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A salon owner says the continuing pressure of overhead costs, including high VAT rates, is why she is shutting her business.
Sophie Baylis, who runs Blond-E hairdressers in Quartz Way, Sittingbourne, has made the difficult decision not to renew her lease after almost 15 years.
“Everything is rising and showing no sign of slowing down,” the 36-year-old from Minster said.
“My lease is finishing at the end of this month and the idea of signing for another 10 years was just too daunting a prospect to take on.
“We’re not in debt and are busy, but the stress was outweighing the reward for me.
“I neglected my love for the job and was snowed under from the business and managerial side of things.
“That's not really why I was in the industry in the first place.”
Last Monday (March 17), hairdressers protested in Westminster calling for tax reform in the Spring Statement.
The British Hair Consortium (BHC) urged Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address “structural flaws” in the system having a “disproportionate impact” on the sector.
It wanted VAT on labour costs to be cut from 20% to 10%. However, this was not mentioned during her speech on Thursday (March 27).
The BHC also said the industry faces a 93% employment decline by 2030 without reform, with no new apprenticeships by 2027, “pushing the industry to the brink of collapse”.
Sophie added: “They [the government] are shooting themselves in the foot.
“I love apprenticeships because I think that's where you grow the best new talent and get the experience.
“It is an epidemic on a massive scale.”
Sophie, who studied at Highsted Grammar School, originally wanted to become a midwife.
At 17 years old, whilst studying for her A-Levels, she went for a job at a local salon and immediately “fell in love” with the role.
The mum-of-two said: “Being a hairdresser wasn’t the number one thing school wanted you to be.
“I've got a client that's a midwife and she told me ‘you're still caring for women, just in a different way’.
“The reason I love it so much is because I make women feel good about themselves.
“We're their self-care and they save up to come to you. It's a good feeling. But I'd be lying in saying I always wanted to do it.”
The salon opened in August 2010 and after working there for five years, Sophie decided to take it over as owner in April 2015.
One of the highlights was when they won the Muddy Stiletto Award for best hair salon in 2023. The competition celebrates independent lifestyle businesses in the UK.
However, after nearly 15 years at the site, Sophie announced on Facebook that they would be closing on Saturday, March 29.
Customers were shocked at the news, with many posting messages of support.
Amie Cadwallader said: “I am so sad for everyone but know that you'll all absolutely smash it regardless.
“Blond-E will always have such a special place in the hearts of clients and the amazing hairdressers that have worked there. You guys are incredible.”
Paula Mitchell added: “I'm shocked and very sad but also very happy for you Sophie.
“You’ve turned that place into such a joyful place to relax and to be treated so nicely. I couldn't have asked for a better salon to go to.”
Sophie says she will be taking up a chair at The Kailana Lounge in Colson Drive, Iwade, from Tuesday, April 1.
The seven remaining hairdressers in the salon – who are from Rainham, Upchurch and Maidstone – are all “ready to do their own thing”.
Sophie says she will be in touch with customers who have booked an appointment with her and encourages clients to support the other stylists in their journey.
It is understood that the unit will be put up for lease as a salon.
