By Ollie Foster, OSMO Ambassador and owner of Number 47 Barbers in Chester

Assess your shop space costs

Are there areas within your shop that you can look to shave costs?  Lighting for example, you can change your bulbs to low energy where you don’t need the brightness as much (think staff rooms, toilets etc), can you also change your lights to movement sensor ones too in areas?  With your backwash, can you look to swap to a water pressure system like ECOHEADS that helps to increase the water pressure without using more water?  Also, have you looked at comparison on washing your towels in the shop versus an outside company?  You may be surprised! 

Take a good look at your colour stock

Size and space matters!  For those barber shops who’ve expanded their services into colour, have you taken time to really understand what’s needed or not in you colour stock room?  Buying lots of colours when you can just invest in a colour range that enables you to create permanent or semi shades from one tube, is a great cost saving option.  OSMO IKON is a demi colour range, so you just adjust the mix and timings to achieve your desired effect.  Plus, all the shades are intermixable, so you get an endless colour palette, too.  Also, think about how much you’re getting in your colour tube – often it’s only 50/60ml tubes, whereas brands like OSMO are 100ml tubes, so not only will you probably be paying less per tube, but you’re also getting a bigger size too.  So, make sure you’re looking at your colour stock and consider sensible changes to your core colours, as you can definitely be making savings on your colour services.  

Ensure your backwash is earning for you

We’re good at offering added services like shaves and maybe facial waxing, but are there treatments we can up-selling at the backwash area too?  Products like the new OSMO Scalp Therapy Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is a great pre-cut experience to help remove product build up and get the scalp healthy too.  You can then finish this with the new OSMO Scalp Therapy Mask to elevate your hair cutting experience.  Work the backwash costs into your hair cut, so it’s not seen as an add-on but more of a luxury service.  Even if you don’t offer colour services, have you considered offering colour conditioning treatments at the backwash instead?  Products like the OSMO Colour Revive Conditioning Treatment is a low investment option to give your customers a refresh of their natural hair or help mask early greys – plus may stop them heading to those dreaded Just For Men box dyes!  The backwash is your shop window for retail too, so ensure you’re talking up the products you’re using, how they can be beneficial ie scalp cleansing, thickening, moisturising etc.  You’ve got a captive audience in that chair, and they want to hear what you have to say to ensure their cut lasts.

Be the expert you are when it comes to retailing advice

Selling retail products, doesn’t come naturally to many of us but we need to believe in our expertise and products we use!  Customers are investing their time and money to have a professional service, so ensuring they have the best products and advise to use at home, is a no-brainer.   Plus, once you get your customer onto that product, he becomes a fan of it for life usually!  Also, make sure you’re picking up on selling tales – is your customer concerned about his thinning hair?  Then recommend them subtle volumising products like the OSMO Power Powder, it’s easy to use and gets results instantly.  Retail should be second nature to us experts. 

Make sure you’re encouraging regular re-visits to your shop

As barbers, we get a mix of those bi-weekly customers versus those once every few months walking in.  It’s up to us to get our customers booking in more regularly.  Can you look at your current booking system – does it have a text/email reminder that can be sent out?  Target your social media posts to your  customers so they’re aware of your availability (and any cancellations).  Listen out to chats in the chair about upcoming Birthdays/Job interviews etc and encourage them to book in the day before with you.  If you can, the best way is to get them booking before they leave the shop – when you have them in the chair, this is the ideal time to be talking through the haircut, home styling tips and then cutting maintenance over the coming few months.  Get them into a routine of trims and reshapes. 

To order OSMO for your salon visit www.osmo.uk.com for your nearest wholesaler

TWO DISTINCT PROFESSIONAL CLIPPERS WITH REMOVABLE AND ADJUSTABLE BLADES; SLEEK & SLIM DESIGN FOR ALL CREATORS

Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of barbering and grooming tools, is excited to announce the launch of its new professional, cordless reVITE Clippers.

Both uniquely designed reVITE Clippers (black and gray) include a stainless-steel blade design which combines the functionality of a removable blade and adjustable blade in one single tool. This enables the stylist or barber to make changes between a Taper blade and Fade blade quickly and easily for added efficiency and convenience. The reVITE also has a large, textured grip that enhances comfort to prevent slipping, a tapered body to improve ergonomics for all hand sizes as well as a new high-speed rotary motor with Constant Speed Technology; meaning it won’t drag or stall in thick hair. The reVITE features 2 hours of non-stop run time while the LED battery status indicator turns from blue to red when battery level is below 10%.

Black reVITE Clipper

The black reVITE features a Fade blade which adjusts from size 00000-000 for ulta-close cutting, and an unbreakable aluminum housing for years of dependable use. This reVITE is great for clipper-over-comb technique, bald fading and freehand work. 

 Gray reVITE Clipper
The gray reVITE features a Taper blade which adjusts from size 000-1 for all-around haircutting. However, this version is designed for those who prefer to create with an ultra-lightweight clipper and features a composite housing. This combination of light weight and slim shape is perfect for smaller hands.

“The reVITE clipper is a sleek tool with endless versatility that meets all of my needs,” says Angie Perino, Andis Company Global Education Manager and cosmetologist. “Its powerful cutting performance and ergonomic design allows me to feel empowered to create any look — I can quickly swap the Fade blade out for the Taper blade in a matter of seconds. The reVITE features a high-speed rotary motor with Constant Speed Technology to prevent any dragging or stalling when used on thick, coarse hair. Plus, the  precision of the reVITE provides a sharp edge, giving the modern classic look, a perfect finish.”

MSRP: $200 For more information visit www.andis.com

Andis® Company is also currently celebrating its centennial year — and the reVITE Clippers are the first Andis professional clippers to use the new visual brand language since its recent rebranding.To keep up with Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Release boasts a stronger motor, cooler blades, and an eye-catching color.

Style or substance? Flash or function?

Proof that cutting tools can have it all, Wahl Professional introduces the next generation of the world’s most popular professional clipper.

The new 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip® has everything you love about the Magic Clip® – blades that blend hair seamlessly and an ultra-lightweight feel that’s comfortable to hold all day. Plus, features that take it to the next level, including a more powerful motor, blades that stay cooler thanks to new titanium and DLC coatings, plus a sleek new gold finish that’s complimented by an included matching premium, weighted charge stand and a full set of premium cutting guides with metal clips.

“There’s nothing else like this on the market,” says Wahl Professional Educator Garland “G-Whiz” Fox (@thisisgwhizwahlclippers). “The way it cuts. The way it looks. The way it feels in your hand.”

Power Meets Pizazz

You can’t help but stare at how these clippers look in the light. And barbers and stylists who use them can’t help but notice the difference.

The stronger motor cuts through thick, wet, and textured hair easier than ever, and yet the new blade surface stays cooler than ever.

“These titanium and DLC coatings reduce the friction of the blades’ surface,” said Fox. “So, even though the blades are rubbing together faster, they stay cool.”

These DLC blades also stay sharper longer and resist corrosion, all while barely making a sound.

“Smooth and silent,” says Fox. “It’s a cutting experience on a different level.”

Full Package

The Wahl 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip comes with:

• Lightweight, ergonomic design that’s comfortable to hold all day
• Patented stagger-tooth™ blades with titanium and DLC coatings
• Matching gold and black premium, weighted charging stand
• 8 patented premium cutting guides with metal clips
• Long-lasting, lithium-ion battery
• New gold color

Barbers and stylists who have the golden touch—and want a clipper to match—can purchase the 5 Star Gold Cordless Magic Clip beginning August 15^th for $229 at wahlpro.com or by visiting their local distributor.

Earlier this month Denman CEO Kevin McNamee attended the FIA World Rally Championship in Finland to present the Toyota team with their very own bespoke brush. The unique brush design was fully wrapped using specialised High-Definition Micro Fusion technology. The brand-new technology from Denman is energy efficient and environmentally friendly and delivers a premium, textured finish by infusing the print into the body and handle of the brush with recyclable films and water-based inks. The new Deluxe range from Denman will carry designs using this new technology.

“Denman is committed to continually developing new products and supporting creativity. Demand from the market led our team to look for new techniques in brush decoration. Our customers, hairdressers, barbers and beauty professionals have high expectations in terms of design and appearance. Using specialised High-Definition Micro Fusion technology, this new process incorporates full-wrap designs to offer a premium, textured finish. Investing in this new machinery allows us to react quickly to the creative wishes of the market and offer innovative personalisation on demand,” says Denman CEO Kevin McNamee.

The new print technology is scratch resistant and currently available for Denman D3, D90L, D83, D38, D81 and D82 tools.

BOOKSY EXPLAINS HOW TO MAKE THIS A REALITY.

Booksy, the leader in booking and business technology for the beauty industry, knows that an unfortunate business reality for beauty professional is client no-shows or cancellations at the very last minute. These can have a significant impact on income and leave gaps in schedules that cannot be filled.

Booksy has a tool to help service providers reduce the angst and occurrences of no-shows and reduce the impact of client cancellations easily.

Through Booksy’s No-Show Protection feature, service providers can charge clients a percentage of a service upfront or apply a cancellation fee in case of a no-show or last-minute cancellation. Booksy’s research shows that clients are more likely to commit to an appointment after a payment has been made upfront, or if they know that last minute cancellations will result in a fee. Prepayments and Cancellation Fees are two effective and easy ways that business owners can keep their revenue stream and reduce the frequency of cancellations.

After a month of No-Show Protection settings being implemented, business owners who use Booksy saw a 20% decrease in cancellations!

How simple is this?

1. When a service provider sets up Prepayments on the Booksy app, a client will be prompted to make a payment upfront. That payment can be the partial price of the service the client is receiving, or it can be the full amount – it’s up to the provider. When the appointment is completed and the client is checked out, the Prepayment will be deducted from their total. If the client does not show, business owners keep the Prepayment.

• When Cancellation Fees are activated on the Booksy app, a clients will be prompted to put their credit card on file when they begin to schedule an appointment through Booksy. If a client cancels at the last minute or does not show up to their appointment, service providers have the option of either automatically or manually processing the fee or waiving the charge. When setting up Cancellation Fees, a service provider can choose how many days or hours in advance a client must cancel to avoid being charged a fee. Additionally, providers can write a customized message about their Cancellation Policy, which will be clearly published on their Booksy profile.

Protect your time and your bottom line using Booksy’s No-Show Protection. Download the Booksy Biz mobile app or visit Booksy.com/biz to learn more.

Say hello to the new additions of the cult OSMO Wonder 10 product range; a shampoo and conditioner designed to address the specific needs of damaged and dry hair.

NEW OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner take the guesswork out of finding the perfect hair care regime. Everyone deserves healthy, naturally shiny hair, and OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner will help you achieve this.

The OSMO Wonder 10 product duo has been specially formulated with the OSMO Fibre Bond Technology to strengthen and repair hair, with noticeable transformative results to nourished hair that is strong and visibly healthier for longer.

OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo & Conditioner joins the OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In Treatment, a cult classic loved by stylists, hairdressers, and barbers alike, creating a powerful trio of essential hair care to dry, damaged and over-processed hair leaving it feeling shiny, silky, and transformed.

OSMO® NEW Wonder 10 Collection will ensure the 3-step regime will cleanse, condition, and protect the hair, transforming hair to its former glory.

10 Wonderful Benefits:

Wonder 10 Wonderful Shampoo	Wonder 10 Wonderful Conditioner
Gently cleanses both hair and scalpFormulated with Fibre Bond TechnologyHelps strengthen and protect the hairNourishes both hair and scalpHelps reduce hair breakageSmooths split endsWeightless formulaHelps control frizzPromotes shineLeaves hair silky, soft, and manageable	Intensely hydrating formulaFormulated with Fibre Bond TechnologyHelps strengthen and repair the hairProtects against damage Smooths split endsHelps control frizzIncredible detanglerWeightless formulaCreates natural body and movementPromotes incredible shine

How to Use for Wonderful Results:

Apply OSMO Wonder 10 Shampoo to wet hair concentrating on the mid-length and ends. Lather and then rinse thoroughly. For best results follow with OSMO Wonder 10 Conditioner. Apply evenly to towel dried hair, concentrating on the mid-lengths and ends. Comb through and leave for approximately 1-3 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.  Apply OSMO Wonder 10 Leave-In Treatment for strengthening, moisturising, and protective elements.

Prices: OSMO WONDER SHAMPOO (400ml, RRP £8.50, Salon £4.25 + VAT) OSMO WONDER CONDITIONER (400ml, RRP £8.50, Salon £4.25 + VAT) OSMO WONDER 10 LEAVE-IN TREATMENT (250ml, Salon £6.50 + VAT) To request OSMO for your salon, contact your local wholesalers or visit www.osmo.uk.com for all stockist details

Manufacturer backed scheme introduced to support the industry during challenging times

Just as the damaging economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have started to subside with salons and barbers reopening, welcoming clients back and returning to near-normality, new and unwelcome economic threats have started to emerge. As hair, beauty and grooming businesses continue to recover from what has been a difficult two-years, rising costs, inflationary pressures and the cost-of-living crisis have all combined to create a perfect storm that undermines their recovery by imposing fresh challenges to the running of a profitable hair salon or barbershop.

A Positive Outlook

However, against this gloomy economic backdrop there are many positives too. Demand for hair, beauty and men’s grooming services is growing exponentially, clients are investing more in their image and well-being than ever, and the potential outlook is one of hope for businesses that have decided to invest and create new and more luxurious service experiences for their clients.

The Industry’s First 0% and Zero Deposit Finance Lease Scheme

In response to all these issues and opportunities, Takara Belmont has taken the lead with the launch of the industry’s first manufacturer backed 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease scheme. This means there’s never been a better time to invest in new equipment. Launched today (18/7/22), the company has backed the scheme with its leasing partner to support the industry, as it continues to recover and invest for the future. Now, businesses can invest with complete peace of mind and build success into the future with renewed optimism and confidence.

“This scheme gives salons and barbershops access to 0% Finance with zero deposit over 2 years,” says Katie Wrighton, Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager. “It’s so exciting, as it means they can invest to build their business for the future without large capital outlay. As the number one equipment brand, it makes our world-leading products even more accessible and affordable, plus it’s tax efficient and will help salons and barbershops manage their cashflow too. Many products cost as little as the price of a haircut per week, so why wait?”   

Delivered through a quick and easy application process, hair and beauty businesses can now fast-track an equipment upgrade to improve their client experience, introduce new service opportunities and even redesign their space with Takara Belmont’s free* Salon Design service. Katie Wrighton: “Recently we’ve reduced delivery times on some of our most iconic equipment to just a few weeks, and our salon design team can help businesses reimagine their space. The combination of this with 0% finance makes now the perfect time to invest and grow.”

Key benefits of the 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease scheme are:

• Opportunity

With 0%, zero deposit Finance Lease, there’s never been a better time to invest. This scheme gives your business the scope to maximise your business potential, enhance the service experience for clients, and transform the working environment for your team

• Better cashflow management

This scheme enables salons and barbershops to purchase equipment in a way that improves cash flow by retaining cash in the business for other important investments such as training, staff recruitment and marketing

• Flexibility

At the end of the agreement, your salon or barbershop can own the goods outright for one extra monthly payment, or upgrade again and start a new agreement

• Quality and value

As the number one salon furniture and equipment brand, this scheme means you can benefit from the world’s best equipment at a price you can afford

• Tax relief

Lease Purchase is the sensible way to invest as you receive tax relief for the full duration of the lease agreement

• Make your life easy

A single fixed monthly payment means you can budget and enjoy complete peace of mind. Once you have everything in place, you can focus on providing great service and on your business without worrying about your equipment

Enquire and apply now at https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/finance

To apply, contact Takara Belmont on 0207 515 0333 or email applications@takara.co.uk

Discover more about our free* Salon Design service https://www.takarahairdressing.co.uk/salon-design-service

* Free Salon Design service is subject to T&Cs. See website for details

This contemporary masterpiece posses all the strengths of the Cordless T-Outliner with next-level performance from the modified housing and new GTX-Z blade.

The features for this new model include:

• With classic performance you love from the original cordless T-Outliner® in an intuitive shape, enhancing visibility for precision detailing
• GTX-Z blade is pre-set with a tighter gap for fine detailing in a custom gold corrosion-resistant coating
• Powerful lithium-Ion battery delivers over 100 minutes of runtime on a single charge
• Extremely powerful, high-speed rotary motor delivers 7,200 strokes per minute with advanced Constant Speed Technology for ultimate blade performance through all hair types
• Cord/cordless operation for no downtime behind the chair and no waiting for charging

Andis have advised that the GTX-EXO can be used Cord/Cordless trimming and fine detailing of necklines, facial hair, dry shaving, designs, and hard parts. Rotary Motor; 100-240 V | 50-60 Hz | MAX 7,200SPM.

This model is now available for pre-order and can be shipped on August 16^th 2021, more details on the product can be found here.

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).

As featured in the April edition of BarberEVO North America

Looking to rewrite the standards of grooming and fuelled by the knowledge and artistry from leading barbers, the STMNT brand looks to go beyond the product. We caught up with the co-creators of STMNT to find out a little more about what their brand has to offer.

The STMNT brand is a product of the collaboration between some of the industry’s most innovative and cutting-edge artists: LA based, Julius Cvesar and Sofie Pok, as well as Miguel Gutierrez aka Nomad, from Liverpool, UK. Between the three, they have more than 50 years’ experience in the barbering industry, as well as a wealth of knowledge in hair education, visual arts, fashion and editorial.

We asked the group, how did STMNT come to be?

Miguel said: “STMNT was born out of a vision between three creators who all hold the same standards yet have completely different styles to add into the mix. We originally got started after being approached and slowly realized a dream team was being created, that’s when we all got onboard and decided to fully immerse ourselves into developed the brand to what it’s become. Our whole direction was to become a grooming brand that was performance driven, bold and premium in packaging, fragrance and ingredients.”

Talking to the team, it is so clear how well the three get along and fit together creatively. Julius said: “I believe we were specifically chosen to co-create STMNT because of our multi-faceted roles as not only leaders within our industry, but with the already diverse background in visual arts, film, photography, fashion, and education. We all are still active barbering professionals with clientele in our chairs, yet we’ve truly brought a whole new perspective to being a well-rounded image consultant. I believe my connection to raw imagery inspired by metropolis cityscape and brutalism, alongside my visual delivery that takes a lot from my genuine love for art and fashion made me a standout artist to collaborate with my two fellow co-creators.”

So, what makes STMNT stand out amongst the crowd?

“The beautiful thing about STMNT is that it can work for the girl on-the-go, the guy getting ready for a formal event, the couple at the gym, or the family on vacation. STMNT promotes individuality and acceptance. Barbering has been known as a male dominated field, but we knew how important it was to build a brand that would serve the stylists, cosmetologists, and barbers all the same” says Sofie.

Miguel added that the brand is completely gender neutral, and all of their products are cocktail-able: “We are truly set far above any barber brand in my view for versatility and range of types of product.”

In terms of creative process, unlike other brands that just stick a well-known name to a product, the STMNT creators were involved in every part of the process.

Julius continued, “In creating STMNT, it was important that myself, Sofie, and Miguel as the professional co-creators not only put our combined knowledge and expertise to use in creating the line, but truly worked in unison with our brand development team’s strength to bring the line to full fruition. The storytelling and vision had to be vividly clear across the board with every department.”

The question on everyone’s minds? What statement are they aiming to make?

“STMNT is bold, it is demanding, and it’s the definition of how we all choose to live our lives. We hope to inspire others to find their purpose and share their gifts with the world and to get specific! Stand up for who you are and the changes you are trying to make” said Sofie.

“We are really aiming to rewrite the standards of men’s grooming” adds Miguel. “The industry has been and will always be in a transition state from one thing to the next, but I believe what we’ve created will live on way beyond any other trends currently out there.” 

“When co-creating STMNT, one message (or statement) I really wanted to purvey is that being a barber is more than just a hair service – we are so much more. These products were developed with not only acknowledging the core essentials in product styling with the line, but also innovated new iterations of product attributes that can notably be standout to professionals and clients alike.  Bridging the gap between Barbering and Salon ecosystems, the acknowledgement of gender-neutral aesthetics, and a focus on professional grade to lifestyle driven performance were all key points in making our statement.”

To find out more, read about STMNT in our April edition of BarberEVO North America or go to https://www.stmntgrooming.us/