Nail NATION

business

BABTAC launches 34-strong Beauty Collective to elevate industry standards

The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has established the Beauty Collective: a group of industry experts who will share their knowledge and expertise with the sector and amongst consumers.

Created to help better educate the beauty industry and elevate standards, the Beauty Collective is led by BABTAC CEO, Lesley Blair MBE. Members involved are experts in nails, business, inclusivity, sustainability and more, including:

• Caroline Hirons: award-winning author & founder of Skin Rocks and Beauty Backed.

• Karen Betts: founder of Nouveau Lashes, HD Brows & KB Pro.

• Liz McKeon: CEO of The International Salon Business School.

• Susan Routledge: multi-award-winning salon owner & founder of The Exclusive Beauty Directors Club.

• Dija Ayodele: skincare practitioner & author.

• Ria-Jaine Lincoln: The Beauty Accountant.

• Amy Bates: founder of The Beauty Rebellion, positive body image activist & educator.

• Sam Marshall: owner of The Beauty Guru & founding member of Skin Professionals UK and Be Trans Aware.

• Tracy Munro: menopause wellness expert & coach.

• Hayley Snishko: holistic beauty therapist & founder of Massage4MentalHealth.

• Suzanne Clayton: founder of the Nail Tech

Awareness Facebook group.

Scan to view the full list of Beauty Collective members www.babtac.com

The British beauty industry reported 11% growth in 2023

The British Beauty Council has published its latest The Value of Beauty Report, compiled by Oxford Economics, revealing that the British beauty sector grew by 11% to a value of £27.2 billion during 2023. This is almost the pre-Covid average of £28 billion, demonstrating signs of recovery following the pandemic, Brexit and cost of living crisis.

The growth is driven by a 10% increase in spending on personal care products and services by UK households. The hair and beauty services sector also accounted for 31% of the personal care industry’s total GDP (gross domestic product) contribution in 2023. The sector’s workforce increased by 10% between 2022 and 2023, supporting the employment of 603,000 people. Of this, 418,000 were supported directly by the industry, with the hair and beauty services sector providing employment for 224,000 people. In 2023, the personal care industry also supported tax contributions of £7.3 billion to HM Treasury, of which £3.6 billion was contributed directly by the sector.

Looking to this year, the report states that the personal care industry’s annual growth rate is forecast to be higher than the national average. It is estimated that the sector will support a total GDP contribution of £281 billion in 2024.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, comments: “We have almost returned to our 2019 peak economically, despite challenges. The adaptable and agile nature of the British beauty industry enabled us to surpass the biggest four members of the EU in growth across prestige beauty and skincare in the first half of 2024. Couple this with our tremendous domestic growth, and we have a lot to be optimistic about.” www.britishbeautycouncil.com

THE INDUSTRY'S WORKFORCE INCREASED TO 418,000 IN 2023, A 10% INCEASE ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

KENT NAIL BRAND EARNS PRESTIGIOUS TRADING STANDARDS MARK

Nail and Beauty Excellence, a nail salon and training business with its own range of professional nail products, has been awarded the ‘Buy With Confidence‘ stamp from Trading Standards UK. It is the second UK nail brand to achieve this milestone: an independent accreditation provided by local authority Trading Standards services, reassuring potential customers that a business is honest, trustworthy and offers great customer service.

Jade Barber

Nail and Beauty Excellence owner, Jade Barber, invited Trading Standards to assess her Hythe-based business, and comments: “The process took around eight months, putting the company under the microscope to ensure its operation at a high standard. Suggestions were made for change, with proof required of these changes.

“The Trading Standards Buy With Confidence stamp builds trust and credibility with customers. It signals that the business adheres to strict guidelines and high standards, and that its products or services are reliable, safe and of excellent quality. Being part of the scheme demonstrates our commitment to transparency and ethical practices, which can differentiate the business in a competitive market and give customers confidence in their purchasing decisions.”

Further benefits of the Buy With Confidence stamp include ongoing support and advice from qualified Trading Standards personnel, and a public profile on the BuyWithConfidence.gov.uk website. Nail and Beauty Excellence will continue to be monitored to maintain its membership. “The team and I remain committed to maintaining high standards and delivering exceptional products and services to our ever-growing community,” Jade shares. “The Buy With Confidence mark is more than just an accolade; it’s a promise to customers that they are in good hands.” www.nailandbeautyexcellence.comwww.buywithconfidence.gov.uk

Hair & beauty pros’ average income isn’t enough to cover cost of living, survey finds

Many UK hair and beauty professionals are not earning enough to cover personal and business costs, according to the first annual pricing survey by Boss Your Salon, which offers pricing, marketing and mindset support to industry pros.

Insight was gathered from over 1,200 respondents using Boss Your Salon’s pricing calculators, which found that the average wage earned by UK hair and beauty professionals is £13.25 per hour.

After accounting for non-client-facing work, their hourly income falls to £10.19: significantly below the National Living Wage. The research discovered that UK hair and beauty pros’ average monthly income is £1,533.42 (pre-tax and National Insurance), but they need to earn £3,042 per month to cover the cost of living and overhead expenses.

Maddi Cook, founder of Boss Your Salon, comments: “Our survey shows that many hair and beauty professionals are struggling to make ends meet, with actual earnings falling far short of what is required to cover their overhead costs and maintain a reasonable standard of living.

Maddi Cook

“There is no one-size-fits-all: pricing structures need to suit an individual’s business and lifestyle, taking mortgage, childcare etc. into account, but this is a call to action for the industry. We need to reassess pricing models and ensure that professionals are fairly compensated for their skills and hard work.” www.bossyoursalon.com

Revealed: the biggest challenges for UK hair & beauty businesses

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has released the findings of its latest quarterly State of the Industry survey, carried out in June and July. It shows that UK hair and beauty businesses are continuing to battle the challenging economic climate, with this being their greatest challenge, followed by recruiting experienced staff and finding apprentices. 16% of businesses reported making a loss, compared to 12% in April.

In response to economic concerns, 48% of businesses are putting up prices, 47% are holding off taking on new staff or apprentices, and 24% are reducing staff hours. Compared with 66% of businesses raising their prices in April to cover rising wage rates, there has been a slight reduction in price increases (58%). Businesses’ workforces and recruitment intentions are similar to April, with 20% (up from 16%) being ‘definitely’ or ‘likely’ to take on staff. 15% said they would take on apprentices in the next three months. This comes as 75% of businesses note it is more difficult to recruit, compared to a year ago.

Caroline Larissey

Over half of sector businesses (55%) are either partially or completely reliant on government support. 53% are also in debt, down 3% from January, with 50% saying it will take them between two and five years to clear. However, future expectations remain positive, with 76% of businesses confident of their survival over the coming six months. Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, comments: “Many businesses have benefitted from business rates discounts and support on energy costs, but further targeted support to small and micro employers is needed, including through the government’s proposed growth and skills levy, to unlock the sector’s full potential.” www.nhbf.co.uk

pleasure

The GelBottle Inc reveals colour-changing gel polishes

Brighton-based nail brand, The GelBottle Inc, has launched TGB TEMPtations: a trio of colour-changing gel polishes. Allowing nail pros to effortlessly create ombré looks, the nail colours shift as temperatures change.

The trio comprises Allure, a passionate pink hue; Indulge, a bold blue, and Pride, a true green. However, each offers two shades in one when exposed to heat.

The GelBottle Inc compliance director, Ifra Siddique, explains: “Thermochromic pigments in the formula react to temperature changes by altering the molecular structures, resulting in colour changes.

Ifra Siddique

“When cold, the molecular structure becomes clear, allowing the single colour gel to be seen. When you introduce heat, through water or light, the molecules become white, changing the colour of the gel polish.” It is recommended that after curing the TGB TEMPtation shades and applying a The GelBottle Inc top coat, clients should run nails under cold water to ‘reset’ them, ready to be activated by heat.

Shop TGB TEMPtations via www.thegelbottle.com

Blackpool unveiled as the UK’s beauty & self-care capital

Research by beauty software and bookings company, Fresha, has revealed that Blackpool has the highest concentration of beauty salons in the UK, boasting 428 beauty salons per 100,000 residents. This number includes 403 hair salons and 109 nail salons, with its 51 tanning studios awarding the area its second title: the tanning capital of the UK.

Beauty salons were classified as businesses offering any hair, nail, skin and tanning services. The number was then scaled against local populations to create a salon count per 100,000 people.

In second place is Bournemouth, with 393 beauty salons per 100,000 residents, placing it 80% above the national average. Glasgow closely came in third with a beauty salon count of 360, and Gateshead ranked last, reporting 40 beauty salons per 100,000 residents – 82% below the national average. A spokesperson for Fresha comments: “It’s fascinating to see the differences in beauty salon availability across the UK – especially in major cities where there is a reputation for communities placing greater importance on beauty treatments.

“For the areas with a low concentration of salons, it could be an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to fill a market gap. On the other hand, those in areas with a high concentration of salons, like Blackpool or Glasgow, face stiff competition, but can be reassured by the high demand for beauty services in these hotspots.” www.fresha.com

GLITTERBELS LAUNCHES FOUR-PIECE PINK APPAREL RANGE

Staffordshire-based nail brand, Glitterbels, has launched a four-piece apparel collection, promising comfort and style while at the nail desk, on the move or when lounging at home.

The pastel pink items have been designed by the brand’s founder, Annabel Maginnis, and combine practicality with cosiness. The collection features a hooded sweater with branded back and chest print, cuffed jogger with draw cord and back pocket, and relaxed puff print t-shirt: all available in sizes XS to 3XL.

Completing the range are socks (one size), available in either pink or white, featuring Glitterbels branding. The inclusive range is made from cotton, with socks a cotton/lycra mix fabric.

Charli Jepson, head of education at Glitterbels, comments: “The range is super comfy: ideal for a long working day, relaxing at home or going for a coffee with your besties.”

Shop the range via www.glitterbels.com

Charli Jepson

NAIL & BEAUTY BITES

Scarlett Senter

The Kirsty Meakin nail brand has welcomed multi-award-winning nail artist, competition judge & educator, Scarlett Senter, as an ambassador. The Norfolk-based pro bonded with Kirsty Meakin, brand founder & Scratch Stars Services to the Nail Industry winner 2024, over a love of nails, and the pair have been friends for many years. www.kirstymeakin.com

The Hairdressing and Beauty Suppliers Association (HBSA) has announced the return of the Croner helpline, which connects members to the business support provider. This free support includes employment law advice, health & safety assistance and commercial legal help.

To access the support, call 0844 561 8133 and quote HBSA reference 928171

Somerset-based nail brand, Nailchemy, has unveiled its redesigned website, featuring a bright purple, grey and striking blue colour palette. New features include VAT-inclusive and exclusive pricing and a Salon Finder, where Nailchemy pros can list their businesses and connect with potential clients. www.nailchemy.co.uk

Salon owner & National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) board member, Louise Fordham, is to represent the organisation on the Hair & Beauty Charity committee. She takes over the role from NHBF chief executive, Caroline Larissey, and will be involved in determining where funds and support should be directed. www.hairandbeautycharity.org

Sustainability authority, Green Salon Collective, has launched environmentally conscious towel line, Replant Towels. The single-use salon towels are B-Corp, 100% plant-based, compostable and biodegradable, and a tree is planted for each order from the brand. Replant Towels can be composted via Green Salon Collective. www.replanttowels.com

Irish-founded salon software company, Phorest, held a beach clean-up event in Dublin during ‘Plastic Free July’. A team of Phorest employees collaborated with Irish organisation, Clean Coasts, to remove litter and debris from the shores of Bull Island and demonstrate Phorest’s dedication to sustainability. www.phorest.com

MelodySusie marks 15th anniversary with limited edition gift box & promotions

Nail product provider, MelodySusie, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a Nail Drill Gift Box, featuring the SM200F Plus E-file model at half the usual cost. A spokesperson for the brand comments: “During this celebratory year, we have doubled our efforts to enhance the nail products in our portfolio, underscoring our commitment to delivering exceptional items for professionals. By analysing market trends, engaging with customer feedback and investing in technology, we have achieved goals that have captivated an ever-growing community of nailcare enthusiasts.”

The brand has most recently introduced Fleurwee Gel Polish, featuring a plant-based formula. A rechargeable dust collector will launch soon, promising a cord-free, compact and powerful solution to dust created from enhancement services.

The spokesperson continues: “To mark the occasion, we have planned a series of events and promotions. These activities are designed to celebrate our shared passion for nail art and give back to our beloved community.”

Learn more about MelodySusie’s anniversary promotions at www.melodysusie.com

Olympic medallist brushes off criticism of painted nails

On 4 August, team USA sprinter, Noah Lyles, sported nail art while scooping a gold medal in the men’s 100m final of the Paris Olympics. The athletee is known for wearing bold nail designs during his sporting and personal appearances, but received backlash while on the international stage. During the Olympic Games opening ceremony, Lyles showcased a white nail look with the word ‘ICON’ painted in blue. For the 100m final, he sported a mix and match manicure, with blue and white star designs on his thumbs, index fingers and little fingers, red crosses on his middle fingers, and red lightning bolt nail art on his fourth fingers.

However, some social media users criticised the star for his nail styles, with comments including that painted nails are ‘just for women’. Responding in an interview with US Weekly, Lyles commented: “I’m a person who knows that a lot of people have different opinions and they have them for different reasons. To be honest, I’m so confident in myself that it doesn’t really matter. I think it’s funny at times.

Instagram.com/nojo18

Instagram.com/nojo18

“Sometimes it’s like, ‘Hey, I know you were brought up this way, and the fact that you can’t see the differences of why I might do it, I find entertaining.’ You know, people like me because I do this. I’m just being myself.”

Follow Noah Lyles on Instagram: @nojo18

DATES FOR THE DIARY

15-16 September Nailympia San Antonio

The San Antonio edition of globally renowned nail competition organisation, Nailympia, will take place at the Premiere San Antonio trade exhibition in Texas, and present categories including Runway Nails, L&P Acrylic Sculpture, The Joy Of Nails and Salon Nails. The competition welcomes nail pros across three divisions to showcase their skills. www.nailympia.com

22 September Pedal with Purpose

The Hair & Beauty Charity is hosting a one-day bike ride challenge, featuring two scenic circular routes in the Peak District and Tunbridge Wells. The £25 entrance fee contributes towards a minimum fundraising pledge for the Hair & Beauty Charity of £100, to generate financial assistance to struggling industry professionals and their families. www.hairandbeautycharity.org

13-14 October Nailympia London

Nailympia will commemorate its 20th anniversary at the Salon Beauty exhibition in London. The competition attracts a diverse array of industry experts to serve on its esteemed judging panel, ensuring fairness and integrity in every evaluation. This iteration features nine arena categories, which close for registration on 27 September, and 10 online categories. www.nailympia.com

13-14 October Salon Beauty

Dedicated to enabling beauty professionals to ‘discover the latest trends, innovations and live education’, the Salon Beauty exhibition returns to ExCeL London, allowing pros to meet leading brands and network. It takes place alongside Salon International, which presents an opportunity to gain insight into offering hair treatments. https://salonbeauty.showhub.live

21-23 October The Business Owners Retreat 2024

Salon business expert, Liz McKeon, is hosting the 2024 edition of her Business Owners Retreat, in partnership with educator & coach, Sinead O’Sullivan. Taking place at The Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny, Ireland, the event includes 10 classroom sessions with Liz, morning yoga sessions, fun group activities and networking with like-minded business owners. www.lizmckeon.com

23-27 October British Beauty Week

The British Beauty Council’s British Beauty Week returns for its sixth iteration, with a theme of ‘A Beauty Industry that Looks Like You’. The event will highlight the importance of inclusion and representation in the British beauty sphere, and encourage beauty brands to consider the ongoing work that needs to be done to ensure that all voices are heard and celebrated. www.britishbeautyweek.co.uk