Olivia Garden, a leader in professional and consumer hair care tools, proudly introduces its latest innovation: the OG Barber Shear Collection. Designed with precision, durability and comfort in mind, this collection includes three shear sizes (5.75”, 6.25” and 7”) along with a 6” thinner, catering to the diverse cutting needs of barbers and hairstylists.

Each shear in the OG Barber Shear Collection is engineered with a distinctive matte black titanium coating, reinforced steel alloy and convex blades. These unique features enhance durability and ensure superior hardness and longevity for smooth and effortless cutting performance. Plus, with larger finger holes and two sets of finger ring inserts, the shears provide a customized, ergonomic fit for all hand sizes.

The 6.25” thinner, designed with 30 handcrafted teeth featuring micro-serration, offers seamless blending and texturizing capabilities. An offset handle with specialized thumb curvature keeps the hand relaxed in a natural open position, reducing strain during extended use.

Each OG Barber Shear Collection purchase includes a premium zipper case with essential maintenance tools like the ShearCare™ oil brush, cleaning cloth, finger ring inserts and a tension adjustment tool. Purchase also offers eligibility for the Exclusive Service Program. This program allows barbers and stylists to exchange their used Olivia Garden Barber Shears for a brand-new identical pair, ensuring optimal shear performance over time.

With its superior design, precision craftsmanship and hassle-free maintenance program, this collection is set to become an essential tool for barbers and stylists alike. The OG Barber Shear Collection is available for purchase at www.oliviagarden.com and select Olivia Garden retailers. Be sure to follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more information.

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing is unveiling their next phase of development, welcoming three new members on to their Executive Board. Under the guidance of CEO, Barry Stephens and President, Ashleigh Hodges, the past few years has seen incredible growth for the Fellowship, celebrating their highest membership to date, opening two new Centres of Excellence, and continuing to provide the industry with
educational opportunities for their members in the shape of Hair & Vision events and the new Creative Xchange localised presentations.

• The new Fellowship Executive Board members are:
• Chris Foster, Head of Technology
• Marnie Williams, Head of Further Education & Centres of Excellence
• Marcus Allen, Head of Business

Chris Foster is an internationally recognised, multi-award-winning barber with a career that spans the worlds of grooming, fashion, education, and digital innovation.
Chris was the first to create a dedicated barbering app for barbering education, breaking new ground in how industry knowledge is shared and scaled. He went on to establish his own academy and develop signature digital products designed to help barbers and hair professionals grow their influence and income. Chris is deeply passionate about bringing the tools and mindset of the digital world—such as
automation and AI—into the hair industry, while always preserving its unique creativity and craftsmanship. Through his company, The Profile Guy Digital Agency, he equips professionals with systems that help attract, convert, and retain clients on autopilot—freeing up time so they can focus on what they love most. Chris Foster joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Technology. His role will explore how technology is shaping the industry and how to keep the Fellowship’s members informed on all things related to technology.

Marcus Allen is an internationally experienced Salon Management Professional and Educator, offering a proven track record of maximising profits and consistent growth
in high end salons and businesses. Marcus co-created Paramount Business, a platform delivering advanced salon business education across the U.S., Canada, UK,
Ireland, and Australia. Upon returning to the UK, he continued to shape the industry, supporting Urban Retreat before moving to The Refinery, a multi-award-winning
men’s grooming brand. Alongside these ventures, Marcus remained active in London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks over the last five years. His focus on innovation and business transformation led him to become General Manager of
Electric Space, a premium co-working salon, photography studio, cinema, and member’s space, redefining how creative professionals work and collaborate. Marcus Allen joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Business, where he will facilitate the best practices, innovation, new technology, and business tools to hairdressers, salon owners, and educators – strengthening the industry with a
greater understanding and foundation.

Marnie Williams is the Head of Hair and Beauty at West Suffolk College with over 42 years’ experience in the hairdressing industry – starting out as a stylist in the best
Dublin salons, then working for L’Oreal as a Technical Consultant, ultimately becoming an educator in both the private and public sector. West Suffolk College is a
3 Star Fellowship Centre of Excellence, which was awarded for the achievements of their students and the opporunties that the college has created for their students.
The college was awarded ‘outstanding’ in all 4 area of OFSTED measures, including ‘strong’ for the newest skills category. Marnie has worked alongside The Fellowship
for almost 4 years helping to create the Centre of Excellence project, modelling, piloting, re-working, and developing a programme that will recognise excellent education for 16–19-year-olds leaving school and into industry. Marnie joins the Fellowship Executive Board as the Head of Education and Centres of Excellence, aiming to help bridge the gap between education and employment, whilst giving the
next generation the support and preparation for succeeding in to industry.

“We’re delighted to have three new exceptionally talented individuals joining the Fellowship Executive Board. Chris Foster, Marnie Williams and Marcus Allen will bring their expertise and knowledge to the Executive Board to help nurture and develop the skills and talent of Fellowship Members… This Year, the Fellowship’s Executive Board will continue to encourage the growth of those who are new to the industry and those who have worked in the industry for
many years. The Fellowship will be collaborating and bringing the industry together from all over the UK – with a focus on inspiring, educating, and encouraging salon stylists, salon owners, freelance stylists, and barbers”,

Ashleigh Hodges, President of the
Fellowship.

“As the Fellowship moves towards its 80th Anniversary, and the industry continues to shift on its axis, we are delighted to have three new dynamic members joining us on the
Executive Board. The plans we are putting in place today will benefit the whole industry of the future, both creatively and commercially. These new positions will help us gather and analyse business critical data, as well as attracting “Best in
Class” Business, Technology and Education Partners for the direct benefit of our members and the wider hairdressing community”.

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s CEO, Barry Stephens,

22-23 June 2025 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

HairCon, the ultimate festival of hair and barbering, returns to Manchester’s iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse on 22-23 June 2025 with a stellar main stage lineup featuring the biggest names in the industry. This year’s stage will come alive with visionary presentations, live demonstrations, and creative collaborations from some of the most innovative minds in hairdressing and barbering. Secure your tickets today to ignite your career, inspire your teams and elevate your hair game at HairCon this June.

An Unmissable Main Stage Experience

The HairCon main stage will be electrified by a powerhouse lineup of global hairdressing icons, barbering titans and an unrivalled collective of brands. The Trevor Sorbie Creative Team will mark a legendary return to the stage in a special collaboration with Keune. Alfaparf Milano Professional with Paul Stafford and the Sanrizz Artistic Team will showcase ‘Evolution’ bringing together two iconic brands dedicated to the pure craft of hairdressing. Sassoon Academy, led by Creative Director Mark Hayes, will break down the revolutionary Vidal Sassoon approach, revealing the complete creative process behind their iconic cuts.

Wella Professional joins forces with James Earnshaw to bring an inspiring fusion of cut, colour, and style, igniting creativity for stylists everywhere. Wahl takes the spotlight with expert-led barbering and men’s grooming innovation, while Revlon Professional’s Artistic Team presents BOLD: UNLIMITED – pushing hair artistry beyond its limits. Danger Jones makes its UK stage debut with a fearless, high-energy colour show, while Blue Tit Education, in collaboration with Leaf Scissors, unveils their unseen 2025 collection ‘Dusk,’ celebrating individuality and London’s underground fashion scene.

L’Oréal Professionnel delivers industry pioneers and award-winners the likes of Frazer Wallace, who will craft an unforgettable performance for his inaugural solo show. A guru in the world of Afro and textured hair, Naomi Brooks will elevate these techniques to create showstopping styles. The Fellowship for British Hairdressing will bring their talented project teams to the stage showcasing the next generation of talent. Josh Lamonaca and Darrel Starkey push the boundaries of Men’s hairdressing in a dynamic showcase of cutting and colouring mastery. With more names still to be revealed, the Main Stage at HairCon presents an unforgettable experience for the hair and barbering professional – bold, boundary-breaking, and unmissable.

The Ultimate Industry Gathering

HairCon 2025 isn’t just a trade show – it’s a movement. From captivating stage performances to hands-on learning opportunities, immersive brand experiences, and exclusive networking events, the weekend will be the epicentre of education, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned stylist, a budding barber, or a salon owner looking for the latest innovations, this is the must-attend event of the year.

Partnered by

Tickets Now Available

Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of hairdressing and barbering unfold live on stage. Secure your tickets now at www.haircon.co.uk and be part of the most exciting event in the industry.

Tickets also include a one month FREE trial of the Hilton Club membership!

Visit HairCon.co.uk and follow @Hairconshow on social for teasers, schedule announcements, and the latest news in the build up to the event in June.

Helping Medspas & Clinics Save Up To 90% on Documentation Time.

Phorest, the all-in-one software for med spas, aesthetic clinics, and professional hair and beauty businesses, is enhancing the way med spas and aesthetic clinics document client visits with Phorest Dot Phrasing. This new feature enables practitioners to create fast, consistent and
accurate client notes, reducing administrative workload and freeing up valuable time for client care.

For medspas and aesthetic clinics, proper documentation isn’t just a necessity. It is critical for safety, compliance, and professionalism. Yet, finding time to record detailed notes without disrupting the flow of client care is a constant challenge. Órla Phelan, Global Director of Medspa Operations at Phorest, says:

“We designed Phorest’s Dot Phrasing functionality to solve a real challenge for medspas balancing high-quality client care with efficient documentation. By automating repetitive notetaking, this feature ensures practitioners spend less time typing and more time focused on their clients, which we know is
always their top priority.”

With Phorest Dot Phrasing, practitioners can insert pre-set text snippets with just a few keystrokes, eliminating the need to type out commonly used phrases and treatment details
manually. This not only speeds up notetaking but reduces errors and ensures consistency across records. Dot Phrasing has been found to cut documentation time by up to 90%, allowing practitioners to be more present during consultations and focus on delivering exceptional client
experience.

As Phorest continues to expand its capabilities for medspas and clinics, this launch marks another step forward in its commitment to the sector. Thanks to ongoing collaboration with industry professionals, Phorest has developed a growing suite of features tailored specifically to the needs of medical aesthetics businesses, ensuring they have the tools and peace of mind from a smoother workflow while maintaining the highest standards for their clients.

As March is Women’s history month, we have teamed up with Wahl Professional to spotlight some of
the up-and-coming and influential female barbers who have risen up through this male-dominated
industry to make a name for themselves.
This week’s focus: Barber and Wahl Pro Educator, Munny Thapar.

What inspired you to become a barber, and how did your journey in the industry begin?

“At a very young age, I realized I was drawn to art in every form. Being someone who naturally loved teaching and helping others, I combined my artistic and people skills and
discovered that barbering was my true passion. I became obsessed with learning about fades, blade work, styling, and the barbering culture. To further develop my skills, I started cutting hair for friends and family at home. That quickly led to me enrolling in hair school and working in a barbershop, where I built my confidence and honed my craft.”

As a female barber, did you face any unique challenges when starting out? How did you overcome them?

“There were many challenges that came with being a female barber. Being one of the few women in a male-dominated industry, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. I put in
long hours, but I was often turned down by clients who doubted my ability to perfect their beards or haircuts. It was tough—knowing barbering was my calling but not being trusted to cut hair. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel to master every skill that makes barbering special. I focused on perfecting fades, improving my consultation techniques to assure clients they were in the hands of a professional, and refining my craft to the point
where even bystanders would want a cut. Over time, I built both my confidence and skill set to prove that talent has no gender.”

How do you think the industry is evolving, and what more can be done to support aspiring female barbers?

“The industry is definitely moving in the right direction. With social media, we’re able to showcase our skills and build a brand that extends beyond our city—even reaching a
worldwide audience. More brands, like Wahl, are recognizing that barbering isn’t just for men and that there are many incredibly talented women in the industry as well. That said, there’s still more work to do. I believe mentorship programs, creating more spaces for women in barbering events, and ensuring that barbershops foster inclusive environments would make a world of difference in empowering aspiring female barbers.”

What advice would you give to women who want to break into the barbering industry?

“Shoulders back and chin up. That’s something I’ve told myself ever since I started barbering. I would repeat it before stepping on stage for a barber battle, before walking into the shop, and even before starting a cut. Confidence is everything. Knowing that you are brave, strong, and skilled enough to be great at whatever you do will take you far—not just in barbering, but in life. Surround yourself with
barbers who inspire, encourage, and challenge you. Stay connected in the industry, never stop learning, and always push yourself to improve.”

How has your role with Wahl helped shape your experience in the industry? And how has the brand supported you throughout your career?

“Being a Wahl Professional educator has also helped to propel my career. Being associated with
such a respected brand has opened so many doors, from education opportunities to networking with some of the best barbers in the world. Wahl has been incredibly supportive of my journey, providing top-tier tools and platforms to showcase my work. What I love most about Wahl is that they truly value family, innovation, and inclusivity in barbering. Having their support makes me feel like there are no limits to what I can achieve in
this industry.”

Munny’s go-to Tools

“The Wahl tools that are in my day-to-day arsenal are the Cord/Cordless Magic Clip, Vanquish Hairdryer and Hi-Viz Trimmer. These tools have helped me sharpen my skills and perfect my craft.”

Vagaro is taking its partnership with renowned barber and educator Phil Jarman to the next level, providing him with a complimentary MySite design and setup that seamlessly updates based on his Vagaro account settings. To ensure a smooth transition, Phil will also receive 1:1 coaching and white-glove service, helping him navigate the onboarding process with ease.

Phil expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating: “Vagaro is a turn key solution for all my needs as a business owner, barber and educator. The company embodies the definition of class; from the software itself, all the staff I’ve worked with, setting up my account, to any help and ongoing support needed. 

“This is by far the most amazing app for barber, hair, or beauty businesses and really takes the standards to another level. If you want your business to flourish, Vagaro will more than help with the process.”

Vagaro UK’s Managing Director, Jason Downes, highlighted Phil’s impact on the industry and the value of this partnership: “We have an established relationship with Phil, and have always admired the way he innovates & inspires via his global coaching programs, whilst still growing his own amazing barber business.

“With Phil consistently travelling, sharing wisdom (and humour) wherever he goes, having Vagaro by his side allows him to keep on top of his business anywhere in the world, across any time zone.”

Vagaro hopes this is just the beginning of a bigger collaboration—one that will continue to support Phil’s journey while showcasing how powerful Vagaro’s tools are for modern barbers and educators.

Heiniger UK has launched a new 24-hour turnaround scissor sharpening service following a significant investment in new machinery and staff. Customers will be able to take scissors to any Heiniger approved retailer to request the service. Service manager Shaunie Tottle says: “Service staff have all completed a five-day course to operate a range of new machinery and provide customers with an industry-leading scissor sharpening service. Heiniger UK is now able to
service and sharpen a wide range of scissors in just 24 hours.”

Investments in new state of the art equipment, including a Wolf Industries Twice as Sharp® scissor sharpener and a Hira-To® flat hone scissor sharpener with hook and loop discs. “We are now able to take in scissors of all shapes and sizes to be sharpened. For human or animal groomers who use scissors everyday it is important to ensure the blades are factory sharp and, if the metal is dirty, rusty or folding rather than cutting hair, the scissors are well overdue a service and sharpen,” she says.

The sharpening process requires scissors to be disassembled and cleaned before a new ride is added to both sides using a wet stone.

The blades are then worked on a variety of grit settings before being polished and buffed. “We feel the smoothness of the blade to establish if the burr has gone and put it back on the machine if not,” she says.

Finished scissors are tested on single ply paper and on dolls with wet hair to establish if the desired cutting edge has been achieved through the sharpening process. “This is an intricate process but one that we can carry out in just 24 hours because of the skills our team have and the machinery we have invested in. For safety, comfort and efficiency, all scissors should be kept at their best which is why we are offering this service to all users in the UK,” she concludes.

Dense Hair Experts, the award-winning leader in personalised hair loss treatments, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephanie Mason as its new Global Business Consultant. With a stellar track record in business strategy and brand development, Mason will spearhead Dense’s expansion into global distribution, professional salon growth, and cutting-edge educational initiatives.

Stephanie joins at a pivotal moment for Dense, which has already made waves in the haircare industry, trusted by A-list celebrities, elite athletes, and thousands of men and women worldwide. Fresh from winning Gold at Europe’s Transform Awards in the health and wellness category, as well as being named Best Medical-Led Hair Loss Solutions Provider UK 2024, Dense is cementing its position as the market leader in clinically backed, results-driven hair growth solutions.

Expanding Global Reach & Female-Focused Hair Solutions

In her new role, Stephanie will focus on strengthening Dense’s international distribution network, ensuring accessibility to its bespoke, prescription-grade hair loss treatments across global markets. She will also lead Dense’s strategic move into professional salons, giving hairstylists and trichologists the tools to integrate Dense treatments seamlessly into their services.

One of Stephanie’s key priorities will be revolutionising female hair loss care. While Dense has already transformed male hair restoration, she will bring her expertise to address the growing and often-overlooked crisis of female hair thinning and loss. Through targeted consumer and professional outreach, Mason aims to bridge the gap between salon-quality treatments and effective at-home care, ensuring that women struggling with hair loss have access to real, science-backed solutions.

Elevating Education & Industry Expertise

Stephanie will also oversee the development of an advanced education platform, designed to train haircare professionals in Dense’s high-performance, personalised treatment plans. This initiative will equip stylists, dermatologists, and trichologists with the knowledge to deliver unparalleled results, reinforcing Dense’s position as the global leader in medical-led hair restoration.

A Word from the Leadership

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the Dense family,” said Ash Hashmi, Co-founder of Dense Hair Experts. “Her expertise in business strategy and brand development is exactly what we need as we take Dense to new heights. With Stephanie’s leadership, we’re confident in our ability to expand our global footprint and continue to set new standards in personalised haircare.”

Stephanie expressed her enthusiasm about joining Dense at such an exciting juncture:

“Dense’s commitment to high-performance, scientifically backed hair growth solutions is truly inspiring. The brand is redefining what it means to treat hair loss with precision and effectiveness, and I am excited to drive its expansion and impact across the globe.”

Why Dense? A Science-Backed, Award-Winning Brand

Dense Hair Experts is not just another haircare brand—it’s a movement. Backed by industry-leading dermatologists and trichologists, Dense’s bespoke hair growth solutions use pharmaceutical-grade actives, botanical and biotechnological extracts, and cutting-edge formulation techniques. Its clinically backed, pill-free approach has already helped over 20,000 men and women regain their hair confidence, and with Mason on board, the future looks even brighter.

For more information on Dense’s award-winning treatments, visit www.densehairexperts.com.

Follow us on Instagram:

📍 @densehairexperts

📍 @stephaniemason

Hundreds of hairdressers took to the streets for the Salon Owners and Employers action day that took place on March 17th in central London.

The peaceful protest was organised by the British Hair Consortium whereby the industry pulled together to show its support for tax reform. Hairdressing and beauty salon owners gathered at London’s Parliament Square, in a bid to request that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will throw the sector an economic lifeline. It is hoped that the ‘Save Our Salons’ rally will get the attention of Government.

A recent report commissioned by the British Hair Consortium and carried out by CBI Economics, highlighted how an unbalanced tax system is decimating the hair and beauty industry – and showed that unless things change, there will be no new apprenticeships by 2027 and a 93% fall in employment by 2030. This would leave very few in employment, creating a sector largely devoid of the employment rights that come with being an employee.

With the Spring Forecast on the horizon, the British Hair Consortium – which represents 50,000 UK hairdressing professionals – says the Government must urgently halve the VAT salons pay on labour costs to 10% to help them overcome the existential crisis they’re facing.

Toby Dicker from The British Hair Consortium said: “We won’t stand down and let our industry die. The support shown by our industry was incredible and I hope that we have gained the attention that we need to show Government that we need a lifeline. We need VAT reform and we’re not going to stop shouting for this to happen.”

National media and news channels attended the protest, streaming the story globally, in what was deemed as a highly successful protest.

For more information on The British Hair Consortium go to https://www.bhc.org.uk/

@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons

Get ready for an unmissable experience on the green as the fourth annual HBSA & Hair & Beauty Charity Golf Day heads to the stunning
Championship Cheshire Course at Carden Park on Tuesday 3 June, 2025. With breath-taking views of the Welsh hills and the Cheshire countryside, and a course designed to challenge all skill levels, this year’s event
promises to be more exciting than ever.
Golfers can look forward to a thrilling round, and a spectacular 18th-hole finish, cheered on by industry friends from the Clubhouse Balcony. The day wraps up with a drinks reception, awards, a three-course dinner, and evening entertainment —all while raising funds for a great cause.

Best of all, despite the upgraded Championship course experience, prices remain the same as in previous years: £150 per player or £600 for a 4-ball team, including breakfast, golf, and dinner. Non-golfers are also invited to join the evening festivities for just £49 per person.

President Jayne Lewis-Orr said: “Our annual Golf Day is a highlight in our fundraising
calendar, and always promises to be a fun and competitive day, with money raised going
towards the work done by the Hair & Beauty Charity! We welcome players back to Carden
Park – and new players to come and join us.”
If you can’t make it why not show your support through the multiple sponsorship
opportunities available, including the four annual awards (£350 each) and 18 golf holes
(£100 per hole.)

Don’t miss out – secure your place today and swing into action for charity!
For more details and to book, visit https://hairandbeautycharity.org/shop/p/golf-day
For media information contact ruth@redmanemedia.com