Tuesday 2 December 2008

The Clothes Show Live

Don't forget that the Clothes Show Live event will be taking place at the NEC Birmingham this week. It will be running from Friday 5th to Wednesday 10th December, so if you want to read the event info or see how to get tickets have a look at the Clothes Show Live site.

Friday 28 November 2008

Make-up Website

If you are looking for make-up information, particularly about working as a make-up artist you might want to have a look at Makeup444.com. This website is a division of Make-up Artist Magazine, which is a professional (US) make-up industry publication that we subscribe to at the College, so don't forget to have a look at this while you are in the Library; there is a copy at Richmond House and Summer Row.

Makeup444.com features tips from industry make-up artists and new make-up and skincare products, plus breakdowns of make up used on film artists for particular films.

Thursday 27 November 2008

It's Thanksgiving Day !

Today is
Thanksgiving Day in the United States, so 'Happy Holiday' to any American bloggers out there and any student from the College who originates from the US. Any non-Americans' might want to click on the link above to find out what all the fuss is about. In way of a small celebration, why not have a look at some of the books we have in stock by the American publishers, Milady? How about Spa and Salon Alchemy: the definitive resource for the spa and salon industry (on the shelf at 646.72068) or Spa Manicuring for the Salon and Spa (on the shelf at 646.727 MCC) or Hair Structure and Chemistry Simplified (on the shelf at 646.724 HAL)

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Spa Business journal

We have just added a new spa journal to our stock- Spa Business. You can read the print copy at Richmond House and Summer Row Library but can also access the current edition online.The online digital version of the current edition (the one we’ve just received) is available from the Spa Business website at www.spabusiness.com You just need to click on the ‘read it for free’ on the digital editions info on the top right side of the homepage and when you’ve accessed the digital edition you click on the arrow on the top left of the page to turn the pages of the journal. To make the print larger click on the page. You can also access the Spa Opportunities digital version from the Spa Business homepage.

Tuesday 4 November 2008

The British Hairdressing Awards

Taking place at the Grovenor House Hotel, on Monday 24th November, the British Hairdressing Awards will be celebrating the skills of British Hairdressers in six specialist categories and name one lucky person the British Hairdresser of the Year 2008.
You can find details of last year's event and the nominees and finalists for 2008 at the British Hairdressing Awards site.



The Style Show

The Style Show have teamed up with UK online fashion portal, Handbag.com, to create one of the largest fashion and beauty events. The event will feature celebrity experts, designers, boutique brands, high street retailers, and designer labels.
Located next to the Designer Catwalk, the 'Stop and Chop' area will give lucky visitors the chance to be chosen by one of the celebrity hairdressers to have a surprise haircut live at the show. Or, you might like to visit The Cocktail Bar to recover from a long day's shopping.
The event is co-ordinated with the Clothes Show Live event and takes place at the NEC Birmingham 5-10 December. Click on the links for details of either event.

Monday 3 November 2008

Plastic Bags in the Library

Please note that in line with some supermarkets, and in an effort to be more 'Eco-Friendly', from Monday 1oth November we will no longer be giving out free plastic bags in the Library. Plastic bags will be available for purchase at SUMMER ROW LIBRARY ONLY and will cost 5p. So, if you are thinking of taking books out to help with your assignments remember to bring a bag with you!

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Celebrity Scissorhands

As part of the Children in Need fundraising campaign, this Sunday (October 26th) sees the start of Celebrity Scissorhands, where celebrity hairdressing and beauty trainees are given three weeks to become hairdressers and beauty experts. So if you are looking for some techniques to copy, (or maybe avoid!) you can see Celebrity Scissorhands on BBC 1 between 10.50pm-11.45pm.
The celebrities, include Stedman from 80s band Five Star, Lucinda Ledgerwood from The Apprentice and Grange Hill's Lee 'Zammo' MacDonald and Chris Perry-Metcalf, and they will embark on a three-week crash course in hairdressing and beauty therapy under the tuition of pro hairdresser Lee Stafford. Steve Strange is the assistant manager and image consultant, and all donations made in exchange for treatments in the academy go to BBC Children in Need.

Monday 20 October 2008

Hairdressing Training Online Resource

If you have previously used Athens to access the Hairdressing Training database, you will no longer find it in the main Athens list of databases. If you go to the main 'My Athens' page and scroll down, on the left side of the page you will see under 'MIMAS Services' the Hairdressing Training link. If you click on the link, it will then take you to the Hairdressing Training site.
For anyone who hasn't used Hairdressing Training before, here is some information about how it can help you. If you want any help or want me to show you the resource, just drop in to Richmond House Library and ask me.
The resource features thirteen classic haircuts to illustrate the Level 2 NVQ material. Each haircut features a photographic step-by-step guide, a quick textual guide to the haircut and a few simple questions to test the user's understanding of the material.
The lessons section of the site covers much of the theory behind the haircuts, whilst the products section looks at the equipment and hair care products that the student will need to know as part of their education. This is an ideal reference resource for students on the NVQ Level 2 course. Hairdressing Training provides a suite of web resources with photographic step by step guides combined with lessons and handy tips and techniques, suiting a variety of learning styles The resource includes a discussion zone where you can interact with other users by submitting and discussing questions about hairdressing. The product area provides useful tips and explains how to use different products in the correct way. Students can test their knowledge by completing the self test questions provided.



Mind, Body and Soul Exhibition

The Mind Body Soul Exhibitions offer lectures, workshops, and stage demonstrations of therapies and products, from Aromatherapy, to Reiki and Reflexology, Meditation and Yoga. The next one will be staged in London on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November 2008. If you are interested in buying tickets or seeing the programme of events before deciding whether to visit the event, have a look at the Mind Body Soul Exhibitions site

Friday 17 October 2008

Holistic Health 2009

Although it seems a long way off, the 2009 Holistic Health complementary trade event might be one you want to make a note of, as it is moving to Hall 11 at the NEC in Birmingham.It will take place on Sunday 25th and Monday 27th April. The event is trade only and entrance is free to salon owners and managers, qualified beauty therapists, nail technicians, college buyers, final year students and complementary therapy practitioners. There will also be free entry to BeautyUK which is taking place in Hall 12. To request your free ticket and read more information about the event click on this link to the BeautyServe.com website

Wednesday 15 October 2008


The Yoga Show

If you are interested in yoga then make a note in your diary of The Yoga Show, which takes place on Friday 31 October, Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 November at Olympia National Hall.
Available at the show will be free yoga and pilates classes, demonstrations, workshops and over 200 exhibitors. Tickets are £7.00, concessions £5.00 on Friday and £10.00, concessions £8.00 on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and to read the programme, click here

Tuesday 14 October 2008

Want Help To Stop Smoking?- Change of Date
Update to the post about the stop smoking campaign session. It was not possible to hold the session yesterday, but sessions have now been arranged on Monday the 20th and 27th October instead in Richmond House Café.
If any student or member of staff would like to give up smoking, here is your chance. If you go to Richmond House Cafe on Monday 20 or 27th October, there will be help, advice and support available. You might also want to have a look at the ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) site for more information about the harmful effects of smoking and how to stop.
Love Your Heart Event

If you are looking for a girl’s night out that includes pampering and indulgence for you and your female friends, with manicures, pedicures, reflexology, massages and makeovers by Body Shop, Lancôme and Arbonne Skin Care, then head for The Lunar Suite at Radisson SAS Hotel in Birmingham on Thursday 30th October between 5.00pm and 9.00pm.
How about some retail therapy, with clothes, lingerie, perfume, accessories, make-up and lifestyle advice? Or watch a Selfridges fashion show, salsa and belly dancing displays, and enjoy food and wine.
Heart Research UK in the Midlands would like to invite you and your friends and colleagues to the first annual Love Your Heart Event. Tickets cost £10 each in advance, or £12 on the door.

To reserve your tickets call 0121 454 1799.




Monday 13 October 2008

Alternative Hair Show

The Alternative Hair Show will take place this Sunday, 19th October, 2008 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The show is dedicated to raise money for Leukamia Research. For more details and to buy tickets, see the Alternative Hair Show
website

Friday 10 October 2008

Online Library Catalogue

Just a reminder that we have a Library online catalogue, which enables you to do things like renewing/reserving books and has many guides to services plus useful information. You can find the online catalogue via any PC with Internet access using the College webpage, Blackboard (from the 'Library' tab), from the 'Useful Web Links' on this blog or for the really easy option click here

Thursday 9 October 2008

Want Help To Stop Smoking?

If any student or member of staff would like to give up smoking, here is your chance. If you go to Richmond House Cafe on Monday 13th October between 11.00 - 14.00 there will be help, advice and support available.

You might also want to have a look at the ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) site for more information about the harmful effects of smoking and how to stop.

Wednesday 1 October 2008


Positive Health Magazine

From this month, October, print copies of Positive Health will no longer be published. However, you will be able to access it online at www.positivehealth.com. Just click on the link to read the current issue, October 2008. Back issues of the print version will still be available in the Library.

Tuesday 30 September 2008

Free Copy of Student Therapist

We have some free copies of Student Therapist magazine, Academic Year 2008-2009 (published by the Federation of Holistic Therapists, FHT) available at Richmond House Library. This is an annual publication and includes articles on buying products and equipment, Insurance, career path options and a feature by Anthony Marcella about his job as clinical sports therapist and sports masseur for Blackburn Rovers Academy. You will find the free copies of Student Therapist on the table opposite the entrance door in Richmond House Library, so call in and help yourself to one.
UCB SPORTS INJURY CLINIC IS NOW OPEN!

Here's an opportunity to support your fellow students at UCB that is also of benefit to you.

The UCB SPORTS INJURY CLINIC IS NOW OPEN!

Taking bookings on the following days:

Monday 1-3pm

Wednesday 9 – 12pm

Thursday 12 – 9pm

Friday 12 - 6pm

Sports Massage, Injury Management, Rehabilitation, Taping and Strapping, Training Advice, Fitness Testing

Phone Ext 442, or email at injuryclinic@ucb.ac.uk

Saturday 27 September 2008

Richmond House Fiction Collection

For the benefit of new students, and to celebrate the National Year of Reading, here's a reminder that we have a small fiction collection at Richmond House Library. You can take these books out on loan for three weeks, so why not see if we have something you would like to read? Here's a link to the online catalogue so that you can have a browse at some of the titles that are available by clicking here on Fiction books

Friday 26 September 2008

Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists Take the Most Tea Breaks

According to a survey of 1,400 workers by snack brand Nutri-Grain, hairdressers and beauty therapists take the most tea breaks. Could this be because they often have to miss lunch breaks because of pressure of work? If you want to know more, here's a link to the Nutri-Grain website

Thursday 25 September 2008

International Guidance for Nails

An international guidance for nail technicians and businesses is now available to download from the Habia website. The Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC) of the USA have teamed up with Habia to produce four documents. You can access the documents from the Habia website, via the 'For Business' link on the left side menu.

Tuesday 23 September 2008

Camexpo 2008 - an event for complementary, natural and integrated healthcare

There's an important event taking place next month for any practitioner, therapist or student of complementary healthcare. Camexpo 2008 will be at a new venue this year: Earls Court, London on Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 October. There are many taster workshops available on topics such as The Bowen Technique, Thai Yoga Massage, The Art and Science of Shirodhara, and Hot Stone Fusion. Free keynote seminars will also be of interest- Research in Complementary Medicine, Stress: the Good , Bad And The Serious, and Growing Your Professional Practice In A Harsh Economic Climate are just a few that are available. See the Camexpo site for more info. I have a copy of the visitor brochure in Richmond House Library, but you can also download this from the Camexpo site.

Monday 22 September 2008

Leslie Ash and that 'Trout Pout'


Tomorrow (23 September) there is a programme on ITV 1, 9.00- 10.00pm, that you might be interested in. Leslie Ash: Face to Face, features the actress Leslie Ash who had collagen lip implants a few years ago which resulted in massively over-inflated lips. Leslie Ash speaks about the pressure to maintain her looks and visits a plastic surgeon to investigate what went wrong with the procedure that she had. The programme also looks at the lack of regulation and research in the beauty industry. To read more about the programme or to see if there are any other hair or beauty related programmes worth watching follow this link and click on 'lifestyle' or 'Leslie Ash' on the ITV website



Saturday 20 September 2008


National Spa Week

Did you know that September 20-28 is National Spa Week?The Spa Business Association has created this event to highlight the health benefits of visiting a spa or spa town. For details click on either link above.

Friday 19 September 2008

Salon International 2008 October 18- 20, 2008

Salon International 2008 will take place October 18-20 2008 at ExCel, London. This is an important hairdressing event where you can see all the latest products and equipment; more than 250 exhibitors will be at the show. Many famous names from the world of hairdressing will perform in the Salon Live Theatre. Patrick Cameron, and creative teams from Toni & Guy and the Sassoon Academy, are just some of the people who will be presenting the latest hair trends. To find out more, click on Salon International, where you will also find details of the cost and how to buy tickets. I've got a copy of the Visitor Brochure in the Library at Richmond House, so if you want to have a look please come and ask me

Thursday 18 September 2008

Richmond House Library Inductions
If you are a new hairdressing or beauty therapy student and missed the Library inductions last week, you can call and see me in Richmond House Library. I also have copies of the quick guide to the Library that I handed out, so if you would like one of these please come and ask me.
The Back Show 2008 4th-5th October 2008

Olympia, London, is the venue for The Back Show 2008 . This show is the only national event for back pain sufferers and health professionals who treat back pain and it brings together the entire range of back care products, treatments and therapies, allowing those living with back pain, their therapists and doctors to source new ways to protect, treat and improve their backs. Available at the show are free exercise classes and therapies including Pilates, Yoga, Flexibar, Alexander Technique and many more. You can also see the latest back-care products, therapies, treatments and services for visitors and therapists. Tickets are £12.50 on the door, or £7.50 in advance, but there is no charge for under 16's. Click on The Back Show 2008 for more details, including how to buy tickets and how to get there.

Wednesday 17 September 2008

Professional Beauty North 12-13 October 2008
The Professional Beauty North event takes place on October 12-13 at Manchester Central (formerly GMEX) Petersfield, Manchester.
The exhibition is open only to trade and professional visitors working within the health and beauty industry. Entry for students is limited to NVQ Levels Two and Three (or equivalent) and the wearing of uniforms is now mandatory for all students attending Professional Beauty North 2008. For further details click here
London Fashion Week 2008

London Fashion Week is a biannual event to showcase the Spring/Summer collections in September and the Autumn/Winter collections in February. For information on the September event, currently taking place, click on the link to read the daily catwalk reports and much, much, more.

Tuesday 16 September 2008

Online Catalogue Information

If you are looking for a particular book in the Library, don't forget to check the Library online catalogue. You can access this from any computer with Internet access, either in College or when you are at home, and there are also dedicated online catalogue computers in the Library at Richmond House and Summer Row. If you check the 'Useful Web Links' on this blog, you will see a link at the top of this list too.A new feature of the catalogue this year that you will find useful, is that next to the title information of a book you can see the cover of the book. If you click on the book cover some titles have a summary of the book and/or a table of contents of the book. It is not possible for this 'cover' feature to be added to all the books we currently have in stock, but if you click on this link to the Online Catalogue you can see examples.

Monday 15 September 2008

New Reflexology Journal

A new journal is now available at Richmond House Library- Reflexions: the journal of the Association of Reflexologists. The September issue has information on face reflexology, new legislation and the journal also includes details of training courses, industry news, developments in the industry and a 'readers/letters' page.

Friday 12 September 2008

New Natural Health and Beauty Books in Stock
We have two new books containing information on natural health and beauty, in stock at Richmond House. Follow the link on each title to see the online catalogue details.

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Celebrity Hairstyles in the News
News today of a new hairstyle for Victoria Beckham- a 'Pixie cut'. See this link to Hairboutique.com if Pixie cuts are new to you. You might want to get the scissors out, and start practising this cut now! For the full story (and photograph) follow the link to the Daily Mail and you'll find the info in the 'Don't Miss' section on the right of the page.
Also in the 'Don't Miss' section is news of Sarah Palin's new hairstyle. Sarah Palin is the running-mate of John McCain in the upcoming US Presidental Election, so could be the next Vice-President of the US. Here is the Wikipedia link for anyone who wants info about Sarah Palin.

Monday 8 September 2008





Hello and Welcome...

Just to say a big 'hello' to all new hairdressing and beauty therapy students starting at the College this week! If you haven't been to your Library induction yet, I'll probably be seeing you later this week. Don't forget to check the blog for new information -or just to have a browse at past posts in the Blog Archive. There is also a Useful Web Links area and the HaBe search for hairdressing and beauty therapy information.


Friday 5 September 2008

BEAUTYPEDIA™.Com
Looking for information on cosmetic ingredients? There is a free cosmetic ingredient dictionary, beauty articles and 'Dear Paula' [Begoun] Q&A available when you log on to http://www.beautypedia.com/. You will not be able to access the site's product review information without a subscription, but we have Paula Begoun's, Don't Go The The Cosmetics Counter Without Me , (which has reviews of all the major cosmetic and skin-care lines) in stock at Richmond House and Summer Row. Click on the link for catalogue details.
Holistic Health 2008 21-22 September 2008

Just a reminder that an event dedicated to complementary health and alternative therapy, that is supported by the FHT, will be taking place on September 21st and 22nd at Donington Park Exhibition Centre, East Midlands. This is Holistic Health 2008, and features will include complementary therapy suppliers, taster treatments and seminars and workshops. Click on the link above for further information.

Wednesday 3 September 2008


Professional Beauty Awards 2009
A date to make a note of in your diary, is Monday 2 March 2009, when the Professional Beauty Awards 2009 takes place at The Platinum Suite, ExCel,London.
This year sees the introduction of a new category to honour the skills of professional make-up specialists and the Day Spa category will include the growing number of city spas offering client relaxation and treatment facilities as well as the expansion of the Residential Spa category. The entry deadline is October 17 2008, so why have a look at the Awards website? You may not be able to enter this year's awards, but when you have qualified and are working in the industry this will give you something to aspire to. In the meantime, you can visit the Awards website and have a look at the categories that detail what the judges are looking for.

Monday 1 September 2008


National Eczema Week
The week beginning 13 -20 September 2008 has been designated as National Eczema Week. If you are interested in reading more about National Eczema Week click on the link or you can read about The National Eczema Society and what they do here.
For anyone who needs a book dealing with Eczema, we have loan copies of: Understanding Skin Problems: acne, eczema, psoriasis and related skin conditions in stock at Richmond House Library and a reference copy at Summer Row Library. See here for details.


Friday 29 August 2008

The Sanctuary Spa 30th Birthday Tour

The Sanctuary (ladies only day spa), situated in Covent Garden, London, is taking the spa on tour next month to 7 major UK cities- including Birmingham- to celebrate their 30th birthday. The tour starts in Bristol on Saturday 13th September and finishes in Birmingham on Saturday 27th September at St Martin's Square. A travelling 'spa dome' will be offering free express 15 minute treatments, such as massages, facials and skincare consultations, but you need to book these via the Sanctuary blog. If you want to read more, see what a treatment pod looks like and book your free treatment here is the link to the Sanctuary blog.

Friday 22 August 2008

Hairdressing and Beauty Jobs in the Film and TV Industry



If you are interested in working in the film or TV industry, here is a site which will give you job profiles and department overviews that include make-up and hair artists and designers. Skillset Careers is the specialist careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) service for broadcast, film, video, interactive media, photo imaging and publishing. Click here to access the site, then select 'TV' at the top of the screen, then 'jobs in television', then click on 'hair & make-up'.

Thursday 21 August 2008


Bodywork & Massage Magazine Online
You can now access the online version of the latest issue of Massage & Bodywork, by going to Massage and bodywork.com, and clicking on digital magazine format.

Wednesday 20 August 2008

It's Vidal Sassoon's 80th birthday celebration

Vidal Sassoon celebrated his 80th birthday earlier this year; and, for the benefit of those too young to remember the 1960s, all I can say is that Sassoon was a HUGE influence on hairstyling in those days. If you want to read more go to the Sassoon website or have a look at the Wikipedia info- although the photo shown there is not quite how I remember him from the 60s, but time catches up with all of us!

To celebrate his birthday, there is an event at Excel, London on Saturday 18th October. Although tickets are £150.00 + VAT you might want to have a look at the salonexhibitions site to read the information, as the event is taking place alongside Salon International.

Tuesday 12 August 2008

Asian Style Awards

The first Asian Style Awards will be held on 1 November at Alexandra Palace, in London. The awards 'recognise and celebrate the contribution made by the UK's South Asian hairdressers and beauty therapists' . The event had been planned for July, but has been moved because of the high level of interest and voting is now open until 15 August. Click on this link to read more information, reserve tickets or to vote- you'll have to be quick to vote though, as there are only a few days left!

Monday 4 August 2008

Beauty Therapists are Happiest Workers in the UK

According to City & Guilds, beauty therapists are the happiest workers in the UK and hairdressers come joint second, sharing this place with the armed forces. You can check where other professions came in the City & Guilds Happiness Index (and read other information about the Index and the results) by clicking on this link to the City & Guilds press release


Friday 1 August 2008

Habia Health and Safety Awards
The nominees for the 2008 Habia (Hairdressing and Beauty Authority) National Health and Safety Awards scheme for salons have been announced. These are salons that have already achieved the regional award, but have exceeded what is normally required and set an example to other salons. For more details click on this Habia link, select 'health and safety' from the left side menu, then 'awards for good practice'

Monday 28 July 2008

Television Programmes To Look Out for This Week


There are a couple of television programmes of interest this week for hairdressing and beauty students. Tonight (Monday 28) on BBC 3 9.00pm-10.00pm there is When Beauty Goes Wrong- Konnie Huq examines potentially disastrous beauty treatments.

Then on Thursday 31 July 9.00pm- 10.00pm on BBC 3 there is Whose Hair is it Anyway?Jamelia traces the roots (pardon the pun!) of real human hair extensions, to see where the hair is obtained from.You can find more info and details of BBC programmes from the Radio Times online here

Friday 25 July 2008

Sign up for the latest beauty industry news...

To keep up with the latest beauty, spa and nails industry news, it is worth signing -up for the
Professional Beauty (incorporating spa and nails) free weekly e-newsletter. You will then receive a weekly e-newsletter containing the latest news, trends and product information. All you need to do is click on the link above, click on the news tab at the top of the home page, click on 'register today' on the left side menu and enter your details.

Friday 20 June 2008

Latest Beauty News
For the latest industry news, including anti-ageing treatments and the launching of a new awards programme for the beauty, spa and health industry, have a look at the Professional Beauty website.

Friday 13 June 2008


New Marketing Book For Complementary Therapists

We have just added the new 3rd edition of Marketing Your Complementary Practice: 101 tried and trusted ways to attract and retain clients . The title has changed slightly from the previous edition- it was Marketing for Complementary Therapists: 101 tried and tested ways to attract clients. Copies are now available at Richmond house and Summer Row.

Tuesday 10 June 2008

New Look BHMA Website

The BHMA (British Holistic Medical Association) website has a new feature. The Integrative Health Resource provides online access to information about a range of conditions and treatments, including conventional as well as complementary. You can access the site by clicking on the link above.

Monday 9 June 2008

Reiki Awareness Week

June 8-14th 2008 is UK Reiki Federation’s Reiki Awareness Week. For more information about Reiki, try looking at the UK Reiki Federation website.
We have two books ( copies at RH & SR Library) and a DVD on Reiki at Richmond House Library. Links to online catalogue details are below.
DVD - What is Reiki
Books- The Reiki Sourcebook, Steine, Bronwyn
Healing Reiki: re-unite mind, body and spirit with healing energy, McKenzie Eleanor

The Allergy Show

The Allergy Show will be taking place at Olympia, London, between June 13-15th. It is aimed at people who have a range of allergies and intolerance's and also at the health professionals who treat them. One of the free seminars at the show on Saturday 14th will be on cosmetic allergy, explained by Consultant Dermatologist Dr Alison Shanks. For a list of all the seminars and exhibitors and to buy tickets (£6.00, plus 90p per order, under 16s go free when accompanied by a paying adult) have a look at the Show site

Thursday 5 June 2008

Holistic Health 2008

An event dedicated to complementary health and alternative therapy, that is supported by the FHT, will be taking place on September 21st and 22nd at Donington Park Exhibition Centre, East Midlands. This is Holistic Health 2008, and features will include complementary therapy suppliers, taster treatments and seminars and workshops. Click on the link above for further information.

Thursday 29 May 2008

Calling all Indiana Jones Fans
The current issue of Make -Up Artist available in the Library has details of how the prosthetic scars were created for the latest Indiana Jones film- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Also included in this issue is The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Make-up Artist is well worth a read if you are interested in film or special effect make-up.

Friday 23 May 2008

L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2008

This Year's L'Oreal Colour Trophy Final takes place on Monday 2nd June at Earls Court in London. Tickets might be out of your price range at £230, but the Trophy website is worth a visit to read about the event and view the image gallery of past and current competitions or to see the trends for Autumn/Winter 08/09.

Friday 16 May 2008


Thai Foot Massage
If you are interested in Thai Foot Massage you will be pleased to hear that loan copies of The Art of Thai Foot Massage: a step-by-step guide, are now in stock. This book has plenty of colour photographs and diagrams and is well worth reading. Don't forget that we also have a Thai Foot Massage DVD at Richmond House, although this can only be viewed on the Library TV screen.
Beauty Treatments and Epilepsy

Next week (18-25 May) is National Epilepsy Week, so it's timely that the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association (Habia) and Epilepsy Action are working together to produce guidelines to help beauty therapists to deal better with epileptic clients. This follows concerns that epileptic clients have been refused beauty treatments because of possible contraindications. To read more, go to the Habia site and follow the News and Events link, then click on Press Releases- you can also find out about National Epilepsy Week here.

Monday 12 May 2008

New Hairdressing Dictionary Available
Loan copies of the Illustrated Hairdressing Dictionary are now available at Richmond House and copies are on order for Summer Row. This is an accessible, easy-to-use illustrated dictionary designed especially for hairdressing students. It contains appropriate technical, professional and assessment vocabulary required for NVQ Levels 1, 2 and 3 for all awarding bodies. It includes a pronunciation guide to enable correct pronunciation and a more professional personal presentation. It provides illustrated terms that help to explain key concepts and reinforce learning. It also includes an appendix with key technical terms arranged in NVQ units so that students can see at a glance the terms they must know.
Events Listing in Journals
Anyone interested in hairdressing or beauty trade exhibitions will normally find details of events on this blog, but you can also find this information in trade magazines and journals that we stock in the Library.
For hairdressing events try looking in Hairdressers Journal International or Salon Business. Beauty events are listed in Professional Beauty and Health and Beauty. Complementary therapy events can be found in International Therapist, Today's Therapist, Positive Health, and Massage World.

Friday 2 May 2008



Afro Hair and Beauty Live Show Sunday 25 -Monday 26 May 2008


The Afro Hair and Beauty Live Show takes place at Alexandra Palace, London
on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th May 2008. There will be live hair and fashion shows, makeovers, hair and beauty advice, and seminars and workshops. Tickets are £10.00 or £8.00 with student ID at the door, or if you book tickets online for Sunday 25th May you can 'buy one and get one free' for £10.00. Click on the links above for further details and to buy tickets.

Wednesday 30 April 2008


The Olive Awards

Which company was the winner of the 2007 Olive Awards
(click on link to previous blog post for details) in the beauty, wellness and integrated health industry? Click
here to find out the answer to this question and also to see other information such as the salary ranges of respondents. It might be something to keep in mind when you are looking for employment.

Tuesday 29 April 2008


Olympia Beauty 18-19 May 2008
Free tickets, worth £15.00 are available for Olympia Beauty if you register online up to 16th May. Click on the link above and complete the form if you want to get tickets. I also have a few registration cards if you want to apply for tickets by post, but you need to get these off by 7th May, so if you want one of these you need to hurry. Details of how to get to the event can be found on the link and as it starts on a Sunday you will not need to miss college.

Thursday 24 April 2008

The Nail File
Want to keep up-to-date with nail industry news, product launches, and read step-by-steps and features? There are FREE copies of the Spring 2008 issue of The Nail File available at Richmond House Library. You will find them on display on the table opposite the entrance doors, so call in and help yourself to one, before they have all gone.

Wednesday 23 April 2008



The Art and Science of Beauty Therapy

We have a new book in stock for anyone studying beauty therapy at level 2 or at level 3 for facial electrical treatments. This is The Art and Science of Beauty Therapy, so if you want to be the first to read this book you can find it in the Yellow Zone at Richmond House shelved at 646.72 FOU. There is also a loan copy available at Summer Row Library.
Enter The (English) Dragon...


April 23 is St George's Day, the patron saint of England -and a few other countries. If you want to read more have a look at this BBC web page , the St George's Day website , or to see details of events around the country try this link St George's Day Events


Another English person of note,
William Shakespeare, died on this day in 1616, and is said to have also been born on this day. As far as I know he has no connection with St George, but is always worth a mention (in my opinion, anyway).

To tie in with the English/British theme we have a loan copy available of
Good hair days: a history of British hairstyling and for anyone who needs information in this area we have just added loan copies of the following books to our stock An Illustrated History of Hairstyles 1830-1930 and Women’s hats, Headdresses and Hairstyles.

Monday 14 April 2008

Thai New Year - Happy Songkran 2551!

The Thai New Year is held between 13-15th April. For information about rites and rituals, have a look at this website
http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/rites_of_songkran.html .

Anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of Thai Foot massage or Thai Herbal Compress massage can drop in to Richmond House Library where they can watch a DVD on the Library screens. For those who would like to read about Thai Massage, we have a new book on order- The Art of Thai Massage:a step-by-step guide , so don't forget to check the catalogue to see when it's available.
There is also an article in the September 2005 issue of Positive Health on Thai Massage- click on the link to see online or read the article in the Library copy.

Friday 11 April 2008

Content of Print Journals and Magazines

Although many of the journals that we subscribe to have online access through Athens, the hairdressing and beauty journals and magazines tend not to be available online. If you want to look in a print journal or magazine for articles on a particular subject, it can be time-consuming going through all the different issues. One way to help find what you need is to look on the website of the journal or magazine, as sometimes they have articles on line from previous issues. One title worth looking at is Today's Therapist, as when you click on the back copies link on the left-hand menu you can see a brief description of articles included in issues going back to February 2006 (although not the full-text of the articles). This may cut down on the time spent looking for the info as you will be able to go straight to the print copy in stock that has the article that you are interested in. However, you can click on the articles link on the same menu to get free access to articles on subjects that will be of interest, although you will need to register first.

Tuesday 8 April 2008

Cosmetics Ingredients
For online information about cosmetic ingredients, try looking at Paula Begoun's CosmeticsCop.com website. Paula Begoun is an (US) author of several books on the beauty industry. You can access an ingredient dictionary, and also read reviews, skin care facts and make-up tips and tricks.

Friday 4 April 2008

Hairdressing Students 'cutting it in the workplace'...

There is an interesting feature on the cover of this week's Times Education Supplement, FE Focus about the skills that employers are looking for in college leavers, which may not necessarily be the vocational skills that they have studied on a course.

'Cutting it in the Workplace', implies that students taking hairdressing courses may not actually go on to work in a salon, but that the professionalism, customer care and other skills that they acquire is what employers are looking for. Click on the link if you want to read more or if you call in the Library and read the print copy of 'FE Focus' you'll be able to see the full article, plus a photograph of hairdressing students at work in a training salon.

Tuesday 1 April 2008

Online Beauty Magazines

If you like to read journals online, you can download online pdf versions of the current issue of three beauty magazines from the Beautyserve.com website. To access these, click on the Beautyserve link and select the title from the 'magazine downloads' option on the page. The titles available are:

Guild News - trade journal for the beauty industry

Tanning World- professional indoor tanning industry magazine

The Nail File- newspaper for nail technicians

Monday 31 March 2008

Beauty UK 2008 will be held at the NEC Sunday 13 April, 10am to 5pm and Monday 14 th April, 10am to 5pm . There is free admission to this trade-only event if you are a salon owner or manager, qualified beauty therapist, nail technician, college buyer, final year student or complementary therapy practitioner. You will be able to see demonstrations of beauty, spa, and nails techniques and equipment and there will also be educational seminars. To see the list of exhibitors and apply for free tickets click on the Beauty UK link.

Thursday 27 March 2008

Style in the City 3-6 April 2008

There is an fashion event next week that you will not have to travel far to experience, as it will be taking place in Birmingham city centre. Style in the City attractions include The Birmingham Post Oasis at the Pavillions, where you can have a mini- makeover and Toni and Guy's team of experts offering a 'personal style plan' session. Trinny & Susannah will be launching their style academy as they appear live on stage giving advice on how to look great. There will be a free hop-on, hop-off bus service available for travel between the venues. For more information and details of the various types of ticket available click on the link above.

Friday 14 March 2008


Abolition! :the struggle to abolish slavery in the British colonies

The loan copy of this book, mentioned in the blog entry for 3 March on the abolition of the slave trade, is now available at Richmond House Library and is displayed on the New Book stand.

Wednesday 12 March 2008

Hair Fair 2008
The Habia Skills Team will be demonstrating hairstyles and step-by-step skills needed for career and salon success at Hair Fair 2008 which will take place on Sunday 16th - Monday 17th March, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The event includes competitions, shows and demonstrations.

Tuesday 11 March 2008

Alternative Therapies Under Investigation
There is a new three-part television series investigating alternative therapies, starting next Monday on BBC 2 (Click on the BBC link to see the Radio Times home page where you can search the listings).
The first programme investigates hypnotherapy, followed by reflexology in week two and meditation in week three. Anyone with a fear of going to the dentist might want to give the first programme a miss as a women has a tooth extracted using hypnotherapy and no anaesthetic. Programme one is on Monday 17th March on BBC 2 at 9.00pm. So, if you are not out celebrating St. Patrick's Day or afflicted with Dentophobia, don't forget to watch.

Monday 10 March 2008


The Secret of Health, Fitness and Happiness...
The Vitality Show is taking place at Olympia, London, 27 -30th March 2008. There are plenty of interesting attractions at the show, including a hair salon, BUPA health assessment centre (where you can get a free mini heath check), a day spa, and new for 2008 is a happiness theatre where you can 'unlock the key to true happiness'. Another new attraction for 2008 is the Top Sante Anti Aging Clinic, where there will be expert speakers to answer questions- probably not something that's needed for you just yet, but might be of help for advising clients! By the way, the April edition of Top Sante has just arrived in the Library, if you want to have a read. For more information on The Vitality Show click on the link.

Friday 7 March 2008

Tomorrow, (March 8th) is International Women's Day

Since 1908, International Women’s Day has been a day to recognize the achievements of women around the world regardless of nationality, ethnic background, culture, economic status or political beliefs.

With the possibility of Hillary Clinton being elected as the first female president of the United States, (after her practice run as first lady), later this year- see TimesOnline for one viewpoint- 2008 may be a year to remember. Click on the link above to read more and the link below for events taking place.

International Women's Day Index of Events

Tuesday 4 March 2008


The Cutting Book
Calling any NVQ Level 2 0r 3 hairdressing students who are trying to get hold of a copy of the popular, ' The Cutting Book: the official guide to cutting for S/NVQ levels 2 and 3'.
If you are prepared to walk the short distance over to Summer Row Library, there are currently two week-loan copies available there.
Don't forget, if all the loan copies are out on loan, you can also reserve a copy by using the Library Online Catalogue. If you have any queries, please call and see me at Richmond House.