News

Economic Recovery Plan includes extension of 9% VAT rate for hairdressers until 2022

The Irish Government has published its Economic Recovery Plan, which sets out how it intends to support the full resumption of economic activity as the country emerges from the Covid-19 lockdown.

Among the support included in the plan is the extension of the 9% VAT rate for hairdressing services until September 2022.

The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) is to be extended until the end of the year, while the Covid-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), which was due to end on 30 June, is also to be extended until the end of the year.

A new Business Resumption Scheme (BRSS) will be introduced in September. This is designed for ‘vulnerable but viable’ businesses, particularly in sectors that were significantly impacted throughout the pandemic, even during periods when restrictions were eased.

Businesses whose turnover is reduced by 75% between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2021, compared with 2019, will be eligible. The scheme will not be restricted by location, rates or physical premises. The BRSS will be administered by Revenue and will operate in a similar way to CRSS.

Meanwhile, the commercial rates waiver in its current form will be extended until the end of September.

Hair and beauty industry voices concerns over staff shortages

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) has told its members that they should contact the Department of Social Protection with any concerns about staff not returning to work.

Since reopening in May, salons have been experiencing staff shortages, with the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) and the black market being blamed for employees being reluctant to return to their salon jobs. It has been suggested that some are opting to remain on the PUP, while working from home.

The Hairdressing Council of Ireland said the shadow economy is causing huge damage to the industry, and has called for Government action to tackle it.

“It is a problem across the board,” said Wayne Lloyd, president of the Hairdressing Council and owner of two salons in Cork. “We need to talk about the shadow economy; it is at a crisis point in our industry. The system isn’t working at the moment.”

Habic has told its members that following the reports, the Department of Social Protection has confirmed that in the case of staff members who have been offered a return to work, and who have refused that offer, it will investigate each case fully to ensure that only those who meet the qualifying conditions for PUP remain in payment.

It said that any employer who has difficulty in attracting employees back to the workplace, or suspects that someone is misclaiming welfare income support, can contact the Department.

 Voya launches at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida

Irish organic seaweed brand Voya is expanding its global spa portfolio as it has officially launched at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in Florida.

This follows the company's announcement late last year that it had entered a new partnership with The Peninsula Spa at The Peninsula Hong Kong.

The Co Sligo-based family-owned skincare and lifestyle brand features products that are formulated from wild seaweed extract, which is sustainably harvested from the waters off the west coast of Ireland, where seaweed bathing has been a health-giving tradition for three centuries. It is also Ireland’s only indigenous therapy.

Voya was founded in 2006 by Mark and Kira Walton, who initially launched a retail seaweed bath line, before going on to develop a skin and body care line, which has evolved into a range that includes over 50 products that are certified organic, crueltyfree and do not contain any harmful ingredients.

Voya’s signature seaweed wraps, scrubs and massage are now available on the Four Seasons spa menu, while the brand’s lifestyle and skincare retail products are also on offer at the resort.

Dublin stylist one of five global winners at American Crew Global All-Star Challenge

Ciara Madden from Marks Barbers in Dublin has been named as one of the five global winners of the American Crew Global All-Star Challenge 2021. Serena Hussain Hill from TONI&GUY Birmingham in the UK was also named a global winner.

Madden and Hussain Hill had both been previously chosen as the Ireland and UK winners in the first round of the brand’s global challenge.

An annual worldwide competition that has been running for over 20 years, the All-Star Challenge encourages barbers and hair stylists from across the globe to showcase their top-tier technique and skill by creating original looks with American Crew products, which capture the spirit of the brand. “The past year has taught us a thing or two about our community and our American Crew family,” said Matt Horder, Revlon Professional commercial director for UK & IE. “Continuing to strive in the face of adversity is a testament to their dedication, strength and spirit. We know it’s been so difficult to not only navigate this pandemic and all it encompasses, but also to stay inspired and energised for the year to come, which is why we were so excited to run the American Crew All-Star Challenge this year.”

Madden and Hussain Hill will now receive a range of prizes, including cash and an all-expenses paid trip to Barcelona, Spain to participate in an editorial photoshoot directed and shot by American Crew founder and renowned photographer David Raccuglia.

Josh Wood appointed as Wella Professionals colour visionary

Josh Wood has been announced as Wella Professionals colour visionary. Wood has over 30 years’ experience in creating colour in his London salon, and on catwalks, editorial and film.

As Wella Professionals colour visionary, he will collaborate closely with Wella’s global hair colour experts, contributing to the development of new colour and care technologies and services, and supporting the innovation behind Wella’s professional brands, including Koleston Perfect, Color Touch, Illumina Color and Blondor.

He will also continue to bring together and connect many Wella hairdressers around the globe, boosting their creativity and further advancing the professional hair industry.

“I am honoured to return to the Wella family at such a pivotal time in the brand’s history, in a partnership that embodies precision, boldness and creativity – virtues that have always attracted me to this iconic brand,” said Wood. “This is a homecoming for me and I am thrilled to be back in my new capacity as Wella Professionals colour visionary. When you put the best products in the hands of the best creatives, that’s when magic happens.”

Dublin beauty salon introduces silent appointment option

A Dublin beauty salon has introduced the option of silent appointments for any clients who might be nervous of returning to the salon, or who need some quiet time after lockdown.

Hive in Castleknock said clients who want a silent appointment can select the option when making a booking.

“Since reopening we have thought long and hard about this topic,” it explained in an Instagram post.

“Silent appointments are not for everyone, but we want to care for our clients the best we can, so this will give them an option. It is so important to take time out for yourself and feel completely relaxed – we want you to have the best experience possible. If you would like to have a silent appointment, you can simply just put it in your notes on your booking.”

Hive owner Hannah Kenny said the decision came about after she and the team noticed after this year's lockdown that many clients wanted to shut off and relax during their appointments. The response has been very positive, she added, and she hopes other salons adopt a similar policy.

‘If you would like to have a silent appointment, you can simply just put it in your notes on your booking’

New Irish Hairdressing Junior Council aims to give next generation a voice

The Irish Hairdressing Council has launched an initiative for 18–30-year-old hairdressers, juniors, trainees and college students.

With Fiona Gainfort as liaison officer, the Irish Hairdressing Junior Council is being formed with the aim of giving the next generation of hairdressers a voice. Gainfort is a member of the Irish Hairdressing Council executive committee, and joint director of Wexford-based Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies.

According to the Hairdressing Council, the new Junior Council committee will look at the challenges facing the hairdressing industry, and how that affects young hairdressers and apprentices. The emphasis will be on positivity, discussing new innovations and ideas, and working as a collective to seek to ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

“The Irish Hairdressing Council’s ethos encompasses inclusivity within our industry,” said Gainfort. “We represent employers and employees, form trainees to experienced stylists. We are forming the Junior Council to tap into the voice of the younger generation. We want to hear their perspective, and I’m sure we will learn from them while they learn from us.

“We have had amazing support from some of the industry’s leading suppliers, including Osmo Ikon, Schwarzkopf Professional and Revlon. They are committed to providing bespoke education for our Junior Council committee across a broad spectrum of learning. On top of that, the Hairdressing Council committee is made up of some of the industry’s top award-winning educators and stylists, and they will be offering a programme of education and mentorship to the Junior Council.”

Schwarzkopf Professional competition celebrates return of creativity in Irish salons

Schwarzkopf Professional has launched an exclusive competition for salons in the Republic of Ireland to showcase their colour skills and celebrate the return of creativity since they reopened in May.

The Inspire competition is open to any salon – not just Schwarzkopf Professional stylists – and will see six winners selected to participate in a shoot with the brand’s global ambassador Tyler Johnston.

The group of winners will get to experience a full shoot experience with Johnston, from moodboarding and model prep, to working on set. As well as creating a photoshoot, which will be placed in the hairdressing press and shared across social media to Schwarzkopf Professional’s audience, the winners will get first-hand experience from working alongside Johnston.

To enter, hairdressers must tag their best colour transformations on Instagram using #SKPInspireIRE. Winners will be announced on 26 July, and the shoot will take place in Dublin from 16-17 August.