After seven years of dedicated service Keith Conniford is retiring as Registrar of the Hair & Barber Council. Keith is being replaced as Registrar by Gareth Penn and David Drew becomes Chairman.  

Having initially signed up for two years Keith remained at the helm of The Hair & Barber Council for seven years, which included successfully guiding the Council through the unprecedented challenges of Covid. 

Commenting on Keith’s retirement, David Drew, Chairman elect of the Hair & Barber Council said: “As a State Registered Hair & Barber Council Master cCaftsman since 1994, and an elected Hair & Barber council committee member for the last 17 years, I would like to express my thanks to Keith for the enormous body of work that he very consistently, professionally, and diligently performed, not to mention the amount of sacrifice and sheer hard work in supporting our State Registered members and the hair and barber industry in general during the pandemic!

“I have had the pleasure of both getting to know Keith personally plus working with him, he will be a hard act to follow!”

Keith Conniford added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to work together with the Council, our members, and the industry this past seven years, but I believe it is the right time for the future development of the Council and me personally to now step down.

“Having navigated the Hair & Barber Council through two of the most challenging times for our members and the sector, namely Covid and the current cost of living crisis, there are new challenges that are and will face our industry in the future that will require definitive sight and vision.

“Our relationship with Westminster is the strongest than it has ever been with Ministers, BEIS and MPs actively seeking our help and guidance I firmly believe we are closer to our aim of compulsory registration than ever before. I wish Gareth and David great success in their respective roles as Registrar and Chair, I will miss you all enormously and this great industry that I have been part of for over 50 years.” 

Gareth Penn the new Registrar steps up from being the Finance Chairman and has considerable sector and industry experience as Managing Director of the Good Salon Guide since 2004. Commenting on his appointment Gareth said: “I am hugely excited and energised by the potential that the Hair &  Barber Council has and I am looking forward to building upon the excellent work that Keith has done over the last seven years. 

“Keith, ably supported by Susan Scott, has worked tirelessly to push compulsory Registration and I’d like to join David Drew in thanking Keith for his dedication and hard work.”

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing Project Men team were delighted to travel to Wahl HQ for an action packed two days with Project Leader, Simon Shaw.

On day one the Project Men Team Members had an introduction day with Simon, where he introduced the year ahead and provided a tour of Wahl HQ before a cutting demo. The day then followed with a cutting demo from Award Winning Barber, Wahl UK Artist and Matakki Mentor, Dean Greeson.

On day two, it was time for Emma Curd, Director of Matakki Scissors and Project Men Brand Partner, and Sam Campagna, Wahl UK Educator and Matakki Scissors Mentor to take the reins. Emma talked through the Matakki brand and the importance of using the correct scissors and Sam provided a cutting demo for the team.

Project Team Member, Elettra Guggeri said, “My first two days with Project Men have been so inspiring. It was great to meet the man himself Simon Shaw, our Project Leader, and the rest of the team, as well as getting to know about the brands we’re going to be working with. 

It’s such an honour to be sponsored by a long-established brand like Wahl and a premium steel scissors brand like Matakki. 

I really enjoyed the training day with Dean Gleeson, we went straight into practicing what we’ve just learned. I had to come out of my comfort zone by using a few new clippers techniques that I’m definitely going to bring back to the salon. 

The second day with Matakki Scissors and Sam Campagna was really inspiring. Emma from Matakki put us at ease and was very informative about the brand we’re going to be using. Sam is one of the top Educators in the barbering industry and I enjoyed watching his work and learning about his approach on men’s hair and cutting techniques. 

I’m really excited about what’s coming next and the amazing creatives I’ll get to connect with”.

PROJECT MEN Team Leader: Simon Shaw

PROJECT MEN Team Members:

• Rees Bryla, Sarai Hair & Beauty
• Thomas Griffin, Nashwhite
• Kyle Dodson, Beasley’s Beards & Barnets
• Elettra Guggeri, Richard Ward

Brand Partners: Wahl Professional, Matakki Scissors, Captain Fawcett, BarberEVO, The Barbers Arms, Barber Connect

Menspire has announced the opening of its new location in Glasgow. Which has been a long-term goal of the brand’s Aberdeen location director Andy Dawson. Menspire Glasgow opened in Renfrew Street in the city centre, in January, and behind the chair will be Andy @andydawson_, Jeffrey Batista @jeffreybatista_ and James Ewen @james.ewen_

Andy has spent the last five years building the Menspire brand in Scotland with the vision to expand nationwide, starting with Glasgow and he is extremely proud to see it come to life. 

The new location is predominantly a barbershop but Andy will be using it as an education space, much like the Aberdeen location, as he continues to offer Menspire Academy Education in Scotland.

Andy said: “All in all I’m thrilled to bring Menspire to Glasgow as it’s always been a goal of mine and that of my business partners, Josh and Sam.”

Manager at the new location, Jeffrey Batista said: “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and can’t thank Sam, Josh and Andy for making me part of it. It’s a dream of mine for so long to work with this incredible brand that inspires me every day.”

Menspire is an award-winning provider of barber education designed to unlock student’s potential through a structured process and has locations all over the UK and also now in the States. 

For more details go to www.menspire.co.uk

The next generation of charging, the NEW Wahl Professional Power Station™ allows you to charge three tools at once.

Wahl Professional has unveiled a new solution for the growing number of tools being used by barber professionals: Wahl Professional Power Station™. Barber professionals commonly use many different tools throughout the day, and during a single haircut. In response, Wahl designed the most efficient charging station on the market. The innovative Wahl Professional Power Station quickly charges three Wahl Professional cordless clippers, trimmers, or shavers — in the time it takes to charge one — with one space-saving cord. It also includes one USB-C port, perfect for charging a phone or payment processing device. The new Power Station comes with multiple tool inserts – three clipper, two trimmer and one shaver insert – allowing you to mix and match any combination of Wahl Professional tools to charge. It comes with direct-contact charging which is the fastest, most efficient way to recharge your Wahl Professional cutting devices. And the space-saving design means your workstation remains tidy and uncluttered.“I love that the customizable and interchangeable system lets me choose which tools to charge and when. I can change my setup as often as I like,” says Wahl Professional Educator, Nieves Almaraz (@howtofadehair). “This new Power Station allows me to charge three tools at the same time, and it keeps my workspace neat and professional by eliminating cord clutter.” Barbers and stylists who want fully charged tools and an organized workspace can purchase the Wahl Professional Power Station February 1 for $199 at wahlpro.com or by visiting their local distributor.

Get your copy here!

The newest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW! We have the latest in product launches, marketing, event updates, and new year trends. Packed full of ace designs and awesome features that give you everything you need to know to reach success in 2023 and beyond.

IN THIS ISSUE

It’s always our pleasure to feature the industry’s biggest brands – keep an eye out for more gorgeous shoots and incredible looks from Wahl, Andis, STMNT, Layrite, JRL, and American Crew.

Not to mention some exciting product announcements and tool guides from 18.21 Man Made Grooming, Gamma+, Captain Fawcett, RED Pro, and Hairskeen.

ON THE COVER

As seen on this issue’s front cover and in the Final Cut, Wahl Professional has just launched their global Future Makers campaign! Wahl Professional brought together the best barbers and stylists from around the world for five days to learn, share and collaborate, and to create inspirational and educational content that will not only unite the global Wahl community but celebrate individuality and differences.

BARBERS TOOLKIT

The industry’s best and brightest barbers and session stylists reveal all in our Barbers Toolkit feature. This is where we take a deep dive into their tool bags to find out what tools and products they use to create incredible looks time after time – whether that’s for clients in their chairs or models in front of their cameras.

Expect sneak peeks from Josh Hawk, Kyle Pemberton, Paul Wilison, Tyler Kelbert and more. Spotlight brand mentions go to Ace High, Hairskeen, Samsons Haicare, and Washi Scossors.

NEW YEAR, NEW TRENDS

We have everything you need to keep on top of trends this year. Our experts are some of the industry’s best barbers – they give great insight to what will be most and least popular in 2023 so you know where to focus your efforts.

Grab your copy of the magazine for intel from Taylor Leven in her trend forecast as well as Frank Soto and Ivan Zoot. 

You’d be a fool to miss out! 

MARKETING

Marketing can seem intimidating, but you’re probably doing the basics already! Social media, Google, apps, and booking platforms like Vagaro are your keys to getting your name out there.

Love it or hate it, we all know how big of an asset social media is in our industry. Marketing expert Shelby Barriball takes us through how to present yourself online – and why Vagaro helps you look your best.

We also want to give a shoutout to our exclusive interviews with both Marvy Marv and Danny Robinson who each help you master the art of marketing. Our columnist Tyrik Jackson also does an in-depth look at how to reach as many people as possible online.

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.

After an exceptionally successful year, the Fellowship’s live regional showcase event – Hair & Vision Presents is back with new content, new locations and new presenters for 2023.

Throughout this year Hair & Vision will be visiting Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and London providing Fellowship members throughout the UK with a venue that is easily accessible to them. Everyone is welcome at Hair & Vision, Fellowship members can attend for free as part of their membership status and non-members who are looking to find out more about becoming a Fellowship member and see some inspiring education can attend for £19.95. 

Each Hair & Vision event has its own theme; cutting, textured hair, men’s hairdressing or colour as examples and will be hosted by a member of the Fellowship or the sponsor of the event.  The content of the evening is diverse and will vary from event to event, but one thing that you can rest assured of is that the evening will leave anyone who attends inspired and motivated. Fellowship members will be invited to take part in Hair & Vision, presenting their latest looks and sharing their ideas and inspiration with others.  There will also be an opportunity to meet your hair heroes and chat to them in a relaxed informal setting and members of the Fellowship Executive Board will be on hand to answer any questions you have. 

Dates are constantly being updated on the Fellowship App or Website and the first Hair & Vision Presents Let’s Talk Texture sponsored by Avlon/Uberliss is taking place on Monday 27^th February in Leeds.  Co-hosted by Fellowship President Robert Eaton and Avlon’s Jacqui MacIntosh, the event will feature textured hair experts – Brandon Messinger, Lathaniel Chambers, Anthony Grant and Claire Chell. 

The second Hair & Vision Presents will be held in London on Tuesday 28^th March at the Hunter Collective. Providing our southern members with the  opportunity to experience the Let’s Talk Texture theme sponsored by Avlon/Uberliss and co hosted by  Fellowship President Robert Eaton and Avlon’s Jacqui MacIntosh and featuring Avlon artists Claire Chell, Anthony Grant and Pashcan’el Mitchell. 

Book your tickets now via the Fellowship App or via https://fellowshiphair.com/book-tickets/

The Internationally Acclaimed Industry Competition is Back! 

The world of beauty is watching! America’s Beauty Show (ABS) by Cosmetologists Chicago proudly announces the2023 ABS Global Image Awards are back. The deadline to enter has been extended to February 10, 2023. The ABS Global Image Awards celebrates the passion and artistry of professional and emerging stylists in an image and video competition that features professional and student categories. This year’s competition offers participants from across the globe the opportunity to enter their fiercest hair collections and storytelling. Entries are opening in November at AmericasBeautyShow.com.

This incredible international image and now video competition fuels intense creativity and passion for hairdressers, colorists, salon teams, nail technicians, makeup artists, students and more – and it continues to grow year after year in 2023 with a dynamic presentation during America’s Beauty Show on the evening of Saturday, April 15^th.  

The ABS Global Image Awards draws entries from across the globe from talented professionals, emerging stylists and cosmetology students. The winners of the world-wide industry competition will be recognized during America’s Beauty Show in a way that’s never been celebrated before in this prestigious competition.

Now is the time for pros to ignite their passion and begin their most creative preparations in order to enter the 2023 ABS Global Image Awards. There are 9 different professional categories and 2 student categories in this juried industry competition for the best-of-the-best to enter and to share their personal story. All categories are gender neutral.

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The 2023 ABS Global Image Awards categories include:

• Total Transformation
• Collaboration (Professional and Student)
• Full Concept 
• Haircutting
• Texture
• Barbering
• Creative Color
• Makeup Artistry
• Nail Design

“We expect to see tremendous artistry from our extremely talented competitors,” said Karen Gordon, Past President of Cosmetologists Chicago. 

“America’s Beauty Show offers a perfect backdrop to showcase a deeply creative competition at our world-class show. We are thrilled to shine a global spotlight on the originality and talent that resides in the professional beauty industry and for our emerging artists who are students.”

“To all salon professionals, I will say that the ABS Global Image Awards will unleash your inner creativity,” said Mio Sota, past ABS Global Image Award winner. “Don’t be afraid,” added Sota. “There is no right or wrong. Everything you try will either work out great or turn out to be an amazing learning experience!”

Chrystofer Benson, past ABS Global Image Award winner said, “The ABS Global Image Awards is a great platform where you can share your work with the world! It is a positive and encouraging competition that allows global artists to compete and share their work.” Chrystofer encourages all salon professionals to share their work with the world, and that you never know what might happen if you enter.

“Entering helps you to keep in touch with the reason you started doing hair and gets in touch with the passion you have for the hair industry.”In encouraging pros to get involved in the competition, past ABS Global Image Award winner Daniel Rubin notes, “Don’t give up until the miracle happens!”

The ABS Global Image Awards are open to all licensed salon professionals, barbers or the business equivalent where licensure is not required. In addition, there are categories where cosmetology students may compete. The entry process opens November 28, 2022 and closes February 10, 2023. ABS Global Image Awards finalists will be announced on February 24, 2023. The ABS Global Image Awards ceremony is Saturday, April 15, 2023, during America’s Beauty Show!

Complete rules and regulations can be found on AmericasBeautyShow.com.  

Each professional category will offer a single winner an impressive award from America’s Beauty Show to display with pride. In addition to each category winner, one extraordinary submission will be awarded The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder, and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage.

For more information regarding the 2023 ABS Global Image Awards, go to www.AmericasBeautyShow.com.

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It’s Thursday and it’s 9am and your Fellowship App is ready and waiting for the latest drop from Style Stage. 

Style Stage is a series of step-by-step educational videos produced by the Fellowship and featuring Fellowship members and hosted by Fellowship luminaries including President Robert Eaton, Chair and mentor of Project Extend, Michelle Griffin and Project Afro leader, Jacqui McIntosh.  Each Thursday at 9am a new video will be posted on both the Fellowship App and website giving members access to this motivating and inspiring step by step content. 

Filmed in a studio setting and edited in real time to give an ‘as live’ feel to it, the Style Stage is an invaluable educational tool for trainees and apprentices looking to dive deeper into cutting, styling or colouring techniques or for experienced stylists to upgrade their skills in an easy to watch format. 

The first Fellowship Style Stage will drop on Thursday 26^th January and features Richard Windle of Sebastian Professional showcasing some of his favourite techniques for creating a beautiful done/undone look. Project Afro leader Jacqui McIntosh interviews Richard throughout the session ensuring he shares his top tips exclusively with Fellowship members. 

Don’t forget to download the Fellowship App for Free (Android and IOS) where Fellowship members will receive Style Stage direct to their app or view as a member on the Fellowship website – www.fellowshiphair.com

Tune in every Thursday at 9am. 

In 2023, the Fellowship are focusing on accessible education, and to deliver this have developed the Fellowship App, which is available for both Apple and Android phones. Their mission is to provide all generations of hairdressers with access to the latest education, information on Fellowship events and Projects along with regularly updated content. 

The Fellowship App will provide accessible education from world class Fellowship Members, building a community of like-minded hairdressers to share and showcase their work, watch content created by the Fellowship’s eight Project Teams under the guidance of their inspirational mentors and book tickets for Fellowship events.  App users can visit The Knowledge for the latest step by steps in cutting, colouring, and dressing hair  – it’s like a who’s who of hairdressing and provides a wonderful insight into the rich heritage of the Fellowship. 

Fellowship President, Robert Eaton added, “Our new app provides an incredible amount of information and education. Our vision for the app is to be the go-to tool for all hairdressers from apprentices and trainees to senior, freelance stylists, salon stylists and salon owners who want to discover the best in hairdressing education and inspiration. With content being updated regularly there’s no need to ever be stuck in a rut or in need of inspiration.” 

The Fellowship App is free to download – search Fellowship Education on the App/Google store to download and become the best version of you. 

ANDIS COMMEMORATES 100 YEARS OF BRAND INNOVATION WITH FORWARD-THINKING CENTENNIAL TRIMMER FEATURING WIRELESS INDUCTION CHARGING.

Andis Company, a leading manufacturer of barbering, styling, and grooming tools, is thrilled to announce today the launch of the Centennial beSPOKE Trimmer. The latest trimmer in its portfolio is designed specifically for professionals who are inspired by precision design to create custom looks. The beSPOKE trimmer uses the latest technology, including revolutionary induction charging and next-level design, to pay homage to the brand’s leadership in innovation on its centennial anniversary.

“The beSPOKE Trimmer commemorates our 100th anniversary and ushers in the next century of Andis,” said co-CEO Matt Andis. “The premium Z-Blade celebrates the legacy of Andis as a quality blade manufacturer, while the wireless induction charging represents our relentless drive to innovate and help our creators take their artistry to the next level.”

The beSPOKE Trimmer’s design is a nod to the future with an ergonomic shape, sleek lines, and a modern, metallic color palette toasting Andis Company’s spectacular history. But what’s most unique is the tool’s wireless charging technology. The induction charging stand provides convenient, wireless charging, proudly displays your trimmer, and is compatible with other induction charging Qi-compatible devices, such as your phone.

“The beSPOKE Trimmer embodies who Andis is as a brand. By infusing innovation, modern trends, and premium color schemes, along with truly understanding advancements to solve daily challenges that our barbers and stylists face, the beSPOKE trimmer is a combination of sleek design and leading-edge technology,” said Angie Vlasaty Peterson, Andis VP of Marketing.

Like all Andis tools, the beSPOKE delivers power and precision with a high-speed rotary motor and lithium-ion battery providing 1.5 hours of cordless freedom to create. Wrapped in an elegant champagne finish, the Andis Outliner Deep-Tooth GTX-Z Blade delivers crisp visibility for tight lines, slick fades, and top-notch design work. The blade’s aggressive, zero-gap setting delivers a razor-like finish.

Available at authorized Andis dealers and online (MSRP $250.00), the beSPOKE Trimmer includes a premium induction charging stand, phone charging clip, 4 attachment combs, a power supply cord, and a one-year warranty.

With its sleek, ergonomic shape designed for all hand sizes and next-level performance features, the beSPOKE Trimmer is sure to become the next go-to trimmer for barbers and stylists. Learn more about the new tool at: https://andis.com/centennial

Connect with Andis Company on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

About Andis® Company

Andis® Company is a fourth-generation, family-led business and a market leader in barbering, styling and animal grooming founded in 1922. Its industry-leading clippers, trimmers and styling accessories are used by both professionals and DIYers across the globe.  The #1 preferred brand for textured hair, Andis remains committed to leading the category while ensuring quality, durability and innovation. Andis believes that creativity makes the world a better place and takes pride in developing tools and educational resources that help everyone create their way. To find a local distributor or retailer, call 800-558-9441 or visit www.andis.com.