5th Annual world wellness weekend

COVID-19 has had devastating repercussions on the Spa, Beauty, Fitness, Hospitality and Tourism industries, shutting down businesses for months, and some permanently. However, the global pandemic has also shown that resilience and grit are part of the DNA of the professionals of these sectors. In keeping with the spirit of strength, the wellness industry welcomes the news that that the 2021 World Wellness Weekend will proceed as scheduled on September 18 and 19 in 120 countries. In 2020, World Wellness Weekend (WWW) was not cancelled, nor postponed. It was celebrated in 109 countries, by 1,123 venues across 543 cities. In 2021 with the support of 60+ organisations and the official proclamations from Secretaries of Tourism, Governors, Mayors, Visitors’ bureaus, WWW is aiming to gather 5,000 venues in 120 countries on the World Wellness Map by Sept 18-19, 2021!

AIHBA bags the OMC World Championship Cup for India

All India Hair and Beauty Association has bagged the prestigious OMC World Championship Cup for the country. Having sent over 300 entries to the world championship, AIHBA won the trophy in the ‘Nails Section’, as well as won several ranks in other segments. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the OMC World Championship was a virtual affair, hence the physical trophy arrived in India a few weeks after the results were announced. When contacted Dr Sangita Chauhan, President and Founder, All India Hair and Beauty Association said, “The dream we saw in 2011 to win championships is now a reality. I would like to Congratulate Pooja and all my AIHBA committee members who worked day and night for this dream to come true.” She further added, “From late-night meetings to early morning stand-ups, all the team was always on their toes. I am also thankful to my AIHBA OMC Team of 20 people who trained and selected the best of the participants. So proud of my team. And this is the victory for all of us.”

Reese Witherspoon to push ‘clean’ beauty initiative for Biossance

In a much needed move for the beauty industry towards being ‘cleaner’, beauty brand owner Amyris has taken on board actress Reese Witherspoon to promote the ‘clean’ beauty movement for its Biossance skin care brand. This is a five-year partnership with Witherspoon will be instrumental in creating content for the brand’s marketing campaigns and Witherspoon will lead conversations on what is commonly known in the industry as the ‘clean’ beauty movement. As reported, the 2006 Academy Award winner said, “I have always been conscious of what’s being put on my skin, but after all the time I’ve spent on sets through my career, I’ve learned so much.”. She said, “I not only fell in love with Biossance’s products, especially their Rose Oil, but also their innovative, female-led team and their mission towards a sustainable future.” She added, “My skin has never felt healthier and I’m proud to work with such a strong industry leader in sustainability and care for our planet.”

Hairdressers in England face stampede for post lockdown appointment

Britain’s strict lockdown eased up and resulted in a barrage of customers at the hairdressers in the subsequent weeks. However, the several months of lockdown created some changes in the natural narrative of salon visits: Having been denied access to a salon for several months meant that many clients started re-thinking how they want their hair to look, and how they want to spend their time and money. Being at home also meant not seeing other people, not being in public and not being confronted with what we actually looked like, in other people’s eyes. Many people resorted to self-hair-help which involved trims in the bathroom and colours over the home sink, it also meant embracing greys and true colours for some. Certain people might have even enjoyed the extra cash saved from visits to the parlour, and some professional in fact predict that henceforth consumers will choose to go to the salon less regularly. However, for several others, a visit to a salon has had the highest priority and they tend to want to do something totally different to their hair!

Amazon to open hi-tech salon in London

The household name Amazon will soon open the Amazon Salon in Spitalfields, east London. This salon will showcase hi-tech technology that will offer clients the chance to look into special mirrors and be able to see how they would look with different hair colours that they might fancy, beforehand. Clients will not only be able to experiment with different, virtual looks but also be able to browse through magazines that are loaded on tablets at their individual “styling station”. The actual job of giving the haircuts and highlights will be executed by professionals at the salon which will be managed by Neville Hair Beauty, an independent salon. The Amazon Salon will offer a “full range of hairdressing services” and with an “experiential venue” that will showcase new products and technology and offer clients the chance to point at a product on display and view information about the ingredients and brand videos on the accompanying screen. Naturally, clients will also be able to buy shampoos and styling aids for home delivery by simply scanning a barcode with their phone.