Co-owner and founder of Ruger Barber, Alan Beak, has been announced as Creative Director for Wahl UK.
Alan is a world leading educator, often found on the main stage of many major international hair events, but is just as well respected for his down to earth and approachable nature.
Alan has featured on the front cover of BarberEVO on more than one occasion, and has always been a delight to work with.
All at BarberEVO wish Alan every success with this exciting new role.
We open this issue up with an incredible story from our cover star, SCurl Ambassador Angel Raws.
Angel tells us about how determination, taking yourself out of your comfort zone, and accepting new opportunities can lead you to positions of power and respect.
We also talk about his position with SCurl, his experiences as an educator, and his advice for young barbers looking to make it big.
Old Spice
There are few brand names as universally known as Old Spice.
We all remember their advertising campaigns and their signature scents.
A brand that has survived since 1937 is certainly doing something right, but they have gone one further to step up their game— The Old Spice Barbershop in Columbus, Ohio. We talk to Chris Talbott, Senior Brand Director, to learn a little more about Old Spice’s brand-new venture.
Hair Art
It is no news to barbers that working with hair is an art, but some barbers out there have given that phrase a whole new meaning.
We talk to hair art pros like Los Cut It, John Carmona, Henry Rodriguez and Assyria Gindo, to learn a bit about the skills and techniques required to create their works of art, where they draw their inspiration from, and the tools and products necessary to get the job done.
Education
In this industry, you don’t just pass your exam and throw away your books. Education is something that is continuous throughout your entire career.
The day you stop learning, is the day you die. In this feature, we spoke to leading educators such as Kevin Nguyen, Alessandro Comai, as well as mentor/mentee duo turned educational team, Zach Ramsay and Cam Mahar, to learn a thing or two, and find out what the best lessons they have learned over the years have been.
Summer Haircare
We have had a rough year and for many this summer there is only one goal: live your best life.
So, we spoke to Eufora Style Director, Mirza Batanovic for the best tips for barbers and clients on how to get the best summer hair, and how to keep it healthy and protected in those summer elements.
Essential Scissors
What might seem like an obvious necessity to any barber: the humble scissor and the skillset that goes with it, has seemed to have somehow gotten lost along the way. However, the art of the scissor is back and sharper than ever.
With tips from scissor-work expert Alan Beak, to advice on maintaining your shears from Washi scissors. This feature is jam-packed with helpful tips on how to keep your skills and your tools from going dull.
The first Monday of the month is a special day inside O’Neil’s Barber and Beauty Shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Children get a free haircut, and a unique opportunity to work on their reading ability, with books sprinkled throughout the shop. Indeed as soon as they come into the shop, they collect a book and become engrossed in the plot prior to sitting in the chair.
Once in the chair, the barbers assist with any difficult or hard to understand words, and enquire about the plot and story that the children have been reading.
Shop owner O’Neil Curtis created the Line 4 Line program in 2014 with volunteer Lucy Perera. Each year this program serves 200 kids aged between 3 to 16 years old.
You can find out more about this amazing program here: https://www.facebook.com/Line4LineBR/
Do not adjust your computer screen or handset… we bring you news of the Lahore based barber Ali Abbas…
Ali is, somewhat controversially, swapping his clippers and scissors, for meat cleavers and blow torches.
Sometimes pictures (and a video) speak louder than words… so watch at your discretion…!
and DO NOT try this at home, or in your barbershop!
Abbas charges $13 / 2,000 rupees for the ‘treatment’ and has seen his popularity and fame grow rapidly thanks to the hype around his unusual technique and tools.
We know it has been a manic few weeks back for those of you returning to your chairs, that’s why we have packed this issue full of exciting content, to not only inspire our readers, but educate, inform, and offer helpful tips and tricks from leading experts.
As we all know, adapting is the name of the game, during these unprecedented times. We speak to leading barbers Luka Chitty and Phil Jarman about how they utilised their time during the lockdown for the better, by retraining, and adding another notch to their belts.
L3VEL3
Speaking of comebacks, featured on our front cover are Jay Nouri and A-Rod, Founders of L3VEL3 grooming. In this issue we chat to Jay about how the barber-owned and operated company, pulled together during lockdown to launch their impressive range of grooming products and tools. Now available in the UK, Jay told us of his goals to elevate the barbering industry and help barbers around the world level up their retail game.
Finishing Tools & Products
In the barbering world, its all about giving your client that detailed, sharp and perfected finish. For that, you need the right tools and products.
We chat to industry-leading barbers like Hayden Cassidy, JJ Savani, Pete Cranfield, and many more to find out what tools and products they depend on to ensure their clients are walking out that door with a look that could be only achieved by a skilled barber.
Sustainability
We all know that there is no planet B. But did you know that adding more sustainable solutions and features to your barbershop will not only help lower your environmental footprint, but help increase your footfall? For many barbershops, green solutions have become their USP which has driven in more eco-conscious customers and in turn, brought in more revenue.
We chat to barbers and hairstylists such as Ky Wilson, OS Barbershops, Damien Diablo who have made sustainability a priority in their shops, from utilising the recycling services of Green Salon Collective, reducing waste, incorporating refill bars, and using more eco-friendly products! Every little bit helps to create a big difference.
Colour
Finally, have you ever thought about bringing colour services into the barbershop? The boundaries between what is being offered in salons and barbershops are becoming more and more blurred—and why not! Why let salons have all the colourful fun?
In this issue we investigate the pros and cons of bringing colour and other alternative services into the barbershop, and what to look out for. We chat to 2020 British Master Barber of the Year Shaun Buckingham – known for his skill and creativity with colour about how to use colour in the barbershop, while balancing time and increasing revenue. Norman Boulton, member of the Crazy Color Squad talks haircare, and that you don’t have to sacrifice hair health for vivid colours. We also catch up with Bridey Jo, of Bridey Jo Barbers, who shares all the additional services she offers to pamper both her male and female clients.
Put your technique & talent to the test. Capture the trendsetting-yet-timeless spirit of the American Crew man.
Spend time with top grooming experts, perfect the American Crew Menswork method of styling, and show off your craft with the best stylists in the world.
This year’s challenge will consist of individual in-country judging panels to select their national winner, who will then move forward to participate in the Global competition. For the first time ever, a student edition of the competition will also be hosted in the US.
The Global Committee will then name (5) top competitors as the All-Star Challenge 2021 Winners. A Local Committee will select the student winner.
Looking for inspiration? Want to find out how to enter?
Good news at last from the UK Government as Boris Johnson has announced that hairdressers and barbers in England will reopen on Monday, 12 April, following on from Scottish barbershops opening their doors on Monday 5th April.
People who offer close-contact services in the home – such as mobile hairdressers and massage therapists – will also be able to return to work, but must follow government guidance.
Hairdressers in Wales have reopened for pre-booked appointment only, All close-contact services will also re-open from 12th April. As yet, Northern Ireland has not set a date for these services to re-open, however a review will take place on Thursday, 15th April.
This issue is jam-packed to the brim with creative content, inspirational features, and real-life business advice, and tips from industry leaders.
Pat Regan
This issue’s front cover has been graced by godfather of fades, Pat Regan, aka Patty Cuts. We caught up with Pat to chat about his work with highflying UFC and NFL clients, as well as some of his current projects, such as his Signature BaByliss PRO Influencer Collection Trimmer, and his residency weekend in Old Spice’s brand-new brick and mortar barbershop. Pat tell us his inspiring story of how through determination and hard work he found his place in the industry.
American Crew
American Crew have given us behind the scenes access to their latest collection, titled HQ. A stunning array of dramatic silhouette sand exaggerated shapes inspired by the military crew cut and paying homage to the nineties film and music era. Check out the old-school techniques that feature.
Styling Tools and Products
In this issue we take a deep dive into the toolboxes of the industry’s most elite brand ambassadors to find out what tools and products take them from great to greatest.
We chat to everyone from American Crew All Star Canada Winner, Sandra Perovic, to official NFL Barber Fuss, to hear about what tools and products the most sought-after barbers are using day-to-day.
We also caught up with Miguel Gutierrez aka Nomad Barber, Julius Cvesar and Sofie Pok, co-creators of their new Grooming Line, STMNT, about how the line started, and what they believe STMNT will bring to the industry.
Franchising
We focus on franchising this issue as we talk to the most successful barbershop brands that have smashed the process of replicating their shops all over the country. We look at what a franchise offers the franchisee, and the benefits of picking up what is effectively already-made business in a box.
We caught up with Jim Valenzuela of V’s Barbershop, to find out what’s in the secret sauce for not only the expansion, but longevity of a franchise brand, as they approach twenty-two years of success.
We also catch up some of the largest and most successful franchises in the States: Great Clips and Scissors and Scotch to talk education, business advice, and some of the pros of getting involved in a franchise.
Shaving
Shaving is what sets barbers apart from the rest. A good shave is measured by more than just the result, it is about the customer experience. As barbers, you need to ensure you have the best techniques, products and tools to give clients that experience unlike any other.
Columnist Tyrik Jackson gives us a brief history of shaving and the importance of making shaving an experience that brings guests back time after time.
As well, we also chat with Woody Lovell, founder of the Barbershop Club in LA to chat about how his shop takes the experience of a barbershop shave to new levels.
Dre Da Barber, educator for Woody’s and Clubman Pinault tells us about the importance of skincare, aftercare and health and safety when it comes to shaving, and making sure you are giving your client the ultimate long term results.
AT LAST, THERE IS A GLIMMER OF LIGHT ON THE HORIZON. SHAKING AWAY THOSE WINTER BLUES, WE ARE LOOKING INTO THIS SPRING WITH OPTIMISM AND ENTHUSIASM AND ARE CONTINUALLY INSPIRED BY THE TALENT AND PERSEVERANCE WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
Allan Stone
We would also like to mark the passing of our dear friend, and industry legend, Allan Stone of Stoney’s Barbershop in South Shields. A grand master barber, an educator, and one of the soundest lads in the industry. You will be greatly missed Stoney.
This issue features a touching tribute to Allan Stone by Vikki Harrison-Smith, remembering Stoney, his victories, and all the joy he brought to the industry.
Events
We are delighted to showcase Wahl Barber of the Year: Kilian Maddison, this issue. We caught up with Kilian about what winning the title meant to him, how he has been coping with lockdown this year, and what is next on the bucket list.
We are also looking forward to some of this year’s events such as BarbersRide 2021, which will take place this in August, raising funds for Make-A-Wish foundation. These crazy barbers will be hopping on their motorbikes for a road trip of a lifetime: from Liverpool to Fort William, and back down to Leeds, visiting incredible barbershops along the way.
We are also looking forward to this year’s Barber Connect. We spoke to Matt Brice from Barber Blades, and organiser of Barber Connect – who has had a year to think about the future for the UK’s largest barber event, after last year’s event was cancelled due to the current pandemic. We speak to him about the chances of the show going ahead this year.
Interiors
We spoke to owners of what we think are some of the UK’s most aesthetically impressive barbershops, such as Alternative Barbering Co, Kitch Hair, Tallboys, and Avanzato Grooming. In this segment, we talk inspiration, design, ergonomics, practicality, and even, ‘instagramability.’ Learn how to create a space that not only draws clients in but makes them want to stay forever—or at least come back, time and time again.
Speaking of design and ergonomics, we also celebrate Takara Belmont’s centenary in this issue, and their one hundred years of comfort, style and evolution.
Apprenticeships
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jody Taylor, highly acclaimed session stylist and BaByliss ambassador, to hear about how he found his way into the industry. With Jody, we talked about apprenticeships and how he went from making ups of tea at Toni & Guy, to working with some of the world’s best hairdressers, fashion designers and magazines. Jody also offers advice for those just looking to get started in the industry.
We also chat with Robert Rix and Paddy Hunter, to hear their two-cents about apprenticeships, building skills of the trade, and their personal experience with apprenticeships.
Enjoy the read, as always, we’ve enjoyed pulling the issue together and we hope you enjoy it too.
