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/

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW.    Get your copy here! 

Step into Spring

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW! Our second issue of 2024 is one you won’t want to miss. Inside, you’ll find exclusive interviews and features focusing on creativity, sustainability, business and retail tips as well as our brand-new column with Hairgound’s Live podcaster Simon Butcher. We showcase the best up-and-coming barbershops in London, as well as a stunning EVO abroad location in Tennessee; and much more inside.  

Cover Star: Charles Gray 

Founder of Hair in Motion and barbering legend Charles Gray needs no introduction, but in this issue, we highlight his career from young apprentice to heavyweight educator and entrepreneur. Charles reflects on starting his apprenticeship aged 18, to now being expert educator with Hair in Motion, co-founder of Leaf Signature Styling, and creative director at Leaf Scissors. We discuss all this and more with Charles in the latest unmissable issue.

Staying Creative      

In this issue, we are focusing on the best ways to stay creative as a barber, speaking to experts in the industry and highlighting the tools and skills necessary. We speak to creative expert and educator Alessandro Barca about his best tips, and tools he recommends for barbers to stay on the pulse of trends. While highlighting collections and advice on embracing individual techniques and finding a creative niche from Hayden Cassidy, Fede Damiani, Darren Heywood Kenny, Ex The Barber and Charlie Cullen. 

Sustainability   

With Earth Day 2024 approaching, we want to shine a light on the barbers, businesses and brands doing their bit to protect the environment. We speak to Brighton-based duo Ally Papworth and Dan Hall at The Tin Can Barbershop on their sustainable shop built in a shipping container, as well as columnist Carlie Cardle sharing sustainable insight to fellow business owners.  

Product Focus: Aftercare 

In this industry, barbers are spoiled for choice with the best and most exciting aftercare products for clients. We showcase speak to Matakki director Emma Curd about how their scissor brand has a unique function helping barbers avoid repetitive straining, as well as focusing on new releases like; Artero’s latest clipper, The Brooklyn; Wahl Professional’s Hi-Viz Trimmer, 5 Star Cordless Detailer Li, and the latest A-Lign Trimmer.  

Business   

Looking for the next way to expand your business? Focus on retail. Teaming up with Morgan’s Pomade, Kevin Vorley tells us about his tour to improve retail offerings in barbershops. While columnist Mark Maciver from SliderCuts Studio shares his advice to business owners and self-employed barbers about all thing’s insurance, with helpful tips about everything you need to know.  

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

 

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR CRISP LINE-UPS, THE GTX-S BLADE WAS BUILT WITH FEEDBACK FROM BARBERS. 

Andis® Company, a leading manufacturer of handheld grooming tools and education for professional barbers, has launched the GTX-S Blade, the sharpest blade to date in its product line. Designed specifically for crisp line-ups, this deep-tooth, carbon-steel T-blade fits the company’s popular GTX-EXO trimmer and features a sharper, flatter tooth profile for next-level precision in the barbershop. The new GTX-S Blade is available now for professionals to purchase from Andis.com and authorized Andis distributors.

• WHO: Andis Company and Interested Professionals. 
• WHAT: Launch of GTX-S Blade, Andis Company’s sharpest blade yet.  
• WHEN: Available now. 
• WHERE: Purchase today from the Andis website and authorized Andis distributors.

For more information visit www.andis.com. For more information on Andis® Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

We are ecstatic to welcome the one and only Chico Boom as a BarberEVO columnist for 2024. He’s been on the cover and now he’ll be on the pages for every issue. This globally celebrated barber and motivation speaker is also an author, educator, presenter, and go-to guy for Rolda, JRL, and Squire. His first column tells you how to design your personal brand. 

“Once you define your goals, you can build relationships that fuel your personal brand and take you into the rooms, onto the stages, and even into the boardrooms that you want to be.”

You want to build your personal brand in 2024? Let’s get into it…

Find your niche: Specialize in a specific industry niche.

Look introspectively to define your goals. Who do you want to be? What do you want people to come to you for? Once you define your goals, you can build relationships that fuel your personal brand and take you into the rooms, onto the stages, and even into the boardrooms that you want to be.

When I started, I didn’t want to just be a barber, I wanted to be a motivational speaker and educator. So, I designed my personal brand around that. You can design your brand around the clients you want to serve – maybe you want the creative, younger people in your chair, so start posting content online that reflects that ideal candidate.

Want to be known as a top tier barber? Create some guru content – utilize your social media to share advice and facts, maybe promote a couple brands. The internet is yours to play with.

Network: Go to tradeshows and events like the CT Barber Expo, which is by far the number-one show out there for barbers in North America. It is here that you find the brand contacts that you need to get a foot in the door with the biggest names in the industry – or even just to find likeminded people who might want to create with you, whether that’s online content, collections, or academies.

I am always at events scouting talent and education opportunities for JRL. If you come speak to me and you’re articulate, well-presented, and attentive then I’ll give you the chance – I’ll hear you out. Being put together is a huge part of professionalism and of boosting that personal brand.

Maximize social media: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for developing a personal brand. 

We can all agree that a barber can leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube to showcase their work. This is your direct line to clients and your direct selling platform – selling your work and selling your personal brand. 

By creating eye-catching content and consistently posting updates – which, honestly, is something that I need to work on too – that showcase your craft builds you a following and attract new clients. Once you master that, you’re opening yourself to not just new clients, but new opportunities with brands and even getting featured in magazines like BarberEVO.

Don’t forget about websites, too. You want people to find you everywhere – they shouldn’t have to investigate the internet to find you. You must maintain a professional website that features information about your service pricing and contact details to further enhance your credibility and visibility online.

Get headshots and a résumé: Identify who you are and capture that in a headshot. I wanted to present myself as a public speaker, so I wore a suit.

Also create a bio about yourself; something short and snappy that says what you’re about. Also write out a résumé and always have it on hand, so when opportunities do present themselves for work, presenting gigs, or someone contracts you for something, you have a resume to submit that shows all your qualifications. 

To summarize: a bio is just a short description of your accomplishments and things like that, but the resume goes more extensive into the work field. Make sure to put your website and social handles on there so they know where to see your practical skills.

Learn how to talk: this is essential if you want to be a platform artist/educator, which I think is the ultimate goal for most ambitious barbers.

I won’t take people seriously who come to events and tradeshows who aren’t well presented in their clothing, or who talk casually. I want you to be eloquent, driven, and professional – not too many ‘uum’ or ‘you know what I’m saying’. 

To be successful in the professional field, communication needs to be mastered. You do that by taking speaking courses.

I recommend Toastmasters International. They’re a public speaking and communication skills educator that teach all over the globe. This is where you learn how to develop your communication skills and gain coping mechanisms that help you manage nerves or anxieties about speaking on stage.

Josh Lamonaca is one of the most-respected barbers in the industry, and this Apprenticeship Week he has three key points of advice for young barbers.

“It’s all about being the best you can be, learning the fundamentals and taking your time. With my business partner Sam Palmer, we started Menspire 10 years ago and we are only just starting our journey. It’s not a race to the top, you have to be the best you can be along the way” – he says.

Josh’s three tips for new barbers:

1 Work hard.

Do as many haircuts as you can on as many different hair types as you can. Nothing will be perfect, so learn from the mistakes you make.

2 Work smart. 

Look to the people on your left and the right of you when you’re on the shop floor. Observe what they are good at and take into account what you can improve. 

3 Be patient. 

Today we live in a world of Amazon and YouTube, where everything is available at the click of our fingers. But when it comes to barbering, be patient. You’re not going to be the best barber the next day, or the best educator the next month. Be patient with your skills. Know that it’s going to take time to build a successful skillset and mindset. 

For more information:
@menspiresalon @joshlamonaca
www.menspire.co.uk

The latest issue of BarberEVO North America is OUT NOW, featuring…

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.   

BE PART OF THE WAHL FAMILY

Become A Wahl Ambassador

WAHL are looking for passionate and loyal barbers and stylists to become a valued part of their journey and to share their Wahl passion through creative posts, videos, and images to their social media followers.

Apply NOW here!

What Can They Offer You?

• A 12 month certified membership to this exclusive program (a maximum of only 15 members will be chosen for 2023/2024)
• Be among the first to receive new products and may be asked to partake in product testing opportunities.
• Free product(s) sent monthly to share/review with your social media followers and local community.
• Potential to advance as a member of the Wahl Education Team.
• Exclusive ambassador welcome pack of awesome goodies.
• Finally, be a part of a team that will help you grow as a professional in the industry whilst building amazing local and international relationships along the way.

• 

• 

Qualifications & Benefits

• They’ll ask you to make sure you’re only using Wahl tools (clippers, trimmers, shavers, etc…)
• Post a minimum of two posts a month (must be on your native feed—not stories) with a couple of specifics that need to be included in these posts.
• In order to apply, they are requesting a simple video of you with Wahl’s tools. This can be an unboxing, haircut tutorial, showcase, etc… Show them your best stuff!
• Fill out their application and make sure your social media platforms are up to scratch and that your content is creative and engaging.

Click HERE to start your application.

Deadline for submission is 14/02/2024 11:59PM GMT.

Jim Shaw, Director Of Toni&Guy Billericay And Multi Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser

The Van Dyke – consisting of a small goatee, beard and moustache. These three elements can be connected or disconnected, creating a unique yet sophisticated and trendy look for men. With celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr. And Johnny Depp previously sporting this beard trend, it was of course going to be popular for the modern-day man who is looking to give themselves a celebrity inspired look. 

The Full Beard – as we come into 2024 many men will be looking to grow their beard, perfect to give their face some warmth over winter! It’s also great for men who like a more natural and effortless look. The full beard may not be for everyone, but for those that suit this style, it can really make a statement and show off their personality and confidence. 

The Anchor Beard – a beard style we have noticed becoming popular more recently and that replicates that of an anchor, including a moustache and a pointed beard that traces the jawline. For those who like a more groomed beard style, this is perfect. It also is incredibly versatile where it can work for almost any face shape, but I particularly love this style for those who are looking to enhance some of their best facial features such as their jaw line.

Stubble – a beard trend that will never go out of style! Stubble is particularly great for those who want to dip their toe in the water when it comes to having a beard. It’s a casual but classy style and can also be paired with a moustache. I love this look paired with a buzz cut/super short hair look to provide balance.

DAIMON BARBER, THE LUXURY BRITISH BRAND OF MEN’S HAIRSTYLING, SHAVING AND SKIN CARE PRODUCTS, IS LAUNCHING IN CANADA!

Daimon Barber, the prestigious London-based professional brand celebrated for its diverse range of men’s hairstyling, grooming, and skincare products, a staple at premium barber shops, Harrods, Selfridges, and other upscale retailers across the UK, has now ventured across the pond to establish a presence in Canada. In a visionary mission to introduce global beauty brands to the Canadian beauty industry, Oriac, the largest distributor in Canada, has partnered with Daimon Barber, securing its position as its exclusive supplier for the Canadian market. 

It all started with the Original Pomade (50g / $35.00 CAD) created by Daimon, a seasoned London barber. Hence the name Daimon Barber. Louis Hayes-Davies later joined Daimon Barber and facilitated the creation of new and unique formulations to expand on the Original Pomade. Now Louis is at the helm as owner and Managing Director, Daimon Barber has become one of the most respected and sought-after brands in the men’s grooming category. 

Daimon Barber has become synonymous with unrivaled quality and beautiful design, not to mention its complex fragrances. Yuzu Paste (100g / $65.00 CAD) gets its distinctive scent from a sparkling aroma with wonderfully sweet, tart and bitter elements that are subtle yet impactful. Texture Clay (100g / $65.00 CAD) is scented with Fig and frankincense combined to give a sophisticated and fresh scent. Our Original Pomade is made with Raspberry seed oil and Bee propolis to nourish the hair. Daimon Barber offers a diverse range of products, with prices starting from $35 CAD for the 50 gr. container size of its hairstyling range.

In a Canadian grooming market dominated by others, Daimon Barber emerges as the sole British player, carving out a unique niche. Renowned for its innovative formulations, the brand offers a comprehensive range, including high-performance hair styling, skincare, beard care, and shaving products. The exceptional Revitalising Moisturiser (50 ml. / $84.00 CAD), featuring plant-based ingredients, is designed to hydrate and revitalize the skin. For beard aficionados, the classic Beard & Stubble Softener (50 ml. / $50.00 CAD) contains nutrient-rich avocado oil and aloe vera, ensuring facial hair stays healthy, and the skin beneath feels moisturized.

“Creating these remarkable products and seeing them on the shelves of esteemed Canadian retailers is an immensely proud and exhilarating moment for our brand,” Louis stated. “Launching in Canada marks a huge chapter in our brand’s journey, and we look forward to them becoming one of our strongest partners.”

Building on the brand’s triumphs, Louis Hayes-Davies inaugurated the Daimon Barber Hair Retreat to great fanfare. Located in a three-story townhouse in Stratford-Upon-Avon, this flagship salon and outlet for Daimon Barber products promises guests a complete personal experience, offering various services from haircuts to facials to traditional hot towel shaves.

Daimon Barber’s entire product line is crafted with ingredients sourced from the U.K., boasting a 100% cruelty-free, paraben-free, and “nasty chemicals”-free ethos. 

To immerse yourself in the world of Daimon Barber or to place an order, please visit www.DaimonBarber.ca.