MTA Education is proud to announce that its renowned MADE: The Academy for Modern Barbering training programme will be delivered in partnership with Glasgow Kelvin College, launching January 2026 at the Falkirk campus.

This collaboration marks a significant ongoing chapter for the college, which will now offer one of the UK’s most respected entry-level barbering programmes to learners across central Scotland.

The Certificate in Barbering (MADE with MTA): C&G (Level 5) is an 18-week intensive course bringing MTA’s proven, industry-led teaching model into the college environment for the very first time. MADE with MTA won Training Provider of the Year at. This year’s prestigious industry Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards (SHABA).

Ross Miller, Owner/Founder of MTA Hair Education said: “We’re thrilled to bring the MADE programme to Glasgow Kelvin College for the first time. MTA has built a strong reputation for delivering barber training that mirrors real industry expectations, and this partnership allows us to extend that standard to a new region. Glasgow Kelvin College shares our commitment to quality, accessibility and learner success, and together we’re creating a pathway that will set students up for genuine, long-term careers. We’re excited to welcome and support the first wave of students.”

About the Programme:

Delivered jointly by MTA Education and Glasgow Kelvin College, this new Falkirk-based course offers:

• The first-ever delivery of the MADE programme at Glasgow Kelvin College
• 18 weeks of hands-on, structured training (four days per week)
• A respected City & Guilds SCQF Level 5 qualification
• Teaching from MTA-trained barbers alongside experienced college lecturers
• A complete professional barbering kit included
• Core training in:
  • Clipper and scissor cutting
  • Beard design and grooming
  • Shampooing, conditioning, styling and finishing
  • Client care and consultation
  • Professional standards and hygiene
  • Social media and personal brand-building for modern barbers

The programme mirrors MTA’s successful national model: high discipline, repetition for skill mastery, and a salon-realistic environment that prepares learners for immediate employment.

Who the Programme Is For

Designed for learners aged 16+, the course welcomes complete beginners and career changers who are motivated, creative and ready to commit to intensive training. No prior experience is required — only dedication and a willingness to practise.

How to Apply

Applications open January 2026 via Glasgow Kelvin College’s admissions portal. With demand expected to be high for this inaugural cohort, early applications are encouraged.

Slick Gorilla has officially launched in the U.S., bringing with it the signature styling routine behind its newest global brand ambassador, Sam Hartman, American football quarterback for the Washington Commanders. Known for his confident, game-ready look, Sam relies on Slick Gorilla.

To achieve his trademark volume and textured finish, Sam follows a simple three-step routine:

1. Prep with Sea Salt Spray ($16.00): Applied to damp hair, this builds natural volume, grit, and beach-inspired texture for effortless movement and lift.

2. Define with Lightwork ($16.00): A small amount warmed in the hands creates shape with a soft matte finish and flexible hold, keeping hair polished yet touchable.

3. Boost with Hair Styling Powder ($16.00): Lightly dusted at the roots, this best-selling product – boasting 27,000+ five-star Amazon reviews and selling one unit per minute globally – adds instant thickness and long-lasting lift, making it the secret behind Sam’s signature volume.

Slick Gorilla’s U.S. debut signals a major step for the brand as it continues to grow its global presence with ambassadors like Hartman leading the charge.

This December, Glasgow hair stylists and barbers will get to be a part of a new fashion movements in the barbering and hair industry, as Jade Hayter – The Label hosts a month-long pop-up at The 145 Collective in Glasgow. 

Stylists and barbers will have chance  to feel the quality for themselves — because this collection is designed to be experienced, not just seen. Every piece is crafted with premium, durable, bleach-proof fabrics, and trying them on in person lets professionals appreciate the weight, fit, and movement that photos can’t fully capture. Explore the textures, test the flexibility, and see how each garment shapes to the body, ensuring they invest in clothing that performs in the shop and feels incredible to wear. This is an opportunity to build a work wardrobe with intention — confidently, hands-on, and tailored to the individual.

Founded by Jade Hayter — professional hairdresser and owner of The 145 Collective — the label offers stylish, high-performance clothing that’s bleach-proof, stain-resistant, and sustainably made. Designed for barbers, stylists, and educators who live their craft every day, the collection gives professionals what the industry has been lacking: fashion that holds up to salon life without sacrificing style. 

Traditional hairdressing and barbering attire has long been limited to basic uniforms or merch-style apparel. Jade Hayter – The Label changes that with pieces that look sharp enough for photos, events, and stage work — while being engineered to survive chemical splashes, colour stains, and everyday shop wear.

Whether cutting in the studio, teaching at events, filming content, or jumping behind-the-chair between educational moments, barbers and stylists can now look polished all day — no spare-outfit panic, no ruined clothes.

Founder Jade Hayter said: “I’m so excited to bring this collection home to Glasgow for the pop-up. We created clothing that elevates the look and feel of barbering and hairdressing – pieces that are stylish, practical, and made to last. This industry deserves apparel that performs without compromising creativity, quality, or sustainability.”

Pop-Up Details:

Location: The 145 Collective, 145 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4SQ
Dates: Runs daily throughout December.

Website: jadehayter.com
Instagram: @jadehayterthelabel

Nine years. £207,000+ raised for children’s charities to date. One incredible community of barbers and bikers.

This year’s BarbersRide roared back onto the road, smashing the 20K target to raise a phenomenal £26,238.40 – with more still rolling in! 2025 brought together more than 45 riders, creating memories to last a lifetime. Some joined for a day, others rode the full distance, but all shared the same mission: to support Make-A-Wish and bring joy to children living with critical illness.

Kicking off at long term sponsor Lind Harley-Davidson in Newmarket, the ride was expertly led by road captain Matty Wood, who plotted and guided the route with precision. Day One saw the crew roll into Captain Fawcett HQ in King’s Lynn, one of the most anticipated stops, where, so they say, hospitality was as legendary as the moustaches. I should coco!

Onwards to the renowned Waterman & Webb, who hosted a truly magnificent evening. The next morning, the Ride received a thunderous welcome at Wahl HQ, complete with Ramsgate’s finest homemade doughnuts. From there, it was on to Iron Born Barbers in Southampton, where Reuzel CEO Rob Wilcox flew in all the way from Denver, Colorado to join the ride – now that’s dedication chums! A visit to fantastic BarbersRide sponsor Uppercut followed, then on to Barbicide® – a cash sponsor since day one, whose support has been woven into BarbersRide’s DNA from the very beginning. Huzzah!

Old Red Barbershop gave the merry band of bikers an incredible welcome with Bedford’s local press and the mayor in attendance for their special 10^th birthday celebration. Next came a simply awesome stop at Thornton 100 Custom Bike Builders before the grand finale at The Master’s Barber Shop in Southport. Great food, live music and an epic party that grooved late into the night – what a way to finish!

At each stop, handsome wooden plaques were presented to thank long-standing supporters for their sterling contribution to the cause as the journey swept through the New Forest, across the expanse of Salisbury Plain, along the honeyed lanes of the Cotswolds and finally into Southport in one glorious, rumbling line.

Behind the scenes, rider Iain Crockart captured the adventure with stunning photographs, while Russ Lee kept followers hooked with buzzing social updates. Special thanks also go to Captain Fawcett’s Jenna Leake, who has been instrumental in organising past rides – even while taking on her own rather special project off the road this year…congratulations!

Sponsors included Captain Fawcett, Barbicide®, Reuzel, Uppercut Deluxe, Wahl, Matakki Scissors, American Crew, Denman and trusty media partner BarberEVO Magazine – once again proved that generosity in this industry runs deep.

BarbersRide Co-Founder, Xavier Berrell (Ice Cool Products Ltd), summed it up: “Make-A-Wish is why we do it, but it’s also about the camaraderie of spending a week on the road with the best bunch of people ever. We’ve built a community of like-minded individuals and made life-long friendships through BarbersRide. That in itself is a beautiful thing.”

Fellow Co-Founder, Richie Finney, aka the Right Hand Man added:
“This year was simply incredible, the best yet. Across the route, the turnout of supporters was phenomenal and local community interaction just brilliant. Some rode the whole way, others joined for a leg or even just an evening and every single person brought something truly amazing to the Ride. Rumours that Captain Fawcett won the bright red child’s go-kart at The Master Barbers raffle are as yet unconfirmed…”

After nine incredible years, the current organisers are taking a well-earned back seat. The road ahead is wide open, perchance for a new crew to take it forward… get in touch if that might be you!

Wahl Professional has expanded its powerful styling collection with the launch of the LimitedEdition Cool Blue Vanquish™ Dryer. The Vanquish™ has raised the bar for hair dryers, now stylists and barbers can experience the Vanquish in a colour as cool as it feels.

The Cool Blue design is the latest edition to an already stellar line up including: The Black Vanquish™ and Rose Gold Vanquish™ dryers, and the Vanquish™ Hair Dryer Stand.

Experience the Vanquish™ Difference:

• Speed Up Drying Time: FlowControl delivers consistent heat that dries hair evenly from root to tip.
• Keep Noise to a Minimum: SmoothTone™ motor system removes uncomfortable sound frequencies.
• No More Wrist Fatigue: Super-light design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue when drying for long periods of time.
• Quick Drying Results: High-speed digital motor delivers exceptional air speed for quick drying results.
• Easy Maintenance: Auto-clean function keeps the filter clear of debris so you can keep the dryer working in top condition.
• Safe Styling: Premium magnetic attachments fit securely to the dryer for safe styling.

The Limited Edition Cool Blue Vanquish™, Black Vanquish™ and Rose Gold Vanquish™ are £149.99 each. The Vanquish™ Hair Dryer Stand is £29.99. All are available to purchase from wahl.co.uk.

The UK Government has unveiled a new strategy  Backing Your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Businesses outlining its long-term commitment to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).  

With hair & beauty comprising thousands of salons, barbershops, clinics and self-employed professionals, many measures in this plan will directly affect our sector. 

High Street Revival and Cost Relief  

The NHBF has campaigned for a reformed business rates system, and we cautiously welcome the announcement that Government plans to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure premises with ratable values under £500,000 starting in April 2026.  

This change, alongside extended relief for 2025/26 and a freeze on the Small Business Multiplier, is a step towards providing financial relief to many hair and beauty businesses. 

However, this is just a first step in the right direction, the NHBF is working with the Government to secure significant levels of reform.  

Tackling the Issues of Late Payments 

One of the major announcements in the Government’s plan is new legislation to tackle late payments. 

This is a long-standing and serious issue in the hair and beauty sector. Many NHBF Members, particularly Solo Members, Assured Trade Members including educators, and brand ambassadors, report delays of 60 days or more when working with larger companies.  

These late payments can cause major cashflow problems and undermine trust. The proposed reforms will introduce stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and the power to fine large firms that consistently pay late.  

NHBF strongly supports this change by the Government, which has the potential to deliver fairer, faster payments across the supply chain and empower small business owners to focus on their work, not chasing invoices. 

Tackling Crime and Licensing Red Tape 

The plan also responds to growing concerns over safety on the high street, promising 13,000 additional community police officers and specific action against shoplifting and theft.  

We know that many Members are concerned about the impact on their businesses if an area is perceived to be high crime, so we welcome this investment.  

Support for Skills and Digital Growth 

The Government is investing in leadership training, digital adoption, and AI tools for small business owners.  

This includes specialist funding through the Made Smarter Adoption programme and expanded access to apprenticeships. These initiatives could help salons upskill staff, streamline bookings and marketing, and attract new clients. 

The NHBF will work closely with the Department of Business and Trade to understand what this means for our Members and the wider hair & beauty sector.  

Employment and Environmental Challenges 

Finally, NHBF is closely monitoring proposals under the Employment Rights Bill, which is mentioned throughout the Business Plan, which could increase costs for small employers. There are also new expectations around energy use and sustainability. While support is offered, compliance may be complex and costly for some. 

Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, says, “We welcome this plan as a starting point. NHBF will be engaging directly with Government to ensure our Members, the hair & beauty sector’s voice is heard by championing policies that support, not strain, this vital part of the economy. We will continue keep members informed and provide resources to help navigate these changes.

For over 25 years, OSMO has been at the forefront of professional haircare, empowering stylists, barbers, and consumers with high-performance products that encourage fearless self-expression. Now, OSMO has unveiled a bold new look and an expanded range of innovative products designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

For blowouts that last longer and holidays that shouldn’t end in frazzled hair, the new OSMO Travel Size range will keep hair looking salon-finished – from the hairdresser’s chair to the beach cabana.

Eight iconic OSMO shampoos and conditioners have been reimagined into sleek, travel-ready essentials and post-salon saviours. Whether you are jet-setting or simply need a quick refresh, these products ensure your hair stays effortlessly chic, wherever you are.

Same beloved formulas – now in a more convenient package. Introducing the OSMO Cult Classics – now travel-sized:

• OSMO Deep Moisture Hydrating Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Deep Moisture Hydrating Conditioner (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Deep Moisture Intensive Repair Mask (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Scalp Therapy Detoxify Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Silver No Yellow Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Silver No Yellow Mask (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Ice Brightening Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Ice Brightening Mask (75ml, £4.80)

Elevating your hair game whether you’re beach-bound or city-hopping, the new OSMO travel range is your pocket-sized pal.Your best hair days are just a (small) bottle away!

OSMO is available from hair salons nationwide and can now also be bought online at www.osmohair.co.uk

In a continued show of support for Plastic Free July, salon software leader Phorest returned to Bull Island, Dublin recently for its annual beach cleanup in partnership with Clean Coasts, joining forces with industry friends, salon customers, and the Phorest team to help protect and preserve Ireland’s stunning coastline.

The initiative, now in its second year, forms part of Phorest’s wider commitment to environmental sustainability and community action. With plastic pollution continuing to threaten marine life and the natural beauty of Ireland’s beaches, the event was a meaningful way for the hair and beauty industry to take collective, hands-on action.

Phorest teamed up once again with Clean Coasts, the nationwide programme dedicated to protecting Ireland’s waterways, seas, and shorelines. Their expert support ensured a safe and impactful cleanup that cleared litter from the Bull Island beach and surrounding dunes, while also educating participants on the impact of plastic waste and the steps individuals and businesses can take to reduce it.

Employees from Phorest’s Dublin HQ were joined by local salon clients and partners from across the industry, demonstrating the power of community and shared values in driving positive change. Whether sweeping the sand for microplastics or collecting larger debris from the shoreline, the group’s efforts contributed to a cleaner, safer coastal environment for all.

The day also reflected Phorest’s broader sustainability mission, which includes reducing waste through its software features (such as digital consultation forms and receipts), supporting circular economies via its partnership with Green Salon Collective and the Green Fee, and offsetting its own emissions through tree-planting and carbon-neutral initiatives.

Plastic Free July continues to serve as a valuable reminder of the small, tangible steps we can all take, whether as individuals, teams, or businesses, to protect the planet. Phorest extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the cleanup and remains committed to creating a more sustainable future, one initiative at a time.

The Denman partnership with Plastic Bank® has reached a massive milestone and so far, has prevented over 8.5 million plastic bottles and 170 thousand kilograms of plastic reaching the worlds waterways and oceans. The partnership is now in its third year, and the results speak for themselves.

Plastic Bank® is an incredible organisation that builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social Plastic®. Collectors receive credits for the materials they collect which can be redeemed against family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance.

Plastic Bank’s blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data which means that Denman can see a snapshot of just how many people and communities around the world have been positively impacted by the partnership (over 1000 people and 83 communities and counting).

Denman Professional CEO, Kevin McNamee, said: “The Plastic Bank partnership is pivotal to our CSR strategy and the work they do makes a material difference to the communities in their programme. This is a fantastic milestone, but the work goes on and so does our support.”

Thanks to their radical transparency and traceability Denman knows just who and where their support is being felt. The image above shows a beach in Bali where bottles are being collected by Kinten, a member of the Plastic Bank® collection community. Sadly, Kinten’s husband passed away in January 2010 and left her with their two children.

As a single mother, Kinten has to work hard to support her children. Kinten collects plastic from her neighbours, the village post office, temples and beaches. She can collect 400 kgs every week! Since joining Plastic Bank® in 2019, she receives extra cash and other life-improving benefits. The extra income truly helps her to provide daily needs and to support her children.

Plastic Bank | The global bottle deposit program

The countdown is officially on for the most glamorous night in the Scottish hair and beauty calendar—SHABA 2025.

Set to return to the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, on Sunday, 24th August 2025, SHABA promises another show-stopping, sell-out evening celebrating the very best in the industry.

Presented by industry icons Josie Smith and Simon Shaw, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable yet. With the SHABA team working tirelessly behind the scenes, guests can expect a night full of style, celebration, and some very special surprises.

Adding to the glamour, red carpet royalty Falon Carberry and Justin Mackland will be on hand to interview guests as they arrive—so dress to impress!

SHABA Founder, Joanne Reid, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Fresha as our headline sponsor for SHABA 2025, along with incredible support from our partners: OSMO, Remi Cachet, Hair and Beauty World, Wahl Professional, Tan Truth, KAO, and Crazy Angel. Their continued belief in the vision of SHABA helps us create an unforgettable platformfor excellence in hair and beauty.

“As always, our esteemed panel of judges will be in attendance, making SHABA 2025 the perfect opportunity to network, celebrate, and honour the exceptional talent across Scotland’s thriving hair, beauty, and barbering community.”

With just a few tables and tickets remaining, those wishing to be part of this night are encouraged to book now via the SHABA official website: www.scottishhairandbeautyawards.com

Whether you’re a finalist, sponsor, industry legend, or supporter,SHABA 2025 is the place to be.