Novo Cabelo has announced Steven Goldsworthy as the winner of its first ever Stylist of the Year Award, unveiled during a live online ceremony hosted by founder Rob Wood.

The award marks a significant moment for the company, celebrating not only technical excellence in hair systems, but also the compassion, consultation standards and ongoing client care that sit at the heart of the Novo Cabelo philosophy.

Steven, a trained trichologist, was recognised for his ethical approach to hair loss solutions and his commitment to supporting clients throughout every stage of their journey.

Steven said: “As a Trichologist, my role in hair loss has always been to identify the underlying cause, advise on preventative measures, and, in extreme cases, refer clients for a hair transplant. However, transplantation is not always the right solution, and I felt strongly that there was a gap in care where many clients were being left without a suitable alternative.

After months of research, I discovered Novo Cabelo, which at the time was a relatively new company. I followed their work closely, watched their social platforms, and eventually reached out to undertake their training. Once we began offering hair systems, the response was overwhelming. We were inundated with enquiries and quickly built a large, loyal client base.

Hair systems are not for everyone, and we are always completely upfront about the costs and ongoing maintenance. I often compare the decision to Botox versus a facelift: one is temporary but still a significant investment, while the other is permanent, surgical, very expensive and irreversible.

Winning this award is a wonderful tribute to my amazing system clients and, most importantly, gives future clients confidence that they are in safe, experienced hands, receiving both an exceptional service and a high quality solution.”

Hosted online by Novo Cabelo founder Rob Wood, the event brought together stylists from across the network to recognise excellence in a sector that has historically lacked structured education and ongoing professional support.

Rob Wood said: “This award is about far more than hair. It is about restoring confidence, identity and dignity for people who have experienced hair loss. Steven represents everything 

Novo Cabelo stands for: integrity, care, innovation and a deep understanding of the emotional journey our clients are on.

When we launched Novo Cabelo, our mission was to raise standards within the hair system industry and remove any stigma around wearing hair. That starts with education, aftercare and supporting our stylists so they can support their clients properly. Steven embodies that standard.”

Since launching its training programme, Novo Cabelo has focused on transforming the perception of hair systems within the wider hair industry. By prioritising in depth consultation processes, structured aftercare, scalp health and system safe product development, the company has built a reputation for innovation rooted in client wellbeing.

The introduction of the Stylist of the Year Award signals the brand’s ongoing commitment to recognising professionals who deliver not only outstanding transformations, but also long term care and transparency.

As Novo Cabelo continues its expansion across the UK and into Europe, the annual awards are set to become a cornerstone moment in celebrating the stylists who are reshaping the future of modern hair replacement.

Spring is in the air and that means as well as refreshing your wardrobe, your hair deserves a seasonal upgrade too. This spring, men’s hair trends are all about blending timeless styles with bold, modern touches. From effortless texture to statement cuts, this spring is the perfect time to change up your look. 

Curtain Fringes

Curtain fringes are making a serious comeback this spring, offering the perfect mix of retro flair and modern edge. Characterised by their slightly off-centre parting, the hair flows and frames the face, working well for those with straight or slightly wavy hair. What makes curtain fringes so appealing is their versatility. They can be worn sleek and polished or tousled and textured. With the right cut and styling, a curtain fringe can add movement and dimension to your hair, making it a must-try for spring. 

Mod Cut

Defined by its sharp lines, cropped sides and slightly longer top sections, the mod cut steps back into the spotlight this spring. It’s sharp and structured silhouette demands attention without shouting for it. The beauty of the mod cut lies in its adaptability, slicking it back exudes confidence and polish, whereas a textured, tousled mod adds personality and edge. This spring is all about versatility and men’s styles that are both timeless and fresh.

Frosted Tips

Frosted tips are bringing a playful, eye-catching twist to men’s hairstyles this spring. Its lighter ends contrast with your natural hair, adding dimension and personality without needing a complete style overhaul. This style is perfect for those who want to experiment with colour, while keeping their cut simple. Frosted tips can be subtle for a modern, refined look or more pronounced for a statement-making, nostalgic vibe. This spring, frosted tips prove that even small pops of colour can make a big difference.

Coloured Buzz Cut

The coloured buzz cut is taking men’s hair to a new level this spring, combining minimalism with bold self-expression. It’s short, uniform length makes it low maintenance, but by adding a pop of colour, it is instantly transformed into a bold, statement look. This style is perfect for those looking for an effortless style that is unforgettable, offering a contrast between simplicity and creativity. With the dyed buzz cut, spring has become the season to experiment fearlessly, proving that even shorter styles can have maximum impact.

The beauty and barbering world is changing fast. The most influential professionals are no longer just stylists or barbers. They’re founders, educators, creators and brand builders with global audiences.

Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, is bringing some of those voices together through the expansion of its global Brand Ambassador programme, welcoming a new generation of industry talent helping redefine what success in beauty looks like.

From multi-location salon owners and global educators to founders of grooming brands and academies, the newest ambassadors represent a wave of professionals building businesses that extend far beyond the chair.

Collectively, the new cohort reaches more than 200 million people online each month, reflecting the growing cultural influence of beauty professionals who have become creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their own right.

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

Leading the expansion is Josh Lamonaca, co-founder of MENSPIRE and one of the most recognisable figures in modern barbering. A British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and now Fresha’s Head of Hair Education, Lamonaca has helped turn barbering into a global education movement.

“We’re at a turning point,” Lamonaca said. “The next generation of leaders won’t just be known for their craft, but for how intelligently they build and scale their businesses.”

Joining him is Chloe Ferry, founder of The Beauté Lounge, who brings major cultural visibility alongside the experience of building a consumer beauty brand from the ground up.

The ambassador network also welcomes:

Thaddeus Jayaseelan, founder of barbering academy Gradient and a rising voice in education-led barbering

Andrea Amighetti, a respected multi-location salon owner and educator operating across Europe

Alexi Michael, founder of the global barber education platform Learn to Cut

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

Kochi Faraj, founder of Kochi Dubai and haircare brand Kochi Haircare

Yadiel Alberto Rodriguez (A-Rod), co-founder of international grooming brand L3VEL3

Across salons, academies, product brands and social platforms, these operators represent the modern blueprint for success in the industry.

“As an entrepreneur, alignment matters,” said Thaddeus Jayaseelan. “Fresha represents simplicity, structure and growth, and helps barbers unlock their business potential without costly mistakes.”

Where creativity meets infrastructure

The beauty industry has always been driven by talent. What’s changing is how that talent builds and scales businesses.

Today’s professionals are managing global audiences, launching product lines, opening multiple locations and running education platforms alongside their day-to-day work. Technology is increasingly what enables that growth.

Through Fresha’s platform, ambassadors use integrated booking, payments, reporting and marketplace tools to manage operations and understand customer behaviour as their brands expand.

“At scale, talent alone isn’t enough. Structure is everything,” said Andrea Amighetti.
“Fresha gives our business the visibility needed to grow across multiple locations without compromising quality.”

A global community of beauty leaders

The newest ambassadors join an established group of partners already helping shape the programme, including Sam Bentham (Rascals Barbershop), Mark Maciver (SliderCuts), Hester Wernert-Rijn (Mogeen), Lydia Wolfe, and Jack Mead.

Together they represent a growing global community of professionals pushing the industry forward, combining creativity, entrepreneurship and influence.

“Fresha is rapidly transforming the United States and Canada,” said Alexi Michael. “It’s becoming the system of choice across the industry because the product continues to evolve and support businesses month after month.”

With more than 140,000 partner businesses worldwide, Fresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.

Spring is reset season, and your scalp is first in line. Months of heavier winter haircare products can leave buildup behind, while rising humidity and unpredictable weather can throw everything off balance, leading to flakiness, itchiness and irritation. Fatboy, a leader in short hair care and high-performance styling, created its award-winning Honey Putty to tackle scalp concerns head-on. Designed as a dual-purpose styling putty and leave-in scalp treatment, Honey Putty calms irritation while delivering flexible hold, natural matte definition and touchable texture. It’s the one product you will want within arm’s reach all season long.

Honey Putty (2.6oz. / $21) was born from founder Tyson Kennedy’s vision to combine styling and scalp care into a single step. No layering. No complicated routines. Just high-performance styling with real scalp benefits. Lightweight and non-greasy, the formula is built for short to medium styles and safe for color-treated hair, delivering a sexy matte finish, natural texture, and soft, workable hold while helping address dryness, itchiness, and flaking and supporting healthier-looking hair over time.

Made with clean, key scalp care ingredients, Honey Putty draws inspiration from Tyson Kennedy’s New Zealand roots, featuring powerful natural extracts sourced from the region. Manuka Honey works as a natural humectant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritation, reduce buildup and support a balanced scalp. Kiwi Extract delivers vitamin C to support collagen production and elasticity, while its naturally occurring iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help soothe flakes and defend against environmental stress. Paw Paw (papaya) adds vitamins A, C and E to soften strands, smooth frizz and protect against heat damage. Together, these ingredients not only bring the scalp back into balance but keep it there.

To use Honey Putty, warm a pea-size amount between your palms, work through dry or damp hair to shape and style, then massage the remainder into the scalp and leave it in. One simple step that simplifies your routine while nourishing the hair and scalp with each use. Consider this your spring reset. Hair stays sharp. Scalp stays balanced all season long.

To learn more about Fatboy and to purchase Honey Putty, visit www.fatboyhair.com/

When your tools work as hard as you do, upgrading isn’t about chasing the newest release — it’s about choosing equipment that keeps pace with your craft. The Recon™ Clipper and Recon™ Trimmer have quickly proven themselves behind the chair, earning a place in daily rotations thanks to their balance of power, control, and customization.

If your current setup is starting to feel limiting, Recon™ delivers the performance upgrade your station has been waiting for.

Power That Performs, All Day

At the core of both tools is vector motor technology, designed to maintain speed and torque even under heavy load.

• Recon™ Clipper: A 9,000 SPM motor delivers smooth bulk removal, confident fades, and seamless blending — even through dense hair.
• Recon™ Trimmer: An 8,500 SPM motor offers sharp detailing, clean lineups, and precise bald work without drag or hesitation.

The result is consistent cutting performance from your first client to your last.

Precision You Can Feel

Control matters — especially during fades, tapers, and finishing work.

• Adjustable Phaze blade on the clipper: Choose click or no-click lever control for personalized cutting.
• DLC-coated T-blade on the trimmer: Reduces friction for smooth, snag-free lines and is zero-gap capable for crisp detailing.

Both tools feature compact metal housings that reduce vibration and hand fatigue, helping you stay steady during long sessions.

Built to Match Your Style and Workflow

Recon™ doesn’t just perform — it fits your station.

• Interchangeable housings: Customize the look of both tools with black chrome, gold, or matte black covers.
• Premium charging stands: Quick-release stands keep your tools powered, accessible, and your station clutter-free.
• USB-C charging: Fast, convenient recharging that works with modern setups.

With long cordless runtimes — up to 4 hours on the clipper and 2 hours on the trimmer — interruptions stay off your schedule.

A Smart Upgrade for Serious Professionals

Whether you’re refining fades, sharpening lineups, or powering through packed days, the Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer elevate both performance and presentation. They’re not about hype — they’re about reliability, control, and confidence behind the chair.

If your current tools are holding you back, upgrading to Recon™ isn’t just a refresh — it’s an investment in your craft.

Upgrade your lineup. Cut with confidence. Recon™ is ready when you are.

Shop Now USA // Shop Now UK & Ireland

Dark Stag proudly unveils the all-new Pro Curl Cream, available March 2026. Designed for Professional Barbers to enhance, and define all types of curls and waves. Deliver hydration, control, and flexibility without weight. Perfect to finish curls or waves with definition, or for a softer matte finish, break up hair with fingers after use.

Infused with a soothing blend of Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli, and enriched with high-quality essential oils, Pro Curl Cream brings professional-grade performance and refinement to curls and waves – whatever the style.

Key Features:

• Enhances and controls curls and waves
• Hydrates and defines without weight
• Achieve a defined or softer matte finish, using different styling techniques
• Soothing Sage, Violet Leaf, and Patchouli fragrance
• Contains essential oils 
• Water soluble for effortless washout
• 125ml 

Available March 2026

RRP:
£14.99
€20.80

The barbering community is mourning the loss of Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos, a respected figure whose passion, talent, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impact across the industry.

Known affectionately as ‘Champ’ by friends and colleagues, Ian built a reputation not only for his skill behind the chair, but for his unwavering support of fellow barbers. A familiar face at industry events, competitions, and education sessions, he was admired for his generosity, encouragement, and commitment to helping others grow.

Tributes have poured in from across the barbering world, with many sharing memories of Ian’s infectious energy, sense of humour, and dedication to the craft. For those who knew him, he was more than a barber – he was a mentor, a motivator, and a true ambassador for the industry.

Ian’s influence extended far beyond his own work, inspiring the next generation of barbers and strengthening the sense of community that defines the profession. His passion for barbering, and for the people within it, will not be forgotten.

BarberEVO joins the global barbering community in paying tribute to Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyas. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the many lives and careers he touched.

Here are some tributes from those who knew Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos best:

David Foster and Andrew Brewster, co-founders of EVO Media Group: “Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos represented the best of the barbering community. He supported BarberEVO from the start, connected us with others, and did it all with no agenda – just kindness and belief in people. He put the same energy into charity and his local community, and his impact will be felt for a long time. Rest easy Champ.”

Nate Peterson, founder of Nathersonn: “Ian ‘Champ’ Hoyos was more than a barber. He was a personality, a presence, a family man, and the heartbeat behind Champs Barbers in the heart of London. Proud of his Colombian heritage and deeply rooted in the culture of boxing and community, Champ built more than a shop, he built a home for conversation, confidence and connection. His shop became the home and heartbeat of the community around him. Boxing wasn’t just something he loved, it was how he lived. Discipline. Belief. Heart. The same mindset that wins rounds in the ring was the mindset he brought to the chair every single day. For Champ, barbering and boxing were cut from the same cloth. Precision. Timing. Courage. Confidence. Founding Champs Barbers in the early 2012s, he created a space that reflected his own spirit: bold, welcoming, full of character and lined with boxing memorabilia that told stories of grit and greatness. His chair became a place where worlds met, from everyday locals to high profile figures, all treated with the same warmth and respect. He had a rare ability to make everyone feel important. From picking up his mum’s clippers as a boy and cutting his friends’ hair, to becoming one of the most respected names in barbering, his journey was built on belief and relentless work ethic. He opened multiple shops across London, launched a boxing gym, travelled the world sharing his craft, and even cut hair in places most would never imagine, including London’s NikeTown. But beyond the names and the accolades, Champ’s true legacy lives in the community he built. He championed people as much as he did his craft. He was someone’s biggest supporter, the one who believed in you loudly, the one who pushed you to think bigger. If Champ was in your corner, you felt unstoppable. His team were not just employees, they were family. He invested in them, stood behind them and built a culture of winners around him.”

Byrd Mena, Creative Consultant for Booksy and Wahl Professional: “The one and only Champ was really a champion in the way he lived – real, loving, and powerful in his presence. He brought the world closer just by being who he was. And that kind of legacy doesn’t disappear… long live the Champ.”

Hayden Cassidy, BarberEVO Columnist, Dior UK Grooming Expert, Founder of Croi: “One of the first major trips I went on was to Moscow as an educator. I felt out of my depth, I was still early in my career and felt out of my depth among so many legends but Champ never let me doubt myself and stood by my side. Even before that, he would introduce me to people in the industry and backed me through every opportunity. His barbershop was one of the first places I walked into in London, and some of the people he introduced me to are my best friends now. he did so much for this industry, and seeing others reflect on moments with him are both heartwarming and heartbreaking. His legacy will continue through everyone he mentored but personally, I want to say thank you Champ, for everything.”

College Star – Denman’s Big Blowout Competition is back for 2026, and open for entries NOW.

The competition is easy to enter and comes with a huge cash prize of £1000, PLUS there are cash prizes for tutors who get involved too. Each student just needs to upload their details and four images of their very best blow-dry for the chance to win. Last year the winner was Mollie Dwyer of Wigan and Leigh College.

“Denman is so proud to give the UK College and student community this opportunity. The number of entries last year was staggering, so a big thank you goes to the hard-working college tutors for encouraging their students to enter. Blow-dry skills can transform a regular style into something exceptional and College Star is our way of giving students the incentive to strive for greatness. We can’t wait to see what they create!” said Denman CEO, Kevin McNamee.

Here’s what every College and student needs to know…

How to win: Just upload images of the front, sides and back of one blow-dry look. For full entry requirements and T&C’s please follow the link College Star | Denman Brush – Denman UK.

Competition opens: February 16^th

Competition closes: March 30^th

Winner announced: April 20^th

Prize: £1000 for the student and a hamper of tools valued at £200 for the student’s College department. PLUS £250 for the tutor whose students enter the most number of entries AND £250 for the tutor of the winning student! T&C’s apply.

Seeing the light of Spring after the dark depths of winter, Men are opting for colour.  Aveda colour specialist. Grant Carr of 1920 Salon Glasgow, shares his trend predication for men this spring. 

”Fresh blondes are having their moment for men,” explains Grant, “They bring a confidence to the individual, especially with the full colour transformation.  

“Whilst a nod to Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, this creamer shade is softer to work with Daniel’s skin tone.”

Grant used Aveda Level 9 Blonde and the Aveda Full Spectrum Demi + toner, for this fresh clean blonde.   With a full texture scissor cut and freehand around the face to refine, Grant completed the look with a beard trim. 

Phorest Software has officially concluded the Salon Owners Summit 2026, marking a milestone year for the global professional beauty community. Following the theme “Thrive: The Human Experience, Powered by Technology,” the event saw a record-breaking 750 attendees gather at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, surpassing the 2025 attendance by 15% and solidifying the Summit’s reputation as the premier global event for salon, spa and clinic leadership.

The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI suite designed to enhance human teams rather than replace them.

Innovation Spotlight: Phorest AI – Enhancing the Human Experience

The 2026 Summit served as the launchpad for Phorest’s most significant technological leap to date: the Phorest AI suite. Built on extensive global research and co-created with salon and clinic owners, this suite is designed to solve three core challenges of the modern beauty business: the need for team enhancement over replacement, the desire for trust and control, and the guest’s expectation for instant gratification. By automating administrative tasks – from summarising complex client histories to managing front-desk enquiries – Phorest AI ensures that teams can show up more prepared, more present, and more connected to every client.

“Our goal has always been to return the gift of time to salon, spa and clinic owners, allowing them to focus on the human connection and the artistry of the client experience,” said Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest. “Phorest AI isn’t just a tool; it’s an evolution in partnership. By automating admin, we empower our community to move from surviving the daily grind to truly thriving as creative entrepreneurs.” This year’s Summit was a powerful celebration of community, uniting salon owners, industry leaders, and innovators from across the field. Attendees enjoyed a standout experience filled with meaningful connections, shared learning, and collective growth – all set against a backdrop of inspiration and energy.

A Decade of Dublin: The End of an Era

After ten incredible years of hosting the Summit in Ireland’s capital, Phorest announced a major change of scenery for its next chapter. To accommodate the event’s rapid growth and provide a fresh, immersive experience, the Phorest Summit 2027 will move to Killarney, Co. Kerry.

“The energy in the room this year was electric.” continued Ronan Perceval. “Seeing our community grow this year proves that as our numbers increase, so does our ambition. After ten amazing years in Dublin, it’s time for our next chapter. We are so excited to be moving the Summit to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027 – it’s the perfect place to continue this journey of growth together.”

The move to the “Kingdom of Kerry” marks a new era for the Summit, trading the cityscape for the world-renowned beauty of Killarney’s lakeside landscapes.

2027 Dates: January 24th & 25th, 2027

Location: Gleneagle INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Don’t miss out on 2027! Secure your spot here – https://www.phorestsummit.com/