We catch up with Wahl’s Simon Shaw to find out what he’s been up to!

What a busy few months I’ve had! From shows, seminars, product launches and exhibitions both in the UK overseas I’ve been flat out – but love every single minute and enjoy seeing the sights and taking inspiration from all the different cultures.

So I bet you’ve been wondering where I’ve been the past few weeks? Well here’s what I’ve been up to…

I know the big news you are all waiting to hear – who was crowned Wahl’s British Barber of the Year at Pro Hair Live? Well I am delighted to announce it was… the amazing Darryn Pitman! The competition launched in July 2013, and stylists were asked to submit 3-6 images that reflected current barbering trends and techniques as well as creativity.

Each image was to be created using WAHL products and submitted along with a biography and short video. Once received it was up to you guys to choose your favourite images – we had over 10,500 votes! We had over 100 amazing entries entries which were narrowed down in January to our finalists – Nathan, Jiggi, Corey, Mitch, Frank Simon, Bobby and of course Darryn. The live final was held on Sunday 23rd March at Pro Hair Live in Manchester. It created such an amazing buzz and all the finalists were outstanding – the crowd was out of this world, tweeting and all sorts all the way through, we’ve had fantastic feedback from everyone!! Darryn’s technique and creativity was incredible and his passion for barbering really shown through. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him, he’s got an exciting time ahead – watch this space. I’m looking forward to catching up with Darryn and all the finalists soon.

As well as launching the new Cordless Super Taper at Pro Hair Live, we had a more intimate launch event for the press and barbering legends. Held at Ted’s Grooming Room in Holburn we celebrated not only the history of the Super Taper but the latest technology and creative features. Along with members of 5ive we had live demonstrations on the go as well as meeting with members of the press from the hair and beauty industry and industry professionals such as Kevin Luchmun and Chris Foster!

Everyone fell in love with the Super Taper once again and this is now the most sought after barbering tool in the UK and is most definitely my product of the month as it will change the way we barber forever. With the lithium ion battery, high precision blades and a run time of 90minutes from 180 minutes charge time, the advancements in technology within the clipper have no limitations and are a must have tool for every barber! The cordless feature allows freedom when working on your client and you can even use your existing combs for added convenience.


I also travelled to Arrow Hair and Beauty in Redditch to work with the teams showing them the latest in barbering techniques. We covered all sorts including clipper design and traditional shaving. We had a great turn out at both seminars and everyone had a great time. I love seeing people with a real passion for barbering, it’s so inspiring and great to see the industry growing.

Well that’s it for another month. I’m now getting ready to jet off to Italy for another seminar – such a jetsetter aren’t I?

Don’t forget to follow me on twitter, Simon Shaw @wahlacademy and www.facebook.com/wahluklimited and Instagram @artofwahl to keep up to date with all my travels and all of Wahl’s latest news and product updates.