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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Munny’s go-to Tools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expanding Global Reach & Female-Focused Hair Solutions

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

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

Elevating Education & Industry Expertise

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

A Word from the Leadership

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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow us on Instagram:

📍 @densehairexperts

📍 @stephaniemason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

@britishhairconsortium #saveoursalons

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

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

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

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

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) is thrilled to announce a major evolution of its highly anticipated Top 100 Influencer Index. Now in its fifth year, due to overwhelming demand and the incredible talent within the sector, the awards will now be divided into two distinct categories: the Top 50 Hair Influencer Index and the Top 50 Beauty Influencer Index.

As the NHBF Top 100 Influencer Index continue to grow, this separation ensures a greater focus on the achievements of professionals across both sectors, giving more recognition to the creators, educators, and trendsetters shaping the sector.

The NHBF Top 100 Influencer Index opens for entries today (Monday 10th March) and is open to all hair and beauty professionals working in the sector who meet the below criteria:

• A professional currently working in the hairdressing, barbering, beauty, spa, nails or aesthetics industries.
• Applicants should have an applicable qualification in the industry they are working in from a regulated awarding organisation, or equivalent continual experience working in the industry (5 years+).

You can nominate as many people as you wish, including yourself, and we encourage you to post it on social media too using #NHBFTop100Influencers. #NHBFTop50HairInfluencers #NHBFTop50BeautyInfluencers

Nominate your Top 100 Influencers here.

The nomination process is simple:

• Enter your name and the name of the person you’re nominating.
• Enter their social media handles (Instagram, TikTok & YouTube).
• Tick the category you are nominating in i.e. Hair or Beauty.
• Confirm that you/they meet the nomination criteria.

Once the nominations close, a Top 250 longlist will be compiled. This will then be independently evaluated based on the following metrics/criteria:

• Followers – the number of people following you/the nominees.
• Engagement – the number of mentions, shares, links, and impressions of your/the nominees’ posts.
• Reach – how many people have seen your/the nominees’ posts.

NHBF Chief Executive, Caroline Larissey said:
“The demand for the NHBF Top 100 Influencer Awards has been absolutely phenomenal. Splitting the awards into two categories allows us to truly showcase the incredible talent and influence across both the hair and beauty sector. We will be unveiling the venues for each final shortly.”

Rob Weston, owner of LEVEL 7 BARBER has been announced as OSMO’s new brand ambassador.

With over 12 years of experience in the barbering industry, Rob Weston’s journey began at LAFHAB (Leeds Academy for Hairdressing & Barbering) in Leeds City Centre. After qualifying, he honed his craft in a busy walk-in barbershop, quickly building a loyal clientele that followed him as he moved to the next town. His
ambition led him to convert part of a hair salon into a dedicated barbershop, where he spent two years establishing his name before returning to the heart of Leeds.

Rob gained valuable experience at Boris & Co, refining his skills in a fast-paced city
environment under Michael Tominay. He later expanded his expertise at King Coby’s and 13 Barbers, working alongside a close-knit team. After three years, fatherhood led him back to a local setting at Boris & Co in Mirfield before he set out on his own venture.

In June 2023, Rob opened Level 7 Barbers in a fully renovated space, creating a
modern, thriving barbershop that remains fully booked. His expertise spans both
barbering and hairdressing, incorporating elements of precision cutting, longer
styles, and colouring into his hybrid approach.

Beyond the shop, Rob has shared his knowledge through stage work with Great British Barber Bash and as a coach for Learn to Cut, an online platform mentoring aspiring barbers to refine their skills and elevate their pricing. He also runs his own independent education courses, helping others unlock their potential.
Rob’s passion for creativity extends to photography and videography, complementing his social media presence.

Always eager to evolve, he continually invests in education and professional development.
Rob’s role as an OSMO ambassador will see him working closely with the brand to create content, attend industry events, and participate in brand shoots… including a
very exciting one, which is yet to be revealed!
“Rob’s expertise in barbering resonates with our passion towards the barbering industry. We’re excited to be working closely with Rob and seeing how his creative
skills help to build the OSMO brand and products to a wider barbering audience,” explains OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.

www.osmo.uk.com
Instagram: @osmouk_official / @osmoikon / @_robweston/@level7barbers

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has announced that Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive and Rosina Robson, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, have been named in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist.

This prestigious recognition, curated by the Trade Association Forum (TAF), Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), and Confederation of British Industry (CBI), celebrates 100 inspirational women who have made significant contributions to trade associations across the UK.

The Powerlist will be officially launched today, March 7, 2025, to coincide with International Women’s Day, underscoring the vital role of female leadership in various sectors.

Caroline Larissey, who assumed the role of NHBF Chief Executive in November 2023, has been instrumental in driving the federation’s strategic initiatives. Her extensive experience spans over three decades, beginning as a salon junior and progressing through roles such as stylist, beauty therapist, business owner, and further education lecturer. Prior to her current position, Caroline served as the NHBF’s Director of Quality and Standards, where she championed the development of industry standards and best practices.

Under Caroline’s leadership, the NHBF has successfully implemented an ambitious five-year strategy, restructured the organization for enhanced operational efficiency, and ensured financial stability and transparency. Notably, the launch of the NHBF Manifesto in May 2024 has set a positive vision for the future, outlining how the government can better support the creativity, entrepreneurship, and public service displayed by NHBF members.

Caroline expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating,
“I am deeply honoured to be recognized in the 2025 Women in Trade Association Powerlist alongside my exceptional colleague, our director of policy and public affairs Rosina Robson. This past year has marked a significant transformation for the NHBF as we’ve successfully implemented our ambitious five-year strategy, restructured our organisation with clear operational frameworks, ensuring both financial stability and transparency. Particularly rewarding has been the launch of our NHBF Manifesto and the establishment of our advisory boards, areas where Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has been instrumental. Her expertise has significantly amplified our sector’s voice at the highest levels of government and strengthened our influence across key policy areas.

The development of our NHBF, Survive and Thrive with the NHBF initiative, our Assured Trade Member scheme, digital credits, recognising sector excellence, and our innovative ‘Business in a Box’ Member offer represent just some of the ways we’re revolutionising how trade associations deliver value. Being selected by FSB, CBI, and the Trade Association Forum validates our approach to combining sector-specific expertise with strategic vision to create lasting positive change for our members and the entire hair and beauty sector.”

Rosina Robson, NHBF’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, brings a wealth of experience from her work in Westminster and Whitehall, where she has been pivotal in securing positive changes to legislation. At the NHBF, Rosina is responsible for presenting the views of members on critical issues such as wages, standards, and taxation to politicians across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Rosina’s outstanding work in policy and political engagement has significantly amplified the sector’s voice at the highest levels of government. Her efforts have strengthened NHBF’s influence across key policy areas, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of members are effectively communicated and addressed.

The inclusion of Caroline Larissey and Rosina Robson in the 2025 Women in Trade Associations Powerlist highlights NHBF’s dedication to excellence, advocacy, and the advancement of the hair and beauty industry.