College Star – Denman’s Big Blowout Competition opens TODAY!

College Star – Denman’s Big Blowout Competition launched last year and attracted an amazing response of over 500 entries from hairdressing students up and down the UK.

The simple online only competition asks students to upload their details and four images of their very best blow-dry for the chance to win £1000 cash.

Last year the winner was Yasmin Ainsley of East Durham College who took home the big prize. Denman CEO Kevin McNamee said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed with the response last year and so grateful to all the amazing college tutors who encouraged their students to get involved. Brilliant blow-dry skills are essential for young professionals and we wanted to create a competition that inspired and celebrated students as they master those skills. Last year’s entries set the bar high, so we are really looking forward to seeing 2025’s entries. Good luck everyone!”

Here’s what every College and student needs to know:
Competition opens: February 17th
Competition closes: March 21st
Winner announced: April 11th

How to win: Just upload images of the front, sides and back of one blow-dry look. For full entry requirements and T&C’s please follow the link College Star | Denman Brush – Denman UK.

Prize: £1000 for the student and a hamper of tools valued at £200 for the
student’s College department. PLUS, there’s a little something for the tutor too – the tutor whose students enter the most number of entries wins £250 AND the tutor of the winning student also wins £250! T&C’s apply

By Alyssa Cink

How you deal with criticism can impact your bottom line. According to a poll of 1,000 Americans commissioned by Toni & Guy, one in 10 clients has been so disappointed by a haircut, they’ve refused to pay for it. One percent even threatened to sue.

Here are 7 ways to handle barbershop complaints with ease.

1. Don’t ignore an unhappy client.

If you receive a harsh customer review, withdrawing is not the answer. Don’t ignore the flustered voicemails or simply delete the inflamed comments from your Instagram post.

Harvard Business Review’s study of more than 400,000 customer service-related tweets found that customers who received any kind of customer service response were willing to pay that company more. It didn’t matter if the customer was happy, furious, or sad. All of them were willing to recommend a brand for at least six months after their interaction.

Takeaway: Respond to all feedback, good and bad. Engaging with even the most confrontational, difficult hair clients can positively impact their brand loyalty.

2. Respond fast.

Harvard Business Review observed that, after 20 minutes of waiting for a reply, customers saw the brand as $3 more valuable. After waiting five minutes or less, many customers were willing to pay almost $20 more (an increase of 85 percent).

Takeaway: The sooner you reply to a barber shop complaint, the more value your brand captures.

3. Stay calm.

In his book “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” Dale Carnegie says customers can “hear” your smile through your voice.

So remind yourself to smile—yes, even if you can’t see your client’s face, and even if you don’t feel like smiling. By acting happy, you’ll influence your inner thoughts and change how you respond to unhappy clients.

Takeaway: Don’t match an upset client’s emotions. Instead, stay calm and smile.

4. Adopt HEAT.

Another trick is to adopt the HEAT model: Hear, Empathize, Apologize, and Take ownership.

First, people who feel heard, feel better. The 2020 National Customer Rage Study reported that one percent more active listening can yield 14 percent more gratitude from customers. Furthermore, one percent more empathy can yield up to 90 percent more gratitude.

So listen actively to upset clients. Use their names. Don’t interrupt. Give verbal cues over the phone, like repeating information to show you’re paying attention.

Takeaway: Hear and empathize.

Additionally, tell clients how sorry you are for the inconvenience or the trouble.

Don’t admit fault. Do present possible solutions, set expectations, and follow through.

Takeaway: Empathize and take ownership.

5. Rethink the refund.

In lieu of refunds, solutions like gift cards give you the opportunity to provide a stellar second experience and earn an unhappy client’s loyalty. In other words, it allows you to make things right at your salon, not someone else’s.

Takeaway: Instead of refunds, invite them back.

6. Learn from your mistakes.

As Carnegie writes in his book, learning from the past is way more productive–and fun–than getting defensive.

Takeaway: Never miss an opportunity to learn.

7. Set and practice your protocol.

Before complaints happen, set a complaints policy for all kinds of barbershop conflicts: in person, over the phone, and online.

Furthermore, give every customer-facing employee an opportunity to practice. Giving them pretend Google reviews or roleplaying stressful scenarios in-person keeps everyone calm and confident during real conflicts.

Make insurance part of your procedure.

If a barbershop complaint turns into something serious, like a lawsuit, make sure you have an insurance provider who’s in your corner.

Visit their our website and start your coverage journey with WellnessPro.

Among the VIPs flocking to New Orleans this week, Jahmyr Gibbs was spotted getting ready for Big Game weekend with a fresh cut and style by celebrity barber Vince Garcia on behalf of American Crew.

The leading men’s grooming brand has partnered with Athletes First in a luxury hospitality activation, called “The Block”, just outside the sports arena ahead of the Big Game.

As part of the American Crew Grooming Lounge, Vince is utilizing American Crew’s top styling products and franchises – Fiber, Forming, and Boost – to help athletes & VIPs get ready for Big Game celebrations and recreate this year’s hottest grooming trends.

NFL Wide Receiver, Braxton Berrios and Barber, Vince Garcia attend A1 x House Revlon with American Crew, John Varvatos and Juicy Couture in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The leading men’s grooming brand has partnered with Athletes First in a luxury hospitality activation, called “The Block”, just outside the sports arena ahead of the Big Game.

As part of the American Crew Grooming Lounge, Vince is utilizing American Crew’s top styling products and franchises – Fiber, Forming, and Boost – to help athletes & VIPs get ready for Big Game celebrations and recreate this year’s hottest grooming trends.

Vagaro is redefining the way barbering businesses operate, and in the latest episode of EVO X Vagaro Live, industry legend John Mosely AKA The Popular Nobody sat down with our editor and host for this IG LIVE collaboration, Jennifer Paxton, to talk tech, cash and more. 

Launching straight into it, Jennifer asked the all-important question – why do barbers need to go digital?

“You’ve gotta get on the tech train now!” John said. “Digital tools can streamline operations, boost client satisfaction, and increase profitability.

“Vagaro is the app that will allow you to customize your whole business model. We don’t want you to pay for things that you’re not using,” John added.

In this industry, cash has historically been king, but John delves into the importance of evolving beyond that mindset – especially post-COVID. 

“One of the things we talk about is payment processing. In the barber community, cash is king, but we talk a lot about how you should be charging credit cards, saving cards on file, and charging those no-show fees,” said John. 

“But if you want to buy your first business, they’re going to do a credit check on you. They want to know you know what you’re doing. If you want to buy a house, you need to have a credit history. By incorporating digital payment methods, barbers can build financial credibility and secure long-term business stability.

“It’s the small things like that that have a huge long-term impact. And Vagaro is the way to go for the support on this journey.”

Learn more about how John uses Vagaro to take his business into the future – and how you can, too.

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

Check out the IG LIVE here.

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

The latest issue of BarberEVO NA is OUT NOW! As the first official issue of 2025, it’s set to make waves in the industry… bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers out there right now. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry – and we have the exclusive launch of the BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 clipper in the spotlight on our front cover. In this issue, we feature everything from events and business to hair care, interiors and all the info you need to start 2025 off right. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one to remember!

On the cover BabylissPRO X Tomb45

It’s the collab you never knew you needed, and the one we have all been waiting for. Legendary professional barber tool brand, BaBylissPRO have joined forces with the revolutionary education and product brand, Tomb45, to create a tool range like no other, including a Clipper, Trimmer, wireless charging pad, and Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer. And this edition… it’s our cover story. Flick through to find everything you need to know, here in BarberEVO.

IN THE CHAIR & ONE TO WATCH

This edition, we’re in the chair with… Bonez Da Goat AKA Corey Jamel Sturkey. From humble beginnings to becoming an LV3 educator, Bones’ journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of a craft. We also speak to Eric Hernandez to discuss his stratospheric rise in the barbering industry. From pushing boundaries, to his A-list clientele – this is why Eric is the one to watch. We also speak to Cal Newsome from across the pond in the UK – so you can learn more about this barber abroad.

NEW YEAR

You know we had to do it! Delving into 2025 trends… it’s a must if you want to continue to grow your business throughout the year. In this feature, we chat to some of the biggest and best barbers in the game, including Liz Avalos, Matty Conrad and Marcus Harvey, to get their insight on what’s to come. We also get into the colors that you need to be using in the barbershop with L3VEL 3’s Chrystofer and Hannah Benson – who have come along and joined the BarberEVO crew as columnists.

EVENTS

Kicking off our events section, we look back at EVO events of 2024 – our year in pictures. Next, we’re joined by the man behind some of the largest barbering events in the US, Jay Majors. Talking through the process behind it all, he’s planning for success. We also sat down with photographer Richard Monsieurs to get his top tips. Featuring words from our columnist, Byrd Mena, as well as a look into our EVO On The Road event in Glasgow, UK, and more.

BUSINESS

Introducing… not one, not two, but THREE brand new columnists – our business section is set to have you shook. With Barber Doza creator, Matthew Mendoza; BaBylissPRO educator, Dayna Gamba; and the Popular Nobody himself, John Mosley – we’re getting into it all. Business growth, pricing in the barbershop, and managing your business – it’s everything you need to hit the ground running.

INTERIORS

Kicking off our interiors section, we have Buffalo Co – where an elevated space isn’t just about aesthetics: it’s about crafting an environment that feels welcoming, where every detail matters. At the heart of their carefully curated interiors are Keller chairs, known for their unmatched comfort, durability, and sleek design. Heading across the pond to London, we visited R.W Wolf Barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more in our interiors section…

HAIRCARE

In haircare, we hit the ground running with Brittany Caldaza. Talking hair health, client education, product regimens and more… Brittany gets into the nitty gritty. We also chat with a trichologist and show you some of the top hair loss solutions on the market, before delving into the world of styling – where Las Vegas-based barber and stylist, Jaqueline, shares her tips on creating a styling and haircare routine with clients for our readers.

Following the incredible success of the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards (SHABA), the UK’s hair, beauty, and barbering industries are set to welcome an exciting new event – the British Hair, Beauty & Barbering Awards (BHBABs).

This highly anticipated awards ceremony will take place in England for the first time, shining a spotlight on the country’s most talented professionals and businesses. With registration officially opening on 1st February, the BHBAs will provide a prestigious platform to honour the skill, creativity, and dedication of those shaping the industry.

The event will take place in Liverpool in 2025, the event will bring together leading hairstylists, barbers, beauty therapists, makeup artists, aesthetics specialists, and rising stars from across the UK.

A National Celebration of Talent
Building on SHABA’s 13-year legacy, the BHBAs will elevate industry recognition to a national level, creating an inclusive and inspiring event for professionals at all stages of their careers. With a range of categories covering hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics, the awards will celebrate both established names and fresh talent making waves in the industry.

Founder Joanne Reid said:“After years of success with SHABA, we knew it was time to expand and bring a new platform to England. The British Hair, Beauty & Barbering Awards will honour the best in the business, providing well-deserved recognition to those who work tirelessly to push the industry forward. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Liverpool in October”

How to Enter
Entries will open on 1st February, with industry professionals invited to submit their applications via www.bhbabs.co.uk Categories will cover a broad spectrum of expertise, ensuring recognition for all aspects of the industry.

This is set to be the must-attend event for anyone passionate about hair, beauty, and barbering, offering an unmissable opportunity to network, celebrate success, and gain industry recognition.

For more information and to register, visit www.bhbabs.co.uk 

Have you ever wanted to add another string to your bow, or team up with another creative in a different field to create a multifaceted business? Barbershop X Cocktail Bar, or a Barbershop X SMP studio, or even a Barbershop X Coffee Shop… we have seen it all. But how do you practically manage two businesses at once?

Well, the best person to speak to is OC Junior IV Thomas, owner of Rich In Flesh Barbershop X Tattoo X Music Studio in Livermore, CA. So, that’s just what we did in our most recent Vagaro X EVO Live on Instagram!

While running three businesses simultaneously may seem like a huge task… OC Thomas has a secret weapon. Vagaro.  

“I got into the industry as a tattoo artist. I opened a studio, and knew I wanted to diversify my business. So, I invested into a barbershop with one of my best friends, and I took time to learn the industry. It’s very similar to the way tattoo studios work – with independent contractors making their own schedules. It’s the same free-spirited environment, so, I thought it would be perfect to combine the two.”

But how can diversifying your business help set you up for success?

OC told: “I feel like diversifying helped a lot, because it broadened our demographic. Some people who would never walk into a tattoo shop now do, because they’re getting a haircut, and they feel a little more welcome – vice versa. Barbering and tattooing are both forms of self-care, and so to have more than one reason to come to the studio… it builds a community and therefore a better business,” OC Thomas said.  

Find this, even more, in the full live down below. 

BaBylissPRO celebrated another year of growth and innovation in 2024, with new product launches, events, and exciting collaborations.

This milestone marks a year where different markets have come together to shape the brand’s vision, driving the development of next-gen products, designed to meet the ever evolving needs of hair pros.

While reflecting on a year of success, BaBylissPRO is also looking ahead to 2025. With a renewed focus on empowering stylists with technology that continues to push boundaries, and strengthening a unified voice across the EMEA region with a new message: this is us.

INNOVATIVE PRODUCT LAUNCHES

With an overall goal to improve craftsmanship and enhance performance, BaBylissPRO is proud to be manufacturing some of their newest products in Italy, reflecting on the brand’s commitment to delivering products of absolute unmatched quality.

Kicking off a year of innovative new product launches was FALCO, a completely reimagined hairdryer from BaBylissPRO, and now a core part of kit for some of the world’s greatest session stylists and salon hairdressers. Falco is the brand’s most advanced dryer yet, with a dedication to reducing noise and enhancing the stylist experience.

BaBylissPRO is committing its dedication to the world of hair styling with the launch of STILISTA, a new advanced styler. With strong titanium plates and ionic technology, Stilista brings everything an in-demand professional needs from their styling tools: quick power, reliable performance and long lasting results.

Driving innovation in the world of professional barbering with the launch of FXONE, a new one-battery power system from BaBylissPRO which uses interchangeable battery technology across different tools, giving the user potentially unlimited cordless runtime for complete and total freedom.

A UNIFIED TEAM

BaBylissPRO is proud to be represented by a strong community of brand ambassadors across the EMEA region, among which are some of the industry’s most exciting and celebrated session stylists, salon hairdressers, barbers, image makers and content creators.

Individually, these ambassadors are influential figures in their respective fields and countries, but together they share one unified voice which embodies the brand’s goal to inspire creativity in stylists across the world to their collective audience of over 1.5million people. By working together, the BaBylissPRO team help to shape the future of the brand – united by their choice of tools, their dedication to excellence, and their passion for hair.

EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS

BaBylissPRO is actively committed to engaging with the hairdressing community, and in 2024 participated in many high profile events across the EMEA region.

Bringing a lineup of international brand ambassadors to Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, BaBylissPRO featured artists from the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, the United States and the United Kingdom, together on a central global stage to celebrate and showcase the brand’s newest innovations.

In the UK, BaBylissPRO showcased its state of the art styling and barbering tools with session stylists Syd Hayes and Michelle Sultan shining on an international stage.

At Top Hair, Germany’s biggest hair show, guests were invited to take part in the BaBylissPRO Academy Lab, a series of look and learn workshops with the team of brand ambassadors. In France, BaBylissPRO took centre stage at Hair Congress in Paris, with global hair artist Richard Ashforth headlining the Community Hair Show, demonstrating his award winning and captivating session work. BaBylissPRO shone at events in the barbering world too, with highlights including hosting on-stage barber battles in Belgium at The Hair Project, and live education and demonstrations at Barber Connect in the UK.

LOOKING TO 2025

This year, BaBylissPRO will announce one of its most exciting product launches to date. This development, which has been years in the making, will combine the newest technology with the expertise of some of the best hairdressers in the industry – with innovation, sustainability and craftsmanship at its heart.

The theme of collaboration will remain a driving force, as BaBylissPRO’s global team of ambassadors join forces to champion the message that BaBylissPRO is a brand for everyone.

Head of PR for BaBylissPRO EMEA, Sam Johnson said: “In 2025, BaBylissPRO is defining progress not just by the cutting edge technology in our tools, but by the strength of the communities we build. For us, innovation is a journey we make together, fuelled by collaboration, inspiration, and a dedication to excellence.”

Live with Charity and Emannuel!

In 2025, there’s no choice but to be a business-savvy barber – and the business-savvy barber uses Vagaro. With over 85,000 businesses already working with the platform, engaging with the tool to grow enterprises, boost innovation, and make the daily running of their business go smoothly.

Towards the end of last year, we at BarberEVO began our collaboration with Vagaro to create a series of Instagram Lives that gets into the nitty-gritty of the barbering business. In the first edition of the series, SalonEVO & BarberEVO Editor, Jennifer Paxton, was joined by Vagaro CMO Charity Hudnall and lead technical trainer, Emannuel Nevarez. The trio of industry experts sat down to discuss the all-important question… Are business-savvy barbers underrated?

“Well, first off, the barber industry itself, I feel, is underrated, right?” Charity said. “Barbers in general, they’re a necessity. Not only that, there is such a rich culture and history behind it all – it’s a community. So, barbers are thriving. Additionally, I’ve been watching barbers over the years and the business savvy is just amazing. It’s more than just the legacy, the history, and the culture – the marketing component that barbers are able to now do, especially through software like Vagaro, it’s insane.”

For Charity, marketing is key to great business, and a huge part of marketing is understanding your market! In 2025, clients want that one-stop shop – which is where Vagaro can give you a helping hand.

Emannuel said: “When I’m working with businesses, I first identify what business stage they’re in. And for barber shops, it starts with just building that professionalism that they need. They’re usually ready to take that next step. It’s about looking at who your audience is and who you are, whilst trying to market towards your ideal demographic. The more you can start being strategic about how you target them, the more success you’ll find.”

Find this, even more, and the answer to the question… ‘Are Business Savvy Barbers Underrated?’ in the full live down below.