Author: admin

We asked Anne Veck about trends in the global hairdressing industry over the next few years. This are her forecasts, including her vision of an AI, robotic salon experience! Do you agree?

1. Sustainability and eco-friendly practices. There has been a growing emphasis on sustainability within the hair & beauty industry, including the use of eco-friendly products and adopting practices that minimize environmental impact. Many salons and stylists are incorporating sustainable approaches into their businesses. At Anne Veck, we refitted both our salons to be more planet friendly between 2013 and 2018 and we have created a sustainable hairdressing tool kit “Salon RE:Source” (get it here bit.ly/SalonReSourceUK ) It has been downloaded over 1,600 times.

2. Wellness and self-care. Haircare is being viewed more holistically as part of overall wellness. Salons are offering services that promote relaxation and stress relief, tying into the broader trend of self-care. Hairdressers are caring people, they care for both their clients’ health and the health of the planet (see above).

3. Inclusivity and diversity. There’s a move towards more inclusive representations of beauty. This involves celebrating diverse hair textures, styles, and colours that reflect a broader range of cultural influences. It is now generally unacceptable to say “we don’t do your type of hair” and there is a growing demand from hairdressers to invest in training to fill this skills gap. To meet this demand, Anne Veck offers an “Introduction to Textured Hair” workshop, which she delivers in the UK and France.
Texture embrace. There’s a celebration of natural hair textures, with a move away from excessive heat styling. Embracing and enhancing the natural texture of hair has become a significant trend.

4. Natural and organic Products. There is an increasing demand for natural and organic haircare products, reflecting a broader consumer interest in clean beauty. This impacts the way we professionals approach haircare by incorporating more environmentally friendly options into our offerings. This demand is having a major effect on manufacturers who supply salons.

5. Radical new products. Multi-functional styling products are offering multiple benefits, such as volumizing, texturizing, and holding properties all in one, are gaining popularity. This is streamlining the styling process for professionals, allowing for versatility in creating different looks.
Colour-protecting Formulas. With the growing popularity of vibrant hair colours, colour-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and treatments are essential so that we can apply these products to maintain and enhance our clients’ colour treatments.
Dry Shampoos are gaining momentum, providing a quick solution for reviving hairstyles between washes and extending their longevity. Good for reducing water , energy and carbon emissions too.

6.Skill shortages and apprenticeship and training programmes. In the UK at least, initiatives to provide hands-on training and nurture new talent are confused and not communicated effectively. Apprenticeships (based in salons with a combination of practical skills and theory) are the favoured route into the industry by employers. However, the public (that is, parents and young people themselves), the education sector and politicians, favour higher education and thus the college route. Recent campaigning by industry bodies has resulted in the college based “T-level” (t =technical) for Hair and Beauty, having the hair component removed. There is now no T-Level for hairdressing . Whether or not this helps drive more young people into the apprenticeship route, remains to be seen.

7. Technology’s role. Technology has significantly transformed the hairdressing industry as follows: Online Booking: Simplifies scheduling through salon management apps and salon management software. Has been available for at least 10 years but uptake by salons has been slow. Unbelievably, in the UK some salons continue use paper based booking.
Social Media Impact: Influences trends and serves as a marketing tool, especially on platforms like Instagram & tiktok.
Virtual Consultations: Allows remote client consultations via video conferencing tools or salon-specific apps. This was popular during Covid and this has remained.
Salon management software and apps are enhancing business operations through platforms including client communication and loyalty. Digital payments ofcourse.
Smart Tools and Devices: Enhances styling precision and efficiency with smart hairdryers, straighteners, and colour mixers.
AI and robots. AI for personalization, tailoring services based on client preferences with AI-driven software. Plus other benefits such as virtual try-ons, enables clients to visualize hairstyles/colours through augmented reality features. And, yes, robots will replace human hairdressers for some simple functions and maybe completely. It’s already happening and if robots can carry out heart surgery then can definitely cut hair! There will always be a demand for the human touch but this may become a high end VIP luxury.

8. Industry collaboration. We are seeing early moves by manufacturers globally to address shared sustainability issues, mainly around carbon emissions and plastic. This work is usually carried out in a “pre-competitive space” and can involve all parties signing NDAs ( non disclosure agreements). So there is
(we hope) more happening than we are aware of. One great example is the Hairstyling Tools Collective, launched in London in October 2023. “A collaboration to lessen the environmental impact and increase the sustainability of hair tool products and to jointly support organizations, activities and endeavours that will help achieve these aims” .Hairstyling Tool Collective. — Hair industry sustainability (hairtoolcollective.com). Founded by Denman International and Olivia Garden, UK hairdressers Anne Veck and Melanie Tudor are their Sustainable Salon Champions and other manufacturers are invited to join.

So there you have Anne’s assessment of where the hairdressing industry is going. More sustainable, more diverse, more collaboration for the common good? Will a robot be cutting your hair in 5 years’ time?

There are some fabulous hair events coming up later in the year and I hope to see you all at them!

In particular, you mustn’t miss Colour World and the Alternative Hair Show. Bookings are open for both right now!

Colour World UK is a 2-day gathering for colourists held in a London Victorian warehouse, on Tanner Street – a short walk from London Bridge station. Come to immerse yourself in colour and come and see me.

The venue is deliberately chosen to encourage creativity in an atmosphere of artistry and excitement. One of my favourite events, its also seriously sustainable! Bring your own water bottles/collapsable cups which can be refilled at the bar and your own cloth bags for any takeaways. Green Salon Collective will be on hand to ensure as much waste as possible is diverted from landfill.
So put Sunday 19 May and/or Monday 20 May in the diary now! Tickets here.

The Alternative Hair Show is my favourite hairdressing event, a riot of fantasy and avant-garde talent from all over the world and all for the purpose of raising funds to help kids and their families affected by leukaemia and other blood diseases.
I missed last year but I’m thrilled to be back for the eleventh time for the 2024 show! Get your tickets here.

Anne Veck has once again been selected as a Pre-Nominee for the International Hairdresser of the Year title.

It is the third time in five years that multi-award-winning Anne has been shortlisted for the accolade – the top honour of the International Hairdressing Awards 2024. Entry into this category is strictly by nomination only, with those selected representing the crème de la crème of international hairdressing. Criteria for selection includes previous awards success, as well as quality of photographic work, and educational and artistic work during the last year.

Anne’s hat trick of nominations for the same prestigious title is confirmation of her influence as an artist and an educator, not just in the UK, but on an international level. Her enviable track record goes back beyond 2016 when she was crowned Winner of Global Style Master by Revlon Professional.

Anne is now required to submit a photographic collection of four images, as well as a detailed dossier outlining her professional activity from July 2022 onwards. Finalists for the category will be announced in February 2024, with the awards event itself taking place next May.

The news follows Anne reaching the finals of the Live Fashion Hair Awards, in the Creative Colourist of the Year category. Anne’s ‘Mondrian’ collection has been shortlisted and she will now compete for the title against ten of her peers at the event in Tenerife later this month.

‘I’m incredibly honoured to be nominated for two such exciting awards’ says Anne. ‘The shortlists include so many talented stylists and it is a privilege to see my name alongside some industry icons. In the last twelve months, I have worked hard to launch my new education programme and am dedicated to bringing my training to an international audience, so this nomination feels very timely.’

Designed to eliminate the restrictions of online training, Anne Veck Education offers ‘real life, hands on’ education, encouraging participants to engage and interact with one another at a venue of their choosing.

Comprising a total of 13 courses, Anne Veck Education offers options for all levels; from apprentices to NVQ Level 3, as well we those returning to the industry after a break. Featuring six categories covering a breadth of hairdressing skillsets, each course promises to deliver Anne’s expertise and experience gained over a thirty-five-year hairdressing career, breaking down the creative and technical skills that have helped her secure multiple high profile awards and a reputation as one of the industry’s most talented hair artists.

Anne is also offering bespoke packages, collated to target specific training requirements at the request of the participant.

‘These courses have been designed to demonstrate the intricacies and technical details of hairdressing up-close, allowing participants to be hands-on with their learning, and to ask questions and interact to facilitate a truly 360-degree learning experience. Whether you are looking to fine tune your hair-up portfolio or wish to build confidence in working with textured hair, my education will provide the practical and creative know-how required to enhance your expertise and attract new clients and opportunities.’

Anne already has eight confirmed bookings in France for spring 2024!

More information on the courses and how to book can be found at anneveckhair.com or by emailing anne@anneveckhair.com

And for further information on Anne Veck or Anne Veck Education, please contact louise@lwpr.biz