Tom Kimber, director of Rebel Beauty Brands, talks about how his passion for hairdressing led to a long-standing association with Keratin Complex
Q How did you enter the industry and why?
I’d never really thought about being a hairdresser until I was about 16. My parents kept on talking about how they thought I would be good at hairdressing or as a barber, so I really did it to please them. I applied to John Frieda and was given a trial - and fell in love with it!
Q How do you feel education in the early part of your career helped in crafting the future?
I was with John Frieda for many years and loved it. The education I got there was invaluable, I found it fun and exciting, discovering about different types of hair and meeting so many different people.
Q You started working with Keratin Complex many many years ago, how did this evolve?
Back in 2008 a client of mine and another stylist had amazing hair, so smooth and shiny. She told us it was because of a new product but we didn’t really know what she was talking about and decided to find out more. We discovered Keratin Complex was already big in the United States and decided to see if we could bring it to the UK.
We realised it had huge potential here, having a dramatic effect on so many different kinds of hair and broadening the service that salons could offer to so many people, taking their hair to a new level.
We ended up selling Keratin Complex in the UK and it sky-rocketed. At first I continued working in the salon but spending my days off and weekends spreading the word about KC and what it could do for salons. I think that salon owners and stylists realised that because of my own passion for hairdressing, I was talking their language so they could see the benefits of KC in broadening the service they could offer their clients and boosting their revenue.
Q What would you consider to be your top 3 smoothing treatments?
My Number 1 would be Keratin Complex KCEXPRESS Smoothing stand-alone treatment, it’s the perfect introduction to Keratin Complex and ideal for people who are in a rush and have no time to hang around but want instant results. When it’s used with colour, it conditions the hair beautifully and makes the colour more vibrant, a colour add-on service if you like.
It’s a brilliant way for salons to offer a new service to clients, generating more revenue, and it also encourages clients to progress to trying other KC products - it puts them on a path to their KC journey.
Number 2 is KC Rio, a brilliant restorative treatment which restores, nourishes and strengthens all types of hair and gives a super glass-like shine. This treatment is a spray so very easy to use for both the client and stylist, and the effects last for three months.
Number 3 is a little bit different - KC VitalShot , a product which is becoming so popular. It’s all about protein, a bond rebuilder designed to repair from the inside out. It strengthens weak or damaged hair, reduces frizz and adds shine. It can be designed to use on all kinds of hair, including bleached or coloured and tailored to individual clients. Easy to use and lasts four to six weeks.
Q Which KC home care do you always have at home for your family?
KC Obsessed Multi-Benefit Spray, a leave-in treatment spray to detangle, fight frizz, cut down blow-dry time, and add glass-like shine for all hair types. I use it myself and it is great for my daughter who has tangly hair.
Q Is there a particular awards show, or trade show you like to attend in the industry and why?
Haircon, the two-day show in Manchester. It’s new and just what the industry needs. It’s not just a trade show, Manchester is the new London, easily accessible for people from all over the country and Haircon brings back the culture of the hairdressing industry with multiple things - product lines, talks, show work, a business seminar. I also enjoy Premiere Orlando, to discover new brands taking over the US.
Q Favourite holiday destination?
Italy, as a family we’ve been there many times. Travelling there is easy, especially with young children and it’s such a family-friendly country. The kids love it and the pasta is brilliant.
Q If you had one piece of advice to offer to the hairstylist community in these difficult trading times, please tell me?
Remember that you’re not alone. Everyone in the industry is in the same boat in these challenging times. When things are a bit flat, it is easy to be stagnant but you need to embrace change and keep moving ahead. Think outside the box. Talk to each other in the industry, get inspired yourself. Maybe even talk to me about how Keratin Complex might help build revenues in salon, there’s options! @tom_rebelbeautybrands
