WAHL are excited to be sponsoring the Battle of the Barbers at Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE. We are passionate about providing the finest equipment for barbering, so look forward to seeing the best UK barbers battle it out on stage for the chance to be crowned the best Barber in the UK.
An untouchable lineup of skilled barbers wanting to take their careers to the next level will have the opportunity to do just that on the 29th of May 2023! Held at the biggest Afro exhibition in Europe, Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE, 10 sharp barbers will be battling their skills for the incredible prizes and prestigious ‘Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE Barber Stylist of the Year’ winning title.
The winner will receive the Afro Hair & Beauty LIVE Battle of the Barbers trophy as well as:
The brand-new WAHL 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic clip, Gold Cordless Detailer and Vanish Shaver worth up to £500
An incredible £1000 CASH prize
Exposure that can boost your business and profile, taking it to the next levelIt doesn’t stop at first place, those taking second, and third places will also get a trophy and bundle of premium WAHL products.We are expecting to see an electric crowd surrounding the main stage at 2pm, come and see who will be crowned 2023’s winner!
About Wahl
When Leo Wahl invented the first electric hair clipper in 1919, he didn’t just revolutionise an industry. He created one.What started as one man’s brilliant, innovative idea in America’s heartland is now the worldwide standard for barbers and hairdressers.All Wahl products are designed with professional barbers and hairdressers in mind. We aim to provide powerful and durable products that are the very best quality on the market. Our extensive portfolio of clippers, trimmers and styling products has been created to offer each professional, regardless of experience or regularity of use, products that perfectly suit their needs.
Despite the challenging economic climate with double-digit inflation, the latest National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) quarterly survey demonstrates a return by the industry to a positivity that we previously saw in spring/summer 2022.
More businesses report making a small or good profit (43%); 38% of businesses are breaking even, with fewer businesses (19%) making a small or substantial loss.
The general trend towards increasing prices is slowing. Over the previous three months, 64% of businesses raised their prices. A further 51% will do so over the next three months.
Energy costs are still at the top of business concerns in terms of impact of the business (80%). The NHBF has already presented the detail of these findings to Ofgem the regulator to feed into their review of the non-domestic energy market and report to government in the summer.
The increased cost of trade supplies and increases to National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (NMW/NLW) are the next two major concerns for business owners. In response, they are removing non-essential expenditure, increasing prices and continuing to hold off taking on staff/apprentices – 23% have cut back on apprentices and similar to the autumn, only 15% (up from 9% in January) were definitely or likely to take on apprentices in the next three months.
However, 21% of respondents were definitely or likely to take on new staff in the next three months, up from 15% in January.
Reliance on external support has eased back to levels seen in spring/summer 2022; now only over half of businesses (58%) are either partially or completely reliant on Government support – down from 71% in January.
Business survival expectations have improved and are in line with more positive outlook seen in July 2022. Two thirds (64%, up from 49% in January) are now confident of their survival. Nevertheless, the number of businesses who are not sure whether they will survive over the next six months until September 2023 is still significant at a third.
Richard Lambert, Chief Executive of the NHBF said: “Overall, this latest NHBF State of the Industry survey is showing a more positive feeling in general and improvement for most of the industry.
“Hopefully, the announcement of a rise in funding for the apprenticeship standards will encourage more employers to change their mind about recruiting junior staff, and we will start to see more young people come into the industry – plus this will help businesses to grow.
“As an organisation, we will continue to use this vital information to help inform our work with government for their planning on issues that directly affect our industry.”
Barbers set to compete for coveted titles in 3 live competitions at the UK’s premier barbering event.
World leading manufacturer of barbering, styling and grooming tools, Andis remains at the forefront of innovation and education and is the main sponsor of Barber Connect, which takes place at the International Centre, Telford on June 11-12. This year Andis will debut Battle Royale – a new barbering competition format designed celebrate originality, technical precision and creativity.
With three categories; ANDIS Creative Freestyle Barbering, ANDIS Fastest Fade and ANDIS Student Barbering, the competitions will bring together the most talented barbers from around the world to showcase their skills and creativity, and compete against each other to win in their chosen category.
“Ultimately, Battle Royale is an exciting and dynamic event that celebrates the artistry and skill of barbers,” says Andis International Artistic Team Lead, Kevin Luchmun. “It provides a platform for barbers to showcase their talents, connect with other professionals in the industry, and push themselves to reach new heights of creativity and excellence. We’re so excited about presenting this competition on our impressive stage at Barber Connect.”
Judged by a panel of leading industry experts, including Andis International Artistic Team Lead Kevin Luchmun, Andis UK Education Team Lead Baldy and Andis International Platform Artist Hayden Cassidy, each contestant’s work will be closely evaluated based on criteria such as technique, style, and overall presentation.
Joined by judges Joseph Goss from Rum Barber, Andis Educator Sid Sottung and Bonds Barbershop owner and educator Mike Taylor, the winners will receive a range of prizes, including Andis tools, a cash prize and the opportunity to be featured on Andis Social Media channels. The competition is a highly respected and sought-after accolade, and winning will be considered a significant achievement in the industry. All contestants will receive and Andis tool assortment values at £500, just for competing.
Competition schedule, entry costs and prizes:
Day: Sunday 1pm-3pm
Category: ANDIS Creative Freestyle Barbering (30 mins cutting time)
Entry fee: £100
Day: Sunday 3.30pm-5pm
Category: ANDIS Fastest Fade (15 mins cutting time)
Entry fee: £100
Prizes for Creative Freestyle Barbering and Fastest Fade categories
1st Place: £500, beSPOKE Trimmer, post on Andis IG
2nd Place: Black reVITE Clipper and taper blade, plus a post on Andis Instagram
3rd Place: Grey reVITE Clipper and fade blade, plus a post on Andis Instagram
Day: Monday 10:30am-12:30pm
Category: ANDIS Student Barbering (30 mins cutting time)
Entry fee: £60
Prizes for ANDIS Student Barbering category
1st Place: £250, beSPOKE Trimmer, plus a post on Andis Instagram
2nd Place: Black reVITE Clipper and taper blade, plus a post on Andis Instagram
3rd Place: Grey reVITE Clipper and fade blade, plus a post on Andis Instagram
Welcome to styling with character. Developed to keep pace with every individual and their hair – unleashing creativity whatever their energy – Schwarzkopf Professional’s core styling range, has been revamped to fully embrace self-expression and styling crafted ‘your way’.
OSiS provides hairdressers and their clients with a modern and more intuitive assortment featuring beloved heroes and must-have innovations. Everything is packaged in a new design, yet with the same reliable performance – trusted for over 20 years!
Modern and intuitive assortment
Inclusive and unique design
More sustainable, with improved recyclability
Primarily vegan formulas free from animal-derived ingredients (25 out of 28 are vegan)
OSiS – JUST ADD YOU.
The relaunch of Schwarzkopf Professional’s much-loved styling brand, OSiS showcases a campaign featuring the diverse range of individuals that OSiS helps to express – whatever the situation or scenario.
Arguably, hair is the epitome of self-expression and true character – OSiS understands that none of us are one-dimensional – we all hold a trove of identity, style and personality within us, ready to be released. OSiS is a celebration of this unbound character and the products that allow us to create it. From messy to styled, to backcombed, to straight and sleek.
The concept is simple: this is styling with character; all you need to do is just add you.
OSiS – Packaging Design and Products.
New design. Same performance.
OSiS has a modern and inclusive design that screams character, oozes uniqueness and boasts an irresistible shelf appeal. Each range now sports a stylish matte finish and a fresh colour revamp that allows for easy differentiation between products with relevance to all genders. The original, iconic elements hairdressers and their clients know and love are still prominent, allowing the perfect balance between welcoming new values and staying true to classic nostalgia.
Product categories and styling assortment at a glance:
OSiS provides a collection of hairstyling products that empower self-expression. It’s time for hairdressers and their clients to further embrace authenticity and creativity through hair – discover styling with character:
SMOOTH & SHINE
OSiS Flatliner 200ml
Heat Protection Spray – OSiS Flatliner provides heat protection up to 230°C, with proven efficiency. Specially designed for daily use of heated hair appliances.
OSiS Glow 50ml
OSiS Glow is an anti-frizz shine serum that combats rough, dull hair without weighing it down.
OSiS Sparkler 300ml
OSiS Sparkler is a silicone-free shine spray that provides light conditioning and instant shine for frizz-free, glamourous hair.
OSiS Super Shield 300ml
OSiS Super Shield is a multi-purpose protection spray, especially formulated for long hair.
VOLUME & BODY
OSiS Grip 200ml
OSiS Grip is an extra strong hold mousse that keeps even coarse hair in its place.
OSiS Hairbody 200ml
OSiS Hairbody is a light hold volume spray that gives limp hair the illusion of thickness without being sticky or stiff.
OSiS Air Whip 200ml
OSiS Air Whip is a flexible, light hold mousse that can be layered to increase hold.
OSiS Soft Dust 10g
OSiS Soft Dust is a soft volume powder that is especially designed for long hair.
OSiS Upload 200ml
OSiS Upload is a light hold, bodifying hair cream that provides the perfect level of manageability for blow-drying – even on porous hair structures – without a hint of crispiness.
OSiS Pump Up 85ml
OSiS Pump Up is a multi-use paste that works wonders on any hair length, whether you want to enhance texture or increase volume… or both!
OSiS Volume Up 300ml
OSiS Volume Up is a hair boosting volume spray – an instant trouble-shooter if long hair lacks volume, hold and texture.
CURLS & WAVES
OSiS Bounty Balm 150ml
OSiS Bounty Balm enhances curls and waves by reducing frizz, whilst adding shine and softness. It also works to tame straight hair too.
OSiS Tipsy Twirl 300ml
OSiS Tipsy Twirl is a lightweight curl jelly that enhances natural waves and curls with medium hold.
OSiS Curl Jam 300ml
OSiS Curl Jam enhances natural curls and coils with light hold, whilst leaving hair hydrated and soft without heaviness.
TEXTURE
OSiS Dust It 10g
OSiS Dust It is a mattifying hair powder for invincible volume.
OSiS Flexwax 85ml
OSiS Flexwax is a strong hold hair wax that provides natural shine and strong definition.
OSiS G. Force 150ml
OSiS G. Force is a classic, extra strong hold gel to achieve multiple styles.
OSiS Mess Up 100ml
OSiS Mess Up is a medium hold, matte paste – the perfect go-to styling product for laid-back, short hair styles.
OSiS Mighty Matte 100ml
OSiS Mighty Matte is a strong hold styling cream with a matte finish that keeps even coarse hair in its place.
OSiS Rock Hard 150ml
OSiS Rock Hard is an extra strong hold hair glue that doesn’t let you down when creating those demanding styles.
OSiS Velvet 200ml
OSiS Velvet is a wax-effect, light hold spray, creating soft definition and natural shine.
OSiS Texture Craft 300ml
OSiS Texture Craft is a dry texture spray that gives long hair texture, subtle grip and volume.
OSiS Thrill 100ml
OSiS Thrill is a shine-enhancing elastic fibre hair gum that accentuates all hair textures.
HOLD
OSiS Elastic 300ml, 500ml
OSiS Elastic ensures the right balance between workability and style maintenance.
OSiS Freeze 300ml, 500ml
OSiS Freeze fixes hair in place all day without flaking.
OSiS Freeze Pump 200ml
OSiS Freeze Pump is a fast-drying strong hold styling mist, perfect for defining and fixing curls in place.
OSiS Session 100ml, 300ml, 500ml
OSiS Session is an extra strong hold hairspray that allows you to protect and maintain long-lasting styles without compromise.
2ND DAY
OSiS Refresh Dust 300ml
OSiS Refresh Dust is a bodifying dry shampoo that reliably combats greasiness to refresh any style.
OSiS Online, Social and Education.
As a hairdresser’s partner in craft, Schwarzkopf Professional takes a service-centred approach to salon business, which always puts the hairdressers at its heart – providing the education and support needed today, to become the hairdresser you want to be tomorrow. Immerse into the world of OSiS either online through the ASK Education eAcademy – Schwarzkopf Professional’s FREE online training portal: schwarzkopfpro.com/eacademy or join one of the dedicated OSiS Seminars and learn how the latest styles come to life! Explore more: schwarzkopfpro.com/askseminars.
To dive into the full OSiS product portfolio, diverse new looks and exiting styling know-how, tour the Schwarzkopf Professional website: schwarzkopfpro.com/osis – don’t forget to join the digital OSiS community to be inspired and educated with useful tips & tricks and hair how-to’s across all digital platforms, including @SchwarzkopfProUK on Instagram. Plus, participants can also share their brand-new OSiS looks via the #schwarzkopfpro and #OSiS hashtags.
One Man. Two Wheels. Over 10,000 miles across 24 countries…
On 7th May Richie Finney, who heads Norfolk-based, multi award-winning gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett, set off on a Great Expedition, an epic solo motorcycle adventure, visiting barbershops across Europe.
Taking place in three sections between May and October 2023, The Great Expedition will see host barbershops inviting customers to a local event showcasing the hugely popular Captain Fawcett brand. As the company founder, Richie Finney, who is known as the Captain’s ‘Right Hand Man’, will highlight the best of British Gentleman’s Grooming expertise in his distinctive anecdotal style. Giving attendees the chance to meet the man behind the business, he’ll share inspirational personal stories about how a humble kitchen experiment became an iconic global brand.
The road trip aims to connect with barbers, clients, distributors and stockists, who in turn will gain local, national and international exposure though Captain Fawcett’s social media, newsletters and special features on the Captain Fawcett website, where a dedicated Great Expedition page will follow the Right Hand Man and his barbershop destinations using a live tracker.
Richie Finney says: “From somewhat humble beginnings in 2010, Captain Fawcett has become an international lifestyle brand, exported to 38 countries with distribution agreements in over 27. As well as winning multiple global awards, we have affiliations with some of the industry’s most celebrated global brand ambassadors. In fact, for four years running, Captain Fawcett has been recognised as a DBT British Export Champion. I have always been a great believer in the importance of real life connection, enormously curious about the world and its people. Which is fortunate because I’ve learned that in-country knowledge is really crucial when building relationships in overseas markets.
“Furthermore, whilst AI may well be fiendishly clever, it cannot replicate the sheer spontaneous joy of simply being human. By its very nature, the traditional barbershop experience is hands-on. As well as sprucing up one’s appearance, having a delightfully relaxing shave or haircut, the barbershop environment is all about having a chat, a laugh, a drink, a hug, a handshake. It’s about the sensual things – scent of perfume, a head massage, a luxurious close shave. These tangible moments of connection combat isolation and celebrate togetherness. They are the stuff of life!
“We’ve created a fantastic itinerary of Barbershop gatherings, meeting highly esteemed colleagues old and new. I’m enormously excited to be out on the road again seeing chums face-to-face, in real life as it should be – Huzzah!”
Use the Live Tracker to follow the Right Hand Man as he rides through Europe in real time!
Tune into Fawcett’s Diaryfor regular updates from the road… photos, stories and up to the minute mayhem guaranteed!
MR. Barbers are taking on a 100km (62 mile) walk within 24hrs and are hoping to raise as much as possible for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. Backed by passionate scientists and supporters, they’re challenging the way people think about dementia, uniting the big thinkers in the field and funding the innovative science that will deliver a cure.
Event: Cotswold Way Ultra Challenge 2023, from 24 June 2023 to 25 June 2023
Participants include: Karl Foster, Mark Lovell, Mick Phipps, Jamie Cooper-Hawkins, Mark Price, Ellis Girling, Jacob Gallally and Callum Slater
JustGiving sends your donation straight to Alzheimer’s Research UK and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.
This Father’s Day Happy Paul invites fathers to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise their way to becoming THE DADDY OF FACE CARE. The collection features three award-winning, mood lifting Bright Spice infused favourites – Facial Cleanser, Face Scrub and Moisturiser.
This light, gentle cleanser containing plant-derived ingredients helps skin feel softer, smoother and calmer.
Face Scrub
A light creamy formula of crushed white rice combined with finely ground bamboo powder gently exfoliates and unclogs pores, removing oil, dirt and dead skin cells without irritation.
Moisturiser
A skin quenching, hard-working hydrator with moisturising organic shea and cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil and soothing aloe vera leaf juice.
As always, Happy Paul is on a mission to support mental health through a smile. 10% of profits from the collection will be donated to the UK charity Families Need Fathers (https://fnf.org.uk/) – offering information, advice and support services for parents on how to do the best for their children.
Happy Paul products are suitable for vegans, not tested on animals and proudly made in UK.
Happy Paul is available through selected salon, spa, barbers and other independent outlets, as well as online. Spa partners include: Champneys Resort, Chewton Glenn, Eden Hall.
Created by a not-so-happy-Paul [Gerrard], a life-long sufferer of depression himself, Happy Paul hopes to change an ‘all or nothing’ approach to wellness by developing products that encourage simple, rewarding acts of self care. Gerrard wants the benefits of Happy Paul to be positively felt, simply to make users feel happy.
Welcome to BarberEVO UK & Ireland Issue 38 and EVO’s 101st magazine – can you believe it? Thank you to everyone who has been along on this journey, subscribing, reading, following, sending in your questions and sharing your wisdom. Where would we be without you?
We kick off this issue with a feature on Grooming. For some, the word grooming is synonymous with barbering, but for our editor and the team, it’s not just about cutting hair and giving a shave, it is all about the transformative experience you give your clients. We feature a few shops and pros that excel in providing that unparalleled experience, with great technical skill.
Next, let’s talk about education. There are so many avenues through which barbers can gain education, whether it’s at the beginning of their career, or years into it. In the post-pandemic world, there is now more access to virtual education than ever before. However, nothing can fully replace the efficacy of hands – on education. We cover all the options and their pros and cons in this feature.
Do you identify as a tech-head, always getting your hands on the latest gear with the most up-to-date technology to make your work and home life easier and more efficient? Or would you say you’re more of a technophobe? Well, regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there’s no denying the power of technology in this modern world, and if you can learn to embrace it, it can change your life, and your business for the better.
Finally, to celebrate Pride month, we have a whole feature on Pride and Inclusivity. We talk to folks who are making waves in this industry to close the gender divide and create safe spaces accepting to all, where diversity can be celebrated.
Also — we are celebrating that @barberevo has reached over 60K followers on Instagram. So, if you’re reading this and you’re not one of that 60K, go check out our page to make sure you are up to date with all of the latest and greatest content!
We hope you enjoy this issue! Order your beautifully presented print copy here.
Calling all barbers! Do you want to level up your career? It’s time to prove it as entries are now open: https://www.wahl.co.uk/wbboy
The renowned Wahl British Barber of the Year competition is also coming to Barber Connect for the first time ever!
Now is your chance to celebrate your skills and show the industry how you deserve a place among the UK’s most talented barbers. This acclaimed competition gives you the chance to showcase your talents, receive recognition from industry experts, and become an ambassador for quality barbering in the UK.
Not only will you get to lift the prestigious Wahl British Barber of the Year trophy, but you will also:
Be fully kitted out with a prize bundle of Wahl tools worth over £1,000
Get a year of freementoring from our very own Wahl Global Artistic Director, Simon Shaw and his team.
Get the chance to join us on stage at shows throughout the year.
Have the chance to land a lucrative spot on the Wahl Artistic Team
“Winning WAHL British Barber of the Year was the best thing to happen in my career for me personally,” says Carl Taylor, Wahl British Barber of the Year 2019.
How To Enter
To enter, you’ve just got to tell us why you believe you are worthy of the title Wahl British Barber of the Year. We want to hear how you plan to take the barbering world by storm, tell us about your ambitions for the future, as well as your most impressive achievements. You will need to submit up to three images showcasing your best work as a barber – make sure these are the best possible representation of your abilities. We want to be impressed!
The entry deadline is May 31st 2023, with 4 lucky finalists then battling it out in a LIVE Final on the Wahl stage at Barber Connect on Sunday 11th June 2023.
Wahl want to celebrate and recognise your hard work we see every day; one lucky person will be crowned Wahl British Barber of the Year 2023… will it be you? Enter the competition here: https://www.wahl.co.uk/wbboy
Phorest’s highly sought after Client Experience Award is back for an eighth year. Awarded to salons who have maintained an average customer rating of four and five stars, from a minimum of 60 online reviews for 12 consecutive months ( 1st March 2022 – 28th February 2023).
It’s no secret that a high standard of customer service is key in the success of running any barbershop. From building personal relationships with clients to going above and beyond, it truly can have a significant impact and Phorest salons are no stranger to reaping the benefits from this.
Phorest Salon Software is used by over 155,000 hair, beauty and clinic professionals worldwide, freeing teams up to focus on their passion and business success. More creativity. Less admin. Known globally for providing the best salon marketing tools, Phorest touches every point of the salon experience, from custom salon apps, online bookings and inventory control to e-commerce and payments.
The Client Experience Award is a true testament to all the hard work salons put in their business. Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest, said: “Beauty businesses who receive the annual award should be incredibly proud of this achievement. It’s a true reflection of who they are, their team and the level of service they provide.
“From everyone at Phorest, a huge congratulations to all the winners! With economic uncertainties and the cost of living crisis across many regions, we know that this last year has not been the easiest for many businesses so to walk away with this award truly shows the hard work, dedication and passion you have for your shop and customers”.
In addition to the Client Experience Award, Phorest also offers the five-year award, a special recognition for those salons who have won for five consecutive years, maintaining a strong suite of customer reviews.
