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UK & Ireland Edition

Glasgow Welcomes Garçon – Born to Become 

 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 

NHBF Welcomes Government Investment in Youth Employment and Apprenticeships

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 16th 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 1st 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 1st 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 30thMarch 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.

HAIR IN MOTION X AVEDA: Tuesday 05 May 2026

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

Meet the Founders and Creators Redefining the Beauty Industry

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 worldwideFresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.

Power That Performs, All Day: Recon™ Clipper and Recon™ Trimmer 

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

Define, Hydrate, and Control with Dark Stag’s Pro Curl Cream

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

Spring 2026 Men’s Hair Trends 

Seeing the light of Spring after the dark depths of winter, Men are opting for colour.  Aveda colour specialist. Grant Carr of 1920 Salon Glasgow, shares his trend predication for men this spring. 

”Fresh blondes are having their moment for men,” explains Grant, “They bring a confidence to the individual, especially with the full colour transformation.  

“Whilst a nod to Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, this creamer shade is softer to work with Daniel’s skin tone.”

Grant used Aveda Level 9 Blonde and the Aveda Full Spectrum Demi + toner, for this fresh clean blonde.   With a full texture scissor cut and freehand around the face to refine, Grant completed the look with a beard trim. 

Industry-Proof Quality, Glasgow-Made: Jade Hayter – The Label December Pop-Up

This December, Glasgow hair stylists and barbers will get to be a part of a new fashion movements in the barbering and hair industry, as Jade Hayter – The Label hosts a month-long pop-up at The 145 Collective in Glasgow. 

Stylists and barbers will have chance  to feel the quality for themselves — because this collection is designed to be experienced, not just seen. Every piece is crafted with premium, durable, bleach-proof fabrics, and trying them on in person lets professionals appreciate the weight, fit, and movement that photos can’t fully capture. Explore the textures, test the flexibility, and see how each garment shapes to the body, ensuring they invest in clothing that performs in the shop and feels incredible to wear. This is an opportunity to build a work wardrobe with intention — confidently, hands-on, and tailored to the individual.

Founded by Jade Hayter — professional hairdresser and owner of The 145 Collective — the label offers stylish, high-performance clothing that’s bleach-proof, stain-resistant, and sustainably made. Designed for barbers, stylists, and educators who live their craft every day, the collection gives professionals what the industry has been lacking: fashion that holds up to salon life without sacrificing style. 

Traditional hairdressing and barbering attire has long been limited to basic uniforms or merch-style apparel. Jade Hayter – The Label changes that with pieces that look sharp enough for photos, events, and stage work — while being engineered to survive chemical splashes, colour stains, and everyday shop wear.

Whether cutting in the studio, teaching at events, filming content, or jumping behind-the-chair between educational moments, barbers and stylists can now look polished all day — no spare-outfit panic, no ruined clothes.

Founder Jade Hayter said: “I’m so excited to bring this collection home to Glasgow for the pop-up. We created clothing that elevates the look and feel of barbering and hairdressing – pieces that are stylish, practical, and made to last. This industry deserves apparel that performs without compromising creativity, quality, or sustainability.”

Pop-Up Details:

Location: The 145 Collective, 145 Bath St, Glasgow G2 4SQ
Dates: Runs daily throughout December.

Website: jadehayter.com
Instagram: @jadehayterthelabel

BarberEVO UK Issue 53 (Nov/Dec) is OUT NOW!

BarberEVO UK Issue 53 is OUT NOW! 

This issue celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community as we wrap up the year in style.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT WAHL

On this edition’s cover, we celebrate Simon Shaw’s career to-date, with this month marking his 25th year at Wahl Professional. Read more about this monumental moment in this issue!

EVENTS:  

We take you behind the scenes at BarberEVO and SalonEVO: The Experience in Scale Liverpool, reliving the energy and excitement from the two-day industry celebration. We also bring you the ultimate guide to Fashion Week with Ainsley Walton, and dive into the action with BaBylissPRO backstage. Then, we head to the Barber and Barbershop of the Year Awards with WAHL, and peek inside the BROSH World Championship for an unforgettable global barbering spectacle. 

IN THE CHAIR & BARBER ABROAD: 

We get In the Chair with Tariq Howes, diving deep into his inspiring barbering journey. Our One 2 Watch is Scotland’s Best Barber, SHABA winner and owner of R+R Studios Dundee, showcasing the best of Scottish talent and creativity. 

FESTIVE: 

From our Year in Review to winter shop culture with Huckle, this section captures the spirit of the season. We talk business insights with American Crew, winter trends with Hayden Cassidy, and highlight moments from Novo Cabelo’s standout 2025. Plus, discover styling trends from Morgan’s and festive scheduling advice from Mark Maciver. 

BEARDS & TACHE: 

 We sit down with Joe Mills to break down beard and moustache trends sweeping the scene, before exploring bearded education with Simon Hairground and celebrating Movember with The London Beard Co. 

INTERIORS: 

Our Barbershop of the Edition is No.1 Barbers, a Takara Belmont–fitted shop that’s setting new design standards. We also round up the standout barber interiors of 2025, offering plenty of inspiration for your next renovation. 

Order your copy of BarberEVO Issue 53 HERE!

Barber’sRide 2025 Kicks Off

BarbersRide is back for its 9th consecutive year! In 2025 BarbersRide is back on the rolling rural roads of England after two years away fund-raising for Make-A-Wish in Ireland, and in the Netherlands and Germany. 

BarbersRide is a road trip like no other. This year, celebrating the camaraderie only a motorcycling adventure can promise, the Riders will visit past Main Sponsors en route, to hand out plaques and thank them for their continued support throughout the years.

The mission for 2025: to raise over £30,000 for Make-A-Wish, the charity which makes dreams come true for seriously ill children and their families. The trip also aims to raise as much awareness as possible for the charity’s work, all while giving riders an unbeatable sense of fellowship and memories to last a lifetime.

Established in 2017, BarbersRide has so far raised a grand total of £183,000 for children’s charities. Evenings are hosted by prestigious barbershops along the route, giving everyone on the road the chance to kick back, celebrate and fundraise with some of the UK’s most in-demand barbers.

2024 saw the BarbersRide crew take to the roads in Germany and the Netherlands on an epic 972 miles / 1564 km across Europe as a motley crew of over 30 riders set off on a 5 day mission, united by their passion for bikes and barbering. From slippery single tracks to savage switchbacks and razor-sharp racetrack bends, every moment counted.  

In 2025 BarbersRide kicks off at Lind Harley-Davidson in Newmarket on 2nd August with the finale at The Master’s Barber Shop in Southport on 7th August. All with one goal: to have as much fun as possible whilst raising funds for Make-A-Wish. 

Recently added sponsor, Matakki have announced a fantastic opportunity to win one of Matakki’s Barber 6.5″ Professional Hair Cutting Scissors (RRP £265)!

A huge thank you to our Associate Sponsor, Matakki Scissors, for generously donating this incredible prize.

The competition opens on 18th July 2025 and closes on 7th August 2025. The winner will be drawn by raffle during the closing event of this year’s BarbersRide.

Tickets are just £5 each, with no limit on how many you can purchase—so the more tickets you buy, the greater your chances of winning!

All proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish, helping to bring joy to children with critical illnesses.