Salon owners are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to throw the sector an economic lifeline, with a new report highlighting how an unbalanced tax system is decimating their industry.

New findings warn that unless things change, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030. This would leave very few in employment, creating a sector largely devoid of the employment rights that come with being an employee.

With the Spring Forecast due in five weeks, the British Hair Consortium – which represents 50,000 UK hairdressing professionals – says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.

The analysis commissioned from the independent consultancy CBI Economics – based on responses from over 2,000 salon owners and professionals – highlighted how:

“Our industry has been ignored for years and we’re calling on the Government to correct decades of mismanagement,” said Toby Dicker, co-founder of the British Hair Consortium.

“Most owners haven’t had a pay rise in many years and simply can’t consider expanding their business, let alone take on an apprentice. A ‘one size fits all’ tax system doesn’t work and has created an unlevel playing field. Increasing numbers of owners are either closing their salons or changing their employment practices and are renting chairs to contractors just to survive. This report shows how cutting VAT to 10% won’t cost the Government a penny. It would save salons across the country and ensure the future of our industry which sits at the heart of the high street,” he added.

Ireland has recognised this and dropped its VAT on labour intensive businesses in hairdressing and hospitality to nine percent. The change is working – new salons are popping up and paying tax while workers are also benefiting from improved employment rights.

Laura Geary, Director at Headmasters, one of the UK’s biggest salon groups and one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the industry said: “The changes from the last Budget have made it very hard for salons to continue to offer the benefits of employment and we will certainly not be able to take on as many apprentices going forward. This will kill the future of our industry.”

Charlie Collinge, Director at Collinge & Co, added: “Last year’s change in NI contributions has forced us to close our salon in Ormskirk in West Lancashire after 57 years of trading. Nearly all our competitors in Ormskirk are self-employed and we cannot continue to be competitive.”

“We’re also a specialist provider of hairdressing apprenticeships – the largest in Liverpool. Last year we had over 300 applications but were only able to find employment for 60 apprentices because fewer salons can afford to take them on. Apprenticeships are the main route for sustainable careers in hairdressing, but the model is under threat if there aren’t enough salons able to directly employ hairdressers,” adds Charlie.

Denise Thomas, owner of Denise Thomas Hair Salons in Liverpool, has been a hairdresser for almost 47 years and a salon owner for 25 years. “ One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced over the years has been VAT. A growing number of salons now operate with chair renters who don’t have to pay VAT, which allows them to keep their prices low and creates an uneven playing field.

“I also worry about the future for the next generation of stylists. Who will train them? Recently I had to make the difficult decision to let my two newest apprentices go because I simply can’t afford them. My training provider has no salons on their books looking for apprentices this year, as chair rental salons don’t typically train apprentices. If salons like mine continue to be squeezed, they’ll become less and less viable, making it even harder for employers like me to secure a stable future.”

What can you do to help?

The British Hair Consortium is desperately urging the industry to take the following action:

Head to the BHC website and everything you need is there.
1. Download the templated letter – https://www.bhc.org.uk
2. Personalise the letter where indicated.
3. Download the report.
4. Look up your local MP & email them the letter, report and link to the video that is on the website.

Fresha, the world’s leading marketplace and business management platform for the beauty, wellness and self-care industry, is accelerating its global expansion while reinforcing its position as the safest and most secure platform on the market.

In just six months, Fresha’s proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology has reduced fraud by an incredible 99%, preventing fraudulent transactions from affecting businesses and clients. This milestone sets a new benchmark for security in the industry, showcasing Fresha’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats and ensuring unparalleled protection for businesses and clients worldwide.

To achieve this, Fresha combines advanced AI-driven fraud prevention with a comprehensive layered security program. By leveraging frameworks like ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR, Fresha ensures that data is protected, vulnerabilities are identified in real time, and all system access is tightly controlled. Zero-trust access management, continuous automated compliance monitoring, and secure vendor protocols further minimize risks, ensuring both proactive and reactive defences are in place.

Fresha’s AI-powered fraud detection system uses predictive analytics to identify suspicious patterns before they cause harm—going beyond traditional, reactive methods. Advanced transaction scoring monitors multiple parameters to detect fraudulent activity, while automated systems flag and block payment fraud attempts—such as stolen card transactions—before they happen. Furthermore, Fresha’s secure messaging infrastructure proactively combats SMS and email phishing scams, ensuring that clients and businesses remain protected across every interaction.

To further strengthen its security posture, Fresha invites skilled security researchers and ethical hackers to partner in enhancing the platform’s security infrastructure. Through a comprehensive bug bounty program, Fresha fosters collaboration with the cybersecurity community to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities. The focus is on discovering high-impact security findings that help maintain the robust protection Fresha users expect and deserve. Qualified security researchers interested in participating in the bug bounty program can reach out to security@fresha.com for detailed program guidelines, scope, and reward information.

“As we continue to grow, our responsibility to safeguard businesses and clients grows with us,” said William Zeqiri, Founder & CEO at Fresha. “Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but so are we. With our proprietary AI and Machine Learning systems, we don’t just react to fraud—we stop it before it even starts. Combined with our robust compliance and security frameworks, this ensures that Fresha remains the safest and most reliable platform in the industry.”

Fresha’s approach to security is not just about fraud prevention—it’s about maintaining a seamless, efficient experience for over 130,000 partners and tens of millions of users globally. By automating security processes, Fresha eliminates complexity while safeguarding operations at scale.

With fraud on the rise globally—including £571 million in card payment fraud in the UK in 2023 and projected $91 billion in e-commerce payment fraud losses by 2028—Fresha’s AI-driven security measures have never been more essential. As cybercriminals evolve, Fresha continues to lead the industry in setting new security benchmarks for trust and reliability.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) today released findings from its latest State of the Industry Survey, revealing that an unprecedented 78% of hair and beauty businesses plan to increase their prices in the next three months – the highest level recorded since the survey began.

The quarterly survey of sector businesses across the UK paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads, with rising operational costs post Autumn Budget forcing difficult decisions about staffing, apprenticeships, and business models.

Key findings include:

• 52% of businesses plan to implement price increases of 5-10%.
• 31% of businesses reported a decrease in their workforce over the last quarter.
• 59% expect to reduce apprenticeship intake following the Autumn Budget.
• 26% of businesses are now planning to downsize or hand over their business.

The sector has already seen significant job losses, with official data showing a workforce reduction of 16,500 positions in 2023-24, following a 7% reduction in staff in 2022/23.

The impact of the Autumn Budget has been particularly significant, in addition to taking on fewer apprentices, businesses will reduce staff or apprentice hours (47%), the number of staff employed (47%) and business investment (41%) in response to the 6.7% rise in National Minimum Wage rates and changes to Employers’ National Insurance contributions.

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of NHBF, said: “The survey results paint a concerning picture of our sector’s future. While the personal care services sector has grown its economic contribution to £5.8 billion in 2023-24, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. The combination of rising wages, increased National Insurance contributions, and reduced business rates relief is pushing many salon owners toward self-employed models, potentially ending decades of apprenticeship training that has been the lifeblood of our sector.

“Without urgent government intervention, particularly around VAT reform and targeted support for small employers, we risk losing the traditional salon model that has been central to high street vitality and community wellbeing. The NHBF is calling for immediate action, including a review of the VAT system, enhanced apprenticeship incentives, and improved business rates support to help protect and grow this vital sector.”

The survey also revealed that 41% of businesses are currently making a profit, with 42% breaking even. However, the number of businesses reporting losses has increased to 17%, up from 14% in September 2024.

Look out for our ‘Straightening out the costs’; report analysing the impact of the Autumn 2024 Budget on Hair & Beauty Sector in the coming days – a comprehensive analysis commissioned by NHBF and conducted by Pragmatix Advisory Ltd.

NHBF has written to the Chancellor ahead of the spring fiscal statement on 26 March calling for VAT reform, apprenticeship incentives for employers and business rates reform.

The NHBF has also launched its “Survive & Thrive with the NHBF,” a transformative programme designed to support members through these challenging times. This bold initiative provides month-by-month practical support including business adaptation tools, employment guidance, political engagement resources, and professional excellence development. The initiative will help businesses prepare for and navigate through the April 2025 changes and beyond.

Members can access these valuable resources through the ” Survive & Thrive with the NHBF” section of the NHBF website.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is thrilled to announce the 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalists. NAHA is the most prestigious professional beauty competition in North America and honors the salon industry’s top artists who push the boundaries of skill and creativity.

The 2025 NAHA finalists represent the best of the best in the beauty industry, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. These artists have defied expectation, creating collections that captivate and inspire.

To win a coveted NAHA award, artists submit their collections in their choice of fourteen categories which include hair, makeup, and educational excellence. Development of these collections often takes months of envisioning, planning, and shooting.

Collections are judged anonymously by a panel of esteemed experts in hairdressing and makeup artistry. The submissions are scored based on technical skill, cohesiveness, and creativity.

The NAHA 2025 Finalists are:

Avant Garde:

• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Julia Clayton @jujuwiththegoodhair
• Jaimee Harris Smith @Hairbyjsmith – nominated for 2 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Barber of the Year:

• Joel Tenser @JoelThair
• Carlos Estrella @Los_cut_it
• A-Rod @arod23pr
• Nieves Almaraz @howtofadehair
• Jamie DiGrazia @jamiedigrazia

Editorial Stylist of the Year:

• Maggie Semaan @maggiesemaan
• Lukas Press @Lukaspress_ – nominated for 2 categories
• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois @vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Educator of the Year:

• Nina Tulio @ninatulio
• Adrienne Dara @adriennedara
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Candy Shaw @thebalaylama
• Bryant Murphy @dezignedbyb

Haircolor:

• Tina Casciato @tinacasciato
• Janelle Eyre @jeyre.hair
• Sean Godard @seangodard
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories

Haircutting:

• Gilad Goldstein @myguiltycrown
• Austin Eric Lopez @AustinEricLopez
• Evie Johnson @contactevie
• Daniel Benoit @benoit4955
• Manda Ziegelman @mandaziegelman

Hairstylist of the Year:

• Dana Lyseng @danalysenghair
• James Abu-Ulba @method_education
• Nicole Pede @nmpede
• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories

Inspiring Salon of the Year:

• Freddie Dean @carousel.tattoo.barber
• Leah Tressler @salonboutiqueacademy
• Amber & Chet Pope @salon27az
• Martino Cartier @martinocartier @martinocartiersalon @wigsandwishes
• Vee Vargas @beherewithvee

Makeup Artist of the Year:

• Erin Hensley @erinhensleycolor
• Angela Balbon @mzbartistry
• Natalia Farahmand @desideriobeauty
• Nohemi Capetillo @noamyphotographer
• Ericka Brannon @erickabrannon

Master Hairstylist of the Year:

• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• Cassie Carey @cassiecarey.hair
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories
• Anna Pacitto @Anna_pacitto_pure
• Matthew Morris @matthewmorriscode

Student Hairstylist of the Year:

• Abby Bruneel @hair_byabbyy
• Zion Schwartz @zschwartz.artistry
• Dexter @cauldron_of_color
• Genevieve Holdeman @turquoisetouch_
• Imelda Mercer @maneimelda

Styling and Finishing:

• Galyna Poczciwinski @ufirami
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois@vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Veronika Shurunova @shurveronika

Team of The Year:

• Cult Salon @cult.salon.co – Vanessa Whitmarsh, Lindsey Hutchings, Gia Segundo, Cheri Cooke
• Valentinis @derrick_rutherford @juliocolor – Derrick Rutherford & Julio RodriguezEunoia Collection – Danielle Keasling, Pekela Riley, Anthony Negron, Bianca Donahue, Gilad Goldstein, Justin Tove s-Vincilione, Reva Haga
• JCPenney Salon @hairbyjsmith @beautiesbybee – Jaimee Harris Smith*, Brittany Brown, Charly Williams* nominated for 2 categories
• PHOTON @ruthroche – Ruth Roche*, Jill Leitz, Erica Wright, Wendy Belanger, Jackie Litscher *nominated for 3 categories

Texture:

The 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) winners will be unveiled during

a glamorous awards ceremony on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Premiere Orlando. This highly anticipated event will unite industry professionals, influencers, and beauty enthusiasts to celebrate the exceptional talent and groundbreaking work of these standout artists.

“The Professional Beauty Association is thrilled to honor the 2025 NAHA finalists, who represent the pinnacle of creativity and skill within the beauty industry,” shared Leslie Perry,

PBA Executive Director. “These artists showcase extraordinary vision, passion, and innovation that inspire their peers and elevate the industry.”

The winners for each category will be announced during Premiere Orlando on June 1, 2025. You can purchase your tickets to be part of the excitement by visiting probeauty.org/naha.

Effective team communication isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to communicate effectively.

Improving communication skills within a team is crucial for better collaboration, team building and employee engagement.

Moreover, it:

Improves Productivity & Performance

Clear team communication eliminates confusion and wasted time spent clarifying instructions or chasing down missing information. Moreover, good communication fosters collaboration, reduces misunderstandings, improves task management and provides opportunities for feedback. Feedback, particularly of the negative variety, is vital for improving employee performance. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review, this is something your employees want from you.¹

Enhances Problem Solving

Open team communication allows diverse perspectives to surface, leading to more creative and effective solutions. Remember that “open communication” means a two-way communication. Your communication channels are for more than just dishing out information, or orders. Demonstrate that everyone is welcome to speak their minds, and voice ideas, opinions and solutions to problems without the fear of being criticized or shut down. 

Strengthens Relationships

When a team member feels heard and understood, trust and camaraderie develop, leading to a more positive and collaborative work environment. Regular one-on-one meetings and clear communication in team meetings are essential for ensuring team members interact effectively, building trust and camaraderie. Poor communication leads to mistrust of both leadership and fellow team members².

Increases Employee Engagement

Employee buy-in is central to team communication. Feeling part of a team with clear goals and open, good communication channels fosters a sense of ownership and engagement among employees. Encourage team members by promoting engagement, communication, and collaboration, which helps maintain their focus and positively impacts the overall quality of their work³.

Reduces Conflict & Employee Turnover

Better communication minimizes misunderstandings and allows you to resolve conflicts quickly, preventing issues from escalating. Failure to do this negatively impacts employee retention. In fact, according to some research, inconsistent team communication can increase turnover by 50%!⁴ 

Improves Client Satisfaction

Strong internal communication helps ensure everyone is on the same page, leading to a more positive and cohesive client experience. 

Understanding Different Communication Styles

Verbal communication can be tricky. Salons, spas, fitness studios and many other businesses employ a range of personalities, who likely communicate in diverse ways influenced by personality traits and cultural backgrounds, to name a few factors.

Recognizing that not everyone communicates in the same way is crucial. In fact, employees often cite conflicting communication styles as a major reason they don’t jibe with their boss, or don’t “fit” in a certain workplace.

Here are some of the most common communication styles:

• Assertive: Assertive communicators speak directly and confidently, expressing their thoughts and needs clearly without being aggressive.
• Analytical: Analytical communicators focus on facts, data, and logic. They usually prefer a well-structured conversation and written communication.
• Friendly: Friendly communicators value relationships and foster a positive, collaborative atmosphere. They will often use humor and storytelling to engage others.
• Dominant: Dominant communicators take charge and direct the conversation. The difference between these folks and assertive communicators is that they can come across as forceful or insensitive.
• Reserved: Reserved communicators prefer to listen and observe before contributing, often processing information internally before speaking up.

The spotlight is set to shine on Liverpool this autumn as the British Hair, Beauty And Barbering awards (BHBABs) make their highly anticipated debut in the city.

On Sunday, 5th October 2025, the prestigious event will bring together professionals from across the hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics industries for one unmissable night of celebration and recognition for excellence, innovation and true industry talent.

After 13 years of success and sell-out events in Scotland, and following overwhelming demand from salons and professionals across the UK, founder and Organiser Joanne Reid is finally bringing the celebration south of the border. Liverpool, with its thriving beauty scene and cultural significance, is the perfect city to host this landmark event.

Held at one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues, The Titanic Hotel, the BHBABs will unite industry-leading experts, rising stars, and innovators under one roof, celebrating the artistry, skill, and dedication that drive the UK’s ever-evolving hair and beauty sectors. This one-night-only event will set the stage for the best in the business to be acknowledged for their talent, hard work, and impact.

Joanne Reid, Founder of the BHBABs said: “The BHBABs are more than just an awards night – they are a platform for the industry to come together, share success, and be recognised on a national scale. We’re thrilled to be bringing this event to Liverpool, a city known for its vibrant beauty scene and rich cultural heritage. This will be a night to remember!”

With categories spanning across all areas of hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics, the awards will shine a spotlight on the professionals shaping the future of the industry. From cutting-edge hairstylists and trend-setting barbers to innovative beauty experts and pioneering aesthetic practitioners, the BHBABs will honour the very best talent from across the UK.

In addition to the prestigious awards ceremony, guests can expect an unforgettable evening of entertainment, networking, and celebration, with opportunities to connect with some of the industry’s most influential figures. Judged by industry leaders, ensuring credibility and prestige the BHBABs is a must-attend event for anyone in the beauty industry.

Nominations and Tickets: The BHBABs 2025 is now open for entries, welcoming registrations from professionals across the UK. Early registration is recommended due to high demand.
For more information, to register to take part or to secure your tickets, visit www.bhbabs.co.uk .

In this live collaboration with BarberEVO and Vagaro, our editor Jennifer sat down with booming barber, Vinny Deleon, and Vagaro Social Media Manager, Shelby Barriball. The trio sat down together to talk being intentional with your time, building your business from the ground up, and the importance of mentorship.

Vinny has been a master barber for over 15 years, founding his bustling barbershop, Vinny’s Barbershop in 2017. Now with two locations, Vinny has built strong reputation across the US – thanks, in part, to Vagaro.

“Time management is key to growth, and when I was getting to that stage, I knew I needed a tool that would help me,” he explained. “Vagaro does that for me. It helps me gauge what my days, weeks and months are going to look like.

“So now, I’m focused on my business; I’m focused on my clients; I’m focused on the growth that’s happening. At the same time, I can go back and plug into the systems that I need, based off of how busy I am.

“Vagaro has been a tremendous help. Anytime I grow into a new dimension or make it onto another level, they have what I need before I know I need it. That’s the beauty of Vagaro, man. I came on with Vagaro, I changed my outlook on business and we did $600,000 more. It’s amazing,” Vinny laughed.

Despite the growth in his business, Vinny still dedicates time to his mentees – putting his money where his mouth is.

Learn more about how Vinny has diversified both his business and his life, all whilst growing it to new heights, with Vagaro.

Stay ahead of the curve by following @barberevo, @vinnydeleon3, and @vagaropro for more insights, pro tips, and updates on how to make your business more efficient. Work smarter, not harder!

With 2025 marking a new perspective on male grooming, Keune is shifting its focus from traditional barber-centric offerings to a more inclusive approach, aiming to serve all hair professionals worldwide.

1922 by J.M. Keune is a tightly edited collection of premium grooming staples, made in the Netherlands, enriched with homegrown ingredients, and perfected by science. Among opening new horizons for men’s hair care by broadening its perspective, Keune features a modest yet impactful 25ml increase in all jar-packaged products.

This move isn’t just about offering more value for money – it’s also about reducing its unnecessary impact to the environment and economy by switching to jars made from 100% recycled plastic.

ALL GROOMING NEEDS SATISFIED

The 1922 by J.M. Keune range offers a complete hair care portfolio for men:

Care: The foundation of every routine with essential cleansing and nourishing products.

Style: Powerful styling tools that cater to every hair need, from classic to cutting-edge looks.

Beard: Elevates the grooming game with refined fragrances, and much more!

Richard Finney, founder of Captain Fawcett Ltd, travelled to Windsor Castle where he was presented with the prestigious Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Richie has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to International Trade and to Charity. 

After attending the ceremony on 12th February, Richie said: “It was a particular delight to meet His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who happens to be cultivating his own truly top notch beard. As a fellow Norfolk boy, I found him a most charming, and indeed, discerning fellow. Suffice to say, beard care tips may well have been shared!”

In his acceptance of this prestigious accolade, Richie is quick to emphasise that such esteemed recognition is in fact a tribute to extraordinary team work. 

“In the guise of Captain Fawcett, I am but truly honoured to have been awarded ‘Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ — Huzzah! However, I am but the conductor of an orchestra of talent, proud to work with a simply remarkable collective of people who strive for excellence every day. This is their achievement as much as it is mine.

“Furthermore, I believe international trade has always been more than simply business. For centuries, traders have carried ideas as well as goods, forging friendships where there might have been conflict and creating incredible opportunity. Amicable trade is simply one of our oldest and, perchance, greatest forces for understanding. Every product shipped is a testament to the notion that prosperity grows when nations work together.

Founded in 2010 at a kitchen table in Terrington St Clement, Norfolk, Captain Fawcett has grown to become a beacon of British quality and craftsmanship in Gentleman’s Grooming and Hair Care, exporting to 45 countries and earning a reputation for its award-winning products and distinctive character.

Beyond business, Richie has driven Captain Fawcett’s commitment to social responsibility, with initiatives like ‘BarbersRide’, co-founded with Xavier Berrell and Colin Petrie, becoming a flagship of the brand’s charity mission. After this truly auspicious start to 2025, the next adventure awaits. Richard Finney MBE and the crew at HQ are currently preparing for Captain Fawcett’s ‘Great Expedition USA’, a 6 week solo motorcycle road trip through the heart of America.

As a professional barber or shaving enthusiast, you understand the importance of using only the best when it comes to straight blades for a close shave. Without a high-quality razor, there is no way to practice the traditional art of shaving as it was perfected by previous generations. Groom + Style said it best: “For a select few, shaving is truly an art. That’s because they have mastered the time-honored use of the old-fashioned straight razor.” If this sounds like you, you’ll appreciate the following list of the best straight blades on the market today:

1. Dovo Straight Razor Carbon with Ebony Wood Handle

This beautiful piece was originally manufactured in Soligen, Germany, home to classic straight blades design and quality. Groom + Style notes that the straight blade is light, sharp, and the blade is constructed from high-quality carbon steel. This combination tells us that the Dovo Straight Razor Carbon is elastic and durable.

2. 6/8″ Straight Blade

Another Groom + Style recommendation, this impressive straight blade is produced in France and is measured slightly longer than others. The full-hollow blade is ground and forged from TI Carbonson C135 steel. The straight blades’s grip is remarkably well-balanced and firm. Best part: it’s shipped pre-honed.

3. Baxter of California Blue Steel “Not a Replica” Straight Razor

Handcrafted from American mettle and hardened steel, the “Not a Replica” heirloom-worthy straight blade. Recommended by Ask Men, it’s described as a “next-level” razor. The blade metal is heat-treated to “prevent oxidation, then frozen in liquid nitro to harden it,” making it applicable for extended use.

4. Straight American, Straight Razor from GB Buckingham & Sons

This elegant straight blade is recommended by Groom + Style. Any shaving enthusiast worth his salt will likely recognize the Buckingham & Sons name as one synonymous with quality. In addition to this razor’s many positive characteristics, you will also love that it comes with several accessories. With the purchase of this razor, buyers will also receive a leather and cloth strop to enhance the shaving experience.

No matter what style you’re going for, you can’t go wrong with the above straight blades. Take your shaving game up a notch and book an appointment with a professional!