REPORT

THE MODERN BARBER AWARDS 2023 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The winners of the 2023 Modern Barber awards were announced on October 15 at a glittering ceremony at Omeara London. The awards were judged by independent industry experts, and were presented by category sponsors. Josh Lamonaca took home the coveted prize for Best All Round Barber 2023. Head to page 20 to see all the highlights and winners from the night.

£1.2BN
That’s an estimated loss of revenue for the hair industry based on Booksalon’s data which suggests that businesses that do not use digital booking solutions miss out on appointments booked out of hours.

JOSH PUGH BECOMES FIRST PATRON OF THE LIONS BARBER COLLECTIVE CHARITY

The Lions Barber Collective has announced comedian and writer Josh Pugh as their first-ever patron. This partnership comes as a positive conclusion to a highly successful Mental Health Awareness Month. Josh is a well-known advocate for mental health awareness and supplementary to his role as patron, he has donated tickets to his upcoming shows, to raise funds for the charity. “I am honoured and proud to be named the first patron of The Lions Barber Collective,” said Josh. “Mental health is an important issue that deserves our attention and support, and I am thrilled to contribute to their excellent and ground-breaking work by donating tickets to my shows, and to raise awareness and promote their mission. I truly believe that by working together we can make a real difference.”

AWARD WINNING BARBERS ANNOUNCED AT ANNUAL MR. BARBERS AWARDS

On 25 November MR. Barbers celebrated their award winning colleagues at their annual MR. Barbers Awards. Held in Bury St. Edmunds at The Athenaeum, the event was a celebration of inspiring and hard working individuals, shops and teams. The ceremony saw winners from stores across East Anglia and Hertfordshire, and recognised the drive, understanding and compassion to improve business, something which is a benchmark of excellence for the business. Head to modernbarber.co.uk to see the full list of winners.

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF NHBF ANNOUNCED

After an extensive recruitment process, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has appointed Caroline Larissey as its new Chief Executive. Discussing her appointment, Caroline says: “I feel the position of Chief Executive at the NHBF will enable me to support our members in achieving their full business potential by helping them to maintain safe, legal, and profitable businesses, plus help the sector gain the recognition it truly deserves by continuing to work with the UK Government and promoting our contribution to the UK economy.”

AMERICAN CREW ANNOUNCE CHRIS O’RIORDAN ASLATEST TO JOIN ITS ALL-STAR LINE-UP

American Crew has announced Chris O’Riordan as part of its American Crew All-Star Team. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, Chris has established a loyal clientele in Ireland and now works under his newly launched brand name CORE. The title of All-Star is a global honour, given in recognition to some of the world’s leading barbers and takes them to the top tier of educators. Revlon Professional General Manager for UK & Ireland, Matt Horder said: “It’s fantastic to have an American Crew All-Star back in Ireland. Chris is an extremely skilled barber as well as a talented educator. We’ve seen his journey progress alongside the American Crew brand as an educator and this is a fitting way to acknowledge his outstanding commitment and achievements.”

MEN’S HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED AT THE BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS 2023

On 27 November 2023 the winners of HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, were crowned at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London. Along with British Hairdresser of the Year, the awards celebrated 10 regional categories and eight specialist categories, including Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, which was awarded to Sam Elliot, from TONI&GUY Covent Garden. Upon accepting the award, he said: “I really didn’t expect this. It’s been a lifelong dream. A big shoutout to Hairdressers Journal International, to Jayne and to Schwarzkopf for putting on an amazing night. I’d also like to thank everyone from the TONI&GUY Artistic Team, who have all helped push me to be better. This award is for everyone I hold dear to my heart, thank you.”