Rory Antonio, a trailblazing force in the hairdressing industry, has proudly celebrated two successful years of his salon – Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. Since opening the doors in May 2022, the salon has established itself as a beacon of creativity and excellence, transforming the hair and beauty scene in the UK city of Wolverhampton.

Rory Antonio’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and dedication. Beginning his career at the renowned Royston Blythe salon, Rory honed his skills and showcased his artistic talent at photoshoots and catwalk shows. His desire for new challenges led him to Ashley Gamble, where he furthered his expertise and contributed significantly to the salon’s reputation for excellence.

In 2022, Rory’s entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to launch his own salon, Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab. With a vision to create a distinctive brand, synonymous with creativity and exceptional service, Rory has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of hairdressing.

“I wanted to build more than just a salon; I wanted to create an experience and a brand that stands out for its innovation and quality,” said Rory. “Our mission is to offer our clients unparalleled service and creativity, making every visit to our salon a memorable one.”

Known for his expertise in full cut and colour services and his proficiency with hair extensions, Rory has curated a loyal clientele, who trust him for their transformative hair journeys. His commitment to excellence was recognised in 2023 when he made his debut in the British Hairdressing Awards, reaching the finals for Midlands Hairdresser of the Year with his first-ever entry.

Reflecting on his journey, Rory shared valuable insights from his entrepreneurial experience. He emphasises the importance of meticulous financial management, especially navigating government-backed schemes and understanding hidden costs. 

“Persistence and patience are key,” he noted, sharing lessons learned about the unforeseen expenses that come with running a business. Rory also highlights the significance of choosing reliable salon suppliers and understanding the client demographic when selecting products.

“It’s essential to balance financial benefits with the customer experience,” he advised, advocating for a thoughtful approach to retail and product selection.

Building a dream team is another aspect of Rory’s success. He emphasises the value of home-grown talent and creating a supportive and rewarding work environment.

“Finding good, reliable staff is challenging, but investing in your team and showing appreciation can make all the difference,” Rory explained.

As Rory Antonio Hair & Beauty Lab celebrates this significant milestone, Rory remains focused on the future. His goals include further establishing his salon as a community hub, continuing to educate the next generation of hairdressers, and expanding his creative endeavours through photoshoots and competitions.

Rory Antonio’s story is one of inspiration, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he marks two years in business, the industry eagerly anticipates the continued impact of his contributions, expecting even greater achievements in the years to come.

Find out more about the hairdressing talent here.

V’s Barbershops, synonymous with the authentic barbershop experience since their establishment in 1999, are proud to announce the addition of prestigious UK grooming brand Captain Fawcett Ltd to their repertoire.

Captain Fawcett Ltd is a Manufacturer and Purveyor of a simply delectable range of ‘First Class Gentlemen’s Grooming Requisites’. The multi-award-winning product ranges are proudly ‘Made in the UK’ and favored by top-tier barbers and hair stylists throughout the world.

Founded by Jim Valenzuela (Mr V) in homage to cherished boyhood memories at Nick’s Barbershop, V’s Barbershops are acclaimed across the US for their time-honored sense of community and impeccable service.

Now, bolstering their mutual commitment to quality and tradition, V’s Barbershops introduce Captain Fawcett, renowned for heritage, craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. This partnership marks a significant milestone for both brands, as they continue to redefine the barbershop experience, fostering memorable moments for men and their sons across the nation.

Mr. V (Jim Valenzuela) said: “Partnering with Captain Fawcett to be their exclusive US retail launchpad is an exciting moment for V’s Barbershop. Their uncompromising quality, refined aesthetic, and elite reputation make them a standout in the men’s grooming space.

“This is something the American market hasn’t seen before, and we’re honored to be the ones to introduce it.”

Richie Finney, founder of Captain Fawcett, said: “I am absolutely delighted our brand has found its first American home with V’s Barbershop, marking what promises to be the beginning of an inspiring partnership.

“Mr V shares my own love for the cherished traditions of classic barbershops, places where time slows down, stories unfold and memories are not just made, but woven into the very fabric of our lives, honoring the timeless bonds uniting us across generations.”

Inspired by the many aromatic oils collected upon his voyages around the globe, Captain Fawcett offers a comprehensive range of contemporary male-specific products, infused with elegant fragrance and perfect for scent layering.

Masterminded at a magnificent Gentleman’s Emporium in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, UK, Captain Fawcett pays tribute to the ageless spirit of adventure which lives on in the hearts and minds of gentlemen everywhere.

Captain Fawcett is a key Brand Partner of The Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s ‘Project MEN’, providing products to global industry experts as they mentor the new generation of barbers and hairdressers at prestigious events throughout the year.

Iconic men’s grooming brand, American Crew, teamed up with top hairstylist, Kumi Craig to elevate movie star, Jamie Dornan’s MET Gala 2024 look. 

Whilst the MET Gala finished in the wee hours of Tuesday the 7^th of May, the fashion-forward looks that celebrities from across the globe delivered are still on our minds. Jamie Dornan, who played the infamous Mr Gray, is one of them. Teaming up with go-to stylist, Kumi Craig, who has also worked on stars, such as Sebastian Stan, Nicholas Cage and Pete Davidson, Jamie’s grooming stood out on the beige carpet. 

Kumi said: “For Jamie’s look, we wanted to keep it simple and effortless. I used a few of my go-to American Crew products to enhance and add texture to his curls and keep his beard soft, conditioned and ready for the red-carpet night ahead.” 

American Crew was founded in 1994 creating a market for grooming options made specifically for men. Over 25 years later, the company has developed a comprehensive portfolio of premium products, as well as a legacy steeped in commitment to the performance that stylists demand and the quality that men trust. From hair and body to shave, skin and fragrance, the American Crew® brand is dedicated to fulfilling the styling needs of today’s man.

Kumi used American Crew products to create his look and BarberEVO has the exclusive details from the artist herself…

Jamie’s Look Breakdown

• “On towel-dried hair, I began by spraying American Crew® Prep and Prime Tonicall over to prepare the hair for styling and for increased control and manageability.”

• “I then applied American Crew® Fiber Cream evenly throughout his hair to enhance his curls, provide a natural shine, and create flexibility with control for an effortless look.”

• “After styling his hair, I apply a small amount of American Crew® 2-in-1 Skin Moisturizer and Beard Conditioner to his beard to moisturize the skin beneath and condition the beard.”

•  “Last, I apply American Crew® Beard Serum to my palms, rub my hands together and spread evenly throughout his beard to keep it well-groomed, looking soft, and ready for the night ahead.”

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW.     

Get your copy here!

The latest issue of BarberEVO UK and Ireland is OUT NOW! Inside this issue, we have exclusive content from a variety of esteemed columnists and industry professionals covering everything from education, additional revue to your business, and the latest styling trends. We cover all this and more inside the latest issue.  

IN THIS ISSUE:     

Hayden Cassidy  

BarberEVO columnist and cover star, Hayden Cassidy, tells us all about her exciting new collaboration with Dior as their brand-new UK Grooming Expert. We speak to Hayden about her new role with the luxury fashion brand, as she takes us behind the scenes of her new opportunity; giving readers the inside scoop on how this came to fruition, what’s to come and showcasing the endless possibilities for barbering talent in the UK.  

Education 

In this industry, there is always room for investing in education. We speak to Simon Shaw and Alan Beak all about The Fellowship’s new Project Men & Media program and hear from those involved. Elsewhere we focus on how Artero is setting themselves apart in the industry as educators with Eric Way Lovemore. Also featuring words from some of our favourite educators, Vikki Harrison Smith, Mike Taylor, Ben Clifford, and Sigma Male Grooming.  

INTERIORS 

In a modern barbershop, being able to deliver a quality cut isn’t enough. Your store needs to look and feel good to clients, as we delve into the ways to boost your interiors. Here, we delve into how Barber Smiths transformed their shop with bespoke REM chairs, how to elevate your offerings with Takara Belmont, and how to revamp your workstations.  

Business & Technology 

Choosing how to market your business is never simple, as we speak to Josh O.P about his decision to build a brand based on himself while we get behind-the-scenes access to Heiniger’s latest UK campaign with Rex Silver and Robert Braid. Elsewhere, columnist Carlie Cardle tells BarberEVO readers about finding a side hustle that fits your lifestyle, while Jay Robert tells us all about the additional services you can add to your barbershop to boost revenue, and much more.  

In an increasingly digital world, technology is always evolving to make our lives easier. Which is where Rascal’s owner and founder Sam Bentham comes in, as we discuss all about why Fresha was the only and obvious choice for him when it comes to barbershop tech.  

Product Focus: Styling  

Styling is a huge part of being a barber, and knowing how to use the right tools and products to transform your client is key. Speaking to the very best, Bridey Jo shares her best styling tips, tricks and top products with BarberEVO readers. We hear from Curly Tom about why Byrd Hairdo Products is the ultimate choice for him when it comes to textured hair, while Chambers Sheffield owner Jonno Hart swears by Dapper Dan for premium results. 

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

Leading barbering tool manufacturer and professional education, Andis® Company, has just unveiled its new limited-edition Galaxy colourway.

Meant to capture the infinite possibilities when working with Andis® tools, the sleek, iridescent look of this new collection captures the hearts of professionals whose sights are set on the stars.

Featuring some of Andis® Company’s most popular tools, the Galaxy collection includes the cord/cordless Slimline Pro Trimmer and the Envy Li Adjustable Blade Clipper, which are available individually and as a combo kit.

“Fans of the Envy Li Clipper and Slimline Pro Trimmer will love this exciting new colourway!” said Angie Perino, Andis’ Global Education Manager. “These popular tools are lightweight, cordless and comfortable for professional all-day use, but pack the power and precision to create any style.”

The Slimline Pro Trimmer features a balanced, ergonomic shape for outlining, designing and dry shaving. Sleek and lightweight, the cord/cordless design allows for greater flexibility with zero downtime. Built with a powerful motor for increased speed and power, the lithium-ion battery delivers up to 2 hours of runtime. Equipped with a close-cutting, precision T-blade, the Galaxy edition Slimline Pro Trimmer embodies utility and style.

The Envy Li Clipper is also a mainstay for professionals worldwide due to its taper blade that adjusts from size 000 to size 1 – perfect for creating fade and taper styles.

Exceptionally versatile, the Envy Li features a high-speed, rotary motor but is extremely lightweight and balanced for comfort behind the chair. This clipper is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery, delivering over 2 hours of nonstop runtime. The cord/cordless Envy Li shines in its new Galaxy colourway.

The limited-edition Galaxy tools feature a 1-year warranty and are available at authorised Andis® dealers and andis.com. In the UK, this stunning colourway can be purchased here.

To learn more about Andis Company, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Innovative hair brand, OSMO, have just appointed their newest ambassador – the Glasgow born and based owner of Huncho Barbershop, Dale Mehmet. 

Dale began his barbering career 8 years ago, with his easy manner and naturally creative talent drawing him into the barbering world.

Having initially attended university after school to study art, he found the formal training restrictive and decided to leave in his final year.  After a short time in retail, he found himself drawn into the world of barbering, after a visit to his local barbers led to him being invited to shadow the owner.  Dale was hooked – he realised this was the creative buzz he’d been looking for.  

The self-taught barber built his clientele in a rented studio space before taking the jump to open his own Glasgow barbershop, Huncho Barbers, in 2023. 

Dale said: “I’ve been using OSMO products for most of my career, so it was a natural progression to take the range into my shop when I opened.  I’m constantly creating content for social media for my shop, and the OSMO team were excited by the work I was sharing and reached out.  It was an organic step for us both to collaborate and I’m looking forward to working closer with the team on creating more social content with OSMO.” 

Dale’s style of barbering is founded in the traditional techniques, but he likes to adapt his skills and cutting, so it’s unique to his creative style. A very busy barber, Dale balances running his shop with educating his growing team, whilst also creating social content to encourage footfall and excite his peers with his style of barbering.

OSMO Senior Brand Manager, Sinéad McLaughlin, added: “Dale is not only a great barber, but his understanding of social media is really stand out for us.  We know he’s been using our products and sharing this with his customers and followers for a long time now.  There’s lots in the pipeline with Dale and OSMO and we’re all looking forward to seeing how his ambassador role develops.”

Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming Captain Fawcett has announced that their new product has been awarded as a ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ Finalist at Cosmoprof Bologna.

The global lifestyle brand has been acclaimed for its  ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder. The Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry and with over 700 entries, from across the globe, the contest is extremely competitive, with just 3 finalists per category. 

Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.

Captain Fawcett’s new ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ collection, created for both professional barbershops, salons, and luxury styling at home.

Captain Fawcett founder Richie Finney was delighted to join fellow global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 22 March. 

He attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba Srl. 

Richie said: “It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be recognised as being amongst world leaders in the beauty and grooming industry. Being named as a Finalist amid such impressive competition from all across the world is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole team, not least our simply magnificent distributors who do so much to support the Captain Fawcett brand in their home territories. 

“Captain Fawcett thanks all colleagues and friends for each playing their hugely appreciated parts as we continue to forge ahead in 2024!”

Rascals’ Owner and Founder, Sam Bentham, has just been announced as the newest Fresha Ambassador. The #1 Salon Software for booking, analytics, payments and more, has supported Sam through his journey from barber apprentice, to barbershop owner and entrepreneur. Sam spoke to BarberEVO about why he is Fresha’s #1 fan.

“I mean, I’ve been using Fresha before it was called Fresha,” chuckled Sam Bentham. “It just feels pretty full circle to be a Fresha Ambassador now.”

Sam is the owner and founder of the Newcastle barbershops Rascals, haircare line of the same name – and the newly announced Fresha Ambassador. Sam set up his urban city-scape style barbershop in Newcastle in 2018 and Rascals’ second location at the end of 2023 – Sam feels like his career has catapulted. Whilst this type of constant career evolution would bring some people a certain degree of stress, Sam told us he “loves it.”

Smiling, Sam said: “It’s funny, Fresha has been with me throughout my career. When I was just starting out, I got involved with Fresha because it was free, at the time. I’ve stuck with it for the entire time I’ve owned Rascals because it’s just so user-friendly. For me, it’s the perfect application – having two locations; with any other service, I would have to have two subscriptions. With Fresha, I’m able to integrate both stores into the one app. Having access to information about everything going on in my barbershops – from my stock levels to my staff’s commission – on one app, it’s made everything go so much smoother.”

The barber and entrepreneur, who is originally from North Tyneside in Newcastle, spoke to us whilst in the middle of a move to Manchester. While telling us about his plans to leave his barbershops in a managerial capacity, to set up a studio in the Rainy City and focus on creating digital barbering content, he noted that this is where Fresha comes in handy.

He said: “I have an amazing team at both Rascals stores, but I know that because they are such busy stores, the load will sometimes get overwhelming. It’s great to know that even if I’ll be away from the stores, I’ll be able to take on some of that weight. One of my favourite features on Fresha, is the add-on called Team Pay. I’m able to monitor the attendance and hours worked with the clocking in and out time sheets. I can track their commission, wages and tips – and pay it out. All from the app – wherever I am. Before Team Pay was developed, I used to have to sit on a Saturday afternoon and work everything out myself. So, it’s really allowed me to maximise my time and focus on different branches of my career.”

“I mean, there’s a greater benefit to it too, for owners. Before this feature came out, I used to have all of this money paid into my business account and send it out from there, which meant I was taxed on it all. With Fresha, because it’s all paid out via them and the business wallet feature, I’ve ended up saving nearly half my VAT bill, which I can then reinvest into my business,” Sam said.

The young creative, whilst “always having a business mindset,” didn’t always have the barbering bug – but it seemed there was always something trying to reel him in. When he was a child, Sam’s mum worked in a hairdresser – where Sam admittedly “loved the sound of the hair being cut.” After leaving high school, Sam studied Aerospace Engineering at college. Only lasting a year, he dropped out with no clear plan. With more free time on his hands, Sam began modelling hairstyles for his friend, who was undertaking a hairdresser apprenticeship. Fascinated by the colors and styles, Sam decided to make the move into the barbering world.

Sam said: “As soon as I figured out that I was going to give barbering a go, I knew I wanted to have my own shop. I’m someone who likes to do it my own way. When I was working for other barbers, I would always observe their space and visualise what I’d do with it. It’s the same with Rascals hair products. I’d be styling people’s hair and thinking about what ingredient could enhance the formula – even how I could make the packaging look better. So, I knew I had to start it up.”

The entrepreneur notes that launching the Rascals range in the summer of 2023 is one of two “real career highlights,” which reminds him of “just how far” he has come. Opening his second location of Rascals soon after the launch of his product line also gave the budding businessman a huge boost.

“It was so exciting opening the second Rascals. It lets me know I’m doing something right,” Sam nodded, before continuing. “I’m trying to do something different at Rascals. I’m trying to create something that is in between a barbershop and a salon. So, I use a lot of scissor work with a super in-depth consultation. I don’t want it to be your typical barbershop.”

Sam acknowledges that for some clients, this new-wave style of barbershop can feel intimidating. At Rascals, he makes it a priority to have his clients feel comfortable from the get-go.

“It’s about being greeted with a smile,” he said. “It’s about making the effort to give your client that good quality advice, to ensure your client feels listened to. I believe that’s one of the reasons we have such great customer retention rates. We’re able to focus on the service and really engage – a lot of that is because we have Fresha to deal with those important, but honestly, time-consuming tasks. We’re able to create that service that keeps our customers coming back.”

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW! 

IN THIS ISSUE: 

REY SCOTT FOR MY SUPPLY GUY 

In every issue of BarberEVO, our cover star, Rey Scott, AKA My Supply Guy, guides us to three booming barber businesses. Always on the lookout for fresh industry talent to shine a spotlight on – Rey not only supplies the barbering industry with their products and tools, but he also bolsters the heart of the industry… the people that fill it. In this issue, we wanted to do something a little bit different. We wanted to shine that spotlight onto Rey, to let you get to know the man behind it all a little bit better.  

L3VEL3  

Kicking off this edition, we have L3VEL3™ – who are, indeed, taking things to the next level. The brand have always showed up in style, but now they are arriving in color. We caught up with the L3VEL3™, Chrystofer Benson, and the Director of Events & Artists, Hannah Benson, who played instrumental roles in the development of their new color line. Sitting down with the pair, we talked all about how the barbering color game is going to see a major shift in the coming months. 

EVENTS 

Events the last few weeks have been popping off. With Rise of Hair bringing the heat in St Petersburg, FL, in August; the LV Barber Expo hitting the jackpot; and JRL heading to China, alongside their ambassador Squeak the Barber. And we can’t forget the STMNT Summit in our event roundup! Held in the beautiful, bustling city of Barcelona – beacons of contemporary barbering got together in a convergence of creativity, culture and community.  

BARBER OF THE EDITION 

As this editions Barber of Edition, we have John Carmona AKA Titan Barber. Known for striking cuts and colors that challenge conformity and encourage individuality, all whilst running his incredibly successful barbershops – Barber Theory – and being a Wahl Future Maker and a STMNT Social Media Ambassador. 

TEXTURE 

Textured hair is hair of diversity – with curls, coils and waves – and it’s more than just a style. It’s a statement of identity and heritage. For barbers, mastering the art of cutting and styling textured hair is essential. Requiring a unique skillset, tools and understanding, we spoke to industry experts to find out more. With words from Lauren The Legend, Zeke Peters, 360 Jeezy and more, we talk everything from braiding, to trimming, to hair care. 

INTERIORS 

Your surroundings have more of an influence on you than you think… call it the placebo effect, or simply good taste! But what you can never do is underestimate the power of a great barbershop, especially with a great interior. Kicking off our interiors section, we have Josh DeMarco of DAPR who believes that true craftmanship is the key to the most elevated experiences. Then we head over to The Gents Place, who’s Collins furniture helps clients coming back, again and again. Heading across the pond to London, we visited Time barbershop – who talk us through why they believe that taking time to curate an experience is what will take you to the next level. Find all this and more I our interiors section… 

BUSINESS 

Kicking off business, we have Sly Huncho – who sits down to discuss why social media is the boost you need in business. Next up we have our esteemed columnists, Tyler Kelbert and Brandi Lashay, who reveal their secrets to a flourishing barbering business. Fresha also popped by the BarberEVO pages with their friend Thaddeus, discussing how to balance different avenues of your career. Following on, we have many more chats about cash flow, tech, recruitment and, of course, retention – with our columnists, such as, Chico Boom and Angie Perino sharing all the insider secrets.  

BEARDS & ‘TACHE 

Last up, we enter the world of beards and mustaches. Transcending their status as mere facial hair trends, they’ve become powerful symbols of personal style and self-expression. From sleek, sculpted beards, to bold statement making ‘taches – today’s grooming landscape has evolved. In this edition we highlight those at the fore, including 18.21 Man Made, Cédric Johnson Jr. from V’s, grooming expert Michael Ryder, and so much more. Our friends at Wellness Pro even popped by to give their top tips to dealing with those pesky nicks (and, of course, how to avoid them). 

In this industry, Eric Way Lovemore needs no introduction following his stellar career in the hair world. Now, the world-class barber has added another accolade to his belt: Artero’s UK and Northern Ireland Brand Manager.

On top of this new role, he will continue his work as the UK ambassador and global educator role for Artero. Telling us about his new venture, Eric said: “As the Brand Manager, I will grow the brand within my countries, introducing Artero to distributors, academies, barbershop, hairdressing salons, and end users. Artero has laid its foundations securely in the marketplace but now it’s time for the brand to start resonating with everyone and experience this well priced, high quality diverse product range that Artero has to offer.

“Now it will be easier for the brand to have a face in the country for buyers to easily communicate with and for me to bring more opportunities to the brand which is far easier than Artero in Spain trying to do it.”

He added: “When I was introduced to Artero three years ago, I immediately fell in love with the ethos of the brand and the quality of all the products. I realised that the brand was at its infant stages in the UK and Northern Ireland but was a brand that had been established for more than a hundred years and is still run by the same family from the very beginning.

“I wanted to be part of the brands journey and felt that with my passion for the industry I could grow with the brand and help being part of its unprecedented success globally.”