The latest issue of BarberEVO UK & Ireland is OUT NOW.
In this issue, we explore how you can elevate your business during the festive period in prep for a successful 2024. It’s time to market yourself and your shop, upskill your teams, and boost that bottom line.
ON THE COVER
BIG UP Cal Newsome, our cover star this month and the Master of the Fade. This talented stylist tells us what it takes to cut the hair of celebrities, build that all-star client list, and why Chris and Sons is his go-to for the best barber supplies.
WINTER SEASON
‘Tis the season to maximise on… everything!
Let’s get into it. In our winter season feature, we look at how to really strengthen your brand for Christmas. Including everything from social media marketing right down to putting seasonal branding in your shop windows.
STYLING
You know us! We love a good styling feature. Our editor attended a hectic (but incredible) run of shows at London Fashion Week in September and rounded up some really valuable styling advice. Industry icons Nick Irwin, Syd Hayes, and Adam Garland took LFW by storm and gave intel on the newest and best tools.
INTERIORS
We also look inside some of the UK’s finest barbershops to find out what it takes to not only make a space look good but how to entice clientele. Experts from Cape Gang, Ned’s Barbershop, REM, Gould Barbers, Takara Belmont, and many more give you the scoop.
Fresha, the world’s leading marketplace and booking software for the beauty and wellness industry, has an exciting update on the success of their recent campaign builder launch. Blush + Blow, one of Fresha’s long-term partners, has achieved the following after using the platform’s campaign builder feature:
15x average return on spend for their marketing campaigns, with clear reports showing how to make future campaigns even better
3x sales of skin services, after promoting their new skin clinic with Fresha’s marketing tools
4 new staff members recruited to handle the increase in business
Blush + Blow, helmed by Bridget Hannon, began as a blow dry bar in 2017. They’ve since grown their services to a full range of hair and beauty treatments, and expanded with a clinic dedicated to skincare. Before joining Fresha, Bridget used various methods to promote Blush + Blow, including PR agencies and influencers. But it was always hard to measure results, and managing each of these marketing campaigns separately was time-consuming.
Bridget needed an effective way to reach clients, and clear visibility of each campaign’s performance. She also needed an online booking platform to simplify running the salon, so she could focus on growing the business. After signing up to Fresha for free, Bridget started using the campaign builder and templates to create personalised marketing campaigns. From seasonal promotions to new treatment announcements, she can build email and text message campaigns in minutes, then send them to the right clients at the right time.
Bridget also gets clear reports showing the results of every campaign so she can refine them for even better performance. All while using the platform to manage appointments at both venues, take online bookings, collect client reviews, and more.
Watch our video focused on Bridget’s journey with Fresha, and find Blush + Blow on the Fresha marketplace at fresha.com, or by downloading the Fresha app on the App Store or Google Play.
20% of people with Afro hair have experienced discrimination in a salon vs 4% of people with straight hair
58% of Afro-textured individuals have felt let down by a salon service
A quarter have experienced undue pain and 15% have faced verbal micro-aggressions
One in five people with Afro hair have experienced discrimination in a salon, compared to one in 25 people with naturally straight hair, a study has found.
Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance surveyed 2,113 UK residents from a range of ethnic backgrounds on their past experiences with hair stylists and barbers.
It found that 20% of those with Type 4 (Afro) hair – which is typically considered the curl pattern of Black people – have faced discrimination when getting their hair done. Just 4% of those with straight (Type 1) hair said the same.
In addition, a quarter of people with a coily hair texture reported experiencing undue pain during a hair salon treatment, with 15% saying they had also faced micro-aggressions and unsolicited comments related to their hair type. Amongst those with Type 1 hair, just 10% and 11% reported the same, respectively.
People with Afro hair types were also more likely to feel let down by a hair service, with 58% saying this was the case vs. 44% of people with Type 1 hair. The most cited reason for this disappointment was that the stylist or barber didn’t know how to manage their hair type (32%).
Perhaps even more concerningly, amongst those respondents, 78% said the salon had explicitly advertised that it specialised in their hair type.
Consequently, nearly half (45%) of people with an Afro hair type acknowledged that they were left with long lasting disappointment following this experience, with 37% saying it had negatively affected their self-esteem in the long term.
And finally, when asked whether they trust that a hair stylist or barber can do their hair well, 81% of people with Afro hair agreed compared to 87% of individuals with straight hair.
Wahl Professional is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest innovation, the Hi-Viz™ Trimmer.
Designed to set the standards for professional tools, this cutting-edge trimmer is set to redefine the art of precision grooming.
What is so special about the Hi-Viz™, we hear you ask?
The Hi-Viz™ Trimmer was designed for those who live in the details. Built with a slim neck, where the body meets the blade, allowing more visibility and control with every cut. The re-designed wide T-blade is manufactured with diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings to last eight times longer than stainless steel blades (as shown in lab testing).
With zero-gap capabilities, get skin close results and high-end results with every cut. The innovative Adaptive Speed Control automatically adjusts the motor to cut through all hair thicknesses and textures in a single hit.
Leo Wahl invented the trimmer category and Wahl Professional has continued to set the standard for quality for over 100 years. Wahl is ready to launch its latest innovation with the Hi-Viz™ Trimmer – introducing quality and precision to the high-visibility market.
With over two years of intensive engineering, hand tested and assembled with care in the USA, the Hi-Viz™ is more than a tool – it’s an embodiment of your passion.
RRP £227.99
Available to purchase on WAHL.CO.UK and at Salon International from Friday 13th October – Monday 16th October.
Are you ready to witness the fiercest competition in the world of hair and beauty? The NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever before. Get ready to be dazzled on Sunday, October 22nd, at the iconic Melrose Ballroom, just minutes away from the heart of the Big Apple and easily accessible from all major transportation hubs.
This spectacular event will bring together the crème de la crème of hair and beauty professionals from the NY tri-state area, all vying for the prestigious titles in five thrilling categories: Fastest Fade, Fastest Braid, Fantasy Makeup, Low Fade & Beard, and Freestyle Braid. Whether you’re a die-hard beauty enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge promises an unforgettable experience.
The competition’s core aim is to celebrate the incredible talent within the worlds of barbering, hair styling, and makeup artistry. With their precision and artistic flair, barbers, hair stylists, makeup artists, and hair salons from the tri-state area will come together to showcase their exceptional skills and creativity.
To kick off the day, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses led by two industry titans. First up, Hair Colorist extraordinaire, the master of the Latin Blonde, will share their wealth of knowledge. Their transformative work in hair color has garnered them worldwide acclaim, making this masterclass a must-attend for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest hair color trends and techniques.
Following that, the stage will be graced by none other than Hector Espinal, the former Global Makeup Artist for Fenty Beauty. Hector’s portfolio includes jaw-dropping work featured on Netflix’s hit show, GLOWUP, and in renowned publications such as Vogue, Rolling Stone, and Harper’s Bazaar. His Makeup Masterclass promises to be a captivating journey into the world of beauty, sharing valuable insights and tips on how to create stunning makeup looks that turn heads.
The NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge isn’t just about competition and masterclasses; it’s about celebrating the artistry and passion that fuels the beauty industry. Attendees can expect to be inspired by the creativity on display, learn from the best in the field, and connect with like-minded individuals who share a love for all things beauty.
The show’s various categories, including Fastest Fade, Fastest Braid, Fantasy Makeup, Low Fade & Beard, and Freestyle Braid, ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re into the intricacies of barbering or the magic of makeup, this event will leave you in awe of the boundless possibilities that hair and beauty offer.
Don’t miss out on this sensational day filled with excitement, inspiration, and a dash of friendly competition. Tickets are selling fast, so secure your spot at the NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge and be part of a day that promises to redefine the boundaries of creativity and style.
The NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of beauty and witness the incredible talents of barbers, hair stylists, and makeup artists. Join us on Sunday, October 22nd, at the Melrose Ballroom, just a stone’s throw away from the heart of New York City. Let your senses be tantalized by the Fastest Fade, Fastest Braid, Fantasy Makeup, Low Fade & Beard, and Freestyle Braid competitions. And don’t forget to soak up the wisdom of two industry legends during the masterclasses. Get ready to be wowed, inspired, and thoroughly entertained – the NYC Hair & Beauty Challenge is where dreams are styled into reality.
Buy your tickets TODAY! https://nychairandbeautychallenge.com
Jim Shaw, Owner Of Toni&Guy Billericay And Multi Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser
The weather is getting colder and this can cause our curls to lack moisture and look dry and frizzy. With that in mind, it’s so important that we look after our curls as best as possible and use the correct products to keep our curls nourished, defined and free from frizz and flyaways. Below are some of my top tips for caring for your curls this season.
Deep condition – this is an important tip to maintain your curls and give them an extra hydration boost. You should use a deep conditioning hair mask, treatment or leave in conditioner as often as your curls need it to replenish lost moisture in your hair and your curls looking strong and healthy.
Maintain trims – By booking in for regular trims you will prevent split ends, which is essential to keep your curls looking their best, healthy and bouncy.
Skip the heated styling where possible – The combination of cold weather outside and going indoors where you will have the heating on can cause your hair to become dry and dull. Therefore, to avoid causing extra damage to your curls, try to avoid heated styling tools.
Opt for protective styling – If you’re stepping away from using heated styling tools in autumn/winter, why not try some protective styling for your curls instead? Braids, twists and buns are great options and as well as being protective, look incredibly chic.
Use a hair oil for extra nourishment – hair oils are a great product to give your hair extra moisture and can also be used to help seal split ends.
American Crew® Announces That Chris O’riordan Is The Latest Name To Join Its All-Star Line-Up
Today, American Crew® is pleased to share that Chris O’Riordan has joined its American Crew® All-Star Team. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Chris has established a loyal clientele in Ireland and now works under his newly launched brand name CORE. He was awarded the title unexpectedly while attending The American Crew® retreat in Barcelona this October. The title of All-Star is a global honour, given in recognition to some of the world’s leading barbers and takes them to the top tier of educators. It paves the way for Chris to spread more of his inspiring work under the banner of American Crew®.
Revlon Professional® General Manager for UK & Ireland, Matt Horder says; “It’s fantastic to have an American Crew® All-Star back in Ireland. Chris is an extremely skilled barber as well as a talented educator. We’ve seen his journey progress alongside the American Crew® brand as an educator and this is a fitting way to acknowledge his outstanding commitment and achievements.” He goes on to comment, “American Crew® is more than just a product company, we are also dedicated to developing people, which we do through our network of All-Stars, who act as figureheads for the brand and in turn create a strong community, which we’re extremely proud of.”
Chris is a highly awarded men’s hair stylist. He has been featured in various trade press titles and has won multiple awards in Ireland, as well as two global titles. Chris achieved back-to-back Irish titles in the American Crew® All Star Challenge in 2018 and 2019, which led him to represent Ireland at the American Crew® ASC global finals in New York in 2019. In 2017, he won the Alternative Hair Show Men’s Cut and Colour Global final, held in front of an audience of 5,000 people at the Royal Albert Hall.
Commenting on his appointment, Chris says, “To receive this honour is absolutely incredible. It’s something I’ve wanted to achieve ever since I started working with American Crew®. It came as a total surprise while I was attending my first American Crew® Retreat in Barcelona. It’s still sinking in to be honest, but I’m so excited to get going with more stage work as well as back in the classroom educating.” Chris goes on to add, “American Crew® is quite simply the best men’s brand in the world and to be part of their team is such an honour. My mind is blown.”
American Crew® this year earned the title of the number one Premium Men’s Hair brand in the World*. It is widely known forpioneering the modern men’s professional grooming industry and has distribution in over 30,000 salons, barbershops, and authorised retailers across 50 countries, making it the global leader in the men’s hair market.
Gracing this issue’s cover is the leading hair-alternative brand American Hairlines by Hair U Wear. Ever wondered what you could add to your service menu, to not only increase your revenue significantly, but raise the spirit and confidence of your clients? You’ll find out in our in-depth interview with the American Hairlines team. Plus, check out their fantastic Know No Boundaries collection by Manny Rolon and Brandie Reyes.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Talking Texture
Every head of hair you get in your chair is unique. Everyone’s hair type, hair texture, and growth pattern are always a little different. But to be a successful barber, you need to know how to cut and style a wide range of textures, from coarse to fine, pin-straight to 4C curly. In this issue, we break texture down and offer expert advice on tackling and welcoming all hair in your chair. Featuring advice from experts like Marcus Harvey, Kevin Nguyen, Kenny Duncan, Stormi Kelley, and many more.
Back to Business
What is your definition of success? Is it to have your column fully booked two months out? Is it to own your own shop? Is it to become a platform artist and educator? Maybe start your own brand? In this issue, we dive into the stories of barbers, brands, and barbershops who have reached their definition of success, and shared how they got there.
Industry leaders like Vince Garcia share tips on finding success and keeping an open mind to opportunities, and companies like Floyd’s 99, Cocco, and Schedulicity share how they can support barbers throughout their journeys to success.
Maximizing on Facial Services
With the colder weather and Movember on its way, there is no doubt that mustaches and beards are going to migrate back onto your client’s faces. But there is a fine line between a great beard and an ‘I just came out of six-months hibernation’ beard. And you, the barber, are responsible for helping your clients reach facial hair greatness.
From barber Allie Bussa sharing her tips on elevating the client experience, to James Zap talking about the culture of beards, and a discussion around some of the best products to keep at your retail shelf, we cover it all.
Avant Garde
Finally, it’s time to let your freak flag fly. Have you ever wanted to experiment with color or more creative cutting? Maybe create a more out-there editorial collection? We bring the best of the avant-garde masters together to help unlock your creativity, with tips for creating hyper-realistic hair art, and how to inspire creativity among your team and in your shop.
America’s Beauty Show by Cosmetologists ChicagoAnnounces 2024 ABS Global Image AwardsThe Internationally Acclaimed Industry Competition is On!
Go BIG or go home! America’s Beauty Show (ABS) by Cosmetologists Chicago proudly announces the 2024 ABS Global Image Awards call for entries are open. Stylists, creatives, artists – show the world what you can do! Entries are open from October 2, 2023 through January 25, 2024, at AmericasBeautyShow.com.
The overall theme for the 2024 ABS Global Image Awards is Maximalism, which is rooted in a more-is-more philosophy that blends an eclectic mix of patterns, colors, textures, and objects. Artists can lean into big and bold decision-making regarding color, pattern, texture, shape, and form. More is more, and that’s what will be celebrated with the 2024 ABS Global Image Awards.
The ABS Global Image Awards draws entries from across the world from talented professionals, barbers, emerging stylists, and cosmetology students. The winners of the global industry competition will be recognized during an amazing party at America’s Beauty Show on the evening of Saturday, April 20th. The awards night will have live music by Too Hype Crew, where guests can party to anthems of the 80’s, 90’s and early 00s, with a live six-piece band, emcees, and dancers.
The 2024 ABS Global Image Awards categories include:
Barber of the Year
Creative Color
Full Concept
Haircutting
Makeup Artistry
Nail Design
Student
Texture Expert
Team Collaboration
“We have fun doing what we are doing, but to be recognized in the industry is magical,” said Brendeetta Ashley and Jaimee Harris Smith, 2023 ABS Global Image Award winners of the Team Collaboration “We love to compete, it’s a great way to express yourself creatively, think outside the box, and have a great time.”
“The names on the Leo Passage Gold Trophy are people I’ve looked up to my entire career,” said Ammon Carver, 2023 Leo Passage Gold Trophy winner. “To all salon professionals, I encourage you to compete in this competition. Share your work with the world, you never know what might happen if you enter,” added Carver.
“The ABS Global Image Awards is an amazing night, and such a fun celebration that is beautiful for the industry,” said Chrystofer Benson, multi-ABS Global Image Award winner. “The ABS Global Image Awards is a great platform where you can share your work with the world! It is a positive and encouraging competition that allows global artists to compete and share their work.”
The ABS Global Image Awards are open to all licensed salon professionals, barbers, or the business equivalent where licensure is not required. In addition, students may compete in the student category or any of the professional categories. The entry process opens October 2, 2023 and closes January 25, 2024. The ABS Global Image Awards finalists will be announced on February 20, 2024. The ABS Global Image Awards ceremony is Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.
Each professional category will offer a single winner an impressive award from America’s Beauty Show to display with pride. In addition to each category winner, one extraordinary submission will be awarded The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder, and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage.
ALFAPARF Milano Professional is thrilled to announce the appointment of multi-award-winning hairdresser and global educator Paul Falltrick (@paulfalltrick) as Brand Ambassador UKI.
With more than 35 years’ hairdressing experience, Paul started his career at John Frieda as Nicky Clarke’s assistant, where he quickly acquired expertise on editorial shoots, stage work, shows and TV.
He soon gained a reputation for his cutting and styling work and became a FAME Team member in 1996 before eventually opening two salons in Essex, as well as a state-of-the-art training academy.
As one of the country’s leading artistic directors, Paul’s love for education has seen him travel the world sharing his passion, expertise and techniques with global audiences.
Today Paul works at GFC Hairdressing in Hornchurch, Essex where he combines working with his loyal clientele along with educating and motivating the industry.
“I’m super excited to be part of such a professional and inspirational product company with a parallel ethos to my own, especially at a time of such significant momentum,” says Paul. “I am really looking forward to working together on our mission to elevate the art of hairdressing.”
“It’s a real treat for us to have someone like Paul in the family,” believes David Donnellan, on behalf of ALFAPARF Milano Professional. “Not only is he vastly experienced in the craft of hairdressing, but he is also as dedicated as us to make sure our industry continues to grow incredible talent on both the salon floor and the business of hairdressing.”
Paul joins the growing family of ALFAPARF Milano Professional experts which is made up of Paul Stafford (Brand Ambassador UKI), Coia Dahill (Brand Ambassador UKI) and Ben Brown (Digital Brand Ambassador UKI).
For information on Paul’s bespoke ALFAPARF Milano Professional courses please go to: www.accademia.ie
