SINCE their enforced lockdown closures the hair industry has lost over £1.2 million, but now local beauty businesses are being urged to secure business online.

Teesside-based Eleventh Hour Beauty is a online platform designed to help customers find last-minute appointments and help salons fill empty booking slots and late cancellations when they reopen by customers wanting last-minute appointments with salons.

The platform also offers virtual consultations and advice on DIY treatments.

Owner of Eleventh Hour, Abigail Fletcher, said: “We know there’s going to be a big rush for hair and beauty treatments but there’s also sure to be lots of late cancellations. Salons that have signed up for the Eleventh Hour Beauty app will be in the perfect position to quickly fill those last-minute slots.”

There is no initial financial commitment required from salons – in fact, they will have a free eleven-week subscription from when they reopen.

Salons who sign up now can ensure they keep in contact with clients, promote their services and begin taking the real bookings that will revive their businesses.

Eleventh Hour Beauty is based on a fixed monthly subscription fee with no hidden costs or commission.

There is no limit on the amount or type of treatments offered and salons determine the price of these and take payment directly from the customer. They can even decide whether or not to accept the potential client, as salons give clients a rating just as the client gives a rating to the salon or service.

Prices for Eleventh Hour Beauty start at £9.99 per month for a student with one diary/column up to £49.99 per month for 6-10 diaries/columns. No fee is required until after 11 weeks from the date they restart trading.

Potential clients join Eleventh Hour Beauty for free.

During the pandemic, the platform has also been adapted to allow salons and freelancers to list ‘catch-up’ appointments to keep in touch with loyal customers and pre-book slots for after the lockdown.