From global stages and industry education to championing the relationship between barbering and hairdressing, Simon Shaw brings energy, experience and big ambitions to his new role as President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.

Simon Shaw has spent his career bringing people together through hair. Now, as the 40th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, he is ready to help take the organisation into its ninth decade.

For anyone familiar with the worlds of barbering, men’s hairdressing and education, Simon needs little introduction. As Global Artistic Director for Wahl UK, he has travelled the world sharing his knowledge, delivering high-energy presentations and helping to drive standards across the industry.

With 35 years of experience, Simon has seen barbering and hairdressing evolve significantly. His new position gives him an opportunity to draw those worlds even closer together while creating more opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.

“The Fellowship is a wonderful organisation, full of inspirational people who epitomise everything that’s great about British hairdressing and barbering in all different sectors,” Simon said.

A Long History with the Fellowship

Simon’s appointment is the next step in a relationship that began early in his career. Over the years, he has worked alongside former presidents and board members, supported the Fellowship’s education and helped strengthen its visibility across the industry.

As Head of Education, Simon has been closely involved in showcasing what the organisation can offer its members. He was also instrumental in introducing Project Men & Media, giving emerging barbers and men’s hair specialists the opportunity to develop their technical, presentation, photographic and media skills.

That experience reflects an important part of Simon’s approach. He does not see barbering and hairdressing as two separate conversations. For him, both are part of one creative, professional industry with plenty to learn from each other.

Putting Education Front and Centre

Education will sit at the heart of Simon’s two-year presidency. While the Fellowship is known for supporting some of the industry’s most exciting emerging talent, Simon wants to make those opportunities more visible and accessible.

“There’s so much that I want to achieve throughout my presidency, from working with Further Education throughout the UK to developing our membership across the board, highlighting the education we provide,” he explained.

Strengthening relationships with colleges will be a major priority. By connecting students and educators more closely with working professionals, Simon hopes to help young people understand the variety of careers available to them.

That means looking beyond one traditional route. Whether someone wants to work in a salon, build a barbering career, specialise in session work, become an educator, develop a media profile or take their skills around the world, the Fellowship can help open doors.

Bringing Everyone Along

Simon also wants to grow and diversify the Fellowship’s membership, ensuring that professionals from every corner of the industry feel represented. Barbers, hairdressers, colourists, textured-hair specialists, independent professionals, salon teams and students should all be able to see a place for themselves within the organisation.

His presidency comes as the Fellowship celebrates its 80th year. It is an opportunity to respect the organisation’s heritage while considering what the next generation needs from it.

Simon follows former President Ashleigh Hodges and joins a distinguished list of past leaders that includes Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson and Ken Picton.

“I am privileged to take on the role of President, taking the Fellowship into its ninth decade, and to work with the members, sponsors, partners and Head Office team, all who make the Fellowship so special,” he said.

For Simon, the new role is ultimately about connection: connecting education with opportunity, young talent with experienced mentors, and barbering with the wider hairdressing community.

With his trademark enthusiasm and a career built around sharing knowledge, Simon’s presidency looks set to be energetic, inclusive and firmly focused on what comes next.

Become a member today at: https://fellowshiphair.com/

Award-winning British gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett proudly introduces the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual. Created for gentlemen seeking targeted support for thinning or fine hair, the new Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Stimulating Hair Serum unite clinically recognised actives with the luxurious Maharajah Signature Series fragrance, bringing modern follicle science to one of the Captain’s most celebrated collections.

The Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo combines Adenosine, Caffeine, Keraveg™ and Castor Oil to create the foundation of the ritual, helping invigorate the scalp and strengthen hair fibres, promoting growth and the appearance of stronger, fuller-looking hair. Complementing it, the precision daily Stimulating Hair Serum pairs Capixyl™, Capilia Longa™, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Betaine in a fast-absorbing leave-in formulation that provides daily support for a healthy scalp environment and denser, healthier-looking hair.

Specifically formulated to work together, whilst also performing exceptionally in their own right, these two additions open a distinguished new chapter for Captain Fawcett, bringing together advanced formulation with the craftsmanship, fragrance and storytelling for which the brand has become renowned worldwide.

For founder Richard Finney MBE, modern formulation is a natural evolvement in the Captain Fawcett story.

“Captain Peabody Fawcett was first and foremost an explorer, botanist and inveterate plant hunter,” says Richie. “He was forever pressing on, voyaging across the globe in search of curious specimens and extraordinary discoveries, meticulously keeping journals to record each new wonder seen. He belonged to a glorious age when adventure, scientific enquiry and botanical discovery were all part of the same remarkable journey. I’d wager the Captain would have been hugely fascinated by the latest advances.”

Created in close collaboration with Viraj Singh of The Jodhpur Company, the Maharajah Signature Series honours India’s rich traditions of gentlemanly grooming, fine fragrance, generations of botanical wisdom and the unhurried ceremony that turns everyday grooming into a savoured moment of sanctuary.

Inspired by the tale of an ancient elixir entrusted to Captain Fawcett by a Maharajah famed for his magnificent mane, the new Hair Growth Ritual brings that legendary exchange into the modern age.

“The Captain Fawcett gentleman has always been a fellow of curiosity,” says Richie. “He enjoys the theatre of fine grooming as much as anyone, but also wants to understand what’s inside the bottle and why it’s there. Frankly, I expect nothing less. The Captain’s esteemed barbering partners stake their hard-earned reputations on every recommendation they make, so he owes it to them to create products every bit as impressive in performance as they are in presentation. I trust the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual will prove a most worthy addition to Captain Fawcett’s arsenal of simply ‘First Class Gentleman’s Grooming Requisites’.”

Leaf Studios introduces the Talent Incubator – a new blueprint that gives independent stylists the freedom and flexibility of being self-employed with wrap-around support designed to accelerate their careers, and open the door to exciting new opportunities! 

Leaf Studios invests in careers with a new concept that reimagines what it means to be freelance. The Leaf Studios Talent Incubator invites independent stylists to join an eco-system that surrounds them with benefits that usually only come from being part of an established salon brand…and a lot more besides! 

This new and innovative model nurtures and develops the talents of independent stylists by giving them access to a wide range of benefits including: 

• Education and courses to develop their hairdressing skills and learn from some of the industry’s top hairdressers, educators and professional brands 
• Marketing and content creation support to build their confidence and expertise for social media and marketing campaigns 
• Business development training to grow their personal brand and achieve greater commercial success • Participation in collaborations with Leaf Ambassadors, and its brand campaigns, to raise their profile and expand their professional network across the Leaf community and hairdressing industry 
• Access to the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios audience to showcase their work and attract new clients 
• Being part of the Leaf Scissors and Leaf Studios team who genuinely want to help them grow and succeed, while serving their clients in a positive, calm and relaxed environment 

The story behind Leaf Studios 

Co-created by founder of Leaf Scissors, Steve McManus and his wife Jane, Leaf Studios is the culmination of everything they have learned from over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. After starting their careers together at TONI&GUY, Steve and Jane became the best of friends before going on to marry and start a family. They now have three teenage children. 

Following his career as a hairdresser, educator and salon co-owner with Jane, Steve launched Leaf Scissors in 2019. Leaf has grown to become the UK’s leading and the world most sustainable professional scissors and tools brand. As Jane continued her hairdressing career, achieving a L’Oréal Colour Degree, the couple set about creating a place that embodied everything they believe today’s hairdressers need to thrive and succeed as their careers develop. 

Steve comments: “Leaf Studios is the result of everything we’ve learned in over 50 years of combined experience in hairdressing. Together we’ve created a place that we believe stylists need – a calm, inspiring environment where clients feel looked after, and where independent stylists can genuinely grow, develop and build successful businesses without losing the freedom that freelancing gives them.” 

As the most personal project they’ve ever embarked on together, Jane adds: “The industry has changed a lot since we started our careers. As a result, we wanted to create an environment that’s much more aligned to giving stylists the support, facilities and expertise they need to grow and succeed in the industry as it is today. Leaf Studios gives independent stylists access to a recognised brand leader in Leaf Scissors and our community of 28,000 users. It also gives them access to our ambassadors along with marketing, education, content creation and commercial opportunities. This really differentiates Leaf Studios and creates a new blueprint for how we believe stylists should be nurtured and developed.”

Leaf and Leaf Studios – a new creative hub that’s reshaping the future of Leaf and independent stylists 

As a hub of creativity, inspiration and positive connection, Leaf Studios and Leaf Scissors are based at Leaf’s new HQ in Effingham, Surrey. “Our new HQ brings every element of Leaf together”, says Steve. “It’s where we develop the Leaf Scissors brand and invite our partners and ambassadors for collaborations and shared activities. Leaf Studios lies at the heart of this, as the team will help inform our brand direction. As a creative space with working stylists, we can test and develop new products and tools before taking them to market. This real life experience is another unique feature of how stylists will shape the future of Leaf by playing an active role in how our brand evolves.” 

As Leaf Studios welcomes new stylists to its Talent Incubator, aspiring or experienced stylists are invited to apply to be part of this unique model. Steve concludes: “Leaf Studios represents a transformation of how independent stylists can develop their talents and maximise their business potential. We look forward to hearing from stylists and building success together.” 

Learn more about Leaf Studios

Join Leaf Studios

Learn more about Leaf Scissors

Dark Stag’s Pro Curl Cream is the new Professional solution to enhance and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight.

Andrea Romano @2dye4_artistry an alternative stylist of Pensacola, Florida created a signature look for Dark Stag, captured in a photoshoot for us by @missmalum.

Key Product Features:

· Enhances and controls curls and waves

· Hydrates and defines without weight

· Achieve a defined or softer matte finish, using different styling techniques

· Soothing Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli fragrance

· Contains essential oils 

· Water soluble for effortless washout

· 125ml 

Available now from all good Professional-only wholesalers, and at www.darkstag.com

This Father’s Day, BEVEL is doing what it’s always done, showing up for Black men in an unforgettable way.

Meet soccer-enthusiasts and Influencers, Obi Uchendu and his son Tobenna Uchendu (nicknamed “Starboyy”), the father and son duo at the center of BEVEL’s newest Faces of Atlanta’s campaign, and BEVEL’s guests to the 2026 FIFA Word Cup game on Father’s Day! 

At a moment when the world’s eyes are on Atlanta, BEVEL turns its lens on the people who make the city what it is, celebrating the individuality, cultural pride, and distinct style of its Black community — not as a trend, as a commitment.

The new BEVEL Faces of Atlanta campaign launches on June 9th, 2026 and showcases the love of soccer passed down from father to son. Coached by his Dad Obi, Tobenna’s drill routines have routinely gone viral on Instagram, and Obi shares what grooming means to a father raising the world’s next soccer prodigy.

Obi first discovered BEVEL at his barbershop and immediately felt recognition. He felt the brand spoke to him and understood what it meant to take pride in your appearance and your culture. A grooming brand he felt he could pass down to his son. In the Atlanta-shot campaign, Obi shares the impactful mantra instilled in him by his mother: “Look the way you want to be addressed.” It’s a lesson he carries with him every day, and one he’s passing down to Tobenna as he begins to earn recognition of his own. “It felt good to see a brand that culturally represented me and my son,” Obi shared.

BEVEL revolutionized the standards of men’s grooming and personal care products and is renowned for creating premium products that cater to Black men and men of color with curly/coily textured hair and melanin-rich skin. BEVEL continues to uplift and empowering Black men and their experiences, recognizes that grooming is an essential part of every man’s self-care, confidence, mental health. Engineered for the best, by the best, with same precision that separates a good athlete from a world-class one, separates BEVEL from every other grooming brand on the shelf. BEVEL understands what elite performance requires a complete grooming that’s built for you, not adapted for you. BEVEL products instill confidence in men that lasts beyond the field, and to every walk of life. The campaign amplifies the importance of self-care for men who seek to perform at their best in every area of their life, and trust BEVEL products.

On Father’s Day, June 21, Obi and Tobenna will take their seats at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta as guests of BEVEL to watch Spain v Saudi Arabia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A journey that began with backyard drills and a father’s belief, culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime experience neither of them will ever forget. The kind of moment BEVEL was made to celebrate.

As Father’s Day gifting shifts away from novelty and towards meaningful luxury, heritage British brand Kent Brushes is championing a return to craftsmanship, ritual and longevity with its Father’s Day 2026 Gift Guide.

Established in 1777, Kent Brushes has spent nearly 250 years creating grooming essentials that quietly become part of everyday life, from handcrafted hairbrushes and combs to beard brushes and traditional shaving accessories.

At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, quality and products built to last, Kent’s collection taps directly into the growing appetite for heritage-led self-care and elevated daily rituals.

“Men’s grooming is no longer trend-driven alone,” said Zoe Cosby at Kent Brushes. “There’s a growing appreciation for products that feel timeless, functional and personal, pieces that become part of someone’s routine for years, even decades.”

The New Luxury? Everyday Essentials Done Properly

This Father’s Day, Kent Brushes spotlights grooming tools that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern performance:

• Military brushes crafted from natural wood and bristle blends for healthy, polished hair.
• Handmade combs designed to glide effortlessly through the hair
• Beard brushes and grooming sets for modern grooming rituals
• Traditional shaving brushes handcrafted using techniques refined over centuries
• Curated gift sets offering elevated, effortless gifting solutions

Among the standout launches is the LPF3 Pure Flow Military Brush, a sleek, contemporary interpretation of Kent’s iconic military brush design, created for everyday hair and beard grooming.

Other hero products include the gym-bag-ready AH11G, the shine-enhancing PF10, and the luxurious handmade MHN2T, crafted in Kent’s UK factory using traditional methods, and the incredible cashmere clothes brush.

Grooming Gifts That Carry Meaning

Unlike disposable gifting trends, Kent Brushes products are designed to last, often becoming sentimental pieces passed down between generations. From the pocket comb carried daily for years to the shaving brush that transforms routine into ritual, the brand’s products speak to a quieter, more enduring form of luxury.

“Good grooming tools don’t just look beautiful – they become familiar, reliable and personal.”

Heritage Craftsmanship Since 1777

Holding a Royal Warrant across nine consecutive reigns, Kent Brushes remains one of Britain’s most iconic grooming brands, continuing to manufacture many of its products in the UK using time-honoured techniques and the finest materials.

With Father’s Day 2026 expected to see continued demand for practical luxury and heritage gifting, Kent Brushes positions itself firmly at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship and modern grooming culture.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Government’s new crackdown on organized crime operating through high street businesses, while warning that enforcement must be intelligence-led and must not unfairly stigmatize legitimate barbershops, salons, beauty businesses and clinics.

The Home Office has announced a major package targeting rogue businesses linked to money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working, including a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action across law enforcement, Trading Standards and Government departments.

The NHBF said action is urgently needed to protect responsible high street businesses that pay their taxes, follow the rules, invest in staff and maintain safe, professional standards.

The NHBF is calling for a level playing field and fairer regulation across hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics. 

It has worked closely with the Government as it campaigns for stronger enforcement against tax evasion, illegal working and non-compliance, alongside intelligence-led action that targets criminal activity without damaging the reputation of legitimate businesses or the sector as a whole. 

The latest NHBF State of the Sector survey highlights the scale of the challenge. Published in February 2026 and based on 423 responses, it found that many businesses were working hard with little financial room to spare. Among respondents, 51.5% said trade was steady rather than strong, 30.3% reported that business was quiet or very quiet and 54.8% said they were either just breaking even or already operating at a loss.

The same survey found that fair competition and enforcement are major concerns for the sector, including within barbering. Respondents reported that suspicious activity and wider non-compliance can create unfair competition and reputational harm for legitimate businesses. 

The NHBF has said it will continue to press for enforcement that targets non-compliance and criminal behaviour while protecting legitimate operators from being caught up in damaging generalisations.

Darran Gould, NHBF board member and owner of Gould Barbers, said:

“Legitimate barbershops, salons and beauty businesses are the backbone of high streets across the UK. They pay their taxes, train apprentices, follow health and safety rules and support their local communities.”

Legitimate businesses simply cannot compete with illegitimate businesses They should not have to compete with rogue operators who ignore the rules, evade tax, exploit workers or use high street premises as cover for criminal activity.”

This crackdown will also protect the public.  Hair & beauty professionals are highly trained not just in their craft but compliant in health and safety with rigorous hygiene standards as well as being fully insured. UK clients deserve the right to know that they are entering a fully compliant barbershop or salon, feeing totally safe and comfortable. What the Government has just announced is a real step forward. Let’s hope this is the start of a level playing field.”

The NHBF’s survey also found that the biggest cost pressures facing businesses were National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases, employer National Insurance Contributions and energy prices. 

The NHBF said the announcement should be part of a wider strategy to support high streets and compliant small businesses.

Enforcement must be matched by wider reform so that responsible businesses are not pushed into survival decisions while rogue operators are allowed to undercut them.

For this look, keep the taper low and tight while leaving extra weight through the front hairline to create a crisp, structured line-up. The clean blend around the sides and neckline keeps the cut sharp, while the fuller textured top allows the natural curls to remain the focal point. Leaving more length through the fringe area helps enhance the overall shape, frame the face, and gives the cut a more modern, fashion-led finish.

The key to this style is working with the client’s natural texture rather than trying to over-style it. The curls should look controlled, defined and soft with natural movement throughout the top. Keeping the taper low prevents the fade from overpowering the shape and creates a better balance between the tight sides and the textured length on top.

For styling, use a moisturising curl cream to hydrate and define the curl pattern, then finish with a small amount of matte paste for added texture and hold without creating shine. Apply the products through damp hair, focusing the curl cream through the mid-lengths and ends before lightly distributing the matte paste through the top for separation and control.

Diffuse on a low heat and low speed setting to maintain curl definition and minimise frizz. Avoid overworking the hair while drying, as separating the curls too much can create unwanted volume and take away from the clean, defined finish of the cut.

The finished result is a sharp, wearable style that combines clean barbering details with natural texture — modern, versatile and effortless for clients wanting a fresh but low-maintenance look.

Follow Bailey Snowden for more inspiration and style guides.

As the UK’s leading and most sustainable premium professional scissor brand, Leaf Scissors is delighted to announce the launch of the NEW Kit Roll by Leaf!

Designed for hairdressers and barbers who take pride in their craft and how they carry it, this ultra stylish Kit Roll holds multiple scissors with dedicated comb storage to keep your full setup organized, protected, and ready for work!

Available in two stunning colors — the quintessentially Leaf ‘Forest Green’ or ‘Midnight’ clean black — Kit Roll by Leaf is durable and stylish with a structured design that features a secure fastener and convenient hand strap. Clean, minimal and built to last, this Kit Roll has a premium feel that reflects the same thinking behind Leaf tools — simple, functional, and crafted to elevate your everyday.

Whether you’re behind the chair, working on set, creating content, or on the move, Kit Roll by Leaf keeps your tools exactly where they should be. No more digging through your bag. No more loose tools. No more compromise!

Online now at just £39.99, Kit Roll by Leaf is also available through Leaf’s nationwide distributor network.

Leading hair surgeon Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi provides expert tips for healthy and full facial growth.

Facial hair trends evolve just as quickly as men’s hairstyles, and for 2026, the big, bushy beard is making a strong comeback. Jacob Elordi certainly turned heads with Heathcliff’s full-coverage beard in “Wuthering Heights”, which was released in February. While styles may shift over time, facial hair in one form or another remains a timeless staple of men’s grooming.

A recent survey conducted by Elithair found that 37% of 2,000 respondents said their facial hair is likely to affect their self-confidence.The impact is even more pronounced among younger men, with 60% of those aged 18–25 reporting that their facial hair is likely to influence how confident they feel.

The same survey also found strong interest in beard restoration procedures among younger generations. Around 25% of Gen Z respondents (aged 18–28) said they would consider beard restoration surgery, closely followed by millennials at 24%.

To help those struggling to grow a full beard, Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, hair surgeon at leading hair transplant clinic Elithair, explains what causes patchy facial hair and shares five ways to encourage stronger, fuller growth.

What Causes Patchy Beards? Dr. Balwi Explains.

Hypogonadism is one of the main causesof patchy facial hair. This condition reduces testosterone levels, which are essential for masculine development and facial hair growth. Clinically low testosterone levels can indicate testicular failure or an issue in the part of the brain that signals testosterone production, both of which can result in uneven or sparse facial hair growth.

If you’re under 25 and struggling with a patchy beard, it’s also possible that your facial hair simply hasn’t reached its full growth potential yet. Hormonal fluctuations continue to occur for several years after puberty, which can naturally affect beard density and coverage.

Another cause can be the autoimmune condition Alopecia Areata, which sometimes affects facial hair as Alopecia Areata Barbae. Presentation is often sudden, with one or several smooth circular patches. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment, which may include intralesional or topical corticosteroids and other therapies based on severity.

5 Ways to Improve Beard Fullness

1. Beard Oils: Natural oils and essential oils are effective at conditioning your beard hair, which nourishes the strands and makes your beard look thicker. Oils such as castor oil and black cumin oil provide deep moisture to the strands.
2. Microneedling: Studies suggest that microneedling, which creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen, may boost the effectiveness of scalp treatments such as minoxidil or PRP. In principle, microneedling could stimulate thicker, more even beard growth; however, few studies have specifically evaluated its effects on facial hair.
3. Beard Brushes: Using a boar bristle beard hairbrush as part of your beard care routine elongates your hair, especially when it’s used with a beard balm. This makes your facial hair appear fuller.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: A diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D can significantly support healthier hair growth, including beard hair. Biotin strengthens keratin, improving hair thickness and resilience. Zinc helps repair hair tissue and supports follicle health, while vitamin D stimulates new follicles, promoting growth in patchy areas.
5. A Beard Transplant: For a long-term solution, it may be worth considering a beard transplant to achieve an even, patch-free look. To do this, hairs from the back of your head are carefully, individually extracted using the FUE technique. Then, those hair grafts are inserted into the areas with thinning hair in order to tackle patchiness.