For over a century, Wahl Professional has stood as the pinnacle of excellence in barbering, styling and grooming tools, leading the industry with innovation and quality. Today, the brand proudly debuts its ‘Make it With Wahl‘ platform, celebrating the global evolution of the Wahl Professional brand to empower the next generation of future makers.
“When my great-grandfather, Leo Wahl, invented the first electric clipper, he could hardly imagine the profound influence and impact that he would later have on the culture and craftsmanship of countless professionals who would go on to forge successful careers, build communities, and foster connections, all with a Wahl tool in hand,” said Lance Wahl, Global SVP of Sales & Marketing for Wahl Professional. “Through education and the provision of high-quality products, our family-brand has remained steadfast in our commitment to empowering more professionals to realize their dreams. The possibilities are endless when you ‘Make it With Wahl’ and this is our open invitation to all professionals, at any stage of their career, to become part of the Wahl family.”
The ‘Make it with Wahl‘ campaign is not just a launch; it’s the genesis of a broader platform, to showcase the fervor and connection shared between industry professionals and Wahl. Since its inception, Wahl Professional has become more than just a provider of exceptional products. The brand has played a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant barbering community, empowered artists to achieve their dreams, and catalyzed transformation in countless lives, both in and beyond the barber chair. The introduction of ‘Make it with Wahl‘ underscores that with a Wahl tool, anything becomes achievable.
At the core of Wahl Professional’s brand evolution lies a deep-seated belief in the power of connection in every haircut created. It is grounded in the understanding that hair isn’t just hair—it’s a conduit that links us to ourselves and the world around us. ‘Make it with Wahl’ is the brand’s commitment to ushering in another century of trusted excellence, equipping professionals with the tools to accomplish remarkable feats, shape culture, change lives, and foster meaningful careers.
“Our brand evolution embodies humility, intentionality, and a deep understanding of people’s needs,” stated Garrett McGuire, Global Brand Director. “It ignites connections, fosters growth, fearlessly propels individuals forward, and fuels the future of professionals worldwide.”
Wahl Professional invites all industry professionals to embark on this transformative journey—a journey defined by quality, passion, and the enduring bonds forged through Wahl.
For more information on Wahl Professional and the ‘Make it With Wahl’ platform, please visit www.WahlPro.com.
Set to take the male grooming world by storm, Uppercut Deluxe have released the brand-new product in their latest range, Control Cream.
With its barely-there hold, Control Cream is ideal for frizz control, curl control and everything in between. From straight to curly hair, this lightweight styling cream is designed to smooth down frizz or enhance curls in natural styles.
Control Cream adds a nice, light hold. To be used every day to give structure and shape, whilst controlling frizz. The all-rounder for guys who want that light enhancement and a healthy, natural finish.
If you don’t want to take our words for it, listen to the reviews from a selection of experts:
Steve Purcell | Uppercut Deluxe Founder: “I felt there was a hole in the men’s grooming market for guys who just want a lightweight styling cream. Something that gives the hair structure and shape without bogging it down. Not too much control, and not too little. Something that was just right.”
Tim Hutton | Hutto’s Barbershop, Australia: “Control Cream is great for the guys that want the no-fuss look while still maintaining an all-natural hold that carries them throughout the day.”
Queen Rockabilly | Tough Tiger Barbershop, Canada: “My clients who need volume LOVE this product! Helps the hair look fuller and thicker.”
Ben Boyer | Le Coupeur, France: “It’s the product my customers have been asking for, plugging a gap in the styling world.”
Asada Yoshiharu | Barbers Point, Japan: “It’s great for frizz reduction. Taking the edge off of unruly hair, yet an ideal curl enhancer to makes curls pop without weighing them down like traditional leave-in moisturisers.”
Jimmy Morrison | Jimmy’s Barbershop, Australia: “Control Cream is the Swiss Army Knife of styling. You need volume? It has it! You want texture? It’s for you! Feeling frizzy? Say no more. Need hold, yet want the look of no product in your hair then Control Cream is for you.”
Mike Conti | Pugsly’s Barbershop, USA: “It brings a new, refreshing approach to styling curls. Control Cream goes to the next level when you add some heat from the blow dryer. This simple action activates the formula and makes styling fun.”
Uppercut Deluxe Control Cream is available from uk.uppercutdeluxe.com, retailing at £15.
Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming Captain Fawcett has announced that their new product has been awarded as a ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ Finalist at Cosmoprof Bologna.
The global lifestyle brand has been acclaimed for its ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder. The Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry and with over 700 entries, from across the globe, the contest is extremely competitive, with just 3 finalists per category.
Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.
Captain Fawcett’s new ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ collection, created for both professional barbershops, salons, and luxury styling at home.
Captain Fawcett founder Richie Finney was delighted to join fellow global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 22 March.
He attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba Srl.
Richie said: “It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be recognised as being amongst world leaders in the beauty and grooming industry. Being named as a Finalist amid such impressive competition from all across the world is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole team, not least our simply magnificent distributors who do so much to support the Captain Fawcett brand in their home territories.
“Captain Fawcett thanks all colleagues and friends for each playing their hugely appreciated parts as we continue to forge ahead in 2024!”
The latest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW! We speak to industry experts about the ways to boost creativity within your barbershop, while showcasing a range of important topics in the industry from our columnists. In this issue, we showcase the very best mobile barbershops across North America whilst highlighting the technology systems you need to streamline your business: all this and more inside.
We were very excited to catch up with STMNT co-founders Sofie Pok and Julius Caesar off the back of the STMNT WRKSHP. Sofie gives us behind-the-scenes insight into the shoot where she focused on capturing the day on film, while Julius worked as creative director throughout. The pair worked cohesively to showcase the talent and individuality of the new STMNT ambassador and education team, pairing each barber with the right theme to allow their talents and innovation to shine through.
CREATIVE
In this feature, we highlight barbers who are pushing the boundaries of what a haircut is, proving that hair can be art. We speak to Lord Blendz, who uses his client’s hair as a blank canvas to enhance creativity through color, and Queen of the South who pushes the limit of braids, with her intricate and artistic designs. Columnist Phoenix Thomson showcases the best of barbering in Australia with American Crew All Star, Mark Rabone at Esquire Male Grooming.
INTERIORS
Does your barbershop need a freshen up? Are you in need of some inspiration? Then look no further. Here, we highlight California style barbershop Zephyr and their stunning, serene interiors that are making a mark stateside. Columnist Barberville showcased barbershops with a slight difference in this issue, they’re on wheels. Highlighting the best mobile barbershops in North America and how they make the most of their limited space while The Barber Studio in New York shares why Collins was the only choice for their furniture.
BUSINESS
Here, we are celebrating the best in the barbering business. We speak to Josh O.P, starting from the moment he wanted to be a barber, to launching his own education line and slowly taking the business focus off himself. Supreme Trimmer CEO Eldad Tehrani talked us through his entrepreneurial journey, while Beards & Riffs co-founders Nathan and Wayne discuss their personal approach to business, prioritising genuine relationships and how that’s shaped their success.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is an important part of any business, but especially in a barbershop. Having the right tech within your business can elevate your client experience and make your life a lot easier. We highlight the best online systems to streamline the everyday in your business like Get Lovage, Squire and The Cut; while we catch up with Fresha’s brand new ambassador Sam Bentham as he tells BarberEVO all about why he is their biggest fan.
PRODUCT FOCUS: AFTERCARE ESSENTIALS
Aftercare in the barbering industry can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but we want to showcase that isn’t the case. Paul Mitchell education Larry Legend tells us that educator is paramount to ensuring clients keep up with good aftercare products, recommending MVRCK and Tea Tree products. Elsewhere, we focus on Imperial Barber Products and Johnny B for barbers looking to expand their product range.
In this industry, Eric Way Lovemore needs no introduction following his stellar career in the hair world. Now, the world-class barber has added another accolade to his belt: Artero’s UK and Northern Ireland Brand Manager.
On top of this new role, he will continue his work as the UK ambassador and global educator role for Artero. Telling us about his new venture, Eric said: “As the Brand Manager, I will grow the brand within my countries, introducing Artero to distributors, academies, barbershop, hairdressing salons, and end users. Artero has laid its foundations securely in the marketplace but now it’s time for the brand to start resonating with everyone and experience this well priced, high quality diverse product range that Artero has to offer.
“Now it will be easier for the brand to have a face in the country for buyers to easily communicate with and for me to bring more opportunities to the brand which is far easier than Artero in Spain trying to do it.”
He added: “When I was introduced to Artero three years ago, I immediately fell in love with the ethos of the brand and the quality of all the products. I realised that the brand was at its infant stages in the UK and Northern Ireland but was a brand that had been established for more than a hundred years and is still run by the same family from the very beginning.
“I wanted to be part of the brands journey and felt that with my passion for the industry I could grow with the brand and help being part of its unprecedented success globally.”
Retail is a major part of the salon and barber universe. Even though, the focus can tend to be on the result, rather than the products when you’re in the barbershop. Iconic barbershop Murdock Barbers of London place huge importance on their retail sales, and it has paid off. With their own product line that retails both in prestigious stores and online, they are the experts in maximising retailing opportunities. Murdock London CEO Graham Clark, gave us his top tips for increasing your retail sales.
1. Make Shopping Easy.
“Being that our bricks and mortar stores are barbershops we find ourselves in a fortunate position where customers get to see our products in action every day by the very hands who designed them. When a customer picks up a product in our stores it can be done with a unique level of assurance. Everyone in our store is a master of their craft and a master of the products we use.”
2. What’s your Secret Sauce?
“Barber approved, British Made. Who better to take care of your grooming needs than those who do it every day. This is what sets us apart from our competitors and we’re extremely proud of it. Knowing what makes you unique is essential to success in a retail environment, it’s the first step in welcoming new customers into your brands world.”
3. Believe in the product you are using!
“Whether you develop your own retail range or stock an existing brand, you need to have a thorough understanding of the products and how they work and genuinely believe in their worth. No-one can recommend products with conviction if they wouldn’t use them themselves. Ensure you and the team try products from the ranges you offer on your own hair, so you can legitimately rave about them to the person in the styling chair.”
4. Train to Build Confidence.
“Both you and your team need to know as much as possible about the products you are using so that you can convey this information to clients with confidence. Confidence in what you’re selling directly translates to confidence in your customer and what they’re buying. This navigates your team away from selling and towards educating, your customers require answers and with suitable training your team will be able to provide them.”
5. It’s not selling, it’s educating.
“Don’t think of encouraging clients to buy take-home products as selling, it’s part of the service. As experts, it’s our job to advise clients on how to look after their hair once they leave the barbershop. Being that we’re literally using the products on the customers you couldn’t have a more practical opportunity to explain to your clients why you’re using what products you are, the proof is right there in the mirror!”
6. Use your website!
“Our website is a major platform for selling out products, with the entire range displayed in an easy to access way with high-quality imagery and enticing descriptions. We also feature regular blogs that inform clients of ways they can use our products to create the latest trends or help with specific hair, scalp or beard needs. Your website should also promote the retail products you offer and, ideally, enable clients to buy directly from you. Our website is another tool in which we aim to educate, and nurture customers in the hope they’ll become part of our community.”
For more information head to @murdocklondon on socials – or visit their website at www.murdocklondon.com
A study undertaken by RICS last year showed that 4 in 10 men in the UK won’t speak to their families, friends or health professionals if they are struggling with mental health, and shockingly, 75% of suicides in the UK are male.
Local business owner Christie Turner, owner of CT Barbering, has firsthand experience of the impact of untreated men’s mental health issues, having witnessed several male friends and family members’ struggle. Through the therapeutic nature of her conversations with clients, that can range from humorous and uplifting to deep and meaningful, she’s been able to help them through some difficult and challenging times and this motivated her to go further in addressing the stigma surrounding men’s mental wellbeing.
Drawing from her diverse experience in various barber shops, Christie recognises how the traditional barber environment can affect men’s mental health due to the societal attitudes towards male self-care and masculinity. She believes that nurturing the link between looking good and feeling good can make a positive difference.
With over a decade of experience, the business owner appreciates the significant role barbers play as regular touch points in men’s lives, offering a support system outside of family, friends and healthcare providers. Due to the close contact service and regularity of appointments (males in the UK visit a barber every 2.5 weeks on averageiv) she believes this is what helps to build that unique connection.
Utilising mental health mirror decals that encourage men to open up, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and a range of wellness services including stress-relieving facials tailored to male skin types, the barber and qualified facialist hopes to identify early signs of struggle among her clients, offering them crucial support within the community.
Christie said: ‘The statistics around men’s mental health are devastating and highlight the urgent need for support. As a barber, I’m uniquely positioned in the community and have an opportunity to support them. I aspire to create an environment where men feel safe to express their feelings and share what’s going on in their lives, while promoting the importance of self-care through a range of accessible grooming and wellness services. The mental health support available through the NHS isn’t enough to tackle the epidemic of male suicide rates so I’m taking action to support as many men in my community as I can. Hopefully I can inspire others to do the same.’
You can find Christie at My T Sharp on Newnham Avenue or via her Instagram.
Andis supports barber Daniel Rymer as he reaches Kilimanjaro summit to raise £100k for homeless charity, Caring For Bristol.
The effects of Covid-19 and its impact on the mental and business health of barbers all over the UK, and indeed beyond, cannot be understated or overestimated. And, like many barbers, Andis ambassador Daniel Rymer struggled to adapt as the doors to his barbershop closed, and he found himself at home contemplating what the future would hold for his career, his team and himself on a personal level.
An inner strength to bring about positive change
That said, adversity can often reveal an inner strength and self-determination that drives people to achieve extraordinary things and, as Daniel says, this is what motivated him to accomplish such an amazing feat, with the help and support of Andis. “I found it hard to deal with lockdown and, despite what people say in public, many barbers and local businesses I spoke to were all feeling the same. When you’re not in the shop you become disconnected from the thing you’re most passionate about, and the people who share that passion; you lose your sense of purpose. The financial impacts compounded matters with the loss of income and trying to keep the business going with loans and costs. It was a worrying time and I felt I needed to do something positive for me, but also for other people.”
To overcome his predicament and fulfil his need to get away from his situation, Daniel hit upon the idea of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro to not only address his own mental health challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to help others in the process. “I wanted to achieve something positive, challenge myself to do something I’d never done before, and raise money for people dealing with homelessness and hopelessness. I decided to raise money for Caring in Bristol – a local charity whose vision is to create a city that’s empowered to solve homelessness as, despite everything, I felt I could do more for disadvantaged people. This is when Andis stepped in to offer their support.”
A passion for barbering meets ambition
Combining this personal feat with his passion for barbering, Daniel set about assembling a team to reach Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit and undertake the highest haircut on record. With a collective of likeminded business owners from his area, and expert porters, Daniel embarked on a gruelling ten-day ascent to the 5,895m summit, which saw him coping with altitude sickness, blisters and acute tiredness.
“It was very challenging with six days on the mountain. It took three days to get to base camp and we reached the summit on day four. The views were spectacular and it was a massive achievement for me and the whole team. Equipped with my Andis tools, cape and branded clothing, I performed haircuts on the mountain, which was an unbelievable experience and great for bonding everyone together on our shared mission.”
Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro.
£100,000 raised, and time to reinvent his brand
Initially intending to raise £6,000 individually, a target which he has exceeded, the team’s efforts have now surpassed £100,000, and this achievement motivated Daniel to emerge even stronger. Giving him the time and space away from his business, he returned to the UK refreshed and reenergised with a new model in mind. “I’ve now rebranded my business to ‘Rythm Barbering’. Unlike before, this is a community hub that offers a safe, cool and creative space for independent barbers, as well as empowering self-employed beauty professionals, nail technicians and other creatives to thrive.”
Thanking Andis for their support, Daniel points to the range of tools, accessories and encouragement offered by the brand. “Andis has been amazing. They provided warm weather gear and a wide range of tools that enabled me to work throughout the trip, and on the mountain. Two of the tools I took on my trip were the Andis Galaxy Clipper and Trimmer. They are powerful and precise but also extremely lightweight – and that matters when you have heavy gear strapped to your back! I even gifted some tools to one of the porters, who happened to be a barber, so he can better support his family, so it’s been an enriching experience in so many ways.”
Named ‘Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro.’ Daniel has documented his trip and, as he concludes, this is both the “best and worst thing” he’s ever done. “It was an incredible journey, but it was gruelling, and it tested my resolve to the limit. But I’m so proud of what we achieved, and I look forward to continuing to receive donations in support of this worthy cause.”
The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW! Our second issue of 2024 is one you won’t want to miss. Inside, you’ll find exclusive interviews and features focusing on creativity, sustainability, business and retail tips as well as our brand-new column with Hairgound’s Live podcaster Simon Butcher. We showcase the best up-and-coming barbershops in London, as well as a stunning EVO abroad location in Tennessee; and much more inside.
Cover Star: Charles Gray
Founder of Hair in Motion and barbering legend Charles Gray needs no introduction, but in this issue, we highlight his career from young apprentice to heavyweight educator and entrepreneur. Charles reflects on starting his apprenticeship aged 18, to now being expert educator with Hair in Motion, co-founder of Leaf Signature Styling, and creative director at Leaf Scissors. We discuss all this and more with Charles in the latest unmissable issue.
Staying Creative
In this issue, we are focusing on the best ways to stay creative as a barber, speaking to experts in the industry and highlighting the tools and skills necessary. We speak to creative expert and educator Alessandro Barca about his best tips, and tools he recommends for barbers to stay on the pulse of trends. While highlighting collections and advice on embracing individual techniques and finding a creative niche from Hayden Cassidy, Fede Damiani, Darren Heywood Kenny, Ex The Barber and Charlie Cullen.
Sustainability
With Earth Day 2024 approaching, we want to shine a light on the barbers, businesses and brands doing their bit to protect the environment. We speak to Brighton-based duo Ally Papworth and Dan Hall at The Tin Can Barbershop on their sustainable shop built in a shipping container, as well as columnist Carlie Cardle sharing sustainable insight to fellow business owners.
Product Focus: Aftercare
In this industry, barbers are spoiled for choice with the best and most exciting aftercare products for clients. We showcase speak to Matakki director Emma Curd about how their scissor brand has a unique function helping barbers avoid repetitive straining, as well as focusing on new releases like; Artero’s latest clipper, The Brooklyn; Wahl Professional’s Hi-Viz Trimmer, 5 Star Cordless Detailer Li, and the latest A-Lign Trimmer.
Business
Looking for the next way to expand your business? Focus on retail. Teaming up with Morgan’s Pomade, Kevin Vorley tells us about his tour to improve retail offerings in barbershops. While columnist Mark Maciver from SliderCuts Studio shares his advice to business owners and self-employed barbers about all thing’s insurance, with helpful tips about everything you need to know.
As we know, Barbers find great pleasure in using products that help create a memorable experience for their customers. The main goals every day are to make money, save time and provide a quality and professional service. That being said, BarberEVO sat down with functional apparel leader Barber Strong to discuss the main pillars of what makes an ideal situation in the shop, for both the barber and the client.
Barbers adhere to high standards, ethics, and conduct while providing barbering services. This encompasses various aspects, including:
1. Skill and Expertise: A barber demonstrates a mastery of haircutting, styling, and grooming techniques. They keep up with the latest trends, tools, and products to provide quality services to their clients.
2. Punctuality: Being punctual and respecting clients’ time is a crucial aspect of professionalism.
3. Hygiene and Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean and hygienic workspace is vital. Barbers follow proper sanitation practices to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.
4. Communication: Effective communication with clients is essential to understand their preferences and deliver satisfactory results. A barber listens attentively and provides appropriate suggestions when needed.
5. Customer Service: Barbers prioritize customer satisfaction. They are courteous, friendly, and attentive to clients’ needs.
6. Appearance: A professional appearance creates a positive impression. Barbers should dress neatly and present themselves in a manner that reflects their commitment to their craft.
7. Ethics and Integrity: Barbers operate with honesty and integrity.
8. Continuous Learning: Embracing ongoing education and skill development is a sign of professionalism. Barbers should attend workshops, seminars, and industry events to enhance their knowledge and expertise.
Overall, professionalism in barbering fosters trust and loyalty among clients and contributes to the growth and success of the barber’s business.
Barbers should always be effective and efficient with all the tools, equipment, and processes they use in their daily work. It involves ensuring that everything in the shop is well-organized, easy to use, and supports the smooth execution of their services. Here are some aspects of functionality in the shop:
1. Tools and Equipment: Barbers rely on various tools, such as clippers, scissors, razors, and trimmers, just to name a few. Functionality demands that these tools are of high quality, well-maintained, and properly sanitized to deliver precise and consistent results.
2. Workstation Layout: The layout of the shop’s workstations should be designed for efficiency. Stations should be well-equipped with the necessary tools within reach, allowing barbers to perform their services without unnecessary movements.
3. Appointment Management: An effective appointment scheduling system ensures that barbers can manage their time efficiently and minimize wait times for clients. This may include using appointment booking software or maintaining a well-organized appointment book.
4. Inventory Management: A functional barbershop keeps track of its inventory of hair products, grooming supplies, and tools. This helps barbers know when to restock and ensures they always have what they need to deliver services promptly.
5. Payment and Point-of-Sale System: A smooth and reliable payment system simplifies the transaction process for both the barbers and their clients. Functionality in this area involves using secure, efficient, and modern point-of-sale systems.
7. Client Records: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date client records helps barbers track client preferences, haircut history, and any specific needs, leading to personalized and attentive services.
8. Workflow and Time Management: A functional shop optimizes workflow and time management to maximize the number of clients served without sacrificing the quality of services.
9. Comfort and Ambiance: Functionality isn’t just about tools and processes but also the overall environment. A shop with a comfortable waiting area, pleasant ambiance, and adequate lighting enhances the overall experience for clients and barbers alike.
By prioritizing functionality, barbers can streamline their daily operations, improve customer satisfaction, and create a more productive and enjoyable workspace.
Barbers should always create a welcoming and relaxing environment for clients during their visit to the shop. It involves taking various measures to ensure that clients feel at ease and have a positive experience throughout their time in the establishment. Here are some aspects of comfort in a barbershop:
1. Waiting Area: Providing a comfortable and well-furnished waiting area with ample seating, magazines, and perhaps refreshments, allows clients to relax before their appointment.
2. Chairs: Investing in ergonomic and comfortable barber chairs ensures that clients can sit comfortably during their haircuts and grooming sessions.
3. Adequate Lighting: Proper lighting in the barbershop helps clients feel more at ease and allows barbers to perform their services with precision.
4. Temperature and Ventilation: Maintaining a comfortable temperature and good ventilation is essential for the comfort of both clients and barbers, especially in warmer or colder months.
5. Background Music: Music adds to the overall ambience of the shop and can create any type of atmosphere a barber is striving for. Kept at an appropriate volume, it can create the perfect experience.
6. Cleanliness: A clean and well-maintained shop instills confidence in clients and contributes to their overall comfort.
7. Communication: Friendly and respectful communication between barbers and clients is crucial in ensuring clients feel comfortable expressing their preferences and concerns.
8. Personalized Service: Taking the time to understand each client’s individual needs and preferences contributes to a more comfortable and satisfactory experience.
9. Privacy: Respecting client privacy during the service and providing options for private grooming areas when needed can enhance comfort, especially for sensitive services.
10. Post-Service Care: Offering aftershave treatments, hot towel services, or other pampering extras can leave clients feeling refreshed and well-cared for.
Overall, creating a comfortable environment in the shop not only makes clients feel valued and cared for but also fosters positive word-of-mouth and repeat business, contributing to the overall success of the barbershop.
Please visit our friends at Barber Strong for all your functional barbering apparel requirements!
