As Father’s Day gifting shifts away from novelty and towards meaningful luxury, heritage British brand Kent Brushes is championing a return to craftsmanship, ritual and longevity with its Father’s Day 2026 Gift Guide.

Established in 1777, Kent Brushes has spent nearly 250 years creating grooming essentials that quietly become part of everyday life, from handcrafted hairbrushes and combs to beard brushes and traditional shaving accessories.

At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, quality and products built to last, Kent’s collection taps directly into the growing appetite for heritage-led self-care and elevated daily rituals.

“Men’s grooming is no longer trend-driven alone,” said Zoe Cosby at Kent Brushes. “There’s a growing appreciation for products that feel timeless, functional and personal, pieces that become part of someone’s routine for years, even decades.”

The New Luxury? Everyday Essentials Done Properly

This Father’s Day, Kent Brushes spotlights grooming tools that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern performance:

• Military brushes crafted from natural wood and bristle blends for healthy, polished hair.
• Handmade combs designed to glide effortlessly through the hair
• Beard brushes and grooming sets for modern grooming rituals
• Traditional shaving brushes handcrafted using techniques refined over centuries
• Curated gift sets offering elevated, effortless gifting solutions

Among the standout launches is the LPF3 Pure Flow Military Brush, a sleek, contemporary interpretation of Kent’s iconic military brush design, created for everyday hair and beard grooming.

Other hero products include the gym-bag-ready AH11G, the shine-enhancing PF10, and the luxurious handmade MHN2T, crafted in Kent’s UK factory using traditional methods, and the incredible cashmere clothes brush.

Grooming Gifts That Carry Meaning

Unlike disposable gifting trends, Kent Brushes products are designed to last, often becoming sentimental pieces passed down between generations. From the pocket comb carried daily for years to the shaving brush that transforms routine into ritual, the brand’s products speak to a quieter, more enduring form of luxury.

“Good grooming tools don’t just look beautiful – they become familiar, reliable and personal.”

Heritage Craftsmanship Since 1777

Holding a Royal Warrant across nine consecutive reigns, Kent Brushes remains one of Britain’s most iconic grooming brands, continuing to manufacture many of its products in the UK using time-honoured techniques and the finest materials.

With Father’s Day 2026 expected to see continued demand for practical luxury and heritage gifting, Kent Brushes positions itself firmly at the intersection of tradition, craftsmanship and modern grooming culture.

Booksy, the go-to booking, management, and discovery app for barbers and beauty professionals globally, is excited to announce the launch of the “Icons of Dallas” out-of-home campaign. As a part of this community-led marketing campaign, Booksy will award free billboard advertising space to 20 local beauty and barbering professionals throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area to promote their businesses and generate visibility, potentially reaching 80,000 impressions. Submissions open May 25 and run through June 7 via the contest website.

Designed to spotlight local beauty and barbering professionals, the campaign will provide selected participants with a full creative package, including a professional brand photoshoot, custom billboard design services, and professionally edited photo selects. Each billboard will also direct potential clients to book featured professionals directly through the Booksy app.

“Many local beauty professionals don’t often have access to marketing opportunities of this scale, and Booksy wants to help amplify their businesses,” said Gus Murillo, Director, Global Creative & Community at Booksy. “Our community of beauty professionals and barbers is at the center of everything we do, and this campaign is another way for us to celebrate their talent while supporting their growth.”

To be eligible, entrants must either already be a Booksy provider or create a Booksy account during the application period. Applications open May 25 via the contest website.

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has welcomed the Government’s new crackdown on organized crime operating through high street businesses, while warning that enforcement must be intelligence-led and must not unfairly stigmatize legitimate barbershops, salons, beauty businesses and clinics.

The Home Office has announced a major package targeting rogue businesses linked to money laundering, tax evasion and illegal working, including a new High Street Organised Crime Unit to coordinate action across law enforcement, Trading Standards and Government departments.

The NHBF said action is urgently needed to protect responsible high street businesses that pay their taxes, follow the rules, invest in staff and maintain safe, professional standards.

The NHBF is calling for a level playing field and fairer regulation across hair, beauty, barbering and aesthetics. 

It has worked closely with the Government as it campaigns for stronger enforcement against tax evasion, illegal working and non-compliance, alongside intelligence-led action that targets criminal activity without damaging the reputation of legitimate businesses or the sector as a whole. 

The latest NHBF State of the Sector survey highlights the scale of the challenge. Published in February 2026 and based on 423 responses, it found that many businesses were working hard with little financial room to spare. Among respondents, 51.5% said trade was steady rather than strong, 30.3% reported that business was quiet or very quiet and 54.8% said they were either just breaking even or already operating at a loss.

The same survey found that fair competition and enforcement are major concerns for the sector, including within barbering. Respondents reported that suspicious activity and wider non-compliance can create unfair competition and reputational harm for legitimate businesses. 

The NHBF has said it will continue to press for enforcement that targets non-compliance and criminal behaviour while protecting legitimate operators from being caught up in damaging generalisations.

Darran Gould, NHBF board member and owner of Gould Barbers, said:

“Legitimate barbershops, salons and beauty businesses are the backbone of high streets across the UK. They pay their taxes, train apprentices, follow health and safety rules and support their local communities.”

Legitimate businesses simply cannot compete with illegitimate businesses They should not have to compete with rogue operators who ignore the rules, evade tax, exploit workers or use high street premises as cover for criminal activity.”

This crackdown will also protect the public.  Hair & beauty professionals are highly trained not just in their craft but compliant in health and safety with rigorous hygiene standards as well as being fully insured. UK clients deserve the right to know that they are entering a fully compliant barbershop or salon, feeing totally safe and comfortable. What the Government has just announced is a real step forward. Let’s hope this is the start of a level playing field.”

The NHBF’s survey also found that the biggest cost pressures facing businesses were National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage increases, employer National Insurance Contributions and energy prices. 

The NHBF said the announcement should be part of a wider strategy to support high streets and compliant small businesses.

Enforcement must be matched by wider reform so that responsible businesses are not pushed into survival decisions while rogue operators are allowed to undercut them.

For this look, keep the taper low and tight while leaving extra weight through the front hairline to create a crisp, structured line-up. The clean blend around the sides and neckline keeps the cut sharp, while the fuller textured top allows the natural curls to remain the focal point. Leaving more length through the fringe area helps enhance the overall shape, frame the face, and gives the cut a more modern, fashion-led finish.

The key to this style is working with the client’s natural texture rather than trying to over-style it. The curls should look controlled, defined and soft with natural movement throughout the top. Keeping the taper low prevents the fade from overpowering the shape and creates a better balance between the tight sides and the textured length on top.

For styling, use a moisturising curl cream to hydrate and define the curl pattern, then finish with a small amount of matte paste for added texture and hold without creating shine. Apply the products through damp hair, focusing the curl cream through the mid-lengths and ends before lightly distributing the matte paste through the top for separation and control.

Diffuse on a low heat and low speed setting to maintain curl definition and minimise frizz. Avoid overworking the hair while drying, as separating the curls too much can create unwanted volume and take away from the clean, defined finish of the cut.

The finished result is a sharp, wearable style that combines clean barbering details with natural texture — modern, versatile and effortless for clients wanting a fresh but low-maintenance look.

Follow Bailey Snowden for more inspiration and style guides.

Sola Salons, the largest salon studio concept in the country, proudly announces its 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries, nine beauty and wellness entrepreneurs driving industry change and community impact.

This year’s visionaries include a bridal hairstylist who founded the Sensory Chair Project, a hairstylist and educator who’s been with Sola Salons nearly two decades, and a Google-employee-turned-hairstylist who founded a trauma-informed medical sanctuary that engineers custom, texturally accurate cranial prostheses, ensuring no one has to compromise their cultural identity to heal.

With nearly 100 years of combined industry experience, this year’s diverse class of recipients comes from all walks of life with expertise spanning hair, tattoo, skincare, and more, but they share one common thread: their commitment to excellence both in and outside the salon.

“Every year, this long-standing program gives us the chance to recognize a group of incredible Sola Pros who represent the heart of this community,” said Daryl Hurst, President & COO of Sola Salons. “I love how our professionals always show up with passion, creativity, leadership and a real drive to raise the bar for what it means to build a business independently.”

“This year, we wanted to represent the community of Sola professionals in a more natural and holistic way,” added Tracy Ramos, Sola Director of Pro Community. “Rather than focusing on social media followings, we wanted to showcase people who were engaging in their communities – both within the industry and their local areas. We held video interviews with each applicant, and based our decision on the individuals’ personal stories, and the impact they are making in their communities. That’s why we are calling it the Faces of Sola Visionaries.”

Meet Your 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries:

• Bridal Hair Abbey Jae | Wilmington, DE
• Barber Alex Sharkey | Cedar Knolls, NJ
• Tattoo Artist Alex Quinn | Warwick, RI
• Color Specialist and Hair Stylist Caroline Kim | Los Angeles, CA
• Esthetician Emily Clark | Chicago, IL
• Hair Stylist Pich Seng | Houston, TX
• Barber Rashleigh Béaton | Euless, TX
• Hair Stylist Rachel Swire | Atlanta, GA
• Hair Stylist and Cranial Prosthesis Victor Scotti, Jr. | Arlington, VA

Each of the 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries brings a distinct expertise and mastery of their craft, from mentoring and educating the next generation of beauty professionals to leading nonprofit initiatives and driving meaningful change across the industry. This talented team has also participated in some of pop cultures’ biggest moments including the GRAMMYs, New York Fashion Week, the Emmy Awards, Milan Fashion Week and more.

They will have the opportunity to represent Sola Salons at a variety of events, photo shoots and editorial opportunities, while helping inspire the next generation of independent business owners.

“We want people of all walks of life, with all different kinds of stories to be able to picture themselves at Sola, and to picture a future,” Tracy said. “That’s what this is all about, to share those unique stories, and say to the industry, ‘Hey, look at our community of 20,000 professionals and the impact they’re making, not only
within Sola, but in the wider industry.'”

In its 11th year, the Faces of Sola is an annual program that spotlights some of the impressive entrepreneurs who make up the more than 21,000 professionals within the Sola community. The company’s mission is to not only provide spaces for independent professionals, but to support them with the tools, education and technology needed to build thriving businesses. This program gives the Sola community the chance to celebrate the achievements of some of the industry’s brightest. 

To learn more about Sola Salons or how to join the community, visit www.solasalons.com.

Two-day international event brought together elite barbers from 14 countries for education, competition and the debut of new Wahl Vapor CE 

Wahl Professional crowned U.S. competitor Cristian Botello winner of the first-ever Wahl Global Barber Battle following a two-day international event that brought together elite barbers, educators and industry professionals from around the world in Chicago. 

Held May 3 and 4 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Wahl Global Stage welcomed competitors from 14 countries to showcase their creativity, technical skill and artistry in front of a live audience during a red-carpet-style championship event. The weekend also featured advanced education sessions, business insights, networking opportunities and the exclusive debut of the new Wahl Vapor CE (Championship Edition) clipper. 

Botello earned the title of Wahl Global Barber of the Year after advancing through head-to-head competitions and representing the United States on the global stage. 

“It’s such an honor to represent the U.S. and accomplish something like this on a global stage,” said Botello. I’ve worked really hard for an opportunity like this, so I’m incredibly grateful.” 

As the winner of the first-ever competition, Botello will now travel to Los Angeles to participate in Wahl Future Makers, the brand’s creative platform focused on mentorship, education and elevating the next generation of talent. 

“I’m most excited about being surrounded by so much talent,” said Botello. “I’m always striving to learn, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside the team.” 

Botello also encouraged aspiring barbers to continue building relationships and investing in themselves throughout their careers. 

“My advice is to network as much as possible, attend events, shake hands and continue believing in yourself,” said Botello. “You never know when an opportunity to compete on a global stage might come your way.” 

Beyond the competition, Global Stage also highlighted the evolving future of barbering culture, from content creation and branding to entrepreneurship, artistry and global collaboration. 

“The energy in the room was unmatched by any industry event I’ve seen in a long time,” said Missy Jacobs, Education Leader for North America at Wahl. “We had attendees from all over the world and at every stage of their careers, from students to seasoned artists and educators, all connected by the same passion for creativity, growth and the industry itself.” 

Jacobs said one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the trust artists continue to place in Wahl tools at the highest levels of performance, whether competing on stage, creating content under pressure or working behind the scenes in real-time environments where consistency, precision, and reliability matter most. She also noted the growing influence of individuality and global culture throughout the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes at the event. 

In addition to the competition, attendees had the opportunity to experience the debut of the Vapor CE, a limited-edition professional clipper inspired by the energy of global competition and designed for precision, control and performance. Limited quantities of the new tool were made available for purchase at the event. 

As the UK’s leading and most sustainable premium professional scissor brand, Leaf Scissors is delighted to announce the launch of the NEW Kit Roll by Leaf!

Designed for hairdressers and barbers who take pride in their craft and how they carry it, this ultra stylish Kit Roll holds multiple scissors with dedicated comb storage to keep your full setup organized, protected, and ready for work!

Available in two stunning colors — the quintessentially Leaf ‘Forest Green’ or ‘Midnight’ clean black — Kit Roll by Leaf is durable and stylish with a structured design that features a secure fastener and convenient hand strap. Clean, minimal and built to last, this Kit Roll has a premium feel that reflects the same thinking behind Leaf tools — simple, functional, and crafted to elevate your everyday.

Whether you’re behind the chair, working on set, creating content, or on the move, Kit Roll by Leaf keeps your tools exactly where they should be. No more digging through your bag. No more loose tools. No more compromise!

Online now at just £39.99, Kit Roll by Leaf is also available through Leaf’s nationwide distributor network.

EXO-GROW by DermapenWorld has officially concluded its highly anticipated RE:GEN Roadshow: The Future of Skin & Hair, leaving a powerful mark across the United States following an electrifying multi-city tour that united the professional hair, beauty, barbering, aesthetics and medical industries like never before.

Spanning key cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, the RE:GEN Roadshow delivered a series of sold-out events, drawing close to 1,000 salon and clinic professionals nationwide. Hosted in stunning venues and designed as immersive evening experiences, each stop combined cutting-edge education, elevated networking and an undeniable sense of industry momentum. This was more than a roadshow — it was a statement: the future of hair and skin is regenerative, and the industry is moving forward together.

A Stage of Global Industry Powerhouses

Leading the tour was global industry icon Tracey Hughes, Hall of Fame Hairstylist and Global General Manager for EXO-GROW, delivering a compelling vision for the future of scalp health, hair restoration and professional evolution.

She was joined by an exceptional lineup of global experts and industry leaders, including:

• Corri Marshall: Co-Founder of DermapenWorld and product innovator
• Andrew Hansford: Trichologist and global educator in aesthetics & hair restoration
• Eden Sassoon: Celebrity TV star and daughter of Vidal Sassoon
• Candy Shaw: Renowned hair educator and industry disruptor
• Leysa Carrillo: Textured hair expert and digital influencer
• Bonnie Conte: Business strategist and salon growth expert
• John Simpson: Industry educator and visionary
• Christopher Dove: Editorial stylist and creative force
• Dr. Gregory Zengo: Medical regeneration expert
• Rita Perna Allor: Hair loss education specialist
• Jenna Jeffries: Clinical aesthetics trainer
• Zachary Goldberg: Customer experience specialist

Where Industries Collaborate

One of the defining strengths of the RE:GEN Roadshow was its ability to bring together every corner of the professional industry under one roof. Hairdressers, barbers, aesthetic practitioners, clinic owners and medical professionals came together as one unified community breaking down traditional silos and opening the door to new collaboration, new revenue streams and a more holistic approach to client care.

This convergence signals a clear shift: the future belongs to salon professionals who understand the full ecosystem of skin, scalp and the science of hair loss. True collaboration was further amplified through industry partners including Ergo Styling Tools, Showpony Hair Extensions, Phorest Software, FASTFOILS, and DP Derm, all aligning alongside EXO-GROW to support the movement.

Education That Lands

Attendees didn’t just show up they walked away transformed. Across every city, feedback echoed the same sentiment: next-level education, real clinical insight, and immediately actionable strategies.

Key takeaways included:

• Practical, client-ready solutions for thinning hair and hair loss
• A deeper understanding of scalp-first hair growth and regenerative science
• New pathways to business growth within the rapidly expanding hair restoration category
• Clear insight into Exosome technology and its performance-driven results
• Elevated consultation techniques rooted in empathy and client psychology

Beyond the education, the experience delivered on every level with high-energy rooms, great food and drinks, meaningful networking, and a genuine sense of belonging. From curated goodie bags valued at over $300 to vibrant, connection-driven environments, every detail was designed to leave a lasting impression.

A Movement, Not a Moment

“This was never just about education — it was about shifting the mindset of an entire industry,” said Tracey Hughes. “We’ve brought science, business and creativity together in a way that empowers salon professionals to think differently, act differently, and ultimately deliver better results for their clients.”

What’s Next

Following successful tours across Australia, the UK and now the USA, the momentum behind EXO-GROW continues to accelerate globally. Now available in 107 countries, EXO-GROW is rapidly gaining traction for one simple reason: results.

This is performance-driven technology delivering visible, confidence-restoring outcomes fuelling strong adoption across clinics and salons, repeat purchase behavior and powerful word-of-mouth growth.

With demand continuing to build, DermapenWorld is set to expand its education platform further and continuing to lead the global conversation around hair loss, scalp health and regenerative treatment innovation.

Moroccanoil is expanding into the men’s grooming space with the launch of its new Sculpting Pomade, now available on Moroccanoil.com.

While the brand has long-resonated across a unisex audience, this move reflects a broader shift in male consumer behavior, with men becoming more engaged and intentional about grooming. The Sculpting Pomade was developed to meet demand for products that deliver structure and definition with flexible, touchable hold. The water-based formula is lightweight, reworkable, and can be easily washed out, aligning with what both stylists and consumers are prioritizing today.

Positioned as part of Moroccanoil’s broader styling portfolio, the launch takes an inclusive approach while creating a clear entry point for male consumers. It also marks a strategic step in using styling to drive discovery, reach new audiences, and build long-term engagement within a growing category.

Moroccanoil Sculpting Pomade 

Sculpting Pomade is a classic, water-based formula infused with nourishing argan oil to deliver strong, all-day hold with a sleek, high-shine finish. Designed to create polished, timeless styles. from voluminous modern mullets and sharp side parts to trending slicked-backs on short or long hair — it provides structure without stiffness. The flexible, residue-free formula washes out effortlessly, and over 90% of consumers surveyed agree it rinses clean while maintaining lasting hold*.  Fragranced with the signature Moroccanoil scent, including a blend of spicy amber and sweet florals.

Madison College will launch a new fast-track barbering program this fall, offering students an affordable path into a growing industry.

Enrollment is now open for the Barber Technical Diploma program, which begins Aug. 31.

Students can complete the full-time program in two semesters, gaining classroom learning and hands-on training in local barbershops and salons.

Demand for barbers continues to grow. According to Lightcast labor market data, barbering jobs in the Madison College district are projected to increase by 10.1% between 2025 and 2030, outpacing the national growth rate of 6.7%.

“Barbering is a booming industry in Wisconsin with many opportunities for new graduates,” said Jeff “JP” Patterson, Madison College Barber Program Director and barbershop owner. “A barbering career is promising for individuals ready to learn and put in the time to master the trade.”

The program reflects the college’s commitment to workforce development by partnering with local employers to create training that matches job needs.

“We are excited to grow this program and support students as they pursue meaningful, in-demand careers in barbering,” said Madison College Provost Dr. Beth Giles. 

Students in the 26-credit program will learn hair cutting and styling techniques, shaving and beard design, skincare and chemical services. The curriculum also emphasizes business and time management skills essential for success in the industry.

Tuition for the one-year program is $4,422 plus additional costs, lower than many private programs. Financial aid is also available for eligible students.

Madison College is one of three technical schools in the state that offer a full-time barbering program. In addition to the diploma, Madison College also offers a two-year earn while you learn barber apprenticeship program.

The Barber Technical Diploma Program meets Wisconsin licensure requirements following the state’s separation of barbering and cosmetology licensing, helping expand professional opportunities for graduates.

Graduates who earn licensure can pursue careers as barbers, grooming specialists, stylists and shaving experts, with opportunities to advance into business ownership, management, and other specialized services.

The application deadline is Aug. 15, 2026.

Learn more about Madison College’s new Barber Technical Diploma program.