The Leaf Hair Blog
Sarah's quick tips to a flawless balayage
Sarah (SLK hair) is a bleach and blonde specialist with years of experience in the industry who can teach you everything you need to know about safe bleaching, balayage and creating the most popular trends for your clients in salon. The Full tutorial is available for FREE on Leaf Academy What is Balayage? "Balayage can mean very different things. But for me personally, it's about lightening the hair in areas where the sun would hit it. Creating a natural colour" 1. Shampoo Using shampoo next to the root during a balayage creates a perfectly diffused line as the shampoo helps dilute the bleach and stops you from working too close to the root. (When using shampoo ensure you're using a stiff brush to better push the product up into the backcomb). 2. Backcombing When creating a balayage you want the separation between the darker colour and the bleach to be as soft as possible. Backcombing the hair at the root will eliminate the risk of any streakiness or harsh lines. The Backcombing also ensures the sections are light and there isn't too much thickness which may cause some striping. 3. Blending The aim for a balayage is for it to look as sun-kissed and natural as possible, most of this e is achieved through your method of blending. Make sure you're not applying the bleach directly next to the shampoo so you allow yourself plenty of room for blending. Blending up into the product using your hands will be the best way to ensure a seamless blend. 4. Sectioning Never use a straight line when taking a section. Ensure you are taking a large weave from every main section. When sectioning it doesn't matter if the zig-zags aren't perfect as long as you are not sectioning in a straight line, this will ensure your bleach won't turn out stripy of the highlights too severe. 5. Personalisation When working around the face ensure you discuss with your client how they wear their parting on a day to day or how they prefer to style their hair at home and adjust accordingly so it suits them individually. Also, be aware of where the hair will be naturally highlighted, and remember that the aim of a balayage is to lighten only where the sun would naturally hit the hair. To Watch The Full FREE Tutorial on Leaf Academy Click Here!
Learn more
Mental Health Downloadable
We’ve chosen to put this document together for anyone who may be struggling themselves or those who wish to help their friends, family or colleagues who are struggling. The story Mental health is hugely important to everyone at leaf and is a passion for us as a company to open the dialogue around mental health and hopefully assist people with coming to terms with managing their own mental health or providing resources to seek external help. Meet Tane Hi, I’m Tane. I am very passionate about mental health and helping people become aware of the impact that our mental health has on us mfind ways to look after and improve their mental health. I have taken a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling skills and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling studies, and now I am taking the Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, where I am training to be a qualified counsellor. What you will gain? A range of reasons and methods for recognising signs of mental health struggles Offering assistance and solutions for when you may feel these ways. Links and contact information for external resources where you can seek help or advice
Learn more
Tips for salons and freelancers to become more sustainable
We have to do more as an industry to become more sustainable and that's a huge passion for us at Leaf. So we have put together this series of tips to help make. your business more sustainable and can even save you or make you money. 1. WATER WASTAGE Turning the taps off when you don’t need to leave them running and think about how much time you take washing a clients hair. If you can reduce your washing time by even one minute per client it will make a huge difference in the long run of becoming more sustainable. Use eco heads - this aesthetic and amazing showerhead is made from 100% recycled materials and awards you with double the water pressure whilst saving 65% of water. The anti-bacterial stones also help remove chlorine and reduces negative ions giving you cleaner and softer water. 2. COLOUR WASTAGE Mix up little and often as opposed to mixing large quantities just to throw away unused product at the end of a service. Use innovative programmes such as VISH which weighs the colour that you're using and stores the information per client so you know exactly how much to mix up for the next service. 3. ENERGY CONSUMPTION Check who your suppliers are and review your contract. Many energy suppliers are offering more and more renewable energy alternatives. So do some research and see what green energy is available for you. Negotiating a better deal in the meantime will also save you money, and swapping to a green deal in turn will help the environment. 4. GREEN SALON COLLECTIVE We are proud to be partnered with with Green Salon Collective. A UK based company that recycles all types of salon waste even down to using hair to soak up oil spills. It is so easy to sign up and they collect all your waste for you so you don’t have to do a singe thing. Signing up to such a scheme can be used as a great marketing opportunity for your business to let all clients and potential clients know that you are an eco-friendly business. This can be a huge selling point especially with the massive increase in interest for sustainable businesses and alternatives. 5. USE LEAF SCISSORS We're proud of what we’ve achieved, being the first sustainable scissor production brand in the world. We’ve planted over 60’000 Trees by ensuring that we plant at least 10 trees for every product sold in conjunction with our partners the eden reforestation project. We work with our partners, for example our scissor sharpening service to ensure that every time a scissor is sharpened we plant a tree. All of our products come in fully recycled and recyclable packaging. For more information and assistance on becoming more sustainable get in contact with a member of our team through email or any of our socials @leafscissors.
Learn more
Pros and Cons of Self Employment and Salon Work
Pros and Cons of Self-employment and salon work In the UK 60% of hairdressers are self employed with a massive shift towards self employment in the hairdressing industry we have put together this list of pros and cons for both sides so you can make an informed decision about what option would be best for you. PROS OF SELF EMPLOYMENT Freedom, control of your own career - freedom and flexibility to work how you want, when you want, where you want. People are craving this freedom and flexibility more than ever before. Allows you to explore different ways of working, allows you to be more creative and allows you to explore different parts of the world as you aren’t tied down to one location. No brand affiliation - If you’re working in a salon you may be restricted to working with one product brand and although you may love it you may want to explore or recommend other products to your clients and being self employed allows you to do this. Uncapped earning potential - Salons take a portion of earning in order to pay for rent, bills and products / sponsorships. CONS OF SELF EMPLOYMENT Miss out on being part of a team / having that team environment - find ways to connect with other stylists Loose chance of career development that comes with working in a salon - a lot of workplaces have career and education pathways available to their employees. Requires a lot more self motivation to do these things on your own. Admin that comes with managing your own books - do your own accounts and marketing as well as managing your own clients. PROS OF EMPLOYMENT Ability to earn a set salary and commission every month - financial security A salon will take care of a lot of the administrative tasks - don’t have to worry about reports, tax or accounts. Really clear career paths and development plans - a business will pay for your education / to do any extra qualifications and courses. A salon is driven to move you forward. If you’re in a salon you’re surrounded by people and have the option to lean on team members if and when you need to CONS OF EMPLOYMENT Less flexibility - set structure around locations and the hours that you work and also less opportunity to be creative Data of the clients legally belongs to the salon not to you as the stylist Revenue that you earn is split between you and the salon - feeling of balance is not their in the stylist mind, salons may have to take a bigger portion of the revenue to contribute to the running of the salon and this may not always add up in the stylists mind. Theres value in both these ways of working its very much a personal preference. Salons need to be mindful of the shift to self employment and create more opportunities for co-working where a stylist may do a few days in the salon and spend the rest of their time as freelance.
Learn more
5 Hair Salon Recruitment Tips to Hire Experienced Stylists
Hair salon recruitment is a huge issue for businesses in the UK right now as there is a shortage of hair stylists. Whilst demand for hairdressers is high, there are simply not enough stylists ready to be hired. Therefore, finding the right quality and calibre of stylists in your area has never been more difficult. Every hair stylist that you employ in your salon is a direct reflection of your business’ standard, so finding the right people to bring to your team is vital to making you stand out, and will ensure your salon’s success. How to recruit experienced hair stylists With that in mind, here’s how to recruit experienced hair stylists who are the perfect fit for your hair salon. Consider where and how you advertise When looking for stylists or candidates with hairdressing backgrounds, it is worth looking on specialist job boards like Hairdressing Journal and EG Recruit, or alternatively, utilise specialist recruiters in the industry. Job boards such as Indeed are especially valuable for finding support staff, assistants, apprentices and receptionists, however, you can also use this service for your more experience-demanding roles. That being said, you can also use your own resources to advertise vacancies. By displaying job roles on your website, you will be sure to attract people who are already interested in working for your particular salon. These people are more likely to be passionate about your brand. Additionally, make use of your salon window or email newsletters. 2. Use social media to your advantage When it comes to using social media for recruitment, both paid ads and organic posts are going to be important. With paid social ads, you can spend as little as £50 to advertise a post on social media, allowing you to target a wider range of potential candidates in your local area. Paid social advertising is especially effective, as you can choose audiences who you know will be interested in applying, meaning your budget for recruitment will be spent efficiently. For example, target people with an interest in hairdressing or products you use or are affiliated with. You also have the ability to post directly to your social media profiles, and the best part about this is that it’s completely free. This could simply be a captivating post that talks about a role you’re hiring for. Our top tip is to encourage your followers to tag or share with someone who they think might be interested. 3. Recruit internally using a referral scheme Hair stylists are renowned for their social skills; they’ll have done a lot of networking in previous roles and also talk to numerous people on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, it’s always worth asking your existing team if they can recommend anyone for the role. This is an excellent way to recruit as your employees know the work environment well and will be able to assess if someone would be suitable. This can simply be a conversation with your staff, or you can add an incentive for them to find a new team member using a referral scheme. For example, if a staff member recommends someone for the role, then they will receive a monetary reward once that person has been hired and passed the probation period. This method can really propel your recruitment process. Overall, internal recruitment means you’re more likely to bring in like-minded people that your team can get on with, and will fit in well with the business and team as a whole. 4. Focus on your interview and trade test process It is integral to ensure you give your interview process the care and the attention it deserves. Don’t try to squeeze in an interview in between clients, book time out of your diary to ensure you are making the right decision. After all, you’ll want to utilise all the time you can get to really get to know the person you’re potentially hiring. Use the interview to gain insight into what the candidate is like as a person. Ask open questions to get them talking. Try to stray away from generic interview questions and ask things that truly matter to you. It is also important to use this time to tell them about the salon and answer any questions that they may have. For the trade test, you have to be mindful that there is a shortage of stylists and there are groups in the UK not doing trade tests anymore. On the other hand, there have been instances of salons asking for 10 models. If you do not feel that a trade test is necessary, you might want to request a portfolio instead. With that in mind, here are our recommendations for executing successful trade tests: Job Role Trade Test Recommendation Hair Stylist (Cuts only) 1 model consisting of a haircut with graduation 1 long layered haircut with styling 1 Gent’s Scissor over comb Hair Colourist 1 Global tint application (must show an even application of permanent colour from roots to ends) 1 Half head highlights / Balayage 1 creative colour Hair Stylist & Colourist 1 Global application with graduation haircut 1 Half head highlights with long layered cut 1 Gent’s Scissor over comb 5. Make an offer fast On the one hand, it is important to carefully consider which candidate is right for the job. Though you can rush a decision and get someone hired quickly, you may have to pay the price later when you realise they are not right for the role. On the other hand, time is precious during recruitment. Your candidates will surely be applying to numerous roles, so if you feel you have the right person it is crucial to get back to them quickly. In fact, salons that offer the job first are normally the businesses that get the person on board. When it comes to responding to unsuccessful candidates, it is always worth giving them some constructive feedback. This will help them with their job search, however, they will be more likely to remember your salon and apply for roles in the future. Ask to keep candidates' details if you feel they might be suitable in the future. Use LEAF Academy for more industry insights We understand that the hair industry is fast-paced and constantly changing, which is why the LEAF Academy is your go-to way to keep up to date. Here, you’ll find industry insights including how to be more sustainable, hair salon business advice and even expert cutting tutorials.
Learn more
How To Do The Slicing Hair Cutting Technique for Professionals
Taking the time to explore new hair cutting techniques should be on every hairdresser’s or barber’s to-do list. It can elevate your cuts to have a variety of skills in the bag, and what better way to start than to learn how to slice cut? So, what is slice cutting hair and how do you slice hair? We’ve covered everything you need to know about slice cutting below. What is slice cutting hair? Put simply, slice cutting is a quick hair cutting technique that allows you to break up solid shapes and remove weight from the hair. It adds volume, texture and movement without compromising the length of the hair. This is not to be confused with ‘slicing’ which is also used in hair colouring to section hair for foils. Which clients should you use hair slicing on? We recommend avoiding clients with fine hair. Usually, you’ll use this technique on those with medium to thick hair to remove density, as those with fine hair will want to keep as much thickness as possible. However, the only time you could use slicing on a client with fine hair would be to add layers. These layers should be short in order to create a thicker appearance, rather than remove weight. How to slice hair: Cutting technique explained 1. Decide whether to work on wet or dry hair Before you even begin, decide whether it will be more suitable to work on wet or dry hair. To aid your decision, look at the thickness of the client’s hair. Wet hair makes it easier to take off lots of hair, so this is a good option for thicker haired clients who want to remove weight. 2. Section hair based on desired results Sectioning correctly can really elevate the final results. Generally, you’ll simply pick up vertical sections of hair for this technique. However, you can change this up slightly based on the desired finish. For example, try taking square, zig zagged sections to create beautiful layers. 3. Bring the hair up horizontally Once you have your sections, slicing is really all about the angles. Bring the hair up horizontally and allow the ends to fall with gravity. With open scissors, position the blade a few inches from the ends of the hair. The further up your scissors start from the ends, the longer the layers will be and the more hair you will remove. 4. Flick the wrist upwards You’re all set for your first slice, so now you’ll want to flick the wrist in an upwards motion along the strand of hair. Move along the ends of the section, making sure that each strand is even. Keep in mind that the more slices you do on each strand, the more hair will be removed. 5. Drop sections and work around the head Once you have worked all the way along your first section, you can drop the hair and move onto the next. Dropping the section allows you to pick it up again if you need to, and also means you can pick up a little bit of the old section along with your new one to act as a guide. Which scissors should you use for slicing? When choosing scissors for hair slicing, it really depends on your desired result. If you want more precise slices with more texture, shorter scissor lengths will be ideal. We might sound biased, but LEAF Scissors really are an incredible option for so many different hair cutting techniques. They come in a variety of lengths and are handmade from Japanese steel to ensure high quality cuts every time. Additionally, if you’ve tried slicing and it’s not for you, you can achieve similar results with texturising scissors. Read our previous blog here to find out everything you need to know to master this technique. Learn more cutting techniques with LEAF Academy Whether you want to learn how to use a new tool, master a cutting technique or learn the ins and outs of a new haircut, LEAF Academy has an array of video tutorials made by industry-leading experts.
Learn more
How to Be the Best Hairdresser: Interview with Charlie Gray
Wondering how to be a good hairdresser? We sat down with Charlie Gray, founder of Hair In Motion, to get some insightful tips on how to be the best in the industry. Here’s what we learned. Are there any skills and qualities for hairdressing that are important to have? Patience One of the most integral qualities in hairdressing is patience. It is very easy to get frustrated with the level you’re currently working at, but it is important to remember that learning any creative craft takes time. Indulge in your learning and you’ll see major improvements in your skill, but don’t expect to see huge progress overnight. Confidence Another vital skill to build is having a sense of composure and self-confidence. Whilst working in hairdressing, especially in a salon or barbershop setting, you might begin comparing yourself to others. It is easy to let yourself gravitate towards this kind of mindset, which will only negatively affect your work. “You need to develop strong confidence in your own ability. Focus on your own vision and goals, and really discipline yourself so that you’re not constantly comparing yourself to others.” Courage It’s easier said than done. But be courageous every once in a while. Hairdressing is an avenue of exploration; you should define your own goals, stick to your strengths and find out what you truly enjoy. Once you’ve found your passion don’t hesitate to take the necessary (bold) steps to make it happen. What kind of customer service skills in hairdressing should you strive to develop? Hairdressers are very much people-orientated. You’ll often hear the joke that we are also therapists, which isn’t far from the truth. We’re very relaxed and open-minded people, which are qualities that naturally improve your customer service skills. Generally, you’ll want to be approachable and easy-going. Clients can really open up to you during an appointment, and you should be able to reflect this openness back to them. Of course, we’re talking more about personal qualities here, but learning people skills will come naturally with practice. What advice would you give to those just starting out their career? The main skill you’ll really want to drill down into in the beginning is developing a strong willingness to learn. “Become a sponge: make it your mission to use everything as a learning opportunity. Observe and take in everything around you and don’t be afraid to get really stuck into what you do.” Your job needs patience but also dedication. You need to invest a lot of your time to learn such a meticulous craft. You’ll likely need to make sacrifices if you want to exceed people’s expectations. A key thing to bear in mind before throwing yourself into hairdressing is that you likely won’t make a lot of money in the beginning. It’s a common misconception that hairdressing is easy and that you’ll rake it in from the get-go. This is simply not the case, and, just like with any job, you’ll need to work your way up. “But most importantly, take advantage of the freedom you have to express yourself creatively.” Being a successful hairdresser: How can you improve hairdressing skills? First and foremost, you’ll want to crack down on your fundamental knowledge from the very start. Learn techniques, get experience and take opportunities to be creative and explore, as this is the most effective way to learn. The best way to do this is to work with a good academy. Many of the bigger salons in the industry provide fantastic training opportunities. Once you know your techniques you can move into exploring your skills more creatively at niche independent salons. If you really want to improve your skills, then start prioritising knowledge over money. You’ll start finding that when you do this, you’ll have more opportunities to learn and do what’s best for you. Money can always be earned, but knowledge and skill are priceless in this industry. “For me personally, I spent around 5 years of my career building my knowledge. Once I had this, I was able to pursue bigger things, like learning to teach others and how to run a business. Your journey in this industry simply shouldn’t stop at cutting hair.” What do you love about the profession? One of the biggest advantages of being a hairdresser is the opportunities it brings. “For me, I’ve been able to meet incredible people and travel to amazing places which I probably wouldn’t have gone to without pursuing this career. Everything I do now, I owe to hair.” What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Trust your gut instincts! If something doesn’t feel right for whatever reason, learn to take risks to change for the better. If you’re never willing to take risks, then you won’t know what kind of decisions will backfire, and equally, you’ll miss out on great learning opportunities. So, trust your gut and learn to take risks. What is an insight that you wish everyone in the industry knew about? “It’s not how long you’ve been in the craft, it’s the dedication you’ve put into it.” The majority of people lack the mindset to become the best at what they’re doing. This just goes to show that having a winners mindset is so much more important than skill set. In fact, a hairdresser who has 1 year of experience can easily be a better hairdresser than someone with 30 years of experience. This just comes down to that mindset of being willing to learn and improve. If you stop developing your skills and striving for success, you’re always going to be stuck in the same place. Start growing and developing in your hairdressing career Did you find Charlie’s insights useful? His platform, Hair In Motion, has released a 10-week Mentorship Programme for individuals who want to push the boundaries in their teaching career. Find out more here. Or, keen to build on your fundamental skills? The LEAF Academy offers innovative haircutting tutorials from top names in the industry, including Charlie Gray! Check out all the courses here.
Learn more
Hair Salon Ideas for Becoming an Eco-Friendly Hair Salon
With more and more salons choosing sustainable values, it is great to see positive change in the hair industry. But it can be tricky to pick the right eco-friendly changes to make in your salon. Here are some sustainable work practices in hairdressing and barbering to help.
Learn more
The Pros and Cons of Going Self Employed as a Hairdresser
Once you become a qualified hairdresser, the world is your oyster. But it can be difficult to really know what you want to do, and that’s okay! We’re giving you a deep dive into two options: going self-employed or working in a salon. What is a Freelance Hairstylist and How Does it Differ From Working in a Salon? A freelance hairdresser is typically self-employed and works independently with their own client base. They might have a location where they work, or they can be mobile and visit their clients’ homes. On the other hand, working in a salon would mean you are employed by someone else, whether that be by a small independent salon or a big chain. The Pros of Becoming a Self Employed Hairdresser Firstly, you choose your own hours and location. This makes your work very flexible, as you can work on your own accord and choose any location that suits you. You can also pick the products you love and use them, rather than being restricted by a certain product brand at a salon. With hard work, your income can be improved as you are free to set your own prices. Some people feel very accomplished and successful by working for themselves, as you have earned your success and income off your own back. Finally, you can choose how to educate yourself and have the freedom to choose courses. The Pros of Working for a Salon In a salon setting, you are part of a team which means you can have support from others and can constantly learn from people around you. There is a sense of collective ambition which you can’t achieve on your own. You also receive assistance from the salon’s marketing to grow your client base. Usually, a salon will invest a lot of money into marketing, so you might be able to gain clients at a faster rate than if you were a freelancer. Often salons will provide educational opportunities which are sourced for you, and there are also career growth opportunities, for example, working in management or specialising in a service. In terms of income and expenses, there is a lot more financial security as you have a clear and consistent pay packet every month. Additionally, you won’t be spending your income on supplies, as all tools and products are provided by the salon. The Cons of Being a Freelance Hair Stylist Working on your own might be fulfilling, but at times you might feel lonely or miss the team dynamic of working in a salon. But don’t forget, you’ll still have all those lovely social interactions with your clients! You also have to seek education opportunities yourself. It can sometimes be hard to know which areas you need to improve without an outside perspective, so it can be difficult to stay motivated to improve. Lots of people don’t consider the administrative work that you have to do on your own, including accounting and taxing, as well as your own marketing to grow your client base. This could mean you are constantly in work mode and do long hours. The Cons of Working for a Salon At the salon, there is not much flexibility in terms of hours and the products you use in the salon. This might lead you to feel quite restricted by your job. For some, you might feel like there is a ceiling on their career, as you might feel more limited as you’re not working for yourself. Additionally, people often forget that your client base is not your own, and they technically belong to the salon you work for. Contrary to being self-employed, a % of your earnings are retained by the salon. Again, this might make you feel like you are not earning your full potential. Should You Choose to Go Freelance or Work for a Salon? There is no right or wrong answer, as some people thoroughly enjoy working for a salon, whereas others might want to work for themselves. Either career path can make you feel just as successful, the most important thing is that you are happy and love what you do! But generally, we’d recommend that you really take your time deciding what the best path is for you. There is no rush when it comes to hairdressing, so figure out what you enjoy and what you want to accomplish before making any rash decisions. Develop Valuable Skills for Any Career There's no doubt that you'll need to develop exceptional skills, no matter what career path you take. Why not check out our LEAF Academy? Here, you'll learn from the best in the industry. Learn more about LEAF Academy here.
Learn more