Fatboy, the hair care brand built for high-performance styling, wasn’t created in a lab or a boardroom, it
was born on the road, in the thick of touring life, where music and hairstyling were equally a part of Tyson Kennedy’s world.

As the lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Steriogram, he spent years performing high-energy shows, sweating through every set, only to find that no styling product could keep up. Hair would fall flat, lose shape or just not hold the way he wanted. So, he started making his own products. Before each tour, he’d mix batches of styling putty on his stovetop, testing and tweaking until he had something that could survive the chaos.

When Steriogram went on hiatus, Tyson took that same passion into New York’s salon scene, refining his formula and selling it to local stylists. Word spread fast, and what began as a home fix became a cult favorite. That original formula became the iconic Perfect Putty, the product that sparked it all. Seeing its growing demand, Tyson took Fatboy from a side project to a full-fledged brand built on performance, creativity and the belief that hairstyling should be expressive.

Fatboy has never been confined by gender; it’s for anyone who wants to own their style. Now, Fatboy is carving out its place as the authority in short
hair styling. Their mission is to reinvent and set trends for short hair styles like mohawks, pixies and shags. Designed to simplify, inspire and push the boundaries of what hairstyling products can do, Fatboy is more than just a brand, it’s a haircare movement.

“I am thrilled to share our unwavering drive for crafting exceptional hair care products tailored towards short hair styling…

…We believe that every individual deserves to express their unique style with confidence, and our mission is to provide the perfect tools to elevate that experience. With Fatboy, short hair has never looked so good.”

Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy.

Fatboy’s haircare range is designed for both stylists
and everyday users.

The line-up includes…

• Perfect Putty (2.6 oz/ $21): The award-winning, industry-disrupting styling staple that started it all. A matte-finish putty with flexible hold for that perfect lived-in texture, finished with subtle notes of green tea for a fresh, clean scent.
• Spray Putty (3.5 oz/ $24): Perfect Putty-in-a-can, now in an easy-to- use spray for simple, weightless application. This award-winning innovative product is perfect for adding that second-day gritty texture.
• Sea Salt Pomade (2.6 oz/ $21): A hybrid formula that fuses pomade with sea salt for a soft, tousled finish with just the right amount of texture. Styling Cream (2.8 oz. / $21): A lightweight, medium-hold styler that adds volume without flaking. Often used as a blow-dry base, it thickens, protects against heat and UV damage, and works on all hair types – free of nasties like sulfates, parabens and anything that doesn’t belong in great hair.
• Volumizing Shampoo (10 oz. / $24) & Volumizing Conditioner (10 oz /$24): A lightweight, clean duo designed to boost volume and nourish without buildup. Infused with rice protein for strength, plus coconut and avocado oils for hydration and shine, it keeps hair fresh and full with every wash. Finished with a serene fragrance of sage and bergamot, complemented by soft floral undertones for a fresh, uplifting scent.

With a line-up that delivers revolutionary styling, and a brand ethos rooted in music, creativity and individuality, Fatboy is redefining what it means to have great hair. Whether you’re a stylist, a performer or
just someone who wants their hair to look as good at 2 AM as it did at 8 AM, Fatboy has you covered. No fluff. No filler. Just game- changing products that work.

To learn more about Fatboy, please visit www.fatboyhair.com/

Vagaro is taking its partnership with renowned barber and educator Phil Jarman to the next level, providing him with a complimentary MySite design and setup that seamlessly updates based on his Vagaro account settings. To ensure a smooth transition, Phil will also receive 1:1 coaching and white-glove service, helping him navigate the onboarding process with ease.

Phil expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating: “Vagaro is a turn key solution for all my needs as a business owner, barber and educator. The company embodies the definition of class; from the software itself, all the staff I’ve worked with, setting up my account, to any help and ongoing support needed. 

“This is by far the most amazing app for barber, hair, or beauty businesses and really takes the standards to another level. If you want your business to flourish, Vagaro will more than help with the process.”

Vagaro UK’s Managing Director, Jason Downes, highlighted Phil’s impact on the industry and the value of this partnership: “We have an established relationship with Phil, and have always admired the way he innovates & inspires via his global coaching programs, whilst still growing his own amazing barber business.

“With Phil consistently travelling, sharing wisdom (and humour) wherever he goes, having Vagaro by his side allows him to keep on top of his business anywhere in the world, across any time zone.”

Vagaro hopes this is just the beginning of a bigger collaboration—one that will continue to support Phil’s journey while showcasing how powerful Vagaro’s tools are for modern barbers and educators.

Heiniger UK has launched a new 24-hour turnaround scissor sharpening service following a significant investment in new machinery and staff. Customers will be able to take scissors to any Heiniger approved retailer to request the service. Service manager Shaunie Tottle says: “Service staff have all completed a five-day course to operate a range of new machinery and provide customers with an industry-leading scissor sharpening service. Heiniger UK is now able to
service and sharpen a wide range of scissors in just 24 hours.”

Investments in new state of the art equipment, including a Wolf Industries Twice as Sharp® scissor sharpener and a Hira-To® flat hone scissor sharpener with hook and loop discs. “We are now able to take in scissors of all shapes and sizes to be sharpened. For human or animal groomers who use scissors everyday it is important to ensure the blades are factory sharp and, if the metal is dirty, rusty or folding rather than cutting hair, the scissors are well overdue a service and sharpen,” she says.

The sharpening process requires scissors to be disassembled and cleaned before a new ride is added to both sides using a wet stone.

The blades are then worked on a variety of grit settings before being polished and buffed. “We feel the smoothness of the blade to establish if the burr has gone and put it back on the machine if not,” she says.

Finished scissors are tested on single ply paper and on dolls with wet hair to establish if the desired cutting edge has been achieved through the sharpening process. “This is an intricate process but one that we can carry out in just 24 hours because of the skills our team have and the machinery we have invested in. For safety, comfort and efficiency, all scissors should be kept at their best which is why we are offering this service to all users in the UK,” she concludes.

Dense Hair Experts, the award-winning leader in personalised hair loss treatments, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephanie Mason as its new Global Business Consultant. With a stellar track record in business strategy and brand development, Mason will spearhead Dense’s expansion into global distribution, professional salon growth, and cutting-edge educational initiatives.

Stephanie joins at a pivotal moment for Dense, which has already made waves in the haircare industry, trusted by A-list celebrities, elite athletes, and thousands of men and women worldwide. Fresh from winning Gold at Europe’s Transform Awards in the health and wellness category, as well as being named Best Medical-Led Hair Loss Solutions Provider UK 2024, Dense is cementing its position as the market leader in clinically backed, results-driven hair growth solutions.

Expanding Global Reach & Female-Focused Hair Solutions

In her new role, Stephanie will focus on strengthening Dense’s international distribution network, ensuring accessibility to its bespoke, prescription-grade hair loss treatments across global markets. She will also lead Dense’s strategic move into professional salons, giving hairstylists and trichologists the tools to integrate Dense treatments seamlessly into their services.

One of Stephanie’s key priorities will be revolutionising female hair loss care. While Dense has already transformed male hair restoration, she will bring her expertise to address the growing and often-overlooked crisis of female hair thinning and loss. Through targeted consumer and professional outreach, Mason aims to bridge the gap between salon-quality treatments and effective at-home care, ensuring that women struggling with hair loss have access to real, science-backed solutions.

Elevating Education & Industry Expertise

Stephanie will also oversee the development of an advanced education platform, designed to train haircare professionals in Dense’s high-performance, personalised treatment plans. This initiative will equip stylists, dermatologists, and trichologists with the knowledge to deliver unparalleled results, reinforcing Dense’s position as the global leader in medical-led hair restoration.

A Word from the Leadership

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the Dense family,” said Ash Hashmi, Co-founder of Dense Hair Experts. “Her expertise in business strategy and brand development is exactly what we need as we take Dense to new heights. With Stephanie’s leadership, we’re confident in our ability to expand our global footprint and continue to set new standards in personalised haircare.”

Stephanie expressed her enthusiasm about joining Dense at such an exciting juncture:

“Dense’s commitment to high-performance, scientifically backed hair growth solutions is truly inspiring. The brand is redefining what it means to treat hair loss with precision and effectiveness, and I am excited to drive its expansion and impact across the globe.”

Why Dense? A Science-Backed, Award-Winning Brand

Dense Hair Experts is not just another haircare brand—it’s a movement. Backed by industry-leading dermatologists and trichologists, Dense’s bespoke hair growth solutions use pharmaceutical-grade actives, botanical and biotechnological extracts, and cutting-edge formulation techniques. Its clinically backed, pill-free approach has already helped over 20,000 men and women regain their hair confidence, and with Mason on board, the future looks even brighter.

For more information on Dense’s award-winning treatments, visit www.densehairexperts.com.

Follow us on Instagram:

📍 @densehairexperts

📍 @stephaniemason

Hundreds of hairdressers took to the streets for the Salon Owners and Employers action day that took place on March 17th in central London.

The peaceful protest was organised by the British Hair Consortium whereby the industry pulled together to show its support for tax reform. Hairdressing and beauty salon owners gathered at London’s Parliament Square, in a bid to request that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will throw the sector an economic lifeline. It is hoped that the ‘Save Our Salons’ rally will get the attention of Government.

A recent report commissioned by the British Hair Consortium and carried out by CBI Economics, highlighted how an unbalanced tax system is decimating the hair and beauty industry – and showed that unless things change, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030. This would leave very few in employment, creating a sector largely devoid of the employment rights that come with being an employee.

With the Spring Forecast on the horizon, the British Hair Consortium – which represents 50,000 UK hairdressing professionals – says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.

Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium said: “We won’t stand down and let our industry die. The support shown by our industry was incredible and I hope that we have gained the attention that we need to show Government that we need a lifeline. We need VAT reform and we’re not going to stop shouting for this to happen.”

National media and news channels attended the protest, streaming the story globally, in what was deemed as a highly successful protest.

For more information on The British Hair Consortium go to https://www.bhc.org.uk/

@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons

For Women’s History Month, we are featuring the stories of some of Wahl Professionals top female barbers who have risen through the industry and made a name for themselves. 

Brittany Calzada, Barber and Wahl Pro Educator

My journey into barbering started with a passion for sculpting and manipulating hair. I always appreciated the art of personal grooming and how a haircut could transform someone’s confidence. I love that barbering goes beyond just cutting hair, it allows you to connect with people you probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

As a woman operating a male-dominated industry, I’ve faced challenges. There were moments when clients were surprised to see a female barber and doubted my ability. I’ve been overlooked in the shop just because I was a woman, and I had to work harder to earn a guest’s trust and respect. At the end of the day, the challenges were fuel to my fire and desire to become one of the best professionals in the industry. I focused on honing my skills and letting my talent speak for itself, and it’s led me to become the accomplished barber that I am today and my partnership with Wahl.

Working with Wahl has been a game changer for my career. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a brand that is recognized and trusted for its high-quality tools, dedication to the craft, and commitment to accessible education for professionals at any level in the industry. Throughout the partnership, the brand helped me elevate my skills with the right tools and continuous training. Some of my favorite Wahl Pro products to work with are the Wahl Pro Magic Clip, the Wahl Pro Vanish Shaver, and the new Wahl Pro Vapor™. And being part of the team has opened doors to opportunities and growth.

As the industry is becoming more diverse and women in barbering are being recognized more and more, there’s more space for female barbers to make their mark, and more opportunities for brands and leaders in the industry to support aspiring female barbers. Today’s industry is becoming a more supportive community where women feel encouraged to thrive, and I’m truly excited to be a part of it and be a role model for the next generation.

My advice to aspiring barbers would be never to underestimate your worth and your abilities. If a client chooses not to get a haircut from you because you’re a woman, respect their decision and know that the client isn’t the right fit for you. This is the first step in building up your confidence and allowing yourself to focus on clientele that want your expertise behind the chair. The next step to making your confidence unshakeable is by practicing your craft as much as possible and surrounding yourself with supportive peers of all genders who believe in you. With these steps – a Wahl tool in hand! – any aspiring women barber will be unstoppable.

Aura Salonware is pleased to announce its first annual Aura BeautySphere Connect event, which will take place at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2025.

This intimate one-day retreat for salon owners is an opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge. Participants will gain insights from industry innovators and experience salon leadership educational sessions and workshops.

Speakers include Cyd Charisse and David Bosscher of Destroy the Hairdresser, Sarai Speer, known as the Platinum Giraffe, Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale, Benjamin Camagna from Currie Hair Skin and Nails, Keri Davis of Keri Davis Consulting, and more.

In addition, Aura’s official networking lunch and experiential cocktail reception allows salon owners to connect with fellow beauty entrepreneurs.
“Aura promises to infuse new energy to salon businesses by providing an industry event that brings together like-minded beauty professionals,” mentioned Aura Salonware Co-founder Jonathan Levine. ”We invite salon owners to come get inspired, share their experiences and best practices, and discover ways to grow their businesses while taking a little time to breathe in the beauty and vibrance of Miami.”

To learn more about Aura BeautySphere Connect or purchase tickets, visit http://aurasalonware.com/beautysphereconnect.

About Aura Salonware
Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue.

For more information about
Aura, visit aurasalonware.com.

Rob Weston, owner of LEVEL 7 BARBER has been announced as OSMO’s new brand ambassador.

With over 12 years of experience in the barbering industry, Rob Weston’s journey began at LAFHAB (Leeds Academy for Hairdressing & Barbering) in Leeds City Centre. After qualifying, he honed his craft in a busy walk-in barbershop, quickly building a loyal clientele that followed him as he moved to the next town. His
ambition led him to convert part of a hair salon into a dedicated barbershop, where he spent two years establishing his name before returning to the heart of Leeds.

Rob gained valuable experience at Boris & Co, refining his skills in a fast-paced city
environment under Michael Tominay. He later expanded his expertise at King Coby’s and 13 Barbers, working alongside a close-knit team. After three years, fatherhood led him back to a local setting at Boris & Co in Mirfield before he set out on his own venture.

In June 2023, Rob opened Level 7 Barbers in a fully renovated space, creating a
modern, thriving barbershop that remains fully booked. His expertise spans both
barbering and hairdressing, incorporating elements of precision cutting, longer
styles, and colouring into his hybrid approach.

Beyond the shop, Rob has shared his knowledge through stage work with Great British Barber Bash and as a coach for Learn to Cut, an online platform mentoring aspiring barbers to refine their skills and elevate their pricing. He also runs his own independent education courses, helping others unlock their potential.
Rob’s passion for creativity extends to photography and videography, complementing his social media presence.

Always eager to evolve, he continually invests in education and professional development.
Rob’s role as an OSMO ambassador will see him working closely with the brand to create content, attend industry events, and participate in brand shoots… including a
very exciting one, which is yet to be revealed!
“Rob’s expertise in barbering resonates with our passion towards the barbering industry. We’re excited to be working closely with Rob and seeing how his creative
skills help to build the OSMO brand and products to a wider barbering audience,” explains OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.

www.osmo.uk.com
Instagram: @osmouk_official / @osmoikon / @_robweston/@level7barbers

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has announced that Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive and Rosina Robson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, have been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.

This prestigious recognition, curated by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), celebrates 100 inspirational women who have made significant contributions to trade associations across the UK.

The Powerlist will be officially launched today, March 7, 2025, to coincide with International Women’s Day, underscoring the vital role of female leadership in various sectors.

Caroline Larissey, who assumed the role of NHBF Chief Executive in November 2023, has been instrumental in driving the federation’s strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience spans over three decades, beginning as a salon junior and progressing through roles such as stylist, beauty therapist, business owner, and further education lecturer. Prior to her current position, Caroline served as the NHBF’s Director of Quality and Standards, where she championed the development of industry standards and best practices.

Under Caroline’s leadership, the NHBF has successfully implemented an ambitious five-year strategy, restructured the organization for enhanced operational efficiency, and ensured financial stability and transparency. Notably, the launch of the NHBF Manifesto in May 2024 has set a positive vision for the future, outlining how the government can better support the creativity, entrepreneurship, and public service displayed by NHBF members.

Caroline expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating,
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist alongside my exceptional colleague, our director of policy and public affairs Rosina Robson. This past year has marked a significant transformation for the NHBF as we’ve successfully implemented our ambitious five-year strategy, restructured our organisation with clear operational frameworks, ensuring both financial stability and transparency. Particularly rewarding has been the launch of our NHBF Manifesto and the establishment of our advisory boards, areas where Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has been instrumental. Her expertise has significantly amplified our sector’s voice at the highest levels of government and strengthened our influence across key policy areas.

The development of our NHBF, Survive and Thrive with the NHBF initiative, our Assured Trade Member scheme, digital credits, recognising sector excellence, and our innovative ‘Business in a Box’ Member offer represent just some of the ways we’re revolutionising how trade associations deliver value. Being selected by FSB, CBI, and the Trade Association Forum validates our approach to combining sector-specific expertise with strategic vision to create lasting positive change for our members and the entire hair and beauty sector.”

Rosina Robson, NHBF’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, brings a wealth of experience from her work in Westminster and Whitehall, where she has been pivotal in securing positive changes to legislation. At the NHBF, Rosina is responsible for presenting the views of members on critical issues such as wages, standards, and taxation to politicians across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has significantly amplified the sector’s voice at the highest levels of government. Her efforts have strengthened NHBF’s influence across key policy areas, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of members are effectively communicated and addressed.

The inclusion of Caroline Larissey and Rosina Robson in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist highlights NHBF’s dedication to excellence, advocacy, and the advancement of the hair and beauty industry.

As March is Women’s History Month, BarberEVO decided to team up with Wahl Professional to show our appreciation of some of the top female barbers in the industry, and how they have overcome adversity in a male-dominated industry.

Featuring: Kristi Faulkner, Wahl Education Team, International Platform Artist & Educator

From a very early age, I loved everything about cutting hair – I always cut all my Barbie dolls’ hair and did all my friends’ hair in school. After high school, I went to college and cosmetology school at the same time and got my cosmetology license. Shortly after, I got married and moved to a military town – that’s really where my passion for barbering started. Even though I had just graduated from cosmetology school, I had never picked up a pair of clippers ever. I found a barbershop to work at, and the owner gave me a Wahl Professional Designer clipper and a Wahl Professional Peanut. The rest is history.

At the beginning, it was extremely hard to even have anyone sit in my chair. Not many female barbers cut hair for those of all different races and with all textures, but I was young and eager to learn, so I learned learning to cut men’s hair and all different textures. The owner, Miss Ann, was a Korean female barber who taught me everything I know. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she gave me. At that time, it was $4.00 a haircut and I made 40% of that. I definitely had to learn fast and cut fast. That is where my love of barbering came from and my speed.

After time and A LOT of practice I began to really start a great clientele on the military. Unfortunately, I ended up moving home and that’s when I really had a reality check. I was a white woman that cut all different textured hair, but mainly ethnic hair because it was my favorite to cut. When I looked for a job, I got turned away over and over again. I finally found a barbershop that gave me a chance, but still, no one wanted me to cut their hair. They thought I was an undercover cop or something like that. It took a lot of time and patience, but once I had a few people sit in my chair, I proved my skill.

Eventually I had to leave the barbershop, and I saved all the money I earned to open the first multi-cultural shop in my area. I have been licensed for 32 years now and with Wahl Professional clippers going on 17 years.

I’ve always found joy in continuing my barber education, so I went to all the hair shows I could. I was very fortunate that when I was at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, the largest ethnic show in the country, the head of education for Wahl clippers at the time, Isadore Adams, was there working the booth. He gave me the chance of a lifetime – I went on stage at the show and cut a head as a demonstration. I was so nervous to be up there, but when I turned on my Wahl Pro clippers, I instantly relaxed and showed off my skills that I had worked so on for over the years. I would never have thought a pair of Wahl Pro clippers would take me all over the world. I have done international shows and classes, all throughout the U.S. as well. Even working for the most trusted barbering tools company in the world, I still faced doubters who challenged my skillset. I worked even harder to know my Wahl tool knowledge better than anyone else, and I never gave up, which only made me better.

I’ve been so blessed to be a part of the Wahl family. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. Now, I’m a part of the product and development team as well. I absolutely love anything and everything that has to do with Wahl – from the actual products, like my current favorites the 5-Star Vapor™ and the 5 Star A•LIGN Trimmer, to learning how to use them to create new looks and cuts.

This industry is ready for new upcoming female barbers. We have a few new female barbers on our Wahl Education team that are phenomenal. I love to share my story with other aspiring women in the industry, and I always encourage all female barbers to be fearless. Don’t give up! We have an incomparable skillset and presence. I always tell other female barbers the road might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Every single disappointment will make you stronger and better. The future is bright for female barbers, and I’m so blessed I was able to help pave a little of the way.