The Autumn Budget has landed – and while Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised stability and “fair, necessary action,” the UK’s hair, beauty and barbering sector was left wondering whether anyone in Westminster has actually seen a salon’s balance sheet lately.

With income tax and NI thresholds frozen, a higher-than-expected inflation forecast, salary-sacrificed pension schemes being taxed, minimum wage rising again in April 2026, and dividend tax up by 2%, the overall message was loud and clear: costs are going up. Again.

And the industry has a lot to say about it.

BABTAC: “This adds pressure on already tight margins.”

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC – and former Treasury advisor – didn’t mince her words.

“For small businesses continuing to navigate the current financial climate, the decision to freeze income-tax thresholds until the end of 2030/31 offers some certainty for planning and forecasting,” she explained. “However, the freeze on National Insurance thresholds will effectively increase employer contributions as wages rise with inflation, adding further pressure on already tight margins.” 

She added that taxing salary-sacrificed pension contributions removes “a valuable incentive” for staff while the OBR’s revised inflation forecast will squeeze both business overheads and client disposable income.

And as for the 2026 minimum wage increase to £12.71?

Lesley noted: “Although positive for workers, it will significantly raise wage bills in a labour-intensive sector. Coupled with a 2% rise in dividend tax, the cumulative impact could challenge the commercial viability of many small salons.”

NHBF: “Salons are already at breaking point.”

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, said the Budget simply didn’t recognise the realities of small, people-focused businesses.

“Today’s Budget delivers little for the small, people-focused businesses at the heart of every high street,” Caroline said. “Hair and beauty is one of the most accessible and empowering routes into work for women, young entrepreneurs and neurodiverse individuals – yet this Budget was far from the ‘fair and necessary’ action our sector urgently needed.”

She warned that members are “already at breaking point,” adding:

“The Chancellor cannot keep loading costs onto small businesses without offering the support needed to keep them trading… If the Government truly wants to grow the economy, end low pay and keep high streets open, today’s wage announcement must be matched with serious support on National Insurance, business rates, skills and enforcement.”

HARE: “Once again, our sector has been overlooked.”

James Talbot, co-founder of HARE, a values-led Oxfordshire barbering and hairdressing business, didn’t hide his frustration.

“As an entrepreneur… I’m deeply frustrated by the lack of meaningful support for our industry in today’s UK budget,” he said. “Once again, one of the country’s most socially important and economically vulnerable sectors has been overlooked and ignored.”

James explained that the planned minimum wage rise – while well-intentioned – “will hit small legal businesses hard at a time when margins are already razor-thin.”

And business rates? Still unclear.

“The VAT threshold remains at a totally unfair and unviable £90k,” he added. “Many independent, entrepreneurial and legal businesses like ours will struggle to absorb these costs… threatening the survival of the salons and barbershops that serve at the heart of communities.”

His message for Government was stark:

“If Britain wants skilled, qualified barbers and hairdressers in the future, it needs to back the enterprising and community-led businesses that train them today.”

Industry Voices: “We need to focus on what we can control.”

The wider industry – from salon owners to educators – echoed similar concerns, emphasising resilience, planning and realism.

Benjamin Shipman (The Hair Movement, Sidcup)

Benjamin said this “wasn’t the Budget any of us were hoping for,” noting that it offered “nothing to incentivise or help us.” But he urged the industry to stay proactive.

“It forces us all to futureproof our business ourselves,” he explained. “We need to focus on what we can control… communicating the value of our services, refining our prices and becoming more business savvy.” 

Billy Ryan (Tribe Salons, Clapham Common)

Billy noted that while the Budget held few surprises, the impact is still significant.

“The next year will need calm heads and steady leadership,” he said. “Strong financial planning, reliable systems and steadily increasing the value of what we deliver will matter more than ever.” 

Sean Hanna (Sean Hanna Salons & Consultancy)

Sean was clear: complaining won’t cut it.

“Hope and complaining are not strategies,” he said. “Business leaders have a choice; either stand still and endure whatever happens or… make decisions that will ensure their business succeeds.” 

British Hair Consortium: “We must be heard – now more than ever.”

In response to mounting concerns, the British Hair Consortium has launched a major nationwide survey, urging every corner of the sector – salon owners, freelancers, barbers, educators, mobile pros – to contribute evidence that will be used to lobby Government.

“Without a strong, collective evidence base, upcoming government decisions risk worsening the pressures already facing the sector,” the Consortium wrote. 

The message? If the industry wants change, it needs to speak with one voice.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Industry Matters

If anyone still doubts the sector’s economic importance, consider this:

• Beauty generated £30.4bn in GDP in 2024 – growing four times faster than the UK economy.
• The sector directly employs nearly half a million people, with a footprint close to 700,000.
• It contributed £8.6bn in tax in 2024, set to rise to £9.4bn in 2025.

This isn’t a niche industry. It’s a powerhouse – and one that deserves to be taken seriously.

Where Do We Go From Here?

While the Budget delivered few wins for hair, beauty and barbering, the sector is nothing if not resilient. From Lesley Blair’s financial realism to James Talbot’s call for fairness, and from the NHBF’s advocacy to grassroots voices urging practical action – the message is clear:

The industry will keep fighting. But Government needs to listen.

For now, the most powerful tool the sector has is its collective voice.

And yes – that means filling out the survey.

Nine years. £207,000+ raised for children’s charities to date. One incredible community of barbers and bikers.

This year’s BarbersRide roared back onto the road, smashing the 20K target to raise a phenomenal £26,238.40 – with more still rolling in! 2025 brought together more than 45 riders, creating memories to last a lifetime. Some joined for a day, others rode the full distance, but all shared the same mission: to support Make-A-Wish and bring joy to children living with critical illness.

Kicking off at long term sponsor Lind Harley-Davidson in Newmarket, the ride was expertly led by road captain Matty Wood, who plotted and guided the route with precision. Day One saw the crew roll into Captain Fawcett HQ in King’s Lynn, one of the most anticipated stops, where, so they say, hospitality was as legendary as the moustaches. I should coco!

Onwards to the renowned Waterman & Webb, who hosted a truly magnificent evening. The next morning, the Ride received a thunderous welcome at Wahl HQ, complete with Ramsgate’s finest homemade doughnuts. From there, it was on to Iron Born Barbers in Southampton, where Reuzel CEO Rob Wilcox flew in all the way from Denver, Colorado to join the ride – now that’s dedication chums! A visit to fantastic BarbersRide sponsor Uppercut followed, then on to Barbicide® – a cash sponsor since day one, whose support has been woven into BarbersRide’s DNA from the very beginning. Huzzah!

Old Red Barbershop gave the merry band of bikers an incredible welcome with Bedford’s local press and the mayor in attendance for their special 10^th birthday celebration. Next came a simply awesome stop at Thornton 100 Custom Bike Builders before the grand finale at The Master’s Barber Shop in Southport. Great food, live music and an epic party that grooved late into the night – what a way to finish!

At each stop, handsome wooden plaques were presented to thank long-standing supporters for their sterling contribution to the cause as the journey swept through the New Forest, across the expanse of Salisbury Plain, along the honeyed lanes of the Cotswolds and finally into Southport in one glorious, rumbling line.

Behind the scenes, rider Iain Crockart captured the adventure with stunning photographs, while Russ Lee kept followers hooked with buzzing social updates. Special thanks also go to Captain Fawcett’s Jenna Leake, who has been instrumental in organising past rides – even while taking on her own rather special project off the road this year…congratulations!

Sponsors included Captain Fawcett, Barbicide®, Reuzel, Uppercut Deluxe, Wahl, Matakki Scissors, American Crew, Denman and trusty media partner BarberEVO Magazine – once again proved that generosity in this industry runs deep.

BarbersRide Co-Founder, Xavier Berrell (Ice Cool Products Ltd), summed it up: “Make-A-Wish is why we do it, but it’s also about the camaraderie of spending a week on the road with the best bunch of people ever. We’ve built a community of like-minded individuals and made life-long friendships through BarbersRide. That in itself is a beautiful thing.”

Fellow Co-Founder, Richie Finney, aka the Right Hand Man added:
“This year was simply incredible, the best yet. Across the route, the turnout of supporters was phenomenal and local community interaction just brilliant. Some rode the whole way, others joined for a leg or even just an evening and every single person brought something truly amazing to the Ride. Rumours that Captain Fawcett won the bright red child’s go-kart at The Master Barbers raffle are as yet unconfirmed…”

After nine incredible years, the current organisers are taking a well-earned back seat. The road ahead is wide open, perchance for a new crew to take it forward… get in touch if that might be you!

BarberEVO UK Issue 53 is OUT NOW! 

This issue celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community as we wrap up the year in style.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT WAHL

On this edition’s cover, we celebrate Simon Shaw’s career to-date, with this month marking his 25th year at Wahl Professional. Read more about this monumental moment in this issue!

EVENTS:  

We take you behind the scenes at BarberEVO and SalonEVO: The Experience in Scale Liverpool, reliving the energy and excitement from the two-day industry celebration. We also bring you the ultimate guide to Fashion Week with Ainsley Walton, and dive into the action with BaBylissPRO backstage. Then, we head to the Barber and Barbershop of the Year Awards with WAHL, and peek inside the BROSH World Championship for an unforgettable global barbering spectacle. 

IN THE CHAIR & BARBER ABROAD: 

We get In the Chair with Tariq Howes, diving deep into his inspiring barbering journey. Our One 2 Watch is Scotland’s Best Barber, SHABA winner and owner of R+R Studios Dundee, showcasing the best of Scottish talent and creativity. 

FESTIVE: 

From our Year in Review to winter shop culture with Huckle, this section captures the spirit of the season. We talk business insights with American Crew, winter trends with Hayden Cassidy, and highlight moments from Novo Cabelo’s standout 2025. Plus, discover styling trends from Morgan’s and festive scheduling advice from Mark Maciver. 

BEARDS & TACHE: 

 We sit down with Joe Mills to break down beard and moustache trends sweeping the scene, before exploring bearded education with Simon Hairground and celebrating Movember with The London Beard Co. 

INTERIORS: 

Our Barbershop of the Edition is No.1 Barbers, a Takara Belmont–fitted shop that’s setting new design standards. We also round up the standout barber interiors of 2025, offering plenty of inspiration for your next renovation. 

Order your copy of BarberEVO Issue 53 HERE!

Wahl Professional has expanded its powerful styling collection with the launch of the LimitedEdition Cool Blue Vanquish™ Dryer. The Vanquish™ has raised the bar for hair dryers, now stylists and barbers can experience the Vanquish in a colour as cool as it feels.

The Cool Blue design is the latest edition to an already stellar line up including: The Black Vanquish™ and Rose Gold Vanquish™ dryers, and the Vanquish™ Hair Dryer Stand.

Experience the Vanquish™ Difference:

• Speed Up Drying Time: FlowControl delivers consistent heat that dries hair evenly from root to tip.
• Keep Noise to a Minimum: SmoothTone™ motor system removes uncomfortable sound frequencies.
• No More Wrist Fatigue: Super-light design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue when drying for long periods of time.
• Quick Drying Results: High-speed digital motor delivers exceptional air speed for quick drying results.
• Easy Maintenance: Auto-clean function keeps the filter clear of debris so you can keep the dryer working in top condition.
• Safe Styling: Premium magnetic attachments fit securely to the dryer for safe styling.

The Limited Edition Cool Blue Vanquish™, Black Vanquish™ and Rose Gold Vanquish™ are £149.99 each. The Vanquish™ Hair Dryer Stand is £29.99. All are available to purchase from wahl.co.uk.

The UK Government has unveiled a new strategy  Backing Your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Businesses outlining its long-term commitment to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).  

With hair & beauty comprising thousands of salons, barbershops, clinics and self-employed professionals, many measures in this plan will directly affect our sector. 

High Street Revival and Cost Relief  

The NHBF has campaigned for a reformed business rates system, and we cautiously welcome the announcement that Government plans to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure premises with ratable values under £500,000 starting in April 2026.  

This change, alongside extended relief for 2025/26 and a freeze on the Small Business Multiplier, is a step towards providing financial relief to many hair and beauty businesses. 

However, this is just a first step in the right direction, the NHBF is working with the Government to secure significant levels of reform.  

Tackling the Issues of Late Payments 

One of the major announcements in the Government’s plan is new legislation to tackle late payments. 

This is a long-standing and serious issue in the hair and beauty sector. Many NHBF Members, particularly Solo Members, Assured Trade Members including educators, and brand ambassadors, report delays of 60 days or more when working with larger companies.  

These late payments can cause major cashflow problems and undermine trust. The proposed reforms will introduce stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and the power to fine large firms that consistently pay late.  

NHBF strongly supports this change by the Government, which has the potential to deliver fairer, faster payments across the supply chain and empower small business owners to focus on their work, not chasing invoices. 

Tackling Crime and Licensing Red Tape 

The plan also responds to growing concerns over safety on the high street, promising 13,000 additional community police officers and specific action against shoplifting and theft.  

We know that many Members are concerned about the impact on their businesses if an area is perceived to be high crime, so we welcome this investment.  

Support for Skills and Digital Growth 

The Government is investing in leadership training, digital adoption, and AI tools for small business owners.  

This includes specialist funding through the Made Smarter Adoption programme and expanded access to apprenticeships. These initiatives could help salons upskill staff, streamline bookings and marketing, and attract new clients. 

The NHBF will work closely with the Department of Business and Trade to understand what this means for our Members and the wider hair & beauty sector.  

Employment and Environmental Challenges 

Finally, NHBF is closely monitoring proposals under the Employment Rights Bill, which is mentioned throughout the Business Plan, which could increase costs for small employers. There are also new expectations around energy use and sustainability. While support is offered, compliance may be complex and costly for some. 

Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, says, “We welcome this plan as a starting point. NHBF will be engaging directly with Government to ensure our Members, the hair & beauty sector’s voice is heard by championing policies that support, not strain, this vital part of the economy. We will continue keep members informed and provide resources to help navigate these changes.

For over 25 years, OSMO has been at the forefront of professional haircare, empowering stylists, barbers, and consumers with high-performance products that encourage fearless self-expression. Now, OSMO has unveiled a bold new look and an expanded range of innovative products designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

For blowouts that last longer and holidays that shouldn’t end in frazzled hair, the new OSMO Travel Size range will keep hair looking salon-finished – from the hairdresser’s chair to the beach cabana.

Eight iconic OSMO shampoos and conditioners have been reimagined into sleek, travel-ready essentials and post-salon saviours. Whether you are jet-setting or simply need a quick refresh, these products ensure your hair stays effortlessly chic, wherever you are.

Same beloved formulas – now in a more convenient package. Introducing the OSMO Cult Classics – now travel-sized:

• OSMO Deep Moisture Hydrating Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Deep Moisture Hydrating Conditioner (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Deep Moisture Intensive Repair Mask (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Scalp Therapy Detoxify Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Silver No Yellow Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Silver No Yellow Mask (75ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Ice Brightening Shampoo (100ml, £4.80)
• OSMO Super Ice Brightening Mask (75ml, £4.80)

Elevating your hair game whether you’re beach-bound or city-hopping, the new OSMO travel range is your pocket-sized pal.Your best hair days are just a (small) bottle away!

OSMO is available from hair salons nationwide and can now also be bought online at www.osmohair.co.uk

In a continued show of support for Plastic Free July, salon software leader Phorest returned to Bull Island, Dublin recently for its annual beach cleanup in partnership with Clean Coasts, joining forces with industry friends, salon customers, and the Phorest team to help protect and preserve Ireland’s stunning coastline.

The initiative, now in its second year, forms part of Phorest’s wider commitment to environmental sustainability and community action. With plastic pollution continuing to threaten marine life and the natural beauty of Ireland’s beaches, the event was a meaningful way for the hair and beauty industry to take collective, hands-on action.

Phorest teamed up once again with Clean Coasts, the nationwide programme dedicated to protecting Ireland’s waterways, seas, and shorelines. Their expert support ensured a safe and impactful cleanup that cleared litter from the Bull Island beach and surrounding dunes, while also educating participants on the impact of plastic waste and the steps individuals and businesses can take to reduce it.

Employees from Phorest’s Dublin HQ were joined by local salon clients and partners from across the industry, demonstrating the power of community and shared values in driving positive change. Whether sweeping the sand for microplastics or collecting larger debris from the shoreline, the group’s efforts contributed to a cleaner, safer coastal environment for all.

The day also reflected Phorest’s broader sustainability mission, which includes reducing waste through its software features (such as digital consultation forms and receipts), supporting circular economies via its partnership with Green Salon Collective and the Green Fee, and offsetting its own emissions through tree-planting and carbon-neutral initiatives.

Plastic Free July continues to serve as a valuable reminder of the small, tangible steps we can all take, whether as individuals, teams, or businesses, to protect the planet. Phorest extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined the cleanup and remains committed to creating a more sustainable future, one initiative at a time.

The Denman partnership with Plastic Bank® has reached a massive milestone and so far, has prevented over 8.5 million plastic bottles and 170 thousand kilograms of plastic reaching the worlds waterways and oceans. The partnership is now in its third year, and the results speak for themselves.

Plastic Bank® is an incredible organisation that builds ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocesses the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social Plastic®. Collectors receive credits for the materials they collect which can be redeemed against family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance.

Plastic Bank’s blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data which means that Denman can see a snapshot of just how many people and communities around the world have been positively impacted by the partnership (over 1000 people and 83 communities and counting).

Denman Professional CEO, Kevin McNamee, said: “The Plastic Bank partnership is pivotal to our CSR strategy and the work they do makes a material difference to the communities in their programme. This is a fantastic milestone, but the work goes on and so does our support.”

Thanks to their radical transparency and traceability Denman knows just who and where their support is being felt. The image above shows a beach in Bali where bottles are being collected by Kinten, a member of the Plastic Bank® collection community. Sadly, Kinten’s husband passed away in January 2010 and left her with their two children.

As a single mother, Kinten has to work hard to support her children. Kinten collects plastic from her neighbours, the village post office, temples and beaches. She can collect 400 kgs every week! Since joining Plastic Bank® in 2019, she receives extra cash and other life-improving benefits. The extra income truly helps her to provide daily needs and to support her children.

Plastic Bank | The global bottle deposit program

The countdown is officially on for the most glamorous night in the Scottish hair and beauty calendar—SHABA 2025.

Set to return to the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel, Glasgow, on Sunday, 24th August 2025, SHABA promises another show-stopping, sell-out evening celebrating the very best in the industry.

Presented by industry icons Josie Smith and Simon Shaw, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable yet. With the SHABA team working tirelessly behind the scenes, guests can expect a night full of style, celebration, and some very special surprises.

Adding to the glamour, red carpet royalty Falon Carberry and Justin Mackland will be on hand to interview guests as they arrive—so dress to impress!

SHABA Founder, Joanne Reid, said: “We are thrilled to welcome back Fresha as our headline sponsor for SHABA 2025, along with incredible support from our partners: OSMO, Remi Cachet, Hair and Beauty World, Wahl Professional, Tan Truth, KAO, and Crazy Angel. Their continued belief in the vision of SHABA helps us create an unforgettable platformfor excellence in hair and beauty.

“As always, our esteemed panel of judges will be in attendance, making SHABA 2025 the perfect opportunity to network, celebrate, and honour the exceptional talent across Scotland’s thriving hair, beauty, and barbering community.”

With just a few tables and tickets remaining, those wishing to be part of this night are encouraged to book now via the SHABA official website: www.scottishhairandbeautyawards.com

Whether you’re a finalist, sponsor, industry legend, or supporter,SHABA 2025 is the place to be.

Manchester barbershop, Jefe’s Barbers, has supported dozens of local graduates this summer, giving young people a much-needed confidence boost as they take their first steps into working life.

In a world where small businesses are being stretched in every direction, one Manchester barber is using his chair to make a difference — not just in how people look, but how they feel.

Jefe, owner of Jefe’s Barbers in Manchester city centre, is building more than a business. From offering £5 cuts to support men’s mental health, to ‘pay what you can’ appointments during the tough post-Christmas months, to free graduate cuts this summer, his shop has quietly become a space where community and care come first.

Most recently, Jefe’s Barbers offered free haircuts to university leavers, running the initiative in July from their Manchester city centre shop. Graduates were invited to book in for a complimentary cut ahead of interviews, placements, and first jobs — and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The team was fully booked with students, and for many, it was more than just a haircut.

It was a much-needed confidence boost at a pivotal moment. Jefe and his team created a welcoming space where students could talk, reset, and leave feeling like their best selves, ready to take on whatever comes next.

The offer arrived at a time when new graduates are facing an increasingly harsh financial reality. According to the Student Loans Company (2025), the total higher education loan balance in England has soared from £54.4 billion in 2013–14 to £266.6 billion by the end of 2024–25 — a £30.4 billion increase (12.9%) in just one year. Statista reports that the average graduate now leaves university owing around £53,000, making the burden of student debt heavier than ever.

The idea came from owner Jefe, who wanted to do something practical to support young people facing the pressure of job hunting and rising costs.

“Graduating should feel exciting, but so many students are leaving uni with huge debts and an uncertain job market,” he said. “We can’t fix that, but we can offer a sharp haircut, a confidence boost, and a friendly space.”

The initiative also highlighted Jefe’s commitment to using smart tech to help make small businesses more efficient, resilient and community-focused. Having built his own zero-fee booking app, UrJefe, Jefe was able to streamline operations, reduce admin and no-shows, and free up time and resources to reinvest into the community. Designed specifically with barbers in mind, the UrJefe platform manages appointments, cancellations and client preferences all in one place, giving barbers more control and less hassle.

“I built the app because I was tired of giving up a chunk of my income to third-party platforms,” Jefe explained. “I wanted a system that worked for me, and now it does. But it also gave me the flexibility to do things like this. To help people. To give something back.”

While this exact initiative was a first, it’s far from the only time Jefe has used his expertise to support others. In the past, he’s offered £5 haircuts to support men’s mental health and ran a ‘pay what you can’ scheme during January — a notoriously tough month financially for many.

“I’ll definitely be doing it again in September,” he added. “I think it’ll be a great way to reach out to students who are at the very beginning of their journey — new city, new routines, new friends and maybe not much money. A good haircut can go a long way.”