Olivia Garden, a leader in professional and consumer hair tools, is proud to announce the launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears, designed to deliver the same durability, precision, and ergonomic comfort as the original collection. Created to support left-handed barbers and stylists, these new additions ensure a smooth, effortless cutting experience without compromise.

All OG Barber Shears feature a matte black titanium coating, reinforced steel alloy, and convex blades for superior hardness, longevity, and consistent cutting performance. Designed with larger finger holes and two sets of finger ring inserts, the shears provide a customizable, ergonomic fit for a wide range of hand sizes on both right- and left-handed users. An offset handle with specialized thumb curvature helps keep the hand relaxed in a natural open position, reducing strain during extended use.

Each purchase includes a premium zipper case with essential maintenance tools such as the ShearCare™ oil brush, cleaning cloth, finger ring inserts, and a tension adjustment tool. Left-handed shears are also eligible for Olivia Garden’s Exclusive Service Program, which allows barbers and stylists to exchange their used Olivia Garden Barber Shears for a brand-new identical pair to maintain optimal performance over time.

The launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears further expands the OG Barber lineup, which also includes OG Barber Brushes and OG Barber Wave Brushes, giving barbers access to a complete, professional-grade collection designed specifically for barbering needs.

• WHO: Olivia Garden and left-handed barbers and hairstylists seeking professional-grade shears
• WHAT: Launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears designed for precision and durability
• WHEN: Available now
• WHERE: Available at oliviagarden.com and select Olivia Garden retailers

For more information on Olivia Garden, follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

By Alyssa Guerra 

Luxury customer experiences and services go above and beyond to make every customer feel seen and valued. It’s about tailoring the little details other barbershops ignore, from the atmosphere to your services to your communication. The goal is to craft a seamless, memorable journey that forges deep connections and conveys your values every step of the way, said Paul Andre de Vera of BSPK. 

Luckily, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to offer high-end customer service and exceed customers’ expectations. You don’t have to break the bank, either. Here’s how you can deliver premium customer experiences at any barbershop, on any budget. 

1. First Impressions 

When designing a luxury customer experience, consider the details your clients will notice first. For example: 

• Are they offered a snack, beverage, warm greeting, or reading material when they arrive? Or are they ignored?  

• Does someone answer the phone or call back right away? Or are they left waiting for days?  

• Can they book online without headaches? Or do they give up halfway through due to a buggy website? 

• Is your space clean, decorated, and nice smelling? Or is there dust and a foul odor?  

Examples: 

• Use signature scents, comfy seating, music, lighting, temperature, and cleanliness to craft an intentional ambience, Harper Ellis Hair Co. (HEHC) says. This could be as simple as adjusting the lights, keeping the space spotless, or making ad-free music playlists on your phone.  

• Ask family and friends to walk through the door and note their impressions. How does the space make them feel? Is it what you had in mind? Repeat from time to time and use their feedback to adjust accordingly. 

Listen, smile, and engage when customers are present. Body language says a lot!  

2. Personalization and Exclusivity 

The difference between luxury and run-of-the-mill experiences lies in how valuable you can make a customer feel. Personalize their experiences so your clients never feel like “just another customer” again, HEHC says.  

Examples: 

• Note customers’ preferences, personal details, and purchases so you can tailor your product or treatment recommendations based on their needs.  

• Seek opportunities for exclusivity. Can you offer services that are new or hard to find elsewhere? Can loyal customers get extra perks?  

• Consider handwritten thank-you notes, birthday cards, and other personal touches that show each client your appreciation. 

• Use the customer’s name when speaking to them. “Hey, Brian! Welcome in” sounds friendlier than “Hey. Welcome in.” 

• Provide free options that allow customers to tailor their luxury customer experience. For example, consider asking if they’re OK with chitchat or if they want silence. Offer conveniences like a blanket, refreshments, and warm or cold towels. 

3. White Glove, End-to-End Experiences 

If you really want your barbering services to stand out, look for avenues to improve efficiency and remove hiccups from the customer’s journey. You’ll not only make it easier to book appointments, but also elevate the experience in little (but noticeable) ways. 

Examples: 

• Seek opportunities to make processes more efficient and convenient, like with 24/7 online booking, a frequently tested website, digital consultation forms, and automated reminders. 

• Routine training helps ensure that “exceptional service becomes second nature,” Ken Thomas wrote for Forbes. Hire and train your barbershop employees to represent your values consistently, whether it’s through body language or problem-solving during conflicts. 

4. Expertise 

You can’t achieve excellence without expertise. 

After all, customers—high-end consumers and otherwise—are coming to you as an industry expert. If you have the skills and answers they’re looking for, they’ll quickly learn to trust you. Once a customer knows they’re in safe hands, even the simplest services feel extraordinary. 

Examples: 

• Research top products, tools, or trends so you can use them, stock them, and answer questions about them. 

• Push yourself to pursue continuous training. Use it to fine-tune your barbering skills and offer more advanced techniques or services. 

• Showcase your awards, certifications, and reviews where current and prospective customers can see them. 

Premium insurance shouldn’t require luxury prices, either. 

When it comes to luxury services and high-end customer experiences, our team at WellnessPro believes value doesn’t have to be expensive.  

Barbers, visit the WellnessPro website and start your coverage journey for as little as $159 a year. 

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

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

Don’t Call It a Rebrand… Call it an evoLUTION

As we welcome 2026, we are showing that BarberEVO is not just a magazine; it’s a statement. With a bold new look and an elevated creative direction, this issue places art at the very heart of barbering, celebrating the craft as something to be admired, revisited, and proudly displayed. From the cover to every carefully considered page has been designed with longevity in mind – a book you’ll want to keep on your shelf and return to time and time again.

We focus on every trend set to dominate in 2026 – from burst fades and mullets to the create work that blends striking visuals, elevating hair at its core. Alongside that, we have meaningful stories from the industry’s most influential names and rising talents. It reflects how far the craft has come, while honouring the creativity, passion, and culture that continue to push it forward. Issue 47 marks a new chapter for BarberEVO – one that invites you not just to read, but to look, feel, and be inspired.

By Alyssa Guerra 

Your clients’ appointment-booking process is like a roller coaster. Their desire for beauty services gets them in line. But they need momentum to reach the station.  

As app development platform CommonNinja explains in their 2024 article “How to Improve Customer Satisfaction with Seamless Booking Experiences,” the process should help customers book services efficiently and with minimal frustration or confusion. This is essential to building trust between consumers and your brand. It encourages customers to get in line again and again—not just because they need beauty services, but also because they enjoy the appointment-booking process. 

Wondering how to schedule appointments with clients in a way that builds bridges instead of barriers? Here are some tips to consider. 

1. Understand your customers. 

Research and collect feedback to better understand your current and potential clients. Who are they? How do they want to feel when they visit your website or salon for the first time? What do clients like now, and what changes would they like to see? 

Starting with the consumer in mind makes it easier to craft interactions they’ll love from the first click. 

2. Don’t overcomplicate. 

Your clients crave accessible experiences with minimal barriers. Ask yourself: What unnecessary barriers can I eliminate to make the experience as speedy and convenient as possible? 

Aim to create a booking site that’s easy to use, easy to read, and easy on the eyes, Kate Reynier writes for youcanbook.me. Pick a handful of colors, templates, and fonts, and use them purposefully. Make sure your pages load quickly, and streamline navigation with as few steps as possible, Reynier suggests.  

3. Support 24/7 availability and self-service. 

Customers love the autonomy of self-service, as well as the transparency of real-time reminders and updates, like with estimated wait times, says ibex.co in their article “The Now Generation: Surviving the Instant Gratification Culture.” It means they can take action on their time. Plus, automated appointment confirmation or chatbot communication eases customer anxiety and reduces your chances of no-shows, schedly.io states in their article “5 Ways to Make the Booking Process Seamless for Clients.” 

Consider an online appointment-scheduling system that allows clients to book a time, sends appointment reminders, and supports 24/7 cancellations. If they can see available team members, pay, and synchronize with their calendar in one seamless place, that’s even better, says Brevo in their 2024 guide to online booking.  

4. Personalize the experience. 

As ibex says, “One size fits none. Trying to be everything to everyone—instantly—often leads to generic, forgettable experiences.”  

Allow your appointment-scheduling software to tailor the experience to individual customers. For example, some types of software allow special requests or recommend additional services. In turn, clients can easily bundle everything they want (plus add-ons they didn’t even know they wanted), says schedly.io. Meanwhile, tools like AI chatbots, predictive autofill, saved preferences, and intelligent suggestions can direct users smoothly down each step of their customer experience journey. The best part is, the journey feels uniquely designed for them, ibex explains.  

And don’t forget, paying is part of their experience, too. As schedly.io writes in their blog post, you never know what a client’s financial situation might be. In addition to the usual credit cards, consider accepting digital wallets, bank transfers, PayPal, and/or installment plans so they have flexible (yet secure) options. 

Tailored Coverage: Because one-size-fits all doesn’t work for insurance, either. 

At WellnessPro, we believe insurance is another area where quality customer service and tailored experiences matter. Our coverage is designed for the beauty and wellness world—because that’s our world, too.  

Visit the WellnessPRO website and start your coverage journey for as little as $159 a year. 

Let’s be real—your station is only as strong as the tools you trust. Whether you’re crafting fades, detailing beards, or finishing with skin-close precision, having the right trio makes all the difference. That’s where the Envy II Clipper, Slimline® Pro II Trimmer, and ProFoil® Plus II Shaver come in. Together, they’re the ultimate lineup for stylists who want speed, control, and flawless results.

Clip with Confidence – Envy II Clipper

This isn’t your average clipper. The Envy II is built for versatility, featuring the new Phaze™ blade with adjustable lengths from 0000–0A. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and even includes a left-hand lever arm for ambidextrous comfort. With 11 attachment combs and a 6,500 SPM motor, it’s your go-to for fades, tapers, and bulk work—corded or cordless.

Trim with Precision – Slimline® Pro II Trimmer

Need crisp lineups and smooth transitions? The new Slimline® Pro II is your detailing MVP. Its pencil-like design gives you unmatched control and visibility, while the 7,000 SPM motor powers through light bulk and fine detailing. With 2 hours of cordless runtime and USB-C fast charging, it’s always ready to go. Plus, it’s quiet enough for kids and sensitive clients.

Shave to Finish – ProFoil® Plus II Shaver

Finish strong with the new ProFoil® Plus II. This cordless foil shaver delivers glass-smooth fades and irritation-free results thanks to its gold titanium staggered foils and 9,000 SPM motor. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and charges via USB-C on a sleek premium stand. Customize your look with Black Chrome or Gold foil housings—coming soon—and keep your station looking sharp.

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Clip. Trim. Shave. Repeat.
This trio isn’t just about tools—it’s about elevating your craft. Whether you’re in the shop or on the go, these three are built to keep up with your hustle.

Ready to upgrade your station?

Shop the trio. Own the finish. 

Andis.com 

BarberEVO UK Issue 53 is OUT NOW! 

This issue celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community as we wrap up the year in style.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT WAHL

On this edition’s cover, we celebrate Simon Shaw’s career to-date, with this month marking his 25th year at Wahl Professional. Read more about this monumental moment in this issue!

EVENTS:  

We take you behind the scenes at BarberEVO and SalonEVO: The Experience in Scale Liverpool, reliving the energy and excitement from the two-day industry celebration. We also bring you the ultimate guide to Fashion Week with Ainsley Walton, and dive into the action with BaBylissPRO backstage. Then, we head to the Barber and Barbershop of the Year Awards with WAHL, and peek inside the BROSH World Championship for an unforgettable global barbering spectacle. 

IN THE CHAIR & BARBER ABROAD: 

We get In the Chair with Tariq Howes, diving deep into his inspiring barbering journey. Our One 2 Watch is Scotland’s Best Barber, SHABA winner and owner of R+R Studios Dundee, showcasing the best of Scottish talent and creativity. 

FESTIVE: 

From our Year in Review to winter shop culture with Huckle, this section captures the spirit of the season. We talk business insights with American Crew, winter trends with Hayden Cassidy, and highlight moments from Novo Cabelo’s standout 2025. Plus, discover styling trends from Morgan’s and festive scheduling advice from Mark Maciver. 

BEARDS & TACHE: 

 We sit down with Joe Mills to break down beard and moustache trends sweeping the scene, before exploring bearded education with Simon Hairground and celebrating Movember with The London Beard Co. 

INTERIORS: 

Our Barbershop of the Edition is No.1 Barbers, a Takara Belmont–fitted shop that’s setting new design standards. We also round up the standout barber interiors of 2025, offering plenty of inspiration for your next renovation. 

Order your copy of BarberEVO Issue 53 HERE!

Welcome to your next operation.

The Andis Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer are built for barbers who treat every cut like a mission. Precision-engineered and field-tested, these tools deliver elite performance where it counts—on fades, tapers, lineups, and bulk removal. Whether you’re sculpting sharp silhouettes or detailing with finesse, Recon™ is your tactical advantage in the shop.

Recon™ Clipper: Power Delivered

• 9,000 SPM Vector Motor – High-torque speed for ultra-smooth fades and bulk removal.
• Phaze Blade Control – Adjustable blade with click or no-click lever for personalized cutting.
• Custom Style – Black chrome, gold, and matte black housings to match your station.
• All-Day Battery – 4-hour cordless runtime with fast USB-C charging.
• Premium Charging Stand – Quick-release design keeps your setup clean and powered.
• Complete Kit – Includes magnetic combs, blade oil, guard, and USB-C adapter.

Recon™ Trimmer: Precision Refined

• 8,500 SPM Vector Motor – Built for sharp detailing, bald fades, and crisp lineups.
• DLC-Coated T-Blade – Smooth, snag-free cuts with zero irritation.
• Ergonomic Metal Housing – Compact, vibration-dampening design for fatigue-free control.
• Custom Style – Interchangeable housings to match your vibe.
• Charging Stand Redefined – Sleek, quick-release stand for pro setups.
• Complete Kit – Includes combs, blade oil, guard, and USB-C adapter.

Built for the Craft. Trusted by Pros.

Recon™ isn’t just about specs—it’s about performance in the field. Tested by barbers who know the grind, these tools deliver the speed, control, and style you need to execute every cut with confidence.

Gear up. Fade sharp. Stay mission ready.

Shop now at andis.com 

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

FINAL CUT  

Byrd Mena’s Dopamine Collection and L3VEL3’s Red Collection headline our Final Cut, with bold visions that redefine what “Editorial Hair” means for the barbering industry. 

IN THE CHAIR & ONE 2 WATCH  

This edition, we get In the Chair with Henry Rodriguez, better known as Papi Blendzz. From nearly leaving barbering to now leading education for JRL, his story is a must-read. Our One 2 Watch is Keila Sierra, who went from Denny’s late shifts to SharpFade Partner. 

TEXTURE  

We sit down with British barbers Eyal and Ariel Booker to explore how their brand Wavy is filling the curly-hair gap, alongside features with L3VEL3, Andis, Josh O.P., and more. 

INTERIORS   

Circa Barbershop, complete with Takara Belmont furnishings, takes Interiors to new heights. We also visit Hair Cvlture in Fuerteventura, Collins HQ, and more. 

CREATIVE  

Avant garde artistry, self-expression, and precision dominate Creative. With the insights of columnists Hannah and Chrystofer Benson, plus features with Byrd Mena, Tondeo, and Jorge X, we go deep into barbering creativity. 

BUSINESS  

We go Behind the Brand with Rolda, dive into the Diary of a CEO with Daniel Heiniger, and spotlight Depot, WellnessPro, and more. 

Get your copy of BarberEVO NA Issue 45 today – the ultimate guide to trends, creativity, and success this season. 

Subscribe to BarberEVO and get access to exclusive updates, inspiration, education and ensure your finger is always on the pulse of this fast-moving industry.

Congratulations to all of the amazing winners of the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards – or the SHABAs, as they are fondly known! 

On Sunday August 24, the legendary Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards took place at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel. 

Presented by industry icons Josie Smith and Simon Shaw, this year’s event shaped up to be perhaps the most unforgettable yet, with plenty of surprises such as a warm Scottish welcome with a live pipe band, multiple musical guests, as well as well-deserved awards, such as Alison Jamison taking home the Lifetime Achievement Award and Susie McGill earning her Vanguard Award due to her leading spirit. 

Adding to the glamour, industry royalty Falon Carberry and Justin Mackland were on hand to interview guests as they arrive on the red carpet. 

SHABA Founder, Joanne Reid, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Fresha as our headline sponsor for SHABA 2025, along with incredible support from our partners: OSMO, Remi Cachet, Hair and Beauty World, Wahl Professional, Tan Truth, KAO, and Crazy Angel. Their continued belief in the vision of SHABA helps us create an unforgettable platformfor excellence in hair and beauty.”

Drumroll please…. Here are the winners of the 2025 categories: 

SAM WALL – ONE TO WATCH  AWARD: ISLA LEIPER, HOUSE OF MARSHALL

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: ALISON JAMISON, AJ CONSULTANTS 

BEST SPORTS/MASSAGE THERAPIST: ADELE THORBURN, LEANNE REILLY HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY

BEST SPA/DAY SPA: MUSE SPA

BEST TANNING EXPERT: ANDREA MCKUNE, AFTERGLOW (MOBILE)

BEST APPRENTICE BARBER: MARK HOWIE, FUTURE STUDIOS

BEST APPRENTICE STYLIST: MEGAN SINCLAIR, CRAIG BOYD HAIRDRESSING

BEST BLOW DRY: SEAN MARSHALL, SEAN MARSHALL HAIR

BEST WEDDING HAIR: SHANNA NEAVE, COLLECTIVE STUDIOS

BEST FEMALE COLOURIST: CHRISTINA THOMSON, THE LITTLE HAIR COMPANY

BEST MALE COLOURIST: CRAIG BOYD, CRAIG BOYD HAIRDRESSING

BEST NAIL ARTIST: MARIA CORONADO, MANIQUE BEAUTY SALON & ACADEMY

BEST BROW ARTIST: CLAIRE VIDA, CLAIRE VIDA BROWS & LASHES

BEST LASH ARTIST: ANNA BIERNAT,  BEAUTY BITS BY ANNA

BEST BARBER COLOURIST: ZOE CLARK, URBANHAIR

BEST HAIR EXTENSIONIST: CATT QUIGLEY, THE SALON BY STEFANIE SOMERVILLE

BEST SALON DESIGN: EK AESTHETICS

BEST TRAINER/TRAINING SCHOOL: JAMES DUN SALON HAIR SCHOOL

VANGUARD AWARD: SUZIE MCGILL, RAINBOW ROOM

BEST BEAUTY THERAPIST: DANIELLE WATT, MOI BEAUTY SALON

BEST COSMETIC PRACTITIONER: TAYLOR STEWART, TAYLOR STEWART PERMANENT COSMETICS

BEST MEDICAL AESTHETIC PRACTITIONER: STACEY MURPHY, HALO HAIR STUDIO

BEST MAKE UP ARTIST: CHELSEA TANT,  CODY SHAW HAIR AND BEAUTY

BEST INFLUENCER: TAYLOR INNES, JAMES DUN ON BELMONT

BEST NAIL BAR: ALLURE HAIR AND BEAUTY

BEST FACIAL: NADIA RAMAGE, SKIN QUEEN BY NADIA RAMAGE

BEST BEAUTY SALON: LUXE STUDIOS

BEST HAIR SALON: MCGILLS HAIRDRESSING

BEST BARBER SHOP: BEARDY BEARDY, RENFIELD STREET

BEST HAIR TEXTURER: SAMANTHA BLUES, SAMANTHA BLUES HAIRDRESSING

BEST INDEPENDANT STYLIST: ANNMARIE LUNAN, HAIR BY ANNIE

BEST FEMALE BARBER: EMILY MCKENNA, SERPENT KINGS BARBERSHOP

BEST MALE BARBER: KEIRAN FLYNN, R+R STUDIOS

BEST FEMALE STYLIST: CONNIE MARSHALL, HOUSE OF MARSHALL

BEST MALE STYLIST: JAY HANLIN, ALAN EDWARDS SALON

The GTX-EXO II Trimmer just dropped—and it’s a game changer. Sharper hits. Cleaner lines. Less friction. More control. Straight out of the box. This isn’t a refresh. It’s a redesign, and it’s built to keep up with the way you work. 

Why You’ll Want This in Your Station 

M-Force Magnetic Tension System

Zero-gapped out of the box. No springs—just magnets for consistent blade tension andsharp, even corners. That means cleaner lines, smoother feel, and no extra setup. 

Lighter Body, More Control 

Andis redesigned the EXO housing to cut weight by 6% and increase airflow. The upgraded yoke helps prevent hair from getting caught—because nothing should slow you down mid-fade. 

Power Meets Endurance A high-speed brushless motor cranks out 7,200 SPM, and the upgraded Li-Ion battery keeps it running longer—20% more run time to be exact. Cord or cordless, this thing doesn’t quit. 

Sleek New Look 

Choose between two bold looks: 

Black Chrome – sleek and professional (U.S. only)

Gold Housing – stand out with flair (EU/UK only)

Premium Charging Stand 

Because your tools should look as sharp as your cuts. Keeps your trimmer ready and on display. 

From the Chair 

Global Educator Sean Casey says it best: “Out of the box, it’s already dialed in. Sharp, but not aggressive. I can use it on kids, sensitive skin—any client. Andis is listening. They’re not just building tools. They’re building for the next generation.” 

Get Ready The GTX-EXO II just landed—and it’s built for barbers who want speed, precision, and performance without the guesswork. Follow @andisclippers and @barberevo for first looks.