Rory Antonio, a trailblazing force in the hairdressing industry, has proudly celebrated two successful years of his salon – Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. Since opening the doors in May 2022, the salon has established itself as a beacon of creativity and excellence, transforming the hair and beauty scene in the UK city of Wolverhampton.

Rory Antonio’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and dedication. Beginning his career at the renowned Royston Blythe salon, Rory honed his skills and showcased his artistic talent at photoshoots and catwalk shows. His desire for new challenges led him to Ashley Gamble, where he furthered his expertise and contributed significantly to the salon’s reputation for excellence.

In 2022, Rory’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to launch his own salon, Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. With a vision to create a distinctive brand, synonymous with creativity and exceptional service, Rory has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of hairdressing.

“I wanted to build more than just a salon; I wanted to create an experience and a brand that stands out for its innovation and quality,” said Rory. “Our mission is to offer our clients unparalleled service and creativity, making every visit to our salon a memorable one.”

Known for his expertise in full cut and colour services and his proficiency with hair extensions, Rory has curated a loyal clientele, who trust him for their transformative hair journeys. His commitment to excellence was recognised in 2023 when he made his debut in the British Hairdressing Awards, reaching the finals for Midlands Hairdresser of the Year with his first-ever entry.

Reflecting on his journey, Rory shared valuable insights from his entrepreneurial experience. He emphasises the importance of meticulous financial management, especially navigating government-backed schemes and understanding hidden costs. 

“Persistence and patience are key,” he noted, sharing lessons learned about the unforeseen expenses that come with running a business. Rory also highlights the significance of choosing reliable salon suppliers and understanding the client demographic when selecting products.

“It’s essential to balance financial benefits with the customer experience,” he advised, advocating for a thoughtful approach to retail and product selection.

Building a dream team is another aspect of Rory’s success. He emphasises the value of home-grown talent and creating a supportive and rewarding work environment.

“Finding good, reliable staff is challenging, but investing in your team and showing appreciation can make all the difference,” Rory explained.

As Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab celebrates this significant milestone, Rory remains focused on the future. His goals include further establishing his salon as a community hub, continuing to educate the next generation of hairdressers, and expanding his creative endeavours through photoshoots and competitions.

Rory Antonio’s story is one of inspiration, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he marks two years in business, the industry eagerly anticipates the continued impact of his contributions, expecting even greater achievements in the years to come.

Find out more about the hairdressing talent here.

Iconic men’s grooming brand, American Crew, teamed up with top hairstylist, Kumi Craig to elevate movie star, Jamie Dornan’s MET Gala 2024 look. 

Whilst the MET Gala finished in the wee hours of Tuesday the 7^th of May, the fashion-forward looks that celebrities from across the globe delivered are still on our minds. Jamie Dornan, who played the infamous Mr Gray, is one of them. Teaming up with go-to stylist, Kumi Craig, who has also worked on stars, such as Sebastian Stan, Nicholas Cage and Pete Davidson, Jamie’s grooming stood out on the beige carpet. 

Kumi said: “For Jamie’s look, we wanted to keep it simple and effortless. I used a few of my go-to American Crew products to enhance and add texture to his curls and keep his beard soft, conditioned and ready for the red-carpet night ahead.” 

American Crew was founded in 1994 creating a market for grooming options made specifically for men. Over 25 years later, the company has developed a comprehensive portfolio of premium products, as well as a legacy steeped in commitment to the performance that stylists demand and the quality that men trust. From hair and body to shave, skin and fragrance, the American Crew® brand is dedicated to fulfilling the styling needs of today’s man.

Kumi used American Crew products to create his look and BarberEVO has the exclusive details from the artist herself…

Jamie’s Look Breakdown

• “On towel-dried hair, I began by spraying American Crew® Prep and Prime Tonicall over to prepare the hair for styling and for increased control and manageability.”

• “I then applied American Crew® Fiber Cream evenly throughout his hair to enhance his curls, provide a natural shine, and create flexibility with control for an effortless look.”

• “After styling his hair, I apply a small amount of American Crew® 2-in-1 Skin Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner to his beard to moisturize the skin beneath and condition the beard.”

•  “Last, I apply American Crew® Beard Serum to my palms, rub my hands together and spread evenly throughout his beard to keep it well-groomed, looking soft, and ready for the night ahead.”

Innovative hair brand, OSMO, have just appointed their newest ambassador – the Glasgow born and based owner of Huncho Barbershop, Dale Mehmet. 

Dale began his barbering career 8 years ago, with his easy manner and naturally creative talent drawing him into the barbering world.

Having initially attended university after school to study art, he found the formal training restrictive and decided to leave in his final year.  After a short time in retail, he found himself drawn into the world of barbering, after a visit to his local barbers led to him being invited to shadow the owner.  Dale was hooked – he realised this was the creative buzz he’d been looking for.  

The self-taught barber built his clientele in a rented studio space before taking the jump to open his own Glasgow barbershop, Huncho Barbers, in 2023. 

Dale said: “I’ve been using OSMO products for most of my career, so it was a natural progression to take the range into my shop when I opened.  I’m constantly creating content for social media for my shop, and the OSMO team were excited by the work I was sharing and reached out.  It was an organic step for us both to collaborate and I’m looking forward to working closer with the team on creating more social content with OSMO.” 

Dale’s style of barbering is founded in the traditional techniques, but he likes to adapt his skills and cutting, so it’s unique to his creative style. A very busy barber, Dale balances running his shop with educating his growing team, whilst also creating social content to encourage footfall and excite his peers with his style of barbering.

OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin, added: “Dale is not only a great barber, but his understanding of social media is really stand out for us.  We know he’s been using our products and sharing this with his customers and followers for a long time now.  There’s lots in the pipeline with Dale and OSMO and we’re all looking forward to seeing how his ambassador role develops.”

International Creative Director, Mark Hayes, will be leading the iconic Sassoon team at exciting new hair festival, HairCon which is taking place between the 22^nd and 24^th of June in the iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester.

For over 40 years, Mark Hayes has been inspiring hairdressers at Sassoon with his passionate approach to hair and his technical expertise. Mark’s signature pared-down style, which reflects his love of modernist art and architecture, puts him at the forefront of global hair design. His role as International Creative Director takes him all over the world coaching, teaching and inspiring.

Beginning his 40-plus-year love affair with hair as an apprentice at the busy Sassoon Salon on South Molton Street, London in 1977, Mark’s yearly schedule now revolves around developing the seasonal collections and leading the worldwide demand for Sassoon Hair Design. He remains as excited today, as he was on his first day in 1977.  He said: “I take great pride in continuing the Sassoon legacy and now actively help to mould the company. I have the opportunity to create an energy and passion for hair in those around me.  My goal is to give more people more creative opportunities, more of the time.  It has been an incredible journey so far”.

 Mark and Sassoon will join an extraordinary line-up including Richard Ashforth’s Noise, Saco, Jack & the Wolfe, Heffy, SLK Bleach, Sally & Jamie Brooks, Desmond Murray and Errol Douglas along with the legendary barber heroes Alan Beak and Cal Newsome to name but a few. Prepare for your perceptions of both the industry and your business to be completely transformed by a spectacular line-up of global icons and immersive stage sessions, which will in equal parts inspire and revitalise your passion.

The event is a collision of artistry, aimed at igniting genuine connections within the hair industry. For hair professionals from across the globe, it’s time to get ready for a game-changing experience where you can immerse yourselves in a world of creativity, inspiration, and innovation. Whether you’re a salon, home salon or barbershop owner, a stylist and apprentice or a colourist (and everyone in between); you can expect HairCon to offer you the opportunity to challenge the equilibrium. 

HairCon is supported by an epic collaboration of industry titans including the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, Great Lengths, yuv ®, Diva Pro, Vagaro, DENSE, Design Essentials.Collaborators include Olaplex, Phorest, Ergo, Calligraphy Cut, Blonde Solutions, Tondeo, Novo Cabelo, Zen, K18, Comfortel and Glowwa.

Join Mark and more at HairCon 2024 for the best in global artistry and connection. Be inspired, get connected and join HairCon in leading the way into the future of the industry. 

For more information, please visit www.haircon.co.uk to find out how you can get involved.

Retail is a major part of the salon and barber universe. Even though, the focus can tend to be on the result, rather than the products when you’re in the barbershop. Iconic barbershop Murdock Barbers of London place huge importance on their retail sales, and it has paid off. With their own product line that retails both in prestigious stores and online, they are the experts in maximising retailing opportunities. Murdock London CEO Graham Clark, gave us his top tips for increasing your retail sales. 

1. Make Shopping Easy.

“Being that our bricks and mortar stores are barbershops we find ourselves in a fortunate position where customers get to see our products in action every day by the very hands who designed them. When a customer picks up a product in our stores it can be done with a unique level of assurance. Everyone in our store is a master of their craft and a master of the products we use.” 

2. What’s your Secret Sauce? 

“Barber approved, British Made. Who better to take care of your grooming needs than those who do it every day. This is what sets us apart from our competitors and we’re extremely proud of it. Knowing what makes you unique is essential to success in a retail environment, it’s the first step in welcoming new customers into your brands world.”  

3. Believe in the product you are using!

“Whether you develop your own retail range or stock an existing brand, you need to have a thorough understanding of the products and how they work and genuinely believe in their worth. No-one can recommend products with conviction if they wouldn’t use them themselves. Ensure you and the team try products from the ranges you offer on your own hair, so you can legitimately rave about them to the person in the styling chair.”

4. Train to Build Confidence.  

“Both you and your team need to know as much as possible about the products you are using so that you can convey this information to clients with confidence. Confidence in what you’re selling directly translates to confidence in your customer and what they’re buying. This navigates your team away from selling and towards educating, your customers require answers and with suitable training your team will be able to provide them.” 

5. It’s not selling, it’s educating.

“Don’t think of encouraging clients to buy take-home products as selling, it’s part of the service. As experts, it’s our job to advise clients on how to look after their hair once they leave the barbershop. Being that we’re literally using the products on the customers you couldn’t have a more practical opportunity to explain to your clients why you’re using what products you are, the proof is right there in the mirror!” 

6. Use your website! 

“Our website is a major platform for selling out products, with the entire range displayed in an easy to access way with high-quality imagery and enticing descriptions. We also feature regular blogs that inform clients of ways they can use our products to create the latest trends or help with specific hair, scalp or beard needs. Your website should also promote the retail products you offer and, ideally, enable clients to buy directly from you. Our website is another tool in which we aim to educate, and nurture customers in the hope they’ll become part of our community.” 

For more information head to @murdocklondon on socials – or visit their website at www.murdocklondon.com

The new clipper offers professionals unparalleled versatility, with optional cordless freedom and a powerful performance.

The leading manufacturer of handheld barbering goods, Andis Company, has announced the launch of their new, heavy-duty eMERGE™ Clipper for barbers. The new tool by Andis, who also deliver powerful education for professionals, features a powerful motor to cut all hair types and a detachable blade system compatible with all Andis ultraEDGE® and ceramicEDGE® blades – designed to deliver the ultimate clipping versatility to create precision cuts.

Fitted with an Andis ceramicEdge size 000 Blade, the eMERGE™ Clipper’s detachable blade provides users with the flexibility to change to optional blades in seconds, so barbers can achieve the correct cut length for the desired style. The clipper additionally offers a blade lock feature for added blade security. 

“Designed for busy barbers, our new eMERGE™ Detachable Blade Clipper delivers the power, speed and ergonomics to make high-volume clipper cutting easier,” said Matt K. Andis, Co-CEO of Andis® Company. “Its powerful rotary motor glides effortlessly through every hair type – wet or dry. Plus, its cord/cordless flexibility means the eMERGE™ is always ready behind the chair.”

The innovative design, which gives you the ability to go cordless, means you can keep on clipping even if you forget to charge the battery. This is in part due to the clipper’s high-speed, high-torque motor which runs at 3,800 strokes per minute. The motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery for up to 1.5-hours of run time and includes an LED battery indicator that lets you know when to charge. The ergonomic design that offers a contoured shape with finger grooves, provides barbers with a comfortable and manageable experience.

The eMERGE™ Detachable Blade Clipper features a one-year warranty and includes:

• ceramicEDGE® Size 000 Blade
• Power Supply Adapter & Cord
• Blade Brush
• ¼ Oz Oil Tube
• Replacement Quad Drive

SRP: $305.99 USD

To purchase the eMERGE™ Clipper, visit www.andis.com and authorized Andis dealers. For more information on Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

STMNT Grooming Goods have proudly introduced their latest innovative addition to the grooming industry: the Dual-Sided Hair & Beard Comb.

Set to become a staple for grooming afficionados globally, the birchwood tool was designed with both barbers and clients in mind. The tool was created with the goal of revolutionising styling routines and enhancing the retail experience.

The tool, which STMNT have dubbed the “dual-sided wonder”, has both hair and beard grooming capabilities: streamlining the styling process, for the convenience of both barbers and clients alike. Made from sustainable birchwood, the comb is also notably sturdy. 

Designed with every barber in mind, the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and a “pleasure” to use for extended periods of time. Barbers can also use the tool to relieve fatigue and tension from the scalp, whilst promoting healthy blood circulation. The tool has also been designed with every hair type in mind, the combe caters to a diverse range of styling needs. 

In a bid to support barbers in elevating their retail offerings, the grooming company is encouraging barbers to offer the Dual-Sided Hair & Beard Comb as a complimentary gift.

Barbers can now provide added value to their customers by offering this £12.99 retail-priced comb for free with the purchase of other STMNT Grooming Goods products, creating a great incentive for clients to make in an in-shop purchase after their service.

Award-winning barber, Yasemin Hassan has announced the launch of Talking Textures. A groundbreaking exhibition which set to illuminate London’s Ugly Duck Venue with its launch on April 12th, 2024. Curated by Yasemin Hassan and captured through the lens of photographer Yeliz Zaifoglu, the photo series dives deep into the intricate relationship between beauty, cultural identity, and the resilient nature of hair, especially within the Southwest Asian & North African (SWANA) communities.

Talking Textures is more than just an exhibition; it’s a movement. Spanning across a series of 26 compelling photographs, a poignant short video, and an engaging panel discussion, the project aims to celebrate, educate, and redefine the cultural significance of textured hair. This initiative seeks to bring to light the challenges, beauty rituals, and the profound connection between hair and cultural identity in SWANA regions.

Yasemin Hassan, an award-winning hairdresser, has emerged as a pivotal figure for individuals with textured hair in London, particularly within the SWANA community. Her extensive experience on high-end fashion shoots and London Fashion Week 2023, coupled with personal conversations within her community, inspired the creation of Talking Textures. Yasemin’s mission is to decolonize perceptions of hair and address the underrepresentation of SWANA identities in the hair industry.

Working closely with Dania Arafeh, founder of 3EIB – a SWANA fashion platform reclaiming the Arabic word 3Eib, meaning ‘shame’ – this project is a reaction to the underlying shame that SWANA individuals often experience from others within their own cultures, as well as what we are taught in the mainstream media about beauty.

The exhibition runs from 12th April at Ugly Duck London, 49 Tanner St, London SE1 3PL.

For more information please visit www.instagram.com/talking_textures_

A study undertaken by RICS last year showed that 4 in 10 men in the UK won’t speak to their families, friends or health professionals if they are struggling with mental health, and shockingly, 75% of suicides in the UK are male.

Local business owner Christie Turner, owner of CT Barbering, has firsthand experience of the impact of untreated men’s mental health issues, having witnessed several male friends and family members’ struggle. Through the therapeutic nature of her conversations with clients, that can range from humorous and uplifting to deep and meaningful, she’s been able to help them through some difficult and challenging times and this motivated her to go further in addressing the stigma surrounding men’s mental wellbeing.

Drawing from her diverse experience in various barber shops, Christie recognises how the traditional barber environment can affect men’s mental health due to the societal attitudes towards male self-care and masculinity. She believes that nurturing the link between looking good and feeling good can make a positive difference.

With over a decade of experience, the business owner appreciates the significant role barbers play as regular touch points in men’s lives, offering a support system outside of family, friends and healthcare providers. Due to the close contact service and regularity of appointments (males in the UK visit a barber every 2.5 weeks on averageiv) she believes this is what helps to build that unique connection.

Utilising mental health mirror decals that encourage men to open up, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and a range of wellness services including stress-relieving facials tailored to male skin types, the barber and qualified facialist hopes to identify early signs of struggle among her clients, offering them crucial support within the community.

Christie said: ‘The statistics around men’s mental health are devastating and highlight the urgent need for support. As a barber, I’m uniquely positioned in the community and have an opportunity to support them. I aspire to create an environment where men feel safe to express their feelings and share what’s going on in their lives, while promoting the importance of self-care through a range of accessible grooming and wellness services. The mental health support available through the NHS isn’t enough to tackle the epidemic of male suicide rates so I’m taking action to support as many men in my community as I can. Hopefully I can inspire others to do the same.’

You can find Christie at My T Sharp on Newnham Avenue or via her Instagram.