As Covid restrictions come to an end, it’s never been more important for businesses to stand out from the crowd. And with many customers keen to tackle the climate crisis, being a more sustainable barber could give you the edge while doing good for the planet.

A recent survey of 1,000 small business owners found that nearly a quarter (21%) worry about missing out on trade because their business is not sustainable enough, while nearly half (42%) of consumers say they are more likely to visit a business that cares about sustainability.

The good news is there’s a simple first step your barbers can make to not only help it become more sustainable, but also make energy management easier; get a smart meter installed.

Smart meters replace traditional analogue energy meters and can help businesses keep better track of their energy use and consumption. Whether you rely on a collection of clippers or a handful of hairdryers, a smart meter will give you access to information on how much energy is used day-to-day, helping you find ways to reduce it.

Having a smart meter installed will not only bolster your barbershop’s eco-credentials, but also help make your business energy easier to manage.

The technology, available at no extra cost from your business’ energy supplier, ensures accurate bills by sending meter readings automatically so you can spend time making people look and feel great.

To help you be even more efficient Smart Energy GB offers barbers a selection of quick and easy steps to help your barbershop stand out as an eco-friendly business:

1. Recycle smarter – Buying refillable products will drastically cut down the packaging waste and also save you a bit of money.
2. Use an eco-hairdryer – New and improved versions of the trusty hairdryer are more energy efficient and come in recycled packaging and plastic. As the most popular appliance used to fix a bad hair day, an eco-hairdryer will help cut your carbon footprint while fixing your hair. 
3. Keep cool – Using cooler water to rinse hair is not only great for the scalp and your hair’s condition and shine, it’s also more efficient. While it’s not everyone’s preference, asking your customer if they’d prefer it could offer another step towards to a lower energy bill.
4. Avoid aerosols – Non-aerosol hair sprays will last 3 or 4 times longer than the aerosol versions and can be a great way to hold down that one curly lock that just won’t stay in place. What’s more, you can pick them up for the same price!
5. A simple solution – For those customers unsure of what style to go for next, offering a low maintenance hair cut could pass on the saving with less need for heated appliances and products when they get home.

To find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter, contact your energy supplier. You can then arrange a date and time suitable for you for your installation.

Once installation is complete, your installer can show you and your staff how your smart meter works so you can get on with being green.

Find out more at: https://www.smartenergygb.org/en

The PROJECT: X team recently spent the day with Syd Hayes, international session stylist and ambassador for BaByliss Pro at the brand new Electric Space in London, learning new styling techniques and styling tips to take back to the salon.
Supported by BaByliss Pro, the team worked on real models in a hands-on workshop with guidance from Syd.
A familiar at shows and photo shoots, Syd talked about his career to date, before demonstrating how to create glamour waves using tonging and pinning techniques and showed the team how to apply extensions to give extra volume, talking through his kit bag and showing them some tricks of the trade.
PROJECT: X member, Emma Simmons, said: “Syd is a true inspiration and shared so much of his session styling world with us, I’m looking forward to putting into practice some of the tips he gave us.”
Arif Arikan added: “I loved the session with Syd Hayes because it was so inspirational. I learned so many great tips with styling, and it was really eye opening to see his background as a hairdresser.”
April Mash commented “Our day with Syd Hayes was quite possibly my favourite day so far whilst being on Project X. I was blown away listening to Syd tell us about his experiences and work within the industry let alone what he had to show us. I haven’t been involved in much session work during my career so far, so it was amazing to be able to get hands on and learn from someone who is so humble and knowledgeable.”
Kay Binnersley summed up the experience: “It was an absolutely outstanding day with Syd Hayes we learned so much from him. He was so inspiring and he really turned a switch on in my head and made me look at hair very differently than I have done before. I really enjoyed the whole day and how lucky to work on models again; what a treat! The electrical tools
from BaByliss was a very kind and unexpected gift.”

PROJECT: X Team Leader: Sam Burnett
PROJECT: X Team Members:
Kay Binnersley – Kay Binnersley Hair
Roisin Murphy – K H Hair
Lea Shaw – Rural Fringe Hair Salon
Cc McNamee – Andrew Smith Salons Fareham
Pamela Cooney – Toni & Guy, Cannon Street
April Mash – Strangeways
Emma Simmons – Salon 54
Nicola Hamm – Escape Hair Lounge
Thomas Worth – Tint
Arif Arikan – Alice and the Hair
Reina Boddy – Joseph Ferraro Hair

For more information:
Instagram: @fellowshiphair
Email carol@fellowshiphair.com
Call 01295 724579

Dexter Dapper Johnson, the International Artistic Director for Toni & Guy and Label.M, Head of Men’s Education, has teamed up with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to raise money for men’s mental health, by organising a Charity Football Game. CALM is a non-profit organization, leading the movement against suicide.

Dexter said: “We are here to keep raising awareness with regards to men’s mental health and well being. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male.”

With the aim to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and wellbeing, Dexter has organised a charity football match. Hosted by Cray Wanderers Football Club, and sponsored by the Kelleher Group, barbers and hairdressers will gather on Sunday, 29^th of August to play and raise money!

Watch some of the leading hairstylists and barbers in the industry, including Kevin Luchmun, Charlie Cullen, Josh Lamonaca Jonathan Andrew, Jody Taylor, and many more. They may not all be pro players, but they’ll have the best haircuts on the field!

The game will take place at 2:00pm at Flamingo Park Sports & Leisure, Chislehurst DA14 6QQ on Sunday 29 August 2021.

To donate click here:  https://gofund.me/7df6bc52

The Connecticut Barber Expo X and associated events will take place August 14 – 16th, 2021, and be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Finally, after several reschedulings due to the Covid19 Pandemic, the tenth anniversary of CT Barber EXPO, organised by legendary Jay Majors, has finally arrived. As the official media partner, we at BarberEVO can’t wait to see what this weekend has in store.

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, the Expo will start off with the 2nd Annual International Barber Grammys / Pre-Party from 8:30 PM to 2 AM. This will take place in the Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT. This is a dress to impress, black tie affair.

On Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Educational Seminars will take place from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. The Educational Seminars will be presented by some of the industry’s most respected educators. The Barber Battle and Expo will occur from 2 PM to 9:00 PM.

On Monday, August 16, 2021, the Educational Seminars will take place from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. The Barber Battle and Expo will occur from 2 PM to 7:30 PM.

Sharpen your skillset, and rub arms with some of the biggest barbers, stylists and educators in the industry, such as @ivanzoot, @vicblends, @andyauthentic, @kduncangrooming, @andyfademaster, @lici_ladybarber, @be.lechendary, @v.hugostyles, @micdamiano, @diego_djdgaf, @barber.josh.o.p, @bossiocuts, @iamtyrikjackson, @thebizlawyer, @rumbarber and @cutthroat.mike… Just to name a few!

Plus, visit BarberEVO at booth 407!

For additional information, please visit www.ctbarberexpo.com.

The BarbersRide barbers started the first leg of their journey yesterday, Sunday the 8^th of August, taking on the longest section of the journey, from Liverpool to Glasgow. The forty-odd riders gathered on the 7^th of August from all across the UK, in aim to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, and to ride their motorbikes across the north of England and into Scotland, stopping at reputable barbershops along the way.

Having gathered at Cut Throat Pete’s Barbershop in Liverpool on Saturday, the barbers’ first full day of riding was nothing short of eventful. True to the Scottish reputation, the riders experienced nearly every variation of weather; including thunder, lightning, and torrential downpour.

Luckily, the night’s event was hosted at the lovely and atmospheric House Martin Barbershop in the City Center of Glasgow. Owner Stephen Martin was there to give all the riders a warm Glaswegian welcome, with high-quality whisky to warm up with! The night continued at the bar next door, the Howlin’ Wolf, where the riders exchanged stories and prepared for their next day’s journey to Fort William.

After their stop at Fort Williams Stag&Buck barbershop, the riders will continue on to Dundee, stopping at Hard Grind Barbershop. Wednesday, the barbers will visit Ultimate Grooming in Yarm, then finish their journey together at Lords’ Barbering in Leeds on Thursday.

BarberEVO was able to catch up with the barbers during their stop in Glasgow and hear a bit about their involvement and love for BarbersRide. One said: “To take on this ride, you have to be a little crazy, love bikes, and love being a barber. That’s what makes it so fun, and the long, wet days like today, worth it!”

Stephen, owner of House Martin said: “It feels great to be able to get involved in the fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation, and host members of the barbering community in the shop again. It has been a long time since we have been able to get together and hold an event like this, and it was an honour to be able to represent Glasgow in the BarbersRide event!”

We wish the riders the best of luck for the remainder of their journey, and applaud their efforts and bravery for weathering the storm to raise money for a worthy cause like the Make a Wish Foundation!

To learn more, or to donate to the cause, click here

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors, salon and spa business owners, and licensed beauty professionals, is excited to provide two important reminders regarding NAHA. As the top hair and makeup competition in North America, NAHA is the premiere platform for beauty professionals to push the boundaries and bring their artistic visions to life.

The first is to announce the call for entries for NAHA 2022 opens June 14th. The second is to provide details regarding the live awards show for NAHA 2021, which will take place August 29th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.

Call for Entries Opens June 14th for NAHA 2022

Categories for the 33rd Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) are as follows:

New in 2022, NAHA is replacing the Men’s Hairstyling category with Barbering. Additionally, NAHA is bringing back NAHA Remix, which allows artists to enter previously submitted collections as long as they meet certain criteria.

Entrants for all categories must be licensed cosmetologists or barbers, with the exceptions of Student Hairstylist of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year and Inspiring Salon of the Year.

Key dates for NAHA 2022 are as follows:

Entries Open: June 14, 2021

 Entries Close: September 10, 2021

 Finalist Announcement: November 10, 2021

NAHA 2022 Award Ceremony: January 30, 2022—Long Beach, CA

For specific category rules and to enter, please visit probeauty.org/NAHA2022.

Tickets Now on Sale for the 2021 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)

NAHA 2021 will take place on August 29th at Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center. NAHA is the must-attend event for the who’s who of the beauty industry, where attendees experience the magic of the red carpet, mingle with the best and brightest in the business and watch artistic vision come to life.

Usually held in Long Beach in January, NAHA 2021 was pushed back to August to ensure it could remain live and in-person. “This will undoubtedly be an unprecedented event,” shares Nina Daily, PBA’s Chief Marketing Officer and incumbent Executive Director. “The level of artistry that will be on display, set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, is just what the industry has been craving.”

 NAHA 2021 will be hosted by Michael Shaun Corby and will feature a Mainstage Performance by 2020 NAHA Hairstylist of the Year Silas Tsang, an Artistic Presentation by Ulta, and many other surprises.

For pricing and information on VIP packages, as well as special offers exclusively available to Professional Beauty Association members, visit probeauty.org/naha. For media credentials, please contact press@probeauty.org or fill out this form.

For over ten years, Erik Zaiatz, owner of the two locations of Bostonian Barber Shop, has been trying to buy the space at 500 Liberty St. in Hanson, where his grandfather Don Botieri had run his barbershop for decades.

Finally, when the location re-emerged on the market a few weeks ago, Zaiatz saw the chance to buy the space, as a way of keeping his grandfather’s legacy alive. “I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to open there,” he said.

Botieri, a Hanson native, ran Don’s Barbershop from 1950 up until 2008, and passed away a year after his retirement. A staple in the Hanson community, Botieri was known as “Mr. Hanson,” and even has a ballfield in town named for him.

For Zaiatz, most of his childhood was spent in Don’s Barbershop, either getting his own hair cut, or just hanging around after school. All this time spent with his grandfather inspired Zaiatz to get into the barbering industry himself. “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be in this industry,” he said.   

When he set up to open his first shop, Zaiatz teamed up with his sister Kayla and best friend Matt Penardi, who are both master barbers.

As his third location, Zaiatz made an effort to pay homage to Don’s, in terms of both style and services. With a traditional barbershop feel and design, the now Bostonian Barbershop, offers all the same old school styles and services, such as hot towels, and straight razor shaves.

Now, some of Boteiri’s former clients have returned to the Hanson location, to get their hair cut by their former barber’s grandkids.

Brian Hogan, a father of two, barbershop owner, and film buff in Des Moines, Iowa, found himself fairly miserable in the midst of the pandemic. With his Barbershop business all but obliterated, Brian was looking for a project to keep his sanity.

That’s when he heard that his favourite, childhood video store, Video Warehouse, was going out of business after 34 years.

Buying out the contents of the video store, including the shelves and the ‘Tape Return” sign,  Brian embarked on the DIY project to create an in-house video store.

He said, “I spent a lot of days sitting in my chair hoping people would come and get their hair cut. I’d go home and catalogue and start hanging shelves. It took my mind off things.”

With no intension of setting the video store as a business, Brian explained: “It’s more of a time capsule,” meant for family and friends, he said. “Friends who come over get to pick out a movie and we watch it.”

 He continued: “I spent a good part of my childhood in the video store. That was a Friday night thing. You didn’t just go to the video store. You went to the video store.”

Barbers in London are being trained to test the blood of customers to help combat high blood pressure.

Run by London South Bank University, the project was set out in order to raise awareness of high blood pressure, specifically in Black and Asian men, who are statistically more likely to have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

So far, eight barbershops in South London, Croydon, Mitcham, Thornton Heath, Bromley and South Norwood, have signed up to provide on-the-spot checks for customers, which began on Monday.

The idea came from a similar project that took place in Los Angeles between 2016 and 2018. The US project ran from 2016 to 2018 and 68% of people found to have high blood pressure ended the study with healthy levels.

High blood pressure affects more than one in four adults in England, accounts for more than one in 10 visits to GPs and contributes to 75,000 deaths every year – but millions of people are thought to go undiagnosed.

Hugh Benain, from Finishing Touches in Mitcham, said the project could help save lives.

“We’ll be offering our customers on-the-spot blood pressure tests and health information for them to take away,” he said.

“High blood pressure is a silent killer and providing tests and information from our barbershop could save lives.”

Nicola Thomas, an LSBU professor, said: “Sadly, millions of adults in the UK have high blood pressure and half are undiagnosed which can lead to strokes or heart attacks.

“It is the trusting relationship that customers have with their barbers that is so important – we need to take healthcare out into the community.”

A barber who was given a generous tip by a mystery customer has asked for the anonymous do-gooder to reveal themselves so he can say a simple, ‘thank you’.

David Cardoso, owner of new barber’s shop, Billions, in Victoria arcade, re-opened his doors on Monday, April 12, ready to get “hands on” now that the restrictions were lifted.

Billions Barber Shop originally opened on July 4 last year, but – like other businesses – had been repeatedly closed due to lockdown. 

After a haircut on their first day back open, Mr Cardoso was surprised to see an envelope on the floor.

Inside was a card wishing him the best of luck as well as £60 in cash.

The card read: “I am so impressed that you started your business during a pandemic.”

David Cardoso was “really touched” to receive such a gesture, and now hopes to say thank you to the anonymous donor.

Mr Cardoso said: “I thought this was very kind and it really did touch me.”