Aura Salonware is pleased to announce its first annual Aura BeautySphere Connect event, which will take place at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2025.
This intimate one-day retreat for salon owners is an opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge. Participants will gain insights from industry innovators and experience salon leadership educational sessions and workshops.
Speakers include Cyd Charisse and David Bosscher of Destroy the Hairdresser, Sarai Speer, known as the Platinum Giraffe, Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale, Benjamin Camagna from Currie Hair Skin and Nails, Keri Davis of Keri Davis Consulting, and more.
In addition, Aura’s official networking lunch and experiential cocktail reception allows salon owners to connect with fellow beauty entrepreneurs. “Aura promises to infuse new energy to salon businesses by providing an industry event that brings together like-minded beauty professionals,” mentioned Aura Salonware Co-founder Jonathan Levine. ”We invite salon owners to come get inspired, share their experiences and best practices, and discover ways to grow their businesses while taking a little time to breathe in the beauty and vibrance of Miami.”
About Aura Salonware Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue.
Rob Weston, owner of LEVEL 7 BARBER has been announced as OSMO’s new brand ambassador.
With over 12 years of experience in the barbering industry, Rob Weston’s journey began at LAFHAB (Leeds Academy for Hairdressing & Barbering) in Leeds City Centre. After qualifying, he honed his craft in a busy walk-in barbershop, quickly building a loyal clientele that followed him as he moved to the next town. His ambition led him to convert part of a hair salon into a dedicated barbershop, where he spent two years establishing his name before returning to the heart of Leeds.
Rob gained valuable experience at Boris & Co, refining his skills in a fast-paced city environment under Michael Tominay. He later expanded his expertise at King Coby’s and 13 Barbers, working alongside a close-knit team. After three years, fatherhood led him back to a local setting at Boris & Co in Mirfield before he set out on his own venture.
In June 2023, Rob opened Level 7 Barbers in a fully renovated space, creating a modern, thriving barbershop that remains fully booked. His expertise spans both barbering and hairdressing, incorporating elements of precision cutting, longer styles, and colouring into his hybrid approach.
Beyond the shop, Rob has shared his knowledge through stage work with Great British Barber Bash and as a coach for Learn to Cut, an online platform mentoring aspiring barbers to refine their skills and elevate their pricing. He also runs his own independent education courses, helping others unlock their potential. Rob’s passion for creativity extends to photography and videography, complementing his social media presence.
Always eager to evolve, he continually invests in education and professional development. Rob’s role as an OSMO ambassador will see him working closely with the brand to create content, attend industry events, and participate in brand shoots… including a very exciting one, which is yet to be revealed! “Rob’s expertise in barbering resonates with our passion towards the barbering industry. We’re excited to be working closely with Rob and seeing how his creative skills help to build the OSMO brand and products to a wider barbering audience,” explains OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.
For both BaBylissPRO and Tomb45, the words ‘by barbers, for barbers’ are not taken lightly. Both bodies are constantly devoted to innovating for the barbers at the center of this industry. This shared passion behind each brand has led to a tool collaboration unlike any other. We introduce to you: The BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Clipper, Trimmer, Wireless Charging Pad, and Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer.
With features such as the trimmer’s new reversed blade orientation making lineups easier than ever, the clippers DS1 Dual Speed Motor that runs at 7,500RPM at high speed, and 6,800 RPM at low speed, and a LED Battery-Level Indicator Screen on both, these tools are the pinnacle of innovation.
Not to mention, the clipper and trimmer in addition to being USB-C Compatible and FXCORD Compatible for Cord/Cordless Use, both tools are wireless charging compatible… to pair perfectly with the oh-so slick BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Wireless-Charging Pad.
And to top the tool range off with a cherry on top, they have also created the BaBylissPRO X Tomb45 Professional Nano Light Ionic Dryer. The Nano Titanium and Ionic technology offer maximum smoothness and shine, the cold shot button locks in styles, and with nine LED heat and speed settings and engineered airflow offers more efficient and effective styling.
Joining Forces
By BaBylissPRO and Tomb45 collaborating on this tool range, not only has increased the power and functionality of the tools, but it also strengthens the reach and education available within the industry.
44 Global Educators: There is a combined total of 44 BaBylissPRO® and Tomb45® global educators
25+ Million: Between BaBylissPRO® and Tomb45®’s digital presence, they have a combined 25+ million followers.
158+ Million: 158+ million interactions on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube in 2024.
Who are Tomb45?
We spoke to Chris Bossio, one of the founders of Tomb45 about the collaboration, and why he believed it was a perfect fit. But first, Chris told us a little more about Tomb45 and what the brand stands for.
“I have been teaching barbers how to cut hair and get better at their craft, and just been pouring into elevating the industry as much as I can for the past 10 years. One of the things that I noticed in the barbering industry as I was coming in was there wasn’t a lot of innovation. If it’s not innovative, if it’s not going to elevate the industry, then it’s not a project that Tomb45 want to take on.
“BaBylissPRO® was a brand that wanted to do something new, something different. They were willing to listen to us. It wasn’t just about the money. They wanted to do something different, something that would elevate the industry and bring the standards higher.” And so, Chris travelled to BaBylissPRO®’s HQ, to meet with the team.
“I spent the weekend with the leadership team, and it was all so synergistic. Big barber brands, they usually don’t want to do something expensive, they don’t want to reengineer something and build from scratch. But BaBylissPRO® will willing to take that risk. It felt like going to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. I drew on a piece of paper what I thought would be the most ergonomic, cool, best feeling clipper in a barber’s hand, and they came back with some renderings and mock ups. They came back with technology that they were never willing to introduce in the past… until now.”
Two Innovators, One Mission: Redefining the Industry.
“So,” Chris continued, “This is what it looks like when Tomb45 and BaBylissPRO® come together and create a vision. You can see the ergonomics, the way it hugs your hand, the size of it, the shape, the balance, the weight, all of these details were thought about. I just feel like we are paying attention to the real behavior that happens in a barbershop.”
An example of this is the location of the lever on the trimmer. “How long have trimmers been around? Why hasn’t anyone thought about putting the lever on the side where your hand naturally lies, to be more ergonomically efficient? So, that’s what we did! I want it to be fun to move the lever around. It’s little details like this that barbers will notice and appreciate.
“I remember one of the team members at BaBylissPRO handing me a piece of clay and saying, ‘form the lever that you think would feel best in your hand.’ I did it, then we drew it out, and that’s the tool we created. The second you feel this in your hand, you know it was built for a barber, by a barber.”
Making the Cut
We also wanted to get the tools in the hands of a barber to hear their feedback on the brand new tools and collaboration. And who better to speak to than educator for BaBylissPRO® as well as Tomb45®, Sean Ralston!?
First Impressions of the Tool
“When I first saw the clipper, I thought it was super cool. It’s tough to be unique these days, especially since many clippers look alike. But this one, from the design to the features, is completely new. It’s not just an update or an iteration; it’s an entirely new concept. Seeing it come to life from a sketch was a really cool moment, especially from two of my favorite companies.”
The Power of Collaboration
“Tomb45 has been making innovative charging products for a while, and BaBylissPRO® has always been a brand that values the opinions of barbers. The two brands understood that working together could be beneficial to everybody, and the two brands have teamed up really nicely and naturally. So, it just made sense for us to connect, combine ideas, and create something unique.”
Favorite Features
“There are a few cool new features. One is the built-in wireless charging. Unlike previous tools where you needed attachments to make it work, this one charges wirelessly straight out of the box. Another is the ergonomic lever; it fits perfectly in your thumb. But the feature I’m most excited about is the trimmer. The power button is on the back, so you can use it for lineups without flipping it over. It’s a completely new approach that I think will make barbers’ jobs easier.”
The Backwards Trimmer
“It’s funny because, when you first see it, it looks ‘backwards,’ but it makes so much sense. The power button is on the back, and the blade faces away from you, making it perfect for lineups without having to flip the tool over. It’s definitely different, but we think it’s going to be a game-changer for the industry.”
This edition takes you right back to the heart of the barbering world – with Hayden Cassidy and her creative collaborators gracing our cover in a shoot that celebrates everything this industry stands for: collaboration, creativity, and the ultimate cool-kid vibes.
ICON OF THE EDITION & BARBER ABROAD – This issue, we sit down with two global heavyweights: DL Master Barber and Fraser Forsey. From across the pond to down under, discover their journeys, their legacies, and what keeps them at the top. Plus, meet the team at Bros X COas they share their experience in the Brosh Ambassadorship competition.
TEXTURE – Texture takes centre stage as we chat to Franklyn Nnambdi about his rise in the industry, his views on texture, and life in the celebrity spotlight. We also spotlight Tariq Howes’work on Ex the Barberfor BaBylissPRO, before checking in with columnist Mark Maciver. Then, dive into a texture-focused conversation with Craig Fabio, who takes us behind the scenes of the Denman commercial shoot. And to round things off? We get In the ChairwithOliver Hill.
CREATIVE – Our Creative section kicks off with the BaBylissPRO photoshoot and an in-depth chat with Ky Wilson on keeping creativity alive with the brand. We explore more creative energy with American Crew and Gamma+,before returning to our cover star Hayden Cassidyfor the inside story on her game-changing, collaboration-fuelled shoot. And we’re not done yet – there’s plenty more inspiration from Cool Blades,OSMO, and Wahl.
INTERIORS – Step inside our Barbershop of the Edition: Dean Gleeson Hair, a Japandi-style haven featuring stunning Takara Belmont chairs. We then discuss Additional Services with Stockholm by Ruger, and we take a trip to Spain to check out HAIR CVLTURE
BUSINESS – This issue’s business pages are packed with insight: from going Behind the Brand with the NHBF, to catching up with Morgan’s about their exciting new market in Japan. We also talk tech and trends with Barry Stephens.
From global icons andindustry-leading events to cutting-edge creativity, BarberEVO UK Issue 52 is your ultimate guide to what’s shaping barbering now – and what’s next. Dive in today!
Lici is someone who needs no introduction in this industry – a barber, educator, and all round master in grooming. Now, she can spend more time than ever giving back to her community… and how has she managed that within her busy schedule? With Vagaro.
“I first came across Vagaro at BarberCon, Dallas,” Lici told us. “I was introduced to John Mosley, and at that time, I had just come back from London, because I moved overseas, I opened a small location, and I was still in the works of trying to find a management system to help support the business. In this industry, we are always so focused on getting the perfect cut that sometimes, we neglect the actual business management that comes with the job.
“For me, Vagaro hit every box I was looking to tick off. I don’t like to call it a booking app, it’s a real management system. An example of this being the Sales Summary feature, I’m able to tell where my barbers are from a certain stand point by looking at these stats. It allows me to think ahead – who is our star barber, and who isn’t? Why is that the case? Are we taking too much time per appointment? Do we need more training?”
Stay ahead of the curve by following @barberevo, @liciladybarber, and @vagaropro for more insights, pro tips, and updates on how to make your business more efficient. Work smarter, not harder!
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!
The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons.
Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:
‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.
However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.
We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue
While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”
The summary of the Budget:
Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000
Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
£1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund as thousands of industry professionals are impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Milton directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene.
The PBA Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief to beauty industry professionals to pay for essential items such as clothing, food, bills and supplies during times of natural disaster. The fund is supported by generous donations from industry professionals and businesses and has distributed more than $2.5 million to help industry professionals get back on their feet following catastrophic disaster. 100% of donations go directly to those in need. All licensed industry professionals are eligible to apply, and PBA members may receive up to twice the regular amount of emergency relief funding.
“In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene we are completely overwhelmed with applications for emergency assistance,” shares Rachel Molepske, PBA Director of Leadership Operations & Charitable Programs. “Our industry professionals are suffering and we must help. We are making an urgent plea for donations to help those affected.”
DRF applicants continue to share heartbreaking stories of how Hurricanes Milton and Helene have impacted their livelihood:
“Everything in the salon is damaged. It is catastrophic. Everything I have worked hard for has been destroyed in the blink of an eye.”
“Most roads were completely washed away, power is expected to be out for weeks, and my income has gone to nothing at this point.”
“I don’t have a place to live at the moment and there are estimates of not having water restored for several weeks to several months from now.”
Please help beauty industry professionals get the support they desperately need! Please DONATE and spread the word.
PBA would like to thank the generous sponsors who have already committed significant contributions to DRF:
● Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation/Paul Mitchell Schools – $25,000
● K18 – $25,000
● L’Oreal – $15,000
● SalonCentric – $15,000
● JPMS – $10,000
● MY SALON Suite – $10,000
● Henkel – $10,000
Donations of any size are appreciated and needed. For more information, or to apply
The latest issue of BarberEVO NA is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry… bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the biz’. 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 Rey Scott, the leading entrepreneur and founder of My Supply Guy, taking centre stage on our front cover. In our second-last issue of 2024, we are feature everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one to remember!
IN THIS ISSUE:
REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY
In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.
L3VEL3
Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months.
EVENTS
Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.
BARBER OF THE EDITION
As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador.
TEXTURE
Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care.
INTERIORS
Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time 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 I our interiors section…
BUSINESS
Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.
BEARDS & ‘TACHE
Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them).
The latest issue of BarberEVO UK is OUT NOW! This issue is set to shake things up as we say goodbye to Summer, and get ready for Autumn, while bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers and brands in the business. In this issue, we hear from our expert columnists and esteemed industry leaders on a variety of topics, from textured hair to beard and moustache care, as well as the latest product drops you need to be aware of; all this and more inside.
IN THIS ISSUE:
HEINIGER
Our September-October cover stars are the Heiniger team! Here, we get the insights from Matt Clarke, Artistic Director Robert Braid, and Creative Director, Rex Silver on why Heiniger should be the tool brand every barber has in their kit. We hear from Robert and Matt how they got involved with the Swiss tool brand and became part of the Heiniger family, and why you should too.
EVENTS
It’s been an exciting but busy few months for the entire EVO team during event season, and there’s no sign of it slowing down just yet. We kick off the events feature by looking back the debut HairCon, with industry icons like Simon Shaw, Alan Beak, and Josh Lamonaca it’s hard not to think back fondly. We also here from Richie Finney and Xavier Berrell at BarbersRide, Rob Wood from his official Novo Cabelo launch, and look forward to the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards.
TEXTURE
Kicking off the texture feature, we hear from the superstar BaByliss PRO ambassadors Tariq Howes, Ky Wilson, and Lauraine Bailey. BarberEVO gets the inside scoop from the team about their go-to tips and tools for all things texture. We hear from Luke Burgon at SOMEPEOPLE on how he uses Byrd products to embrace his client’s natural texture, while columnist Hayden Cassidy shares her scissor cutting techniques. Columinst, Mark Maciver gives readers a step-by-step for his iconic fade, and STMNT ambassadors Charles Rose and Luke Hartley talk us through their recent collection.
INTERIORS
Having beautiful interiors are just some of the ways you can make your barbershop stand out, which is what our Barbershop of the Edition, time., has done. Elsewhere, we look inside Beardy Beardy in Glasgow to showcase their personalised REM chairs and take a deep dive at Kesman Male Grooming as they highlight their custom Takara Belmont chairs. We also take a trip down under and hear from COMMON Barbershop in Brisbane, Australia, to look at their stunning set-up.
BUSINESS
Starting the business feature, we hear from columnist Vikki Harrison Smith as she talks us through her days as a top-class educator and academy owner. BarberEVO also hears from three completely different barbershops – UNDERFOUND, Beardy Beardy, and MR. Barbers – about how they operate their businesses, and ask barbershop owners the important questions of tipping, deposits, and selling retail.
TECHNOLOGY
Discussing all things artificial intelligence, we have Barry Stephens weighing up the pros and cons about whether AI systems will kill off conversation in the barbershop. With more and more automated systems out there claiming to make your life easier as a barbershop owner, Barry evaluates whether that is right. Meanwhile, celebrity barber and educator Thaddeus highlights the importance using technology to your advantage and having a booking system that works for you.
MOUSTACHE AND BEARD CARE
Showing us how we can all elevate our grooming services, we speak to Ben Goakes, owner of Well Groomed London. Sharing how he goes the extra mile to create a lavish experience in his Shoreditch shop, Ben shares how his experience in luxury services translated to his barbershops. Elsewhere, we hear from Anthony Berriola about bringing traditional Italian beard and moustache grooming to the US, and Morgan’s Pomade identify three iconic styles you can create and maintain with their products.
PRODUCTS
This issue, our Product of the Edition is The Shorty, just the latest expert grooming tool from the brains of Gamma+. BarberEVO sat down with expert barber and educator Phil Jarman at HairCon to hear everything about their latest powerhouse tool. Elsewhere, hear from Artero founders Alex and Edu Artero, and Eric Way Lovemore to discuss the premium scissor brand, and highlight the different offerings available with Leaf, Yoi and Tondeo; to ensure you find the right tool brand.
