Of Wahl

WAHL PROFESSIONAL HAS SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC BARBERING CLIPPERS AND TRIMMERS IN THE WORLD. INSPIRED BY THE UNIQUE BUZZ AND HUM OF THESE INDUSTRY FAVORITES AND SOUNDSCAPES OF BARBERSHOPS AROUND THE WORLD, THE BRAND HAS CREATED ACTUAL SONGS TO CELEBRATE THE TOOLS AND PROS BEHIND THEM.

Did Wahl Professional just drop an EP?

We spoke to Garrett McGuire, Wahl Professional’s Global Brand Director, to talk a bit about the “Icons of Wahl” campaign. “Every barbershop and salon has a musical backdrop that sets the tone for their spaces, experiences, and clients. But that backdrop is more than just the radio playing in the background; it’s the chatter, the laughter, and the distinct sound of Wahl Professional clippers.

“Every Wahl Pro clipper has its own distinct vibration, tone, and pitch. Factor in the variable speeds, swappable blades, along with a variety of cutting techniques, and you have a rich sonic palette of iconic sounds.

“So, Wahl Pro asked, ‘what if we turned those sounds into real songs as iconic as the clippers that inspired them, to celebrate the identities and diversity not only of each tool but of each barber in the industry, and how beautiful, fun, diverse, and inclusive this industry truly is.’

What makes Wahl Professional tools so iconic?

Garrett explained: “Like Wahl, many barbers dedicate their life and their purpose to barbering. Because of that shared passion for the industry, Pros love Wahl and it’s inspiring – I can’t count how many Wahl tools I’ve seen tattooed on people! That level of fandom speaks to the connection we’ve created through a history of solving real problems for Pros around the world.”

As Garrett mentioned, Wahl has been around for 104 years. He said: “There are not a lot of brands out there that have existed that long, nor have the quality and credentials behind them that have stood the test of time. Wahl tools have proven their value for professionals and that they will help pros to get the job done in the best way possible. There is an expectation of quality that is associated with Wahl tools and a consistency that makes barbers fully believe in every Wahl tool they purchase.”

Garrett continued: “So, when we came up with the Icons of Wahl campaign, we wanted to think of a way to celebrate and reintroduce Wahl’s most-loved tools and to have a little fun with it too.”

For this campaign, Wahl has selected five barber tools to be represented as ‘The Icons.’ Garrett explained: “We chose these five because they are globally recognized and admired tools that most barbers can identify immediately from their distinct look and unique sounds. This includes the Wahl Cordless Senior®, the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip®, the Wahl Super Taper®, the Wahl Cordless Legend®, and the Wahl Detailer® Li. “The world has shown us that they love these tools. It’s not us saying that these are iconic tools; it’s the members of the industry who have used and will keep using these tools throughout their careers, always going back to them. No matter how trends and the industry evolve, professionals always come back to the icons.”

And not only is the industry evolving, but these tools are evolving too. Since these tools were first launched, they have evolved from being corded to cordless. Still to this day, both versions of the tools are still popular. But as we have entered a more cordless world, Wahl has adapted its tools, so they still have the quality and power professionals rely on, but with a more versatile and ergonomic cordless model.

Creating the Music

To carry out this campaign, Wahl matched some of the most iconic Wahl Educators to the iconic tool that best fits their style to then create a unique sound for each tool.

Garrett told us more: “We brought in educators who have been working with Wahl for many years. These are top educators in our industry, people who live and breathe barbering and styling, and they have become just as iconic as the tools they use on a daily basis. So, in this campaign, we wanted to celebrate each of them and their unique style and vibe just as much as the tools they use.”

Garrett shared a bit about the process of creating the songs: “We held two shoots in Chicago, both hosted at the Wahl Barber Academy. We brought the production crew in, along with a music producer, to capture the sounds of the clippers in natural action. We had the educators cut in different styles, on different hair types, and with different techniques to capture the wide variety of tones, hums, and buzzes that the tools create.”

He continued: “Then the producer took all the sounds back to the studio to weave the unique sounds of the tools into songs. Each song was inspired by the sound of the tool, leading to a mix of genres and global sounds.”

With the Wahl Senior®, they worked with Rick Morin to produce an ‘80s Rock song called ‘Rock the Look.’ With the Wahl Super Taper®, they worked with Fernando Ibanez to create a Latin song called ‘El Cabello,’ (‘The Hair).’ With the Wahl Legend®, they created a jazz song with Garland Fox called ‘Style Standards.’ With the Wahl Magic Clip®, they worked with Kristie Faulkner to create an Alt HipHop song called ‘Abracadabra’, and finally, with the Wahl Detailer® Li, the team worked with Nieves to create an electro-pop song called ‘Fine Tune’.

Each of the songs have just been released at the end of July and can be checked out and listened to on the Wahl website and socials. Each of the sounds will also be available on Instagram and TikTok so that members of the industry can use them as the soundtrack to their own videos, stories, and reels. You can also check out what went on behind the scenes and learn more about the creation of the videos with the educators at wahlpro.com/icons

Garrett concluded: “The goal of this campaign is to celebrate the industry, celebrate the iconic tools we all love, connect in a new way, and have a little fun! We want people to remember why they are here, why they love working in this industry, and why they love what they do. Professionals have given us so much of their love and loyalty to Wahl, and this is small way we can return some of the joy and fun back to them.”

BY COREY GRAY AND TONY STUART

ON MARCH 25, 2023, HAIRDUSTRY, THE POPULAR HAIR AND BEAUTY PODCAST HOSTED BY COREY GRAY, TONY STUART, AND KATIE MAY BLOUNT, HELD THE PRESLEY POE AND FRIENDS EVENT IN FREDERICK, MD. THE EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED INDIVIDUALS IN THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY FOR AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION, EDUCATION, AND NETWORKING.

What a blast it was to have been part of such a special event! Hosting a podcast is one thing, but getting to host an event to truly bring the industry and our friends together was another. We are delighted with the success of the Presley Poe and Friends event. Our aim has always been to inspire and educate professionals in the hair and beauty industry, and this event was a perfect reflection of that. We invite everyone to visit our website at Presleypoeandfriends.com to stay updated on our future events.

Our friend, Presley Poe, a renowned stylist, was joined by a line-up of special guests, including celebrity hairstylist Sam Villa, colorist Rebecca Taylor, and other notable industry figures. The event featured live hair demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions on industry trends and techniques.

"I'm thrilled to have been a part of such an incredible event," said Presley Poe. "It was an honor to share the stage with such amazing talent and to have the opportunity to inspire and educate fellow professionals."

Educator Rebecca Taylor (@rebeccataylorhair) said: “As an educator, I found the Presley Poe and Friends Event to be so incredibly intimate not only for myself but all of the attendees. It really felt like a community and family from the second I got there until the moment I left. Not only at the actual event but all of the afterhours, downtime get-togethers. The energy was so freaking amazing. I really haven’t experienced that level of inclusivity, family vibes, AND top-tier education at another event. Take me back immediately!”

A very pleased attendee, Inhye Kim (@inhye_ inspired), said: “Ok, so imagine entering a room full of people that you don't know. But you feel this exhilarating energy and feel comforted. Music is playing. Everyone is smiling with excitement. And you feel… right at home. Home called Presley Poe and Friends!

2023 is now my 3rd year attending. Each year it gets better, and believe me when I say this year was amazing and definitely one to beat!

I have connected with so many new friends from all over the country. Thanks to Hairdustry, the talented and eager stylists and barbers that love this community help build this bond and create a space of acceptance, gratitude, and love. I mean, what better way to learn and grow your craft than to have hands-on classes that are taught by industry masters? Presley and her "friends" like Sam Villa and Rebecca Taylor are among the leaders that I look up to. I get to see them give tips and tricks and get to see snip bits of their genius on Instagram.

But to actually see them in person… and in the same room… And get to interact and speak with them?? Not to mention, give them hugs and take selfies too?? C'mon! It doesn't get better than that!

It's so easy to see a mini version of their big personalities on my iPhone screen. And to hear the voices of Corey and Tony on their podcast. But what an emotional revelation to talk to them and realize they are even cooler in person. Down to earth, kind, and funny! And best of all, they are so good at what they do, which is to Educate, spread awareness and connect the community stronger.

I have always wished for more education to come to the DMV area. So, I applaud Hairdustry for taking the lead in providing top-class education and helping build a stronger community across our industry!

Corey, Tony, Katie, and the whole crew of Hairdustry are, in my opinion, a powerhouse! I cannot thank them enough. I look forward to another year of kick-ass from them and wouldn't expect anything less.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees leaving feeling inspired and empowered, having gained valuable insights from some of the industry's most innovative and creative minds. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to network and connect with fellow professionals, forming new relationships and strengthening existing ones.”