Business consultant Phil Jackson from Build Your Salon believes it doesn’t have to be lonely as a salon owner!

With 20 years in the salon industry and a passion for innovation, Phil Jackson is an international business coach offering a unique perspective on the challenges of salon ownership. Phil works with many salons, barbershops, and spas around the world to build a business they can feel proud of, making sure they look outside the box and consider all aspects of the business.

Why is it our experience of running a business seems to be defined by feeling let down? Why IS it that you can’t seem to talk to your partner, other local business owners, or even your best friend about what’s going on in your business?

SO many salon owners turn to team members because they want to connect with someone who is in the business with them-someone that understands the day-to-day pressures we’re facing.

I’ve done it myself. Selected the Chosen One in my own team. The one who seemed to ‘get it’. That odd individual who stood apart from the rest of the crowd and I felt could be inducted into some kind of circle of trust. And they let me down.

Either left (how dare they?!) or failed to back me up (rude!) or committed some other flavour of salon treason.

But ultimately (as with everything) it’s your own fault. You see, they’ve built different muscles to you. Let me explain.

Physical muscle isn’t built through just ‘toning up’. To build a bigger muscle the fibres of the muscle need to be damaged or injured. Then your clever body builds a stronger, denser bit of muscle. So, what does that have to do with you as a salon business owner?

Well, every time someone quits, every time you deal with being let down by a supplier, every time you cope with a day from hell, you’re building entrepreneurial muscle.

Take complaints, for example; I remember vividly the first customer complaint I got. I recall sitting on the stairs at the salon and crying for pretty much a whole day. To be fair, I had given a customer a lousy haircut, but I’d done my best and I was devastated. I was in that horrible bit of our career where you’re newly qualified and building experience.

Then I got another complaint.

I was upset, but maybe not quite so much. And though I never wanted to get to the ‘water off a duck’s back’ stage, with each complaint the pain gets a little less. Why is that?

It’s because you’ve built a complaint-handling muscle. You’ve been damaged and repaired in a more resilient way.

So, all those things you deal with as a salon business owner are building your entrepreneurial muscles. Which is why nobody else gets you and your team can’t relate. Even if they see what you see, they have a different journey of growth. They’re not getting damaged and rebuilding like you are.

Lonely, isn’t it? But it doesn’t have to be. Lean into the industry. We’ve been through so much together that we can put the days of waspish competition behind us now. It’s time to build genuine industry connections. Join trade associations, attend events, hang out in industry networking groups online and build your new tribe.

The JVN haircare line is a collaboration between Amyris and Jonathan Van Ness: hairstylist, Emmy-nominated TV personality, New York Times best-selling author and podcaster. Jonathan Van Ness introduced JVN as a haircare line that see all beauty, serves all beauty, and honors the uniqueness in each person.

Before becoming a TV personality, author and podcaster, Jonathan worked as a professional hairstylist between Los Angeles and New York. His role on the hit TV show, Queer Eye, is to help both men and women build hair and skincare routines, and feel empowered by their grooming routines, to feel their most confident self.

The tagline for the JVN is “Come as you are.” Jonathan Van Ness said: “JVN allows everyone that uses it to find their best hair self, feel beautiful, and show the world that they can look better than ever while being confident in their choice to bring clean beauty to their hair.”  With this sentiment in mind, the JVN line is both gender and texture inclusive.

The JVN line also prides itself on having the most innovative and up-to-date ingredients, prioritizing the performance of its products. They have also made efforts to make the line as sustainable as possible, saying@ “We stand as allies with other mission-driven organizations, and find unexpected ways to take care of our community and the planet. JVN products are packaged in infinitely recyclable materials like aluminum and glass.”

For more info, go to jvnhair.com

Worried you missed your chance to enter into the most prestigious awards event in the industry? Well, today is your lucky day, as NAHA has EXTENDED their entry period for 10 extra days, and will be accepting submissions until September 20th, 2021.

Plus, artists who don’t have time to shoot new collections, can submit previously-entered collections via the NAHA Remix category. And, of course, Editorial Stylists can enter their editorial work without shooting anything new.

What’s New in 2022:

• Men’s Haircutting is now Barbering

• Texture requires a minimum of three photos that incorporate Coily, Curly, Wavy, or Straight hair
• Haircolor entries must include the formula and process 

More information about the categories can be found here.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of North America’s Hair Awards! Enter here!

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) announced the winners of the 2021 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA). The announcement took place on Sunday, August 29th at their awards ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada, during Cosmoprof North America.

NAHA is known as the beauty industry’s most prestigious competition in North America – honoring the top artists and creative talents who have pushed the boundaries of skill and creativity.

NAHA celebrates the industry’s leading talent and features 15 categories of excellence across hair and makeup artistry, including the new Inspiring Salon of the Year and Educator of the Year award categories.

“This was an unprecedented year for NAHA, yet the heightened creativity and sheer artistry represented were among the most impressive in the competition’s history,” shares Nina Daily, PBA’s Executive Director. “The industry rallied to channel energy into groundbreaking innovation and camaraderie, and we couldn’t be prouder of the winners, finalists and everyone who put so much passion and energy into making tonight such a success.”

NAHA 2021 was hosted by A-list celebrity stylist and Living Proof Global Creative Director Michael Shaun Corby and featured artistic presentations by Silas Tsang and the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. The event was live-streamed and available on-demand for those who were not able to attend in person.

2021 NAHA Awards Winners:

• Men’s Hairstylist of the Year- Nieves Almaraz

• Avant Garde- Sharie Valcin

• Editorial Stylist of the Year- Danielle Keasling

• Educator of the Year- Sam Villa

• Haircolor- Suzanne Sturm

• Haircutting- Stephen Moody

• Hairstylist of the Year- Silas Tsang

• Inspiring Salon of the Year- Square Colour Salon + Spa

• Makeup Artist of the Year- Nohemi Capetillo

• Master Hairstylist of the Year- Ruth Roche

• #NAHAMoment- Lauren Moser

• Student Hairstylist of the Year- Alisha Kemp

• Styling and Finishing- Nick Stenson

• Team of the Year- Julie Vriesinga

• Texture- Ammon Carver

To watch the awards ceremony on demand, including interviews from the red carpet, please visit https://www.bigmarker.com/professional-beautyassociat/NAHA-2021-Livestream

The Connecticut Barber Expo X and associated events will take place August 14 – 16th, 2021, and be held at the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Finally, after several reschedulings due to the Covid19 Pandemic, the tenth anniversary of CT Barber EXPO, organised by legendary Jay Majors, has finally arrived. As the official media partner, we at BarberEVO can’t wait to see what this weekend has in store.

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, the Expo will start off with the 2nd Annual International Barber Grammys / Pre-Party from 8:30 PM to 2 AM. This will take place in the Ballroom at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT. This is a dress to impress, black tie affair.

On Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Educational Seminars will take place from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. The Educational Seminars will be presented by some of the industry’s most respected educators. The Barber Battle and Expo will occur from 2 PM to 9:00 PM.

On Monday, August 16, 2021, the Educational Seminars will take place from 8:30 AM to 2 PM. The Barber Battle and Expo will occur from 2 PM to 7:30 PM.

Sharpen your skillset, and rub arms with some of the biggest barbers, stylists and educators in the industry, such as @ivanzoot, @vicblends, @andyauthentic, @kduncangrooming, @andyfademaster, @lici_ladybarber, @be.lechendary, @v.hugostyles, @micdamiano, @diego_djdgaf, @barber.josh.o.p, @bossiocuts, @iamtyrikjackson, @thebizlawyer, @rumbarber and @cutthroat.mike… Just to name a few!

Plus, visit BarberEVO at booth 407!

For additional information, please visit www.ctbarberexpo.com.

The BarbersRide barbers started the first leg of their journey yesterday, Sunday the 8^th of August, taking on the longest section of the journey, from Liverpool to Glasgow. The forty-odd riders gathered on the 7^th of August from all across the UK, in aim to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation, and to ride their motorbikes across the north of England and into Scotland, stopping at reputable barbershops along the way.

Having gathered at Cut Throat Pete’s Barbershop in Liverpool on Saturday, the barbers’ first full day of riding was nothing short of eventful. True to the Scottish reputation, the riders experienced nearly every variation of weather; including thunder, lightning, and torrential downpour.

Luckily, the night’s event was hosted at the lovely and atmospheric House Martin Barbershop in the City Center of Glasgow. Owner Stephen Martin was there to give all the riders a warm Glaswegian welcome, with high-quality whisky to warm up with! The night continued at the bar next door, the Howlin’ Wolf, where the riders exchanged stories and prepared for their next day’s journey to Fort William.

After their stop at Fort Williams Stag&Buck barbershop, the riders will continue on to Dundee, stopping at Hard Grind Barbershop. Wednesday, the barbers will visit Ultimate Grooming in Yarm, then finish their journey together at Lords’ Barbering in Leeds on Thursday.

BarberEVO was able to catch up with the barbers during their stop in Glasgow and hear a bit about their involvement and love for BarbersRide. One said: “To take on this ride, you have to be a little crazy, love bikes, and love being a barber. That’s what makes it so fun, and the long, wet days like today, worth it!”

Stephen, owner of House Martin said: “It feels great to be able to get involved in the fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation, and host members of the barbering community in the shop again. It has been a long time since we have been able to get together and hold an event like this, and it was an honour to be able to represent Glasgow in the BarbersRide event!”

We wish the riders the best of luck for the remainder of their journey, and applaud their efforts and bravery for weathering the storm to raise money for a worthy cause like the Make a Wish Foundation!

To learn more, or to donate to the cause, click here

This contemporary masterpiece posses all the strengths of the Cordless T-Outliner with next-level performance from the modified housing and new GTX-Z blade.

The features for this new model include:

• With classic performance you love from the original cordless T-Outliner® in an intuitive shape, enhancing visibility for precision detailing
• GTX-Z blade is pre-set with a tighter gap for fine detailing in a custom gold corrosion-resistant coating
• Powerful lithium-Ion battery delivers over 100 minutes of runtime on a single charge
• Extremely powerful, high-speed rotary motor delivers 7,200 strokes per minute with advanced Constant Speed Technology for ultimate blade performance through all hair types
• Cord/cordless operation for no downtime behind the chair and no waiting for charging

Andis have advised that the GTX-EXO can be used Cord/Cordless trimming and fine detailing of necklines, facial hair, dry shaving, designs, and hard parts. Rotary Motor; 100-240 V | 50-60 Hz | MAX 7,200SPM.

This model is now available for pre-order and can be shipped on August 16^th 2021, more details on the product can be found here.

First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill had a virtual meeting of the Executive on Thursday 22^nd of July to confirm a several changes regarding coronavirus restrictions, another discussion will take place on Monday 26^th of July continuing the conversation of the ease of restrictions.

Still under consideration for changes are places such as theatre and concert halls, however the number of people allowed to meet outside, along with barbershops and salons will now be able to remove the ‘booking only’ means of business.

The Northern Ireland Executive said “modest relaxations” had been reached after thorough consideration in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

Currently hairdressers and other close contact can only operate with booking systems or appointments. From Monday this will be eased, and Ireland will follow the likes of Scotland, where walk-in customers are permitted.

Image: belfasttelegraph.com

Independent high street business debt has more than quadrupled over the last year, a new Grimsey Review report has revealed, warning that Britain is facing a fresh wave of closures this autumn.

• Debt for high street independents has more than quadrupled
• Working conditions have become more insecure – 63% of people working in beauty salons are now self-employed
• Growth of trader associations and new adaptive spaces is giving indies a bigger voice and encouraging a new generation of high street entrepreneurs

In the latest review from veteran retailer Bill Grimsey, his team examine Britain’s vibrant independent shops, services and hospitality businesses, which have done so much to turn our high streets and town centres into attractive community places.

With 17,500 chain stores closing in 2020, Grimsey warns that a tsunami of smaller independents could soon follow. They are believed to owe £1.7billion and, as business support measures are withdrawn, thousands are vulnerable.

“Our high street independents have experienced a newfound appreciation during lockdown,” he said.  “But they’ve also been forced to take on government-backed loans, which they would not have normally been able to get because their balance sheets wouldn’t allow it. Now they are struggling to manage a mountain of debt and need help.”

The review is calling for a Government ‘forgiveness scheme’ to write off government-backed loans for viable small businesses.

“The French Government is already working on a policy to save small businesses from being crushed by debt and we need to do the same to save thousands,” added Grimsey.

In a wide ranging examination of how high street independents have survived the pandemic and their impact on communities, the review also looks at a new generation of retailers that are trying out bricks and mortar retail after first building online brands.

To support this sector more, it urges Government to take action on business rates in their autumn review, and calls for more initiatives to entice online entrepreneurs onto the high street.

The review also acknowledges the huge contribution made by hair and beauty, the fastest growing sector on the high street. However, it warns that the sector has become more precarious during the pandemic, with thousands of workers shifting to self-employed status.

It is also suffering from a lack of regulation, and deteriorating standards are encouraging a race to the bottom.

The UK is one of the only countries in Europe and North America where hairdressers and barbers aren’t regulated. Furthermore, after a week’s course, people can start injecting Botulin or reshaping customers’ faces with a dermal filler.

In conclusion, Grimsey said that Britain would not ‘build back better’ unless policymakers looked beyond infrastructure investment to equally prioritise small business and strengthening the social fabric of high streets.

“Britain is at a crossroads and the pandemic has brought about sweeping changes that will make a decisive break with a traditional high street model,” he warned. “But we can’t build our way out of trouble. To unlock the potential of our high streets, we need to focus on people, partnerships and communities as well.”

“That means protecting small businesses. It means supporting a new breed of digitally savvy entrepreneurs and making high streets a testbed for new thinking. And it means promoting high standards and regulating key sectors like hair and beauty. Britain needs a social recovery to lock in an economic one and our high streets should lead by example.”

Hair & Barber Council Registrar/CEO, Keith Conniford, said: “This highly anticipated review focuses on the increasingly worrying position of the retail, hair and beauty and hospitality sectors. It highlights the plight of our sector specifically, and the lack of support we have been given in spite of the many reports, letters and contacts The Hair and Barber Council made during the pandemic to MPs, Cabinet Ministers and direct to No 10.“

He continues “The report highlights the real need for our sector to be regulated to protect it moving forward and forms part of its recommendations to Government. Salons, Barber Shops and Beauty salons/spas are the powerhouse of the high street and Government must now start to seriously listen, support and help us to finally amend the current Act of Parliament from voluntary to mandatory….not until then will we ever be taken seriously as the professional industry we clearly are. The time is now…..a fascinating piece of work.”

Eight of Croydon’s finest barbershops will soon be offering free on the spot blood pressure tests to their clients in an attempt to raise awareness and potentially give life-saving advice.

This scheme started in April and is a UK first being run by London South Bank University (LSBU), Croydon BME Forum, and Off the Record.

The groups provide eight barbers who have customers in Croydon with the training they need to diagnose. Among them are Lambeth, Southwark, and Bromley to deliver the blood pressure checks at their premises, an effective way to detect for issues. About 30% of men in the UK are believed to have high blood pressure and problems relating to it.

The project is inspired by a successful health venture in Los Angeles barbershops, which resulted in 68% of those diagnosed with high blood pressure in said barbershops leaving the study with more healthy blood pressure levels.

The eight barbershops participating are:

• Da Ace Of Fades (Thornton Heath)
• The Barber Shop (Croydon)
• Finishing Touches (Mitcham)
• Yian the Barber (South Norwood)
• Cutter Hair Doctor (South Norwood)
• J & D Doyleys (Thornton Heath)
• House of Bertrand (Bromley)
• Juls The Hair Klinik (Mitcham)