REPORT

OSMO ANNOUNCES NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR

Professional colour house OSMO has announced barber and education expert Ollie Foster as their latest brand ambassador. Ollie delivers barbering education across the UK and Europe – alongside cutting hair for bands and musicians backstage at Creamfields music festival.

Ollie is the co-owner of two barbershop branches ‘Number 47 Barbers’ in Chester. He runs these barbershops alongside his mum, Lynne Foster, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. Ollie has had a close working relationship with OSMO since he began his career in 2013.

“I’ve used OSMO products throughout my career. I just love their products and working with them as a company. The products are just so versatile and the results they deliver are always great, which is vital when your teaching new styles and techniques,” explains Ollie.

We’re excited to see what Ollie and OSMO team up to do next!

WAHL UK’S BARBER AND BARBERSHOP OF THE YEAR

The winners of Wahl UK’s British Barber and British Barbershop of the Year 2021 were announced on the Wahl UK stand at Salon International.

Rhys Whitehouse was announced as Wahl British Barber of the Year, taking the victory amongst a record-breaking number of entries. For the British Barbershop of the Year 2021, Wahl awarded Parlous Barbers. Based in London, the salon has historical roots in the legendary story of Sweeney Todd and is renowned for its luxury interior and service.

On the victory, Rhys said: “Winning Wahl British Barber of the Year 2021 was such a wholesome feeling, it felt like all my years of early starts, late nights, graft and time away from home had culminated into that one moment and validated everything I’d worked so hard for. I can’t wait to see what the next 12 months with Wahl’s Artistic Team hold for me!”

FEEL GOOD CHARITY CUTS HAVE ARRIVED

On Sunday 12 December Luke Tipple held a charity event at Feel Good Club in Manchester. A café/ bar with a strong mental health and wellbeing concept, the venue had a huge impact on the city when people were struggling during lockdowns. The theme was “pay what you want haircuts” and all money raised was donated to mental health charities. MB spoke to Luke ahead of the charity event and he said: “My aim is to make people feel good for the day, just like I do every day behind the chair. If this is a success then it is something I’d like to do more of going in 2022. Pop up events involving other barbers is something that interests me. I’ve been collaborating with other barbers more than ever since the pandemic.”

2022 TRENDS: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Jim Shaw, owner of TONI&GUY Billericay and award-winning men’s hairdresser shares his comments on the top men’s hair trend predictions for 2022. From mullets to strong fades, with a dose of bleach blonde thrown in for good measure, it’s gearing up to be a year of opposites. Supporting Jim’s trend predictions were the acts seen on the Modern Barber Stage at Salon International 2021.

OFF-CUT BARBERS

MULLET OVER

For 2022, we will start to see men stepping away from polished hair looks and instead opting for more textured cuts like mullets and shags. I love that these haircuts are coming back in fashion.

CRESSWELL BARBER CO

CLASSIC FADES

For those who don’t want hair that’s long in length, strong shaped haircuts and prominent fades will also be on trend for the New Year. Create a gorgeous shape in the hair by using scissors to cut close to the head.

KEVIN LUCHMUN

BLEACH-Y KEEN

Bleaching will also be another popular colour choice for men (particularly Gen Z). Bleached hair looks great on shorter looks, and when teamed with short fades it creates a statement look.

HEADS UP! DATES FOR THE DIARY IN 2022

24 JANUARY MODERN BARBER AWARDS ENTRIES OPEN

10 JULY BARBERFEST AND MODERN BARBER AWARDS

8-10 OCTOBER SALON INTERNATIONAL

TARIQ HOWES ARRIVES AT JOE AND CO

Award-winning barber Tariq Howes will be joining forces with Soho barbershop Joe and Co from January 2022. Tariq, who owns Avenue Male Grooming in Cardiff, is in high demand for his Afro men’s hairdressing skills. Tariq will join the Joe and Co team as art director, alongside Charlie Cullen. He will spend his time in the Soho barbershop working with the team to increase their already enviable textured hair skills, whilst still running his shop in Wales.