The Professional Beauty Association is inviting licensed barbers and beauty professionals to showcase their technical skill and artistic vision in one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

Entries are now open for the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (PBA NAHA) 2027, giving licensed professionals—including barbers—the opportunity to have their work recognized on an international stage.

For nearly four decades, PBA NAHA has celebrated artists whose creativity, technical excellence and innovation help shape the professional beauty industry. The annual competition recognizes collections that challenge convention, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and offer a glimpse into the future of hair and grooming.

Barbering remains an important part of that creative landscape. From precision cutting and detailed fading to styling, texture work and bold editorial concepts, the competition offers barbers an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of their craft beyond the barbershop chair.

This wider representation is also reflected in PBA NAHA’s refined logo. While respecting the competition’s long history, the updated identity moves beyond its traditional association with hairdressing to represent the full range of artists celebrated today—including those working across barbering, hair, makeup and nails.

“Every year, PBA NAHA reminds us that creativity is one of the most powerful forces shaping our industry,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These artists don’t just create beautiful work. They challenge techniques, influence trends, and inspire what’s possible for the profession.

“As PBA NAHA continues to evolve alongside the industry, we’re proud to recognize all the extraordinary talent that makes professional beauty so dynamic.”

The 2027 competition will also see the return of Nail Professional of the Year for the first time since 2020, further expanding the disciplines represented by the awards.

Entries are open to non-members until October 13, 2026. PBA members receive an extended deadline and can submit their collections until November 12, 2026.

Finalists will be announced at Premiere Anaheim on February 7, 2027. The winners will then be revealed live at PBA NAHA 2027 on June 6, held alongside Premiere Orlando.

Barbers and other licensed professionals are invited to submit collections that best demonstrate their creativity, technical ability and individual artistic vision.

For competition rules, eligibility requirements, category descriptions and entry details, visit probeauty.org/NAHA.

Dark Stag’s Pro Curl Cream is the new Professional solution to enhance and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight.

Andrea Romano @2dye4_artistry an alternative stylist of Pensacola, Florida created a signature look for Dark Stag, captured in a photoshoot for us by @missmalum.

Key Product Features:

· Enhances and controls curls and waves

· Hydrates and defines without weight

· Achieve a defined or softer matte finish, using different styling techniques

· Soothing Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli fragrance

· Contains essential oils 

· Water soluble for effortless washout

· 125ml 

Available now from all good Professional-only wholesalers, and at www.darkstag.com

Renowned international session stylist, Richard Phillipart chooses sustainable styling brand to create 48 unique looks celebrating natural texture and individuality

Mane Origin officially announced its arrival on the global grooming stage by making its backstage debut at visionary designer Colm Dillane’s highly anticipated KidSuper Spring/Summer 2027 runway show in Miami, staged as part of the FIFA World Cup celebrations.

Richard Phillipart, hair lead, selected Mane Origin’s styling collection to create 48 completely individual looks that embraced each model’s natural texture while delivering a fresh, lived-in finish worthy of both the runway and the football pitch.

Presented at Nu Stadium, in association with FIFA, the show, titled Resenha, took its name from the Brazilian expression describing the conversations, stories, friendships and moments of connection that happen around football rather than the match itself. Bringing together fashion, football, music and creativity, the show celebrated the spirit of international unity, with each of the 48 looks representing one of the competing nations while showcasing the diversity, culture and individuality that make the global game so powerful.

Setting the tone for the evening, Austin Millz opened the show with a live pre-show performance before guests experienced one of the season’s most talked-about runways. Walking in the show was UK DJ Barry Can’t Swim, followed by a highly anticipated closing set from Sean Paul.

Rather than creating a uniform look, Phillipart celebrated individuality, ensuring every hairstyle reflected the personality, movement and identity of the wearer while remaining connected through a single creative vision. He said:

“For the looks at this season’s KidSuper show I was inspired by the collection’s vision to include the 48 countries of the World Cup. With each look representing a country, I wanted to echo this in the hair looks.

“Each of the 48 models had separate hair looks that celebrated and featured the natural movement and texture of their hair. Embracing the idea that each model had just played football, showered and then walked out to the pitch wearing their country’s look, I purposely gave each model’s hair a ‘damp’ effect without allowing the hair to appear wet or flat.

“Looks included shaved heads, daring mullets and long flowing hair alongside intricate braiding and locs. No two looks matched, but they were all perfectly in tune with each other.”

The backstage debut introduced Mane Origin to the international fashion industry through one of the season’s most talked-about shows while demonstrating that high-performance styling and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.

Founded by Beth Gowland and James Taylor, Mane Origin was created for those who refuse to compromise between exceptional styling performance and protecting the planet. Built around premium formulations and sustainable innovation, every product has been developed to deliver professional results while reducing environmental impact.

Launching with a curated collection of essential styling products, the range includes Matte Clay, Matte Hair Spray, Deluxe Hair Pomade and Sea Salt Spray. Each formula is sulphate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free, while every product is packaged without a single trace of plastic.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the brand. Through its partnership with Treeapp, Mane Origin plants one tree for every ten products sold, while the forthcoming Mane Origin Foundation will support environmental initiatives alongside projects focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Following its runway debut in Miami, the complete Mane Origin styling collection is now available from £18.99/$26.00, offering professional-quality styling solutions for every hair type and finish without compromising on sustainability.

For more information visit www.maneorigin.com

Instagram: @mane.origin

fter challenging the shampoo category with the launch of The Wash, Highland is turning its attention to what comes next: conditioner. Currently live The Condish is a lightweight, high-performance conditioner designed to nourish hair and scalp health without relying on the silicones, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and harsh preservatives commonly found in traditional formulas. 

Created alongside word-class hair professionals, organic chemists, and natural cosmetic producers, The Condish was developed to solve a longstanding problem in haircare: conditioners that either prioritize cosmetic shortcuts or sacrifice performance in the name of clean beauty. 

Instead of coating strands with synthetic ingredients that create the illusion of moisture, The Condish utilizes clinically backed botanicals and proteins that help hydrate, strengthen, detangle, reduce frizz, and support healthier hair over time. 

Key ingredients include:

• Amazonian Babassu Oil to deeply soften without weighing hair down

• Capuacu Seed Butter for lightweight hydration and silky texture

• Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein to strengthen and support long-term hair health

• Aquaxyl™ to boost moisture retention

• Caffeine to support a healthy scalp environment and promote fuller-looking hair

Suitable for all hair types and color-safe, The Condish delivers salon-quality performance while remaining free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, gluten, synthetic fragrances, and unnecessary fillers. Infused with notes of Siberian Fir and Rosemary, the formula offers a refreshing, nature-inspired experience that leaves hair feeling balanced, hydrated and effortlessly manageable. The Condish is $36 on Highland.style

For this look, keep the taper low and tight while leaving extra weight through the front hairline to create a crisp, structured line-up. The clean blend around the sides and neckline keeps the cut sharp, while the fuller textured top allows the natural curls to remain the focal point. Leaving more length through the fringe area helps enhance the overall shape, frame the face, and gives the cut a more modern, fashion-led finish.

The key to this style is working with the client’s natural texture rather than trying to over-style it. The curls should look controlled, defined and soft with natural movement throughout the top. Keeping the taper low prevents the fade from overpowering the shape and creates a better balance between the tight sides and the textured length on top.

For styling, use a moisturising curl cream to hydrate and define the curl pattern, then finish with a small amount of matte paste for added texture and hold without creating shine. Apply the products through damp hair, focusing the curl cream through the mid-lengths and ends before lightly distributing the matte paste through the top for separation and control.

Diffuse on a low heat and low speed setting to maintain curl definition and minimise frizz. Avoid overworking the hair while drying, as separating the curls too much can create unwanted volume and take away from the clean, defined finish of the cut.

The finished result is a sharp, wearable style that combines clean barbering details with natural texture — modern, versatile and effortless for clients wanting a fresh but low-maintenance look.

Follow Bailey Snowden for more inspiration and style guides.

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

Grab your copy here or subscribe for the full year here.

This edition is a true celebration of versatility – not just in technique, but in mindset. Barbering has never been a one-lane industry, and the features in this issue highlight just how dynamic the modern barber has become.

BarberEVO issue 49 is out now!  

On the Cover: Rolda  

At the heart of this issue, we’re honored to feature Rolda on the cover – an iconic brand that has made waves across multiple generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder of how legacy, innovation and global vision can come together to shape not just a brand, but an entire movement within barbering.  

In the Chair with El Bori Barber  

We also sit down In the Chair with El Bori Barber, whose story, skill and perspective capture the passion that continues to drive the craft forward. It’s voices like his that keep the culture authentic while inspiring the next wave of talent.  

Traditional V Modern  

Our Traditional v Modern feature explores the ever-evolving spectrum of barbering – from old-school barbershops rooted in heritage to contemporary spaces redefining education, experience and identity. It’s a conversation that sits at the core of where our industry is right now.  

Interiors  

The theme of Traditional carries on into our Interiors feature with an in-depth look at the Gentleman’s Den Barbershop in California. We also look at how Collin’s chairs have become an international sensation in the oldest barbering business around the world, and we touch base in London to see how OS Lifestyle approach sustainability.  

Business  

In our Business feature, we also take a closer look at sustainability, highlighting barbershops and practices that are making conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact – an increasingly important topic for the future of our industry.  

And for those looking to grow their business, we dive into marketing automation and how streamlining your strategy can create more consistency, efficiency and impact.  

As always, this issue is about informing, inspiring and pushing boundaries.

 A destination salon in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. Offering a completely personalised approach to hair and beauty for the individual. A place to relax and leave rejuvenated. 

Formerly known as NineteenTwenty salon, Grant Carr has opened up the business and his apprentice, Ray Murdoch, has joined the business as co-owner. This new partnership marks the start of a new era and Garçon is born. Talking about the change Grant explains “Together we had already been re-directing the business for a more combined wellbeing approach over the last 12 months and the new name and look encapsulates and defines the buzz we have created.” 

Ray added “The meaning behind the new name reflects our inner drive and curiosity to become something greater; masters of our craft. Having worked so closely with Grant for the last ten years, I am equally as passionate about the future of Garçon.” 

The team welcomed clients and Glasgow’s finest to their exclusive opening event on 5th March at the flagship salon and an afterparty at their neighbour and exclusive kloud with RendezVous bringing the party vibes. 

Working with leading haircare brands including Aveda and L’Oreal, the highly skilled team offer a range of hair and beauty services. Combining additional services such as sports therapy and aesthetics for busy clients, building a feel-good routine into their lifestyle and wellbeing. 

 Follow @garcon.glasgow 

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) welcomes the Government’s announcement of a £900 million expansion of the Youth Guarantee and wide-ranging reforms to the apprenticeship system changes that should prove positive for the hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics sector across the UK.

Announced on 16^th March 2026, the package represents the most significant reshaping of youth employment and skills policy in recent years. For a sector that has long championed entry-level employment, on-the-job learning, and entrepreneurship, the NHBF believes these reforms could help unlock substantial new talent for businesses, if implemented effectively. 

Youth Guarantee and Jobs Incentives

The expansion of the Jobs Guarantee Scheme to include 22 to 24 year olds is particularly welcome news. Hair & beauty businesses, the majority of which are small or micro-enterprises, frequently say the cost and risk of taking on young staff is a barrier to recruitment. New hiring incentives for employers recruiting young people on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment could make a real difference for salon, barbershop and clinic owners willing to invest in the next generation.

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the NHBF, commented:

“Hair & beauty is one of the most powerful vehicles we have for getting young people into skilled, fulfilling work. We welcome any policy that lowers the barrier for businesses to say yes to a young person who is ready to learn. The expanded Youth Guarantee, combined with incentives for smaller employers, is a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with Government to ensure our sector can access every benefit available.”

Hair & Beauty has a workforce which is more than 85% female, so any support given to the sector benefits a population who have been historically underserved by the Government.

Apprenticeship Reform: What It Means for Hair and Beauty

The Growth and Skills Levy reforms bring both opportunity and challenge for the sector. From April 2026, the Government will introduce further incentives for non-levy paying employers, which accounts for the vast majority of hair & beauty businesses, who recruit 16 to 24 year old apprentices. This is a direct response to longstanding calls from the NHBF and the sector for a system that works for small employers.

More than 80% of hair & beauty businesses employ fewer than five people, and 95% employ fewer than ten.

However, the latest State of the Sector Survey report from the NHBF shows that 69% of businesses said it was more difficult to find staff than 12 months earlier, so there’s a clear need for Government support.

Key changes relevant to hair & beauty employers include:

• Additional financial incentives for non-levy* employers hiring 16–24 year old apprentices, launching from April 2026. (*those with an annual wage bill of less than £3 million – so the majority of the sector).
• Foundation Apprenticeships expanding into hospitality and retail sectors from April 2026 — sectors that share the workforce pipeline with hair and beauty and offer comparable entry-level pathways.
• A new Level 2 Administrative Assistant Apprenticeship aimed at 16–24 year olds, available for starts from 1^st August 2026, creating additional opportunities for young career starters in salon and clinic support roles (such as receptionist)
• Streamlining of the apprenticeship offer, reducing over 700 standards to focus funding on young people and critical skills. Hair and beauty apprenticeship standards are not among those being withdrawn.
• Apprenticeship Units launching from April 2026, allowing employers to use levy funding for flexible workforce training for the first time. The initial seven units focus on engineering and digital sectors, but the NHBF will engage with Skills England on future units relevant to hair and beauty.

Important Information fo Levy Funding Employers (ie those paying over £3 million in wages)

While welcoming the investment, the NHBF draws the sector’s attention to changes that will affect how levy funds are managed from August 2026:

• The expiry period for new levy funds will reduce from 24 months to 12 months (applying only to funds entering accounts from 1^st August 2026).
• The 10% monthly top-up on levy accounts will be removed for new funds from 1 August 2026.
• The employer co-investment rate, once levy funds are exhausted, will change from 95%/5% to 75%/25% from August 2026 for new apprentices. Existing apprentices on programme retain the 95% government contribution.

The NHBF strongly encourages levy-paying members to review their current apprenticeship plans in light of these changes and to seek guidance before August 2026.

NHBF Response and Next Steps

The NHBF will be monitoring implementation closely and engaging with Skills England and the Department for Education to ensure that hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics businesses are able to access the full range of support available. 

We will publish guidance for members and the wider sector as further details emerge, including on funding rates for Apprenticeship Units (expected April 2026) and on training provider conditions (confirmed 30^thMarch 2026).

Members with questions about how these changes affect their business are encouraged to contact the NHBF membership team or visit nhbf.co.uk for the latest guidance.

Spring is in the air and that means as well as refreshing your wardrobe, your hair deserves a seasonal upgrade too. This spring, men’s hair trends are all about blending timeless styles with bold, modern touches. From effortless texture to statement cuts, this spring is the perfect time to change up your look. 

Curtain Fringes

Curtain fringes are making a serious comeback this spring, offering the perfect mix of retro flair and modern edge. Characterised by their slightly off-centre parting, the hair flows and frames the face, working well for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. What makes curtain fringes so appealing is their versatility. They can be worn sleek and polished or tousled and textured. With the right cut and styling, a curtain fringe can add movement and dimension to your hair, making it a must-try for spring. 

Mod Cut

Defined by its sharp lines, cropped sides and slightly longer top sections, the mod cut steps back into the spotlight this spring. It’s sharp and structured silhouette demands attention without shouting for it. The beauty of the mod cut lies in its adaptability, slicking it back exudes confidence and polish, whereas a textured, tousled mod adds personality and edge. This spring is all about versatility and men’s styles that are both timeless and fresh.

Frosted Tips

Frosted tips are bringing a playful, eye-catching twist to men’s hairstyles this spring. Its lighter ends contrast with your natural hair, adding dimension and personality without needing a complete style overhaul. This style is perfect for those who want to experiment with colour, while keeping their cut simple. Frosted tips can be subtle for a modern, refined look or more pronounced for a statement-making, nostalgic vibe. This spring, frosted tips prove that even small pops of colour can make a big difference.

Coloured Buzz Cut

The coloured buzz cut is taking men’s hair to a new level this spring, combining minimalism with bold self-expression. It’s short, uniform length makes it low maintenance, but by adding a pop of colour, it is instantly transformed into a bold, statement look. This style is perfect for those looking for an effortless style that is unforgettable, offering a contrast between simplicity and creativity. With the dyed buzz cut, spring has become the season to experiment fearlessly, proving that even shorter styles can have maximum impact.

The beauty and barbering world is changing fast. The most influential professionals are no longer just stylists or barbers. They’re founders, educators, creators and brand builders with global audiences.

Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, is bringing some of those voices together through the expansion of its global Brand Ambassador programme, welcoming a new generation of industry talent helping redefine what success in beauty looks like.

From multi-location salon owners and global educators to founders of grooming brands and academies, the newest ambassadors represent a wave of professionals building businesses that extend far beyond the chair.

Collectively, the new cohort reaches more than 200 million people online each month, reflecting the growing cultural influence of beauty professionals who have become creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their own right.

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

Leading the expansion is Josh Lamonaca, co-founder of MENSPIRE and one of the most recognisable figures in modern barbering. A British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and now Fresha’s Head of Hair Education, Lamonaca has helped turn barbering into a global education movement.

“We’re at a turning point,” Lamonaca said. “The next generation of leaders won’t just be known for their craft, but for how intelligently they build and scale their businesses.”

Joining him is Chloe Ferry, founder of The Beauté Lounge, who brings major cultural visibility alongside the experience of building a consumer beauty brand from the ground up.

The ambassador network also welcomes:

Thaddeus Jayaseelan, founder of barbering academy Gradient and a rising voice in education-led barbering

Andrea Amighetti, a respected multi-location salon owner and educator operating across Europe

Alexi Michael, founder of the global barber education platform Learn to Cut

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

Kochi Faraj, founder of Kochi Dubai and haircare brand Kochi Haircare

Yadiel Alberto Rodriguez (A-Rod), co-founder of international grooming brand L3VEL3

Across salons, academies, product brands and social platforms, these operators represent the modern blueprint for success in the industry.

“As an entrepreneur, alignment matters,” said Thaddeus Jayaseelan. “Fresha represents simplicity, structure and growth, and helps barbers unlock their business potential without costly mistakes.”

Where creativity meets infrastructure

The beauty industry has always been driven by talent. What’s changing is how that talent builds and scales businesses.

Today’s professionals are managing global audiences, launching product lines, opening multiple locations and running education platforms alongside their day-to-day work. Technology is increasingly what enables that growth.

Through Fresha’s platform, ambassadors use integrated booking, payments, reporting and marketplace tools to manage operations and understand customer behaviour as their brands expand.

“At scale, talent alone isn’t enough. Structure is everything,” said Andrea Amighetti.
“Fresha gives our business the visibility needed to grow across multiple locations without compromising quality.”

A global community of beauty leaders

The newest ambassadors join an established group of partners already helping shape the programme, including Sam Bentham (Rascals Barbershop), Mark Maciver (SliderCuts), Hester Wernert-Rijn (Mogeen), Lydia Wolfe, and Jack Mead.

Together they represent a growing global community of professionals pushing the industry forward, combining creativity, entrepreneurship and influence.

“Fresha is rapidly transforming the United States and Canada,” said Alexi Michael. “It’s becoming the system of choice across the industry because the product continues to evolve and support businesses month after month.”

With more than 140,000 partner businesses worldwide, Fresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.