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2024 Keller International Scholar: Russell Maidlow

Each year, Keller international offer one lucky – and, indeed, deserving – student the Keller International Scholarship. This year, the winner of the scholarship is Russell Maidlow. The barber, from the barbershop Allied Barber & Supply in Davenport, Iowa, has had a life wrought with difficulty – but has proved that, through resilience and a genuine passion, you can make it through the other side.

Keller said: “We are proud to announce Russell as the recipient of this year’s Keller International Scholarship! Russell’s passion for barbering began at the young age of twelve, when he first walked into a barbershop and was captivated by the artistry and talent he witnessed. This early experience inspired him to pursue a career in barbering, where he hopes to blend his creative skills with his desire to help others.”

We caught up with Russell to learn how the scholarship has changed his life. The barber told us that when he received the scholarship – he was facing many hardships, including family illness mental health issues and financial strain.

“This was an incredibly difficult period – trying to pay attention at school, keep my shop open, and monthly doctor visits for my wife has made this probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done… and my life has by no means been easy,” Russell told us.

Despite facing mental health challenges throughout his life, Russell has used these experiences to shape his understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing and self-care. In addition to his love for creating handmade soaps, Russell now wants to take his artistic side further by honing his craft as a barber, not only to make his clients look great but to offer them a safe, supportive space where they can feel comfortable discussing their personal challenges. Keller International told us more about Russell’s plans, explaining: “Russell’s goal is to build a barbershop that is more than just a place for haircuts; he envisions it as a holistic space where clients can care for both their image and their mental health. By sharing his own journey, he hopes to create an environment where people can feel heard, supported, and uplifted. We are incredibly inspired by Russell’s vision and dedication to combining artistry with empathy. Congratulations, Russell!”.

Make Your Retail more YOU with Vagaro

Vagaro Enhances E-Commerce Capabilities with Introduction of Product Variants

Vagaro, the leading software for businesses in beauty, wellness, and fitness, has announced the launch of its new Product Variants feature, offering businesses even greater flexibility in managing their retail sales all in one place.

The new feature allows businesses to easily manage product variations, such as different sizes, shapes, or colors, by simply indicating these details in a dropdown menu. This eliminates the need to enter each variant as a standalone product, simplifying the inventory process. Additionally, users can manage essential product details such as ingredients, instructions, and size guides, all from one centralized page.

The launch reflects Vagaro’s commitment to being a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for beauty business owners. Industry data shows that retail sales contribute between 15-40% of revenue in the beauty industry. With the addition of product variants, users can maximize these product sales directly from their Vagaro account.

“Beauty & wellness professionals know that time is money. Our product variants feature will give some of that time back while also helping them improve their retail sales; enhancing their revenue in more ways than one,” says Vagaro CMO, Charity Hudnall.

Businesses can efficiently manage and sync their entire online inventory without the need to dedicate excessive time to stocking or updating multiple platforms. Vagaro AI also offers businesses the ability to craft product descriptions and details quickly, further enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of their online stores, especially when used in combination with product variants.

In Conclusion: The addition of product variants streamlines the retail experience for beauty professionals, enabling them to manage their inventory and product details with ease. With this new feature, Vagaro continues to help businesses grow by simplifying complex tasks and enhancing revenue potential.

For more information on how product variants can help businesses thrive, visit Vagaro.

It’s All About Connections – Vagaro Connect

Vagaro Launches Connect App to Enhance Real-Time Communication for Businesses and Clients

In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication is more important than ever. Vagaro has introduced Vagaro Connect, a two-way messaging platform designed to improve communication between businesses and their clients, as well as among team members. Accessible via the Connect App or Vagaro Desktop, the app enables seamless, real-time conversations, empowering businesses to deliver a personalized experience to clients while improving team collaboration.

The dedicated business communication channel within Vagaro Connect ensures that work-related messages are kept separate from personal messages, allowing business owners to set clear boundaries. This helps improve professionalism while maintaining effective communication.

What is Vagaro Connect?

Vagaro Connect is an extension of the Vagaro Pro apps that provides an easy-to-use platform for direct messaging between clients and businesses. By enabling two-way chat for both client and team communications, Connect helps simplify the process of staying in touch, with all features fully accessible through the Vagaro Pro app on desktop and mobile. Full functionality is available with Vagaro’s text messaging (SMS) feature, making it easier to stay connected at all times.

While many business owners already communicate with clients and employees through emails or phone calls, Vagaro Connect offers a more streamlined and efficient solution. Unlike traditional methods, Connect enables real-time, personalized communication that’s more efficient and easier to track.

Turn Conversations into Conversions

In addition to facilitating communication, Vagaro Connect helps businesses convert positive client interactions into booked appointments or upsell opportunities. When communicating with clients through the app, business owners can send appointment links directly to their calendars, allowing clients to book services on the spot. The integration with the Vagaro Calendar makes it easy to send clients links that go straight into a service provider’s schedule, ensuring that every interaction has the potential to turn into revenue.

This seamless integration between chat and scheduling simplifies the booking process for clients and helps businesses secure revenue quickly. The combination of fast response times, personalized service, and easy scheduling ultimately enhances the customer experience and boosts the likelihood of repeat business.

Acquire Client Information Quickly & Easily

In today’s fast-paced environment, speed and accuracy matter. With Vagaro Connect, businesses can quickly obtain important client details through direct communication, without the need for time-consuming phone calls or emails. By enabling text messaging, businesses can immediately gather essential information, update appointment details, or request feedback, all while ensuring a personalized and efficient interaction.

The platform also includes an internal notes feature, allowing businesses to leave relevant client details within the chat history. This keeps all team members informed about a client’s preferences, upcoming appointments, and any other important information, ensuring a seamless experience for the client at every touchpoint.

Clear Communication Across Multiple Platforms

Another standout feature of Vagaro Connect is its ability to maintain consistent communication across various platforms. Clients can reach out via the Vagaro Marketplace, your Branded App, or your MySite. Once a client initiates a conversation, the message icon will appear across all platforms, so businesses can respond quickly, regardless of where they are.

Even if the conversation doesn’t proceed in one uninterrupted stream, Vagaro Connect allows businesses to pick up right where they left off, ensuring continuity and preventing any information from falling through the cracks. With access to message history and internal notes, your team can stay aligned on client interactions, no matter where they take place.

Improved Team Communication

Effective team communication is a cornerstone of any successful business. Vagaro Connect enhances internal communication by allowing team members to engage in one-on-one chats or group chats, helping managers communicate with employees about important matters, including:

  • Scheduling and shift changes
  • Payroll and staffing updates
  • Training opportunities
  • New inventory or promotions
  • Daily deals or special events

In addition, Vagaro Connect syncs with employee calendars to provide a real-time view of each team member’s availability, ensuring that scheduling issues are addressed quickly. Whether it’s ensuring that a team member is free to take a client or sharing important business updates, Vagaro Connect improves operational efficiency and promotes a more informed, connected workforce.

Better Work-Life Balance

While it’s important to be available for clients and employees, it’s equally important to maintain personal boundaries. Vagaro Connect helps business owners preserve their work-life balance by keeping professional communication separate from personal messages. By using the app, business owners can respond to clients and employees when needed, without worrying about personal conversations mixing with work communications.

This not only maintains professionalism but also prevents the mix-up of private and business messages, offering a much-needed distinction between the two. By allowing business owners to manage all their communications in one place—without using personal phone numbers or email addresses—Vagaro Connect helps maintain the right balance.

Conclusion

As businesses seek more effective ways to manage client and team communications, Vagaro Connect emerges as a crucial tool. The app enhances the overall client experience, streamlines internal communication, and supports a healthy work-life balance for business owners. With its seamless integration with Vagaro’s other tools and features, Connect enables businesses to manage real-time communication more effectively and efficiently.

Businesses looking to improve communication, streamline client interactions, and enhance team collaboration can start a FREE 30-day trial of Vagaro Connect today and experience its impact firsthand.

Booksy x Zowie Team up to Take Over Times Square

The holiday season is a busy time for the beauty industry. Together with Zowie, the unmatched customer service platform, Booksy powers beauty and barbering businesses across the globe with platform features that allow beauty professionals to master scheduling, market to clients, minimize no-shows and reduce last minute cancellations during peak holiday seasons when providers see a surge in bookings. 

Booksy is being featured in a Zowie digital billboard campaign showcasing how the two brands power beauty across borders and both platforms help business owners run and streamline day-to-day business operations with ease.

The campaign will be supported digitally on @Booksybiz’s Instagram in partnership with Booksy’s top US and Global ambassadors and via the website. Stay tuned to social and digital platforms for exclusive content.


Manage Your Time, Money and Clients with Booksy

Online booking has transformed the beauty and barbering industry, Booksy has been ahead of the game since the beginning. We’re the global leader in business management for nail techs, hairstylists, barbers, etc. helping you speed up scheduling, increase revenue, and grow your business.

No more back and forths on DMs trying to book a client, only for them to cancel on you at the last minute. It’s simple – Booksy makes it easy for you to get organized and run your business so you can focus on what you do best and get paid your worth.
Get to know the fastest-growing scheduling app for beauty and barber salons. Take appointments, market your business, protect your bottom line, and build your brand.

Stay booked, without the back and forth

Keep your calendar full and build a loyal clientele with 24/7 easy online booking, automated marketing tools, and more visibility for your business.

  • Full Calendar Control: Set your schedule and control how clients book.
  • Fewer DMs & Calls: Let clients book, reschedule or cancel their own appts 24/7.

Break free from busywork, focus on your clients

Keep total control of what’s important, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Streamline the admin and focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your clients.

  • Your Time, Protected: Require deposits to reduce last minute cancellations and no-shows.

Build a business you’re proud of

Bring in more money and save time as you level up your business. Our platform meets you where you are – and adapts to where you’re going.

Out Now: BarberEVO NA Issue 40 (Dec/Jan)

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

As the last issue of 2024, and the first issue of 2025 – this edition is looking to the future, with a sense of optimism and, of course, innovation. Pulling together a collection of exclusive content from our esteemed columnists and industry titans – and the best barbers in the biz’ – we’re helping you to kick off your year right! With Brosh in the spotlight on our front cover… this issue is set to be the one that gives edge. Featuring everything from Winter and New Year Styling, Business, and Tech, to Interiors, Advanced Techniques and Hygiene – we’re bringing the heat this season! With all of this… and even more, this issue is one to remember!

COVER

In this issue, we have the iconic Brosh Educator and Ambassador, and Mr Brothers Cut Club Founder Tomoya Nishimori taking the cover with Brosh. The Japanese brand is renowned for their uniquely Japanese take on Americana-style barbering. Combining classic iconography, with contemporary quality – Brosh are blowing up the barbering scene. In the cover piece we delve into our Barber of the Edition, Tomoya Nishimori’s story. Discussing his journey to become a celebrated figure in the global barbering community. In this piece, we also look into his pivotal role as Ambassador and Educator for Asia’s No.1 grooming brand – Brosh.

WINTER

Welcoming us into winter, we have San Diego barber, Ro Silva, talking trends that have evolved into staples. We also have the ultimate festive gift guide from 18.21 Man Made – thanks to the brilliant barbershop Scissors & Scotch. Our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Byrd Mena also join us, talking winter wellness and goal setting. We also take a look back over American Crew’s 2024, with our columnist Phoenix Thomson.

RISING STAR

Chico Boom, as always, is bringing the BOOM! And in this edition, he’s also us bringing our Rising Star’s. Talking mentorship, building a career with longevity – and always paving a path for those yet to come, Chico’s column this month is one radiating positivity. He also takes the time to introduce us to our rising stars, Cherry the Barber and DJ Cut It.

BUSINESS

Kicking off business, we have Rob Hopper joining us from his bustling barbershop, The Commodore. With four locations, Rob Hopper is a great example of a great example for BarberEVO readers to boost their business. Also featured are Floyd’s 99, who take a look back at their year; V’s Barbershop, who are celebrating 25 years; and Rolda Ambassador, Jorge Massas. We also sat down with the inspirational Fred Helou, CEO and Founder of Vagaro, to learn more about his story to world-renowned businessman. Don’t forget – we also have all the latest in the world of tech!

INTERIORS

Our Barbershop of the Edition is the stunning Low Ear Barbershop in NYC, led by Mari De Monte. The beautiful shop is inspired by the Japanese Hi-Fi aesthetic and is the culmination of Mari’s purposeful career. We also stop by the barbershops, Mane Studio and Symmetry to chat with Shah the Barber and Kenna Taylor about their subsequent styles… and how Keller helped them along the way. We also learned about RR Head Labs, who don’t only have a pretty face (thanks to Collins) – but also a powerful story, where founder James Repenning ensures that his barbers are creating art with a purpose.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Next up, we have L3VEL3 bringing color craziness to our Advanced Technique feature. The brand talked all things color, design, and the all-important products that you need to bring your vision to life. We also sat down with Igor Sadurskii, who revealed all his secrets when it comes to using his coveted Heiniger clippers. Also in this section, we touch upon SMP and perming.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

Closing out this edition, we have Andis’ Angie Perino talking clipper hygiene in the barbershop. We also have Wellness Pro delivering their top tips for how you can keep your entire barbershop sparkling clean – and WHY you need to. UK-based celebrity barber, Mark Maciver, [JP1] also offered his advice, taking from his own personal experience in the barbershop.


Kyle Ross shares Movember moustache tips.

How do you figure out which style of moustache to go for?

Choosing a moustache style depends on a few factors: your face shape, hair growth pattern, and personal style. For example, those with a rounder face might go for a longer, more structured style like the handlebar, giving the illusion of length to balance out the roundness of the face. While someone with a more angular face could suit a chevron or pencil moustache, as shorter and more defined styles can complement any sharp features. It’s all about experimenting and finding a style that complements your look.

How long will it take to grow? What do you do if it’s patchy?

Typically, it takes around 4-6 weeks to grow a solid moustache, however this will vary person to person and if you’re anything like me, as little as 2 weeks can be enough to have a pretty thick moustache. This can be both a blessing and a curse if you think about the required upkeep and maintenance of fast and thick growing facial hair.

If it’s a bit patchy, patience is key. Let it grow out and see how it fills in, as the hairs may cover sparse areas over time. If not, a touch of beard oil and a bit of light trimming can help create a fuller appearance.

What tools do you need?

A good quality narrow comb and small scissors are essential for trimming and shaping. An electric trimmer with adjustable guards is also handy, as it lets you maintain the desired length and avoid over-trimming, if short symmetry is what you’re looking for.

What products do you need?

A quality beard oil, such as OSMO Beard Complex, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Moustache wax is also useful for adding a bit of hold. Although my pro tip is that any hair wax, such as OSMO Matte Clay Extreme, can be equally, if not more effective than a moustache wax, especially if you’re styling a more structured look.

How do you keep it clean?

Keeping a moustache clean is easy with regular washing, ideally with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove any food particles or oils without drying out the hair or skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with beard oil to keep it hydrated.

To order OSMO for your salon contact your local OSMO wholesaler at www.osmo.uk.com

NHBF Response to Labour Budget

The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons. 

Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue

While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

The summary of the Budget:

  • Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
  • Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
  • Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
  • Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000  
  • Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
  • Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
  • Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
  • National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
  • Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
  • £1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport

The full details of the Budget can be found here. 

Wahl Professional launches quieter, efficient Vanquish Hairdryer.

Wahl Professional announces the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer in the popular T-shaped design for a more efficient and quieter drying experience for consumers and pros alike.

STERLING, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wahl Professional, the leading and trusted brand in professional grooming and styling, announced today the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer, a brushless digital motor dryer designed for a quieter, lighter, and more efficient drying experience.

For long sessions, the Vanquish Hairdryer’s slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.

“The introduction of the Vanquish Hairdryer underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality, as it brings a new drying standard to consumers as well as professional barbers and stylists,” said Lance Wahl, global SVP of sales and marketing for Wahl Professional. “The Vanquish is truly raising the bar for the next generation brushless digital motor hairdryers and is a game changer for the industry. Its innovative features create a more comfortable and elevated experience regardless of styling skill level.”

The Vanquish Hairdryer prioritizes power, comfort, and efficiency. With FlowControl, it delivers direct airflow and efficient power for fast, even hair drying from root to tip. The SmoothTone™ motor system removes harsh frequencies and keeps the volume low, so professionals can continue to chat easily with clients as they dry. For long sessions, the slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.

The Vanquish offers an easy-to-read and easy-to-use LED screen that displays four heat and three speed settings, so the drying experience can be personalized to the most comfortable heat setting for different hair types and thickness, or desired hair style. With the memory function, it will lock in the settings preferences, so the user can achieve their look again and again with convenience. The Vanquish also conveniently has an auto-clean function, keeping the filter clear of debris, for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.

The Vanquish Hairdryer is available to purchase for $179.99 on Wahl Pro’s official website. For more information, visit Wahlpro.com and follow @Wahlpro on InstagramTikTok and Facebook.

About Wahl Professional

Since its invention of the first practical electric hair clipper in 1919, Wahl Clipper Corporation has remained on the cutting edge of the professional and home grooming category and is the leading brand for barbers, groomers, and stylists around the world. The family-owned brand embraces traditions and legacy, with its headquarters still rooted in Sterling, Illinois where it was founded and its global manufacturing located in the U.S. Wahl believes that hair has a profound ability to connect those and the world around them. They are on a mission to support, educate, and inspire the future of grooming, resulting in the On-Demand barber education platform, free and accessible to professionals everywhere, and the first-of-its-kind, fully-accredited Wahl Barber Academy. As the creators behind the ground-breaking annual Future Makers™ platform and the trusted name for leaders in the industry and those who are transforming it, Wahl exists to unlock the power of connection – one haircut at a time. For more information on Wahl Clipper Corporation and its products, please visit www.wahlpro.com.

DONATIONS URGENTLY NEEDED FOR PBA’S DISASTER RELIEF FUND TO SUPPORT VICTIMS OF HURRICANES MILTON AND HELENE

 The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund as thousands of industry professionals are impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Milton directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene. 

The PBA Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief to beauty industry professionals to pay for essential items such as clothing, food, bills and supplies during times of natural disaster. The fund is supported by generous donations from industry professionals and businesses and has distributed more than $2.5 million to help industry professionals get back on their feet following catastrophic disaster. 100% of donations go directly to those in need. All licensed industry professionals are eligible to apply, and PBA members may receive up to twice the regular amount of emergency relief funding. 

“In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene we are completely overwhelmed with applications for emergency assistance,” shares Rachel Molepske, PBA Director of Leadership Operations & Charitable Programs. “Our industry professionals are suffering and we must help. We are making an urgent plea for donations to help those affected.” 

DRF applicants continue to share heartbreaking stories of how Hurricanes Milton and Helene have impacted their livelihood: 

“Everything in the salon is damaged. It is catastrophic. Everything I have worked hard for has been destroyed in the blink of an eye.” 

“Most roads were completely washed away, power is expected to be out for weeks, and my income has gone to nothing at this point.” 

“I don’t have a place to live at the moment and there are estimates of not having water restored for several weeks to several months from now.” 

Please help beauty industry professionals get the support they desperately need! Please DONATE and spread the word. 

PBA would like to thank the generous sponsors who have already committed significant contributions to DRF: 

● Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation/Paul Mitchell Schools – $25,000 

● K18 – $25,000 

● L’Oreal – $15,000 

● SalonCentric – $15,000 

● JPMS – $10,000 

● MY SALON Suite – $10,000 

● Henkel – $10,000 

Donations of any size are appreciated and needed. For more information, or to apply 

OUT NOW: BarberEVO NA Issue 39 (Oct/Nov)

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

The latest issue of BarberEVO NA is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry… bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the biz’. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry – and we have Rey Scott, the leading entrepreneur and founder of My Supply Guy, taking centre stage on our front cover. In our second-last issue of 2024, we are feature everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one to remember! 

IN THIS ISSUE: 

REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY 

In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.  

L3VEL3  

Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months. 

EVENTS 

Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.  

BARBER OF THE EDITION 

As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador. 

TEXTURE 

Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care. 

INTERIORS 

Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more I our interiors section… 

BUSINESS 

Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.  

BEARDS & ‘TACHE 

Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them).