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.

ColorDesign, the high-performance, Italian-made professional hair color brand, is delighted to announce celebrity hair colorist Eric Alt as their new brand ambassador.

With an impressive career spanning over three decades in the beauty industry, Eric Alt has become widely recognized for his hair color mastery and unique approach. His color expertise has attracted a clientele of renowned personalities including celebrities, models, and influencers such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Ricky Martin, and the stars of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise. He has also lent his creative touch to campaigns for notable brands such as Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and Asher Levine, earning him frequent mentions in esteemed publications like Vogue, Us Weekly, In Style Magazine, to name a few.

In his role as brand ambassador for ColorDesign, Eric will showcase the brand’s core values – quality, innovation, and excellence. He will share his invaluable talents and insights on how to best utilize ColorDesign hair color to achieve beautiful and creative results for various hair types and styles.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to become an integral part of the ColorDesign family.Since I began using ColorDesign I have witnessed firsthand their ability to deliver vibrant, long-lasting color while simultaneously preserving the hair’s health and imparting a remarkable shine. ColorDesign transcends being a mere hair color brand; it embodies a lifestyle that passionately celebrates beauty, creativity, and luxury for aspiring and experienced hair colorists,” stated Alt.

ColorDesign encompasses a versatile portfolio of Italian-made professional hair color that is renowned for exceptional performance. Powered by the finest quality ingredients and the patented Ceramide A2 Technology, ColorDesign ensures long-lasting results while simultaneously rebuilding and nourishing the hair throughout the coloring process. The extensive product lineup includes permanent colors, ammonia-free colors, direct dyes, lighteners, developers, reconstruction treatments, toning shampoo, and a range of accessories.

Denise Shedrick, Vice President Sales for ColorDesign shared, “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Eric Alt as our esteemed Brand Ambassador. With his remarkable talent and respected reputation as a colorist, he perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering beautiful and healthy hair results. Eric Alt’s influence extends beyond his seven successful salons in the New York City area, as he continuously educates and inspires the next generation of colorists. His keen focus on natural aesthetics, combined with the latest color and style trends, has garnered an immense following. Eric’s genuine artistry and innovative approach consistently push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the realm of hair color, and we are honored to have him part of the ColorDesign team.”

To learn more about ColorDesign and Eric Alt, visit or follow @colordesignhair and @ericaltsalon on Instagram.

All ColorDesign products are available online at colordesignhair.com

ABOUT COLOR DESIGN

ColorDesign® has everything the professional colorist needs from 119 Permanent Color, 49 Ammonia-Free Colors, 10 Ammonia-Free Direct Colors, 11 Ammonia-Free Fun&Glam Fashion Shades, 100% Dust-free Powder Lighteners, a revolutionary clay-based lightening cream called SHINY BLOND® and a transformative Reconstruction Treatment that restores the hair from the inside out using Ceramid A2 technology. For more information please visit www.colordesignhair.com or call 866-586-4493.

A safe space to pop your feet up, offload, and have a chat.

Lister have teamed up with parent company Wahl to create a pop-up barbershop at The Royal Highland Show to help raise awareness around mental health in agriculture.

Take a load off. A safe space to pop your feet up, offload, and have a chat. Mental health in the agricultural industry is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. With 92% of UK farmers under the age of 40 ranking their mental health as being poor, it is a hidden problem that we need to talk about.

The pop-up barbershop will be open from Friday the 23rd to Sunday the 25th near the Shearing Pavilion at The Royal Highland Show. Providing visitors with the opportunity to get a fresh hair cut by a professional barber, the campaign will be raising money for The DPJ Foundation and the RSABI, both mental health charities within the agricultural industry.

Attracting over 190,000 visitors each year, this year’s Royal Highland Show will be hosting the Shearing World Championships, seeing shearers and enthusiasts travelling from all around the world to support the competition. Creating this safe space at the event is crucial for those who may want to take a moment to relax and just chat in a safe space.

Martin Booth, Head of Sales and Commercial at Lister, said, “Partnering up with Wahl and offering a service, such as barbering, that can sometimes be difficult to arrange when travelling and working long hours is an important step in our mission to supporting mental health within agriculture. It is vital to raise awareness on this issue the industry is facing and ensure individuals who work in the rural community get access to the support and resources available.”

Lloyd Rees, shearer and Lister ambassador, said, “Many people working in farming and agriculture often feel isolated and distanced from the wider communities. This can have a big impact on their mental health, and without the proper resources and support to hand, can often spiral into something bigger”.

Kate Miles, Charity Manager of the DPJ Foundation, said, “We are really pleased and grateful that Lister have taken the lead with the Take a Load Off initiative to provide an opportunity to promote good mental health in agriculture, the power of taking time and talking. The eyes of the shearing world will be on the Golden Shears so it’s a brilliant chance to raise awareness.”