As part of our mission to create the tools professional stylists love to use, Leaf has teamed up with iconic

hairdresser, educator and salon owner Adam Reed to design the Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear. As

the embodiment of Adam’s unique cutting techniques, and his love of optimism and joy expressed

through hair, the Yellow Shatter Shear redefines effortless creativity to reveal natural beauty in every cut!

Created by Leaf Scissors with Adam Reed, the Leaf Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear brings

movement, separation and lived-in softness to every haircut.

More than a traditional texturising scissor, this creative cutting tool is designed to build texture

and softness from start to finish. A distinctive tooth pattern creates separation and movement rather

than simply removing weight, to give stylists greater freedom to create hair that feels effortless, tactile

and beautifully lived in.

More than just scissors – the magic of creativity

Adam Reed comments: “I’ve always believed that scissors are more than just tools – they’re part of a hairdresser’s identity. The discipline comes from mastering your craft, but the magic happens when you pick up a pair of scissors that feel completely natural. You smile, you trust your instincts, and every cut becomes personal. That’s when technique disappears into creativity, allowing you to create hair that’s unique to the person sitting in front of you.”

With a vivid yellow finish that reflects Adam’s love of optimism, creativity and joy, the Limited Edition Yellow Shatter Shear is an unmistakable statement tool that deserves a permanent place in your kit.

A collaboration built on time and trust

Reflecting on the collaboration between Leaf Scissors and ARKIVE By Adam Reed, Leaf Scissors Founder,

Steve McManus, comments: “Adam acted as a mentor for me when I was just 21 years old and he had a

massive impact on the career direction that I eventually took. To be able to create a tool with him and bring

together Leaf’s values and high quality with Adams pure creativity and enthusiasm for hair has been so

much fun. We’re really excited for 250 people to get their hands on this and create amazing hair every day!”

Be one of only 250 stylists to own this stunning Limited Edition shear!

With just 250 Yellow Shatter Shears available in this exclusive Limited Edition, pre-order now for dispatch in September. See full details on our website and act now to avoid missing out!

Discover the Leaf X ARKIVE by ADAM REED Yellow Shatter Shear: Price: £299.00

Learn more about Leaf Scissors

With four decades of experience as a hairdresser, salon owner, educator and business leader, Fiona Johnston has stepped into the role of NHBF President with a clear mission: to strengthen the industry’s voice, protect its businesses and build a more sustainable future for the next generation.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation has begun a new chapter with the appointment of Fiona Johnston as President. Officially taking up the position on July 6, 2026, Fiona brings extensive industry experience and a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing salons, barbershops and beauty businesses across the UK.

Fiona’s career spans 40 years across hairdressing, business leadership, education and team development. She is the founder of Trigg Hair Studio and The Curly Coach Academy in Edinburgh, where she has combined creative expertise with a strong focus on commercial performance, inclusive services and continuous professional development.

Her specialism in curly and textured hair has played a significant role in shaping both businesses. Through her salon and academy, Fiona has worked to ensure clients with every hair texture feel welcomed and understood, while helping hair professionals develop the technical skills and confidence needed to serve a more diverse clientele.

However, it is not only her creative and educational background that she brings to the presidency. As a working salon owner and employer, Fiona understands the realities of building a team, managing rising costs, adapting to changing client expectations and creating a business model that can support long-term careers.

At Trigg Hair Studio, she has placed particular emphasis on employment, progression and workplace culture. The salon introduced a salaried wage structure, clearly defined pricing levels and individual progression journeys for team members, helping employees understand how they could develop their skills and increase their earning potential. Flexible working options, regular reviews and a focus on wellbeing have also helped create a supportive environment built around shared values.

That people-first approach is set to influence Fiona’s leadership of the NHBF. Throughout her career, she has advocated for stronger teams, positive workplace cultures and ongoing education, believing that successful businesses depend on the growth of the people within them.

A Mission Built Around the Industry’s Future

Fiona has set out four central pillars for her presidency, with a clear focus on strengthening the industry’s collective voice, supporting apprenticeships, continuing the campaign for VAT reform and helping hair, beauty and barbering businesses become more resilient.

For Fiona, the role is rooted in representation. She wants the NHBF to remain closely connected to the professionals it serves, ensuring that the experiences of salon owners, barbers, beauty professionals, employers and educators are heard by policymakers.

That advocacy comes at a crucial time. Labour-intensive businesses across the sector continue to face pressure from VAT, employer National Insurance contributions, wage increases, business rates, rent, energy, products and insurance. Fiona has already taken an active role in bringing those concerns directly to decision-makers, including presenting evidence to the Low Pay Commission on the impact of rising employment costs.

“The new Prime Minister has spoken about backing small, family-owned and community businesses,” Fiona said in a recent NHBF statement. “Now we need that commitment to turn into action. Our sector is being hit from every direction. Too many businesses are still open, but only just surviving.”

VAT reform remains one of the NHBF’s most urgent priorities. The Federation is calling for a reduced 10% VAT rate for labour-intensive personal care services, arguing that the current system penalises businesses whose largest investment is their people. For Fiona, there is a need to not simply ease pressure on owners, but give businesses greater confidence to employ, train and grow.

Apprenticeships will be another defining focus of her presidency. Having built her own career through the industry and spent years developing teams and educating professionals, Fiona understands how important accessible, high-quality training is to the future workforce. Her mission is to protect opportunities for young people while encouraging businesses to view apprenticeships as an investment in the long-term strength of the sector.

She also wants hairdressing, barbering and beauty to receive greater recognition as highly skilled, professional and rewarding career paths. These industries contribute significantly to employment, local economies and the health of high streets, while also supporting the confidence and wellbeing of millions of clients.

Leadership Grounded in Experience

Fiona’s appointment brings a working business owner to the forefront of the Federation. She knows the challenges facing members because she has experienced them herself, from pricing services sustainably and retaining talented employees to investing in education and responding to changing consumer needs.

Her presidency will combine that practical knowledge with a commitment to listening. The NHBF is a member-led organisation representing hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics professionals, and Fiona’s ambition is to ensure those voices help shape its future direction.

Awards and industry recognition have marked Fiona’s career, but she has consistently placed greater value on the trust built with clients, teams and the wider professional community. It is that grounded, people-focused perspective that now sits at the heart of her new role.

As Fiona begins her presidency, her message is clear: the industry must speak collectively, invest in its people and continue making the economic and social value of its work impossible to ignore. With experience spanning the salon floor, education, employment and business leadership, she enters the role ready to champion a stronger, fairer and more sustainable future for the entire professional hair and beauty community.

Go to NHBF to find more resources and information, and become a member today! 

COLUMNIST

MATTHEW MENDOZA

Barber & Beauty Industry Consultant
Co-founder, Hair Skin Club

Something extraordinary typically happens when you gather growth-minded barbers together. There’s a certain energy that leaves you feeling inspired. After spending six days in New York City for an exclusive multi-day barber summit, I’m certainly feeling that type of way right now.

GG, or Good Game, is a multi-day summit that gathers barbers from 12Pell, Paradox and Prax. The first GG was hosted by Paradox at Educo Academy in San Jose. The second GG was hosted by 12Pell at various locations throughout Chinatown, New York City.

Without getting into all the details, GG NYC was designed to highlight various brand elements of 12Pell. The goal wasn’t to leave and try to replicate 12Pell. It was to spark inspiration that leads to creatively applying those ideas to your own unique context.

Here are a few ideas I’m bringing back to apply to my own.

LESSON 01

Collaborate

Our one-year anniversary for Hair Skin Club is on the horizon, and we’re going to throw a party. 12Pell’s motion got me thinking about ways to collaborate with my clients who own local businesses.

I quickly thought of a client who runs the most popular boba shop in town. They’ve done many pop-ups. I’m picturing a collaboration where we’ll offer drinks to the first 50 attendees. It drives brand awareness for his business and adds a fun incentive to show up early to the event.

If we’re going to spend money on drinks anyway, why not spend a little more to elevate the experience while collaborating with another local business?

Collaborative events should be part of every barbershop’s marketing strategy. An easy way to brainstorm ideas is to simply think about your clients and what they do for work.

If you have a client who is a realtor, you could hold a small class about buying your first home. If you have a client who is a photographer, you could host a professional headshot event.

The key is to think about your loyal clients and find natural ways to collaborate that create a win-win.

LESSON 02

Consider the Final Look

There was a barber competition during GG NYC that was judged on the final look, not just the haircut.

The final look includes the haircut, hairstyle and outfit. A haircut and hairstyle can transform from black and white into 4K colour through the outfit. It might sound simple, but I’d never really thought about it that way.

It’s true, though. Often, haircut transformation videos do something subtle but significant.

The before shot shows the client pre-haircut, pre-hairstyle and draped in a cape. The after shot shows the client post-haircut, with a hairstyle and no cape.

That is the final look. It reveals all three elements. It was wild to see hairstyles take on new life after the models were styled in tailored outfits.

“ We’re all fatigued from screens. We want real life. We want to be in person with people.

LESSON 03

IRL Is Winning

We all feel it. We’re all fatigued from screens. We want real life. We want to be in person with people. There’s something extremely energising about being in a room full of people we respect. We need to seek those rooms out.

When we do, it’s important to remember that the programme isn’t the full experience. It’s the unscripted moments that happen throughout.

There can certainly be memorable quotes from educators, but often the most valuable moments are the conversations that happen outside the scheduled sessions.

It’s the game exchanged over meals or outside in the streets.

In a career where we’re constantly serving others and pouring ourselves out to make sure our clients look good and feel good, it’s critical and rejuvenating to be in spaces with people who understand what we’re going through without needing an explanation.

There’s so much more I could say about GG NYC, but for now, a huge shout-out to 12Pell, Paradox, Prax and everyone who was there.

For those reading this who weren’t there, these lessons are for you just as much as they are for me. You know your unique context better than anyone. How can you apply these lessons to your block?

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Not every haircut starts with speed. Some start with trust.

For many clients, a trip to the barbershop or salon is routine. But for those with sensory sensitivities, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. The sound of clippers, vibration, touch, and the unpredictability of the environment can create stress—turning what should be a simple service into a challenge.

For today’s professionals, the service experience matters as much as the end result. Creating an environment where clients feel calm, safe, and supported is becoming a new standard—one that extends beyond technique and into trust. 

That mindset sparked a meaningful partnership between Andis and The Sensory Safe Solution—an organization focused on helping businesses better support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Together, they set out to explore how tools and education could work together to create more inclusive, comfortable services.

The result is Zephyr™, a professional clipper designed to support calmer, more predictable appointments without compromising performance. 

Designed for the Experience Behind the Service

Zephyr™ was developed with both performance and client comfort in mind. It features an ultra-quiet motor to support lower-stimulation services, dual speed settings (3,500 and 5,500 SPM), and up to three hours of cordless runtime—delivering the flexibility professionals expect in everyday use. 

But its purpose goes beyond specs. Every detail is designed to help reduce potential stressors during the service, allowing professionals to create more controlled, predictable experiences in the chair.

More Than a Tool

Across the industry, there’s growing recognition that client comfort and emotional experience are essential to long-term success. For many families, finding a professional who understands sensory sensitivities can be life-changing—building confidence, routine, and trust over time.

Zephyr™ represents a step forward in that direction, supporting professionals who want to expand their services while better meeting the needs of a wider range of clients.

The Bigger Opportunity

As the industry evolves, inclusivity is becoming a defining factor in how barbershops and salons differentiate themselves. Professionals who adapt are not only enhancing the client experience—they’re strengthening relationships, building loyalty, and creating more welcoming spaces for everyone. 

Because sometimes, the most impactful innovations aren’t just about power or precision—
they’re about how clients feel in the chair. 

Learn more about Zephyr™ and the partnership with The Sensory Safe Solution:
Explore Zephyr™

Meet Zephyr™ — A New Kind of Clipper Experience

Not every haircut starts with speed. Some start with trust. 

For many clients, a trip to the barbershop or salon is routine. But for those with sensory sensitivities, the experience can quickly become overwhelming. The sound of clippers, vibration, touch, and the unpredictability of the environment can create stress—turning what should be a simple service into a challenge. 

For today’s professionals, the service experience matters as much as the end result. Creating an environment where clients feel calm, safe, and supported is becoming a new standard—one that extends beyond technique and into trust. 

That mindset sparked a meaningful partnership between Andis and The Sensory Safe Solution—an organization focused on helping businesses better support individuals with sensory sensitivities. Together, they set out to explore how tools and education could work together to create more inclusive, comfortable services. 

The result is Zephyr™, a professional clipper designed to support calmer, more predictable appointments without compromising performance. 

Designed for the Experience Behind the Service

Zephyr™ was developed with both performance and client comfort in mind. It features an ultra-quiet motor to support lower-stimulation services, dual speed settings (3,500 and 5,500 SPM), and up to three hours of cordless runtime—delivering the flexibility professionals expect in everyday use. 

But its purpose goes beyond specs. Every detail is designed to help reduce potential stressors during the service, allowing professionals to create more controlled, predictable experiences in the chair. 

More Than a Tool

Across the industry, there’s growing recognition that client comfort and emotional experience are essential to long-term success. For many families, finding a professional who understands sensory sensitivities can be life-changing—building confidence, routine, and trust over time.

Zephyr™ represents a step forward in that direction, supporting professionals who want to expand their services while better meeting the needs of a wider range of clients.

The Bigger Opportunity

As the industry evolves, inclusivity is becoming a defining factor in how barbershops and salons differentiate themselves. Professionals who adapt are not only enhancing the client experience—they’re strengthening relationships, building loyalty, and creating more welcoming spaces for everyone. 

Because sometimes, the most impactful innovations aren’t just about power or precision—
they’re about how clients feel in the chair. 

Learn more about Zephyr™ and the partnership with The Sensory Safe Solution:
Explore Zephyr™

It’s officially summer, and we have plenty to celebrate in this landmark 50th issue of BarberEVO. Packed with inspiration, creativity, business insight, and the industry’s leading voices, this edition shines a spotlight on the people, brands, and trends shaping the future of barbering around the world.

Cover Story: L3VEL3 Makes History

This issue opens with one of the biggest achievements in modern barbering. Our cover story celebrates L3VEL3’s remarkable accomplishment of winning the NAHA Barber of the Year title for a third consecutive year. We sit down with this year’s winner for an exclusive interview, exploring the dedication, creativity, and drive behind such an extraordinary achievement.

Joining the conversation is Carlos Pagan, better known as Drastic Barber, who shares his own insights into success, innovation, and what it takes to remain at the forefront of the industry.

In the Chair

Our latest In the Chair feature highlights Cherry the Barber, whose journey is a powerful story of resilience, determination, and growth. From overcoming challenges to building a successful career, Cherry offers valuable lessons and inspiration for barbers at every stage of their professional journey.

One to Watch

Every issue, we shine a light on emerging talent, and this edition introduces Angel Pagan. As a rising name within the industry, Angel is making an impact through creativity, ambition, and a fresh perspective that positions them as one of barbering’s most exciting talents to watch.

International Spotlight

We catch up with internationally recognised Australian barber Will Green, whose reputation extends far beyond his home country. In this exclusive interview, Will discusses his career journey, building a global profile, and the opportunities that come from pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.

Creative Focus

Creativity remains at the heart of barbering, and this issue explores the many ways professionals can continue to evolve their craft. From colour work and braiding techniques to creative cutting, styling, and finding your unique artistic voice, we speak with industry experts who share their advice on staying inspired while continually raising the bar.

Interiors

Great spaces inspire great work. In our interiors section, we take a closer look at some of the industry’s most impressive destinations, including Sanctuary Atlanta, Treehaus Barbershop in Glasgow, and Santana’s innovative concept that combines barbering, scalp micropigmentation, tattooing, and education under one roof. Each space demonstrates how thoughtful design and vision can elevate both the client experience and business success.

Business Matters

Building a successful brand requires more than technical skill. In this issue’s business feature, we explore the realities of growth and expansion, examining the advantages and challenges of franchising versus remaining independent. Industry leaders share their experiences and advice on creating sustainable businesses that can thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Plus Much More

Alongside these features, Issue 50 is filled with expert insights, product innovation, education, and the latest industry developments from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for inspiration behind the chair, practical business advice, or a glimpse into the future of barbering, this milestone edition delivers something for every professional.

Welcome to BarberEVO Issue 50.

InkShopGuard, an insurance provider specializing in coverage for tattoo artists and studio owners, has expanded its offerings to include insurance for barbers and barbershops nationwide. We spoke to Nate Szana, Vice President of Specialty Programs at InkShopGuard, about the latest expansion.  

Running a successful barbershop takes more than talent behind the chair. From managing staff and booth renters to maintaining equipment and serving clients safely, today’s shop owners face a wide range of business responsibilities — and insurance plays a major role in protecting everything they’ve built.

According to Nate, insurance needs can vary significantly depending on how a shop is structured. Some barbershops require every independent barber to carry their own policy and list the shop owner as an additional insured. While that setup can work, it often creates extra administrative work and leaves room for coverage gaps if policies lapse or certificates are not kept up to date.

For many growing shops, a single policy that includes independent barbers can be a more practical solution. This approach simplifies management, creates more consistent protection across the business, and can often lower the overall cost per barber — especially when insurance expenses are incorporated into booth rent.

The benefits become even more important for owners operating multiple locations. Having consistent coverage across several shops can make it easier to scale while still allowing flexibility for different staffing models, services, and day-to-day operations at each location. Instead of juggling separate policies and requirements, owners can focus on growing the business with confidence that their coverage is aligned across the board.

“Insurance should be viewed as part of a barber’s professional toolkit, alongside training, equipment, and branding,” Nate explained. “When it’s treated as a checkbox expense, it often fails the moment something goes wrong. When it’s treated as a business tool, it can help protect income, reputation, and long-term growth.”

At the end of the day, the right insurance coverage allows barbers and shop owners to focus on what matters most: delivering great service and building lasting relationships with clients. One unexpected accident, injury, or claim does not have to derail years of hard work when the proper protection is already in place.

Ready to protect your shop, your team, and your future? Learn more about coverage options here: https://go.inkshopguard.com/l/1008742/2026-01-20/544kjy

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has hailed its Respect Live event as a major success, bringing together salon owners, educators, industry leaders, stakeholders and media to explore the latest findings from its State of the Sector survey, and crucially, what happens next. Held as a key moment in the industry calendar, Respect Live created a powerful platform for open discussion around the current challenges, opportunities and future direction of the UK hair and beauty sector. 

Sector Taking Stock- and Taking Action

At the heart of the event was the unveiling of the latest State of the Sector results, offering a clear, data-led picture of where the industry stands today. From business sustainability and workforce challenges to education and growth, the findings sparked honest and solutions-focused conversations across the room. 

Crucially, these quarterly survey results are not only vital to the industry, they are also requested by government, making them an important tool in informing policy and decision-making at the highest level. By taking part, businesses directly contribute to shaping how the sector is understood, supported and represented nationally. 

A standout panel of respected voices shared real-world insight and practical perspectives, including Emma Curd of Mattaki Scissors, Darran Gould, founder/director Gould Barbers; Charles Whiston of CW Whiston salon; Christopher Moody, educator and salon owner: Wendy Cummins, chair of Hair Professional Apprenticeship Steering Group and salon owner; Diane Hey, Founder & CEO, Armonia Training Academy: Lesley Wilks, aesthetician and NHBF consultant; Christian Vincent of Worknest and Meg Piper, session stylist and owner of Solstice Hair. 

Together, they explored not only the realities facing businesses today, but also the collective responsibility, and opportunity, to shape a stronger, more resilient future. 

The event made clear that meaningful representation starts with listening. The NHBF exists to champion its members, ensuring their challenges, priorities and ambitions are heard where it matters most. The strength and impact of that representation is directly shaped by the voices within the industry. 

The NHBF stated: “The more our members engage, share their views, and take part in decisions, the stronger and more accurate our representation becomes whether that’s influencing government, shaping support, or driving the future direction of the sectors.” 

With over 84 years of expertise representing the UK’s hair and beauty sector, the NHBF has built its reputation on one enduring principle: that the strongest voice for this sector is a collective one. That commitment to listening, representing and supporting members remains as central today as it has ever been.

 The forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM, Monday 6 July 2026) and Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM, 18 May 2026) will ensure members’ voices remain at the core of the NHBF and inform the organisation’s future direction. 

Following an intense day of presenting and in-depth discussion Simon Shaw has been named as the 40^th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing. 

Now in its 80^th year, The Fellowship for British Hairdressing elects a new President every two years. Following in the footsteps of industry exemplars including Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson, Ken Picton and outgoing President Ashleigh Hodges, Simon said he was honoured to be taking over the role as President at this very special time in the Fellowship’s history. 

Simon has had a long-standing relationship with the Fellowship, joining very early on his their career and working alongside past Presidents and board members to develop the visibility and integrity of the Fellowship. Through his role as Head of Education for the Fellowship he has been able to showcase what the Fellowship stands for and increase membership and he was instrumental in introducing the very successful Project Men & Media to the Fellowships roster of educational Projects. Education is a passion of Simon, and in their role as President education will play a pivotal role.  Simon’s day-to-day role as Global Artistic Director is one that brings with it a whole host of exceptional qualities both commercially and creatively, key attributes required as part of the President’s role. 

Fellowship for British Hairdressing Chair, Marcus Allen commented, “Simon is a fantastic choice as President of the Fellowship. Truly immersed in all sectors within our industry and respected by all who know him with so much experience in all aspects of the business of hairdressing and barbering. Their commitment and dedication to the Fellowship is immeasurable, which will ensure a very exciting two years ahead. Our thanks go out to outgoing President Ashleigh Hodges for all the work and support she has given the Fellowship over the past two years,” concluded Marcus. 

Bailey Snowden, Wahl Scholar and owner of Snowden’s Barbers in Scunthorpe, talks us through the men’s styles you need to know in 2026. 

Men’s hair trends are evolving, and according to Bailey, the shift is all about authenticity, ease and embracing your natural hair type.

“Natural texture is having a moment,” Bailey explained. “Men are stepping away from rigid, heavily styled looks instead opting for movement, softness and individuality.”

That shift is particularly noticeable when it comes to curly and textured hair types.

“We’re seeing curly hair being embraced rather than tamed, and we’re seeing a rise in modern perms designed to enhance texture rather than create tight, traditional curls,” he said. “These looser, more wearable perms add volume and shape, giving hair a relaxed, effortless feel that still looks polished.”

Modern, lived-in cuts are also a trend, with clients embracing looks that require minimal daily styling and maintenance.

“Think soft layering, subtle tapering and natural finishes, combined with clean, sharp edges around the neckline or hairline to keep the overall look structured,” Bailey shared.

While these looks may seem effortless, they require an intentional, detailed approach.

“It’s a balance of low-maintenance texture with precise barbering, resulting in a fresh, put-together finish without needing to spend ages styling it every morning,” he added.

Classics also aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Expect clients to keep asking for the skin fade because of it’s versatility. However, there’s been a shift in how that cut is traditionally styled.

“Instead of pairing it with overly sculpted quiffs or pompadours, it’s now often combined with more relaxed, textured lengths,” Bailey said. “Whether that’s a messy crop, natural curls, or a slightly longer top, the contrast between the sharp fade and softer texture creates a modern, wearable look that suits a range of clients.”

Alongside shorter styles, longer hair is also making a strong comeback, influenced by the resurgence of ’90s culture and aesthetics.

“Men are growing their hair out, embracing looser shapes that move naturally and frame the face. These styles feel more laid-back and less done,” he said. “Working with the hair’s natural fall, this style requires minimal styling but still feels current and fashion-forward.”

While there may be countless trends circling, it’s crucial to embrace your client’s individuality, finding styles that fit their lifestyle and feels natural for their hair type.