The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is unveiling their next phase of development, welcoming three new members on to their Executive Board. Under the guidance of CEO, Barry Stephens and President, Ashleigh Hodges, the past few years has seen incredible growth for the Fellowship, celebrating their highest membership to date, opening two new Centres of Excellence, and continuing to provide the industry with
educational opportunities for their members in the shape of Hair & Vision events and the new Creative Xchange localised presentations.

• The new Fellowship Executive Board members are:
• Chris Foster, Head of Technology
• Marnie Williams, Head of Further Education & Centres of Excellence
• Marcus Allen, Head of Business

Chris Foster is an internationally recognised, multi-award-winning barber with a career that spans the worlds of grooming, fashion, education, and digital innovation.
Chris was the first to create a dedicated barbering app for barbering education, breaking new ground in how industry knowledge is shared and scaled. He went on to establish his own academy and develop signature digital products designed to help barbers and hair professionals grow their influence and income. Chris is deeply passionate about bringing the tools and mindset of the digital world—such as
automation and AI—into the hair industry, while always preserving its unique creativity and craftsmanship. Through his company, The Profile Guy Digital Agency, he equips professionals with systems that help attract, convert, and retain clients on autopilot—freeing up time so they can focus on what they love most. Chris Foster joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Technology. His role will explore how technology is shaping the industry and how to keep the Fellowship’s members informed on all things related to technology.

Marcus Allen is an internationally experienced Salon Management Professional and Educator, offering a proven track record of maximising profits and consistent growth
in high end salons and businesses. Marcus co-created Paramount Business, a platform delivering advanced salon business education across the U.S., Canada, UK,
Ireland, and Australia. Upon returning to the UK, he continued to shape the industry, supporting Urban Retreat before moving to The Refinery, a multi-award-winning
men’s grooming brand. Alongside these ventures, Marcus remained active in London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks over the last five years. His focus on innovation and business transformation led him to become General Manager of
Electric Space, a premium co-working salon, photography studio, cinema, and member’s space, redefining how creative professionals work and collaborate. Marcus Allen joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Business, where he will facilitate the best practices, innovation, new technology, and business tools to hairdressers, salon owners, and educators – strengthening the industry with a
greater understanding and foundation.

Marnie Williams is the Head of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College with over 42 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry – starting out as a stylist in the best
Dublin salons, then working for L’Oreal as a Technical Consultant, ultimately becoming an educator in both the private and public sector. West Suffolk College is a
3 Star Fellowship Centre of Excellence, which was awarded for the achievements of their students and the opporunties that the college has created for their students.
The college was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all 4 area of OFSTED measures, including ‘strong’ for the newest skills category. Marnie has worked alongside The Fellowship
for almost 4 years helping to create the Centre of Excellence project, modelling, piloting, re-working, and developing a programme that will recognise excellent education for 16–19-year-olds leaving school and into industry. Marnie joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Education and Centres of Excellence, aiming to help bridge the gap between education and employment, whilst giving the
next generation the support and preparation for succeeding in to industry.

“We’re delighted to have three new exceptionally talented individuals joining the Fellowship Executive Board. Chris Foster, Marnie Williams and Marcus Allen will bring their expertise and knowledge to the Executive Board to help nurture and develop the skills and talent of Fellowship Members… This Year, the Fellowship’s Executive Board will continue to encourage the growth of those who are new to the industry and those who have worked in the industry for
many years. The Fellowship will be collaborating and bringing the industry together from all over the UK – with a focus on inspiring, educating, and encouraging salon stylists, salon owners, freelance stylists, and barbers”,

Ashleigh Hodges, President of the
Fellowship.

“As the Fellowship moves towards its 80th Anniversary, and the industry continues to shift on its axis, we are delighted to have three new dynamic members joining us on the
Executive Board. The plans we are putting in place today will benefit the whole industry of the future, both creatively and commercially. These new positions will help us gather and analyse business critical data, as well as attracting “Best in
Class” Business, Technology and Education Partners for the direct benefit of our members and the wider hairdressing community”.

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s CEO, Barry Stephens,

John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) is expanding
their network of professional artists with the launch of their new Pro Partners program, an ongoing collaboration with prominent influencer hairdressers known for their passion and advocacy of JPMS products.

These skilled professionals will contribute to JPMS’s
educational curriculum and digital strategies, showcasing their artistry in haircutting, styling, and color. Utilizing platforms from social reels to live events, JPMS Pro Partners will share their expertise and exclusive content with fellow hairdressers and beauty enthusiasts while announcing new launches, highlighting favorite products, and providing insider tips and inspiration.

The program will kick off with three well-known hairdresser influencers: Janae Miller (@janaeraquelmiller), Lisa Giles (@lifeoflisag), and Wesley Palmer (@wesdoeshair).

More partners will be added to the roster as the program evolves.

“We are excited to launch the Pro Partners program and continue fostering meaningful collaborations with leading influencers in the hairdressing community. By teaming up with such passionate and skilled professionals, we aim to not only showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of JPMS products but also to empower hairdressers everywhere with top-tier education and inspiration.”

Tania Kingsrud, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at John Paul Mitchell Systems.

The Pro Partners program will focus on ongoing content creation, complementing the existing Creator Club, which collaborates with a diverse group of hairdressers to produce specific, short-term content for new launches and activations. Together, these programs will broaden the awareness of JPMS brands among hairdressers and beauty aficionados while drawing attention to the high performance of JPMS products.

The new pro influencers join a distinguished team of hairdressers and educators led by Artistic Director of Professional Hair Color Colin Caruso (@colincaruso), celebrity stylist and Artistic Director Paula Peralta (@thepaulaperalta), NAHA Award winner and Artistic
Director Stephen Moody (@hairmoody) and 2x Emmy Award-winning Editorial Director Noogie Thai (@noogiethai). Additionally, newly appointed JPMS Artistic Ambassadors, Orlando Rodriguez (@theorlandosalon), Heather Walter (@heatherjwalter), and Chelsea Shields (@abstracthairartistry) will also play a pivotal role in driving artistry, innovation and education with the professional community.

About the JPMS Pro Partners:

Janae Miller – @janaeraquelmiller, Houston, TX. Specialty: Blonding & balayage on textured
hair.

Janae Miller is a blonding expert with over a decade of experience specializing in blondes and balayage on textured hair. With a keen eye for detail and a deep
understanding of hair chemistry, she creates seamless, dimensional blondes while prioritizing hair health and integrity. Having serviced over 3,000 clients, Janae has
refined her techniques to deliver customized blonding transformations that enhance natural beauty. Her expertise extends to corrective color, high-lift blonding, and advanced balayage techniques, ensuring each client achieves their ideal shade with long-lasting results. Her work has gained widespread recognition, with her techniques frequently shared and admired across social media.

Lisa Giles – @lifeoflisag, Orange County, CA. Specialty: Color corrections.

Lisa Giles is a self-made hairstylist turned CEO with 13 years of experience, fiercely committed to empowering stylists to build their own success from the ground up—just as she did. Through her experience as a professional educator and leading stylist teams
at Fashion Week, Lisa recognized the need for a new way to train stylists. This led her to create Straight Out of Cosmo, the first educational app for hairstylists. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa is a color correction expert, with expertise in cutting, styling and treatments that bring unmatched creativity and precision to every client.

Wesley Palmer – @wesdoeshair, Houston, TX. Specialty: Cutting & Color.

With over 15 years behind the chair and 12 years as an educator, Wesley Palmer has built a career traveling the world as an international educator, leading transformative classes and captivating audiences at the industry’s most prestigious events. Trained at the renowned Paul Mitchell Academy, Wesley’s expertise spans color, cutting, and advanced techniques, making him a versatile and sought-after force in the industry. He has held key artistic and leadership roles with top global hair brands, driving innovation and elevating professional education.

About John Paul Mitchell Systems:
John Paul Mitchell Systems, a top manufacturer of professional hair care products, has been serving the professional beauty industry for 45 years. The company produces salon-quality hair care, hair color and styling tools through a family of brands including Paul Mitchell, Paul Mitchell Tools, Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color, Neuro, Tea Tree, Awapuhi Wild Ginger, and MITCH. JPMS has a strong commitment to giving back, supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes both domestically and internationally.

For more information, visit us at paulmitchell.com | @paulmitchellpro | @paulmitchell.

22-23 June 2025 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

HairCon, the ultimate festival of hair and barbering, returns to Manchester’s iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse on 22-23 June 2025 with a stellar main stage lineup featuring the biggest names in the industry. This year’s stage will come alive with visionary presentations, live demonstrations, and creative collaborations from some of the most innovative minds in hairdressing and barbering. Secure your tickets today to ignite your career, inspire your teams and elevate your hair game at HairCon this June.

An Unmissable Main Stage Experience

The HairCon main stage will be electrified by a powerhouse lineup of global hairdressing icons, barbering titans and an unrivalled collective of brands. The Trevor Sorbie Creative Team will mark a legendary return to the stage in a special collaboration with Keune. Alfaparf Milano Professional with Paul Stafford and the Sanrizz Artistic Team will showcase ‘Evolution’ bringing together two iconic brands dedicated to the pure craft of hairdressing. Sassoon Academy, led by Creative Director Mark Hayes, will break down the revolutionary Vidal Sassoon approach, revealing the complete creative process behind their iconic cuts.

Wella Professional joins forces with James Earnshaw to bring an inspiring fusion of cut, colour, and style, igniting creativity for stylists everywhere. Wahl takes the spotlight with expert-led barbering and men’s grooming innovation, while Revlon Professional’s Artistic Team presents BOLD: UNLIMITED – pushing hair artistry beyond its limits. Danger Jones makes its UK stage debut with a fearless, high-energy colour show, while Blue Tit Education, in collaboration with Leaf Scissors, unveils their unseen 2025 collection ‘Dusk,’ celebrating individuality and London’s underground fashion scene.

L’Oréal Professionnel delivers industry pioneers and award-winners the likes of Frazer Wallace, who will craft an unforgettable performance for his inaugural solo show. A guru in the world of Afro and textured hair, Naomi Brooks will elevate these techniques to create showstopping styles. The Fellowship for British Hairdressing will bring their talented project teams to the stage showcasing the next generation of talent. Josh Lamonaca and Darrel Starkey push the boundaries of Men’s hairdressing in a dynamic showcase of cutting and colouring mastery. With more names still to be revealed, the Main Stage at HairCon presents an unforgettable experience for the hair and barbering professional – bold, boundary-breaking, and unmissable.

The Ultimate Industry Gathering

HairCon 2025 isn’t just a trade show – it’s a movement. From captivating stage performances to hands-on learning opportunities, immersive brand experiences, and exclusive networking events, the weekend will be the epicentre of education, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist, a budding barber, or a salon owner looking for the latest innovations, this is the must-attend event of the year.

Partnered by

Tickets Now Available

Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of hairdressing and barbering unfold live on stage. Secure your tickets now at www.haircon.co.uk and be part of the most exciting event in the industry.

Tickets also include a one month FREE trial of the Hilton Club membership!

Visit HairCon.co.uk and follow @Hairconshow on social for teasers, schedule announcements, and the latest news in the build up to the event in June.

Helping Medspas & Clinics Save Up To 90% on Documentation Time.

Phorest, the all-in-one software for med spas, aesthetic clinics, and professional hair and beauty businesses, is enhancing the way med spas and aesthetic clinics document client visits with Phorest Dot Phrasing. This new feature enables practitioners to create fast, consistent and
accurate client notes, reducing administrative workload and freeing up valuable time for client care.

For medspas and aesthetic clinics, proper documentation isn’t just a necessity. It is critical for safety, compliance, and professionalism. Yet, finding time to record detailed notes without disrupting the flow of client care is a constant challenge. Órla Phelan, Global Director of Medspa Operations at Phorest, says:

“We designed Phorest’s Dot Phrasing functionality to solve a real challenge for medspas balancing high-quality client care with efficient documentation. By automating repetitive notetaking, this feature ensures practitioners spend less time typing and more time focused on their clients, which we know is
always their top priority.”

With Phorest Dot Phrasing, practitioners can insert pre-set text snippets with just a few keystrokes, eliminating the need to type out commonly used phrases and treatment details
manually. This not only speeds up notetaking but reduces errors and ensures consistency across records. Dot Phrasing has been found to cut documentation time by up to 90%, allowing practitioners to be more present during consultations and focus on delivering exceptional client
experience.

As Phorest continues to expand its capabilities for medspas and clinics, this launch marks another step forward in its commitment to the sector. Thanks to ongoing collaboration with industry professionals, Phorest has developed a growing suite of features tailored specifically to the needs of medical aesthetics businesses, ensuring they have the tools and peace of mind from a smoother workflow while maintaining the highest standards for their clients.

Fatboy, the hair care brand built for high-performance styling, wasn’t created in a lab or a boardroom, it
was born on the road, in the thick of touring life, where music and hairstyling were equally a part of Tyson Kennedy’s world.

As the lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Steriogram, he spent years performing high-energy shows, sweating through every set, only to find that no styling product could keep up. Hair would fall flat, lose shape or just not hold the way he wanted. So, he started making his own products. Before each tour, he’d mix batches of styling putty on his stovetop, testing and tweaking until he had something that could survive the chaos.

When Steriogram went on hiatus, Tyson took that same passion into New York’s salon scene, refining his formula and selling it to local stylists. Word spread fast, and what began as a home fix became a cult favorite. That original formula became the iconic Perfect Putty, the product that sparked it all. Seeing its growing demand, Tyson took Fatboy from a side project to a full-fledged brand built on performance, creativity and the belief that hairstyling should be expressive.

Fatboy has never been confined by gender; it’s for anyone who wants to own their style. Now, Fatboy is carving out its place as the authority in short
hair styling. Their mission is to reinvent and set trends for short hair styles like mohawks, pixies and shags. Designed to simplify, inspire and push the boundaries of what hairstyling products can do, Fatboy is more than just a brand, it’s a haircare movement.

“I am thrilled to share our unwavering drive for crafting exceptional hair care products tailored towards short hair styling…

…We believe that every individual deserves to express their unique style with confidence, and our mission is to provide the perfect tools to elevate that experience. With Fatboy, short hair has never looked so good.”

Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy.

Fatboy’s haircare range is designed for both stylists
and everyday users.

The line-up includes…

• Perfect Putty (2.6 oz/ $21): The award-winning, industry-disrupting styling staple that started it all. A matte-finish putty with flexible hold for that perfect lived-in texture, finished with subtle notes of green tea for a fresh, clean scent.
• Spray Putty (3.5 oz/ $24): Perfect Putty-in-a-can, now in an easy-to- use spray for simple, weightless application. This award-winning innovative product is perfect for adding that second-day gritty texture.
• Sea Salt Pomade (2.6 oz/ $21): A hybrid formula that fuses pomade with sea salt for a soft, tousled finish with just the right amount of texture. Styling Cream (2.8 oz. / $21): A lightweight, medium-hold styler that adds volume without flaking. Often used as a blow-dry base, it thickens, protects against heat and UV damage, and works on all hair types – free of nasties like sulfates, parabens and anything that doesn’t belong in great hair.
• Volumizing Shampoo (10 oz. / $24) & Volumizing Conditioner (10 oz /$24): A lightweight, clean duo designed to boost volume and nourish without buildup. Infused with rice protein for strength, plus coconut and avocado oils for hydration and shine, it keeps hair fresh and full with every wash. Finished with a serene fragrance of sage and bergamot, complemented by soft floral undertones for a fresh, uplifting scent.

With a line-up that delivers revolutionary styling, and a brand ethos rooted in music, creativity and individuality, Fatboy is redefining what it means to have great hair. Whether you’re a stylist, a performer or
just someone who wants their hair to look as good at 2 AM as it did at 8 AM, Fatboy has you covered. No fluff. No filler. Just game- changing products that work.

To learn more about Fatboy, please visit www.fatboyhair.com/

Heiniger UK has launched a new 24-hour turnaround scissor sharpening service following a significant investment in new machinery and staff. Customers will be able to take scissors to any Heiniger approved retailer to request the service. Service manager Shaunie Tottle says: “Service staff have all completed a five-day course to operate a range of new machinery and provide customers with an industry-leading scissor sharpening service. Heiniger UK is now able to
service and sharpen a wide range of scissors in just 24 hours.”

Investments in new state of the art equipment, including a Wolf Industries Twice as Sharp® scissor sharpener and a Hira-To® flat hone scissor sharpener with hook and loop discs. “We are now able to take in scissors of all shapes and sizes to be sharpened. For human or animal groomers who use scissors everyday it is important to ensure the blades are factory sharp and, if the metal is dirty, rusty or folding rather than cutting hair, the scissors are well overdue a service and sharpen,” she says.

The sharpening process requires scissors to be disassembled and cleaned before a new ride is added to both sides using a wet stone.

The blades are then worked on a variety of grit settings before being polished and buffed. “We feel the smoothness of the blade to establish if the burr has gone and put it back on the machine if not,” she says.

Finished scissors are tested on single ply paper and on dolls with wet hair to establish if the desired cutting edge has been achieved through the sharpening process. “This is an intricate process but one that we can carry out in just 24 hours because of the skills our team have and the machinery we have invested in. For safety, comfort and efficiency, all scissors should be kept at their best which is why we are offering this service to all users in the UK,” she concludes.

Hundreds of hairdressers took to the streets for the Salon Owners and Employers action day that took place on March 17th in central London.

The peaceful protest was organised by the British Hair Consortium whereby the industry pulled together to show its support for tax reform. Hairdressing and beauty salon owners gathered at London’s Parliament Square, in a bid to request that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will throw the sector an economic lifeline. It is hoped that the ‘Save Our Salons’ rally will get the attention of Government.

A recent report commissioned by the British Hair Consortium and carried out by CBI Economics, highlighted how an unbalanced tax system is decimating the hair and beauty industry – and showed 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 on the horizon, 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.

Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium said: “We won’t stand down and let our industry die. The support shown by our industry was incredible and I hope that we have gained the attention that we need to show Government that we need a lifeline. We need VAT reform and we’re not going to stop shouting for this to happen.”

National media and news channels attended the protest, streaming the story globally, in what was deemed as a highly successful protest.

For more information on The British Hair Consortium go to https://www.bhc.org.uk/

@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons

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.”

To learn more about Aura BeautySphere Connect or purchase tickets, visit http://aurasalonware.com/beautysphereconnect.

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.

For more information about
Aura, visit aurasalonware.com.

@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.