Anne thinks aloud about the challenges facing hairdressing in 2026. Is the industry in crisis?
Hairdressing’s present and future is based on professionals sharing and supporting each other. I try to consciously give to support other people in the industry? Time, knowledge, introductions, training, honest advice, flexible opportunities, credit, encouragement.
My commitment to the next generation of professionals is built on one core principle: Education is freedom. I believe in “lifting as I climb.”
I have visited Uganda to share what I know with young women in a rural orphanage. It’s about giving them real hairdressing skills in collaboration with local professionals so they can stand on their own two feet and find financial independence. Whilst doing this, I learn textured hair skills directly from the experts.
At home, I use my platform to open doors. Whether it’s working with the Fellowship Net Zero group or mentoring, I want to make sure the next generation of stylists has a seat at the table, and the business confidence to stay there.
So, it’s not just about what I can give. I get so much back in return personally and professionally.
A stronger team, business growth, loyalty, confidence, collaboration, perspective and sometimes something unexpected!
A real perspective: My work in Uganda and with young stylists keeps me grounded. It reminds me why I started and keeps my own passion alive.
A team I can trust. When you truly invest in people, they stay with you. I’ve gained incredible loyalty and a team that isn’t afraid to innovate with me.
Confidence to keep going. Honestly, seeing a student “get it” or watching a mentee fly is the best feeling. It validates everything I’ve done over the last 30 years and makes me want to keep learning myself.
However, our industry needs so much more right now! Visibility, financial education, mentorship, fair pay, recognition, leadership opportunities, investment, structured support from government and simply an open conversation about the challenges it faces.
The training and recruitment crisis. New entrants are either declining in number (apprenticeships) or reaching the job market under skilled and under qualified (college students and self-trained non professionals). We need all hairdressers to be competent with all hair types. Currently, the majority don’t know how to work with Type C hair. Anne offers an Introduction to Textured Hair/Afro for Beginners course to help address this.
mandatory registration as they are in most other countries. In the U.K. anyone can operate as a hairdresser, putting the public at risk as well as damaging the reputation of the industry.
The future is concerning. Freelancing is great and the best choice for many. But it is the employment model that recruits and trains new entrants most effectively. The number of apprentices is falling. Many new stylists are only competent is their chosen speciality e.g. bayalage. Will AI and robots fill the gap? Fast forward 30 years and perhaps hairdressers will either be all over 50 or humanoids!
