BarberEVO Magazine

Be part of the Barber EVOlution

Jennifer Paxton

Be Part of California’s Biggest Barber Expo: NORCAL Aug 6th

THE NORCAL BARBER EXPO IS CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST EXPO, COVERING EDUCATION, BARBER BATTLES, AND VENDORS ACROSS A 20,000 SQ FT. ARENA. ALEJANDRO CUADRA AND JERRY HERRERA STRIVE TO ELEVATE THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE POWER DUO TOLD US ABOUT THEIR VISION FOR THIS INCREDIBLE EXPO EXPERIENCE.

Between this power duo, they have 10 years-worth of experience in education and event organisation. Alejandro works with the Urban Barber College and Jerry organized the Bay Area Barber and Beauty Expo. NorCal, however, will be the largest Barber Expo in California at more than 20,000 sq ft. exclusively for the Barbering community and lifestyle. “It’s an exciting opportunity for barbers and cosmetologists to come together, network, learn, and celebrate their craft in a dynamic and live setting,” Alejandro told BarberEVO. “NorCal Barber Expo strives to create new networks, and industry relationships to create an event that showcases the best of the barbering industry.” 

In the early days, Jerry reached out to Jay Majors, one of the godfathers of the barber industry, to help consult and make the NorCal Expo an industry staple. Alejandro said: “Attendees can learn from industry leaders, witness live demonstrations, enter competitions, and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. The expo is a place to explore and shop for new and innovative products that can enhance their work.” 

What can barbers expect from Nor Cal this year? “To start on August 6th, we’ll have education and workshops from 9am to 1pm, hosted by Ivan Zoot and headlined by Chris Bossio of Tomb45. The expo then continues from 1pm to 8pm.” 

The layout boasts a main stage for announcements, a Barber Battle stage as well as live demonstrations and Spanish education stages. Alejandro told us that having a spanish language stage is important to enhance diversity, embodying what NorCal is about. “Our Barber competitions will have categories for professionals, students and beauty,” he said. “We want to bring together barbers, cosmetologists, and anyone who shares a passion for the craft.” 

Alejandro continued: “NorCal’s main sponsor, Cocco Hair Pro, will educate barbers on their Digital Gap technology and best new tools. Vendors will show off the newest in tools and products on the main expo floor. “And of course, being in Northern California, one of our main sponsors is Redman Medicine a recreational Cannabis company, so you can say hi to them too.” 

“We have a lot of exciting barbering brands that you will not find anywhere else in the world and we are excited to bring them to a bigger stage. We also have Bebe Latino who hosts the Golden State Expo from San Jose, CA, who will be hosting the Spanish language education stage.” 

What benefits does their history in education bring to the table? “Being in the school environment is rewarding because students are always so excited to learn new things – and we see this amplified on our stages. When people first get into barbering, they have an open mind and are willing to try new products, which is always fun. Having firsthand experience in guiding and mentoring students as they develop their skills and enter the barbering profession is a pleasure.” 

Ultimately: “NorCal Barber Expo is an excellent opportunity for barbers to connect with peers, industry leaders, product suppliers, and potential mentors for collaborations, and career opportunities. It’s a time to celebrate the art of barbering and appreciate the art!” 

Check out norcalbarberexpo.com and @NorCalBarberExpo on IG for essential announcements about scheduled activities, guest speakers, and tickets. 

BE PART OF CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER EXPO 

BARBER BATTLE / EXPO / EDUCATION CLASSES 

www.norcalbarberexpo.com 

4501 PLEASANTON AVE PLEASANTON, CA 94566

EVO Partners with Barber Strong at Top Industry Events

With the industry events season at its height, EVO have teamed up with some of the leading brands in the industry, such as legendary apparel and cape brand, Barber Strong. Making a huge splash at Chicago’s ABS, CT Barber Expo and now, onto Premiere Orlando, they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. 

At each event, the EVO Media Zone features multiple interactive activations, such as the EVO Cover Booth and the EVO Interview Hub. As a collaboration with Barber Strong, the EVO team (including the publication’s Director and Co-Founder, David Foster, and Editor Jennifer Paxton) interviewed countless industry leaders, such as: Kenny Duncan, Tyrik Jackson, Jay Majors, Kristi Faulkner, Byrd Mena, Hayden Cassidy, Steven Rivera, Kevin Nguyen, and many, many more. 

With each interviewee, the discussions surrounded the pro’s career, industry advice, and the importance of client comfort and barber professionalism. With the EVO Interview Hub decked out in Barber Strong’s top selling products, barber and salon professionals spoke about the importance of investing in durable, top quality, and long-lasting barbershop essentials. Interviewees held up their chosen jackets, vests and capes and discussed the top elements of what they look for in these products, and why Barber Strong are at the top of their game. 

Engineered especially for the professional barber, Barber Strong apparel and capes, use innovative methods, such as their NanoShield Technology to repel hair and maximize airflow for peak performance. In addition, the products are water and chemical resistant which gives the barber and stylist peace of mind when creating. Their wide collection of capes and apparel excel at providing a comfortable experience for clients, heightening the client experience. 

This is what some of the interviewees had to say: 

“You have all shapes and sizes of people come into your shop. So, to have a cape you know is going to be durable, comfortable and adaptable for all sizes, it will just help your clients feel relaxed and comfortable in your chair.” – Kristi Faulkner, on Barber Strong’s Shield Collection Barber Cape

“Client comfort is the number one thing. When you create a business, you have to reverse engineer and think of the customer’s experience before you think of your own needs. What is the customer experience going to be like? To me, it’s all about the five senses. Taste, smell, sight, hearing, and feeling. This cape feels good.” – Tyrik Jackson, on Barber Strong’s Classic Collection Barber Cape 

“When you walk into my barbershop, you know exactly who the barbers are, and who the clients are. So, every barber in the shop has a uniform and looks the part, so the clients know who to go to for any help they may need.” – Angel Raws, on Barber Strong’s Barber Tech Tee

Missed the EVO Media Zone at ABS or CT? Well, you’re in luck because we are taking it on the road again. Next stop, Premiere Orlando, and then, to a city near you?

Find out more about Barber Strong at barber-strong.com

NEW! SAMSON’S HAIRCARE DEAD SEA CLAY WILL MAKE ANY MAN’S HAIR STAND UP AND STAND OUT

Samson’s Haircare, the artisanal men’s hair and beard care range, have recently launched an innovative hair styling clay designed to help men achieve and maintain the perfect hairstyle, while at the simultaneously nourishing the hair with vital minerals. Samson’s Haircare Dead Sea Clay (4oz. / $22.00) is an easy-to-use moldable hairstyling clay that provides a matte finish and a medium-to-high hold. It is ideal for men (or anyone with short hair) who wants a natural-looking style that lasts all day.

This new hair styling clay is made with natural ingredients sourced from the Dead Sea region on the Eastern shores of Jordan. The formula predominantly contains the coveted Dead Sea Clay, which is known for its nourishing and healing properties that cleanse and purify the hair. The product also contained the addition of Black Hawaiian Sea Salt which delivers a naturally soft and moldable texture. Samson’s Dead Sea Clay is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily to revitalize hair texture.  And….the best part is that this clay can actually be rinsed out with water!

Dead Sea Clay is medium-to-strong hold, which makes pliable and easy to use, allowing you to style hair into the desired look with ease. Whether you prefer a casual, messy, textured look, or a more formal, modern pompadour style, this clay provides a natural-looking ultra-matte finish that lasts all day. 

The Samson’s Dead Sea Clay is packed with good-for-you minerals that nourish hair follicles and allow them to retain a healthy moisture level. The matte finish of the product ensures that hair looks effortlessly styled without appearing greasy or shiny compared to other products on the market. The Dead Sea Clay and Black Hawaiian Salt are ethically sourced and are hand batched and distributed by the Samson’s Haircare team.  

“We know that men want a hair product that is easy-to-use and delivers great results,” said Adam Muncy, co-founder of Samson’s Haircare. “We originally started experimenting with Dead Sea Clay for its healing and restorative properties and our new forming clay is specifically designed to provide a range of benefits for men’s hair. The product itself is a major achievement for my partner Jake, as a brewer and formulator, as this improves hair health and delivers a natural-looking style that lasts all day. We believe that this product will be a game-changer for men who want to achieve stylish and healthy-looking hair with minimal effort. Usually, it’s almost impossible to check all these boxes at once, but Samson’s Dead Sea Clay allows us to do so.”

Samson’s Haircare is committed to using only the highest quality and naturally sourced ingredients in every product. The Dead Sea Clay is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it safe and gentle for daily use to improve hair texture, hold and moisture levels for men who care about the look and health of their hair.

Dead Sea Clay is now available for purchase online at Samson’s Haircare website. Customers can enjoy free shipping on orders over $16 and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information on the Dead Sea Clay Hair Product and other Samson’s Haircare products, please visit their website https://samsonshaircare.com/

Wahl Barber Academy to Open to train the next generation of barber professionals

State-of-the-art school to be located in Chicago, IL.

Wahl Clipper Corporation is pleased to announce plans are underway to open the Wahl Barber Academy. This first-of-its-kind barber school is scheduled to open in the Spring in Chicago, IL. 

The Academy is in partnership with Pivot Point Academy which will operate the school and oversee curriculum. The Wahl Barber Academy will continue a legacy of industry firsts by being an elite barbering institution designed to train the next generation of barber professionals.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of Wahl’s philosophy. The opening of the Wahl Barber Academy furthers our commitment to providing the educational excellence needed to succeed in the barbering industry,” said Lance Wahl, senior vice president of professional sales & marketing at Wahl Clipper Corporation.

The Wahl Barber Academy will equip future barbers with the skills needed to perform at the industry’s highest levels. With its reputation for developing exceptional new hair and beauty professionals, Wahl found in Pivot Point Academy a partner that matches its commitment to excellence and a shared drive to improve the beauty and barber industry.

“The Wahl Barber Academy was designed to create well-rounded, exceptional barbers. The students will learn hair cutting, shaving, grooming and basic skin care, along with the business skills necessary to prepare them to succeed in the men’s grooming industry,” said Denise Provenzano, managing partner and co-owner of Pivot Point Academy.

Wahl and Pivot Point Academy have assembled a team of leading licensed instructors who demonstrate technical skill and the ability to inspire and motivate students. Provenzano oversees faculty recruitment with Pivot Point Academy’s Master Barber & Lead Educator Ken Washburn and School Director Michelle Lamantia.

The award-winning team at Interworks Architecture is designing the modern-industrial 6,183-square-foot educational space located at 8501 W. Higgins in Chicago near O’Hare Airport, and easily accessed from the CTA blue line.

In addition to offering world-class education for future barbers, the academy will serve as an advanced training center, hosting educational opportunities for industry professionals and Wahl’s global team of educators. Classes will begin in Spring 2023 and guests will be able to schedule hair and grooming appointments with the next generation of leading barber students starting shortly thereafter.

A private grand opening celebration is slated for Friday, April 14, in advance of America’s Beauty Show.

ANDIS UNVEILS NEW “CREATIVE COLLAB” WITH AWARD-WINNING EDUCATOR JOHN MOSLEY, THE “POPULAR NOBODY”

BENEFITTING A CHANGE IS COMING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, THIS COLLABORATION HIGHLIGHTS ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S TOP CREATORS AND GIVES KIDS SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of barbering and styling tools and education for professional barbers and hair stylists, has joined forces with award-winning barber and educator John Mosley, known professionally as “Popular Nobody,” to launch its most unique collection yet. One of Andis’ leading Global Educators and 2022 NAHA Educator of the Year, John uses his influence to inspire creativity among professionals and this new collaboration, featuring three limited-edition tools, highlights his artistry and encourages others to create their way. 

“Kicking off our Creative Collab Series with John and his Popular Nobody brand is incredibly exciting. Andis is always looking to inspire and encourage others to create their way, so when we spoke with John about the idea of creating a custom clipper with a common vision to support a great cause, we were excited to bring it to life,” said Angie Vlasaty Peterson, Andis VP of Marketing. “We think people will really love what we’ve done with John and B. Clark Customs.” 

Branded with the signature Popular Nobody “Atlas” Gorilla logo and a design based on a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted colorway by B. Clark Customs™, this special-edition release includes custom versions of the Master® Cordless Li Clipper, the Cordless Envy® Li Clipper, and the Slimline® Pro Li Trimmer. Each tool for this collaboration was chosen by John with professional creators in mind. It combines some of Andis’ best-selling tools with the imagination and style of the Popular Nobody brand wrapped using fresh, modern colors, and a surprise black light glow design. Tools in the collection include:

Master Cordless Lithium-Ion Clipper: 

Andis Company’s most popular professional clipper, The Master Cordless, offers high-speed power, constant speed technology, and an adjustable blade for unbeatable precision that make it perfect for skin-tight fades and tapers. With a 90-minute cordless runtime and a durable aluminum housing, the Master Cordless Clipper delivers premier-quality cuts with the aesthetic edge of Popular Nobody style. 

Cordless Envy Li Adjustable Blade Clipper:

With 2 hours of cordless runtime on a 90-minute charge, the super lightweight Cordless Envy Adjustable Blade Clipper is designed with the craft in mind. The lightweight design is ideal for smaller hands and for comfortable all-day use. Decked in a unique Popular Nobody colorway, this clipper embodies creative freedom. 

Slimline Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer

A sleek, lightweight profile and extra-sharp carbon-steel T-blade mean this trimmer was built for ultra-close, precision detailing. The Slimline Pro Trimmer boasts an ergonomic design perfect for controlled outlining, designing and touchups on the neckline. Also showcasing the Popular Nobody graphics, this trimmer completes this incredible, artful set of tools. 

Dedicated to giving back to his community, John has pledged $10,000 of the proceeds from this collaboration to A Change is Coming, a Texas-based 501c non-profit foundation that provides scholarships to Black and Brown youth. Andis will also be making a matching grant of $10,000 through its Andis Foundation to support the group’s work.

Of the donation, John said: “There comes a point in your career where you realize your success wouldn’t have been possible without someone else helping you. As an Andis Global Educator, I have seen how teaching others to be successful makes a difference. This creative collab with Andis is a great expression of artistry and giving back and A Change Is Coming is the perfect partner to benefit from this project.”

Available while supplies last, these limited-edition tools will be sold separately on the Popular Nobody website. To learn more about Andis® Company, follow them on InstagramTikTok and Facebook. To keep up to date with John Mosely and Popular Nobody, follow him on Instagram

We are inspired by the dreamers and visionaries remaking our world today, because creativity makes the world a better place. We are creators and together we shape the world.

See the CREATIVE COLLAB SERIES VIDEO

BOOKSY ANNOUNCES LISA FINUCANE AS SENIOR CATEGORY MANAGER

CHICAGO, IL (April 2022) Booksy is delighted to announce Lisa Finucane as new Senior Category Manager for Barbering and Hair Verticals. As a professional hairstylist, Finucane brings 32 years of experience in the beauty industry to her new position at Booksy.

Booksy is the leading scheduling and business app for the beauty industry that is designed to make lives simpler and much more efficient. The cloud-based app easily connects beauty industry service providers with customers. Booksy not only allows for convenient 24/7 online appointment booking for clients but is also a comprehensive business management tool for beauty businesses of all sizes. Currently, Booksy is available in 6 countries and supports over 150 million annualized client appointments.

Beginning her career as a behind the chair stylist, Lisa Finucane went on to various color education and sales roles before beginning her new and exciting opportunity with Booksy in February 2022.In her new role,she is responsible for marketing and expansion within the barbering and hair sectors! She is also responsible for campaigns, trade shows, and ambassador acquisition to help ensure Booksy is the premier choice for beauty professionals nationwide.

Lisa’s previous experience as National Director of Education at Wahl Professional has allowed her to work closely with successful hairdressers, barbers, and salons across the US. Her personal philosophy centers around her belief that the beauty industry is “the best in the world.”  Finucane is proud graduate of Pivot Point International. She is in the home stretch of a lifelong goal of completing a PhD as well. Her research highlighted how barbers present him or herself as an agent of social justice change.

“I am excited to bring my extensive experience and knowledge of the beauty industry to the Booksy team and to be part of the future growth of this amazing technology. I want to thank Dee Hadley, Head of Marketing at Booksy, and the entire management team who have been very supportive as I dive into this new role. I am honored to be working with such talented and creative individuals,” commented Finucane.

EVO attends America’s Beauty Show!

This past weekend (Sat Apr 9 – Monday, Apr 11) the SalonEVO and BarberEVO team packed their bags and took off to Chicago to attend the 99th annual America’s Beauty Show put on by Cosmetologists Chicago.

Beauty professionals, from barbers, cosmetologists, and beauty and skincare experts gathered for a weekend full of education, inspiration, demonstrations, networking, and of course, a little bit of fun too!

This year, EVO took their booth to the next level, offering attendees a unique opportunity at being on the coveted front cover of SalonEVO, with an incredible life-size, interactive, walk-in front cover photobooth. The EVO booth was also the spot to be if you wanted to learn from amazing educators, such as Miguel Rosas from Wahl Pro and Lici Febo from Andis who both performed live demos to an inspired audience.

The EVO front cover photo booth was graced by many of North America’s leading hair and beauty lights, such as the Ulta Beauty Pro Team, with Nick Stenson and Anna Manukyan, Danielle Keasling, David Lopez and Michelle O’Connor. As well as educators like the effervescent Kristin Kaide, Queen of the South, Nieves Almaraz and many, many more!

The team also had the enormous privilege of attending the 10th Annual Beauty Changes Lives Experience, which was an incredible night of fun, inspiration and education, bursting with industry icons all keen to support this wonderful charitable cause.

Thanks to all who stopped by and said hello! Until next year at ABS!

Fellowship Welcomes New President, Robert Eaton

Robert Eaton has been welcomed as the new President for the Fellowship for British Hairdressing at a star-studded event in London.

Ken Picton, who has led the organisation for the past three years, handed over the reigns to British Hairdresser of the Year Robert Eaton in front of industry peers at the President’s Night.

Held at the Brewery in East London, Ken relived some of his favourite times as President – and the challenges brought with the pandemic. But before he could leave there were a few surprises – he brought his Drinks with the President live to the stage with some of his favourite guests including Sally Brooks, Mark Woolley and Michael Douglas, while a video highlighted just some of the things he has implemented during his reign.

The F.A.M.E team presented their first show, Evolution. Alex Cook, Darrel Starkey, Jessica Hau and Lydia Wolfe – a showcase of their skills learnt so far this year, with stunning 5ft colourful ponytails, precision cuts and dynamic shapes.

Ken recalled: “When I took over as President in 2019 we had no idea what was ahead of us. But we have worked hard to modernise the Fellowship for a new era of hairdressing. It’s been a privilege to lead the Fellowship through these turbulent times and I look forward to being part of the future.”

Receiving his regalia, Robert added: “Today is very special for me, when I started my journey in the family business it was about networking and making friends. My whole career has been shaped by the Fellowship; I was part of the 2003 F.A.M.E. Team which was incredibly special and instilled in me the importance of nurturing the next generation. Now, it’s my time to give back and help young people in this industry. I want to work with as many people as possible to evolve the industry and continue the heritage the Fellowship has always had.”

UK Squire is Back!

UK, SQUIRE is back! And, with their first-ever exclusive UK tour hosted by @hayden_cassidy! Get in the game with the UK’s most elite barbers. The drinks, food, music & raffles are on SQUIRE– as well as free onsite SQUIRE demos that will show you how to elevate your barbershop. The first five accounts per tour stop to sign up to become SQUIRE users will receive a free 1:1 virtual workshop with Hayden for a Higher Learning session powered by SQUIRE. See you there!

TOUR DATES:

London: March 5th, 8-11pm, Champs’ Barber Shop, @champsbarbers, 17 Riding House St, London W1W 7DY

Sign up for London here

Manchester: March 6th, 3-7pm, Danny & Co. Barber Shop, @dannyandcobarbers, The Barn, 2a Mill St, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HT

Sign up for Machester here

Glasgow: March 7th, 3-7pm, Sovereign Grooming, @sovereigngrooming, 38 Renfield Street Glasgow G2 1LU

Sign up for Glasgow here

And pick up your FREE copy of BarberEVO magazine!

Queer Eye TV Personality and Hairstylist, Jonathan Van Ness, Launches Own Haircare Line

The JVN haircare line is a collaboration between Amyris and Jonathan Van Ness: hairstylist, Emmy-nominated TV personality, New York Times best-selling author and podcaster. Jonathan Van Ness introduced JVN as a haircare line that see all beauty, serves all beauty, and honors the uniqueness in each person.

Before becoming a TV personality, author and podcaster, Jonathan worked as a professional hairstylist between Los Angeles and New York. His role on the hit TV show, Queer Eye, is to help both men and women build hair and skincare routines, and feel empowered by their grooming routines, to feel their most confident self.

The tagline for the JVN is “Come as you are.” Jonathan Van Ness said: “JVN allows everyone that uses it to find their best hair self, feel beautiful, and show the world that they can look better than ever while being confident in their choice to bring clean beauty to their hair.”  With this sentiment in mind, the JVN line is both gender and texture inclusive.

The JVN line also prides itself on having the most innovative and up-to-date ingredients, prioritizing the performance of its products. They have also made efforts to make the line as sustainable as possible, saying@ “We stand as allies with other mission-driven organizations, and find unexpected ways to take care of our community and the planet. JVN products are packaged in infinitely recyclable materials like aluminum and glass.”

For more info, go to jvnhair.com