Off the back on a great start to the year's exhibitions, I sit reminiscing over the immense growth of our sector over the past few years. This industry has gone from strength to strength and Pro hair live was something to behold as it was the first time I truly felt that 'barbering' was on a par with 'hairdressing' in terms of being recognised as an art form. These shows used to be dominantly hairdressing events however over the past few years we have seen an influx of new companies and demonstrators who are helping to raise the profile of our sector within the wonderful industry.

Along with the growth of companies, we saw a better balance of demonstrations as the Mens Stages were full of amazing talent including the likes of Alan Beak, Kevin Luchman, Ryan Cullen and Josh Lamonaca. These talented lads are at the forefront of the push and rise of education and insane technical imagery. We also saw the stage veterans once again do their thing in the forms of BBA Ambassador Chris Foster, the Wahl artistic team and of course the highly anticipated debut of Schorem Barbiere. The Crowds were full to the rafters and there were many times we were asked to squeeze in as the overflow filled the aisles, and this was only Manchester! Not forgetting we had a show running alongside this, in London which was equally as successful!

London saw the likes of Kevin Vorley, MHFEDs, Scissorhands UK (Jac Ludlow) and many, many more, hold the fort for men's hairdressing at the first Salon London, the sister show of Salon International.

As for my own experiences at Pro hair, I was co-representing Scissorhands UK and Denman International and dont get me wrong, usually when I demonstrate crowds start to form but for me this event was different, the crowd was different. The age ranges and background contained more variety and there was more interaction, more interest in men's hair than ever before which proves more than ever that barbering is at the pinnacle of growth within the hair and beauty industry.

Furthermore the weekend itself had another little gathering occurrence, or should I say bash.

Garry Spencer's Great British Barber Bash was in town at Manchester's, Victoria warehouse. A venue of which every brick and exposed steel pipe seemed to tell its own little story. This venue paid tribute to an event which was heavily anticipated by the hundreds of attendees, A night of booze and banter with the one and only (well two and only) Schorem Barbiere! The Dutch 'assholes' gave us an insight into the story behind schorem and their mentality and ethical views towards barbering. A night you couldnt miss!

So my 'Jack's top tip' to all barbers out there, get yourself to the next trade show near you and revel in the hype as its here to stay!

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