We are ecstatic to welcome the one and only Chico Boom as a BarberEVO columnist for 2024. He’s been on the cover and now he’ll be on the pages for every issue. This globally celebrated barber and motivation speaker is also an author, educator, presenter, and go-to guy for Rolda, JRL, and Squire. His first column tells you how to design your personal brand. 

“Once you define your goals, you can build relationships that fuel your personal brand and take you into the rooms, onto the stages, and even into the boardrooms that you want to be.”

You want to build your personal brand in 2024? Let’s get into it…

Find your niche: Specialize in a specific industry niche.

Look introspectively to define your goals. Who do you want to be? What do you want people to come to you for? Once you define your goals, you can build relationships that fuel your personal brand and take you into the rooms, onto the stages, and even into the boardrooms that you want to be.

When I started, I didn’t want to just be a barber, I wanted to be a motivational speaker and educator. So, I designed my personal brand around that. You can design your brand around the clients you want to serve – maybe you want the creative, younger people in your chair, so start posting content online that reflects that ideal candidate.

Want to be known as a top tier barber? Create some guru content – utilize your social media to share advice and facts, maybe promote a couple brands. The internet is yours to play with.

Network: Go to tradeshows and events like the CT Barber Expo, which is by far the number-one show out there for barbers in North America. It is here that you find the brand contacts that you need to get a foot in the door with the biggest names in the industry – or even just to find likeminded people who might want to create with you, whether that’s online content, collections, or academies.

I am always at events scouting talent and education opportunities for JRL. If you come speak to me and you’re articulate, well-presented, and attentive then I’ll give you the chance – I’ll hear you out. Being put together is a huge part of professionalism and of boosting that personal brand.

Maximize social media: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for developing a personal brand. 

We can all agree that a barber can leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase their work. This is your direct line to clients and your direct selling platform – selling your work and selling your personal brand. 

By creating eye-catching content and consistently posting updates – which, honestly, is something that I need to work on too – that showcase your craft builds you a following and attract new clients. Once you master that, you’re opening yourself to not just new clients, but new opportunities with brands and even getting featured in magazines like BarberEVO.

Don’t forget about websites, too. You want people to find you everywhere – they shouldn’t have to investigate the internet to find you. You must maintain a professional website that features information about your service pricing and contact details to further enhance your credibility and visibility online.

Get headshots and a résumé: Identify who you are and capture that in a headshot. I wanted to present myself as a public speaker, so I wore a suit.

Also create a bio about yourself; something short and snappy that says what you’re about. Also write out a résumé and always have it on hand, so when opportunities do present themselves for work, presenting gigs, or someone contracts you for something, you have a resume to submit that shows all your qualifications. 

To summarize: a bio is just a short description of your accomplishments and things like that, but the resume goes more extensive into the work field. Make sure to put your website and social handles on there so they know where to see your practical skills.

Learn how to talk: this is essential if you want to be a platform artist/educator, which I think is the ultimate goal for most ambitious barbers.

I won’t take people seriously who come to events and tradeshows who aren’t well presented in their clothing, or who talk casually. I want you to be eloquent, driven, and professional – not too many ‘uum’ or ‘you know what I’m saying’. 

To be successful in the professional field, communication needs to be mastered. You do that by taking speaking courses.

I recommend Toastmasters International. They’re a public speaking and communication skills educator that teach all over the globe. This is where you learn how to develop your communication skills and gain coping mechanisms that help you manage nerves or anxieties about speaking on stage.

Josh Lamonaca is one of the most-respected barbers in the industry, and this Apprenticeship Week he has three key points of advice for young barbers.

“It’s all about being the best you can be, learning the fundamentals and taking your time. With my business partner Sam Palmer, we started Menspire 10 years ago and we are only just starting our journey. It’s not a race to the top, you have to be the best you can be along the way” – he says.

Josh’s three tips for new barbers:

1 Work hard.

Do as many haircuts as you can on as many different hair types as you can. Nothing will be perfect, so learn from the mistakes you make.

2 Work smart. 

Look to the people on your left and the right of you when you’re on the shop floor. Observe what they are good at and take into account what you can improve. 

3 Be patient. 

Today we live in a world of Amazon and YouTube, where everything is available at the click of our fingers. But when it comes to barbering, be patient. You’re not going to be the best barber the next day, or the best educator the next month. Be patient with your skills. Know that it’s going to take time to build a successful skillset and mindset. 

For more information:
@menspiresalon @joshlamonaca
www.menspire.co.uk

The latest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW, featuring…

Get your copy here! 

Barber of the Edition: Jessie Perez Gil
Barbershop of the Edition: Blind Barber Chicago
Newcomer of the Edition: Elliot Thomas, The Spot Academy
EVO in the City Location: San Francisco
EVO Abroad Location: Switzerland
Diary of a CEO: Aston LaFon, 18.21 ManMade
Behind-the-Scenes Photoshoot: Purcy Chair

Welcoming our new and returning columnists: 

Angie Perino
Barberville
Chico Boom
Byrd Mena
Brandi Lashay
Tyler Kelbert

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

NEW YEAR TRENDS

Everything you need to know about 2024 style is HERE.

Featuring trend predictions from STMNT’s Jōvan Figueroa, American Crew’s Phoenix Thomson, Andis’ Angie Perino, Pamela Reyes, Taylor Leven and Jason Rios, too. Including insight to color, style, cuts, design, texture, and protective styling.

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GROOMING

Shaving and skincare make for the perfect relaxation experience in a shop. Learn how to maximize on sales and revenue using grooming services.

Featuring advice from Jay Cruz, J. Harris Barber, Danilo Alfonso, Joseph Macdonald and more.

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EDITORIAL

Expect big names in the editorial world in this feature. Byrd Mena is one of our new columnists and gives you the tools you need to do justice to your creativity and design photoshoots that showcase your skill AND look cool.

Also spotlighted are Carlos A. Trista, who covers freestyling on competition stages; Edwin Cruz Delgado, who speaks about the best products. Angel Marcano also looks at the power of color and pattern to boost your creative streak. And the one and only Byrd Mena tells you what you need to do to get your work notices.

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TOOL FOCUS: ELECTRICALS

The biggest names in electricals are here: Cocco Hair Pro, Bevel, Tomb45, Panasonic, BaBylissPRO, Andis, and Wahl share their most exciting releases. This is where you find out what tools are going to up your game this year.

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.   

BE PART OF THE WAHL FAMILY

Become A Wahl Ambassador

WAHL are looking for passionate and loyal barbers and stylists to become a valued part of their journey and to share their Wahl passion through creative posts, videos, and images to their social media followers.

Apply NOW here!

What Can They Offer You?

• A 12 month certified membership to this exclusive program (a maximum of only 15 members will be chosen for 2023/2024)
• Be among the first to receive new products and may be asked to partake in product testing opportunities.
• Free product(s) sent monthly to share/review with your social media followers and local community.
• Potential to advance as a member of the Wahl Education Team.
• Exclusive ambassador welcome pack of awesome goodies.
• Finally, be a part of a team that will help you grow as a professional in the industry whilst building amazing local and international relationships along the way.

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Qualifications & Benefits

• They’ll ask you to make sure you’re only using Wahl tools (clippers, trimmers, shavers, etc…)
• Post a minimum of two posts a month (must be on your native feed—not stories) with a couple of specifics that need to be included in these posts.
• In order to apply, they are requesting a simple video of you with Wahl’s tools. This can be an unboxing, haircut tutorial, showcase, etc… Show them your best stuff!
• Fill out their application and make sure your social media platforms are up to scratch and that your content is creative and engaging.

Click HERE to start your application.

Deadline for submission is 14/02/2024 11:59PM GMT.

Jim Shaw, Director Of Toni&Guy Billericay And Multi Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser

The Van Dyke – consisting of a small goatee, beard and moustache. These three elements can be connected or disconnected, creating a unique yet sophisticated and trendy look for men. With celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr. And Johnny Depp previously sporting this beard trend, it was of course going to be popular for the modern-day man who is looking to give themselves a celebrity inspired look. 

The Full Beard – as we come into 2024 many men will be looking to grow their beard, perfect to give their face some warmth over winter! It’s also great for men who like a more natural and effortless look. The full beard may not be for everyone, but for those that suit this style, it can really make a statement and show off their personality and confidence. 

The Anchor Beard – a beard style we have noticed becoming popular more recently and that replicates that of an anchor, including a moustache and a pointed beard that traces the jawline. For those who like a more groomed beard style, this is perfect. It also is incredibly versatile where it can work for almost any face shape, but I particularly love this style for those who are looking to enhance some of their best facial features such as their jaw line.

Stubble – a beard trend that will never go out of style! Stubble is particularly great for those who want to dip their toe in the water when it comes to having a beard. It’s a casual but classy style and can also be paired with a moustache. I love this look paired with a buzz cut/super short hair look to provide balance.

DAIMON BARBER, THE LUXURY BRITISH BRAND OF MEN’S HAIRSTYLING, SHAVING AND SKIN CARE PRODUCTS, IS LAUNCHING IN CANADA!

Daimon Barber, the prestigious London-based professional brand celebrated for its diverse range of men’s hairstyling, grooming, and skincare products, a staple at premium barber shops, Harrods, Selfridges, and other upscale retailers across the UK, has now ventured across the pond to establish a presence in Canada. In a visionary mission to introduce global beauty brands to the Canadian beauty industry, Oriac, the largest distributor in Canada, has partnered with Daimon Barber, securing its position as its exclusive supplier for the Canadian market. 

It all started with the Original Pomade (50g / $35.00 CAD) created by Daimon, a seasoned London barber. Hence the name Daimon Barber. Louis Hayes-Davies later joined Daimon Barber and facilitated the creation of new and unique formulations to expand on the Original Pomade. Now Louis is at the helm as owner and Managing Director, Daimon Barber has become one of the most respected and sought-after brands in the men’s grooming category. 

Daimon Barber has become synonymous with unrivaled quality and beautiful design, not to mention its complex fragrances. Yuzu Paste (100g / $65.00 CAD) gets its distinctive scent from a sparkling aroma with wonderfully sweet, tart and bitter elements that are subtle yet impactful. Texture Clay (100g / $65.00 CAD) is scented with Fig and frankincense combined to give a sophisticated and fresh scent. Our Original Pomade is made with Raspberry seed oil and Bee propolis to nourish the hair. Daimon Barber offers a diverse range of products, with prices starting from $35 CAD for the 50 gr. container size of its hairstyling range.

In a Canadian grooming market dominated by others, Daimon Barber emerges as the sole British player, carving out a unique niche. Renowned for its innovative formulations, the brand offers a comprehensive range, including high-performance hair styling, skincare, beard care, and shaving products. The exceptional Revitalising Moisturiser (50 ml. / $84.00 CAD), featuring plant-based ingredients, is designed to hydrate and revitalize the skin. For beard aficionados, the classic Beard & Stubble Softener (50 ml. / $50.00 CAD) contains nutrient-rich avocado oil and aloe vera, ensuring facial hair stays healthy, and the skin beneath feels moisturized.

“Creating these remarkable products and seeing them on the shelves of esteemed Canadian retailers is an immensely proud and exhilarating moment for our brand,” Louis stated. “Launching in Canada marks a huge chapter in our brand’s journey, and we look forward to them becoming one of our strongest partners.”

Building on the brand’s triumphs, Louis Hayes-Davies inaugurated the Daimon Barber Hair Retreat to great fanfare. Located in a three-story townhouse in Stratford-Upon-Avon, this flagship salon and outlet for Daimon Barber products promises guests a complete personal experience, offering various services from haircuts to facials to traditional hot towel shaves.

Daimon Barber’s entire product line is crafted with ingredients sourced from the U.K., boasting a 100% cruelty-free, paraben-free, and “nasty chemicals”-free ethos. 

To immerse yourself in the world of Daimon Barber or to place an order, please visit www.DaimonBarber.ca. 

MR. Barbers Managing Director Karl Foster, Director Paul Davenport, and Shop Owner Mark Lovell told us why the MR. Barbers Awards mean so much to the winners and also to the structure of the business as a whole.

MR. Barbers’ experienced and friendly teams across each of their shops offer quality styles that fit each client perfectly. 

Karl, Paul, and Mark keep their customers and their teams at the heart of everything they do and make sure that every detail of their services delivers value for money and a welcoming environment that people will want to return to again and again. 

Every MR. Barber shop is an essential part of each barber’s community, and they work to make each one a ‘local’ business where clients and visitors can feel right at home.

They have shops in Stowmarket, Sadbury, Thetford, Witham, Bishop’s Stortford, Braintree, Bury St Edmunds, Diss, Enfield, Halstead, Hertford, Saffron Walden, and Standsted. 

Every team member is encouraged to ask questions, learn, and grow within the MR. Barbers model. Karl’s and the senior members of MR. Barbers’ support and education goes far beyond helping teams refine their practical barbering skills – what these new barbers, young and old, get from the team is a community, a support network, and a chance to grow as professionals as well as human beings.

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MR. Barbers Awards 2023 fostered an atmosphere of joy and pride in the grand hall of The Athenaeum on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds. After food and drinks, awards were handed out to some of the brightest stars in MR. Barbers.

Karl said: “The MR. Barbers awards are about so much more than celebrating achievements on the night. These awards inspire barbers to work hard throughout the year, knowing that if they focus themselves, they will be rewarded.

“Many of the barbers here tonight have overcome many obstacles in their lives both in the industry and in their personal lives. It is our great pleasure and quite frankly our honour to provide them with a support system that is always rooting for them; that is always finding ways to make them better at their craft and feel better about themselves.”

Mark Lovell, fitness influencer, barber, and MR. Barbers shop owner, said: “We have all achieved so much this year – barbers and shop owners/educators alike. Myself, Karl, and a group of other MR. Barbers barbers, embarked on a 100km walk for charity that impacted us in deeper ways than we ever thought possible. We have bonded as a management unit and as friends as a result. Having that solid relationship between senior management is what empowers our mentees and junior barbers, showing them that life can be incredible, and barbering will keep you stable and grounded should you wish to accept.’

Paul Davenport, Director of MR. Barbers, said: “Tonight has been such a positive and uplifting evening. We love to highlight the successes of the people in our shops because they deserve to be celebrated as they embark on a career in this actually very challenging industry. They learn business acumen, they learn practical cutting skills, and they also learn how to manage their skills and capabilities in a way that helps them grow as individuals both in and out of the shop. I am so please for all the winners tonight and can’t wait to see where they go next. Bring on 2024 – and bring on the next awards!”

We can’t wait to see who comes out on top this year. Watch this space for more @mrbarbers // mrbarbers.co.uk

Maghaberry Prison is a high security facility for 1000 plus male prisoners in County Antrim, Northern Ireland which hosts no less than four barbershops with two to five workstations in each. Denman team member Maria Stafford recently visited Maghaberry to talk to Janice Lawther, barbering tutor from Belfast Met and Governor Wendy Graham and meet some of the barbers that have trained there. 

Maria said “It was wonderful to hear from some of the prisoners which included trained barbers and barbering mentors. They believe that learning barbering has changed their lives in a positive way and gives them a reason to get out of bed every day.”

Denman is providing the gowns, brushes and combs required for all the working barbers and trainee barbers at Maghaberry and is actively seeking other prison barbering training programmes to support across the country.

 

Brand new Menspire and Friends, the latest initiative from internationally renowned men’s hairdressing and education brand, Menspire, kicks off in January with a collaboration between two of the industry’s most creative forces.

For the first in a series of collaborations, Menspire co-founder Josh Lamonaca, will be joined by barbering powerhouse, Kevin Luchmun. 

The two giants of men’s hairdressing will share their professional journeys, their creative inspirations and career personal triumphs, while showcasing their skills with live demos and presentation models at the Menspire Academy in St Albans on 21 January.

Josh says: ‘Kevin and I were both there at the beginning of the barbering boom. We got to know each other via social media and realised we had a similar style and a dedication to learning and teaching all-round hairdressing and barbering skills. We developed in different ways but were both driven by the same passion for our craft. This shared passion will make the first Menspire and Friends collaboration both fascinating and, we hope, motivational to other hair professionals.”

Those attending will also have the opportunity to quiz Josh and Kevin in a Q&A session which will round off what promises to be a highly informative and inspirational evening, with creative collaboration at its heart.

Tickets are available via the Menspire website, starting at £69. For those who can’t attend the event, you can tune in online, with tickets costing £49. 

www.menspire.co.uk

For more information
@menspiresalon @joshlamonaca
www.menspire.co.uk

Join the Hair in Motion Education team for a very special event, celebrating the launch of their global education programme. 

The event is an extension of the Hair In Motion education online platform, which has been exclusively designed for the hair professional who seeks more in their career. Charles Gray, Founder of Hair in Motions and Ambassador for Leaf Scissors, said about the Global Launch Show: “Join us for the Hair In Motion Global Education Launch show as we look to start 2024 with a Bang!” 

After 12 years in the hair and fashion industry, Charles has become one of the leading educators within men’s hairdressing across the globe with a formidable reputation and unparalleled experience to most.

“Expect to see a live seminar diving into different genres and subcutures of hair & fashion put together by the team with an array of models who will then partake in a live photoshoot on stage whilst the team display who’s behind the brand and what were setting out to achieve as a team moving forward.” 

The Hair in Motion Education Global launch show is on January the 28th from 1pm-6pm in Manchester.

Expect incredible work shared across social media throughout.  

Tickets are available at hairinmotion.co.uk .

Follow Charles and the Hair in Motion team on Instagram @hairinmotioneducation // @charliegray248