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.”

With the Oasis brothers touring the UK, demand has risen for the Gallagher-inspired haircut.

Nestor Sanchez from HOB Academy details how to get the look:

1. Section the top away from the sides and back with a rectangular section from the crown to the recession area.

2. Overdirect the side sections up towards the parietal ridge and cut to the desired length.
Tip: This will remove internal weight, flattening the sides and keeping a softer, longer edge this cut is known for.

3. Divide the back area with a horizontal section from ear to ear to just above the occipital bone. Start with the first section just behind the ear using a square cutting angle and work towards the centre with no over-direction to build a lighter, flatter shape whilst keeping the perimeter of the hair long. Cross-check and repeat on the opposite side.

4. Connect the top area to the bottom section working exactly the same way. If hair is thicker, ignore your guide and introduce a new guide about 1 inch longer than the bottom area, ready to be personalised at the end.

5. On the top section, take a profile section down the centre that travels from the crown to the front hairline and cut using a square cutting angle. Using your guide at the crown, work with horizontal sections creating a square shape through to the front.
Tip: The creation of corners on the roundness of the hair that overlap the hair on the sides will be a very important part of the aesthetic of the look, adding flatness and texture simultaneously.

6. Blow-dry the hair and straighten with irons, then soften the internal shape with your texturising scissors and feather razor to adjust the length and look of the perimeter.

7. Rub a matte finishing product through the hair, working it through the fringe, sideburns, and back to create texture and a longer-lasting finish.

Hair by HOB Academy Artistic Team
Photographer: Richard Miles

BarbersRide is back for its 9^th consecutive year! In 2025 BarbersRide is back on the rolling rural roads of England after two years away fund-raising for Make-A-Wish in Ireland, and in the Netherlands and Germany. 

BarbersRide is a road trip like no other. This year, celebrating the camaraderie only a motorcycling adventure can promise, the Riders will visit past Main Sponsors en route, to hand out plaques and thank them for their continued support throughout the years.

The mission for 2025: to raise over £30,000 for Make-A-Wish, the charity which makes dreams come true for seriously ill children and their families. The trip also aims to raise as much awareness as possible for the charity’s work, all while giving riders an unbeatable sense of fellowship and memories to last a lifetime.

Established in 2017, BarbersRide has so far raised a grand total of £183,000 for children’s charities. Evenings are hosted by prestigious barbershops along the route, giving everyone on the road the chance to kick back, celebrate and fundraise with some of the UK’s most in-demand barbers.

2024 saw the BarbersRide crew take to the roads in Germany and the Netherlands on an epic 972 miles / 1564 km across Europe as a motley crew of over 30 riders set off on a 5 day mission, united by their passion for bikes and barbering. From slippery single tracks to savage switchbacks and razor-sharp racetrack bends, every moment counted.  

In 2025 BarbersRide kicks off at Lind Harley-Davidson in Newmarket on 2nd August with the finale at The Master’s Barber Shop in Southport on 7th August. All with one goal: to have as much fun as possible whilst raising funds for Make-A-Wish. 

Recently added sponsor, Matakki have announced a fantastic opportunity to win one of Matakki’s Barber 6.5″ Professional Hair Cutting Scissors (RRP £265)!

A huge thank you to our Associate Sponsor, Matakki Scissors, for generously donating this incredible prize.

The competition opens on 18th July 2025 and closes on 7th August 2025. The winner will be drawn by raffle during the closing event of this year’s BarbersRide.

Tickets are just £5 each, with no limit on how many you can purchase—so the more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning!

All proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish, helping to bring joy to children with critical illnesses.

 Make It With Wahl is a celebration of the barbers and stylist’s that have chosen to trust and rely on WAHL tools, whilst also celebrating Wahl’s legacy. A legacy that speaks to dedication, craftsmanship, and the highest standards in the industry. 

Featuring the inspirational stories of 4 barbers, the campaign calls for the barber and stylist community to share their own stories using #MakeItWithWahl. Whether they’ve come to barbering later in life as a second career or want to use barbering to uplift their community, Wahl Professional is excited to hear and share these stories. 

Multiple opportunities will be presented for the Wahl community to be involved in the campaign, with Wahl uplifting and sharing voices across the community on social media platforms.