Fancy a haircut at 3am? Well, thanks to Edinburgh based salon Stag Barber Co , you can do just that – and all for an amazing cause.

Earlier this month gender-free salon Stag shared the heart-breaking story of their team member Nicole, who suffered the loss of her child at 29 weeks.

On the 23rd of December, owner of Stag, Murray McRae, will be cutting hair for 24-hours straight, with all profits going towards SIMba, a baby loss charity whose memory box helped Nicole and her partner Jordan during their difficult time.

Murray will be standing on the spot, scissors flying from 08.30am on Wednesday all the way through to 08.30am on Christmas Eve.

The salon team came up with the idea after their plan to give £1 from every December appointment to SIMba has been cut short by the impending lockdown.

“2020 has felt like a marathon as it is,” said owner Murray McRae,

“We heard about salons and barbershops in London working round the clock to get clients in before lockdown. So we thought why not do something similar – but for a good cause.

“SIMba was an unbelievable help to our Nicole when she lost her first child Isaac.  To commemorate his birth, and to celebrate the birth of her daughter Iva, born almost a year to the date after the loss, we wanted to give her this Christmas gift.”

Haircuts will be the usual price with all ‘after-hours’ profits going to SiMBA. In-house coffee shop Stag Espresso will be on hand with free coffee to fuel Murray and his early hours customers through the trims. Murray will be in full marathon running wear complete with sweat bands etc on the day and throughout the night.

Barbers and hairdressers in Scotland are required to close their doors for three weeks from Boxing Day following the announcement of the country’s post-Christmas Day full lockdown.

You can book your appointment here – or, if you can’t make it along, you can donate to Stag’s JustGiving page for SiMBA here. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stagbarbernicole

Following a recent spike in Covid-19 infection rates, the Prime Minister has announced a new ‘Tier 4’ for London and parts of the South East and the East of England.

This will come into force from Sunday 20th December.

Barbershops, salons and beauty parlours can continue to stay open in all Tiers 1-3 elsewhere in England.

In Northern Ireland, all close contact businesses must close on Boxing Day – for what will be a 6-week long lockdown, subject to a review after 4-weeks.

In Wales, all close contact businesses will shut on December 19th as part of a level 4 lockdown which will be reviewed in three weeks.

In Scotland, all beauty salons, hairdressers and barbers must close for three weeks from Boxing Day.

These are concerning times for all barbershops and beauty salons throughout the UK, our thoughts are with each and every one of you at this difficult and challenging time.

Wahl Clipper Corporation is joining forces with Disney and Pixar to celebrate the new movie, “Soul,” streaming on Disney+ starting on December 25th. The movie highlights the importance of finding oneself and discovering what makes you, you.  Through Joe Gardner’s journey to find the spark of life, he winds up leaning on his community to feel connected. In one pivotal scene, Joe visits his trusted barber to get the encouragement he needs and realizes the barbershop community–which serves as the backbone of the neighborhood—may not just be a place to get your hair cut, but it’s also a place of gathering, learning and a home-away-from-home.

“Soul” introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) – a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before – a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks, and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

Wahl Professional has created a limited-edition clipper with a commemorative “Soul”-branded design and package. The clipper will be available on Wahlpro.com starting December 17^th. The tool is one of the clipper manufacturer’s iconic models – the Cordless Senior – which is equipped with a metal taper lever and switch, three premium cutting guides, and a fade blade designed for precision cutting. The clipper is priced at $159.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the launch of “Soul” with Disney and Pixar. The movie’s themes of community, caring, and finding one’s spark will resonate with hair professionals, who consider their profession as a way to make a difference in someone’s life, not just a way to make a living,” says Lance Wahl, global vice president of professional products.  “Barbers and stylists are at the heart of their communities, and at Wahl Clipper Corporation we’ve made it our life’s work to support them as well as the next generation of aspiring barbers and stylists.”

Wahl Professional is proud to celebrate “Soul” and encourage everyone find their spark. To purchase the limited-edition “Soul” clipper click here. Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” streams on Disney+ starting on December 25^th. To learn more about Wahl Clipper Corporation visit their website at Wahlpro.com or follow them on Instagram at @wahlpro.

Without question one of our most random news stories in 2020, is that McDonald’s in Sweden have opened a barbershop offering one specific cut, the 90’s inspired ‘Golden M’ haircut.

We know it’s a bit of an advertising stunt with a difference, as the so called ‘Golden M’ haircut is essentially a center part, or ‘curtains’ as our team knew from the 90’s… but McDonald’s Sweden allege that the cut is similar to the fast food chain’s famous Golden Arches logo. Who are we to disagree?

Influencer hairstylist Adam Lukacs provided virtual haircut lessons to those fortunate enough to book in digital appointments. Ensuring that ‘clients’ can confirm that they do indeed have the ‘Golden M’ haircut perfected.

Those who took a virtual session, were not only treated to some 90’s inspired haircut lessons, but also, and perhaps most importantly, were treated to a complimentary Big Mac – should their haircuts pass the McDonald’s Golden M Detector digital app.

Good fun ensued!

The Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) have appointed a new Chair and Vice-Chair for their board of trustees.

Jenny Sworder is the new Chair, following 7 years as a trustee on the board and also previously being the Vice-Chair. Jenny has extensive experience in the Beauty and Retail Industry (over 20 years) with the likes of Fenwick’s stores, the Fragrance Foundation UK and the Cosmetics Executive Women UK.

She takes over from Professor Dr Chris Laws, who is retiring after 10 dedicated years of voluntary service as both a trustee and Chair to VTCT.

On taking up the new role, Jenny said, “I am delighted to take forward the great work that Chris has done for VTCT, over the past ten years. During this time he has helped to steer VTCT to being the wonderful organisation it is today. I look forward to further building upon this and tackling the new challenges within vocational and technical education, ensuring that learners remain at the heart of what we do as a modern and progressive Awarding Organisation.”

Jenny will be joined by Isabel Sutcliffe, the new Vice-Chair of VTCT. We wish them both the very best of luck in the new roles!

Two words a man never wants to hear – “ Thinning. Receding .” Hair loss (and how to prevent it) remains the number one hair concern for men when it comes to good grooming. While maintaining healthy hair and scalp is known to be an effective way to help prevent irritation and premature hair loss, there are some underlying factors, including genetics, that may need a little boost to overcome.

One such factor related to premature hair loss is 5-Alpha Reductase , a natural enzyme found in the scalp. Testosterone , a hormone naturally produced by the body, reacts with this 5-Alpha Reductase and creates DHT , a hormone proven to contribute to hair loss. DHT suffocates the hair follicle and prevents it from receiving vital nutrients for healthy hair growth.

To combat the production of DHT , Eufora HERO for Men™ (HERO) utilizes their ProAmino Peptide Complex™ , a proprietary blend of antioxidants, oils, acids and fruit extracts. This powerhouse complex effectively creates a barrier wall between the 5-Alpha Reductase enzyme and Testosterone , preventing DHT production. ProAmino Peptide Complex™ also stimulates circulation, helping the hair follicle maintain its health. The end result is a
thicker root sheath, better anchoring the hair bulb to the scalp to slow follicle aging and help prevent hair loss.

For men concerned about hair loss and looking to upgrade their cleansing game, HERO Brand Manager Doug Smith recommends Complete Shampoo , Revitalizing Treatment and Scalp Rescue™ , all of which contain the ProAmino Peptide Complex™ . The trio is definitely a gift worth investing in if hair loss is of concern, and Eufora makes it easy with their pre-packed HERO Holiday Gift Set that includes all 3 full size products, plus a shave sample, packaged in a beautiful birchwood box…and at a 40% savings to boot! The gift set is available exclusively in Eufora salons or at www.eufora.net , and only while supplies last.

Fortify the benefits of this HERO cleansing routine by choosing a HERO styling product (all styling products contain the “complex” for added wear-in benefits), and the best defense against hair loss is complete. Even if there is no actual “cure” for thinning, getting or gifting the right Eufora HERO for Men™ products can help every well-groomed guy slow the effects of DHT , scalp irritation and hair loss. And, as we all know, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Despite the ongoing pandemic causing many high street businesses to close their doors, MR. Barbers has continued to grow from strength to strength. MR. Barbers new finance package offers existing barbershops a complete rebrand and refurbishment package with no upfront fee and monthly repayments of under £300 per month.

This is creating opportunities for barbershops that are struggling to make headway, to come onboard with the MR. family and start afresh. With ongoing support, a brand-new shop fit including chairs, as well as a website, booking app and marketing and social media presence, they do all the hard work to get your shop the recognition and presence it deserves. 

Of course, the virus has had its impact on the brand, but the company has looked to set itself apart from the competition by making it the safest place in each town to get your hair cut. With a strict COVID hygiene policies and staff training in place, every haircut continues to reach the high standards expected with the business, whilst delivering it in a completely safe way.

MR. Barbers have three more shops opening over the next 2 months. Shop number 29, MR. Halesowen is opening its doors on December the 5^th, shortly followed by MR. Woodbridge opening on the 7^th of December. MR. Huntingdon will follow closely behind opening early in the New Year.

The effects of the pandemic are not just physical, people are struggling, and times are hard. MR. Barbers Halesowen is donating all proceeds from their grand opening on December 12^th to the Black Country Foodbank. At a time like this, it is now more important than ever to give back to those in need.

In 2019/20 approximately 1.9 million people have used a foodbank in the United Kingdom, around 300,000 more than the previous year. If this wasn’t enough of a strain, new analytics have forecasted a 61% increase in the use of foodbanks in October to December alone. The pressure on foodbanks is immense. Black Country Foodbank is a local charity to Halesowen that helps vulnerable individuals and families in crisis. They provide people with 3 days’ worth of emergency food supplies while a longer solution is developed. This service provides relief and help to those in need at a very difficult time. 

For more information about rebranding with MR. email info@mrbarbers.co.uk. Or visit www.mrbarbers.co.uk

IT’S NEARLY OVER! WE CAN SAY GOODBYE TO 2020 WITH THE HOPE THAT NEXT YEAR THE INDUSTRY WILL BE REFRESHED AND IN BETTER SHAPE TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGES THAT THE AFTERMATH OF THIS YEAR HAS LEFT US. 

With that in mind, you’ve got to make the most of the opportunities this fantastic career has to offer. Tyrik Jackson, an expert in branding and marketing, talks to us about knowing the difference between both sectors and how best to utilize social media for your own benefit. Up for discussion is also nailing down the right look for your shop and whether going for your own brand products is the way forward. 

Taking training to a new level of cool, Marcus Harvey talks to us about his Barber Star Summit. Imagine a cabin in the woods with specialized business training to add to those natural creative talents that barbers already have down. 

This issue’s Barbershop Focus is visually stunning. The Garrison, in Las Vegas, has newly opened and has devoted the entire central bar area of the shop to stocking the best products in the business, which is a massive income generator for them. Check it out. 

We can’t ignore the holiday season, it’s the time of year to get the cash register ringing. There is advice and suggestions on how to end this year on a financial high, ‘cause it’s never too late to start rocking the retail. 

The biggest brands in foil shavers open their toolkits and let us see what’s new to the market and what technology is lifting the performance of these essential tools. 

Finally, we have dedicated a page to our late friend Sam Wall. We remember Sam in better times with a smile on his face surrounded by his friends and peers. He was a true professional, a master of his craft and an inspiration to his peers. Above all he was a great friend and a true gentleman. The industry lost a good one when Sam left us. 

British Master Barbers, the alliance created to help qualified and highly skilled barbers across the UK showcase their talent, has selected and announced their finalists for the 2020 Barber of the Year award. There were 118 entrants, whittled down to a final 10 – and the judges will have a very difficult decision to make!

The finalists are: Allan Stone, Baldy, Corneliu Crihan, David Logue, Grant Hackett, Lee Dixon, Mercedes Paginton, Paul Mac, Sarrelle McCann and Shaun Buckingham.

We wish every finalist the very bets of luck for this prestigious competition!

Beat the winter blues.

New businesses who sign up to Schedulicity will get access to all of Schedulicity’s scheduling, marketing, and payment tools FOR FREE until March 1, 2021.

Visit: https://www.schedulicity.com/essentials/ to find out more!