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Liverpool and Leeds named most profitable UK cities to run a beauty business
Liverpool has been named the most lucrative UK city in which to have a career in hair or beauty, with Leeds and London also in the top three.
The new stats, from semipermanent make-up company K.B. Pro, rank UK locations based on average salary for beauty professionals, popularity of treatments, and average annual spend.
Liverpool came out top, with a total score of 26.6 out of a possible 30, having scored 8.6 for salary potential, 9 for treatment popularity and 9 for annual spend.
Leeds came a close second, with a total score of 26, followed by London with 25.1 total.
Other cities to make the top 10 were Glasgow (24.5), Manchester (23.6), Sheffield (23.4), Leicester (23.4), Nottingham (23.2), Edinburgh (22.2), and Birmingham (21.5).
While hairdressing came out as the top-earning beauty-related career overall, the study also found that being a lash tech or cosmetic aesthetician in London could earn you big money. The lowest-earning city was found to be Bristol.
K.B Pro’s study used data from jobs site Glassdoor to assess which type of beauty professionals make the most money in each city based on average salary reports. Data from Totalmoney.com was then used to ascertain how much people spend on different treatments in each city, while the popularity of each treatment in each city was decided using Instagram hashtags.
UK named sixth-largest spa market, with 3,671 spas, according to GWI stats
The UK has the sixth-largest spa market in the world and is ranked fourth for personal care and beauty, according to a new global report. The Global Wellness Institute (GWI)’s new Geography of Wellness report has gone into greater depth on the UK market for the first time, analysing wellness assets and the data specific to eleven sectors of the “Global Wellness Economy.”
The new report found that, as of 2020, the UK was home to 3,671 spas, with the spa industry valued at $2.1bn (£1.7bn). Total revenues were understandably lower in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and related closures, dropping from $3.3bn (£2.7bn) in 2019.
Meanwhile personal care and beauty was valued at $37bn (£30.1bn) in 2020, down from $40.2bn (£32.8bn) in 2019.
The Global Wellness Institute defined spas as establishments that promote wellness through professional services, while personal care and beauty includes beauty and hair services (excluding spas) and products; cosmetics, toiletries and age-related health services.
Overall, the UK’s total wellness economy ranked fifth out of 218 countries worldwide and second out of 55 in Europe.
The research was supported financially by Therme Group, which is currently building the UK’s third thermal spa in Manchester.
News in brief
The Lowry Hotel has launched RE:TREAT, which it describes as a technology-first spa, offering A-list favourite treatments such as a sensory deprivation tank and cryotherapy chamber. The new spa also features four treatment rooms, a relaxation area, fitness studio, and a brow and lash bar, with treatments from Elemis, Gaia and Grown Alchemist.
Scrummi Towels has been awarded B-Corp status, proving the brand as ethical and sustainable, following two years working toward the certification. As well as gaining its certified B Corporation status, Scrummi also has the European Seedling Certification and REA Environmental Agency Approval, which proves its composting credentials.
Aromatherapy brand Tisserand Aromatherapy has announced a new professional programme. The programme offers wellbeing professionals the chance to enjoy 30% off their purchases and unlocks access to exclusive specialist essential oils and larger oil sizes.
BC Softwear has entered a partnership with distributor Iris Be You Beauty Trading in Qatar to provide a treatment bed products and accessories to the country’s rapidly expanding beauty salon market, including its SupremeSoft towels and jumbo sheets, couch covers and header towels.
Kimpton Blythswood Square has expanded with the launch of Thaw, a Winter Spa Garden. Thaw, which is Glasgow’s only outdoor spa, features a hydrotherapy hot tub, two infrared saunas and an aroma steam room.
Could you be the face of the industry’s recruitment campaign?
The Professional Beauty Group, which includes the Professional Beauty, Hairdresser’s Journal, World Spa & Wellness and Aesthetic Medicine brands, is on the hunt for stars to be in our beauty industry recruitment video, inspiring the next generation of hair and beauty professionals.
The video campaign, targeted at schools and colleges, will be used to promote careers in the beauty industry, from salon owners and skin specialists to trainers, session nail and make-up artists and marketing coaches, showcasing the wide variety of roles available in this dynamic sector.
We’re looking for the everyday hair and beauty professionals who are excelling in their specialty to share real stories of career progression to motivate a new generation of industry leaders.
To get involved and share your story, head to professionalbeauty.co.uk/weneedyou to tell us what it is you love about the beauty industry and upload a short video explaining why you’d be great as part of the campaign.
Beauty salons rank among most in-demand local businesses
Beauty salons have the second highest demand according to new research by financial technology company Sum Up.
The data revealed that, although beauty entrepreneurs will find plenty of demand for their services across the UK, there are certain cities where a business is more likely to flourish.
Manchester is the city where there is most unmet demand for services said the study, which found that there are just 93 beauty salons in Manchester despite 720 monthly searches for “beauty salon near me”.
Sum Up analysed Google search volumes and the types of each registered business in each city to find the industries and cities with the highest unmet demand.
News in brief
Leading nail tech Kirsty Meakin has collaborated with goldsmith Mark Lloyd to create a jewellery line. The Nail Pendant, which is 925 solid sterling silver on a 925 silver classic 18” curb chain, is inscribed with Meakin’s unique skull logo on the front and on the reverse laser inscribed with the brand’s name.
Trybe has launched a new waitlist feature to help spas and salons quickly fill treatment spaces when cancellations are made. The feature was developed after research through the software company’s reporting function showed spas are missing £1,000s from cancelled appointments that are not filled.
Italian wellness destination Preidlhof has launched its own skincare line, which will feature as part of a newfor-2023 facial treatment at the spa, as well as being available for retail purchase. The eight-product line helps improve skin health and promote relaxation of body and mind.
Carden Park has expanded its in-house product range, consisting of Yuzu and Marjoram Shampoo & Conditioner and Body Wash, and the Fig and Vanilla Hand Wash and Hand Lotion, as well as an Oud Diffuser. Also new is Carden Park Gin, featuring a mix of rich Tuscan juniper, bergamot peel and vine flowers.
Germaine de Capuccini has named Louise Godsil as business development manager for central England. With 20 years’ experience, Godsil steps into the role as part of a promotion from her previous UK national sales manager role and will be helping to develop the brand as it continues to grow.
“Micro makeovers” and vitamin seaweed set to trend in 2023
Pinterest predicts that the “micro makeover”, or “beauty going small” will be one of the leading beauty trends for 2023.
The social media platform said this means that millennials and Gen Z will favour short French manicures, natural nails and bob haircuts over acrylic creations and long locks.
Pinterest’s annual Pinterest Predicts report for 2023 provides a look at 27 trends across 11 categories which are set to take off in the new year.
The brand’s global search data from September 2020-2022 revealed that searches for “micro French nails” have increased 235%, and searches for “short stiletto nails” rose 80%.
Pinterest UK’s head of beauty, Tom Spratt, said, “Next year’s top beauty looks will take things back to the basics. People are ready for a reset, and nothing says new beginnings like a fresh trim and new nails. As we move away from maximalism, think micro bangs, chopped haircuts and short stiletto nails.”
Other beauty trends Pinterest tips include vitamin seaweed, via an increase in the use of plants such as sea moss, an algae that helps with gut health and fertility issues, as well as protecting the skin barrier and balancing oil production.
When it comes to wellbeing and mental health, Pinterest predicts alternatives to talk therapy, such as expressive art, music therapy and journaling, will become popular with Gen Z and millennials.
Use of “anti-age” language still high among major beauty brands
Despite campaigns around the negative connotations of “anti-age” language, it remains the prevailing way brands sell products to older consumers, according to new stats from packaging company Lifestyle Packaging.
The company analysed the product pages for 41 major beauty brands that sell “anti-ageing” lines and recorded the number of times words were used that describe the signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin, as well as phrases that link ageing with decline and loss, or as a negative process that should be stopped or reversed.
Phrases like “anti-ageing” appeared almost 3,000 times across 730 pages, while “loss” appeared 1,919 times.
Words such as “youth,” “young” and “youthful” were used 2,700 times, strengthening the belief that younger-looking skin must be conserved at all costs.
Meanwhile, many brands used words and phrases that imply their products have the ability to ‘turn back the clock’ and reverse the natural ageing process. Terms including “rewind”, “renew” and “return” featured nearly 10,000 times across the product pages studied.
However, of the brands studied, those with the lowest use of anti-age language and therefore the most “pro-age” included Elemis, Liz Earle, La Roche-Posay and L’Occitane.
Revealed: top wellness travel trends for 2023
There’s an increase in travellers wanting to enhance their immunity, switch to plant-based diets and enjoy more affordable and eco-friendly retreats, according to predictions by travel company Health and Fitness Travel.
Its top 10 2023 wellness travel trends are:
• Enhancing body immunity
• Plant-based retreats
• Animal therapy retreats
• Air-free travel
• Affordable retreats
• Emotional healing retreats
• Working wellness holidays
• Detox retreats
• Alcohol-free retreats
• Family wellness retreats
Almost three years on from the outbreak of the pandemic, wellness travellers are still prioritising building resilience to disease with the help of medical experts and wellness therapies, the report said.
Health and Fitness Travel has also seen an increase in demand for affordable retreats in the cost-of-living crisis that offer health benefits for all types of travellers – be they solo travellers, groups or families.
Health anxiety has left people more determined to maintain wellbeing. Body immunity retreats offer access to some of the best medical wellness expertise in luxurious surroundings.
Meanwhile, as plant-based diets become increasingly popular so will the demand for retreats that aim to help kickstart this lifestyle.
JCCP issues standards for premises and practice ahead of licensing
The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has created new Premises Standards in preparation for the proposed licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetics in England.
Developed with input from key clinicians and members of the JCCP Clinical Advisory Group, these guidelines also align with advice provided by the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health.
In the statement from the JCCP, it was also reported that the design of the new ‘Licensing Scheme for Non-Surgical Cosmetics in England’ continues to be “on track”.
“We anticipate that consultation on the procedures to be included in the scope of the new license will commence during the mid-spring of 2023, with the aim of the new license being confirmed for implementation during the early part of 2025,” said the statement.
The JCCP has also written a good practice guide to support education and training providers in the aesthetics and non-surgical cosmetic sector.
News in brief
Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, Wiltshire, is the latest location to partner with Voya. The spa will offer bathing experiences, express treatments, luxury facials and signature rituals as part of a new spa menu designed in partnership with the seaweed-focused brand.
“The Event” by Sweet Squared is returning for its fifth instalment at The Vox, Birmingham, on May 21-22, 2023. With workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on experience, as well as leading keynote speakers, the two-day event will be an opportunity to learn, network and party all under one roof.
Aztec Hotel and Spa in Bristol has appointed Hannah Rawlings as spa manager, overseeing 14 members of staff. Rawlings’s goal is to work with the team to help guests deepen their understanding of the spa concept at Aztec, so they can go on to live a full wellness lifestyle.
Software and booking company Glam Lab, which specialises in working with freelancers, is now supporting beauty professionals seeking refuge from Ukraine. The brand is giving Ukrainian freelancers the opportunity to restart their careers, generate a client base, build a portfolio and start earning money again without having to spend on subscription or commission fees.
Booksy has completed its UK City Takeover Tour, closing with a free event in Sheffield, providing salon owners, beauty therapists, barbers, and nail bars from all over the UK with the tools to better their business. Other cities visited were Liverpool, Birmingham, and Bristol.
Diary dates
// January 26–28, 2022 IMACS Annual World Congress Palais des Congres International expo covering aesthetics. +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, nails and spa. +49 211 4560 7602 beauty-duesseldorf.com
Sk:n to rebrand all Destination Skin clinics
Sk:n Clinics will be rebranding the clinics within its sister brand Destination Skin to become part of the Sk:n brand.
Sk:n, which originally acquired the Destination Skin brand in 2019, said the move will make Sk:n the largest dermatology and aesthetics group in the country.
Destination Skin’s clinics will undergo a refurbishment with upgraded facilities, with a small number moving into Sk:n’s existing sites.
The full Destination Skin team will be retained and Destination Skin will evolve into a CQC-regulated group under the Sk:n brand.
Sk:n chief executive Darren Grassby said, “We’re delighted to unlock greater development opportunities for our employees and offer a wider selection of treatments in safe, regulated, excellent environments for our clients.”
Nail Safari returns for a wild week of learning
Nail education event Nail Safari Paw & Claw returned to Shepreth Wildlife Park in Cambridge on November 21- 25 with a line-up of top educators.
The annual five-day educational event was hosted by session nail tech Marian Newman BEM, FNP founder Jennie Nippard and Scratch founder Alex Fox.
Educators showcased a wide array of nail learning experiences with a healthy dose of animal adventure, challenges and networking.
Educators included Olena Oezman, Hazel Dixon, Andreea Simona Ignat, Mino Vo, Rebecca Isaac, Kirsty Meakin, Jennie Nippard, Barbara and Krisztina Ujvári and Marian Newman BEM.
“We shared products, brushes and experiences. Being a nail tech can be lonely because many of us have a home salon with no colleagues. It was well worth the trip,” said attendee Shelley Laxminarayan.
Elemental Herbology partners with Garden Spa at Barton Hall
Elemental Herbology has partnered with Barton Hall Hotel in Northamptonshire to bring Five Element facial and massage treatments to the new Garden Spa.
The full Five Element product range will be available at The Garden Spa, while guests can also enjoy Elemental Herbology in-room amenities.
The brand has also developed the Garden Spa Thermal Ritual-Signature Treatment, exclusive to Barton Hall. The 120-minute treatment comprises a bespoke aroma massage and aroma facial, combining the use of therapeutic essential oils with warm steamed towels, heated stones and eastern and western massage techniques.