The holiday season is a busy time for the beauty industry. Together with Zowie, the unmatched customer service platform, Booksy powers beauty and barbering businesses across the globe with platform features that allow beauty professionals to master scheduling, market to clients, minimize no-shows and reduce last minute cancellations during peak holiday seasons when providers see a surge in bookings. 

Booksy is being featured in a Zowie digital billboard campaign showcasing how the two brands power beauty across borders and both platforms help business owners run and streamline day-to-day business operations with ease.

The campaign will be supported digitally on @Booksybiz’s Instagram in partnership with Booksy’s top US and Global ambassadors and via the website. Stay tuned to social and digital platforms for exclusive content.

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Manage Your Time, Money and Clients with Booksy

Online booking has transformed the beauty and barbering industry, Booksy has been ahead of the game since the beginning. We’re the global leader in business management for nail techs, hairstylists, barbers, etc. helping you speed up scheduling, increase revenue, and grow your business.

No more back and forths on DMs trying to book a client, only for them to cancel on you at the last minute. It’s simple – Booksy makes it easy for you to get organized and run your business so you can focus on what you do best and get paid your worth.
Get to know the fastest-growing scheduling app for beauty and barber salons. Take appointments, market your business, protect your bottom line, and build your brand.

Stay booked, without the back and forth

Keep your calendar full and build a loyal clientele with 24/7 easy online booking, automated marketing tools, and more visibility for your business.

• Full Calendar Control: Set your schedule and control how clients book.
• Fewer DMs & Calls: Let clients book, reschedule or cancel their own appts 24/7.

Break free from busywork, focus on your clients

Keep total control of what’s important, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Streamline the admin and focus on creating an unforgettable experience for your clients.

• Your Time, Protected: Require deposits to reduce last minute cancellations and no-shows.

Build a business you’re proud of

Bring in more money and save time as you level up your business. Our platform meets you where you are – and adapts to where you’re going.

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

As the last issue of 2024, and the first issue of 2025 – this edition is looking to the future, with a sense of optimism and, of course, innovation. Pulling together a collection of exclusive content from our esteemed columnists and industry titans – and the best barbers in the biz’ – we’re helping you to kick off your year right! With Brosh in the spotlight on our front cover… this issue is set to be the one that gives edge. Featuring everything from Winter and New Year Styling, Business, and Tech, to Interiors, Advanced Techniques and Hygiene – we’re bringing the heat this season! With all of this… and even more, this issue is one to remember!

COVER

In this issue, we have the iconic Brosh Educator and Ambassador, and Mr Brothers Cut Club Founder Tomoya Nishimori taking the cover with Brosh. The Japanese brand is renowned for their uniquely Japanese take on Americana-style barbering. Combining classic iconography, with contemporary quality – Brosh are blowing up the barbering scene. In the cover piece we delve into our Barber of the Edition, Tomoya Nishimori’s story. Discussing his journey to become a celebrated figure in the global barbering community. In this piece, we also look into his pivotal role as Ambassador and Educator for Asia’s No.1 grooming brand – Brosh.

WINTER

Welcoming us into winter, we have San Diego barber, Ro Silva, talking trends that have evolved into staples. We also have the ultimate festive gift guide from 18.21 Man Made – thanks to the brilliant barbershop Scissors & Scotch. Our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Byrd Mena also join us, talking winter wellness and goal setting. We also take a look back over American Crew’s 2024, with our columnist Phoenix Thomson.

RISING STAR

Chico Boom, as always, is bringing the BOOM! And in this edition, he’s also us bringing our Rising Star’s. Talking mentorship, building a career with longevity – and always paving a path for those yet to come, Chico’s column this month is one radiating positivity. He also takes the time to introduce us to our rising stars, Cherry the Barber and DJ Cut It.

BUSINESS

Kicking off business, we have Rob Hopper joining us from his bustling barbershop, The Commodore. With four locations, Rob Hopper is a great example of a great example for BarberEVO readers to boost their business. Also featured are Floyd’s 99, who take a look back at their year; V’s Barbershop, who are celebrating 25 years; and Rolda Ambassador, Jorge Massas. We also sat down with the inspirational Fred Helou, CEO and Founder of Vagaro, to learn more about his story to world-renowned businessman. Don’t forget – we also have all the latest in the world of tech!

INTERIORS

Our Barbershop of the Edition is the stunning Low Ear Barbershop in NYC, led by Mari De Monte. The beautiful shop is inspired by the Japanese Hi-Fi aesthetic and is the culmination of Mari’s purposeful career. We also stop by the barbershops, Mane Studio and Symmetry to chat with Shah the Barber and Kenna Taylor about their subsequent styles… and how Keller helped them along the way. We also learned about RR Head Labs, who don’t only have a pretty face (thanks to Collins) – but also a powerful story, where founder James Repenning ensures that his barbers are creating art with a purpose.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES

Next up, we have L3VEL3 bringing color craziness to our Advanced Technique feature. The brand talked all things color, design, and the all-important products that you need to bring your vision to life. We also sat down with Igor Sadurskii, who revealed all his secrets when it comes to using his coveted Heiniger clippers. Also in this section, we touch upon SMP and perming.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

Closing out this edition, we have Andis’ Angie Perino talking clipper hygiene in the barbershop. We also have Wellness Pro delivering their top tips for how you can keep your entire barbershop sparkling clean – and WHY you need to. UK-based celebrity barber, Mark Maciver, [JP1] also offered his advice, taking from his own personal experience in the barbershop.

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Marie Rainsford has become a trailblazing figure in the barbering world, rising quickly through the ranks with a dedication to her craft and a passion for education. From her early beginnings cutting men’s hair at home to becoming a lead educator at The OP45 Barberschool, Marie’s mission is clear: to shape the future of barbering by empowering others – and never stay stagnant.

Marie Rainsford is the name on everyone’s lips in the barbering world, and for good reason. With a career that has exploded over the past six years, this Irish-born barber has carved out a niche in a traditionally male-dominated industry. But what makes Marie more than just a skilled barber is her profound passion for education. A passion so deep, in fact, that it has transformed her career, from solely being behind the chair to a leading educator on the international stage. And her mission? To empower the next generation of barbers with the tools and mindset needed to succeed.

Curiosity and Courage

Whilst Marie’s journey into the hair world began in salons, where she worked as a stylist for 10 years – she was seemingly always cutting men’s hair… but in a rather unexpected place.

“I was always cutting men’s hair in my mum’s home growing up,” she recalled. “I probably shouldn’t have been doing it at that age, but it just felt right. That was my introduction to barbering.”

Whilst her early start in the craft of barbering wasn’t enough to sway her from starting off in salons, her passion for male grooming always remained – simmering beneath the surface, and waiting for the right moment to emerge. That moment came when she took a chance on a barbering job in Australia.

“It was a new barbershop opening up, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a go?’ I was already cutting men’s hair on my days off, so I thought, let’s see where this takes me!”

Since, she has never looked back. What began as a trial run turned into a full-fledged career in barbering, one that quickly took off when she made the decision to immerse herself fully in the craft, and move back to Limerick, Ireland.

Whilst it may seem that Marie’s rise in the industry has been rapid – with just six years of professional barbering to her name – Marie doesn’t attribute it to luck.

“I’ve been in the industry for 16 years now,” she emphasized. “It’s not just barbering; it’s years of hairdressing too. And really, it’s about never wanting to be stagnant. Honestly, stagnancy is my biggest fear. I constantly strive to get better, and that’s what drives me.”

Drive with a Purpose

For Marie, barbering isn’t just about cutting hair. It’s about nurturing growth in others.

“I really think my purpose in life is to be an educator. I love helping people become better versions of themselves, and showing them a simpler way of cutting hair that can genuinely change their whole career. Education, for me, is really about showing that there is a better way to understand and perform your craft,” she told me.

Marie’s role as lead educator for The OP45 Barberschool, where she champions the D.F.S cutting formula, is a testament to this. The D.F.S formula, according to Marie, is a game changer in the industry – and she noted, it was certainly a game-changer for her.

She said: “It’s an extremely simple formula for cutting hair, but we also work a lot on psychology and mindset. This industry is very much holistic, and I feel it’s time that we really recognise this. You need to know who you are and how you like to work, in order to make the formula work for you. The DSS formula is going to change the barbering industry, honestly. For me, it aligned me with the right people and gave me a deeper understanding of the craft.”

It’s clear that education is at the core of everything Marie does. Whether she’s on stage, in a classroom, or behind the chair, she’s sharing her knowledge and helping to elevate others. Her tours to colleges across the UK are part of this mission, and she’s dedicated to ensuring students are fully prepared for the real-world demands of a barbering career.

“Being in college, it often doesn’t prepare students for the real-life work in the barbershop. They’re there for two years, and then sent out into a strenuous career. I want students to leave our schools ready to be on the shop floor, gaining confidence and making a living – and that comes with a lot more than just practice cutting,” she said. “When you look at any other career path, there are often four-year courses, with follow-ups of internships and many more learning opportunities. Barbering should be taken as seriously as any other craft, and it’s up to us to make sure students are equipped for success. It’s about getting them to capitalise and nourish their potential.”

The Heart of Service

Marie’s commitment to education doesn’t stop at her students – it extends to her clients in the chair, too. For her, barbering is more than just delivering a good cut; it’s about delivering an exceptional service.

“Service is massive,” she said. “I charge a higher price point, but I can do that because I put in the effort to make my clients feel 100%. Every client gets a full consultation, product recommendations, scalp analysis, and a thorough styling lesson. A lot of barbers focus on doing a great fade, but it’s so important to look after the person in the chair. It’s about the entire service – including the aftercare. I mean, we’re a service industry, after all.”

Marie’s attention to detail and commitment to customer care is one of the many things that make her stand out in the crowded barbering industry. She offers a genderless pricing structure, making her services accessible and inclusive for everyone.

“Whether you have short hair, long hair, or something in between, I’ll take care of it. This approach has really worked for me! Chiefly, because it’s really opened up my clientele. I get a lot of older women coming to me for cool pixie cuts, not your typical ‘old lady’ style,” she explained. “I think it’s important to meet people where they are and give them what they want, not what society expects.”

Inspiring the Future Generation

As a female in an industry still dominated by men, Marie is breaking boundaries. But she was quick to downplay the gender divide.

“I think, whilst the industry is changing – it’s still important for barbers to realise, that gender isn’t relevant. I’m great at barbering! That’s that. I don’t see myself as a ‘female barber,’ I’m just a barber. I don’t put myself in any box. But, I still hope I can inspire other women to get into the industry because it’s such a great career with so many avenues to explore,” she said.

Before our conversation came to a close, and just as her next client was set to arrive, I asked Marie one last question. What’s your greatest piece of advice for aspiring barbers? In short, she told me: Stay open, stay curious, and never stop learning – adding: “You’re not going to be good at everything, and that’s okay. Focus on what you’re good at and get great at that.”

In a world where barbering is constantly evolving, Marie Rainsford is at the forefront, shaping the future of the craft with her scissors, her heart, and her desire to uplift others. With her unwavering dedication to growth and learning, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Marie. The barbering world better keep watching – because Marie Rainsford is only just getting started.

After a rigorous three-day inspection, MTE Hair & Barbering in Poole, Dorset, has achieved an OUTSTANDING rating across all five areas of effectiveness in their OFSTED report. These areas include quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and apprenticeships.

MTE is an independent learning provider with a strong track record of high-quality apprenticeship training. In 2022, the business was awarded a direct contract to offer apprenticeships. OFSTED inspections are conducted with only a few days’ notice, and this was MTE’s first independent assessment.

Over the course of three days, three inspectors meticulously examined every aspect of the business structure, the educational offering, and apprentice and employer satisfaction levels. The inspectors observed teaching sessions, met with employers, apprentices, educators, and management, and conducted a detailed review of learners’ portfolios.

Key Highlights from the Inspection Report

The OFSTED report includes a standout highlight: “Leaders and educators work closely with employers to identify the precise skills and knowledge that apprentices need for successful careers. They ensure that courses include a full range of techniques, such as wet and dry shaving in barbering and balayage (free-hand colouring) in hairdressing. As a result, apprentices are equipped with the skills they need to perform a wide range of services.”

OFSTED offers independent oversight on the quality of education provided to learners, helping employers, students, and parents in selecting a reputable learning provider. Achieving a good or outstanding rating ensures that educators are joining a provider with high standards.

A Commitment to Excellence

Mike and Emily Taylor, the founders and owners of MTE Hair & Barbering, are deeply committed to providing hairdressing and barbering training that produces work-ready professionals.

Emily Taylor shares her excitement: “We are absolutely over the moon with our Outstanding grade and report given by OFSTED. This grade is a result of our incredible team’s passion and dedication to providing high-quality education to our learners. Our team works tirelessly to engage, motivate, and support our apprentices to achieve their full potential, which leads to their impressive outcomes. I would like to thank everyone involved in this outstanding result. It’s amazing that the team’s hard work has been recognised, and I feel really proud of what everyone has achieved.”

Fred Helouis is the driving force behind Vagaro, launching one of the longest standing scheduling software systems. Here, fred tells us about the triumphs of building a business from the ground up, and his commitment to empowering professionals with cutting-edge tech.

“I was born in Lebanon, and I came to the United States when I was 18 years old, fleeing the Lebanese Civil War,” Fred told us. “I went to school to learn computer programming, which was a skill I developed in my first job at a very small company. I found out that I had a real passion for it, finding the quick results you could create very rewarding.”

Fred’s idea for Vagaro originated over 20 years ago, and although it didn’t happen right away, the spark for his innovation never quite died. During one of many work trips to Korea for a computer company, Fred thought to himself, “Man, I really need a haircut when I get home.” But in order to get one on the books, he was going to need to spend $3.00 a minute to make a call to the shop – and even if he did, the time difference meant he would have to make the call in the middle of the night. That’s when he thought, “I wish I could just do it online…”

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Early days

Once that seed was planted, Fred had the idea of creating a scheduling software for salons and barbershops in the back of his mind for years.

“I got a job at a new company, and I was trying to focus at the job at hand, even though I had this great idea,” he explained. “Anyway, my background was in programming robotics, not website programming. I was just like, ‘How do you even start a company? How do you get money to start a company?’ I had no idea how to do any of that.”

“When I started to investigate other businesses, everything had an E in front of it, so initially I called the business eappointment.com and bought the domain for that website. Every time I would mention this to one of my friends at work, they’d laugh,” Fred told us. “It took 10 years until I fully launched the business. I had been laid off during the 2008 recession and took that as a sign to dive in. That’s when I decided that to create my own company and decide my own destiny.”

“I went to Dubai and started working on a business plan. I had my sister and a couple friends invest in the business, so it’s nice knowing that the company was started by four Lebanese people. Two years after that, we were profitable. Now, 15 years later, we have become a household name in the industry – and it’s pretty cool that we were the first app of our kind on app stores.”

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Five star culture

Customer relations are at the forefront of Vagaro, which prompted Fred to develop his five-star company culture. “The way I explain this is that if you go to a restaurant, you should receive excellent service – the water comes right away, and the waiter takes your order, and your food comes… but it’s stone cold,” Fred explained. “The whole time you were having this five-star experience, but one person on the team messed up.”

“It could be either the cook or someone else in the team, which brings your entire experience down to two-stars. So, at Vagaro, we work with this concept in mind that we are a team, and if one of us lets the customer down, then we all do,” he explained. “The entire team is committed to the five-star experience, and that’s not just about customers. Internally, I want everyone in the company to treat each other with respect.”

And how does Fred ensure that this ethos is met across all aspects of the business? It all starts before the customer has even signed up to Vagaro, he explained: “From a customer experience, we want our quality to shine through, right from the advertisements to our webpage. Then, when you get to the point of signing up, we want to ensure the customer still feels like they’re having the same experience. Sometimes, once you sign up for a software, it looks like you’re about to pay taxes on the government website,” Fred laughed.

“We want the experience to be always modern. When you call us for support or you want your information, our employees will treat you with respect and friendliness, while offering you support. We aim to answer the phone in less than two minutes. We offer 24/7 support so people can reach us, whether it’s by phone, chat, or email. We’re more than happy to talk to them, and we want to be relentless in our support. We’re not going to hang up the phone until the customer feels like their question is answered or their issue is solved.”

Fred hopes that this 5-star experience then reflects on the end user. As a barber, you might give 5-star service and haircuts all day long, but if your client’s booking experience was strenuous or frustrating, that could be as detrimental as cold soup during a nice meal.

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Values

And a huge part of Vagaro, is the values and hope they instill in their customers – something Fred feels extremely passionate about. “Our ideal for business is that if our customers prosper, then we prosper with them,” he told us. “We’ve been profitable in business for the last 14 years doing what we are doing, and we just want to ensure we are the best value salon and barbershop software out there.”

“There’s nothing for free in this world, trust me. So many other companies will draw you in with an offer of something for free, but there will be hidden costs. Unfortunately, that’s just the hook to get people in the door. Whereas our aim is to be responsible, we want to support our customers throughout their business journeys, and be a steady, reliable constant, in this ever-changing world.”

How do you figure out which style of moustache to go for?

Choosing a moustache style depends on a few factors: your face shape, hair growth pattern, and personal style. For example, those with a rounder face might go for a longer, more structured style like the handlebar, giving the illusion of length to balance out the roundness of the face. While someone with a more angular face could suit a chevron or pencil moustache, as shorter and more defined styles can complement any sharp features. It’s all about experimenting and finding a style that complements your look.

How long will it take to grow? What do you do if it’s patchy?

Typically, it takes around 4-6 weeks to grow a solid moustache, however this will vary person to person and if you’re anything like me, as little as 2 weeks can be enough to have a pretty thick moustache. This can be both a blessing and a curse if you think about the required upkeep and maintenance of fast and thick growing facial hair.

If it’s a bit patchy, patience is key. Let it grow out and see how it fills in, as the hairs may cover sparse areas over time. If not, a touch of beard oil and a bit of light trimming can help create a fuller appearance.

What tools do you need?

A good quality narrow comb and small scissors are essential for trimming and shaping. An electric trimmer with adjustable guards is also handy, as it lets you maintain the desired length and avoid over-trimming, if short symmetry is what you’re looking for.

What products do you need?

A quality beard oil, such as OSMO Beard Complex, keeps the hair soft and nourished. Moustache wax is also useful for adding a bit of hold. Although my pro tip is that any hair wax, such as OSMO Matte Clay Extreme, can be equally, if not more effective than a moustache wax, especially if you’re styling a more structured look.

How do you keep it clean?

Keeping a moustache clean is easy with regular washing, ideally with a gentle beard shampoo. This helps remove any food particles or oils without drying out the hair or skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with beard oil to keep it hydrated.

To order OSMO for your salon contact your local OSMO wholesaler at www.osmo.uk.com

Sotomi and the vision of Chop Chop London 

In a rapidly evolving world where industries are challenged to be more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable, Kaye Sotomi, the Founder and CEO of Chop Chop London, is transforming the hair industry with his innovative vision.

The guiding principle behind Chop Chop is bold yet simple: “No gender, no texture, just hair.”

This core belief breaks the conventional mould of hair salons and barbershops, offering a fresh approach that transcends traditional norms. 

Kaye Sotomi’s Chop Chop London is more than just a chain of salons; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape the way the hair industry operates, making it more accessible, streamlined, and aligned with modern values. With four Chop Chop locations, Kaye’s vision has found a solid foothold in London. 

No gender, No texture. Just hair 

At the heart of Chop Chop London is the belief that hair care should not be limited by outdated gendered or textured definitions. Sotomi’s mission is to create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender or hair type, feels welcome. The concept of “no gender, no texture, just hair” recognises that personal expression through hair should not be confined by societal expectations. 

Kaye believes that this simple, yet profound approach has the potential to shake up an industry that has often divided its services along rigid lines. Most traditional salons and barbershops categorise their offerings based on gender or ethnicity, creating barriers that exclude or alienate certain customers. Chop Chop’s inclusive ethos removes these barriers and puts the focus where it should be: on delivering exceptional hair care that suits the individual, regardless of who they are. 

A vision for a more efficient and sustainable industry 

But Kaye’s vision goes beyond inclusivity. He’s also determined to make the hair industry more efficient and sustainable. To him, it’s not just about what Chop Chop does for its customers, but how the brand can positively influence the entire industry.

For Kaye, creating a more efficient industry means leveraging modern technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and reduce waste. 

Efficiency is key in today’s fast-paced world. Kaye wants to offer their clients convenience and quality without compromising on inclusivity or sustainability. Their goal is to push the industry forward, to make it more efficient, more inclusive, and more sustainable. 

This ambition is reflected in every aspect of Chop Chop’s operations, from how appointments are booked to how products are sourced and used. 

The role of technology in streamlining haircare: partnering with Fresha 

A significant aspect of Kaye’s push for efficiency is the salon’s partnership with Fresha, a leading software platform that supports appointment bookings, customer management, and business analytics for the beauty and wellness industries. The switch to Fresha has been transformative for Chop Chop London, allowing Kaye to run his business with precision and ease. 

“The partnership with Fresha was seamless,” Kaye said. “It’s not just about a booking system, it’s about running an efficient business. Fresha understood exactly what I needed for Chop Chop, and the level of detail it provides in terms of analytics has been invaluable.” 

Kaye highlights how Fresha’s platform has been key to understanding client behaviour, optimising services and keeping track of the business’s performance. Having access to real-time data means Kaye has all the details he needs to make informed decisions, whether it’s about staffing, inventory, or client trends. 

Through this integration of technology, Chop Chop London has been able to modernise its operations, providing a better experience for clients while also increasing efficiency behind the scenes. The platform’s intuitive design and robust analytics mean that Kaye can focus on what matters most: providing an exceptional, inclusive haircare experience while growing his business. 

Creating an inclusive and empowered hair care community 

Kaye’s journey with Chop Chop London is not just about building a successful salon chain, it’s about building a community. He believes that the hair industry has the power to bring people together and that salons should be places where everyone feels welcomed and valued. His goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where diversity is celebrated, and every customer walks away feeling seen and heard. 

Kaye’s approach to inclusivity also extends to the stylists he employs. By fostering a team of diverse professionals, Chop Chop London ensures that there is someone for every client, regardless of their hair type or personal style.

Looking ahead: The future of Chop Chop London 

With four Chop Chop locations already established in London, the future looks bright for Kaye and his team. The success of Chop Chop’s inclusive, efficient, and sustainable model is a testament to the power of reimagining what the hair industry can be.

Kaye has proven that it is possible to run a business that is both profitable and purpose-driven, one that meets the needs of modern customers while also pushing the boundaries of the industry. 

As we look to the future, Kaye’s commitment to making the hair industry better for everyone—clients, stylists, and salon owners alike—is unwavering, and his drive to lead with inclusivity, sustainability, and technology ensures that Chop Chop will continue to be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. 

In an industry that often feels slow to change, Kaye’s Chop Chop London is a breath of fresh air. With its commitment to inclusivity, efficiency, and sustainability, it’s not just setting the standard for what hair care should look like—it’s leading the charge into a better future for the entire industry. 

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK is OUT NOW! As the cooler months settle in, it’s time to elevate your barbershop game and keep the buzz alive. Our latest issue of BarberEVO is packed with insights, trends, and expert advice to help you navigate the season ahead. Whether you’re focusing on client satisfaction or levelling up your services, we’ve got you covered.

COVER: American Crew

We went behind the scenes with American Crew for their BarberEVO cover shoot with some of the biggest and brightest in the industry. Gracing the cover, we have Ian Harrold, Bobby Gordon, Tommy Winding, Chris O’Riordan Nicholas Taylor, Rob Wood, Aurelija Norvaišiene. We hear about their inspiration, product choice, how they created and styled their look; plus much more inside!

EVENTS

From the biggest barbering expos to community-driven pop-ups, we dive into the latest industry events that brought professionals together. This edition, we kick things off revisiting the Scottish Hair and Beauty Awards (SHABA), before reminiscing on the epic event that was EVO On The Road. Columnist Hayden Cassidy shares her experience celebrating Barbers Day in Brazil, and we have a look towards the Fellowship Luncheon.

BARBER OF THE EDITION

Get to know our featured Barber of the Edition, a true trailblazer pushing boundaries in the industry. Marie Rainsford is a soon-to-be superstar in the barbering world, as the Ireland-based barber is the new lead educator for OP45 Barberschool. Education and empowerment are at the forefront of Marie’s journey, so in this issue, we learn about her journey, approach to the craft, and how she stands apart.

BUSINESS

We break down key business strategies to help you thrive during the busy season. From effective marketing techniques to maximising retail opportunities, this feature begins with Barry Stephens sharing his business insights for readers. We hear from Kevin Vorley about how Morgan’s Pomade can boost your retail options, and Snip London share the ethos behind their retail selection and how they encourage sales.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology is transforming the way barbershops operate. Discover the latest innovations, including booking systems as we speak to three different barbershops about how they manage their schedules in the festive season. Kaye Sotomi, founder of Chop Chop London, shares how Fresha revolutionised his genderless salon.

INTERIORS

In this issue, we showcase jaw-dropping barbershop interiors that combine style with functionality. Explore how thoughtful design choices can create a welcoming atmosphere for clients while optimizing your workspace for maximum efficiency. We take a deep dive into Lieanne Buckley’s studio in Chester and share the ethos of DAPR – our barbershop abroad – based in Philadelphia, USA. Goodfellas Barbershop in St Albans share how Takara Belmont was the only choice for them, while The Daylight Company transforms three barbershops.

HYGIENE AND SANITATION

With hygiene standards at the forefront of modern barbering, we take a deep dive into the importance sanitation practices. Columnist Mark Maciver, owner of Slider Cuts in London, shares how he maintains hygiene in the barbershop to ensure client satisfaction. Emma Curd, Co-Owner and Director at Matakki Scissors, shares her recent appointment as a Habia ambassador, while we highlight some of the most important ways barbers can maintain the highest level of cleanliness and professionalism.

The first Labour Budget since taking office was presented today, 30 October 2024, by the first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, in the Commons. 

Responding to the Budget statement, Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the National Hair & Beauty Federation said:

‘We asked the government for support for employers to counteract rising wages so we’re pleased that they have listened and responded with a rise in the Employment Allowance which will benefit some sector businesses, despite the rises to employers National Insurance contributions.

However, with 16%+ rises in the youth wage rates there was nothing on interim support for businesses training young people. The only ‘youth guarantee’ for our sector will be that small and micro employers won’t be able to afford to take on apprentices. This makes it even more vital that Skills England is responsive to the needs of our sector and the new Growth & Skills levy channels major support to incentivise small and micro businesses training apprentices.

We will engage constructively with the consultation around business rates reform and the decision to keep at least some support through a 40% Retail business rates discount and freeze of the small business multiplier is welcome and important in the interim. The government was silent on VAT but we will continue to push for reform which is the sector’s number one issue

While the Employment Allowance increase offers some breathing room, the dramatic rise in apprentice wages threatens to disrupt the traditional pathway into our Sector. Without targeted intervention, we risk creating a skills gap that could take years to bridge. The government’s approach to retail business rates shows they’re listening, but more comprehensive support is needed to ensure the sustainability of apprenticeships in hair and beauty.”

The summary of the Budget:

• Wage rates; 6.7% increase in National Living Wage, 16.3% increase in 18-20 rate, single adult rate ‘over time’
• Freeze on fuel duty in 2025 for another year
• Employers National Insurance contributions (NICs) increased by 1.2% to 15% from April 2025
• Reduce NICs threshold from £9,000 to £5,000  
• Increase Employment Allowance from £5,000 to £10,500
• Business rates: 40% relief for Retail and hospitality in 2025/26 and small business multiplier freeze
• Cap on corporation tax for the duration of this parliament
• National Insurance thresholds: No extension to freeze on personal tax thresholds from 2028-29; will rise in line with inflation in the future
• Largest real-term funding increase since devolution; £3.4 bn to Scotland through the Barnett formula, £1.7 bn to Welsh government and £1. 5bn to Northern Ireland in 2025/26
• £1.3 billion investment into connectivity in regional transport

The full details of the Budget can be found here. 

Fresha, the world’s leading marketplace platform for beauty, wellness, and self-care, today announced a strategic investment and partnership with Yuv, a cutting-edge company specialising in AI-powered hair colour technology.

This collaboration sets the stage for Fresha to further cement its position as the go-to platform for salons and beauty professionals globally, offering unparalleled innovation and efficiency.

Fresha boasts a network of over 120,000 beauty businesses worldwide, with salons making up a large portion of its partners. Hair colouring is a significant revenue driver for salons but remains one of the most complex services to manage effectively. By integrating Yuv’s groundbreaking technology, Fresha is set to revolutionise the hair colouring process—enhancing precision, streamlining inventory management, and delivering personalised and consistent services for clients. This strategic move further reinforces Fresha’s position as an industry leader, providing salons and beauty businesses with the advanced tools they need to elevate both their service quality and operational efficiency.

Hair colouring is a complex service that requires precision and consistency. Yuv’s technology allows salons to save personalised hair colour formulas directly in customer profiles, ensuring a consistent and tailored experience for every client. For salon owners, this means they can offer a high-quality, customised service every time, which not only strengthens client loyalty and drives repeat business but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Beyond enhancing the client experience, Yuv’s technology significantly improves inventory management. Integrated into Fresha’s backend systems, the solution provides salons with real-time insights into product usage and automates restocking processes. This not only reduces waste and lowers costs but also ensures that salons always have the necessary products on hand, optimising efficiency and profitability.

By addressing these critical pain points with an innovative solution, Fresha expects to increase platform stickiness and deepen merchant loyalty. The integration of Yuv’s technology further embeds Fresha into the day-to-day operations of its largest vertical, strengthening its competitive advantage in the beauty space.

“Investing in Yuv aligns with our mission to provide the most advanced tools to beauty professionals,” said William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha. “Hair colouring is a cornerstone of the salon business, and by addressing the complexities of this service, we’re adding significant value to our platform. This partnership will transform how salons operate and positions Fresha as the most trusted and indispensable platform for beauty and wellness businesses worldwide, reinforcing our role as the industry leader.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Fresha,” said Francisco Gimenez, Founder and CEO of Yuv. “Partnering with Fresha provides us with the platform and reach we need to revolutionise the salon experience on a global scale. Together, we’re set to transform how professionals and clients approach hair colouring, creating a more efficient and personalised process that benefits everyone involved.”