How do you figure out which style of moustache to go for?

Choosing a moustache style depends on a few factors: your face shape, hair growth pattern, and personal style. For example, those with a rounder face might go for a longer, more structured style like the handlebar, giving the illusion of length to balance out the roundness of the face. While someone with a more angular face could suit a chevron or pencil moustache, as shorter and more defined styles can complement any sharp features. It’s all about experimenting and finding a style that complements your look.

How long will it take to grow? What do you do if it’s patchy?

Typically, it takes around 4-6 weeks to grow a solid moustache, however this will vary person to person and if you’re anything like me, as little as 2 weeks can be enough to have a pretty thick moustache. This can be both a blessing and a curse if you think about the required upkeep and maintenance of fast and thick growing facial hair.

If it’s a bit patchy, patience is key. Let it grow out and see how it fills in, as the hairs may cover sparse areas over time. If not, a touch of beard oil and a bit of light trimming can help create a fuller appearance.

What tools do you need?

A good quality narrow comb and small scissors are essential for trimming and shaping. An electric trimmer with adjustable guards is also handy, as it lets you maintain the desired length and avoid over-trimming, if short symmetry is what you’re looking for.

What products do you need?

A quality beard oil, such as OSMO Beard Complex, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Moustache wax is also useful for adding a bit of hold. Although my pro tip is that any hair wax, such as OSMO Matte Clay Extreme, can be equally, if not more effective than a moustache wax, especially if you’re styling a more structured look.

How do you keep it clean?

Keeping a moustache clean is easy with regular washing, ideally with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove any food particles or oils without drying out the hair or skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with beard oil to keep it hydrated.

To order OSMO for your salon contact your local OSMO wholesaler at www.osmo.uk.com

The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons. 

Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue

While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

The summary of the Budget:

• Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
• Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
• Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
• Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000  
• Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
• Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
• Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
• National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
• Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
• £1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport

The full details of the Budget can be found here. 

The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (HABIA) have recently made the exciting appointment of Director and Co-Owner of Matakki, Emma Curd, to their team.

Emma will be joining the team as an ambassador with a focus on standards, in addition to Matakki being a HABIA official working partner.

Joan Scott, CEO of HABIA, said: “HABIA focus on standards, Education, Excellence, and careers. We are delighted to welcome Emma as an ambassador, with a focus on standards. Her experience and professional status in addition to the Matakki brand values, alongside their focus on industry standards and practices, align with those of HABIA perfectly.

“We appreciate the work that James, Emma and the Matakki team undertake to support the industry and work with hair professionals, educators and learners to champion technical excellence and high industry standards. We are excited to partner with such an initiative-taking brand, who offer such excellence to the industry.”

“Habia are truly about high standards and technical excellence, and I am thrilled to assume an additional role alongside my roles at AHT and world skills, with the backing of the Matakki brand to achieve that,” Emma enthused. “Standards has been the core of my professional career, it does not matter what uniform I have worn or what title I have held, I have pursued excellence in all.

“At Matakki we continue to promote and support these values to elevate the hair and beauty industry and maintain the professional status it deserves. As a senior manager and Director with experience in varying sectors, it is my belief that structured and accredited training with assessment in any industry, provides better outcomes and safer working.

“I am incredibly lucky to be a part of the Matakki brand formed by my husband back in 2003. James is an authority on steel, an expert technician, and an outstanding marketeer. This combination of varied skills being at the centre of our brand, ensure a holistic business model.

“Collaborating with our amazing team internally, our global ambassadors and official partner salons, allows us to strive to promote safe, secure, and equitable working environments through accredited training from FE through to CPD for all.”

Emma’s career spans almost 25 years as a qualified and registered clinician, including roles as a senior manager, Treasurer at the RCN union in Yorkshire and Humber and active senior clinician, prescriber, and mentor in her field of expertise.

This experience means Emma holds valuable knowledge, and a skill set which includes key areas such as risk assessment, prevention of cross infection, health and safety in the workplace and ergonomics. This is unbelievably valuable to affecting change around industry standards for learners and employers.

Emma has been a respected lead in the NHS, managing both teams and services, and is an advocate of qualification and continuing professional development. Since 2016, Emma has transferred those skills into Matakki alongside her husband James Curd, founder of Matakki, whilst retaining her qualified and accredited clinical status to function as a resource around user health in both equipment, its maintenance, ergonomics and working environments.

Emma’s role as ambassador will see her supporting HABIA across the hair and beauty industry alongside other experts, to develop national occupational standards which are incremental to professional qualification.

Jude Taylor has been announced as the new brand ambassador for OSMO. The Newcastle upon Tyne stylist has swiftly rose to the top of the industry after kickstarting his career in 2019.

Starting his apprenticeship just before the pandemic, Jude’s dedication and passion saw him qualify with a Level 3 diploma in 2023. As a new ambassador for OSMO, Jude will be focusing his expertise on curly hair and vibrant colour creations.

“I’m very excited to share my passion and expertise to the wider OSMO Family,” June enthused. “Curly hair is a real love for me (even for my own curly hair!) and I already love working with the OSMO Curl Revival range in the salon with my clients, so it’ll be great to demonstrate my cutting style to my peers. I also love working with vibrant colours, and the OSMO Color Pyscho and OSMO IKON shades and bleaches really help me achieve standout looks for my clients. I’m really looking forward to sharing my enthusiasm and skills in this new role.”

“We caught Jude’s creativity at a show and were so impressed with his expertise and passion for our craft. We know Jude will bring energy and new technical creativity within the OSMO Family, and we’re all excited to be working with Jude,” said OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin.

Jude’s style is characterised by his super creative and alternative approach to hairdressing, often bending the traditional rules. He thrives on creating bold, unconventional colours that are rarely seen in everyday life, making his work stand out in a crowd.

Jude’s talent has not gone unnoticed within the industry. He has placed in the top 10 for three consecutive years in the apprenticeship category of the UK Hair and Beauty Awards, and more recently, he secured 7th place at the same awards for Stylist of the Year.

Jude also just won “Unique Colourist of the Year” in the North East Hair and Beauty Awards. One of Jude’s favourite aspects of his career is performing on stage. He collaborates with incredible creatives through electronics brand, Diva Pro Styling, and recently had the opportunity to showcase his skills at HairCon, an experience he cherishes.

BarberEVO UK columnist and industry icon Alan Beak has been appointed as the new Global Ambassador for Booksy, marking a significant milestone for both the platform and the barbering community.

Known for his precision, creativity, and passion for education, Alan’s partnership with Booksy positions him as a driving force in promoting innovation and digital solutions within the industry.

As Director and Co-Founder of RUGER., Alan has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge barbering techniques. His new role with Booksy will see him championing the integration of technology into barbershops worldwide.

Through this collaboration, Alan will play a pivotal role in showcasing how digital tools can streamline operations, enhance client experiences, and help barbers elevate their businesses to new heights.

“The impact that Booksy had on RUGER. was phenomenal because we were the only people in our area that were taking our bookings,” Alan explained. “Now your time is your money, and our time is our money, and we would have people come to the shop at 8 a.m. on a Saturday and sit there for 4 or 5 hours waiting. Now, we’ve respected their time, and they’ve respected ours just waited anyway. But having that streamline of clients knowing full well who you have in the chair all day made us much more professional.”

As Booksy expands globally, Alan Beak’s influence will undoubtedly strengthen its presence in the barbering industry, inspiring professionals to embrace modern solutions that maximize efficiency and customer engagement. His ambassadorship signals a bright future where artistry meets innovation, setting a new standard for the industry.

Andis^® Company proudly announces the launch of the Envy II Clippers, available in Standard or Premier edition options.

Essential to the Envy II Clippers is the all-new Phaze blade, an adjustable carbon-steel blade that transitions seamlessly from 0000 to 0A. This blade bridges the gap between fade and taper blends, offering unmatched versatility and precision.

Additionally, the Envy II Clippers’ perfectly balanced design reduces hand strain, ensuring effortless use during extended barbering sessions. The textured housing provides a secure grip, and innovative features ensure a smooth learning curve and professional-grade results, empowering the next generation of barbers.

The Envy II Clipper (standard) features a more powerful motor than the first-edition Envy Li Cordless Clipper, running at 6,500 SPM, with a lithium-ion battery for up to two hours of run time. The kit includes 11 attachment combs, providing a wide range of cut lengths for versatile styling options. 

For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the Envy II Clipper Premier edition features elevated technology in elegant gold housing and includes a matching charging stand and six attachment combs, combining sophistication with practicality. The Envy II Premier Clipper features an even more powerful motor, running at 6,700 SPM, with a lithium-ion battery for up to two and a half hours of run time. The Phaze blade on the Premier edition also features a dynamic, 22-tooth ceramic cutter that runs cooler and stays sharper longer, enhancing durability and performance.

“The Envy II Clippers embody Andis Company’s commitment to innovation and improvement,” said Matt Andis, Co-CEO of Andis Company. “With unmatched versatility, inclusivity and performance, we are excited to see how both new and experienced barbers will benefit from these next-level tools.” 

The user-friendly design and precision capabilities of the Envy II Clippers set a new benchmark for professional grooming tools. New and seasoned barbers alike can elevate their skills with the innovation of the Envy II Clippers.

The Envy II Clipper (standard) is available here.

The Envy II Premier Clipper is available here.

For more information visit www.andis.com and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Andis^® Company proudly announces the launch of its highly anticipated Black Label Collection. This exclusive lineup features the GTX-EXO^® Special-Edition Trimer with M-Force^™ technology and the Master Cordless^® Special-Edition Clipper with Phaze blade, setting new benchmarks in cutting performance and precision. 

The GTX-EXO^® Special-Edition Trimmer redefines cutting precision with its groundbreaking M-Force^™ magnetic tension system on its GTX-Z^® blade with a true zero gap. This patent-pending technology delivers consistent blade speed resulting in cooler, smoother and quieter cutting.

It also provides consistent magnetic tension across the entire blade for more power and cutting precision. The springless design decreases wear and tear on the motor and drive components for longer tool life, while allowing for faster blade removal and reassembly. Plus, the slimmer yoke design enhances visibility for an improved line of sight. 

“We continue to push the limits of cutting performance with M-Force^™ — the industry’s first and only magnetic blade tension system,” said Matt Andis, Co-CEO of Andis Company. “This evolution in technology allows us to deliver more power and precision, plus a cooler, quieter cutting experience from consistent magnetic tension across the upper and lower blades. M-Force^™ hits different.”

The Master Cordless^® Special-Edition Clipper with new Phaze blade bridges the gap between a Fade and Taper blade, offering unparalleled versatility and precision. This adjustable, carbon-steel blade with a dynamic 22-tooth cutter seamlessly transitions from 0000 to 0A, ensuring smoother blending during fading and tapering.

Built to withstand professional-grade daily use and all wrapped up in sleek, ultra-durable black label housing, the Master Black Label offers a powerful 6,500 SPM rotary motor, run time up to 1.5 hours, and Phaze blade with a true zero gap. The enhanced sound profile improves both barber and client experience, while the included Dual-Magnet OG Size 0 Comb provides added convenience and cutting versatility. 

The Black Label Collection is set to transform the barbering industry, serving as a testament to Andis Company’s continuous drive for innovation and excellence. The GTX-EXO^® Trimmer with M-Force^™ is available for pre-order here and the Master Cordless^® Clipper is available here. For more information visit www.andis.com and follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Here’s how Danny Smith, owner of BarberSmiths, uses Fresha to manage his three bustling barber shops across London.  

Danny opened his first BarberSmiths in Angel, North London, with the aim to create a traditional barbershop with a warm atmosphere and highly skilled barbers. All at an affordable price. Now open in Shoreditch and Marylebone, too, Danny’s brand is ever growing. 

BarberSmiths have been using Fresha as their chosen software to help keep track of the day-to-day running of the studios, and help the business continue to grow. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha’s software simplifies business operations and has a spread of features so business owners can tap into marketing, payment processing and have their own place on the Fresha marketplace. 

Fresha sat down with him to talk about what it’s like being a business owner, and how he’s found working with their software to grow his barbershop into what it is today. 

“I started the business about five years ago. We grew very quickly in Angel, which allowed us to open another studio in Shoreditch. And then Marylebone. I was inspired by being in London in general and seeing all the lovely barber shops. I wanted to be a part of it.” 

“What makes BarberSmiths different is the incredible atmosphere, and the very high-end service. It’s our premium service that remains at an affordable price.” 

Fresha asked Danny about his experience opening his own business, and if he had any advice for anyone starting out as a business owner. “The best way to learn is to throw yourself in at the deep end.” 

After falling in love with barbering and London, Danny opened BarberSmith with only three years’ experience working in the industry. So, it wasn’t all smooth running when Danny decided to make the jump. “I found that there was a lot I didn’t know. I probably went into it slightly too quickly: but sometimes that’s the best way to learn.” 

His favourite part of being a small business owner is the community he became a part of as soon as he opened his first studio. “There are people I’ll speak to on a daily basis,” he tells Fresha, “whether that’s the 90-year-old woman who’s lived here for years, or maybe someone new to the area. You tend to build relationships with so many people.” 

What made him the proudest, though, is the fact that his clients just keep coming back. “I can walk into every store and see first-hand that clients are coming in and keep coming in. Not just for the brand, but for the barbers themselves.” 

As Danny began to look into opening his other studios, he realised that running BarberSmiths across London was going to be a challenge and he needed software that was going to be able to keep up with his business as it grew. “I chose Fresha because I realised it was super simple to use. 

“I heard about Fresha through my sister, who’s a hairdresser. Her salon has been using it since they opened,” Danny told Fresha. “And once I started using it, I haven’t looked back. And it’s been a very nice partnership because I have been able to grow my business as Fresha has grown too.” 

Fresha gives business owners the chance to see everything that’s going on even when they have multiple shops. It saves them time and allows their team to have a little more independence. Fresha Reporting and insights also allows Danny to keep an eye on “the finer details of the business” which means he can use that time he saves investing in the business, rather than spending his whole working week trying to keep track of everything. 

“Each barber has their own profile which allows them to look after their own schedule. And they can make edits when needed. So, I have more freedom to concentrate on other things within the business. 

“My favourite feature is the retention rate: each individual barber has their own, so every month you can see what percentage people are running at. And I look at my own retention rate and male sure that I’m keeping the standard as high as possible.” 

Danny adds another of his favourite features: the ability to set up cancellation and no-show policies to either ask for an upfront payment or charge a client’s card on file when they don’t show up. “Before the no-show feature, we had a lot of issues with people not letting us know when they were going to turn up and we lost money. The feature allowed us to be able to charge people for not letting us know within a certain timeframe. 

“I would 100% recommend Fresha to anybody in barbering or anybody in the beauty industry. It’s been superb and it’s helped me sort of grow from the bottom to where I am now.” 

If you want results like these for your business, check out what the Fresha, the world’s #1 online booking platform for barbershops can do for your business. 

About Fresha 

Fresha is the world’s #1 beauty and wellness marketplace powered by all-in-one free business software with integrated payments. With over 100,000 partner venues in more than 120 countries, Fresha simplifies business operations and enhances customer experiences.

To learn more, visit fresha.com, download Fresha on the App Store and 

Google Play, or follow Fresha on Instagram and Facebook. 

BarberEVO UK Issue 45 (Jul/Aug) is out NOW! Get your Copy HERE

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK is OUT NOW! This issue is set to make waves in the industry…bringing you exclusive content from the best barbers in the business. BarberEVO has brought together a collection of content from our esteemed columnists and industry leaders, whilst also highlighting those rising stars of the industry. Our summer shake-up issue covers everything from interiors and business to hair loss, client comfort and colour. With all of this…and even more – this issue is one for the books! 

IN THIS ISSUE: 

STMNT  

This issue, our cover star is the Nomad himself, Miguel Gutierrez, co-creator of STMNT! BarberEVO were lucky to join the STMNT Team take over Barcelona this June for the STMNT 2024 Summit. The STMNT Team gathered in the sunny Spanish capital to watch as the global stars of STMNT Creative Team share the most innovative editorial looks. BarberEVO has the inside scoop – with exclusive info from STMNT co-founders Miguel Gutierrez, Sofie Pok, Julius Caesar, and the team of STMNT global ambassadors.

Summer 

In our Summer shake-up issue, we are bringing the summer trends to life. We speak to Nick Taylor from the iconic American Crew about their newest collection: Yearbook. Taking you back to your last day of school, racing onto the football field – and knowing that school’s out for the best summer yet. BarberEVO has also managed to bring you the buzzing summer trends from the Babyliss PRO stars, Charlie Venn, Jay Roberts and Simon Butcher. In this summer session, you can also get the exclusive trend tips from Mike Taylor of MTE Hair & Barbering Academy. With a visit to Kent-based Chaps Grooming Co and a look at Byrd Pomade collab with Tallboys – summer in the hair world is in full swing. 

Barber of the Edition 

For our summer issue, the Barber of the Edition is…drumroll, please…Oscar Mendoza! The rising star on the UK hair scene is taking his barbershop and academy to new heights, whilst simultaneously taking his passion and teachings to stages across the globe. Find out more about his journey of resilience and commitment to his craft NOW! 

Interiors 

In BarberEVO Issue 45, Leicester barbershop Roots/CO. has taken the top spot of barbershop of the edition! Owner and founder Vinay Lakhatariya took BarberEVO through his journey to Roots/CO. and tells us exactly why he only has the best of the best in his shop. In this edition, Savills owner Joth Davies also reveals the inside info of moving into his new and expanded barbershop. Additionally featuring BarberEVO columnist Hayden Cassidy, the tiny barbershop Treehaus and Nael’s Hairworks – you can find all the interior insider info HERE! 

Business 

Vikki Harrison Smith is back to talk 10 years of building her barbering empire. We also sat down with MR Brothers Cut Club founder and Brosh Ambassador Daisuke Komatsu, so you can read the Diary of this CEO. In this edition, you will also take a trip to Switzerland with us, to join Heiniger owner, Daniel Heiniger, and Creative Director, Rex Silver – going behind the iconic tool brand. With more info on all-important business issues, such as franchising and booking software, you too can have a booming business in no time.

Hair Loss 

Hair Loss is a major facet of this industry and, at last, the subject of hair loss is breaking free from the shackles of taboo! Josh Lamonaca sat down with us to chat about the subject and tell us exactly why hair loss solutions are a MUST in the barbershop. Trichologist Tiffany Hall also features in this edition, giving the BarberEVO audience all the important tips and tricks to help with your clients’ hair loss pain points. 

Client Comfort 

Keeping your clients comfortable is the key to keeping them coming back. Barbershops need to consider all aspects of their clients desired sensory experience – from the aesthetics and furnishings to the services themselves. Comfort is everything! BarberEVO columnist Carlie Cardle talks shop, noting that you can make client comfort your very own USP. We also caught up with barbershops from across the UK, including Angus Mac Salon, Club 13, The Good Folks and more. Columnist Mark McIver also returns to the pages of BarberEVO, alongside columnist Simon Shaw.  

Colour 

Closing out the summer edition of BarberEVO UK is the section that will tell you everything you need to know about colour. Talking top tips for introducing colour to the barbershop and featuring a great chat with Ainsley Walton about his barbershop Har Sessions – BarberEVO can now reveal that colour is the summer trend that is here to stay. 

Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming Captain Fawcett has announced that their new product has been awarded as a ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ Finalist at Cosmoprof Bologna.

The global lifestyle brand has been acclaimed for its  ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder. The Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry and with over 700 entries, from across the globe, the contest is extremely competitive, with just 3 finalists per category. 

Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.

Captain Fawcett’s new ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ collection, created for both professional barbershops, salons, and luxury styling at home.

Captain Fawcett founder Richie Finney was delighted to join fellow global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 22 March. 

He attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba Srl. 

Richie said: “It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be recognised as being amongst world leaders in the beauty and grooming industry. Being named as a Finalist amid such impressive competition from all across the world is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole team, not least our simply magnificent distributors who do so much to support the Captain Fawcett brand in their home territories. 

“Captain Fawcett thanks all colleagues and friends for each playing their hugely appreciated parts as we continue to forge ahead in 2024!”