News - Anne Veck

27th February 2024 Anne Veck Sustainability

JOIN THE SLOW FASHION MOVEMENT

Anne Veck is thrilled to announce that she has been appointed a Global Ambassador for the Slow Fashion Movement!.

And you can be involved too – by signing up to the Slow Fashion Season : A challenge to not buy any new fast fashion for 30 days and beyond, please find the link HERE .

Fast fashion is having terrible effects on both the people who are exploited to make it and the environment. SFM’s mission is to educate and empower fashion consumers to make environmentally and socially conscious choices.

Slow Fashion Movement say:

We empower and educate fashion consumers for a sustainable future.

Slow Down.

Deepen your relationship with your wardrobe by rewearing and sharing.

Choose Consciously

Make informed fashion decisions in the benefit of environmental and social sustainability.

Connect

Be part of the slow fashion community by exchanging knowledge and inspiration. To take part here’s the link.

21st February 2024 Anne's Secrets

The future of hairdressing? Anne Veck shares her hopes and fears.

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?

30th January 2024 Anne's Secrets

EARLY WARNING! IT’S SHOW 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.

23rd January 2024 Anne Veck Sustainability, Anne's Secrets

ANNE VECK CHAMPIONS NEW SUSTAINABLE HAIRSTYLING INITIATIVE!

Anne Veck has been appointed as one of two “Salon Sustainability Champions” by the new Hairstyling Tool Collective, a pre-competitive alliance launched by Denman International and Olivia Garden Europe.

“The Hairstyling Tool Collective is proud to work with Anne Veck Limited in recognition of their constant effort to drive sustainability in the hairdressing industry”, the collective explained at their launch at the hair industry’s premier trade show, Salon International, in October 2023.

The Hairstyling Tool Collective invited Anne Veck of Anne Veck Limited and Melenie Tudor of En Route Hair & Beauty to be its inaugural Salon Champions. Martyn Wady, International Business Manager at Denman, says: “We are so grateful to Anne and Melenie. The Salon Champions are an essential role. Our Champions will help us with advice on initiatives from the salon owner perspective, testing recycled products and importantly offering oversight, ensuring that the Collective is delivering on the commitments made in the Charter.”

Anne Veck is already a renowned hair industry eco warrior, winning multiple hairdressing sustainability awards and publishing her renowned tool kit Salon RE:Source. Anne says: “It is great to see these major hair industry manufacturers working together in a pre-competitive space to resolve the sustainability challenges which face us all. I sincerely hope many more companies join this forward-looking project and I’m looking forward to being involved.”

Working together, through shared knowledge and collaborative efforts, the new project can make a significant impact throughout the whole industry – from suppliers to stylists on the shop floor. Next will be to recruit more manufacturers to work together to reduce waste and carbon emissions!

Here is an outline of their charter:

Aim – A collaboration to lessen the environmental impact and increase the sustainability of hair tool products and to jointly support organizations, activities and endeavors that will help achieve these aims.

We aim to produce more sustainable products and bring greater sustainability to hairdressers in their daily lives. We have established this charter to outline our shared objectives and determination to make a positive impact in our industry.

Promoting sustainable
Encouraging responsible manufacturing practices
Measuring greenhouse gas emissions
Raising awareness and training hairdressers
Collaboration and knowledge sharing
Transparency and accountability

16th January 2024 Anne Veck Sustainability, Latest News

Salon RE:Source 3.0 out now!

Salon RE:Source launches third edition

A third, updated edition of the multi-award-winning Salon RE:Source sustainability toolkit has been launched.

Salon RE:Source is a free downloadable guide compiled by Anne Veck and Keith Mellen, founders and former owners of the UK’s first carbon neutral salon, Anne Veck Oxford. Created to educate stylists and salon owners on the actions they can take in order to become a more sustainable business, previous versions of Salon RE:Source have been downloaded over 1500 times. Featuring everything from easy, low-cost ‘baby steps’ to larger measures which require more considerable planning and investment, Salon RE:Source calls upon salons to look at the environmental implications of their business and to consider ways of making a difference.

Almost two years in the making, the third edition is packed with 326 tips, incorporating the latest advice on how to be a more sustainable hairdresser and salon owner. Updates include advice on reducing colour waste, the best salon cleaning products and how to choose a partner for recycling and waste management, as well as updated sections on greenwashing and CO2 offsetting.

‘Over the last two years, we have seen new developments in thinking and action around the climate and biodiversity emergency’ says Keith Mellen. ‘The new tool kit has been updated to include more innovative-yet-practical action that salon owners and hairdressers can take, both to save the planet and to future proof their businesses. And of course, the main business-friendly message remains the same: REDUCE / REUSE/RECYCLE and you will save money and attract new clients.’

Examples of actions from the 3rd edition include:

• Quick Wins: Work towards zero colour waste to reduce costs and pollution! There are apps available to help, at a very reasonable cost (see Next Steps).
• Next Steps: Install movement-sensitive PIR sensors to control the lighting in rooms that are in constant use (the loo/staff room/colour area).
• Major Changes: Move to a sustainable and ethical hairdressing product supplier

‘Fortunately, sustainability is being taken more seriously than ever before, and there are now more options available to businesses looking to play their part in protecting our planet’ says Anne Veck. ‘This third edition of Salon RE:Source offers up some new ideas on how your salon business can make adjustments that really count. Whether you’ve been working hard to make eco-choices for some time or are looking for ways to make that first step towards a more sustainable business model, Salon RE:Source has your back. We’ve included tons of suggestion which won’t cost you a penny (with many saving you money!) as well as ideas that require more of an initial investment. I truly hope that this guide inspires you to make changes for the greater good.’

Salon RE:Source 3rd Edition can be downloaded free of charge here

For further information on Salon RE:Source call Keith on 01865 744612.

27th December 2023 Anne Veck Sustainability

Regenerative AI – what ChatGPT says about sustainable hairdressing!

Keeping up to date with advice on sustainable hairdressing can be very time consuming and intellectually challenging, so we decided to trial the lazy option and ask ChatGPT for help!

Here’s what we got! (Our questions in italics).

Sustainability: The bigger picture – what needs to happen at the higher levels of the hairdressing industry. Where are we now/what more can be done?

Sustainability in the hairdressing industry involves several aspects to consider to promote more environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices. Here are some key areas and what can be improved:

Sustainable products: Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly hair care products, biodegradable and manufactured with recyclable or refillable packaging.

Energy and waste: Reducing energy consumption in salons by using eco-friendly appliances and adopting waste management practices to minimize chemical waste.

Responsible sourcing: Opting for suppliers offering environmentally friendly products and supporting sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

Education and awareness: Educating hairdressers and clients about sustainable practices, sharing tips on waste reduction, responsible product use, and the environmental impact of hair treatments.

Innovation: Encouraging research and development of more sustainable hairdressing techniques as well as new environmentally friendly products.

Moving forward, it’s crucial for the hairdressing industry to take a holistic approach by integrating sustainable practices at all levels, from production of hair care products to the salon experience and client awareness. This requires ongoing commitment and concerted actions from the entire industry.

Can you elaborate?

Of course! Let’s delve deeper into each point regarding sustainability in the hairdressing industry:

Sustainable Products: This involves a shift towards using hair care products that are environmentally friendly. These products are often made with natural, organic, or eco-certified ingredients. Additionally, they might come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging to minimize environmental impact. This shift not only benefits the environment but also promotes healthier hair care practices.

Energy and Waste Reduction: Hair salons consume significant energy, particularly through heated styling tools and lighting. Adopting energy-efficient appliances and utilizing natural lighting whenever possible helps reduce the salon’s carbon footprint. Additionally, managing chemical waste from hair treatments by implementing proper disposal and recycling methods is crucial for minimizing environmental harm.

Responsible Sourcing: Choosing suppliers that prioritize sustainability throughout their production process is key. This includes sourcing ingredients ethically, reducing their own environmental impact during manufacturing, and using eco-friendly packaging materials. Working with such suppliers promotes a more sustainable supply chain.

Education and Awareness: Educating both stylists and clients about sustainable hair care practices is essential. Stylists can learn about eco-friendly techniques and products while informing clients about the benefits and importance of using these options. Raising awareness about the environmental impact of certain hair treatments and the significance of responsible choices empowers individuals to make informed decisions.

Innovation: Encouraging the development of innovative, sustainable hair care products and techniques is pivotal. This might involve exploring new materials or formulations that reduce environmental impact without compromising performance. Supporting research and development in this area fosters a continuous improvement in sustainable hair care.

Each of these aspects contributes to a more comprehensive and sustainable approach within the hairdressing industry, aiming not only for environmental preservation but also for a more responsible and ethical practice overall.

Sustainability – team and clients buy in, how to motivate your team to meet your sustainability goals and how to communication this to clients?

For Client Communication:

Informative Signage and Displays: Display information in the salon about your sustainability initiatives. Inform clients about the eco-friendly products you use, recycling efforts, or any other sustainable practices adopted by the salon.

Staff Involvement: Train your team to communicate sustainability efforts to clients. They can discuss sustainable products and practices during consultations, explaining the benefits and importance to clients.

Digital and Social Media: Utilize your salon’s website and social media platforms to share stories, updates, and educational content about your sustainability journey. Highlight success stories or initiatives to engage and inform your client base.

Client Education and Engagement: Provide educational materials or pamphlets that inform clients about the salon’s sustainability initiatives. Offer tips or suggestions for more sustainable hair care practices that clients can follow at home.

Feedback and Transparency: Encourage clients to provide feedback on your sustainability efforts. Being transparent about your journey and welcoming feedback can foster a sense of involvement and trust among your client base.

Ultimately, creating a sense of shared purpose and demonstrating the positive impact of sustainable practices both internally and externally can motivate your team and encourage client buy-in for your sustainability goals.

Good to know the robots are still rooting for people and planet! But how long will it last?

14th November 2023 Anne's Secrets

ANNE VECK LISTED FOR INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

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

18th October 2023 Anne Veck Education, Anne Veck Sustainability

Get your hair cut and save the planet!

We are facing combined emergencies in climate and nature – so what can we do?

To find out, visit your hairdresser or barber!

Hairdressers play a key role in spreading information, so a new project aims to encourage them to help raise consumer awareness about the environment. It’s called “Mirror Talkers”.

Created by Professor Denise Baden of Southampton University Business School, it involves eco-tips that salons stick to mirrors which prompt conversations about sustainable haircare practices. Mirror Talkers has been rolled out to the UK’s salons by specialist hair and beauty waste management and recycling experts Green Salon Collective.

The stickers placed on salon mirrors pose questions like: ‘have you tried leave-in conditioner?’ or ‘do you agree most of us use too much shampoo and shampoo too often.’ A study with 21 salons found hairdressers enjoyed using them. Clients also loved them, with 73% saying it was very likely or likely that they would change their haircare routines as a result.

“It is hard to think of an occupation which involves more general conversation with a wide variety of people, and which involves behaviours so relevant to people’s everyday routines, than hairdressing,” Denise explained.
Each week, millions of people in the UK get haircuts and, in the process, come into contact with key environmental issues, ranging from water and energy use and carbon emissions to toxic chemicals. Running hot water is one of the most expensive and energy consuming things done in salons and our homes, so advice such as shampooing once, rather than rinse and repeat, saves time, money and energy all whilst benefitting the condition of your hair.
And the industry itself has a massive environmental footprint.
The 41,000 UK hair salons and barber shops turn over around £7 billion annually, with 274,000 people working in them. They use huge amounts of energy, water, plastic, card, paper and chemicals and produce large amounts of chemical and other waste. UK salons produce more carbon emissions than many small countries! (source www.worldometers.info.).

That means that hair salons have the power to make a real difference by following the three sustainability Rs : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Most businesses in the sector are micro businesses, run by caring people who care for the planet as well as their clients. They are agile, taking decisions quickly and effectively and more and more salon owners and freelance hairdressers are trying to run planet friendly businesses.

Encouragingly, there is is significant movement in the beauty industry as a whole to both support its small businesses and to take the lead in business’ role in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis. The British Beauty Council have published two groundbreaking reports on a sustainable future for beauty and green washing, respectively and have set up the Sustainable Beauty Coalition whose 2023/24 priority is tackling waste. The world’slargest cosmetics company, L’Oreal , has created a tool to help salons track, monitor and reduce their carbon footprint with the ultimate goal of being certified Net Zero. Green Salon Collective offer a range of support and information in addition to their circular economy waste recycling. Including “Salon RE:Source” a sustainable hairdressing tool kit written by salon owners Anne Veck and Keith Mellen which has been downloaded 1,500 times.

Salon owners and freelance hairdressers can choose from a range of product manufacturers who aim to put planet at least along side profit. Davines, Oway, Tabitha Kraan Organics, Organic Colour Systems, Easydry, Scrummi, to name just a few.

Hairdressers are creative, talented, energetic, knowledgeable, sociable, sympathetic and highly skilled. They are experts and professionals. Their best work is art. And increasingly they are concerned about the future of the planet.

Hairdressers talk to millions of clients each week. What if every appointment included a chat about climate and biodiversity and what we can do? Next time you are at the salon or barbers, make sure you have that conversation!

Links
Mirror Talkers ecohairandbeauty.com
Green Salon Collective https://www.greensaloncollective.com/
Anne Veck Sustainability https://www.anneveckhair.com/sustainable-hairdressing/
Salon RE:Source bit.ly/SalonReSourceUK
British Beauty Council reports https://britishbeautycouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/the-courage-to-change.pdf

PLANET POSITIVE BEAUTY GUIDE

UK Business and Biodiversity Forum https://www.business-biodiversity.co.uk/

Author’s bio.

Keith Mellen is a director at Anne Veck Limited. Our hair salon in Oxford was refitted in 2013, aiming to combine sustainability with the Anne Veck brand to create a stylish, green, destination salon. The focus was on on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, together with using products which are manufactured using renewable energy, recycled packaging and naturally derived ingredients. Anne Veck was the first U.K. salon business to be certified Carbon Neutral (by Carbon Footprint Limited) in 2019. The salon’s CO2 emissions were reduced form 14 tonnes p.a. in 2012 to 8 tonnes in 2022.
Keith is also a director of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum CIC, a business lead initiative exploring ways businesses can act to reverse the decline in nature.
This blog was originally written for Ecohustler ecohustler.com .

4th October 2023 Anne Veck Education, Anne's Secrets

All about Anne!

A L L A B O U T A N N E!
Hair artist, international educator, brand ambassador and champion for sustainable, ethical and diverse
hairdressing, Anne Veck has been a hairdresser and salon owner for more than 30 years. In 2023, Anne sold her salons and realised a long-held dream, launching Anne Veck Education, a varied and exciting prospectus of hairdressing training courses.

Multi-award-winning, Anne is one of the industry’s leading authorities on sustainability (Anne Veck Oxford was the first UK salon to achieve Carbon Neutral status) and is also a creative powerhouse, producing breathtaking
collections that support her passion for ethical and diverse hairdressing.
Trained in Paris, Anne has an extensive classical hairdressing skillset, rooted in waving, braiding and hair-up. Combined with her creative vision, this technical dexterity has produced a unique and highly respected voice within the hairdressing industry.

Anne has won countless hairdressing awards at home and internationally for both her creative work and her
sustainability initiatives.

But her story doesn’t end here! For much more do read here!

29th September 2023 Anne Veck Education

Have no fear: overcoming self doubt

Have no fear: overcoming self doubt. In which Anne Veck discusses imposter syndrome and how to manage it.
Thank you to Professional Hairdresser for featuring this article.

Despite being a multi award-winning hairdresser and founder of successful sustainability initiative, Salon RE:Source, Anne Veck is all too familiar with ‘imposter syndrome’. Like many of us, she is constantly battling with those creeping feelings of self-doubt paired with the fear of being exposed as ‘a fraud.’
Sound familiar? ‘I think at some point we all self-sabotage’ says Anne. ‘For instance, we’ve all referred to ourselves as “just a hairdresser”, when we are so much more than that implies! I want you to start tackling these feelings of self-doubt, in turn allowing you to realise your full potential and go after your dreams – with confidence!’ Anne’s ‘Have No Fear’ manifesto is about focusing on small and simple changes that can impact the future, encouraging a positive mindset that eliminates thoughts of failure or inadequacy.

‘A few years back, I was approached by a big brand to deliver education on curly and coily hair. Despite having worked in salons and on shoots with textured hair many times, as well as having won awards for my Afro work, I turned the job down due to not feeling ‘good enough’ to work with such a prestigious company. I used to suffer hugely with imposter syndrome, but I have now learnt ways to manage it. I hope my experience will be helpful to others experiencing similar feelings of self-doubt.’

Anne first spoke out on the subject for International Women’s Day back in March, expanding on her thoughts for the hairdressing audience ‘I can’t believe I’m alone as a female hairdresser feeling this way!’. ‘Have No Fear’ asks stylists to examine the way they think about themselves, deploying tactics to help reverse negative thoughts and move towards a more positive way of living.

‘Mindset is everything’ reveals Anne. ‘It will affect everything you do in your life – your career, your homelife, your relationships. It will affect how other people perceive you and whether you can or can’t do something.’

‘If you don’t believe in yourself, you are limiting what you can achieve’ says Anne. ‘It’s restrictive; subconsciously you will be looking for any sign to prove yourself right and say to yourself, “I told you so!”’ Anne explains that growing older has helped her to stop ‘torturing’ herself and to understand that it’s ok to not be an expert in everything. ‘Every skill can be learnt, but how good you become at it depends on how much you believe you can do it.’

Here, Anne shares eight simple steps we can all take in a bid to increase our self-confidence:

Recognise imposter feelings when they emerge. Awareness is the first step to change, so ensure you track these thoughts: what are they and when do they occur?
Question your thoughts. Are they rational? Does it make sense to see yourself as a fraud, given everything that you know?
Break the silence. I now talk about these feelings much more openly, it’s made me realise that I’m not alone in experiencing self-doubt.
Concentrate on the positive. Be a ‘Yes Person’, embrace challenges and see them as an opportunity to grow.
Forgive your mistakes. When I get something wrong, I try not to beat myself up too much and instead try to learn something from the experience.
Stop comparing yourself to others. The best way to do this is to regulate your use of social media, these platforms can often make your feelings of being a fraud worse.
Rewrite the rules and decide on the script. No matter how much you feel like you don’t belong, don’t let that stop you from pursuing your goals. Keep going and refuse to be stopped.
Don’t let the past define you for the rest of your life. When I was thirteen, a teacher told me that I would never speak English properly. If I had believed him, I certainly would not have achieved all that I have today.
‘When I launched Anne Veck Education, I heard that little voice saying, “There are plenty of people already doing education and they’re much at it better than you!” But I stopped and rationalised, I have years of experience and I’m still getting shortlisted for awards, so I must be doing something right! I decided to ignore the little voice and just go for it – and I’m so pleased I did!’

Find out more at https://www.anneveckhair.com/education/ or follow Anne on Instagram @anneveckeducation