BAND OF BROTHERS

By Zoe Richards UK

Family businesses are the backbone of the hair industry, but few are as dynamic, talented, and downright likeable as the three UK brothers behind MaxOliver. From a single salon in Crowborough to a newly opened flagship in Brighton, Max, Oliver, and Josh have built a men’s hair empire that’s redefining the space between barbering and high-end salon styling. And they’ve done it with sheer skill, graft, and a healthy dose of sibling banter.

The Early Days: A Cut Above the Rest

Max, the eldest of the trio, was practically born with scissors in his hand. Cutting hair in his mum’s living room at 13, it wasn’t long before he was the only lad from his school brave enough to enrol in a ladies’ hairdressing course. But while he honed his skills in classic cutting, his real passion lay in men’s hair.

By 16, Max landed his first salon job, and at just 22, he opened the first MaxOliver salon in Crowborough in 2013. “I loved cutting men’s hair, but I hated the ‘conveyor belt’ vibe of traditional barbering,” he explains. “I wanted to create a service where men got more than just a quick clipper job – something tailored, stylish, and personal.”

The MaxOliver Difference

The brothers’ belief in education and technical precision has shaped everything they do. “We specialise in the mechanics of men’s hair,” Oliver explains. “Every stylist who joins us has to master six technical MaxOliver cuts before they’re fully qualified.” It’s an in-depth training system that blends classic barbering with modern hairdressing, producing stylists who can handle everything from fades to flowing, scissor-over-comb work with ease.

This commitment to craft has not gone unnoticed. MaxOliver has taken to the Modern Barber stage at Salon International three years in a row, with Oliver leading the charge. They’ve also been finalists for prestigious awards like Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted and the Hair Magazine Awards, where they won ‘Men’s Specialist Salon’ in 2023. This year, Oliver is up for ‘Men’s Stylist of the Year’ at the 2025 Hair Magazine Awards – an accolade well deserved.

The Brothers Unite

Meanwhile, middle brother Oliver was making waves in ladies’ hairdressing with Toni&Guy. A cutting whiz with a creative edge, he was fast-tracked to work at the London Academy, but when Max asked him to join the family business, it took some persuading. “Oliver is the best cutter I’ve ever worked with,” Max admits. “But I had to promise him that MaxOliver wouldn’t just be a barber shop – it had to be something more.”

With Oliver on board, the philosophy of the brand became clear: they weren’t barbers, they were ‘Men’s Hair Specialists.’ MaxOliver would bridge the gap between traditional barbering and salon precision, offering an experience where men felt seen, styled, and seriously looked after. A welcoming atmosphere, top-tier cuts, and excellent coffee didn’t hurt either.

Then came the youngest of the trio, Josh. Learning under the watchful eyes of his older brothers, he became the first fully trained stylist to graduate from the MaxOliver education program. A natural talent with an effortless charm, Josh has become a client favourite and a key part of the brand’s evolution.

The Big Expansion: Brighton and Beyond

With thriving salons in Crowborough, Tunbridge Wells, and Lewes, 2024 was the brand’s busiest year yet. But the biggest milestone came with the opening of their new flagship in Brighton. Spanning four floors, the space isn’t just a salon – it’s a statement. Two floors are dedicated to cutting, one to photography (perfect for their ever-growing social media presence), and the top floor is home to the MaxOliver Academy, their first dedicated education hub.

“For years, we’ve been developing our own education,” Max says. “Brighton gives us a chance to take it to the next level, training stylists from all over the industry in the MaxOliver way.”

A Brand with Heart

Despite their rapid growth, the brothers have never lost sight of their roots. Charity work is a big part of what they do, with the team raising over £900 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and £600 for Movember last year alone. They also continue to recruit from their own talent pool, bringing in graduates through their in-house training program and mentoring them into full-fledged stylists. Out of 22 trainees since 2013, 17 are still with the company – a testament to their loyalty and leadership.

Their latest product re-launch – featuring Soufflé, Matte Texture Dust, Sulphate-Free Aloe Vera Shampoo, and more – proves they’re not just about haircuts but a full grooming experience. And with Oliver set to host the Modern Barber stage at Barber Connect again in 2025, their industry presence is only growing stronger.

The Secret to Success

What makes MaxOliver so special? Sure, their technical excellence is undeniable, and their eye for style is razor-sharp. But ask anyone who’s sat in one of their chairs, and they’ll tell you it’s the brothers themselves. There’s no ego, no pretence – just a trio of genuinely passionate, down-toearth blokes who love what they do.

“In a family business, there’s trust, loyalty, and a level of honesty you can’t fake,” Max says. “We push each other, challenge each other, and ultimately make each other better.”

With Brighton now up and running, an ever-growing client base, and a reputation as one of the UK’s top men’s specialist salons, the future of MaxOliver looks sharper than ever. And with these three at the helm, you can bet there’s plenty more to come.

@maxolivermh