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 UK budget, which saw significant changes announced, including increased National Insurance contributions and national minimum wage, which could affect your salon’s bottom line. We know how challenging this can be, and we’re dedicated to helping bring about change.
Here’s what we’ve been working on to support the industry:
- We helped gather crucial data from salons across the UK to present to key industry leaders to strengthen our government advocacy efforts. Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey!
- We worked with industry associations to help secure prominent media coverage to amplify the concerns of salon owners. You can watch UK Salon Owner Toby Dicker’s interview following the budget on Sky News here.
A breakdown of the key factors that will impact hairdressers and the hair industry can be found here. While we await progress on these initiatives, we’d like to share some other industry insights and other resources to help your salon thrive as we head into the festive season and beyond. Here’s our recap:
Your News Round-Up
1. 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.
2. 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.
If you would like more tips on Festive Marketing ideas for your salon, check out our blog here.
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. Best Practice Guide Shared by BABTAC to Help Beauty Therapists Support Menopausal Clients
October was World Menopause Month. Did you know that 95% of women believe education and awareness of menopause need to be improved? In response to this need for education, the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) has released MENOPAUSE: A BABTAC Best Practice Guide.
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.
Webinar: How To Take A Fresh Approach to Business Planning
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, Phorest’s 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 on the Phorest blog.
Right: Alan, the resident dog at Hazel & Haydn
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 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: Sara Cheeney & Starbox Charity
After surviving breast cancer in 2016, our inspiring client, Sara Cheeney from Pure Perfection Clinic, founded Starbox Charity to uplift chemotherapy patients. In just over a year, she and her team have delivered thoughtful gift boxes full of comfort and support to those starting treatment. We’d like to recognise her incredible dedication and help spread the word.
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
