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Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board have been given approval to begin development work on a Beauty Apprenticeship Programme, and a Barbering Apprenticeship Programme. Following the consortium-led apprenticeship programme model, these apprenticeships will be industry-led. Programme development will be … Read More

HABIC welcomes today’s Government announcement confirming that the VAT rate on Hairdressing and Barbering will remain at 9% for an additional 6 months until August 31st 2023. HABIC commissioned leading Irish Economist Jim Power to author a report on “The … Read More

A fascinating solo art exhibition, ‘The Coiffured’ – the result of a 2-year collaboration between former hair stylist turned artist Amanda Jane Graham, HABIC and Image Skillnet – opens at the Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square, Dublin on 6.30pm … Read More

The Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019 which came into effect in December 2019 brought changes that your business needs to be aware of. Expiry Dates Your gift vouchers cannot have an expiry date less than five years from the … Read More

The Payment of Wages (Amendment) (Tips and Gratuities) Act 2022 came into on December 1st, 2022. The Act introduces new rules about how employers share tips, gratuities, and service charges amongst their employees. It also makes it illegal for employers to … Read More

Announced in the 2023 Budget, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to support businesses with increases in their electricity or natural gas (energy) costs. Under the scheme, qualifying businesses can claim for 40% of the increases in … Read More

New research provides valuable insights concerning upskilling and talent development within the Hair and Beauty sector in Ireland. Boosting professional recognition could address skills shortages in the sector, as the profession would be seen as a more attractive career choice. … Read More

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship has been running now for three years. During this time many of you will have made use of this excellent resource. Now the NHA are undertaking a review of the programme, and are looking for your … Read More

Looking for a hairdressing apprentice? The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship is currently enrolling for the QQI Level 6 apprenticeship programme in the following centres around the country: LCETB: LCFE Mulgrave Street, Ennis Campus, Raheen Campus Cork ETB: St. Johns, Mallow WWETB: WCFE, Enniscorthy Community College … Read More

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD launched a new gender-based bursary for apprenticeship employers yesterday, 14th April 2022, as part of the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025 and the ongoing drive on gender … Read More

HABIC, in association with Image Skillnet, is offering members the chance to sign up for FREE Diversity and Inclusion Training commencing in May. A fundamental aspect of building inclusive working environments is ensuring that everybody has the knowledge and awareness … Read More

On March 29th, the government announced details of the Final Design principles for the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System for Ireland.  Under the system, employees will have access to a workplace pension savings scheme which is co-funded by their employer … Read More

Countless lives in Ukraine are being torn apart by violence. There is massive and widespread displacement, trauma, injuries, and separation from loved ones. All of which is having devastating consequences on its people.  It’s heart aching to see the videos … Read More

The continued use of masks in the personal grooming industry will become voluntary on Monday, 28th of February. The Government has announced that as of the 28th Feb, the legislation that under pins the mandatory wearing of masks in the … Read More

The Tánaiste, and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Leo Varadkar T.D., and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan T.D., today launched the Government’s new website to help businesses get started in taking climate action.  Tackling our carbon … Read More

Working together with @imageskillnet and @irishcentrefordiversity HABIC Ireland are undertaking a Survey on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in our sector. There are 3 surveys, one for each of the following:✔️ Employees✔️ Owner/ Managers✔️ Clients The aim of the survey is to gain … Read More

Did you know that one in four women in Ireland are subjected to domestic abuse? This is a shocking statistic, but with your help, we can do something positive and possibly make a life–changing difference for sufferers. Are you interested? … Read More

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD announced plans yesterday to protect employees’ tips and to provide transparency to customers on tips. With more and more people paying for services electronically, research has shown that … Read More

Have your salon’s high hygiene standard recognised with the HABIC Clean & Safe Practice Salon Award! ‘Trust’ and ‘reliability’ have become such important words. We as consumers need to trust that all service providers across all sectors diligently maintain a … Read More

Oct 22nd, is another of those dates that we have been looking forward to, not necessarily with the same anticipation as Dec 25th, but a date that our Government assigned in the growing list of COVID calendar dates. Following days of … Read More

European Online Job Day. Irish Recruitment Day in Spain – 4th November 2021 EURES Ireland in the Department of Social Protection in cooperation with EURES Spain, is organising a European ONLINE Job Day aimed at attracting jobseekers and job changers … Read More

Tackling Domestic Abuse in Ireland – We All Have a Part to Play With the high number of women working within our industry and with the volume of women clients who we meet on a daily basis, HABIC believes that … Read More

Introduced in July of this year, the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP) allows employers to host a jobseeker on a work experience placement to help the jobseeker to build new skills and gain valuable work experience. The programme is targeted at … Read More

Following deferral of the original implementation date of 1 May 2020, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced a revised date of 1 October 2021 for the new set of national water and wastewater business charges to come into … Read More

Showcasing Ireland’s most accomplished hairdressing talent and attended by the industry’s most acclaimed hairdressers, the first virtual showcase in 65 years of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy was certainly a night to remember.  Monday 13th September 2021 saw the L’Oréal Colour … Read More

EURES Ireland may have a solution for you! They are hosting an event “Living and Working in Ireland” on Oct 15th COVID has brought many a challenge to our lives and for the most part we have worked our way … Read More

There’s change coming and the sighs of relief can be heard in every corner… We are an optimistic bunch, and we have been looking forward to the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ for some time now. We are … Read More

We have all been learning to live, work and run businesses in a world with COVID-19. Since the arrival of this global pandemic, our Government has announced and set in motion a number of supports and resources, some in the … Read More

#BeautyToo – It’s time to reduce the VAT Rate in the Irish Beauty Sector from 13.5% to 9% You are reading this, which means that like HABIC you believe that the VAT rate applicable to beauty services must be addressed … Read More

Since the arrival of COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions that came into place, the Government have announced and set in motion a number of supports and resources. Some in the form of funding and others in the form of information … Read More

EVENT: National Hairdressing Apprenticeship Employer Information Briefing Topic National Hairdressing Apprenticeship Employer Information Briefing Description The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship Consortium Steering Group invite you to a virtual webinar. Schedule This free event will provide you with all the information you … Read More

The last few months has been a time of change for us all. And many of our members have found themselves down staff for numerous reasons. And now, on top of all the duties of running a business, they now … Read More

Who carries cash these days? This question was relevant before COVID darkened our door and it is all the more relevant now as we are repeatedly asked to make contactless payments as opposed to the ‘old fashioned’ cash payments. So … Read More

Sick Leave Pay, another bill for the business owner Earlier this week, cabinet signed-off on new legislation to give all workers the right to paid sick leave. The Government’s Statutory Sick Pay Scheme will be phased in over a four-year … Read More

You Should not Underestimate the Importance of Ventilation in Salons You’ll often hear people say that fresh air is good for the soul. Well, fresh air is also good for your health and the health of your customers and your … Read More

The Government announced their Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) on Tuesday, 1st June. It was a far-reaching plan with 4 Pillars identified and a €3.6billion package of spending supports and measures to support the economy as we emerge from the pandemic. … Read More

There’s been much talk within the industry and many of our Members have been in touch voicing their frustrations of staff not returning to work, despite there being ample work. The resulting anxiety and challenges have gained much media attention … Read More

Restart Week – CRSS Guidelines Did you know? Businesses that have qualified for CRSS, may be eligible to claim two additional weeks of support! (ACTE) under the scheme on the first two weeks they reopen/ restart work. For most of … Read More

Setting the Story Straight Industry Statement: COVID-19 Vaccinations/Patch Testing To date, we have not seen nor are we aware of any evidence to support or confirm the rumours, regarding the need to wait 2 weeks post-COVID-19 vaccination before getting a colour … Read More

Your doors have re-opened, and your clients are back. From all the engagement and feedback from our Members yesterday (Monday May 10th – will we ever forget that date!), there is an overwhelming sense of joy, of re-connection and of … Read More

To all our Industry Colleagues – We’ve been on a tumultuous journey over the past number of months to say the least. Who would have thought that when HABIC confirmed Government’s decision for all Personal Services to close on Dec … Read More

28th April 2021:  The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) today cautiously welcomes the expected announcement later this week by the Government regarding the easing of restrictions. The easing is expected to lead to a re-opening of the personal services … Read More

Support needed to ensure future sustainability. Huge increase in black market trading 21st April 2021:  The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (HABIC) has written to the Government to highlight the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the sector in Ireland.  It … Read More

Are you eligible? If you are, the closing date for the receipt of Applications for Phase 1 of the Small Business Assistance Scheme is fast approaching. The application deadline is Wednesday 21st April 2021. What is the SBASC? SBASC is intended … Read More

There seems to be some uncertainty around the CRSS – the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme. Most specifically about making a claim and how often you have to do so. This scheme was announced as part of the 2021 Budget and … Read More

We’ve been here before and so we know what to expect. This alone could get you down – BUT DON”T LET IT! Use it to your advantage. Set some daily goals for yourself with a balance of keeping busy and … Read More

What is the difference between salons reopening on the 1st or 2nd after all it is only one day!!! The Reality is… The reality and lost revenue for one day in regard to personal grooming services is massive. At this point … Read More

Many of you have been seeking confirmation on a reopening date and we understand that it’s getting close now and we need clarity. We have met with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and stressed the importance of clarity … Read More

In early October 2020, the Government approved the Low Pay Commission’s increase in the National Minimum Wage of 10 cent an hour. This represents a 10 cent increase on the current National Minimum Wage (NMW) of €10.10 per hour which will bring  it to €10.20 per … Read More

Updated 31st Dec On December 22nd the Government announced that public health restrictions would move to Level 5, with specific adjustments as of Christmas Eve, 24 December 2020. This resulted with the closure of all personal care services including hairdressers, … Read More

“We are thinking of all of our hairdressing partners and your loved ones at thistime. We want to affirm our total solidarity and are here to help you tonavigate this challenging moment. Together with Industry Trade Bodies, weare working to … Read More

Yet another day in the diary of 2020 that we won’t forget fast…. Wed 21st Oct. Yesterday, Monday 19th Oct the Government confirmed that Level 5 Restrictions for the entire country would come into effect from Midnight Wednesday, October 21st … Read More

We cannot under estimate the importance of Face Masks in our sector. Lets face it (no pun intended!) since life with COVID began, we have been hearing about face coverings. It has made headlines (ah – another pun!) since early … Read More

Following on from NPHET’s emergency meeting last Sunday and their recommendation to move the country to Level 5, the Government announced on Monday night that the entire country was to move to Level 3 of the Plan for Living with … Read More

The Government announces the much anticipated Resilience and National Recovery Plan for Living with COVID-19. This will be the guide for us all – families, business and society over the next 7 months as we Live with Covid-19. It is … Read More

As part of the July Stimulus, the Government announced a temporary reduction in the Standard VAT Rate from 23% to 21%. The standard rate of Irish VAT will be temporarily reduced for a six-month period from 1 September 2020 to … Read More

This year sees BEST of the BEST join forces with HABIC – the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation of Ireland, for the first time. The BEST of the BEST Photographic Awards as always will showcase the true talent that Ireland’s Hair … Read More

We have received a number of enquiries from HABIC members with concerns about what to do in the case of someone in their household or the household of a member of their team testing positive for COVID-19, or as a … Read More

€1,000 Grant for sole traders hit by Covid-19 Social Protection Minister, Heather Humphreys, T.D., has today opened applications for the newly revamped Enterprise Support Grant – designed to assist the self-employed as they get back on their feet following Covid-19. … Read More

The Government has published details on the second tranche of the Restart Grant and, with it comes some good news. It is referred to as the Restart Grant Plus scheme and it is well worth you taking the time to … Read More

It’s a hot debate and the out come of your decision can be life changing. So let’s give it the time that it deserves. Face Covering is an essential part of our efforts to combat coronavirus. It’s up there with … Read More

Your business is a local business and you rely on your local community to SHOP LOCAL to keep your town and YOUR BUSINESS alive. One cannot over emphasise the importance of shopping local for both local businesses and for the … Read More

To Glove Up or not to Glove Up? – That seems to be the question.  The simple answer is – if you did not require Gloves to perform the treatment before the Coronavirus, then you don’t require them now! According … Read More

HABIC recommends that both the stylist, barber, nail technician and beautician – everyone working within the Hair and Beauty Industry AND their clients should wear masks. Obviously this isn’t possible for every treatment but here is an industry story and … Read More

The COVID-19 stats for Ireland (as of today 8th July) are 25,542 confirmed cases. 1,738 Deaths. And so for very good reason our government has invested time and money (circa €850K) into the development, testing and launching of the COVID … Read More

It’s Day 2 of our new beginning. We’ve had just 1 week to get ready to return to work following our then Taoiseach’s announcement that ‘Yes, Hairdressers, Beauticians and Barbershops’ could re-open on Monday 29th June. It will be a … Read More

Pre  COVID-19, the Hair and Beauty Industry of Ireland was a vibrant and booming industry. COVID-19 hit us hard and as business owners, managers and employees, we have been through a lot and there is more to come.   As … Read More

With just hours to go, we figure you are up the walls getting everything ready to RETURN TO WORK!!! While it’s all very exciting, there’s a lot of work being done across the country, as businesses in the Hair and … Read More

Appointments, New Procedures, Visit Policy & Booking Systems Phone lines, messenger, on-line booking apps, sms… all communication platforms went into overdrive and the broadband supply in this country was seriously tested following Leo Varadkar’s much anticipated and hard fought for … Read More

There is a wide range of financial supports and guidance available to help businesses impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The dbei (Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation) outlines the available supports and some practical steps and guidance to help small … Read More

You are now in the thick of planning, getting all your ducks in a row as you prepare to return to work and to welcome your staff back to the workplace. We suggest that one of those ducks is a … Read More

As we prepare to return to work, as business owners it is our responsibility to be as best prepared as we can be and also to be accepting of the fact that we now have a new working environment and … Read More

It is widely accepted that micro and small businesses are particularly vulnerable to the economic effects of COVID-19. HABIC Ireland is all too aware that none of us have escaped the brutal impact that the Coronavirus has had on our … Read More

To all our Industry Colleagues We have been through a lot as an industry and as a country since March 13th when our country went into lockdown due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  Since then, our businesses, jobs and careers … Read More

Small businesses are crucial to Ireland’s economic recovery. HABIC believes that it is essential that the SME sector which includes the Hair and Beauty Industry, is at the forefront of the Government’s National Recovery Plan. HABIC formally endorses the SME … Read More

As our industry moves towards reopening, health and wellbeing is paramount for our staff and our clients. Together we are stronger! We are ready. We are committed. We are prepared to providing a safe environment for our teams and our … Read More

Our worlds are inside out and upside down. Our businesses, jobs, careers are either on hold or are evolving into something very different from what they were before.There is much talk in the media about when and how our industry … Read More

Apply NOW for your Restart Grant through your local authority.  Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Minister Humphreys TD announced yesterday (Fri 22nd May) that Local Authorities are now taking applications for the €250m Restart Grant. Applications can be made … Read More

We need to hear YOUR voice. HABIC (Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation) is here to be the united VOICE of Ireland’s Hair and Beauty Industry. HABIC is a non-profit, national organisation designed to support and enhance the development of the Irish … Read More

The support for the Hair and Beauty industry during these difficult times is in abundance. Over the next short while, HABIC Ireland will seek out this guidance and share it with you. Our Blog will continue to be your one-stop-shop … Read More

Legionella / Legionnaires’ Disease – What you need to know for Return to Work Protocols. Getting salons ready to return to work is going to be a lengthy and thorough process in the coming weeks. Of course, protection from COVID-19 … Read More

HABIC Ireland brings you L’Oréal’s “Back to Business Salon Support Guide” in support of salons as they reopen during Covid-19. The guide, which can be downloaded from the link below, is designed to share advice for salons and hairdressers to … Read More

One thing is inevitable when the world finally goes back to normality – there will be far fewer physical interactions with others in our day-to-day lives. For salons, this will pose a particular challenge. Many salons had already begun a … Read More

We are all keen to get our businesses open again and sooner rather than later. However, for this we need to prepare. Here are a few things as a manager or business owner you need to consider: It will not … Read More

PART 4 – Adaptive Leadership; What can you do proactively right now that will positively impact your life or business in the long run? We continue our short exploration into things we can do now, during this unusual and lets … Read More

Our salons are shut and we are more or less off the road. All of this means that we are cut off from our busy social work places and all the chat and banter that goes with that. We are … Read More

L’ORÉAL IRELAND DONATES 50,000 FREE HYGIENE PRODUCTS & HAND SANITISERS TO FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS In ongoing support of the fight against coronavirus, L’Oréal Ireland is implementing a series of measures for communities most impacted by the crisis. The group and … Read More

Yesterday we began a short series of blogs with the intent of shifting the focus from business and work to ourselves. On a personal level, we have all been flung head first into a world where normality is in a … Read More

It has undoubtedly been a crazy few weeks! So much has happened, we are all struggling to keep up with the pace of change, and to process the enormity of the COVID-19 Pandemic.  There is so much that is unknown, … Read More

COVID-19: Minister Humphreys Announces Major Expansion of Business Supports for SMEs (source: gov.ie) Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, announces a major expansion of business supports for SMEs impacted by COVID-19.  So what’s on offer to SME’s? … Read More

Our older parents and grandparents are cocooning. This effectively means that they are living in isolation within their homes and we can all help to make a huge difference to their day. At the best of times, the older generation … Read More

Read Your Meter and Help Keep your Electricity Bill in Check.  Your salon may be empty, but there are some essential utilities that you may not want to stop during the lockdown. Your electricity bill is a prime example of … Read More

L’ORÉAL Professional Products has just launched ‘A Guide to Help Support Distributors, Salons & Spas in Ireland During COVID-19’. This Guide includes: SECTION 1: Salon & Spa Owners SECTION 2: Employees SECTION 3: Self-Employed SECTION 4: Other Support SECTION 5: … Read More

INSURANCE… and getting your head around what you need to consider and do during COVID-19. As we are all aware we are currently in unprecedented times and the impact of COVID-19 is being felt in every sector – retail, services, … Read More

HABIC welcomes today’s announcement… HABIC welcomes today’s announcement calling for the closure of “Hairdressers” and “Similar Outlets”. In the interest of public health and safety, and to help curb the spread of COVID-19 via community transfer, this was an essential … Read More

Important information for Employers and Business Owners. Things are evolving so quickly at the minute that it is hard to keep up with the changes. It can all be a little bit overwhelming, so it is important to recognise this … Read More

What is the Employer COVID-19 Refund Scheme? Employer COVID-19 Refund Scheme is for employers, who continue to pay workers a minimum of €203.00 in the event of business closure; for more info Click HERE The Government is encouraging employers to … Read More

Advice and precautions for hair and beauty in Ireland. Throughout this email you will find updated links to important relevant information, plans and guidelines to assist you. We urge you to fully review the below information. Ireland is in a … Read More

Advice and precautions for hair and beauty businesses in Ireland. HABIC in an effort to support the hair and Beauty industry has compiled a review of relevant information/sources that may be of help to you, your enterprise and employees. Throughout … Read More

There are a lot of reports and wild speculation flying around about the Coronavirus (aka COVID-19), so we’ve condensed the official information from the HSE, WHO, ISME and IBEC about how this might affect Irish businesses – especially those in … Read More

Why enter for Hair Awards? MMM – Awards are good for the moral, motivation and marketing! There are different competition and award models, but very often entrants are shortlisted before final judgement is made. Getting shortlisted, or selected as a … Read More

With Curls, Coils, Kinks and Frizz the thought of working with Afro hair can sometimes seem overwhelming! So here are a few important facts that you need to know about Afro Hair. With Curls, Coils, Kinks and Frizz the thought … Read More

by Heidi Grimwood As the spa and wellness industry continues to grow Worldwide, spa professionals are shouting louder that we don’t have enough good quality spa staff to keep up with the growing demand. But as industry professionals I truly … Read More

SEO is an abbreviation for Search Engine Optimisation.  When you are looking to book a holiday or to buy new furniture you google relevant words and the search engine returned you millions of website to choose from. But how did … Read More

Q. When a salon offers different treatments, doesn’t have specialization, is open since 30 years, how you can discover what they want? Could be an idea to give them a schedule to fill in, answer about specific question and discover … Read More

Stage 1 – Preparation First of all don’t expect the web design company to do most of the work, you will need to go into your first meeting very prepared. Domain Name What will you call your website?  You will … Read More

It’s important that when starting out that you find a reputable suppler for your salon. You may need to find several different ones depending on what products you need. Outlined below are a few tips on sourcing products and what … Read More

It is so important as a business owner that you have an understanding of your accounts because this is your business and you need to make yourself aware of all aspects of it.  So let me offer you some simple … Read More

by Linda Ennis, Beauty Academy Whether you’re starting a multi-national corporation or small venture from your own home, it’s always important to compose a business plan. In doing so, you can visualise and organise the direction of your salon, establishing … Read More

By Mariga Sheedy Milia are very common and many clients will look to you to treat or remove them, mistakenly believing that they can be extracted like blackheads. In this article my aim is to give you wording to help … Read More

By Mariga Sheedy With cancer diagnoses predicted to reach one in every two people, it is becoming common in the salon to get questions from clients about any changes needed to their treatment routine. Here is Mariga’s advice on skincare … Read More