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This page contains an archive of all entries posted to Hairdressers Journal Interactive in the Hair Salon Equipment category. They are listed from newest to oldest.
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A Money Saving Idea for your Salon from Procare
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 29, 2009 3:34 PM
Dated: September 29, 2009 3:34 PM
Wouldn't it be great if you had a clever little gadget that could save your business time and money and deliver you perfect results every time?
Now imagine that gadget is easy to use, available in a selection of bright easy-on-the-eye colours and portable so that you could take it from salon to salon.
That's the exact concept Amanda Dicker, concept director at The Chapel, London, bought into when she chose the Procare 24*7 Automatic Hair Foil Dispensing System and she and her team just haven't looked back.
"The thing I love about the 24*7 is that we now have perfect foils every time and, because we no longer have to manually prepare the foil, we've got extra time to spend with customers," says Amanda.
"This allows us to build great relationships with them and to achieve better results and retention rates. Details like this make a real impression and help to keep our guests happy."
Saving Your Salon Money
The Procare 24*7 Automatic hair foil dispensing system produces between one and 99 foils at the press of a button.
- Saving you money - With no cutting or tearing, the 24*7 limits wastage costs and saves you money
- Optimising your time - Cutting foils is one of the most tedious, time consuming jobs in the salon; the 24*7 removes that labour and the monotony
- Giving a professional image - Each foil is uniform in size and fold length to present a professional image for your salon.
Customisable for Your Needs
Available in five bright colours - pink, blue, green, black and white - the 24*7 produces the perfect foils for you at the press of a button:
Optional widths - Use 100mm or 120mm to suit your needs- Choose your length - Procare have ascertained the four most popular sized foils for you to choose from
- Optimum fold lengths - from no fold to 15mm whatever works for your client's hair.
Find Out More about the 24*7
Billie Crago, salon owner at The Chapel, Islington, loves the freedom that her 24*7 gives her.
She says: "Even when I have a really hectic schedule I know I can just tap in the number of foils I want and leave the 24*7 to prepare them while I deal with other things - it's great."
If you'd like to experience the same fantastic benefits as Billie or would just like to find out more about the 24*7 visit www.hairfoil.com.
Hair Straightening Treatments Explained
Posted by
Posted by
Kate
Dated: August 19, 2009 4:18 PM
Dated: August 19, 2009 4:18 PM
The new generation of straightening treatments has taken the hairdressing industry by storm and are ideal for clients who want to achieve super-sleek hair without using irons every day.
More commonly known as Brazilian straightening treatments, most originate from Brazil, and their main advantage is that they not only straighten the hair, they also repair it.
Continue reading "Hair Straightening Treatments Explained" »
Tags: hair straighteners , hair straightening treatments , straight hair
Reinforcing the Benefits of Professional Hair Colour
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: June 8, 2009 10:53 AM
Colour can make or break a hairstyle - you only have to look at the public's reaction when a celebrity changes their hair colour.
The right hue can make a haircut come alive - it can look healthy and exciting. But the wrong shade can drag it down, age the client and be a talking point for all the wrong reasons.
Continue reading "Reinforcing the Benefits of Professional Hair Colour " »
Tags: Anita Cox , hob salons , Robert Eaton
Getting Creative with Clippers
Posted by
Kate
Dated: June 1, 2009 12:13 PM
Clippers are no longer seen as cumbersome barbering tools, but a way to experiment and be creative. One fan is HJ's 2008 Men's Hairdresser of the Year Jamie Stevens, art director at Errol Douglas, London, who regularly uses clippers.
"Clippers are quick and easy to use," says Jamie. "They're also great for the military precision hairstyles that have become popular with men."
Continue reading "Getting Creative with Clippers" »
Star Products: Organic Curl Systems' Perm
Posted by
Alice
Dated: April 16, 2009 5:05 PM
If you thought the perm was a thing of the past, think again!
Curls are still creeping back into fashion and Scream star Neve Campbell is a fan of Organic Curl Systems' ammonia free perm.
Continue reading "Star Products: Organic Curl Systems' Perm" »
Tags: celebrity hair , celebrity style , Organic Curl Systems , Star Products
Curls to Return this Summer
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 17, 2009 3:07 PM
Big waves and bouncing curls are making a comeback and this spring/summer we'll be seeing more texture, volume and body in hair everywhere.
We consulted session stylist and long hair expert Patrick Cameron to get his opinions on the return of the classic style. He gives his advice on the best tools to use when trying to achieve a fantastic full head of curls.
Continue reading "Curls to Return this Summer" »
Tags: Curls , Curly Hairstyles , Patrick Cameron , Tongs
Electrical Essentials: The Return of the Tong
Posted by
Alex
Dated: March 17, 2009 2:59 PM
Following our recent report on the return of Curly Hairstyles this summer, HJi brings you its guide to the best in hair tongs and curling irons currently on the market. Giving you all the info you need help choose the tools you need to create full heads of fantastic curls all summer long.
Continue reading "Electrical Essentials: The Return of the Tong" »
Tags: Curling Irons , Curls , Tongs
The Perfect Hairdressers' Scissors For Every Hairstyle
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 31, 2008 11:25 AM
Whatever style your clients are requesting this summer, there's sure to be a pair of scissors that are perfect for creating that look.
These are the right tools for creating some of the season's hottest celebrity hairstyles.
Continue reading "The Perfect Hairdressers' Scissors For Every Hairstyle" »
Tags: celebrity hair , celebrity hairstyles , scissors
Super Summer Freebies!
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 9, 2008 10:47 AM
Whilst a peek out the window
at the gloomy grey british sky will have you reaching for overcoats and
umbrellas, the calendar says we have already reached July - summer is
officially upon us! Many of your clients are
likely to be jetting off on holiday to soak up the sun, so why not help them
look their best on the beach by offering them one of these fabulous freebies!
Tags: Summer hair care products
Why Professional Hairdryers Will Blow You Away
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 8, 2008 11:10 AM
Shampoos, styling products and straighteners are all items that most clients would expect to see on your retail shelves, but many don't realise that the salon is also the perfect place to pick up a top-quality hairdryer - and the options available are far superior to high-street alternatives.
So what makes professional dryers outshine consumer options, and how can you boost your business by convincing your clients to invest in these essential electricals?
Continue reading "Why Professional Hairdryers Will Blow You Away" »
Tags: hairdryers
Getting Optimum Results From Clippers and Razors
Posted by
Kate
Dated: June 12, 2008 3:02 PM
With the male grooming industry on the rise, having the right razors and clippers for the job and the right skills to use them takes on additional importance.
While bad tools can lead to poor results; good quality tools that are given plenty of TLC will give you optimum performance for longer.
Continue reading "Getting Optimum Results From Clippers and Razors" »
Tags: clippers , razors
Hair Straighteners For Every Hair Type
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 30, 2008 10:27 AM
Since ceramic straightening irons joined the hairdressing world a few years ago, it's fair to say their conception has revolutionised the industry.
Gone are the former giant irons that took eons to heat up, now replaced by the super speedy, sleek, easy-to-use and totally-frizz-free variety.
And the even better news is, there are plenty of irons to choose from, all designed with a unique selling point. So whatever your budget and requirements, there's a hair straightener perfect for you and your clients.
Continue reading "Hair Straighteners For Every Hair Type" »
Tags: hair straighteners , straightening irons , styling appliances
Problem Hair and Haircare Solutions
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:56 AM
Whatever the haircare problem, with so many products on the market there’s guaranteed to be an in-salon or take-away treatment to help.
World-renowned trichologist Philip Kingsley sets the record straight on some of the most common problem areas and HJ seeks out a few solutions.
Chemically-Treated Hair | Dry Hair | Greasy Hair | Flaky Scalp |
Continue reading "Problem Hair and Haircare Solutions" »
Tags: chemically treated hair , hair products , haircare , problem hair
Flaky Scalps and the Haircare Solutions
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:39 AM
The Problem: Flaky Scalp
Philip Says:
"Flaky scalps can be complicated because it is incorrectly thought that a flaky scalp is a dry scalp, but flaky scalps are usually oily. Therefore, applying oil is not going to help.
"Treatments for flaky scalps involve applying a cream direct to the scalp. It’s best to use a cream that contains anti-flaking ingredients such as sulphur, salicylic acid and various anti-bacterial ingredients.
"It’s best to apply the cream to dampened hair, massage it into the scalp with a kneading action, then apply steam or infra-red heat for about 15 minutes.
"Following this, hair should be shampooed with a specific anti-flake shampoo and, ideally, finished with an anti-flaking scalp tonic."
Continue reading "Flaky Scalps and the Haircare Solutions" »
Tags: flaky scalp , hair products , haircare , problem hair
Greasy Hair and the Haircare Solutions
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:27 AM
The Problem: Greasy Hair
Philip Says:
"These days, there is really no such thing as greasy hair. The hair gets greasier because it is not washed frequently enough.
"Hair should be shampooed as soon as it appears to be greasy, which may be every day.
"It is a normal scalp metabolic process for the hair follicles to produce oil via their sebaceous glands. Some people, particularly those with fine hair, get oily more quickly and if the hair is plentiful and thick, it may be very time consuming to shampoo every day. This, however, is the best way to treat ‘oily hair’."
Continue reading "Greasy Hair and the Haircare Solutions" »
Tags: greasy hair , hair products , haircare , problem hair
Dry Hair and the Haircare Solutions
Posted by
Kate
Dated: May 8, 2008 11:13 AM
The Problem: Dry hair
Philip Says:
"Dry hair is probably the easiest hair condition to treat. It is due to loss of moisture in the hair cells – not lack of oil. Therefore, it is important to re-moisturise the hair with products containing the necessary ingredients.
"Creams which contain a mixture of water and oils that are applied to the hair, massaged in, then steamed to aid penetration, are excellent for dry hair. The time involved in steaming varies depending on the severity of the dryness – the drier the hair, the more time is needed. It is also best to use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner, and a protective leave-in conditioner.
"Contrary to what may be thought, the more frequently the hair is shampooed, the healthier it will be. Finally, avoid hard brushing (dry hair is weaker and breaks more easily), and do not over-dry the hair – stop blow-drying when the hair is just dry."
Continue reading "Dry Hair and the Haircare Solutions" »
Tags: dry hair , hair products , haircare
Summer Haircare Advice and Products
Posted by
Kate
Dated: April 24, 2008 1:02 PM
We all know how harmful the sun’s ultra-violet rays can be to skin, and too much sun exposure can also be extremely damaging to hair.
While it’s tempting for your clients to soak up the sunshine and give their locks a naturally sunkissed look, it can wreak havoc with the structure of their strands. Add salt walter and chlorine to the equation and the problem only intensifies, as top trichologist Philip Kingsley explains…
What effect does sun exposure have on hair?
Exposure to the sun breaks down the protein structure of the hair, dramatically weakening the hair shaft and reducing its elasticity, which means it breaks more easily. The sun’s bleaching effects also roughen the texture of the hair, like a chemical bleach, which can leave it looking dull and lacking shine.
Why is it important to protect hair against the sun?
While our skin turns pink in the sun as a warning sign that we’ve been sunbathing for too long, our hair is dead, so there’s no way of telling that it’s harmed until it’s too late. Even in dreary weather, ultra-violet rays still filter through the clouds, so clients should defend their hair every day. Just as many people choose everyday skin products with a sun protection factor (SPF), now many hair styling products are available with similar protection.
How should clients care for their hair when they’re out in the sun?
In the daytime, it’s important to use styling products that contain UV protection. Then, after a day in the sun, put back into hair the moisture and elasticity that the sun strips out. Clients should rinse their hair thoroughly before delivering extra care with nourishing products.
How can salons increase their average client bills in summer?
Salon owners are missing out if they don’t tap into the extra revenue stream that offering specialist post-holiday treatments can bring to the business. In my trichological clinic in Harrods, London, we get through buckets of my reparative treatments in the autumn, undoing all the damage the sun has caused to my clients' hair all summer.
Continue reading "Summer Haircare Advice and Products" »
Tags: Philip Kingsley , Summer hair care products
The Booming Male Grooming Industry
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 26, 2008 4:04 PM
Recent research shows that in 2006 the men’s grooming market, including toiletries and fragrance, was estimated to be worth £781 million, almost a third bigger than in 2001.
So it’s no coincidence that specific male-only hair and beauty ranges are being launched in the professional and consumer markets. It’s a sector that’s increasing at a healthy rate, but are you catering for the needs of your male clients?
If only 35% of men buy their own grooming products, then who are the remaining 65% of people buying men’s products? Brand manager for TIGI’s new B for Men range, Philip Ivaldi, explains: "Our research reveals that women often buy hair products for their men while purchasing their own."
So if you aren’t already stocking a male-exclusive product range, then ask yourself why. The figures show that the market is booming, and unlike women, men are notoriously loyal to brands – once you have their custom, you’re likely to keep it for life.
If you want to stay one step ahead, then having a male-only retail zone is a savvy move. Here’s a selection of some of the professional male grooming ranges available:
Continue reading "The Booming Male Grooming Industry" »
Tags: American Crew , Aveda Men Pure-formance , B for Men from TIGI , BC Bonacure Hairtherapy for Men , KOS.PRO , La Biosthetique Methode Pour Homme , laidback for men , Lock Stock & Barrel Grooming (LS&B) , male grooming , male hair care , male styling products , Matrix Men Style Control System , men-u , Menz from Scruples , Redken for Men
Male Grooming: B for Men
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 26, 2008 2:36 PM
Range: B for Men from TIGI
Products: Clean-up Daily Shampoo, Clean-Up Daily Conditioner, B for Men Pure Texture Molding Paste. Further products are launching later this year.
Why stock it? This is the first time TIGI has focused on a men-only range. With sharp imagery (shot in Battersea Power Station and inspired by the film Reservoir Dogs), there is nothing feminine about this range.
Hero product: Trials have shown B for Men Clean-Up Daily Shampoo, £6.95, to be the hero. It's masculine, smells good, removes product build-up and strengthens hair. Sunflower extract gives UV protection, while its menthol fragrance refreshes the mind and stimulates the scalp.
Call: 0844 844 0944.
Tags: B for Men from TIGI , male grooming , male hair care , male styling products , Tigi
Male Grooming: Aveda Men Pure-Formance
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 26, 2008 2:27 PM
Range: aveda men pure-formance
Products: There are seven haircare and styling products, including pure-formance shampoo, conditioner, liquid pomade and grooming clay.
Why stock it? It has an impressive signature aroma – a rich, spicy blend of organic spearmint, citrus and vetiver. All packaging is eco-friendly and three of the products are made from an industry-first 95% post-consumer recycled high-density polyethylene.
Hero product: pure-formance grooming clay, £18. It adds texture, thickness and definition to the hair. Lightweight micro-fibres flex, so the hold is pliable yet strong. Delivers a natural, matte finish and has a rich, spicy, refreshing aroma.
Call: 0870 034 2380.
Tags: Aveda , Aveda Men Pure-formance , male grooming , male hair care , male styling products
Male Grooming: American Crew
Posted by
Kate
Dated: March 26, 2008 2:21 PM
Range: American Crew
Products: There are 50 styling and care products including its classic, pliable molding cream fiber (one sells every 30 seconds worldwide), to its new Tea Tree easily absorbed styling creams.
Why stock it? This is a leading premium men’s grooming brand with an expansive product choice to suit all hair types.
Hero product: Tea Tree Defining Paste, which offers added definition and texture with a medium hold. Lanolin moisturises and beeswax provides a moveable hold, while glycerin gives hair a thicker, fuller appearance.
Stocking Info: 01282 613413
Tags: American Crew , male grooming , male hair care , male styling products
My organic hair colour experience
Posted by
Emma T
Dated: March 18, 2008 4:32 PM
I spent yesterday morning with London Hairdresser of the Year Karine Jackson, who is a firm fan of organic colour and gave my highlights a much-needed refresh in her central London salon.
Continue reading "My organic hair colour experience" »
Tags: colouring techniques , hair colour , London Hairdresser of the Year , organic hair colour
Post-Christmas Quiet in the Salon - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: January 26, 2008 2:35 PM
Hello, long time no speak! All the excitement of Christmas and New Year really took its toll on me and I was completely wiped out for over a week, but I'm finally back in action now.
This is a very strange time of year in the salon. During the build up to Christmas it felt like you didn't have a moment to think and now it's really quiet.
The steady stream of clients coming in don't seem to be up for anything dramatic either. I think that's partly down to post-Christmas funds and partly down to the fact that nothing new seems to be happening in fashion at the moment; it all feels like a bit of a continuation at the moment.
Continue reading "Post-Christmas Quiet in the Salon - Louis" »
The Cost Of Good Hair Days
Posted by
Kate
Dated: January 24, 2008 10:33 AM
Great looking hair is so important to the average woman that she invests £27,722 on her locks in her adult life.
In London, where the average cost of a cut is £65, that figure is even higher at £54,740, while ladies in the Welsh capital, Cardiff are close behind, spending £48,552 in their lifetime.
The bill, which is higher than the average annual wage, consists of trips to the salon and buying shampoo, conditioner, electrical equipment, brushes and styling products.
As well as money, women invest a significant amount of time in getting their style right, with the average woman spending nearly two hours a week - that's four days a year! - washing, blow drying and styling their hair.
Sadly, men are lagging behind when it comes to investing in their hair.
The average guy spends just £218 a year - or £12,696 in his lifetime - and less than 40 minutes in front of his mirror.
Are you surprised by these findings? Did you think that the noughties guy was more dedicated to getting his look right? What does your average client spend per visit? Join the debate on the My HJi forums.
Tags: hair , hair cuts
PR your achievements
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: January 21, 2008 10:05 AM
I walked past La Perla on Bond Street at the weekend which appears to be undergoing a refurbishment.
But instead of the usual greased windows, or hiding behind a window of brown paper, the window was covered with press cuttings and media coverage the brand has had over the past year.
What a great way of shouting about your achievements while you are closed. It certainly caught my eye -- why don't you try it next time you want to cover your window? Ruth @HJI x
A Year of Learning to be a Hairdresser - Louis
Posted by
Kate
Dated: December 19, 2007 5:17 PM
As 2007 comes to an end - can you believe it's already over? - I've been reflecting on the year that has gone by and it has been a huge year for me.
I suppose you could say that it was the year that I really got going and started to get into hairdressing. Last year I was just starting out in the industry and dipping in.
Now I have tried every cut and every colour and learned a lot... but I still have a hell of a lot more to learn and next year will be another big year.
Looking back, I think that the biggest lesson I have learned is the importance of good communication skills. If you can sit and talk to someone for an hour-and-a-half even if they don't love their hair they will be happy.
Making the most of that lesson means learning to multi-task, though. Some might think that it is easy to cut hair and talk at the same time but when you are starting out it is really not!
Fortunately so far my clients have been models and they know that I am still training so they will chat when I am sectioning off the hair and then stop talking when I am cutting because I have to concentrate.
I've also learned about the client cycles in the salon. Back in the summer, there were times when Forresters was a very quiet place. Right now, as we countdown to Christmas, it is absolutely mental!
There has been a constant stream of clients coming through the door and the stylists have a rota of 45 minutes for a cut and blow dry, so when people come in and want something that takes longer - as they seem to do a lot at this time of year - it all gets a little hectic!
Everyone is festive, jolly and stressed; but for some reason no one seems that keen on me putting Christmas songs on at 9 o'clock in the morning!
That's all from me this year... more in 2008. Happy Christmas!
Training on Kids and Mannequins - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: November 19, 2007 1:43 PM
On Monday, I had my NVQ training and we were doing our theory work, which was about as much fun as exams can be! We did two H10 tests on blowdrying, setting and the like.
I know I passed one of them, but the other one hasn’t been marked yet and now I won’t find out until the new year because the training stops in December because it is just too busy.
If you do fail a test, there are a number of different options depending on how badly you failed. If you made a complete hash of the paper, you have to do the whole thing again; but if it’s just one or two questions you can go away do your research and then just tackle those – let’s hope I won’t have to do either!
We also did some practice on some mannequins - learning how to pin and set curls. Working on mannequins feels odd at first, but is it useful because you get to have a fiddle and try things out without having to worry about the result!
I actually have two mannequins in my room at home, which my friends find kind of weird. I have to turn them around when I go to sleep, though, because they are scary if you wake up in the middle of the night!
I also cut a little girl’s hair, which was great because I didn’t have to be briefed or watched over until we got to the layering at the end.
Children make great models because they tend to have basic cuts, but the problem is that they fidget loads, which makes the job harder.
The other downside is that kids don’t have blow dries and, as I’ve said before, styling and finishing is my favourite bit of the job, so that’s a bit of a let down. I’m sure I’ll get to do lots of styling mt friends' hair over the party season, though, so I can’t complain.
The Problems With Being A Salon Junior
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: November 8, 2007 3:23 PM
I’d like to start this week’s post with a question for anyone else starting out in the industry – is it just me or does everyone else find it really hard to find models?
The reason I ask is that I seem to be relying heavily on my contacts book to get people in for my training sessions: this week it was my nan and a friend!
It got me wondering whether it is a universal problem or just me.
I do understand why people would be reluctant to let a trainee loose on their hair – after all it is one of your most important features.
But, it’s not like we are going to do anything dramatically wrong because we are briefed before the cut and we have people watching throughout.
Continue reading "The Problems With Being A Salon Junior" »
Trying To Rescue a Hair Disaster - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: October 30, 2007 10:18 AM
I've been on a bit of a learning curve, since I spoke to you last. First I had a model requesting a Tigi cut that I'd only got limited knowledge of and then I had to do my best to salavage a real bodge-job.
Both were really good experience, but obviously I needed a watchful eye over my shoulder and the odd word of advice to help me get them right.
The Tigi cut was a spikey look with short choppy layers that was really texturised and wispy at the back. Before I started, I got a briefing from a senior member of the team and as I got to the more complicated bit, he had to talk me through it and put in the first guideline for me to follow.
Continue reading "Trying To Rescue a Hair Disaster - Louis " »
Tags: Tigi
Mastering The Art Of The One-Length Cut - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: October 12, 2007 9:13 AM
It’s funny how you notice real cycles in the salon. At the moment, we’re in one of the quieter ones.
That means that everyone is holding out until a bit closer to Christmas before their next appointment – I guess you could call it the calm before the storm!
It’s not that it is empty, there is just a steady stream of people coming in rather than the constant flow that we’re used to. There’s still plenty for me to do, though.
Besides my training has stepped up a notch, so some down-time to do things like watching training DVDs is much appreciated.
Continue reading "Mastering The Art Of The One-Length Cut - Louis" »
Tags: Forresters , inverted layer cut , one length cut , Salon International
Short Hair Is Hot This Autumn - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: October 8, 2007 10:23 AM
In the salon, we're starting to see people changing their look for winter. There’s lots of chat about people going dark, although most people seem to want to cling on to the blonde for one more appointment.
We're also starting to see a shift away from the 'Posh' style to an even shorter, choppier, more edgy style. Jenna, our Style Director has gone for it and the clients are starting to follow suit.
Short hair is definitely the trend at the moment.
Continue reading "Short Hair Is Hot This Autumn - Louis" »
Tags: autumn hair , autumn trends , short hair , training DVDs
Learning How To Colour Hair - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: October 1, 2007 1:09 PM
I've been back in training for three weeks now and everything is coming along really well. I did have a bit of a reminder of the importance of doing things by the book a couple of weeks back, though.
There were a group of Forresters trainees being assessed on our blow dries. For training you are taught to divide the hair into four cutting sections and work from the bottom up, incorporating the sides as you go.
However, I'd been on a product knowledge course at Tigi during the summer and had been shown to take the water out, then push it forward from the crown to get maximum root lift.
I - along with all the other juniors - went for that approach and we worked all the way up the back, isolating the sides.
Afterwards we were told that we should have divided it into perfect, clean sections instead. At least now I know that's the way I'll need to blow dry hair for any assessments in the future.
Continue reading "Learning How To Colour Hair - Louis" »
Tags: hair colour , Salon International
The Art of Salon Small Talk
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 24, 2007 3:26 PM
At the launch of the forthcoming Diploma in Hair and Beauty Studies, one of the main themes that kept recurring was the difficulty young people have communicating with clients when they first arrive on the shop floor.
It's not that they are deliberately rude, just that they don't have the confidence or the know-how to start a conversation.
Yet in many ways those skills are just as important as the styling skills learned in NVQ training - after all, hairdressing is just about as sociable as an industry can be.
Continue reading "The Art of Salon Small Talk" »
Tags: clients
Summer Is Officially Over!
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: September 7, 2007 10:35 AM
On Monday night, we resumed our model nights at Forresters which means that summer is officially over!
You wouldn't necessarily notice that in the salon, though, because most people are still going for the shorter 'Posh' look that has defined this summer.
I'm sure that as soon as the autumn weather and fashions establish themselves there will be a shift in the trends people are asking for. I'll keep you posted as and when I see it.
Continue reading "Summer Is Officially Over!" »
Tags: autumn trends , Forresters , hair salon , Posh , training
Learning The Lessons From Raymond
Posted by
Kate
Dated: September 4, 2007 2:55 PM
Wasn't the 'Grandad’s Back in Business' documentary on BBC2 on Monday night fascinating?
In case you missed it, the idea was that Raymond, a 60-year-old with 45 years' experience as a hairdresser (and 45 years' of bad habits), and, Becky a 17-year-old trainee with heaps of potential (and heaps of attitude), went head to head to land a job at Daniel Galvin in London.
They each worked as a junior for a month, proving their worth by helping out in the salon, doing a cut, colour, updo, photo shoot and presenting on stage before one of them was offered the job.
Continue reading "Learning The Lessons From Raymond" »
Tags: Daniel Galvin , Grandad's Back in Business , tv
I Can't Wait To Get Back To Cutting - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: August 31, 2007 9:32 AM
As predicted, the salon is a busier, buzzier place to be this week, which is quite a relief. I don't know what it is, but when it is really quiet you get a little lethargic and things become a bit of a chore.
Now that everyone is back, it feels like a new start and I'm really excited about the months ahead when we build up to the hectic Christmas period.
This last couple of weeks, we've had a mixture of clients coming in: those coming back after their summer holidays, older kids coming in for a trendier look before they go back to school, university students on their summer holidays and Reading Festival goers.
Continue reading "I Can't Wait To Get Back To Cutting - Louis" »
Tags: hair colour , Jordan , training
Birthday Celebrations and Big Beehives
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: August 24, 2007 2:34 PM
Last week I told you that the salon was pretty quiet - well this week it got even quieter! I can't wait until next week when there are more bookings in the system.
Out of the salon, it has been a busy few days, though, because I turned 17 on Sunday. I got lots of new clothes and some driving lessons for my birthday, so look out for me on the roads soon...
To celebrate, I had some of my friends round on Saturday night for a bit of a bash. Nights out have developed a bit of a pattern now, with the girls asking me to come over first to fix their hair.
I do whatever we have time for: maybe curling it and pinning a few bits up or straightening it and flicking the ends out. On Saturday, I went for a bit of a sixties big beehives look. It looked very cool and I'll definitely be going down that route again.
Continue reading "Birthday Celebrations and Big Beehives" »
Tags: curls , finger wave , ghd , hairstyles , salon
Everyone Wants a 'Posh' This Summer - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: August 17, 2007 10:11 AM
August is a really strange time of year in the salon.
Not only are lots of staff away on holiday, but lots of the clients seem to be too. If you add in the fact I don't have my usual Monday training sessions and the whole thing is a hell of a lot quieter than usual.
That does mean it's a great time for me to watch what is going on around me, help out as much as I possibly can and learn from the senior staff.
At the moment, the main thing I am seeing is lots of people going for the summer's key trends: really blonde and quite short.
It's funny to see the difference between people who just have to have the season's Posh-inspired look and those who need a little more persuasion and take it in gradual steps.
There's one thing they all have in common though: they love the finished look. I can completely understand why; it is very cool! It's quite high maintenance, but the great thing about it is that it is versatile and can be worn funky one day and conservatively the next.
Continue reading "Everyone Wants a 'Posh' This Summer - Louis" »
Tags: blonde , bob , bridal hair , Posh , up-dos
The Art Of Small Talk - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: August 10, 2007 4:06 PM
This was my first training-free week and it felt seriously weird! I'd never thought I'd miss eductaion, but I really did.
The good thing is that you never you stop learning in the salon. Whenever I have free time, I'm always looking around to see what people are doing and what I can learn from them.
As I've said before, my absolute favourite thing is to watch Robbie our colour technician. The man is a genius!
When he's busy, he'll ask for a helping hand to colour someone's ends or hold the foils and it's all really good experience.
Continue reading "The Art Of Small Talk - Louis" »
Tags: clients
End of Term - Louis
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: August 3, 2007 9:20 AM
Monday was an 'end-of term' day for our NVQ training. We spent the day doing lots of tests, going through files and getting things signed off.
Most of it was stuff that I have become quite used to now and I found myself reading through things that have become second nature - like asking a client what they want done and doing strength tests - and thinking 'oh yeah, I do that'.
There were a couple of things that I thought ‘oops, I should probably do a bit more of that’, but I suppose that is the whole point of a re-capping day.
Continue reading "End of Term - Louis" »
Tags: NVQ training
Louis: On a Learning Curve
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: July 30, 2007 9:17 AM
Last week was one of the hardest of my hairdressing days so far.
Most of my friends are still at college; so they've broken up for the summer holidays. They've got six weeks of chilling out and doing nothing all day ahead of them. I, on the other hand, have to go to work!
I've chatted with a few of them in my lunch break and they're full of 'oh, we went swimming this morning' or 'we're off to the pictures this afternoon' and it is hard not to get a little bit jealous.
The good thing is that I really love what I do and I have to remind myself of that. When I take a step back and think 'yes, but I enjoy it and I am getting a career' it doesn't bother me so much.
Continue reading "Louis: On a Learning Curve" »
Tags: hairdressing , hairdressing careers
Louis Wesolowski
Posted by
Louis Wesolowski
Dated: July 18, 2007 11:38 AM
When HJi approached me about writing a blog, I jumped at the chance - I'm not the kind of person to shun the spotlight!
I'm looking forward to sharing my story of life as a junior; the ups and downs (I'm sure there will be plenty of each) of my training and any other momentous events that occur. Hopefully, some of you will share your tales with me too and we can learn from each other.
Continue reading "Louis Wesolowski" »
Tags: colour technician
Your Salon Soundtrack
Posted by
Kate
Dated: July 6, 2007 9:15 AM
There aren't too many things that Madonna gets wrong, and the Queen of Pop was spot on when she sang 'Music makes the people come together'.
A good soundtrack can create a mood, get you all gooey-eyed, and make you feel relaxed in your surroundings. Get the music wrong and you can create tension, spoil a moment and ensure that people never come back.
Continue reading "Your Salon Soundtrack" »
Tags: Madonna , salon
Superb Customer Service
Posted by
Jayne
Dated: July 4, 2007 4:42 PM
There is nothing more refreshing than going to a salon where every client is treated as a valued guest and the time you spend there allows you to witness superb customer service - in every sense of the word. The Chapel in Tunbridge Wells is a fantastic example of a destination, where hair and beauty work together in harmony.
Continue reading "Superb Customer Service" »
Tags: customer service , hair , hair colour , hairdressing , the chapel
Customer Care - What not to do
Posted by
Matthew
Dated: May 8, 2007 1:30 PM
I was shopping at one of my favourite high street clothes stores at the weekend in Oxford Street - and learned a lesson in how not to retain customers.
Continue reading "Customer Care - What not to do" »
Tags: customer service
bullying at work
Posted by
Ruth
Dated: January 17, 2007 11:39 AM
Have you been watching Celebrity Big Brother? I'm a huge reality TV addict but this year it has been disturbing, but compelling, and is a reflection of life in any office, salon or school around the country.
Continue reading "bullying at work" »