Editor's letter: accessible treatments
Professional treatments need to be made accessible and affordable to a broader cross-section of the public in order for the market to reach its growth potential.
That was the message from Dermalogica founder Jane Wurwand and Vasiliki Petrou of the brand’s new owner Unilever when I spoke to them during their recent congress in Las Vegas.
While this approach will of course also boost the brand’s presence in retail environments, there’s no denying that winning over the vast majority of consumers who have never tried a salon treatment can only lead to market growth.
The need is also borne out in new research this month. Analyst Technavio’s pro skincare report identifies the limited take-up of professional products as the biggest threat to the UK skincare market today. Most pro brands – and by association the salons and spas that stock them – are heavily reliant on sales of high-priced anti-ageing products, which are only purchased by a very small percentage of the population. However, take up of targeted pro treatments, it says, is on the rise. Read more on both these stories in our October issue.
Meanwhile, the growth of treatments at retail counters and other non-traditional environments could pose an internal threat to the salon and spa industry. According to LCBT founder Eileen Cavalier, cuts in funding for adult education, paired with higher demand for skilled therapists from cosmetic brands, is leading to an ever-increasing shortage of good staff entering salons. Read her advice in Professional Beauty October.
With many newly qualified therapists finding their feet in their first salon jobs at this time of year, and a fresh set of students just beginning their courses, our October issue also brings tons of advice for making it in the industry. From tips on how to get set for success in your first job, to exercises designed to give new students a grounding in the workings of the industry and the priorities of potential employers, the issue is packed with career advice. We hope it will give you ideas to help your business grow, no matter what stage you’re at.
