Phorest is taking its Client Experience Awards (CEAs) directly to the businesses that have earned them, with team members heading out across the UK & Ireland to personally congratulate some of this year’s winners.

The software firm, which specialises in salon, spa and clinic management, has been running the CEA’s since 2015 to recognise businesses that consistently put clients first. Personal delivery has become a key part of the initiative, with the Phorest team volunteering to visit winners in their local regions.

Part of a global Phorest initiative, the annual awards recognise salons and clinics that consistently deliver a great experience, with 640 awards awards hand-delivered worldwide in 2025.

There are no entry forms, judging panels or votes. Instead, winners are determined by verified client reviews collected through Phorest’s system, with businesses required to maintain an average rating of at least four out of five stars across the calendar year.

With the 2026 deliveries now taking place, Phorest CEO and founder, Ronan Perceval, personally joined in, taking to the streets of Dublin to surprise four Phorest customers with their 2026 awards.

His visits included Eoin Wright at Foundation, Tamar Chambers at Robert Chambers, Aidan O’Connell at Fade Laser and Kimika at Maru Hair Tokyo, where he congratulated each business.

“It was great to have Ronan out in Dublin delivering some of the awards himself this year. It shows that however much Phorest grows, staying close to our customers is still incredibly important to us,” said Luke Doolin, UK & Ireland Country Manager at Phorest.

“What I love about the Client Experience Awards is that they come directly from client feedback. There’s no application to complete or judging panel to impress. It’s simply recognition that these businesses are giving their clients a consistently great experience.”

Wahl have announced the launch of their new Head Shaver, a purpose-built tool created to make maintaining a clean-shaven look at home simpler, smoother and more comfortable.

The grooming brand has developed its Head Shaver using a flexible design that follows the contours of the head for a close, comfortable shave that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Combining premium floating flex blades with an ergonomic dual-grip design, Wahl’s Head Shaver is 100% waterproof, and features IPX7-rated construction making it suitable for wet or dry shaving. With up to 90 minutes of cordless runtime users have flexibility to groom wherever, and can easily charge on the go with the USB charging cable.

The Wahl Head Shaver is also suitable for full-body grooming, providing a versatile option for those looking to achieve a smooth finish beyond the head.

“If you are new to head shaving and deciding to take the plunge, it can feel like a big step,” said Amber Luckhurst, Global Portfolio Manager at Wahl.

“Whether prompted by thinning hair, a change of style or the desire for a lower-maintenance routine, the Wahl Head Shaver puts the control in your hands, helping to achieve a consistently close finish from the comfort of your own home.”

The Wahl Head Shaver Kit is available Wahl, TikTok Shop, Amazon, and Argos., with an RRP of £49.99.

International barber and men’s hairstylist JJ Savani launches his new book, Positioned, next month, revealing for the first time the extraordinary story behind the sunglasses that have become his trademark.

While his sunglasses give him an unmistakable vibe, JJ’s book reveals the truth behind their purpose – he is visually impaired. Diagnosed with keratoconus after his sight deteriorated, JJ’s life unravelled. He lost his career in the NHS, had a mental breakdown and needed specialist support, including supported housing.

“I won’t dress up what that period was,” said JJ. “I shut out my family and my friends. It cost me my home, my relationship at the time, and my business. I started again with a sofa bed and government support. That was my starting line, the second time around.”

After undergoing treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital, including corneal transplant surgery, some of JJ’s vision was restored, but he remains partially sighted and sensitive to intense light – hence the sunglasses he has worn throughout his career.

Following his surgery, JJ needed to find a new direction, and working behind the chair felt like a natural step. Growing up, he had spent time in his mom’s salon and worked Saturdays in the barbershop upstairs, but starting on this new career was only made possible when an anonymous benefactor paid for him to attend the London School of Barbering.

“To this day, I don’t know who it was,” says JJ. “Whoever you are: that gift changed everything.”

Following his training, JJ earned just £100 a week, but he progressed to become an educator at the London School of Barbering, rented a chair and eventually opened his own salon in Wellingborough.

Celebrity Cuts

His career took another turn when rapper Divine contacted him after seeing his work on Instagram. Celebrity clients followed, alongside editorial, education and session work. Today JJ works internationally, including at fashion weeks in London, Paris and Dubai.

Part memoir, part practical manual, Positioned explores how the lessons JJ learned rebuilding his own career can be applied by others who want to overcome setbacks, build their reputation and create opportunities.

Those principles also underpin JJ’s Global Stylist Blueprint education and his GBS Ascension Method™, which he teaches to hair professionals around the world.

“Hairdressers and barbers are incredibly talented, but talent by itself doesn’t automatically create the career you want,” said JJ.

“I had to rebuild my life and my career from almost nothing. Positioned takes what I learned doing that and turns it into something other people can use. It’s written through the lens of hair, but the principles can be applied to any career or business.”

JJ’s commitment to Moorfields will continue beyond telling his story. Every pound of his profits from Positioned will be donated to Moorfields Eye Charity, helping support its work to transform eye health through research, innovation, education and care.

Positioned is available in Paperback (£16.99) and on Kindle (£9.99)

The glitz has faded, the hangovers are (probably) almost gone but the style on show at this year’s Emmy Awards won’t be forgotten as easily. The night might have ended without a slap, but the hair was still jaw dropping. Our experts have rounded up the very best red carpet looks.

John Mulaney – Simon Shaw, Fellowship for British Hairdressing President

“John’s mullet has a contemporary edge that looks best when worn a little longer on the top and shorter on sides but blended seamlessly with the choppier in texture, giving it a modern appearance. John’s square face shape is complimented by this style’s longer lengths which balance the face’s proportions, making for an undone, yet polished finish.

“The versatility of this haircut is one of the best things about it – it can be worn slicked back with a gel or serum, or you can use a texturising spray or mattifying product to give the style added texture and body. I’d recommend using a sea salt spray and powder for touchable texture and definition – injecting body into the hair!”

Tom Holland – Bailey Snowden, Snowden Hair

“Tom has recently been growing out his curly quiff into a much more mature take and his Emmy’s look was definitely one to draw attention to. Tom wore a curly textured quiff with face framing curls creating a much more sophisticated curly look, that stands out from his previous appearances.

“To recreate this curly look, you have to work alongside the hairs natural curl pattern, I would keep the length long enough to allow the curls to fall naturally and use a point cutting technique looking to remove any bulk. Styling is key here, prep wet hair with a lightweight curly cream and the hair with a diffuser attachment on a low heat, this ensures the hair avoids frizz. Finish the styling with a lightweight hair oil to replicate Tom Holland’s showstopping shiny curls.”

Charles Melton – Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO EMEA Creative Director

“Charles Melton sported an effortless, almost undone hair look at this year’s Emmy’s, embracing his hair’s natural wavy texture. His long curls were enhanced with a matte styling pomade for added movement and definition, without looking too polished and allowing for some freedom in how the hair falls.

“Another great way to achieve voluminous curls like Charles’ is scrunching. Much like the name, this technique can be done with a gel or mousse, scrunching the curls upwards towards your head using the palm of your hand. I’d recommend using JoiGel Firm Styling Gel by JOICO for loose, flowing curls that infuse sophistication and playfulness.”

Richard Gadd – Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH Hair

“Richard was spotted sporting one of this season’s top men’s looks – the shorter cut with a cropped fringe. This is a great look for men who are looking for a very youthful and trendy cut that will show off their facial features. This is also a fantastic look as it can be styled both straight and smooth or messier for an edgy finish.

It’s important that as a hairdresser you use scissors on the sides to help taper these slightly for softness and to avoid the hair going too ‘bowl’ like. Richard’s textured cut pairs perfectly with a subtle undercut incorporated throughout for an edgy finish.”

Paul Anthony Kelly – Ross Charles, Ross Charles Hairdressing

“Paul’s Old Hollywood side part style was one of my favourite looks at the Emmy’s last night. He was eluding sophistication with this one. His cut was styled with a short back and sides to draw attention to the dynamic side part shaping drawing the eye into his features and accompanied by a tousled finish.

“To recreate this look I would recommend using a point cutting technique, ensuring the shaping is intentional with a lightweight texture styling product to achieve the soft and intentional tousled finish. My most reached product for creating this is the RC dust matte, as it perfectly creates the desired volume without weighing the hair down.”

Jack Lowden – Diana Carson, Rainbow Room’s Salon Director

“Jack was spotted on the red carpet wearing a clean short textured crop with a sophisticated slicked back quiff to finish, this look prioritises healthy hair texture which I might say was the perfect look for him to wear on the red carpet.

“When styling this look, I would recommend reaching for a good quality smoothing cream. Our RRI Smoothing Cream is a staple for taming any unwanted flyways and creating shine with long lasting results. Shape the hair into a side part and manipulate the hair in a backwards direction tucking the ends in and looking to create intentional volume with the quiff. “

The National Television Awards – one of the biggest nights in British television – took place at The O2 on Tuesday, with award-winning Scottish hairdresser Grant Carr leading the Men’s Grooming Area backstage for ELEVEN Australia.

Preparation began well before the ceremony, with Grant, co-owner of the Garçon in Glasgow, carrying out hair and grooming sessions for several influencers before adding his final touches ahead of the red carpet.

“Classic waves and natural curls are being embraced more, alongside lived-in, wet-look finishes,” said Grant, speaking on this year’s trends. “Paired with a great suit and a clean taper around the edges, it always looks sharp.”

CIARAN DAVIES @ciarandaviesss
For Ciaran, the focus was on creating volume, movement and texture while keeping the finish natural. Grant worked ELEVEN Australia I Want Body Volume Foam through the hair before blow-drying, then layered in texture spray to create definition and a soft wave.

To ensure the style photographed perfectly under the lights, Grant used topical hair fibres through the crown before completing Ciaran’s grooming with a facial, beard line-up and Ishga beard oil.

Later in the VIP area, Grant added the final touches with setting and shine spray before Ciaran headed to the red carpet.

FINLEY MADDOCK @finleymaddock
For Love Island’s Finley Maddock, Grant created a clean taper through the sides to remove weight while maintaining plenty of texture and movement on top. Sea Salt Texture Spray was diffused into the hair for a relaxed, natural finish.

A full facial gave the skin a fresh glow before Grant detailed and lined up Finley’s beard.
Finley returned to the VIP suite ahead of the red carpet, where Grant finished the look with Matte Texture Styling Paste and Give Me Hold Hairspray for added definition and hold.

PAUL KELBIE @paulkelbie
For influencer Paul Kelbie, Grant worked with his natural wave rather than against it, enhancing the existing movement to create an effortless, polished finish. Removing some weight, Grant worked some Smooth & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum into his hair and applied some Matte Texture Styling Paste to blend the sides.

JOE BAGGS @joebxggs
Podcaster Joe Baggs joined Grant for a complete style. Working with Joe’s mullet, Grant used Extra Hold Styling Clay and I Want Body Texture Spray to enhance its shape and definition, followed by Make Me Shine Spray Gloss to accentuate the highlighted sections under the lights. A final moustache tidy completed the look before Joe joined his family for the evening.

“Seeing everyone fully dressed and red-carpet ready after working with them throughout the day was such a great moment. The atmosphere backstage was incredible, and being part of a night as big as the NTAs with ELEVEN Australia was a real privilege,” said Grant.

The World Cup might be over, but like the Scottish fans who won the hearts of Boston, the game has left its mark on North America. The 2026 tournament will be remembered for a long time – and some of its most memorable moments happened above the ears.

From sharp fades to statement styles, every player’s haircut was in the spotlight, and behind every standout look was a barber trusted to get it right. BarberEVO went behind the scenes with the barbers keeping the world’s most famous players fresh for kick-off.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the barbers behind the World Cup’s biggest looks – but there’s plenty more where that came from. Pick up issue #52 of BarberEVO to read more.

David went from cutting NYCFC players to styling at some of soccer’s biggest events. His career in soccer started in 2017, with clients like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Patrick Vieira, but before long those relationships opened the door to the international stage.

By 2022, David was working inside the USA’s World Cup camp in Qatar (with his own fully stocked barbershop) and had a client list that included the biggest names in the game.

He doesn’t just keep players looking camera ready. David uses hair as a canvas, having creating a red, white and blue look for Weston McKennie and designing Emiliano Martinez’s famous Argentina flag style alongside Dani Ale and Sebastian Morales.

Despite his high-profile client list and jet-setting career, David’s advice for barbers is not to chase fame: “Cutting celebrities will not make you rich. In fact, you make more money staying at the shop.”

JAYÈMA (@jayemabrand)

Based in London but travelling wherever her clients need her, JAYÈMA is a go-to hairstylists for elite athletes, working with players from top tier teams like Brazil, England, the US and Canada.

Among her highlights, JAYÈMA’s work for Promise David saw the Canadian international take to the pitch with a signature twist style, featuring red and white rubber bands to represent his country.

Over the tournament, JAYÈMA brought that creative vision to bear for stars like Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, Haji Wright and Miles Robinson.  

Forget the glamour of working with soccer’s biggest names, for JAYÈMA, the job is about showing up, getting it right and being the person players rely on: “Trust, timing and discretion are extremely important. Hair is a big part of a player’s identity and confidence.”

Bryan Guardado (@nd.bryan)

Bryan’s route to the World Cup started with a DM. When FC Barcelona landed in Dallas, the mobile barber messaged the entire squad, and one player answered: Lamine Yamal.

That reply changed Bryan’s career. What began as a haircut grew into a trusted relationship, taking Bryan all the way to this year’s World Cup Final.

For the biggest game of his life, Yamal wanted a simple look – a taper through the sides and back, a trim on top and plenty of bulk around the sides. Bryan knew it needed to be flawless.

“I had to make sure my cut was different from the ones he had gotten before. If I did a good cut on him, I knew I would have the chance to cut more of them,” he said.

The experience has taught Bryan that the industry rewards those willing to take a risk: “Take that chance Be patient, love what you do and shoot your shot.”

Dany Ale (@dany_ale_32)

Talk about being under pressure – Dany Ale is the barber behind soccer legend Lionel Messi’s world-famous look.

After working with Argentina’s youth teams, Dany’s career went supersonic after Rodrigo De Paul sat in his chair, followed quickly by Messi himself. Now, he cuts inside Argentina’s national camp, which can see him doing as many as 15 cuts in a day.

When he’s trimming the likes of Messi, Dany knows millions will see his work, making any flaw fatal. Instead of losing his cool, experience helps him manage the pressure and concentrate on delivering his best for team and country.

“We all carry the same crest in our hearts. It is a great source of pride to see my national team reach a World Cup final.”

Christian Gonzalez (@cjdabarber)

CJ thought his World Cup moment had been made when he was booked to cut Portugal’s Diogo Dalot. But then, on his way out of the team’s hotel, his phone rang. It was Dalot, asking him to come back and cut Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I immediately turned back around,” CJ said. It wasn’t just a great opportunity, it was historic. CJ was cutting one of the most famous athletes on the planet ahead of one of his final World Cup games – a last appearance for a player whose has defined a generation of soccer.

Giving Ronaldo a seamless mid-drop fade with no C-cups, CJ blended out the disconnection with the top to create a smooth transition, exactly what the player asked for. For CJ, the cut can be summed up in one word: “Legendary.”

Yuri Alexandre Santos (@yuribarber_)

For Brazilian’s soccer is a religion, which makes Yuri Barber something close to a high-priest.

Working his way up from the streets of Santos to his own shop, Yuri built his reputation on hard work behind the chair and being ready to take on every style. His dedication has led him to cut at some of the biggest events on the planet, including the World Cup.

Over the tournament he cut for some of the most recognisable players in the game, like Neymar, Lucas Paquetá, Endrick and Bruno Guimarães, putting him in the spotlight of the media, supporters, sponsors.

From the outside, it can look glamorous — big players, major cities, iconic stadiums. But behind the scenes preparation, trust, and the ability to deliver under pressure are key.

“You are in a place where many want to be, so you need to give it your all.”

Alejandro Hernandez (@alexx_barberrrrr)

After cutting Mexican international Julian Araujo, word about Alejandro’s skills spread through the national team. One player became two, then three, and before long he was getting calls from the biggest names in Mexican football, like Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega, Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado and Memo Ochoa.

Working with these elite athletes comes with challenges, and Alejandro works around packed schedules, often flying to training camps, hotels and global tournaments.

Being mobile is a huge part of Alejandro’s success. He travels with his tools in a backpack, a compact ring light, and a lightweight hunting chair. His BaBylissPRO and Tomb45 tools were chosen for one simple reason: battery life.

Working with the Mexican team at the World Cup has been the pinnacle of his career so far: “It took me 12 years to get where I’m at. When I started, I told myself I’d cut soccer players. Manifesting is so real.”

Saúl Peregrini (@saulperegrini)

Saúl is the talent behind one of football’s most talked-about looks. His precision cut for Ferran Torres was hailed by GQ as the haircut of the tournament, bringing sharp, modern style to the game’s biggest stage.

Torres then completed the story in unforgettable fashion, scoring the winning goal in the final while wearing Peregrini’s signature work. It was a perfect meeting of elite performance and impeccable grooming: a championship-defining moment that put both player and barber in the spotlight.

For Peregrini, the recognition confirms his place among the leading names shaping contemporary football style, on and off the pitch: “To know that, before that moment, he went through my hands and trusted me with his image is a pride that is hard to explain.”

Jordan Roberts (@jord_barbersno1)

An English barber cutting the Scotland squad at the World Cup might sound…unlikely, but in soccer reputation matters and Jordan has one of the best.

It started 11 years ago with Brazilian Roberto Firmino, when he was handed a flyer sitting in his car in Jordan’s home city Liverpool. He came in for a haircut, became a regular, and from there the word spread fast.

By the time Scotland needed a barber for the World Cup, his rep for consistency and professionalism had been built in dressing rooms around the country. He spent a riotous five days in Boston with the Scottish nationals, keeping them fresh for the biggest moment in their careers.

The same was true for Jordan: “Mind-opening and one of the greatest personal achievements of my career.”

Seb Kortez (@sebkortez)

Seb’s journey in international soccer began at Authentic Hair Studio, where NYCFC players were already regulars. Those connections eventually led Seb to cut for the US team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was approached by players from Ecuador, Costa Rica and Argentina.

Preparation begins before he travels. Seb studies each squad’s players and hairstyles, packing the equipment needed for cuts, designs and color services. Good lighting, precise machines and backup tools are essential, and for styling and finishing, he relies on Rolda products to achieve the best results.

Seb’s return to the global stage for the 2026 World Cup, saw him working with Argentina to create one of the tournament’s most memorable looks: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s viral Argentina flag design.

“Watching a team lift a championship trophy after having contributed through my work will always be very special.”

Takushi aka Taxi (@takushi013)

When Japan stepped onto soccer’s biggest stage, it was a chance for Taxi to fulfill a dream.

The opportunity came through a personal recommendation when Tomoki Hayakawa introduced Taxi to Junnosuke Suzuki, giving him the chance to cut the defender’s hair before the World Cup. From there, Taxi’s personal connection has led him to work with Tomoki Hayakawa, Zion Suzuki and Kent Shiogai, as well as providing a trim for Yukinari Sugawara.

These were not haircuts designed to look good for only a few hours. The players would be training, traveling, competing and recovering, so each style needed to retain its shape without requiring a complicated routine.

BROSH products complemented his work, allowing him to bring an element of Japanese grooming to the experience while enhancing his designs without compromising natural movement.

Taxi knew the players he cut would arrive looking their best, and he viewed it as an opportunity to demonstrate the technical standard of Japan’s barbering community.

“Being able to make that dream come true as a barber is something I’m incredibly grateful for and deeply moved by.”

UK lawmakers will soon take the first step in their plans to protect the public from unscrupulous, illegal barbershops with the Barbers and Hairdressers (Registration) Bill to be presented at Parliament this month.

On Monday 14th September, Vikki Slade MP is scheduled to introduce the new Bill, which calls for the compulsory registration of barbers and hairdressers in England, Scotland and Wales.

Until now, the UK hair industry has remained largely unregulated, with barbers and hairdressers only required to voluntarily register with the Hair Council under the Hairdressers Registration Act 1964.

However, many in the industry have long argued that these measures do not go far enough to protect public safety or professional standards. Hopes are high that updating licensing laws will elevate the sector, eliminate rogue traders, make illegal businesses more visible and allow business owners to achieve a fair living.

A vocal advocate for mandatory registration, founder of The Barber Council Mike Taylor, of Mike Taylor Education, said that he had been encouraged by the attitude of MPs to finding solutions.

“It’s been a long campaign to get this far and this breakthrough has largely been due to building a relationship with our awesome local MP Vikki Slade,” said Mike.

“I shared the challenges and risks that both hair professionals and the public face due to a lack of any real scrutiny and Vikki gave me the opportunity to speak with MP’s at the Houses of Parliament.

“Registration should protect the public and legitimate businesses through verified competence, insurance and hygiene—not become another voluntary badge that rogue operators can ignore.”

As a Private Member’s Bill, the presentation is a formal First Reading without a debate or vote on the policy, though the Bill’s wording and Second Reading date should follow. For the Bill to make its way to law will depend on parliamentary time, cross-party backing and ultimately government support.

Barbers at Mr. Brothers Cut Club in Los Angeles, Drew Rush and Kei were among those chosen to try out Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN Trimmer as it made its debut in the USA. They talked with BarberEVO about how this tool helps them elevate their craft.

Founded in Harajuku, Japan in 2015, Mr. Brothers Cut Club combines traditional American and European Barbering with modern Japanese design techniques. Since its founding, the brand has skyrocketed, opening a location in LA in 2022.

That’s where Drew and Kei call home. Coming from a background that blends Japanese and American barbering, they were both the perfect choices to try out Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN range of tools, most notably, the ER-XT70 T-Blade Trimmer. We caught up with Drew and Kei to get their first impressions of the new tool.

Inspired by old-school barbershop culture from an early age, when he discovered Mr Brother’s Cut Club, and its meld of Japanese culture with New Americana style, Drew fell in love. So, when Panasonic launched its new THE BARIKAN Trimmer, which combines Japanese quality with American barbering culture, Drew couldn’t believe his luck.

“When I first got THE BARIKAN Trimmer, it was during the prototype stage,” Drew said. “The bevel, the way it fits in your hand, and the two power levels make this the perfect everyday tool.

“The quality that comes out of Japan has been unanimous for years. It’s good to see something new to the market that’s not just another white label trimmer.”

Japanese native Kei started his career in barbering at just 18, and moved to LA for the launch of Mr Brothers Cut Club’s US expansion in 2022. Since moving, Kei has not only managed Mr Brothers Cut Blub, but started educating for the barbershop’s sister company, BROSH, and is getting to work on Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN tour as well.

Onstage at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, Kei used THE BARIKAN Trimmer for a low taper fade. With its T-shaped blade made in-house, barbers have full visibility and control over the cut.

“It’s powerful, smooth, and safe,” Kei shared. “The quality of the tool is incredibly high, which makes it perfect for precision cutting like this.”
With two power speeds – 5200 and 8000 RPMs – THE BARIKAN provides barbers flexibility in offering different services all with one tool. As Panasonic spreads the word about THE BARIKAN making its way to the U.S. throughout the year, the quality of the tool makes quite a statement itself.

“Showing up with a quality product and quality barbers to back it up, I think the Barikan is going to make waves,” Drew said. “It’s going to be exciting to see where Panasonic ends up now that the Barikan is out in the US.”

The beauty industry is getting a major new stage with the launch of The Road to HEBS, a premier education, networking, and competition platform that brings together everyone from barbers, braiders and stylists, to locticians, educators, and brands from around the world.

The Road to HEBS is the first competition pathway in the beauty industry that gives competitors the opportunity to earn a place from regional heats to compete at a national championship, and ultimately the world stage. With sponsor Pure O Natural Products, HEBS are bringing high stakes competitions designed to push boundaries and spotlight creativity.

The tour will take in major cities, including LA, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, Charlotte, and Washington DC. The top three winners from each regional event will earn a coveted spot at the national championship, held during HEBS in Secaucus, New Jersey, before heading to the HEBS Lagos Championship in Nigeria.

As well as the trophies and industry recognition, there are over $175k in cash and prizes waiting to be won.

Commitment to Creativity

One of the most unique aspects of the competition is its commitment to creative freedom. The Road to HEBS encourages competitors to think outside the box to bring their artistic vision to life.

“Road to HEBS is a championship league idea and mindset. We’re hosting competitions in different regions, creating a tour that gives beauty professionals an opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry on a major platform,” said barber and Pure O Education Director Lici Quintero, AKA Lici Lady Barber.

“These competitions are very creatively led. We do not put limits on the expression and artistry that competitors want to use.”

The competitions serve as a platform for creative imagination and expression, but also challenges in precision, technique, style and storytelling.

The Global Beauty Community

The international opportunity highlights the larger vision behind The Road to HEBS. Organizers see the competition as the foundation of a global championship league that connects beauty professionals across continents while creating new opportunities for exposure and career advancement.

In addition to competition, attendees can expect educational programming, product demonstrations, and access to leading brands. The tour will feature products from PureO Natural Products and other emerging brands, while continuing to emphasize professional development.

“Education is a big thing for us at Pure O,” explained Lici. “This competition is all about balancing fun, education, and creativity.”

For those considering entering, Lici’s advice is simple: embrace your creativity and show up prepared.”Don’t hold back your creativity. This platform was designed to celebrate artistry, so bring your vision to life and show what makes your work unique.”

On many high streets, the next generation of barbers are looking to make a name for themselves in what’s fast become a highly competitive industry. To stand out from the crowd, and build a solid business, it’s vital to carve out your own space in the market.

Bailey Snowden, founder of Snowden Hair, did just that. Bailey opened his first barbershop after noticing a gap in premium stylists in his local area of Scunthorpe. Bailey, who now has over ten years of experience within the industry, decided it was about time the area had a modern studio.

Although he has been in the space for just a year, he has quickly outgrown it. Bailey’s team and clientele are expanding, and that only calls for one thing – they need a bigger barbershop.

“I am so incredibly proud of the progress we have made and what we’re building here, with many long days, sleepless nights and very big decisions I really believe we are creating a promising future within the heart of Scunthorpe,” said Bailey.

“I am truly thankful to everyone who has supported Snowden Hair and I’m excited at the fact that this is only the beginning of the journey. I welcome all future opportunities with open arms.”

Bailey has a progressive attitude to the industry, constantly developing his own skills and acting as a mentor and educator to the next generation in his local community. He believes the industry can offer them a future within hair that goes beyond the chair, and will look to extend these opportunities in his new studio.

The new venue is due to open on the 19^th September.