As part of our mission to create the tools professional stylists love to use, Leaf has teamed up with iconic

hairdresser, educator and salon owner Adam Reed to design the Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear. As

the embodiment of Adam’s unique cutting techniques, and his love of optimism and joy expressed

through hair, the Yellow Shatter Shear redefines effortless creativity to reveal natural beauty in every cut!

Created by Leaf Scissors with Adam Reed, the Leaf Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear brings

movement, separation and lived-in softness to every haircut.

More than a traditional texturising scissor, this creative cutting tool is designed to build texture

and softness from start to finish. A distinctive tooth pattern creates separation and movement rather

than simply removing weight, to give stylists greater freedom to create hair that feels effortless, tactile

and beautifully lived in.

More than just scissors – the magic of creativity

Adam Reed comments: “I’ve always believed that scissors are more than just tools – they’re part of a hairdresser’s identity. The discipline comes from mastering your craft, but the magic happens when you pick up a pair of scissors that feel completely natural. You smile, you trust your instincts, and every cut becomes personal. That’s when technique disappears into creativity, allowing you to create hair that’s unique to the person sitting in front of you.”

With a vivid yellow finish that reflects Adam’s love of optimism, creativity and joy, the Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear is an unmistakable statement tool that deserves a permanent place in your kit.

A collaboration built on time and trust

Reflecting on the collaboration between Leaf Scissors and ARKIVE By Adam Reed, Leaf Scissors Founder,

Steve McManus, comments: “Adam acted as a mentor for me when I was just 21 years old and he had a

massive impact on the career direction that I eventually took. To be able to create a tool with him and bring

together Leaf’s values and high quality with Adams pure creativity and enthusiasm for hair has been so

much fun. We’re really excited for 250 people to get their hands on this and create amazing hair every day!”

Be one of only 250 stylists to own this stunning Limited Edition shear!

With just 250 Yellow Shatter Shears available in this exclusive Limited Edition, pre-order now for dispatch in September. See full details on our website and act now to avoid missing out!

Discover the Leaf X ARKIVE by ADAM REED Yellow Shatter Shear: Price: £299.00

Learn more about Leaf Scissors

Creating three individual looks that feel distinct while still working together as a cohesive story has never been easier, thanks to the versatility of STMNT Grooming Goods. For the Camp Rock 3 Premiere, Celebrity groomer Marissa Machado styled The Jonas Brothers. Each look was designed around the individual texture and personality of the hair, using strategic styling techniques to create effortless, camera ready finishes.

Kevin

For Kevin’s look, I start by blow drying the hair smooth, then flattening it out to emphasize length and texture. Once I’ve achieved the desired shape, I work STMNT Fiber Pomade through the hair, really focusing on the roots to create structure and control.

From there, I pull out individual pieces throughout the hair, creating separation and movement. The goal is a messy-but-put-together finish that feels effortless rather than overly styled.

Joe

For Joe’s look, I begin with the hair quite damp and apply STMNT Curl Cream throughout. As I work the product through the hair, I scrunch the ends back upward, encouraging and enhancing his natural curl pattern.

I then use a dryer on a low heat, medium speed setting to gently shape the curls while maintaining their natural movement. Once the hair is dry, I go back in with a dime sized amount of STMNT Curl Cream, working it through individual pieces to add definition and polish. I continue refining the curls until I get that perfect piece of hair falling forward.

Nick

For Nick’s look, I started with  STMNT Fiber Pomade worked through damp hair, using a generous amount to accommodate his thicker texture. I then blow dry the hair low and slow, taking it to about 95% dry while creating the desired shape.

Once the overall silhouette is established, I go back in with the STMNT Fiber Pomade, working through each individual curl to enhance its shape, bounce, and shine. The result is a defined finish that still has movement and personality, allowing the natural texture of the hair to be part of the look.

The Professional Beauty Association is inviting licensed barbers and beauty professionals to showcase their technical skill and artistic vision in one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

Entries are now open for the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (PBA NAHA) 2027, giving licensed professionals—including barbers—the opportunity to have their work recognized on an international stage.

For nearly four decades, PBA NAHA has celebrated artists whose creativity, technical excellence and innovation help shape the professional beauty industry. The annual competition recognizes collections that challenge convention, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and offer a glimpse into the future of hair and grooming.

Barbering remains an important part of that creative landscape. From precision cutting and detailed fading to styling, texture work and bold editorial concepts, the competition offers barbers an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of their craft beyond the barbershop chair.

This wider representation is also reflected in PBA NAHA’s refined logo. While respecting the competition’s long history, the updated identity moves beyond its traditional association with hairdressing to represent the full range of artists celebrated today—including those working across barbering, hair, makeup and nails.

“Every year, PBA NAHA reminds us that creativity is one of the most powerful forces shaping our industry,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These artists don’t just create beautiful work. They challenge techniques, influence trends, and inspire what’s possible for the profession.

“As PBA NAHA continues to evolve alongside the industry, we’re proud to recognize all the extraordinary talent that makes professional beauty so dynamic.”

The 2027 competition will also see the return of Nail Professional of the Year for the first time since 2020, further expanding the disciplines represented by the awards.

Entries are open to non-members until October 13, 2026. PBA members receive an extended deadline and can submit their collections until November 12, 2026.

Finalists will be announced at Premiere Anaheim on February 7, 2027. The winners will then be revealed live at PBA NAHA 2027 on June 6, held alongside Premiere Orlando.

Barbers and other licensed professionals are invited to submit collections that best demonstrate their creativity, technical ability and individual artistic vision.

For competition rules, eligibility requirements, category descriptions and entry details, visit probeauty.org/NAHA.

With four decades of experience as a hairdresser, salon owner, educator and business leader, Fiona Johnston has stepped into the role of NHBF President with a clear mission: to strengthen the industry’s voice, protect its businesses and build a more sustainable future for the next generation.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation has begun a new chapter with the appointment of Fiona Johnston as President. Officially taking up the position on July 6, 2026, Fiona brings extensive industry experience and a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing salons, barbershops and beauty businesses across the UK.

Fiona’s career spans 40 years across hairdressing, business leadership, education and team development. She is the founder of Trigg Hair Studio and The Curly Coach Academy in Edinburgh, where she has combined creative expertise with a strong focus on commercial performance, inclusive services and continuous professional development.

Her specialism in curly and textured hair has played a significant role in shaping both businesses. Through her salon and academy, Fiona has worked to ensure clients with every hair texture feel welcomed and understood, while helping hair professionals develop the technical skills and confidence needed to serve a more diverse clientele.

However, it is not only her creative and educational background that she brings to the presidency. As a working salon owner and employer, Fiona understands the realities of building a team, managing rising costs, adapting to changing client expectations and creating a business model that can support long-term careers.

At Trigg Hair Studio, she has placed particular emphasis on employment, progression and workplace culture. The salon introduced a salaried wage structure, clearly defined pricing levels and individual progression journeys for team members, helping employees understand how they could develop their skills and increase their earning potential. Flexible working options, regular reviews and a focus on wellbeing have also helped create a supportive environment built around shared values.

That people-first approach is set to influence Fiona’s leadership of the NHBF. Throughout her career, she has advocated for stronger teams, positive workplace cultures and ongoing education, believing that successful businesses depend on the growth of the people within them.

A Mission Built Around the Industry’s Future

Fiona has set out four central pillars for her presidency, with a clear focus on strengthening the industry’s collective voice, supporting apprenticeships, continuing the campaign for VAT reform and helping hair, beauty and barbering businesses become more resilient.

For Fiona, the role is rooted in representation. She wants the NHBF to remain closely connected to the professionals it serves, ensuring that the experiences of salon owners, barbers, beauty professionals, employers and educators are heard by policymakers.

That advocacy comes at a crucial time. Labour-intensive businesses across the sector continue to face pressure from VAT, employer National Insurance contributions, wage increases, business rates, rent, energy, products and insurance. Fiona has already taken an active role in bringing those concerns directly to decision-makers, including presenting evidence to the Low Pay Commission on the impact of rising employment costs.

“The new Prime Minister has spoken about backing small, family-owned and community businesses,” Fiona said in a recent NHBF statement. “Now we need that commitment to turn into action. Our sector is being hit from every direction. Too many businesses are still open, but only just surviving.”

VAT reform remains one of the NHBF’s most urgent priorities. The Federation is calling for a reduced 10% VAT rate for labour-intensive personal care services, arguing that the current system penalises businesses whose largest investment is their people. For Fiona, there is a need to not simply ease pressure on owners, but give businesses greater confidence to employ, train and grow.

Apprenticeships will be another defining focus of her presidency. Having built her own career through the industry and spent years developing teams and educating professionals, Fiona understands how important accessible, high-quality training is to the future workforce. Her mission is to protect opportunities for young people while encouraging businesses to view apprenticeships as an investment in the long-term strength of the sector.

She also wants hairdressing, barbering and beauty to receive greater recognition as highly skilled, professional and rewarding career paths. These industries contribute significantly to employment, local economies and the health of high streets, while also supporting the confidence and wellbeing of millions of clients.

Leadership Grounded in Experience

Fiona’s appointment brings a working business owner to the forefront of the Federation. She knows the challenges facing members because she has experienced them herself, from pricing services sustainably and retaining talented employees to investing in education and responding to changing consumer needs.

Her presidency will combine that practical knowledge with a commitment to listening. The NHBF is a member-led organisation representing hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics professionals, and Fiona’s ambition is to ensure those voices help shape its future direction.

Awards and industry recognition have marked Fiona’s career, but she has consistently placed greater value on the trust built with clients, teams and the wider professional community. It is that grounded, people-focused perspective that now sits at the heart of her new role.

As Fiona begins her presidency, her message is clear: the industry must speak collectively, invest in its people and continue making the economic and social value of its work impossible to ignore. With experience spanning the salon floor, education, employment and business leadership, she enters the role ready to champion a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future for the entire professional hair and beauty community.

Go to NHBF to find more resources and information, and become a member today! 

Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with SalonCentric, this year’s show will offer expanded education, enhanced programming, and exciting new experiences, making it the go-to destination for beauty professionals and students across the Southwest.

More than just a beauty show, Premiere San Antonio is a cornerstone industry event uniting attendees with over 115 exhibiting brands across hair, nails, barbering, spa & wellness, brows, lashes, and makeup for two days of education, shopping, and networking. Beauty professionals and students will discover new products and trends, build skills, strengthen relationships, and engage with the industry’s top brands and most influential educators.

“There’s something special about the beauty community across the Southwest, and we’re honored to be coming back to San Antonio,” said Erin McDonald, Event Director, Premiere Shows. “This isn’t just another show—it’s where top artists, educators, and brands who make this industry thrive come to share their expertise, and where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs gain unparalleled access to education, connections, and opportunities that move careers forward. We’ve lined up incredible brands, inspiring experiences, and real ways to elevate your craft and build your business. Show up ready to learn, make genuine connections, and leave energized about what’s possible.”

Exhibit Floor Experience – New Activations 

Premiere San Antonio continues to evolve with exciting new activations designed to deliver immersive education and hands-on experiences.

The SalonCentric Pavilion, will feature brand partners including Bumble and bumble, Color Wow, Framar, House of Foils, Redken, and more, offering product discovery, education, and interactive experiences. Attendees can stop by the SalonCentric booth to participate in the Gamified Experience for a chance to win exclusive custom swag and future education opportunities. Those ready to grow their expertise can also enroll in SalonCentric’s Dry Head Spa Certification, gaining specialized training in one of the beauty industry’s fastest-growing service categories.

“SalonCentric is proud to bring an exceptional lineup of our brand partners and the latest product innovations to Premiere San Antonio,” said LeAnn Bobitt, SVP Brand Strategy at SalonCentric. “We’re committed to providing Southwest beauty professionals with access to the tools, trends, and education they need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions with the educators and brands shaping professional beauty, we’re here to empower attendees with the resources and inspiration that translate directly into salon success.”  

For the first time ever, the Demo Stage will spotlight live demonstrations across spa & wellness, nails, makeup, lashes, and brows, giving attendees an intimate look at emerging techniques and trends from brands and educators such as LeChat Nail Products, Lashbomb and IAMA Artistry LLC. 

Exhibit Floor Experience – Returning Favorites 

Inside the Premiere Lounge, Ulta Beauty will offer ear piercing and brow services alongside exciting interactive activations like Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and The Premiere Charm Bar by OUTCHARMED, where you can design a custom charm bracelet.

The Color Stage returns with live demonstrations from leading color brands and educators showcasing advanced techniques, emerging trends, and creative inspiration. 

Attendees can explore the expansive show floor to shop and discover cutting-edge innovations and trends from more than 100 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as CHI by Farouk, Kokoist, T3 Micro, Panasonic, and Procell Therapies, offering the latest products, tools, and technologies to elevate their businesses.

The popular Value Center also returns, offering exclusive show-only deals and deep discounts on professional tools and products giving attendees the chance to stock their salons, spas and barbershops.

Education – Unparalleled Learning Opportunities

Education remains at the heart of the Premiere experience, with more than 180 complimentary classes included with every show registration. From hands-on workshops to live demonstrations, attendees will gain practical skills they can immediately bring to their salons, spas, barbershops, and businesses.

This year’s educational lineup features industry-leading talent including educators such as SalonCentric, Rachel Bynum, Presley Poe, Leysa Carrillo, Nicck Townsend, Kirsty Meakin, Savannah Hicks, Olivia Thompson, Wayne Tuggle, and many more.

Texas beauty professionals may also complete state cosmetology continuing education requirements through approved onsite CE classes. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Barbering and Cosmetology will be available to assist with licensing questions.

The Main Stage and Barber Stage programming will feature high-energy demonstrations and presentations from some of the industry’s most recognized artists and educators, including Bumble and bumble, David Lopez for Ulta Beauty, Anna Cantu for CHI by Farouk, Byrd Mena, Ivan Ross for WAHL, Matty Conrad, Danny Amorim, and more.

Competition, Community & Connection 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will connect with peers, educators, brands, and industry leaders while engaging in competitions and live programming.

Professional and Student Barber Battles, powered by L3VEL3 and sponsored by JRL, will provide emerging and established talent with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition.

The celebration continues Sunday, August 30th at 5PM with the official Premiere San Antonio After Party at Howdy Sore Loser, featuring line dancing, live DJ sets, happy hour specials, and exclusive merch giveaways—bringing the beauty community together for networking and celebration in true San Antonio style.

Early Bird pricing for Premiere San Antonio is now available, purchase show passes on or before August 6th to save $40. Beauty professional, student and instructor bundles can be purchased online or in person at a local SalonCentric or State | RDA stores. For registration and additional event information visit premieresanantonioshow.com

From global stages and industry education to championing the relationship between barbering and hairdressing, Simon Shaw brings energy, experience and big ambitions to his new role as President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.

Simon Shaw has spent his career bringing people together through hair. Now, as the 40th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, he is ready to help take the organisation into its ninth decade.

For anyone familiar with the worlds of barbering, men’s hairdressing and education, Simon needs little introduction. As Global Artistic Director for Wahl UK, he has travelled the world sharing his knowledge, delivering high-energy presentations and helping to drive standards across the industry.

With 35 years of experience, Simon has seen barbering and hairdressing evolve significantly. His new position gives him an opportunity to draw those worlds even closer together while creating more opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.

“The Fellowship is a wonderful organisation, full of inspirational people who epitomise everything that’s great about British hairdressing and barbering in all different sectors,” Simon said.

A Long History with the Fellowship

Simon’s appointment is the next step in a relationship that began early in his career. Over the years, he has worked alongside former presidents and board members, supported the Fellowship’s education and helped strengthen its visibility across the industry.

As Head of Education, Simon has been closely involved in showcasing what the organisation can offer its members. He was also instrumental in introducing Project Men & Media, giving emerging barbers and men’s hair specialists the opportunity to develop their technical, presentation, photographic and media skills.

That experience reflects an important part of Simon’s approach. He does not see barbering and hairdressing as two separate conversations. For him, both are part of one creative, professional industry with plenty to learn from each other.

Putting Education Front and Centre

Education will sit at the heart of Simon’s two-year presidency. While the Fellowship is known for supporting some of the industry’s most exciting emerging talent, Simon wants to make those opportunities more visible and accessible.

“There’s so much that I want to achieve throughout my presidency, from working with Further Education throughout the UK to developing our membership across the board, highlighting the education we provide,” he explained.

Strengthening relationships with colleges will be a major priority. By connecting students and educators more closely with working professionals, Simon hopes to help young people understand the variety of careers available to them.

That means looking beyond one traditional route. Whether someone wants to work in a salon, build a barbering career, specialise in session work, become an educator, develop a media profile or take their skills around the world, the Fellowship can help open doors.

Bringing Everyone Along

Simon also wants to grow and diversify the Fellowship’s membership, ensuring that professionals from every corner of the industry feel represented. Barbers, hairdressers, colourists, textured-hair specialists, independent professionals, salon teams and students should all be able to see a place for themselves within the organisation.

His presidency comes as the Fellowship celebrates its 80th year. It is an opportunity to respect the organisation’s heritage while considering what the next generation needs from it.

Simon follows former President Ashleigh Hodges and joins a distinguished list of past leaders that includes Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson and Ken Picton.

“I am privileged to take on the role of President, taking the Fellowship into its ninth decade, and to work with the members, sponsors, partners and Head Office team, all who make the Fellowship so special,” he said.

For Simon, the new role is ultimately about connection: connecting education with opportunity, young talent with experienced mentors, and barbering with the wider hairdressing community.

With his trademark enthusiasm and a career built around sharing knowledge, Simon’s presidency looks set to be energetic, inclusive and firmly focused on what comes next.

Become a member today at: https://fellowshiphair.com/

Not every haircut starts with speed. Some start with trust.

For many clients, a trip to the barbershop or salon is routine. But for those with sensory sensitivities, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. The sound of clippers, vibration, touch, and the unpredictability of the environment can create stress—turning what should be a simple service into a challenge.

For today’s professionals, the service experience matters as much as the end result. Creating an environment where clients feel calm, safe, and supported is becoming a new standard—one that extends beyond technique and into trust. 

That mindset sparked a meaningful partnership between Andis and The Sensory Safe Solution—an organization focused on helping businesses better support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Together, they set out to explore how tools and education could work together to create more inclusive, comfortable services.

The result is Zephyr™, a professional clipper designed to support calmer, more predictable appointments without compromising performance. 

Designed for the Experience Behind the Service

Zephyr™ was developed with both performance and client comfort in mind. It features an ultra-quiet motor to support lower-stimulation services, dual speed settings (3,500 and 5,500 SPM), and up to three hours of cordless runtime—delivering the flexibility professionals expect in everyday use. 

But its purpose goes beyond specs. Every detail is designed to help reduce potential stressors during the service, allowing professionals to create more controlled, predictable experiences in the chair.

More Than a Tool

Across the industry, there’s growing recognition that client comfort and emotional experience are essential to long-term success. For many families, finding a professional who understands sensory sensitivities can be life-changing—building confidence, routine, and trust over time.

Zephyr™ represents a step forward in that direction, supporting professionals who want to expand their services while better meeting the needs of a wider range of clients.

The Bigger Opportunity

As the industry evolves, inclusivity is becoming a defining factor in how barbershops and salons differentiate themselves. Professionals who adapt are not only enhancing the client experience—they’re strengthening relationships, building loyalty, and creating more welcoming spaces for everyone. 

Because sometimes, the most impactful innovations aren’t just about power or precision—
they’re about how clients feel in the chair. 

Learn more about Zephyr™ and the partnership with The Sensory Safe Solution:
Explore Zephyr™

Award-winning British gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett proudly introduces the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual. Created for gentlemen seeking targeted support for thinning or fine hair, the new Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Stimulating Hair Serum unite clinically recognised actives with the luxurious Maharajah Signature Series fragrance, bringing modern follicle science to one of the Captain’s most celebrated collections.

The Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo combines Adenosine, Caffeine, Keraveg™ and Castor Oil to create the foundation of the ritual, helping invigorate the scalp and strengthen hair fibres, promoting growth and the appearance of stronger, fuller-looking hair. Complementing it, the precision daily Stimulating Hair Serum pairs Capixyl™, Capilia Longa™, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Betaine in a fast-absorbing leave-in formulation that provides daily support for a healthy scalp environment and denser, healthier-looking hair.

Specifically formulated to work together, whilst also performing exceptionally in their own right, these two additions open a distinguished new chapter for Captain Fawcett, bringing together advanced formulation with the craftsmanship, fragrance and storytelling for which the brand has become renowned worldwide.

For founder Richard Finney MBE, modern formulation is a natural evolvement in the Captain Fawcett story.

“Captain Peabody Fawcett was first and foremost an explorer, botanist and inveterate plant hunter,” says Richie. “He was forever pressing on, voyaging across the globe in search of curious specimens and extraordinary discoveries, meticulously keeping journals to record each new wonder seen. He belonged to a glorious age when adventure, scientific enquiry and botanical discovery were all part of the same remarkable journey. I’d wager the Captain would have been hugely fascinated by the latest advances.”

Created in close collaboration with Viraj Singh of The Jodhpur Company, the Maharajah Signature Series honours India’s rich traditions of gentlemanly grooming, fine fragrance, generations of botanical wisdom and the unhurried ceremony that turns everyday grooming into a savoured moment of sanctuary.

Inspired by the tale of an ancient elixir entrusted to Captain Fawcett by a Maharajah famed for his magnificent mane, the new Hair Growth Ritual brings that legendary exchange into the modern age.

“The Captain Fawcett gentleman has always been a fellow of curiosity,” says Richie. “He enjoys the theatre of fine grooming as much as anyone, but also wants to understand what’s inside the bottle and why it’s there. Frankly, I expect nothing less. The Captain’s esteemed barbering partners stake their hard-earned reputations on every recommendation they make, so he owes it to them to create products every bit as impressive in performance as they are in presentation. I trust the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual will prove a most worthy addition to Captain Fawcett’s arsenal of simply ‘First Class Gentleman’s Grooming Requisites’.”

Leaf Studios introduces the Talent Incubator – a new blueprint that gives independent stylists the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed with wrap-around support designed to accelerate their careers, and open the door to exciting new opportunities! 

Leaf Studios invests in careers with a new concept that reimagines what it means to be freelance. The Leaf Studios Talent Incubator invites independent stylists to join an eco-system that surrounds them with benefits that usually only come from being part of an established salon brand…and a lot more besides! 

This new and innovative model nurtures and develops the talents of independent stylists by giving them access to a wide range of benefits including: 

• Education and courses to develop their hairdressing skills and learn from some of the industry’s top hairdressers, educators and professional brands 
• Marketing and content creation support to build their confidence and expertise for social media and marketing campaigns 
• Business development training to grow their personal brand and achieve greater commercial success • Participation in collaborations with Leaf Ambassadors, and its brand campaigns, to raise their profile and expand their professional network across the Leaf community and hairdressing industry 
• Access to the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios audience to showcase their work and attract new clients 
• Being part of the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios team who genuinely want to help them grow and succeed, while serving their clients in a positive, calm and relaxed environment 

The story behind Leaf Studios 

Co-created by founder of Leaf Scissors, Steve McManus and his wife Jane, Leaf Studios is the culmination of everything they have learned from over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. After starting their careers together at TONI&GUY, Steve and Jane became the best of friends before going on to marry and start a family. They now have three teenage children. 

Following his career as a hairdresser, educator and salon co-owner with Jane, Steve launched Leaf Scissors in 2019. Leaf has grown to become the UK’s leading and the world most sustainable professional scissors and tools brand. As Jane continued her hairdressing career, achieving a L’Oréal Colour Degree, the couple set about creating a place that embodied everything they believe today’s hairdressers need to thrive and succeed as their careers develop. 

Steve comments: “Leaf Studios is the result of everything we’ve learned in over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. Together we’ve created a place that we believe stylists need – a calm, inspiring environment where clients feel looked after, and where independent stylists can genuinely grow, develop and build successful businesses without losing the freedom that freelancing gives them.” 

As the most personal project they’ve ever embarked on together, Jane adds: “The industry has changed a lot since we started our careers. As a result, we wanted to create an environment that’s much more aligned to giving stylists the support, facilities and expertise they need to grow and succeed in the industry as it is today. Leaf Studios gives independent stylists access to a recognised brand leader in Leaf Scissors and our community of 28,000 users. It also gives them access to our ambassadors along with marketing, education, content creation and commercial opportunities. This really differentiates Leaf Studios and creates a new blueprint for how we believe stylists should be nurtured and developed.”

Leaf and Leaf Studios – a new creative hub that’s reshaping the future of Leaf and independent stylists 

As a hub of creativity, inspiration and positive connection, Leaf Studios and Leaf Scissors are based at Leaf’s new HQ in Effingham, Surrey. “Our new HQ brings every element of Leaf together”, says Steve. “It’s where we develop the Leaf Scissors brand and invite our partners and ambassadors for collaborations and shared activities. Leaf Studios lies at the heart of this, as the team will help inform our brand direction. As a creative space with working stylists, we can test and develop new products and tools before taking them to market. This real life experience is another unique feature of how stylists will shape the future of Leaf by playing an active role in how our brand evolves.” 

As Leaf Studios welcomes new stylists to its Talent Incubator, aspiring or experienced stylists are invited to apply to be part of this unique model. Steve concludes: “Leaf Studios represents a transformation of how independent stylists can develop their talents and maximise their business potential. We look forward to hearing from stylists and building success together.” 

Learn more about Leaf Studios

Join Leaf Studios

Learn more about Leaf Scissors

Dark Stag’s Pro Curl Cream is the new Professional solution to enhance and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight.

Andrea Romano @2dye4_artistry an alternative stylist of Pensacola, Florida created a signature look for Dark Stag, captured in a photoshoot for us by @missmalum.

Key Product Features:

· Enhances and controls curls and waves

· Hydrates and defines without weight

· Achieve a defined or softer matte finish, using different styling techniques

· Soothing Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli fragrance

· Contains essential oils 

· Water soluble for effortless washout

· 125ml 

Available now from all good Professional-only wholesalers, and at www.darkstag.com