The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW.

Get your copy here!

Feelin’ Festive

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW. This issue is packed full of advice, features and trends to keep you up to date with what’s current.  

Gracing the coveted front cover (even if we do say so ourselves) is Parlous Barbershop, the recently announced winners of the Wahl Barbershop of the Year. Parlous are huge advocates of Takara Belmont and we have a feature highlighting this iconic brand and what the chairs and furniture means to barbers.

We also have the first reactions from both Reece Whitehouse who won the Wahl UK Barber of the Year, as well as Rico Ugur Aydemir of Parlous Barbershop as they stepped off stage with their shiny new winning trophies.

Furniture

Your barbershop design and furniture says so much about you, and the clientele you are going to attract, and we speak to Kingsman Barbershop about their furniture choices and why Takara Belmont was the brand they invested in. We also have an informative list of things to keep in mind when picking furniture for your shop.

We speak to many barbershop owners about what brands they opted for, and why longevity and quality will always win out when it comes to buying furniture.

Barbershop focus

Our barbershop focus is on Stag Digbeth, in Birmingham, an incredible combination of barbershop, cocktail bar and coffee shop. They are mixing it up, literally, on the decks, with ‘barber sessions’ nights, that have guest barbers cutting model’s hair using head torches to see what they are doing while the party rages around them. It sounds epic. If you fancy a slot with the headtorch… give them a shout, they are open to inviting talented barbers to showcase their skills.

Technology

Technology is now essential in everyday life, and we are now reaching the point where barber booking apps have become an essential barbershop management tool. The features list of the apps is extensive, have you checked them out properly, and are you using them to their fullest potential? We take advice from those that rely on them heavily to send out reminders and taking that all important deposit when clients book to decrease no-shows. Since implementing payment at the time of booking, The Academy Barbershop has found a 25% increase in retail sales… have a read and find out how it managed that with the help of its app.

Christmas Retail

The silly season is just about upon us, and that means back-to-back appointments and the chance to really go hard on the retail side of the business… you’ve got to have something to see you through January! We speak to several barbers who have strategies and plans in place to increase retail sales from now – don’t wait. Plus, we found a nice selection of barber-related Christmas Gift Sets that would be perfect to sit on your display shelves for an easy solution for the chaps that don’t know what to buy their loved ones.

Movember

Finally, we must mention Movember, which is a huge movement within men’s health and an incredible charity that many barbers support.

We have already seen lots of barbershops taking part in raising funds, and we applaud them all. We have a chat with Dan Davies of Gould Barbers, which partners with Movember, about why the charity are the one to support… it only takes growing a mo – even your granny can do that!

Get your hands on the latest edition here.

Slick Gorilla made their statement in the barber industry with their market-leading Hair Styling Powder. Born in barbershops in Leeds, the brand offers a range of styling products that are recognised and used globally, which is why they embrace their KING of hair products status.  

The brand previously launched its ‘The New Chapter’ campaign, that highlighted its position in men’s fashion and how its products play a huge part in this area of men’s lifestyle. The campaign pushed the brand into new territories and their latest venture sees the team collaborate with two unique brands that allow Slick Gorilla to reach a range of audiences.

Slick Gorilla x Matt B Customs saw the brand team up with a Manchester-based brand that specialise in trainer customisation, to create a one-of-a-kind Slick Gorilla trainer. Matt B Customs has worked with some of the biggest names in fashion, music & sports and the Slick Gorilla collaboration aligns both brands’ messages of creativity, innovation & individuality. The partnership displays Slick Gorilla’s street style statement as a fresh pair of trainers are just as important to style as a fresh haircut.

Slick Gorilla x Northern Monk collaboration combines two brands that share the same values. Community and collaboration run through the veins of Northern Monk, with countless creations with musicians, artists, charities and much more, that express their core message.

A community built on strong relationships and acknowledgment of creativity, much like the barber community that Slick Gorilla embraces and invests in. Slick Gorilla teamed up with fellow Leeds-born Northern Monk, to create a unique beer can design and labelled up an exclusive range of THE KING OF THE JUNGLE German Lager.

“Slick Gorilla recognise individuals and organisations that showcase innovation and talent. We aim to use our platform to create something unique that appeals to all types of audiences,” said Ari Farbod, Slick Gorilla co-founder.  

Award-winning men’s hairstylist, Jim Shaw, owner of Toni & Guy salon Billericay, shares his thoughts on autumn and winter men’s hair trends.

CUTS& STYLES:

Slick Back – for the dapper man! Slicked back styles look incredibly sophisticated and professional. This style looks particularly great when worn with a haircut that has length on the top and is shorter at the sides, really helping to show off the haircut and giving structure to the hair. Using a hairdryer to slick the hair back off the face is the easiest way to create this look before finishing with a pomade, gel, or wax to help create the shape and hold it in place. You can use a product with a shine for a sleek and shiny finish or a matte product for a more natural finish depending on what the client prefers.

Long Waves – after all the lockdowns many male clients have been experimenting with long hair looks and embracing their long hair and natural textures. Long hair is here to stay and looks particularly great when worn messier for a relaxed finish. If your client has natural curls or waves, use a curl-defining product or salt spray to enhance these and give the style further body and volume. Although long hair may require less regular cuts, it’s important that clients do book in for cuts for their long hair to keep it looking its best, free from split ends and frizz.

Caesar Hair Cut – For male clients who want to ooze style this will be one of the most on-trend haircuts this season. With this look it’s all about the scissor work and ensuring the cut is as precise as possible. I also love the versatility of this look, the client can wear it super sleek and straight for a more sophisticated finish or for day-to-day and quicker styling, this look also looks fantastic when paired with texture. A texturising spray or matt pomade can be applied through the hair with fingers to break up the hair and give it a softer appearance. You can also incorporate some choppy layers into this style for further texture.

Buzz Cut – this is a great look for men who want to show off their facial features and allow them to really pop and for men who want a haircut that’s lower maintenance and requires little to no styling. I love using clippers to create this look and going shorter on the sides to create a gradual fade and to give the look a more on-trend finish.

Side Part – the side part has made a comeback over the past couple of years and it remains on-trend for autumn/winter 2021. The beauty of this style is that it can instantly update your male client’s look and give it a more contemporary finish. It’s also great for those who may want to make their hair appear thicker in appearance, as the style adds volume and height to the hair. I love pairing a side parting with a quiff for a statement look with extra volume.

COLOUR:

Blondes – warm, golden shades of blonde will be huge this autumn/winter and can be worn all over the hair or through highlights to give the hair dimension. Silver and ashier shades of blonde will also be popular and look great on all complexions and on men of all ages, giving them a super trendy ‘cool guy’ look.

Pastels – pastel hair shades are becoming more and more on-trend with men and pinks, in particular, will be one of the most sought-after pastel shades this season. The pink tone can be as bold or as subtle as the client likes and lighter shades of pink are particularly great for blonde-haired clients who want to give their hair a funky update but want something that will wash out easily and won’t be a big commitment

Reds – coppers and mahogany shades will be another huge trend for the new season. These colours come back year after year in autumn/winter and are great shades that work well on all skin tones and hair types. For men who don’t want to go too bold with their red hair, they can give their brunette hair a slight copper tone or they can experiment with copper highlights or flashes of red.

Mat Jones, @boneyardcuts_ of Boneyardcuts barbershop in Birkenhead is in the middle of training to take on a mammoth task on November 6^th for Movember, the leading charity dealing with men’s health issues. He plans to do four marathons in one day, back-to-back, in four different disciplines. That’s 26.2 miles on a rower, then a static bike, then a ski erg, and finally bring it home with a full 26.2 miles running the streets… all in the same day.

Mat has always been into fitness, and became a barber five years ago and has just opened his own shop on the Wirral.

“I’ve always trained and exercised so this event, when I got it into my head, was always going to happen. I like to challenge myself mentally as well as physically. I am not sure if anyone has done this before or maybe done something similar. This event was meant to happen last November but due to Covid, we put it back a year, as there was limited access to training facilities.

“Once I had decided on doing it, I thought why not do it for Movember, as I know it is quite big in the barber industry and it’s all about mental health, which after the lockdown there may be more cases than there used to be, so it’s very important to me to get the message across.”

Mat trains six days a week at 6am every morning before work, and sometimes he fits in another session after work in his gym at the barbershop. He also has to fit in spending time with his family and kids.

Mat predicts it should take him between 14-16 hours to complete the task all going well.

Mat’s Movember Four Marathons in One Day:

26.2 mile row on a rowing machine 

26.2 mile bike on a static bike

26.2 mile ski erg 

26.2 mile road run

All will be done in the barbershop, except the road race.

To motivate Mat on his huge challenge, you can donate to his page for Movember HERE.

A new aesthetics studio has opened in a Norfolk barbershop, with the aim to offer a hub for men to receive grooming treatment ‘without judgement’.

Morton’s Barbershop and Men’s Rooms in Downham Market has opened a studio in the premises for men’s grooming, which includes waxing, sports massages, aesthetics, skin treatments, hair treatments and tattooing.

The family-run business launched its ‘don’t bottle it up’ mental health campaign in October to help raise awareness and support those struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

And that focus is still at the heart of the business, said media and marketing manager Hollie Morton.

She added: “It’s to provide men with a space in which they can confidently and comfortably experience all grooming treatments without judgement or the stereotypical ‘feminine’ perception of looking after their image.

Shop manager Harry Morton said: “I think men are underrepresented in society when it comes to aesthetics and skin treatments.

“It is important to us that we create a space in which has an emphasis on men feeling comfortable and confident with their appearance and in their own skin.

“Men’s mental health is something, as a shop, we feel exceptionally passionate about and believe this is another step forward in being a hub for men where they have endless options.”

Marie Fuller, a director, aesthetic nurse practitioner and injector, who runs ElysiPhi, has partnered with the business and will provide access to treatments that will focus on “medical aesthetics, skin care and wellness”.

She said: “This includes the usual aesthetic injectables, but also treatments for problem skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation.

“We will be offering screen cancer mole checks and treatments for scarring.

“The team at Morton’s have identified a need to increase access to medical aesthetics and to smash the stigma surrounding it for their customers. I am thrilled to be joining their team.”

https://www.facebook.com/MortonsBarbers/

The Fellowship for British Hairdressing has announced Simon Shaw as the new PROJECT: Men team leader.
Simon, who is Wahl Global Artistic Director, will take over the role from the current team leader, Jonathan Andrew, who hands over the reins at the end of the year. Simon has already worked with the 2021 team, having recently art-directed their annual photoshoot alongside Jonathan.

PROJECT: Men, which was founded in 2018 as The BarberProject, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be mentored by the very best in the business, learn new techniques and skills both creatively and personally.

The 2022 team is in for a treat with Simon at the helm as they get the chance to work with him and his magic black book.

“I’m really looking forward to being the mentor for PROJECT: Men in 2022. It’s a project I have been watching for several years and there is nothing else like it in the industry. The members will have an opportunity to work with me on my own projects, take part in global presenter training, experience days at Wahl HQ and perform on the biggest Wahl stages. It’s going to be one hell of a journey and I can’t wait to get going.”

2022 applications are open from 13 September – visit www.fellowshiphair.com to apply.

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW.

Get your copy here!

This issue has Sheldon Edwards the unofficial barber for the England football team proudly taking centre stage on our front cover.

Sheldon talks to us about his career, his work with the Premier League footballers and how he influences hair trends with the creations he comes up with for the stars of the football field.

IT MAY BE TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO SUMMER, BUT SAY HELLO TO AUTUMN, AND OUR 28TH ISSUE OF BARBEREVO UK AND IRELAND

After a glorious summer, it’s time to bring back the wooly jumpers and back-to-school cuts. As the world continues to open back up, it has been great to see some of your faces IRL at some of the events that took place in the last few months. Seeing and hearing the great feedback from all of you only lights that fire under us to continue to provide the best magazine for barbers, filled with entertaining, educational, and inspiring content! Enjoy.

Male grooming:

The modern gent expects more than a short back and sides and a squirt of aftershave. You’ve got to up your game! We have picked up great advice from Parlous Barbers, Robert Rix and House Martin barbers about how to elevate your grooming services to cater for the needs of the higher end of the market, and the revenue that is there to be tapped.

Euro barbers:

We can all see what trends, tools and products are the ones not to miss here in the UK and Ireland, but what’s is creating a buzz on the continent? Diego’s barbershop in Spain is a unique place with barbering tied in with music, tattoos and a true family atmosphere. Read about how he values his team and the passion he brings out in them for barbering and music.

Over in the Netherlands, the famous Schorem Barbier shop creates its own waves by specialising in styles from the 1940s to 1960s. Milky the Barber talks us through his move from the states to standing behind the chair in this most special of places and the trends that are raging in Europe.

Franchising:

The best of both worlds? A franchise offers you the freedom to own your own shop while being bolstered by a recognisable brand. We speak to the owners of four MR Barbers shops and talk about how they have welcomed the additional support that a franchise offers and the opportunities that have come their way. Also talking franchises is Jack Rabbits and Jacks of London, discussing the educational support and the enviable career path that is open to barbers in a franchise business.

EVO EXCLUSIVE:

The Fellowship of British Hairdressing and BarberEVO teamed up to produce an incredible new collection with the talented team members of PROJECT: Men, led by Jonathan Andrews. The theme: Footballers on the terraces and the team went above and beyond to produce an incredible set of images and hairstyles that fit the brief perfectly.

Cocktailing:

Mix it up and see what happens? No need! We have a selection of top barbers who are willing to share their top cocktailing mixes, find out what works, and when to apply them. Find out what brands work well together and the unique looks that can be created with a little knowledge of what you’re putting on the hair and why.

Get your hands on the latest edition here.

Celebrating their 100th Anniversary, MIZUTANI is running their World Cutting Photo Contest, with entries open until the 31st of August, 2021.

MIZUTANI announced: “Upon popular request, from all around the world, the World Cutting Photo Contest is back! Show us your passion and creativity! STYLE GOES ON!”

This year the contest will be separated into three categories, with a special prize for each winner. With world-class judges from around the world, such as Bertus and Leen from Shorem Barber in the Netherlands, Josh DeMarco from the DAPR Grooming Parlor in the USA, Julius Caesar, Alan, and Reece Beak from RUGER. Barber in the UK, Whitney VerMeer from USA, and many more huge names.

The categories are:

Classic Men’s Style. In this category, Judges are looking for the best classic cuts, with detail and accuracy.

Men’s Avant-Garde Short Style. Judges are looking for barbers who are willing to break out of their shells and show the most innovative styles.

Ladies Avant-Garde Short Style. Test your limits, and let your creativity fly in this category, creating striking ladies’ short styles. Some of the prizes include a Live Virtual Class at Shorem, MIZUTANI’s Cut Master Set, and an opportunity to appear in Japanese and international barbering magazines.

Don’t miss your chance, entries are open until August 31st! Enter NOW!

A creative throw down was just what was called for after the longest lockdown ever and so the teams at MR Barbers put their heads together in planning a professional photographic shoot. With industry photographer Liam Oakes on board, six barbers came together from across the MR group to create a collection that delivered on diversity and creativity.

Joe Peacock from MR Barbers St Neots, Connor Chesterton from MR Barbers Hertford, Ellis Girling of MR Barbers Braintree, Phillip Brooks and Iain Rogers of MR Barbers Colchester and Jake Hickey of MR Barbers Sawston and Newmarket pre-cut two models each before giving them a final polish and styling on the day. The plain white tee’s kept clothes styling minimalist so that the hair could take centre stage.

Joe Peocock said: “We used an Instagram group to share ideas and images and chat about the cuts we would create, so that we had a broad range of cuts from directional to classic with a little colour in there too.”

There were no model no-shows even though the shoot fell on the Euro’s Final day. There was beer and pizza to keep the creative juices flowing and everything went off without a hitch.

Phillip Brooks said: “It was a great day and it was inspiring to meet up, work together as a team and see other barbers work.” 

You can see more of the collection in the upcoming issue of BarberEVO UK, and keep an eye out at @barberevo

As Covid restrictions come to an end, it’s never been more important for businesses to stand out from the crowd. And with many customers keen to tackle the climate crisis, being a more sustainable barber could give you the edge while doing good for the planet.

A recent survey of 1,000 small business owners found that nearly a quarter (21%) worry about missing out on trade because their business is not sustainable enough, while nearly half (42%) of consumers say they are more likely to visit a business that cares about sustainability.

The good news is there’s a simple first step your barbers can make to not only help it become more sustainable, but also make energy management easier; get a smart meter installed.

Smart meters replace traditional analogue energy meters and can help businesses keep better track of their energy use and consumption. Whether you rely on a collection of clippers or a handful of hairdryers, a smart meter will give you access to information on how much energy is used day-to-day, helping you find ways to reduce it.

Having a smart meter installed will not only bolster your barbershop’s eco-credentials, but also help make your business energy easier to manage.

The technology, available at no extra cost from your business’ energy supplier, ensures accurate bills by sending meter readings automatically so you can spend time making people look and feel great.

To help you be even more efficient Smart Energy GB offers barbers a selection of quick and easy steps to help your barbershop stand out as an eco-friendly business:

1. Recycle smarter – Buying refillable products will drastically cut down the packaging waste and also save you a bit of money.
2. Use an eco-hairdryer – New and improved versions of the trusty hairdryer are more energy efficient and come in recycled packaging and plastic. As the most popular appliance used to fix a bad hair day, an eco-hairdryer will help cut your carbon footprint while fixing your hair. 
3. Keep cool – Using cooler water to rinse hair is not only great for the scalp and your hair’s condition and shine, it’s also more efficient. While it’s not everyone’s preference, asking your customer if they’d prefer it could offer another step towards to a lower energy bill.
4. Avoid aerosols – Non-aerosol hair sprays will last 3 or 4 times longer than the aerosol versions and can be a great way to hold down that one curly lock that just won’t stay in place. What’s more, you can pick them up for the same price!
5. A simple solution – For those customers unsure of what style to go for next, offering a low maintenance hair cut could pass on the saving with less need for heated appliances and products when they get home.

To find out if your business is eligible for a smart meter, contact your energy supplier. You can then arrange a date and time suitable for you for your installation.

Once installation is complete, your installer can show you and your staff how your smart meter works so you can get on with being green.

Find out more at: https://www.smartenergygb.org/en