3 mins
IN THE KNOW
A SELECTION OF THE ESSENTIALS
IHF pushes gov’t on VAT, debt and a living wage
The return of the 9 per cent VAT rate, longer terms on repaying warehoused debt and ensuring a living wage is sustainable for business are all critical measures outlined in the IHF’s pre-Budget submission to government. The 2025 Budget is due on Tuesday 1 October.
The submission asks for the restoration of the 9 per cent VAT rate, and greater engagement with business owners to ensure the introduction and implementation of a living wage that works for employers.
It’s also asking for an extension on the repayment terms for warehoused debt and for the government to apply 0 per cent interest for any legacy debt owed.
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BEYOND VANITY: THE HISTORY AND POWER OF HAIRDRESSING
Love dipping into the hairdressing archives? Then this new book from Elizabeth L. Block is for you. It shares a diverse history of women’s hair and the cultural power of hairdressing in 19th century America. From singeing split ends with candles to pomades made with bear grease, it’s a fascinating window into another hair lifetime.
RRP €42, MIT Press
Jessica (left), and Siobhan
CAN’T BE FAKED
Salon owners Siobhan Maker (The Peculiar Hair Club) and Jessica Kelty Simpson (Bluepeacockk Hair Design) have unveiled a new collaboration to specialise in mindfulness and practicality for hair and beauty pros.
FAKED Education – which stands for friendship, admiration, knowledge, empathy, dynamic – is keen to build a community of hairstylists with confidence, friendship and knowledge. The duo is building small workshops for organising, styling and colour all with mindfulness at the core. Their Holistic Hairdresser workshop will take place in October at Bluepeacockk Hair Design in Dublin.
Insta video ads boost
You can now create video ads on Instagram, including Stories and Reels, to help boost engagement with current and potential clients with the latest update from Phorest to its Ads Manager platform. Hundreds of customisable templates are available, designed by marketing experts to grab attention and drive client action. And you can also access a selection of pre-written, AI-inspired captions to make the process quicker. Phorest’s reporting means you can track in real time, allowing salons to monitor reach, impressions, click rates, and bookings.
CELEBRATING KEVIN.MURPHY
Complimentary treatments and exciting in-salon events – that’s how National Beauty has marked the 20-year anniversary of KEVIN.MURPHY and 10 years of the brand in Ireland!
The KEVIN.MURPHY team at National Beauty was behind the KM.X campaign, with a series of salons throughout Ireland – including Kreation Hairdressing (Sligo, pictured), Hession Hairdressing (Drumcondra) and Street Life Hair (Kilkenny) – providing complimentary and customised ‘facials for hair’ KM.X Treatments.
PARENT’S LEAVE
For children born or adopted after 1 August 2024, parent’s leave has increased from seven weeks to nine weeks.
Gainfort prepares birthday celebration
Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies is planning a host of events as it celebrates its 35th anniversary. The hair & beauty supplier, which has stores in Wexford and Waterford, will run a weekend-long celebration with free mini beauty treatments, product demonstrations, meet-and-greet opportunities with local beauty influencers and prize raffles, including a year’s supply of hair and beauty products. Those following @GainfortHairBeauty with the hashtag #Gainfort35 will also have access to exclusive giveaways and prizes.
For more details, visit gainforthairandbeauty.com
HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY, HENNESSY!
Hennessy Hair & Beauty is celebrating 40 years of business. Launched in 1984 by Patrick (Paddy) and Kathleen Hennessy in Cork, the firm is now one of the largest independent and Irish-owned wholesalers. Last year, a revamp of the cash and carry boosted its in-house shopping experience with improved display and brand marketing, and it’s also now a Guaranteed Irish member, a national symbol of trust in business in Ireland.
NOT ANOTHER SALON LAUNCES LOW INCOME PRICES
Not Another Salon in London is unveiling a price inclusivity initiative that will offer a set number of appointments each month at a reduced cost for individuals on low incomes. Clients will need to prove they make less than £25,000 (about €29,000) a year by providing an income statement or bank statement. “In order to be truly inclusive we have to consider ALL aspects of inclusivity, and that includes economic access,” said founder Sophia Hilton (pictured).