Redken Euopean Symposium – Berlin 2012
February 18, 2012
Representing Somerset in a delegation of 79 invited hairdressers from the UK and Ireland I witnessed Redken’s first ever European Symposium in Berlin, the diverse capital of Germany. The event saw thousands of hairdressers traveling from across the continent – and the rest of the world – to revel in the Redken ethos of “be inspired, be part of it.”
In fact there were 2,500 delegates from 25 countries gathered at former airport, Tempelhof, for the spectacular opening show, that combined live demonstrations with catwalk elements and more than a hint of drama.
The main purpose of the show was to highlight the versatility of Redken’s new colour range Chromatics, with a myriad of shades paraded in front of the excitable crowd. Just as diverse was the array of styles on display – from geometric bobs to multi-textured tresses. Crimped, curled and blow-dried for volume, hair was big and beautiful, or perfectly cut into classic graduation. Fashion was retro, ethereal and sexy in equal measure, demonstrating the versatility of Chromatics and the talent of its international team of Redken artists.
Two days of seminars followed, covering both business and creative element of hairdressing.
Also time to party, we were invited back in the evening at the Tempelhof for an evening of food, wine and live music. Meeting old friends and making new, the opportunity to network with some of the UK and Europe’s finest hairdressers is always hugely inspiring. I don’t think I have ever returned from these events without loads of ideas, but mostly a reminder of the overwhelming love that I have for hairdressing and the beautiful engaging people that make up my chosen industry…. Best, Simon
Hair: Combers – Image: Auther Lewis
February 7, 2012
For weddings, special occasions and every day.
January 25, 2012
Do you have fine hair ends? Does long, full and voluminous hair seem impossible? Hair+ from Balmain Hair is the answer! This philosophy focuses on the six most common hair problems and offers six different and unique services in order to solve them, two of which I am focusing on here. With Hair+ certified technicians can be more creative. Also it enables them to have a more complete solution for the their guest’s problems.
The main reasons for becoming a Comber’s hairdresser are: creativity, problem solving and happy guests. Unfortunately these reasons don’t always match one another. Every single day guests enter our salon with a certain hair problems. For instance Dani: she has very fine hair ends and every time she visits a salon, the hairdresser advises her to trim the ends. Dani understands this, but actually wants to keep the length because she is getting married in 8 months’ time. Not only does Dani want her hair long, she would love it to be a lot fuller. Up until recently she felt there was no real solution for this specific problem and told me that she had given up on what she had come to believe was only a fantasy.
Hair Plus
Hair+ provides the opportunity for those with fine hair ends to have the long, full and voluminous hair they have always dreamt of. Your own hair is no longer the limit. Certified technicians can simply add hair to create a fuller baseline, to give the hair more body and create more volume. Thanks to Hair+ long, full and beautiful hair is accessible for everyone, not just the happy few!
Fuller hair can be created with different Balmain Hair products and is available at varying prices. A little bit of extra hair – a few applications – is already enough to solve the problem. However it depends on how full and how long you want the end result to be.
Double Hair
‘DoubleHair’ is the most popular solution, made of two connected strips of high quality 100% human hair. The attachment is hidden in the middle of these two strips. When the bonding’s are attached, the hair is flipped back, which makes the attachment points invisible between the hairs. With this simple technique we can work 60% faster and more efficiently compared to regular hair extension systems. Within 40 minutes, volume or length can easily be created. ‘DoubleHair’ is easy for a certified technician to apply and remove and can be re-used 2 to 3 times! Well-maintained ‘DoubleHair’ can last up to 8 months.
“Hair comes in various shades but if your hair plus technician works in a specialist colour salon it will enable them to offer you an additional service of bespoke colour matching, for an even more natural look.”
Special occasion 5 minute hair additions
If you have watched any award show this season, or picked up a fashion magazine, you’ve seen the style that everyone is supporting: ponytails! They are quickly becoming the ‘it’ style for the hottest celebrities and fashionistas. Together with a variety of other hair pieces from the Balmain hair elegance range, as seen on Tv’s ‘Dancing on Ice’ show, they can also quickly add a little style and sophistication to any wedding hair. 5 different hair-ups and 3 different pony tails. Want to create a ballerina top-knot, a low bun or an elegant pony tail? No problem! Trends can easily be followed with the hair-up pieces of Balmain Hair and the end result looks completely natural, as if it’s your own hair!
Just Another year?…. Not Likely!
January 21, 2012
I remember being told that in economic recessions one of the first budget cuts small businesses will consider making is on training and advertising. …..This of course may seem an obvious way to save money in the short term but of course it is it crazy. Assuming the business had a budget in place for this in the first place and they have priced their service to include education and advertising it is short sighted to strip this down and call it profit unless of course it is the last resort
Looking Back
When I started Combers Hairdressing salon in 1982 my first market strategy was what I later learnt was ‘Differentiation’ . I did not even know it was a strategy but I instinctively knew that we not only needed to be better but different to our competitors. Not only be different, but behave different, talk a different story, walk a different path. This is not some strategy that I learnt from a book but what I came to realise was a core belief that developed at the age of nine when I was taken to Ghana, West Africa by my parents to live for 2 years. I attended an international school with over 26 different nationalities. I learnt so much about different cultures and attitudes to life in that short time. It was not until later on in my life that I was able to reflect on its influence and impact. I made the connection that being different was not something to be scared of or suppress but rather develop and celebrate.
Getting off the ground I needed an instant team of hairdressers and looked for an instant remedy. I learnt the hard way that employing other salons stylists was not a shortcut to success. Asking someone to adopt challenging new ideas and have the courage to be different from the crowd is hard enough without the added problem of asking them to unlearn old ways. Of course being younger than many of my early employees at only 20 years old did not help!
So I decided to grow my own team and educate and train them from scratch, straight from school. It was the only way. Remembering my early experiences in Ghana, I sought the assistance of other like minded organisations and companies from different walks of life and countries. I came to realise that nobody had the monopoly on good ideas! often the best ideas came from the most unusual sources and I learnt that most people are only too happy to share their wisdom if I had the courage to ask.
So from then on Combers have always built education Into their price
I always remember someone saying that I will only be educating my competition, meaning that stylists would leave someday, and work in competition to Combers, as if that was a reason for not investing in Training?? I am very proud of the fact that over 100 people have left school and learnt far more than hairdressing at Combers. They have gone on to have interesting lives both in and out of hairdressing.
In the hairdressing and fashion business, education and training is a continuous investment if you wish to lead people and have success and even more so in an economic recession. The truth is that without it, creative hairdressers become stale and uninspiring and like water, slowly, often imperceptibly go down hill, losing customers along the way. Without it, quality does not stay the same thats for sure. The other thing that I have learnt is that anyone in the team can only be as good as the best in that team, as everyone stimulates, inspires,motivates or demotivates each other. So if any one ever leaves Combers to work elsewhere their skill and attitude to hairdressing and many other things beside will ultimately mirror their new team and only grow in proportion to the ongoing investment in their education, which in the case of single operators’ and surprisingly some salons is very little. This is of course why we never really train our competition as in a vacuum of inspiring leadership, encouragement and goals, a nurturing team culture and ongoing education they are not the same people within a year of leaving. While the talented individual personalities that continue to work and develop together as a team at combers move onwards and upwards.
So Combers are committed to increase their education in 2012
• Because I know everyone else will be cutting theirs it’s an ideal time to increase the measurable distance by which we can continue to justify the claim to call ourselves Taunton’s leading Hair Salon.
• Our customers do not recognise the ‘something for nothing’ culture and therefore are not looking for cheap hairdressing at the expense of their stylists success and happiness as they understand it’s undeniable link to the quality they can expect from the product and service they receive. However they do and will increasingly expect better value for money.
• The difference between one hairdresser and another is not whether they can cut a good haircut but whether they cut the right haircut for their guest. The one thing that sets the best from the rest is knowledge. Our guests are not just buying a haircut or colour but what we know. Our ability to listen, advise, share latest technology and style tips and the confidence to give our opinion and of course execute the agreed hairstyle with skill…. More knowledge and experience will mean higher prices but because the local market place will always have a price threshold, increasing a stylists knowledge will always have the ability to grow positively disproportionate to the price that can be charged and therefore create even better value for our guests. This is probably why we see a growing number of new guests that would have normally continued the treck back to their previous city salons coming to Combers. Expecting to pay in excess of £100 for a top hairdresser in the Uk’s major cities makes our service fantastic value.
Education for the first quarter of 2012.
• Balmain of Paris….Hair Extension Education class for 4 new technicians and new updates for our 2 experienced certified technicians…..Sunday, 22 January.
• New hair colour education theory and practical participation….. For all Combers hairdressers and apprentices on February 14th… from 11am – 3pm only open for making appointments with Guest Relations and shop sales
• Principles of advanced Cutting & Design Practical session for all Combers hairdressers and apprentices on March 19th . Salon Guest Relations open for making appointments and shop sales.
For more infomation contact simon willetts at simon@combers.co.uk or leave a comment below.
Ammonia Free Hair Colour
January 11, 2012
Christmas Offer
December 16, 2011
Last week saw 10% off the Jersey Pleat Dress and this week there is 3 days left to snag the fantastic Gold Peplum Dress at 15% off!!
What will next week bring… Keep your eyes peeled for another fantastic offer!! Visit Facebook or Twitter to find the offer code… Enjoy!
New Year, New You. Because Your Worth it!
December 14, 2011
This year we could achieve far more and be much happier – it’s our life and we’re in control of our own emotions – aren’t we!
Whilst there are many forces outside of our control, we still have the power to choose how we respond even if it may seem more of a challenge.
I do not have any secret strategy, other than to say it is important for me to stay happy, choose who I listen to and share my time with, and ensure not to deny myself little luxuries and acts of kindness to myself that help me feel good and do the same for others. “Because I’m Worth It”
I am reminded every day of the powerful link between looking good and the feeling of positive emotions. Psychologists tell us that our hair (a great hair cut and colour that enhances our looks and reflects our personality) is an essential ingredient in how we feel about ourselves. If we believe this, then the salon you choose has a responsibility to understand this and heighten this emotional feeling with a personal service, not just from your Stylist, but from the whole team.
Spending money on ourselves is easier if we feel valued, but sometimes it requires more justification, as we are taught to put others first or else feel guilty. The justification for me to invest in myself is that “I am a better person to be around when I feel good and then have more than enough positive energy to help others”. Quite good eh!…I got that inspiration from the airlines where the air safety personnel tell you to put your oxygen masks on before your children, counter intuitive, but making perfect sense.
Make a change and feel different.
Have you ever fancied being different – doing something outrageous – or simply changing the way others see you? – of course you have. How do you think that would make you feel if you had the courage to follow through?
Colouring your hair and tattooing your body are growing trends as a way of expressing one’s personality or reinventing the old one you had B.C (before children). One of course is permanent and the other can be changed every season, or every week if you wish.
Hair Colour this year will be as popular as ever but especially so as a professional service in the Salon – With more people looking for change, the enhanced value of having your colour mixed and blended to suit your individual skin tone together with how much, where and which direction to apply will be more important. Although you may want to look different it is important to ensure that the look you end up with is age appropriate, as the lady Gaga is not for everyone. Find a hair colour consultant that you can discuss your ideas and fears with. They will take you on a journey, never applying the same colour twice, always evolving it with you, paying particular attention to your feedback, the present shades and tones in your hair , together with the seasonal influences.
Revolution in hair colour
I am very exited as this year Redken Colour, our preferred choice for our guests, are launching something I have been promised will be a revolution in hair colour, representing the biggest change in 100 years. Already the most conditioning colour I have ever used its also a colour that holds its tone on browns and reds, and produces blondes that are reassuringly Blonde and not yellow!. They are moving ahead yet again. It must be big news as they have kept it under wraps leaving me and the worlds hair press in the dark until January. Ready to launch in February I will give you all the details then, however we are assured the changes will have a really positive impact for all our guests.
Discover a new you this year or reinvent the old one. Hair cutting and colouring shouldn’t be a hit or miss experience. It should reflect your personality. It should make your statement. You should feel confident that your hairdresser knows what is right for you..
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Autumn/Winter 2011 Fashion Show
November 14, 2011
Having been opened for a mere month, the museum catered for the event exceptionally well, with the catwalk itself being held in the Great Hall of Taunton’s historic castle. The models glided to classical music played by a string quartet, ‘The Vivace Strings’, through a minefield of archaeological finds.
Models of varying shapes and sizes were used to represent equality in fashion. Showing that garments could be worn in different ways dependant on the individuals unique body shape.
The event worked in collaboration with Combers and Le Spa at Combers; premium hair and beauty salon in Taunton. The hair and make-up was done to represent the Autumn/Winter 2011 trends and took into consideration each models colouring and outfit choices.
Combers did a fantastic job preparing the models for the show, the team at Combers was extremely organised and all the models looked amazing in the garments.
200 guests attended the sold out event which also raised £1500 for the worthy charity St Margaret’s Hospice. A big thank-you to all the local brands that supported the event through donations to the ‘Goodie Bags’ and Prize Draw.
Popular garments included the red jersey dress which held it’s own in the finale… where all of the models wore the red dress down the catwalk.
“So much more than Hair Extensions”
November 11, 2011
A revolution in the hairdressing industry is born. First there was colouring, styling, curling and cutting. Now Balmain Hair introduces Hair+: professional solutions for everyday guests with everyday hair problems at Combers, Taunton’s leading hair salon.
Many women cope daily with hair challenges such as fine ends or thinning hair. Beautiful voluminous healthy shiny hair seems to be unreachable. Thanks to Balmain Hair these women can get any desired look with the Hair+ program! Both Combers technicians and our guests are no longer limited. Adding hair is the look of the future.
Main reasons for becoming a hairdresser are: creativity, problem solving and happy clients. For a stylist it is very difficult to realize all of the above with each and every guest. In any salon clients with hair problems enter on a daily base. The hairdresser is often struggling with the limitations of the hair quality of his or her guests. A stylist can advise to cut, curl or colour the hair, but often that is not sufficient and does not offer a real solution. Someone with thin / fine ends will be advised to trim their hair, but most of the times they wish to keep the length. The hairdresser – in such a case – is unable to solve the problem and make the guest happy at the same time.
Phone Now and speak with Guest relations on 01823 334331 for your free consultation with our certified technicians. Hair+ provides the solution to six common hair problems. Her six solution services create the opportunity to address each of the specific problems, and offer real solutions for the guest and more creativity for the hairdresser. Hair + solves the REAL hair problems and provides any guest with any end result they wish. With the Hair+ services beautiful hair is accessible for everyone, not just the happy few!
Hair Extensions and Hair Additions
November 11, 2011
Balmain Hair is part of the Balmain Fashion Empire
and stylists will often use Balmain Hair to create
inspirational looks on the London, Paris, Milan
and New York catwalks. Balmain Hair has also
achieved celebrity status with Christina Aguilera and
Paula Abdul regularly wearing the extensions. With such
a fantastic heritage, it is no surprise that the Balmain Hair
portfolio is the very best available on the market today.
Balmain Hair is the only hair company with the pedigree of
Coiffure meets Couture.
Salons who become part of the Balmain Hair family receive
up-to-the-minute education, with the training programmes
devised to suit individual salon teams. But it doesn’t stop in
the salon, consumers need educating in home maintenance
and homecare too. Ask any hairdresser why they joined the
industry and the answer is to make people look great and feel
better about themselves. Join Balmain Hair+ and you can do
just that and so much more.`
Welcome to Balmain Hair’s Look Book and the introduction
to our unique service Hair+ which will provide real solutions
for your clients’ hair problems.
The following pages offer a collection of looks you can offer
clients quickly, easily and with the minimum of fuss. Whether
it’s fine hair that needs a boost, or a splash of risk-free colour,
Balmain Hair+ has the answer.
We all know that balancing work/life time is difficult –
Balmain Hair+ will make you and your clients’ lives easier.
With three systems to choose from – Système Volume,
Professional and Ready to Wear – we offer a solution to every
problem. A client’s visit to a Balmain Hair+ salon is a hugely
relaxing experience, perfect for pampering in the quickest
possible time – culminating in the desired finished look.
In this special supplement, we introduce our Hair+
philosophy with four typical client requests – boosting
fine hair; creating a glamorous look; risk-free colour; and
something quick and easy.
Dawn Reilly, Marketing Director,
Balmain Hair
“I ❤ Balmain Hair because
our clients expect first-class
quality extensions with the
least application time. With
the Balmain Fashion element,
it suits our portfolio so well.”
Leo Bancroft
“I ❤ Balmain Hair – I
have a passion for hair
extensions and I am really
excited about the fashion
element of Balmain. For
my session and TV work,
and with the type of clients
who visit my salon, I
need the very best quality
extensions with the least
application time. Balmain
Hair meets all my needs.”
Anne Veck
“I ❤ Balmain Hair because
all our clients are offered
an unrivalled choice of
brilliant solutions to their
hair problems. Balmain Hair
products turn our clients’
dreams into reality with an
amazing range of products
which add hair quickly,
comfortably and safely. The
education and support from
Balmain Hair is outstanding.”
Steven Goldsworthy
“I ❤ Balmain Hair extensions because with the
fantastic range on offer, we can give our clients a
hair solution for everyday problems. I have been
using Balmain Hair extensions in my salons for
almost five years and in that time we have built a
hugely successful business. We see extensions as a
fourth service in our business, and when clients have
professional extensions applied we offer regular
appointments to check and discuss their haircare.”