America’s Beauty Show returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, April 18-20, 2026, marking its 103rd year as North America’s largest nonprofit beauty event. Built for licensed professionals who take craft seriously, ABS blends advanced education, on-floor discovery, and industry connection under the 2026 theme, THRIVE, with a renewed emphasis on community and professional momentum.
Competitions expand in 2026. Barbers, this is your weekend to sharpen your edge and show what sets your work apart. America’s Beauty Show 2026 brings elevated barber education, pro tools, and serious on-floor discovery to Rosemont, built for artists who care about precision, performance, and modern grooming.
Make time for the BARBER COMPETITION hosted by Chicago’s own Headquarters Barbers on Sunday, April 19, from 2:00 – 5:00pmCST, happening live on the Barbershop Stage. Expect high-level talent and strong technique. Whether you compete or watch, you will leave with fresh inspiration, new approaches you can take straight to the chair, and a deeper connection to your barber community. Enter today.
Come see A-Rod, Brea J, Byrd Mena, Ivan Zoot, John Mosley, Jesse Elite, Los Cut It, Tyler Kelbert and more. Expect techniques you can translate directly to the chair, plus forward-looking perspective on what clients are asking for next.
On the show floor, brands span pro hair, tools, and grooming, including BaBylissPRO, L3V3L 3, Andis, Wahl, Stylecraft | Gamma+, Johnny B. Hair Care, Headquarters Barbers, Barber Evo and additional exhibitors alongside major beauty and wellness names. It is a concentrated opportunity to test, compare, and shop with intent, whether you are refining a luxury service menu or upgrading your station essentials.
To enter the Competition, ABS Show Tickets, CC membership, and the Advanced Program Show Guide are now available at AmericasBeautyShow.com.
For more details, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow on social media.
British entrepreneur and founder of Pall Mall Barbers, Richard Marshall, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for Services to International Trade, Mentoring and to People with Dyslexia.
Marshall’s journey is one of the most extraordinary transformations in modern British barbering. Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of five, Marshall struggled to read, write, spell his own name and complete basic tasks such as filling out cheques, for first 10 years of running his business. Undiagnosed ADHD emerged later in life. Expelled from school at 15 with no formal qualifications, navigating entrepreneurship through resilience, observation, and alternative learning methods. Yet he went on to build one of the world’s oldest barbershop brands into a global enterprise with locations in London and New York.
Despite these barriers, Marshall rebuilt his life through practical learning, mentorship, and relentless perseverance — becoming one of the UK’s most respected figures in the men’s grooming, hairdressing, small business and exports sectors.
His work reached national prominence when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referenced Richard’s story live on television, highlighting his resilience and contribution to British entrepreneurship.
Marshall now advises the UK Government as a member of the Small Business Growth Council, shaping the national agenda for the 5.6 million small businesses that power the UK economy.
Richard says, “I’m overwhelmed to receive an MBE from the King. I hope my story and journey demonstrates that it really is possible to overcome the most difficult of challenges. It’s not easy, and so I focused on a different direction and just grabbed every opportunity with both hands and made sure I learnt everything I could from other businesspeople. And now I like to share my knowledge and expertise with others, showing parents, employers and teachers that having dyslexia and/or being neurodivergent does not mean a restricted future. It’s important to instil ‘can-do’ confidence.”
Richard’s upcoming autobiography will further explore his powerful journey—from classroom humiliation and illiteracy to speaking on global stages, advising ministers inside 10 Downing Street, and leading a heritage brand now celebrating 130 years. The book will provide a blueprint for others, highlighting the potential of social mobility. The release of the book will coincide with the relaunch of the Pall Mall signature men’s grooming product collection.
Kevin Hollinrake MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party and Shadow Minister without Portfolio, said:
“That’s marvellous news — so well deserved. I’m absolutely delighted to see Richard recognised with an MBE. This honour is richly deserved. Richard is a standout example of British entrepreneurship at its best, building successful international businesses while giving back through mentoring and championing people with dyslexia. During my time as Business Minister, I saw first-hand his commitment to small businesses and to helping others succeed. This recognition reflects not just commercial success, but real service to others. Huge congratulations to him and his family.”
Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said:
“Richard absolutely deserves this honour. He has worked tirelessly with government for many years, helping to raise the profile of the hair and beauty sector and demonstrating the immense value it brings to the UK economy. His contribution has been instrumental in showing policymakers what our industry delivers now — and what it could deliver with stronger, continued government support. Richard is also a powerful ambassador for British business on the global stage, particularly in the United States. His dedication, influence and passion for championing our sector make this recognition incredibly well-deserved.”
Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the NHBF, said:
“Richard’s contribution as an NHBF Board Member has been outstanding. He brings deep expertise, commercial understanding and an authentic connection to a sector with a notably high percentage of neurodivergent and dyslexic individuals. His insight has directly shaped how we communicate with and support our Members, ensuring our messaging is more accessible, inclusive and representative of the realities many face. Richard’s leadership and advocacy have helped drive meaningful change within the industry, and we are delighted to see him recognised with this honour.”
As we welcome 2026, we are showing that BarberEVO is not just a magazine; it’s a statement. With a bold new look and an elevated creative direction, this issue places art at the very heart of barbering, celebrating the craft as something to be admired, revisited, and proudly displayed. From the cover to every carefully considered page has been designed with longevity in mind – a book you’ll want to keep on your shelf and return to time and time again.
We focus on every trend set to dominate in 2026 – from burst fades and mullets to the create work that blends striking visuals, elevating hair at its core. Alongside that, we have meaningful stories from the industry’s most influential names and rising talents. It reflects how far the craft has come, while honouring the creativity, passion, and culture that continue to push it forward. Issue 47 marks a new chapter for BarberEVO – one that invites you not just to read, but to look, feel, and be inspired.
Let’s be real—your station is only as strong as the tools you trust. Whether you’re crafting fades, detailing beards, or finishing with skin-close precision, having the right trio makes all the difference. That’s where the Envy II Clipper, Slimline® Pro II Trimmer, and ProFoil® Plus II Shaver come in. Together, they’re the ultimate lineup for stylists who want speed, control, and flawless results.
Clip with Confidence – Envy II Clipper
This isn’t your average clipper. The Envy II is built for versatility, featuring the new Phaze™ blade with adjustable lengths from 0000–0A. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and even includes a left-hand lever arm for ambidextrous comfort. With 11 attachment combs and a 6,500 SPM motor, it’s your go-to for fades, tapers, and bulk work—corded or cordless.
Trim with Precision – Slimline® Pro II Trimmer
Need crisp lineups and smooth transitions? The new Slimline® Pro II is your detailing MVP. Its pencil-like design gives you unmatched control and visibility, while the 7,000 SPM motor powers through light bulk and fine detailing. With 2 hours of cordless runtime and USB-C fast charging, it’s always ready to go. Plus, it’s quiet enough for kids and sensitive clients.
Shave to Finish – ProFoil® Plus II Shaver
Finish strong with the new ProFoil® Plus II. This cordless foil shaver delivers glass-smooth fades and irritation-free results thanks to its gold titanium staggered foils and 9,000 SPM motor. It’s lightweight, ergonomic, and charges via USB-C on a sleek premium stand. Customize your look with Black Chrome or Gold foil housings—coming soon—and keep your station looking sharp.
Clip. Trim. Shave. Repeat. This trio isn’t just about tools—it’s about elevating your craft. Whether you’re in the shop or on the go, these three are built to keep up with your hustle.
This issue celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and community as we wrap up the year in style.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS AT WAHL
On this edition’s cover, we celebrate Simon Shaw’s career to-date, with this month marking his 25th year at Wahl Professional. Read more about this monumental moment in this issue!
EVENTS:
We take you behind the scenes at BarberEVO and SalonEVO: The Experience in Scale Liverpool, reliving the energy and excitement from the two-day industry celebration. We also bring you the ultimate guide to Fashion Week with Ainsley Walton, and dive into the action with BaBylissPRO backstage. Then, we head to the Barber and Barbershop of the Year Awards with WAHL, and peek inside the BROSH World Championship for an unforgettable global barbering spectacle.
IN THE CHAIR & BARBER ABROAD:
We get In the Chair with Tariq Howes, diving deep into his inspiring barbering journey. Our One 2 Watch is Scotland’s Best Barber, SHABA winner and owner of R+R Studios Dundee, showcasing the best of Scottish talent and creativity.
FESTIVE:
From our Year in Review to winter shop culture with Huckle, this section captures the spirit of the season. We talk business insights with American Crew, winter trends with Hayden Cassidy, and highlight moments from Novo Cabelo’s standout 2025. Plus, discover styling trends from Morgan’s and festive scheduling advice from Mark Maciver.
BEARDS & TACHE:
We sit down with Joe Mills to break down beard and moustache trends sweeping the scene, before exploring bearded education with Simon Hairground and celebrating Movember with The London Beard Co.
INTERIORS:
Our Barbershop of the Edition is No.1 Barbers, a Takara Belmont–fitted shop that’s setting new design standards. We also round up the standout barber interiors of 2025, offering plenty of inspiration for your next renovation.
Some days, your hair has plans of its own. You wake up, you have somewhere to be and there’s no time for a reset. Fatboy, the hair care brand built for high-performance styling, has the perfect product to bring your hair back to life while giving it just the right amount of edge. Tousle & Go, a dry shampoo and hairspray hybrid, is a versatile styling essential that revives, refreshes and restyles in seconds.
Created for those in-between moments, whether you skipped a wash day, need a quick touch-up between events or simply want an instant boost, Tousle & Go (6oz. / $28) adds volume, definition and workable hold. Its tapioca starch absorbs excess oil, aloe vera helps strengthen strands and sunflower seed extract locks in moisture. No residue. No stiffness. Just clean, touchable texture that moves naturally.
The beauty of Tousle & Go is its versatility. It gives a boost of volume and definition or just a touch of hold, working across all hair types and especially transforming fine hair with body and grip. Short, long, or somewhere in the middle, it gives every style a little more life.
Tyson Kennedy, the creator of Fatboy, shared how he likes to style with Tousle & Go:
1. Lift sections of dry hair and spray directly into the roots to absorb oil and add instant lift. Focus on the crown or areas where you want extra volume.
2. Let the product sit for a few seconds, then use your fingertips to massage through the scalp and evenly distribute.
3. Lightly mist from mid-lengths to ends to create separation, grip, and that soft, touchable finish.
4. For a more lived-in look, spray on damp or towel-dried hair, scrunch, tousle, and let it air dry for an easy, undone finish.
Tousle & Go is the shortcut to effortlessly refreshed, perfectly imperfect hair. Bring it anywhere, refresh in seconds. Just spray, shake and go.
To learn more about Fatboy and explore its product range, please visit www.fatboyhair.com/
A family story of craftsmanship, innovation, and precision – built to empower barbers and stylists worldwide.
When it comes to professional hair tools, very few brands can say they’ve been perfecting their craft for over a century. For Artero, the journey began not in a modern factory, but in the Spanish countryside – with a pair of shears, a determined craftsman, and a family passion for precision that has been passed down through four generations.
“Our great-grandfather was a sheep and horse shearer,” said brothers Alex and Edu Artero, the fourth generation leading the family business today. “Cutting implements have always been at the core of our family. This deep-rooted connection to shearing and cutting tools naturally evolved into a specialization in scissors.”
From shearing wool to sculpting hair, the Artero story is one of evolution – combining heritage with cutting-edge technology to deliver the finest professional tools for barbers and hairdressers around the world.
A Heritage Forged in Steel
Artero’s legacy has always been about precision – creating tools that don’t just perform, but elevate the craft of cutting. Over time, the brand refined its focus on professional scissors, developing a range that caters to the needs of every stylist, from newcomers to industry icons.
“Scissors are the most important tool in any barber or hairdressing salon,” said Edu. “They’re fundamental for achieving precision and style in every cut. That’s why we’ve spent generations perfecting them.”
Today, Artero’s scissors combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art engineering. The result? A collection that balances comfort, sharpness, and durability – with prices ranging from £100 to £1000, ensuring every professional can find their perfect match.
Each model is crafted from carefully selected steel types to suit specific needs:
9CR Stainless Steel – a more budget-friendly option with excellent quality.
This variety allows Artero to meet the needs of both barbers starting out and seasoned professionals looking for the ultimate upgrade.
Design That Works as Hard as You Do
Comfort and ergonomics are just as important as the blade itself. Long hours behind the chair can take their toll – which is why Artero places so much emphasis on balance, control, and fit.
“The ergonomic design of a scissor directly impacts comfort and performance,” explained Alex. “A well-fitted pair reduces strain on the hand and wrist, helping barbers work longer and more comfortably, while maintaining precise results.”
Artero also offers an extensive range of left-handed scissors, including micro-serrated, curved, straight, and thinning models – ensuring that every barber and stylist can find the right fit for their hand and cutting style. This inclusive approach reflects the brand’s wider philosophy: to empower every professional to create with confidence and control.
Tools That Grow With You
For Artero, quality isn’t a luxury – it’s a foundation. The brand understands that the right tools can shape a career, improve efficiency, and unlock creativity behind the chair.
“High-quality scissors provide smoother cuts, reduce hand fatigue, and deliver consistent results,” said Edu. “They’re an investment in your craft – and we believe professionals should be able to start with something reliable, then level up as they grow.”
Whether you’re purchasing your first pair or expanding your professional kit, Artero ensures that each tool meets the highest standards of quality and performance. Every scissor is the result of meticulous testing, thoughtful design, and the Artero family’s century-long dedication to excellence.
A Brand Built on Trust
Artero’s mission has always been simple: to craft tools that inspire creativity and enhance every cut. From its origins in animal shearing to its current status as one of the most respected names in professional hair tools, the brand remains true to its roots – family, quality, and innovation.
Today, with Alex and Edu at the helm, Artero continues to blend tradition with modern innovation, providing barbers and stylists with tools that make every cut feel effortless.
Discover the Artero Difference
Explore the full range of professional barber scissors, clippers, and hair tools at Artero, and experience over a century of craftsmanship – reimagined for the modern professional.
The Andis Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer are built for barbers who treat every cut like a mission. Precision-engineered and field-tested, these tools deliver elite performance where it counts—on fades, tapers, lineups, and bulk removal. Whether you’re sculpting sharp silhouettes or detailing with finesse, Recon™ is your tactical advantage in the shop.
Recon™ Clipper: Power Delivered
9,000 SPM Vector Motor – High-torque speed for ultra-smooth fades and bulk removal.
Phaze Blade Control – Adjustable blade with click or no-click lever for personalized cutting.
Custom Style – Black chrome, gold, and matte black housings to match your station.
All-Day Battery – 4-hour cordless runtime with fast USB-C charging.
Premium Charging Stand – Quick-release design keeps your setup clean and powered.
Complete Kit – Includes magnetic combs, blade oil, guard, and USB-C adapter.
Recon™ Trimmer: Precision Refined
8,500 SPM Vector Motor – Built for sharp detailing, bald fades, and crisp lineups.
DLC-Coated T-Blade – Smooth, snag-free cuts with zero irritation.
Ergonomic Metal Housing – Compact, vibration-dampening design for fatigue-free control.
Custom Style – Interchangeable housings to match your vibe.
Charging Stand Redefined – Sleek, quick-release stand for pro setups.
Complete Kit – Includes combs, blade oil, guard, and USB-C adapter.
Built for the Craft. Trusted by Pros.
Recon™ isn’t just about specs—it’s about performance in the field. Tested by barbers who know the grind, these tools deliver the speed, control, and style you need to execute every cut with confidence.
Byrd Mena’s Dopamine Collection and L3VEL3’s Red Collection headline our Final Cut, with bold visions that redefine what “Editorial Hair” means for the barbering industry.
IN THE CHAIR & ONE 2 WATCH
This edition, we get In the Chair with Henry Rodriguez, better known as Papi Blendzz. From nearly leaving barbering to now leading education for JRL, his story is a must-read. Our One 2 Watch is Keila Sierra, who went from Denny’s late shifts to SharpFade Partner.
TEXTURE
We sit down with British barbers Eyal and Ariel Booker to explore how their brand Wavy is filling the curly-hair gap, alongside features with L3VEL3, Andis, Josh O.P., and more.
INTERIORS
Circa Barbershop, complete with Takara Belmont furnishings, takes Interiors to new heights. We also visit Hair Cvlture in Fuerteventura, Collins HQ, and more.
CREATIVE
Avant garde artistry, self-expression, and precision dominate Creative. With the insights of columnists Hannah and Chrystofer Benson, plus features with Byrd Mena, Tondeo, and Jorge X, we go deep into barbering creativity.
BUSINESS
We go Behind the Brand with Rolda, dive into the Diary of a CEO with Daniel Heiniger, and spotlight Depot, WellnessPro, and more.
When the BarberEVO Experience makes its U.S. debut in Atlanta on Sunday, October 26, one of the standout features will be the presence of Andis, a brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and education in the barbering industry.
As a proud partner of the event, Andis will not only showcase its world-class tools but also spotlight the educators who bring the brand’s mission to life. Each of these barbers and educators represents the pinnacle of skill, artistry, and mentorship — and together, they will help set the tone for a night of inspiration and growth.
Meet the Andis Team
Kenny Duncan A respected master barber, author, and mentor, Kenny Duncan is a cornerstone of the Andis education program. Known for his technical precision and ability to translate complex skills into accessible techniques, Duncan has inspired countless barbers to elevate their craft. His role as an Andis Educator positions him as a leader not only in technique, but also in shaping the next generation of professionals.
Eric Cheek Renowned as both a barber educator and platform artist, Eric Cheek is celebrated for his creative approach and ability to captivate audiences. Cheek’s work with Andis emphasizes the fusion of artistry and practical skill, ensuring barbers leave his sessions with both inspiration and new tools they can use immediately in their day-to-day work.
Angie Perino As Global Education Manager for Andis, Angie Perino oversees the brand’s worldwide education efforts, ensuring that learning and development remain at the heart of Andis’ mission. With decades of experience across barbering and cosmetology, Perino brings both technical expertise and leadership insight to the stage. Her commitment to empowering professionals through education is central to Andis’ vision.
John Mosley Widely known as “Popular Nobody,” John Mosley is one of the industry’s most recognizable and influential barbers. As part of the Andis Education team, Mosley combines cultural impact with technical mastery, showing barbers how to not only refine their craft but also build a brand and career that resonates far beyond the chair.
Andis at the Center of Education
Andis’ involvement in the BarberEVO Experience Atlanta underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to barbering education and professional growth. With a lineup of world-class educators, Andis continues to prove that its role in the industry extends well beyond tools — it is about equipping professionals with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive.
At the BarberEVO Experience, Atlanta’s barbering community will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from these educators, making this debut U.S. event a landmark occasion for the craft.
