The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

IN THIS ISSUE: 

REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY 

In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.  

L3VEL3  

Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months. 

EVENTS 

Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.  

BARBER OF THE EDITION 

As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador. 

TEXTURE 

Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care. 

INTERIORS 

Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more I our interiors section… 

BUSINESS 

Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.  

BEARDS & ‘TACHE 

Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them). 

In this industry, Eric Way Lovemore needs no introduction following his stellar career in the hair world. Now, the world-class barber has added another accolade to his belt: Artero’s UK and Northern Ireland Brand Manager.

On top of this new role, he will continue his work as the UK ambassador and global educator role for Artero. Telling us about his new venture, Eric said: “As the Brand Manager, I will grow the brand within my countries, introducing Artero to distributors, academies, barbershop, hairdressing salons, and end users. Artero has laid its foundations securely in the marketplace but now it’s time for the brand to start resonating with everyone and experience this well priced, high quality diverse product range that Artero has to offer.

“Now it will be easier for the brand to have a face in the country for buyers to easily communicate with and for me to bring more opportunities to the brand which is far easier than Artero in Spain trying to do it.”

He added: “When I was introduced to Artero three years ago, I immediately fell in love with the ethos of the brand and the quality of all the products. I realised that the brand was at its infant stages in the UK and Northern Ireland but was a brand that had been established for more than a hundred years and is still run by the same family from the very beginning.

“I wanted to be part of the brands journey and felt that with my passion for the industry I could grow with the brand and help being part of its unprecedented success globally.”

Generation Barber is set to return to Bournemouth on May 20th, 2024. Following the success of the 2023 show, Generation Barber will return bigger and better than before.

Aimed specifically for barbering students, Generation Barber, sponsored by Denman International brings together barbers, students and educators from across the UK for a day filled with education, inspiration and networking.

With education from leading barbering educators and influencers including the Great British Barbering Academy Team, Afro Hair Champion Grim Barber, Andis UK Education Team Lead, Baldy, and the organiser himself, Mike Taylor, this year’s schedule has it all.

For the first time, Generation Barber will also include demonstrations from barbers who started their own businesses in their 20’s. Dubbed the ‘Young Guns’, this performance is the perfect opportunity to inspire the new generation of barbers into thinking not only about their practical skills but also the whole package of what it takes to be a successful barber.

Alongside the incredible line-up, Generation Barber also allows students and barbers to get up close and personal with leading professionals in the Help and Advice Centres, situated in the main hall throughout the day. From advice on how to maintain your clippers to help on how to get that crispy fade, if you have any specific questions that need a more 1:2:1 response, the educators will be there throughout the day to help.

Due to the huge success from last year the Student Competition will also be returning. This is an incredible opportunity for learners currently working towards a formally accredited level 2 or 3 qualification to have a platform to showcase their skills.

There are two categories to choose from; either Classic or Creative, and the first round is judged by photographic entry. Get through to the final and you will see your work showcased around the Generation Barber Hall and on the big screen on stage. However, there can only be one lucky winner from each category who will go on to win a selection of goodies from Generation Barber Student Competition sponsor, Denman International and show supporter, Andis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Make Shopping Easy.

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

2. What’s your Secret Sauce? 

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

3. Believe in the product you are using!

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

4. Train to Build Confidence.  

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

5. It’s not selling, it’s educating.

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

6. Use your website! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SRP: $305.99 USD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andis supports barber Daniel Rymer as he reaches Kilimanjaro summit to raise £100k for homeless charity, Caring For Bristol.

The effects of Covid-19 and its impact on the mental and business health of barbers all over the UK, and indeed beyond, cannot be understated or overestimated. And, like many barbers, Andis ambassador Daniel Rymer struggled to adapt as the doors to his barbershop closed, and he found himself at home contemplating what the future would hold for his career, his team and himself on a personal level. 

An inner strength to bring about positive change

That said, adversity can often reveal an inner strength and self-determination that drives people to achieve extraordinary things and, as Daniel says, this is what motivated him to accomplish such an amazing feat, with the help and support of Andis. “I found it hard to deal with lockdown and, despite what people say in public, many barbers and local businesses I spoke to were all feeling the same. When you’re not in the shop you become disconnected from the thing you’re most passionate about, and the people who share that passion; you lose your sense of purpose. The financial impacts compounded matters with the loss of income and trying to keep the business going with loans and costs. It was a worrying time and I felt I needed to do something positive for me, but also for other people.”

To overcome his predicament and fulfil his need to get away from his situation, Daniel hit upon the idea of scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro to not only address his own mental health challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also to help others in the process. “I wanted to achieve something positive, challenge myself to do something I’d never done before, and raise money for people dealing with homelessness and hopelessness. I decided to raise money for Caring in Bristol – a local charity whose vision is to create a city that’s empowered to solve homelessness as, despite everything, I felt I could do more for disadvantaged people. This is when Andis stepped in to offer their support.”

A passion for barbering meets ambition

Combining this personal feat with his passion for barbering, Daniel set about assembling a team to reach Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit and undertake the highest haircut on record. With a collective of likeminded business owners from his area, and expert porters, Daniel embarked on a gruelling ten-day ascent to the 5,895m summit, which saw him coping with altitude sickness, blisters and acute tiredness. 

“It was very challenging with six days on the mountain. It took three days to get to base camp and we reached the summit on day four. The views were spectacular and it was a massive achievement for me and the whole team. Equipped with my Andis tools, cape and branded clothing, I performed haircuts on the mountain, which was an unbelievable experience and great for bonding everyone together on our shared mission.”

Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro. 

£100,000 raised, and time to reinvent his brand

Initially intending to raise £6,000 individually, a target which he has exceeded, the team’s efforts have now surpassed £100,000, and this achievement motivated Daniel to emerge even stronger. Giving him the time and space away from his business, he returned to the UK refreshed and reenergised with a new model in mind. “I’ve now rebranded my business to ‘Rythm Barbering’. Unlike before, this is a community hub that offers a safe, cool and creative space for independent barbers, as well as empowering self-employed beauty professionals, nail technicians and other creatives to thrive.”

Thanking Andis for their support, Daniel points to the range of tools, accessories and encouragement offered by the brand. “Andis has been amazing. They provided warm weather gear and a wide range of tools that enabled me to work throughout the trip, and on the mountain. Two of the tools I took on my trip were the Andis Galaxy Clipper and Trimmer. They are powerful and precise but also extremely lightweight – and that matters when you have heavy gear strapped to your back! I even gifted some tools to one of the porters, who happened to be a barber, so he can better support his family, so it’s been an enriching experience in so many ways.”

Named ‘Care. Climb. Kilimanjaro.’ Daniel has documented his trip and, as he concludes, this is both the “best and worst thing” he’s ever done. “It was an incredible journey, but it was gruelling, and it tested my resolve to the limit. But I’m so proud of what we achieved, and I look forward to continuing to receive donations in support of this worthy cause.” 

Donate to Daniel at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danielrymerhair

For information on Caring in Bristol, visit https://caringinbristol.co.uk/

Visit Rythm here: https://rythmhair.com/

For information on Andis visit https://andis.com/