Wahl Professional set a new benchmark with trimmers two years ago with the release of the Hi-Viz®. Delivering clean lines and expert-level precision the Hi-Viz quickly became a must-have powerhouse in barber tool line ups. With everything Wahl does, the barber and stylist community is pivotal to every decision, so when it became clear the pros were looking for more, Wahl listened. 

Wahl didn’t stop at listening. From listening to testing, testing to engineering, the result? The Hi-Viz Air – a true Evolution of the Hi-Viz, built from feedback and shaped by the demands of the modern barber. Everything pros loved is still here – Adaptive Speed Control, the COMFORTCURVE® housing, and the ultra-slim neck. But now, it’s 30% lighter and designed to debulk, detail, and deliver. 

 The Hi-Viz® Air is here – Engineered To Evolve: 

All-in-One. Built from the feedback of barbers, the new Hi-Viz 2.0 blade is optimized for debulking, while still exceling at details. 

30% Lighter for 100% Control. Crafted from a premium polymer blend with COMFORTCURVE design, the Hi-Viz Air is lighter in hand and heavy in performance, giving you all-day comfort and effortless control without fatigue. 

Clear View. Clean Hits. The slim neck design unlocks full visibility so every cut, edge, and detail hits exactly where you want it with no second guessing. 

Consistent Power. Adaptive Speed Control delivers consistent power of 7000 RPMs (optimized for quiet performance), giving you smooth, even performance. 

Zero Downtime. Built for barbers who don’t have time to wait. The Hi-Viz offers industry-leading 45-minute full battery charge, while 5 minutes of quick charge delivers 15 minutes of cutting. 

Precision That Lasts. Hit every line with confidence. The Hi-Viz 2.0 blade is DLC coated to stay cool and sharp 8x longer, and adjustable to zero-gap for ultimate precision. 

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), the largest and most inclusive trade organization representing the professional beauty industry, has announced an expansion and realignment of its Government Affairs team to strengthen industry advocacy at a pivotal moment for licensed professionals nationwide.

As part of this strategic evolution:

Myra Reddy, currently PBA’s Director of Government Affairs, will be elevated to Vice President of Government Affairs, where she will oversee national policy strategy and legislative engagement, ensuring that the voice of the professional beauty industry is heard and represented in public policy.

Kati Rapoza will advance into a newly defined Director of Advocacy and Industry Mobilization role, expanding her leadership across advocacy campaigns, stakeholder communication, and member engagement.

Leslie Roste, a respected policy and safety expert well known for her impactful work with the Future of the Beauty Industry Coalition (FBIC) to develop and promote the Cosmetology Compact, will join PBA as Director of State Relations. In this role, she will help advance multi-state licensure initiatives, including both the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts. Her addition strengthens alignment and continuity across industry-wide government affairs efforts.

PBA CEO Leslie Perry emphasized that these changes reflect a commitment to building a unified, collaborative, and highly resourced advocacy structure.

“Our industry is at an inflection point,” said Perry. “As the Cosmetology and Esthetics Compacts continue to accelerate across the country, it is vital that we show up with one coordinated strategy, one voice, and one strong, aligned team. Elevating Myra and Kati, and welcoming Leslie, ensures PBA is positioned to deliver the leadership, expertise, and momentum needed right now.”

Gordon Logan, Chairman and Founder of SportClips and President of FBIC, added: “Over the past three years, I have worked closely with Myra and Kati many long hours on the tip tax credit, and they were tireless in their efforts to push it through. Their expanded roles are very well deserved. Leslie has been instrumental in developing the Cosmetology Compact on behalf of FBIC, and the success to date is due in large part to her efforts. Her move to PBA is well-timed so that she can continue to coordinate compacts for both Cosmetology and Esthetics. Our industry is stronger than ever thanks to the leadership of all three of these ladies.”

The new Government Affairs structure will allow PBA to streamline legislative strategy, increase state-level engagement, strengthen mobilization efforts, and bring clarity and coordination to advocacy around the Compacts and other critical issues affecting licensed professionals.

Roste formally joined PBA on January 2, 2026.

Olivia Garden, a leader in professional and consumer hair tools, is proud to announce the launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears, designed to deliver the same durability, precision, and ergonomic comfort as the original collection. Created to support left-handed barbers and stylists, these new additions ensure a smooth, effortless cutting experience without compromise.

All OG Barber Shears feature a matte black titanium coating, reinforced steel alloy, and convex blades for superior hardness, longevity, and consistent cutting performance. Designed with larger finger holes and two sets of finger ring inserts, the shears provide a customizable, ergonomic fit for a wide range of hand sizes on both right- and left-handed users. An offset handle with specialized thumb curvature helps keep the hand relaxed in a natural open position, reducing strain during extended use.

Each purchase includes a premium zipper case with essential maintenance tools such as the ShearCare™ oil brush, cleaning cloth, finger ring inserts, and a tension adjustment tool. Left-handed shears are also eligible for Olivia Garden’s Exclusive Service Program, which allows barbers and stylists to exchange their used Olivia Garden Barber Shears for a brand-new identical pair to maintain optimal performance over time.

The launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears further expands the OG Barber lineup, which also includes OG Barber Brushes and OG Barber Wave Brushes, giving barbers access to a complete, professional-grade collection designed specifically for barbering needs.

• WHO: Olivia Garden and left-handed barbers and hairstylists seeking professional-grade shears
• WHAT: Launch of left-handed OG Barber Shears designed for precision and durability
• WHEN: Available now
• WHERE: Available at oliviagarden.com and select Olivia Garden retailers

For more information on Olivia Garden, follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. 

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) Unveils the 2026 PBA North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) Finalists

The PBA revealed the Finalists for the 37^th Annual NAHA, presented by JCPenney. Widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in North American professional beauty, NAHA celebrates the artists whose work sets the creative, technical, and cultural standard for the industry.

The 2026 PBA NAHA Finalists represent an extraordinary range of creative vision, technical mastery, and innovation. Across hair, makeup, education, and team-based artistry, these artists have pushed beyond trend to create work that is bold, intentional, and unmistakably forward-looking.

Each Finalist earned their place through months of conceptual development, technical refinement, and creative execution. Submissions were judged anonymously by a panel of industry-leading experts and evaluated on technical excellence, cohesion, originality, and artistic impact.

To be named a PBA NAHA Finalist is to be recognized among the most accomplished professionals in the industry. These artists create work that not only reflects where beauty is today, but signals where it’s going next.

The 2026 PBA NAHA Finalists are:

Avant Garde:
Breanne Gershon,@glam.breanne – nominated for two categories
Chrystofer Benson, @cbensonhair – nominated for two categories + Team category
Erika Fung, @erikafunghair
James Valiant, @jamesvaliant
Michael Pollsinelli, @michael.polsinelli

Barber of the Year:
AROD, @Arod23pr
Carlos Estrella, @Los_cut_it
Carlos Pagan, @Drasticartbarbering
Chris Jimenez, @c.jimenez24
Papiblendzz (Henry Rodriguez), @Papiblendzz

Editorial Stylist of the Year:
Brendnetta Ashley, @edgybgirl
Jamie Wiley, @jamiewileyeditorial – + Team category nomination
Josie Vilayvanh, @josievilay
Maggie Semaan, @maggiesemaan
Ruth Roche, @ruthroche – nominated for two categories

Educator of the Year:
Ashlee Norman, @ashleenormahair
Naeemah LaFond, @naeemahlafond
Nina Tulio, @ninatulio
Sonya Dove, @Thesonyadove
Stephen Moody, @hairmoody

Haircolor:
Breanne Gershon,@glam.breanne – nominated for two categories
Brooke LeMasters, @brookelemastershair
David Vendittelli, @davidvendittelli + Team category nomination
Gilad Goldstein, @myguiltycrown + Team category nomination
Sean Godard, @seangodard + Team category nomination

Haircutting:
Evie Johnson, @contactevie
Genia Church, @GeniaChurch – nominated for two categories
Isabelle Lachance, @isabelle.lachance.oblic
Marylle Koken, @kokentheharlot
Tippi Shorter, @tippishorter – nominated for two categories

Hairstylist of the Year:
Brayden Pelletier, @justbhair – nominated for two categories
Julie Vriesinga, @julievriesinga
Michelle Oliver, @michelleoliverhair
Robin LeChance, @robin_la_chance
Vanessa Whitmarsh, @vwhitmarshhair

Inspiring Salon of the Year:
Bliss Salon and Spa, @BlissSalonAndSpa2020
Genesis Salon and Spa, @genesis_salonandspa
kit. Fort Thomas, @kitfortthomassalon
Matthew Morris Salon, @matthewmorrissalon
Salon Raybon, @salonraybon

International Collection of the Year (*NEW IN 2026):
Carlos Valiente, Spain @carlosvaliente.bycv
Danilo Giangreco, United Kingdom @danilogiangreco_hair
Emma Simmons, United Kingdom @emmasimmonshair
Gianluca Grechi, Italy @gianlucagrechi
Tom Yek, Malaysia @tomyek_decrypt

Makeup Artist of the Year:
Angela Balbon, @mzbartistry
David Maderich, @davidmaderich
Ebony Ivey, @theiveyleaguebeautycollective
Kisha Augustine, @kishaaugustine
Patricia Bailes, @Pbailesmua

Master Hairstylist of the Year:
Allen Ruiz, @allenruizstyle
Anna Pacitto, @anna_pacitto_pure
Cassie Carey, @cassiecarey.hair
David Barron, @barronslondonsalon
Nicole Pede, @nmpede

Student Hairstylist of the Year:
Derek Robinson, no social handle provided
Elin Lien, @elinthebeautician
Madison Jessop, @twixystyling
Mai Nguyen, @maimai.hair22
PJ Hayes, @pj.cosmo

Styling and Finishing:
Brayden Pelletier, @justbhair – nominated for two categories
Carlos Alvarez, @carlos_alvarez_hair
Galyna Poczciwinski, @ufirami
Laura Gunter, @lauragunterbeauty
Ruth Roche, @ruthroche – nominated for two categories

Team of the Year:
1CPR
Jamie Wiley, Joel Torres, Nanette Guild, Vinnie Morey, Dayna Gamba
@jamiewileyeditorial, @joeltorresstyle, @nanette_guild, @theproperorangecounty, @dgcuts

Chrystofer Benson Collective
Chrystofer Benson, Hannah Benson, Lacye Geitgey, Karine Belanger, Chris Jimenez, Erin Hensley            
@haircbc_pro

Team INdustry
David Vendittelli, Marilyn Vendittelli, Natasha Gerschon
@davidvendittelli, @marilynvendittellihair, @styledbybloss

The Upper Hand
Hannah Waters, Soleil Rocha, Jordan Dudley, Zoe O’Day
@theupperhandriveroaks

Ulta Beauty
Gilad Goldstein, Michelle O’Connor, Galyna Poczciwinski, Sean Godard, Beto Sanchez, Janelle Eyre
@myguiltycrown, @michelleoconnorbeauty, @ufirami, @seangodard, @betoloveshair, @jeyre.hair

Texture:
Chrystofer Benson, @cbensonhair – nominated for two categories + Team category
Genia Church, @GeniaChurch – nominated for two categories
Jaimee Harris Smith, @Hairbyjsmith
Jamie Wiley, @jamiewileyeditorial – nominated for two categories
Tippi Shorter, @tippishorter – nominated for two categories

Winners will be revealed during the 37th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards, presented by JCPenney, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Chapin Theater in Orlando, Florida, held alongside Premiere Orlando. The live awards ceremony will bring together leading artists, educators, brands, and industry voices for an evening celebrating excellence at the highest level of professional beauty.

“PBA NAHA honors more than beautiful work. It honors the courage to lead creatively,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “This year’s Finalists demonstrate what happens when mastery, vision, and purpose intersect. Their work challenges convention, raises the bar for our industry, and inspires what’s possible next.”

DermapenWorld has announced the launch of the RE:GEN Roadshow: The Future of Skin & Hair — a nationwide education and networking event that will tour six major U.S. cities this March.

Bringing together global industry leaders in hairdressing, aesthetics and medical science, the RE:GEN Roadshow is designed to empower salon and clinic professionals with the latest breakthroughs in scalp health, fine and thinning hair solutions, and regenerative science-based treatments. The Roadshow offers attendees access to world-class education to elevate client results and business growth.

Attendees will experience a vibrant evening of community, learning, inspiration and connection, with complimentary canapés and drinks plus a Goodie Bag valued at over $300.

A Transformative Event for the Professional Industry

The roadshow will host approximately close to 1000 salon and clinic professionals nationally, with 100+ attendees per city, across Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas, uniting:

• Hairstylists & barbers
• Beauty & aesthetic clinic owners
• Medical aesthetics practitioners
• Trichologists
• Business leaders

Global Experts Headline the Stage

The event is led by internationally respected industry icon:

Tracey Hughes, Global General Manager for EXO-GROW and Hall of Fame Hairstylist.

Guest speakers include:

Andrew Hansford (London, UK) — Medical expert, Trichologist and Global Educator in hair restoration

Corri Marshall (Sydney, Australia) — Co-Founder of Dermapenworld and product innovator

Additional leading Doctors and influential Hairstylists appearing in all cities

World-Leading Innovation Behind the Movement

DermapenWorld is the #1 microneedling company worldwide, operating in 107 countries, supported in the U.S. through distribution partner DP Derm, a key leader in medical aesthetics. With a long-established authority in regenerative skin science, DermapenWorld now expands its expertise into the hair restoration and hairdressing sector through EXO-GROW, bringing new advanced solutions to salon professionals across the country.

Industry Partnerships

The RE:GEN Roadshow is supported by leading industry collaborators including: Ergo Styling Tools, DP Derm and Phorest Salon Software.

Why Attend

“This is more than an event — it’s a movement advancing the future of professional practice and salon haircare. We’re bringing together the latest scientific breakthroughs, real-world education and community to help professionals transform the way they approach skin and hair health,” says Tracey Hughes, Global General Manager, EXO-GROW.

Attendees will walk away with:

• Practical hair loss and scalp restoration education.
• Access to new science-driven innovations shaping the future of the industry.
• Knowledge into new revenue streams to drive tprofitability and how to stay ahead of a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar hair loss category.
• A deeper understanding of the emotional and psychological impact of hair loss, helping you to better support your clients with empathy and professional care.
• Networking with top experts and peers across hairdressing, beauty, aesthetics and medical fields.

Event Dates

• Chicago March 22
• Atlanta March 23
• Los Angeles March 29
• Dallas March 30
• Miami March 31
• All events 5-9pm

Tickets

Tickets are available now.
Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q03XzJbJ0

America’s Beauty Show returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, April 18-20, 2026, marking its 103rd year as North America’s largest nonprofit beauty event. Built for licensed professionals who take craft seriously, ABS blends advanced education, on-floor discovery, and industry connection under the 2026 theme, THRIVE, with a renewed emphasis on community and professional momentum.

Competitions expand in 2026. Barbers, this is your weekend to sharpen your edge and show what sets your work apart. America’s Beauty Show 2026 brings elevated barber education, pro tools, and serious on-floor discovery to Rosemont, built for artists who care about precision, performance, and modern grooming.

Make time for the BARBER COMPETITION hosted by Chicago’s own Headquarters Barbers on Sunday, April 19, from 2:00 – 5:00pmCST, happening live on the Barbershop Stage. Expect high-level talent and strong technique. Whether you compete or watch, you will leave with fresh inspiration, new approaches you can take straight to the chair, and a deeper connection to your barber community. Enter today.

ENTER THE ABS BARBER COMPETITION HOSTED BY HEADQUARTERS BARBERS

Come see A-Rod, Brea J, Byrd Mena, Ivan Zoot, John Mosley, Jesse Elite, Los Cut It, Tyler Kelbert and more. Expect techniques you can translate directly to the chair, plus forward-looking perspective on what clients are asking for next.

On the show floor, brands span pro hair, tools, and grooming, including BaBylissPRO, L3V3L 3, Andis, Wahl, Stylecraft | Gamma+, Johnny B. Hair Care, Headquarters Barbers, Barber Evo and additional exhibitors alongside major beauty and wellness names. It is a concentrated opportunity to test, compare, and shop with intent, whether you are refining a luxury service menu or upgrading your station essentials.

To enter the Competition, ABS Show Tickets, CC membership, and the Advanced Program Show Guide are now available at AmericasBeautyShow.com.

For more details, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow on social media.

British entrepreneur and founder of Pall Mall Barbers, Richard Marshall, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for Services to International Trade, Mentoring and to People with Dyslexia.

Marshall’s journey is one of the most extraordinary transformations in modern British barbering.  Diagnosed with severe dyslexia at the age of five, Marshall struggled to read, write, spell his own name and complete basic tasks such as filling out cheques, for first 10 years of running his business. Undiagnosed ADHD emerged later in life. Expelled from school at 15 with no formal qualifications, navigating entrepreneurship through resilience, observation, and alternative learning methods. Yet he went on to build one of the world’s oldest barbershop brands into a global enterprise with locations in London and New York.

Despite these barriers, Marshall rebuilt his life through practical learning, mentorship, and relentless perseverance — becoming one of the UK’s most respected figures in the men’s grooming, hairdressing, small business and exports sectors.

His work reached national prominence when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak referenced Richard’s story live on television, highlighting his resilience and contribution to British entrepreneurship.

Marshall now advises the UK Government as a member of the Small Business Growth Council, shaping the national agenda for the 5.6 million small businesses that power the UK economy.

Richard says, “I’m overwhelmed to receive an MBE from the King. I hope my story and journey demonstrates that it really is possible to overcome the most difficult of challenges. It’s not easy, and so I focused on a different direction and just grabbed every opportunity with both hands and made sure I learnt everything I could from other businesspeople. And now I like to share my knowledge and expertise with others, showing parents, employers and teachers that having dyslexia and/or being neurodivergent does not mean a restricted future. It’s important to instil ‘can-do’ confidence.”

Richard’s upcoming autobiography will further explore his powerful journey—from classroom humiliation and illiteracy to speaking on global stages, advising ministers inside 10 Downing Street, and leading a heritage brand now celebrating 130 years. The book will provide a blueprint for others, highlighting the potential of social mobility. The release of the book will coincide with the relaunch of the Pall Mall signature men’s grooming product collection.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party and Shadow Minister without Portfolio, said:

“That’s marvellous news — so well deserved. I’m absolutely delighted to see Richard recognised with an MBE. This honour is richly deserved. Richard is a standout example of British entrepreneurship at its best, building successful international businesses while giving back through mentoring and championing people with dyslexia. During my time as Business Minister, I saw first-hand his commitment to small businesses and to helping others succeed. This recognition reflects not just commercial success, but real service to others. Huge congratulations to him and his family.”

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, said:

“Richard absolutely deserves this honour. He has worked tirelessly with government for many years, helping to raise the profile of the hair and beauty sector and demonstrating the immense value it brings to the UK economy. His contribution has been instrumental in showing policymakers what our industry delivers now — and what it could deliver with stronger, continued government support. Richard is also a powerful ambassador for British business on the global stage, particularly in the United States. His dedication, influence and passion for championing our sector make this recognition incredibly well-deserved.”

Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of the NHBF, said:

“Richard’s contribution as an NHBF Board Member has been outstanding. He brings deep expertise, commercial understanding and an authentic connection to a sector with a notably high percentage of neurodivergent and dyslexic individuals. His insight has directly shaped how we communicate with and support our Members, ensuring our messaging is more accessible, inclusive and representative of the realities many face. Richard’s leadership and advocacy have helped drive meaningful change within the industry, and we are delighted to see him recognised with this honour.”

Each year, the MR. Barbers family comes together to honour the people, passion, and hard work that drive the brand forward – and 2025 was a year worth celebrating. The MR. Barbers Internal Awards Night, held at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge, on November 22, 2025, brought the entire team under one roof for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and well-deserved celebration.

From rising talent to seasoned leaders, the night spotlighted the individuals who embody the company’s values, elevate the client experience, and continue to push the brand to new heights. More than an awards ceremony, it was a powerful reminder of the strength of the MR. Barbers community and the bright future ahead.

The winners were revealed as:

• Young Barber of the Year – David Watson, MR. Barbers Saffron Walden
• Most Cuts Barbershop – MR. Barbers Bishops Stortford
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Julie Saban Stansted
• Best Team of 2025 – MR. Barbers St Andrew’s Street, MR. Barbers Bury St Edmund’s
• Ambassador of the Year – Auburne Enkel, MR. Barbers Sudbury
• Best Newcomer of the Year – Alex Meric, MR. Barbers Welwyn
• Manager of The Year – Mark Price, MR. Barbers Bishop Stortford
• Barber of the Year 2025 – Dylan Ponty, MR. Barbers Sudbury
• Most Cuts of 2025 – Zach Dale, MR. Barbers Halstead
• Reel of 2025 – Maria Novikov, MR. Barbers St Andrews Street

If you’re an avid reader of BarberEVO, you will have seen many of these faces across the pages of the magazine. MR. Barbers is a family-run business, where connection and community are at the centre.

Anyone who is looking for a new chapter, where growth, creativity, and community are centred – check out MR. Barbers Career Page for your next steps.

Cyber Monday: Artero Levels Up

With Cyber Monday landing on December 1st, Artero is preparing to drop some of its biggest deals of the year – including offers across the New York Collection, education-led tools, and the brand’s most iconic ranges.

For Oscar Mendoza, it’s the perfect moment for barbers to invest in their kit:

“They’re a brand that’s evolving fast. They want to innovate, they want to grow, and they want barbers to grow with them.”

Oscar’s HQ Visit

When Spanish-born, UK-based educator and global barbering force Oscar Mendoza flew out to Barcelona to visit Artero’s headquarters, he didn’t expect the trip to shift his entire perspective on the heritage brand. But that’s exactly what happened.

After officially joining Artero as an International Ambassador, Oscar was invited to spend several days inside the brand’s beating heart – learning how their tools are crafted, meeting the people behind the engineering, and discussing future collaborations that push the boundaries of barbering innovation.

“It was honestly mind-blowing,” he said. “The professionalism, the scale, the passion… and the fact that I built relationships not just with the team, but with the owners themselves. You don’t get that from most big brands.”

A Partnership Built on Values – and Vision

Oscar’s connection with Artero began through recommendations from long-time ambassadors who admired his work. Once the brand reached out, the chemistry was instant.

“They take everything seriously – the tools, the education, the relationships,” he explained. “They look after their artists, they listen, they innovate. I felt aligned immediately.”

For Oscar, education is the pinnacle of barbering. It’s where credibility, skill and leadership converge – and it’s where he sees the most synergy with Artero.

“The highest level of this industry is education. Artero knows that, and they support academies all over the world. With my own academy growing and new online content coming, it was the perfect match.”

Inside Artero HQ: A Look at Craftsmanship

From R&D labs to production floors, Oscar was taken through every department – including a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most crucial elements of tool creation: scissor sharpening.

“I met the guy who sharpens all the scissors by hand,” he said. “The machinery, the technique… I’ve never seen anything like it. You can feel how much experience and passion goes into every blade.”

Artero’s commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at shears. During his visit, Oscar spent time shooting new content, discussing potential collaborations – including a personalised collection – and previewing the brand’s next generation of tools.

Spotlight: Artero’s New York Collection

One of the standout moments of the trip? Getting hands-on with Artero’s New York Collection – a modern trio of clippers and shavers inspired by the energy, precision, and grit of the city itself.

“I love this collection,” Oscar said. “The grip is exceptional, which is crucial because I work with my fingers on the clipper body. The materials are high-quality, the build is solid, and the performance is on point.”

The star feature?
A dual-action shaver that cuts both ultra-short and slightly longer hairs thanks to an integrated centre blade – a major time-saver for barbers.

“Normally, you need to zero down before the foil shaver,” Oscar explained. “This one handles longer hairs too, which is genius.”

Across the board, the collection embodies everything Oscar associates with Artero: innovation, control, and consistency.

The Future? Bigger Than Ever

From major international education plans to a potential collaborative scissor line, Oscar and Artero are only getting started.

“If there’s a brand that wants to evolve, innovate, and invest in the future of barbering, it’s Artero,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of it.”

The Autumn Budget has landed – and while Chancellor Rachel Reeves promised stability and “fair, necessary action,” the UK’s hair, beauty and barbering sector was left wondering whether anyone in Westminster has actually seen a salon’s balance sheet lately.

With income tax and NI thresholds frozen, a higher-than-expected inflation forecast, salary-sacrificed pension schemes being taxed, minimum wage rising again in April 2026, and dividend tax up by 2%, the overall message was loud and clear: costs are going up. Again.

And the industry has a lot to say about it.

BABTAC: “This adds pressure on already tight margins.”

Lesley Blair MBE, CEO and Chair of BABTAC & CIBTAC – and former Treasury advisor – didn’t mince her words.

“For small businesses continuing to navigate the current financial climate, the decision to freeze income-tax thresholds until the end of 2030/31 offers some certainty for planning and forecasting,” she explained. “However, the freeze on National Insurance thresholds will effectively increase employer contributions as wages rise with inflation, adding further pressure on already tight margins.” 

She added that taxing salary-sacrificed pension contributions removes “a valuable incentive” for staff while the OBR’s revised inflation forecast will squeeze both business overheads and client disposable income.

And as for the 2026 minimum wage increase to £12.71?

Lesley noted: “Although positive for workers, it will significantly raise wage bills in a labour-intensive sector. Coupled with a 2% rise in dividend tax, the cumulative impact could challenge the commercial viability of many small salons.”

NHBF: “Salons are already at breaking point.”

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, said the Budget simply didn’t recognise the realities of small, people-focused businesses.

“Today’s Budget delivers little for the small, people-focused businesses at the heart of every high street,” Caroline said. “Hair and beauty is one of the most accessible and empowering routes into work for women, young entrepreneurs and neurodiverse individuals – yet this Budget was far from the ‘fair and necessary’ action our sector urgently needed.”

She warned that members are “already at breaking point,” adding:

“The Chancellor cannot keep loading costs onto small businesses without offering the support needed to keep them trading… If the Government truly wants to grow the economy, end low pay and keep high streets open, today’s wage announcement must be matched with serious support on National Insurance, business rates, skills and enforcement.”

HARE: “Once again, our sector has been overlooked.”

James Talbot, co-founder of HARE, a values-led Oxfordshire barbering and hairdressing business, didn’t hide his frustration.

“As an entrepreneur… I’m deeply frustrated by the lack of meaningful support for our industry in today’s UK budget,” he said. “Once again, one of the country’s most socially important and economically vulnerable sectors has been overlooked and ignored.”

James explained that the planned minimum wage rise – while well-intentioned – “will hit small legal businesses hard at a time when margins are already razor-thin.”

And business rates? Still unclear.

“The VAT threshold remains at a totally unfair and unviable £90k,” he added. “Many independent, entrepreneurial and legal businesses like ours will struggle to absorb these costs… threatening the survival of the salons and barbershops that serve at the heart of communities.”

His message for Government was stark:

“If Britain wants skilled, qualified barbers and hairdressers in the future, it needs to back the enterprising and community-led businesses that train them today.”

Industry Voices: “We need to focus on what we can control.”

The wider industry – from salon owners to educators – echoed similar concerns, emphasising resilience, planning and realism.

Benjamin Shipman (The Hair Movement, Sidcup)

Benjamin said this “wasn’t the Budget any of us were hoping for,” noting that it offered “nothing to incentivise or help us.” But he urged the industry to stay proactive.

“It forces us all to futureproof our business ourselves,” he explained. “We need to focus on what we can control… communicating the value of our services, refining our prices and becoming more business savvy.” 

Billy Ryan (Tribe Salons, Clapham Common)

Billy noted that while the Budget held few surprises, the impact is still significant.

“The next year will need calm heads and steady leadership,” he said. “Strong financial planning, reliable systems and steadily increasing the value of what we deliver will matter more than ever.” 

Sean Hanna (Sean Hanna Salons & Consultancy)

Sean was clear: complaining won’t cut it.

“Hope and complaining are not strategies,” he said. “Business leaders have a choice; either stand still and endure whatever happens or… make decisions that will ensure their business succeeds.” 

British Hair Consortium: “We must be heard – now more than ever.”

In response to mounting concerns, the British Hair Consortium has launched a major nationwide survey, urging every corner of the sector – salon owners, freelancers, barbers, educators, mobile pros – to contribute evidence that will be used to lobby Government.

“Without a strong, collective evidence base, upcoming government decisions risk worsening the pressures already facing the sector,” the Consortium wrote. 

The message? If the industry wants change, it needs to speak with one voice.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Industry Matters

If anyone still doubts the sector’s economic importance, consider this:

• Beauty generated £30.4bn in GDP in 2024 – growing four times faster than the UK economy.
• The sector directly employs nearly half a million people, with a footprint close to 700,000.
• It contributed £8.6bn in tax in 2024, set to rise to £9.4bn in 2025.

This isn’t a niche industry. It’s a powerhouse – and one that deserves to be taken seriously.

Where Do We Go From Here?

While the Budget delivered few wins for hair, beauty and barbering, the sector is nothing if not resilient. From Lesley Blair’s financial realism to James Talbot’s call for fairness, and from the NHBF’s advocacy to grassroots voices urging practical action – the message is clear:

The industry will keep fighting. But Government needs to listen.

For now, the most powerful tool the sector has is its collective voice.

And yes – that means filling out the survey.