Month: May 2022

Health is wealth, and this currency needs to be protected, cherished and nourished daily. We are worth so much more than how we look, but when skincare and makeup are so embedded in our routine, we have the ability to use this routine for our mindfulness, reflection and reconnection. Mindfulness has often been neglected simply because there is a misconception of the simplicity and beauty of mindfulness.

Mindfulness has flexibility whereby we can mould to our own desired preferences. We can make it our own, we are able to dictate how we can be mindful. The concept of mindfulness intertwined with our beauty and haircare explores how mindfulness is often abandoned and the possibility that we can begin to infuse this kind of practice within our pre-existing routine with skincare and makeup. 

We can begin to explore natural ingredients, safe synthetics, environmental sustainability, mission-driven business, slow beauty, aromatherapy, moon cycles. Mindful beauty permeates our daily routine and instils mindfulness in our everyday life. There are many start-up brands that are actively reimagining the business. We can begin to use our skincare or makeup whilst recognising our breath and using it as an anchor to return ourselves to the present; allowing us to navigate through anxiety or simply to navigate our present, healing self. Anchoring our breathing, married with our daily routine, is a gentle nudge from within to make time with your inner self just as you do with your everyday exterior self: we must nurture our interior being. There are a few brands that perhaps we can explore to become more aware of our own mindfulness: Act & Acre have recyclable packaging, cold Processed manufacturing, and refills, and are making power moves that encourage the industry to do better.  Act & Acre use their blog to highlight fundamental aspects of the industry and instigate conversations about balance, nutrition and wellness: three pillars to mindful beauty.

Here at KIT, we think that this concept gently asks you to use these daily practices whilst using your brands, and to be mindful with your routine whilst understanding your breathing and reflecting on yourself.

By Sophia Collins

Okay so we have been taking a look at HOW becoming more digital can help you, your salon and your staff. And simple ways you can implement digital into your salon — that are super easy and straightforward. 

SO, we wanted to take a deeper look into the connection between the virtual world and the hair industry, and discover ways to utilise this digitisation to YOUR benefit. Here are some ways to implement it into your salon:

• Inbound Marketing Strategy ( in addition to showing your salon and products in a striking way, you will solve the doubts and problems of your customers, in turn, increasing their confidence).

• Analysis of all data, such as the number of followers, likes of publications, views, engagement, etc … to see if indeed your community grows and your publications are on the right track.
• Use of bots on your website to help the user at all times.
• Sending periodic newsletters to your customers informing them of new services, products or promotions thanks to the leads or registrations on your website *WINK WINK*
• Management of SEM campaigns (paid ads on search engines like Google) with a limited budget to enhance all the above points and increase the visibility of our business.
• Also, perhaps consider an automated booking management tool.  Management of reservations through the establishment’s website. In this way, customers, at a glance, can see the days and times available in the centre, booking the services chosen on the date that best suits their needs. PLUS it saves a huge amount of time – no need for phone calls – it’s all there for booking.
• Inventory management, orders and work processes. There is an influx of management programs that allow you to constantly update your business in all areas. We are talking about programs that, for example, connect the online sales of your products with the hairdresser’s stock. This kind of software allows you to have the accounting up to date, the staff and even, in case of lack or shortage of stock, they warn you when you have to place your next order. It’s super interesting and completely accurate.
• Business data analysis. Thanks to the digitisation of your salon, you can quickly and easily access multiple online tools that will make a comprehensive analysis of your business in all areas of it. One particularly powerful tool is Cyfe. It’s great to analyse online sales at all times as well as monitoring all the metrics of digital channels in a single panel, storing historical data in the system or extracting data from different sources to see the behaviour of sales

Need any more ideas on how to navigate digitisation in your salon? Just DM us.

By Sophia Collins

Here at KIT, we’ve been discussing ‘trends’. Trends in the Hair World, we love. Trends about diet culture, we do not. We’ve been seeing promises left right and centre showing people the fastest way to get their bodies ‘summer ready’. And in effect, making us feel like shit, purposefully and in such a toxic way. We’re over it. PLUS, the stupid alogrithims: if we even type the word ‘bikini’, for some reason instagram decided it’s TOXIC DIET CULTURE TIME. Bleugh.

SO, we went on a search to see how mindfulness and body-loving coaches respond to these — and how to approach the feelings, both good and bad. These are the amazing solutions by Chrissy King, who started the Body Liberation Project:

• Practice gratitude for yourself as a daily ritual

The way we look is the least interesting thing about us. Our bodies are merely the shell we reside in and allow us to have these human experiences. Show appreciation daily for things that have nothing to do with what you look like.

• Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparing our perceived worst to other people’s best can be downright harmful. But I also encourage you to stop contrasting the you of today with the you of the past. It’s not about what your body used to look like or what it used to be able to do. It’s about embracing the present.  Compassion is the antidote to feelings of guilt, shame, and dissatisfaction about our bodies. Some days we will love what we see and other days we won’t — that’s natural, and it’s human. The trick is to learn to approach the feelings, both good and bad, that come up with curiosity and kindness.

• Buy clothes that fit your current body

An instant way to feel better about our bodies is to wear clothes that fit us well and that we feel comfortable in. Instead of waiting to buy new clothes until we “lose 10 pounds,” I encourage my clients to take themselves shopping if they have the resources. You deserve to feel good in your wardrobe today. It doesn’t need to be a reward for weight loss. Cultivate a deep love affair with yourself

And just a side note from KIT: You are just magical. Treat yourself with the love and respect you deserve.

By Sophia Collins

Woodstock is BACK. Hair wise at least. MULLETS, PEACH IS HERE AGAIN & COGNAC. Let’s dive right into the details…

Angela Hazelton foresees a return to the free-spirited 60s vibes – l o v e — with golden blondes, strawberry blondes, and warm-toned brunettes.   Hazelton says the summer is going to focus on: “warm, glossy hair.” These tones will lean more into single-process hair colour with minimal highlighting, she adds. “Soft highlights to give the hair some sparkle and a touch of dimension, but not an overdone or obvious look will be on-trend.”

We’re also seeing a lot of COGNAC colours, particularly trickling down from the MET with Sophie Turner, and Kaia Gerber. AND at the Cannes Film Festival with Nidhi Sunil. We are seeing what is now called: a “cognac brunette” refresh.  

SUMMER NEON? Yes. And we are here for it. Warm neon somewhere on the citrus or rosy spectrum. Pink and Peachy tones for when you’re sipping on a margarita. 

Also we have to admit the pixie cut is having a real come back. This isn’t a trend for the commitment-phobes, Nai’vasha Johnson says the pixie cut is trending this year: “I recommend trying a ‘pixie wig’ cut first.” “The pixie starts super short, but when you let it grow it turns into something even cooler. But it’s something you really have to commit to.”

Kinda wanting to try them all. Kinda wanting a margarita too. 

Do you have a prediction? Let us know.

By Sophia Collins

The Little Princess Trust has started accepting Afro hair donations for the first time,  facilitating some serious changes that needed to happen. All because of a new technique – wefting.

Previously, anyone hoping to donate afro hair has been unable to do so. Until now.

Raoul, London’s oldest wig-making shop and the first to provide wigs for the NHS, has developed what’s known as a ‘wefting’ method to simplify the wig-making process. Meaning the Little Princess Trust can accept donations from Black, mixed-race and other hair donors, and provide real-hair wigs to the children who need them. These lovely children can have the hair they were born with as their wigs as they’re trying to navigate such a painful journey. 

Before this method was developed, the Little Princess Trust did provide afro wigs – but made from European straight hair, which had been styled into tight curls.

Now they can use this new technique– only developed in 2021– so more young people can benefit from real curly hair and so 2022 is looking brighter.

By Sophia Collins

Here at Kit, we’ve been thinking about what we would say to our younger self. If you had the ability to go back and hug yourselves, support yourselves and offer advice, what would you say? We’ve been asking around… these are just a few <3 

Stop comparing myself to peers of the same age in terms of success. It’s deeply negative to do so. Everyone has different circumstances/advantages. I’d also say to my 20yo self to read more books on psychology

Be patient. Your time for self love will come when you’re ready

Be kind to yourself 

Trust others – but know that sometimes people don’t deserve your trust 

Expect ups and downs

Know it’ll be ok in the end

Just as good times come to an end, so do bad times

Have as much fun as you can

Be kind to yourself 

Laugh out loud! If someone tells you to be quiet tell them you’re sorry that laughter offends them or fuck you – which ever feels right 

Always remember that life is beautiful 

Go outside any sunny day if you can 

You can NEVER be too old to get really excited about anything

When you’re angry use the anger wisely – run, paint but never ever make someone feel less 

To hold on tight

You’ll experience loss, you’ve not really met her yet. She will break your heart but she shall also be your teacher. 

You deserve forgiveness. You must forgive yourself. 

DON’T have sex with the neighbour. There’s a reason for the saying ‘too close to home’ (but don’t worry too much as mum soon sells the family house). You can put the bins out in your dressing gown and slippers again. 

Stop apologising and just be. You are magnificent and time will teach you how magnificent

Your heart will mend. You’ll learn everything you do comes from love. I’d tell her you are special. Not everybody is like this 

Head to our Instagram to share any other thoughts you would share with your younger self.

By Sophia Collins

Just here to say: check yourself.

Self invalidation is real, and we have to try *SO* hard to stop. 

Just take a read, have a breather. Keep trying your best to preserve yourself.

• TRY not to avoid your own feeling
• STOP apologising for your needs
• GIVE yourself credit
• YOUR voice doesn’t need to be sacrificed  to keep others comfortable
• DON’T give when you’re running empty
• TRY not to say things to yourself that are hurtful</3
• PRETENDING you feel find when you’re not will hurt you more in the long run
• MAKE time for your mental health
• SELF DEPRECATION IS NOT THE ONE. It isn’t a positive outlet.

Why not look at our previous newsletter? It’s talking about different ways to REST. 

By Sophia Collins

There is a plethora of Japanese haircare that will change the way you start your morning. PLUS after curling up for the last two years on the sofa, when caring for our hair was not obligatory due to #WFH – it’s probably about time we take a little look at other ways to look after our lovely locks and experiment and offer alternatives to the BUSY lives we now have again.

Camellia oil is often used in Japanese shampoos and conditioners, and is like the wave of ARGAN OIL that took over a few years back. 

Camellia oil can be used in lots of different ways – but pure camellia oil can be applied directly to wet hair to seal the natural moisture and keep the hair hydrated. It works to prevent split ends, while repairing the hair, and you will notice that it’s a lot easier to untangle after applying.  How to  PLAY with Camellia oil:

• Towel dry hair after washing.
• Put a few drops of Camellia oil into your palms and spread well.
• Starting from the top, apply into the hair and scalp using fingertips.

If you NEED that proper intense haircare, try:

• Applying a few drops into hair before washing hair.
• Cover with a shower cap, and wrap with towel for 30 minutes
• Shampoo and rinse as usual.

~ AND it also acts as a moisturiser and conditioner too. ~ 

If you’re excited by the sounds of this, try out Seaweed Hair Cleanser too – it’s UNREAL.

Here’s how:

• Mix 1/2 tsp of seaweed powder with 3 Tbsp of hot water.
• Let the mixture cool down.
• Apply into hair and onto the scalp.
• Rinse well.
• Towel dry hair.

By Sophia Collins

Why must we try to convince others that it is our basic human right to have control over our own body?  How many times do we have to scream and protest just to get BASIC rights to choose what WE do with our body.

And yet, here we are again: using the same protest signs, with the same despair, all of us with the same message. CHOICE is a human right.

As Hilary Clinton said:  ‘This decision is a direct assault on the dignity, rights, & lives of women, not to mention decades of settled law’.

There is no protection for women. 

Bit of context: the decision in Roe vs Wade ultimately gave women total autonomy to terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester, and allowed some state influence over abortions in the second and third trimesters, though a series of restrictions imposed on the state level – many of which have been challenged in courts – have sought to undermine abortion care.

This can’t happen again, it just can’t, we need to shout louder than ever.

As Julia Louis-Dreyfus said: ‘If men got pregnant you could get an abortion at an ATM’.

HERE is what you can do to help:

First, just take a look at the original case. Then take a look at the leaked documents and see how REAL this is. 

And also:

Look at these &/Or Donate:

• Planned Parenthood. A nonprofit that operates 50 affiliate locations across the country, where it provides healthcare and education on reproductive rights. Right now, there are 26 U.S. states that are set to ban abortions with the overturn of Roe v. Wade.
• Centre for Reproductive Rights. This advocacy organisation focuses on giving legal help and assistance in service of reproductive freedoms. In its interactive project, “What if Roe fell?,” the organisation created a visualised representation of potential abortion restrictions, such as TRAP (or “targeted regulation of abortion providers”) laws, parental involvement, and consent laws, which include biased counseling or requiring ultrasounds.
• Population Action International. A nonprofit that advocates for healthcare and family planning by partnering with policy writers and “a network of global partners.” The organisation works with women and vulnerable populations.
• Guttmacher Institute. A research-focused organisation dating back to 1968, this group has tracked legislative action on reproductive healthcare. The organisation reports that 2021 was the worst year for reproductive rights, citing a total of 108 restrictions.

If you are based outside the USA and of course can’t protest.  UTILISE SOCIAL MEDIA. Use your platform.

By Sophia Collins