This Father’s Day, BEVEL is doing what it’s always done, showing up for Black men in an unforgettable way.

Meet soccer-enthusiasts and Influencers, Obi Uchendu and his son Tobenna Uchendu (nicknamed “Starboyy”), the father and son duo at the center of BEVEL’s newest Faces of Atlanta’s campaign, and BEVEL’s guests to the 2026 FIFA Word Cup game on Father’s Day! 

At a moment when the world’s eyes are on Atlanta, BEVEL turns its lens on the people who make the city what it is, celebrating the individuality, cultural pride, and distinct style of its Black community — not as a trend, as a commitment.

The new BEVEL Faces of Atlanta campaign launches on June 9th, 2026 and showcases the love of soccer passed down from father to son. Coached by his Dad Obi, Tobenna’s drill routines have routinely gone viral on Instagram, and Obi shares what grooming means to a father raising the world’s next soccer prodigy.

Obi first discovered BEVEL at his barbershop and immediately felt recognition. He felt the brand spoke to him and understood what it meant to take pride in your appearance and your culture. A grooming brand he felt he could pass down to his son. In the Atlanta-shot campaign, Obi shares the impactful mantra instilled in him by his mother: “Look the way you want to be addressed.” It’s a lesson he carries with him every day, and one he’s passing down to Tobenna as he begins to earn recognition of his own. “It felt good to see a brand that culturally represented me and my son,” Obi shared.

BEVEL revolutionized the standards of men’s grooming and personal care products and is renowned for creating premium products that cater to Black men and men of color with curly/coily textured hair and melanin-rich skin. BEVEL continues to uplift and empowering Black men and their experiences, recognizes that grooming is an essential part of every man’s self-care, confidence, mental health. Engineered for the best, by the best, with same precision that separates a good athlete from a world-class one, separates BEVEL from every other grooming brand on the shelf. BEVEL understands what elite performance requires a complete grooming that’s built for you, not adapted for you. BEVEL products instill confidence in men that lasts beyond the field, and to every walk of life. The campaign amplifies the importance of self-care for men who seek to perform at their best in every area of their life, and trust BEVEL products.

On Father’s Day, June 21, Obi and Tobenna will take their seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as guests of BEVEL to watch Spain v Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A journey that began with backyard drills and a father’s belief, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime experience neither of them will ever forget. The kind of moment BEVEL was made to celebrate.

Royal Kapper LLC, a Florida-based grooming products company, announced the expansion of its distribution network for Royal Kapper Non-Toxic Clipper Care Spray, a premium maintenance solution for professional clippers, trimmers, and shavers that is crafted without harsh chemicals and developed for the demands of modern barbershops.

As the global barbering industry continues to grow, professionals are demanding products that deliver exceptional performance while reflecting the elevated standards of today’s modern barbershop. Royal Kapper was developed to meet that demand with a premium formula that helps cool, clean, lubricate, and protect professional grooming tools while supporting daily maintenance routines.

Proudly Made in the USA and developed by an in-house chemist, Royal Kapper represents a new generation of professional clipper care products focused on quality, performance, and craftsmanship. The formula was designed to deliver professional-grade maintenance while being crafted without harsh chemicals, offering barbers a premium alternative for the care of their clippers, trimmers, and shavers.

“Barbers invest heavily in their tools, and proper maintenance is essential to performance and longevity. Royal Kapper was created to deliver a premium clipper care solution that professionals can trust every day,” said Royal Kapper LLC Founder and CEO Patrick Tomassi.

Designed For Professional Use

Royal Kapper Clipper Care Spray is engineered for use on professional clippers, trimmers, and shavers.

The formula helps:

• Cool blades during operation
• Remove hair and debris
• Lubricate moving components
• Help protect metal surfaces from

Available in two premium scent profiles, Cherry Bourbon and Unscented, Royal Kapper is stocked in 15.5oz aerosol cans.

Expanding Across Professional Barber Channels

Royal Kapper continues to expand its presence through professional barber supply distributors, grooming retailers, educational institutions, and industry partners throughout North America and international markets. The company remains focused on building long-term partnerships that support the growth of professional barbering worldwide.

CT Barber Expo 2026

Royal Kapper exhibited at CT Barber Expo 2026, one of the premier barbering events in North America. The event provided barbers, educators, distributors, and retailers the opportunity to experience the product firsthand and learn more about wholesale, distribution, and partnership opportunities.

About Royal Kapper LLC

Royal Kapper LLC is a Florida-based consumer goods company focused on developing premium grooming and barbering products for professional use. Proudly Made in the USA, the company develops products designed to support the performance, maintenance, and longevity of professional grooming tools. Royal Kapper’s flagship Clipper Care Spray is crafted without harsh chemicals and designed specifically for professional barbering environments.

Booksy, the go-to booking, management, and discovery app for barbers and beauty professionals globally, is excited to announce the launch of the “Icons of Dallas” out-of-home campaign. As a part of this community-led marketing campaign, Booksy will award free billboard advertising space to 20 local beauty and barbering professionals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to promote their businesses and generate visibility, potentially reaching 80,000 impressions. Submissions open May 25 and run through June 7 via the contest website.

Designed to spotlight local beauty and barbering professionals, the campaign will provide selected participants with a full creative package, including a professional brand photoshoot, custom billboard design services, and professionally edited photo selects. Each billboard will also direct potential clients to book featured professionals directly through the Booksy app.

“Many local beauty professionals don’t often have access to marketing opportunities of this scale, and Booksy wants to help amplify their businesses,” said Gus Murillo, Director, Global Creative & Community at Booksy. “Our community of beauty professionals and barbers is at the center of everything we do, and this campaign is another way for us to celebrate their talent while supporting their growth.”

To be eligible, entrants must either already be a Booksy provider or create a Booksy account during the application period. Applications open May 25 via the contest website.

Sola Salons, the largest salon studio concept in the country, proudly announces its 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries, nine beauty and wellness entrepreneurs driving industry change and community impact.

This year’s visionaries include a bridal hairstylist who founded the Sensory Chair Project, a hairstylist and educator who’s been with Sola Salons nearly two decades, and a Google-employee-turned-hairstylist who founded a trauma-informed medical sanctuary that engineers custom, texturally accurate cranial prostheses, ensuring no one has to compromise their cultural identity to heal.

With nearly 100 years of combined industry experience, this year’s diverse class of recipients comes from all walks of life with expertise spanning hair, tattoo, skincare, and more, but they share one common thread: their commitment to excellence both in and outside the salon.

“Every year, this long-standing program gives us the chance to recognize a group of incredible Sola Pros who represent the heart of this community,” said Daryl Hurst, President & COO of Sola Salons. “I love how our professionals always show up with passion, creativity, leadership and a real drive to raise the bar for what it means to build a business independently.”

“This year, we wanted to represent the community of Sola professionals in a more natural and holistic way,” added Tracy Ramos, Sola Director of Pro Community. “Rather than focusing on social media followings, we wanted to showcase people who were engaging in their communities – both within the industry and their local areas. We held video interviews with each applicant, and based our decision on the individuals’ personal stories, and the impact they are making in their communities. That’s why we are calling it the Faces of Sola Visionaries.”

Meet Your 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries:

• Bridal Hair Abbey Jae | Wilmington, DE
• Barber Alex Sharkey | Cedar Knolls, NJ
• Tattoo Artist Alex Quinn | Warwick, RI
• Color Specialist and Hair Stylist Caroline Kim | Los Angeles, CA
• Esthetician Emily Clark | Chicago, IL
• Hair Stylist Pich Seng | Houston, TX
• Barber Rashleigh Béaton | Euless, TX
• Hair Stylist Rachel Swire | Atlanta, GA
• Hair Stylist and Cranial Prosthesis Victor Scotti, Jr. | Arlington, VA

Each of the 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries brings a distinct expertise and mastery of their craft, from mentoring and educating the next generation of beauty professionals to leading nonprofit initiatives and driving meaningful change across the industry. This talented team has also participated in some of pop cultures’ biggest moments including the GRAMMYs, New York Fashion Week, the Emmy Awards, Milan Fashion Week and more.

They will have the opportunity to represent Sola Salons at a variety of events, photo shoots and editorial opportunities, while helping inspire the next generation of independent business owners.

“We want people of all walks of life, with all different kinds of stories to be able to picture themselves at Sola, and to picture a future,” Tracy said. “That’s what this is all about, to share those unique stories, and say to the industry, ‘Hey, look at our community of 20,000 professionals and the impact they’re making, not only
within Sola, but in the wider industry.'”

In its 11th year, the Faces of Sola is an annual program that spotlights some of the impressive entrepreneurs who make up the more than 21,000 professionals within the Sola community. The company’s mission is to not only provide spaces for independent professionals, but to support them with the tools, education and technology needed to build thriving businesses. This program gives the Sola community the chance to celebrate the achievements of some of the industry’s brightest. 

To learn more about Sola Salons or how to join the community, visit www.solasalons.com.

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. 

EXO-GROW by DermapenWorld has officially concluded its highly anticipated RE:GEN Roadshow: The Future of Skin & Hair, leaving a powerful mark across the United States following an electrifying multi-city tour that united the professional hair, beauty, barbering, aesthetics and medical industries like never before.

Spanning key cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, the RE:GEN Roadshow delivered a series of sold-out events, drawing close to 1,000 salon and clinic professionals nationwide. Hosted in stunning venues and designed as immersive evening experiences, each stop combined cutting-edge education, elevated networking and an undeniable sense of industry momentum. This was more than a roadshow — it was a statement: the future of hair and skin is regenerative, and the industry is moving forward together.

A Stage of Global Industry Powerhouses

Leading the tour was global industry icon Tracey Hughes, Hall of Fame Hairstylist and Global General Manager for EXO-GROW, delivering a compelling vision for the future of scalp health, hair restoration and professional evolution.

She was joined by an exceptional lineup of global experts and industry leaders, including:

• Corri Marshall: Co-Founder of DermapenWorld and product innovator
• Andrew Hansford: Trichologist and global educator in aesthetics & hair restoration
• Eden Sassoon: Celebrity TV star and daughter of Vidal Sassoon
• Candy Shaw: Renowned hair educator and industry disruptor
• Leysa Carrillo: Textured hair expert and digital influencer
• Bonnie Conte: Business strategist and salon growth expert
• John Simpson: Industry educator and visionary
• Christopher Dove: Editorial stylist and creative force
• Dr. Gregory Zengo: Medical regeneration expert
• Rita Perna Allor: Hair loss education specialist
• Jenna Jeffries: Clinical aesthetics trainer
• Zachary Goldberg: Customer experience specialist

Where Industries Collaborate

One of the defining strengths of the RE:GEN Roadshow was its ability to bring together every corner of the professional industry under one roof. Hairdressers, barbers, aesthetic practitioners, clinic owners and medical professionals came together as one unified community breaking down traditional silos and opening the door to new collaboration, new revenue streams and a more holistic approach to client care.

This convergence signals a clear shift: the future belongs to salon professionals who understand the full ecosystem of skin, scalp and the science of hair loss. True collaboration was further amplified through industry partners including Ergo Styling Tools, Showpony Hair Extensions, Phorest Software, FASTFOILS, and DP Derm, all aligning alongside EXO-GROW to support the movement.

Education That Lands

Attendees didn’t just show up they walked away transformed. Across every city, feedback echoed the same sentiment: next-level education, real clinical insight, and immediately actionable strategies.

Key takeaways included:

• Practical, client-ready solutions for thinning hair and hair loss
• A deeper understanding of scalp-first hair growth and regenerative science
• New pathways to business growth within the rapidly expanding hair restoration category
• Clear insight into Exosome technology and its performance-driven results
• Elevated consultation techniques rooted in empathy and client psychology

Beyond the education, the experience delivered on every level with high-energy rooms, great food and drinks, meaningful networking, and a genuine sense of belonging. From curated goodie bags valued at over $300 to vibrant, connection-driven environments, every detail was designed to leave a lasting impression.

A Movement, Not a Moment

“This was never just about education — it was about shifting the mindset of an entire industry,” said Tracey Hughes. “We’ve brought science, business and creativity together in a way that empowers salon professionals to think differently, act differently, and ultimately deliver better results for their clients.”

What’s Next

Following successful tours across Australia, the UK and now the USA, the momentum behind EXO-GROW continues to accelerate globally. Now available in 107 countries, EXO-GROW is rapidly gaining traction for one simple reason: results.

This is performance-driven technology delivering visible, confidence-restoring outcomes fuelling strong adoption across clinics and salons, repeat purchase behavior and powerful word-of-mouth growth.

With demand continuing to build, DermapenWorld is set to expand its education platform further and continuing to lead the global conversation around hair loss, scalp health and regenerative treatment innovation.

Moroccanoil is expanding into the men’s grooming space with the launch of its new Sculpting Pomade, now available on Moroccanoil.com.

While the brand has long-resonated across a unisex audience, this move reflects a broader shift in male consumer behavior, with men becoming more engaged and intentional about grooming. The Sculpting Pomade was developed to meet demand for products that deliver structure and definition with flexible, touchable hold. The water-based formula is lightweight, reworkable, and can be easily washed out, aligning with what both stylists and consumers are prioritizing today.

Positioned as part of Moroccanoil’s broader styling portfolio, the launch takes an inclusive approach while creating a clear entry point for male consumers. It also marks a strategic step in using styling to drive discovery, reach new audiences, and build long-term engagement within a growing category.

Moroccanoil Sculpting Pomade 

Sculpting Pomade is a classic, water-based formula infused with nourishing argan oil to deliver strong, all-day hold with a sleek, high-shine finish. Designed to create polished, timeless styles. from voluminous modern mullets and sharp side parts to trending slicked-backs on short or long hair — it provides structure without stiffness. The flexible, residue-free formula washes out effortlessly, and over 90% of consumers surveyed agree it rinses clean while maintaining lasting hold*.  Fragranced with the signature Moroccanoil scent, including a blend of spicy amber and sweet florals.

Madison College will launch a new fast-track barbering program this fall, offering students an affordable path into a growing industry.

Enrollment is now open for the Barber Technical Diploma program, which begins Aug. 31.

Students can complete the full-time program in two semesters, gaining classroom learning and hands-on training in local barbershops and salons.

Demand for barbers continues to grow. According to Lightcast labor market data, barbering jobs in the Madison College district are projected to increase by 10.1% between 2025 and 2030, outpacing the national growth rate of 6.7%.

“Barbering is a booming industry in Wisconsin with many opportunities for new graduates,” said Jeff “JP” Patterson, Madison College Barber Program Director and barbershop owner. “A barbering career is promising for individuals ready to learn and put in the time to master the trade.”

The program reflects the college’s commitment to workforce development by partnering with local employers to create training that matches job needs.

“We are excited to grow this program and support students as they pursue meaningful, in-demand careers in barbering,” said Madison College Provost Dr. Beth Giles. 

Students in the 26-credit program will learn hair cutting and styling techniques, shaving and beard design, skincare and chemical services. The curriculum also emphasizes business and time management skills essential for success in the industry.

Tuition for the one-year program is $4,422 plus additional costs, lower than many private programs. Financial aid is also available for eligible students.

Madison College is one of three technical schools in the state that offer a full-time barbering program. In addition to the diploma, Madison College also offers a two-year earn while you learn barber apprenticeship program.

The Barber Technical Diploma Program meets Wisconsin licensure requirements following the state’s separation of barbering and cosmetology licensing, helping expand professional opportunities for graduates.

Graduates who earn licensure can pursue careers as barbers, grooming specialists, stylists and shaving experts, with opportunities to advance into business ownership, management, and other specialized services.

The application deadline is Aug. 15, 2026.

Learn more about Madison College’s new Barber Technical Diploma program.

Industry leader, educator, and advocate Rodrick Samuels has been officially appointed to the Michigan Board of Barber Examiners by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. His term will run through September 30, 2029, representing licensed barbers across the state of Michigan.

Samuels, Co-Founder and Director of Education at Hair Lab Detroit Barber School, brings a nationally recognized voice in barber education, workforce development, and industry standards to the Board. His appointment reflects a continued commitment to strengthening licensure, advancing educational quality, and protecting the integrity of the barbering profession.

“This isn’t just a seat at the table—it’s a responsibility to elevate the standard,” said Samuels. “Barbering changed my life, and I’m committed to ensuring the next generation of professionals enters this industry prepared, licensed, and built to lead.”

With over a decade of experience shaping barber education, Samuels has been at the forefront of modernizing curriculum, advocating for student success, and bridging the gap between classroom training and real-world application. Under his leadership, Hair Lab Detroit has become known for its culture-driven approach, producing highly skilled, business-minded professionals.

Samuels is also a Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Educator of the Year, a former American Association of Cosmetology Schools (AACS) Board Member, and an active contributor to national conversations surrounding licensure and education standards.

His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the industry, as states nationwide evaluate regulatory frameworks, workforce readiness, and pathways into licensed professions.

“We have to protect what we’ve built while evolving how we educate,” Samuels added. “This role allows me to advocate not just for barbers, but for the future of the entire industry.”

As a member of the Michigan Board of Barber Examiners, Samuels will help oversee licensing standards, examinations, and regulatory policies that impact thousands of professionals statewide.

Dark Stag proudly unveils the all-new Pro Curl Cream. Designed for professional barbers to enhance and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight. Perfect to finish curls or waves with definition, or for a softer matte finish, break up hair with fingers after use.

Infused with a soothing blend of Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli, and enriched with high-quality essential oils, Pro Curl Cream brings professional-grade performance and refinement to curls and waves, whatever the style.

Key Features

• Enhances and controls curls and waves
• Hydrates and defines without weight
• Achieve a defined or softer matte finish, using different styling techniques
• Soothing Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli fragrance
• Contains essential oils
• Water soluble for effortless washout