The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first issue of BarberEVO in 2025 – here we have a magazine fill to the brim with the latest tips, techniques, and advice to help you get the ball rolling and nail the new year. Whether you’re looking to refresh your barbershop, you’ll find inspiration in our Interiors feature, or in need of some goal setting or pricing advice, you’ll find some guidance in our Business feature. Let’s kick January off with a bang and start the new year on the right track!

COVER STAR: Tomoya Nishimori

This edition, our Cover Star and Barber of the Edition is the globally renowned barber Tomoya Nishimori. He is the mastermind behind the iconic Mr Brother’s Cut Club, and global educator and ambassador for the premium Japanese grooming brand, BROSH. In this feature, we delve into the backstory of Tomoya and find out exactly how he became the barber that we all know and respect today – as well as hearing about his passion for BROSH and showcasing the talent of the Japanese barbering industry.

EVENTS

Kicking off all thing’s events, we hear from Andy Dawson who was recently involved in the opening of the brand-new Footasylum store in Aberdeen’s Union Square shopping centre. Elsewhere, we dive into the roaring success of EVO On The Road: Glasgow edition – the sold-out event was not to be missed! BarberEVO was also lucky enough to attend the MR. Barbers annual award ceremony and see the excitement firsthand. And who could forget about the Fellowship’s Luncheon and Awards at The Londoner Hotel – we have it all covered here!

NEW YEAR

Bringing in the new year, we hear from Luke James Dolan who won the coveted title of Wahl’s British Barber of the Year for 2024. We speak to four of the best and brightest barbers about their goals for the new year ahead, and our columnist Alan Beak shares his tips for goal setting for the year ahead. Columnist Vikki Harrison-Smith showcases one of her brightest stars from the SB Barber Academy, and Rob Wood from Novo Cabelo reflects on the monumental year he had in 2024, while Andy Dawson of SIGMA Male Image shares his accomplishments, and offers advice on how you can achieve your goals.

INTERIORS

Here, we take a deep dive into the chilled oasis that is Folk. and hear from owners Jordan Coubrough and Sean Dick about how they created the relaxed, yet elevated, space. Elsewhere, we hear from Mustafa Ismail, owner of R.W. Wolf Barbers, who took home the impressive accolade of Wahl’s British Barbershop of the Year 2024 to find out about their trend-setting design inspiration. Vikki Harrison-Smith and Graeme Macaskill share the results of Daylight Company in their barbershops, and we spotlight Mari de Monte’s Manhattan based barbershop Low Ear.

BUSINESS

REM UK have been at the forefront of innovation for decades, and the BarberEVO were lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory to see where the magic happens. One of BarberEVO’s newest columnists Graeme Macaskill talks us through how to rise prices in the new year, while the NHBF break down the first budget from the Labour Government and how that will affect you.

PRODUCT FOCUS: Haircare

Barbering isn’t all about haircuts, it’s also about helping your clients care for their hair. Starting this feature off strong, we hear from Ryan Lewis, owner of Club13 in Hull and STMNT Grooming Goods ambassador, about his go-to haircare tips and tricks for clients. Columnist Hayden Cassidy shared how you can care for your hair away from the barbershop, while Mark Maciver talked about the need for conversations around hair-loss, and Olivier Mathis went through his beard care routine with The Bluebeards Revenge.

Vagaro Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with Introduction of Product Variants

Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, has announced the launch of its new Product Variants feature, offering businesses even greater flexibility in managing their retail sales all in one place.

The new feature allows businesses to easily manage product variations, such as different sizes, shapes, or colors, by simply indicating these details in a dropdown menu. This eliminates the need to enter each variant as a standalone product, simplifying the inventory process. Additionally, users can manage essential product details such as ingredients, instructions, and size guides, all from one centralized page.

The launch reflects Vagaro’s commitment to being a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for beauty business owners. Industry data shows that retail sales contribute between 15-40% of revenue in the beauty industry. With the addition of product variants, users can maximize these product sales directly from their Vagaro account.

“Beauty & wellness professionals know that time is money. Our product variants feature will give some of that time back while also helping them improve their retail sales; enhancing their revenue in more ways than one,” says Vagaro CMO, Charity Hudnall.

Businesses can efficiently manage and sync their entire online inventory without the need to dedicate excessive time to stocking or updating multiple platforms. Vagaro AI also offers businesses the ability to craft product descriptions and details quickly, further enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of their online stores, especially when used in combination with product variants.

In Conclusion: The addition of product variants streamlines the retail experience for beauty professionals, enabling them to manage their inventory and product details with ease. With this new feature, Vagaro continues to help businesses grow by simplifying complex tasks and enhancing revenue potential.

For more information on how product variants can help businesses thrive, visit Vagaro.

When it comes to precision styling, the right clipper makes all the difference. GA.MA Professional, the global hair tool leader, is excited to announce the launch of their new Lumine Beetle Clipper. Small in size but packed with all the features of a larger trimmer, this compact powerhouse is the perfect choice for detailed work like finishing touches, intricate designs and precision cuts.

Designed with both ergonomics and durability in mind, the Lumine Beetle Clipper (Price: $47.20) is ideal for stylists who need accuracy without sacrificing performance. With a 6000 RPM motor, it effortlessly delivers professional-grade results, whether you’re perfecting a sharp fade design, refining edges around the ears, beard, or sideburns or tidying up the nape. Its lightweight beetle-inspired design prioritizes safety, enhances productivity and allows for faster work to keep up with the fast pace of salons and barbershops.

What sets the Lumine Beetle Clipper apart is its Professional Sintered Blades. These blades blend the durability of forged steel with the lightweight feel of synthetic materials, created through a cutting-edge sintering process. This advanced technique fuses metal powders into a corrosion-resistant structure that’s built to thrive in wet environments like salons. The result is a blade that’s as reliable as it is precise.

Additional Features:

• Cord: Professional Cord/Cordless
• Additional Professional Sintered Blade Included
• Battery: Lithium Battery
• Autonomy: 90 min.
• Hanging Hook
• Minimum Cut: 0.3 mm

For added convenience, the clipper includes three comb attachments (1.5 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm), perfect for tackling a variety of hairstyles and fade techniques. Whether you’re working in a salon or on the go, this compact tool can even easily slip right into your pocket, delivering pro-level results wherever your styling journey takes you.

With its advanced technology, ergonomic design and powerful performance, the Lumine Beetle Clipper is the ultimate creative partner. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this clipper helps unlock your potential and keep your work sharp, precise and inspired.

The Lumine Beetle Clipper will be available for purchase at www.gamaprofessional.us.

Jay Millar and the awesome team at Jay’s Barber Club in Belfast ran a cuta’thon for charity at the Head Office of Denman International on December 18, 2024.

The team took time out of the hectic pre-Christmas rush to devote three hours to cutting the hair of up to 25 staff members and ALL proceeds went to Haircuts for Homeless.

“Haircuts for Homeless is one of our chosen charities and when the opportunity arose to raise money through the cuta’thon we were incredibly grateful to Jay and his team for stepping in. The staff loved having the convenience and novelty of getting a cut and finish without even leaving the premises,” Maria Stafford, Partnership Development Manager. 

Jay and the team were delighted to support this amazing charity founded by Stewart Roberts, as they are no strangers to helping the local community. Jay Millar already works tirelessly to promote mental health awareness and donates his time and services to those struggling with homelessness.

The Denman team is now all set for a handsome Christmas!

Vagaro Launches Connect App to Enhance Real-Time Communication for Businesses and Clients

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication is more important than ever. Vagaro has introduced Vagaro Connect, a two-way messaging platform designed to improve communication between businesses and their clients, as well as among team members. Accessible via the Connect App or Vagaro Desktop, the app enables seamless, real-time conversations, empowering businesses to deliver a personalized experience to clients while improving team collaboration.

The dedicated business communication channel within Vagaro Connect ensures that work-related messages are kept separate from personal messages, allowing business owners to set clear boundaries. This helps improve professionalism while maintaining effective communication.

What is Vagaro Connect?

Vagaro Connect is an extension of the Vagaro Pro apps that provides an easy-to-use platform for direct messaging between clients and businesses. By enabling two-way chat for both client and team communications, Connect helps simplify the process of staying in touch, with all features fully accessible through the Vagaro Pro app on desktop and mobile. Full functionality is available with Vagaro’s text messaging (SMS) feature, making it easier to stay connected at all times.

While many business owners already communicate with clients and employees through emails or phone calls, Vagaro Connect offers a more streamlined and efficient solution. Unlike traditional methods, Connect enables real-time, personalized communication that’s more efficient and easier to track.

Turn Conversations into Conversions

In addition to facilitating communication, Vagaro Connect helps businesses convert positive client interactions into booked appointments or upsell opportunities. When communicating with clients through the app, business owners can send appointment links directly to their calendars, allowing clients to book services on the spot. The integration with the Vagaro Calendar makes it easy to send clients links that go straight into a service provider’s schedule, ensuring that every interaction has the potential to turn into revenue.

This seamless integration between chat and scheduling simplifies the booking process for clients and helps businesses secure revenue quickly. The combination of fast response times, personalized service, and easy scheduling ultimately enhances the customer experience and boosts the likelihood of repeat business.

Acquire Client Information Quickly & Easily

In today’s fast-paced environment, speed and accuracy matter. With Vagaro Connect, businesses can quickly obtain important client details through direct communication, without the need for time-consuming phone calls or emails. By enabling text messaging, businesses can immediately gather essential information, update appointment details, or request feedback, all while ensuring a personalized and efficient interaction.

The platform also includes an internal notes feature, allowing businesses to leave relevant client details within the chat history. This keeps all team members informed about a client’s preferences, upcoming appointments, and any other important information, ensuring a seamless experience for the client at every touchpoint.

Clear Communication Across Multiple Platforms

Another standout feature of Vagaro Connect is its ability to maintain consistent communication across various platforms. Clients can reach out via the Vagaro Marketplace, your Branded App, or your MySite. Once a client initiates a conversation, the message icon will appear across all platforms, so businesses can respond quickly, regardless of where they are.

Even if the conversation doesn’t proceed in one uninterrupted stream, Vagaro Connect allows businesses to pick up right where they left off, ensuring continuity and preventing any information from falling through the cracks. With access to message history and internal notes, your team can stay aligned on client interactions, no matter where they take place.

Improved Team Communication

Effective team communication is a cornerstone of any successful business. Vagaro Connect enhances internal communication by allowing team members to engage in one-on-one chats or group chats, helping managers communicate with employees about important matters, including:

• Scheduling and shift changes
• Payroll and staffing updates
• Training opportunities
• New inventory or promotions
• Daily deals or special events

In addition, Vagaro Connect syncs with employee calendars to provide a real-time view of each team member’s availability, ensuring that scheduling issues are addressed quickly. Whether it’s ensuring that a team member is free to take a client or sharing important business updates, Vagaro Connect improves operational efficiency and promotes a more informed, connected workforce.

Better Work-Life Balance

While it’s important to be available for clients and employees, it’s equally important to maintain personal boundaries. Vagaro Connect helps business owners preserve their work-life balance by keeping professional communication separate from personal messages. By using the app, business owners can respond to clients and employees when needed, without worrying about personal conversations mixing with work communications.

This not only maintains professionalism but also prevents the mix-up of private and business messages, offering a much-needed distinction between the two. By allowing business owners to manage all their communications in one place—without using personal phone numbers or email addresses—Vagaro Connect helps maintain the right balance.

Conclusion

As businesses seek more effective ways to manage client and team communications, Vagaro Connect emerges as a crucial tool. The app enhances the overall client experience, streamlines internal communication, and supports a healthy work-life balance for business owners. With its seamless integration with Vagaro’s other tools and features, Connect enables businesses to manage real-time communication more effectively and efficiently.

Businesses looking to improve communication, streamline client interactions, and enhance team collaboration can start a FREE 30-day trial of Vagaro Connect today and experience its impact firsthand.

The International Hairdressing Awards (IHA) is set to make waves in 2025 with its prestigious awards ceremony taking place on Saturday, June 21st, during the much-anticipated HairCon event at Manchester’s iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse. This exciting announcement marks a milestone collaboration between two powerhouse platforms in the hairdressing industry, promising an unparalleled experience for professionals across the globe.

This partnership unites the creative brilliance of the IHA with the vibrant networking, education, and business opportunities offered by HairCon, organised by The Assembly Events Ltd. Together, they aim to create a dynamic space that celebrates artistry, fosters innovation, and supports professional growth within the global hairdressing community.

Mikel Luzea, CEO and Founder of the International Hairdressing Awards, shared his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking partnership: “The International Hairdressing Awards are more than just accolades; they are a celebration of the artistry and passion of our industry. Partnering with HairCon allows us to expand our reach and impact, offering participants a comprehensive platform to connect, learn, and be inspired.”

Michael Dynan, CEO and Founder of The Assembly Events Ltd., echoed the excitement: “We’re thrilled to announce the prestigious International Hairdressing Awards’ UK debut exclusively at HairCon 2025! This collaboration solidifies the incredible success of our inaugural show and marks a milestone for both organisations, bringing together the world’s top talent for an extraordinary evening of recognition, followed by two unmissable days of creativity, connections, and commerce. Join us for this historic moment where the global hair community unites to celebrate excellence and shape the industry’s future.”

The 2025 IHAwards Ceremony promises an unforgettable evening of glamour, creativity, and well-deserved recognition as the industry’s brightest talents and pioneers are honoured on the global stage. Complementing the awards, HairCon will continue to captivate attendees on Sunday, June 22nd, and Monday, June 23rd, offering two days packed with dynamic content, product showcases, inspiring artistry, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

With Manchester set to become the epicenter of professional hairdressing for this extraordinary weekend, industry professionals won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to be part of history. From celebrating the very best in hairdressing to connecting with top brands and innovators, HairCon 2025 promises to elevate the global hair community like never before.

Save the date and prepare to be inspired at the ultimate hair industry event of the year!

V’s Barbershop, the leader in authentic men’s grooming since 1999, is excited to announce the addition of Patrick Butler to its leadership team as the Director of Barbershop Experience, effective January 1, 2025. Butler brings over 30 years of industry expertise and a proven track record in education, operations, and grooming products.

“Patrick is the perfect fit for V’s Barbershop as we continue to improve every aspect of the patron experience,” said Emily Brown, Chief Operating Officer of V’s Barbershop. “I’m thrilled to work closely with him at industry events and in our shops to ensure our franchisees and barbers have the training, tools, and inspiration needed to deliver exceptional in-store experiences. His expertise strengthens our commitment to being the authority in men’s grooming.”

A respected industry veteran, Butler has built an impressive career spanning the globe. As an International Educator with American Crew, he played a pivotal role in establishing technical academies across North

America, Europe, and Asia, teaching advanced men’s haircutting and grooming techniques in 10 countries. His career also includes leadership roles in sales and operations with Peel’s Salon Services (later SalonCentric) and Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, where he focused on education, content production, franchise support, and building strong relationships with manufacturers.

In his role at V’s Barbershop, Butler will focus on strengthening franchisee support through improved training programs, ensuring consistent service quality across all locations, and introducing innovative customer engagement strategies. He will also lead efforts to expand V’s beyond its traditional barbershop model, building on its existing product line by exploring new opportunities in product development e-commerce, and digital educational resources designed for all customers, addressing the grooming needs of the modern man.

“Patrick’s addition to our leadership team represents an exciting step forward for V’s Barbershop,” said Jim Valenzuela, Founder and CEO of V’s Barbershop. “His wealth of experience and dedication to education will help us redefine the men’s grooming experience both inside and outside our barbershops.This hire signals our commitment to expanding into new areas while staying true to our core mission of delivering premium barbering services to gentlemen everywhere.”

“The colder months bring dry air, freezing temperatures, and constant exposure to indoor heating, all of which can wreak havoc on hair. Below are the top winter hair concerns for men and practical solutions to tackle them, with a focus on how the right products can help.

1. Dryness: Winter weather strips natural oils from the hair, leaving it dry and brittle. Men often neglect conditioning, but it’s essential during colder months. For a deep hydration boost, I recommend the OSMO Intensive Deep Repair Hair Mask (RRP £6.70). Using this weekly can restore lost moisture and leave the hair feeling soft, strong, and healthy.

2. Static: Low humidity and constant hat-wearing can lead to annoying static in men’s hair. To combat this, a lightweight anti-frizz product like OSMO Blinding Shine Definer (RRP £11.60) is ideal. It controls flyway’s, adds a natural sheen, and ensures a neat finish — perfect for taming shorter styles or smoothing longer locks.

3. Dullness: The combination of harsh winds and indoor heating can sap hair of its shine. Men’s hair can often appear lacklustre, especially if they use harsh shampoos. To bring back vibrancy, I recommend moving away from super matte products finishing products and going for something with a more satin or higher shine finish. OSMO Corruptor (RRP £11.20) is an ideal substitute for your regular matte finishers, as it’s still lightweight, holds well and is a great all-rounder. 

4. Breakage: Winter makes hair more prone to breakage, particularly for men with longer styles. To strengthen and protect, the OSMO Deep Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP £9.40) are excellent choices. They’re designed to nourish hair without weighing it down, ensuring it stays resilient through the winter months. A consistent routine with these products can prevent split ends and maintain a healthy appearance, too.

5. Colour Fade: As a man with coloured hair myself, I’m fully aware that men with coloured or greying hair often notice increased dullness in winter due to harsher environmental conditions. For vibrant, long-lasting colour, OSMO Colour Save Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP £9.20) or Super Silver No Yellow Shampoo and Conditioner (RRP £14.80) for the grey guys are must-haves. They lock in pigment and shield hair from the elements, knocking out yellow tones, whilst keeping it looking fresh all season long. “All in all, winter hair care is all about maintaining moisture, protecting against damage, and keeping hair looking its best. With the above tips and using the right products you’ll be able to navigate the winter season with confidence,” concludes Kyle. 

Keeping It Clean: How to Care for Barber Clippers, Shears, and Trimmers

By Alyssa Cink

Hair clippers maintenance and barber cleaning supplies may not seem like topics for a barber to “mullet” over. Insurance claims from dirty barber clippers don’t happen that often…do they?

Unfortunately, clipper care claims do plague the barbering field. It happened in 2017, a mother rushed her seven-year-old son to a hospital after visiting a local barbershop.

At first, the child’s scalp was red and irritated, reported Dana Griffin for KCRA 3 News.But as the days passed, it became itchy, then bloody, then full of pus bubbles. The boy had a painful infection known as folliculitis. His mother complained to their state’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and accused the barber of using unclean barber tools and equipment.

Lack of clean and sterilized tools can cause more than folliculitis. Scalp ringworm, impetigo sores, lice, tetanus, and even the spread of blood borne viral infections are possible, too. 

Improper sterilization can also cause dulled blades, meaning more frequent deterioration and replacement of expensive tools–not to mention potential nicks and cuts.In fact, clients can still accuse you of unsanitary practices even if you aren’t at fault.

Truthful or bogus, accusations of a so-called “dirty” barbershop can tarnish a barber’s reputation—sometimes beyond repair.To keep your barbering business safe, we’re reviewing how to clean and care for barber clippers, shears, and trimmers.

How to Clean Barbering Instruments and Protect Your Business

Knowing how to properly clean your equipment protects youand your clients from infection and contamination. It also keeps your tools in top shape for longer, which saves you money. Moreover, it keeps you compliant with your local laws and regulations and boosts your professionalism. Nonetheless, proper maintenance isn’t always public knowledge. Let’s explore some common questions

1. How often should you clean and maintain your barber tools?

Sanitizing, disinfecting, cleaning, and oiling barber tools should happen between EVERY client. Naturally, if you drop an instrument on the ground, that’s also a good time to clean it.Meanwhile, experts suggest doing a deeper, more intense clean once a week on top of those regular cleanings. What about sharpening? Sharpening every six months is a good rule of thumb, but testthe tension often to check for necessary touch-ups.

2. What do barbers use to clean and disinfect their tools?

Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are different steps that require different products. While soap and water help you clean, Barbicide immersion, sprays, and wipes are what sterilize and disinfect. Once your clippers are sanitized, you can use compressed air to remove extra clogged debris and a lightweight, heat-resistant clipper oil to keep the tools lubricated. Meanwhile, wear gloves while you clean to protect your skin from harsh chemicals. 

3. What’s the best way to clean and sterilize barbering tools?

To clean and care for most of your tools, follow these simple steps:

• Wash: To prevent infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend cleaning surfaces and tools before sanitizing or disinfecting. So first, clean your equipment with soap and water to remove debris.
• Immerse or Spray: Next, fully immerse them in Barbicide for 10 minutes. Remove all cleantools before replacing them with dirty ones, to avoid contaminating the clean ones. Can’t immerse? Spray disinfectant and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping it off.
• Oil: After your clippers and trimmers are dry, apply a few drops of oil across the teeth of the blade and one at the back of each rail. Oil daily or even after each use.
• Store: Keep your clean tools in a clean container. Store dirty equipment separately.Most importantly, learn how to properly clean barber equipment per your local and state barber shop sanitation regulations. 

Keep your hands clean with WellnessPro. Even if you keep your tools clean, clients can still have a bad experience and make accusations against your barbering business. They may say you “ruined” their hair. They may blame you for their allergic reaction. Or they might slip and fall in your barbershop and send you the bill.

As you focus on keeping your tools clean, let us keep your hands clean by handling insurance claims against your business. With barbering policies as inexpensive as $159 a year, you can have peace of mind and protection in one clean sweep.

Marie Rainsford has become a trailblazing figure in the barbering world, rising quickly through the ranks with a dedication to her craft and a passion for education. From her early beginnings cutting men’s hair at home to becoming a lead educator at The OP45 Barberschool, Marie’s mission is clear: to shape the future of barbering by empowering others – and never stay stagnant.

Marie Rainsford is the name on everyone’s lips in the barbering world, and for good reason. With a career that has exploded over the past six years, this Irish-born barber has carved out a niche in a traditionally male-dominated industry. But what makes Marie more than just a skilled barber is her profound passion for education. A passion so deep, in fact, that it has transformed her career, from solely being behind the chair to a leading educator on the international stage. And her mission? To empower the next generation of barbers with the tools and mindset needed to succeed.

Curiosity and Courage

Whilst Marie’s journey into the hair world began in salons, where she worked as a stylist for 10 years – she was seemingly always cutting men’s hair… but in a rather unexpected place.

“I was always cutting men’s hair in my mum’s home growing up,” she recalled. “I probably shouldn’t have been doing it at that age, but it just felt right. That was my introduction to barbering.”

Whilst her early start in the craft of barbering wasn’t enough to sway her from starting off in salons, her passion for male grooming always remained – simmering beneath the surface, and waiting for the right moment to emerge. That moment came when she took a chance on a barbering job in Australia.

“It was a new barbershop opening up, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’ I was already cutting men’s hair on my days off, so I thought, let’s see where this takes me!”

Since, she has never looked back. What began as a trial run turned into a full-fledged career in barbering, one that quickly took off when she made the decision to immerse herself fully in the craft, and move back to Limerick, Ireland.

Whilst it may seem that Marie’s rise in the industry has been rapid – with just six years of professional barbering to her name – Marie doesn’t attribute it to luck.

“I’ve been in the industry for 16 years now,” she emphasized. “It’s not just barbering; it’s years of hairdressing too. And really, it’s about never wanting to be stagnant. Honestly, stagnancy is my biggest fear. I constantly strive to get better, and that’s what drives me.”

Drive with a Purpose

For Marie, barbering isn’t just about cutting hair. It’s about nurturing growth in others.

“I really think my purpose in life is to be an educator. I love helping people become better versions of themselves, and showing them a simpler way of cutting hair that can genuinely change their whole career. Education, for me, is really about showing that there is a better way to understand and perform your craft,” she told me.

Marie’s role as lead educator for The OP45 Barberschool, where she champions the D.F.S cutting formula, is a testament to this. The D.F.S formula, according to Marie, is a game changer in the industry – and she noted, it was certainly a game-changer for her.

She said: “It’s an extremely simple formula for cutting hair, but we also work a lot on psychology and mindset. This industry is very much holistic, and I feel it’s time that we really recognise this. You need to know who you are and how you like to work, in order to make the formula work for you. The DSS formula is going to change the barbering industry, honestly. For me, it aligned me with the right people and gave me a deeper understanding of the craft.”

It’s clear that education is at the core of everything Marie does. Whether she’s on stage, in a classroom, or behind the chair, she’s sharing her knowledge and helping to elevate others. Her tours to colleges across the UK are part of this mission, and she’s dedicated to ensuring students are fully prepared for the real-world demands of a barbering career.

“Being in college, it often doesn’t prepare students for the real-life work in the barbershop. They’re there for two years, and then sent out into a strenuous career. I want students to leave our schools ready to be on the shop floor, gaining confidence and making a living – and that comes with a lot more than just practice cutting,” she said. “When you look at any other career path, there are often four-year courses, with follow-ups of internships and many more learning opportunities. Barbering should be taken as seriously as any other craft, and it’s up to us to make sure students are equipped for success. It’s about getting them to capitalise and nourish their potential.”

The Heart of Service

Marie’s commitment to education doesn’t stop at her students – it extends to her clients in the chair, too. For her, barbering is more than just delivering a good cut; it’s about delivering an exceptional service.

“Service is massive,” she said. “I charge a higher price point, but I can do that because I put in the effort to make my clients feel 100%. Every client gets a full consultation, product recommendations, scalp analysis, and a thorough styling lesson. A lot of barbers focus on doing a great fade, but it’s so important to look after the person in the chair. It’s about the entire service – including the aftercare. I mean, we’re a service industry, after all.”

Marie’s attention to detail and commitment to customer care is one of the many things that make her stand out in the crowded barbering industry. She offers a genderless pricing structure, making her services accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“Whether you have short hair, long hair, or something in between, I’ll take care of it. This approach has really worked for me! Chiefly, because it’s really opened up my clientele. I get a lot of older women coming to me for cool pixie cuts, not your typical ‘old lady’ style,” she explained. “I think it’s important to meet people where they are and give them what they want, not what society expects.”

Inspiring the Future Generation

As a female in an industry still dominated by men, Marie is breaking boundaries. But she was quick to downplay the gender divide.

“I think, whilst the industry is changing – it’s still important for barbers to realise, that gender isn’t relevant. I’m great at barbering! That’s that. I don’t see myself as a ‘female barber,’ I’m just a barber. I don’t put myself in any box. But, I still hope I can inspire other women to get into the industry because it’s such a great career with so many avenues to explore,” she said.

Before our conversation came to a close, and just as her next client was set to arrive, I asked Marie one last question. What’s your greatest piece of advice for aspiring barbers? In short, she told me: Stay open, stay curious, and never stop learning – adding: “You’re not going to be good at everything, and that’s okay. Focus on what you’re good at and get great at that.”

In a world where barbering is constantly evolving, Marie Rainsford is at the forefront, shaping the future of the craft with her scissors, her heart, and her desire to uplift others. With her unwavering dedication to growth and learning, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Marie. The barbering world better keep watching – because Marie Rainsford is only just getting started.