From global stages and industry education to championing the relationship between barbering and hairdressing, Simon Shaw brings energy, experience and big ambitions to his new role as President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.
Simon Shaw has spent his career bringing people together through hair. Now, as the 40th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, he is ready to help take the organisation into its ninth decade.
For anyone familiar with the worlds of barbering, men’s hairdressing and education, Simon needs little introduction. As Global Artistic Director for Wahl UK, he has travelled the world sharing his knowledge, delivering high-energy presentations and helping to drive standards across the industry.
With 35 years of experience, Simon has seen barbering and hairdressing evolve significantly. His new position gives him an opportunity to draw those worlds even closer together while creating more opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.
“The Fellowship is a wonderful organisation, full of inspirational people who epitomise everything that’s great about British hairdressing and barbering in all different sectors,” Simon said.
A Long History with the Fellowship
Simon’s appointment is the next step in a relationship that began early in his career. Over the years, he has worked alongside former presidents and board members, supported the Fellowship’s education and helped strengthen its visibility across the industry.
As Head of Education, Simon has been closely involved in showcasing what the organisation can offer its members. He was also instrumental in introducing Project Men & Media, giving emerging barbers and men’s hair specialists the opportunity to develop their technical, presentation, photographic and media skills.
That experience reflects an important part of Simon’s approach. He does not see barbering and hairdressing as two separate conversations. For him, both are part of one creative, professional industry with plenty to learn from each other.
Putting Education Front and Centre
Education will sit at the heart of Simon’s two-year presidency. While the Fellowship is known for supporting some of the industry’s most exciting emerging talent, Simon wants to make those opportunities more visible and accessible.
“There’s so much that I want to achieve throughout my presidency, from working with Further Education throughout the UK to developing our membership across the board, highlighting the education we provide,” he explained.
Strengthening relationships with colleges will be a major priority. By connecting students and educators more closely with working professionals, Simon hopes to help young people understand the variety of careers available to them.
That means looking beyond one traditional route. Whether someone wants to work in a salon, build a barbering career, specialise in session work, become an educator, develop a media profile or take their skills around the world, the Fellowship can help open doors.
Bringing Everyone Along
Simon also wants to grow and diversify the Fellowship’s membership, ensuring that professionals from every corner of the industry feel represented. Barbers, hairdressers, colourists, textured-hair specialists, independent professionals, salon teams and students should all be able to see a place for themselves within the organisation.
His presidency comes as the Fellowship celebrates its 80th year. It is an opportunity to respect the organisation’s heritage while considering what the next generation needs from it.
Simon follows former President Ashleigh Hodges and joins a distinguished list of past leaders that includes Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson and Ken Picton.
“I am privileged to take on the role of President, taking the Fellowship into its ninth decade, and to work with the members, sponsors, partners and Head Office team, all who make the Fellowship so special,” he said.
For Simon, the new role is ultimately about connection: connecting education with opportunity, young talent with experienced mentors, and barbering with the wider hairdressing community.
With his trademark enthusiasm and a career built around sharing knowledge, Simon’s presidency looks set to be energetic, inclusive and firmly focused on what comes next.
Become a member today at: https://fellowshiphair.com/