EDITOR’S COMMENT

With many of the changes announced in the Autumn Budget coming into effect over the last few weeks, salon owners have been vocal about how it’s impacting their businesses.

As our insider survey stats from page 27 show, a huge 81% of beauty salon owners and 63% of spas say that a reduction in VAT on labour costs would enable them to hire more staff this year. Meanwhile, 82% of nail techs plan to raise their prices to reflect increased running costs.

Following the recent protest outside Parliament to demand VAT reform (see page 18), Hellen Ward outlines in her column on page 34 the changes needed to support employers in the sector and secure the future of jobs and apprenticeships.

As the weather hots up, this issue also takes a fresh look at some of the most popular pre-summer treatments. Our waxing feature on page 44 explores the best methods and products to achieve results on every different hair type and skin tone, including advice on minimising the risk of hyperpigmentation and adapting technique to suit the thickness and curl pattern of the hair. We also round up all the products you need to get the job done effectively (page 48).

Then, on page 60, we shine a spotlight on cellulite, exploring the causes, as well as bespoke combination approaches to treatment, including energy-based devices and manual or machine-based lymphatic drainage techniques.

If skincare is your thing, don’t miss our ingredient focus on page 54, where we examine the growing popularity of zinc and its use in sun protection and for the treatment of acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Meanwhile, on page 57 we take a look at the benefits of skin scanners, including how they help prove the results of treatment programmes to clients and some stats on how they can increase bookings and revenue.

Editor