Premiere Show Group, the nation’s leading network of beauty industry events and world-class educational programming is expanding to Texas!

Following this year’s highly successful Premiere Orlando show, with 42,000 visits from beauty professionals and students, 500+ exhibiting brands, and resounding praise from attendees and manufacturers alike, the Premiere Show Group is pleased to announce registration is now open for the launch of Premiere San Antonio, October 1-2, 2023, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.

“We’re thrilled to grow Premiere Shows to reach new audiences in the southwest. Premiere San Antonio is the place to help innovators get in front of beauty professionals across the U.S. while simultaneously experiencing the latest trends, techniques, and new products the beauty industry has to offer,” says Ed McNeill, Senior Vice President, USA Beauty LLC. “Premiere San Antonio provides a first-class opportunity to connect with 175+ industry leading brands from around the globe, explore a curated marketplace and experience hands-on educational sessions,” added McNeill.

Premiere San Antonio
Premiere Shows has a 30+ year history of supporting the beauty industry through world class education and is the nation’s leading network of immersive events that bring together licensed beauty professionals, students, renowned educators, and the hottest brands in the beauty community from across the globe. With the Premiere San Antonio show pass, attendees can expect two-days packed full of more than 200 educational classes, demos of the latest and top products, insights into current trends and techniques, exclusive offers to purchase the latest products, and free admission to the Premiere San Antonio After Party. Participation in workshops and competitions can also be purchased for an additional fee. 

Shop, Connect and Learn from Top Brands 
Watch live demos, shop, and forge invaluable connections with your favorite brands across hair, nails, barber, skincare, makeup and more. Select exhibiting brands include: Advance Esthetic, Amika, Andis, Apres, Avlon, BaBylissPro, Barberology, Chi by Farouk, Circadia By Pugliese, CND, Crown Brush, Dermaware Bio Targeted Skincare, Evolution Nails, Gelish, Halocouture, Hattori Hanzo Shears, Johnny B, Kenra Professional, Kokoist, L’Oréal Texture of Change, Matrix, Martinni Beauty Inc., Nail Factory Co, Nano Shape Of Beauty, Olaplex, Profiles Backstage, Redken, Rude Cosmetics, SalonCentric/State RDA, Sexy Hair, and many more! For a full list of exhibiting brands click here.

Expert-led Education
Attendees of Premiere San Antonio can expand their knowledge and upskill with two full days of classroom education, complete with over 200 complimentary sessions and 15+ hands-on workshops from the best experts in the industry.

Professionals can also fulfill license requirements at Premiere San Antonio with the Continuing Education Package for just $28. Texas licensed professionals can have the opportunity to earn 4 CE hours provided by the Center of Attraction Hair Gallery and licensees in other qualifying states can earn up to 6 CE credit hours! Learn more at: https://www.premieresanantonioshow.com/en/education/continuing-education.html

Top educators and artists include Lihn Phan, Sofie Pok, Presley Poe, Nicck Townsend, Matty Conrad, Danny Amorim, Matt Conn with SUNLIGHTS PRO, Danger Jones Artistic Asylum, Los_Cut_It & Papiblendzz with L3VEL3, Sam Villa, Danielle Keasling, J Ladner, Leysa Carrillo, Daniel Mason Jones, John Mosley, Tim Bo Mack, Wayne Tuggle, Jalia Pettis, Adrienne Dara, Tippi Shorter Rank, Lauren Wireman, Lavette Cephus, Barbero Bengie, Michelle O’Connor, Jacob Khan, and many more!For the schedule of education and list of educators view the show preview here.

The Stages

Premiere San Antonio Main Stage 
welcomes a powerhouse of educators from the hottest brands! Attendees will watch creativity come to life as they learn the latest techniques on color, style, and texture from some of the biggest names in the industry, including BaBylissPRO, Matrix, Social Art House, SalonCentric #ItTakesAProTeam, Danger Jones, REDKEN, and L’Oréal Professionnel.

At the Barber Stage, professionals and students willtake home the latest barber trends in classic cuts, modern twists, designs, fades and grooming all in one place! They will learn from barber experts Carlos Los_Cut_It Estrella, John Mosley, Matty Conrad, Lucas Kemper, Allison Cuts, Papiblendzz & Chuy Filos.

Competitions: Join the Premiere Legacy
Premiere San Antonio competitions offer the chance for attendees to show off their skills and gain industry exposure across hair, barber, makeup and nail categories. Nail competitors also have the opportunity to take home the coveted Nailympia Premiere Cup. To learn more and participate visit: https://www.premieresanantonioshow.com/en/education/competitions.html

The Premiere Experience
Get ready to connect, chill, and unwind at the Premiere Lounge and Barber Lounge on the show floor. Complete with relaxed seating and convenient charging stations, attendees, exhibitors, and brands can meet and greet with influencers and educators, catch up on work or just sip a cocktail. Complimentary beauty services offer the perfect preparation to snap a selfie for an Instagram-able moment. Don’t forget to tag @premierebeautyshows and use #PremiereSanAntonio for a chance to be featured!

Premiere Shows continues 15+ year partnership with SalonCentric
Premiere Shows is excited to extend its invaluable 15+ year partnership with SalonCentric to this launch event in San Antonio. SalonCentric will be exhibiting on the show floor and bringing their #ItTakesAPro Team to San Antonio. Attendees can meet their passionate, product-obsessed Beauty Gurus for expert-level demos and the hottest pro tips. SalonCentric and State Beauty Supply | RDA Promart members can purchase a Premiere San Antonio show pass direct from their rep or in store. Learn more here. 

Register Early and SAVE!
Register by September 30th and save $20 off the day of show price. There are two price tiers remaining for professionals and students and the earlier you register, the more you save! Advance Rate (Professionals, $75 and Students, $55) available September 6th-30thShow Rate (Professionals, $95 and Students, $75), October 1st & 2ndPurchase your show pass here. 

Save on Travel with These Exclusive Offers
Premiere San Antonio attendees and exhibitors can save with exclusive hotel rates as well as flight, rental car discounts and city-wide savings with the “Show Us Your Badge” program through Visit San Antonio. For more information visit: https://www.premieresanantonioshow.com/en/hotel-travel.htmland be sure to book your hotel stay via the official hotel partner, onPeak, providing the most competitive nightly rates at favorable hotels throughout the city.

To learn more about Premiere San Antonio visit: https://www.premieresanantonioshow.com/en/home.html

Other Upcoming Premiere Shows:
Premiere Columbus, October 8–9, 2023; Greater Columbus Convention CenterPremiere Anaheim, February 4-5, 2024; Anaheim Convention CenterPremiere Orlando, June 1-3, 2024, Orange County Convention Center

ANDIS DEBUTS NEW RETRO REVIVAL STYLE COLLECTION FEATURING KEVIN LUCHMUN 

AS PART OF THE LATEST ANDIS CREATOR SERIES PROJECT, ANDIS’ INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC TEAM LEAD, KEVIN LUCHMUN, STUNS WITH A COLLECTION OF ROCKSTAR STYLES FEATURING THE NEWEST LOOKS  

 Andis® Company’s International Artistic Lead, Kevin Luchmun, premiered his Retro Revival collection at BarberCon in Dallas, Texas. After months in development, Kevin’s newest styles debuted to incredible fanfare.

Presenting six unique cuts to round out this collection, these styles are modeled on multiple genders and feature several hair textures and popping colors to complement the edgy elements of nostalgia. As a part of the Andis Company, Luchmun crafted his looks with Andis professional tool line, with a strong reliance on the reSURGE Shaverand the reVITE Clipper.

After 6 months of planning, Kevin’s looks are not only emblematic of his incredible skill but of the elite-level performance of Andis products. As Andis’ International Artistic Lead, Kevin viewed this as an opportunity to not only drive innovation in the styling sphere but to demonstrate the versatility of Andis’ cordless lineup of clippers, trimmers, shavers and accessories.“My goal here was to take the inspiration that’s constantly available to us from fashion to social media, to our day-to-day lives and to create a collection that would totally cut through that noise. But, rather than building on contemporary trends, it was my intention to reinvent retro and older styles from the ground up.

With the help of my incredible creative team and my Andis partnership, I feel that this collection is the start of a complete reset for my own work and the barbering industry as a whole,” said Luchmun. As both barber and creative director, Luchmun worked closely with a team of stylists to craft clothing profiles that were able to complement the hair as much as the hair complemented the clothes. Directing his videography team with incredible precision, each angle of these cuts has been artfully captured in exceptional detail. In combination with Kevin’s own photography, this collection sets a new standard for barbering innovation. 

The six Retro Revival looks featured in this new collection were built to highlight the texture and color of each model’s hair, creating custom but easily replicable looks. The styles include:

Sculpted Tapered Afro

This style combines the natural volume and texture of an afro with a precise and gradual taper on the sides and back.  The hair is carefully shaped and sculpted to maintain a rounded silhouette, while the low taper provides a clean and polished look.  This creates a harmonious balance between the shape’s fullness and the well-defined lines of a taper, resulting in a stylish and sophisticated look. 

 Wave Fusion Mullet

A modern Mullet hairstyle with blonde hair, styled with its natural wavy texture and enhanced by a taper fade on the sides.  This trendy and versatile look has the retro appeal of the mullet with a contemporary twist. 

Sharp Edge Undercut Bob

This style is a precision bob hairstyle with an undercut at the back.  This edgy and modern look combines the sleekness of a classic bob with a bold twist.  The precision bob frames the face with clean lines and a sharply defined fringe.  At the back, the undercut is incorporated to remove weight and create movement throughout the shape. 

Tender Flow Mullet

This style is a soft, textured mullet hairstyle that gives a gentler look by maintaining length while still removing weight around the parietal ridge.  The underneath is connected to the top with soft waves and natural texture. 

90s Retro Rise

This style is a high-top hairstyle with a tapered fade that pays homage to the iconic trends of the 90s.  This classic yet contemporary hairstyle features a voluminous and structured high top, reminiscent of bold and gravity-defying vintage styles, embracing nostalgia while maintaining a fresh and fashionable aesthetic.

Rugged Edge

This Rugged Edge style combines elements of shorter internal lengths with textured layers and longer fringe for added flair. Using clippers to create texture through slide cutting, the layers play a significant role in adding dimension and movement to the style.  

Videos and photographs of Andis’ Retro Revival collection feat. Kevin Luchmun are available to view on the Creator Series Section of the Andis website.

  To keep up to date with Kevin’s work follow him on Instagram. To learn more about Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

Wahl Professional® launches new on-demand education platform to be a hub of knowledge and connection for the barber and stylist community around the world  The on-demand education platform will bring professionals from around the world together online to enhance their skills, stay current, and share knowledge with their peers that will elevate their craft.   Advancing education for stylists and barbers worldwide has always been a top priority for Wahl Professional, the leader in professional and home grooming electric hair clippers, trimmers and shavers. After over 104 years as an iconic and respected brand, Wahl continues to adapt and evolve for the benefit of the industry by introducing a cutting-edge global on-demand education platform allowing for continuing education, career advancement, and community building among barbers and stylists of all skill levels. Education is a crucial part of Wahl Professional’s brand identity, having opened The Wahl Barber Academy, offered the Wahl Fade It Forward® scholarship program, and held countless live educational events. However, in this increasingly on-demand and globalized world, Wahl felt it was time to create a platform for learning that could be accessed by professionals anytime, anywhere, and at their own pace. Wahl’s new platform offers barbers and stylists a vast library of educational videos that teach basic skills as well as cutting edge trends. The platform will also feature monthly ‘Lives,’ where instructors from all over the world will offer demonstrations to the global audience. In addition to the library of educational content, the state of the art on-demand education platform will be a place where professionals can access details about in-person global events and sign-up information, as well as information about Wahl, its products, and its list of Global Educators. If professionals want to attend a Wahl course, such as the Future Maker Classes but don’t have the ability to travel to attend in person, they can also pay to experience these classes through the platform as ‘Premium Content.’Stephanie Polansky, Wahl’s Director of Global Education, was especially excited about the gamification and badge features of the new platform. As barbers and stylists make their way through the courses on the platform, they can track and celebrate their progress by receiving badges for more videos watched. Stephanie said: “Professionals can share their badges and accomplishments on social media to show their clientele that they are continually investing in education and enhancing their skills.” Building a cohesive community of hair professionals around the world is what Garrett McGuire, Wahl’s Global Brand Director, is most passionate about. “The on-demand education platform is intended to be an online gathering space in addition to being a world-class educational platform. Wahl’s goal is to advance the industry and bring professionals together to share knowledge and connect with others who share their love of the craft. It’s our hope that the Wahl on-demand education platform sets the standard for online barbering education just as Wahl has set the standard for electric hair tools for over 100 years.” To register for the Wahl on-demand education platform, visit https://education.wahlglobal.com/learn

THE 2024 NORTH AMERICAN HAIRSTYLING AWARDS (NAHA) ENTRY PERIOD CLOSES SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

For the first time ever, the finalist announcement will be made LIVE at Premiere Anaheim in February

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is excited to announce that entry is open for the 35th North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) now through September 21, 2023. NAHA is the most prestigious hair and beauty competition in North America, recognizing the industry’s top talent and creative visionaries.

The finalist announcement will take place LIVE at Premiere Anaheim February 4th on the Mainstage at the Anaheim Convention Center. This event is the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to come together and celebrate the best in the business.

“We are thrilled for the live, in-person finalist announcement at Premiere Anaheim in February,” said Nina Daily, Executive Director of PBA. “NAHA is a platform for artists to showcase their creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the beauty industry. We can’t wait to see what this year’s entrants have in store for us.”

NAHA is not just a competition but a celebration of the artistry and creativity of hairstylists and makeup artists. Previous NAHA winners include esteemed industry professionals like Sam Villa, Michelle O’Connor, Jalia Pettis, and Nick Stenson. These artists have not only won the coveted NAHA award but are leaders in the industry, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of hairstylists and makeup artists.

Sam Villa, a three-time NAHA winner, is a renowned educator and mentor in the industry. He has worked with top brands and has been featured in numerous publications. Michelle O’Connor, a two-time NAHA winner, is a global artistic director for Matrix and has worked with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. Jalia Pettis, a NAHA winner in the Makeup category, is known for her work in film and editorial makeup. Nick Stenson, a NAHA winner in the Styling & Finishing category, is a celebrity hairstylist and the artistic director for Ulta Beauty.

Key dates for NAHA 2022 are as follows:

● Entry Deadline: September 21, 2023

● Finalist Announcement: February 4, 2024– live at Premiere Anaheim and livestreamed 

● NAHA 2024 Award Ceremony: June 2, 2024—Orlando

Categories for the 35th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) are as follows:

●  Avant Garde

●  Barber of the Year

●  Editorial Stylist of the Year

●  Educator of the Year

●  Haircolor

●  Haircutting

●  Hairstylist of the Year

●  Inspiring Salon of the Year

●  Makeup Artist of the Year

●  Master Hairstylist of the Year

●  Student Hairstylist of the Year

●  Styling & Finishing

●  Team of the Year

● Texture

Entrants for all categories must be licensed cosmetologists or barbers, with the exceptions of Student Hairstylist of the Year, Makeup Artist of the Year and Inspiring Salon of the Year.

Information on tickets and hotels is coming soon. For more information, please click here. If you haven’t already entered, now is the time to do so. 

Don’t miss your chance to berecognized as one of the best in the industry. 

Hurry and enter today!

Nikodem Szulc (@nikodemszulcbarber), ambassador for Matakki Scissors (@matakkiscissors), competed for a Guinness World Record – and succeeded! 

He and his team cut the most consecutive haircuts in eight hours – that’s 467 heads! We spoke to the winning barber about what it took to achieve such a huge achievement…

Q: Tell us about the lead-up to the Guinnes Record – what motivated you to try and break the record?

A: My motivation was like ‘Hey, it’s a world record; it’s something special. How many people do you know who did this? Nobody – so you must do it!’ It was a week after we come back from Barber Connect and first, I wanted a break, but then I thought, ‘NO, let’s do it while we’re on the ball!’ 

Q: How did it feel when you achieved this record?

A: We were waiting about 10 months for the official confirmation from Guinness, because of some little problems about the video and few others so it was especially anticipated, and it was like ‘Wow, we did this; I’m the one of 20 who broke the world record it’s amazing.’

Q: Will you try and break any other records?!

A: Who knows! Maybe some day, there will be the attempt to beat our own record, or any other in barbering and cutting hair.

Q: How did you approach the eight hours? Tell us the layout – who helped you, how did you organise the shop, how many people came to get their hair cut? We want ALL the insight!

A: Firstly, I got the phone call from Mario Mayer who organized everything, and he said ‘Hey Nikodem, we’re going to beat the Guinness record, do you want to join us?” And I said, ‘Sure – tell me when and where and what to do!’

My father helped me a lot in this too – his name is Adam Szulc and he’s a worldwide barber and author of Barbering: A Complete Guide to Men’s Haircuts. He was posting on Facebook and Instagram about it. 

We cut about 500 heads and there could be more but there was a minimum length of them. It was 2cm on the sides and back, and 6cm on the top. We had to cut 2cm or more on the whole head, and we had to measure them with the ruler on the side, on the back, and on the top. 

We had to do pictures before and after to prove that we cut those two or more centimeters, so a lot of people sat on the chair and after measuring I was like, ‘Sorry man, your hair is too short to qualify.’

After about six hours, we heard, ‘We did it! We’ve got more cut heads then ours predecessors, but we still cutting to do as more as possible!” Around 100 cuts were disqualified and we don’t know why, but we still cut more than one hundred more than the Australians who won it in 2012!

The innovator in the barber industry is crossing over into music, integrating the unique sound of their clippers into a summer soundtrack created by legendary professionals.

STERLING, IL (August 1, 2023) – Did the inventors of the electric hair clipper just drop an album? Sounds like it. Wahl Clipper Corporation, a pioneer in the barber tool industry for over 100 years, dropped six new tracks as part of its new Icons of Wahl campaign.

At the heart of every barbershop is a musical backdrop that sets the tone for the space, the experiences, and the clients. The sound of their iconic clippers and trimmers has always been an omnipresent hum in the background of every haircut. In a bold creative move, Wahl blended these familiar sounds with music that resonates with modern professionals, giving birth to six fresh tracks, each seamlessly incorporating the distinctive sounds of a Wahl tool all while celebrating the unique identity and diversity of industry pros.

Every Wahl clipper has its own distinct vibration, tone, and pitch, creating a symphony of sound that is unmistakable to those who wield these legendary tools. Factor in the variable speeds, swappable blades, along with a variety of different cutting techniques, and you have a rich sonic palette of sounds that have become the hallmark of Wahl products.
The Icons of Wahl campaign showcases their line-up of headliner tools, Wahl’s most enduring products, each with its own unique legacy. These tools stand the test of time and have become the cornerstone for modern barbers and stylists. With Wahl’s clippers and trimmers in hand, these professionals elevate their artistry, producing exceptional results that leave a lasting impression on their clients.

The Icons of Wahl campaign features legendary professionals, including Rick Morin, Fernando Ibánez, Garland Fox, Kristi Faulkner, Nieves, and Arisa Thomas, each paired with the headlining Wahl tool that has played a pivotal role in shaping their careers. Wahl enlisted producer John Ferreria to craft original songs that merge the rhythms of their favorite tools with the genres that inspire them:

01. Rock the Look – Rick Morin feat. Wahl Senior® (80’s Rock)

02. Abracadabra – Kristi Faulkner feat. Wahl Magic Clip® (Electro Pop)

03. Style Standards – Garland Fox feat. Wahl Legend® (Jazz)

04. El Cabello – Fernando Ibánez feat. Wahl Super Taper® (Latin)

05. Fine Tune – Nieves feat. Detailer® Li (Alt Hip-Hop)

06. Fur Sure – Arisa Thomas feat. KM10® (Easy Pop)

Garrett McGuire, Wahl’s Global Brand Director, explained the thought process behind the inventive blending of tool vibrations with music, stating, “The buzz of Wahl tools has always been music to my ears, and I know barbers and stylists will immediately recognize each tool’s unique rhythm and vibration within these new songs. We are passionate about celebrating the essence of their craft in a way that resonates, with music being such a large part of the barbershop or salon experience, and feel inspired and energized in this industry they cherish.”

The Icons of Wahl campaign is a genre-blurring crossover for barber professionals and music enthusiasts alike, with custom music tracks available for download and sharing on various social media platforms. 
As part of the campaign, the entire Icons of Wahl line, including the Senior, the Legend, the Magic Clip, the Super Taper, the KM10, and the Detailer Li, is now available for purchase at wahlpro.com.

The original Icons of Wahl songs can be enjoyed on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and can be downloaded from wahlpro.com/icons.

The latest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW.  

Get your copy here!

Barber of the Edition: Jessie Perez Gil
Barbershop of the Edition: Blind Barber Chicago
Newcomer of the Edition: Elliot Thomas, The Spot Academy
EVO in the City Location: San Francisco
EVO Abroad Location: Switzerland
Diary of a CEO: Aston LaFon, 18.21 ManMade
Behind-the-Scenes Photoshoot: Purcy Chair

Welcoming our new and returning columnists: 

Angie Perino
Barberville
Chico Boom
Byrd Mena
Brandi Lashay
Tyler Kelbert

 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:  

NEW YEAR TRENDS

Everything you need to know about 2024 style is HERE.

Featuring trend predictions from STMNT’s Jōvan Figueroa, American Crew’s Phoenix Thomson, Andis’ Angie Perino, Pamela Reyes, Taylor Leven and Jason Rios, too. Including insight to color, style, cuts, design, texture, and protective styling.

• 

• 

GROOMING

Shaving and skincare make for the perfect relaxation experience in a shop. Learn how to maximize on sales and revenue using grooming services.

Featuring advice from Jay Cruz, J. Harris Barber, Danilo Alfonso, Joseph Macdonald and more. 

• 

• 

EDITORIAL

Expect big names in the editorial world in this feature. Byrd Mena is one of our new columnists and gives you the tools you need to do justice to your creativity and design photoshoots that showcase your skill AND look cool.

Also spotlighted are Carlos A. Trista, who covers freestyling on competition stages; Edwin Cruz Delgado, who speaks about the best products. Angel Marcano also looks at the power of color and pattern to boost your creative streak. And the one and only Byrd Mena tells you what you need to do to get your work notices.

• 

• 

TOOL FOCUS: ELECTRICALS

The biggest names in electricals are here: Cocco Hair Pro, Bevel, Tomb45, Panasonic, BaBylissPRO, Andis, and Wahl share their most exciting releases. This is where you find out what tools are going to up your game this year.

We hope you enjoy this issue! You can order your print copy here.

Marketing is key to your barbershop’s success, and finding easy-to-use tools that can boost client engagement while saving your business time and money can be a gamechanger. To help barbers build and launch end-to-end email and text message campaigns from scratch, Fresha just added a campaign builder to its suite of marketing tools. 

With a simple drag-and-drop system, you can create content, segment your audience, schedule email sends, and reach out to your clients with text messages. Not only will all those elements help you keep your clients informed, but you can do it all quickly, right from your phone, tablet or computer.

This campaign builder is the newest update to Fresha’s subscription-free suite of barbershop management tools, and it enhancestheir already best-in-class platform. Read on to find out how the campaign builder can help you manage and grow your business right now.

Drag-and-drop builder: This new marketing tool is the industry’s most powerful and intuitive drag-and-drop campaign builder. You don’t need specialised marketing knowledge to make it work for you, and it’s built with busy barbershop owners and staff members in mind.

Free template gallery: The email builder comes with a free gallery full of templates you can use to send messages in minutes. Each template can also be edited to match your shop’s branding, so everything you send out is cohesive.

Emails and text messages: The unique, multichannel campaign function lets you reach clients with email-style content via text messages, or shorter, post-appointment thank you messages that’ll make your clients feel valued.

Simple retargeting: With the campaign builder, you can also retarget your messaging to get more value from your campaigns and reach even more people.

Campaign reporting: You can evaluate all of this activity with enhanced reports that’ll give you visibility of your success so far, and help you make decisions about future marketing activity.

Boosted bookings: Fresha Partners who use this suite of marketing tools have seen at least four times their return on investment from email and text message campaigns. 

Fresha is constantly innovating, and this is just the latest addition to its end-to-end software. That means there’s always more to come, so you can maximise your time and focus on taking care of your clients. Join the 100,000 businesses globally taking barbershop management and client experience to the next level with Fresha – sign up now on fresha.com/for-business.

THE NORCAL BARBER EXPO IS CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST EXPO, COVERING EDUCATION, BARBER BATTLES, AND VENDORS ACROSS A 20,000 SQ FT. ARENA. ALEJANDRO CUADRA AND JERRY HERRERA STRIVE TO ELEVATE THE BARBERING COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THE POWER DUO TOLD US ABOUT THEIR VISION FOR THIS INCREDIBLE EXPO EXPERIENCE.

Between this power duo, they have 10 years-worth of experience in education and event organisation. Alejandro works with the Urban Barber College and Jerry organized the Bay Area Barber and Beauty Expo. NorCal, however, will be the largest Barber Expo in California at more than 20,000 sq ft. exclusively for the Barbering community and lifestyle. “It’s an exciting opportunity for barbers and cosmetologists to come together, network, learn, and celebrate their craft in a dynamic and live setting,” Alejandro told BarberEVO. “NorCal Barber Expo strives to create new networks, and industry relationships to create an event that showcases the best of the barbering industry.” 

In the early days, Jerry reached out to Jay Majors, one of the godfathers of the barber industry, to help consult and make the NorCal Expo an industry staple. Alejandro said: “Attendees can learn from industry leaders, witness live demonstrations, enter competitions, and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. The expo is a place to explore and shop for new and innovative products that can enhance their work.” 

What can barbers expect from Nor Cal this year? “To start on August 6th, we’ll have education and workshops from 9am to 1pm, hosted by Ivan Zoot and headlined by Chris Bossio of Tomb45. The expo then continues from 1pm to 8pm.” 

The layout boasts a main stage for announcements, a Barber Battle stage as well as live demonstrations and Spanish education stages. Alejandro told us that having a spanish language stage is important to enhance diversity, embodying what NorCal is about. “Our Barber competitions will have categories for professionals, students and beauty,” he said. “We want to bring together barbers, cosmetologists, and anyone who shares a passion for the craft.” 

Alejandro continued: “NorCal’s main sponsor, Cocco Hair Pro, will educate barbers on their Digital Gap technology and best new tools. Vendors will show off the newest in tools and products on the main expo floor. “And of course, being in Northern California, one of our main sponsors is Redman Medicine a recreational Cannabis company, so you can say hi to them too.” 

“We have a lot of exciting barbering brands that you will not find anywhere else in the world and we are excited to bring them to a bigger stage. We also have Bebe Latino who hosts the Golden State Expo from San Jose, CA, who will be hosting the Spanish language education stage.” 

What benefits does their history in education bring to the table? “Being in the school environment is rewarding because students are always so excited to learn new things – and we see this amplified on our stages. When people first get into barbering, they have an open mind and are willing to try new products, which is always fun. Having firsthand experience in guiding and mentoring students as they develop their skills and enter the barbering profession is a pleasure.” 

Ultimately: “NorCal Barber Expo is an excellent opportunity for barbers to connect with peers, industry leaders, product suppliers, and potential mentors for collaborations, and career opportunities. It’s a time to celebrate the art of barbering and appreciate the art!” 

Check out norcalbarberexpo.com and @NorCalBarberExpo on IG for essential announcements about scheduled activities, guest speakers, and tickets. 

BE PART OF CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER EXPO 

BARBER BATTLE / EXPO / EDUCATION CLASSES 

www.norcalbarberexpo.com 

4501 PLEASANTON AVE PLEASANTON, CA 94566

Wahl Professional, has unveiled its highly anticipated 5 Star Cordless Barber Combo™. This exceptional combo pairs Wahl’s best-selling professional cordless clipper and trimmer in one convenient package. With an upgraded motor on the clipper, DLC blades, and a sleek design, this duo is set to optimize every barber’s workspace. Offering exceptional quality at an affordable price of just $279 (MSRP), professionals won’t want to miss the chance to elevate their craft and station with this remarkable combo.he 5 Star Cordless Detailer® Li trimmer, in a modern black casing with gold blades and details, boasts a T-Wide blade made from high-carbon steel. Featuring cutting-edge titanium and DLC coatings, this new blade maintains a lower temperature, resists corrosion, and offers outstanding durability, making it perfect for precise detailing and fine-line trimming. Additionally, the trimmer comes equipped with an enhanced, full-size clipper motor to cut through all hair textures and densities in just one pass. Matching the sleek black body and gold accents of the trimmer, the 5 Star Cordless Magic Clip® clipper showcases a more powerful motor that effortlessly handles thick, wet, and textured hair, providing exceptional cutting performance. The new titanium and DLC blade surface stays cool and resists corrosion, guaranteeing client comfort and optimal longevity. Renowned Wahl Professional Educator, Garland “G-Whiz” Fox (@thisisgwhizwahlclippers), expresses enthusiasm for the upgraded Cordless Magic Clip and Detailer Li sold as a combo, as well as the space-saving single cord and the cost-effective price of the Cordless Barber Combo™. Fox states, “As a professional, maintaining a clean and efficient workstation is essential, and cordless tools are a no-brainer. Having two high-quality tools charging on a single station with just one cord not only saves space but also adds a cool aesthetic touch.” Barbers and stylists can purchase the 5 Star Cordless Barber Combo™ beginning July 12th for just $279 at wahlpro.com or by visiting their local distributor.