Within the village of Nottinghamshire there is an incredibly unique barbershop, where you can get a both a haircut and a drink – you don’t even have to move. The Barber Shop & Bar in Burton Joyce offers their clients just that.

The establishment is a barbershop set up nearly 30 years that is also a fully licensed bar in the evenings.

Situated on Station Road in the village, the family-run business has drawn on inspiration from another barbershop bar in Soutwell, which is run by the brother of the owner.

Angela Robertson, who has lived in the village for 22 years and comes from a family of barbers is the owner of The Barber Shop & Bar – which was established in 1992, she said: “When the shop was first opened by my dad, it was just a barbershop back then. Him, my brother and me are all barbers.

She continues “It’s quirky because you can sit in the barbershop chair and have a drink. It’s a great way to utilise the business space because you can have two things going on.”

Former England Football Team barber is offering free haircuts to customers ahead of the Euro 2020 Final. The barber, Simon Townley, used to cut Gareth Southgate’s hair before the 2018 World Cup Semi-Final in Russia.

Townley runs the aptly named Simon Townley Salon in Burnley Lancashire and found the inspiration for the promotion following England’s 2-1 victory against Denmark, and the subsequent drinks that followed – making the offer official by posting it on his Facebook page.

He then woke up to a plethora of messages from people holding him to his very generous offer, and with Final between England and Italy round the corner, it was time to make good on his word.

So far, the biggest trend in these free cuts is to get ‘the Phil Foden’, who’s signature is a bleach blonde buzzcut.

“I’ve done it to a couple of footballers in the past – we’ve done it at the end of the season – and the start of the next season they go into training and I’ve had to dye it back dark, because it takes some cojones” Townley told PA News Agency.

He then continues “(Foden’s) first major tournament, to walk in with that haircut, what a guy. Very cool.”

Townley then reflects on his time spent working with the England Football Team and where it all started “The first time I ever went anywhere with the England squad was in the Euros in 2016 in France, I was doing (goalkeeper) Tom Heaton’s hair at the time – basically he dropped me a message saying do you fancy coming to France? A few of the lads want a haircut.”

The NHBF has dedicated July to the new generation of hair and beauty apprentices and learners just starting out in their career. Its annual Industry Statistics Survey has shown a decline in the number of hair & beauty apprentices year on year since 2018 so NHBF want to start a debate, asking, as an industry in flux, what could the future of hairdressing look like, and is it what we want? 

What is the impact of the rise of the self-employed hairdresser?

Individual self-employed people are unlikely to hire anyone else, especially a trainee. Salon owners who hire only self-employed staff are equally unlikely to invest in training an apprentice, who won’t deliver income into the salon for around two years. 

However, we are seeing the emergence of a hybrid salon model, where most of the stylists are self-employed and the salon invests in apprentices supporting them as fledgling stylists, growing their skills and confidence until they are ready to become self-employed.

Has the cost of employing apprentices become a major barrier to people coming into the industry?  

Recent surveys have shown salon owners reluctant to take on apprentices because they are “all cost and no revenue” for up to two years.  

Salons are unable to afford to take older learners due to having to pay the higher rate of National Minimum Wage (NMW) after the first year. 

The Government’s latest Skill Recovery Package, whilst welcomed, offers just £3,000 for new employees of any age who start their apprenticeship from 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021.

However, a typical 16-18yr old apprentice full time wage for 24 months (the period of the apprenticeship) costs around £14,660 and a typical wage for an apprentice aged 19+ is around £20,800, so this funding provides no real incentive for employers, especially during this difficult financial period.

Does government have a proper understanding of the sector when it sets the rules for apprenticeships?

Probably not, as employers are not able to claim the apprenticeship incentive payments if they take on existing Saturday or part-time staff because they are not considered “new” employees, effectively removing the incentive from one of the traditional entries into the industry.   

What will be impact of the imminent introduction of T-Levels in England?  

The government’s preferred route for 16-19-year-olds is mainly classroom-based and requires learners to demonstrate ‘threshold’ competence, ie the very basic level. 

Anything short of full competence isn’t attractive to salon owners, who are asking whether T-levels will create a generation who have the technical skills, but are not ‘salon-ready’, and will need be trained in these skills whilst also being a fully-paid worker. If T-levels get a poor reputation, that won’t help public perception of hairdressing and beauty as a revered and viable profession. 

Are school-leavers actually interested in a career in hairdressing or beauty?  

Employers may be worrying about the cost at the moment, but could they find the candidates if they wanted them? There is anecdotal evidence of salons that are taking on more apprentices to cope with demand post-lockdown and a rise in interest in hair and beauty as a career. However, others say that the emphasis by schools on academic routes to college and university puts many young people off more vocational careers.

And ultimately what does lack of new talent coming in to or being supported by the industry mean for clients in the future? 

If the majority are seen as less skilled or competent, will those with expertise be able to name their price? A nation of awful hair – imagine! UK hairdressing, and UK hairdressing education, is regarded as the best in the world – it would be a shame to lose that accolade.

Richard Lambert, NHBF chief executive says, “If there is a positive from COVID, it is the elevated profile of hair, and we must use this to ensure a successful future for the industry. What we need is for all hair & beauty professionals, from salon owners to those just starting out, to join in the conversation and let us know your thoughts.”

 Join the conversation 

@nhbfsocial 

#shapingthefutureoftheindustry

NHBF

Session stylist and salon owner, Joe Mills, is offering someone the
opportunity to work as his assistant – giving them a rare and unique
look into the world of men’s grooming and session work.

Joe, who is in regular demand by fashion magazines, celebrities and
advertising campaigns, is offering one lucky person the opportunity to
work alongside him and learn what it takes to be the best of the best.
The role is available for anyone who is a master at multi-tasking,
confident in their ability, flexible with their time and preferably trained
to NVQ level 3. In return, Joe offers amazing session opportunities in this paid role with your own responsibilities.

“I have been working as a men’s session stylist for more than 10 years
and have been fortunate to be in demand for front cover shoots, TV
work, advertising campaigns and red-carpet events. As the UK starts to
get back to some sense of normality, I need an assistant I can rely on,
can turn their hand to any style and is calm under pressure.

“It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to work in the
session world, and I’m looking forward to mentoring and seeing my
assistant grow.”

If you’re interested in this amazing opportunity, contact Joe at joemills1@me.com

Find out more about Joe Mills:
www.joemills.net
www.theloungesoho.co.uk
www.joeandco.net

Instagram:

@joemillshair
@joeandcosoho
@theloungesohohair

Today starts our competition with our friends at BarbersRide.

In association with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, BarbersRide assist in raising funds for critically-ill children to help them and their loved ones make lasting memories, along with helping the child cope with the illness.

BarbersRide gives you full access to some of the industries finest barbers with six exclusive events across the United Kingdom, before hitting the road again the very next day. All rides to date 2017-20 have attracted huge media attention, with video crews filming the entire ride for separate TV and film productions.

The list of dates and cities for 2021 are as follows:

• 7th August: Cut Throat Pete’s Barber Store, Liverpool
• 8th August: House Martin Barbers, Glasgow
• 9th August: Stag&Buck, Fort William
• 10th August: Hard Grind, Dundee
• 11th August: Ultimate Grooming, Yarm
• 12th August: Lords’ Barbering, Leeds

To celebrate their incredible and kind act, we have partnered with them for a very exciting give away!

Starting from today, Monday 28th of June until Friday 2nd of July, we are launching an Instagram competition. The prize package includes 2 full access BarbersRide tickets worth £360 and some very special goody bags!

For a chance to win:

• Follow @BarbersRide on Instagram
• Follow @BarberEVO on Instagram
• Comment on either of our posts/reply to the stories why you should win and which city you would like to attend (can be done once a day)
• Share to your story (can be done once a day)

Winner will be picked midnight on the 2nd of July 2021 (GMT), so good luck!

Some of the biggest names in the barbering industry have all grouped together to bring one of the most exciting and most anticipated barbering competitions to date!

We have already done a small ‘meet the judges’ on our Instagram but in case you missed it, we have;

• Sid Sottung – Global Andis Educator with over 30 years in the industry
• Baldy – Owner of Baldy’s Barbers and Lead Global Educator for Andis
• Simon May – Founder of Dapper Dan and owner of Wolf & Co Barbers
• Brandi Lashay – Owner of The Barber Doll House LLC and Babyliss Barberology Platform Educator
• Colin Petrie – Founder of Hard Grind and part of the American Crew Elite Team
• Tyrik Jackson – CEO of Premier Barber Institute & Sharper Image Barbers

The prizes for the winner promise to be career changing; a cover shoot with us, BarberEVO, a DSLR camera to make sure your photos are always sharp as your cuts, £500 voucher from Barber Blades, a five-day training course from Sid Sottung himself, and £400 credit from Nearcut!

Submissions open July 1st 2021, so make sure you’re following @probarber_worldseries on Instagram for all the updates!

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Hairdressing, Barbering and Cosmetology was reconstituted at the AGM on the 14 June.

This APPG is the ONLY All Party Parliamentary Group representing the hairdressing and barbering sector and serves an important role in the industries access to Government in conjunction with the new Personal Care department at BEIS.

Joined by many MPs from all political parties, Christina Rees MP was voted in as Chair with the following MPs voted in as Vice Chairs;

• John McNally MP
• Catherine West MP
• Ruth Jones MP
• Caroline Nokes MP
• Tonia Antoniazzi MP
• Sir David Arness MP

In addition, Connect Communications was voted in as the group’s continuing secretariat and the Councils political PR organisation.

Great news for the sector knowing this APPG in Westminster is fully active with increased political support.

Hair & Barber Council Registrar, Keith Conniford, says: “Never before has the industry needed a stronger voice to Government more than now, and as we emerge from this pandemic, the continuance of our APPG at Westminster is critical to the future positioning of our industry in the political arena. To be wholly recognised as the professionals we are, this APPG will focus on the many needs and concerns of our sector, whilst continuing to fight for mandatory registration, and the Hair & Barber Council are proud to support and sponsor it.”

Sunderland barbershop owner, Shado Hasso and brother Basil, to offer free haircuts to those with disabilities as a way ‘to give back to the community’.

The brothers, who both own their own Star barbershops respectively, have joined together to dive into the charitable venture together. Shado had even went into care homes pre-pandemic to give free haircuts but currently is unable to continue this.

He has been offering the free service to those who have disabilities which make it difficult to earn an income to afford the expenditure such as a haircut and has done for the last four years.

“We want as many people to know so that more people can benefit from it” says Shado. He also states that the service is for anyone with any disability and at any age, and that they don’t even have to book beforehand.

They have been praised by both locals and people online for the hard work and kindness, receiving messages of positive affirmation on Facebook and by their patrons.

Exauce Imbo discovered a love and passion for hair from a very young age.

He watched his father in awe growing up while his friends came over to the family home to get their hair done, Imbo considered what he saw to be nothing short of an art form.

With years and years of persuaded hair cuts on his brothers he is now established himself as one of Glasgow’s (Scotland) black haircare barbers – a title which also follows with a list of celebrity clients, which include Celtic Footballer, Odsonne Edouard, Rangers Footballer, Jermain Defoe as well as reality TV stars, Wes Nelson and Chris Biggs.

Even with the risk of opening his first shop during the global pandemic, he knew that he owed it to his 14-year-old self to keeping going, for the both of them.

In his interview with BBC Radio Scotland, Exauce told Stephan Jardine how his family – specifically his brothers helped pav the way for his success.

He goes on to say “”I had plenty of disasters along the way. But you learn from it”, also jokingly says that due to both his brothers being younger, they had no choice other than to go along with it.

Having now at the age of 19 launching his own shop near Ibrox football stadium Exauce informs the morning show that he has been fully booked both over June and July, finishing with “It comes down to the craft itself. If you are giving out a good service, a good haircut, if you communicate with your client and they like it they will come back to you. If they don’t, they won’t”.

Back and Booming!

We know it has been a manic few weeks back for those of you returning to your chairs, that’s why we have packed this issue full of exciting content, to not only inspire our readers, but educate, inform, and offer helpful tips and tricks from leading experts.

As we all know, adapting is the name of the game, during these unprecedented times. We speak to leading barbers Luka Chitty and Phil Jarman about how they utilised their time during the lockdown for the better, by retraining, and adding another notch to their belts. 

L3VEL3

Speaking of comebacks, featured on our front cover are Jay Nouri and A-Rod, Founders of L3VEL3 grooming. In this issue we chat to Jay about how the barber-owned and operated company, pulled together during lockdown to launch their impressive range of grooming products and tools. Now available in the UK, Jay told us of his goals to elevate the barbering industry and help barbers around the world level up their retail game. 

Finishing Tools & Products

In the barbering world, its all about giving your client that detailed, sharp and perfected finish. For that, you need the right tools and products. 

We chat to industry-leading barbers like Hayden Cassidy, JJ Savani, Pete Cranfield, and many more to find out what tools and products they depend on to ensure their clients are walking out that door with a look that could be only achieved by a skilled barber. 

Sustainability

We all know that there is no planet B. But did you know that adding more sustainable solutions and features to your barbershop will not only help lower your environmental footprint, but help increase your footfall? For many barbershops, green solutions have become their USP which has driven in more eco-conscious customers and in turn, brought in more revenue. 

We chat to barbers and hairstylists such as Ky Wilson, OS Barbershops, Damien Diablo who have made sustainability a priority in their shops, from utilising the recycling services of Green Salon Collective, reducing waste, incorporating refill bars, and using more eco-friendly products! Every little bit helps to create a big difference. 

Colour

Finally, have you ever thought about bringing colour services into the barbershop? The boundaries between what is being offered in salons and barbershops are becoming more and more blurred—and why not! Why let salons have all the colourful fun? 

In this issue we investigate the pros and cons of bringing colour and other alternative services into the barbershop, and what to look out for. We chat to 2020 British Master Barber of the Year Shaun Buckingham – known for his skill and creativity with colour about how to use colour in the barbershop, while balancing time and increasing revenue. Norman Boulton, member of the Crazy Color Squad talks haircare, and that you don’t have to sacrifice hair health for vivid colours.  We also catch up with Bridey Jo, of Bridey Jo Barbers, who shares all the additional services she offers to pamper both her male and female clients.