairdressers Journal Interactive - Business in February 2008. They are listed from oldest to newest.
January 2008 is the previous archive.
March 2008 is the next archive.
Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.
Help
Powered by
Movable Type Enterprise 4.32-en
Top Tips For A Fit And Healthy Salon Team
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 1, 2008 10:12 AM
A fit and healthy salon team isn't just important for your staff's well being, it is also vital for balancing the salon books and keeping moral up.
A staff member who frequently takes time off sick leads to cancelled appointments, puts pressure on other members of the team, causes disgruntled clients and can damage your reputation.
Therefore in an industry where standing for 10 hours a day and eating-on-the-go is the norm, it's essential that your staff look after their health and well being.
In order to ensure a fit and healthy workforce, some progressive salon owners are putting programmes in place to encourage employees to look after themselves and educate them in the best way to do so.
Last year, we caught up with Barrie Stephen, director of Leicestershire salon group Barrie Stephen Hair, who had provisionally launched a 'Fit for Business' programme to help his staff.
He used January and his employees new year's resoultions as a time to really push the programme to his team.
"We’re off to a great start in January," says Barrie. "We launched the plan to a totally up-for-it team at our conference on January 7th. 'Fit for Business' was the conference theme and we all felt very much like we were starting the year fired up for fitness.
"I feel more and more inspired by the idea of keeping our business – indeed our industry – in the best possible shape. It is not just about individuals taking care of their well being it is also a case of showing the team that they are cared about by the management team.
"If we put half the effort we put into client VIP services into supporting our teams and their health and well being we’d all feel the benefit."
To kick-start the programme, Barrie has brought in personal trainer Ian Roberts, who has started by introducing 'easy exercise' and 'understanding energy expenditure'.
He's got some simple steps that you can suggest to your staff members to help them take their well being into their own hands without dramatically changing their lifestyles.
Top Tips
- Do stretches as soon as you get out of bed
- Devise a quick exercise routine that you will do each morning to kick-start your metabolism - this could be ten minutes skipping, climbing up the stairs, dancing to music or a quick walk round the block.
- Get off the bus 3 or 4 stops earlier and walk the rest or park your car 15 min away from work and walk in. You get fit & save money!
- Run up stairs instead of walking
- Take 2-3 steps at a time to increase glute activation
- Keep moving when working and keep active throughout the day. Fidget away the fat! In breaks between clients don't just sit down in the staff room, offer to go on the lunch run or walk around the salon chatting to clients
- Each time you put the kettle on do your stretching routine or work your core muscles
- Squeeze your glutes & pelvic floor whenever you are stood behind the reception desk
- If you have children play games with them, if not play games with friends. A series of short sprints with rests in-between increases fat burning potential throughout the day
- Be conscious about your posture whilst working. Periodically counter your working posture by standing up straight, shoulder blades squeezed together and suck your bellybutton to your spine.
Tags: Barrie Stephens
Holiday Entitlement Made Simple
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 4, 2008 12:53 PM
Confused by the new rules regarding holiday entitlement and what it means to your salon? We’ve simplified them to help you to implement the changes for your staff:
- October 1 2007 – minimum amount of holiday increased to 24 days a year (from 20)
- April 1 2008 - holiday entitlement will increase to 28 days a year.
Continue reading "Holiday Entitlement Made Simple" »
'Decadent Yet Practical' - Haze@No 10
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 6, 2008 11:02 AM
Dated: February 6, 2008 11:02 AM
Cyndy Hay had an ambitious brief when she set about creating her new salon Haze - it was to be something that had never been seen before the area.
"I wanted an intimate and luxurious space within an exciting new salon that reflected everything about me and my personality – traditional and contemporary, unique but charming," she says.
After finding the perfect property, a three storey Victorian House, she designed the salon to create a balance of decadence and practicality.
Much thought was put into the colour scheme - rich burgandy, creams and duck egg blue - the lighting, which varies within each of the salons separate zones, and the main retail area; an aquarium was also set into the wall to create a focal point.
Now up and running, Cyndy is thrilled with her new salon: "When you enter the salon, the reception really dazzles, It is in the middle of the salon and it is central to all that is going on."
She adds:"I am delighted with the results and feel that I have created an unprecedented salon in Northern Ireland."
Continue reading "'Decadent Yet Practical' - Haze@No 10" »
Tags: salon interiors
'Chic And On-Trend' - Saint Salons
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 6, 2008 11:16 AM
Dated: February 6, 2008 11:16 AM
When Matthew Cole and Richard Lane decided to open their first hairdressing salon, their aim was to create the most client-friendly environment possible.
"We wanted a relaxed atmosphere and a friendly vibe," says Richard. "We wanted a salon that was stylish yet simple and one that everybody would love being in."
The site itself is based in a modern apartment block in an area of Birmingham that has undergone major redevelopment.
As it was a new building they had a blank canvas to work with and set about designing a stylish salon, inspired by their own apartment.
“Everyone always comments on how warm and friendly our apartment is and how at home they feel,” Richard adds.
Using a combination of neutral creams, a striking red feature wall, a dark wood reception desk and mirrors and dark leather sofa and chairs, the pair created a chic and on-trend salon, that has a home-from-home feel that stops it being intimidating.
But do they have any regrets? "I wouldn't opt for white basin chairs again - stains are a nightmare!" Richard explains.
Continue reading "'Chic And On-Trend' - Saint Salons" »
Tags: salon interiors
Achieving A Healthy Work/Life Balance
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Dated: February 6, 2008 12:02 PM
Having a good work/life balance is fast becoming a prized job benefit and employers are realising flexibility can be the key to having a happy workforce.
The latest survey by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBERR) shows 95% of workplaces offer some form of flexible working for staff.
But encouraging staff to enjoy a healthy work/life balance is not just about offering flexible working, it’s also about creating a working environment where staff are encouraged not to let work rule their lives.
Salon owners Jon Macleod of Paterson SA, Edinburgh; Russell Eaton of Russell Eaton and Gary Hedley of Gary Hedley Hairdressing have all put policies in place to help their staff achieve a healthy balance. Here are their secrets:
Continue reading "Achieving A Healthy Work/Life Balance" »
Tags: Gary Hedley , Jon MacLeod , Russell Eaton
Reaping the Rewards Of Retail
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 8, 2008 10:04 AM
Dated: February 8, 2008 10:04 AM
Retailing haircare products through your salon is undoubtedly the easiest and most lucrative way to transform your turnover.
While all too many salons are still missing that opportunity, those that have mastered the art of retailing are reaping the cash rewards. 
One salon group that has successfully cultivated a retail culture is Sean Hanna and its Canary Wharf salon is the current winner of HJ's Retail Salon of the Year at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.
Group owner Sean has devised a plan for his team to follow that makes retailing simple: "It’s important that clients are not bombarded with questions during their visit, but it’s necessary to teach your staff that opportunities to retail do genuinely exist," he says.
"It’s not about a hard-sell situation, it’s about passing on their knowledge, skills and experience to help the client achieve optimum results. It’s providing a truly professional service."
Continue reading "Reaping the Rewards Of Retail" »
Tags: Jon MacLeod , Sean Hanna
Italian style Meets Manhattan Chic - Cataldo's
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 14, 2008 1:55 PM
Dated: February 14, 2008 1:55 PM
Set in a landmark building in an affluent area of Australia’s capital city, Canberra, the new Cataldo’s Salon offers its well-heeled clients an elegantly inviting environment.
"The fit-out of the new salon maintains the Cataldo tradition of style, quality, class and accessibility, which have been vital factors in strengthening our image and reputation and keeping Cataldo’s at the forefront of the industry," says salon manager Karen Spradau, who runs the new business in partnership with Emilio and Angelo Cataldo.
Leading architects, designers, metal artists and builders were called upon to transform the new, empty premises, working to a brief that would combine design inspired by Manhattan’s chic Fifth Avenue style with Italian influences.
The colour scheme throughout is rich in shades of white, chocolate brown and warm amber, with flourishes of aluminium, copper and chrome.
While the bespoke reception desk features a backlit panel of opulent honey onyx marble, embedded into which is the Cataldo group’s large signature ‘C’ whick glows in the entrance and sets the tone for the understated glamour of the rest of the salon’s design.
"The best choice we made was to add the backlit onyx marble features – the stone is a natural piece of art in itself," Karen says. "This state-of-the-art salon offers uncompromising standards of comfort to match our professional service."
Continue reading "Italian style Meets Manhattan Chic - Cataldo's" »
Tags: salon interiors
Habia Defend the Diploma In Hair and Beauty Studies
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 17, 2008 6:49 PM
Dated: February 17, 2008 6:49 PM
Industry standards-setting body habia have become embroiled in a debate with the Daily Mail newspaper over the new Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies, which launches this autumn.
'The hair and beauty diploma - worth 3 1/2 A levels - that doesn't actually involve cutting any hair' says that opponents to the diploma feel it is "too thin on practical skills and heavy on theory".
It adds that 'pupils taking the diploma will learn about the history of hairdressing in society, its science and how celebrity hairstyles, such as Kate Moss's, influence the industry' and raises question marks over the fact that they will not learn to cut hair.
However, habia are adamant that the diploma is not supposed to be a vocational course and point out that the NVQ already exists for students looking to follow that path.
"It should be pointed out the Diploma, across all lines of learning, is not and never has been a vocational or practical qualification designed to give young people work based competency in the manner of an NVQ," says Employer Champion for the Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies Gill Morris in a letter to the newspaper.
"Whilst it does contain practical elements and offers the opportunity for work experience, the Diploma is a broad-based educational programme which allows young people to choose and develop areas of interest from a wide range of subjects before going onto further training or learning, whether vocational or academic.
"The aim of the Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies in particular is to give young people with an interest in the subject the knowledge, theory and employability skills, such as team work and reliability, that employers would like them to have upon entering the industry so that they can be developed further by businesses and training providers themselves.
"This ‘preparation for work’ approach (as opposed to the ‘work ready’ approach of vocational qualifications such as NVQs) is what makes the Diploma stand out, as it gives young people the basic skills, knowledge and understanding from which they and future employers and educators can build on without tying them to one career path.
"Young people are not expected to have cutting skills upon entering the hairdressing sector, nor is it desired by the overwhelming majority of hairdressing businesses. On-the-job training is still the norm in the hairdressing industry, and this will continue with the Diploma. The major difference is that recruits will enter the industry much better prepared, informed and knowing what is expected of them."
Let us know whether you welcome the creation of the Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies by joining the discussion on the My HJi forums.
Tags: Daily Mail , Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies , habia
Hairdressing Inventions: The Tangle Teezer
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 25, 2008 12:33 PM
Dated: February 25, 2008 12:33 PM
How often have you been going about your daily routine when you’ve had an idea for a tool that could make life easier?
Colourist Shaun P took his idea one step further and invented the Tangle Teezer, which he launched at Salon International in October 2007.
Why did you decide to launch this product?
I initially had the idea 15 years ago. One of my colour clients had really long, highlighted hair which was a nightmare to comb through when it was wet. I discovered a technique with the comb that literally banged the knots away and realised there was something in that. So, three years ago, I decided it was time to take the idea to the next level and started research and development.
What were the first steps you took to turn the idea into a reality?
The internet played a huge part. I had to make sure the product didn’t already exist, and that my idea was unique before I could progress. I knew that I needed to make the product using injection plastic moulding and the internet was invaluable for locating a company. Business Link was also a huge help.
How much did it cost you to get it funded?
The total cost was around £85,000.
How did you raise this money?
It’s been self-financed so far – I used savings and took equity from my flat. I also went into the BBC’s Dragon’s Den to see if I could get help to finance the company and some advice and contacts in taking the business to a global level. They didn’t want to help but it’s worked out well because it means I get to keep 100% of my already successful business!
How much of a risk is this for you?
It’s a fair risk but if I didn’t do it, I’d never know how it would work out. I have left my career as a colourist behind me and really want to concentrate on this.
What major problems have you encountered along the way?
Tangle Teezer was created for the hairdresser to use within the salon and to retail to clients . The customers have embraced the product, but I do think that the hairdresser has yet to really understand its uniqueness – and its sales potential. There’s nothing like this on the market – it’s definitely something every salon backwash should have.
If you could do this again, what would you change?
Not much. There have been three pinnacle points since I started that I wish hadn’t happened, but I had to go through them to be where I am today.
What’s your advice to anyone who has an idea and wants to make it a reality?
Follow your dreams but don’t rush into anything. Ensure you have your finances in place but don’t put yourself at risk with massive borrowing. Talk to suppliers and manufacturers and get a number of quotes, see who else they’ve worked with, how they can help you. Also, speak to as many people as possible and run your ideas and business plans past them for advice and feedback.
What’s the situation now?
Tangle Teezer launched at Salon International and did very well. We retail the product online so salons can buy in bulk at a discount. We’ve done very well on repeat orders with one salon purchasing another box the next day after selling out within 30 minutes! I’m also in talks with some wholesalers, extensions companies and European distributors.
What’s the biggest reward about being an inventor?
It’s the buzz of being responsible for something that has an effect on people’s lives. I wanted to give something back to the industry after the 30 years I’ve had. The letters and comments of support have definitely made this worthwhile.
Tags: Hairdressing inventions , Shaun Pulfrey , Tangle Teezer
New Maternity Laws Explained
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 26, 2008 9:00 AM
Dated: February 26, 2008 9:00 AM
In December 2004, the government published its report: "Choice for parents, the best start for children: a 10-year strategy for childcare".
The report aimed to deliver a better work/life balance, which had been a key pledge in New Labour's manifesto. This commitment was enshrined in the 2005 Queen’s speech, in which the Labour government promised legislation that would, "offer greater support for working families by extending maternity benefits and improving the provisions of childcare".
Fulfilling promises – The Work and Families Act 2006
The government's desire to provide a better work/life balance manifested itself in the Work and Families Act 2006, which provided the government with the green light to introduce, among others, the following two pieces of legislation:
- The Maternity and Parental Leave and the Paternity and Adoption Leave Regulations 2006 (MPL); and
- The Statutory Maternity Pay, Social Security (Maternity Allowance) and Social Security (Overlapping Benefit) (Amendment) Regulations 2006.
Continue reading "New Maternity Laws Explained" »
Simple And Relaxing - Indigo
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 26, 2008 10:58 AM
Dated: February 26, 2008 10:58 AM
After honing his creativity as a session stylist around the world, Neil Hopkins decided to use his hairdressing skills in his own salon by putting down roots in Leamington Spa.
His salon, Indigo, was an existing hairdressing business but Neil wasn't impressed with the interior design.
"The salon decor was coffee and cream and very tired around the edges. It was in a prime location however; right in the town centre, so I knew I could give it a new injection of life," Neil explains.
Neil had a clear idea of what he wanted to achieve - somewhere relaxing for clients and staff - and it took just one month to transform the Grade II listed, two-storey salon into his vision.
A simple colour scheme of cool greens, pale greys, silvers, beige tones and natural woods is perfectly complemented by classic recessed halogen spotlights with tilt action above the styling stations, and practical wall lights.
Special care has been taken with the waiting area, which has been designed as a shopping area, to encourage clients to touch, feel and play with products when they come into the salon. As well as the large reception desk, the area features tub-style waiting chairs for clients.
Neil is delighted with his finished look, which he describes as easy and relaxed. He adds: "The salon is really a place that both clients and staff can enjoy visiting, and although it has a laid-back ambience, everyone knows exactly what is going on."
Continue reading "Simple And Relaxing - Indigo" »
Tags: salon interiors
Style And Mass Appeal - Clipso London
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 26, 2008 11:41 AM
Dated: February 26, 2008 11:41 AM
When Darren Fowler opened his Clipso London franchise the challenge he faced was creating a salon with mass-market appeal, but a distinct look and atmosphere that will set it apart from the competition.
"Being in the hub of Fitzrovia, our clientele includes media people, nurses, doctors and even students – we have a real mixture of clients and we needed to appeal to them all," he explains.
The site, just a few doors down from his old salon, was formerly an art gallery and proved the perfect blank canvas for him to set about realising his vision.
He adds: "I wanted to create an urban space, with a different atmosphere for each section.
"Clients first enter a light, welcoming reception and retail area; then they walk through to a boutique-style cutting area, which has a dressing-room feel; they then walk down five concrete steps into the gallery, which has a New York loft apartment effect."
Continue reading "Style And Mass Appeal - Clipso London" »
Tags: Clipso , Darren Fowler , salon interiors
Hairdressing Inventions: Rude Utilities
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 26, 2008 12:38 PM
Dated: February 26, 2008 12:38 PM
In 2006 Sarah Shafi founded Rude Utilities Ltd. Her idea was to market cool, chic and inspiring leather holsters to hairdressers.
Each holster is the perfect tool for storing scissors, combs and accessories and they are hand-crafted in London from the finest Italian leather.
Why did you decide to launch this product?
Hairdressers are such stylish people, yet their tools can be quite unsexy. I decided that this was a way to give something back to hairdressers that would make their lives easier and make them feel more fashionable. My ex-husband was a hairdresser and couldn’t find a decent holster, so I suggested we made one out of the cow hide from my piano stool. It was initially just for him but when I saw how well it worked and how good it looked, I thought I was on to something.
What were the first steps you took to turn the idea into a reality?
I researched the market thoroughly. I then sourced leather suppliers and a high quality manufacturer and researched fashion trend predictions. I decided to launch at the biggest hair exhibition in Europe – Salon International.
How much did it cost you to get it funded? It always costs more than you ever imagine! Set up was initially about £50,000.
How did you raise this money?
I re-mortgaged my home, took out a loan and borrowed money from friends and family.
How much of a risk was this for you?
It’s always a risk when you put your home on the line. However, I am a firm believer that if you don’t put anything in, you won’t get anything out.
What major problems have you encountered along the way?
Any good idea gets copied and you have to be prepared for that at the outset. This is why all our products have international design and copyright protection. There have been quite a few companies who have tried to copy our products, so having this legal protection has proved very important.
If you could do this again, what would you change?
I’d have probably looked for the backing of a big company sooner, which could have helped speed up raising our profile.
What’s your advice to anyone who has an idea and wants to make it a reality?
You have to passionately believe in what you are doing, as this belief is what will keep you focused and determined during the hard times. Research as best you can and get people you can trust to test your ideas. It is worth investing in copyright protection. While it may cost a bit, bankers and investors are much more likely to support you if you have it.
What’s the situation now?
We now have high quality distribution streams set up in the UK and in parts of Europe. We are in negotiation with some major names in both the hair and beauty industries. We are also getting ready to launch later this year into the general retail market with some exciting concepts in leather wear, which we are hoping to have stocked in top-end retail stores.
What’s the biggest achievement about being an inventor?
The feedback and loyalty from all our supporters is key to knowing that our products are working and worthwhile. We have some major celebrity stylists behind us now and we regularly receive positive feedback on our products. That makes me feel really proud. At Salon International last year a hairdresser had travelled from South Africa specifically to buy one of our limited edition tool belts. That really was a special moment.
Tags: Hairdressing inventions , Rude Utilities , Sarah Shafi
Darren Ambrose's Top Tips For Entering Competitions
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: February 26, 2008 3:31 PM
Dated: February 26, 2008 3:31 PM
If you are thinking about entering any of the numerous industry competitions, you need to ensure your entry is the best you can possibly achieve.
Darren Ambrose and partner Jackie own a salon, D&J Ambrose, in Pinner, Middlesex, and have won numerous awards.
As well as being a regular on the show and seminar circuit, Darren can often be found judging competitions around the country.
He is also acting as mentor to the current winner of Wella Professionals Trend Vision. These are his top tips on creating looks – whether photographic or live – for a competition.
Continue reading "Darren Ambrose's Top Tips For Entering Competitions" »
Tags: Darren Ambrose