For Women’s History Month, we are featuring the stories of some of Wahl Professionals top female barbers who have risen through the industry and made a name for themselves. 

Brittany Calzada, Barber and Wahl Pro Educator

My journey into barbering started with a passion for sculpting and manipulating hair. I always appreciated the art of personal grooming and how a haircut could transform someone’s confidence. I love that barbering goes beyond just cutting hair, it allows you to connect with people you probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

As a woman operating a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced challenges. There were moments when clients were surprised to see a female barber and doubted my ability. I’ve been overlooked in the shop just because I was a woman, and I had to work harder to earn a guest’s trust and respect. At the end of the day, the challenges were fuel to my fire and desire to become one of the best professionals in the industry. I focused on honing my skills and letting my talent speak for itself, and it’s led me to become the accomplished barber that I am today and my partnership with Wahl.

Working with Wahl has been a game changer for my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a brand that is recognized and trusted for its high-quality tools, dedication to the craft, and commitment to accessible education for professionals at any level in the industry. Throughout the partnership, the brand helped me elevate my skills with the right tools and continuous training. Some of my favorite Wahl Pro products to work with are the Wahl Pro Magic Clip, the Wahl Pro Vanish Shaver, and the new Wahl Pro Vapor™. And being part of the team has opened doors to opportunities and growth.

As the industry is becoming more diverse and women in barbering are being recognized more and more, there’s more space for female barbers to make their mark, and more opportunities for brands and leaders in the industry to support aspiring female barbers. Today’s industry is becoming a more supportive community where women feel encouraged to thrive, and I’m truly excited to be a part of it and be a role model for the next generation.

My advice to aspiring barbers would be never to underestimate your worth and your abilities. If a client chooses not to get a haircut from you because you’re a woman, respect their decision and know that the client isn’t the right fit for you. This is the first step in building up your confidence and allowing yourself to focus on clientele that want your expertise behind the chair. The next step to making your confidence unshakeable is by practicing your craft as much as possible and surrounding yourself with supportive peers of all genders who believe in you. With these steps – a Wahl tool in hand! – any aspiring women barber will be unstoppable.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has announced that Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive and Rosina Robson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, have been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.

This prestigious recognition, curated by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), celebrates 100 inspirational women who have made significant contributions to trade associations across the UK.

The Powerlist will be officially launched today, March 7, 2025, to coincide with International Women’s Day, underscoring the vital role of female leadership in various sectors.

Caroline Larissey, who assumed the role of NHBF Chief Executive in November 2023, has been instrumental in driving the federation’s strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience spans over three decades, beginning as a salon junior and progressing through roles such as stylist, beauty therapist, business owner, and further education lecturer. Prior to her current position, Caroline served as the NHBF’s Director of Quality and Standards, where she championed the development of industry standards and best practices.

Under Caroline’s leadership, the NHBF has successfully implemented an ambitious five-year strategy, restructured the organization for enhanced operational efficiency, and ensured financial stability and transparency. Notably, the launch of the NHBF Manifesto in May 2024 has set a positive vision for the future, outlining how the government can better support the creativity, entrepreneurship, and public service displayed by NHBF members.

Caroline expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating,
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist alongside my exceptional colleague, our director of policy and public affairs Rosina Robson. This past year has marked a significant transformation for the NHBF as we’ve successfully implemented our ambitious five-year strategy, restructured our organisation with clear operational frameworks, ensuring both financial stability and transparency. Particularly rewarding has been the launch of our NHBF Manifesto and the establishment of our advisory boards, areas where Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has been instrumental. Her expertise has significantly amplified our sector’s voice at the highest levels of government and strengthened our influence across key policy areas.

The development of our NHBF, Survive and Thrive with the NHBF initiative, our Assured Trade Member scheme, digital credits, recognising sector excellence, and our innovative ‘Business in a Box’ Member offer represent just some of the ways we’re revolutionising how trade associations deliver value. Being selected by FSB, CBI, and the Trade Association Forum validates our approach to combining sector-specific expertise with strategic vision to create lasting positive change for our members and the entire hair and beauty sector.”

Rosina Robson, NHBF’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, brings a wealth of experience from her work in Westminster and Whitehall, where she has been pivotal in securing positive changes to legislation. At the NHBF, Rosina is responsible for presenting the views of members on critical issues such as wages, standards, and taxation to politicians across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has significantly amplified the sector’s voice at the highest levels of government. Her efforts have strengthened NHBF’s influence across key policy areas, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of members are effectively communicated and addressed.

The inclusion of Caroline Larissey and Rosina Robson in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist highlights NHBF’s dedication to excellence, advocacy, and the advancement of the hair and beauty industry.

As March is Women’s History Month, BarberEVO decided to team up with Wahl Professional to show our appreciation of some of the top female barbers in the industry, and how they have overcome adversity in a male-dominated industry.

Featuring: Kristi Faulkner, Wahl Education Team, International Platform Artist & Educator

From a very early age, I loved everything about cutting hair – I always cut all my Barbie dolls’ hair and did all my friends’ hair in school. After high school, I went to college and cosmetology school at the same time and got my cosmetology license. Shortly after, I got married and moved to a military town – that’s really where my passion for barbering started. Even though I had just graduated from cosmetology school, I had never picked up a pair of clippers ever. I found a barbershop to work at, and the owner gave me a Wahl Professional Designer clipper and a Wahl Professional Peanut. The rest is history.

At the beginning, it was extremely hard to even have anyone sit in my chair. Not many female barbers cut hair for those of all different races and with all textures, but I was young and eager to learn, so I learned learning to cut men’s hair and all different textures. The owner, Miss Ann, was a Korean female barber who taught me everything I know. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she gave me. At that time, it was $4.00 a haircut and I made 40% of that. I definitely had to learn fast and cut fast. That is where my love of barbering came from and my speed.

After time and A LOT of practice I began to really start a great clientele on the military. Unfortunately, I ended up moving home and that’s when I really had a reality check. I was a white woman that cut all different textured hair, but mainly ethnic hair because it was my favorite to cut. When I looked for a job, I got turned away over and over again. I finally found a barbershop that gave me a chance, but still, no one wanted me to cut their hair. They thought I was an undercover cop or something like that. It took a lot of time and patience, but once I had a few people sit in my chair, I proved my skill.

Eventually I had to leave the barbershop, and I saved all the money I earned to open the first multi-cultural shop in my area. I have been licensed for 32 years now and with Wahl Professional clippers going on 17 years.

I’ve always found joy in continuing my barber education, so I went to all the hair shows I could. I was very fortunate that when I was at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, the largest ethnic show in the country, the head of education for Wahl clippers at the time, Isadore Adams, was there working the booth. He gave me the chance of a lifetime – I went on stage at the show and cut a head as a demonstration. I was so nervous to be up there, but when I turned on my Wahl Pro clippers, I instantly relaxed and showed off my skills that I had worked so on for over the years. I would never have thought a pair of Wahl Pro clippers would take me all over the world. I have done international shows and classes, all throughout the U.S. as well. Even working for the most trusted barbering tools company in the world, I still faced doubters who challenged my skillset. I worked even harder to know my Wahl tool knowledge better than anyone else, and I never gave up, which only made me better.

I’ve been so blessed to be a part of the Wahl family. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. Now, I’m a part of the product and development team as well. I absolutely love anything and everything that has to do with Wahl – from the actual products, like my current favorites the 5-Star Vapor™ and the 5 Star A•LIGN Trimmer, to learning how to use them to create new looks and cuts.

This industry is ready for new upcoming female barbers. We have a few new female barbers on our Wahl Education team that are phenomenal. I love to share my story with other aspiring women in the industry, and I always encourage all female barbers to be fearless. Don’t give up! We have an incomparable skillset and presence. I always tell other female barbers the road might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Every single disappointment will make you stronger and better. The future is bright for female barbers, and I’m so blessed I was able to help pave a little of the way.

@CuttingThroughTheNoise is proud to announce they will be a podcast partner at HairCon for this year’s event. Hosted by the dynamic duo Stephanie Mason and Hayley Mears, the podcast is known for its no-nonsense, insightful discussions on the ever-evolving hair and beauty industry. Their combined experience in the hair sector, business strategy, marketing, and digital content ensures that their contributions to HairCon will be both invaluable and inspiring.

With an acute understanding of industry challenges and trends, Cutting Through the Noise will provide real-time, thought-provoking conversations with key players in the market. No commercial topic is off-limits, as Stephanie  and Hayley dissect crucial issues such as:

• The impact of current supply chain disruptions
• The latest e-commerce trends and their influence on the beauty market
• The shifting landscape of salon culture and workplace flexibility
• Strategies for brands that launched during economic downturns and those that have successfully navigated market challenges

At HairCon, the podcast will deliver exclusive interviews with top industry leaders, emerging brands, and pioneering entrepreneurs who have adapted and thrived in uncertain times. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions on business-to-business operations, salon sustainability, digital transformation, and education-driven solutions to the industry’s most pressing concerns.

“Our vision is to unite the hairdressing industry through real-time conversations about the economic and business changes shaping our sector,” says Hayley Mears. “HairCon provides the perfect platform for these crucial discussions.”

@CuttingThroughTheNoise aims to empower salon professionals, educators, and business owners with the knowledge they need to stay ahead in this competitive landscape.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Don’t miss out on this groundbreaking partnership and the exclusive content that@CuttingThroughTheNoise will bring to HairCon. Secure your tickets now and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the industry.

For ticket information and event details, visit HairCon.

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is delighted to announce the launch of their brand-new platform sharing events – the Fellowship Creative XChange™. These events are an opportunity for creatives to come together to present new ideas and techniques, collaborate with like-minded individuals to build stronger local communities and educational learning HUBS. The Creative XChange™ events will seek to cover all aspects of the hairdressing and barbering industry, from traditional to contemporary techniques in cutting, styling, colour and barbering across all hair types and textures.

The Events will be taking place in Salons, Barber Shops, and Independent Spaces throughout the UK, under licence from and promoted by the Fellowship for British Hairdressing to encourage all professional hairdressers in the local area to come along and take part or just soak up the atmosphere and learn some new techniques it’s where “creativity meets innovation”, right on your doorstep. Ask the questions you’ve always wanted to ask or showcase a technique or a trend that you’ve been perfecting. The Creative XChange™ has something for everyone.

Fellowship Creative XChange™ have been implemented to build up local creative communities and encourage professionals to become members of the Fellowship and to apply for the Fellowship’s Bespoke Education Projects.

Barry Stephens, CEO of the Fellowship, commented: “The launch of the Fellowship Creative XChange™ is a crucial development in the evolution of the hairdressing industry, playing a vital role in the connecting of like-minded industry professionals in cities outside of the capital, whilst also illustrating the benefits of becoming a member of the Fellowship.”

Ashleigh Hodges, the President of Fellowship added: “Hairdressing is one of the most creative professions in the world – and we’re so lucky that have a community of like-minded professionals that want to collaborate with one another and help each other to grow and develop their skills -and the Fellowship Creative XChange™ aims to help doing just that! We hope to build communities of creatives whose passion for the craft align, whilst creating a space for them to come together to present and collaborate on new ideas and techniques.”

To start your Fellowship Journey, we’d love for you to host a Creative XChange™ Event in your Salon, Barber Shop or Independent Space.

Salon owners are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to throw the sector an economic lifeline, with a new report highlighting how an unbalanced tax system is decimating their industry.

New findings warn that unless things change, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030. This would leave very few in employment, creating a sector largely devoid of the employment rights that come with being an employee.

With the Spring Forecast due in five weeks, the British Hair Consortium – which represents 50,000 UK hairdressing professionals – says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.

The analysis commissioned from the independent consultancy CBI Economics – based on responses from over 2,000 salon owners and professionals – highlighted how:

“Our industry has been ignored for years and we’re calling on the Government to correct decades of mismanagement,” said Toby Dicker, co-founder of the British Hair Consortium.

“Most owners haven’t had a pay rise in many years and simply can’t consider expanding their business, let alone take on an apprentice. A ‘one size fits all’ tax system doesn’t work and has created an unlevel playing field. Increasing numbers of owners are either closing their salons or changing their employment practices and are renting chairs to contractors just to survive. This report shows how cutting VAT to 10% won’t cost the Government a penny. It would save salons across the country and ensure the future of our industry which sits at the heart of the high street,” he added.

Ireland has recognised this and dropped its VAT on labour intensive businesses in hairdressing and hospitality to nine percent. The change is working – new salons are popping up and paying tax while workers are also benefiting from improved employment rights.

Laura Geary, Director at Headmasters, one of the UK’s biggest salon groups and one of the largest providers of apprenticeships in the industry said: “The changes from the last Budget have made it very hard for salons to continue to offer the benefits of employment and we will certainly not be able to take on as many apprentices going forward. This will kill the future of our industry.”

Charlie Collinge, Director at Collinge & Co, added: “Last year’s change in NI contributions has forced us to close our salon in Ormskirk in West Lancashire after 57 years of trading. Nearly all our competitors in Ormskirk are self-employed and we cannot continue to be competitive.”

“We’re also a specialist provider of hairdressing apprenticeships – the largest in Liverpool. Last year we had over 300 applications but were only able to find employment for 60 apprentices because fewer salons can afford to take them on. Apprenticeships are the main route for sustainable careers in hairdressing, but the model is under threat if there aren’t enough salons able to directly employ hairdressers,” adds Charlie.

Denise Thomas, owner of Denise Thomas Hair Salons in Liverpool, has been a hairdresser for almost 47 years and a salon owner for 25 years. “ One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced over the years has been VAT. A growing number of salons now operate with chair renters who don’t have to pay VAT, which allows them to keep their prices low and creates an uneven playing field.

“I also worry about the future for the next generation of stylists. Who will train them? Recently I had to make the difficult decision to let my two newest apprentices go because I simply can’t afford them. My training provider has no salons on their books looking for apprentices this year, as chair rental salons don’t typically train apprentices. If salons like mine continue to be squeezed, they’ll become less and less viable, making it even harder for employers like me to secure a stable future.”

What can you do to help?

The British Hair Consortium is desperately urging the industry to take the following action:

Head to the BHC website and everything you need is there.
1. Download the templated letter – https://www.bhc.org.uk
2. Personalise the letter where indicated.
3. Download the report.
4. Look up your local MP & email them the letter, report and link to the video that is on the website.

Fresha, the world’s leading marketplace and business management platform for the beauty, wellness and self-care industry, is accelerating its global expansion while reinforcing its position as the safest and most secure platform on the market.

In just six months, Fresha’s proprietary AI and Machine Learning technology has reduced fraud by an incredible 99%, preventing fraudulent transactions from affecting businesses and clients. This milestone sets a new benchmark for security in the industry, showcasing Fresha’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats and ensuring unparalleled protection for businesses and clients worldwide.

To achieve this, Fresha combines advanced AI-driven fraud prevention with a comprehensive layered security program. By leveraging frameworks like ISO 27001, HIPAA, and GDPR, Fresha ensures that data is protected, vulnerabilities are identified in real time, and all system access is tightly controlled. Zero-trust access management, continuous automated compliance monitoring, and secure vendor protocols further minimize risks, ensuring both proactive and reactive defences are in place.

Fresha’s AI-powered fraud detection system uses predictive analytics to identify suspicious patterns before they cause harm—going beyond traditional, reactive methods. Advanced transaction scoring monitors multiple parameters to detect fraudulent activity, while automated systems flag and block payment fraud attempts—such as stolen card transactions—before they happen. Furthermore, Fresha’s secure messaging infrastructure proactively combats SMS and email phishing scams, ensuring that clients and businesses remain protected across every interaction.

To further strengthen its security posture, Fresha invites skilled security researchers and ethical hackers to partner in enhancing the platform’s security infrastructure. Through a comprehensive bug bounty program, Fresha fosters collaboration with the cybersecurity community to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities. The focus is on discovering high-impact security findings that help maintain the robust protection Fresha users expect and deserve. Qualified security researchers interested in participating in the bug bounty program can reach out to security@fresha.com for detailed program guidelines, scope, and reward information.

“As we continue to grow, our responsibility to safeguard businesses and clients grows with us,” said William Zeqiri, Founder & CEO at Fresha. “Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but so are we. With our proprietary AI and Machine Learning systems, we don’t just react to fraud—we stop it before it even starts. Combined with our robust compliance and security frameworks, this ensures that Fresha remains the safest and most reliable platform in the industry.”

Fresha’s approach to security is not just about fraud prevention—it’s about maintaining a seamless, efficient experience for over 130,000 partners and tens of millions of users globally. By automating security processes, Fresha eliminates complexity while safeguarding operations at scale.

With fraud on the rise globally—including £571 million in card payment fraud in the UK in 2023 and projected $91 billion in e-commerce payment fraud losses by 2028—Fresha’s AI-driven security measures have never been more essential. As cybercriminals evolve, Fresha continues to lead the industry in setting new security benchmarks for trust and reliability.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) today released findings from its latest State of the Industry Survey, revealing that an unprecedented 78% of hair and beauty businesses plan to increase their prices in the next three months – the highest level recorded since the survey began.

The quarterly survey of sector businesses across the UK paints a picture of an industry at a crossroads, with rising operational costs post Autumn Budget forcing difficult decisions about staffing, apprenticeships, and business models.

Key findings include:

• 52% of businesses plan to implement price increases of 5-10%.
• 31% of businesses reported a decrease in their workforce over the last quarter.
• 59% expect to reduce apprenticeship intake following the Autumn Budget.
• 26% of businesses are now planning to downsize or hand over their business.

The sector has already seen significant job losses, with official data showing a workforce reduction of 16,500 positions in 2023-24, following a 7% reduction in staff in 2022/23.

The impact of the Autumn Budget has been particularly significant, in addition to taking on fewer apprentices, businesses will reduce staff or apprentice hours (47%), the number of staff employed (47%) and business investment (41%) in response to the 6.7% rise in National Minimum Wage rates and changes to Employers’ National Insurance contributions.

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of NHBF, said: “The survey results paint a concerning picture of our sector’s future. While the personal care services sector has grown its economic contribution to £5.8 billion in 2023-24, we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. The combination of rising wages, increased National Insurance contributions, and reduced business rates relief is pushing many salon owners toward self-employed models, potentially ending decades of apprenticeship training that has been the lifeblood of our sector.

“Without urgent government intervention, particularly around VAT reform and targeted support for small employers, we risk losing the traditional salon model that has been central to high street vitality and community wellbeing. The NHBF is calling for immediate action, including a review of the VAT system, enhanced apprenticeship incentives, and improved business rates support to help protect and grow this vital sector.”

The survey also revealed that 41% of businesses are currently making a profit, with 42% breaking even. However, the number of businesses reporting losses has increased to 17%, up from 14% in September 2024.

Look out for our ‘Straightening out the costs’; report analysing the impact of the Autumn 2024 Budget on Hair & Beauty Sector in the coming days – a comprehensive analysis commissioned by NHBF and conducted by Pragmatix Advisory Ltd.

NHBF has written to the Chancellor ahead of the spring fiscal statement on 26 March calling for VAT reform, apprenticeship incentives for employers and business rates reform.

The NHBF has also launched its “Survive & Thrive with the NHBF,” a transformative programme designed to support members through these challenging times. This bold initiative provides month-by-month practical support including business adaptation tools, employment guidance, political engagement resources, and professional excellence development. The initiative will help businesses prepare for and navigate through the April 2025 changes and beyond.

Members can access these valuable resources through the ” Survive & Thrive with the NHBF” section of the NHBF website.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is thrilled to announce the 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalists. NAHA is the most prestigious professional beauty competition in North America and honors the salon industry’s top artists who push the boundaries of skill and creativity.

The 2025 NAHA finalists represent the best of the best in the beauty industry, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. These artists have defied expectation, creating collections that captivate and inspire.

To win a coveted NAHA award, artists submit their collections in their choice of fourteen categories which include hair, makeup, and educational excellence. Development of these collections often takes months of envisioning, planning, and shooting.

Collections are judged anonymously by a panel of esteemed experts in hairdressing and makeup artistry. The submissions are scored based on technical skill, cohesiveness, and creativity.

The NAHA 2025 Finalists are:

Avant Garde:

• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Julia Clayton @jujuwiththegoodhair
• Jaimee Harris Smith @Hairbyjsmith – nominated for 2 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Barber of the Year:

• Joel Tenser @JoelThair
• Carlos Estrella @Los_cut_it
• A-Rod @arod23pr
• Nieves Almaraz @howtofadehair
• Jamie DiGrazia @jamiedigrazia

Editorial Stylist of the Year:

• Maggie Semaan @maggiesemaan
• Lukas Press @Lukaspress_ – nominated for 2 categories
• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois @vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Educator of the Year:

• Nina Tulio @ninatulio
• Adrienne Dara @adriennedara
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Candy Shaw @thebalaylama
• Bryant Murphy @dezignedbyb

Haircolor:

• Tina Casciato @tinacasciato
• Janelle Eyre @jeyre.hair
• Sean Godard @seangodard
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories

Haircutting:

• Gilad Goldstein @myguiltycrown
• Austin Eric Lopez @AustinEricLopez
• Evie Johnson @contactevie
• Daniel Benoit @benoit4955
• Manda Ziegelman @mandaziegelman

Hairstylist of the Year:

• Dana Lyseng @danalysenghair
• James Abu-Ulba @method_education
• Nicole Pede @nmpede
• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories

Inspiring Salon of the Year:

• Freddie Dean @carousel.tattoo.barber
• Leah Tressler @salonboutiqueacademy
• Amber & Chet Pope @salon27az
• Martino Cartier @martinocartier @martinocartiersalon @wigsandwishes
• Vee Vargas @beherewithvee

Makeup Artist of the Year:

• Erin Hensley @erinhensleycolor
• Angela Balbon @mzbartistry
• Natalia Farahmand @desideriobeauty
• Nohemi Capetillo @noamyphotographer
• Ericka Brannon @erickabrannon

Master Hairstylist of the Year:

• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• Cassie Carey @cassiecarey.hair
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories
• Anna Pacitto @Anna_pacitto_pure
• Matthew Morris @matthewmorriscode

Student Hairstylist of the Year:

• Abby Bruneel @hair_byabbyy
• Zion Schwartz @zschwartz.artistry
• Dexter @cauldron_of_color
• Genevieve Holdeman @turquoisetouch_
• Imelda Mercer @maneimelda

Styling and Finishing:

• Galyna Poczciwinski @ufirami
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois@vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Veronika Shurunova @shurveronika

Team of The Year:

• Cult Salon @cult.salon.co – Vanessa Whitmarsh, Lindsey Hutchings, Gia Segundo, Cheri Cooke
• Valentinis @derrick_rutherford @juliocolor – Derrick Rutherford & Julio RodriguezEunoia Collection – Danielle Keasling, Pekela Riley, Anthony Negron, Bianca Donahue, Gilad Goldstein, Justin Tove s-Vincilione, Reva Haga
• JCPenney Salon @hairbyjsmith @beautiesbybee – Jaimee Harris Smith*, Brittany Brown, Charly Williams* nominated for 2 categories
• PHOTON @ruthroche – Ruth Roche*, Jill Leitz, Erica Wright, Wendy Belanger, Jackie Litscher *nominated for 3 categories

Texture:

The 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) winners will be unveiled during

a glamorous awards ceremony on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Premiere Orlando. This highly anticipated event will unite industry professionals, influencers, and beauty enthusiasts to celebrate the exceptional talent and groundbreaking work of these standout artists.

“The Professional Beauty Association is thrilled to honor the 2025 NAHA finalists, who represent the pinnacle of creativity and skill within the beauty industry,” shared Leslie Perry,

PBA Executive Director. “These artists showcase extraordinary vision, passion, and innovation that inspire their peers and elevate the industry.”

The winners for each category will be announced during Premiere Orlando on June 1, 2025. You can purchase your tickets to be part of the excitement by visiting probeauty.org/naha.

The spotlight is set to shine on Liverpool this autumn as the British Hair, Beauty And Barbering awards (BHBABs) make their highly anticipated debut in the city.

On Sunday, 5th October 2025, the prestigious event will bring together professionals from across the hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics industries for one unmissable night of celebration and recognition for excellence, innovation and true industry talent.

After 13 years of success and sell-out events in Scotland, and following overwhelming demand from salons and professionals across the UK, founder and Organiser Joanne Reid is finally bringing the celebration south of the border. Liverpool, with its thriving beauty scene and cultural significance, is the perfect city to host this landmark event.

Held at one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues, The Titanic Hotel, the BHBABs will unite industry-leading experts, rising stars, and innovators under one roof, celebrating the artistry, skill, and dedication that drive the UK’s ever-evolving hair and beauty sectors. This one-night-only event will set the stage for the best in the business to be acknowledged for their talent, hard work, and impact.

Joanne Reid, Founder of the BHBABs said: “The BHBABs are more than just an awards night – they are a platform for the industry to come together, share success, and be recognised on a national scale. We’re thrilled to be bringing this event to Liverpool, a city known for its vibrant beauty scene and rich cultural heritage. This will be a night to remember!”

With categories spanning across all areas of hair, beauty, barbering, and aesthetics, the awards will shine a spotlight on the professionals shaping the future of the industry. From cutting-edge hairstylists and trend-setting barbers to innovative beauty experts and pioneering aesthetic practitioners, the BHBABs will honour the very best talent from across the UK.

In addition to the prestigious awards ceremony, guests can expect an unforgettable evening of entertainment, networking, and celebration, with opportunities to connect with some of the industry’s most influential figures. Judged by industry leaders, ensuring credibility and prestige the BHBABs is a must-attend event for anyone in the beauty industry.

Nominations and Tickets: The BHBABs 2025 is now open for entries, welcoming registrations from professionals across the UK. Early registration is recommended due to high demand.
For more information, to register to take part or to secure your tickets, visit www.bhbabs.co.uk .