News - National

The COVID-19 big wave puts shutters down on salons and spas, once again!

Some highlights from the April 4, 2021, notification announced by the Maharashtra Government include: Complete lockdown on weekends, Shops, markets, and malls to remain closed throughout the day except for essential services, Recreation and entertainment areas such as cinema halls, theatres, amusement parks, and clubs to be shut, Restaurants and bars to remain closed, except for those inside the campus and integral parts of hotels, Barber shops, Spas, Salons, and Beaty Parlours to remain closed, etc.

While the beauty industry has just begun to focus on its revival, the pandemic, owing to a rising number in the state, seems to be writing a different story for the barber shops, spa, salons, and beauty parlors. However, as per the Government of India guidelines, all staff that may work in these establishments are advised to get vaccinated at the earliest to expedite the reopening of these. The Re-closure of salons and spas so shortly after being allowed to reopened is disheartening for the industry, but hope prevails!

Davines Group appoints Aby George Philip as Business Development Director India

With 26 years of experience in the beauty and salon industry, Aby George Philip assumes the role of Business Development Director India at the Davines Group. Philip has previously held various roles and responsibilities at L’Oréal, as the business head of the Professional Products Division at L’Oréal Vietnam, brand general manager for Matrix and Cheryls in India, business development head in export markets like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, and commercial director for L’Oréal Professionnel and Kerastase in India. Commenting on his appointment, Philip’s shares, “Sustainability is now inevitable, and I am extremely proud to be part of the Davines Group, the pioneer in the beauty industry on sustainability initiatives. I believe that living a balance of beauty and sustainability will improve our lives and the world around us.” Professional Beauty India team wishes Aby George Philip the best in his new innings.

Yes Madam to offer free COVID-19 Vaccines to all their staff

One of India’s fastest growing Salon-athome startups, Yes Madam has announced that they will provide free Covid -19 Vaccination to all their professionals and employees. The drive will cover more than 1,500 staff members, across 25 Indian cities. The vaccine campaign will be carried out in phases in accordance with ongoing government regulations. Commenting on this initiative, Mayank Arya, Co-founder, Yes Madam said, "Our working professionals are not less than our second families. During the pandemic, we stood at the forefront of shielding them. From PPE kits to workplace safety preparation to maintaining work-life balance, it is and will be our responsibility to protect and assist them with appropriate services as they are the ones who get directly in the contact with the customers and are in a high-risk zone considering the service industry that they are in. Apart from this, now that an antidote for this lethal virus is available, it is our responsibility to make it available to all of our family members.”

‘Break the chain’ campaign brings resentment in the salon industry

The Maharashtra Government’s ruling in favour of a state lockdown starting from April 5 to April 30, 2021, under the ‘break the chain’ campaign, has agitated not only traders, hoteliers, retailers but also the salon and beauty parlour community as it will only add to their plight from previous lockdowns. Uday Takke, in his capacity of being the Secretary, Maharashtra Hair & Beauty Association; Advisor, Salon and Beauty Parlour Association; Vice President, All India Hair and Beauty Association; and Co-ordinator, Rashtriya Nabhik Maha Mandal, reached out to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. In his statements, Takke has expressed, “With the announcement of the second lockdown, our fight with the government has begun again. There is a lot of confusion related to this lockdown amongst the community as earlier it was supposed to be a weekend lockdown, and despite Saturday-Sunday being our busiest day, we agreed to support it.” He said the state government should provide financial aid to salon and beauty parlour professionals so that they can take care of their family and manage their day-to-day expenses.

Meet the first woman in 104 years to receive New York’s prestigious Success Award

Shahnaz Husain, the renowned beauty maestro, receives the “World’s Greatest Woman Entrepreneur” Award from Success, the New York-based business magazine, becoming the first woman in the world in 104 years to be accorded with the Success Award. Husain has been the recipient of several prestigious international awards during her career and this one would be another golden feather in her cap. She is the quintessential entrepreneur who recently received the ‘Promoting Ayurveda Worldwide’ and ‘Ayurveda Excellence’ Awards in the British Parliament. She also became a Harvard Case Study on Brand Creation. Now, she is a Harvard subject and part of the curriculum for “Emerging Markets.” In recognition of the international market created by her for Ayurvedic beauty care, Washington Post pens, Shahnaz Husain has done so much for India’s image abroad that she truly deserves the sobriquet of India’s Beauty Ambassador.

Orane designs beauty course for the entertainment industry

With over 100 courses in cosmetology, aesthetics, hair, makeup, nail art, spa, nutrition, laser therapies, Ayurveda, mehndi, salon management and more on offer, Orane Beauty Institute promises transforming beginners to experts in the beauty industry, in a month. The large number of courses also means that there is something on offer for everyone at Orane Beauty Institute. In a latest statement made by Team Orane in Mumbai, the training institute announced an appealing course inspired by the entertainment industry – ‘The Artistry Program’. This is an innovative course curated by industry professionals and artists that offers a learning experience for students who desire to pursue their future in the entertainment and fashion industry. Located conveniently at Malad, Mumbai, Orane is initially conducting this course only at the Mumbai Centre and their next batch will be held in April 2021, following complete hygiene and sanitization norms as per government guidelines.

Registration open for ProSkin Masters 2021

After the success of the first edition of PRO Skin Masters in December 2020, Dermalogica, the world’s No. 1 professional skincare brand had launched the PRO Skin Masters 2021 - Hunt for the best skin therapist in the country. PRO Skin Masters 2021 is a contest that tests the knowledge, skills and expertise of professional skin therapist. The launch edition in 2020 saw the participation of more than 400 Dermalogica certified skin therapist from across the country. The second edition of PRO Skin Masters 2021 will also be based on the similar evaluation process of progressing through two rounds: An online written test, and an in-depth interview with the expert panel. And the top finalist will compete in a digital finale. For participating in PRO Skin Masters 2021 click on the following link and fill in the details: https://forms.gle/ a4zxGQr5GYWMTux89

Advanced lash lift, tint and extension techniques now in India

Victress Beauty Academy introduces natural eyelash extensions, lash lift and lash tint from Europe. ‘Lash lifting’ treatment is an eyelash treatment that curls your natural lashes without the use of eyelash extensions or an eyelash curler; it will not damage the natural lashes and last for six to eight weeks. The lash tint makes your eyelashes look fuller, thicker, and darker. The ‘One by One’ eyelash treatment is a technique done by attaching one single eyelash extension to the natural eyelash, using extension glue; they are indistinguishable from natural lashes and stay on for three to four weeks. The ‘Russian Volume’eyelash extension treatment, also called the “Hollywood effect” is very glamorous and with a strong visual impact. Multiple extensions are applied to a single natural lash to give it the desired volume. The lash extensions are waterproof, easy to apply, and lasts for three to four weeks. Victress Beauty Academy offers hands-on training in lash applications. The training programme includes classroom instructions, tips and tricks, and ensures you are ready to service your clients in the most impeccable manner.

Lakmé Salon and Pankaj & Nidhi jointly present Kaleido at FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week

Lakmé Salon, one of India’s most respected salon chains, in collaboration with ace designer duo Pankaj and Nidhi, presented the free-spirited, graphic-cool show, Kaleido, at FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week. It was a celebration of new beginnings on the ramp – of unbridled self-expression and an optimistic look at the future. Kaleido is a collection of free-flowing hair looks and bright-hued, flowy garments that encourage women to embrace and enhance their natural form. The Lakmé Salon haircut and style collection, created and curated by the team of Lakmé Salon experts, is inspired by the global collections from TIGI Bed Head. It plays up the natural hair type and texture to give trendsetting looks that can be styled in different ways. From free-flowing waves to a textured bob and crown-caressing curls, each look represents the intrinsically magnificent spirit of the Indian woman. The makeup looks created by the Lakmé Salon Backstage Heroes used the watercolour technique in happy shades like aqua, orange, and pink to mirror the essence of the collection.

Skin care brand Aureana partners with Health & Glow

Aureana has been on an expansion mode and is ensuring product availability at maximum locations both offline and online. Launched during the pandemic, the brand has had double-digit growth and an uptick in rising patrons from urban, Tier-II, and -III cities. The brand takes care of the most critical components to effective skincare, which are purity, safety, and quality of ingredients. Their products are dermatologically tested with a combination of all-natural antioxidants, minerals, botanical extracts, and vitamins, and the skin is left rejuvenated and glowing. To be able to cater to their growing clientele and larger audience base, Aureana is partnering with Health & Glow, one of the largest networks of beauty and wellness chains having over 160 stores across major cities. This partnership will become a key milestone for Aureana’s products in the range, Essentiel, Luminous, Purite, and Rewind.

Ashok Paliwal wins the OMC World Championship Juror Award 2020

The OMC World Championship 2020, the biggest and most prestigious international championship of the beauty industry was held virtually this year. Ashok Paliwal, Director Prabhat Spa, Salon and Institute and General Secretary, AIHBA, who was the jury member for ‘Junior Gents Creative Styles’, bagged the Award for “Judging with Fairness and Honesty”. The jury consisted of seven to nine members and was a mixture of senior and junior members of the beauty industry. The Junior Gents Creative styles segment consisted of entries from fifteen countries. On winning, Paliwal said, “It is quite frightening to evaluate creativity in the world of makeup and hair because judging is a big challenge. In this championship the judges are punished for wrong decision and this fear develops better judgments.” He further added, “I had been polished by OMC and AIHBA. Thank you to all my colleagues who had stood with me for the OMC Judge Award 2020. I have got this honour because of the OMC, AIHBA, HBO, LCBC, SSKM team.”

Urban Company wins the Young Turk Award 2021

Launched in the year 2014 with the vision of organising the world of home and local services, Urban company recently bagged the prestigious “Young Turk Award 2021”. Abhiraj Singh Bhal, Founder, Urban Company, shares, “Urban Company works on the three mantras, which are the pillars of the organisation. First is customer obsession, second is deeply partnering and empowering service professionals, and third is using technology as the lever to make all of this happen.” During the early days of lockdown, the company focused on re-imaging and delivering safer and more hygienic services amid the pandemic conditions. And it diligently continued to prioritise safety and hygiene norms throughout the year, infusing faith and trust in its consumers. Urban Company has also significantly invested in technology, and has offered health and safety training to its partners with the focus being to ensure the well-being of service professionals and consumers. PBHJ congratulates the Urban Company on its victory, and we wish the company many more milestones in times to come.

Global health and wellness market to grow at a CAGR of 4.10 per cent by 2026

According to market reports, the global health and wellness industry, which was valued at US$ 3.31 billion in 2020, is expected to reach US$ 4.24 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.10 per cent from 2021-2026. With growing prevalence of chronic lifestyle diseases, sedentary lifestyles and hectic schedules, the prevalence of diabetes, blood pressure and many more are the key factors driving market growth. Apart from this, the rapid progression of wellness tourism and mineral spa is also driving growth in this market. The spa market is predicted to be worth US$154.6 billion by 2022 along with the wellness tourism projected to reach US$ 919 billion by 2022. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this touch-based industry has diversified into few new touch-me-not divisions like digital wellness, health and immunity, online yoga and meditation, and an increased appeal of protein powder. In fact corporates are promoting wellness and meditation as a productivity hack and hotel chains have launched wellness tourism brands.

What will business look like for the beauty salon industry in 2021-22?

The Indian salon industry is estimated to be worth Rs 100 billion, and the industry reportedly has been on a growth trajectory. Obviously the pandemic has had an impact on this growth graph. The reopening and subsequent closure of salons in some states has meant that salons have had to adopt a new normal and adhere to new norms for the foreseeable future and perhaps even after; sanitation, social distancing, and hygiene policies are here to stay. However, following these norms means higher costs, and an increase in expenditure which works against industry growth. “Salons have to function as a fraternity and not as individuals,” says Ashok Paliwal, Director, Prabhat Spa, Salon & Institute and General Secretary, All India Hair & Beauty Association (AIHBA). “They will have to work towards offering balanced discounts, which will not harm the business of their peers. Most importantly, they must inbuild strong confidence in their clients that they are safe in the salon, by being part of the Virus Free Salon campaign.”

Ananda in the Himalayas ensures safety through its wellness programmes

The beauty and wellness industry briefly experienced a respite after the High Court gave permission for spas to reopen, unfortunately the second wave has resulted in spas being re-closed in some states. The PBHJ team reached out to the GM of Ananda in the Himalayas to learn about the post-pandemic safety measures adopted by them. Ananda has launched two new wellness programmes – the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Immunity Booster programme along with its signature wellness programmes. Naturally, the spas must follow strict sanitation processes and maintain hygiene standards. Aniket Sarkar, GM, Ananda Spa said that Ananda has launched a complete range of personalised online wellbeing services, as well as ensured that wellness and guest services team are located on Ananda’s premises including spa therapists, ayurvedic doctors and yoga teachers, chefs and restaurant staff, housekeeping, room service, and front office staff. Mahesh Natarajan, Sr Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, says “A 100-acre palace estate surrounded by pristine forests, clear blue skies and breath-taking mountain views, an ideal location for Indian travellers emerging from the lockdown.

Skinimalism will take over the beauty scene in 2021: Pinterest predicts

In its annual Pinterest Predicts report for 2021, the emergent skincare term, at the top of the list of Pinterest beauty trends, is Skinimalism. Skin has become key in the past year, amongst other reasons, due to irritation caused by face masks, gloves, and disinfectants. Added stress and lifestyles changes caused by the pandemic have resulted in people been trying to feel good without the added pressure of complicated skin routines. This combination of factors has created skincare-related minimalism, which is all about simplifying the skincare routine, and at the same time, embracing one’s skin’s natural qualities. As reported, dermatologists, brand founders, and skincare influencers share the opinion that minimalistic regimens and the rise of microbiome-friendly products are emerging trends in personal skincare philosophy. The following were the most searched for beauty trends on Pinterest, all of which are in keeping with Skinimalism – Face Yoga, Natural, everyday makeup, How to get naturally glowing skin, Homemade skincare and DIY.

Power Gummies ropes in superstar Shraddha Kapoor as brand ambassador

Health and dietary supplement brand, Power Gummies, known to revolutionise the Indian market with their nutritional format of chewable and tasty vitamin gummies, partners with powerhouse Shraddha Kapoor as their first brand ambassador for their gorgeous hair and nails gummies line. Versatile, lively, and charismatic, Shraddha Kapoor has been roped in as the face of this line, that effectively addresses growth, damage and hair fall issues. The brand ensures product efficacy with each of their gummy formulation going through a series of clinical trials over 90 days of regular consumption with their research partner firm Mprex Healthcare. Product usage showed 22 per cent increase in hair growth rate, 10 per cent increase in hair density on day 90, 65 per cent decrease in hair fall, 35 per cent decrease in hair loss on day 90, and 10 per cent improvement in nail growth. The products are FSSAI approved, FDA compliant and scientifically backed on biotin-based research gummies making them safe and suited for all. An impeccable amalgamation of Biotin, Zinc, Folic acid, and 10 other essential vitamins and minerals that act as a panacea for holistic nutrition needs.

Dyson India on decoding hair damage and what constitutes healthy hair

Dyson India hosted a virtual session to decode hair damage and better understand what constitutes healthy hair. The virtual session on hair and hair care was led by Dyson Engineer, Veronica Alanis who shared information about Dyson’s expertise in understanding hair, heat damage, and its prevention, and Dermatologist Dr Geetika Mittal who offered insight into factors that damage hair and how to best to prevent and treat hair. While Dr Mittal, skin and hair expert, explained various types of hair damage and their causes, in Indian women, ranging from – split ends to damage from styling tools and especially heat, Alanis spoke about Dyson’s research into hair damage and how they specifically design products to reduce heat damage. Dyson research found that different types of hair handled stress differently. After tremendous R&D Dyson has created these products: The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer, the Dyson Airwrap™ styler and the Dyson Corrale straightener which use patented technology to perform exceptionally, and to maintain hair health by reducing its exposure to extreme temperatures.