NEWS

WAVY LAUNCHES BARBERING SCHOLARSHIP IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LONDON SCHOOL OF BARBERING FOR TAX REFORM

Men’s textured haircare brand Wavy has teamed up with the London School of Barbering (LSB) to launch a game-changing scholarship for one aspiring barber. Founded by brothers Eyal and Ariel Booker, the fully funded opportunity covers LSB’s nine-week Level 2 Diploma, worth £5,000, and includes hands-on training, an industry-recognised qualification, and a direct path into a professional barbering career. Commenting on the collaboration, Eyal and Ariel said: “Barbers have shaped our brand since day one. They’ve brought our products to life, built trust in every chair, and helped make space for people to show up as their full selves. For us, it started with a broom not a pair of clippers. Our first jobs were sweeping floors in our local barbershop, soaking up the energy, the humour, and the lessons. It was our coming of age.”

POKZ HAIR STUDIOS BREAKS BARBERSHOP BOUNDARIES

Pokz Hair Studios in Croydon is redefining what a barbershop can be. Founded in 2023 by Opoku Kunadu-Yiadom, the studio is a space where mental health support and grooming go hand in hand. Opoku, a qualified barber with additional training in hair replacement systems, swapped a career in quantity surveying to launch his vision. “It’s not just about the haircut,” says Opoku. “It’s about creating a safe space where men feel they can open up about their struggles.” With research showing Black men are 17 times more likely to be diagnosed with serious mental illness, Pokz offers a vital space for support.

NEW HMRC GUIDANCE CLARIFIES TAX STATUS FOR BARBERS

HMRC has released new guidance to help barbers and other hair and beauty professionals, especially those using the rent-a-chair model, correctly determine their employment status for tax purposes. Created with input from industry stakeholders, the resource includes simple explanations and real-world examples to highlight the differences between employed and self-employed roles. “This new guidance responds directly to industry requests,” said HMRC’s Deputy Director, Taskforces & Specialist Compliance, Kelvin Shorte.

“It’s vital that owners and professionals understand their tax obligations.” The British Hair Consortium welcomed the move, stating: “HMRC is paying very close attention to employment status. It’s important that anyone engaging any workers ensures they determine their correct status.”

HEART OF WORCESTERSHIRE COLLEGE LAUNCHES NEW COURSES FOR ASPIRING BARBERS

Heart of Worcestershire College has unveiled a new part-time course designed to kick-start careers in the barbering industry. Starting this academic year, the VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Barbering will run at the college’s Worcester campus and will offer hands-on training in cutting, styling, and client care. The course will combine practical assessments, online exams, and digital portfolios to ensure students are job ready. Early applications are encouraged to secure a spot on these new programmes. Head to modernbarber.co.uk for more information on how to apply.

PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY GROUP ANNOUNCES EUROPE’S LARGEST INDUSTRY EVENT

Barbers and other hair and grooming industry professionals will have the chance to visit Europe’s biggest industry event in October 2026, as Salon International and Professional Beauty London join forces. Salon International 2026 will run as a two-day event on 4-5 October 2026, at Excel London and it will be joined by Professional Beauty London, previously held in March, for both of these days. As always, there will be lots of exhibitors for barbers, with a dedicated Modern Barber stage, plus the added attraction of exploring other options for salon and freelance businesses.

THE NOBLE BARBER PODCAST ANNOUNCES RECRUITMENT APP

In response to the current industry crisis, founder of The Noble Barber Podcast, Anthony Laban, is launching The Noble Barber App, an all-in-one platform where barbershop owners can advertise vacancies, barbers can find new career opportunities or training, and providers can showcase courses and services. Anthony commented: “As hosts of The Noble Barber Podcast, we’ve spent years listening to the real experiences and challenges faced by professionals at every level of the industry.

The app is our response; a practical, purpose-built solution created by barbers, for barbers.”

74%

That’s the number of businesses that have raised their prices to combat financial pressures according to the latest State of the Industry survey from NHBF.

AWARD-WINNING FILM CROWN TACKLES HAIR DISCRIMINATION AT UK PREMIERE

In May the award-winning short film CROWN premiered at Rich Mix London, drawing attention to the growing national conversation around hair discrimination in the UK. Written and directed by Dash Kolos, CROWN is a powerful exploration of the emotional and social impact of natural hair discrimination highlighting how it is often overlooked in both media and legislation. “In support of the C.R.O.W.N. Act, the film CROWN is a call to action for audiences who do not understand the impact of hair-based discrimination,” said Dash Kolos, the film’s writer and director. “I want to speak directly to an audience that hasn’t had a chance or a need to acknowledge hair-based discrimination. It’s my hope that anyone who doesn’t know about the C.R.O.W.N. Act and these stories, can connect with the main character and is moved enough by the experience to become an accomplice.”