Welcome to BarberEVO UK & Ireland Issue 38 and EVO’s 101^st magazine – can you believe it? Thank you to everyone who has been along on this journey, subscribing, reading, following, sending in your questions and sharing your wisdom. Where would we be without you?  

We kick off this issue with a feature on Grooming. For some, the word grooming is synonymous with barbering, but for our editor and the team, it’s not just about cutting hair and giving a shave, it is all about the transformative experience you give your clients. We feature a few shops and pros that excel in providing that unparalleled experience, with great technical skill. 

Next, let’s talk about education. There are so many avenues through which barbers can gain education, whether it’s at the beginning of their career, or years into it. In the post-pandemic world, there is now more access to virtual education than ever before. However, nothing can fully replace the efficacy of hands – on education. We cover all the options and their pros and cons in this feature. 

Do you identify as a tech-head, always getting your hands on the latest gear with the most up-to-date technology to make your work and home life easier and more efficient? Or would you say you’re more of a technophobe? Well, regardless of where you fall on this spectrum, there’s no denying the power of technology in this modern world, and if you can learn to embrace it, it can change your life, and your business for the better. 

Finally, to celebrate Pride month, we have a whole feature on Pride and Inclusivity. We talk to folks who are making waves in this industry to close the gender divide and create safe spaces accepting to all, where diversity can be celebrated. 

Also — we are celebrating that @barberevo has reached over 60K followers on Instagram. So, if you’re reading this and you’re not one of that 60K, go check out our page to make sure you are up to date with all of the latest and greatest content!

We hope you enjoy this issue! Order your beautifully presented print copy here. 

Get your copy here!

The newest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW! We have the latest in product launches, marketing, event updates, and new year trends. Packed full of ace designs and awesome features that give you everything you need to know to reach success in 2023 and beyond.

IN THIS ISSUE

It’s always our pleasure to feature the industry’s biggest brands – keep an eye out for gorgeous shoots and the latest incredible looks from American Crew and JRL’s Victor Lopez collection.

ON THE COVER

As seen on this issue’s front cover we are delighted to announce BaByliss Pro’s Influencer Collection. The latest group of barbers who will be the faces of the limited-edition Influencer Collection are Nicole Renae, Van Da Goat and Andy Authentic. What a line-up!

BaByliss has been busy! We also share the details of BaByliss’ latest set of UV Foil Shavers with new UV-Disinfecting Lid and a host of new technological innovations.

STYLING

The industry’s best and brightest barbers reveal their styling secrets in this special feature. David Marulanda, stylist to sports stars, shares how he has incorporated color into his styling repertoire. 

STMNT co-creator Julius Caesar, and ambassadors Jovan Figueroa and Zach Ignacio explains the challenges that creating low maintenance, live-in looks throws up. Patrick Butler from Floyd’s 99 tells us why longer hair should be viewed as the barber’s playground of creativity.

FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT

Investing in comfort should be the priority for your guests and as Sofi Pok explains, choosing Takara Belmont as her chair of comfort has been an awesome decision.   

Grab your copy of the magazine to see Chris (CJ) Foreman talk about his Instagram account that features standout barbershops all across the country – if you need some interiors inspiration, he’s your guy. 

SUSTAINABILITY

Challenging the throwaway society we have become, Danny Larry, the Salon Chair Guys, talks about how his business provides eco-friendly salon and barbershop equipment repair and maintenance products, with an aim of promoting sustainability in the barbering and beauty industry.

Read how Uplift Provisions Co. has produced a product line that is clean, fresh and perform well – all in the name of producing products that are clean and safe for the skin.

NEWS

As always, you can count on us to give you the latest news in the industry, from event calendars and product launches to business updates and inspirational stories. 

In this issue, we give you the industry updates on the plans for Wahl Clipper Corporation’s Barber Academy, and Elliot Chester’s big-hearted mission to give back to his community by hosting a day of mentoring to give back to kids in the foster care system. Hats off to Mr Chester!

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.

For the first time ever, BaByliss PRO is bringing complete customisation to their hero grooming range in the UK. Introducing CustomFX: three tools with endless possibilities.

Barbers will now be able to take creativity into their own hands like never before, and design their own unique products to fit their signature style – from flashy metals to cool pops of colour.

Tools available for customisation will be BaByliss PRO’s hero grooming range: the Cordless Clipper, Super Motor Skeleton Trimmer and Titanium Foil Shaver.

Each tool is made up from different customisable parts, available in ten different colours, totalling millions of possible combinations, allowing all barbers to add a sense of individuality to their kit. BaByliss PRO also offer a brand new exclusive feature for the UK, taking customisation to the next level with the choice of complimentary personal engraving on each tool.

As well as having full aesthetic control, barbers and stylists now also have the opportunity to select their own blade type to completely suit their needs. New blade types are available for the Super Motor Clipper and the Super Motor Skeleton Trimmer, and includes the popular new Black Graphite Fade Blade.

HOW IT WORKS:

1. Head over to babyliss.com and select which product you would like to customise. Choose from the hero range: the iconic Super Motor Clipper, Skeleton Trimmer or Titanium Foil Shaver
2. Begin your customisation by choosing from ten different colours for each component to create your unique design
3. Add your own personal complimentary engraving to your kit, choosing from five different scaleable fonts
4. Share your creation with the world and use @babylissprouk on your social posts for a chance to be featured

Colours available: black, white, gun metal, gold, rose gold, green, red, blue, purple and pink.

CUSTOMFX CORDLESS SUPER MOTOR CLIPPER

The original hero product, the Cordless Super Motor Clipper, is engineered with power, strength and precision in mind, and has become a popular ‘go-to’ clipper for its high-torque motor and super sharp Japanese steel blades.
RRP £225.00

CUSTOMFX CORDLESS SUPER MOTOR SKELETON TRIMMER

BaByliss PRO’s Skeleton Trimmer is designed for detail, with an exposed extra wide Japanese steel T-blade edge, giving 360 degrees of sight and control when outlining or detailing, and the new zero gap function gives a closer cut than ever before.
RRP £200.00

NEW! CUSTOMFX TITANIUM FOIL SHAVER

The Titanium Foil Shaver is a heavy duty shaver with dual foils designed for precision and blending, in a robust metal design. Hypoallergenic foils give close cut and irritation and bump- free fade finish.
RRP £180.00

This week, telehealth concept, Root Cause Clinical, hosted their first ever online event – The Science of Hair Q&A for all your hair and scalp concerns.

The open Q&A allowed attendees to ask questions to Root Cause Clinical Expert Trichologist and Co-Founder, Wil Fleeson, and Advisory Board Member, Jacky Van Driel-Nguene regarding scalp concerns hair loss. Questions included the condition Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Cicatricial Alopecia and if the ingredients within many of the commonly known hair loss products and supplements, really work. As well as why Root Cause Clinical can be a beneficial tool to recommend in the salon for both the hairdresser and the client.

Jacky delved deep into the taboo subject of racial bias, discussing the importance that trichologists and hairdressers are able to treat clients equally and are knowledgeable on the different hair types (particularly in regards to curly hair from 2A to 4C). She discussed looking after these hair types and avoiding hair loss and scalp issues by using the appropriate deeply moisturising products and informing clients that should they need to, hairdressers/trichologists should advise clients to stop styling their hair in hairstyles such as braids, weaves and tight ponytails that can cause tension on the hair.

Commenting on the success of the event, Victoria Russell, Co-Founder of Root Cause Clinical said, “We had an amazing interest for our inaugural presentation for Root Cause Clinical and on joining the event, we were delighted to see a great number of attendees from hairdresser to hair loss professionals and clients from the UK and International. We received some fantastic questions and engagement throughout the event and some excellent feedback post-event from attendees who found the session insightful and who left the Zoom with invaluable knowledge from our Trichologists to take back to the salon. We can’t wait to host many more events like this in the future – stay tuned!”

Attendee of the event and Owner of SMART:EST 73, Steven Smart, said, “There is very little direct and constructive information about thinning and loss of hair within the industry generally. The experts on hand gave a great amount of detail and explanation which was a fantastic starting point on learning more about a delicate subject. This is an area of education for a vast majority of our industry, is very much needed. “

https://rootcauseclinical.com/

Hosted on youtube and the Andis Company website, Hayden’s 12 step-by-step tutorials offer easy-to-follow guides on some of the most popular cuts and styles.

 Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of professional and at-home grooming products has teamed up with Andis Global Educator and renowned barber Hayden Cassidy to provide twelve, in-depth hair-cutting tutorials that can be accessed online. Featuring some of the most popular and timeless hairstyles, these tutorials are shared as part of Andis Company’s commitment to barber and stylist education.

WHO: Hayden Cassidy and Andis Company 

WHAT: 12 haircutting tutorials by renowned barber Hayden Cassidy 

WHERE: The full-length videos will be housed on the Andis website, as well as the official Andis Company YouTube channel for free 

WHEN: The tutorials are available indefinitely as a resource for barbers and at-home stylists.    

To learn more about Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram,TikTok, and Facebook.

Barber of 20+ years, author, speaker and educator, Mark Maciver (AKA @SliderCuts) has just been announced as an official Fresha Brand Ambassador. Already a trailblazer in the industry, Mark has used Fresha’s state of the art and user-friendly platform to enhance his business and find even greater success in the industry. 

As someone who has built his own authentic brand and become a role model and leader in the barbering industry, Mark told us that he isn’t likely to partner or represent just any brand. He said: “I understand the influence that I have in the barber community so want to ensure that the brands I work with are genuine, authentic, and bring real value to barbers lives and businesses. For me, Fresha’s software passed that test. It has incredibly high standards and is a brand I’m happy to put my name behind, and to recommend to my community.” 

For Mark, the barbershop should be a pillar of its community, and he works to ensure that his shop helps his local community thrive and grow. One of the ways he does this is through a youth mentorship scheme. He explained: “We have a handful of local boys who come in every Saturday. We mentor them, pay them for their work, and offer helpful life skills, like teaching them how to do stock counts and counting the till. Giving them responsibility and accountability encourages a higher confidence, helps them think independently, and apply these skills to other aspects of life. We also teach them to cut hair and are here for any other help they need.”

Mark told us that one of the boys he mentors is currently going through his GCSEs, and was struggling in one subject in particular. So, Mark paid for a tutor to help support his mentee to get through this subject. He said: “Paying for the tutor for a few months might cost £700, but if that better grade can help his life forever, then of course it’s worth it. I want to show him that you don’t give up on something just because it’s difficult.” 

Mark believes that more barbershops should be engaging with their communities, giving back, and offering support. He said: “I can’t think of any other sector that has people from all walks of life working harmoniously. In the barbering world, there’s no cloth divide. One day, you could cut the hair of a heavyweight boxing champion, the next a judge, then a lawyer, an accountant, a tradesman, a troubled young kid… You name it! Why not use that diversity to uplift each other?”

So, what stood out to Mark about Fresha, and how does it differ from other platforms? He said: “I went to their office in London and liked that they had strong engineering and customer service teams in one place. It gave me that reassurance that if anything goes wrong, there is a team locally based, right there, ready to help you. Better than being outsourced to a call centre where you can wait hours to speak to someone.”

We asked Mark how he believes this partnership will lead to elevating the Fresha brand. He told us: “Meeting with Fresha’s owner showed me that my thoughts and input will be listened to and considered. He explained how much thought, consideration and testing goes into every feature and element of the Fresha platform, and how much they value the feedback from industry professionals. For me, a software platform like Fresha should be all about making life easier and taking work off barbers’ hands to make their work life easier and more efficient.” 

For Mark, the key to success and growth is being open to new opportunities that spark your creativity. We asked Mark – how can Fresha help unlock potential and allow barbers to take advantage of new opportunities? He said: “Not only does Fresha allow you to better organise your time – which is key to allow you explore new ventures, opportunities and creative ideas – but it also offers so many business resources for free to its users. This can be so inspiring and valuable when it comes to taking the next steps as a barber or business owner. Fresha is so much more than just a software.”

 

Using a premium selection of Andis company’s premium barbering tools, celebrity stylist Anissa Salazar crafts a timeless look for everything everywhere all at once star, Ke Huy Quan.

HAIR BY: Celebrity Stylist Anissa Salazar for Andis Company

TIPS/TECHNIQUE: To achieve this look I began with the Andis reSURGE Shaver for a smooth and clean shave. The titanium plates are flexible and set you up for a tight shave, where the head of the shaver can hug the contour of the face. This amazing feature is key in not missing any straggling hairs!

Next, I began removing bulk quickly using my cordless reVITE Clipper, then trimming with my shears. Afterward, I cleaned up the nape and around the ears using the beSPOKE Trimmer, using a point-cutting motion to take out any additional weight and then using the reSURGE Shaver on the neck and nape for a clean finish. These trimmers are great to get a precise, razor-sharp line.

Then, I prepped the scalp using Tecuane Esperanza Scalp Tonic. This tonic provides instant hydration and acts as a nongreasy primer. I complete the look by blow drying the hair 70% dry using the flat wrapping technique, and round brushing to over-direct in the opposite direction to achieve height and volume. Finally, I polish the look with lightweight and matte pomade! – Anissa Salazar

PRODUCTS: Andis reSURGE Shaver ($110), Andis reVITE Clipper ($200) Andis beSPOKE Trimmer ($250), Tecuane Esperanza Scalp Tonic ($66)

You can purchase all Andis Company products from andis.com, amazon.com, and authorized Andis® dealers. To learn more about Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

About Andis® Company

Andis® Company is a fourth-generation, family-led business and a market leader in barbering, styling and animal grooming founded in 1922. Its industry-leading clippers, trimmers and styling accessories are used by both professionals and DIYers across the globe. The #1 preferred brand for textured hair, Andis remains committed to leading the category while ensuring quality, durability and innovation. Andis believes that creativity makes the world a better place and takes pride in developing tools and educational resources that help everyone create their way. To find a local distributor or retailer, call 800-558-9441 or visit www.andis.com.

New research reveals how recruitment challenges are encouraging employers to consider ex-offenders. The findings mark the launch of Sodexo’s new campaign, ‘Starting Fresh’, which will encourage, and provide guidance to businesses on proactively hiring ex-offenders.

• 50% of hair and beauty businesses polled said they were struggling to fill job vacancies, with 34% reporting in excess of 10 open roles that need filling in their organisation
• Despite this, 46% of business leaders in the hair and beauty industry say they do not believe they currently employ any ex-offenders
• More positively though, 68%^[1] say they anticipate hiring ex-offenders in the year ahead and 72%^[2] said they would like to learn more about hiring those with criminal records

7 March 2023: 46% of UK hair and beauty businesses (considerably higher than the UK private sector average of 30%) do not currently employ any ex-offenders, despite half saying they are struggling to fill positions. This is according to a new study commissioned by Sodexo, the food services and facilities management business which runs six UK prisons on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Scottish Prison Service. The study sought to understand the extent to which prison-leavers and ex-offenders who have not served custodial sentences have the same employment opportunities as other job seekers. Launching the campaign ‘Starting Fresh’ today, the organisation is collaborating with partners including New Futures Network, The Oswin Project, Clean Sheet and Novus Works to help remove the perceived barriers associated with the employment of ex-offenders, which hold back the reintegration of people into communities.

Sodexo, which itself is a Ban the Box employer, commissioned research of 1,000 owners and senior leaders with hiring responsibilities across British businesses, finding nearly two thirds (61%) will be hiring ex-offenders in 2023, while 21%^[3] say they will not. 

When asked about their greatest concerns, one quarter (25%) agreed they were worried employees would re-offend, and the same proportion agreed they feared for the safety of the rest of their workforce (25%). More than one in five (23%) agreed that they wouldn’t trust them to behave appropriately at work. 

When it comes to the hair and beauty industry, as part of this campaign, Sodexo is keen to ensure employers understand the training facilities and qualifications available in some of its prisons. In HMP Bronzefield in Surrey for example, prisoners are able to train in an Ofsted-checked environment for their City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing or in Beauty Therapy, which is externally assessed. Read Emily’s story

Support on further progress

When respondents were asked what might encourage them to hire ex-offenders, 22% suggested there should be a government initiative which incentivises businesses (46% of hair and beauty industry respondents). A fifth (20%) suggested an initiative giving businesses a target for hiring ex-offenders, and 20% said a need to fill crucial skills gaps would force them to look at individuals with criminal records. 

According to the UK government, though the proportion of prison-leavers who were employed at six months from their release rose by almost two thirds between April 2021 and March 2022 to 23%^[4], this must improve. 

Sodexo is itself committed to filling 5% of appropriate job opportunities with ex-offenders. During 2021 and 2022, the business had 162 DBS applications return as positive, 133 (82%) of these went on to gain employment. The facilities management and food services company, which employs more than 30,000 people in the UK and Ireland, knows both from its own experience looking after a prison population of over 6,000 people across six prisons, with a commitment to rehabilitation, and as a proactive employer of ex-offenders, how critically important it is for both the individual and the wider community to support those with a criminal history. Statistically, ex-offenders who get a job are less likely to re-offend, while 81% of consumers believe businesses employing ex-offenders are making a positive contribution to society.^[5] 

Commenting on the findings and launch of Starting Fresh Tony Simpson, Justice Operations Director at Sodexo UK & Ireland said:“While not all ex-offenders are prison-leavers, an important aspect of this campaign is to help employers understand the quality of learning which takes place in prison. Nearly 50,000 people leave prison every year, many emerging with formal qualifications they didn’t have before.

“Prisoners at the sites we manage are prepared to be job-ready for the opportunities in the outside world, whether that be in IT support, cleaning, catering, hospitality or hairdressing and beauty. It can be a win-win situation because there is a huge skills shortage in many UK sectors, and we believe ex-offenders could absolutely help to plug some of these gaps, while providing a more stable and secure income, and a better future, for the individual. It’s positive to see the majority of businesses suggesting that they will employ from this largely untapped talent pool in 2023. Starting Fresh is not just about helping employers understand the valued contribution ex-offenders can make to their business, but to also encourage them to proactively engage with our prisons and our partners to start the hiring process with prison-leavers. We have more to do, and we want to start new conversations about how we share our experience and learn from others as part of this campaign.”

Caroline Larissey, Director of Quality and Standards at the National Hair and Beauty Federation added: “I think the majority of salon owners will be surprised to learn that there are barbershops and salons operating within the prison system where prisoners are currently training to achieve the same qualifications as candidates learning in colleges and through training providers. Post-pandemic we’ve seen nearly a 50% drop in people entering the sector, and research we did at the NHBF showed that the industry is operating on a 60% vacancy rate. 

“Hair and beauty is one of the most inclusive sectors, excellent at embracing and supporting people, giving them confidence and improving their self-esteem. With many salons struggling to recruit staff hiring an ex-offender could provide an ideal solution and give someone a second chance.”

To help businesses with the employment of ex-offenders, Sodexo has launched Starting Fresh. There are resources for employers seeking to discover the underutilised community of people with criminal backgrounds and support them in the workplace, as well as case studies of what impact this has had on the companies and individuals involved. Sodexo is also using this campaign to let employers know they are welcome to visit their prisons if they are interested in offering opportunities on release. Organisations with multiple job opportunities can even run employer days in the prisons.

Celtics F Jayson Tatum debuted a new colorway for the Jordan Tatum 1s titled “Barbershop,” which draws inspiration for his love of keeping up with his fresh cut. The JT1 “Barbershop” colorway officially releases in April on Nike’s website and in select retailers, but the Celtics forward gave fans a peak of the new shoe recently in a game against the Pacers.

After signing with Jordan in 2019, Tatum finally debuted his first line of signature shoes with the Jumpman brand during 2023 All-Star Weekend, where he wore both the “Zoo” and “Pink Lemonade” colorways in a historic performance during the All-Star Game. The “Barbershop” colorway features a knit-mesh upper in various hues of tan and brown with a black overlay. On both heels is a red Jumpman logo on the shoe’s back straps, which are detailed in red, white, and blue, similar to a barber’s pole you would see outside of a barbershop. The colorway is finished with Tatum’s “JT” logo in gold on both tongues, as well as the shoe’s side. 

A SHOE-IN: In terms of specs, the “Barbershop” colorway is equipped with a reinforced TPU frame and an uncaged Zoom Air unit in red and blue in the midsoles to provide energy return. Other specs includes plate technology in the outsoles that is designed to help with quick transitional movements and supported comfort in the outsoles, making it one of Jordan Brand’s lightest basketball shoes. According to data from Zoomph, Tatum’s social post showcasing the new colorway drew a social value of about $77,000 from close to 2 million impressions online.

New hairstyles and hair trends for women are easy to find, as they’re always emerging online, in magazines and on celebrities. For men’s trending hairstyles are not always as prominent – and they should be! Men’s hair deserves just as much attention as women’s, and that means delivering not only the hottest hair trends, but the best hair products to support them. 

With the help of Samson’s Haircare, an artisanal men’s hair and beard care range and Ethan De Nolf (@denolf), and barber and owner of DeNolf’s Barbershop, we have identified year’s trending men’s hairstyles. 

Messy Crop: Crop top fades have been increasingly trending! The sharp contrast between buzzed sides and longer hair on the top helps any man make a big style statement. One of the best things about this hairstyle is the versatility, no matter what texture hair a man has. Samson’s Haircare Volumizing Matte Powder (1.4 oz. / $19.00) can help you achieve an unstructured, full yet controlled crop. A few quick sprays will help mattify hair, while providing volume, dimension, and texture. 

Grown Out Curls: Men are embracing their natural texture and growing out curls for more styling versatility. Samson’s Haircare Foster the Curl (5 oz. / $26.00) is perfect for curly and textured hairstyles. It nourishes, defines, and holds curls all day long thanks to its low shine, light hold, protein-packed crème. The name Foster the Curl is representative of Samson Haircare founders, Jake Hamlet and Adam Muncy’s passion and advocacy for the foster care system. A portion of the revenues from Foster the Curl will be donated to Foster the Family to provide self-care products for multicultural children entering the foster care system. 

Modernized Mullet: The ‘80s have made a comeback with the modernized mullet haircut. More and more celebrities – men and women – have been rocking this blast from the past look, and Samson’s Haircare Matte Styling Cream (4 oz. / $19.00) can help elevate this edgy hairstyle. Use it to nourish and hold loose, textured hairstyles, but if you’re feeling a more slicked back, sleek look, you can also use it on your towel dried hair, combing it through, for a firm holding, satin finish. 

All Samson Haircare products are available online at www.samsonshaircare.com. 

ABOUT SAMSON’S HAIRCARE:

Largely embedded in the foster care community, Jake and Adam strive to do everything with good intent and purpose, and their character is built within their hard work and dedication to delivering the best hair care products possible.