Editor’s Comment

Client demand has boomed this year in many areas of the country – in fact, new stats indicate that beauty salons and barbers have seen a bigger overall increase in number of sites on the high street than any other type of independent business (see page 15).

However, these figures underline the mixed feedback we’ve been hearing anecdotally from salon and spa owners all year. Competition is increasing, and while in many areas there is sufficient customer demand to keep all these businesses open, there often aren’t enough great therapists to staff them and help them grow. Meanwhile, increases in costs such as business rates are squeezing margins for salon owners who feel unable to raise their prices accordingly for fear that clients will defect to one of these shiny new competitors.

Following our focus on the recruitment crisis in the October issue, we’ve continued to explore the problem online, with guest blogs tackling the topic from all angles. Take a look on our website for all the opinions and ideas. While you’re there, you’ll notice we’ve redesigned both the look and content to make it fresher and more user-friendly. Read our introduction to the all-new professionalbeauty.co.uk on page 23 of this issue for the lowdown on what’s new.

As well as looking ahead, this issue we’re taking the opportunity to look back over the innovations that shaped the industry in 2017. The reason most of us love the world of beauty is that it’s never boring, and this year was no exception. From lash lifts and microblading, to dip systems and sculpting innovations for nails, to skincare that tackled pollution, lifting and even mindfulness, 2017 saw it all. Check out which innovations made your top 20 in the results of our reader vote on page 75.