We are truly in a new era of Wellness, and this is significant. Hair and beauty no longer stand alone as a distinct industry – we are now the sector called Wellness of which hair and beauty are a part. With this in mind. Tribu-te Magazine recently hosted the first Wellness Symposium in London. The intention was to gather brands, trichologists and nutritionists, dermatologists, hair loss specialists and of course hairdressers and salon owners. Find out what happened on the night:
Set the scene
Tribu-te Magazine publisher Nicky Pope opened the gathering by setting out the agenda. The programme was designed to share presentations and insights, experience and business-building inspiration. She said: “Just as your client no longer looks in the mirror and sees only their hair, you need to regard yourself as no longer offering cuts, colour and styling. Frankly, this is only a mindset shift rather than necessarily a call to acquire new skills. For years you’ve been a counsellor, therapist, provider of confident and self-esteem and a damn good hairdresser, too.”
Quite! Time to get with the programme and arm yourself with more knowledge in the areas your clients need help: Scalp and hair health; skinifcation of haircare; myriad types of hair loss and its causes; ageing hair; and experiences which gift relaxation and calm. From head spas to hair extensions, dietary advice on supplements and nutrition, referrals to trichologists, and dermatologists, immerse yourself being a wellness advocate. And build your business to fit this new era of wellness.
Josh Wood: British Beauty Council
Josh Wood at the Wellness Symposium
Josh Wood, owner of Josh Wood Color salons and hair products, is also the vice-chair of the British Beauty Council. Talking to guests assembled at the Étage studio in London for the Wellness Symposium, Josh shared his thoughts and set the conversation rolling. He says:
“The relationship between hairdressing and wellbeing is both profound and often underestimated. For millions of people across the UK, the salon is far more than a place to have their hair cut or coloured; it is a trusted space where confidence is restored, connections are formed, and meaningful conversations take place.
“Hairdressers occupy a unique position in society. We see our clients regularly, often over many years, and build relationships based on trust, empathy and human connection. At a time when loneliness, anxiety and mental health challenges are affecting so many people, these interactions can play an important role in supporting emotional wellbeing.
“The British Beauty Council has been at the forefront of championing the wellbeing benefits of our sector. Through its landmark report, The Effects of Personal Care Services on Mental Health and Wellbeing, the Council helped shine a light on the growing body of evidence surrounding touch therapy and its positive impact on mental health, stress reduction and overall quality of life. The Council has also supported work through the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing, advocating for greater recognition of complementary therapies and the role our industry can play in supporting public health. (britishbeautycouncil.com)
“Within hairdressing specifically, there is increasing recognition that our profession acts as an informal frontline for wellbeing. Hairdressers are often among the first people to notice when someone is struggling, whether through changes in behaviour, mood or confidence. While we are not healthcare professionals, we are trusted listeners and community figures who can provide a safe environment and, where appropriate, encourage individuals to seek further support.
“This is why the British Beauty Council continues to champion the professionalisation and recognition of the sector, including the wider conversation around hairdressers as first responders for the nation’s wellbeing. By acknowledging the social value of our profession alongside our technical expertise, we can help ensure that salons are recognised not only as creative businesses but as important community hubs that contribute positively to the health, confidence and wellbeing of the people they serve. The future of hairdressing is about much more than hair; it is about connection, care and the positive impact that trusted human relationships can have on society.
Brand dynamics
The evening was brilliantly supported by several leading brands in the hairdressing industry who also lean heavily into wellness. Presentations were made by:…
• Remi Cachet, manufacturer of hair extensions with a wide choice of solutions for a range of clients whether to manage hair loss, add colour, or length and volume.
We heard an insightful, powerful delivery from Lisa Jackson, the CEO, and Victoria Lynch, the founder and owner. Each making the emotional, and business case for working with hair extensions. More HERE
• Diva Pro Styling shared a thoughtful and interesting presentation on the use of hair tools in the salon space and how the choices you make really do matter in so many ways.
The insights were delivered eloquently by Sally Sidani Wilkson, Head of Brand, Marketing and Innovation, and Hollie Thompson, brand manager. More on Diva Pro Styling products HERE
• Oribe is a luxury haircare brand, but with integrity and kindness to both planet and wellbeing. Jacki Pike is UK Commercial Lead and she took us through the importance of ritual and haircare in the salon. More from Oribe HERE
Joining Jacki, we heard from Janan Duruel, nutritionist and co-owner at Loca Hair Beauty Health in Hertfordshire. She gave anecdotal evidence of providing luxury and efficiency in hairdressing to build business in wellbeing. Janan says; “Driven by the philosophy that true beauty comes from within, I am partnered with an expert hairstylist to bridge the gap between aesthetic artistry and internal vitality. Holding advanced qualifications in weight loss, ketogenic protocols and the gut brain axis, I am specialized in the longevity and well-being side of the business, helping clients look and feel incredible from the inside out.”
- Phorest Software shared the magic of using AI in Modern Hairdressing and how it really supports the mental load of running a salon and engages with what the customer really wants.
Phorest captured attention for the Thoughtful AI in Modern Hairdressing presentation
Demystifying and encouraging in messaging, we saw AI in a new light thanks to Sarah Russell, Head of Marketing, and Area manager Yogi Parmar. This is a brand that seriously looks to the future and your well-being at all time. More HERE
Panel conversations
In between the longer presentations, Nicky Pope hosted vibrant and informative panel conversations with a series of invited guests. Our thanks to the following additional fabulous contributors:
Chloe Heyworth who says: “As a Trichologist and Scalp Micropigmentation specialist with a focus on female hair loss, I work closely with women experiencing hair thinning, shedding, and scalp conditions, and I’ve seen first-hand the emotional impact these concerns can have on confidence and wellbeing.
“Many clients will speak to their hairdresser long before they seek specialist advice, which places hair professionals in a unique position to recognise early signs of concern, offer support, and guide clients towards the right help when needed. Whether that’s developing new skills themselves or building relationships with trusted specialists, there is a real opportunity for salons to become part of a more holistic approach to client care.”
Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, is also the President at the Institute of Trichologists. She was a welcome addition to the panel for taking us into the clinical solutions for hair care. Sharon tells us: “I am delighted to have joined the panel at Tribu-te Magazine’s inaugural Wellness Symposium to discuss the growing focus on hair loss and scalp health presenting in the salon, and the importance of empowering hairdressers to confidently support and guide clients through these concerns.”
Sharon Cox is education director at Sanrizz but also a meditation and yoga teacher. Her proposition that we include physical and spiritual practices, including breathwork, into the workplace was compelling.
Anita Kucsera is founder of Annutri supplements. Since starting the business in Ireland, she’s now moving in the UK market and her deep knowledge of nutrition underscores her understanding of the hairdressing market. A breadth of experience we will do well to tap into.
Stewart Roberts MBE runs Haircuts4Homeless. A charity which has created a network of volunteers to deliver free haircuts to those experiencing homelessness. From restoring self-esteem to literally helping get that job interview, this highly rewarding work has also brought us to value the transformative power of a haircut – not only visually.
You want more?
The Autumn 2026 edition of Tribu-te Magazine will continue the focus on Wellness. Out in October, we will feature more from the participants of the Wellness Symposium. If you’d like to contribute or find out more about out plans, email nicky@ihaa.co.uk
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