Why Great Hair Starts With Great Care
A Conversation with Marina Hodgins, the Queen of Quick Fix
It’s not often you catch us on a Monday morning Instagram Live, but when you’re joined by someone like Marina Hodgins from Fringe Benefits, you make it happen.
Marina has earned her reputation as the “Queen of Quick Fix” and for good reason. Her approach to hair health, her commitment to client care, and her decades of hands-on experience make her one of the most respected voices in the area.
Jez has known Marina for years, long before Fabriq was Fabriq. Back when we were Kerastraight, Marina was one of the first to understand the potential of our intense boost technology, which eventually evolved into our now-iconic Quick Fix.
Since then, she and her team have woven treatments into every aspect of salon life, creating a culture where healthy hair isn’t an add-on… it’s the foundation.
36 Years of Hairdressing and Still Ahead of the Curve
Marina has been in the industry for over three decades and has run her salon for 36 years. From day one, her focus has been hair condition.
“Anyone can be a hairdresser, but not everyone can deliver results without compromising the hair. Condition comes first, always”.
She remembers the perm-heavy days of hairdressing, where damage was unavoidable and compromises were constant. Even then, she knew hair needed more and she’s built her entire philosophy around delivering exactly that.
A Salon Built on Hair Health
Her salon completes up to 20 Quick Fix services every week, and new clients are never booked for colour without a treatment plan. Consultations revolve around the deeper issues behind the hair’s behaviour, not just what’s visible on the surface.
“Everyone talks about colour. But if the hair can’t hold colour or shine, what’s the point? Healthy hair isn’t optional - it’s essential”.Why Treatments Matter More Than Ever
Today’s clients expect shine, longevity, manageability and that smooth, polished finish we see all over Instagram. With rising expectations comes greater responsibility for stylists.
The answer, as Marina has proven, is consistent treatments.
The Consultation: More Than a Chat It’s a Ritual
One of the things that impressed us most when visiting Marina’s salon was her approach to consultations. They’re not rushed. They’re not superficial. They’re a genuine discovery session, understanding the whole client
Her team explores everything:
- What clients love and dislike
- Past colour history
- Lifestyle
- Medical considerations (thyroid issues, iron deficiency, or increasingly weight-loss injections)
Clients open up because they feel heard often for the first time.
“Most people say no one’s ever asked them these questions before. A proper consultation drives loyalty.”
Why Retail Thrives When Trust Is Strong
Marina’s retail business remains strong, not because she “sells,” but because she cares. Clients trust her recommendations because they sense her genuine desire to help them achieve healthier, better-performing hair.
As she says, “You can buy anything anywhere, but you can’t buy the same personalised advice”.
A Culture of Learning and Growth
One of Marina’s most impressive strengths is how she trains her team. Every stylist retakes their Fabriq and Innoluxe education each year. Always Improving, Never Stopping
They redo the courses and quizzes annuallynot out of obligation, but because continual learning is simply part of the culture she has built.
“Even when you know something, it’s easy to forget small details. This keeps everyone sharp.”
A Shared Passion for Better Hair
Speaking with Marina always reaffirms why we created Quick Fix and Reset.
They’re not just treatments they’re tools. Tools that protect the integrity of the hair so hairdressers can create freely and confidently.
When Hair Is Healthy, Everything Becomes Easier.
Healthy hair means:
- Colour lasts longer
- Styling time is reduced
- Manageability improves
- Clients feel better about themselves
- Hairdressers can achieve more
As Marina puts it:
“If I struggle to style someone’s hair, I know they’ll struggle ten times more at home. Treatments change that.”
And she’s absolutely right. Healthy hair isn’t a luxury anymore - it’s the new standard.
Follow Marina and her team on instagram @fringebenefitsgloucester to see more of their beautiful work.