Wahl Professional, a leader in the home grooming category, and Major League Barber (MLB), which works to educate and unite barbers and stylists worldwide, have partnered.
MLB reaches professionals who don’t get exposure from major shows and classes. It also takes seriously the effort of scheduling locations and events to ensure all stylist and barber artists are included.
As part of the collaboration, MLB will exclusively handle Wahl tools during events. Wahl will further enhance MLB’s education and competition by bringing top-notch equipment and educators to the partnership. “We’re excited to share Wahl tools, clippers and education to those who may not have been exposed to the Wahl brand before,” said Laura VanderMoere, director of education for Wahl Professional. “We feel it is extremely important to give everyone an opportunity to learn and participate in industry events, regardless of their location.”
MLB was launched in 2001, cofounded by Nuri West and his brother, as a movement created by barbers for barbers. “We started Major League Barber as a hub for barbers,” said West. “At the time, barbers did not have as much as stylists. We came in with a large focus on the barbers’ perspective. Now, barbering has transformed. Today, it incorporates cosmetology elements, and we see more female barbers.”
MLB serves the industry by hosting and attending educational and competitive shows, while also visiting barbershops to discuss events, represent MLB and now also represent the Wahl Professional brand. “I’ve noticed Major League Barber’s character and professionalism steadily grow over the past few years,” said VanderMoere. “Many people I respect spoke favorably of MLB, which intrigued me.”
West and VanderMoere were formally introduced in 2015 by Wahl education and artistic team member Garland “G-Whiz” Fox, the catalyst for beginning the partnership. “To be a leader, you must be selective,” said West. “Wahl is an industry leader, so it must be selective. We worked and waited for the opportunity to work with Wahl, and here we are.”
West believes that working with Wahl and its education team is key to helping MLB learn and
grow globally. “Education is everything,” said West. “Our brand is education and competition. We believe Wahl can help bridge that gap. Major League Barber’s goal is to reach everyone all over the world. We want to educate on barbering. But not just cutting hair, we also strive to unite and help one another.”
[Left to right: Nuri West of Major League Barber and Laura VanderMoere of Wahl Professional. Photo courtesy of Wahl Professional]