BABTAC innovation prize semi-finalists announced

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) has revealed the semi-finalists in the search for the UK’s most innovative beauty concept. The nine semi-finalists for the £8,000 innovation grant were announced at the Olympia Beauty trade show in London on September 23.  

 

Each candidate gave a two-to-three minute video presentation of their concept at the show, with votes cast by official judges and event visitors on the day. Voting remains open on the BABTAC website, where semi-finalists’ video presentations are also available. 

 

Of the semi-finalists, Faceframe has developed a technology specifically aimed at restoring eyebrows to those who have lost their eyebrow hair through medical conditions such as cancer or alopecia. The technology uses synthetic eyebrow hair that can last for up to two weeks. 

 

Sanctuary Beauty introduces a sleep pod concept that allows users to rent a space to take time out and sleep in locations such as airports and big cities. Launching in London, the pods are set to be rolled out internationally and will come equipped with music and the option of coffee and a beauty treatment. 

 

The Glow App iOS booking system has been created to put customers in direct contact with mobile therapists, while fitness invention Specifics features a series of exercises designed to improve posture and remove aches and pains by working with a number of different muscle groups. Retailer DIY Beauty offers natural-looking, synthetic, clip-hair extensions and hair pieces, able to withstand temperatures of up to 200°C. 

 

The Shireen Poring-Method from Shireen UK provides a non-invasive and needle-free alternative to anti-wrinkle treatments such as Botox, while dermatology company Nuekie has created a technique to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation disorder in ethnic skin by helping to reverse the reaction that prompts the condition. 

 

Non-invasive treatment provider Suhail Ucradar aids health and wellbeing through measures such as the management of chronic pain and gives clients access to an online support centre. The last semi-finalist, Sweet Indulgences, combines the provision of beauty therapies with a vintage style tea party concept.  

 

The nine semi-finalists will be whittled down to four or five finalists by December 1, based on votes by industry judges and the public, with finalists giving a ten-minute presentation at Professional Beauty London, February 23-24. 

 

To view the video presentations, and to cast your vote, click here