From high streets to hair salons, supermarkets to stations, Samaritans has got the nation working on its listening skills for The Big Listen on 24th July.

Tom Chapman, Founder of The Lions Barber Collective and International Barber teamed up with Samaritans to help raise awareness and promote the importance of listening to one another. Tom Chapman said “We, as barbers are in such a privilege position behind the chair. We often make a huge difference to our clients without even knowing the impact we may have had”

Mental health campaigners Jonny Benjamin MBE and Neil Laybourn, whose friendship came from Neil taking time to listen to Jonny when he felt suicidal, showed their support by going for a quick trim at Samaritan’s pop-up barber’s at King’s Cross station.

Hairdressers across the UK are backing the campaign to get everyone downloading Samaritans’ SHUSH! Listening Tips and taking time to let others talk. With an estimated 2,000 hours a year each spent listening to clients, they know the difference to people’s lives it makes.

Jonny Benjamin MBE said: “The simple and human act of listening is so important and it makes such a difference.”

Neil Laybourn said: It’s great that we are working together to raise awareness of the importance of listening and providing support for people in their communities.

Cutting Jonny’s hair was Tom Chapman from the Lions Barber Collective, an international group of top barbers who’ve come together to raise awareness to prevent suicide. Tom Chapman said: “We are stronger together and the more we can join up and get the message out about how crucial listening is, the better.”

Samaritans’ The Big Listen also has support from leading celebrity hairdresser, Verona White, who stopped by to style Neil’s hair. Verona White said: Everyone needs someone to talk to and it’s not always family. A good listener will let people talk and read the person and be responsive, it’s not about giving advice.”

More than 150 events are being held across the UK to mark The Big Listen, timed for 24 July (24/7) to reflect the round the clock support Samaritans offers to anyone feeling overwhelmed. Hairdresser and Gogglebox star Stephen Webb is also backing The Big Listen, along with Haircuts4Homeless, who give their time and skills for free to people who are homeless or living rough.

Volunteers have also been out in force over the weekend sharing with the public the importance of being a good listener and giving out Samaritans’ SHUSH! Listening Tips. Up and down the country, iconic buildings are being lit up green in support of Samaritans’ campaign to get us all listening more.

Samaritans’ CEO Ruth Sutherland said: “Three times more people die by suicide than from road accidents. Samaritans volunteers are trained to be good listeners, but this is a skill we can all learn. Many hairdressers are naturally good listeners and many more people can learn those skills too. I’m grateful to Jonny, Neil, Tom, Verona and everyone at Lions Barber Collective and Haircuts4Homeless for helping get that message out there. Together we will save lives.”

You can find out more about The Big Listen and Samaritans’ SHUSH! Listening Tips at www.samaritans.org or on Facebook www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity or follow the activity @samaritans on Twitter, using the hashtag #TheBigListen.

For further information or interview requests, contact 

Tom Chapman – 01803 327242 – tomchapmanhairdesign@gmail.com

Samaritans’ press office on 020 8394 8300 or press@samaritans.org. 

Picture caption: (l to r) Tom Chapman, Jonny Benjamin MBE, Verona White, Neil Laybourn

The most coveted award amongst Barbers returns, as Wahl are on the hunt for the next British Barber of the Year!

This is your chance to compete for the prize every Barber craves the most. Demonstrate your technical ability, visionary flair, unique skills and you could be crowned Wahl’s British Barber of the Year 2017.

2016 saw our first female winner, Andrea Raymond. We were so impressed that we presented her with a contract and a place on the Wahl Artistic Team. The standard continues to improve and last year the competition was fiercer than ever, so we cannot wait to see the submissions this year.

Simon Shaw, Wahl Global Artistic Director says, “Wahl’s British Barber of the Year and Barbershop of the Year have become two of the most sought after titles. Last year’s winner became a full Artistic Team member and is now travelling the globe, so it just goes to show the doors that this can open.”

Simon will also be travelling the length and breadth of the country looking for the best salons to be shortlisted for Wahl’s Barbershop of the Year 2017.

Entries Close on 15^th September. All winners will be announced on stage at Salon International 2017.

To Enter:

Email: bboy@wahl.co.uk

With: 3-6 pictures of your work and a brief biography of your background, highlights and anything else that might set you apart from the rest (no more than 100 words)

Website: http://www.wahl.co.uk

Facebook: Wahl Professional UK

Instagram: @wahlprouk

British barber Paul Taylor-Clinch talks all things Reuzel and his move from Bristol to Rotterdam.

When did you first hear about Schorem?

• I first heard about Schorem about two/three years ago, when I was simply scrolling through YouTube. This was before all these YouTube barbers started, and I just got mesmerised by their style and how they work, everything. To me it was a whole side of barbering that I didn’t even know about so I was hooked like a fan. I would watch their videos before I went to work to help inspire me for the day and I just loved everything they were doing.

What was your experience of using Reuzel products in the early days?

• I first used Reuzel when I was working in a barbershop in Bristol, when a rep came in and we sampled the tonics. I loved it instantly and realised that I didn’t fit in there so I moved to Scammells Barbershop in Bristol (I first wanted to work there because I saw he had the Schorem posters!) and Andy (the owner) who is a great friend of mine, showed me the rest of the Reuzel line and I instantly loved it all.

When did you first see/meet Schorem?

• I first met Rob and Leen at Pro Hair last year and I was so excited. We joke now about it, I queued up to have my picture with the guys at the show and then one year later I presented the Schorem show! That was the best moment in my career to date.

 How does it feel to be the British boy in the Old School?

• I’m not going to lie, I said yes straight away when they offered me the job without thinking too much as this is my dream job. It was tough at the start because of the language barrier but they speak such good English and the guys at the shop have been amazing help and made me feel welcome and part of the team. It really is an honour to be here, working with the guys that inspire me so much.

What are your favourite styles & products?

• All the cuts on the Schorem posters (the pink and green) are my favourite cuts, even before I moved. I started to not like how some barbering was turning into “men’s hairdressing” and some of those styles don’t suit every guy. I am very honest and would say something like “that style really wouldn’t really work for you” and I would feel bad as sometimes a customer really would like a certain look but might not want to maintain that style or wouldn’t want to style their hair like that all the time. The classic cuts are a perfect square haircut that looks good even without products and would suit every guy, so it’s just like our posters- the guys on there are real people with real haircuts. For my favourite products, I would choose two as I can’t just say the whole Reuzel line! The first would have to be the Grooming Tonic because it is the most versatile products I’ve ever used. You can use it for blow drying, for styling and as a lotion. There is so much you can use it for! The second would be the green Reuzel. I love it. With the Pomade, you can have those high pomps, slick backs or executive contour styles. Again, it’s a product you can use for many styles.

How have you fitted in with the Scumbags?

• I feel that I’ve fitted in very well. Personality wise, I think we are all a little crazy in here, that’s why they only have one shop to contain the outbreak! In general, it’s just great to be part of this great team of people.

What is your advice to any young barber with a dream?

• My advice would be to dream big and you never know what could happen. Rob and Leen dreamt big and it worked for them. I dreamt of working for Schorem and my favourite brand and it worked for me. Just work hard and practice, practice, practise! One day you never know.

What have you learnt working with Schorem?

• Wow, working with Schorem I’ve learned so much already. I feel my work is always improving thanks to Rob for the one to one training and working with the rest of the guys at the shop. It’s amazing how we all love the classics but then we all have little tips and tricks to throw in to make it a signature so we can all keep learning from each and pushing each other. Gio and I had this game where we would see ‘who can get the highest pompadour today’, so it’s just the little things that we can all learn from and it’s great to work together.

Do you ever want to come back to the UK?

• One day I will, and will open my own shop but I’m loving it right now and don’t think too far ahead. I’m living my dream job so nothing could really top this. I get to work, learn and laugh with some of the best barbers in the world. I’m enjoying every day but I’m going to try my best to come to as many British events as possible so I can still feel part of home and catch up with friends.

Reuzel products are only available through the official website and online store, www.reuzelpomade.com and selected stores nationwide.

Reuzel has quickly become one of the most iconic brands loved by Scumbags worldwide. With a wide range of pomades, hair tonics and beard products available, the collection is rapidly growing with no sign of stopping! Designed in Schorem, The Holy Ashtray of Rotterdam, Reuzel has become an essential to many barbers worldwide. We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to the Reuzel family – Shave Cream. For a smooth, clean shave with that barbershop feel, Reuzel Shave Cream is all you’ll need!

At Barber Connect 2017, Reuzel were joined by the Schorem Scumbags all the way from Rotterdam. We asked them for their thoughts on the new Reuzel Shave Cream and here is what they had to say;

Nelis, Head of Education at The Old School has been a fan since he first used it!

“The great thing about the new Reuzel Shave Cream is, you can apply to the skin and shave straight away. It is a little greasy so it doesn’t dry out too quickly, so you will have time to do a full shave. You can use it on your face, head, wherever! You need to smell it, it smells amazing!”

British Scumbag, Paul Taylor-Clinch, discusses how easy to use:

“Reuzel Shave Cream is our newest product which is available now! The best thing about this is that its ideal for home. If you find that you get irritated skin, this will make a much smoother shave. You will see the hairs really thick and clean, so that way it’s going to be really easy to see which areas the hairs are growing making it so easy to use”

Introducing Reuzel Shave Cream

A highly concentrated, rich and super-slick formula helps give you a nick-free, smooth-skin shave. Containing a blend of lubricating and razor gliding molecules that have been combined with a powerful skin conditioner, your blade glides effortlessly over the skin, leaving it soft and super-smooth.

AVAILABLE FORMATS: 95g £8.99, 283g £19.99

Reuzel products are only available through the official website and online store, www.reuzelpomade.com and selected barbershops nationwide. Images courtesy of Reuzel.

Wahl puts the ‘edge in education’ with a brand new college training programme. We will provide barbers, men’s hairdressers and educators with the fundamental support and skills required to succeed in the industry, thus ensuring the standard of British barbering and men’s hairdressing is second to none.

https://youtu.be/cRSZs6U0InQ

Launching on June 18th, Men’s Method is a unique college training programme that combines the rich history of men’s hairdressing with contemporary salon techniques. This is a chance to raise the profile and success of your centre, receiving official Wahl recognition for your high-quality standards in training and education.

Only a limited number of Wahl Men’s Method UK Training Academies will be approved each year, meeting a set of criteria to prove their cutting credentials. Once approved, Academies will be able to offer the education programme, making a statement to learners, peers and the industry.

Simon Shaw, Global Artistic Director of Wahl UK, said ‘This is the most elite training academy programme for barbers and men’s hairdressers in the UK, and we will only be accepting the very, very best. The Wahl name is prestigious, so we are careful about who we let use the name. But, if you think you’ve got what it takes to join this exclusive programme, get in touch so we can put you through your paces and see if you are Wahl Men’s Method UK Training Academy material.’ 

Think your college, FE or HE has what it takes to become a Wahl Men’s Method UK Training Academy? Do you have ‘the edge’ to deliver a forward thinking course? Head to: http://www.mensmethod.co.uk for more.

Contact details for Wahl Men’s Method: Call 01227 740066 or email mensmethod@wahl.co.uk

Fudge Professional hair trend report from Friday’s TOPMAN show at London Fashion Week Men’s.

NEW ROMANTIC CLUB KID

Session stylist: Matt Mulhall for Fudge Professional.

Hair inspiration: 80s boys that have been in the club for 4-5 hours. Hair is left with that post night energy.

Step by step:

1. On wet hair, apply Fudge Professional Hair Gum liberally from root to ends.
2. Blow dry through whilst brushing product into the hair to create volume and wet-look texture.
3. To mould the shape, apply Hair Gum to the temples and finish with lashings of Fudge Professional Skyscraper Extra to hold the style in place.
4. To replicate the era of the new romantic, apply glitter all over the head and secure in place with Skyscraper Extra.

Products used:

Hair Gum RRP £11.95

Skyscraper Extra RRP £9.95

Please visit Fudgeprofessional.com for your nearest distributor.

The BarberEvo Magazine team will be at Barber Connect 2017 in Telford. Come visit our stand (L7) where you can pick up a copy of our latest magazine, the brand new and exclusive Evo t-shirt and much more.

Check out the cutting schedule for our stand for the two days… we’ve got some amazing barbers lined up to cut on the Evo chair…

SUNDAY

10.30
David Tucker, Hard Grind – @david_hardgrind / @hardgrind_

Spoil Him This Father’s Day A photo speaks a thousand words, so say #LoveYouDad with a picture of you and your Dad for the chance to win a luxury getaway for two.

Enter the competition here

Good luck!