As a leading manufacturer of clippers and trimmers for professional barbers and stylists, Andis recognises the need for world-class education. To expand its already strong team of professional educators, Andis names renowned barber, Hayden Cassidy as the latest addition to their global education team.
Branded as one of Ireland’s most successful barbers, Hayden challenges herself by fusing fashion into creative editorial work, showcasing the best of her ability through exciting collaborative projects. Hayden has continued to establish her position in the industry, growing an international platform that has captured the imagination of barbers.
A rising talent in barbering fraternity, Hayden began her career in Ireland amidst the boom of the industry, taking influence from the US barbering and hairdressing scenes. Establishing a clean, signature look which is appreciated around the world, she works alongside fashion magazines, photographers and artists to create looks which fuse fashion with today’s barber industry. Pushing her talent and artistic vision, she specialises in men’s hair, merging techniques from every aspect of barbering, inspired by her travels through different countries and cultures. Taking place on stages across Europe, Hayden will be based in Germany working alongside some of the top barbers of our generation to fly the Andis flag.
Andis Education Manager, Jessica Zeinstra says: ‘We have been courting Hayden for a while now and feel that her knowledge, passion and skill will create an engaging education platform for barbers to follow. Her global reputation and creative talent will be a strong asset to the Andis education team.’
Inside issue nine of EVO UK and Ireland, we bring you the usual dose of all things barbering from exclusive interviews to product reviews and lifestyle features.
We loved every minute at the CT Barber Expo and also at the Great British Barber Bash London and the Scottish Hair and Beauty Show, but there’s no time to rest on our laurels. There are plenty more incredible events to look forward to in the coming months on both sides of the Atlantic. We’ll be at Barbercon, Mark Gaye’s Irish Barber Expo, Barber Connect (J8), Barber UK (X60), GBBB Glasgow and the NI Barber Convention. You know the drill by now. Swing by and say hello to the EVO gang!
Many would argue that barbering was previously viewed as being cheap and cheerful. We would argue that by in large this is no longer the case. The question does remain, however, how can a haircut be worth £250?
Yep, that’s right. Inside, we talk to Instagram’s most followed barber, Arod. The Holywood-based barber has amassed an impressive 1.2 million Instagram following and charges top dollar for the VIP experience at Elegance Studio. He discusses how you can create a higher value service for your clients. Adee Phelan certainly knows about providing high value services too; he was the man behind David Beckham’s mohawk and he discusses his impressive career with Larry The Barberman.
We also sit down with SB Academy owner Vicki Smith to discuss women in the barbershop. I know, I know, it’s been done to death and the consensus is that women are no longer a novelty in our industry. We are certainly seeing more women at the top of the game, but is this indicative of what is happening in barbershops throughout the land? Vicki isn’t so sure.
We recently launched BarberEVO North America at the CT Barber Expo and you can read our reviews of that show and of Barber Bash London inside. As always, there is far too much to list so I’ll just let you get on with it!
Risks are a part of life. They don’t always pan out. But when everything falls into place, something truly special can happen.
Wahl Professional took a risk last summer when they debuted the first ever online barber battle. And the response they received from the barbering community paid off for them – and for the best of the battlers who took a chance on entering.
Just ask Benny Machado, the Grand Prize Winner of last year’s battle, and an honorary member of the Wahl Education and Artistic Team (W.E.A.T.) in 2018.
“Winning has sparked a passion to help others and has given me the platform to do so. I’ve met so many professionals and received valuable advice.”
Wahl Professional will provide that same unique platform for artists to showcase their skills to the world with the second iteration of their barber battle, scheduled to launch June 1.
“As a 99+ year company, Wahl Professional strives to be on the forefront of innovation in
all that we do,” said Aaron Flick, Senior Marketing Associate, Professional Division, Wahl Clipper Corporation. “We are looking to grow and separate ourselves from the pack even more in 2018.”
And the changes Wahl Professional is making to the battlefield – the website itself – will play a big part in that separation: Namely, user-friendliness.
“Updates have been made on the mobile development side for a sleeker look and feel.
We also have improved on the login process to allow users to create a login and submit
their entry in multiple steps (instead of all at once),” said Flick.
Another change is the actual competition cuts barbers will be judged on. Like last year’s
battle, participants will have to show their mastery of a Classic Bald Fade and a Creative Design of their own choosing. This year, however, they can choose either the Pompadour or Textured Crop as one of the three cuts for the judges’ consideration.
Wahl Professional has also upped the stakes.
While the grand prize winner will receive a one-year membership on W.E.A.T. and the
entire 5-Star line, valued at over $1,200, 2nd place will be awarded a position in the newly unveiled Wahl Select Barbers program, which is a new addition to this year’s battle.
The top three winners will also receive notoriety on the Barber Battle website, and 1st-10th place will all have their work showcased on Wahl Professional’s social media channels.
The winners will be announced in September and entrants will have from June 1 – June
29, 2018, to submit their videos.
However, if there’s one thing both Wahl Professional and Machado can attest to, it’s the
time needed to make the work standout.
“The only thing that I would’ve changed was waiting until the last minute to make the
video. Which created lots of stress and sleepless nights,” said Machado.
To give yet another incentive, Wahl Professional is rewarding those who submit their
entries promptly.
“We will offer a new 5 Star Retro T-Cut for the first ten full video submissions,” said Flick.
What advice can be offered to those looking to show their mettle? That depends on who
you ask.
Flick gives more tactical advice: “Study the rules and hire a videographer (or use a good
camera) to showcase your cuts in high quality.”
Last year’s champ offers something a little more inspirational.
“Don’t think about it too much! Just go for it, be smart on your model selection. Don’t take
this opportunity for granted,” said Machado.
Those looking to take risks of their own are encouraged to learn more and register at www.wahlbarberbattle.com.
Celebrity and multi award-winning barber, Tom Baxter held a haircutting marathon to support the charity Tiny Lives Trust. The ‘Baxter Barberthon’ started at 8am on Sunday, 29 April until 8am on Monday, 30 April 2018 at Tom Baxter Hair salon (Newcastle upon Tyne).
The event ran for 24hrs with no breaks; the salon was constantly crowded with clients keeping Tom busy for the whole day and night. Friends and colleagues joined Tom to support him and help with his mixed clientele of men, women and kids. The team’s efforts were rewarded; the haircutting marathon raised £3000 that will contribute to buy special incubators/cots that will improve the living conditions of many young children.
Partner of the event was the leading professional hair range OSMO, who provided the attendees with their hero products. Sinéad McLaughlin, OSMO marketing executive says, “It was an honour for OSMO to support the event; we work closely with Tom and we didn’t hesitate to help and knowing that with a small gesture, you can help improve many lives.”.
Tom Baxter continues “The haircutting marathon was a success! Time is the most precious thing we have and dedicating 24hrs exclusively to raise money for a good cause, it’s fantastic. I got a lot of support from my team and friends so it was also a good test for everyone.”
To keep supporting Tiny Lives Trust, the donations are open via the dedicated giving page.
Where do you get your inspiration for all the new looks, new colors, new, new, new everything clients will ask for this season? Thousands of professionals just like you get their info at the source—America’s Beauty Show! April 28-30, 2018 is when Chicago becomes the center of beauty for the world. You need to REGISTER NOW!
Come to America’s Beauty Show for The Runways @ ABS with the very top-of-the-crop of creative artists, ignite your color career at ColorFest, learn more to earn more with best-in-class education and product knowledge. Shop 400+ exhibits for everything you need to stay on top of your game…new hair color launches, new nail shades for summer, the tools that will make you amazing. They are all there to wow you!
While you’re in Chicago, take advantage of the great restaurants, sports events, Mag Mile shopping and the big city vibe that are so close to America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists Chicago. McCormick Place North in downtown Chicago is the place to be April 28-30. Click HERE to register and check in often at americasbeautyshow.com where you can actually visit the show before the show opens!
Schorem training hits the UK! Schorem’s training courses in Old School Rotterdam are famous worldwide and are regularly sold out up to a year in advance.
If you have ever fancied experiencing the training but don’t have the time (or want to wait!), we have some very good news for you. We will be running a selection of courses throughout the UK and Ireland presented by our UK Scumbassador team Christian Wiles and Wez Jones. Master barbers in their own right, Christian and Wez have come through an intensive training program in the Old School to learn the unique skills that Schorem training courses are renowned for.
THE COURSES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO BOOK ARE:
Scumclass: This is a half day look & learn course demonstrating classic Schorem cuts and the old school craft of barbering. From Pompadours to Flattops, learn how to integrate the Schorem classic shapes into your everyday work.
Classic Barbering – Level One: This is a great course to understand the techniques used as the foundation of all Schorem’s classic cuts. The morning will be a look & learn, teaching the Vanguard and Long Trim Pompadour, followed by an afternoon of hands on training using mannequin heads.
For more information of the courses, availability and prices, please contact Rianne at Reuzel UK head office on 01392 365177.
Leading professional hair range, OSMO, has been confirmed as 2018 brand sponsors for the Great British Barber Bash.
Founded by Garry Spencer, the Great British Barber Bash provides educational courses, workshops and live shows throughout the country in colleges, salons and cool locations. OSMO will be providing the organisers, presenters, and barbers with products from the OSMO grooming range, attending live shows to host educational workshops, and supporting the college events.
“The Great British Barber Bash events are about the people involved – both hosting and attending the various events. Our live events are affordable, social and held in cool locations. It’s a platform for barbers to share their craft and for brands like OSMO to share their portfolio too. We host around 4 main live shows a year plus workshops, seminars and college courses throughout the year across the country and it’s great to know we have the support of OSMO. It’s a range that barbers really respect and enjoy using to create their looks,” explains Garry.
Sinéad McLaughlin, OSMO marketing executive continues, “Our OSMO grooming products are fast become a cult essential within the barbering community. Continuing to support nationwide events like Great British Barber Bash is a great opportunity to share our philosophy and products with even more barbers. We meet so many inspiring barbers at the events and get amazing feedback too. It’s a win:win for us.”
Barbering and the barbershop, as both a craft and institution, is steeped in history and deeply engrained in North American culture. Barbering, however, is no longer just a craft; barbering is a movement and subculture that encompasses a range of different disciplines and influences.
We often heard “we have nothing like this back home” from American and Canadian figures featured in our UK publication. We have accepted the challenge and are proud to present Barber Evo North America #1. As with its sister magazine, our aim to product a publication befitting of North America’s evolving barbering movement.
In fact, the very definition of barbering is evolving and inside issue one we try to tackle the not so simple question of “what is barbering?”. Hawleywoods Proprietor Donnie Hawley remains a bastion for the old school, and we travel to LA to meet with two faces changing the game, Julius Caesar and Sofie Pok. One thing is clear: barbering is more than just cutting hair.
Inside the other ninety or pages we delve into barbershop interiors, discover the barbershops of NYC, bring you the wisdom of top barbering educators and much, much more.
At Barber and Hair UK this year there will be a charity stage for the children’s eye cancer retinoblastoma. The charity CHECT will be holding both the Hair Stage and the Barber stage.
This was put together by a few hair and barber professionals that have been personally affected by this condition.
Alison Scattergood, of East Durham college, was affected by this childhood cancer at the tender age of 6 weeks. Alison has shown strength and courage throughout her successful career, not letting this awful childhood cancer hold her back from anything.
Mike Taylor’s 3-year-old daughter Alice was diagnosed with the condition in May 2017 and they are still fighting through chemotherapy. This has been a challenging time for Mike, Emily and the family, but through the great work that CHECT do, they have found solace.
Alison and Mike got together with the charity CHECT, of whom Alison is an ambassador for, to offer to help raise some funds for the small charity and more importantly raise awareness
The duo are having a prize draw in which a phenomenal amount of generosity has been shown by global barbering and hairdressing brands. Some of the prizes available include; a Takara Belmont Chair, FAB Hair products, American Crew products, a Denman hamper, a full display from Dapper Dan, Mode styling kit, Barber pro products and moustache lights and so much more. Offers and donations are coming in each and every day.
You can buy your tickets for the prize draw for only £10 each. Call 01332 227698 for more information or to purchase yours today!
Support at the Barber & Hair UK event at NEC on 20th-21st May is greatly appreciated. You can book your FREE tickets at 01332 227698.
Also giving their time and showcasing their talents are the world famous American Crew team, Andis, Errol Douglas, Affrinage, The Master Barbers, Anne Veck, The MHFed, Savills Barbershop, MK and the GBBA.
This is not to be missed so put the date in your diary and come and support the team for this amazing event where you can play a part in helping raise awareness and support for this fantastic charity.
American Crew™ the leader in professional men’s grooming, is delighted to announce the country winners for the annual All-Star Challenge men’s grooming competition. The All-Star Challenge is an annual global competition that highlights world-class talent in men’s grooming. Men’s Stylists and Barbers are challenged to combine their expertise in art, style and technique to deliver their ultimate interpretation of the American Crew™ man.
The hotly contested final was held at The Bike Shed Motor Cycle Club on Monday 12th March in Shoreditch and the guest list read like a who’s who of Men’s Barbering and Grooming. The atmosphere was electric as the finalists picked from hundreds of entries gathered on stage for their moment in the spotlight.
Surrounded by barbers, hairdressers and industry influencers, American Crew celebrated all of our UK & Ireland finalists and announced both country winners:
SAM WALL – HIDDEN HEIGHTS CREATIVE STUDIO – UK WINNER
Sam Wall Says, “ This is my fourth year entering the competition and I have been committed to American Crew for the last seven years. I made the final last year and it really hurt not to win but I took feedback on board learnt from my experiences and everything in to this years entry. I couldn’t be prouder to be the UK winner. American Crew All Star Challenge is the Men’s competition to win.”
CHRIS O’RIORDAN – ST4MEN (SEAN TAAFFE GROUP) – IRELAND WINNER
Chris O’Riordan Says” I wasn’t expecting to win at all, to get this recognition from my fellow professionals is amazing. It’s my first time entering , I saw Ciaran O’Sullivan winning for Ireland last year and it inspired me. I am really interested in the photographic element of this competition and my look is an old time masculine look interpreting what American Crew is for the modern man. “
These two country winners now go on to the next round of selection where the 15 best images from across the globe are chosen to compete in the Global All Star Final held in Barcelona in June.
About the American Crew™ All-Star Challenge:
The American Crew™ All-Star Challenge is about being recognized as the best stylist for men in the world. The cut. The model. The photograph. Bring it all together to create your ultimate interpretation of the American Crew™ man. We want the best stylist on the planet. One with a truly unique, artistic vision. One who understands what it takes to create a masculine, modern edge. And one who captures their masterpiece with professional-level art direction and photography. If you’ve got what it takes, start perfecting your style, because the American Crew™ All-Star Challenge is bigger and better than ever.
About American Crew™:
American Crew™, a professional leader in men’s grooming, is the brand that defines men’s style, hair care and grooming trends, distributed in more than 30,000 salons across 50 countries. The American Crew™ family of grooming products delivers everything needed to create and care for men’s styles including products in the hair, body, shave, style and fragrance categories, available exclusively in salons, barbershops and authorized retailers. American Crew™ has an ongoing commitment to elevating men’s style and enhancing their personal image, and provides education, marketing and imaging support to help stylists communicate the brand’s vision of men’s grooming and fashion – classic style, reliability and confidence – to the marketplace. For more information, visit https://www.americancrew.com/.
