Celebrity barber Victor Fontanez, AKA VicBlends, has launched grooming brand BetterDays, taking inspiration from barbershop culture with performance-first, texture-inclusive formulas designed to serve all hair types.

The new brand, co-founded with veteran retail executive Joey Thomas, has released two ‘barber-grade’ products made in the USA that utilize premium ingredients alongside “Scent No. 26,” a custom-developed signature fragrance.

BetterDays’ Rebound Cream is a leave in conditioner engineered with conditioning agents like Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, and Pro-Vitamin B5 to nourish dry hair, reduce inflammation, and strengthen follicles.  The brand’s Grip Powder is a high-performance  hair texture powder powered by natural oil absorbers like Arrowroot Powder and Silica.

“From back to school, to first dates, to game day and beyond, BetterDays is about transforming self-perceptions, loving yourself, and taking it one day at a time,” said Victor.

Giving Every Man BetterDays

After years behind the barber chair and on the ground in communities across the country, Vic is using his platform to transform how men see themselves and build confidence from the inside out.

He has given free cuts to young boys and men in need on the streets of Atlanta, New York, and across the country, using the barber chair as a vehicle for connection, confidence, and empowerment. In August 2025, he took that mission further, opening VicBlends Academy at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California—the first licensed barber school inside a California state prison—giving incarcerated men the opportunity to learn a trade and work toward earning their state barber license.

“I’ve seen firsthand how a fresh haircut isn’t just about the looks; it’s a mental reset that immediately lifts you up,” said Vic.

“But true confidence goes deeper. I overcame my own mental health struggles, and I used my faith in God to push through. I learned how doing small things for yourself daily will add up to get you where you want to be. I want to encourage other young men dealing with mental health issues to talk about their struggles and embrace vulnerability and brotherhood.

“After a long career in the barbershop, I’ve been inspired to bring that confidence to shelves for men, young men, and boys of all ages. Every hair texture will have an option to experience this at home and in their bathrooms. From back to school, to first dates, to game day and beyond, BetterDays is about transforming self-perceptions, loving yourself, and taking it one day at a time.”

Incubated by Root, BetterDays is backed by $7 million in funding, with lead investors Maveron and Will Ventures, alongside strategic investment from cultural heavyweights like Lil Baby.

“For too long, the men’s grooming aisle has forced guys to choose between gimmicky, outdated marketing and bland products that simply don’t perform. This is especially true for textured, wavy, curly, and coily hair,” said Joey Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of BetterDays.

“By pairing Vic’s authentic barbershop expertise with a disciplined, high-performance product strategy, we are raising the baseline for the entire men’s self-care category. BetterDays was built to prove that premium ingredients and real functionality should be accessible to everyone, and we’re excited to scale a brand that actually serves men today.”

BetterDays is available for purchase at BetterDaysHair.com, TikTok Shop, and Amazon. 

Aveda have announced a $50,000 grant in support of the Yawanawá Climate Adaptation plan unveiled at the Rooted in Partnership: Advancing Climate Resilience through Indigenous Leadership panel, co-hosted by UNDP Forest Guardians Invest during the UN General Assembly & Climate Week NYC earlier this month.

Launched in July 2026, the UNDP’s Forest Guardians Invest platform is designed to mobilize private finance directly to Indigenous-led forest conservation and bioeconomy initiatives. Meanwhile, Aveda’s Rooted in Partnership panel provides a blueprint for how brands can support climate solutions by partnering directly with Indigenous leaders and communities.

Taking place at Goals House at Tavern on the Green in NYC, the panel featured Tashka Yawanawá, Chief of the Yawanawá People from the Rio Gregório Indigenous Territory in Acre, Brazil; Laura Yawanawá, Executive Director of the Yawanawá Sociocultural Association (ASCY); Eric Raymond, Executive Director of Mission and Sustainability, at Aveda; and moderator Nina Kantcheva, Global Advisor for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Engagement and Partnerships, UNDP.

The discussion included insights from Indigenous leaders and land protectors about how long-term, rights-based partnerships can strengthen livelihoods, advance climate resilience, protect biodiversity and create sustainable economic opportunity, and showcased the success of Aveda’s long-term partnership with the Yawanawá People as an example.

“Indigenous communities steward nearly one third of the world’s tropical rainforests, and they are uniquely positioned to influence climate, biodiversity and sustainable land management,” said Nina Kanthcheva.

“As Forest Guardians Invest works to support conservation efforts by connecting these communities with private funding, we are proud to spotlight the innovative and impactful long-term relationship between Aveda and the Yawanawá as a best-in-class example for how brands and Indigenous peoples can work together to build a partnership that achieves climate outcomes while centering the rights, priorities and knowledge of these communities.”

As part of the brand’s mission of care, Aveda has nurtured relationships with Indigenous communities around the world for more than 30 years, and worked closely with the Yawanawá since 1992. Aveda said that partnership has evolved beyond an initial need for ingredient sourcing to encompass larger community priorities and environmental stewardship.

As the Yawanawá communities continue to feel the effects of climate change in their rainforest homeland, the tribe has developed the Yawanawá Climate Adaptation Plan, a community-led effort reflecting their priorities for building resilience in the face of a changing climate. Aveda’s founding grant will support the Yawanawá’s priorities and recognizes their role as protectors and stewards of the rainforest.

“Climate resilience begins with the strength of our communities and our relationship to our land,” said Chief Tashka Yawanawá.

“The Yawanawá Climate Adaptation Plan reflects our own priorities and knowledge, and it is important that Indigenous communities have the voice and authority to define the solutions that affect our future. Our partnership with Aveda has spanned more than 30 years because it has continued to evolve through shared learning and a respect for our community,”

The panel discussed what distinguishes a true partnership from a transactional relationship, including the importance of trust, sovereignty, shared priorities and respect for Indigenous knowledge. The panelists explored the cultural dimensions of partnership, from authentic representation and Indigenous storytelling to the role of artists and creators in shaping how Indigenous communities are represented in global beauty, fashion and media.

The conversation also turned to the potential of the bioeconomy to create economic opportunity while ensuring forests stay standing, connecting themes of Indigenous enterprise, livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience. Together, the panelists challenged business leaders to consider not simply what they can do for Indigenous communities, but how they can build partnerships with them that endure.

“For Aveda, partnership is a responsibility that is built over time. Our decades-long relationship with the Yawanawá has taught us that meaningful partnership starts with listening, respecting Indigenous leadership and supporting priorities defined by the community itself,” said Shane Wolf, Aveda Global Brand President.

“Bringing this conversation to Climate Week is an opportunity to share what we have learned and to challenge our industry to think differently about how business can contribute to resilient communities, thriving ecosystems and a more responsible future. This is Aveda’s mission of care in practice: care for the world we live in, care for the communities connected to it, and care for the natural resources on which beauty depends.”

The glitz has faded, the hangovers are (probably) almost gone but the style on show at this year’s Emmy Awards won’t be forgotten as easily. The night might have ended without a slap, but the hair was still jaw dropping. Our experts have rounded up the very best red carpet looks.

John Mulaney – Simon Shaw, Fellowship for British Hairdressing President

“John’s mullet has a contemporary edge that looks best when worn a little longer on the top and shorter on sides but blended seamlessly with the choppier in texture, giving it a modern appearance. John’s square face shape is complimented by this style’s longer lengths which balance the face’s proportions, making for an undone, yet polished finish.

“The versatility of this haircut is one of the best things about it – it can be worn slicked back with a gel or serum, or you can use a texturising spray or mattifying product to give the style added texture and body. I’d recommend using a sea salt spray and powder for touchable texture and definition – injecting body into the hair!”

Tom Holland – Bailey Snowden, Snowden Hair

“Tom has recently been growing out his curly quiff into a much more mature take and his Emmy’s look was definitely one to draw attention to. Tom wore a curly textured quiff with face framing curls creating a much more sophisticated curly look, that stands out from his previous appearances.

“To recreate this curly look, you have to work alongside the hairs natural curl pattern, I would keep the length long enough to allow the curls to fall naturally and use a point cutting technique looking to remove any bulk. Styling is key here, prep wet hair with a lightweight curly cream and the hair with a diffuser attachment on a low heat, this ensures the hair avoids frizz. Finish the styling with a lightweight hair oil to replicate Tom Holland’s showstopping shiny curls.”

Charles Melton – Bruno Marc Giamattei, JOICO EMEA Creative Director

“Charles Melton sported an effortless, almost undone hair look at this year’s Emmy’s, embracing his hair’s natural wavy texture. His long curls were enhanced with a matte styling pomade for added movement and definition, without looking too polished and allowing for some freedom in how the hair falls.

“Another great way to achieve voluminous curls like Charles’ is scrunching. Much like the name, this technique can be done with a gel or mousse, scrunching the curls upwards towards your head using the palm of your hand. I’d recommend using JoiGel Firm Styling Gel by JOICO for loose, flowing curls that infuse sophistication and playfulness.”

Richard Gadd – Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH Hair

“Richard was spotted sporting one of this season’s top men’s looks – the shorter cut with a cropped fringe. This is a great look for men who are looking for a very youthful and trendy cut that will show off their facial features. This is also a fantastic look as it can be styled both straight and smooth or messier for an edgy finish.

It’s important that as a hairdresser you use scissors on the sides to help taper these slightly for softness and to avoid the hair going too ‘bowl’ like. Richard’s textured cut pairs perfectly with a subtle undercut incorporated throughout for an edgy finish.”

Paul Anthony Kelly – Ross Charles, Ross Charles Hairdressing

“Paul’s Old Hollywood side part style was one of my favourite looks at the Emmy’s last night. He was eluding sophistication with this one. His cut was styled with a short back and sides to draw attention to the dynamic side part shaping drawing the eye into his features and accompanied by a tousled finish.

“To recreate this look I would recommend using a point cutting technique, ensuring the shaping is intentional with a lightweight texture styling product to achieve the soft and intentional tousled finish. My most reached product for creating this is the RC dust matte, as it perfectly creates the desired volume without weighing the hair down.”

Jack Lowden – Diana Carson, Rainbow Room’s Salon Director

“Jack was spotted on the red carpet wearing a clean short textured crop with a sophisticated slicked back quiff to finish, this look prioritises healthy hair texture which I might say was the perfect look for him to wear on the red carpet.

“When styling this look, I would recommend reaching for a good quality smoothing cream. Our RRI Smoothing Cream is a staple for taming any unwanted flyways and creating shine with long lasting results. Shape the hair into a side part and manipulate the hair in a backwards direction tucking the ends in and looking to create intentional volume with the quiff. “

The World Cup might be over, but like the Scottish fans who won the hearts of Boston, the game has left its mark on North America. The 2026 tournament will be remembered for a long time – and some of its most memorable moments happened above the ears.

From sharp fades to statement styles, every player’s haircut was in the spotlight, and behind every standout look was a barber trusted to get it right. BarberEVO went behind the scenes with the barbers keeping the world’s most famous players fresh for kick-off.

Here’s a snapshot of some of the barbers behind the World Cup’s biggest looks – but there’s plenty more where that came from. Pick up issue #52 of BarberEVO to read more.

David went from cutting NYCFC players to styling at some of soccer’s biggest events. His career in soccer started in 2017, with clients like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Patrick Vieira, but before long those relationships opened the door to the international stage.

By 2022, David was working inside the USA’s World Cup camp in Qatar (with his own fully stocked barbershop) and had a client list that included the biggest names in the game.

He doesn’t just keep players looking camera ready. David uses hair as a canvas, having creating a red, white and blue look for Weston McKennie and designing Emiliano Martinez’s famous Argentina flag style alongside Dani Ale and Sebastian Morales.

Despite his high-profile client list and jet-setting career, David’s advice for barbers is not to chase fame: “Cutting celebrities will not make you rich. In fact, you make more money staying at the shop.”

JAYÈMA (@jayemabrand)

Based in London but travelling wherever her clients need her, JAYÈMA is a go-to hairstylists for elite athletes, working with players from top tier teams like Brazil, England, the US and Canada.

Among her highlights, JAYÈMA’s work for Promise David saw the Canadian international take to the pitch with a signature twist style, featuring red and white rubber bands to represent his country.

Over the tournament, JAYÈMA brought that creative vision to bear for stars like Raphinha, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, Haji Wright and Miles Robinson.  

Forget the glamour of working with soccer’s biggest names, for JAYÈMA, the job is about showing up, getting it right and being the person players rely on: “Trust, timing and discretion are extremely important. Hair is a big part of a player’s identity and confidence.”

Bryan Guardado (@nd.bryan)

Bryan’s route to the World Cup started with a DM. When FC Barcelona landed in Dallas, the mobile barber messaged the entire squad, and one player answered: Lamine Yamal.

That reply changed Bryan’s career. What began as a haircut grew into a trusted relationship, taking Bryan all the way to this year’s World Cup Final.

For the biggest game of his life, Yamal wanted a simple look – a taper through the sides and back, a trim on top and plenty of bulk around the sides. Bryan knew it needed to be flawless.

“I had to make sure my cut was different from the ones he had gotten before. If I did a good cut on him, I knew I would have the chance to cut more of them,” he said.

The experience has taught Bryan that the industry rewards those willing to take a risk: “Take that chance Be patient, love what you do and shoot your shot.”

Dany Ale (@dany_ale_32)

Talk about being under pressure – Dany Ale is the barber behind soccer legend Lionel Messi’s world-famous look.

After working with Argentina’s youth teams, Dany’s career went supersonic after Rodrigo De Paul sat in his chair, followed quickly by Messi himself. Now, he cuts inside Argentina’s national camp, which can see him doing as many as 15 cuts in a day.

When he’s trimming the likes of Messi, Dany knows millions will see his work, making any flaw fatal. Instead of losing his cool, experience helps him manage the pressure and concentrate on delivering his best for team and country.

“We all carry the same crest in our hearts. It is a great source of pride to see my national team reach a World Cup final.”

Christian Gonzalez (@cjdabarber)

CJ thought his World Cup moment had been made when he was booked to cut Portugal’s Diogo Dalot. But then, on his way out of the team’s hotel, his phone rang. It was Dalot, asking him to come back and cut Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I immediately turned back around,” CJ said. It wasn’t just a great opportunity, it was historic. CJ was cutting one of the most famous athletes on the planet ahead of one of his final World Cup games – a last appearance for a player whose has defined a generation of soccer.

Giving Ronaldo a seamless mid-drop fade with no C-cups, CJ blended out the disconnection with the top to create a smooth transition, exactly what the player asked for. For CJ, the cut can be summed up in one word: “Legendary.”

Yuri Alexandre Santos (@yuribarber_)

For Brazilian’s soccer is a religion, which makes Yuri Barber something close to a high-priest.

Working his way up from the streets of Santos to his own shop, Yuri built his reputation on hard work behind the chair and being ready to take on every style. His dedication has led him to cut at some of the biggest events on the planet, including the World Cup.

Over the tournament he cut for some of the most recognisable players in the game, like Neymar, Lucas Paquetá, Endrick and Bruno Guimarães, putting him in the spotlight of the media, supporters, sponsors.

From the outside, it can look glamorous — big players, major cities, iconic stadiums. But behind the scenes preparation, trust, and the ability to deliver under pressure are key.

“You are in a place where many want to be, so you need to give it your all.”

Alejandro Hernandez (@alexx_barberrrrr)

After cutting Mexican international Julian Araujo, word about Alejandro’s skills spread through the national team. One player became two, then three, and before long he was getting calls from the biggest names in Mexican football, like Edson Alvarez, Alexis Vega, Roberto “Piojo” Alvarado and Memo Ochoa.

Working with these elite athletes comes with challenges, and Alejandro works around packed schedules, often flying to training camps, hotels and global tournaments.

Being mobile is a huge part of Alejandro’s success. He travels with his tools in a backpack, a compact ring light, and a lightweight hunting chair. His BaBylissPRO and Tomb45 tools were chosen for one simple reason: battery life.

Working with the Mexican team at the World Cup has been the pinnacle of his career so far: “It took me 12 years to get where I’m at. When I started, I told myself I’d cut soccer players. Manifesting is so real.”

Saúl Peregrini (@saulperegrini)

Saúl is the talent behind one of football’s most talked-about looks. His precision cut for Ferran Torres was hailed by GQ as the haircut of the tournament, bringing sharp, modern style to the game’s biggest stage.

Torres then completed the story in unforgettable fashion, scoring the winning goal in the final while wearing Peregrini’s signature work. It was a perfect meeting of elite performance and impeccable grooming: a championship-defining moment that put both player and barber in the spotlight.

For Peregrini, the recognition confirms his place among the leading names shaping contemporary football style, on and off the pitch: “To know that, before that moment, he went through my hands and trusted me with his image is a pride that is hard to explain.”

Jordan Roberts (@jord_barbersno1)

An English barber cutting the Scotland squad at the World Cup might sound…unlikely, but in soccer reputation matters and Jordan has one of the best.

It started 11 years ago with Brazilian Roberto Firmino, when he was handed a flyer sitting in his car in Jordan’s home city Liverpool. He came in for a haircut, became a regular, and from there the word spread fast.

By the time Scotland needed a barber for the World Cup, his rep for consistency and professionalism had been built in dressing rooms around the country. He spent a riotous five days in Boston with the Scottish nationals, keeping them fresh for the biggest moment in their careers.

The same was true for Jordan: “Mind-opening and one of the greatest personal achievements of my career.”

Seb Kortez (@sebkortez)

Seb’s journey in international soccer began at Authentic Hair Studio, where NYCFC players were already regulars. Those connections eventually led Seb to cut for the US team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was approached by players from Ecuador, Costa Rica and Argentina.

Preparation begins before he travels. Seb studies each squad’s players and hairstyles, packing the equipment needed for cuts, designs and color services. Good lighting, precise machines and backup tools are essential, and for styling and finishing, he relies on Rolda products to achieve the best results.

Seb’s return to the global stage for the 2026 World Cup, saw him working with Argentina to create one of the tournament’s most memorable looks: Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez’s viral Argentina flag design.

“Watching a team lift a championship trophy after having contributed through my work will always be very special.”

Takushi aka Taxi (@takushi013)

When Japan stepped onto soccer’s biggest stage, it was a chance for Taxi to fulfill a dream.

The opportunity came through a personal recommendation when Tomoki Hayakawa introduced Taxi to Junnosuke Suzuki, giving him the chance to cut the defender’s hair before the World Cup. From there, Taxi’s personal connection has led him to work with Tomoki Hayakawa, Zion Suzuki and Kent Shiogai, as well as providing a trim for Yukinari Sugawara.

These were not haircuts designed to look good for only a few hours. The players would be training, traveling, competing and recovering, so each style needed to retain its shape without requiring a complicated routine.

BROSH products complemented his work, allowing him to bring an element of Japanese grooming to the experience while enhancing his designs without compromising natural movement.

Taxi knew the players he cut would arrive looking their best, and he viewed it as an opportunity to demonstrate the technical standard of Japan’s barbering community.

“Being able to make that dream come true as a barber is something I’m incredibly grateful for and deeply moved by.”

Barbers at Mr. Brothers Cut Club in Los Angeles, Drew Rush and Kei were among those chosen to try out Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN Trimmer as it made its debut in the USA. They talked with BarberEVO about how this tool helps them elevate their craft.

Founded in Harajuku, Japan in 2015, Mr. Brothers Cut Club combines traditional American and European Barbering with modern Japanese design techniques. Since its founding, the brand has skyrocketed, opening a location in LA in 2022.

That’s where Drew and Kei call home. Coming from a background that blends Japanese and American barbering, they were both the perfect choices to try out Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN range of tools, most notably, the ER-XT70 T-Blade Trimmer. We caught up with Drew and Kei to get their first impressions of the new tool.

Inspired by old-school barbershop culture from an early age, when he discovered Mr Brother’s Cut Club, and its meld of Japanese culture with New Americana style, Drew fell in love. So, when Panasonic launched its new THE BARIKAN Trimmer, which combines Japanese quality with American barbering culture, Drew couldn’t believe his luck.

“When I first got THE BARIKAN Trimmer, it was during the prototype stage,” Drew said. “The bevel, the way it fits in your hand, and the two power levels make this the perfect everyday tool.

“The quality that comes out of Japan has been unanimous for years. It’s good to see something new to the market that’s not just another white label trimmer.”

Japanese native Kei started his career in barbering at just 18, and moved to LA for the launch of Mr Brothers Cut Club’s US expansion in 2022. Since moving, Kei has not only managed Mr Brothers Cut Blub, but started educating for the barbershop’s sister company, BROSH, and is getting to work on Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN tour as well.

Onstage at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, Kei used THE BARIKAN Trimmer for a low taper fade. With its T-shaped blade made in-house, barbers have full visibility and control over the cut.

“It’s powerful, smooth, and safe,” Kei shared. “The quality of the tool is incredibly high, which makes it perfect for precision cutting like this.”
With two power speeds – 5200 and 8000 RPMs – THE BARIKAN provides barbers flexibility in offering different services all with one tool. As Panasonic spreads the word about THE BARIKAN making its way to the U.S. throughout the year, the quality of the tool makes quite a statement itself.

“Showing up with a quality product and quality barbers to back it up, I think the Barikan is going to make waves,” Drew said. “It’s going to be exciting to see where Panasonic ends up now that the Barikan is out in the US.”

The beauty industry is getting a major new stage with the launch of The Road to HEBS, a premier education, networking, and competition platform that brings together everyone from barbers, braiders and stylists, to locticians, educators, and brands from around the world.

The Road to HEBS is the first competition pathway in the beauty industry that gives competitors the opportunity to earn a place from regional heats to compete at a national championship, and ultimately the world stage. With sponsor Pure O Natural Products, HEBS are bringing high stakes competitions designed to push boundaries and spotlight creativity.

The tour will take in major cities, including LA, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, Charlotte, and Washington DC. The top three winners from each regional event will earn a coveted spot at the national championship, held during HEBS in Secaucus, New Jersey, before heading to the HEBS Lagos Championship in Nigeria.

As well as the trophies and industry recognition, there are over $175k in cash and prizes waiting to be won.

Commitment to Creativity

One of the most unique aspects of the competition is its commitment to creative freedom. The Road to HEBS encourages competitors to think outside the box to bring their artistic vision to life.

“Road to HEBS is a championship league idea and mindset. We’re hosting competitions in different regions, creating a tour that gives beauty professionals an opportunity to showcase their creativity and artistry on a major platform,” said barber and Pure O Education Director Lici Quintero, AKA Lici Lady Barber.

“These competitions are very creatively led. We do not put limits on the expression and artistry that competitors want to use.”

The competitions serve as a platform for creative imagination and expression, but also challenges in precision, technique, style and storytelling.

The Global Beauty Community

The international opportunity highlights the larger vision behind The Road to HEBS. Organizers see the competition as the foundation of a global championship league that connects beauty professionals across continents while creating new opportunities for exposure and career advancement.

In addition to competition, attendees can expect educational programming, product demonstrations, and access to leading brands. The tour will feature products from PureO Natural Products and other emerging brands, while continuing to emphasize professional development.

“Education is a big thing for us at Pure O,” explained Lici. “This competition is all about balancing fun, education, and creativity.”

For those considering entering, Lici’s advice is simple: embrace your creativity and show up prepared.”Don’t hold back your creativity. This platform was designed to celebrate artistry, so bring your vision to life and show what makes your work unique.”

Beauty professionals from across the country will soon be heading to South Florida for the latest Beauty Weekends expo, an educational and networking event designed with women in the beauty and barbering industries in mind.

Taking place in Fort Lauderdale over September 25 – 27, the event combines business development, technical education, and community-building to help attendees grow personally and professionally.

Hosted by The Beauty Weekends, the event will feature hands-on classes, industry experts, and opportunities for barbers, stylists, entrepreneurs, and beauty professionals to expand their skill sets and strengthen their businesses.

Among the featured educators will be three accomplished female barbers, bringing decades of their expertise and specialized knowledge to the stage.

Building Wealth Beyond the Chair

Lici Lady Barber will present a financial empowerment class focused on helping beauty professionals create long-term wealth through financial planning and tax education.

“I’ll be teaching how to build wealth using the tax code,” said Lici. “We’re going to dive into financial structure and how we can become better overall in the industry.”

Her session aims to provide practical tools to better understand finances, maximize opportunities available to business owners, and establish a stronger foundation for future success.

Unlocking New Services with Hair Units

Osiris Pastor, known professionally as Barber Boss Lady, will share her expertise in hair unit care, installation, and maintenance – one of the fastest-growing service categories in the industry.

With thinning hair and baldness becoming increasingly common, Osiris believes beauty professionals have an opportunity to offer life-changing solutions while growing their businesses.

“I want every barber and stylist to learn how to do this because you’re going to elevate your services,” she said. “You’re going to help a lot of people who are dealing with thinning and baldness, and you’ll be able to provide a real solution to a growing problem.”

Mastering the Shift from Fades to Shears

Veteran barber Corina Lady Barber will bring her more than 30 years of experience to an educational session focused on transitioning from traditional fade work into advanced shear techniques. As trends continue to evolve, many barbers are finding that clients increasingly seek textured, longer styles that require strong scissor skills.

“The industry is moving into more shear work,” Corina explained. “A lot of barbers are struggling with that transition. I want to share my 30 years of knowledge and show you how to make life easier behind the chair.”

Her class is designed to help professionals gain confidence and precision while adapting to the changing demands of today’s clients.

More Than an Event

Beauty Weekender is more than a weekend of classes – it’s a platform for connection, education, and empowerment. While the event was intentionally created to support women in the beauty and barbering industries, it welcomes anyone committed to growth, learning, and advancing their career.

From business-building strategies and financial literacy to cutting-edge technical skills, attendees will leave with actionable knowledge they can immediately apply to their craft and businesses.

For beauty professionals looking to sharpen their skills, expand their services, and connect with a supportive community of industry leaders, Beauty Weekender promises to be one of the most impactful events of the year.

For more information and registration details, visit TheBeautyWeekends.com

Wahl Professional has introduced the new Vapor Switch, the next evolution of the brand’s award-winning Vapor clipper.

Built for professionals who refuse one-size-fits-all performance, the Vapor Switch gives barbers the freedom to shift between cutting styles, adapt to every client and customize performance in real time.

“We listened closely to feedback from the barber community and put those insights directly into the newest evolution of the Vapor, the Vapor Switch,” said Mike Wahl, VP of Innovation and Insights for Wahl Professional.

“From enhanced ergonomics and dual-speed performance to the new Rapid Switch taper lever and upgraded blade technology, every advancement was designed around how barbers work behind the chair.”

Available from September through authorized Wahl Professional distributors and WahlPro.com, the Vapor Switch features Wahl’s new HyperShift Dual-Speed Brushless Motor, giving barbers the ability to instantly switch between 7,000 RPM for controlled bulk removal and 9,000 RPM for fast, precision fading and detailing. The clipper intelligently responds to different hair types and cutting conditions to deliver smooth, consistent performance from the first pass to the last.

The new F32 Drift Blade features premium black PVD chrome and DLC coatings for longer-lasting sharpness, while a built-in oil reservoir helps reduce friction and blade heat for cooler, smoother cutting throughout the day. Bold dual-color LED lighting instantly signals selected motor speed, keeping barbers focused on the cut without missing a beat.

The stress of loud clippers and trimmers can be overwhelming for some people, turning a visit to the barbershop into a high anxiety, emotionally draining experience.   

Aiming to make those experiences more inclusive is new grooming brand HUSH Pro USA, the US partner for HUSH Pro International, which has launched with a simple mission, to make professional-quality tools more accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable for clients.

“We saw an opportunity to introduce a different kind of grooming experience,” said Kobe Deng, co-founder.

“While many tools focus solely on power, we believed performance should also include comfort, control, and consideration for the environment around the user. The overwhelmingly positive response to the quiet operation of our products showed us there was a significant need for tools that reduce unnecessary sensory stress without sacrificing professional results.”

Although the brand was created to focus on creating affordable tools, its products quickly became known for how remarkably quiet they are. Standard clippers operate between 60 and 75 decibels, with some as loud as vacuum cleaners, but HUSH Pro’s tools measure just 48 decibels, and the trimmers 46 decibels.

“My first reaction was how noticeably quiet it was. As someone who specializes in sensory-friendly haircuts, I immediately started thinking about the clients I serve and how much of a difference that could make,” said Krystal Cotto, HUSH Pro USA’s Sensory Inclusivity Brand Ambassador

“Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals who find the sound of traditional clippers overwhelming. Knowing that a tool could help reduce that barrier while still delivering professional results was exciting.”

HUSH said that a common misconception is that sensory accommodations are only relevant to a small group of people, but in reality everyone experiences sensory input differently. Loud noises, vibration, and overstimulation can affect children, adults, neurodivergent individuals, and even professionals working long hours.

Reducing noise hasn’t meant reducing power. HUSH Pro USA’s tools focus on motor efficiency, vibration control, component precision, and engineering design. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary noise but preserve the cutting performance professionals expect.

“By reducing noise while maintaining performance, we help create environments that feel more welcoming and comfortable for a broader range of clients without requiring barbers or stylists to change the way they work,” said Kobe.

HUSH Pro USA’s grooming tools not only create a calmer environment, but they allow stylists to communicate more clearly with their clients.

“Communication is one of the most important parts of any service. When there is less background noise, clients can process information more easily, ask questions, and engage in conversation,” added Krystal. “In my work, I’ve found that reducing sensory distractions often creates more opportunities for connection and trust.”

Barbers looking to sharpen their skills with mid- and long-length hair can get an inside look at Church California Lead Educator’s Brandon Faulk’s cutting and styling techniques this September, as he brings his Balance Tour to Philadelphia.

Hosted by WinSome Barber, the special Look & Learn evening will take place on Sunday, September 13, from 5–8pm, with Brandon demonstrating across shags, mods and alternative cuts.

The three-hour session will focus on precision, creativity and efficiency, giving barbers the chance to pick up new techniques as they watch Brandon work through different approaches to longer hair.

Brandon will guide attendees through a more intentional approach to building shape, stronger systems for making decisions throughout a cut, and practical techniques to take back behind the chair.

For barbers looking to move beyond traditional short cuts and build confidence working with longer lengths, the session offers an opportunity to learn in a hands-on, industry-focused environment, while connecting with fellow barbers.

The Balance Tour Live with Brandon Faulk Hair takes place Sunday, September 13, from 5–8pm at WinSome Barber in Philadelphia.