Summer and festival season are here and with that in mind, we caught up with award winning men’s hairdresser, Jim Shaw. Here, Jim shares what hairstyles he thinks will be dominating trends for men this summer – focusing on lowkey, effortless summer styles.

The Broccoli Cut

For those who want to embrace a youthful look and enhance their natural hair texture, the Broccoli Cut is a perfect choice. For the summer months and festivals, this hairstyle is great as it is very laidback and relaxed but still looks bold and polished. To enhance the look, ask your barber/men’s hairdresser to taper the sides and create a seamless transition from the sides to the top of the head which should be kept longer and more voluminous. With this style, it’s all about defining your natural curls/waves. Therefore, you should start your styling on damp hair working with a curling cream like Label M Curl Define Cream and working this through your curls for definition and then finishing the look with a sea salt spray such as Label M Sea Salt Spray to add further volume, texture and hold whilst giving the finished look a more natural feel.

Man Bun

The man bun has been seen on many male celebrities recently, including Bradley Cooper and Jared Leto. It’s an iconic hairstyle which pairs were with the summer months and festival season where men are looking to wear their hair back off their face whilst providing them with the opportunity to customise their look and pair it with faded or shaved sides. The bun can also be worn in a variety of different ways, including towards the back of the head, nape or worn like a pineapple at the top of their head. I particularly like this style paired with an undercut and styled slicked back to the back of the head using a comb and high hold and shine product like American Crew Superglue.

Braided Rat Tails

Not for the faint hearted, this style is super quirky and was recently sported by Matt Smith at the Armani runway show in Milan. This is a fun look for men with longer hair to experiment with, particularly for festival season. By braiding the hair from the middle this will create an eye-catching style whilst also keeping hair tamed all day and night. For those feeling extra adventurous, they can team the rat tail at the back with a pop of bold colour to add a further cool edge to the look.

The GTX-EXO II Trimmer drops this summer—and it’s about to change the game. Sharper hits. Cleaner lines. Less friction. More control. Straight out of the box. This isn’t a refresh. It’s a redesign, and it’s built to keep up with the way you work.

Why You’ll Want This in Your Station

M-Force Magnetic Tension System: Zero-gapped out of the box. No springs—just magnets for consistent blade tension and sharp, even corners. That means cleaner lines, smoother feel, and no extra setup.

Lighter Body, More Control: Andis redesigned the EXO housing to cut weight by 6% and increase airflow. The upgraded yoke helps prevent hair from getting caught—because nothing should slow you down midfade.

Power Meets Endurance: A high-speed brushless motor cranks out 7,200 SPM, and the upgraded Li-Ion battery keeps it running longer—20% more run time to be exact. Cord or cordless, this thing doesn’t quit.

Sleek New Look: Choose between two bold looks:
• Black Chrome – sleek and professional (U.S. only)
• Gold Housing – stand out with flair (EU/UK only)

Premium Charging Stand: Because your tools should look as sharp as your cuts. Keeps your trimmer ready and on display.

From the Chair

Global Educator Sean Casey says it best: “Out of the box, it’s already dialed in. Sharp, but not aggressive. I can use it on kids, sensitive skin—any client. Andis is listening. They’re not just building tools. They’re building for the next generation.”

Get Ready: The GTX-EXO II lands later this summer—and it’s built for barbers and stylists who want speed, precision, and performance without the guesswork.

Follow @andisclippers and @barberevo for drop dates, sneak peeks, and first looks.

By Jim Shaw, Multi Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser and Owner of TONI&GUY Billericay

With the announcement of Oasis’s tour creating a serious buzz around the world, we caught up with multi award winning men’s hairdresser, Jim Shaw, to discuss a trend that’s certain to make a comeback as the tour creeps closer – the Oasis inspired Mod Haircut.

Originating in the 1950s/60s and taking inspiration from Liam Gallagher’s 90’s hairstyle with that Oasis rock and roll feel, the mod cut is characterised by a medium length on top with volume, a short, cropped fringe and medium length sides that almost resemble long sideburns. The look is structured and combines layering techniques and shapes to create movement within the hair whilst keeping a straight, precise line on the top of the head.

This cut is a versatile style that can be tailored to suit most face shapes and hair textures, including those with curly hair, however, it is particularly flattering for those with square face shapes, as it helps to soften any angular features whilst complimenting the jawline and cheekbones for a more balanced look. For oval face shapes, this look is also great as it can enhance natural proportions whilst framing the face.

For those with thinning hair, this style is particularly beneficial as the addition of lots of layers and texture work to give the appearance of thicker, fuller looking hair.

When I create this cut, following using scissors to cut the style, I love to go into the hair with a razor to create a feathery texture and lots of movement.

When it comes to styling, the mod haircut can be styled a variety of ways. However, it stands out from other mullet/shag inspired looks by featuring more precision within the cut and smooth styling. American Crew Cream Whip is a lovely product to use to slightly enhance the texture within the hair whilst keeping it smooth, soft and moisturised with a natural shine.

The wolf cut is a similar style to the Mod Haircut and has been a favoured style by men over the past year. This style also features volume on top with texture and layering; however, it features more of a choppy fringe, and the styling is a lot more effortless and untamed. A product like the American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion can be used in damp hair before styling or on dry hair to give the hair added texture and grit or alternatively American Crew Matte Clay Medium to Strong Hold Styling Paste is one of my go to’s to create instant texture and hold on the finished look.

Both styles are great options for men who like a more effortless day to day style that requires little to no styling but still want to look incredibly on trend.

Phorest Salon Software has announced the launch of its new Referrals Feature, designed to help salons and barbershops build a strong, loyal customer base through personalised referral programmes.

This innovative new feature allows salon owners to create reward-based referral programmes directly within the Phorest system. Salons can offer vouchers to clients who refer friends or family, as well as to the referred individuals, encouraging them to make their first booking.

Luke Doolin, Country Manager of Phorest UK & Ireland, believes that the new Referrals Feature will revolutionise the way salons approach customer acquisition. He told us: “Referral marketing has always been one of the most powerful ways to grow a business, but many salons haven’t had the tools to effectively implement it.

“With our new Referrals Feature, salons can easily set up and manage these programmes, helping them drive new business and build a more engaged client base. Importantly, during the beta phase of this new feature, our salons gained an average of 18 new clients using Phorest Referrals with 48% returning for additional services.”

Key Benefits of Phorest’s Referrals Feature:

1. Reward Structure – Salons can create custom voucher rewards for both the referrer and the referred clients, making it easier to incentivise customers to recommend the business to friends and family.
2. Easy Integration – Once a referral is made, the new client’s profile is automatically created in Phorest’s system, which also tags them as a referral for tracking and reporting purposes.
3. Marketing Campaigns – Phorest allows salons to promote their referral programmes through email and SMS marketing, generating unique referral links for clients to share.
4. Proven Results – With a conversion rate of 79.8%, most referrals lead to booked appointments. This feature brings a significant revenue boost by turning new customers into loyal clients who already have a positive association with the salon.

According to Phorest’s recent survey of 133 UK salons, 70% of salons do not have a referral programme in place, but two-thirds of those expressed a desire to implement one. With Phorest’s Referrals Feature, this gap can now be bridged with ease.

Jimmy Sharpe, Manager of Jakata, Warrington, UK, said: “As a salon owner, finding new clients has always been a challenge. The new Referrals Feature from Phorest has been a game changer. My loyal clients love being able to refer their friends and earn rewards, and I’ve seen a noticeable boost in new and returning clients since launching the campaign.” 

Luke added: “The beauty of this new feature is that it simplifies a process that can often feel daunting for salon owners. Referral programmes can now be set up and maintained effortlessly, allowing salons to focus on delivering exceptional services while we handle the rest.”

Phorest is committed to helping salons thrive in the modern business landscape through innovative technology solutions. With the new Referrals Feature, salons can now grow their client base faster and more efficiently, while delivering a rewarding experience for both loyal clients and new customers.

Cal Newsome, last year’s top NHBF Influencer, award-winning barber, and member of the Wahl Artistic Team, has been announced as the host for this year’s NHBF Top 50 Hair Influencers. This event, which features the industry’s only independently compiled influencer list, will take place from 5 to 6 PM on Sunday, June 22, at HairCon, held at O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

As the owner of Bull & Co Barber Club in Shropshire, Cal will join the NHBF team on the Social Stage at HairCon to announce the top 50 hair and barbering influencers. These recipients are chosen based on independently judged results powered by algorithms.

Attendees at HairCon will be the first to witness the official reveal, making this a must-attend event for both industry professionals and fans.

NHBF Chief Executive, Caroline Larissey, said: “We’re delighted to have Cal Newsome hosting this year’s Top 50 Hair Influencer reveal. As last year’s winner and a respected voice in the industry, Cal brings genuine insight and credibility to the event. His passion for barbering and commitment to raising industry standards make him the perfect person to lead the celebration.”

This year’s host Cal Newsome added: “I’m proud to be hosting this year’s NHBF Top 50 Hair Influencer reveal. Being recognised last year was a big moment for me, and it’s great to now be part of highlighting others who are pushing the industry forward. There’s so much talent out there, and this event is a great way to give it the recognition it deserves.”

Join Caroline, Cal and a host of your favourite industry influencers live at HairCon on Sunday 22^nd June at 5.10pm on the social stage as the list is revealed – who will take the top spot this year? 

Iconic barbering brand PASHANA® proudly unveils the next chapter in its storied legacy with a striking new visual identity, showcased in a recent photoshoot set in an authentic, working barbershop. 

With a rich heritage spanning back over a century, to 1910, PASHANA® has long been trusted by professional barbers for its classic grooming products and traditional formulations. The brand’s recent refresh honours that rich history while embracing a contemporary look designed to resonate with today’s discerning barbers and style-conscious clientele. After all, even the classics need a little touch up now and again! 

The new photography captures the essence of the PASHANA® range in its natural habitat — a barbershop! From vintage chairs to heritage tools of the trade, the shoot brings together timeless barbering traditions with the modern evolution of the brand. 

The brand refresh includes updated packaging, enhanced branding elements, and a renewed focus on supporting barbers with products that blend classic quality with contemporary appeal. Trade wholesalers Trade wholesalers will also appreciate the strengthened shelf presence and elevated visual impact that PASHANA® now has. 

Wholesalers and industry professionals can expect to see the fresh look rolled across stores and marketing materials in the coming months. 

Olivia Garden, a leader in professional and consumer hair care tools, proudly introduces its latest innovation: the OG Barber Shear Collection. Designed with precision, durability and comfort in mind, this collection includes three shear sizes (5.75”, 6.25” and 7”) along with a 6” thinner, catering to the diverse cutting needs of barbers and hairstylists.

Each shear in the OG Barber Shear Collection is engineered with a distinctive matte black titanium coating, reinforced steel alloy and convex blades. These unique features enhance durability and ensure superior hardness and longevity for smooth and effortless cutting performance. Plus, with larger finger holes and two sets of finger ring inserts, the shears provide a customized, ergonomic fit for all hand sizes.

The 6.25” thinner, designed with 30 handcrafted teeth featuring micro-serration, offers seamless blending and texturizing capabilities. An offset handle with specialized thumb curvature keeps the hand relaxed in a natural open position, reducing strain during extended use.

Each OG Barber Shear Collection purchase includes a premium zipper case with essential maintenance tools like the ShearCare™ oil brush, cleaning cloth, finger ring inserts and a tension adjustment tool. Purchase also offers eligibility for the Exclusive Service Program. This program allows barbers and stylists to exchange their used Olivia Garden Barber Shears for a brand-new identical pair, ensuring optimal shear performance over time.

With its superior design, precision craftsmanship and hassle-free maintenance program, this collection is set to become an essential tool for barbers and stylists alike. The OG Barber Shear Collection is available for purchase at www.oliviagarden.com and select Olivia Garden retailers. Be sure to follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more information.

Excitement! Energy! Education! Community! Growth!

April 5-7, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The 102nd America’s Beauty Show 2025 (ABS), held April 5-7, 2025 at the prestigious Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, showcased the beauty industry’s ongoing growth, unity, and innovation. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth.

With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network, and celebrate the beauty community. The event featured 320 classes, the majority FREE with an ABS ticket. 2025 is a renewal year, and courses offered a diverse range of education from haircare to skincare, barbering, nails, makeup, health and wellness. Over 100 world-class educators shared their global expertise, and 400 exhibitors, including 130 new exhibitors, a Global Nail Competition, and Student Power Hour hosted by Beauty Cast Network.

ABS 2025 highlighted the international nature of the beauty industry, with a strong presence of international exhibitors. The Fruitful Yield Health and Wellness Pavilion showcased 40+ leading brands, offering the latest in wellness products and services, designed to care for those that have dedicated themselves to caring for others.

Evening entertainment added to the excitement, with the famous ABS Global Image Awards. ABS Global Image Awards provided a glamorous celebration of talent and creativity. Winners from around the world were recognized for their submissions and artistry. Live music and dancing with Libido Funk Circus created an unforgettable atmosphere, and the official ABS Sunday Night Party, in collaboration with

Chrystofer Benson’s CBC Productions L.I.V.E. 312, brought a standing-room-only crowd together for an evening of high-energy fun with industry leaders, influencers, and professionals celebrating the best of the community.

“America’s Beauty Show 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our beauty community comes together. It was pure joy — experienced by tens of thousands throughout the weekend. I’m so proud of our beauty community, which has made this non-profit event possible for over 102 years. Now more than ever, community is the path to sustainable growth. We all need to take note of the magic that happens when we show up for each other. That’s America’s Beauty Show, and to us, community is everything,”

Commented Frank P. Fulco, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Beauty Show.

ABS 2025 featured stunning presentations by top-tier artists and world class educators, including The Ulta Beauty Pro Team, Tabatha Coffey, Guy Tang, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Sam Villa, Social Art House, Salon Centric, J Ladner, Ted Gibson, Nick Arrojo, A-ROD, Kenny Duncan, Candy Shaw, George Alderete, and many more!

Brands included Amika, Ulta Beauty, CHI by Farouk Systems, BabylissPro, L3V3L 3, Wahl, Ergo Styling Tools, Hairtools, Oliva Garden, Wet Brush, Framar International, Stylecraft Gamma+, Andis, Wahl, FarmHouse Fresh, CIDESCO Section USA, Repechage, Fruitful Yield, Cuccio, Henkel Corporation, Colortrak, Keratin Complex, and DNA Hairtools.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the next America’s Beauty Show, April 18, 19 & 20, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.

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,

The winners of the 2025 America’s Beauty Show (ABS) Global Image Awards were announced on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during an electrifying evening at America’s Beauty Show. 

The celebration, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, brought together salon professionals, beauty industry leaders, and artists for a night filled with excitement and recognition.

The ABS Global Image Awards honor creativity, artistry, and dedication in the beauty industry, recognizing both emerging and seasoned professionals for their talent and innovative work. The competition features multiple categories, showcasing a broad range of beauty disciplines, including hairdressing, makeup artistry, and salon team collaborations. This year’s competition saw a significant increase in participation from international artists, underlining the global reach and impact of the event.

Proudly announcing the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards Winners:

• Barber – Professional: Salvador Oliver – Spain

• Creative Color – Professional: Chrystofer Benson – USA

• Full Concept – Professional: Anthony Negron – USA

• Haircutting – Professional: David Barron – USA

• Team Collaboration – Professional: Rafael Bueno & Manuel Mon – Spain

• Texture Expert – Professional: Lukas Press – USA

• Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award: Chrystofer Benson

The ABS Global Image Awards celebrate more than just talent—they are a reflection of the community spirit that defines America’s Beauty Show. The event was hosted following the Cosmetologists Chicago President’s Party at 6:00PM CST. The evening was filled with live music by Libido Funk Circus and a high-energy celebration that brought beauty professionals together to honor their peers. The event is the signature celebration for America’s Beauty Show.

Each category’s winner received a prestigious award from America’s Beauty Show. The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award, in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage, was also presented to an extraordinary artist who exemplified the highest standard of artistry.

“The ABS Global Image Awards continue to grow each year, elevating artists and professionals from around the world,” said Jessi Marshall, VP of Events and Education. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that our finalists and winners have contributed to the beauty industry. This event is a true reflection of the growth and collaboration that define our community.”

The ABS Global Image Awards were anonymously judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, media, educators, and elite artists. More information regarding the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow ABS on social media.