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.
Byrd Mena’s Dopamine Collection and L3VEL 3’s Red Collection headline our Final Cut, with bold visions that redefine what “Editorial Hair” means for the barbering industry.
IN THE CHAIR & ONE 2 WATCH
This edition, we get In the Chair with Henry Rodriguez, better known as Papi Blendzz. From nearly leaving barbering to now leading education for JRL, his story is a must-read. Our One 2 Watch is Keila Sierra, who went from Denny’s late shifts to SharpFade Partner.
TEXTURE
We sit down with British barbers Eyal and Ariel Booker to explore how their brand Wavy is filling the curly-hair gap, alongside features with L3VEL3, Andis, Josh O.P., and more.
INTERIORS
Circa Barbershop, complete with Takara Belmont furnishings, takes Interiors to new heights. We also visit Hair Cvlture in Fuerteventura, Collins HQ, and more.
CREATIVE
Avant garde artistry, self-expression, and precision dominate Creative. With the insights of columnists Hannah and Chrystofer Benson, plus features with Byrd Mena, Tondeo, and Jorge X, we go deep into barbering creativity.
BUSINESS
We go Behind the Brand with Rolda, dive into the Diary of a CEO with Daniel Heiniger, and spotlight Depot, WellnessPro, and more.
April 5-7, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
The 102nd America’s Beauty Show 2025 (ABS), held April 5-7, 2025 at the prestigious Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, showcased the beauty industry’s ongoing growth, unity, and innovation. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth.
With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network, and celebrate the beauty community. The event featured 320 classes, the majority FREE with an ABS ticket. 2025 is a renewal year, and courses offered a diverse range of education from haircare to skincare, barbering, nails, makeup, health and wellness. Over 100 world-class educators shared their global expertise, and 400 exhibitors, including 130 new exhibitors, a Global Nail Competition, and Student Power Hour hosted by Beauty Cast Network.
ABS 2025 highlighted the international nature of the beauty industry, with a strong presence of international exhibitors. The Fruitful Yield Health and Wellness Pavilion showcased 40+ leading brands, offering the latest in wellness products and services, designed to care for those that have dedicated themselves to caring for others.
Evening entertainment added to the excitement, with the famous ABS Global Image Awards. ABS Global Image Awards provided a glamorous celebration of talent and creativity. Winners from around the world were recognized for their submissions and artistry. Live music and dancing with Libido Funk Circus created an unforgettable atmosphere, and the official ABS Sunday Night Party, in collaboration with
Chrystofer Benson’s CBC Productions L.I.V.E. 312, brought a standing-room-only crowd together for an evening of high-energy fun with industry leaders, influencers, and professionals celebrating the best of the community.
“America’s Beauty Show 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our beauty community comes together. It was pure joy — experienced by tens of thousands throughout the weekend. I’m so proud of our beauty community, which has made this non-profit event possible for over 102 years. Now more than ever, community is the path to sustainable growth. We all need to take note of the magic that happens when we show up for each other. That’s America’s Beauty Show, and to us, community is everything,”
Commented Frank P. Fulco, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Beauty Show.
ABS 2025 featured stunning presentations by top-tier artists and world class educators, including The Ulta Beauty Pro Team, Tabatha Coffey, Guy Tang, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Sam Villa, Social Art House, Salon Centric, J Ladner, Ted Gibson, Nick Arrojo, A-ROD, Kenny Duncan, Candy Shaw, George Alderete, and many more!
Brands included Amika, Ulta Beauty, CHI by Farouk Systems, BabylissPro, L3V3L 3, Wahl, Ergo Styling Tools, Hairtools, Oliva Garden, Wet Brush, Framar International, Stylecraft Gamma+, Andis, Wahl, FarmHouse Fresh, CIDESCO Section USA, Repechage, Fruitful Yield, Cuccio, Henkel Corporation, Colortrak, Keratin Complex, and DNA Hairtools.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for the next America’s Beauty Show, April 18, 19 & 20, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.
The winners of the 2025 America’s Beauty Show (ABS) Global Image Awards were announced on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during an electrifying evening at America’s Beauty Show.
The celebration, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, brought together salon professionals, beauty industry leaders, and artists for a night filled with excitement and recognition.
The ABS Global Image Awards honor creativity, artistry, and dedication in the beauty industry, recognizing both emerging and seasoned professionals for their talent and innovative work. The competition features multiple categories, showcasing a broad range of beauty disciplines, including hairdressing, makeup artistry, and salon team collaborations. This year’s competition saw a significant increase in participation from international artists, underlining the global reach and impact of the event.
Proudly announcing the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards Winners:
• Barber – Professional: Salvador Oliver – Spain
• Creative Color – Professional: Chrystofer Benson – USA
• Full Concept – Professional: Anthony Negron – USA
• Haircutting – Professional: David Barron – USA
• Team Collaboration – Professional: Rafael Bueno & Manuel Mon – Spain
• Texture Expert – Professional: Lukas Press – USA
• Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award: Chrystofer Benson
The ABS Global Image Awards celebrate more than just talent—they are a reflection of the community spirit that defines America’s Beauty Show. The event was hosted following the Cosmetologists Chicago President’s Party at 6:00PM CST. The evening was filled with live music by Libido Funk Circus and a high-energy celebration that brought beauty professionals together to honor their peers. The event is the signature celebration for America’s Beauty Show.
Each category’s winner received a prestigious award from America’s Beauty Show. The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award, in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage, was also presented to an extraordinary artist who exemplified the highest standard of artistry.
“The ABS Global Image Awards continue to grow each year, elevating artists and professionals from around the world,” said Jessi Marshall, VP of Events and Education. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that our finalists and winners have contributed to the beauty industry. This event is a true reflection of the growth and collaboration that define our community.”
The ABS Global Image Awards were anonymously judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, media, educators, and elite artists. More information regarding the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow ABS on social media.
Two Captain Fawcett products have been announced as Finalists in the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2025. Huzzah! Both Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Eau De ParfumSignature Series with Ricki Hall and Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder have been chosen in the Best Fragrance and Best Hair Prep or Styling Product categories respectively. Winners will be selected by world-leading professionals on the Pure Beauty Global Awards international judging panel. The Pure Beauty Global Awards Winners 2025 will be announced on 8th May 2025 at an exclusive gala event in central London. Captain Fawcett founder, Richard Finney MBE, said-
“To have not one but two products named as Finalists by the renowned Pure Beauty Global Awards team is an incredible achievement for our small but truly mighty team. Following last year’s UK success in both Hair and Fragrance categories, reaching the same heights on the global stage is beyond exciting. Competing against major players, it is hugely rewarding to see Captain Fawcett consistently demonstrate that products made with true craftsmanship and global appeal can stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the industry. The entire Captain Fawcett crew is absolutely thrilled!”
Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series Eau De Parfum with Ricki Hall
“The ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series with Ricki Hall was Captain Fawcett’s first collaboration and it has been a phenomenal success. Over ten years, sales have consistently climbed, with the Eau De Parfum in ever-increasing demand. ‘Booze & Baccy’ was crafted to exceptional standards as a tribute to Ricki’s Dad. As such, it’s a story bridging generations, blending contemporary sophistication with a rich, lived-in nostalgia. It celebrates the hard-working, big-hearted men of the 70s and 80s who knew how to graft and still turn up looking sharp. Everyday heroes, one and all!”
Richie Finney
Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is part of the acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ styling range, created for use in salons, barbershops and also at home.
“Captain Fawcett’s ‘Hair Couture’ range is tested, used and recommended by professionals across the world. Hair Powder is a versatile ‘must-have’ product, but often it has a neutral aroma. Captain Fawcett’s version is imbued with the delectable ‘Expedition Reserve’ fragrance making it just the ticket for refreshing hair on no-shampoo days and scent-layering with companion products in the ‘Expedition Reserve’ range. As such it offers to the contemporary gentleman both convenience and an outstanding sensory experience to boot.”
Richie Finney
The Pure Beauty Global Awards announcement comes following a bumper start to the year with the Captain Fawcett brand picking up prestigious awards month on month, including an MBE for company founder Richie Finney. Watch this space for more news soon!
John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) is expanding their network of professional artists with the launch of their new Pro Partners program, an ongoing collaboration with prominent influencer hairdressers known for their passion and advocacy of JPMS products.
These skilled professionals will contribute to JPMS’s educational curriculum and digital strategies, showcasing their artistry in haircutting, styling, and color. Utilizing platforms from social reels to live events, JPMS Pro Partners will share their expertise and exclusive content with fellow hairdressers and beauty enthusiasts while announcing new launches, highlighting favorite products, and providing insider tips and inspiration.
The program will kick off with three well-known hairdresser influencers: Janae Miller (@janaeraquelmiller), Lisa Giles (@lifeoflisag), and Wesley Palmer (@wesdoeshair).
More partners will be added to the roster as the program evolves.
“We are excited to launch the Pro Partners program and continue fostering meaningful collaborations with leading influencers in the hairdressing community. By teaming up with such passionate and skilled professionals, we aim to not only showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of JPMS products but also to empower hairdressers everywhere with top-tier education and inspiration.”
Tania Kingsrud, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at John Paul Mitchell Systems.
The Pro Partners program will focus on ongoing content creation, complementing the existing Creator Club, which collaborates with a diverse group of hairdressers to produce specific, short-term content for new launches and activations. Together, these programs will broaden the awareness of JPMS brands among hairdressers and beauty aficionados while drawing attention to the high performance of JPMS products.
The new pro influencers join a distinguished team of hairdressers and educators led by Artistic Director of Professional Hair Color Colin Caruso (@colincaruso), celebrity stylist and Artistic Director Paula Peralta (@thepaulaperalta), NAHA Award winner and Artistic Director Stephen Moody (@hairmoody) and 2x Emmy Award-winning Editorial Director Noogie Thai (@noogiethai). Additionally, newly appointed JPMS Artistic Ambassadors, Orlando Rodriguez (@theorlandosalon), Heather Walter (@heatherjwalter), and Chelsea Shields (@abstracthairartistry) will also play a pivotal role in driving artistry, innovation and education with the professional community.
About the JPMS Pro Partners:
Janae Miller – @janaeraquelmiller, Houston, TX. Specialty: Blonding & balayage on textured hair.
Janae Miller is a blonding expert with over a decade of experience specializing in blondes and balayage on textured hair. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of hair chemistry, she creates seamless, dimensional blondes while prioritizing hair health and integrity. Having serviced over 3,000 clients, Janae has refined her techniques to deliver customized blonding transformations that enhance natural beauty. Her expertise extends to corrective color, high-lift blonding, and advanced balayage techniques, ensuring each client achieves their ideal shade with long-lasting results. Her work has gained widespread recognition, with her techniques frequently shared and admired across social media.
Lisa Giles – @lifeoflisag, Orange County, CA. Specialty: Color corrections.
Lisa Giles is a self-made hairstylist turned CEO with 13 years of experience, fiercely committed to empowering stylists to build their own success from the ground up—just as she did. Through her experience as a professional educator and leading stylist teams at Fashion Week, Lisa recognized the need for a new way to train stylists. This led her to create Straight Out of Cosmo, the first educational app for hairstylists. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa is a color correction expert, with expertise in cutting, styling and treatments that bring unmatched creativity and precision to every client.
With over 15 years behind the chair and 12 years as an educator, Wesley Palmer has built a career traveling the world as an international educator, leading transformative classes and captivating audiences at the industry’s most prestigious events. Trained at the renowned Paul Mitchell Academy, Wesley’s expertise spans color, cutting, and advanced techniques, making him a versatile and sought-after force in the industry. He has held key artistic and leadership roles with top global hair brands, driving innovation and elevating professional education.
About John Paul Mitchell Systems: John Paul Mitchell Systems, a top manufacturer of professional hair care products, has been serving the professional beauty industry for 45 years. The company produces salon-quality hair care, hair color and styling tools through a family of brands including Paul Mitchell, Paul Mitchell Tools, Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color, Neuro, Tea Tree, Awapuhi Wild Ginger, and MITCH. JPMS has a strong commitment to giving back, supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes both domestically and internationally.
Come experience LOCAL INDUSTRY VIVID EXPERIENCE CHICAGO – the official afterparty of AMERICA’S BEAUTY SHOW: L.I.V.E.312
Come join the EVO team, as well as the Chrystofer Benson Collective, at Joe’s Livefor an immersive night of music, creativity, artistry, and major BRAND GIVEAWAYS.
Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening filled with live performances from talented artists from local chicago artists to some of the top artists in our industry.
Entry is FREE for all attendees of ABS, but make sure to REGISTER HERE to secure your spot. The room will fill up fast! Door open at 6:00pm
Following last year’s incredible line up of industry icons and local talent, the 2025 line up for L.I.V.E312 has finally been announced, and it is going to be a night to beat! Featuring names such as Jacob Khan, John Mosely, Yakuza Barber, Jamie Digrazia, and many more!
Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming brand Captain Fawcett is proud to announce his ‘Bianco Classico‘ Beard Butter has WON the category for ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ at the prestigious Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 Awards.
The Cosmoprof Awards, in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS, celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry. Chosen from over 800 products, just 3 finalists make it though the judging process in each category.
Richie Finney MBE, founder of Captain Fawcett says: “To win from over 800 entries in the renowned ‘Oscars of Beauty’ is a truly remarkable achievement. Not least because up against the world’s biggest players, Captain Fawcett has won with a genuine small batch product, handmade here at Captain Fawcett HQ in Norfolk. So a special mention to the fantastic McCavity’s Crew, Terry, Ginni & Yolante, who actually make and package ‘Bianco Classico’ Beard Butter in situ in Norfolk, UK. In truth, there are very few companies who can claim to make their own products in house. Simply magnificent!
“A huge thank you to all involved, especially Bottega della Barba, the Captain’s superb distributors in Italy.
“It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be a winner, standing tall amid the beauty and grooming industry’s world leaders. The Cosmoprof Awards are highly competitive, with impressive innovations from all across the world, so to win such acclaim is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole Captain Fawcett team. Evivva!”
Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.
Captain Fawcett’s ‘Bianco Classico’ is crafted for all hair types. Complementing the award-winning Beard Butter, the range includes a Moustache Wax and Purple toning Shampoo, crafted to highlight the brilliant gleam of silver, grey, blond and bleached hair.
Joanna Vital, Captain Fawcett’s Commercial Director, joined global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 21st March.
She says “Grazie mille, Bologna! Italy has always led the way in style, and no one rocks the ‘silver fox’ look like an Italian man. Captain Fawcett’s Beard Butter was crafted for men who celebrate their age with confidence and sophistication, so to receive this award here is truly a huge honour. Thanks to the incredible Fawcett crew and to our loyal customers who inspire us every day. And to Italy for showing the world how to age with polish and flair! Salute!”
Joanna attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba on behalf of Richie Finney, who is currently in the USA about to embark on an epic 6 week road trip tour for Captain Fawcett’s Great Expedition 2025. Thanks to Joanna for doing a fantastic job in representing Captain Fawcett at Cosmoprof.
Fatboy, the hair care brand built for high-performance styling, wasn’t created in a lab or a boardroom, it was born on the road, in the thick of touring life, where music and hairstyling were equally a part of Tyson Kennedy’s world.
As the lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Steriogram, he spent years performing high-energy shows, sweating through every set, only to find that no styling product could keep up. Hair would fall flat, lose shape or just not hold the way he wanted. So, he started making his own products. Before each tour, he’d mix batches of styling putty on his stovetop, testing and tweaking until he had something that could survive the chaos.
When Steriogram went on hiatus, Tyson took that same passion into New York’s salon scene, refining his formula and selling it to local stylists. Word spread fast, and what began as a home fix became a cult favorite. That original formula became the iconic Perfect Putty, the product that sparked it all. Seeing its growing demand, Tyson took Fatboy from a side project to a full-fledged brand built on performance, creativity and the belief that hairstyling should be expressive.
Fatboy has never been confined by gender; it’s for anyone who wants to own their style. Now, Fatboy is carving out its place as the authority in short hair styling. Their mission is to reinvent and set trends for short hair styles like mohawks, pixies and shags. Designed to simplify, inspire and push the boundaries of what hairstyling products can do, Fatboy is more than just a brand, it’s a haircare movement.
“I am thrilled to share our unwavering drive for crafting exceptional hair care products tailored towards short hair styling…
…We believe that every individual deserves to express their unique style with confidence, and our mission is to provide the perfect tools to elevate that experience. With Fatboy, short hair has never looked so good.”
Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy.
Fatboy’s haircare range is designed for both stylists and everyday users.
The line-up includes…
Perfect Putty (2.6 oz/ $21): The award-winning, industry-disrupting styling staple that started it all. A matte-finish putty with flexible hold for that perfect lived-in texture, finished with subtle notes of green tea for a fresh, clean scent.
Spray Putty (3.5 oz/ $24): Perfect Putty-in-a-can, now in an easy-to- use spray for simple, weightless application. This award-winning innovative product is perfect for adding that second-day gritty texture.
Sea Salt Pomade (2.6 oz/ $21): A hybrid formula that fuses pomade with sea salt for a soft, tousled finish with just the right amount of texture. Styling Cream (2.8 oz. / $21): A lightweight, medium-hold styler that adds volume without flaking. Often used as a blow-dry base, it thickens, protects against heat and UV damage, and works on all hair types – free of nasties like sulfates, parabens and anything that doesn’t belong in great hair.
Volumizing Shampoo (10 oz. / $24) & Volumizing Conditioner (10 oz /$24): A lightweight, clean duo designed to boost volume and nourish without buildup. Infused with rice protein for strength, plus coconut and avocado oils for hydration and shine, it keeps hair fresh and full with every wash. Finished with a serene fragrance of sage and bergamot, complemented by soft floral undertones for a fresh, uplifting scent.
With a line-up that delivers revolutionary styling, and a brand ethos rooted in music, creativity and individuality, Fatboy is redefining what it means to have great hair. Whether you’re a stylist, a performer or just someone who wants their hair to look as good at 2 AM as it did at 8 AM, Fatboy has you covered. No fluff. No filler. Just game- changing products that work.
