Two Captain Fawcett products have been announced as Finalists in the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2025. Huzzah!
Both Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Eau De ParfumSignature Series with Ricki Hall and Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder have been chosen in the Best Fragrance and Best Hair Prep or Styling Product categories respectively. Winners will be selected by world-leading professionals on the Pure Beauty Global Awards international judging panel.
The Pure Beauty Global Awards Winners 2025 will be announced on 8th May 2025 at an exclusive gala event in central London. Captain Fawcett founder, Richard Finney MBE, said-

“To have not one but two products named as Finalists by the renowned Pure Beauty Global Awards team is an incredible achievement for our small but truly mighty team. Following last year’s UK success in both Hair and Fragrance categories, reaching the same heights on the global stage is beyond exciting. Competing against major players, it is hugely rewarding to see Captain Fawcett consistently demonstrate that products made with true craftsmanship and global appeal can stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the industry. The entire Captain Fawcett crew is absolutely thrilled!”

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series Eau De Parfum with Ricki Hall

“The ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series with Ricki Hall was Captain Fawcett’s first collaboration and it has been a phenomenal success. Over ten years, sales have consistently climbed, with the Eau De Parfum in ever-increasing demand. ‘Booze & Baccy’ was crafted to exceptional standards as a tribute to Ricki’s Dad. As such, it’s a story bridging generations, blending contemporary sophistication with a rich, lived-in nostalgia. It celebrates the hard-working, big-hearted men of the 70s and 80s who knew how to graft and still turn up looking sharp. Everyday heroes, one and all!”

Richie Finney

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is part of the acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ styling range, created for use in salons, barbershops and also at home.

“Captain Fawcett’s ‘Hair Couture’ range is tested, used and recommended by professionals across the world. Hair Powder is a versatile ‘must-have’ product, but often it has a neutral aroma. Captain Fawcett’s version is imbued with the delectable ‘Expedition Reserve’ fragrance making it just the ticket for refreshing hair on no-shampoo days and scent-layering with companion products in the ‘Expedition Reserve’ range. As such it offers to the contemporary gentleman both convenience and an outstanding sensory experience to boot.”

Richie Finney

The Pure Beauty Global Awards announcement comes following a bumper start to the year with the Captain Fawcett brand picking up prestigious awards month on month, including an MBE for company founder Richie Finney. Watch this space for more news soon!

For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visit www.captainfawcett.com

John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) is expanding
their network of professional artists with the launch of their new Pro Partners program, an ongoing collaboration with prominent influencer hairdressers known for their passion and advocacy of JPMS products.

These skilled professionals will contribute to JPMS’s
educational curriculum and digital strategies, showcasing their artistry in haircutting, styling, and color. Utilizing platforms from social reels to live events, JPMS Pro Partners will share their expertise and exclusive content with fellow hairdressers and beauty enthusiasts while announcing new launches, highlighting favorite products, and providing insider tips and inspiration.

The program will kick off with three well-known hairdresser influencers: Janae Miller (@janaeraquelmiller), Lisa Giles (@lifeoflisag), and Wesley Palmer (@wesdoeshair).

More partners will be added to the roster as the program evolves.

“We are excited to launch the Pro Partners program and continue fostering meaningful collaborations with leading influencers in the hairdressing community. By teaming up with such passionate and skilled professionals, we aim to not only showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of JPMS products but also to empower hairdressers everywhere with top-tier education and inspiration.”

Tania Kingsrud, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at John Paul Mitchell Systems.

The Pro Partners program will focus on ongoing content creation, complementing the existing Creator Club, which collaborates with a diverse group of hairdressers to produce specific, short-term content for new launches and activations. Together, these programs will broaden the awareness of JPMS brands among hairdressers and beauty aficionados while drawing attention to the high performance of JPMS products.

The new pro influencers join a distinguished team of hairdressers and educators led by Artistic Director of Professional Hair Color Colin Caruso (@colincaruso), celebrity stylist and Artistic Director Paula Peralta (@thepaulaperalta), NAHA Award winner and Artistic
Director Stephen Moody (@hairmoody) and 2x Emmy Award-winning Editorial Director Noogie Thai (@noogiethai). Additionally, newly appointed JPMS Artistic Ambassadors, Orlando Rodriguez (@theorlandosalon), Heather Walter (@heatherjwalter), and Chelsea Shields (@abstracthairartistry) will also play a pivotal role in driving artistry, innovation and education with the professional community.

About the JPMS Pro Partners:

Janae Miller – @janaeraquelmiller, Houston, TX. Specialty: Blonding & balayage on textured
hair.

Janae Miller is a blonding expert with over a decade of experience specializing in blondes and balayage on textured hair. With a keen eye for detail and a deep
understanding of hair chemistry, she creates seamless, dimensional blondes while prioritizing hair health and integrity. Having serviced over 3,000 clients, Janae has
refined her techniques to deliver customized blonding transformations that enhance natural beauty. Her expertise extends to corrective color, high-lift blonding, and advanced balayage techniques, ensuring each client achieves their ideal shade with long-lasting results. Her work has gained widespread recognition, with her techniques frequently shared and admired across social media.

Lisa Giles – @lifeoflisag, Orange County, CA. Specialty: Color corrections.

Lisa Giles is a self-made hairstylist turned CEO with 13 years of experience, fiercely committed to empowering stylists to build their own success from the ground up—just as she did. Through her experience as a professional educator and leading stylist teams
at Fashion Week, Lisa recognized the need for a new way to train stylists. This led her to create Straight Out of Cosmo, the first educational app for hairstylists. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa is a color correction expert, with expertise in cutting, styling and treatments that bring unmatched creativity and precision to every client.

Wesley Palmer – @wesdoeshair, Houston, TX. Specialty: Cutting & Color.

With over 15 years behind the chair and 12 years as an educator, Wesley Palmer has built a career traveling the world as an international educator, leading transformative classes and captivating audiences at the industry’s most prestigious events. Trained at the renowned Paul Mitchell Academy, Wesley’s expertise spans color, cutting, and advanced techniques, making him a versatile and sought-after force in the industry. He has held key artistic and leadership roles with top global hair brands, driving innovation and elevating professional education.

About John Paul Mitchell Systems:
John Paul Mitchell Systems, a top manufacturer of professional hair care products, has been serving the professional beauty industry for 45 years. The company produces salon-quality hair care, hair color and styling tools through a family of brands including Paul Mitchell, Paul Mitchell Tools, Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color, Neuro, Tea Tree, Awapuhi Wild Ginger, and MITCH. JPMS has a strong commitment to giving back, supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes both domestically and internationally.

For more information, visit us at paulmitchell.com | @paulmitchellpro | @paulmitchell.

Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming brand Captain Fawcett is proud to announce his ‘Bianco Classico‘ Beard Butter has WON the category for ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ at the prestigious Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 Awards.

The Cosmoprof Awards, in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS, celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry. Chosen from over 800 products, just 3 finalists make it though the judging process in each category.

Richie Finney MBE, founder of Captain Fawcett says: “To win from over 800 entries in the renowned ‘Oscars of Beauty’ is a truly remarkable achievement. Not least because up against the world’s biggest players, Captain Fawcett has won with a genuine small batch product, handmade here at Captain Fawcett HQ in Norfolk. So a special mention to the fantastic McCavity’s Crew, Terry, Ginni & Yolante, who actually make and package ‘Bianco Classico’ Beard Butter in situ in Norfolk, UK. In truth, there are very few companies who can claim to make their own products in house. Simply magnificent!

“A huge thank you to all involved, especially Bottega della Barba, the Captain’s superb distributors in Italy.

“It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be a winner, standing tall amid the beauty and grooming industry’s world leaders. The Cosmoprof Awards are highly competitive, with impressive innovations from all across the world, so to win such acclaim is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole Captain Fawcett team. Evivva!”

Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Bianco Classico’ is crafted for all hair types. Complementing the award-winning Beard Butter, the range includes a Moustache Wax and Purple toning Shampoo, crafted to highlight the brilliant gleam of silver, grey, blond and bleached hair.

Joanna Vital, Captain Fawcett’s Commercial Director, joined global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 21st March.

She says “Grazie mille, Bologna! Italy has always led the way in style, and no one rocks the ‘silver fox’ look like an Italian man. Captain Fawcett’s Beard Butter was crafted for men who celebrate their age with confidence and sophistication, so to receive this award here is truly a huge honour. Thanks to the incredible Fawcett crew and to our loyal customers who inspire us every day. And to Italy for showing the world how to age with polish and flair! Salute!”

Joanna attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba on behalf of Richie Finney, who is currently in the USA about to embark on an epic 6 week road trip tour for Captain Fawcett’s Great Expedition 2025. Thanks to Joanna for doing a fantastic job in representing Captain Fawcett at Cosmoprof.

For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visitwww.captainfawcett.com

The event confirms its role as the leading trade show for the global cosmetics industry, with growing attendance figures and highly positive feedback from professionals.

The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna concluded on a high note, reaffirming its status as the leading event for the global cosmetics industry. With over 255,000 beauty professionals from 150 countries and 3,128 companies from 65 countries, representing more than 10,000 brands, the exhibition once again proved to be an essential meeting point for industry stakeholders. Once more, Bologna became the world capital of beauty.

Key industry players returned to Bologna to seal new deals, exchange insights, and explore the latest trends and innovations. The exclusive Buyer Program by Cosmoprof, with its networking and matchmaking tools, helped professionals maximize their time at the event. Additionally, a rich program of educational sessions, training workshops, live demonstrations, shows, and special initiatives enriched the experience for attendees.

A RECORD-BREAKING EDITION

“We are extremely proud of the results of this edition… We have concluded a record-breaking Cosmoprof, confirming once again that the exhibition—through its initiatives and services aimed at optimizing business opportunities among industry professionals—is an essential tool for the growth of the sector. We recorded a 4.5% increase in visitors compared to last year, with a high number of international attendees of outstanding quality. This was made possible thanks to buyer recruitment programs targeting key markets and the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, which facilitated the presence of 80 delegations from major global markets. Cosmoprof is also a key platform for the growth of Made in Italy worldwide, demonstrating the industry’s strong health and professionals’ eagerness to discover new business solutions. Cosmoprof reflects the continuous growth of the global beauty industry… which is expected to exceed €612 billion in revenue by 2025, according to research by Euromonitor International. Our exhibition remains a crucial business partner for industry professionals.”

Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof

The 56th edition featured an exceptional and high-quality exhibitor lineup, showcasing the best of the global beauty industry. Thanks to the new hall layout, the exhibition expanded to include new product categories in line with the ever-evolving market, resulting in a 5.8% growth in exhibition space compared to last year. With 29 country pavilions and 78% of exhibitors coming from abroad, Cosmoprof reaffirmed its leadership as a strategic event for industry stakeholders.

“The numbers prove that the beauty industry is on the rise: in 2023, exports grew by over 20% compared to 2022, and in 2024, we observed a further 11.4% increase over the previous year… We can confidently say that beauty is one of the driving forces behind Made in Italy exports. While some sectors, such as automotive, have seen a decline, the cosmetic industry has contributed significantly to stabilizing the national economy. With €8.4 billion in exports, accounting for over 40% of the sector’s total revenue, beauty remains a strategic asset for Made in Italy—especially considering the €626 billion generated globally last year. For the 2025 edition, ITA played a key role in bringing 220 operators, buyers, and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) from 80 countries to Cosmoprof, ensuring targeted demand that aligns with the needs of Italian entrepreneurs. Cosmoprof has also been actively present in key international exhibitions across Asia, America, and Africa, regions with high growth potential.”

Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA – Italian Trade Agency.

The partnership with Cosmetica Italia was also crucial.

“With a revenue of €16.5 billion, the cosmetic industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors within Made in Italy, with +12% export growth in just one year… The Italian cosmetic industry participated in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna with record-breaking numbers. A trade surplus nearing €4.7 billion confirms the strategic role of cosmetics within the Italian manufacturing sector. Internationalization efforts are key to positioning Italy among the top global players. By focusing on simplification, competitiveness, and innovation, we are working to further unlock the potential of Italian beauty companies, which already rank as the second-largest exporter in Europe and the fourth worldwide. During this 56th edition, thanks to the collaboration with BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, we proactively showcased the excellence of the Italian cosmetic industry. Beyond the economic results, the exhibition highlighted the sector’s importance in job creation, with 400,000 professionals working across the entire supply chain. Our dialogue with political and institutional representatives—including Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the same Ministry, alongside numerous institutions and Parliament members—brought crucial industry concerns to the government’s attention. A strong synergy between businesses and institutions is essential to tackle future challenges and secure the industry’s continued growth.”

Benedetto Lavino, President of Cosmetica Italia.

THE CRADLE OF NEW TRENDS

Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 showcased the innovation and excellence of the beauty industry, highlighting the evolving needs and habits of consumers who are increasingly informed, responsible, and conscious of how their choices impact their well-being, society, and the environment. Visitors were excited by new eco-friendly solutions, highly personalized products, and cutting-edge technologies.

“Once again, Cosmoprof proves to be a hub for new trends and ideas. This year, our exhibition provided industry professionals from around the world with insights into the evolution of the beauty sector and the most impactful trends, from sustainability to the demand for products that cater to emerging consumer clusters, from wellness-focused solutions to the influence of new technologies and artificial intelligence on product experiences… In the coming months, we will continue to provide in-depth insights and updates to our global community, while laying the groundwork for an even more engaging and high-performing edition in 2026.”

Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof

The next appointment is Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2026, in March 2026, with new initiatives and solutions to drive the growth of the beauty industry.

For more details, visit www.cosmoprof.com

Fatboy, the hair care brand built for high-performance styling, wasn’t created in a lab or a boardroom, it
was born on the road, in the thick of touring life, where music and hairstyling were equally a part of Tyson Kennedy’s world.

As the lead singer of Grammy-nominated band Steriogram, he spent years performing high-energy shows, sweating through every set, only to find that no styling product could keep up. Hair would fall flat, lose shape or just not hold the way he wanted. So, he started making his own products. Before each tour, he’d mix batches of styling putty on his stovetop, testing and tweaking until he had something that could survive the chaos.

When Steriogram went on hiatus, Tyson took that same passion into New York’s salon scene, refining his formula and selling it to local stylists. Word spread fast, and what began as a home fix became a cult favorite. That original formula became the iconic Perfect Putty, the product that sparked it all. Seeing its growing demand, Tyson took Fatboy from a side project to a full-fledged brand built on performance, creativity and the belief that hairstyling should be expressive.

Fatboy has never been confined by gender; it’s for anyone who wants to own their style. Now, Fatboy is carving out its place as the authority in short
hair styling. Their mission is to reinvent and set trends for short hair styles like mohawks, pixies and shags. Designed to simplify, inspire and push the boundaries of what hairstyling products can do, Fatboy is more than just a brand, it’s a haircare movement.

“I am thrilled to share our unwavering drive for crafting exceptional hair care products tailored towards short hair styling…

…We believe that every individual deserves to express their unique style with confidence, and our mission is to provide the perfect tools to elevate that experience. With Fatboy, short hair has never looked so good.”

Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy.

Fatboy’s haircare range is designed for both stylists
and everyday users.

The line-up includes…

• Perfect Putty (2.6 oz/ $21): The award-winning, industry-disrupting styling staple that started it all. A matte-finish putty with flexible hold for that perfect lived-in texture, finished with subtle notes of green tea for a fresh, clean scent.
• Spray Putty (3.5 oz/ $24): Perfect Putty-in-a-can, now in an easy-to- use spray for simple, weightless application. This award-winning innovative product is perfect for adding that second-day gritty texture.
• Sea Salt Pomade (2.6 oz/ $21): A hybrid formula that fuses pomade with sea salt for a soft, tousled finish with just the right amount of texture. Styling Cream (2.8 oz. / $21): A lightweight, medium-hold styler that adds volume without flaking. Often used as a blow-dry base, it thickens, protects against heat and UV damage, and works on all hair types – free of nasties like sulfates, parabens and anything that doesn’t belong in great hair.
• Volumizing Shampoo (10 oz. / $24) & Volumizing Conditioner (10 oz /$24): A lightweight, clean duo designed to boost volume and nourish without buildup. Infused with rice protein for strength, plus coconut and avocado oils for hydration and shine, it keeps hair fresh and full with every wash. Finished with a serene fragrance of sage and bergamot, complemented by soft floral undertones for a fresh, uplifting scent.

With a line-up that delivers revolutionary styling, and a brand ethos rooted in music, creativity and individuality, Fatboy is redefining what it means to have great hair. Whether you’re a stylist, a performer or
just someone who wants their hair to look as good at 2 AM as it did at 8 AM, Fatboy has you covered. No fluff. No filler. Just game- changing products that work.

To learn more about Fatboy, please visit www.fatboyhair.com/

Dense Hair Experts, the award-winning leader in personalised hair loss treatments, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Stephanie Mason as its new Global Business Consultant. With a stellar track record in business strategy and brand development, Mason will spearhead Dense’s expansion into global distribution, professional salon growth, and cutting-edge educational initiatives.

Stephanie joins at a pivotal moment for Dense, which has already made waves in the haircare industry, trusted by A-list celebrities, elite athletes, and thousands of men and women worldwide. Fresh from winning Gold at Europe’s Transform Awards in the health and wellness category, as well as being named Best Medical-Led Hair Loss Solutions Provider UK 2024, Dense is cementing its position as the market leader in clinically backed, results-driven hair growth solutions.

Expanding Global Reach & Female-Focused Hair Solutions

In her new role, Stephanie will focus on strengthening Dense’s international distribution network, ensuring accessibility to its bespoke, prescription-grade hair loss treatments across global markets. She will also lead Dense’s strategic move into professional salons, giving hairstylists and trichologists the tools to integrate Dense treatments seamlessly into their services.

One of Stephanie’s key priorities will be revolutionising female hair loss care. While Dense has already transformed male hair restoration, she will bring her expertise to address the growing and often-overlooked crisis of female hair thinning and loss. Through targeted consumer and professional outreach, Mason aims to bridge the gap between salon-quality treatments and effective at-home care, ensuring that women struggling with hair loss have access to real, science-backed solutions.

Elevating Education & Industry Expertise

Stephanie will also oversee the development of an advanced education platform, designed to train haircare professionals in Dense’s high-performance, personalised treatment plans. This initiative will equip stylists, dermatologists, and trichologists with the knowledge to deliver unparalleled results, reinforcing Dense’s position as the global leader in medical-led hair restoration.

A Word from the Leadership

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the Dense family,” said Ash Hashmi, Co-founder of Dense Hair Experts. “Her expertise in business strategy and brand development is exactly what we need as we take Dense to new heights. With Stephanie’s leadership, we’re confident in our ability to expand our global footprint and continue to set new standards in personalised haircare.”

Stephanie expressed her enthusiasm about joining Dense at such an exciting juncture:

“Dense’s commitment to high-performance, scientifically backed hair growth solutions is truly inspiring. The brand is redefining what it means to treat hair loss with precision and effectiveness, and I am excited to drive its expansion and impact across the globe.”

Why Dense? A Science-Backed, Award-Winning Brand

Dense Hair Experts is not just another haircare brand—it’s a movement. Backed by industry-leading dermatologists and trichologists, Dense’s bespoke hair growth solutions use pharmaceutical-grade actives, botanical and biotechnological extracts, and cutting-edge formulation techniques. Its clinically backed, pill-free approach has already helped over 20,000 men and women regain their hair confidence, and with Mason on board, the future looks even brighter.

For more information on Dense’s award-winning treatments, visit www.densehairexperts.com.

Follow us on Instagram:

📍 @densehairexperts

📍 @stephaniemason

Roger Molina, Sam Villa ArTeam and Master Stylist at Lunatic Fringe @rogermolinahair, has parlayed his famous duagrams (stop motion video and moving diagrams) into his live education. This teaching methodillustrates every step, angle and finish entailed in teaching a cut by projecting a video and visuals onto a screen for a fully immersive experience. See his Wolf Lob here.

“This method shows 3D imagery with aerial perspectives of all elevations and cut lines, so it eliminates guesswork for sectioning and technical approach. Students see every step of the new technique broken down into bite size experiences, before they try it themselves, so it takes a lot of the guess work out of the equation,” says Molina whose is focusing on the “wolf lob” in upcoming classes and shows.

The wolf cut has become a household name in most salons, as well as the lob. The wolf lob is a simple and salon friendly way of creating the elements of both shapes together. “There is a high demand for nongender haircuts…styles that work for whoever wants to wear them and this one sits at a perfect length and style for any face shape and type of client,” adds Moina.

Technical Breakdown for the Wolf Lob

Fringe: Elevate 45° to the opposite side of the nose. Using a diagonal finger angle, cut from chin to lip length with a Sam Villa Classic Series Dry Cutting Shear.

Face Frame: Using guide from corner of fringe, elevate diagonal and forward with diagonal finger angle, and cut inside fingers like a razor while using a scissor.

Top: Elevate triangle sections to 90° vertical and cut with a diagonal angle leaving volume to front. Over direction is to center. Stationary guide.

Crown: Using guide from previous section, elevate diagonal to stationary center guide. Finger angle matches head form and point cut short to long.

Nape (internal graduation): Take vertical finger width section, elevate diagonal and remove bulk in bits where it’s thick. Gradually pivot to diagonal elevation and continue technique until the back of ear.

“The fusion of modern and classic haircuts may be the future of haircut progression. The classic will always ground and inspire, but evolution and progression are required to thrive in the salon world today. As a wise chef once said, “a truly modern dish is classic one served with the slightest necessary twist,” concludes Molina.

Molina will be at America’s Beauty Show teaching 1 hour classes, filter by Classroom #14 to view the full schedule here.

Saturday April 5th

11:00am On-Point Cutting and Styling Textures (with Jesse Linares, Teresa Romero and Roger Molina)

3:30pm Gender-Free Haircutting: Creating for All (with Roger Molina, Jamie DiGrazia and Manda Ziegelman)

Sunday April 6th

12:30pm Always Chic: Cutting with Purpose Meets Lived-In Styling (with Jesse Linares, Roger Molina and Justin Michael Parra)

2:00pm Short to Long Haircutting and Finishes (with Jesse Linares, Teresa Romero and Roger Molina)

Monday April 7th

1:00pm Textur & Haircutting: Enhance, Control and Create (with Jesse Linares, Roger Molina and Evie Rivera)

2:30pm Today’s Essentials: Interactive Session (with Jesse Linares, Sam Villa and Roger Molina)

To learn more about Molina or book an in-salon class with him, see here.

Aura Salonware is pleased to announce its first annual Aura BeautySphere Connect event, which will take place at The Standard Spa in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 5, 2025.

This intimate one-day retreat for salon owners is an opportunity to connect, learn, and recharge. Participants will gain insights from industry innovators and experience salon leadership educational sessions and workshops.

Speakers include Cyd Charisse and David Bosscher of Destroy the Hairdresser, Sarai Speer, known as the Platinum Giraffe, Alicia Soulier from Salon Scale, Benjamin Camagna from Currie Hair Skin and Nails, Keri Davis of Keri Davis Consulting, and more.

In addition, Aura’s official networking lunch and experiential cocktail reception allows salon owners to connect with fellow beauty entrepreneurs.
“Aura promises to infuse new energy to salon businesses by providing an industry event that brings together like-minded beauty professionals,” mentioned Aura Salonware Co-founder Jonathan Levine. ”We invite salon owners to come get inspired, share their experiences and best practices, and discover ways to grow their businesses while taking a little time to breathe in the beauty and vibrance of Miami.”

To learn more about Aura BeautySphere Connect or purchase tickets, visit http://aurasalonware.com/beautysphereconnect.

About Aura Salonware
Aura Salonware is the all-in-one salon operations software that modernizes, automates, and innovates the entire salon management experience. With intuitive and dynamic features, this data-driven, cloud-based platform helps salons provide an elevated client experience to increase retention, satisfaction, and revenue.

For more information about
Aura, visit aurasalonware.com.

As March is Women’s History Month, BarberEVO decided to team up with Wahl Professional to show our appreciation of some of the top female barbers in the industry, and how they have overcome adversity in a male-dominated industry.

Featuring: Kristi Faulkner, Wahl Education Team, International Platform Artist & Educator

From a very early age, I loved everything about cutting hair – I always cut all my Barbie dolls’ hair and did all my friends’ hair in school. After high school, I went to college and cosmetology school at the same time and got my cosmetology license. Shortly after, I got married and moved to a military town – that’s really where my passion for barbering started. Even though I had just graduated from cosmetology school, I had never picked up a pair of clippers ever. I found a barbershop to work at, and the owner gave me a Wahl Professional Designer clipper and a Wahl Professional Peanut. The rest is history.

At the beginning, it was extremely hard to even have anyone sit in my chair. Not many female barbers cut hair for those of all different races and with all textures, but I was young and eager to learn, so I learned learning to cut men’s hair and all different textures. The owner, Miss Ann, was a Korean female barber who taught me everything I know. I’m so grateful for the opportunity she gave me. At that time, it was $4.00 a haircut and I made 40% of that. I definitely had to learn fast and cut fast. That is where my love of barbering came from and my speed.

After time and A LOT of practice I began to really start a great clientele on the military. Unfortunately, I ended up moving home and that’s when I really had a reality check. I was a white woman that cut all different textured hair, but mainly ethnic hair because it was my favorite to cut. When I looked for a job, I got turned away over and over again. I finally found a barbershop that gave me a chance, but still, no one wanted me to cut their hair. They thought I was an undercover cop or something like that. It took a lot of time and patience, but once I had a few people sit in my chair, I proved my skill.

Eventually I had to leave the barbershop, and I saved all the money I earned to open the first multi-cultural shop in my area. I have been licensed for 32 years now and with Wahl Professional clippers going on 17 years.

I’ve always found joy in continuing my barber education, so I went to all the hair shows I could. I was very fortunate that when I was at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show, the largest ethnic show in the country, the head of education for Wahl clippers at the time, Isadore Adams, was there working the booth. He gave me the chance of a lifetime – I went on stage at the show and cut a head as a demonstration. I was so nervous to be up there, but when I turned on my Wahl Pro clippers, I instantly relaxed and showed off my skills that I had worked so on for over the years. I would never have thought a pair of Wahl Pro clippers would take me all over the world. I have done international shows and classes, all throughout the U.S. as well. Even working for the most trusted barbering tools company in the world, I still faced doubters who challenged my skillset. I worked even harder to know my Wahl tool knowledge better than anyone else, and I never gave up, which only made me better.

I’ve been so blessed to be a part of the Wahl family. They have supported me and encouraged me throughout my career. Now, I’m a part of the product and development team as well. I absolutely love anything and everything that has to do with Wahl – from the actual products, like my current favorites the 5-Star Vapor™ and the 5 Star A•LIGN Trimmer, to learning how to use them to create new looks and cuts.

This industry is ready for new upcoming female barbers. We have a few new female barbers on our Wahl Education team that are phenomenal. I love to share my story with other aspiring women in the industry, and I always encourage all female barbers to be fearless. Don’t give up! We have an incomparable skillset and presence. I always tell other female barbers the road might not be easy, but it’s so worth it. Every single disappointment will make you stronger and better. The future is bright for female barbers, and I’m so blessed I was able to help pave a little of the way.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) is thrilled to announce the 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) finalists. NAHA is the most prestigious professional beauty competition in North America and honors the salon industry’s top artists who push the boundaries of skill and creativity.

The 2025 NAHA finalists represent the best of the best in the beauty industry, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication to their craft. These artists have defied expectation, creating collections that captivate and inspire.

To win a coveted NAHA award, artists submit their collections in their choice of fourteen categories which include hair, makeup, and educational excellence. Development of these collections often takes months of envisioning, planning, and shooting.

Collections are judged anonymously by a panel of esteemed experts in hairdressing and makeup artistry. The submissions are scored based on technical skill, cohesiveness, and creativity.

The NAHA 2025 Finalists are:

Avant Garde:

• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Julia Clayton @jujuwiththegoodhair
• Jaimee Harris Smith @Hairbyjsmith – nominated for 2 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Barber of the Year:

• Joel Tenser @JoelThair
• Carlos Estrella @Los_cut_it
• A-Rod @arod23pr
• Nieves Almaraz @howtofadehair
• Jamie DiGrazia @jamiedigrazia

Editorial Stylist of the Year:

• Maggie Semaan @maggiesemaan
• Lukas Press @Lukaspress_ – nominated for 2 categories
• Rusty Phillips @rustyphillips13 – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois @vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Ruth Roche @ruthroche – nominated for 3 categories

Educator of the Year:

• Nina Tulio @ninatulio
• Adrienne Dara @adriennedara
• Chrystofer Benson @cbensonhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Candy Shaw @thebalaylama
• Bryant Murphy @dezignedbyb

Haircolor:

• Tina Casciato @tinacasciato
• Janelle Eyre @jeyre.hair
• Sean Godard @seangodard
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories

Haircutting:

• Gilad Goldstein @myguiltycrown
• Austin Eric Lopez @AustinEricLopez
• Evie Johnson @contactevie
• Daniel Benoit @benoit4955
• Manda Ziegelman @mandaziegelman

Hairstylist of the Year:

• Dana Lyseng @danalysenghair
• James Abu-Ulba @method_education
• Nicole Pede @nmpede
• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories

Inspiring Salon of the Year:

• Freddie Dean @carousel.tattoo.barber
• Leah Tressler @salonboutiqueacademy
• Amber & Chet Pope @salon27az
• Martino Cartier @martinocartier @martinocartiersalon @wigsandwishes
• Vee Vargas @beherewithvee

Makeup Artist of the Year:

• Erin Hensley @erinhensleycolor
• Angela Balbon @mzbartistry
• Natalia Farahmand @desideriobeauty
• Nohemi Capetillo @noamyphotographer
• Ericka Brannon @erickabrannon

Master Hairstylist of the Year:

• Allen Ruiz @allenruizstyle – nominated for 2 categories
• Cassie Carey @cassiecarey.hair
• David Barron @barronslondonsalon – nominated for 2 categories
• Anna Pacitto @Anna_pacitto_pure
• Matthew Morris @matthewmorriscode

Student Hairstylist of the Year:

• Abby Bruneel @hair_byabbyy
• Zion Schwartz @zschwartz.artistry
• Dexter @cauldron_of_color
• Genevieve Holdeman @turquoisetouch_
• Imelda Mercer @maneimelda

Styling and Finishing:

• Galyna Poczciwinski @ufirami
• Danielle Waterman @daniwatermanhair – nominated for 2 categories
• Vernon Francois@vernonfrancois – nominated for 3 categories
• Breanne Gershon @glam.breanne – nominated for 2 categories
• Veronika Shurunova @shurveronika

Team of The Year:

• Cult Salon @cult.salon.co – Vanessa Whitmarsh, Lindsey Hutchings, Gia Segundo, Cheri Cooke
• Valentinis @derrick_rutherford @juliocolor – Derrick Rutherford & Julio RodriguezEunoia Collection – Danielle Keasling, Pekela Riley, Anthony Negron, Bianca Donahue, Gilad Goldstein, Justin Tove s-Vincilione, Reva Haga
• JCPenney Salon @hairbyjsmith @beautiesbybee – Jaimee Harris Smith*, Brittany Brown, Charly Williams* nominated for 2 categories
• PHOTON @ruthroche – Ruth Roche*, Jill Leitz, Erica Wright, Wendy Belanger, Jackie Litscher *nominated for 3 categories

Texture:

The 36th annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) winners will be unveiled during

a glamorous awards ceremony on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Premiere Orlando. This highly anticipated event will unite industry professionals, influencers, and beauty enthusiasts to celebrate the exceptional talent and groundbreaking work of these standout artists.

“The Professional Beauty Association is thrilled to honor the 2025 NAHA finalists, who represent the pinnacle of creativity and skill within the beauty industry,” shared Leslie Perry,

PBA Executive Director. “These artists showcase extraordinary vision, passion, and innovation that inspire their peers and elevate the industry.”

The winners for each category will be announced during Premiere Orlando on June 1, 2025. You can purchase your tickets to be part of the excitement by visiting probeauty.org/naha.