Barber News

Dateline Imports Returns to Expo4Barbers 2026

Bigger Brands. Iconic Talent. Unmissable Moments Dateline Imports is back at Expo4Barbers, running 18–20 April 2026, and this year, they’re making an even bigger impact. Expect more brands, world-class talent, and unforgettable moments on the show floor -cementing Dateline Imports as a must-visit destination for barbers and stylists alike. Taking over the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dateline Imports will showcase a powerhouse barbering line-up, including BaBylissPRO, StyleCraft by Silver Bullet, Silver Bullet, Parlux, and iQ Perfetto, alongside the newest addition to the family: L3VEL3. Introducing L3VEL3 to the Dateline Imports Family Making its mark at Expo4Barbers 2026, L3VEL3 brings bold style and performance-driven products that have earned a loyal following worldwide. Known for its strong presence in modern barber culture, L3VEL3 adds a new level of edge and attitude to the Dateline Imports portfolio. Representing the brand will be internationally recognised barber Mr Official – Yahia Jaber (@mrofficial).

February 3, 2026

UPDATE YOUR HAIR REGIME FOR 2026

Men’s Hair Has Officially Entered a New Era By Jim Shaw In 2026, a good haircut alone isn’t enough, how you care for your hair matters just as much as how it looks. As grooming continues to evolve, more men are realising that updating their hair regime is about a routine that works with their lifestyle, hair type, and long-term hair health. From refreshing your cut to suit modern styles and face shape, to revamping your care routine with smarter washing and scalp care, today’s approach to men’s hair is more intentional than ever. JIM SHAW Updating your cut In 2026, updating your haircut is less about following extreme trends and more about choosing a style that looks natural, modern, and easy to maintain. Men’s cuts are shifting towards softer shapes, lived-in texture, and personalised details that work with your hair type rather than against it. Clean fades are still relevant, but

January 20, 2026

INDUSTRY-ONLY WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED FOR HAIRDRESSING & BARBERING TRAINING REVIEW

Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) is running industry-only online workshops to explore the updated draft training products for the Review of Hairdressing and Barbering Qualifications. The updated drafts reflect all the feedback from industry, training providers, unions and peak bodies. This is your chance to review the proposed changes, discuss what’s changed and make sure your voice is heard to keep hairdressing training current, practical and industry led. Register for an industry-only online workshop and help shape the future of hairdressing and barbering training: CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WORKSHOPS www.sacsa.org.au

January 20, 2026

BENSONS IN TASMANIA FOR SALON FORUM

Turning Inspiration into Intent https://youtu.be/LPyX4k5vPOI When salon owners, stylists and creative leaders descend on Spring Bay Mill in Tasmania on February 15 and 16, 2026, they will be part of something more than a hair event. The Salon Forum — hosted by CPR Hair and supported by industry media powerhouse MochaGroup — is designed to transform the way salons think about leadership, culture, creativity and business growth. At the centre of this transformation are keynote speakers Chrystofer Benson and Hannah Patricia Benson, internationally acclaimed creatives who bring global perspective and deep insight into both artistic expression and human-centred leadership. In a Pre-Christmas interview, Jarred Stedman, MochaGroups General Manager squeezes in one last interview with them before they head down to Hobart in less then 2 months. This year’s Salon Forum isn’t just about new trends, content calendars or even salon systems, it’s about helping owners and teams choose courage over

December 22, 2025

DRIVING THE FUTURE OF BARBERING

The Expo4Barbers Australian Education Road Tour Australia’s barbering scene is about to hit the road in a way it’s never done before. In Mid-February to Early March 2026, Expo4Barbers will launch an extraordinary 2.5-week national education tour, uniting barbers, educators, and leading brands for a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Cairns to Melbourne. This isn’t just a road trip. It’s a travelling celebration of education, creativity, and community — built for barbers, by barbers. A National Movement for Education and Connection! From Monday, February 16 to Wednesday, March 4, 2026, three fully branded motorhomes will take to the highways, carrying a team of passionate educators, creators, and industry leaders on the Expo4Barbers Australian Education Road Show — a one-of-a-kind experience that combines education, entertainment, and real industry connection. Across 20 to 25 stops, including TAFEs, colleges, academies, wholesalers, barbershops & salons the tour will deliver free education sessions open to students, barbers,

December 22, 2025

A NEW ERA FOR MENS GROOMING

For more than four decades, Alex Tabakman has stood at the intersection of hairdressing craft, education and entrepreneurship. His path has covered every corner of the industry, from the floor of Bondi Beach in the mid 80s, to high end training with Sassoon, Toni&Guy and Trevor Sorbie, to the long-running success of Tabou Hairdressing, and later, the move into men’s grooming. After years of building businesses, leading teams and shaping the direction of men’s style in Australia, Alex’s newest chapter feels different. More personal. More intentional. And deeply grounded in giving back. That new chapter is Jukes Grooming a premium styling and care range created not just for barbers, but for hairdressers, salon owners and the modern man who expects more from the products in his hands. From Hairdresser to Industry Leader Alex’s career began the way so many great industry stories do, sweeping floors, learning the rhythm of the

December 16, 2025

INSIDE THE ZENOTI ROUNDTABLE LUNCHEON

What Salon and Spa Leaders Can Learn for 2026 Written and Photographed by MochaGroup On 1 December 2025, an intimate lunch-time roundtable hosted by Zenoti brought together salon owners, beauty therapists, hairdressers, and wellness-industry leaders from around the country for a forward-looking conversation about the next wave of growth in Australia’s and New Zealand’s beauty and wellness sector. Held at the stylish Pendolino in The Strand Arcade, the event attracted senior executives from top salons, spas, and medspas across the region. The roundtable combined a chef-curated lunch, keynote remarks, and a moderated discussion on the future of the industries, a format designed not to sell, but to inform and inspire. MochaGroup was proud to partner with this event to share what is happening within the industry and bring it to the attention of the professional Hair, Beauty, and Barbering industry. Global Vision, Local Relevance: opening keynote The session opened

December 5, 2025

CARINA VIOLA JOINS SHORT BACK & SIDEWALKS AS CEO

A New Chapter of Growth and Community Impact Short Back & Sidewalks has officially welcomed Carina Viola as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting new phase for the much-loved charity. Carina brings over 20 years of experience in the social services sector, shaped by her upbringing in the Kimberley and across regional Western Australia. With academic foundations in Psychology and Criminology, her career has taken her across Australia and overseas. Her international work includes managing homelessness shelters in Canada and developing youth programs centred on sexual exploitation awareness and community resilience. In Australia, Carina has worked across both Adult and Youth Justice services before joining Anglicare WA in 2016, where she led the organisation’s North West operations. Her leadership style is grounded in people, partnership and lived experience, values that strongly align with the mission of Short Back & Sidewalks. Today, Short Back & Sidewalks operates across 36

November 27, 2025

HAVE YOUR SAY – HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF HAIRDRESSING & BARBERING TRAINING

This is your chance to have your voice heard and I’m calling on all barbers and hairdressers to get involved! By Jimmy Rod – Member for Barbering, SWAG (SaCSA Strategic Workforce Advisory Group) Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) is leading an exciting review of Australia’s hairdressing and barbering qualifications to ensure our training system reflects the skills and creativity needed for the next generation of professionals. As part of this project, SaCSA has engaged extensively with stakeholders across industry, VET, and unions to explore both the challenges and opportunities within the current qualifications. Drawing on these valuable insights, SaCSA collaborated with their Technical Committee to shape the updated draft training products, which are now open for public consultation. As the member on SaCSA’s Strategic Workforce Advisory Group (SWAG) representing the barbering sector, I know how vital it is that our qualifications reflect the real-world skills and trends shaping our industry. From modern cutting

November 25, 2025

AMERICAN CREW® LAUNCHES NEW STYLE ENHANCERS RANGE

American Crew®, has introduced Style Enhancers – a new trio of hybrid styling products designed to enhance natural texture while supporting hair health. while supporting hair health. The new range consisting of a Matte Clay Cream, Forming Cream Gel and Fiber Gel, combines effortless performance with ingredient-led care, reflecting a more considered and elevated approach to daily styling. Created with feedback from the American Crew All-Star Barbers, and tested on real clients, each product in the Style Enhancers range blends professional level styling control with hair-caring agents. Crafted to support healthy hair while achieving the perfect style for every hair type and texture whether refining curls, adding shape or building lived-in texture. THE RANGE Matte Clay Cream For those who prefer a clean, matte finish and flexible styling, the Matte Clay Cream offers lightweight control powered by kaolin clay. The 92% naturally derived ingredients help detoxify the scalp and thicken