UNDERSTANDING
APPRENTICESHIPS
The number of entry level employees in
the hair, beauty and barbering industry
are also set to increase. Well over half of
you (58%) are looking to take on at least
one apprentice over the next 12 months
(some 57% of salons and 64% of barbers
in our survey), up from 43% in 2016. This
could create a huge 31,188* new hair and
beauty apprenticeship positions; 8,000
more than last year.
But while our industry remains one of
the best for apprentices, there are still
hurdles to overcome. Professionals told
us that their main reason for not
employing an apprentice was that it is
simply not their policy. A fifth identified
budget restrictions as the main hurdle,
while 8% said actually finding one has
proved challenging.
“Apprentices are so important for the
industry and it’s wonderful to watch
them grow and develop. However, it
is important that we put the effort
in to get the very best results – from
training and allowing them to get
hands on experience, to ensuring that
they are paid a fair wage.”
SUE ROBERTS
TRAINING DIRECTOR & AREA
SALON MANAGER
BLOW SALON
These results show that there are plenty
of opportunities for businesses within
the industry to grow and nurture the new
talent entering the workforce, provided
the existing obstacles are addressed.
23,165
apprenticeships
in 2016
31,188
apprenticeships
expected in 2017
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“Being able to learn in a working
environment, supported by people who
are passionate and experienced is a
fantastic opportunity to kick start
your career. I can’t imagine a better
way to be training than in a job
I love.”
FEMALE
HAIR TRENDS
The continued rise of social media has
resulted in trends evolving and being
popularised at a pace like never before.
Customers now have instant inspiration
and knowledge at their fingertips,
so whether you’re cutting, styling or
colouring, staying ahead of the curve
has never been more important. TOP FEMALE HAIR
TRENDS 2017
DIGITAL IS DRIVING LIGHTING IT UP
This year, traditional celebrities aren’t the
only ones trendsetting; the increasing
popularity of social media has given
rise to some powerful new industry
stakeholders. Bloggers and vloggers are,
according to our research, now up to five
times more trusted by customers than
celebs when it comes to helping them
with their hair and beauty decisions. From what you’ve told us, variations
of the balayage technique will remain
a popular choice throughout 2017.
Customers are showing a continued
demand for understated styles that
are low maintenance, enabling them to
achieve a natural, sun-kissed look.
“Last year’s trends were all
about ‘non natural’ tones
and these will still feature
highly in 2017. We have seen
soft pastel shades begin to
be ‘normalised’ in hair styles
across society, which paves the
way for more vibrant colours to
make it on to the high street.”
SOPHIA HILTON
NOT ANOTHER SALON
When it comes to 2017, the top three
trends look set to revolve around a
diverse range of colour, incorporating
both subtle and more striking styles.
Sophia Hilton @notanothersalon
MULTI-COLOURED CREATIONS
Mermaids, unicorns and rainbows are
providing a huge source for colour
inspiration on the high street. The trend
has encouraged many customers to leave
their comfort zone and diversify their
styles. The chance to experiment with an
array of pastel shades is likely to tempt
many more to follow suit in 2017.
GOING FOR GREY
@BlowColourBar
Driven by the popularity of the metallic
look, the silver hairstyle is set to be a key
colour trend this year. Silver hair is now
increasingly perceived as an achievable
look for the high street customer,
suggesting that frosty, high sheen looks
will continue to be a big customer request
in the year ahead.
EVE PATERSON
SENIOR APPRENTICE
BLOW SALON
*Numbers based on Beautiful Britain findings
and latest HABIA data for salon numbers
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Guy Tang and Kenra Professional