A: A half price haircut/colour where every penny you spend goes straight to a noble cause. Blimey, all that good karma AND you get to look fabulous.

On Sunday 25^th July 2010, the Nicky Clarke salon at The Mailbox in Birmingham will take part in a special charity cut-a-thon. Nicky Clarke is offering half price haircuts and colouring services with all proceeds going to HAIRraising, an appeal that is bringing together the hairdressing community to raise £1 million pounds towards new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Appointments are going to book up really really quickly guys, so call 0844 884 2444 and press option 3 for the Birmingham salon to book your place NOW!

Many other salons across the country are participating in HAIRraising by fundraising and asking customers to add a donation to their bill. To make a donation to the appeal or for more information, visit: www.gosh.org/HAIRraising or call 020 7239 3131.

It’s not only the Ga Ga look that’s getting the Burlington Arcade appointment book swelling. With a reputation for exceptional technical cutting, particularly with afro- hair, Creative Director Aid has been specialising in recreating Rhianna’s razor sharp cut… be quick though, appointments really are in short supply…

Bad Apple Hair is @ Burlington Arcade, New Street, Birmingham. Tel: 0121 633 0633

So, talk to us…

“It’s been mental.  2010 has got to be one of the busiest years we’ve ever had at the salon, so far.  Apologies for not keeping in touch properly, but as you’ve seen on my Facebook, we’ve not stopped!”

I keep seeing status reports about you winning loads of competitions – what’s all that about?

“Yeah, it’s true.  The big one, so far, is that we entered the L’Oreal Professionnel Colour Trophy (which 69’ers will know is the Holy Grail in the hair world; it’s a chance for some of the UK’s hottest hair talents to go head to head (bad pun) and showcase their creativity.  To even get through to regional semis is a massive achievement) and we were the only salon in Birmingham to get both Male & Female entries through to the regional finals in Manchester.  When you think of how many brilliant hairdressers there are in the city – never mind the region – you can understand why we’ve been so excited about this – and very, very proud”.  The Grand Finals take place on June 28^th at the Grosvenor House Hotel where fellow Brummie Lisa Shepherd will be one of the celebrity judges alongside Andrew Barton, Errol Douglas and Trevor Sorbie.

Congratulations on getting through to the regional semis, boys…

“Cheers.  It’s very much a team effort, though.  We’re lucky to have some of the most incredible stylists at Bad Apple and they’re the real reason we’re getting noticed!”

69 saw that you’ve also been working with the team at TIGI recently.  What’s that fashion project been about?

“We did a professional model casting at TIGI Bedhead studios, which was a very cool experience.  We had over 50 models turn up, but only chose 5 of the best, who were then shot a week later at the Academy by Roberto (TIGI’s head photographer).  Or theme for the shoot was Helmut Newton – chosen by Aid Tams, the Creative Director at Bad Apple Hair. Aid was assisted by Pippa Crellin who recently completed the TIGI Inspirational Youth program of 2009. This year, we’re sending Chloe Davis on the same programme – but she has to fight off competition from over 200 would-be applicants, so we’re working hard to make sure she is one of the chosen ones.  Keep your fingers crossed!”

That’d explain why we’ve not seen your handsome face around our parts recently (no sniggering)

“It’s true, I have been in London a fair bit over the past few months – but all in the name of flying the Birmingham flag!  But, don’t worry, I’ve not forgotten about where my home is, which is why we’ve also had TIGI educators Haley & Ricky come up from London to showcase their new colour collection to the Bad Apple team. Adam Murphy (Senior Technician) and Beckay Hacket (Trainee Technician) at Bad Apple both spent the day working alongside the TIGI colour team to create six looks for summer 2010.  This was a great opportunity for Beckay, who is due to qualify in Sept 2010, to learn some of the tricks of the trade as well as the techniques and trends from some of the Hairdressing world’s best colour technicians.  These are people who literally tour the world training other colour technicians, so it’s been an amazing experience for Adam and Beckay.  And for me.

We’ve also got Gen and Heath from the TIGI European Art Team coming to the salon in July to showcase Anthony Mascolo’s new TIGI collection, which we’re thrilled about”.

We’re guessing that you Bad Apples are feeling very positive right now, eh?

“We’re riding high, to be honest.  The staff are loving having access to some of the World’s best stylists and trainers – these are people they can learn so much from.  Afterall, we’re in the fashion industry, so have to keep one step ahead.  And the clients are chuffed because we can translate and give the Bad Apple edge to some of these ideas – some of which are quite ‘out there’ to start with – and give them creative styles that can be worn by real people here in Birmingham.  I think that’s the real test: how to take High Art Hair and create something beautiful but wearable from it.  Whadayareckon?”

You’re itching to say something else, 69 can tell…

“Lol.  Only that we’re currently recruiting at our Burlington Arcade.  We’re so busy that we’re going to be expanding into the basement space (another 650sq ft of loveliness), so we’re on the look-out for the best stylists and colourists Birmingham has got to offer to join our incredible team, so if you could put the word out to your readers, that’d be grand!  Anyone who thinks they fit the bill can get in touch with me at the salon.”

The Bad Apple sauce of ‘im.  Still, you’ve gotta love him; it’s this cheek and drive that see Dan and the team striving to put their Bad Apple name on the hairdressing map.  And we for one wish them nothing but success.

Bad Apple is @ Burlington Arcade, (off New Street), Birmingham, B2 4JQ.  Tel 0121 633 0633.

Badapplehair.com

Well we popped in to Sassoon to see how it went for the winners, Angela, Chloe, Claire Marilyn, Polly and Samantha.

All six had a lengthy chat with both their stylist and colourist, who gave advice on what would work for them. Sassoon boasts expertly trained staff who tailor your appointment to enhance your individual style.

It was quite exciting as many of these lucky lucky girls felt like having a big change. Samantha had been bored of her shoulder length blonde bob for a while. She doesn’t normally enter competitions but decided to go for it, as she wanted to win so much. She told us that she was so excited when she got the call.

Polly worried about her very long hair, which she felt wasn’t in the best condition and so was in the mood for something a little shorter and edgier.

Marilyn, a comp-oholic who had never won anything before was thrilled with her new do and hit the shops straight after for a new outfit as her man was taking her out for dinner.

Angela’s prize was a birthday treat donated by her friend and Chloe was frustrated by her thick unruly curls (which we thought were rather lovely anyway) and wanted her hair more manageable for the summer. Claire was overwhelmed to have won, as she was desperate to have her hair cut.

So, a few hours later after a flurry of scissors, hair dye and maybe just a few glasses of champagne and strawberries, six very different, very lovely and very happy ladies bounced out of Sassoon with an armful of goodies, literally with that ‘just stepped out of salon’ look. Gorgeous!

Sassoon Salon, 11 St Peter’s Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2JF Tel 0115 9503778 sassoon.com

So we love Schwarzkopf’s new unisex got2b range of extreme styling products- anything to add some voluptuous volume, fierce protection, scandalous spikes, fashionable freezes, hot holds or touchable textures to our already fabulous tresses. Schwarzkopf have created the perfect range for hair that’s got2b its best.

Screaming vertical hold with wind-tunnel tested guarantee, water resistant got2b ‘glued’ Spiking Glue is perfect for creating crazy spikes, twists and dreads.

Funky freezes got2b ‘glued’ Blasting Freeze Spray cements your style, providing scandalously strong hold.

Hot hair – protect, shine and b divine with got2b ‘Guardian Angel’ Heat Protection Spray. Encased within a gorgeously curvaceous bottle, ‘Guardian Angel’ battles the burn caused by heat styling up to 220˚C, protecting locks for invincible style.

Big sexy styles, got2b ‘2Sexy’ hairspray with Collagen lift effect keeps hair plumped and pumped all day and night.

Transform tresses from dull to dazzling with got2b ‘Sparkling’ Shine Hairspray. Its unique fruit fragrance and multi-reflex shine formula creates irresistible high gloss locks, which demand to be touched!

For more tactile texture got2b ‘Sparkling’ Gel Spray guarantees shine, texture and hold.

Touchable styles that just long to be tousled, got2b ‘4play’ Putty controls, sculpts and holds for non-crunchy sexy, natural locks.

Super-cool surfer looks, grab got2b ‘Beach Matt’ Paste. The matt-effect texturising paste gives medium hold for awesome summer styles.

Giving you creative license for messy, unstructured styles check out got2b ‘Chaotic’ Moulding Gum. This funky, flexible fibre gum defines, sculpts and holds, no matter what!

got2b products are priced at £3.95 RRP and are available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Sainsburys, and Wilkinsons. For more information visit www.got2b.co.uk or check out some extreme styling on youtube.com/got2buk

The much needed operating theatres will be used to help children from all over the UK who require specialist neurosurgery and HOB Salons are delighted to help raise money for the cause by holding a company-wide HAIRraising day on Sunday 25 April, from which all proceeds will be donated to the charity.

HOB Salons Leeds will turn into an Alice in Wonderland extravaganza with all staff dressed up as their favourite characters from this much loved story, making Sunday a little bit more fairytale.

Anyone that books a hair appointment or visits the salon on 25th April will benefit from reduced salon prices with a minimum donation of £10.00 for in-salon treatments; £20.00 for blow-dries; £30.00 for cut & blow-dries and £35.00 for selected colouring services.

As well as donating all proceeds from this fundraising activity, all 19 branches of HOB Salons will be encouraging all their customers to add a donation to their bill between now and the end of August 2010.

HOB’s Creative Director, Akin Konizi, who is twice winner and current holder of the industry’s most esteemed accolade – the British Hairdresser of the Year Award is one of the campaign’s co-founders, along with other hairdressing luminaries such as Trevor Sorbie, Vidal Sassoon and Charles Worthington.

Akin said: “I’m thrilled to see the UK’s hairdressing community coming together to make a real difference to children’s lives through building new operating theatres at Great Ormond Street Hospital. HOB Salons are proud to show their support for such a fabulous cause by committing to a company-wide fundraising day which will be a really fun day with lots of activities and surprises. We encourage as many people to come down on the day and for those that do, not only will they leave looking good, they will also feel great knowing the proceeds are going to a fantastic cause”.

hob salons, 12 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DL

T: 0113 243 5555 / F: 0113 243 2299 / W: www.hobsalons.com

“At Hob salons we use Cinderella hair extensions because they look and feel fantastic. The hair is ethically sourced which is important for our clients. The quality is excellent and there are a wide variety of colours to suit and blend with any hair colour, which ensures they look and feel very natural.

The bonds that hold the extensions to your natural hair have a plant protein and keratin-base-this means no glues. This ensures there is no damage to your hair and ensures the extensions are suitable for vegetarians and are eco friendly.

The extensions last for up to three months if cared for properly and because of the bond can be replaced immediately. How you look after your extensions at home is fundamental to how long they last and how they look. To ensure your extensions remain as gorgeous as when you left the salon you must use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to maintain the hair and bonds. Avoiding those that include silicones is a must and it’s best to let your hairdresser recommend the best products for your hair.

You should invest in a weekly or fortnightly blow dry with the salon to help to maintain the condition of your hair and bonds – this also gives your stylist the opportunity to advise or adjust your home care programme. We always offer a complimentary first blow-dry a week or so after hair extensions have been added for this reason.

It’s worth investing in a special Cinderella brush, which will glide over bonds with ease and cause no stress to your natural hair. I always recommend tying hair in a loose plait or low pony to keep the bonds in the same direction when you go to sleep. Good hair extensions are a big investment and like a gorgeous dress or pair of shoes you need to give a little extra TLC to keep them looking fabulous.

At Hob salons we always give a full consultation to anyone interested in hair extensions where we look at all aspects of your hair, scalp and lifestyle to determine if extensions are right for you. Be wary of salons that offer hair extensions without this level of care and attention as you are risking your hair.

And don’t just think of extensions as a full head of long hair – they are great for offering thickness and texture as well.”

Well, there you go. Has that tempted you? Well, your luck might just be in, as the lovely Danielle is offering one lucky reader a full head of hair! Oh yes. One of you blighters can bag your self £1000 worth of hair extensions, some products to keep those locks luscious, as well as your first wash and blow dry post treatment.  What a prize. To be in with a chance of winning, just fill in your details below along with 25 words or less on why you deserve this fabulous prize along with attaching a picture of your beautiful self. Just in case the form below doesn’t work just pop all the details on an email to competitions@69-247.com with the subject ‘Hob Extensions. ‘ Soon you could be going all Rapunzel with your Cinderellas, if you get what we mean.

hob salons, 12 Duncan Street, Leeds, LS1 6DL 0113 243 5555  hobsalons.com

Closing Date 20th April

T’s & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

City centre based, Hush Hair and Beauty Lounge have gladly accepted the mission and will be injecting a delicate dose of the hush factor into the contestants to ensure beauty and elegance fills the evening. The local Hush super talents will be backstage preparing, advising and attending to all of our Birmingham beauties hair and glamour requirements on the night, whilst reinforcing the judging panel for a second successive year.

Hush Hair and Beauty Lounge are also proud sponsors of the event and are working in collaboration with Miss Birmingham to raise as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK. The team at Hush Hair are pulling out all the stops for this fundraising activity and two incredibly brave spirits, James Holmes (Salon Director) and Garry Harris (Stylist) will be putting the laws of gravity to the test with a daring sponsored bungee jump. The sponsored bungee jump will take place on the 28th March  at the Struggling Monkey Pub in Aldridge. Donations can be made at Hush city centre headquarters in Stephenson Street or online at www.justgiving.com/hushhair.

James Holmes, Salon Director, comments:

“We are honoured to be working with Miss Birmingham 2010 and Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Awareness; this is a great opportunity for us, as a local independent salon to show that we have the capabilities to compete with the big corporate franchises. The team at Hush will be working hard to raise what we can for Cancer Research, we do a lot of charity events ourselves and realise the importance, and difference we can all make”

The combined expert knowledge of the partnership between Hush Hair and Abstract Models is sure to create a serious contender for the aloof Miss England title and expectations are running high. In total 23 contestants will be battling it out for that elite chance to represent Birmingham in the Miss England finals, whilst also raising money for charity along the way.

Simon received the award during an amazing evening of fashion, artistry and sheer fantasy at the Roundhouse, Chalk Farm in London. The annual event, entitled TIGI Euro-Release: ‘Cirque de TIGI’ showed hairdressers from across Europe the latest collection of haircuts from a selective, talented group of hairdressers.

Iconic hairdresser, Anthony Mascolo, TIGI’s International Creative Director, himself three times winner of British Hairdresser of the Year, presented Simon with his award commenting: “It is with great pleasure that I present this artistic award to Simon. It’s really well deserved. Creativity and artistic talent is something that we value and recognise. We have worked with Simon for several years and he has participated in photographic shoots at our Bed Head Studios in South London several times, so we fully appreciate his creativity and vision.”

To book and appointment at this prestigious salon give them a ring on 0116 270 7444 or visit www.cawthorneandwright.com