How to spread the love this Valentine’s Day

February is the month of love – especially self-love.

You have all worked so hard recently with Christmas 2021 and now getting back to grips with work in January. Now this month is the perfect excuse to treat yourself and your loved ones.

The month of chocolate boxes, rose petals and secret admirers… But wouldn’t you prefer treats that you can keep and re-use?

Well in this blog post we have you covered with pamper products for you, your loved ones and clients. From a fresh manicure to luscious curls and head to toe skincare – we have you covered.

Who doesn’t love a face mask? We have a great selection of BeautyPro products ranging from eye patches, to face masks and even foot masks. Perfect to wind down and for some me-time. They also make great gifts for your clients to take away after their facial or makeup appointment.

This mask is the Nourishing mask with anti-ageing formula to combat fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin to improve skin clarity and result in soft supple skin. Boasting with collagen and key vitamins, herbs and botanicals – indulge in 15 minutes of relaxation while giving your skin some well-needed nourishment.

Indulge your hair with the Biolage treatment packs. Perfect in the run-up to Valentine’s for date-ready hair or even on the evening for a self-care pamper. Each pack is a multi-use hair mask for instant moisture and a total hair transformation. Leaving hair feeling softer, more manageable, stronger and a glossy sheen. Highly concentrated with caring ingredients for healthier-feeling hair with each use. Plus it’s vegan friendly! Contains at least 4 applications.

We’ve also just this week received stock of the Framar Rose All Day pop up foil. This is perfect for your February clients to add a dazzle of pink and love to their appointment. Who doesn’t want to look and feel pretty in pink while getting their hair done?!

Valentines also means the perfect excuse to get your nails done! This month you’ll find more of your clients going for nude pinks and romantic reds. Maybe a nail art or two? We love this subtle french tip with red hearts ready for their valentines. Don’t forget to stock up on your shades or take this opportunity to treat yourself to a couple.

An even better excuse is that the Halo Gel Polish and Claw Culture Gel Polish is currently on offer this month. Buy 5 and get an extra 1 free. Shop below:

IdHAIR UK has a great selection of hair care products perfect for clients to take away with them after their salon visit. The range includes colour protection to oils, hair masks and shampoo and conditioner to cater to your hair needs.

We recommend the IdHAIR Elements Moisture shampoo and conditioner for when hair needs some extra TLC. Plus the shampoo and conditioner range is currently on offer. Purchase 2 x 300ml shampoo and 2 x 300ml conditioner and receive a FREE Elements Xclusive Styling product of your choice. Offer In-store only!

We also have Diva electricals that are currently on offer for curling and straightening. Ideal for styling clients hair or a treat for yourself – you deserve it after all. The Auto curler has £30 off and the Speed Brush has a £20 saving. A great time to buy – offers run out end of February.

Finally, something for the man in your life? The IdHAIR Black Xclusive range is perfect to gift your man with some pamper and styling products. This new range is produced with a focus on masculinity, function and quality. This includes all in one shampoo, beard oil, matte fibre wax and saltwater spray. Each product is vegan, paraben-free and contains non-allergen perfume. Visit one of our stores to see them for yourself!

Whatever you are doing this Valentine’s Day – enjoy it!

Matrix Education 2022

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸… 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮!
We are very excited to share the brand-new Matrix Artist Signature Courses.

Featuring cutting and colouring courses by the likes of Michelle Summers-Davies, Niall McNulty & Simon Townley.

Learn new on-trend colouring techniques like the 21 foil challenge, creative toning as well as cutting masterclasses to advance your barbering skills and master precision cutting.

Slide to view course information, available dates and locations above. Book now to secure your place! Visit your local branch or through your sales rep.

IdHAIR UK Education 2022

We’re very excited to kick off our in-store education again next month with NEW ID Hair UK courses. 🤩

𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘦𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦!

Take a look at our courses below for all things colour and cutting. Each slide explains what each course will cover, what you will learn and the next available dates.

To book a course please contact your sales rep or branch manager.

Get To Know Paul Callaghan

We’re so pleased to announce Paul Callaghan as our very first IdHAIR UK Influencer!

Paul has been a stylist for 17 years and specialises in hair painting techniques, blonding and vivid colours. He is based in Glasgow, Scotland and works solo within a popular aesthetic clinic.

He discovered IdHAIR UK through social media two years ago and wanted to try the products for himself, especially Hair Paint.

To no surprise, it didn’t take him long to fall in love with our products!

“Seeing the evolution of IdHAIR UK and the new products over the past two years has kept my independent stylist heart fulfilled!”

Paul loves the fact that IdHAIR UK is exclusive to professionals and it isn’t a ‘run of the mill colour line’. Hair Paint Ink has changed the way he approaches colour corrections and he is also now able to create prescription colour for all his clients.

“I also love education so I was drawn to the educators naturally when I discovered IdHAIR UK. With Lyndsey being an instant go-to, her technical knowledge is INSANE so I felt re-inspired.”

We’ve loved seeing Paul share lots of content with our products so it’s great to have him on board!

“I posted a ton about IdHAIR UK and asked if I could get a seat at the table and create content for the brand!”

He will feature on our socials, especially Instagram by sharing formulas, techniques and tips and tricks. If you have any requests please do contact Paul or leave a comment on any of our Instagram posts. Make sure you’re following Paul Callaghan Hair.

Christmas nails with Halo

It’s December which means Christmas nails!

This time of the year is the perfect excuse to use as much glitter as possible! Especially glitter nail polish. Here at Trade Hair Supplies, we offer a wide range of Halo Gel polishes – over 100 to be exact. 💅

So you’ll be sure to find your favourite shades. For the festive season, we’ve selected our go-to polishes from the Christmas Halo collections. With great names from Frosty, Candy Cane, Cranberry, Gold Leaf and many more.

Below we’ve selected our top 5 Christmas Halo nail designs. ✨

Which one is your favourite? 😍

Do your clients prefer pink and gold glitter or cute Christmas nail art? 💖🎄

Make sure to stock up for party season! Shop the full range now by clicking below.

A Colourful Christmas With Matrix

Matrix is celebrating Christmas in a vibrant and colorful way with seven unique gift sets from the Total Results Collection.

Total Results is the go-to professional haircare brand that provides hyper-targeted solutions for universal hair needs. Each Christmas gift set offers a hyper-targeted solution for common hair issues, such as breakage from lightening, unwanted undertones and preserving curls and coils. So there is a gift set for each and every one of your clients to cover each hair type.

You have specialist care for your blonde clients with new Unbreak My Blonde to treat over-processed hair and So Silver to enhance silvers and platinum.

There’s also specialist care for coloured hair with Brass Off on balayage and lightened brunettes and also Keep Me Vivid to maintain coloured hair.

For clients who are looking for every day professional care the range also includes High Amplify, Moisture Me Rich and Color Obsessed.

Each gift set includes a 300ml Shampoo & Conditioner + a 30ml Miracle Creator.

RRP: £26 buy now for only £14.

matrix gift sets

SoColor’s Pre-Blended Formulas Make Hair Change-Ups Easier Than Ever

To help make colouring your clients’ hair easier than ever, Matrix has added a pre-blended formula, with background and reflect in one tube, to neutralise even the most complex pigment for a true-to-tone result on every base.

Hair colours and textures in the UK and Ireland vary greatly but by using our pre-blended formulas we’ve taken the guesswork out. When it comes to colour, Matrix is the most inclusive brand in the professional industry and, as we expand our palettes to welcome new clients to achieve their desired colour, you’ll be able to welcome more clients into your salon. And our new and improved Pre-Blended formulas support you in creating the perfect colour every, single, time. Find out why you’re going to love using our pre-blended SoColor and SoColor Sync formulas below.

Why do the pre-blended formulas have background and reflect?

Our new updated palette of pre-blended formulas contain background and reflect to neutralise every base – controlling the warmth on every colour, every base and every underlying pigment.

Will these new pre-blended boost my business?

Yes! Matrix is the most inclusive colour brand, and the pre-blended formulas enable you to create colour for so many different clients. You can use this launch as an opportunity to expand your client base with new, more diverse hair types, textures and colours. Our pre-blended formulas can help you boost your business because you can guarantee the perfect colour result – controlling the warmth on every colour, every base and every underlying pigment – every time.

What is background and reflect in the new pre-blended formula?

Background provides a blended natural result. The background acts as an “anchor” or “base” for each shade, as well as contributing to the “depth” of the colour. Our pre-blended backgrounds are optimally calibrated with warm and cool dyes for a true tone-to-tone result on every base, giving you the perfect canvas every time! The deeper levels in the pre-blended series have a deeper brown background. At medium levels, you will find a light brown background and at lighter levels, you will find a tan or beige background.

Background Facts:

  • Not all colour lines have background
  • Not all shades have background
  • Not all background is created equal – some colour lines have gold background, some have black to grey

Reflect (or tone) is pure tone colour, meaning no background or natural base is incorporated.

Reflect Facts:

  • Reflect shades with no background are best for vibrant results
  • Most shades have reflect
  • Reflect is also commonly known as “tone”

Do the pre-blended SoColor and SoColor Sync formulas give me more freedom?

The levels of background and reflect in each colour have been expertly decided for you, giving you complete creative freedom. You get the best results – perfectly matched, seamless colour – that lasts and fades on tone. For example, in SoColor 7C (blended collection) it is formulated with both a black/tan background and a copper reflect, providing a natural copper result. Whereas, in SoColor 7CC+ (reflect collection) it is formulated with little-to-no background. Instead, it contains copper reflect, providing a vibrant copper result.

Our pre-blended formulas work on all levels from dark to light, on all underlying pigments from warm to pale, on all diameters of hair from fine to coarse and on all pattern from straight to zig-zag, making Matrix one off the most inclusive brands out there. The pre-blended formulas will enable you to help any clients achieve the colour of their dreams, by offering neutralisation for any hair type, texture or colour.

LIFE OF A STYLIST POST-LOCKDOWN

WELCOME BACK! I hope you have settled back into work nicely and are enjoying being reunited with your clients after a tough couple of months! I’m here again today to share with you some post-lockdown advice that I have gathered from some fellow hairdressers, after learning more about their experiences since getting back to work.

We know that every stylist is different, so I’ve rounded up some tips and tricks from various types of hairdresser that hopefully you can relate to. Read on and enjoy!

Q: We all know that the past year has been incredibly challenging for our industry. How important is self-care for stylists and can you share some of your personal experiences?

Salon Owner:

Having returned three times to a tsunami of people, I have not allowed myself to be crazily booked up. I have not worked late nights and have had days off to look after my mental health. I can honestly say that my mind was not on the money- I was anxious this time, so I’ve tried to ease myself back into work and not overwhelm myself.

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

Self-care is something all stylists must put first. If we don’t invest in ourselves, we are unable to give our best to our clients. It’s like what they say: in case of an emergency on the plane, put your mask on first.

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

Self-care is extremely important: we need to look after ourselves in these uncertain times, so I’ve certainly learned to not be too hard on myself and know when it’s time for a break!

Home Salon Owner:

It’s very important for stylists to feel confident and positive. We must feel comfortable, safe, and protected at work and take time off even though we have been off for so long.

Q: It’s certainly been a whirlwind over the past few weeks for us- do you have any tips on how to structure your weeks back at work, i.e. spacing out clients, posting on social media, etc.?

Salon Owner:

I have truthfully lost my way with social media posting: just thinking about content makes me want to melt down, so I have not done much at all! I have always worked on a one-on-one basis during COVID times… I did however increase my prices to allow this to happen.

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

Work out your days off and stick to them and book your clients in advance. Plan your social media posts ahead of time: there are plenty of apps that can help you with this. I also find setting reminders really helps me to structure my week so that I know when I should be posting. @viviennejohns has great tips on her Instagram!

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

My weeks are planned 6 weeks in advance: clients are booked in for an hour and a half appointment slot for a cut and blowdry, a 3 hour colour appointment for highlights or balayage and a 2 hour slot for a root, colour and ends refresh.

Home Salon Owner:

Spacing clients out is very important for everyone. Keeping space apart for both the clients and stylist ensures comfort and reduces anxiety.

Q: Do you have any tips on how re-booking services can be encouraged?

Salon Owner:

I always get my clients to rebook before leaving: I must have a 90% re-booking clientele, hence holidays and freelance days can always be managed easy. I am dropping a salon day to try to grow my massage business from home! 

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

Always book your clients in advance: this helps with diary preparation in the future and stops your clients from being disappointed that you can’t fit them in and also keeps them regular. 

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

Before every client leaves, invite them to re-book, highlighting the fact that they will get the slot that they prefer if they book 2 appointments in advance.

Home Salon Owner:

I always try and encourage re-booking as part of a self-care ritual, where my clients can take a break from their lives and enjoy getting their hair done.

Q: How beneficial have virtual consultations been and do you think they are still relevant for stylists post-lockdown?

Salon Owner:

These have helped with having a look at what stock is needed and seeing how bad things are, or a way of seeing if my clients have coloured anything themselves.

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

I still like to do a virtual consultation if I haven’t met the client or if it has been longer than expected, as this helps me to prepare myself in terms of how long I will need and to ensure that I have enough time. It also helps to manage my clients’ expectations and any anxiety they may have. 

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

I personally feel that there is no need for virtual appointments anymore as we can now see people in real life. Consultations in depth are super essential for new clients and a great opportunity to do the skin allergy alert test.

Home Salon Owner:

Virtual consultations are very important, as clients expect safe contact to reduce anxiety. I also think it is useful as stylists need to assess hair for all types of reasons: past colour, lack of condition etc.

If you are interested in virtual consultations with your clients, download Style My Hair Pro to give them the tailored experience they deserve.

Q: Everyone will respond to lockdown easings differently. Do you have any advice on how to reduce client anxiety to make them feel more comfortable?

Salon Owner:

Keep your work space professionally maintained and make them feel safe. I offered a one in one out service so that there is plenty of space in my salon.

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

It’s so important to listen and reassure your client. Talk through all their worries and offer options! Reassure your client that the consultation is on-going throughout the appointment and that they are in the best hands. Sometimes it’s best to go slowly and build up to changes. 

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

It’s highly important to follow the rules regarding COVID-19 and to show your clients that you care. Listen to the client rather than talk at them. Talk them through every stage of the process

Home Salon Owner:

Reduce anxiety by offering bespoke one-on-one services. I explain each time what’s been done for a  COVID safe environment to make my clients feel more at ease during their appointments.

Q: Do you think services have changed, i.e. have low-maintenance colour options been more popular after lockdown periods?

Colouring has changed to clients not wanting to be tied to regular appointments and wanting to go back to the time when they had balayage Once a year, I manage this by adding more colour and upselling more techniques for their next visit, then make them book before leaving.

Specialist/Bridal/Celebrity Stylist:

Balayage has definitely changed how clients are wanting lower maintenance. I try and personalise my clients’ tone or placement to help bring them in sooner. 

Mobile Stylist/Educator:

Not at all! My clients love having their bespoke current techniques and wouldn’t want to downgrade. A few have tried growing out their colours by adding lowlights into the grey regrowth but have not liked it. They have missed all that we do for them and my upgrade to a £5 add-on treatment has been a great success.

Home Salon Owner:

I have noticed no change yet in how long clients are waiting in-between services (my salon is new).

It was great to chat with these stylists and to hear all about their post-lockdown experiences and top tips! I hope that this has given you some fresh ideas as to how you can communicate with your clients, as well as the services you can offer that will make them feel at ease.

Keep going… you’ve got this!

Stay safe,

Nicola x

The Hair-Loving Reason Matrix Reformulated SoColor + SoColor Sync

The Hair-Loving Reason Matrix Reformulated SoColor + SoColor Sync

SoColor and SoColor Sync have been reformulated and are now pre-bonded— they are the products you know and love but just made better. The new formulas work harder than ever before, so you are free to colour with confidence! Damage is the #1 concern for clients when it comes to having their hair coloured, but the new new Matrix pre-bonded formulation ensures optimal condition of the hair throughout the colouring process.

Our Matrix values are centred around creating uncomplicated, high-performance solutions for all styles and all hair types. A truly inclusive brand, our products empower every hairdresser to colour with confidence. We are constantly evolving and innovating our SoColor and SoColor Sync offering, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about our updated formulas and why you and your clients will love them.

What is pre-bonded?

The new SoColor and SoColor Sync formulas have been enhanced with our exclusive Bond-Protecting Concentrate. This unique blend of taurine and cationic polymers act as an internal bond-support system to strengthen and protect the strands during the colouring process. The pre-bonded formula helps to maintain the integrity of the hair, colour after colour*.

How does SoColor and SoColor Sync pre-bonded work?

The Bond-Protecting Concentrate has a linear network of positive charges that binds to negatively charged areas of damage in the hair. This means the formula can zone in on damage, reinforcing and repairing the weakened bonds within the sensitised cortex.

What are the benefits of pre-bonded SoColor and SoColor Sync?

By using SoColor and SoColor Sync pre-bonded formulas, you can colour with confidence because the new and improved products will help to protect your client’s inner hair structure, colour after colour* The new formulas mean that you can now offer clients, with even the most fragile hair, colour services without the fear of damage. The formulas fortify the hair for less breakage, something all your clients will love.

And where you would have previously had to add a Bonding agent into your colour, and then use a step 2 sealer at the backwash, with new SoColor and SoColor Sync, you don’t have to as the pre-bonded benefits are already inside! Helping you to save both time and money.

So Color Infographic

Why will clients want to know about the new pre-bonded formulas?

SoColor and SoColor Sync are going to be yours and your clients’ BFF. That’s because the new pre-bonded formulas enable clients to push the boundaries when it comes to what’s possible. You can have the confidence to transform their hair without fear of damage, which means you can be free to get creative and work with your clients to create a colour look they will love.

With SoColor and SoColor Sync you can colour even the most fragile strands whilst helping to protect the inner hair structure.* And, as with the previous formulas, you can assure your clients that they can expect the same shine and conditioning benefits to last up to 20 washes. Stronger, shinier hair and the colour they’ve always dreamed of—sounds good, right?

SoColor Technical Info

Does your colour brand work as hard as you do?

At Matrix, we empower hairdressers of all ages, backgrounds and levels of expertise with the tools and self-assurance to deliver next-level looks and realise their creative and professional potential. And, our new pre-bonded formulas are another example of how Matrix is empowering you to be truly creative without barriers.

*Assessed after 7 applications on sensitized hair.

Celebrating 75 Years Of Trade Hair Supplies

2020 was a difficult year for our industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and industry lockdowns. We feel that 75 years in business is something to shout about and we wanted to share our history with you, our valued customers, who have been an integral part of our ongoing success.

Founder Ray Sliufko Clarkes Yard Darlington

Trade Hair Supplies was founded in 1946 and was originally called Ray & Company Hairdressers Sundriesmen Ltd. Our current managing director, Garth Sliufko, is the son of one of the founding members, Ray Sliufko, who started the business with his brother Maurice in Clarks Yard, Darlington. In those days we delivered products to salons from suitcases following train journeys to local towns and cities.

1966 saw the new head office premises opened in Green Street Darlington. At this time, we also housed our sister company Radyiant Chemical Company Ltd. before their move to a specialist facility in Newton Aycliffe in 1990 under their new name of Tricogen Laboratories. With the move to Green Street came the introduction of a direct sales force using vans as the more conventional mode of transport rather than catching trains.

The following years saw the introduction of the Middlesbrough branch in 1972, Gateshead Team Valley in 1986, and Sunderland in May 2010 under the new branded name of Trade Hair Supplies. In addition, the Carlisle branch was opened in 1994 and was relocated across the road to much larger premises under the Trade Hair Supplies name in 2014.

Trade Hair Supplies is also an international company with our Swedish operation commencing in January 2004. We have branches in Gothenburg and Malmo and introduced a direct sales team into Stockholm and Gothenburg in 2013. Keeping the family theme alive our Swedish operation is run by the original founder’s grandson Guy Sliufko and the UK marketing operation is looked after by Garth Sliufko’s daughter Olivia.

After 50 years in Green Street, 2016 saw the move to our new Trade Hair Supplies Head Office on Yarm Road Business Park, Darlington. As well as being one of the largest hairdressing wholesale stores in the UK it is also our main warehouse and distribution centre. We have a dedicated training facility and conference facilities enabling us to provide a full education portfolio to salons.

THS Darlignton

In February 2017 we became the sole UK importer and distributor for the Danish IdHAIR brand which has seen continuous growth throughout the last three years. Only our Middlesbrough store is still known as Ray & Co, but they will move over to the Trade Hair Supplies name in 2021 with a store upgrade.

A key strength of Trade Hair Supplies is our team of committed people. Employee length of service is a great indicator of a good company to work for and we have this in abundance. Angie, our operations manager in Darlington has been with the company for 50 years this year and is the longest serving employee. Our Middlesbrough store manager Lee has been with us for 37 years and our Gateshead store manager Caroline 31 years. We have three key members of our team celebrating 25 years’ service in 2021: Neil our Carlisle store manager, Kevin in our Darlington store and Sue our delivery driver for the Teesside and North Yorkshire area.

We are constantly evolving as a company but will never deviate from our core values of being a customer focused, family owned, local company.