Highland, the haircare brand specializing in high-performing, non-toxic products, is taking rosemary from kitchen cupboard to haircare heavyweight, with a new conditioner alternative, The Condish, a next-generation, broad-use conditioner powered by botanicals and clinically-tested ingredients that hydrate and strengthen hair while supporting scalp health.

More than two years in the making, The Condish was developed in response to traditional conditioners which coat hair in synthetics and silicones, which Highland said creates the illusion of moisture while blocking the real thing.
“They congest your scalp, accelerate buildup, leave hair looking dull and weighed down,” said Highland Co-founder Ben Medalie.

“With our Glacial Clay Pomade and Glacial Cream, we’ve already transformed the way people approach styling products. Completing the ritual meant taking the same standard into the shower. The award-winning Wash reimagined the cleanse. The Condish is our answer to everything after.”

Formulated in partnership with hair professionals, leading organic chemists, and cosmetic experts, The Condish replaces these synthetics with botanical and science-backed ingredients that power a high-performance, weightless conditioner that genuinely hydrates.

“We’re a brand that doesn’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take ingredient integrity and innovation more seriously than anyone else in the industry. This truly is a conditioner evolved,” said Boone Whiteside, co-founder of Highland.

“We set out to thread the needle on making a product that felt premium in the shower, supplied true, long-lasting conditioning, and was made with innovative, clean ingredients. Developing The Condish was strenuous, challenging and illuminated why most conditioner formulas are built the way they are—and exactly why this launch was necessary.”

At the heart of The Condish are clinically-proven ingredients selected for both immediate performance and long-term benefits, including caffeine, Amazonian Babassu Oil, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Cupuaçu Seed Butter, and Aquaxyl™, an advanced humectant complex that supports moisture retention and hydration.

Rather than treating conditioner as something that simply softens the lengths, The Condish combines rosemary with biotin, and panthenol to support the scalp while delivering lightweight hydration, detangling and strengthening benefits. 

Highland said that while other conditioners lean on a few highly marketable active ingredients and leverage fillers for the balance of the formula, with The Condish, every single ingredient was scrutinized and had to earn its place—satisfying specific performance metrics (slip, detangling, hydration, anti-static, etc.) and hair health impact.

Infused with functional aroma notes of Siberian Fir and Rosemary, The Condish is free of silicones, artificial fragrances, sulfates, parabens, SLS, and gluten. It is designed for professional and at-home use, is color-safe, and suitable for all hair types.

Rather than treating conditioner as something that simply softens the lengths, The Condish combines rosemary with biotin, and panthenol to support the scalp while delivering lightweight hydration, detangling and strengthening benefits. 

The result is a conditioner designed to care for both the hair you can see and the scalp underneath it without relying on silicones, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances.

From Aveda’s Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo to Mielle’s viral Rosemary Mint collection and Nécessaire’s Rosemary Shampoo, the botanical has become one of the most recognizable ingredients in scalp and hair care, but its appeal goes beyond its fresh, herbal scent. 

Research has explored rosemary’s role in supporting healthy hair growth. One clinical trial found that rosemary oil and 2% minoxidil produced comparable improvements in hair count after six months among people with alopecia.  Research has also pointed to rosemary’s antioxidant properties, all which can contribute to a healthier scalp environment.

Studies have also explored its potential to support hair growth and circulation, with compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, and rosmarinic acid contributing to its biological activity.  

The Condish retails for $36 and can be purchased on Highland.style and Amazon.

Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland has traded his statement golden locks for a short back and sides, stunning fans on social media before heading to the pitch to face AFC Bournemouth.

The Man City striker posted a series of shots to social media, showing the moment the clippers buzzed off his flowing hair to leave behind a short cropped style, commenting on his new look with a simple “Short hair, don’t care.”

Short hair don’t care 😅✂️ pic.twitter.com/tPzQVFoUIL

— Erling Haaland (@Erling) August 23, 2026

Commenting on Haaland’s new streamlined look, Bailey Snowden from Snowden Hair said: “I am a huge fan of the new look, Haaland is taking it right back to his roots with a style that he rocked when he was a young player.

“I think that it was about time that he freshened up his look and I can really get behind the buzz cut. It currently looks very natural; however, I think he would really benefit from a skin fade or a taper to finish. This would give the style a touch of premium edge, but overall its 10/10 and I rate the new look.”

Santana & Co had already rewritten the rules of scalp micropigmentation in Texas. The new challenge was bigger: put barbering, SMP, tattooing, permanent makeup, and education under one roof.

Three weeks after opening their new 5,500-square-foot space in Fort Worth, it was clear this wasn’t just another barbershop expansion. It was an experiment in what a modern grooming hub could look like.

“I’ve been in the industry going on 14 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Sam Garcia, the brains behind Santana & Co.

“I’ve traveled all over the country, and I’ve never seen a space that has tattooing, permanent makeup, scalp micropigmentation, barbering, and education all together.”

One roof, many careers

Around 20 professionals work inside the Santana & Co space, and the energy is of a shared ecosystem rather than a row of competing chairs. A client might walk in for a haircut and walk out with a new tattoo consultation booked, or come in for SMP and end up planning a full sleeve.

“Somebody will come in for a haircut, then realize they want a tattoo as well,” Sam explained. “It just all complements each other. Everyone’s clientele is one big community.”

From a barber’s perspective, that meant built-in cross-promotion without the pressure of fighting for the same fades and beard trims as the person at the next station.

“It’s not like you’re fighting for clients. You can come to me, go to him, go to them, do it all at once.”

In simple math: nine barbers cutting five to ten people a day means roughly 200 clients a week walking past tattooers and SMP artists. Each tattoo artist then brings their own clients back into the barbering and education side.

Designed for work, not Instagram

Visually, the space was built to feel open and communal, while still hitting strict sanitation and licensing standards. It took about a year just to secure the licenses.

“The space has to be big enough to do all this for sanitation,” he explained. “You can’t cram everything in. Our space is 5,500 square feet, all sectioned out perfectly.”

The fit-out was another story of risk and instinct. Santana met with manufacturers a year before the space was approved, and started designing custom stations, lighting, and furniture down to the last detail.

They skipped traditional tattoo chairs and installed remote-control dental beds instead, making long SMP and tattoo sessions more ergonomic for both artist and client.

The gamble came when he put down around $50,000 on equipment before the city had even voted on his licensing.

“If they didn’t vote it in, then I wouldn’t have a building, but I’d still have 30 crates of equipment arriving. That’s the risk you take in business.”

On January 7, the council voted in his favor. The bet paid off.

Education at the core

For Santana & Co, the space was more than just a flashy buildout. It functioned as an education center for barbers, tattoo artists, SMP specialists, and PMU professionals.

They bring in one to two high-level educators each month, focusing on quality over social media numbers. SMP remains Sam’s “bread and butter,” but all the education arms carry equal weight in the new space.

The vision did not stop at one location. Santana talked openly about franchising the concept globally within the next year and hinted at serious interest from major partners. Aftercare giant H2Ocean also came on board as a sponsor, underlining how seriously other segments of the industry were taking the experiment.

What barbers should take from this

For working barbers, Santana & Co’s new space wasn’t just a cool build; it was a signal of where the profession could go:

A barber no longer has to stay in a single-lane career for life. In a space like this, they could cut hair, learn SMP, explore tattoo or PMU education, and plug into a wider creative culture without leaving a shop environment. The idea was not to abandon barbering, but to expand it.

“I’ve been on the streets before,” he said. “If it all fails, I’ve been there. What do I have to lose?”

At an event packed with world-class education, barber battles, and product launches, one of the most talked-about experiences on the CT Barber Expo show floor was happening at the BarberEVO booth: the wheel of Rolda!

In partnership with Rolda, BarberEVO launched the Wheel of Rolda, an interactive activation that gave attendees the opportunity to spin a custom wheel-of-fortune-style game and win exclusive prizes throughout the weekend.

The activation was a major success, generating more than 200 spins across the event and drawing a constant crowd eager to test their luck.

Participants spun the wheel to reveal their prize before receiving a custom poker chip, which they could then redeem at the Rolda booth. The activation created a fun, engaging journey across the show floor while encouraging attendees to connect with both brands.

Step Up, Step Up

Winners had the opportunity to walk away with Rolda Hair Gel, Texturizing Powder, branded Rolda hats, professional cutting combs, the latest issue of BarberEVO featuring the Rolda family on the cover, or even a one-year subscription to BarberEVO magazine.

“Here at Rolda, we are so excited to be celebrating our 35th year anniversary with BarberEVO – not just with our front cover edition, but also with this amazing activation at CT Barber Expo,” said Luis Di Girolamo, Head of Digital & Ecommerce at Rolda.

While the prizes generated excitement, the activation represented something bigger than giveaways.

As Rolda celebrates its anniversary, the family-owned company continues to champion the values that have helped shape its success within the barbering industry.

“Rolda has been in this industry for about 35 years,” explained Di Girolamo. “It’s a family-owned business, so we’re just like you guys. We’re Latinos. We came from another culture, another country. We’re coming here to make our dream happen, whether your dream is success, a legacy, or achieving what you never thought was possible.”

“Spinning this wheel not only lets you win a prize from the company, but it allows you to meet other people, meet our educators, and start to envision yourself in the future,” he said.

Barbers, students, educators, and industry professionals gathered around the wheel, celebrating wins and sharing conversations between spins. The activation became a natural meeting point where attendees could engage with the Rolda team, discover new products, and learn more about the company’s mission.

With countless winners and a constant buzz surrounding the booth, the Wheel of Rolda proved that sometimes the most memorable moments at an expo come from simply taking a chance and spinning the wheel.

At PBA’s 2026 North American Hairdressing Awards sponsored by JCPenney, the “3” in L3VEL3 became even more meaningful, as not only did the ambassador team garner three finalist spots for the Barber of the Year category, but they took home their third consecutive win, with Carlos Pagan – aka Drastic Barber earning his very own trophy.

BarberEVO was lucky enough to speak to Carlos and the rest of the L3VEL3 team after their win in the Winner’s Lounge sponsored by Goldwell, but also in the BarberEVO X L3VEL3 podcast booth the very next day. David Foster sat down with Jay Nouri as well as Carlos himself to get the team’s first reaction.

When Carlos heard his name announced as the 2026 NAHA Barber of the Year, he did not see it as a solo victory. He immediately framed the win as a collective achievement, saying it was not his moment, it was their moment, and that everyone had put so much energy into the journey and helped each other so much that he genuinely believed all of them were winners.

Standing under the lights in Orlando, Carlos was not just accepting an award. He was validating a culture of shared success.

From Rocky Roads to Red Carpets

Carlos’s NAHA moment was inseparable from a health battle that could easily have ended his run before it began. He recalled that in January 2025 he had been diagnosed with cancer and had fought it for four or five months.

Later that year, he received a call from Jay, who told him he wanted Carlos in for a September shoot. Carlos admitted he told Jay he was not ready, but Jay – in a loving push – decided otherwise and told him he would be coming to shoot the NAHA collection.

He described that outcome as proof that God was amazing, that God allowed struggle to test how a person handled life, then surprised them with something like this on the other side. For Carlos, the award signaled that there was another chapter waiting, one in which God had more in store than he had imagined.

Carlos described the moment his name was called with disarming honesty. He said, “I heard ‘Carlos,’ I thought it was former winner and teammate, Carlos Estrella (Los Cut It.) I will be honest; I totally forgot about myself.”

Sitting in a category with people he called “so, so unbelievable,” including: “Papi Blendzz,” “Los, the goat himself,” and “Arod, the most well-known barber in the world,” he said he simply thought, “Los’s got it.” The reality hit when he heard “Pagan.” From there, the night became a blur of hugs and gratitude.

“When they called my name, I could not believe it, not even for a second. It took me so long just to make it to the stage, because everybody was just hugging me and hugging me and hugging me, and I did not want to let nobody go either.”

“You Are the Captain of Your Life”

In his final words as NAHA’s 2026 Barber of the Year, Carlos turned his story into a directive for others.

He told barbers and creatives: “Do not let nobody tell you what is going to be the destiny of your life. You are actually the captain of your life.” He urged: “Take decisions, put one foot in front of the other, and remember that with God, everything is possible, and there is always a brighter day tomorrow. No matter how big the storm looks today.”

For Carlos “Drastic Barber” Pagan, the NAHA win was not just a personal milestone. It was living proof that faith, family style teamwork, and a refusal to let ego lead could turn a cancer diagnosis, a first-time collection, and a stacked category into a moment that belonged to an entire community.

Three of the industry’s hottest names have launched a new mentoring membership program, creating a one stop shop for community support and business mentoring.

Mentored By Menspire (@mentoredbymenspire) brings together Chris Foster, Josh Lamonaca and Samuel Palmer to give barbers around the world direct access to the best advice, training and mentoring designed to grow business knowledge, technical skill and networking opportunities.

The first bi-lingual platform of its kind, the three industry icons will share their knowledge and expertise across every discipline they specialise in, all available through a single yearly membership that gives exclusive access to content, networking and weekly mentoring sessions.

Global educator and Men’s Hairdresser of the Year Josh focuses on cutting, styling and finishing skills, and putting together photo shoots for barbers looking to grow every skill.

“This isn’t a one-off masterclass or a single course,” said Josh. “It’s an ongoing community, so barbers can keep coming back to it as they grow, not just take one thing away and move on. We have always had a community but this will bring everyone together to support the industry for the future.”

Entrepreneur Samuel addresses the commercial side of the trade, including pricing, client retention and building a sustainable career, while award-winning barber Chris specialises in profile building, covering personal brand, social presence and reputation, helping barbers become known for their work rather than relying on it to speak for itself.

“There’s never been anywhere where barbers could go to learn from more than one mentor at this level, in one place,” said Chris. “We’ve each built our own name doing things differently, and that’s exactly why we wanted to bring it all together and share it with the industry.

“Mentored by Menspire has been years in the making and we are excited to work with a community of barbers.”

The trio describes the platform as something they wished they had had early in their careers, a program designed for barbers at every stage, from those just starting out to established names looking to grow.

“Our aim is to raise standards and expertise within the barbering industry, creating an international community where barbers can support one another, share their own inspirations and become the best barbers and barbershop owners they possibly can,” said Samuel.

Mentored By Menspire is available via a dedicated Menspire App and at mentoredbymenspire.com.

Creating three individual looks that feel distinct while still working together as a cohesive story has never been easier, thanks to the versatility of STMNT Grooming Goods. For the Camp Rock 3 Premiere, Celebrity groomer Marissa Machado styled The Jonas Brothers. Each look was designed around the individual texture and personality of the hair, using strategic styling techniques to create effortless, camera ready finishes.

Kevin

For Kevin’s look, I start by blow drying the hair smooth, then flattening it out to emphasize length and texture. Once I’ve achieved the desired shape, I work STMNT Fiber Pomade through the hair, really focusing on the roots to create structure and control.

From there, I pull out individual pieces throughout the hair, creating separation and movement. The goal is a messy-but-put-together finish that feels effortless rather than overly styled.

Joe

For Joe’s look, I begin with the hair quite damp and apply STMNT Curl Cream throughout. As I work the product through the hair, I scrunch the ends back upward, encouraging and enhancing his natural curl pattern.

I then use a dryer on a low heat, medium speed setting to gently shape the curls while maintaining their natural movement. Once the hair is dry, I go back in with a dime sized amount of STMNT Curl Cream, working it through individual pieces to add definition and polish. I continue refining the curls until I get that perfect piece of hair falling forward.

Nick

For Nick’s look, I started with  STMNT Fiber Pomade worked through damp hair, using a generous amount to accommodate his thicker texture. I then blow dry the hair low and slow, taking it to about 95% dry while creating the desired shape.

Once the overall silhouette is established, I go back in with the STMNT Fiber Pomade, working through each individual curl to enhance its shape, bounce, and shine. The result is a defined finish that still has movement and personality, allowing the natural texture of the hair to be part of the look.

The Professional Beauty Association is inviting licensed barbers and beauty professionals to showcase their technical skill and artistic vision in one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions.

Entries are now open for the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (PBA NAHA) 2027, giving licensed professionals—including barbers—the opportunity to have their work recognized on an international stage.

For nearly four decades, PBA NAHA has celebrated artists whose creativity, technical excellence and innovation help shape the professional beauty industry. The annual competition recognizes collections that challenge convention, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and offer a glimpse into the future of hair and grooming.

Barbering remains an important part of that creative landscape. From precision cutting and detailed fading to styling, texture work and bold editorial concepts, the competition offers barbers an opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of their craft beyond the barbershop chair.

This wider representation is also reflected in PBA NAHA’s refined logo. While respecting the competition’s long history, the updated identity moves beyond its traditional association with hairdressing to represent the full range of artists celebrated today—including those working across barbering, hair, makeup and nails.

“Every year, PBA NAHA reminds us that creativity is one of the most powerful forces shaping our industry,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “These artists don’t just create beautiful work. They challenge techniques, influence trends, and inspire what’s possible for the profession.

“As PBA NAHA continues to evolve alongside the industry, we’re proud to recognize all the extraordinary talent that makes professional beauty so dynamic.”

The 2027 competition will also see the return of Nail Professional of the Year for the first time since 2020, further expanding the disciplines represented by the awards.

Entries are open to non-members until October 13, 2026. PBA members receive an extended deadline and can submit their collections until November 12, 2026.

Finalists will be announced at Premiere Anaheim on February 7, 2027. The winners will then be revealed live at PBA NAHA 2027 on June 6, held alongside Premiere Orlando.

Barbers and other licensed professionals are invited to submit collections that best demonstrate their creativity, technical ability and individual artistic vision.

For competition rules, eligibility requirements, category descriptions and entry details, visit probeauty.org/NAHA.

Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with SalonCentric, this year’s show will offer expanded education, enhanced programming, and exciting new experiences, making it the go-to destination for beauty professionals and students across the Southwest.

More than just a beauty show, Premiere San Antonio is a cornerstone industry event uniting attendees with over 115 exhibiting brands across hair, nails, barbering, spa & wellness, brows, lashes, and makeup for two days of education, shopping, and networking. Beauty professionals and students will discover new products and trends, build skills, strengthen relationships, and engage with the industry’s top brands and most influential educators.

“There’s something special about the beauty community across the Southwest, and we’re honored to be coming back to San Antonio,” said Erin McDonald, Event Director, Premiere Shows. “This isn’t just another show—it’s where top artists, educators, and brands who make this industry thrive come to share their expertise, and where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs gain unparalleled access to education, connections, and opportunities that move careers forward. We’ve lined up incredible brands, inspiring experiences, and real ways to elevate your craft and build your business. Show up ready to learn, make genuine connections, and leave energized about what’s possible.”

Exhibit Floor Experience – New Activations 

Premiere San Antonio continues to evolve with exciting new activations designed to deliver immersive education and hands-on experiences.

The SalonCentric Pavilion, will feature brand partners including Bumble and bumble, Color Wow, Framar, House of Foils, Redken, and more, offering product discovery, education, and interactive experiences. Attendees can stop by the SalonCentric booth to participate in the Gamified Experience for a chance to win exclusive custom swag and future education opportunities. Those ready to grow their expertise can also enroll in SalonCentric’s Dry Head Spa Certification, gaining specialized training in one of the beauty industry’s fastest-growing service categories.

“SalonCentric is proud to bring an exceptional lineup of our brand partners and the latest product innovations to Premiere San Antonio,” said LeAnn Bobitt, SVP Brand Strategy at SalonCentric. “We’re committed to providing Southwest beauty professionals with access to the tools, trends, and education they need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions with the educators and brands shaping professional beauty, we’re here to empower attendees with the resources and inspiration that translate directly into salon success.”  

For the first time ever, the Demo Stage will spotlight live demonstrations across spa & wellness, nails, makeup, lashes, and brows, giving attendees an intimate look at emerging techniques and trends from brands and educators such as LeChat Nail Products, Lashbomb and IAMA Artistry LLC. 

Exhibit Floor Experience – Returning Favorites 

Inside the Premiere Lounge, Ulta Beauty will offer ear piercing and brow services alongside exciting interactive activations like Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and The Premiere Charm Bar by OUTCHARMED, where you can design a custom charm bracelet.

The Color Stage returns with live demonstrations from leading color brands and educators showcasing advanced techniques, emerging trends, and creative inspiration. 

Attendees can explore the expansive show floor to shop and discover cutting-edge innovations and trends from more than 100 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as CHI by Farouk, Kokoist, T3 Micro, Panasonic, and Procell Therapies, offering the latest products, tools, and technologies to elevate their businesses.

The popular Value Center also returns, offering exclusive show-only deals and deep discounts on professional tools and products giving attendees the chance to stock their salons, spas and barbershops.

Education – Unparalleled Learning Opportunities

Education remains at the heart of the Premiere experience, with more than 180 complimentary classes included with every show registration. From hands-on workshops to live demonstrations, attendees will gain practical skills they can immediately bring to their salons, spas, barbershops, and businesses.

This year’s educational lineup features industry-leading talent including educators such as SalonCentric, Rachel Bynum, Presley Poe, Leysa Carrillo, Nicck Townsend, Kirsty Meakin, Savannah Hicks, Olivia Thompson, Wayne Tuggle, and many more.

Texas beauty professionals may also complete state cosmetology continuing education requirements through approved onsite CE classes. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Barbering and Cosmetology will be available to assist with licensing questions.

The Main Stage and Barber Stage programming will feature high-energy demonstrations and presentations from some of the industry’s most recognized artists and educators, including Bumble and bumble, David Lopez for Ulta Beauty, Anna Cantu for CHI by Farouk, Byrd Mena, Ivan Ross for WAHL, Matty Conrad, Danny Amorim, and more.

Competition, Community & Connection 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will connect with peers, educators, brands, and industry leaders while engaging in competitions and live programming.

Professional and Student Barber Battles, powered by L3VEL3 and sponsored by JRL, will provide emerging and established talent with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition.

The celebration continues Sunday, August 30th at 5PM with the official Premiere San Antonio After Party at Howdy Sore Loser, featuring line dancing, live DJ sets, happy hour specials, and exclusive merch giveaways—bringing the beauty community together for networking and celebration in true San Antonio style.

Early Bird pricing for Premiere San Antonio is now available, purchase show passes on or before August 6th to save $40. Beauty professional, student and instructor bundles can be purchased online or in person at a local SalonCentric or State | RDA stores. For registration and additional event information visit premieresanantonioshow.com

From global stages and industry education to championing the relationship between barbering and hairdressing, Simon Shaw brings energy, experience and big ambitions to his new role as President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.

Simon Shaw has spent his career bringing people together through hair. Now, as the 40th President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, he is ready to help take the organisation into its ninth decade.

For anyone familiar with the worlds of barbering, men’s hairdressing and education, Simon needs little introduction. As Global Artistic Director for Wahl UK, he has travelled the world sharing his knowledge, delivering high-energy presentations and helping to drive standards across the industry.

With 35 years of experience, Simon has seen barbering and hairdressing evolve significantly. His new position gives him an opportunity to draw those worlds even closer together while creating more opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers.

“The Fellowship is a wonderful organisation, full of inspirational people who epitomise everything that’s great about British hairdressing and barbering in all different sectors,” Simon said.

A Long History with the Fellowship

Simon’s appointment is the next step in a relationship that began early in his career. Over the years, he has worked alongside former presidents and board members, supported the Fellowship’s education and helped strengthen its visibility across the industry.

As Head of Education, Simon has been closely involved in showcasing what the organisation can offer its members. He was also instrumental in introducing Project Men & Media, giving emerging barbers and men’s hair specialists the opportunity to develop their technical, presentation, photographic and media skills.

That experience reflects an important part of Simon’s approach. He does not see barbering and hairdressing as two separate conversations. For him, both are part of one creative, professional industry with plenty to learn from each other.

Putting Education Front and Centre

Education will sit at the heart of Simon’s two-year presidency. While the Fellowship is known for supporting some of the industry’s most exciting emerging talent, Simon wants to make those opportunities more visible and accessible.

“There’s so much that I want to achieve throughout my presidency, from working with Further Education throughout the UK to developing our membership across the board, highlighting the education we provide,” he explained.

Strengthening relationships with colleges will be a major priority. By connecting students and educators more closely with working professionals, Simon hopes to help young people understand the variety of careers available to them.

That means looking beyond one traditional route. Whether someone wants to work in a salon, build a barbering career, specialise in session work, become an educator, develop a media profile or take their skills around the world, the Fellowship can help open doors.

Bringing Everyone Along

Simon also wants to grow and diversify the Fellowship’s membership, ensuring that professionals from every corner of the industry feel represented. Barbers, hairdressers, colourists, textured-hair specialists, independent professionals, salon teams and students should all be able to see a place for themselves within the organisation.

His presidency comes as the Fellowship celebrates its 80th year. It is an opportunity to respect the organisation’s heritage while considering what the next generation needs from it.

Simon follows former President Ashleigh Hodges and joins a distinguished list of past leaders that includes Errol Douglas MBE, Beverly C MBE, Robert Eaton, Karine Jackson and Ken Picton.

“I am privileged to take on the role of President, taking the Fellowship into its ninth decade, and to work with the members, sponsors, partners and Head Office team, all who make the Fellowship so special,” he said.

For Simon, the new role is ultimately about connection: connecting education with opportunity, young talent with experienced mentors, and barbering with the wider hairdressing community.

With his trademark enthusiasm and a career built around sharing knowledge, Simon’s presidency looks set to be energetic, inclusive and firmly focused on what comes next.

Become a member today at: https://fellowshiphair.com/