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.

 A destination salon in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. Offering a completely personalised approach to hair and beauty for the individual. A place to relax and leave rejuvenated. 

Formerly known as NineteenTwenty salon, Grant Carr has opened up the business and his apprentice, Ray Murdoch, has joined the business as co-owner. This new partnership marks the start of a new era and Garçon is born. Talking about the change Grant explains “Together we had already been re-directing the business for a more combined wellbeing approach over the last 12 months and the new name and look encapsulates and defines the buzz we have created.” 

Ray added “The meaning behind the new name reflects our inner drive and curiosity to become something greater; masters of our craft. Having worked so closely with Grant for the last ten years, I am equally as passionate about the future of Garçon.” 

The team welcomed clients and Glasgow’s finest to their exclusive opening event on 5th March at the flagship salon and an afterparty at their neighbour and exclusive kloud with RendezVous bringing the party vibes. 

Working with leading haircare brands including Aveda and L’Oreal, the highly skilled team offer a range of hair and beauty services. Combining additional services such as sports therapy and aesthetics for busy clients, building a feel-good routine into their lifestyle and wellbeing. 

 Follow @garcon.glasgow 

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) welcomes the Government’s announcement of a £900 million expansion of the Youth Guarantee and wide-ranging reforms to the apprenticeship system changes that should prove positive for the hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics sector across the UK.

Announced on 16^th March 2026, the package represents the most significant reshaping of youth employment and skills policy in recent years. For a sector that has long championed entry-level employment, on-the-job learning, and entrepreneurship, the NHBF believes these reforms could help unlock substantial new talent for businesses, if implemented effectively. 

Youth Guarantee and Jobs Incentives

The expansion of the Jobs Guarantee Scheme to include 22 to 24 year olds is particularly welcome news. Hair & beauty businesses, the majority of which are small or micro-enterprises, frequently say the cost and risk of taking on young staff is a barrier to recruitment. New hiring incentives for employers recruiting young people on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment could make a real difference for salon, barbershop and clinic owners willing to invest in the next generation.

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the NHBF, commented:

“Hair & beauty is one of the most powerful vehicles we have for getting young people into skilled, fulfilling work. We welcome any policy that lowers the barrier for businesses to say yes to a young person who is ready to learn. The expanded Youth Guarantee, combined with incentives for smaller employers, is a step in the right direction and we look forward to working with Government to ensure our sector can access every benefit available.”

Hair & Beauty has a workforce which is more than 85% female, so any support given to the sector benefits a population who have been historically underserved by the Government.

Apprenticeship Reform: What It Means for Hair and Beauty

The Growth and Skills Levy reforms bring both opportunity and challenge for the sector. From April 2026, the Government will introduce further incentives for non-levy paying employers, which accounts for the vast majority of hair & beauty businesses, who recruit 16 to 24 year old apprentices. This is a direct response to longstanding calls from the NHBF and the sector for a system that works for small employers.

More than 80% of hair & beauty businesses employ fewer than five people, and 95% employ fewer than ten.

However, the latest State of the Sector Survey report from the NHBF shows that 69% of businesses said it was more difficult to find staff than 12 months earlier, so there’s a clear need for Government support.

Key changes relevant to hair & beauty employers include:

• Additional financial incentives for non-levy* employers hiring 16–24 year old apprentices, launching from April 2026. (*those with an annual wage bill of less than £3 million – so the majority of the sector).
• Foundation Apprenticeships expanding into hospitality and retail sectors from April 2026 — sectors that share the workforce pipeline with hair and beauty and offer comparable entry-level pathways.
• A new Level 2 Administrative Assistant Apprenticeship aimed at 16–24 year olds, available for starts from 1^st August 2026, creating additional opportunities for young career starters in salon and clinic support roles (such as receptionist)
• Streamlining of the apprenticeship offer, reducing over 700 standards to focus funding on young people and critical skills. Hair and beauty apprenticeship standards are not among those being withdrawn.
• Apprenticeship Units launching from April 2026, allowing employers to use levy funding for flexible workforce training for the first time. The initial seven units focus on engineering and digital sectors, but the NHBF will engage with Skills England on future units relevant to hair and beauty.

Important Information fo Levy Funding Employers (ie those paying over £3 million in wages)

While welcoming the investment, the NHBF draws the sector’s attention to changes that will affect how levy funds are managed from August 2026:

• The expiry period for new levy funds will reduce from 24 months to 12 months (applying only to funds entering accounts from 1^st August 2026).
• The 10% monthly top-up on levy accounts will be removed for new funds from 1 August 2026.
• The employer co-investment rate, once levy funds are exhausted, will change from 95%/5% to 75%/25% from August 2026 for new apprentices. Existing apprentices on programme retain the 95% government contribution.

The NHBF strongly encourages levy-paying members to review their current apprenticeship plans in light of these changes and to seek guidance before August 2026.

NHBF Response and Next Steps

The NHBF will be monitoring implementation closely and engaging with Skills England and the Department for Education to ensure that hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics businesses are able to access the full range of support available. 

We will publish guidance for members and the wider sector as further details emerge, including on funding rates for Apprenticeship Units (expected April 2026) and on training provider conditions (confirmed 30^thMarch 2026).

Members with questions about how these changes affect their business are encouraged to contact the NHBF membership team or visit nhbf.co.uk for the latest guidance.

BarberEVO chatted with Josh Porter to learn more about the process for bringing his Mr Barbers Sawbridgeworth location from a dream to a reality.

Josh Porter has worked at Mr. Barbers for about seven years. He started at the Bishop’s Stortford shop, learning the business, standards, and services the UK barbershop franchise is known for. Now, with the help of the owner Karl Foster, he’s opening his own location in his hometown of Sawbridgeworth. “I’ve lived here all my life, so opening a shop in the town means a lot to me:” Josh reflects. 

BarberEVO chatted with Josh to learn more about the process for bringing his location from a dream to a reality. 

Josh told us that he’s always wanted to open his own shop, doing so with Mr. Barbers is an added bonus. 

“It’s a brand I’ve been part of for years and really believe in,” he reflects: “Karl and the team have been really supportive throughout the whole process. From planning the shop to getting everything ready for opening, they’ve helped guide me and made the whole experience much smoother.” 

During the process for the build out, Josh made sure to make his location feel like home while still preserving the Mr. Barber’s brand identity. 

“Being involved in the process meant I could add some of my own ideas while still keeping the clean, professional look people expect from a Mr. Barbers’ shop:” he explained. 

The location had its grand opening at the beginning of the month. Josh described the shop as “modern, clean and welcoming,” adding: “The aim was to create a space where customers feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the door.” 

Now that the location is open to customers, Josh is excited to be a part of the local community: “It’s great to see familiar faces coming into the shop and meeting new customers as well.” 

Going forward, Josh is looking forward to building a strong team and continuing to grow his location.

You can learn more about Mr Barbers and its locations by visiting its website. 

Novo Cabelo has announced Steven Goldsworthy as the winner of its first ever Stylist of the Year Award, unveiled during a live online ceremony hosted by founder Rob Wood.

The award marks a significant moment for the company, celebrating not only technical excellence in hair systems, but also the compassion, consultation standards and ongoing client care that sit at the heart of the Novo Cabelo philosophy.

Steven, a trained trichologist, was recognised for his ethical approach to hair loss solutions and his commitment to supporting clients throughout every stage of their journey.

Steven said: “As a Trichologist, my role in hair loss has always been to identify the underlying cause, advise on preventative measures, and, in extreme cases, refer clients for a hair transplant. However, transplantation is not always the right solution, and I felt strongly that there was a gap in care where many clients were being left without a suitable alternative.

After months of research, I discovered Novo Cabelo, which at the time was a relatively new company. I followed their work closely, watched their social platforms, and eventually reached out to undertake their training. Once we began offering hair systems, the response was overwhelming. We were inundated with enquiries and quickly built a large, loyal client base.

Hair systems are not for everyone, and we are always completely upfront about the costs and ongoing maintenance. I often compare the decision to Botox versus a facelift: one is temporary but still a significant investment, while the other is permanent, surgical, very expensive and irreversible.

Winning this award is a wonderful tribute to my amazing system clients and, most importantly, gives future clients confidence that they are in safe, experienced hands, receiving both an exceptional service and a high quality solution.”

Hosted online by Novo Cabelo founder Rob Wood, the event brought together stylists from across the network to recognise excellence in a sector that has historically lacked structured education and ongoing professional support.

Rob Wood said: “This award is about far more than hair. It is about restoring confidence, identity and dignity for people who have experienced hair loss. Steven represents everything 

Novo Cabelo stands for: integrity, care, innovation and a deep understanding of the emotional journey our clients are on.

When we launched Novo Cabelo, our mission was to raise standards within the hair system industry and remove any stigma around wearing hair. That starts with education, aftercare and supporting our stylists so they can support their clients properly. Steven embodies that standard.”

Since launching its training programme, Novo Cabelo has focused on transforming the perception of hair systems within the wider hair industry. By prioritising in depth consultation processes, structured aftercare, scalp health and system safe product development, the company has built a reputation for innovation rooted in client wellbeing.

The introduction of the Stylist of the Year Award signals the brand’s ongoing commitment to recognising professionals who deliver not only outstanding transformations, but also long term care and transparency.

As Novo Cabelo continues its expansion across the UK and into Europe, the annual awards are set to become a cornerstone moment in celebrating the stylists who are reshaping the future of modern hair replacement.

NATURE IN MOTION

Experience an inspiring one-day education event with Hair In Motion, representing the peak of the industry in creativity, innovation, and trend expertise. Hair In Motion will demonstrate the latest trends collection as seen on stage internationally, where you will see cut, style, and colour brought to

life through expert live demonstrations. Hair In Motion represents the forefront of the industry when it comes to education, innovation, and knowledge of trends, with flawless execution

of technique. HIM aims to progress the industry forward one student at a time through unique

courses and events.

In this powerful partnership, Aveda joins forces with Hair In Motion to actively engage and inspire through a commercial yet artistic lens. Joinus to meet the HIM team up close and personal for the

ultimate look and learn education experience.

LEARN

Be inspired by the Hair In Motion team as they present the latest trends collection through digital

presentations and live models.

See cutting, styling, and colouring techniques showcased live by industry leaders.

Learn new cutting techniques for both men’s and women’s hair.

Discover innovative styling methods and techniques easily implemented into daily salon life.

Build strong short-hair foundations using a blend of

barbering and hairdressing principles.

Apply scissor, clipper, and razor techniques to create precision, texture, and personalized detailing.

Understand shape, proportion, and balance to design elevated short haircuts that suit every guest.

Develop confidence in finishing, refining, and maintaining short looks to keep guests rebooking.

• Start time: 10.00AM
• Finish time: 5.00PM
• Level: Advance
• Duration: 1 day
• Price: £275

Spring is in the air and that means as well as refreshing your wardrobe, your hair deserves a seasonal upgrade too. This spring, men’s hair trends are all about blending timeless styles with bold, modern touches. From effortless texture to statement cuts, this spring is the perfect time to change up your look. 

Curtain Fringes

Curtain fringes are making a serious comeback this spring, offering the perfect mix of retro flair and modern edge. Characterised by their slightly off-centre parting, the hair flows and frames the face, working well for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. What makes curtain fringes so appealing is their versatility. They can be worn sleek and polished or tousled and textured. With the right cut and styling, a curtain fringe can add movement and dimension to your hair, making it a must-try for spring. 

Mod Cut

Defined by its sharp lines, cropped sides and slightly longer top sections, the mod cut steps back into the spotlight this spring. It’s sharp and structured silhouette demands attention without shouting for it. The beauty of the mod cut lies in its adaptability, slicking it back exudes confidence and polish, whereas a textured, tousled mod adds personality and edge. This spring is all about versatility and men’s styles that are both timeless and fresh.

Frosted Tips

Frosted tips are bringing a playful, eye-catching twist to men’s hairstyles this spring. Its lighter ends contrast with your natural hair, adding dimension and personality without needing a complete style overhaul. This style is perfect for those who want to experiment with colour, while keeping their cut simple. Frosted tips can be subtle for a modern, refined look or more pronounced for a statement-making, nostalgic vibe. This spring, frosted tips prove that even small pops of colour can make a big difference.

Coloured Buzz Cut

The coloured buzz cut is taking men’s hair to a new level this spring, combining minimalism with bold self-expression. It’s short, uniform length makes it low maintenance, but by adding a pop of colour, it is instantly transformed into a bold, statement look. This style is perfect for those looking for an effortless style that is unforgettable, offering a contrast between simplicity and creativity. With the dyed buzz cut, spring has become the season to experiment fearlessly, proving that even shorter styles can have maximum impact.

The beauty and barbering world is changing fast. The most influential professionals are no longer just stylists or barbers. They’re founders, educators, creators and brand builders with global audiences.

Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, is bringing some of those voices together through the expansion of its global Brand Ambassador programme, welcoming a new generation of industry talent helping redefine what success in beauty looks like.

From multi-location salon owners and global educators to founders of grooming brands and academies, the newest ambassadors represent a wave of professionals building businesses that extend far beyond the chair.

Collectively, the new cohort reaches more than 200 million people online each month, reflecting the growing cultural influence of beauty professionals who have become creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their own right.

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

Leading the expansion is Josh Lamonaca, co-founder of MENSPIRE and one of the most recognisable figures in modern barbering. A British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and now Fresha’s Head of Hair Education, Lamonaca has helped turn barbering into a global education movement.

“We’re at a turning point,” Lamonaca said. “The next generation of leaders won’t just be known for their craft, but for how intelligently they build and scale their businesses.”

Joining him is Chloe Ferry, founder of The Beauté Lounge, who brings major cultural visibility alongside the experience of building a consumer beauty brand from the ground up.

The ambassador network also welcomes:

Thaddeus Jayaseelan, founder of barbering academy Gradient and a rising voice in education-led barbering

Andrea Amighetti, a respected multi-location salon owner and educator operating across Europe

Alexi Michael, founder of the global barber education platform Learn to Cut

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

Kochi Faraj, founder of Kochi Dubai and haircare brand Kochi Haircare

Yadiel Alberto Rodriguez (A-Rod), co-founder of international grooming brand L3VEL3

Across salons, academies, product brands and social platforms, these operators represent the modern blueprint for success in the industry.

“As an entrepreneur, alignment matters,” said Thaddeus Jayaseelan. “Fresha represents simplicity, structure and growth, and helps barbers unlock their business potential without costly mistakes.”

Where creativity meets infrastructure

The beauty industry has always been driven by talent. What’s changing is how that talent builds and scales businesses.

Today’s professionals are managing global audiences, launching product lines, opening multiple locations and running education platforms alongside their day-to-day work. Technology is increasingly what enables that growth.

Through Fresha’s platform, ambassadors use integrated booking, payments, reporting and marketplace tools to manage operations and understand customer behaviour as their brands expand.

“At scale, talent alone isn’t enough. Structure is everything,” said Andrea Amighetti.
“Fresha gives our business the visibility needed to grow across multiple locations without compromising quality.”

A global community of beauty leaders

The newest ambassadors join an established group of partners already helping shape the programme, including Sam Bentham (Rascals Barbershop), Mark Maciver (SliderCuts), Hester Wernert-Rijn (Mogeen), Lydia Wolfe, and Jack Mead.

Together they represent a growing global community of professionals pushing the industry forward, combining creativity, entrepreneurship and influence.

“Fresha is rapidly transforming the United States and Canada,” said Alexi Michael. “It’s becoming the system of choice across the industry because the product continues to evolve and support businesses month after month.”

With more than 140,000 partner businesses worldwide, Fresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.

When your tools work as hard as you do, upgrading isn’t about chasing the newest release — it’s about choosing equipment that keeps pace with your craft. The Recon™ Clipper and Recon™ Trimmer have quickly proven themselves behind the chair, earning a place in daily rotations thanks to their balance of power, control, and customization.

If your current setup is starting to feel limiting, Recon™ delivers the performance upgrade your station has been waiting for.

Power That Performs, All Day

At the core of both tools is vector motor technology, designed to maintain speed and torque even under heavy load.

• Recon™ Clipper: A 9,000 SPM motor delivers smooth bulk removal, confident fades, and seamless blending — even through dense hair.
• Recon™ Trimmer: An 8,500 SPM motor offers sharp detailing, clean lineups, and precise bald work without drag or hesitation.

The result is consistent cutting performance from your first client to your last.

Precision You Can Feel

Control matters — especially during fades, tapers, and finishing work.

• Adjustable Phaze blade on the clipper: Choose click or no-click lever control for personalized cutting.
• DLC-coated T-blade on the trimmer: Reduces friction for smooth, snag-free lines and is zero-gap capable for crisp detailing.

Both tools feature compact metal housings that reduce vibration and hand fatigue, helping you stay steady during long sessions.

Built to Match Your Style and Workflow

Recon™ doesn’t just perform — it fits your station.

• Interchangeable housings: Customize the look of both tools with black chrome, gold, or matte black covers.
• Premium charging stands: Quick-release stands keep your tools powered, accessible, and your station clutter-free.
• USB-C charging: Fast, convenient recharging that works with modern setups.

With long cordless runtimes — up to 4 hours on the clipper and 2 hours on the trimmer — interruptions stay off your schedule.

A Smart Upgrade for Serious Professionals

Whether you’re refining fades, sharpening lineups, or powering through packed days, the Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer elevate both performance and presentation. They’re not about hype — they’re about reliability, control, and confidence behind the chair.

If your current tools are holding you back, upgrading to Recon™ isn’t just a refresh — it’s an investment in your craft.

Upgrade your lineup. Cut with confidence. Recon™ is ready when you are.

Shop Now USA // Shop Now UK & Ireland

Dark Stag proudly unveils the all-new Pro Curl Cream, available March 2026. Designed for Professional Barbers to enhance, and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight. Perfect to finish curls or waves with definition, or for a softer matte finish, break up hair with fingers after use.

Infused with a soothing blend of Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli, and enriched with high-quality essential oils, Pro Curl Cream brings professional-grade performance and refinement to curls and waves – whatever the style.

Key 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 March 2026

RRP:
£14.99
€20.80