THE RETURN OF SALON INTERNATIONAL

On 8-10 October, we saw the return of Salon International at ExCeL London showcasing three days of creativity, education and inspiration

HEADLINE SPONSOR

MIKE TAYLOR EDUCATION

CRESSWELL BARBER CO

BARBER.JOSH.O.P

KEVIN LUCHMUN

The Modern Barber Stage was back at Salon International 2022 and it’s safe to say, it was bigger and better than ever. As the industry reunited and crowds were drawn to the Modern Barber stage across the three days, we saw live techniques, education, inspiration and creativity from some of the biggest barbering and male grooming brands and stylists in the industry.

From talking about careers in barbering and how to better your business, to the importance of head shapes, hair texture and adding personality to your clients’ cuts, audiences were able to interact and network with some of the most inspiring and influential professionals in the barbering industry. We’d also like to say a big thank you to our host, Danny Robinson, alongside Natalie Cresswell who hosted the Modern Barber Stage for the first time on Sunday and Monday. Take a look over the next couple of pages at some of our highlights!

LIONS BARBER COLLECTIVE

FELLA

COREY LONDON

MR OFFICIAL

SATURDAY

HAIRFORCE1

On Saturday 8 October, the Modern Barber Stage kicked off the weekend with a line-up of inspirational guests and speakers including Haircuts4Homeless, Mike Taylor Education, Hairforce1, Lions Barber Collective, Mic Damiano, JJ Savani, Jarred Liddington and Fella. We saw how the simple act of a haircut can impact lives as well as creative barbering trends, tips and techniques.

MIC DAMIANO

Mic Damiano took to the stage to create and showcase realistic but fashionable looks, focusing on giving the audience top tips, tricks and techniques about working as a barber. Looking back on the event, Mic said: “It felt great to be back at Salon International 2022, it was nice to see a lot more new faces and talent, and seeing our industry grow. It felt amazing to be back on stage this year – having such an energetic and engaging audience always brings out MIC DAMIANO the performer in me.”

“Hosting Salon International is one of my yearly career highlights, seeing the top tier talent in the UK demonstrate their work on stage is phenomenal. Salon International 2022 was fantastic, it was a very well put together show and I loved sharing the stage with some of the UK’s best talent. One of the main highlights for me was sharing the stage with American legend Jay Major.”

JJ SAVANI

JJ SAVANI

“I absolutely loved Salon International 2022 and being on the Modern Barber Stage. It was great showcasing my skills and talent again but more so watching other artists from around the world showcasing their skills and learning new techniques to consistently enable me to improve my game within the industry. I would definitely recommend it for anybody else considering coming along in 2023!”

SUNDAY

Sunday 9 October was a busy day for the Modern Barber Stage as Sirak Kebede, Manifesto, Barber Josh.o.p, Andrea Raymond, Bengie, Danny Robinson and Jay Majors, Hayden Cassidy, Ian Harrold, and Kevin Luchmun took to the stage. We witnessed everything from long hair looks to world class education, transformations and cutting skills.

NATALIE CRESSWELL

NATALIE CRESSWELL

“Salon International 2022 was full of talent and inspiration. The event never disappoints, which is why I make a point of bringing my team at Cresswell Barber Co with me every year. No matter where you looked, there were hair artists getting stuck in and showcasing what they love most, and the passion is always electric! I love coming away with that fresh sense of creativity and imagination at Salon International.

Co-hosting the stage with Danny Robinson and also showcasing the Modern Barber Stage with my team meant I was able to get up, close and personal with lots of different barbers from all walks of life and see what makes them tick. I can’t wait for the next one!”

SUNDAY

SIRAK KEBEDE

“Salon International brings together everyone in the industry and allows the vital sharing of ideas. One can only use so many words to describe the range of emotions experienced when about to make your stage debut at the biggest event of the year. I was thrilled to go out and showcase my skills on the Modern Barber Stage and represent myself and Ruffians to the fullest extent. Although nerve-racking initially, training and excitement kick in, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

SIRAK KEBEDE

HAYDEN CASSIDY

HAYDEN CASSIDY

Hayden Cassidy lit up the stage showcasing amazing hair transformations. When asked what it was like to be up on the stage, Hayden said: “Salon International is always such an exciting time. I loved reconnecting with so many talented people in the industry – and also catching new talent and being inspired by that. The Modern Barber Stage is always such an incredible experience, and I loved stepping on stage this year and showcasing – the support of Modern Barber gave me that opportunity. It’s always fun, positive vibes around the stage and the best place to watch, learn and be inspired.”

MONDAY

CRESSWELL BARBER CO.

To round up the weekend, Phil Jarman, George Smith, Cresswell Barber Co, Alan Beak, Mr Official, MaxOliver and Danny Robinson, Jay Major and Hayden Cassidy took to the stage on Monday 10 October, for a day full of inspirational education, creative teamwork, and beard shaping.

“For us, Salon International 2022 was seen through a new eye – performing our debut on stage with the almighty Modern Barber was such a great experience and a totally new view. We were inspired by those performing and educating on the big stages and pop-up stands, delivering not only amazing haircuts, but working with such outstanding stage presence. We met some truly inspirational people. We’re so excited to continue sharing all that we know, whilst still learning everything new ourselves.”

GEORGE SMITH

GEORGE SMITH

“The Modern Barber Stage was the best in my opinion. I was able to bring so many ideas back home with me. The stands were busy, and it was encouraging that brands were having success even though times are tough, our industry is still thriving. To be given the opportunity to demo my collection for the British Hairdressing Awards on the Modern Barber Stage was an honour. I felt so privileged to be invited up there and to share the stage with a lineup of so many talented barbers was really a great experience – it was a milestone in my career so far.”

“It’s always an honour to represent Modern Barber on stage at the biggest trade event in the calendar, and a huge privilege to pass on some old-school barber techniques and advice that is more relevant than ever in the fastest growing industry.”