NEWS

59% of women over 40 prioritise looking healthy over looking young

Women in the UK over the age of 40 are finding a new sense of confidence and contentment with ageing, according to new research.

The new report by Avon, titled “The Power in Ageing”, highlighted the findings of a global study of women across seven countries and three continents, discovering what it really means to age in 2022.

Three in five (59%) women in the UK said they feel their confidence is improving as they age, with over half (51%) agreeing that ageing is not something to fear, and 66% agreeing the pandemic has made them realise life is fragile and that getting older is something to appreciate.

52% of women link feeling powerful with self-confidence, and 41% link it to being financially stable.

One of the main areas where women still feel that ageism is an issue in their everyday lives is in the workplace, where 48% said it is an issue two thirds (66%) believe women experience workplace ageism more than men.

Avon chief executive Angela Cretu said, “We’ve been reclaiming our power and taking control over the narrative of ageing.

“Now more than ever, what it means to be 40 and over is changing and we’re finding the confidence we need to harness our power.”

Scottish Government announces plans to further regulate aesthetic procedures

The Scottish Government has pledged to introduce further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in an effort to protect public safety.

This comes after the UK Government licensing scheme for aesthetics in England was granted Royal Assent in May.

The new move by the Scottish Government follows a public consultation between January 2020 and June 2020 seeking views about further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures and proposals to introduce a licensing scheme.

The consultation found that 98% of respondents agreed that further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures was needed, with most of the respondents saying that they felt that non-surgical cosmetic procedures should be conducted by trained, qualified and regulated healthcare professionals.

61% of respondents also agreed that individuals who are not qualified healthcare professionals should be licensed.

The Scottish Government said in a statement, “It is clear from the consultation responses that there is strong public support for further regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures that pierce or penetrate the skin.”

The government also acknowledged the potential dangers of dermal fillers if administered incorrectly, often leading to long-term damage that can only be reversed or limited by the urgent administration of specific prescription-only medication.

The statement added, “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that all non-surgical cosmetic procedures carried out in Scotland are delivered from hygienic premises by appropriately trained practitioners, applying recognised standards and using legitimate products.”

News in brief

The DD Group and Medfx have appointed Vivienne Braidwood and Katie Emberley to the senior leadership team. This is the first executive-level job share duo for The DD Group, which supplies aesthetic brands to clinics and salons. The pair bring a combined 50+ years of experience.

The British Skin Foundation and ITN Business have launched a news-style programme to raise awareness and understanding of skin health, titled “The Ages of our Skin”. Anchored by journalist Louise Minchin, the programme looks at skin across all ages and the developments in dermatology aiming to benefit skin of all types.

Aesthetic technology manufacturer Cutera has launched a new UK training facility in Reading, adding to its network of locations around the UK. Country manager Leighannah Tickner said, “Our new state-of-the-art training academy is just another example of our continued investment into delivering unrivalled post-purchase support for customers.”

A report by Trustpilot and Remarkable Commerce suggests product reviews in the health and beauty industry can cause search demand for some well-reviewed items to increase by over 100%. It analysed over 7,000 reviews on Google shopping and 450,000 monthly searches, establishing the correlation between reviews and demand.

Laseraid has made a six-figure investment in a new base in Leeds to strengthen its services and support to customers across the north. The new 1,350sq ft premises will be home to Laseraid’s growing technical service and northern education team.

62% of Brits say value for money is the top reason they leave a positive salon review

New research has shown the reasons behind customers choosing to leave a review after a beauty salon treatment, with value then experience named the top two factors.

The data, from Capital Hair and Beauty, showed that offering a discount on a customer’s next service in exchange for a positive review is not an effective tactic, with only 12% of Brits saying that they would accept this.

Despite few being incentivised to leave a positive review, 77% of consumers take a note of online reviews when browsing local businesses to seek treatments or services.

The main factor that is likely to persuade someone to leave a positive review after a hair or beauty service is great value for money (62%).

Other positive review-worthy qualities included being happy with the results of the treatment or service (57%) and the professional having a warm personality (41%).

When it comes to negative reviews, 57% said leaving an appointment dissatisfied with the service would lead them to leave a negative review, 45% would do so if the overall experience was overpriced and 44% would if the service was not as expected.

Babtac predicts a boom in growth for the beauty industry

Babtac (British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology) has found several factors that indicate potential for a boom in the industry.

In June 2020, salons saw a 2,250% rise in bookings compared to pre-pandemic figures, said the association.

To accommodate this increased demand post pandemic, there has been a surge in beauty start-ups.

The data showed more than 3,500 businesses with the term “beauty” in their name were set up in 2020, compared to less than 500 in 2014.

Many salons implemented systems for virtual consultations during the lockdowns, as well as improved online booking systems, live video masterclasses and e-commerce offerings to elevate customer experience, as businesses that were not social media driven pre pandemic used the pandemic as a chance to increase interest and revenue, all of which contribute to the predicted boom, said Babtac.

News in brief

The Lumenis Cares Summer Dinner raised over £28,000 in aid of Children’s Burns Trust. Held at the Tapestry Room at The Ned, London, the grand total was boosted thanks to a generous gesture from Dr Tapan Patel who matched the funds raised on the night.

Sheer Haven anti-domestic violence salon training is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its launch in the UK and Ireland. Having been accessed by professionals over 50,000 times and in over 105 countries around the world, the programme equips therapists with the knowledge and resources to recognise the signs of domestic violence and help client safety.

Champneys has launched the New Lief weight loss programme, designed to help optimise health and wellbeing, working towards longer term weight management. Named after Champneys founder Stanley Lief, the programme features daily classes, wellbeing treatments and spa time, with guests able to choose between six, 13 or 20-night stays.

International trainer Jenny Wiles is celebrating 50 years of working at Mavala UK. Having joined the team in 1972, Wiles said, “I like the fact that Mavala has a family ethos and I feel very much part of it. Mavala is one of the few companies that when people join, they want to stay forever.”

Aromatherapy Associates has collaborated with Harrods to create City Serenity, a specialedition, supersize Bath and Shower Oil with 24 essential oils. The oil combines narcissus, musk seed and blue tansy, giving the oil its signature Harrods-green tone.

Talent, environment and growth lead British Beauty Council three-year plan

The British Beauty Council has shared its roadmap for the next three years, outlining the plans within its three key pillars: talent, growth, and environmental, social and governance (ESG).

The focus for the ESG pillar over the next three years is two-fold: The Sustainable Beauty Coalition, which will focus on future framework and funding for sustainability initiatives, and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which has been broken into five smaller task forces and will be setting out a framework for its intentions.

Led by pillar president David McDonald, vice president of No 7, the Talent pillar focuses on careers and mentoring within the beauty industry in support of a new generation of beauty professionals.

The council will be launching a four-film series showcasing the different areas within the beauty industry, including research and science, technology, engineering and maths, or STEM-based professions.

The Growth pillar, led by pillar president Anna Teal, chief executive of Aromatherapy Associates, will put a focus on product in tech innovation, while building a flow of investment to support start-ups and scale-ups.

Townhouse opens fourth salon in Kensington

Award-winning nail salon group Townhouse has opened the doors to its fourth salon.

Located close to High Street Kensington tube station in London, the new salon offers Townhouse’s signature treatments, service and interiors, and weaves in some interesting tech. It features self-book kiosks and digital colour libraries on iPads for a modern experience.

Winner of Professional Beauty’s Nail Salon of the Year 2021, and a finalist in the 2022 category, Townhouse offers both its classic treatment menu and seasonal nail art collections at the new location.

The treatment menu ranges from express treatments starting at £26 to luxury treats for a more indulgent experience, before heading to the cuticle oil station for a complimentary oil.

Townhouse Founder Juanita Huber-Millet said, “I have absolutely loved designing this space and feel it’s one of our best yet!”

News in brief

CACI’s Bulgarian distributor Cellsoft BG attended annual trade show Beauty Woman Symposium in Bulgaria, introducing CACI in person for the first time to Bulgaria’s professional market. Daniela Donova, managing director of Cellsoft BG commented, “We were happy to give a presentation, offer demonstrations, and show visitors the brilliant results of CACI.”

Sienna X has moved into a new headquarters canal side in Droitwich Spa, with increased warehouse space. The brand has also added training venues in Cornwall, Plymouth, Dagenham and Hayes offering its Level 1 Spray Tanning course.

Everlasting Brows has been awarded International Business of the Year at the London FSB Celebrating Small Businesses Awards 2022. Founded by beauty entrepreneurs Kintija Belska and Monika Ludwiczak, Everlasting Brows offers microblading and semi-permanent make-up services.

Absolute Collagen has been ranked fourth in The Sunday Times 100 Fastest Growing Companies 2022. Co-founder Maxine Laceby said, “We are incredibly proud to be in The Times’ Top 100, what a special way to mark Absolute Collagen’s fifth birthday.”

Spa brand Voya has partnered with two additional hotels in the UK, taking its total number of partner spas to 52 in the country and 450 worldwide. The new additions are The Headland Hotel, in Newquay, Cornwall, and the Craiglands Hotel and Spa in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

Rö Skin and Skin Matters among iiaa Salon of the Year winners

The iiaa Salon of the Year Awards saw 150 skincare professionals from the UK and Ireland gather at The Londoner hotel in June.

The awards were presented by broadcaster Mariella Frostrup, and the winners are: 

Salon of the Year UK: Rö Skin Salon of the Year Ireland: Millies Green Salon of the Year: The Ivy Skin and Laser Clinic Therapist of the Year: Zava Buggy, Zava Skincare Special Contribution: Monica Tolan The Skin Experts Best Newcomer of the Year UK & Ireland: Hilltop Beauty Salon Platinum Salon of Excellence: Touch & Glow Gold Salon of Excellence: The Hart Spa Silver Salon of Excellence: Kim Van Leirop Bronze Salon of Excellence: London Road Beauty Business Game Changers: The Beauty Lounge, Lavish Beauty, Opal Rooms Beauty Spa, Skin Matters.

David Alpert, managing director and founder of iiaa said, “Every year, I am both proud and humbled by the incredible achievements of our skincare professionals. The 2022 Awards feel particularly poignant – when we reflect on such success, accomplishment, and resilience in the face of Covid.”

New HQ for Heaven Skincare

Following an increase in sales over the last few years, Heaven Skincare has relocated from its previous premises in Shifnal to a larger head office, factory and training centre at Access442, Hadley Park, Telford.

The new premises is only a few miles from where founder Deborah Mitchell started Heaven at her kitchen table back in 1995.

Mitchell’s daughter Ella Jane headed up the move and worked with Shrewsbury-based office fit-out specialist AGS Projects from initial planning through to the finished project. “The result is a stunning workspace that our staff – and our family dogs – love being in. It marks an exciting new era for us, and I look forward to me and my team celebrating many more successes here in the future,” said Mitchell.

Eve Taylor new website has improved features for salons

Skincare and aromatherapy brand Eve Taylor has launched a new website with features introduced to help support its growing community of professional therapists.

The new site has increased learning resources to support product knowledge and applications and maintain continuous professional development.

There are also more marketing tools and image library assets to help professionals reinforce the promotion of their salon treatment portfolio to their clients.

Having been founded by Eve Taylor OBE in London in 1963, the company has therapists worldwide offering face and body treatments.

Diary dates

// September 5–11

British Beauty Week London and nationwide The council is encouraging brands, retailers and salons to create initiatives to demonstrate the power of beauty. 07355 042657 britishbeautycouncil.com

// September 25–26

Professional Beauty North Manchester Central The largest beauty exhibition in the North is back with hot launches, education, competitions and more. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/north

// October 2–3

Olympia Beauty Olympia London Trade show with competitions for nails, lashes and massage. 01959 569867 olympiabeauty.co.uk

// October 8–10

Salon International ExCeL London An opportunity for hair professionals, salon owners and colleges to network and learn from industry experts. 020 3841 7370 salonshow.co.uk

// October 17–18

Cosmetics Business Live Business Design Centre, London A platform for brand owners, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to come together 020 7193 6701 hpcimedia.com

// November 6-7

Professional Beauty and HJ Ireland CityWest Dublin Discover new trends, pick up skills and network at Ireland’s leading show for beauty, spa and hair professionals. 0844 586 8195 professionalbeauty.ie

Vagaro opens first international office in the UK

Business management software and app Vagaro has opened new UK offices in Stevenage, England.

The growing tech company used by beauty, fitness and wellness industries, said the launch will allow it to train UK employees in support, sales and learning development to the same standards as at the company’s headquarters in Dublin, California.

UK managing director Jason Downes said, “We’re eager and excited to have a physical presence in the UK as demand for our services across the world continues to grow. Our key desire is to make sure our worldwide users feel heard, acknowledged and most importantly, supported.”

Over summer, the company also partnered with fitness app Thrivo to co-host a free Pride celebration at the first ever Metaverse virtual salon, closing out Pride Month.

Sharon Hilditch awarded fellowship of City & Guilds

Sharon Hilditch MBE, co-founder of Crystal Clear International, has been awarded fellowship of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

To be considered for fellowship, candidates must “exemplify excellence by embodying the core values of leadership, imagination and integrity”.

Fellows are leaders of industry who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields.

Hilditch, who launched Crystal Clear in 1995, said, “It is truly an honour to receive such recognition from the City & Guilds Institute. To me, I’m just doing the job that I love. I am also very lucky to have a great team here at Crystal Clear HQ supporting me.”

Gerrard International complete team wellness walk

The Gerrard International team celebrated Global Wellness Day on June 10 with a last-minute lightbulb moment from marketing director Paul Gerrard, who is also Global Wellness Day UK ambassador.

Celebrating the event the day before its official date, Gerrard said, “On our last Global Wellness Day event before Covid-19 struck, the team and I went for an hour-long wellness walk that was deeply felt and adopted by all.”

In an effort to make this year’s walk special, Gerrard brought along his two-year-old labrador Reggie, who is loved by the Gerrard International family.