3rd July 2020
As anyone who has ever read one of the blog posts here and on previous websites (mrhaircare), you will know I’m a little bit obsessed with brands, and I love to see what they bring to market. During lockdown there has been some very interesting responses and initiatives from manufacturers who have pulled together to support their customers that have caught my eye.
Note; A much longer blog than normal, grab a coffee before you read it.
In no particular order
I am a big fan of Eleven Australia, their product range is fresh, energetic, cool and very very high performing. I’d go as far to say that their ‘wash me all over’ body wash is one of all time fave products. The simplicity of the packaging, the big bold words, the fragrance and the way the brand is marketed have all caught my attention. During lockdown they have been supporting their customers by shipping products direct to salon clients and sharing the profits, a fab concept, one which I believe will continue long after the pandemic is over and done with.
Balmain Hair UK is without doubt one of my all time hair obsessions. If I had a salon it would definitely be my ‘aspirational’ brand. Everything about Balmain oozes quality, style and sophistication. From the products to the equipment and accessories, this is a range that encompasses everything in a way that makes it incredibly desirable. Like Eleven, Balmain also offered their customers clients the opportunity to purchase goods direct from them, and they are now offering salons an incredible chance to become a stockist with an amazing offer.
Moroccanoil is a brand that is relatively new to me, although I’ve witnessed its phenomenal growth over the years, it wasn’t until late last year that I got to witness the performance of the products; and all the reviewers on this platform were delighted to be given the chance to use the range. With a new line of electrical equipment recently added, this is a brand that’s going places. During lockdown I have been very impressed with their continuous on line training covering everything from braiding to product knowledge to business skills, they have really looked after their clients. I’ve been very fortunate enough to feature as one of their ‘associates’.
Kao Salon Division, who count Goldwell, KMS and Oribe in their portfolio have, in my opinion delivered the fullest and most engaging online activity, with lots of fun posts, serious business video clips (including some ‘soundbites’ from myself). The social activity has been informative, engaging and relevant to salons across the globe. Kao have delivered a constant message of hope and support in everything they have shared on their social platforms. Regular readers will know that I am also a big fan of the portfolio of brands Kao carry.
Schwarzkopf have been very busy with a global initiative that set records for interaction on Instagram. Alongside that they have continued their trailblazing ‘hair hacks’ concept, sharing hints and tips across all elements of hairdressing from globally recognised hairdressers. These video snippets of information are user friendly, and I was very honoured to be included in amongst their stellar line up of creative artists. Alongside their innovative online activities, Schwarzkopf have also been busy bring new product concepts and ideas to the market place.
Mark Blake, one of the UK’s most well known and respected trichologists has been very busy during lockdown. Alongside the launch of the new version of his trichology tablets, which I am using and definitely would recommend you to try, he has been sharing lots of really informative information about trichology via social media live feeds. He is also just getting ready to open a new salon! The trichology tablets are a support supplement for healthy hair and all I can say is, after 6 weeks of taking them I am, without doubt, noticing a difference in the strength and structure of my hair!
Windle London is a brand that always fascinates me. With great formulations and ultra cool packaging, the brand definitely has a ‘London’ vibe about it, but it’s not restricted to the capital, it’s a nationwide brand that hairdresser who love products, love to use. If you are a salon looking for a range that offers something different to your other brands, Windle is definitely worth checking out. I must at this point say a BIG THANK YOU to Michelle who came to my rescue at the start of lockdown when I was panicking about hand sanitiser, she literally packed some up and posted it out to me …. #ForeverGrateful
Authentic Beauty Concept is a brand I have been keeping a close eye on for a while now. I was very privileged to get a sneak preview of this range last year. I liked what I saw then and I really like what I have seen since it has been launched. the marketing approach is simplistic, clean and honest, the packaging reflects the ethos of the brand, the concept and story behind the products. I am very much looking forward to trying this on my own hair.
Not a product brand, but a brand that really inspires me is AJC/93 ….. consultants, marketeers, PR gurus, you name it, Alison and her team are so deeply entrenched in all things hairdressing that they are synonymous with the very word! During Lockdown they have pulled together some fabulous and inspiring information covering all aspects of hair, fashion and style, which have been shared via email every week….. and when it lands, it’s always a signal for me to stop what I’m doing, grab a coffee and catch up with everything these fonts of knowledge have to share!
I’ve also been keeping a close eye on, Corrine World, hair accessories that go way beyond the conventional bobble! Stylish, sophisticated and ….. and if I was a girl, I’d be wearing them. As a staunch supporter of salons carrying accessories for clients to purchase, this is a brand that needs checking out as I believe it offers something new and fresh.
Foilme foils are another brand I recently noticed, I really like the variations on the packaging and product that make the application of foils look more interesting for the hairdresser and the client. Check them out here FOILMEFOILS.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Dom Lehane in the list of brands I admire….he wouldn’t class himself as a brand, but actually he is. I include Dom here because over the last few months he has been one of the most inspirational individuals of our profession. Sharing regular podcasts, live feeds and interviews he has been one of the most watched and listened to members of the hairdressing world for a long time now, but lockdown has taken his expertise and inspiration to a new level.
And last, but not least, I had the pleasure of talking to the wonderful Tim Hartley recently. We became friends when I worked for Wella and over the years we have had chance to catch up (not as often as I’d like, but…)
Tim has just launched his new venture and I’m sure it is going to be an an amazing success. TimHartleyHairWorld brings his unique approach to hairdressing, with his classic Sassoon background and his eye for modernity, and an incredible attention to detail to a new audience. I for one cannot wait to see what Tim has to offer.
Of course there are lots of other brand and people who catch my eye, but I wanted to share these with you as they have all inspired, intrigued and informed in one way or another throughout lockdown.
Please note, I am not paid by any of the above brands to promote them here on this website.,
