With the industry events season at its height, EVO have teamed up with some of the leading brands in the industry, such as legendary apparel and cape brand, Barber Strong. Making a huge splash at Chicago’s ABS, CT Barber Expo and now, onto Premiere Orlando, they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. 

At each event, the EVO Media Zone features multiple interactive activations, such as the EVO Cover Booth and the EVO Interview Hub. As a collaboration with Barber Strong, the EVO team (including the publication’s Director and Co-Founder, David Foster, and Editor Jennifer Paxton) interviewed countless industry leaders, such as: Kenny Duncan, Tyrik Jackson, Jay Majors, Kristi Faulkner, Byrd Mena, Hayden Cassidy, Steven Rivera, Kevin Nguyen, and many, many more. 

With each interviewee, the discussions surrounded the pro’s career, industry advice, and the importance of client comfort and barber professionalism. With the EVO Interview Hub decked out in Barber Strong’s top selling products, barber and salon professionals spoke about the importance of investing in durable, top quality, and long-lasting barbershop essentials. Interviewees held up their chosen jackets, vests and capes and discussed the top elements of what they look for in these products, and why Barber Strong are at the top of their game. 

Engineered especially for the professional barber, Barber Strong apparel and capes, use innovative methods, such as their NanoShield Technology to repel hair and maximize airflow for peak performance. In addition, the products are water and chemical resistant which gives the barber and stylist peace of mind when creating. Their wide collection of capes and apparel excel at providing a comfortable experience for clients, heightening the client experience. 

This is what some of the interviewees had to say: 

“You have all shapes and sizes of people come into your shop. So, to have a cape you know is going to be durable, comfortable and adaptable for all sizes, it will just help your clients feel relaxed and comfortable in your chair.” – Kristi Faulkner, on Barber Strong’s Shield Collection Barber Cape

“Client comfort is the number one thing. When you create a business, you have to reverse engineer and think of the customer’s experience before you think of your own needs. What is the customer experience going to be like? To me, it’s all about the five senses. Taste, smell, sight, hearing, and feeling. This cape feels good.” – Tyrik Jackson, on Barber Strong’s Classic Collection Barber Cape 

“When you walk into my barbershop, you know exactly who the barbers are, and who the clients are. So, every barber in the shop has a uniform and looks the part, so the clients know who to go to for any help they may need.” – Angel Raws, on Barber Strong’s Barber Tech Tee

Missed the EVO Media Zone at ABS or CT? Well, you’re in luck because we are taking it on the road again. Next stop, Premiere Orlando, and then, to a city near you?

Find out more about Barber Strong at barber-strong.com

Samson’s Haircare, the artisanal men’s hair and beard care range, have recently launched an innovative hair styling clay designed to help men achieve and maintain the perfect hairstyle, while at the simultaneously nourishing the hair with vital minerals. Samson’s Haircare Dead Sea Clay (4oz. / $22.00) is an easy-to-use moldable hairstyling clay that provides a matte finish and a medium-to-high hold. It is ideal for men (or anyone with short hair) who wants a natural-looking style that lasts all day.

This new hair styling clay is made with natural ingredients sourced from the Dead Sea region on the Eastern shores of Jordan. The formula predominantly contains the coveted Dead Sea Clay, which is known for its nourishing and healing properties that cleanse and purify the hair. The product also contained the addition of Black Hawaiian Sea Salt which delivers a naturally soft and moldable texture. Samson’s Dead Sea Clay is suitable for all hair types and can be used daily to revitalize hair texture.  And….the best part is that this clay can actually be rinsed out with water!

Dead Sea Clay is medium-to-strong hold, which makes pliable and easy to use, allowing you to style hair into the desired look with ease. Whether you prefer a casual, messy, textured look, or a more formal, modern pompadour style, this clay provides a natural-looking ultra-matte finish that lasts all day. 

The Samson’s Dead Sea Clay is packed with good-for-you minerals that nourish hair follicles and allow them to retain a healthy moisture level. The matte finish of the product ensures that hair looks effortlessly styled without appearing greasy or shiny compared to other products on the market. The Dead Sea Clay and Black Hawaiian Salt are ethically sourced and are hand batched and distributed by the Samson’s Haircare team.  

“We know that men want a hair product that is easy-to-use and delivers great results,” said Adam Muncy, co-founder of Samson’s Haircare. “We originally started experimenting with Dead Sea Clay for its healing and restorative properties and our new forming clay is specifically designed to provide a range of benefits for men’s hair. The product itself is a major achievement for my partner Jake, as a brewer and formulator, as this improves hair health and delivers a natural-looking style that lasts all day. We believe that this product will be a game-changer for men who want to achieve stylish and healthy-looking hair with minimal effort. Usually, it’s almost impossible to check all these boxes at once, but Samson’s Dead Sea Clay allows us to do so.”

Samson’s Haircare is committed to using only the highest quality and naturally sourced ingredients in every product. The Dead Sea Clay is free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, making it safe and gentle for daily use to improve hair texture, hold and moisture levels for men who care about the look and health of their hair.

Dead Sea Clay is now available for purchase online at Samson’s Haircare website. Customers can enjoy free shipping on orders over $16 and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information on the Dead Sea Clay Hair Product and other Samson’s Haircare products, please visit their website https://samsonshaircare.com/

The iconic hairdressing competition, Wella Professionals TrendVision Award 2023, has launched. This contest showcases the greatest men’s and women’s hairdressing creativity in the UK & Ireland: this year new categories and exciting updates make it more desirable than ever before to enter. Max Amen, General Manager UK & Ireland, Wella Company said: “Wella’s TrendVision Award is an industry icon. It is a unique platform which offers all competitors the opportunity to show their skills, grow professionally, partner with legendary artists and unleash their creativity”.  

Entries open on the 17^th of April. All successful photographic entries will go straight through to the UK & Ireland Final, which takes place on 25^th September 2023 at Magazine London. All categories will compete live at the final, making it a truly memorable event.   

TrendVision Award celebrates innovative colouring techniques, first class cutting skills and inspirational, fashionable hairdressing. This dynamic platform showcases the exceptional Wella colour portfolio.   

Entering TrendVision Award has never been easier, and it’s not just open to those working in a salon. Anyone living or working in the UK or Ireland, including independent stylists, can enter, and you don’t need to be a Wella Professionals account. The exception being XPOSURE Creative Colour, which is exclusive to hairdressing students. Competitors complete an online entry form with a before and after image, then upload both images or a transformational reel to Instagram, making sure the relevant hashtags and tags are included. Images must have been taken in the last 12 months, not previously entered into any industry competitions, and there are no gender-specific limitations for models.  

The 2023 categories are:   

• Colour Visionary  

End Look Goal: A focus on stunning colour that uses exquisite colour techniques and showcases innovative colouring skills, using a collection of lavender tones ranging from delicate lilac to vibrant purple.   

• Craft Visionary   

End Look Goal : A focus on cut, colour and styling using colour techniques and placement to achieve striking colour to enhance the precision of the haircut. This is all about the before and after transformation, whilst maintaing condition.   

• Editorial Look  

End Look Goal: A colour editorial image that delivers an edgy yet balanced editorial hair design, using colour, texture and shape to bring a visual story to life.   

• XPOSURE Creative Colour  

End Look Goal: Showcase creative colouring that’s perfectly placed to create a strong cut and colour combination. Quality and condition is key, as is suitability to the model or headblock.   

Inspirational mood boards and category criteria can be found on the TrendVision Award website wella.co.uk/trendvision  

Key 2023 dates:  

Photographic Entries open: Monday 17^th April.  

Photographic Entries close: Friday 9^th June 5pm.  

Photographic Results Announcement: w/c 24th July  

UK & Ireland Final: Monday 25^th September, Magazine London.  

The TrendVision Award journey is supported by an incredible online resource hub where all the information and inspiration you need is available, at www.wella.co.uk/trendvision.  

For further information, contact the Wella Events Team at wellaevents@wella.com.  

Connect with Wella Professional on social media. Instagram @WellaProfessionalsUKI / Facebook @WellaUKI / TikTok @WellaHairUKI #NTVA2023 

State-of-the-art school to be located in Chicago, IL.

Wahl Clipper Corporation is pleased to announce plans are underway to open the Wahl Barber Academy. This first-of-its-kind barber school is scheduled to open in the Spring in Chicago, IL. 

The Academy is in partnership with Pivot Point Academy which will operate the school and oversee curriculum. The Wahl Barber Academy will continue a legacy of industry firsts by being an elite barbering institution designed to train the next generation of barber professionals.

“Education has always been a cornerstone of Wahl’s philosophy. The opening of the Wahl Barber Academy furthers our commitment to providing the educational excellence needed to succeed in the barbering industry,” said Lance Wahl, senior vice president of professional sales & marketing at Wahl Clipper Corporation.

The Wahl Barber Academy will equip future barbers with the skills needed to perform at the industry’s highest levels. With its reputation for developing exceptional new hair and beauty professionals, Wahl found in Pivot Point Academy a partner that matches its commitment to excellence and a shared drive to improve the beauty and barber industry.

“The Wahl Barber Academy was designed to create well-rounded, exceptional barbers. The students will learn hair cutting, shaving, grooming and basic skin care, along with the business skills necessary to prepare them to succeed in the men’s grooming industry,” said Denise Provenzano, managing partner and co-owner of Pivot Point Academy.

Wahl and Pivot Point Academy have assembled a team of leading licensed instructors who demonstrate technical skill and the ability to inspire and motivate students. Provenzano oversees faculty recruitment with Pivot Point Academy’s Master Barber & Lead Educator Ken Washburn and School Director Michelle Lamantia.

The award-winning team at Interworks Architecture is designing the modern-industrial 6,183-square-foot educational space located at 8501 W. Higgins in Chicago near O’Hare Airport, and easily accessed from the CTA blue line.

In addition to offering world-class education for future barbers, the academy will serve as an advanced training center, hosting educational opportunities for industry professionals and Wahl’s global team of educators. Classes will begin in Spring 2023 and guests will be able to schedule hair and grooming appointments with the next generation of leading barber students starting shortly thereafter.

A private grand opening celebration is slated for Friday, April 14, in advance of America’s Beauty Show.

BENEFITTING A CHANGE IS COMING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, THIS COLLABORATION HIGHLIGHTS ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S TOP CREATORS AND GIVES KIDS SUPPORT FOR COLLEGE & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of barbering and styling tools and education for professional barbers and hair stylists, has joined forces with award-winning barber and educator John Mosley, known professionally as “Popular Nobody,” to launch its most unique collection yet. One of Andis’ leading Global Educators and 2022 NAHA Educator of the Year, John uses his influence to inspire creativity among professionals and this new collaboration, featuring three limited-edition tools, highlights his artistry and encourages others to create their way. 

“Kicking off our Creative Collab Series with John and his Popular Nobody brand is incredibly exciting. Andis is always looking to inspire and encourage others to create their way, so when we spoke with John about the idea of creating a custom clipper with a common vision to support a great cause, we were excited to bring it to life,” said Angie Vlasaty Peterson, Andis VP of Marketing. “We think people will really love what we’ve done with John and B. Clark Customs.” 

Branded with the signature Popular Nobody “Atlas” Gorilla logo and a design based on a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted colorway by B. Clark Customs™, this special-edition release includes custom versions of the Master® Cordless Li Clipper, the Cordless Envy® Li Clipper, and the Slimline® Pro Li Trimmer. Each tool for this collaboration was chosen by John with professional creators in mind. It combines some of Andis’ best-selling tools with the imagination and style of the Popular Nobody brand wrapped using fresh, modern colors, and a surprise black light glow design. Tools in the collection include:

Master Cordless Lithium-Ion Clipper: 

Andis Company’s most popular professional clipper, The Master Cordless, offers high-speed power, constant speed technology, and an adjustable blade for unbeatable precision that make it perfect for skin-tight fades and tapers. With a 90-minute cordless runtime and a durable aluminum housing, the Master Cordless Clipper delivers premier-quality cuts with the aesthetic edge of Popular Nobody style. 

Cordless Envy Li Adjustable Blade Clipper:

With 2 hours of cordless runtime on a 90-minute charge, the super lightweight Cordless Envy Adjustable Blade Clipper is designed with the craft in mind. The lightweight design is ideal for smaller hands and for comfortable all-day use. Decked in a unique Popular Nobody colorway, this clipper embodies creative freedom. 

Slimline Pro Li T-Blade Trimmer

A sleek, lightweight profile and extra-sharp carbon-steel T-blade mean this trimmer was built for ultra-close, precision detailing. The Slimline Pro Trimmer boasts an ergonomic design perfect for controlled outlining, designing and touchups on the neckline. Also showcasing the Popular Nobody graphics, this trimmer completes this incredible, artful set of tools. 

Dedicated to giving back to his community, John has pledged $10,000 of the proceeds from this collaboration to A Change is Coming, a Texas-based 501c non-profit foundation that provides scholarships to Black and Brown youth. Andis will also be making a matching grant of $10,000 through its Andis Foundation to support the group’s work.

Of the donation, John said: “There comes a point in your career where you realize your success wouldn’t have been possible without someone else helping you. As an Andis Global Educator, I have seen how teaching others to be successful makes a difference. This creative collab with Andis is a great expression of artistry and giving back and A Change Is Coming is the perfect partner to benefit from this project.”

Available while supplies last, these limited-edition tools will be sold separately on the Popular Nobody website. To learn more about Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. To keep up to date with John Mosely and Popular Nobody, follow him on Instagram. 

We are inspired by the dreamers and visionaries remaking our world today, because creativity makes the world a better place. We are creators and together we shape the world.

See the CREATIVE COLLAB SERIES VIDEO

2023 IS GOING TO BE EPIC

The latest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW! This issue is all about prepping yourself, your barbers and your shop for a season of success. 2023 has the potential to be your best year yet, so start the year off how you mean to go on with the freshest ideas and advice from BarberEVO. 

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

GOING GLOBAL

We’ve had blast taking planes, trains, and automobiles across an epic tour of Midwest. We’ve been meeting clients and going to events in the UK, EU, and of course, North America. 

We were at Salt Lake City Beauty & Barber Expo talking to the biggest names in the bizz. Not to blow our own trumpet or anything, but we won Best Booth… We also headed out to LA for Barbercon – another incredible weekend seeing all of you guys in the flesh. If you didn’t catch us this year, guaranteed we’ll see you at the next!

REFLECT AND RENEW

It’s that time of the year already, y’all, when we start to reflect on our past year and make goals for the one to come. But before the ball drops, we have to survive the festive season, when our books are full (hopefully) and shops packed with happy people.

Buy your copy of BarberEVO to find answers to the questions: what are your goals? To create a collection? Entering a competition? Adding another revenue-increasing service? Or just getting through the year in a better economical position? We cover it all. 

STYLED TO PERFECTION

A good haircut doesn’t just happen with a pair of clippers and shears. Styling is an essential element of a barbering service – it gives you the opportunity and time to educate your clients on how to keep up their look, and allows you to sell retail.

The great thing about style is that we all like to do it a little differently, depending on who you are and where you are. In this issue, we talk about how you can prepare for anyone who ends up in your chair. It’s true that giving clients the tools they need to look good once they leave your chair too is a major confidence booster – and a great way to build loyalty.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE VIBES

In this issue, we talk to barbershop owners about how they create welcoming and very very cool interiors that uniquely represents their brand, while also being practical and comfortable. Whether you want your shop to be chill, luxe, multifunctional, or on the move… we got you.

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

CHICAGO, IL (April 2022)— Booksy is delighted to announce Lisa Finucane as new Senior Category Manager for Barbering and Hair Verticals. As a professional hairstylist, Finucane brings 32 years of experience in the beauty industry to her new position at Booksy.

Booksy is the leading scheduling and business app for the beauty industry that is designed to make lives simpler and much more efficient. The cloud-based app easily connects beauty industry service providers with customers. Booksy not only allows for convenient 24/7 online appointment booking for clients but is also a comprehensive business management tool for beauty businesses of all sizes. Currently, Booksy is available in 6 countries and supports over 150 million annualized client appointments.

Beginning her career as a behind the chair stylist, Lisa Finucane went on to various color education and sales roles before beginning her new and exciting opportunity with Booksy in February 2022.In her new role,she is responsible for marketing and expansion within the barbering and hair sectors! She is also responsible for campaigns, trade shows, and ambassador acquisition to help ensure Booksy is the premier choice for beauty professionals nationwide.

Lisa’s previous experience as National Director of Education at Wahl Professional has allowed her to work closely with successful hairdressers, barbers, and salons across the US. Her personal philosophy centers around her belief that the beauty industry is “the best in the world.”  Finucane is proud graduate of Pivot Point International. She is in the home stretch of a lifelong goal of completing a PhD as well. Her research highlighted how barbers present him or herself as an agent of social justice change.

“I am excited to bring my extensive experience and knowledge of the beauty industry to the Booksy team and to be part of the future growth of this amazing technology. I want to thank Dee Hadley, Head of Marketing at Booksy, and the entire management team who have been very supportive as I dive into this new role. I am honored to be working with such talented and creative individuals,” commented Finucane.

Robert Eaton has been welcomed as the new President for the Fellowship for British Hairdressing at a star-studded event in London.

Ken Picton, who has led the organisation for the past three years, handed over the reigns to British Hairdresser of the Year Robert Eaton in front of industry peers at the President’s Night.

Held at the Brewery in East London, Ken relived some of his favourite times as President – and the challenges brought with the pandemic. But before he could leave there were a few surprises – he brought his Drinks with the President live to the stage with some of his favourite guests including Sally Brooks, Mark Woolley and Michael Douglas, while a video highlighted just some of the things he has implemented during his reign.

The F.A.M.E team presented their first show, Evolution. Alex Cook, Darrel Starkey, Jessica Hau and Lydia Wolfe – a showcase of their skills learnt so far this year, with stunning 5ft colourful ponytails, precision cuts and dynamic shapes.

Ken recalled: “When I took over as President in 2019 we had no idea what was ahead of us. But we have worked hard to modernise the Fellowship for a new era of hairdressing. It’s been a privilege to lead the Fellowship through these turbulent times and I look forward to being part of the future.”

Receiving his regalia, Robert added: “Today is very special for me, when I started my journey in the family business it was about networking and making friends. My whole career has been shaped by the Fellowship; I was part of the 2003 F.A.M.E. Team which was incredibly special and instilled in me the importance of nurturing the next generation. Now, it’s my time to give back and help young people in this industry. I want to work with as many people as possible to evolve the industry and continue the heritage the Fellowship has always had.”

UK, SQUIRE is back! And, with their first-ever exclusive UK tour hosted by @hayden_cassidy! Get in the game with the UK’s most elite barbers. The drinks, food, music & raffles are on SQUIRE– as well as free onsite SQUIRE demos that will show you how to elevate your barbershop. The first five accounts per tour stop to sign up to become SQUIRE users will receive a free 1:1 virtual workshop with Hayden for a Higher Learning session powered by SQUIRE. See you there!

TOUR DATES:

London: March 5th, 8-11pm, Champs’ Barber Shop, @champsbarbers, 17 Riding House St, London W1W 7DY

Sign up for London here

Manchester: March 6th, 3-7pm, Danny & Co. Barber Shop, @dannyandcobarbers, The Barn, 2a Mill St, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HT

Sign up for Machester here

Glasgow: March 7th, 3-7pm, Sovereign Grooming, @sovereigngrooming, 38 Renfield Street Glasgow G2 1LU

Sign up for Glasgow here

And pick up your FREE copy of BarberEVO magazine!

Connecticut barber Peter Tsakiris of Peter’s Unisex Hairstyling in Hartford, has been cutting the hair of local residents for half a century and has reported that a thief stole $10,000 of clipper and razor equipment from his barbershop after a break-in. 

Peter said: “I always felt that I didn’t need an alarm or insurance, but it happens.” News of the incident spread thanks to Johnny Cruz, a local client who posted about it on TikTok. 

The buzz on social media caught the attention of Jay Majors who runs the Connecticut Barber Expo, who said: “Every barber started messaging me. Barbering is nostalgic, it is about history. These are our predecessors, so it hurt my feelings for someone to target someone like that.” Donations started coming into Jay from as far away as Cleveland Ohio, and the result was that Jay collected up thousands of dollars of new equipment and delivered it to Peter to choose from.  

Tsakiris was able to pick out clippers, disinfectant, aftershave and everything else he needed from the money that was donated.  

Tsakiris, who is a third-generation barber said that some of what was stolen was sentimental. “My father was a barber, and I had some clippers and razors that he has passed down.” To him they were priceless. 

Two days shy of his 80^th birthday and the barber has received the best birthday wish of all. “I couldn’t be any happier, I had no tools when I walked in this morning and now look around, I got everything I need and more.”