Celebrity barber Victor Fontanez, AKA VicBlends, has launched grooming brand BetterDays, taking inspiration from barbershop culture with performance-first, texture-inclusive formulas designed to serve all hair types.

The new brand, co-founded with veteran retail executive Joey Thomas, has released two ‘barber-grade’ products made in the USA that utilize premium ingredients alongside “Scent No. 26,” a custom-developed signature fragrance.

BetterDays’ Rebound Cream is a leave in conditioner engineered with conditioning agents like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Pro-Vitamin B5 to nourish dry hair, reduce inflammation, and strengthen follicles.  The brand’s Grip Powder is a high-performance  hair texture powder powered by natural oil absorbers like Arrowroot Powder and Silica.

“From back to school, to first dates, to game day and beyond, BetterDays is about transforming self-perceptions, loving yourself, and taking it one day at a time,” said Victor.

Giving Every Man BetterDays

After years behind the barber chair and on the ground in communities across the country, Vic is using his platform to transform how men see themselves and build confidence from the inside out.

He has given free cuts to young boys and men in need on the streets of Atlanta, New York, and across the country, using the barber chair as a vehicle for connection, confidence, and empowerment. In August 2025, he took that mission further, opening VicBlends Academy at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California—the first licensed barber school inside a California state prison—giving incarcerated men the opportunity to learn a trade and work toward earning their state barber license.

“I’ve seen firsthand how a fresh haircut isn’t just about the looks; it’s a mental reset that immediately lifts you up,” said Vic.

“But true confidence goes deeper. I overcame my own mental health struggles, and I used my faith in God to push through. I learned how doing small things for yourself daily will add up to get you where you want to be. I want to encourage other young men dealing with mental health issues to talk about their struggles and embrace vulnerability and brotherhood.

“After a long career in the barbershop, I’ve been inspired to bring that confidence to shelves for men, young men, and boys of all ages. Every hair texture will have an option to experience this at home and in their bathrooms. From back to school, to first dates, to game day and beyond, BetterDays is about transforming self-perceptions, loving yourself, and taking it one day at a time.”

Incubated by Root, BetterDays is backed by $7 million in funding, with lead investors Maveron and Will Ventures, alongside strategic investment from cultural heavyweights like Lil Baby.

“For too long, the men’s grooming aisle has forced guys to choose between gimmicky, outdated marketing and bland products that simply don’t perform. This is especially true for textured, wavy, curly, and coily hair,” said Joey Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of BetterDays.

“By pairing Vic’s authentic barbershop expertise with a disciplined, high-performance product strategy, we are raising the baseline for the entire men’s self-care category. BetterDays was built to prove that premium ingredients and real functionality should be accessible to everyone, and we’re excited to scale a brand that actually serves men today.”

BetterDays is available for purchase at BetterDaysHair.com, TikTok Shop, and Amazon. 

1. Create a personal website

Your website is one of your most important profile-building tools. The aim is to look professional, and every professional business has a website. A personal branded website featuring your name lets you control the narrative and tell your own story.

Social media is great, but it’s only a snapshot of what you offer. Your website gives you somewhere to showcase your work, expertise, experience and the opportunities you’re looking for.

2. Build a professional media kit

A media kit takes the awkwardness out of being asked about your rates and services. It can sit on your website and show potential clients or brands exactly what you offer before they ever get to the price.

It should include your images, services and the skills you can offer. My rule of thumb is to charge three times your daily salon rate. That accounts for the lost opportunity of not servicing your salon clients and means you’re never underselling yourself.

3. Have a clear bio

You never know when the media is going to need information about you, so don’t wait until an opportunity arrives to put a bio together.

Remember it should clearly explain what you represent and your areas of expertise, and you should have an up-to-date, professional profile picture ready to send out to the media, if they request it to accompany any editorial.

Being prepared makes you look professional and means you’re not panicking when an opportunity arises.

4. Establish your area of expertise

Think about what you want to be known for, then start creating content around it.Have a blog or a couple of articles ready to demonstrate your knowledge.

If a PR or magazine approaches you for content, having something to hand immediately can make all the difference. If you’re scrambling to write something from scratch and miss a deadline, you may not get the chance again.

5. Make social media work for you

A strong social media presence gives you instant social proof and helps the algorithm surface you. Brands, sponsors, magazines and PRs all look through these assets, so make sure your platforms reflect the professional you want to be.

Think beyond simply posting finished hair. Show your expertise, personality and point of view. Your social channels should support the story you’re telling through the rest of your profile.

6. Create a showreel

A showreel is another essential asset, particularly if you’re interested in stage work, education or presentations.

It gives potential collaborators a sense of what you can do and can be easily shared when an opportunity comes along. It’s a great way to build anticipation and show the audience what they can expect from your show as a platform artist.

7. Start building now

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long to show what they’re capable of. You have to start showing what you can do early on in your career – don’t wait until later.

Blonde takes center stage in the latest from the Project Men & Media 2026 Collection, with a series focused on creative cuts, color and curls across a series of striking looks, sponsored by Blonde Solutions and Fast Foils.

Credits //

Team Leader //

Dean Gleeson @dean_gleeson_

Simon Shaw @simonshaw_ss

Project Support//

Marcus Hampton @marcushampton_hair

Billy Ryan @billyryanhair

Project Team//

Bailey Snowden @baileysnowdenhair

Rosie Jones @_rj.hair

Kitty Katana @katanastylez

Jodie Wheeler @jodiemay_hair

Jude Spearing @judespearing

Connor Preston @cwizhisscissors

Kevin Kusmierek @k.kusmierek_cuts

Sponsor//

Blonde Solutions @blondesolutions_uk

Fast Foils @fastfoils_uk

Photography//

Paul Simmons  @happyjack.uk

Videography//

Darenn @happyjack.uk

Stylist//

Stephanie Day @sedalizstyles

MUA//

Ruth Marcella @ruthmarcella.pro

Aveda have announced a $50,000 grant in support of the Yawanawá Climate Adaptation plan unveiled at the Rooted in Partnership: Advancing Climate Resilience through Indigenous Leadership panel, co-hosted by UNDP Forest Guardians Invest during the UN General Assembly & Climate Week NYC earlier this month.

Launched in July 2026, the UNDP’s Forest Guardians Invest platform is designed to mobilize private finance directly to Indigenous-led forest conservation and bioeconomy initiatives. Meanwhile, Aveda’s Rooted in Partnership panel provides a blueprint for how brands can support climate solutions by partnering directly with Indigenous leaders and communities.

Taking place at Goals House at Tavern on the Green in NYC, the panel featured Tashka Yawanawá, Chief of the Yawanawá People from the Rio Gregório Indigenous Territory in Acre, Brazil; Laura Yawanawá, Executive Director of the Yawanawá Sociocultural Association (ASCY); Eric Raymond, Executive Director of Mission and Sustainability, at Aveda; and moderator Nina Kantcheva, Global Advisor for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Engagement and Partnerships, UNDP.

The discussion included insights from Indigenous leaders and land protectors about how long-term, rights-based partnerships can strengthen livelihoods, advance climate resilience, protect biodiversity and create sustainable economic opportunity, and showcased the success of Aveda’s long-term partnership with the Yawanawá People as an example.

“Indigenous communities steward nearly one third of the world’s tropical rainforests, and they are uniquely positioned to influence climate, biodiversity and sustainable land management,” said Nina Kanthcheva.

“As Forest Guardians Invest works to support conservation efforts by connecting these communities with private funding, we are proud to spotlight the innovative and impactful long-term relationship between Aveda and the Yawanawá as a best-in-class example for how brands and Indigenous peoples can work together to build a partnership that achieves climate outcomes while centering the rights, priorities and knowledge of these communities.”

As part of the brand’s mission of care, Aveda has nurtured relationships with Indigenous communities around the world for more than 30 years, and worked closely with the Yawanawá since 1992. Aveda said that partnership has evolved beyond an initial need for ingredient sourcing to encompass larger community priorities and environmental stewardship.

As the Yawanawá communities continue to feel the effects of climate change in their rainforest homeland, the tribe has developed the Yawanawá Climate Adaptation Plan, a community-led effort reflecting their priorities for building resilience in the face of a changing climate. Aveda’s founding grant will support the Yawanawá’s priorities and recognizes their role as protectors and stewards of the rainforest.

“Climate resilience begins with the strength of our communities and our relationship to our land,” said Chief Tashka Yawanawá.

“The Yawanawá Climate Adaptation Plan reflects our own priorities and knowledge, and it is important that Indigenous communities have the voice and authority to define the solutions that affect our future. Our partnership with Aveda has spanned more than 30 years because it has continued to evolve through shared learning and a respect for our community,”

The panel discussed what distinguishes a true partnership from a transactional relationship, including the importance of trust, sovereignty, shared priorities and respect for Indigenous knowledge. The panelists explored the cultural dimensions of partnership, from authentic representation and Indigenous storytelling to the role of artists and creators in shaping how Indigenous communities are represented in global beauty, fashion and media.

The conversation also turned to the potential of the bioeconomy to create economic opportunity while ensuring forests stay standing, connecting themes of Indigenous enterprise, livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience. Together, the panelists challenged business leaders to consider not simply what they can do for Indigenous communities, but how they can build partnerships with them that endure.

“For Aveda, partnership is a responsibility that is built over time. Our decades-long relationship with the Yawanawá has taught us that meaningful partnership starts with listening, respecting Indigenous leadership and supporting priorities defined by the community itself,” said Shane Wolf, Aveda Global Brand President.

“Bringing this conversation to Climate Week is an opportunity to share what we have learned and to challenge our industry to think differently about how business can contribute to resilient communities, thriving ecosystems and a more responsible future. This is Aveda’s mission of care in practice: care for the world we live in, care for the communities connected to it, and care for the natural resources on which beauty depends.”

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed proposals to help more people stay healthy and in work, while calling for practical support that recognises the realities facing small and microbusiness employers.

Responding to the UK Government’s Keep Britain Working: A National Growth Opportunity report, the NHBF said the proposed Workplace Health System could be a positive initiative for the hair, beauty and barbering sector, particularly if it gives smaller employers access to occupational health services, specialist advice and resources that would normally be beyond their reach.

However, the organisation says it is essential that the development of the proposals does not result in additional costs, administration or responsibilities being transferred to small employers.

Hair and beauty businesses can play an important role in providing inclusive employment and supporting people throughout their working lives. But their ability to do so depends on businesses having the financial capacity and practical resources to employ, retain and train staff.

The NHBF’s latest Employer Survey underlines the pressure already facing businesses in the sector, with 39.7% of respondents reporting that they had reduced their workforce during the previous three months and only 13% saying they were definitely or likely to recruit over the following three months.

The NHBF welcomed the report’s focus on making workplace health provision accessible to SMEs and microbusinesses, but believes salon, barbershop and beauty business owners must be directly involved in shaping how those proposals work in practice.

This is particularly important as employers prepare for changes to Statutory Sick Pay and the associated costs and administration of managing sickness absence. The NHBF said that any new workplace health measures need to make it easier for businesses to support employees rather than adding another layer of complexity.

The NHBF also believes the proposals need to be considered alongside the wider employment landscape within hair and beauty. The organisation has highlighted how the current tax structure can incentivise self-employment over employment, warning workplace health system centred primarily around the employer-employee relationship risks having limited impact on a significant self-employed section of the sector.

“Keeping Britain working means the government backing the small businesses that provide the jobs,” said Fiona Johnston, President of the National Hair & Beauty Federation.

“This could be a really positive initiative if it genuinely gives small employers access to the occupational health support, advice and resources that many simply cannot access at the moment. Helping a member of staff manage a long-term health condition and remain in work is good for that individual, good for the business and good for the wider economy.

“But we have to make sure that solving a national challenge does not mean transferring additional cost and responsibility onto small employers. They’re already adapting to changes around Statutory Sick Pay and managing the cost and administration associated with sickness absence. If we want businesses to employ more people, any new system must make that easier, not inadvertently add further barriers.

“Our sector is increasingly being pushed towards self-employment by the current tax system. If it becomes progressively more expensive or administratively difficult to employ somebody, more businesses will naturally consider self-employed models – exactly the opposite direction to the ambition of keeping people securely in employment.”

Johnston added that this is why it’s important organisations such as the NHBF are involved as proposals develop, ensuring the voice and practical experience of microbusiness employers are heard.

The NHBF’s Budget submission calls for a 10% VAT rate on qualifying hair and beauty services, targeted employment support and greater help with apprenticeships. The organisation said that creating the conditions in which businesses can afford to employ people has to sit alongside measures designed to help those employees remain healthy and in work.

“We want to work with Government to make inclusive employment achievable for even the smallest businesses. Our sector can make a real contribution to keeping Britain working, but employers need the capacity and support to do it,” said Johnston.

Creating a strong collection can do more than showcase a great haircut. Here, Chris Foster, co-founder of Mentored by Menspired, offers his advice on creating meaningful men’s hair imagery, and shares how it can open new career possibilities.

When you create a collection of men’s hair imagery, whatever stage you are at in your career, start with the ethos that you want to contribute to an overall raising of standards and perceptions of men’s hairdressing and barbering.

As you gain experience and your budgets grow, this contribution will become more visible and your influence greater, but it’s never too early to start documenting your work and making it count.

Photoshoots are a professional development tool

To succeed in this industry, you’ll need more than creativity. The great thing about overseeing a photoshoot is that it unlocks numerous skills that will help you navigate a successful career.

I see creating collections as a professional development tool; as you progress from the basics, creating collections will involve managing a budget, taking creative control, and leading a team.

Once you have a collection, you also need to learn about how to utilise the finished result — how can you use the collection to market yourself or your business; do you plug into PR and get the collection out to industry and consumer media? Do you enter the collection or individual images into competitions?

All of these elements of creating a collection are going above and beyond the basic idea of cutting hair; they are pushing you beyond working behind the chair and into potentially career-changing directions.

Experience will open new doors

Pushing yourself to be creative and documenting that work is important.

As time goes on, and budgets increase, you’ll develop an understanding of how to work with individual models, how their features will translate into an image, how to control the shapes that the hair is taking on, and how each look will complement each model and their specific vibe.

This level of understanding only happens when somebody has taken time out to create collections. And this experience could open doors into working on professional shoots, in advertising or editorial, for example.

Developing an understanding of what a photoshoot involves and familiarity with the environment of a shoot is vital for a creative career progression.

Every photoshoot you undertake is part of a training ground that could lead to some incredible opportunities.

Always aim for the highest standards

If you, as a creative, want to be seen and treated as someone who can operate at the highest level, the standard of work you create needs to be of the highest level possible. Of course, in the early days, budgets will be a factor, but don’t be put off from creating your first collection because you think you can’t afford to do it. You need to have self-belief; if the intention is to create great imagery and you believe you can do that, the resources will follow.

Reframe the thought that you have no resources to ‘I need to be resourceful.’

So the first question is, how can I get the resources, or who can I work with to make this happen?

It Can Create New Opportunities

Our industry is image led, and extremely influenced by creativity. When you show your creativity, it sends signals to the hairdressing world that you are part of the club. This creates visibility, and being visible will open up new opportunities. If you want to create opportunities in this industry, the first thing you have to do is show your work.

Look at the level of work out there

While it’s vital to create work that you love, it’s also important to be aware of the work your contemporaries and those you aspire to emulate are putting out. If they want to join the club, you need to create work that looks like you’re a part of the club.

That means professional models, clean backgrounds, a great photographer, and creative compositions. All of these elements have to tie together for your work to be seen in a positive way and perceived as professional. 

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. “