Dunn Hair Blog

The salon will close at 5pm on Saturday 11th September, re-opening at 10am on Friday 17th September. Please feel free to leave an answerphone message or send an e mail. We will get back to you as soon as we can upon our return. Steven Dunn, Salon Director, tells us “Dunn Hair has recently celebrated its fourth anniversary. I can’t believe how the time has flown. Clients will be pleased to hear that James and I plan to let our hair down on holiday!”

Steven Dunn, Salon Director, was recently featured in the Leicester Mercury’s Business Section as “Company Car Man”. Steven tells us “Surprisingly the easy bit was having my picture taken. The questions were all around current news stories but covered a couple of tough topics” A surprising number of clients have popped in or called to say they saw Steven. A special thanks to Trevor for making it happen, watch this space everyone!  

According to a recent survey hairdressers are the most trusted tradespeople in the UK. The survey quizzed 2000 members of the general public. It was conducted by ICM on behalf of internet services provider Gradwell. 26% named hairdressers as the most trusted, ahead of driving instructors at 18%. 42% of people trusted car salespeople least, ahead of builders & roofers (21%). When questioned about what influenced their perceptions of tradespeople, the majority (63%) said they would be more likely to trust a member of a professional body or association, and 61% would trust somebody who could provide a reference.

Commenting on the findings, occupational psychologist Chris Lewis said: “Trust plays a major part in our decision to hire a tradesperson. Trust is a powerful and complex driver in ‘why’ and ‘who’ we choose. Scientists even believe that it has a chemical basis (the hormone ‘oxytocin’). The closer our contact or relationship is with someone, the more important trust becomes. Because we are in close physical contact with hairdressers we pay special attention in their selection. Psychologically however, there are a number of factors that underpin why people trust other people in general.”

Steven Dunn, Salon Director at Dunn Hair, tells us “For all new clients, trust foundations are built from the point of our initial consultation when, just like in an interview, both parties gain an understanding of each other. Sadly too many of my new clients come to us having had a negative experience from another salon in the area. These issues are, in my opinion, caused by salons cutting corners to save time, by lack of training or poor quality of products and equipment used. These are all inexcusable. The majority of our new clients are introduced to Dunn Hair through a recommmendation from friend, family member or colleague. That alone demonstrates the importance of trust. Trust is key; both professionally and personally.”

To underline the findings of the survey, Dunn Hair has always transparently displayed copies of training and professional membership certificates in the salon and online. Additionally the website has an online guestbook area where clients are free to provide comments on the services they have received.

Dunn Hair are proud to announce that the annual charity fund has raised £299.55p for the British Heart Foundation. Steve Dunn, Salon Director, tells us “Every year, instead of posting Christmas cards, we put £250 into the annual charity fund. Throughout the year Clients add to the fund. Since it was founded in 2007 we have raised just short of £800 for good causes. During 2010 we will be supporting Help For Heroes and clients can continue to make donations in the salon. I would like to thank everybody that has supported the charity fund, and hope we can break our previous fundraising record this year!”

Definetely not! Industry research shows that hair can be categorised according to three clear stages:

Stage 1. Birth to Five: Hair colour and volume usually changes dramatically during this period. Dig out those family albums and prove it!

Stage 2. Five to puberty: Hair is commonly the thickest and strongest between the ages of 12 and 14. This sustains those bold, beautiful and often alternative “fashion” cuts and styles! In years to come hide those family albums and try denying it!

Stage 3. Puberty onwards: Hair diameter does slowly decrease with age. By our mid 30s/early 40s the hair has a degree of reduced volume. In many cases the diameter of our hair shafts can reduce by up to a third over our lifetime. There are no real landmarks - it depends largely on genetics.

Stage Defying Facts: 

In the case of women with long hair, the average age of their hair is 7 years. Or put another way it has taken over 220 million seconds to grow to that length!

Hair deteriorates with exposure to environmental elements, styling and chemical processes. Diet and lifestyle does affect our hair. Poor nutrition can lead to prematurely ageing hair. There is no definitive proof to date that alcohol or smoking causes hair ageing.

Iron deficiencies following childbirth, or the start of prescription drugs for thyroid or diabetes issues, can cause hair to change, lose volume and appear thinner.

So what is the advice from Steven Dunn, Dunn Hair’s Salon Director? He tells us “This research re-inforces the benefit of looking after ourselves and our bodies. On the back of a healthy lifestyle, investment in a regular salon and home hair care regime ensures continued compliments will be received about your hair. But of course “life” happens. We have worked with many clients over the years, literally through thick and thin, to make them feel happier about their hair and themselves.” Steve continues “Our repeat custom rate proves that we are delivering high quality, consistent and great value hair. Our clients are happy. They enjoy a personal, honest and professional approach to hair. We don’t have to advertise as 8 out of 10 new clients are recommended by another client. I believe all these facts speak for themselves. As owner and salon director I personally guarantee that Dunn Hair will always be all about you!”.  If in doubt why not call the salon today and book your free consultation?

This month the chief abbot at Mandalay’s Naga monastery in Burma, Shin Wayama Nanda, stated that some 30,000 women and more than 100 men have recently “donated their hair” in order to raise cash for crucial road repairs. The hair, some of which measured four feet in length, totalled 125 stone in weight. The hair will be used in wigs or dolls. Monks overseeing the upkeep of the remote Alaungdaw Kathapha pagoda will use proceeds from the sale of the hair to repair sections of a road and build bridges leading to the popular pilgrimage site, which is said to contain the remains of one of Buddha’s disciples. ”With the money acquired from the sale of hair sections of the 25 kilometre road will be repaired and 15 small and medium length bridges will be built,” Nanda was quoted as saying. Access to the pagoda is difficult with some sections of the route only reached by foot or on elephant.

Steve Dunn, Salon Director told us “With our government constantly looking for new ways of raising funds I hope they don’t hang their hat on this novel idea!” 

Staying closer to home Dunn Hair will continue to raise money for good causes – solely through financial donations into the annual Dunn Hair charity fund. Steve continues “When we opened our business we established our charity fund. I believe in giving something back to the community we work and live within. In 2008 the salon and its clients raised 304 pounds and 67 pence for Macmillan Cancer Support. Every year we select a new charity. In 2009 we are supporting the British Heart Foundation. I am very thankful to all our clients who continue to support such worthwhile causes. Together we really can make a difference.”

According to a recent survey conducted by examiner City & Guilds, hairdressers are the happiest workers in the UK, with two out of five saying they are very content in their job. Michael Osbaldeston of City & Guilds said there were plenty of reasons why hairdressers should be happy. “It is the relationship they have with their client which makes the job what it is,” he said. “They are appreciated. They make people feel good and look good. Many of them have the opportunity to be their own bosses and that also seems to be something that is quite important in people’s happiness.” Commenting on the survey’s findings Steven Dunn, Salon Director at Dunn Hair, tells us “There are very few jobs that combine such high levels of creativity, one on one client interaction and that can ultimately impact peoples’ lives so positively. It’s all about mutual trust and respect between client and hairdresser. I don’t sell colour and cutting as simple commodities – I sell myself, my talent and my love of hair. It’s my name above the door and I never forget that. I make a real difference to people’s lives – all day and every day! Client happiness is what it’s all about. How many people can say they do all this for their day job? Not many judging by the outcome of this City & Guild survey and that is why hairdressing is such a special job.”

TOP FIVE HAPPIEST PROFESSIONS*

Hairdressers (40%)

Clergy (24%)

Chefs/cooks (23%)

Beauticians (22%)

Plumbers (20%)

*% who rated their level of happiness as 10 out of 10 in brackets

Dunn Hair are pleased to announce that the 2008 Dunn Hair Charity Fund raised a total of £304.67p. The nominated charity for 2008 was Macmillan Cancer Support. Commenting on this significant achievement Steve Dunn, Salon Director at Dunn Hair, told us ”I would like to thank all our clients for their ongoing support of our charity fund. Whether giving pennies or pounds it goes to prove that together we all really can make a difference to our community.” During 2009 Dunn Hair’s Charity Fund will support the British Heart Foundation. To kick off the fund Dunn Hair have again contributed £200 in lieu of sending out Christmas cards. Steve is very positive for 2009 “I want us to try and break 2008′s record breaking fund raising amount. In the current economic climate charities are amongst the first to suffer and I would encourange clients to give what they can; search down the back of the sofa, bring in those dusty coppers – it’s such a good feeling to give!”

October saw Salon International open its doors again in London. This year, as always, Dunn Hair was in attendance but this year we secured tickets to Toni & Guy’s Salon Live Show. As the Ting Tings’ blared through the speakers, a fleet of 15 models filled the stage, showcasing stunning looks from Toni & Guy’s latest collection, Flux. From cool blonde voluminous curls to dark flicks accented with orange and fuchsia flicks and a 21st-century take on a chic, sweet Julie Andrews-inspired short cut, the collection was a riot of varied, vibrant colours and shapes. Introduced by their counterpart, international artistic director Bill Watson, nine members of the team then took their places onstage to recreate some of the show-stopping looks:

• Aurora, taking its name from the famous Northern Lights, shone with shades of pink, tangerine, violet and the palest silver-gold, gleaming through a long, sweeping fringe, undercut to show off the delicate colour placement.
• Preen was a modern revision of a Purdy cut on dark hair, shot through with strands of lavender, inky indigo and raspberry.
• Elektra raised eyebrows when the team revealed the buckled, beautifully unruly texture was the result of a perming technique.
• Hed Kandi combined influences from iconic styles of the 1960s, such as the beehive, the sharp mod cut and Brigitte Bardot’s sex kitten just-got-out-of-bed hair.
• Tia featured flashes of vivid hues veiled through softer shades. 
• Freya, created with colour placed in a whirlpool pattern to leave swirling highlights of blueberry and orange through dark hair.

“All the colours in Flux can be mixed and changed, replacing the bold, editorial looks we’ve used here with more subdued, softer shades in the salon” explained Toni&Guy’s International Artistic Director Jo O’Neill. “Colour is make-up for hair and these looks will all translate to salon clients.”

Steven Dunn, Salon Director at Dunn Hair, tells us “Salon International is THE event of the hairdressing calendar. In advance of my technical training with the Toni & Guy Academy in London I secured access to the Flux Collection launch show. The style directors from Toni & Guy launch and present their new collection every year – live on stage! This year the collection was amazing. Toni & Guy are sponsors of London Fashion Week and so the mix of fashion and hair in this show was inspirational. I am extremely motivated by this creative environment but it’s important for me to interpret these catwalk looks into everyday hair. Hair is about happiness. Making a difference is why love the job I do. The continued investment in creativity is key for my business and I can’t wait to begin applying these new ideas. We’ll be back at the show next year and will be on hand to exclusively see their latest collection.” 

See images at: http://www.hji.co.uk/MyHJI/photos/salontg/default.aspx

Dunn Hair is pleased to announce the success of its recent membership application to The Incorporated Guild of Hairdressers, Wigmakers & Perfumers. The Guild was originally founded in 1882 as an industry trade body.

Today, over a Century later, it is heavily involved in the hair industry and the Hairdressing Council. Dunn Hair’s Salon Director, Steve Dunn, told us “The Guild’s primary goal is to improve the professional standard of the hairdressing industry. Membership reflects our commitment to Clients and salon team alike. I will ensure all our new juniors sign up to the Guild’s Apprentiship Contract. This will provide an important focus at the outset of their career.“

Steve’s partner, James Davis, told us “The Guild keeps our business abreast with the latest industry developments and represents the interests of our industry. Dunn Hair’s membership reflects the business’s focus on training and the continual development of skills. This ultimately benefits each and every one of Dunn Hair’s Clients.”

Dunn Hair has had its copper Guild Membership plaque mounted onto a mahogany plinth and it’s now hung prominently within the salon. You’ll also find an image of it on their website!