Welcome to The Pulse, your quarterly Phorest news round-up. I’m Luke, the UK & Ireland Country Manager, bringing you the latest industry insights and updates. Let’s start with the budget announcement; despite intense campaigning, the 13.5% VAT rate for the hospitality sector has not been reduced, which could affect your salon’s bottom line.
We know how challenging this can be, and we’re dedicated to helping bring about change. We marched in solidarity with you outside Leinster House in October, and will continue to support however we can to drive change for the industry. In this edition, we’ll cover the budget, other industry news, and some helpful resources to help your salon thrive as we head into the festive season and beyond.
Your News Round-Up
1. Hair and Beauty Professionals Take Part in SME Protest March in Dublin Joined by Phorest Staff
Hair and beauty professionals, led by industry bodies such as the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic), the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) and the Irish Spa Association have taken part in an SME protest march in Dublin to warn the Government about the struggles small businesses are facing and lobby for the current Irish VAT rate of 13.5% to be lowered.
Learn More from IHF’s Instagram coverage of the march
2. How to Engage Gen X: The Fastest Growing Beauty Spender
Dermal therapist Yadira Galarza Cauchi unpacks Gen Z’s shopping trends, showing this generation as the fastest-growing demographic of beauty buyers, and offers advice to beauty businesses looking to lean in.
3. How to Introduce Clients to Colour
Helping colour-shy clients feel confident about trying hair colour can be a great boost to your salon’s services. Bianka from George’s Hairdressing shares simple tips on introducing colour carefully—such as using subtle tones first to ease them in. This article offers great advice to grow your colour clientele while ensuring a positive, comfortable experience.
4. Amidst Bombardments and Blackouts, Kyiv’s Nail Salons Tell a Story of Human Endurance in Wartime
In Kyiv, nail salons have become symbols of resilience and routine, even in the midst of war. Despite challenging conditions, these businesses show the power of beauty services to provide comfort and normality. A testament to the strength and community connection that salon owners everywhere foster.
5. 7 Tips for Maximising Sales This Festive Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to get your retail offering in check and ensure you’re using your retail products as a revenue driver. This article by WellSpa details their seven tips for maximising salon retail sales during the busy festive season, ensuring your clients aren’t just spending money on your services, but on your product offerings, too.
Clients are already coming to your location for services and it’s important to think about how your business can be a one-stop-shop for their gifting needs.
Learn More.
If you would like more tips on Festive Marketing ideas for your salon check out our blog.
6. Three Easy Recycling Wins for Busy Hair Salons
Did you know almost all salon foil, colour tubes, and hair cuttings end up in landfill? This article shares three simple recycling tips to help your salon reduce waste without slowing down. From eco-friendly bins to partnerships with recycling services, a few changes can help your salon go greener.
Article Spotlight
Article Spotlight: How Premium Pricing Can Elevate Your Salon Brand
Charging premium prices isn’t just about increasing revenue – it positions your salon as a premium destination for your clients and ensures financial longevity. In this blog, we share insights from some of Phorest’s top salons, clinics, and spas on how they implement premium-level pricing for their businesses while keeping the client experience at the forefront. Read it here.
If you’re interested in simplifying your business planning, join our upcoming webinar with accountant Gloria Murray, where she’ll demystify goal-setting and show you how to create an easy, actionable plan. Learn more and sign up today!
Phorest News
Phorest’s Annual Client Experience Award Winners Announced!
Congratulations to all winners! The Phorest Client Experience Awards celebrate top salons, spas, and clinics that achieve exceptional client ratings, embodying the best in hair, beauty, and client care. This year, the Phorest team personally visited winners worldwide—from Ireland to Australia—to hand-deliver awards and honour their achievements. These awards spotlight businesses that go beyond great service, creating memorable experiences that keep clients returning.
Discover more about this year’s winners and what it takes to qualify for next year on the Phorest blog:
Middle: Grace and LeeAnn from Elm Beauty with Verna
Right: Paul Dromgoole from Zeba Hairdressing with Sian
The Phorest Forest Keeps Growing
As part of Phorest’s commitment to sustainability, our team will be heading to Dunsany Castle on 14th November to participate in a tree-planting event to help grow our Phorest forest! This rewilding initiative allows us to actively support environmental restoration efforts, contributing to a greener future while also connecting with nature. Stay tuned for updates how Phorest actively supports sustainability and builds green initiatives within the industry, driving positive change for a greener future!
Salon Owners Summit Speaker Announcement
Only three months to go until the Salon Owners Summit returns to Dublin with an inspiring new lineup featuring essential strategies for challenging economic times. Don’t miss industry leaders like Ken Hughes, who will discuss bold risk-taking and innovative customer service strategies, drawing on his expertise in consumer psychology. Daniel Mason-Jones, a celebrity hairstylist and mental health advocate, will offer insights into creating resilient, thriving salon teams. Our first live panel; Breaking Barriers: Black Beauty and Redefining Excellence, features leaders like Winnie Awa, Keya Neal, Dija Ayodele, and Tendai Moyo— who will explore diversity challenges and opportunities in beauty, envisioning an inclusive, supportive industry for Black beauty brands and clients.
Book your Tickets today
Client Spotlight
Phorest was thrilled to sponsor the Irish Hairdresser Championship, celebrating top talent and creativity in our industry. A special congratulations to our client Martha Galvin, crowned Irish Hairdresser of the Year for the third year in a row! Her dedication and artistry inspire us all. Congratulations to Martha and all the talented participants!
Thanks for Reading Edition 2 of The Pulse 🌱
Thank you for tuning into this edition of The Pulse. I hope you found a moment to unwind, get inspired, and gear up for the busy season ahead. From all of us at Phorest, we’re rooting for your success as you create stunning looks and achieve your December goals. Stay tuned for more industry updates, insights, and news in 2025 – we’ll be right here, continuing to support and champion our incredible salon community.
Until next time,
Luke
UK & Ireland Country Manager, Phorest.
