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.”

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. 

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

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.”

Wahl Professional announces the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer in the popular T-shaped design for a more efficient and quieter drying experience for consumers and pros alike.

STERLING, Ill., Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Wahl Professional, the leading and trusted brand in professional grooming and styling, announced today the launch of the Vanquish Hairdryer, a brushless digital motor dryer designed for a quieter, lighter, and more efficient drying experience.

For long sessions, the Vanquish Hairdryer’s slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.

“The introduction of the Vanquish Hairdryer underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality, as it brings a new drying standard to consumers as well as professional barbers and stylists,” said Lance Wahl, global SVP of sales and marketing for Wahl Professional. “The Vanquish is truly raising the bar for the next generation brushless digital motor hairdryers and is a game changer for the industry. Its innovative features create a more comfortable and elevated experience regardless of styling skill level.”

The Vanquish Hairdryer prioritizes power, comfort, and efficiency. With FlowControl, it delivers direct airflow and efficient power for fast, even hair drying from root to tip. The SmoothTone™ motor system removes harsh frequencies and keeps the volume low, so professionals can continue to chat easily with clients as they dry. For long sessions, the slim and lightweight T-shaped design improves handling and reduces wrist fatigue.

The Vanquish offers an easy-to-read and easy-to-use LED screen that displays four heat and three speed settings, so the drying experience can be personalized to the most comfortable heat setting for different hair types and thickness, or desired hair style. With the memory function, it will lock in the settings preferences, so the user can achieve their look again and again with convenience. The Vanquish also conveniently has an auto-clean function, keeping the filter clear of debris, for easy maintenance and long-lasting performance.

The Vanquish Hairdryer is available to purchase for $179.99 on Wahl Pro’s official website. For more information, visit Wahlpro.com and follow @Wahlpro on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

About Wahl Professional

Since its invention of the first practical electric hair clipper in 1919, Wahl Clipper Corporation has remained on the cutting edge of the professional and home grooming category and is the leading brand for barbers, groomers, and stylists around the world. The family-owned brand embraces traditions and legacy, with its headquarters still rooted in Sterling, Illinois where it was founded and its global manufacturing located in the U.S. Wahl believes that hair has a profound ability to connect those and the world around them. They are on a mission to support, educate, and inspire the future of grooming, resulting in the On-Demand barber education platform, free and accessible to professionals everywhere, and the first-of-its-kind, fully-accredited Wahl Barber Academy. As the creators behind the ground-breaking annual Future Makers™ platform and the trusted name for leaders in the industry and those who are transforming it, Wahl exists to unlock the power of connection – one haircut at a time. For more information on Wahl Clipper Corporation and its products, please visit www.wahlpro.com.

 The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is urgently seeking donations for the Disaster Relief Fund as thousands of industry professionals are impacted by the devastating destruction of Hurricane Milton directly on the heels of Hurricane Helene. 

The PBA Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency relief to beauty industry professionals to pay for essential items such as clothing, food, bills and supplies during times of natural disaster. The fund is supported by generous donations from industry professionals and businesses and has distributed more than $2.5 million to help industry professionals get back on their feet following catastrophic disaster. 100% of donations go directly to those in need. All licensed industry professionals are eligible to apply, and PBA members may receive up to twice the regular amount of emergency relief funding. 

“In the wake of Hurricanes Milton and Helene we are completely overwhelmed with applications for emergency assistance,” shares Rachel Molepske, PBA Director of Leadership Operations & Charitable Programs. “Our industry professionals are suffering and we must help. We are making an urgent plea for donations to help those affected.” 

DRF applicants continue to share heartbreaking stories of how Hurricanes Milton and Helene have impacted their livelihood: 

“Everything in the salon is damaged. It is catastrophic. Everything I have worked hard for has been destroyed in the blink of an eye.” 

“Most roads were completely washed away, power is expected to be out for weeks, and my income has gone to nothing at this point.” 

“I don’t have a place to live at the moment and there are estimates of not having water restored for several weeks to several months from now.” 

Please help beauty industry professionals get the support they desperately need! Please DONATE and spread the word. 

PBA would like to thank the generous sponsors who have already committed significant contributions to DRF: 

● Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation/Paul Mitchell Schools – $25,000 

● K18 – $25,000 

● L’Oreal – $15,000 

● SalonCentric – $15,000 

● JPMS – $10,000 

● MY SALON Suite – $10,000 

● Henkel – $10,000 

Donations of any size are appreciated and needed. For more information, or to apply 

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of fashion and grooming, technology has become a vital tool for professionals looking to streamline their operations and expand their reach. This issue, we speak to award winning barber, and fashion world high-flyer, Thaddeus, about how he uses industry technology like Fresha to build relationships and run his business seamlessly.

Fresha is an easy-to-use software designed for barbershops and other beauty and wellness businesses. It helps barbers manage appointments, customer info, and payments all in one place. With Fresha, barbers can let clients book online anytime, track client history and preferences, and handle payments smoothly. This means less time on admin tasks and more time cutting hair.

Fresha also helps barbers find new clients through its marketplace and keep existing ones with automated reminders and promotions. Using Fresha makes running a barbershop easier and more efficient, allowing barbers to focus on what they do best.

To find out more about how tech is being used in the barbering industry, Thaddeus, an award-winning barber, went over for the Louis Vuitton and Ami show at Paris Fashion Week with Fresha to see the importance of tech in the barbering industry.

Over the years, Thaddeus has perfected his craft and begun traveling and teaching around the world. He’s even had the privilege to personally cut some celebrities, such as Drake, J Balvin, Big Sean, and DVSN.

In 2017, Thaddeus became the National Men’s Ambassador-Educator for L’Oréal. In 2019, Thaddeus moved to the UK to attend Vidal Sassoon and merge the gap between barbering and hairdressing. He’s now back in North America running GRADIENT, ‘A platform for hair architecture and design. The fusion of knowledge, tools, and exploration.’

So, what about tech in the industry? Thaddeus says it’s all about building relationships and making your work and the ability to book as accessible as possible.

“I have all these models now connecting and booking with me through the Fresha app. It’s important to have a booking system connected to your profile on social media just because it stops any friction between you and your potential clients looking at your amazing work,” he explained.

This seamless connection allows potential clients to view Thad’s work and book appointments without any hassle, improving that experience for the client, and boosting business.

“For example, we’ve been able to grow our social media following, our fan base, and our community, as well as travel the world. I was just in Barcelona teaching an amazing class at a big show, which connected me to some amazing barbers. And this is all through connecting with the right people. Technology has definitely helped the barbering industry. These opportunities to teach and collaborate are a testament to how technology can open doors and facilitate meaningful connections in the industry.”

Thaddeus is particularly impressed with the Fresha app, highlighting its simplicity and aesthetic appeal. “What I like about Fresha is that their booking app is so simple, pleasing to the eye, and very minimal. I think it would match any branding, so if you’re looking for a booking app, Fresha is the way to go,” he said.

This endorsement speaks volumes about the importance of user-friendly technology in enhancing the client experience and supporting business growth. The integration of technology in the barbering industry is not just a trend but a necessity for modern professionals.

Thaddeus’ experience illustrates how tools like Fresha can significantly impact a barber’s ability to manage their business, connect with clients, and expand their reach. As technology continues to advance, it will undoubtedly play an even more significant role in shaping the future of the barbering industry.

By using innovative tools like the Fresha app, Thaddeus has streamlined his operations, built a global community, and showcased his talents on an international stage. His story is an inspiration to other professionals in the industry, highlighting the transformative power of technology in achieving success and making meaningful connections.