Polytar trichologist Ruth Collis explains the scalp health considerations behind some of England’s most popular football-inspired hairstyles ahead of the World Cup

With England preparing to compete in the FIFA World Cup in the United States this summer, fans aren’t just paying attention to the football. Across the country, barbers are seeing growing interest in the hairstyles worn by England’s biggest stars, from Eberechi Eze’s protective dreadlocks to Jude Bellingham’s low taper fade and textured curls.

With matches set to take place in hot and humid conditions across parts of the United States, scalp health is also becoming an important consideration. Increased sweating, product build-up, UV exposure and frequent washing can all affect the scalp, particularly for those trying to recreate their favourite footballer’s look as the UK prepares for its own heatwaves.

England’s current squad showcases a wide variety of hairstyles, reflecting the changing relationship between football and fashion. Protective hairstyles, such as those worn by Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, have become increasingly popular for their versatility and cultural significance. Meanwhile, low taper fades with textured tops, worn by players including Jude Bellingham and Kobbie Mainoo, remain one of the most requested cuts among younger men. Elsewhere, Harry Kane’s longer, swept-back style offers more volume and continues to appeal to those seeking a lower-maintenance alternative.

According to Ruth Collis, Trichologist at Polytar, each hairstyle comes with its own scalp care considerations.

“Today’s footballers continue to influence men’s grooming trends, and while hairstyles are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, they can also affect how people care for their scalp. Different styles come with different scalp care considerations, whether that’s managing product build-up, increased sweating, cleansing frequency or the potential effects of prolonged tension on the hair and scalp. Understanding these factors can help support both scalp health and long-term hair health.

Understanding how to care for the scalp alongside the hairstyle itself remains one of the most important aspects of maintaining healthy hair in the long term.”

Ruth’s comments come as Polytar’s Barbers & Hairdresser Reportfound that, as well as asking their barber for guidance on which style suits best, younger men are increasingly turning to them for advice on hair and scalp concerns. The research found that 42% of men aged 18-24 feel comfortable asking their barber for health advice, while 57% of men aged 25-34 have previously asked a barber about a hair or scalp concern. The findings highlight the growing role barbers play in conversations around scalp health and grooming, especially among younger men looking to emulate the styles worn by footballers and other public figures. 

Eberechi Eze’s Dreadlocks: The Protective Style Combining Fashion And Function

Eberechi Eze’s distinctive dreadlocks have become one of the midfielder’s defining features, offering a modern example of a protective hairstyle that combines practicality with personal style.

Protective hairstyles help reduce daily manipulation of the hair and can minimise breakage by keeping strands secured. For many wearers, they also provide versatility and can help retain moisture within the hair shaft.

However, Ruth Collis explains that protective hairstyles still require careful and consistent scalp maintenance, especially during periods of hot weather this summer.

“Styles such as dreadlocks, twists and braids can sometimes lead people to wash their hair less frequently, but the scalp still requires regular cleansing regardless of the hairstyle. During warmer weather, sweat, sebum and environmental debris can accumulate more readily on the scalp and, if not adequately removed, may contribute to irritation, itching or flaking. Some styles may also place prolonged tension on the hair follicle, which can increase the risk of traction-related hair loss if not managed appropriately. This is particularly important given Polytar’s research has shown many people already experience scalp irritation linked to environmental factors such as water quality and climate conditions.

It’s important that individuals with dreadlocks, twists, braids or similar long-term styles maintain a cleansing routine that focuses on scalp health. Products that help manage inflammation, itching and excess skin-cell build-up can be beneficial for those prone to scalp conditions. Medicated coal tar shampoos have long been used to help support scalp health by reducing inflammation and scaling while maintaining a healthier scalp environment.”

Jude Bellingham’s Low Taper Fade: One Of The Most Requested Haircuts In Britain

Jude Bellingham’s low taper fade, paired with natural textured curls, has become one of the defining hairstyles of a new generation of footballers. The style offers a clean, sharp appearance while retaining volume and texture on top, making it particularly popular among younger men.

Unlike protective styles, low taper fades often require regular maintenance appointments and may involve styling products such as creams, gels, mousses or curl enhancers to achieve the desired finish.

According to Ruth, these products can influence scalp health if they are allowed to accumulate over time.

“Styles that rely on regular styling products can increase the likelihood of product build-up, particularly around the hairline and crown. Combined with increased sweating and sebum production during warmer weather, this can sometimes contribute to itching, irritation or scalp discomfort.

For individuals who use styling products frequently, maintaining a thorough scalp cleansing routine is especially important. The goal should be to remove excess product residue, sweat and sebum from the scalp. This helps support the scalp barrier and maintain a healthier scalp environment.”

From Bellingham To Beckham: How England’s Haircuts Have Evolved

While today’s England stars are influencing a new generation of haircut trends, football fans may also be feeling nostalgic for one of the country’s most iconic football hairstyles as England’s first World Cup game draws closer.

David Beckham’s faux hawk became one of the most copied haircuts in England during the 2000s, inspiring countless salon and barber visits during England’s major tournament campaigns. Characterised by short sides and a textured strip through the centre of the head, the style helped cement footballers as some of the country’s biggest grooming trendsetters.

Although modern styles tend to favour softer fades and natural texture, the continued popularity of Y2K fashion trends has prompted speculation that classic football-inspired looks could return.

Ruth believes styles such as the faux hawk highlight how men’s grooming habits have evolved.

“Many of the iconic football hairstyles from previous decades relied heavily on strong-hold styling products to maintain their shape throughout the day. While modern formulations have improved significantly, frequent product use still requires appropriate scalp care, particularly when combined with sweat and sebum build-up.”

“Regardless of whether someone chooses a modern fade, a longer textured style or a nostalgic look inspired by David Beckham, healthy hair ultimately starts with a healthy scalp. Conditions such as dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis remain extremely common and can become more noticeable when sweat, sebum, styling products and scalp irritation build up. The NHS notes that dandruff commonly causes visible flakes and an itchy scalp, making regular scalp care particularly important during warmer weather and periods of increased product use.

Supporting a healthy scalp through regular cleansing and targeted treatments where needed, including medicated shampoos for conditions such as dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, remains one of the most important aspects of any haircare routine.”

What Barbers Are Seeing During This World Cup Season

Footballers have long influenced men’s grooming trends, with iconic hairstyles often becoming almost as memorable as performances on the pitch. Combined with the fact that today’s trends are increasingly driven by social media, barbers are seeing an increased interest in football-inspired cuts, particularly around major tournaments like the World Cup.

Tommy Forsgate, Barber at Urban Fox Barbershop in Bagshot, has seen first-hand how England players continue to influence the hairstyles customers request.

“Jude Bellingham’s style is definitely one of the most requested looks we’re seeing at the moment. The low taper fade with texture on top is a really popular haircut because it can be altered for different hair types and has that clean, modern finish that younger clients are looking for.”

While Bellingham’s taper fade may be among today’s most requested styles, Tommy says previous England stars have also left a lasting mark on haircut trends, particularly during major tournaments when players receive heightened attention both on and off the pitch.

“During the last World Cup, Jack Grealish’s longer undercut was one of the standout football-inspired haircuts people were asking for. We had plenty of younger customers coming in wanting that exact style after seeing him play for England. It was hugely popular, although a lot of people quickly realised it was quite a high-maintenance haircut to keep looking sharp.”

Tommy believes the way haircut trends spread has changed significantly in recent years. While watching football games remains influential, social media platforms are now often the primary source of inspiration for younger customers.

“A lot of younger clients bring in screenshots or videos they’ve found on TikTok rather than pictures of footballers. That said, when a major tournament comes around and a player is performing well, we can still see increased interest in their hairstyle.”

Despite the growing influence of social media creators and online trends, some football-inspired hairstyles have stood the test of time. For Tommy, no player has had a greater impact on men’s grooming than David Beckham.

“”David Beckham is probably the best example of a footballer whose influence has never really gone away. His hairstyles have been timeless and people still reference them today. Whether it was the quiff, the faux hawk or some of his other iconic looks, he helped shape men’s grooming trends across multiple generations and remains one of the biggest male style icons there is.”

While football-inspired hairstyles continue to evolve, scalp health remains a constant consideration regardless of which look fans choose to recreate. According to Ruth, understanding the scalp care requirements associated with different styles can help support both scalp comfort and long-term hair health.

“Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, and that’s particularly important during the summer months when increased sweating, sebum production and styling product use can all influence the scalp environment. For people who are already prone to conditions such as dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema, warmer weather can sometimes make symptoms feel more noticeable if the scalp is not being cleansed regularly and managed appropriately.

The scalp is living skin and requires the same level of care and attention as the rest of the body. Maintaining a consistent scalp care routine, including regular cleansing and the use of medicated treatments where appropriate, can help reduce irritation, itching, flaking and discomfort.”

Supporting Scalp Health Throughout The Summer

As temperatures rise and football fans look to recreate the styles worn by England’s biggest stars, experts say maintaining scalp health should form part of any grooming routine.

Polytar is the original coal tar shampoo, with proven anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and exfoliating properties. Formulated with a 4% Coal Tar Solution, Polytar is clinically proven to help treat common scalp conditions including psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, flaking and itching.

By helping to reduce inflammation, manage scaling and support the scalp’s natural balance, Polytar can play an important role in maintaining scalp health throughout the summer months, specifically for those experiencing irritation, flaking or discomfort associated with increased sweating, styling products or environmental factors.

Polytar Medicated Scalp Shampoo is available from £11.99 at www.polytar.co.uk, as well as leading retailers including Boots, Amazon and Superdrug. Always read the label.

Thoughtfully built, designed specifically with hairdressers and barbers in mind, the newly launched ChairPro offers a more intentional approach to booking. 

What Happens Between Appointments

A client finishes their service. You send an invoice by text as they’re checking the mirror. Payment is completed from their phone before they even leave the chair.

At the end of the week, you want to boost bookings for an upcoming slow period. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of client records, you pull a list of top spenders, frequent visitors, and clients who haven’t booked recently, then send each group a tailored text message in minutes.

The next day, a client cancels an appointment. Rather than manually reaching out and hoping to fill the opening, the appointment is automatically offered by text to clients on your waitlist. Before you’ve had time to think about the lost revenue, the schedule is full again.

The modern professional is no longer just managing appointments. They’re building a brand, cultivating client relationships, and creating a business designed to grow. The most successful professionals are leveraging technology that works quietly in the background while they focus on delivering exceptional service.

That’s the philosophy behind ChairPro Studio. Beyond online booking, the platform combines waitlist automation, integrated payments, client segmentation, targeted marketing tools, and a beautiful online presence for your brand—all included in a single platform designed to help professionals grow their income and deepen client relationships.

ChairPro arrives at a moment when many beauty professionals are beginning to expect more from the tools they use every day. Across the industry, there’s a noticeable shift away from generic booking systems toward platforms that better reflect the identity, professionalism, and operational needs of modern salons and barbershops.

“Throughout the years I have listened to the frustrations with booking software for barbers and salons: hidden and surprise fees, clunky interfaces, unclear payment systems. And I thought… I want to do better for the professional,” said founder Robert Lawson. 

What Makes ChairPro Different?

The service is still the star of the show. ChairPro helps ensure every opportunity around it is captured. Here’s what makes this platform stand out from the rest. 

Elevated Booking Experience: ChairPro focuses on clean, modern, booking pages that reflect the quality of a professional’s work.

Waitlist Automation: Built-in waitlist functionality helps professionals fill cancellations automatically; turning lost time into booked revenue.

Built-In Marketing Channels

ChairPro includes:

• On-page announcements (free, for all visitors)
• Email campaigns
• SMS outreach

Direct Payment Ownership: Professionals connect their own Stripe account and receive payments directly; maintaining full control over their business and customer relationships. Built-in invoicing is included, allowing payments to be collected via QR code or to clients by text.

Ease of Use / Setup: Set-up is designed to be simple and fast. Professionals can be up and running in under 10 minutes, directly from their phone. 

“My business philosophy is providing a good services at a fair price, and that’s what I want to do at ChairPro,” Robert said. 

Learn more about Chair Pro Today 

On May 30, 2026, during Premiere Orlando, one of the beauty industry’s largest professional events, Booksy welcomed barbers, hairstylists, creators, educators, and industry leaders to its annual brand party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people shaping the future of beauty and barbering.

Booksy’s Big Top Event hosted guests in a vibrant, circus-inspired venue with thoughtfully curated activations including custom fragrance experiences, a caviar bar, and photo booths. More than a party, the event brought together professionals from across the country for a night of connection, conversation, and community, while highlighting a growing industry shift. Today’s beauty and barber professionals are increasingly operating as entrepreneurs, educators, content creators, and personal brands, in addition to providing services behind the chair. While technology continues to transform business operations, beauty services and barbering remain fundamentally a human profession built on trust, creativity, confidence, and connection.

The event served as a platform to showcase how technology can support—not replace—the professionals driving the industry forward. In 2025 alone, Booksy powered more than 215 million appointments and helped providers save an estimated 7.7 million hours annually through automated scheduling, payments, marketing, and business management tools.

“At a time when AI and automation dominate conversations across industries, beauty and barbering continue to prove that human relationships remain at the center of exceptional experiences,” says Gus Murillo, Director, Global Creative & Community at Booksy. “Technology can simplify operations, but it can never replace the creativity, culture, and personal connections that professionals create with their clients every day.”

Beyond efficiency, attendees discussed how those time savings translate into opportunities for growth, education, creativity, and personal well-being.

The evening also highlighted the stories of several Booksy ambassadors whose careers reflect the changing landscape of modern beauty and barbering:

• Joel Torres, an internationally recognized hairstylist and educator, shared how simplifying business operations has allowed him to focus on traveling, teaching, and inspiring professionals around the world.
• Timmel Horne discussed his journey from managing appointments through direct messages and phone calls to building a business that extends beyond barbering into podcasting, education, and personal brand development.
• Lonnie Horne spoke about leveraging technology to create operational consistency, enabling him to pursue additional entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to grow his influence within the industry.
• Mr. Official, a respected figure in barber culture, reflected on the evolution of barbering from traditional shop management to modern entrepreneurship, while maintaining the strong sense of identity and community that has always defined the profession.

As the industry continues to evolve, Booksy remains focused on helping professionals spend less time managing administrative tasks and more time building businesses, careers, and communities.

“Behind every appointment is a real person, a real relationship, and a real story,” added Murillo. “The conversations throughout the evening reinforced that the future of beauty isn’t less human—it’s more intentional, more connected, and more empowering for the professionals who make this industry what it is.”

Download the Booksy Biz mobile app for free or visit booksy.info/learn-more to learn more.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Government’s new crackdown on organized crime operating through high street businesses, while warning that enforcement must be intelligence-led and must not unfairly stigmatize legitimate barbershops, salons, beauty businesses and clinics.

The Home Office has announced a major package targeting rogue businesses linked to money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working, including a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action across law enforcement, Trading Standards and Government departments.

The NHBF said action is urgently needed to protect responsible high street businesses that pay their taxes, follow the rules, invest in staff and maintain safe, professional standards.

The NHBF is calling for a level playing field and fairer regulation across hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics. 

It has worked closely with the Government as it campaigns for stronger enforcement against tax evasion, illegal working and non-compliance, alongside intelligence-led action that targets criminal activity without damaging the reputation of legitimate businesses or the sector as a whole. 

The latest NHBF State of the Sector survey highlights the scale of the challenge. Published in February 2026 and based on 423 responses, it found that many businesses were working hard with little financial room to spare. Among respondents, 51.5% said trade was steady rather than strong, 30.3% reported that business was quiet or very quiet and 54.8% said they were either just breaking even or already operating at a loss.

The same survey found that fair competition and enforcement are major concerns for the sector, including within barbering. Respondents reported that suspicious activity and wider non-compliance can create unfair competition and reputational harm for legitimate businesses. 

The NHBF has said it will continue to press for enforcement that targets non-compliance and criminal behaviour while protecting legitimate operators from being caught up in damaging generalisations.

Darran Gould, NHBF board member and owner of Gould Barbers, said:

“Legitimate barbershops, salons and beauty businesses are the backbone of high streets across the UK. They pay their taxes, train apprentices, follow health and safety rules and support their local communities.”

Legitimate businesses simply cannot compete with illegitimate businesses They should not have to compete with rogue operators who ignore the rules, evade tax, exploit workers or use high street premises as cover for criminal activity.”

This crackdown will also protect the public.  Hair & beauty professionals are highly trained not just in their craft but compliant in health and safety with rigorous hygiene standards as well as being fully insured. UK clients deserve the right to know that they are entering a fully compliant barbershop or salon, feeing totally safe and comfortable. What the Government has just announced is a real step forward. Let’s hope this is the start of a level playing field.”

The NHBF’s survey also found that the biggest cost pressures facing businesses were National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases, employer National Insurance Contributions and energy prices. 

The NHBF said the announcement should be part of a wider strategy to support high streets and compliant small businesses.

Enforcement must be matched by wider reform so that responsible businesses are not pushed into survival decisions while rogue operators are allowed to undercut them.

For this look, keep the taper low and tight while leaving extra weight through the front hairline to create a crisp, structured line-up. The clean blend around the sides and neckline keeps the cut sharp, while the fuller textured top allows the natural curls to remain the focal point. Leaving more length through the fringe area helps enhance the overall shape, frame the face, and gives the cut a more modern, fashion-led finish.

The key to this style is working with the client’s natural texture rather than trying to over-style it. The curls should look controlled, defined and soft with natural movement throughout the top. Keeping the taper low prevents the fade from overpowering the shape and creates a better balance between the tight sides and the textured length on top.

For styling, use a moisturising curl cream to hydrate and define the curl pattern, then finish with a small amount of matte paste for added texture and hold without creating shine. Apply the products through damp hair, focusing the curl cream through the mid-lengths and ends before lightly distributing the matte paste through the top for separation and control.

Diffuse on a low heat and low speed setting to maintain curl definition and minimise frizz. Avoid overworking the hair while drying, as separating the curls too much can create unwanted volume and take away from the clean, defined finish of the cut.

The finished result is a sharp, wearable style that combines clean barbering details with natural texture — modern, versatile and effortless for clients wanting a fresh but low-maintenance look.

Follow Bailey Snowden for more inspiration and style guides.

Two-day international event brought together elite barbers from 14 countries for education, competition and the debut of new Wahl Vapor CE 

Wahl Professional crowned U.S. competitor Cristian Botello winner of the first-ever Wahl Global Barber Battle following a two-day international event that brought together elite barbers, educators and industry professionals from around the world in Chicago. 

Held May 3 and 4 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Wahl Global Stage welcomed competitors from 14 countries to showcase their creativity, technical skill and artistry in front of a live audience during a red-carpet-style championship event. The weekend also featured advanced education sessions, business insights, networking opportunities and the exclusive debut of the new Wahl Vapor CE (Championship Edition) clipper. 

Botello earned the title of Wahl Global Barber of the Year after advancing through head-to-head competitions and representing the United States on the global stage. 

“It’s such an honor to represent the U.S. and accomplish something like this on a global stage,” said Botello. I’ve worked really hard for an opportunity like this, so I’m incredibly grateful.” 

As the winner of the first-ever competition, Botello will now travel to Los Angeles to participate in Wahl Future Makers, the brand’s creative platform focused on mentorship, education and elevating the next generation of talent. 

“I’m most excited about being surrounded by so much talent,” said Botello. “I’m always striving to learn, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside the team.” 

Botello also encouraged aspiring barbers to continue building relationships and investing in themselves throughout their careers. 

“My advice is to network as much as possible, attend events, shake hands and continue believing in yourself,” said Botello. “You never know when an opportunity to compete on a global stage might come your way.” 

Beyond the competition, Global Stage also highlighted the evolving future of barbering culture, from content creation and branding to entrepreneurship, artistry and global collaboration. 

“The energy in the room was unmatched by any industry event I’ve seen in a long time,” said Missy Jacobs, Education Leader for North America at Wahl. “We had attendees from all over the world and at every stage of their careers, from students to seasoned artists and educators, all connected by the same passion for creativity, growth and the industry itself.” 

Jacobs said one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the trust artists continue to place in Wahl tools at the highest levels of performance, whether competing on stage, creating content under pressure or working behind the scenes in real-time environments where consistency, precision, and reliability matter most. She also noted the growing influence of individuality and global culture throughout the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes at the event. 

In addition to the competition, attendees had the opportunity to experience the debut of the Vapor CE, a limited-edition professional clipper inspired by the energy of global competition and designed for precision, control and performance. Limited quantities of the new tool were made available for purchase at the event. 

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

Grab your copy here or subscribe for the full year here.

This edition is a true celebration of versatility – not just in technique, but in mindset. Barbering has never been a one-lane industry, and the features in this issue highlight just how dynamic the modern barber has become.

BarberEVO issue 49 is out now!  

On the Cover: Rolda  

At the heart of this issue, we’re honored to feature Rolda on the cover – an iconic brand that has made waves across multiple generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder of how legacy, innovation and global vision can come together to shape not just a brand, but an entire movement within barbering.  

In the Chair with El Bori Barber  

We also sit down In the Chair with El Bori Barber, whose story, skill and perspective capture the passion that continues to drive the craft forward. It’s voices like his that keep the culture authentic while inspiring the next wave of talent.  

Traditional V Modern  

Our Traditional v Modern feature explores the ever-evolving spectrum of barbering – from old-school barbershops rooted in heritage to contemporary spaces redefining education, experience and identity. It’s a conversation that sits at the core of where our industry is right now.  

Interiors  

The theme of Traditional carries on into our Interiors feature with an in-depth look at the Gentleman’s Den Barbershop in California. We also look at how Collin’s chairs have become an international sensation in the oldest barbering business around the world, and we touch base in London to see how OS Lifestyle approach sustainability.  

Business  

In our Business feature, we also take a closer look at sustainability, highlighting barbershops and practices that are making conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact – an increasingly important topic for the future of our industry.  

And for those looking to grow their business, we dive into marketing automation and how streamlining your strategy can create more consistency, efficiency and impact.  

As always, this issue is about informing, inspiring and pushing boundaries.

InkShopGuard, an insurance provider specializing in coverage for tattoo artists and studio owners, has expanded its offerings to include insurance for barbers and barbershops nationwide. We spoke to Nate Szana, Vice President of Specialty Programs at InkShopGuard, about the latest expansion.  

Running a successful barbershop takes more than talent behind the chair. From managing staff and booth renters to maintaining equipment and serving clients safely, today’s shop owners face a wide range of business responsibilities — and insurance plays a major role in protecting everything they’ve built.

According to Nate, insurance needs can vary significantly depending on how a shop is structured. Some barbershops require every independent barber to carry their own policy and list the shop owner as an additional insured. While that setup can work, it often creates extra administrative work and leaves room for coverage gaps if policies lapse or certificates are not kept up to date.

For many growing shops, a single policy that includes independent barbers can be a more practical solution. This approach simplifies management, creates more consistent protection across the business, and can often lower the overall cost per barber — especially when insurance expenses are incorporated into booth rent.

The benefits become even more important for owners operating multiple locations. Having consistent coverage across several shops can make it easier to scale while still allowing flexibility for different staffing models, services, and day-to-day operations at each location. Instead of juggling separate policies and requirements, owners can focus on growing the business with confidence that their coverage is aligned across the board.

“Insurance should be viewed as part of a barber’s professional toolkit, alongside training, equipment, and branding,” Nate explained. “When it’s treated as a checkbox expense, it often fails the moment something goes wrong. When it’s treated as a business tool, it can help protect income, reputation, and long-term growth.”

At the end of the day, the right insurance coverage allows barbers and shop owners to focus on what matters most: delivering great service and building lasting relationships with clients. One unexpected accident, injury, or claim does not have to derail years of hard work when the proper protection is already in place.

Ready to protect your shop, your team, and your future? Learn more about coverage options here: https://go.inkshopguard.com/l/1008742/2026-01-20/544kjy

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has hailed its Respect Live event as a major success, bringing together salon owners, educators, industry leaders, stakeholders and media to explore the latest findings from its State of the Sector survey, and crucially, what happens next. Held as a key moment in the industry calendar, Respect Live created a powerful platform for open discussion around the current challenges, opportunities and future direction of the UK hair and beauty sector. 

Sector Taking Stock- and Taking Action

At the heart of the event was the unveiling of the latest State of the Sector results, offering a clear, data-led picture of where the industry stands today. From business sustainability and workforce challenges to education and growth, the findings sparked honest and solutions-focused conversations across the room. 

Crucially, these quarterly survey results are not only vital to the industry, they are also requested by government, making them an important tool in informing policy and decision-making at the highest level. By taking part, businesses directly contribute to shaping how the sector is understood, supported and represented nationally. 

A standout panel of respected voices shared real-world insight and practical perspectives, including Emma Curd of Mattaki Scissors, Darran Gould, founder/director Gould Barbers; Charles Whiston of CW Whiston salon; Christopher Moody, educator and salon owner: Wendy Cummins, chair of Hair Professional Apprenticeship Steering Group and salon owner; Diane Hey, Founder & CEO, Armonia Training Academy: Lesley Wilks, aesthetician and NHBF consultant; Christian Vincent of Worknest and Meg Piper, session stylist and owner of Solstice Hair. 

Together, they explored not only the realities facing businesses today, but also the collective responsibility, and opportunity, to shape a stronger, more resilient future. 

The event made clear that meaningful representation starts with listening. The NHBF exists to champion its members, ensuring their challenges, priorities and ambitions are heard where it matters most. The strength and impact of that representation is directly shaped by the voices within the industry. 

The NHBF stated: “The more our members engage, share their views, and take part in decisions, the stronger and more accurate our representation becomes whether that’s influencing government, shaping support, or driving the future direction of the sectors.” 

With over 84 years of expertise representing the UK’s hair and beauty sector, the NHBF has built its reputation on one enduring principle: that the strongest voice for this sector is a collective one. That commitment to listening, representing and supporting members remains as central today as it has ever been.

 The forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM, Monday 6 July 2026) and Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM, 18 May 2026) will ensure members’ voices remain at the core of the NHBF and inform the organisation’s future direction. 

Following an intense day of presenting and in-depth discussion Simon Shaw has been named as the 40^th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. 

Now in its 80^th year, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing elects a new President every two years. Following in the footsteps of industry exemplars including Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson, Ken Picton and outgoing President Ashleigh Hodges, Simon said he was honoured to be taking over the role as President at this very special time in the Fellowship’s history. 

Simon has had a long-standing relationship with the Fellowship, joining very early on his their career and working alongside past Presidents and board members to develop the visibility and integrity of the Fellowship. Through his role as Head of Education for the Fellowship he has been able to showcase what the Fellowship stands for and increase membership and he was instrumental in introducing the very successful Project Men & Media to the Fellowships roster of educational Projects. Education is a passion of Simon, and in their role as President education will play a pivotal role.  Simon’s day-to-day role as Global Artistic Director is one that brings with it a whole host of exceptional qualities both commercially and creatively, key attributes required as part of the President’s role. 

Fellowship for British Hairdressing Chair, Marcus Allen commented, “Simon is a fantastic choice as President of the Fellowship. Truly immersed in all sectors within our industry and respected by all who know him with so much experience in all aspects of the business of hairdressing and barbering. Their commitment and dedication to the Fellowship is immeasurable, which will ensure a very exciting two years ahead. Our thanks go out to outgoing President Ashleigh Hodges for all the work and support she has given the Fellowship over the past two years,” concluded Marcus.