Andis® Company, the leading barbering, styling and animal grooming tools brand dedicated to empowering users to create their way, is reimagining the end-to-end brand experience. Today, it introduces a new positioning as a lifestyle brand that empowers creativity within. The organization will use unique visual storytelling to highlight those at the center of their business – the creators. Andis believes creativity makes the world a better place and takes pride in developing tools and educational resources that help everyone create their way.

Front and center of the brand’s new positioning and look is the empowered creator. For Andis, creators can be internationally-renowned artists
perfecting their next viral hair design, ranchers getting ready to show cattle, pet parents touching up their furry friends between grooming appointments, or people cutting hair at home.

Watch the brand’s manifesto HERE.

“Andis has always been a passionate advocate for the creatives and visionaries in the world, as well as those solving practical challenges with our tools at home. Now, with our elevated brand experience and striking new look, we are focusing on what matters most to our company – our community of creators,” said Co-CEO Matt Andis.

“Our new brand identity celebrates a new generation of creators,” said Angie Vlasaty Peterson, Andis Company’s Director of Branding.

“The stories of customers using our tools to express their creativity has always been our motivation to innovate, and we are excited to
showcase their inspiration and passion with our new look. What matters most is the artistic journey our users embark upon with their Andis tools – creating in the manner they prefer – an idea central to our new tagline, ‘Create Your Way’. “

Andis has released a new website, a new logo and a host of new content.

Serving a culturally diverse community means making sure that your skills measure up to the challenges presented by every head of hair. Jake Hickey of MR Barbers in Sawston and MR Barbers Newmarket has been working with afro customers from the very beginning of his career and has quickly built an afro clientele that is happy to trust him with their hair.

Jake says: “I love the way that you can literally sculpt afro hair and my customers are incredibly loyal. A black guy is very likely to stop another black guy in the street and ask them where they get their hair cut, so the word-of-mouth referrals are strong too.”

Here’s Jake’s top tips on working with afro texture:

The consultation – spend time on the consultation and go OTT with the questions. There is nowhere to hide with afro, so any mistakes are super obvious. Make sure that you and the client have a VERY clear picture of the look you want to achieve. Discuss everything from height to hairlines.

Combing out – use an afro comb to comb out the whole head to its full length, so that you know what you are working with.

Clipper work warning – if your client asks for a certain number on top then work against the growth. There is a huge difference in length depending on the direction of growth.

Speed – go slow and work methodically. The afro hair follicle is thicker and if you work too fast the hair will catch in your clipper.

Blades – never work with a bare blade. Afro customers commonly have problems with razor bumps and ingrowing hairs.  Always ask how sensitive their skin is and how they have reacted in the past to a foil razor. I recommend Clubman Pinaud ‘No Bumps Gel’ which works really fast.

Images: Liam Oakes Hair by: Jake Hickey

CHECK OUT OUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE LOOKS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF BARBEREVO UK and IRELAND… SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER ISSUE.

The Speedster Barber

Front and center of this issue is an in-depth interview with legendary Drew Munoz, aka, Drewdabarber, talking about how his success has come from determination and being his most authentic self and his commitment to JRL tools. And how, in order to service a wider clientele, he trained in Scalp Micropigmentation. It’s an insightful read about how education has opened new doors to him.  

Hair enhancements

By age 50 some 50% of men will have some experience with hair loss and balding. But when your clients start losing their hair, it shouldn’t mean you start losing your clients. Hair experts Hairskeen talk to us about hair systems, while Taylor Perry talks to us about Scalp Micropigmentation.

Male grooming

The male grooming industry has exploded over the last few years. No longer will men settle for a trim and splash of aftershave. It’s an overall experience that is being sought… are you able to provide that level of experience? We talk what is expected and what you can introduce to your own shop to encourage a new level of client and more importantly… income! Alan Bleak, Gino Miggio, Michael Giraldo, James Villagrana all weigh on the men’s grooming movement.

Styling and finishing

It’s all about the finish, right. When you swing that chair round and show your client their new look. That’s the crowd pleaser. What products you use, and the tools needed to create that million-dollar look. Ashlee Lavalee and Sofie Pok talk all about the perfect dryer to finish with and why it makes all the difference while Frank Soto tells us every we need to know about styling.

And there’s more…

Whitney Ver Meer takes you by the hand and leads you up the steps to the to becoming a platform artist and educator.

Cassondra Kurtz tells us all we need to know about seamless booking and payment methods

Also, our regular columnist Joe Agnello of City Image Barbers and Schedulicity asks an important question. Are you ready to be a barbershop owner? If so, Joe has written a book that lays it out in five steps to ensure you success.

As always, we have the latest hair collections that impress and push the standards. One being American Crew’s ARC collection, that celebrates texture, technique, and shape. That sits alongside the announcement of the North American All-Star Challenge Winners.

On Monday the 5^th of July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the government will be releasing plans for a four-step roadmap, starting the 19^th of July 2021, on moving the country towards a COVID restriction-free state.

Moving forward we will keep you up to date in all things relating to this matter, both domestically and nationwide.

We will be posting all blog posts to our Facebook, so make sure to ‘like’ and ‘follow’ us there for all the newest information on this new announcement.

SUMMER HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, AND SO HAS OUR 27TH ISSUE OF BARBEREVO UK AND IRELAND! 

After a few weeks of manic panic, queues down the street, and 12+ hour days, it seems that the industry has reached its natural flow again… until all those back-to-school haircuts get booked. We are infinitely impressed by the way this industry has bounced back with grace and professionality. So, without further ado, welcome to our newest issue of BarberEVO, as always, filled to the brim with entertainment, education, and inspiring content! Enjoy. 

Education 

We open this issue, and our education feature with an interview with the one and only Sid Sottung. Sid tells us about his brand-new academy opening up in Edinburgh, as well as his barbering manual which is soon to be hitting to press. 

We also catch up with Adam Sloan of the MHFed, an instrumental figure in keeping up the standards of education, as he catches us up on the new traineeship programme that he is taken on, in order to help 19–24-year-old barbers become more employable.  

Barbering is still an industry heavily based on apprenticeships and mentors. So, it is always good news to us when we hear stories of mentor/mentees joining forces, becoming friends, and becoming a dynamic education team, like Cal Newsome and Jay Roberts have. 

Additionally, our own Vikki Harrison-Smith discusses how lockdown has changed education, and how to adapt when you can’t lean on visual cues, due to PPE

Summer 

After a year stuck inside planning all the ways to reinvent yourself once life returns to normal, guys are going bold this summer. Jonathan Andrew deems this summer ‘The Summer of the Alter Ego’ and gives his best tips for barbers to help their clients push the boat out a little this summer in terms of hairstyles and colour.

Shaving 

The close shave is the one thing that sets barbers apart from the rest of the hair and grooming industries, so why don’t more barbers offer it as a service? We talk to some of the leading barbers in men’s grooming to find out how and why to add it as a service. Mike Taylor tells walks us through his close shave process while offering his best tips on sanitation as well as how to organise your time and upsell it as a service. 

Danny Di Giulio, owner of Sharp and Flask Barbershop, and fourth generation barber tells us about the importance of shaving to him, his Italian heritage, and why shaving is all about the experience you offer. 

Finally, our columnist Robert Rix chime in to give his tuppence on how to actually profit from a shave, and what are the most important elements to hone in on. 

Scissors 

As our final feature, we get to the point with a little insight on scissors. Alan Beak talks about the importance of scissor work and scissor skills in the barbering trade, and how you can find the right pair for you to integrate into your skillset. 

For Charlie Venn, of Lucky Sevens Barbershops, controlling your cut is all down to the right pair of scissors. He tells us about his essential set of Sakura scissors that can get him through any cut. 

Finally, we talk Scissor maintenance with the guys at Yoi Scissors, who not only retail the sharpest sets but have a mobile sharpening and maintenance unit, who will come to you, rather than making you send your precious pair away. 

American Crew™, the Official Supplier to Men™, announced today that Serena Hussain Hill from Toni and Guy Birmingham has been named UK winner and Ciara Madden from Marks Barbers has been named the IE winner of the 2021 All-Star Challenge in the first-round of the brand’s highly-anticipated global grooming competition.

Matt Horder, Revlon Professional Commercial Director for UK & IE explained: “The past year has taught us a thing or two about our community and our American Crew family.  Continuing to strive in the face of adversity is a testament to their dedication, strength and spirit.  We know it’s been so difficult to not only navigate this pandemic and all it encompasses but also stay inspired and energised for the year to come, which is why we  were so excited to run the American Crew All Star Challenge this year.  We are so proud of the winners and runners up who’s passion and skill shone through in their entries and now join our elite All Star Challenge hall of fame winners from years past.’

Winners:
UK: Serena Hussain Hill – Toni and Guy Birmingham

Serena explained “I’m still in shock from this incredible win! To get recognition for men’s hair which I have a true passion for is overwhelming! It means the absolute world to me to be recognised by such a prestigious brand. The past year has been tough for everyone but entering this competition really helped me channel my creativity and kept me motivated through the difficult times.”

Ireland: Ciara Madden – Marks Barbers

Ciara Explained “It means so much to me I’m still shaking after hearing the news. I’m absolutely delighted with it couldn’t be happier. I’m very honoured and grateful for the opportunity thank you so much American Crew and all the judges.”

2^nd:

UK: George Smith – Toni & Guy Salisbury

Ireland: Keith Quinn – Roches barbers

3^rd

UK: Kieran Evans – Jacks of London

Finalists:

UK:

Adil Ismael – Jacks of London

Jack Mead – Jack & The Wolfe

Ireland:

Anne Marie Mcllwraith – Just For Men

Donata Grigaitiene- Best For Men

The All-Star Challenge encourages barbers and hair stylists from across the globe to showcase their top-tier technique and skill by creating original looks with American Crew® products that capture the trendsetting-yet-timeless spirit of the brand. Providing vast opportunities and industry inspiration, the competition displays the world-class talent driving the trends in men’s grooming.

“Despite the many challenges the grooming community and salon industry faced during the global pandemic, these Professionals never cease to amaze us with their creativity and talent. We are honored to have given professionals an outlet where they could bring their originality and imagination during a challenging year,” said American Crew Founder, David Raccuglia. “These countries’ winners brought their A-game on creating fresh, elevated looks and I, along with the rest of the All-Star Challenge Global Committee have our work cut out for them as we move forward with selecting five global winners of the competition. “

What’s Next?

As the All-Star Challenge progresses, the cut and style created by Serena and Ciara will be submitted to the American Crew™ All-Star Challenge Global Committee, which consists of David Raccuglia, Founder of American Crew™, Paul Wilson, Global Artistic Director; Phoenix Thomson, Global Education Director; and Luke Munn, 2019-2020 Australian All Star Challenge Winner. After careful consideration under the following competencies: Barbering: mastery of clipper skills, fading and shaving; High Texture: ability to display technical skills, shape, and control whilst working with highly textured hair; Length: excellence in cutting and styling hair with length while maintaining a masculine edge; Retro: ability to recreate a classic cut from the past, with technical excellence in cutting and styling; and Trend: ability to be creative and think ahead by producing a shape or style that could become a trend, the committee will name five top competitors as the 2021 Global All-Star Challenge Winners.

Announced in June 2021, the five Global All-Star Challenge winners will receive a number of prizes including a $5,000 monetary award and an all-expense paid trip to Barcelona, Spain to participate in an editorial photo shoot directed and shot by American Crew Founder, and renowned photographer, David Raccuglia.

Simon Shaw, Global Creative Director of Wahl made MR. Barbers HQ his first post lockdown stop this week, with a high energy training seminar on Problem Solving with Retail. A select group of MR. Barbers team members gathered at HQ to catch one of the industry’s most well-known figures and hear his wisdom on retail best practice. Simon enjoyed his first in-person (Covid safe) event since before the pandemic almost as much as the MR. Barbers team members enjoyed attending.

Simon said “Everyone hates to be sold to, but everyone wants their problems solved. For barbers, solving hair problems should be part of every service. By focussing on the problem, not the product, it shows the customer that there is a solution available and that the barber has done their job.”

Karl Foster added: “We were so happy to have Simon here, his experience is worth it’s weight in gold. We are constantly seeking ways to help our barbers build their knowledge and upskill and this short seminar was much appreciated after a very tough 14 months for our teams.”

Simon dropped golden nuggets of wisdom for three straight hours and the MR. Barbers team were left energised and on track with their retail goals!

Andis Company recently hosted the first ever virtual Copy the Cut Challenge, which saw 50 barbers and stylists competing virtually from their own shop or salon. Participants recreated their best version of the Andis Fluid Vol2 Modern Day Frederick Douglass cut for a chance to win up $500 and an Andis Limited Edition Copper ProFoil Shaver.

Top three winners:

1. Eddieberto Martinez (@_Techneek_)
   • Owner of Techneek Studios in Philidelphia, PA
2. Louis Rexach Jr. (@earsthebarber)
   • Owner of Always on Point Barbershop in Philidelphia, PA
3. Manny Weston (@there__e_go)
   • Student at Hair Lab Detroit Barber School

The NHBF had its annual evidence session with the Low Pay Commissioners this week to discuss the impact of the latest increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage.

The NHBF supports the principle that everyone is entitled to a fair wage, and reinforced the point that there must be a fine balance between increasing wage rates and allowing businesses to recover from one of the worst economic episodes of our lifetime during a very fragile and unpredictable period.

The NHBF representatives who met the government’s Low Pay Commissioners were:

• Richard Lambert (NHBF chief executive)
• Paul Elliott (Elliotts Hairdressing, Bedford & Northampton)
• Edward Hemmings (Alan d Hairdressing Education – London)
• Amanda Lodge-Stewart (The Link Academy, Huddersfield; NHBF Vice-President)
• Mikaela Martin (Ginger Rabbit, Farnham)

They made the following key points:

• As a sector, hair & beauty has been hit worse than most sectors by the pandemic and still faces an uncertain future.
• Profit margins are already squeezed and there is little expectation that clients will accept an increase in prices.
• Lowering the threshold for paying the National Living Wage to 23 has already prompted employers to reduce hours or make staff cuts.  We may not see the full impact until furlough ends.
• Many businesses have either cut apprenticeships or do not plan to offer them because of the increased cost of employing them. 
• The additional cost when an apprentice turns 19, or is an older starter moving into their second year is a particular issue.

The Commissioners asked specifically about the perception of enforcement – that is the fining or name-shaming of employers who do not pay staff their legal wage. The NHBF responded by saying that the industry view was that this seems to focus more heavily on those who make genuine mistakes rather than pursuing those who actively ignore the law, paying cash in hand and exploiting self-employed hair & beauty professionals who need to earn money above all else.

NHBF chief executive, Richard Lambert says, “It’s a relief that salons and barbershops are re-opened and without wishing to focus on the negative we have a duty of care to our members to lobby all government departments and representatives about the laws that affect them, both now and in the future.

“The National Living Wage is expected to rise to £9.42 an hour in 2022 and to £10.33 by 2024. Employers can’t guarantee that kind of money. Increases in the National Living Wage would mean that the minimum you must pay is nudging up against what is currently offered to more skilled and experienced staff – who will then also expect an increase in their salary to reflect this difference.”

He adds: “Wage costs currently average around 60% of turnover, so increases will add to the squeeze and profitability vanishes completely when wage costs go past 70%.”

The key points raised were taken from the results of the NHBF State of the Industry surveys undertaking throughout the pandemic plus the commissioned report, Hair, beauty and the pandemic: An industry at the sharp end. The impact of coronavirus on business vulnerability and the potential for mitigating measures, undertaking earlier this year.

The Low Pay Commission is due to make its recommendations to the government by October.  The government will then decide on the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates for the following year.

Dark Stag are proud to introduce you to Bridey Jo and AJ Rapture, two of the UK’s brightest barbers.

The British-based manufacturers of superior barber tools are making a push to offer barbers superior online services to complement their acclaimed equipment; that starts this month, with the onboarding of two official ambassadors spearheading the company’s online expansion.

With work featured in high-profile publications across the barbering and haircare industries, Bridey and AJ truly reflect the modern face of barbering.

On welcoming the pair to the Dark Stag family, founder Andy Wiseman said, “We are very excited to announce, and get started working with, our Dark Stag UK ambassadors AJ Rapture and Bridey Jo. These two great barbering talents are responsible for some impressive work and we can’t wait to share what we do together going forward!”

Bridey Jo

Of the exciting news, Bridey, who runs her own store – Bridey Jo Barbers in Wombourne, Wolverhampton – shared on her socials: “Been keeping this quiet for a while now… I AM SO EXCITED to announce I’m officially part of Dark Stag’s passionate team! I’ve used their tools since I first started out barbering & I’ve not looked back ever since, so it’s a huge honour to be working with such a growing and trustworthy brand. Buzzing to unlock more creative potential together! 🤘🏻✂️”

AJ Rapture AJ, who leads the remarkable team at Hayes’ Rapture Barbers said in his social post about the announcement: “I’m absolutely ecstatic to be part of this amazing brand having already been a fan and user of they’re tools for some time due to their undeniable quality! Dark Stag has integrity and holds true to the heritage of barber tools with a vision to grow and evolve alongside barbers and modern barbering. I am so humbled to have been recognised by them and I am extremely proud to be an ambassador for them! I’m excited for what’s to come! 🙌🏽”