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.
Aura Salonware is pleased to announce its first annual Aura BeautySphere Connect event, which will take place at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2025.
This intimate one-day retreat for salon owners is an opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge. Participants will gain insights from industry innovators and experience salon leadership educational sessions and workshops.
Speakers include Cyd Charisse and David Bosscher of Destroy the Hairdresser, Sarai Speer, known as the Platinum Giraffe, Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale, Benjamin Camagna from Currie Hair Skin and Nails, Keri Davis of Keri Davis Consulting, and more.
In addition, Aura’s official networking lunch and experiential cocktail reception allows salon owners to connect with fellow beauty entrepreneurs. “Aura promises to infuse new energy to salon businesses by providing an industry event that brings together like-minded beauty professionals,” mentioned Aura Salonware Co-founder Jonathan Levine. ”We invite salon owners to come get inspired, share their experiences and best practices, and discover ways to grow their businesses while taking a little time to breathe in the beauty and vibrance of Miami.”
About Aura Salonware Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue.
@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.
How do you figure out which style of moustache to go for?
Choosing a moustache style depends on a few factors: your face shape, hair growth pattern, and personal style. For example, those with a rounder face might go for a longer, more structured style like the handlebar, giving the illusion of length to balance out the roundness of the face. While someone with a more angular face could suit a chevron or pencil moustache, as shorter and more defined styles can complement any sharp features. It’s all about experimenting and finding a style that complements your look.
How long will it take to grow? What do you do if it’s patchy?
Typically, it takes around 4-6 weeks to grow a solid moustache, however this will vary person to person and if you’re anything like me, as little as 2 weeks can be enough to have a pretty thick moustache. This can be both a blessing and a curse if you think about the required upkeep and maintenance of fast and thick growing facial hair.
If it’s a bit patchy, patience is key. Let it grow out and see how it fills in, as the hairs may cover sparse areas over time. If not, a touch of beard oil and a bit of light trimming can help create a fuller appearance.
What tools do you need?
A good quality narrow comb and small scissors are essential for trimming and shaping. An electric trimmer with adjustable guards is also handy, as it lets you maintain the desired length and avoid over-trimming, if short symmetry is what you’re looking for.
What products do you need?
A quality beard oil, such as OSMO Beard Complex, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Moustache wax is also useful for adding a bit of hold. Although my pro tip is that any hair wax, such as OSMO Matte Clay Extreme, can be equally, if not more effective than a moustache wax, especially if you’re styling a more structured look.
How do you keep it clean?
Keeping a moustache clean is easy with regular washing, ideally with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove any food particles or oils without drying out the hair or skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with beard oil to keep it hydrated.
To order OSMO for your salon contact your local OSMO wholesaler at www.osmo.uk.com
The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons.
Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:
‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.
However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.
We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue
While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”
The summary of the Budget:
Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000
Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
£1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund as thousands of industry professionals are impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Milton directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene.
The PBA Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief to beauty industry professionals to pay for essential items such as clothing, food, bills and supplies during times of natural disaster. The fund is supported by generous donations from industry professionals and businesses and has distributed more than $2.5 million to help industry professionals get back on their feet following catastrophic disaster. 100% of donations go directly to those in need. All licensed industry professionals are eligible to apply, and PBA members may receive up to twice the regular amount of emergency relief funding.
“In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene we are completely overwhelmed with applications for emergency assistance,” shares Rachel Molepske, PBA Director of Leadership Operations & Charitable Programs. “Our industry professionals are suffering and we must help. We are making an urgent plea for donations to help those affected.”
DRF applicants continue to share heartbreaking stories of how Hurricanes Milton and Helene have impacted their livelihood:
“Everything in the salon is damaged. It is catastrophic. Everything I have worked hard for has been destroyed in the blink of an eye.”
“Most roads were completely washed away, power is expected to be out for weeks, and my income has gone to nothing at this point.”
“I don’t have a place to live at the moment and there are estimates of not having water restored for several weeks to several months from now.”
Please help beauty industry professionals get the support they desperately need! Please DONATE and spread the word.
PBA would like to thank the generous sponsors who have already committed significant contributions to DRF:
● Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation/Paul Mitchell Schools – $25,000
● K18 – $25,000
● L’Oreal – $15,000
● SalonCentric – $15,000
● JPMS – $10,000
● MY SALON Suite – $10,000
● Henkel – $10,000
Donations of any size are appreciated and needed. For more information, or to apply
The latest issue of BarberEVO NA is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry… bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the biz’. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry – and we have Rey Scott, the leading entrepreneur and founder of My Supply Guy, taking centre stage on our front cover. In our second-last issue of 2024, we are feature everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one to remember!
IN THIS ISSUE:
REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY
In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.
L3VEL3
Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months.
EVENTS
Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.
BARBER OF THE EDITION
As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador.
TEXTURE
Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care.
INTERIORS
Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more I our interiors section…
BUSINESS
Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.
BEARDS & ‘TACHE
Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them).
Award-winning barber, Yasemin Hassan has announced the launch of Talking Textures. A groundbreaking exhibition which set to illuminate London’s Ugly Duck Venue with its launch on April 12th, 2024. Curated by Yasemin Hassan and captured through the lens of photographer Yeliz Zaifoglu, the photo series dives deep into the intricate relationship between beauty, cultural identity, and the resilient nature of hair, especially within the Southwest Asian & North African (SWANA) communities.
Talking Textures is more than just an exhibition; it’s a movement. Spanning across a series of 26 compelling photographs, a poignant short video, and an engaging panel discussion, the project aims to celebrate, educate, and redefine the cultural significance of textured hair. This initiative seeks to bring to light the challenges, beauty rituals, and the profound connection between hair and cultural identity in SWANA regions.
Yasemin Hassan, an award-winning hairdresser, has emerged as a pivotal figure for individuals with textured hair in London, particularly within the SWANA community. Her extensive experience on high-end fashion shoots and London Fashion Week 2023, coupled with personal conversations within her community, inspired the creation of Talking Textures. Yasemin’s mission is to decolonize perceptions of hair and address the underrepresentation of SWANA identities in the hair industry.
Working closely with Dania Arafeh, founder of 3EIB – a SWANA fashion platform reclaiming the Arabic word 3Eib, meaning ‘shame’ – this project is a reaction to the underlying shame that SWANA individuals often experience from others within their own cultures, as well as what we are taught in the mainstream media about beauty.
The exhibition runs from 12th April at Ugly Duck London, 49 Tanner St, London SE1 3PL.
