On June the 13^th (2021) Andis hosted their second Copy the Cut Challenge on Zoom. Across the United States battled virtually to “copy” the 1921 Fade from Andis’ FLUID Vol. 2 book. The prizes for the competition were as follows: 1st Place: $500, 2nd Place: $300, 3rd Place: $200. The judging was broken down into subsequent categories – 1) Overall look 2) Quality of fade 3) Precision of lining 4) Quality of styling/finishing techniques.

And the winners are as follows:

1st Place 
Brandon Negron
Instagram: @philly_barber
Shop: Philly Barber Studios, Philadelphia, PA

2nd Place
Marvin Johnson
Instagram: @Organic_ju1ce
Shop: Hall of Fades Barbershop, Largo, FL

3rd Place 
Eddieberto Martinez 
Instagram: @t3chneek
Shop: Techneek Studios, Philadelphia, PA

Guest judge Kristal Jnaz posted this to her Instagram after the competition came to its exciting close “What a time. A barber battle through Zoom?! Same firing passion, hard work and dedication to execute the cleanest cut. I’ve attended barber battles since cosmetology school back in 2014 and it’s amazing to see how we adjust with time.”

The competition is still available to watch on Andis Instagram page, @andisclippers, and they have announced the next competition will take place in August! Good luck to all the hopefuls out there, and congratulations to the new Andis Master, Brandon Negron!

American Crew™, the Official Supplier to Men™, has announced that Thomas Mitchell has been named as the U.S. Winner of the 2021 All-Star Challenge in the first-round of the brand’s highly-anticipated global grooming competition. Additionally, Ryan White has also been named as the Challenge’s first ever Student category winner.

Participants from all around the globe are encouraged to showcase their extraordinary skill and technique in creating original hair looks using American Crew products to embody both the timeless feel of the brand, but also something trendy and current – with both aspects perfectly capturing the brands essence.

“Despite the many challenges the grooming community and salon industry faced during the global pandemic, these Professionals never cease to amaze us with their creativity and talent. We are honored to have given professionals an outlet where they could bring their originality and imagination during a challenging year,” said American Crew Founder, David Raccuglia. “These countries’ winners brought their A-game on creating fresh, elevated looks and I, along with the rest of the All-Star Challenge Global Committee have our work cut out for them as we move forward with selecting five global winners of the competition. We are also thrilled with the submissions that came through the Challenge’s new Student category and are proud to give upcoming professionals a platform to show their work and gain recognition.”

As the All-Star Challenge progresses, the cut and style created by Thomas Mitchell will be submitted to the American Crew™ All-Star Challenge Global Committee for consideration, which consists of David Raccuglia, Founder of American Crew™, Paul Wilson, Global Artistic Director; Phoenix Thomson, Global Education Director; and Luke Munn, 2019-2020 Australian All Star Challenge Winner. The panel of extremely qualified judges will deliberate with the following criteria: Barbering: mastery of clipper skills, fading and shaving; High Texture: ability to display technical skills, shape, and control whilst working with highly textured hair; Length: excellence in cutting and styling hair with length while maintaining a masculine edge; Retro: ability to recreate a classic cut from the past, with technical excellence in cutting and styling; and Trend: ability to be creative and think ahead by producing a shape or style that could become a trend, the committee will name five top competitors as the 2021 Global All-Star Challenge Winners.

Along with receiving the fantastic prize of $5,000 reward, the winner will also receive an all expenses paid trip to Barcelona, Spain they will be whisked away in style to participate in an editorial shoot directed and shoot by hair and photography legend, David Raccuglia. The winner will be announced in June 2021. The Student category winner will receive $2,000 value in product and merchandise, as well as invaluable one-on-one training session with a seasoned American Crew All-Star Educator.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive national trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors, salon and spa business owners, and licensed beauty professionals, is excited to provide two important reminders regarding NAHA. As the top hair and makeup competition in North America, NAHA is the premiere platform for beauty professionals to push the boundaries and bring their artistic visions to life.

The first is to announce the call for entries for NAHA 2022 opens June 14th. The second is to provide details regarding the live awards show for NAHA 2021, which will take place August 29th at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now.

Call for Entries Opens June 14th for NAHA 2022

Categories for the 33rd Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) are as follows:

New in 2022, NAHA is replacing the Men’s Hairstyling category with Barbering. Additionally, NAHA is bringing back NAHA Remix, which allows artists to enter previously submitted collections as long as they meet certain criteria.

Entrants for all categories must be licensed cosmetologists or barbers, with the exceptions of Student Hairstylist of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year and Inspiring Salon of the Year.

Key dates for NAHA 2022 are as follows:

Entries Open: June 14, 2021

 Entries Close: September 10, 2021

 Finalist Announcement: November 10, 2021

NAHA 2022 Award Ceremony: January 30, 2022—Long Beach, CA

For specific category rules and to enter, please visit probeauty.org/NAHA2022.

Tickets Now on Sale for the 2021 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)

NAHA 2021 will take place on August 29th at Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center. NAHA is the must-attend event for the who’s who of the beauty industry, where attendees experience the magic of the red carpet, mingle with the best and brightest in the business and watch artistic vision come to life.

Usually held in Long Beach in January, NAHA 2021 was pushed back to August to ensure it could remain live and in-person. “This will undoubtedly be an unprecedented event,” shares Nina Daily, PBA’s Chief Marketing Officer and incumbent Executive Director. “The level of artistry that will be on display, set against the backdrop of Las Vegas, is just what the industry has been craving.”

 NAHA 2021 will be hosted by Michael Shaun Corby and will feature a Mainstage Performance by 2020 NAHA Hairstylist of the Year Silas Tsang, an Artistic Presentation by Ulta, and many other surprises.

For pricing and information on VIP packages, as well as special offers exclusively available to Professional Beauty Association members, visit probeauty.org/naha. For media credentials, please contact press@probeauty.org or fill out this form.

City Image Barbers announced today, 9th of June 2021, that they will be providing all of their full-time employees with healthcare throughout their nine locations.

In very powerful video they posted on their Instagram today, they presented their employees with the news that they will now receive a benefits package including; free healthcare, free dental, free vision, paid sick time, paid vacation time, and 401k benefits.

They addressed that the barbering industry was far behind in regards to proper healthcare, and given the state of the world over the last year and a half they made it a personal mission to make sure that their workers were now taken care of.

They say “We decided to make it our personal mission to put this on our shoulders and push the industry forward and set the standard not just for our company, but for the entire industry as a whole”.

The barbering chain managed to achieve this momentous triumph with no funding from outside investment.

The link to the video is posted below, please go and like and follow –

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP4RZ_OBrpi/

image: https://www.facebook.com/cityimagecaldwell/

Chicago-based barber, Deshon Mcadory, has been charged with first-degree murder of former patron Christian McDougald. The shooting took place at Mcadory’s barber shop.

The Chicago-based barber has been accused of shooting a customer for not paying the $15 for his haircut.

The Chicago Sunday Times reported on Sunday that Mcadory has been held on bail valued at $250,000, the 40-year-old is being charged with first degree murder of his 31-year-old former client.

McDougald started arguing with barbers in Mcadory’s barber shop, which is located in the Chicago-based suburb, Maywood at around 4pm. It has been reported that McDougald followed Mcadory into the back of his shop, which is where the incident took place.

After being rushed to Loyola University Medical Centre, but was pronounced dead at the establishment. Anthony Burch, Mcadory’s attorney, explained to the court that Mcadory is a licensed gun-carrier, and was retreating to the back of the shop when he was followed, he also categorised McDougald as an “aggressor”.

Burch then went on to present Mcadory as a model citizen and member of his community with strong business ties, while highlighting McDougald had two previous convictions.

Mcadory’s business partner was also charged in connection with the shooting, 43-year-old Samuel Williams also appeared at court on Sunday for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. His bail is set at $25,500.

Black-owned salons and barber shops are set to be turned into possible COVID vaccine sites, says Health officials.

City Health Officials and the National Association, as part of a White House initiative, has established a plan to help train Black-owned hair salons and barber shops to help provide accurate information and dish out vaccines where possible, along with providing information says Lori Tremmel Freeman, Chief Executive Officer of NACCHO.

On Wednesday the Biden Administration said they were teaming up with multiple organisations such as the Black Coalition Against COVID, the University of Maryland Centre for Health Equity, and the Shea Moisture company. The initiative is to be called “Shots at the shop” is to engage black-owned barbers and salons throughout America to promote vaccine education and have local outreach.

This could be an indicator as to why salons and barbers have been chosen to host these educational events, Freeman goes on “The role that NACCHO’s going to play is trying to match barber shops and beauty shops with local health departments, so that we can forge a relationship there and figure out if any of these business locations can also become vaccination sites or what it would take for that to happen”.

For generations salons and barbers have been safe havens for African American people, especially in the time of segregation. They could gather in numbers feel safe in their community, and now decades later the safe space of feeling continues and discuss topics such as health and wellbeing.

Lincolnway Barber Shop in Plainfield, Illinois is celebrating its amazing 140^th birthday by treating its customer to haircuts costing $1.40!

“This barbershop is 140-years-old, pretty much in the same spot in Plainfield, Illinois, and I’m the fourth generation to own it.” Said owner Don Kinley.

Mr Kinley still sweeps the floors and cutting a few heads at the Lincoln Way Barber Shop in Plainfield, just as many of his family did before him; grandfather, and great-grandfather who first bought the shop in 1881.

Kinley then goes on to say, “It’s probably maybe one of the oldest businesses, family owned, in the state of Illinois.”

Albert Worst, Don’s great grandfather, bought the barbershop in the very same street in Plainfield block 140 years ago this week, and back in the day it was so much more than just another place to get a haircut.

“It was the place where people gathered,” says Sharon, Kinley’s Wife.” It was the place where people would express their views on everything. It was political. It was about all those things and what’s happening with the farms and businesses in town and all.”

Regular customer, Paul Fey, says “”It’s an anchor in the community. Trusted family. Trusted name. And a trusted haircut,” he has been coming back for 35 years.

On Sunday they start the festivities with family, former workers, and to top it all off, a barber shop quartet. They also start their promotional $1.40 haircuts.

“I loved what I did. It wasn’t work or anything and still made a few bucks. Never dreaded a day going to work.” Kindley says finally – and that he plans on leaving the business to his children and grandchildren.

Barber launches mental health support for barbers: Care Behind the Chair

Oran Lasocki has launched a supportive network for those working within the barbering and hairdressing industry called ‘Care Behind The Chair’.

“We all focus on supporting our clients and providing a safe space for them to discuss their feelings and experiences of mental health, we rarely consider our own mental health as an industry. This network will facilitate informal sharing and conversation opportunities for those who have or are currently experiencing mental health illness in any form. Through coffee and conversation events held digitally, CBTC aims to be whatever users need or want it to be. I am keen to hear from readers about what this network could look like, what potential users might find helpful, and how shops and businesses could get involved.”

Our values:

• All welcome – everyone has a place in CBTC
• Confidential – when signing up to an event, everyone agrees to respect the privacy and confidentiality of their fellow users.
• No judgements – everyone in attendance will create a safe and welcoming environment for each other to share.
• Supportive – everyone in attendance will provide a supportive environment to their fellow users.

Oran is a 29-year-old from Aberdeen, Scotland, living in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, and now managing at Barber Barber UK in Spitalfields London. Oran has been barbering for eight years, managing to work in some of the best shops and companies in the UK.

“I have always poured my time and efforts into my work, which had been somewhat a cover for how I was feeling and how my mental health was. In 2020 and alongside the pandemic I was diagnosed with clinical depression and high anxiety, I went to work with meds and therapy straight away which has been a positive step in my journey.“

“I slowly started to tell friends, family and colleagues, which sparked a question, ‘why aren’t there any social or wellbeing networks for people in our industry?’. Which is why I wanted to start Care Behind The Chair. We put on a brave face and leave our issues at the door while we are at work making sure that every client gets the best experience possible, but now this will be a space for us to get together and voice our worries and talk about our mental and physical wellbeing.”

“I need your help to get this network off the ground, I want it to be created by us and for us. If you want or need anyone to talk to, please do not hesitate to reach out to me on carebehindthechair@gmail.com or if you are interested in helping and joining the network to help it positively grow.”

Email Contact: carebehindthechair@gmail.com

Raw Talent

We open this issue up with an incredible story from our cover star, SCurl Ambassador Angel Raws.

Angel tells us about how determination, taking yourself out of your comfort zone, and accepting new opportunities can lead you to positions of power and respect.

We also talk about his position with SCurl, his experiences as an educator, and his advice for young barbers looking to make it big. 

Old Spice

There are few brand names as universally known as Old Spice.

We all remember their advertising campaigns and their signature scents.

A brand that has survived since 1937 is certainly doing something right, but they have gone one further to step up their game— The Old Spice Barbershop in Columbus, Ohio. We talk to Chris Talbott, Senior Brand Director, to learn a little more about Old Spice’s brand-new venture. 

Hair Art

It is no news to barbers that working with hair is an art, but some barbers out there have given that phrase a whole new meaning.

We talk to hair art pros like Los Cut It, John Carmona, Henry Rodriguez and Assyria Gindo, to learn a bit about the skills and techniques required to create their works of art, where they draw their inspiration from, and the tools and products necessary to get the job done. 

Education

In this industry, you don’t just pass your exam and throw away your books. Education is something that is continuous throughout your entire career.

The day you stop learning, is the day you die. In this feature, we spoke to leading educators such as Kevin Nguyen, Alessandro Comai, as well as mentor/mentee duo turned educational team, Zach Ramsay and Cam Mahar, to learn a thing or two, and find out what the best lessons they have learned over the years have been. 

Summer Haircare

We have had a rough year and for many this summer there is only one goal: live your best life.

So, we spoke to Eufora Style Director, Mirza Batanovic for the best tips for barbers and clients on how to get the best summer hair, and how to keep it healthy and protected in those summer elements. 

Essential Scissors

What might seem like an obvious necessity to any barber: the humble scissor and the skillset that goes with it, has seemed to have somehow gotten lost along the way. However, the art of the scissor is back and sharper than ever.

With tips from scissor-work expert Alan Beak, to advice on maintaining your shears from Washi scissors. This feature is jam-packed with helpful tips on how to keep your skills and your tools from going dull. 

Wahl Professional Announces Release of New 5 Star Barber Dryer

Equipped with two heat and speed settings, this professional dryer is designed for the busy barber.

May 25, 2021 (Sterling, IL) –  Wahl Professional is excited to announce the release of its newest tool, the 5 Star Barber Dryer. This innovative dryer is created for the barber who wants to take their styling techniques to the next level.

The 5 Star Barber Dryer comes with two heat and speed settings, a cool shot button, two nozzle attachments, a professional rotary motor, and a nine-foot cord that allows barbers to create finished looks in a matter of minutes. When developing the dryer, Wahl was inspired to leverage its leadership and deep experience in the field to create an indispensable tool for professional barbers everywhere. Each performance feature on the dryer plays an essential role in the creative process: Speed for shape control, heat for efficiency and smoothing and the cool shot button for freezing styles into place. With a $99 price tag, this innovative 5 Star Barber Dryer is affordable and available for purchase on Wahl’s website here.

Disruptour Team educator Trevor Moots (@tailorfade) says, “This tool completes Wahl’s arsenal, giving barbers everything, we need to be successful behind the chair. Each tool Wahl creates complements the next.”

While regular blow dryers are suitable for medium to long hair, this retro chrome-finished tool is designed for short to medium-length hair. This new dryer is also designed to work with the 1919 Styling and Finishing line, including Wahl educators’ favorites the Matte Control Cream, Fiber Paste, and Firm Hold Gel. As for Trevor Moots, his favorite 1919 product is the Thickening Styling Cream because it gives him shape and control as he blow-dries a client’s hair in place.

Though this dryer was created with the barber in mind, it’s also perfect for hairstylists looking to step up their finished looks on shorter hair. Moots notes that this tool will help hair professionals further express their individual creativity.

“The most exciting thing to me is being able to watch what people create and see how this tool will elevate and shape men’s grooming. As artists, this tool will enhance the art of barbering and styling in ways none of us thought possible,” says Moots.

“Wahl is always looking for new ways to solve a problem for the barbering and stylist community,” says Senior Marketing Associate, Aaron Flick. “For over 100 years, we have been at the forefront of product innovation and quality tools. We are excited to provide a tool that will assist in creating and perfecting the artists’ finished looks.”

As Wahl continues to lead the industry with high-quality products, innovation doesn’t stop there. Along with creating tools, the clipper manufacturer also places a great emphasis on high-quality education. Whether the education is focused on proper tool techniques, retail business, or even how to create editorial looks, Wahl has something for every level of barber and stylist.

To learn more on how to use the 5 Star Barber Dryer click here to see Trevor Moots give an instructional how-to video on how to use the dryer correctly to create quality, finished looks. The product is now available for purchase on Wahl’s website here. For more information about Wahl Professional, visit the website at WahlPro.com or follow them on Instagram (@wahlpro).