How do you figure out which style of moustache to go for?
Choosing a moustache style depends on a few factors: your face shape, hair growth pattern, and personal style. For example, those with a rounder face might go for a longer, more structured style like the handlebar, giving the illusion of length to balance out the roundness of the face. While someone with a more angular face could suit a chevron or pencil moustache, as shorter and more defined styles can complement any sharp features. It’s all about experimenting and finding a style that complements your look.
How long will it take to grow? What do you do if it’s patchy?
Typically, it takes around 4-6 weeks to grow a solid moustache, however this will vary person to person and if you’re anything like me, as little as 2 weeks can be enough to have a pretty thick moustache. This can be both a blessing and a curse if you think about the required upkeep and maintenance of fast and thick growing facial hair.
If it’s a bit patchy, patience is key. Let it grow out and see how it fills in, as the hairs may cover sparse areas over time. If not, a touch of beard oil and a bit of light trimming can help create a fuller appearance.
What tools do you need?
A good quality narrow comb and small scissors are essential for trimming and shaping. An electric trimmer with adjustable guards is also handy, as it lets you maintain the desired length and avoid over-trimming, if short symmetry is what you’re looking for.
What products do you need?
A quality beard oil, such as OSMO Beard Complex, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Moustache wax is also useful for adding a bit of hold. Although my pro tip is that any hair wax, such as OSMO Matte Clay Extreme, can be equally, if not more effective than a moustache wax, especially if you’re styling a more structured look.
How do you keep it clean?
Keeping a moustache clean is easy with regular washing, ideally with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove any food particles or oils without drying out the hair or skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with beard oil to keep it hydrated.
To order OSMO for your salon contact your local OSMO wholesaler at www.osmo.uk.com
The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons.
Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:
‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.
However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.
We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue
While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”
The summary of the Budget:
Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000
Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
£1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport
Fresha, the world’s leading marketplace platform for beauty, wellness, and self-care, today announced a strategic investment and partnership with Yuv, a cutting-edge company specialising in AI-powered hair colour technology.
This collaboration sets the stage for Fresha to further cement its position as the go-to platform for salons and beauty professionals globally, offering unparalleled innovation and efficiency.
Fresha boasts a network of over 120,000 beauty businesses worldwide, with salons making up a large portion of its partners. Hair colouring is a significant revenue driver for salons but remains one of the most complex services to manage effectively. By integrating Yuv’s groundbreaking technology, Fresha is set to revolutionise the hair colouring process—enhancing precision, streamlining inventory management, and delivering personalised and consistent services for clients. This strategic move further reinforces Fresha’s position as an industry leader, providing salons and beauty businesses with the advanced tools they need to elevate both their service quality and operational efficiency.
Hair colouring is a complex service that requires precision and consistency. Yuv’s technology allows salons to save personalised hair colour formulas directly in customer profiles, ensuring a consistent and tailored experience for every client. For salon owners, this means they can offer a high-quality, customised service every time, which not only strengthens client loyalty and drives repeat business but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Beyond enhancing the client experience, Yuv’s technology significantly improves inventory management. Integrated into Fresha’s backend systems, the solution provides salons with real-time insights into product usage and automates restocking processes. This not only reduces waste and lowers costs but also ensures that salons always have the necessary products on hand, optimising efficiency and profitability.
By addressing these critical pain points with an innovative solution, Fresha expects to increase platform stickiness and deepen merchant loyalty. The integration of Yuv’s technology further embeds Fresha into the day-to-day operations of its largest vertical, strengthening its competitive advantage in the beauty space.
“Investing in Yuv aligns with our mission to provide the most advanced tools to beauty professionals,” said William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha. “Hair colouring is a cornerstone of the salon business, and by addressing the complexities of this service, we’re adding significant value to our platform. This partnership will transform how salons operate and positions Fresha as the most trusted and indispensable platform for beauty and wellness businesses worldwide, reinforcing our role as the industry leader.”
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Fresha,” said Francisco Gimenez, Founder and CEO of Yuv. “Partnering with Fresha provides us with the platform and reach we need to revolutionise the salon experience on a global scale. Together, we’re set to transform how professionals and clients approach hair colouring, creating a more efficient and personalised process that benefits everyone involved.”
Wahl Professional announces the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer in the popular T-shaped design for a more efficient and quieter drying experience for consumers and pros alike.
STERLING, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wahl Professional, the leading and trusted brand in professional grooming and styling, announced today the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer, a brushless digital motor dryer designed for a quieter, lighter, and more efficient drying experience.
For long sessions, the Vanquish Hairdryer’s slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.
“The introduction of the Vanquish Hairdryer underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality, as it brings a new drying standard to consumers as well as professional barbers and stylists,” said Lance Wahl, global SVP of sales and marketing for Wahl Professional. “The Vanquish is truly raising the bar for the next generation brushless digital motor hairdryers and is a game changer for the industry. Its innovative features create a more comfortable and elevated experience regardless of styling skill level.”
The Vanquish Hairdryer prioritizes power, comfort, and efficiency. With FlowControl, it delivers direct airflow and efficient power for fast, even hair drying from root to tip. The SmoothTone™ motor system removes harsh frequencies and keeps the volume low, so professionals can continue to chat easily with clients as they dry. For long sessions, the slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.
The Vanquish offers an easy-to-read and easy-to-use LED screen that displays four heat and three speed settings, so the drying experience can be personalized to the most comfortable heat setting for different hair types and thickness, or desired hair style. With the memory function, it will lock in the settings preferences, so the user can achieve their look again and again with convenience. The Vanquish also conveniently has an auto-clean function, keeping the filter clear of debris, for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.
Since its invention of the first practical electric hair clipper in 1919, Wahl Clipper Corporation has remained on the cutting edge of the professional and home grooming category and is the leading brand for barbers, groomers, and stylists around the world. The family-owned brand embraces traditions and legacy, with its headquarters still rooted in Sterling, Illinois where it was founded and its global manufacturing located in the U.S. Wahl believes that hair has a profound ability to connect those and the world around them. They are on a mission to support, educate, and inspire the future of grooming, resulting in the On-Demand barber education platform, free and accessible to professionals everywhere, and the first-of-its-kind, fully-accredited Wahl Barber Academy. As the creators behind the ground-breaking annual Future Makers™ platform and the trusted name for leaders in the industry and those who are transforming it, Wahl exists to unlock the power of connection – one haircut at a time. For more information on Wahl Clipper Corporation and its products, please visit www.wahlpro.com.
The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund as thousands of industry professionals are impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Milton directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene.
The PBA Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief to beauty industry professionals to pay for essential items such as clothing, food, bills and supplies during times of natural disaster. The fund is supported by generous donations from industry professionals and businesses and has distributed more than $2.5 million to help industry professionals get back on their feet following catastrophic disaster. 100% of donations go directly to those in need. All licensed industry professionals are eligible to apply, and PBA members may receive up to twice the regular amount of emergency relief funding.
“In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene we are completely overwhelmed with applications for emergency assistance,” shares Rachel Molepske, PBA Director of Leadership Operations & Charitable Programs. “Our industry professionals are suffering and we must help. We are making an urgent plea for donations to help those affected.”
DRF applicants continue to share heartbreaking stories of how Hurricanes Milton and Helene have impacted their livelihood:
“Everything in the salon is damaged. It is catastrophic. Everything I have worked hard for has been destroyed in the blink of an eye.”
“Most roads were completely washed away, power is expected to be out for weeks, and my income has gone to nothing at this point.”
“I don’t have a place to live at the moment and there are estimates of not having water restored for several weeks to several months from now.”
Please help beauty industry professionals get the support they desperately need! Please DONATE and spread the word.
PBA would like to thank the generous sponsors who have already committed significant contributions to DRF:
● Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation/Paul Mitchell Schools – $25,000
● K18 – $25,000
● L’Oreal – $15,000
● SalonCentric – $15,000
● JPMS – $10,000
● MY SALON Suite – $10,000
● Henkel – $10,000
Donations of any size are appreciated and needed. For more information, or to apply
In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of fashion and grooming, technology has become a vital tool for professionals looking to streamline their operations and expand their reach. This issue, we speak to award winning barber, and fashion world high-flyer, Thaddeus, about how he uses industry technology like Fresha to build relationships and run his business seamlessly.
Fresha is an easy-to-use software designed for barbershops and other beauty and wellness businesses. It helps barbers manage appointments, customer info, and payments all in one place. With Fresha, barbers can let clients book online anytime, track client history and preferences, and handle payments smoothly. This means less time on admin tasks and more time cutting hair.
Fresha also helps barbers find new clients through its marketplace and keep existing ones with automated reminders and promotions. Using Fresha makes running a barbershop easier and more efficient, allowing barbers to focus on what they do best.
To find out more about how tech is being used in the barbering industry, Thaddeus, an award-winning barber, went over for the Louis Vuitton and Ami show at Paris Fashion Week with Fresha to see the importance of tech in the barbering industry.
Over the years, Thaddeus has perfected his craft and begun traveling and teaching around the world. He’s even had the privilege to personally cut some celebrities, such as Drake, J Balvin, Big Sean, and DVSN.
In 2017, Thaddeus became the National Men’s Ambassador-Educator for L’Oréal. In 2019, Thaddeus moved to the UK to attend Vidal Sassoon and merge the gap between barbering and hairdressing. He’s now back in North America running GRADIENT, ‘A platform for hair architecture and design. The fusion of knowledge, tools, and exploration.’
So, what about tech in the industry? Thaddeus says it’s all about building relationships and making your work and the ability to book as accessible as possible.
“I have all these models now connecting and booking with me through the Fresha app. It’s important to have a booking system connected to your profile on social media just because it stops any friction between you and your potential clients looking at your amazing work,” he explained.
This seamless connection allows potential clients to view Thad’s work and book appointments without any hassle, improving that experience for the client, and boosting business.
“For example, we’ve been able to grow our social media following, our fan base, and our community, as well as travel the world. I was just in Barcelona teaching an amazing class at a big show, which connected me to some amazing barbers. And this is all through connecting with the right people. Technology has definitely helped the barbering industry. These opportunities to teach and collaborate are a testament to how technology can open doors and facilitate meaningful connections in the industry.”
Thaddeus is particularly impressed with the Fresha app, highlighting its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. “What I like about Fresha is that their booking app is so simple, pleasing to the eye, and very minimal. I think it would match any branding, so if you’re looking for a booking app, Fresha is the way to go,” he said.
This endorsement speaks volumes about the importance of user-friendly technology in enhancing the client experience and supporting business growth. The integration of technology in the barbering industry is not just a trend but a necessity for modern professionals.
Thaddeus’ experience illustrates how tools like Fresha can significantly impact a barber’s ability to manage their business, connect with clients, and expand their reach. As technology continues to advance, it will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in shaping the future of the barbering industry.
By using innovative tools like the Fresha app, Thaddeus has streamlined his operations, built a global community, and showcased his talents on an international stage. His story is an inspiration to other professionals in the industry, highlighting the transformative power of technology in achieving success and making meaningful connections.
The latest issue of BarberEVO NA is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry… bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the biz’. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry – and we have Rey Scott, the leading entrepreneur and founder of My Supply Guy, taking centre stage on our front cover. In our second-last issue of 2024, we are feature everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one to remember!
IN THIS ISSUE:
REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY
In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.
L3VEL3
Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months.
EVENTS
Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.
BARBER OF THE EDITION
As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador.
TEXTURE
Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care.
INTERIORS
Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more I our interiors section…
BUSINESS
Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.
BEARDS & ‘TACHE
Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them).
Jude Taylor has been announced as the new brand ambassador for OSMO. The Newcastle upon Tyne stylist has swiftly rose to the top of the industry after kickstarting his career in 2019.
Starting his apprenticeship just before the pandemic, Jude’s dedication and passion saw him qualify with a Level 3 diploma in 2023. As a new ambassador for OSMO, Jude will be focusing his expertise on curly hair and vibrant colour creations.
“I’m very excited to share my passion and expertise to the wider OSMO Family,” June enthused. “Curly hair is a real love for me (even for my own curly hair!) and I already love working with the OSMO Curl Revival range in the salon with my clients, so it’ll be great to demonstrate my cutting style to my peers. I also love working with vibrant colours, and the OSMO Color Pyscho and OSMO IKON shades and bleaches really help me achieve standout looks for my clients. I’m really looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm and skills in this new role.”
“We caught Jude’s creativity at a show and were so impressed with his expertise and passion for our craft. We know Jude will bring energy and new technical creativity within the OSMO Family, and we’re all excited to be working with Jude,” said OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.
Jude’s style is characterised by his super creative and alternative approach to hairdressing, often bending the traditional rules. He thrives on creating bold, unconventional colours that are rarely seen in everyday life, making his work stand out in a crowd.
Jude’s talent has not gone unnoticed within the industry. He has placed in the top 10 for three consecutive years in the apprenticeship category of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards, and more recently, he secured 7th place at the same awards for Stylist of the Year.
Jude also just won “Unique Colourist of the Year” in the North East Hair and Beauty Awards. One of Jude’s favourite aspects of his career is performing on stage. He collaborates with incredible creatives through electronics brand, Diva Pro Styling, and recently had the opportunity to showcase his skills at HairCon, an experience he cherishes.
BarberEVO UK columnist and industry icon Alan Beak has been appointed as the new Global Ambassador for Booksy, marking a significant milestone for both the platform and the barbering community.
Known for his precision, creativity, and passion for education, Alan’s partnership with Booksy positions him as a driving force in promoting innovation and digital solutions within the industry.
As Director and Co-Founder of RUGER., Alan has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge barbering techniques. His new role with Booksy will see him championing the integration of technology into barbershops worldwide.
Through this collaboration, Alan will play a pivotal role in showcasing how digital tools can streamline operations, enhance client experiences, and help barbers elevate their businesses to new heights.
“The impact that Booksy had on RUGER. was phenomenal because we were the only people in our area that were taking our bookings,” Alan explained. “Now your time is your money, and our time is our money, and we would have people come to the shop at 8 a.m. on a Saturday and sit there for 4 or 5 hours waiting. Now, we’ve respected their time, and they’ve respected ours just waited anyway. But having that streamline of clients knowing full well who you have in the chair all day made us much more professional.”
As Booksy expands globally, Alan Beak’s influence will undoubtedly strengthen its presence in the barbering industry, inspiring professionals to embrace modern solutions that maximize efficiency and customer engagement. His ambassadorship signals a bright future where artistry meets innovation, setting a new standard for the industry.
For over a century, Wahl Professional has stood as the pinnacle of excellence in barbering, styling and grooming tools, leading the industry with innovation and quality. Today, the brand proudly debuts its ‘Make it With Wahl‘ platform, celebrating the global evolution of the Wahl Professional brand to empower the next generation of future makers.
“When my great-grandfather, Leo Wahl, invented the first electric clipper, he could hardly imagine the profound influence and impact that he would later have on the culture and craftsmanship of countless professionals who would go on to forge successful careers, build communities, and foster connections, all with a Wahl tool in hand,” said Lance Wahl, Global SVP of Sales & Marketing for Wahl Professional. “Through education and the provision of high-quality products, our family-brand has remained steadfast in our commitment to empowering more professionals to realize their dreams. The possibilities are endless when you ‘Make it With Wahl’ and this is our open invitation to all professionals, at any stage of their career, to become part of the Wahl family.”
The ‘Make it with Wahl‘ campaign is not just a launch; it’s the genesis of a broader platform, to showcase the fervor and connection shared between industry professionals and Wahl. Since its inception, Wahl Professional has become more than just a provider of exceptional products. The brand has played a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant barbering community, empowered artists to achieve their dreams, and catalyzed transformation in countless lives, both in and beyond the barber chair. The introduction of ‘Make it with Wahl‘ underscores that with a Wahl tool, anything becomes achievable.
At the core of Wahl Professional’s brand evolution lies a deep-seated belief in the power of connection in every haircut created. It is grounded in the understanding that hair isn’t just hair—it’s a conduit that links us to ourselves and the world around us. ‘Make it with Wahl’ is the brand’s commitment to ushering in another century of trusted excellence, equipping professionals with the tools to accomplish remarkable feats, shape culture, change lives, and foster meaningful careers.
“Our brand evolution embodies humility, intentionality, and a deep understanding of people’s needs,” stated Garrett McGuire, Global Brand Director. “It ignites connections, fosters growth, fearlessly propels individuals forward, and fuels the future of professionals worldwide.”
Wahl Professional invites all industry professionals to embark on this transformative journey—a journey defined by quality, passion, and the enduring bonds forged through Wahl.
For more information on Wahl Professional and the ‘Make it With Wahl’ platform, please visit www.WahlPro.com.
