Thoughtfully built, designed specifically with hairdressers and barbers in mind, the newly launched ChairPro offers a more intentional approach to booking. 

What Happens Between Appointments

A client finishes their service. You send an invoice by text as they’re checking the mirror. Payment is completed from their phone before they even leave the chair.

At the end of the week, you want to boost bookings for an upcoming slow period. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of client records, you pull a list of top spenders, frequent visitors, and clients who haven’t booked recently, then send each group a tailored text message in minutes.

The next day, a client cancels an appointment. Rather than manually reaching out and hoping to fill the opening, the appointment is automatically offered by text to clients on your waitlist. Before you’ve had time to think about the lost revenue, the schedule is full again.

The modern professional is no longer just managing appointments. They’re building a brand, cultivating client relationships, and creating a business designed to grow. The most successful professionals are leveraging technology that works quietly in the background while they focus on delivering exceptional service.

That’s the philosophy behind ChairPro Studio. Beyond online booking, the platform combines waitlist automation, integrated payments, client segmentation, targeted marketing tools, and a beautiful online presence for your brand—all included in a single platform designed to help professionals grow their income and deepen client relationships.

ChairPro arrives at a moment when many beauty professionals are beginning to expect more from the tools they use every day. Across the industry, there’s a noticeable shift away from generic booking systems toward platforms that better reflect the identity, professionalism, and operational needs of modern salons and barbershops.

“Throughout the years I have listened to the frustrations with booking software for barbers and salons: hidden and surprise fees, clunky interfaces, unclear payment systems. And I thought… I want to do better for the professional,” said founder Robert Lawson. 

What Makes ChairPro Different?

The service is still the star of the show. ChairPro helps ensure every opportunity around it is captured. Here’s what makes this platform stand out from the rest. 

Elevated Booking Experience: ChairPro focuses on clean, modern, booking pages that reflect the quality of a professional’s work.

Waitlist Automation: Built-in waitlist functionality helps professionals fill cancellations automatically; turning lost time into booked revenue.

Built-In Marketing Channels

ChairPro includes:

• On-page announcements (free, for all visitors)
• Email campaigns
• SMS outreach

Direct Payment Ownership: Professionals connect their own Stripe account and receive payments directly; maintaining full control over their business and customer relationships. Built-in invoicing is included, allowing payments to be collected via QR code or to clients by text.

Ease of Use / Setup: Set-up is designed to be simple and fast. Professionals can be up and running in under 10 minutes, directly from their phone. 

“My business philosophy is providing a good services at a fair price, and that’s what I want to do at ChairPro,” Robert said. 

Learn more about Chair Pro Today 

On May 30, 2026, during Premiere Orlando, one of the beauty industry’s largest professional events, Booksy welcomed barbers, hairstylists, creators, educators, and industry leaders to its annual brand party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people shaping the future of beauty and barbering.

Booksy’s Big Top Event hosted guests in a vibrant, circus-inspired venue with thoughtfully curated activations including custom fragrance experiences, a caviar bar, and photo booths. More than a party, the event brought together professionals from across the country for a night of connection, conversation, and community, while highlighting a growing industry shift. Today’s beauty and barber professionals are increasingly operating as entrepreneurs, educators, content creators, and personal brands, in addition to providing services behind the chair. While technology continues to transform business operations, beauty services and barbering remain fundamentally a human profession built on trust, creativity, confidence, and connection.

The event served as a platform to showcase how technology can support—not replace—the professionals driving the industry forward. In 2025 alone, Booksy powered more than 215 million appointments and helped providers save an estimated 7.7 million hours annually through automated scheduling, payments, marketing, and business management tools.

“At a time when AI and automation dominate conversations across industries, beauty and barbering continue to prove that human relationships remain at the center of exceptional experiences,” says Gus Murillo, Director, Global Creative & Community at Booksy. “Technology can simplify operations, but it can never replace the creativity, culture, and personal connections that professionals create with their clients every day.”

Beyond efficiency, attendees discussed how those time savings translate into opportunities for growth, education, creativity, and personal well-being.

The evening also highlighted the stories of several Booksy ambassadors whose careers reflect the changing landscape of modern beauty and barbering:

• Joel Torres, an internationally recognized hairstylist and educator, shared how simplifying business operations has allowed him to focus on traveling, teaching, and inspiring professionals around the world.
• Timmel Horne discussed his journey from managing appointments through direct messages and phone calls to building a business that extends beyond barbering into podcasting, education, and personal brand development.
• Lonnie Horne spoke about leveraging technology to create operational consistency, enabling him to pursue additional entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to grow his influence within the industry.
• Mr. Official, a respected figure in barber culture, reflected on the evolution of barbering from traditional shop management to modern entrepreneurship, while maintaining the strong sense of identity and community that has always defined the profession.

As the industry continues to evolve, Booksy remains focused on helping professionals spend less time managing administrative tasks and more time building businesses, careers, and communities.

“Behind every appointment is a real person, a real relationship, and a real story,” added Murillo. “The conversations throughout the evening reinforced that the future of beauty isn’t less human—it’s more intentional, more connected, and more empowering for the professionals who make this industry what it is.”

Download the Booksy Biz mobile app for free or visit booksy.info/learn-more to learn more.

Two-day international event brought together elite barbers from 14 countries for education, competition and the debut of new Wahl Vapor CE 

Wahl Professional crowned U.S. competitor Cristian Botello winner of the first-ever Wahl Global Barber Battle following a two-day international event that brought together elite barbers, educators and industry professionals from around the world in Chicago. 

Held May 3 and 4 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Wahl Global Stage welcomed competitors from 14 countries to showcase their creativity, technical skill and artistry in front of a live audience during a red-carpet-style championship event. The weekend also featured advanced education sessions, business insights, networking opportunities and the exclusive debut of the new Wahl Vapor CE (Championship Edition) clipper. 

Botello earned the title of Wahl Global Barber of the Year after advancing through head-to-head competitions and representing the United States on the global stage. 

“It’s such an honor to represent the U.S. and accomplish something like this on a global stage,” said Botello. I’ve worked really hard for an opportunity like this, so I’m incredibly grateful.” 

As the winner of the first-ever competition, Botello will now travel to Los Angeles to participate in Wahl Future Makers, the brand’s creative platform focused on mentorship, education and elevating the next generation of talent. 

“I’m most excited about being surrounded by so much talent,” said Botello. “I’m always striving to learn, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside the team.” 

Botello also encouraged aspiring barbers to continue building relationships and investing in themselves throughout their careers. 

“My advice is to network as much as possible, attend events, shake hands and continue believing in yourself,” said Botello. “You never know when an opportunity to compete on a global stage might come your way.” 

Beyond the competition, Global Stage also highlighted the evolving future of barbering culture, from content creation and branding to entrepreneurship, artistry and global collaboration. 

“The energy in the room was unmatched by any industry event I’ve seen in a long time,” said Missy Jacobs, Education Leader for North America at Wahl. “We had attendees from all over the world and at every stage of their careers, from students to seasoned artists and educators, all connected by the same passion for creativity, growth and the industry itself.” 

Jacobs said one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the trust artists continue to place in Wahl tools at the highest levels of performance, whether competing on stage, creating content under pressure or working behind the scenes in real-time environments where consistency, precision, and reliability matter most. She also noted the growing influence of individuality and global culture throughout the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes at the event. 

In addition to the competition, attendees had the opportunity to experience the debut of the Vapor CE, a limited-edition professional clipper inspired by the energy of global competition and designed for precision, control and performance. Limited quantities of the new tool were made available for purchase at the event. 

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

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

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

BarberEVO issue 49 is out now!  

On the Cover: Rolda  

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

In the Chair with El Bori Barber  

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

Traditional V Modern  

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

Interiors  

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

Business  

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

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

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

SalonCentric Becomes the Premiere Shows’ First-Ever Presenting Sponsor for San Antonio event, Bringing Unparalleled Value to Beauty Professionals

Premiere Beauty Shows, the nation’s leading network of professional beauty events, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with SalonCentric, a premier distributor of salon professional products, as the first-ever presenting sponsor of Premiere San Antonio. This historic collaboration unites two industry leaders to deliver an elevated and transformative experience for beauty professionals in the Southwest.

Premiere San Antonio presented by SalonCentric: August 30-31, 2026

This partnership represents the coming together of two leaders in the beauty industry, each with a proven track record of empowering professionals and driving innovation. Premiere Beauty Shows has long been recognized as the gold standard for professional beauty events, while SalonCentric is celebrated as the go-to distributor for salon professionals, offering access to the most sought-after products and education. Together, these two leaders are redefining what regional beauty events can achieve, creating a platform that inspires, educates, and connects beauty professionals like never before.

A Historic Collaboration to Elevate the Industry
As the first-ever presenting sponsor in Premiere Beauty Shows’ history, SalonCentric’s involvement marks a pivotal moment for the beauty industry. This partnership is not just about hosting an event—it’s about leveraging the combined strength of two industry giants to empower beauty professionals and advance the profession.

SalonCentric’s role as presenting sponsor will amplify the event’s impact, bringing attendees exclusive access to cutting-edge products, world-class education, and immersive experiences that reflect the shared commitment of both organizations to excellence and innovation.

What Happens When Two Powerhouses Join Forces?
The collaboration between Premiere Beauty Shows and SalonCentric promises to deliver an unmatched experience for attendees, including:

●      Unrivaled Expertise: With Premiere Beauty Shows’ legacy of hosting world-class events and SalonCentric’s deep knowledge of professional products and education, attendees will benefit from the combined expertise of two industry leaders.

●      Expanded Opportunities: SalonCentric’s involvement will bring a broader range of brands, educators, and activations to Premiere San Antonio, ensuring beauty professionals have access to the best the industry has to offer.

●      A Shared Vision for Growth: Both organizations are committed to empowering beauty professionals, driving innovation, and fostering meaningful connections that elevate careers and businesses.

A Partnership Built on Leadership and Innovation
Randy Field, Senior Vice President of Premiere Beauty Shows, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership is a true meeting of the minds between two industry powerhouses. Premiere Beauty Shows and SalonCentric share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and supporting beauty professionals. Together, we are creating an event that will set a new standard for regional beauty events and inspire professionals across the Southwest.”

LeAnn Bobitt, SVP of Brand Strategy for SalonCentric, echoed this sentiment:
“SalonCentric and Premiere stand at the forefront of our industry, and our partnership is a powerful testament to our unified vision of empowering beauty professionals. By merging our strengths, we are poised to deliver an exceptional experience that equips beauty professionals with the essential tools, cutting-edge education, and creative inspiration they need to thrive.”

A Must-Attend Event for Beauty Professionals
Premiere San Antonio 2026 will feature more than 100 brands, diverse education sessions spanning hair, barbering, spa & wellness, nails, makeup, and more, as well as show-stopping Main Stage presentations, hands-on workshops, and immersive activations. With SalonCentric as presenting sponsor, the event will deliver an elevated experience that reflects the combined strength and vision of two industry leaders.

Visit Premiere San Antonio presented by SalonCentric

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative event in the heart of Texas. Show passes for Premiere San Antonio Presented By SalonCentric (August 30-31, 2026) will be available March 2026 at premieresanantonioshow.com, and SalonCentric/State RDA retail locations in Texas.

Visit the premieresanantonioshow.com for more information and updates.

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

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

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

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

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

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

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

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

The ambassador network also welcomes:

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

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

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

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

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

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

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

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

Where creativity meets infrastructure

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

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

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

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

A global community of beauty leaders

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

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

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

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

Spring is reset season, and your scalp is first in line. Months of heavier winter haircare products can leave buildup behind, while rising humidity and unpredictable weather can throw everything off balance, leading to flakiness, itchiness and irritation. Fatboy, a leader in short hair care and high-performance styling, created its award-winning Honey Putty to tackle scalp concerns head-on. Designed as a dual-purpose styling putty and leave-in scalp treatment, Honey Putty calms irritation while delivering flexible hold, natural matte definition and touchable texture. It’s the one product you will want within arm’s reach all season long.

Honey Putty (2.6oz. / $21) was born from founder Tyson Kennedy’s vision to combine styling and scalp care into a single step. No layering. No complicated routines. Just high-performance styling with real scalp benefits. Lightweight and non-greasy, the formula is built for short to medium styles and safe for color-treated hair, delivering a sexy matte finish, natural texture, and soft, workable hold while helping address dryness, itchiness, and flaking and supporting healthier-looking hair over time.

Made with clean, key scalp care ingredients, Honey Putty draws inspiration from Tyson Kennedy’s New Zealand roots, featuring powerful natural extracts sourced from the region. Manuka Honey works as a natural humectant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritation, reduce buildup and support a balanced scalp. Kiwi Extract delivers vitamin C to support collagen production and elasticity, while its naturally occurring iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help soothe flakes and defend against environmental stress. Paw Paw (papaya) adds vitamins A, C and E to soften strands, smooth frizz and protect against heat damage. Together, these ingredients not only bring the scalp back into balance but keep it there.

To use Honey Putty, warm a pea-size amount between your palms, work through dry or damp hair to shape and style, then massage the remainder into the scalp and leave it in. One simple step that simplifies your routine while nourishing the hair and scalp with each use. Consider this your spring reset. Hair stays sharp. Scalp stays balanced all season long.

To learn more about Fatboy and to purchase Honey Putty, visit www.fatboyhair.com/

When your tools work as hard as you do, upgrading isn’t about chasing the newest release — it’s about choosing equipment that keeps pace with your craft. The Recon™ Clipper and Recon™ Trimmer have quickly proven themselves behind the chair, earning a place in daily rotations thanks to their balance of power, control, and customization.

If your current setup is starting to feel limiting, Recon™ delivers the performance upgrade your station has been waiting for.

Power That Performs, All Day

At the core of both tools is vector motor technology, designed to maintain speed and torque even under heavy load.

• Recon™ Clipper: A 9,000 SPM motor delivers smooth bulk removal, confident fades, and seamless blending — even through dense hair.
• Recon™ Trimmer: An 8,500 SPM motor offers sharp detailing, clean lineups, and precise bald work without drag or hesitation.

The result is consistent cutting performance from your first client to your last.

Precision You Can Feel

Control matters — especially during fades, tapers, and finishing work.

• Adjustable Phaze blade on the clipper: Choose click or no-click lever control for personalized cutting.
• DLC-coated T-blade on the trimmer: Reduces friction for smooth, snag-free lines and is zero-gap capable for crisp detailing.

Both tools feature compact metal housings that reduce vibration and hand fatigue, helping you stay steady during long sessions.

Built to Match Your Style and Workflow

Recon™ doesn’t just perform — it fits your station.

• Interchangeable housings: Customize the look of both tools with black chrome, gold, or matte black covers.
• Premium charging stands: Quick-release stands keep your tools powered, accessible, and your station clutter-free.
• USB-C charging: Fast, convenient recharging that works with modern setups.

With long cordless runtimes — up to 4 hours on the clipper and 2 hours on the trimmer — interruptions stay off your schedule.

A Smart Upgrade for Serious Professionals

Whether you’re refining fades, sharpening lineups, or powering through packed days, the Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer elevate both performance and presentation. They’re not about hype — they’re about reliability, control, and confidence behind the chair.

If your current tools are holding you back, upgrading to Recon™ isn’t just a refresh — it’s an investment in your craft.

Upgrade your lineup. Cut with confidence. Recon™ is ready when you are.

Shop Now USA // Shop Now UK & Ireland

The GTX-EXO II Trimmer just dropped—and it’s a game changer. Sharper hits. Cleaner lines. Less friction. More control. Straight out of the box. This isn’t a refresh. It’s a redesign, and it’s built to keep up with the way you work. 

Why You’ll Want This in Your Station 

M-Force Magnetic Tension System

Zero-gapped out of the box. No springs—just magnets for consistent blade tension andsharp, even corners. That means cleaner lines, smoother feel, and no extra setup. 

Lighter Body, More Control 

Andis redesigned the EXO housing to cut weight by 6% and increase airflow. The upgraded yoke helps prevent hair from getting caught—because nothing should slow you down mid-fade. 

Power Meets Endurance A high-speed brushless motor cranks out 7,200 SPM, and the upgraded Li-Ion battery keeps it running longer—20% more run time to be exact. Cord or cordless, this thing doesn’t quit. 

Sleek New Look 

Choose between two bold looks: 

Black Chrome – sleek and professional (U.S. only)

Gold Housing – stand out with flair (EU/UK only)

Premium Charging Stand 

Because your tools should look as sharp as your cuts. Keeps your trimmer ready and on display. 

From the Chair 

Global Educator Sean Casey says it best: “Out of the box, it’s already dialed in. Sharp, but not aggressive. I can use it on kids, sensitive skin—any client. Andis is listening. They’re not just building tools. They’re building for the next generation.” 

Get Ready The GTX-EXO II just landed—and it’s built for barbers who want speed, precision, and performance without the guesswork. Follow @andisclippers and @barberevo for first looks. 

 Make It With Wahl is a celebration of the barbers and stylist’s that have chosen to trust and rely on WAHL tools, whilst also celebrating Wahl’s legacy. A legacy that speaks to dedication, craftsmanship, and the highest standards in the industry. 

Featuring the inspirational stories of 4 barbers, the campaign calls for the barber and stylist community to share their own stories using #MakeItWithWahl. Whether they’ve come to barbering later in life as a second career or want to use barbering to uplift their community, Wahl Professional is excited to hear and share these stories. 

Multiple opportunities will be presented for the Wahl community to be involved in the campaign, with Wahl uplifting and sharing voices across the community on social media platforms.