Hey there,
We’re kicking off this edition of The Pulse with a look back at the 2025 Salon Owners Summit—and what a Summit it was! With over 650 salon owners and industry pros coming together in Dublin, it was our biggest and most impactful event yet. From inspiring talks to game-changing strategies, the energy in the room was incredible. A huge thank you to our partners Vish, Dermalogica, and Mya for taking part and supporting.
Summit Highlight video.
If you missed out, don’t worry—the 2026 dates are set! We’ll be back at the Royal Convention Center in Dublin on January 25th & 26th, and we’d love to see you there. Make sure to buy your tickets here.
But before then, let’s dive into the latest industry news and insights to help your salon stay ahead. 👇
Your News Round-Up
Government pledges support for Irish SMEs—VAT rate under review
The new Government is considering VAT changes for the hospitality sector, which includes hairdressers. The push to return to a 9% VAT rate from 13.5% could mean real savings for your business—stay tuned!📊💰
Are cancellations wrecking your business?
No-shows and last-minute cancellations can be a nightmare, costing you time and money. Salon expert Katie Godfrey shares how to take control with firm policies and smart strategies. Don’t let flaky clients drain your revenue!
Why Apprentices Are the Future of Your Salon
Industry leaders Hooker & Young share why investing in apprentices isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a business essential. Find out how the next generation of stylists can drive growth and keep your salon thriving. 🌱✂️
💇♀️ Irish Hairdressing Council appoints Fiona Gainfort as president
The Irish Hairdressing Council (IHC) has welcomed Fiona Gainfort as its new president, with Melissa Hayward as vice president. With fresh leadership, we can expect new initiatives and advocacy for the industry. One to watch!
3 Must-Have Digital Tools for Salon, Clinic, and Spa Success
A business & marketing expert reveals the tech tools that every salon should be using to boost bookings, streamline operations, and attract more clients. If you’re not using these, you might be missing out! 🖥📱
Handling Hairdresser & Barber Complaints Like a Pro
No one loves dealing with complaints, but knowing how to respond can turn a negative into a win. This guide shares 7 smart strategies on how to handle unhappy clients with confidence—without losing your cool (or your reputation). 😌✂️
Featured News: Join Us at Professional Beauty Ireland!
📍 Where? Phorest Stand F9 RDS
📅 When? March 9th – 10th
We’re bringing something special to Professional Beauty Ireland this year! Join Niamh Greaney, Director of Customer Success UKI, and Nuala Maguire, Lead Data Analyst, as they break down the key metrics that matter most for salon success. With their presentation Salon Success Through Data: Understanding the Numbers That Truly Matter
Taking Place: 3:30 Sunday March 9th
🎟 Spots are limited—sign up now!
And don’t forget to swing by Booth F9 for a live Phorest demo and an exclusive PB Ireland show offer! 🎉
Phorest News
PhorestFM Season 9!
If you haven’t seen the news already, Phorest FM is officially back for 2025!
In a short survey sent out earlier this year, we asked Phorest salons what their priorities were for 2025; ‘GROWTH’ was the number one response, globally.
This year, PhorestFM is equipped to bring that to you more than ever. Releasing an episode every second week, get ready for case studies, episodes with special guest co-hosts, live content, and bonus drops sourced directly from the community, as well as all the interviews you already love. Tune in – morning coffee in hand – to the unfiltered reality of life on the salon floor as well as discussions around the issues and struggles the industry faces,
Alex Bélisle-Springer kicked off the show’s latest season on February 3rd with Keya Neal, Founder of Kolour Kulture & Texture VS Race, on the Power Authenticity Holds for Growth & Fulfillment. Check it out here: https://www.phorest.com/fm/
📚 Phorest Academy: Level Up Your Salon Business
Looking to boost revenue, streamline your operations, and create an even better client experience? Our expert-led training sessions cover everything from marketing and reporting to automation and client retention. Let’s get you set up for success. 💡
For Live sessions.
Access our pre-recorded Sessions any time.
📅 Phorest Webinar: Financial Fitness Essentials
Money management isn’t just about earning—it’s about making the most of what you keep. In this Money Talks session, we’ll cover:
💰 Budgeting, savings & debt management
💬 How to talk about money with your team
🛠 Practical tools to build better financial habits
Hosted by Alex Bélisle-Springer with expert insights from Gloria Murray, this is one webinar you won’t want to miss! Watch On Demand.
That’s it for this edition of The Pulse! Got questions or industry topics you’d love to see covered? Drop us a message—we’d love to hear from you.
Until next time,
Luke & the Phorest Team 🌿✨
