13 mins
NEWS
Brits set to spend £3.1bn on pre-Christmas beauty and hair treatments
Despite the rising cost of living, Brits are set to spend £58.80 a head on beauty and hair appointments in the run up to Christmas, according to new stats.
The research from wholesaler Capital Hair and Beauty found that UK consumers will spend a combined £3.1 billion on their beauty and hair treatments this festive season.
Most said they won’t be cutting back, with almost half (44%) planning to spend the same amount as in previous years and almost a quarter (23%) expecting to spend more.
Residents of Northern Ireland are expected to spend the most, with those in Lisburn predicted to splash out £171.50 a head, followed by Belfast residents at £85.20.
Meanwhile, people living in Swansea are expected to spend the least at £30.90.
The research surveyed 2,000 consumers from 49 UK towns and cities to learn more about the nation’s intentions for hair and beauty bookings in the lead up to Christmas 2022.
Other cities that made the top five spenders were London at £83.90, Leicester at £80.20, and Warrington at £79.70.
Sunderland had the highest number of residents who are planning to spend more than they had done in previous years (60%). While hair services top many clients’ pre-Christmas essentials list, many beauty treatments also made the top 10, with eyebrow shaping coming in at number five, massage at number nine, and gel manicures and hair removal at joint tenth.
In fact, the stats found that a quarter of UK women (25%) will be treating themselves to a gel or acrylic manicure this December, and 5% of UK men will also book in for some kind of manicure.
Sustainability important to 91% of beauty consumers but 83% want transparency
The majority of UK consumers find sustainability and ethics important when choosing a beauty or wellness product, yet most think brands need to be more transparent about the claims they make, according to a new report. The data, from sustainability marketing company Provenance, found that 91% of Brits think that sustainability and ethics-related considerations are important when buying beauty products.
However, 83% think the industry should be more transparent about the impact of products and only 16% think beauty brands’ sustainability claims are “very trustworthy”.
Globally, consumers’ most important ethics-related consideration is nature and animal welfare, followed by waste, treatment of workers, climate change impact, then commitment to community.
The report also found that 71% of shoppers aren’t sure what is meant by “environmentally friendly” and 69% say the same for “eco-friendly” claims.
Other vague terms that confuse consumers include “clean” (64%) and “green” (62%).
In fact, only 25% of shoppers said they find it very easy to understand the criteria behind sustainability and social impact claims, and 79% have doubts about whether to trust the beauty industry’s sustainability claims.
News in brief
Aztec Hotel and Spa in Bristol is working with Amethyst Trust to create inclusive treatments for those affected by cancer. Therapists at the spa, which is part of the Daniel Thwaites Group, have trained to provide massage therapy safely by adapting existing Caudalie treatments, so guests can relax knowing they are in expert hands.
Vagaro is helping small business owners amidst inflation by offering its most popular add-on features such as Xero integration, online store, and website builder, at no additional cost to the base price. Vagaro previously offered its services to users completely free of charge due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Skin Professionals UK have launched a new course, titled “How to develop your own Awesome Skin Consultation”. The self-led study course aims to improve customer satisfaction and increase revenue. To find out more, head to the Skin Professionals UK Facebook group.
Plans are in place to extend the existing Gaia Spa at Plympton’s Boringdon Hall. The proposal is to create a new fitness suite, which will form part of the spa offering, accessed through the existing gym, that can be used as a spa relaxation space when no classes are running.
Laseraid UK has appointed Guy Bunn as chief operating officer to lead its expansion in the UK. Bunn said, “I am excited by the prospect of joining the Laseraid UK team and using my experience to help drive the business forward at such a crucial time.”
World Spa & Wellness Awards 2023 shortlist revealed
Finalists for the World Spa & Wellness Awards 2023 have been announced, with the shortlist celebrating spas and their teams across the world in 10 categories.
The awards recognise excellence in wellness provision, treatment delivery, customer care, business skill, leadership and sustainability around the globe, honouring hotel and resort spas in all regions.
Finalists from the UK include Aqua Sana, Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, The Berkeley, The Gleneagles Hotel, Gaia Spa, Rockliffe Hall, The Spa at Carden, The Spa at Lucknam Park Hotel, Whatley Manor and Hoar Cross Hall.
Winners will be announced on March 5, 2023, at a glamorous awards ceremony, which will run alongside the Professional Beauty Awards 2023 at Grade II-listed venue The Brewery in London.
To see the shortlist and reserve your ticket for the awards head to professionalbeauty.co.uk/wswawards.
The categories
Spa Leader of the Year
Spa of the Year -Western Europe & Scandinavia
Spa of the Year – Asia & Australasia
Spa of the Year – Eastern Europe
Spa of the Year – Middle East & Africa
Spa of the Year – North & South America
Spa Team of the Year Sustainable
Spa of the Year - sponsored by Aromatherapy Associates
Spa Group of the Year - sponsored by Gharieni
Worldwide Health & Wellness Destination - sponsored by Lemi
Robotic artificial intelligence manicures will be available in airport spas from 2023
Robot manicures powered by artificial intelligence (AI) will launch in select US XpresSpa airport spas in 2023, thanks to a partnership between robot designer Clockwork and wellness company Xwell.
A Clockwork “minicure” involves the use of AI and 3D imaging to scan visitors’ nails before an autonomous robot paints them in just 10 minutes, working similarly to a 3D printer without human intervention.
In Q1 2023, XWell will launch up to five of Clockwork’s manicure robots across its 28 spa locations during an initial three-month period. The firm has plans to deploy as many as 25 units.
The service is intended to be a “fast-casual” approach to nail care costing $10 (£8.50), with a $2 (£1.70) discount for first-time customers, and only includes application of polish.
News in brief
Voya Organic has partnered with Soho Farmhouse to offer Voya’s 300-year-old seaweed bathing tradition. The Spa at Soho Health Club at Soho Farmhouse is set on the retreat’s 100 acres of Oxfordshire countryside.
Salon business expert Liz McKeon has launched an app to help salon owners discover the potential in their business and work on creating a strong work-life balance while futureproofing their salon. The new tool allows professionals to connect with McKeon, book courses and training, access videos and read testimonials.
Plans are underway to create a £250m adventure resort in Port Talbot’s Afan Valley with a 50-bed hotel, spa, restaurant, viewing area, 570 lodges and biking and walking trails. The resort, from developers Wildfox Resorts Afan Valley, will be the first of a series of new Wildfox resorts across the UK.
CACI is offering a “try before you buy” scheme for its Synergy+ device following a rise in interest. Managing director Dean Nathanson said the offer “gives businesses the opportunity to experience the CACI Synergy+ system on a fixed low monthly rental cost with the opportunity to purchase after six months or return the system without any further obligation”.
Salon System hosted a brunch event for its ambassadors called Brand Experts for High Breakfast at the Haymarket Hotel in London. Topics discussed included post-pandemic business, social media, 2023 trends and education.
New Fake Bake professional distributor outlines initial plans for the brand
Tanning brand Fake Bake is returning to UK salons under new professional distributor French Beauty Expert Distribution.
The brand’s exit from the UK market came when previous distributor Fake Bake United Ltd was placed into liquidation in 2021, coupled with a fire in the brand’s factory in Oklahoma which destroyed its stock.
The Fake Bake Darker Tan has been relaunched as the initial stage of the brand’s reintroduction, with the 60-Minute Express Tan and spray machines set to return in 2023.
The products are being reformulated to comply with new DHA regulations, and efforts are being made to make the ingredients and packaging more ethical and sustainable.
French Beauty Expert managing director Nicola Fisher told Professional Beauty, “People know the tan and they know that it’s an amazing tan. Salons can buy just one bottle and give it a try to see if they still love it.”
In terms of getting Fake Bake’s name back out there, Fisher said the brand is working with TV shows. Award-winning celebrity tanner James Harknett is also on board as a brand ambassador.
While French Beauty Expert is heading up the professional distribution, the consumer retail distribution will be handled by Scent Global.
Townhouse opens first “local” Petit Townhouse salon plus a second site outside London
Townhouse has opened Petit Townhouse, in London’s Notting Hill.
The launch marked the salon group’s first local neighbourhood concept salon.
Located at 4 Ladbroke Grove, Petit Townhouse was the group’s sixth salon launch, joining other locations in Kensington, Knightsbridge (within Harrods), Liverpool Street, H Beauty by Harrods in Milton Keynes, and the original Townhouse in Fitzrovia, which opened in 2018.
Townhouse founder Juanita Huber-Millet said, “I am thrilled to launch our first Petit Townhouse location… expect everything you already know and love from Townhouse on a slightly smaller scale.”
Shortly afterwards, the company also opened it seventh site, and its second H Beauty location, Townhouse Cribbs Causeway, within H Beauty by Harrods, Bristol.
News in brief
Phorest has introduced PhorestPay Card Terminals, providing integration of in-salon payment together with the Phorest platform. The terminal ensures all transactions automatically sync with the platform, and streamlines the payments process for the salon.
The Spa at Ardencote, Warwickshire, has made its services more accessible with the introduction of Touch Therapy treatments developed for those who have been touched by cancer or conditions such as Long Covid and PTSD. The spa has also partnered with Tribe517 to launch Cloudy Kaleidoscope Collection, a treatment menu influenced by the colours of the surrounding countryside.
Manor House Hotel, Alsager, has completed the final stage of its redevelopment with the opening of the Pool House – home to a swim-up bar. The now complete spa has features including outdoor underfloor heating as well as individual heating in each hanging bed to create a year-round retreat.
The Spa at Carden is now available for private hire. This new package will allow private use of the 4500sqm spa, providing guests exclusive use of the spa for a Twilight session from 5:30pm until 9pm, and allowing them to watch sunsets over the grounds, with packages starting from £4,950.
15% of Brits think looking good is more important for men than women, up from 8% in 2017 – showing that physical appearance is increasingly important for male consumers. The data comes from supplement manufacturer Lycored, which surveyed 480 skincare consumers.
NHBF announces Top 100 Influencer Index 2022
After launching last year, the second annual National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) Top 100 Influencer Index has been revealed for 2022.
The top 20 influencers from the list were announced live at a party held at Electric Space, London, on November 13, hosted by beauty content specialist Keeks Reid.
Numbers 100 to 21 were announced on the NHBF’s social channels last week, with lots of new faces making the list.
An initial list of hundreds of nominations was whittled down by an independent company, which then analysed these nominations based on followers, engagement and reach to decide the top 100.
Beauty professionals took home five of the top 10 spots, as well as holding the top three positions for the second year running.
Jamie Genevieve, make-up artist and founder of Vieve, took home the top spot, with skincare expert Caroline Hirons and make-up artist Cher Webb following in second and third place respectively.
Nail techs Jess Maynard and Harriet Westmoreland also secured spots in the top 20, placing sixth and eighth on the index.
Wandsworth high street unites to boost local businesses in the run-up to Christmas
Guinot franchise salon owner Justyna Rostek has launched a pop-up initiative to bring shop owners in Earlsfield, London, together to support local small businesses in the run-up to Christmas.
The salon and shop owners are using the community spirit built during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic to keep the high street busy during the cost-of-living crisis.
The project, titled “Earlsfield Village”, will see high-street shops sharing their floors with small home-grown businesses.
This newfound sense of community and the threat of the cost-of-living crisis – which is causing consumers to cut back while the “cost of doing business” is rising – is driving Rostek to keep up the neighbourly momentum, with plans for the pop-up events to return next year.
Diary dates
// January 26–28 IMACS Annual World Congress Palais des Congres International expo covering aesthetic procedures.
+33 (0) 140 738 282
imacs.com/en
// February 20–21 Professional Beauty Dubai Festival Arena, Dubai The biggest industry event in Dubai includes live stages, workshops and competitions.
+971 (0) 4375 7300
professionalbauty.ae
// March 5 Professional Beauty and World Spa & Wellness Awards 2023 The Brewery, London The biggest and most established awards for the industry will celebrate UK spas and salons, plus international spas.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards
// March 5–6 Professional Beauty London 2023 ExCeL London PB London returns with stellar education, competitions, networking opportunities and some of the industry’s biggest brands.
0344 443 4411
professionalbeauty.co.uk/london
// March 5–6 World Spa and Wellness Convention 2023 ExCeL London Global networking event for both independently run and group spas and hotels taking place at PB London.
0344 443 4411
professionalbeauty.co.uk/wswlondon
// March 31–April 2 Beauty Düsseldorf Messe Düsseldorf Trade fair for beauty, cosmetics, nails and spa.
+49 211 4560 7602
beauty-duesseldorf.com
Medik8 commits to achieve net zero with new sustainability strategy
Medik8 has updated its sustainability strategy with four pillars.
The climate action pillar aims to achieve net zero by 2030 and reduce carbon emission intensity by 50% by 2030.
Meanwhile, the waste reduction pillar pledges for 100% of Medik8’s packaging to be resuable, refillable or recyclable by 2026, alongside a 25% reduction in factory water usage by 2024 and zero waste to landfill by 2025.
The ethical business pillar concerns ensuring the best for colleagues, suppliers, customers, animals and the planet by having a supplier sustainability programme in place by 2023, 100% of sourcing coming from responsible suppliers by 2024, and 100% traceable and responsibly sourced natural raw materials by 2030.
The social investment pillar encourages further impact of the other pillars through direct social investment.
Alexandra Florea, head of sustainability at Medik8, commented, “Our updated strategy is taking our efforts to the next level, both in terms of ambition and of positive impact we want to have on the world around us.”
Gharieni Group acquires Dutch manufacturer Bentlon
Spa equipment brand Gharieni Group has acquired Dutch beauty equipment manufacturer Bentlon.
The acquisition also means that the trademark “Vapozon,” a procedure of steaming the skin as a preparation for facial treatments, now belongs to Gharieni Group.
Chief executive Sammy Gharieni said, “The acquisition of Bentlon is a logical step towards more diversity in our product portfolio.
“With its 45-year tradition of manufacturing and designing treatment beds for the beauty market, the brand is a perfect fit for Gharieni Group.”
CACI introduces Advanced Clinic status
CACI now offers existing clinic accounts the opportunity to become certified as a CACI Advanced Clinic.
These accounts will receive a 12-month enhanced website listing on the CACI website Clinic Finder and a CACI Advanced Clinic award and window cling. Therapists will receive CACI Advanced Therapist certification and a badge.
To achieve Advanced Clinic status, the clinic will need to offer both CACI’s signature treatments and all of CACI’s advanced treatments. The clinic’s therapists will also need to complete a CACI Advanced Therapist training course.
Managing director Dean Nathanson said, “The introduction of CACI Advanced Clinic certification will give businesses an edge that will make them stand out from other CACI clinics.”