What it is?

Welcome to SHAIR! UNDRGRND from How To Cut It, the ultimate Open Stage Night where hairdressers become performers and their tools become the instruments. Hair is the canvas.  SHAIR! UNDRGRND drags hairdressers out from behind the confines of the salon chair and onto a bona fide live stage.  

It’s gig energy fused with raw hair craft and artistry in 10-minute live stage creations, a DJ on the decks, a strict countdown, and a model reveal. The live crowd will keep the tempo redlining, with crowd hype crowning the night’s Star SHAIR Performers.

But that’s not all! Slotted between 10‑minute sets we have Voice of the Undrgrnd hosted by Ruth Lundstrum — a rapid, crowd‑led debate.

The Water Rats, an iconic intimate live music venue in London's Kings Cross, will play host to the launch of SHAIR! UNDRGRND sponsored by Cloud Nine, Denman Professional, Keratin Complex and Spot'd.

Event is anticipated at full capacity; a few tickets might be available on the door, but we can’t guarantee entry.

Take to the stage in a 10 minutes performance time (Photography by Darren Lehane)

Who should perform?

• Hairdressers of all stripes: cutters, colourists, barbers, braiders, wig/extension artists, avant‑garde/session stylists
• Educators keen to showcase their talents and live teaching style.
• Pros and emerging talent eager to grow their industry profiles and stage presence.
• Content‑hungry pros who want killer stage footage for their social media posts of them performing on stage.  

Who should attend to watch?

• Hair pros, salon teams, students, and industry nerds who live for live craft and new ideas.
• Pros and creatives eager to network, and capture content.
• Brands on the lookout for future ambassadors.
• Industry media looking for news worthy stories to cover.
• PRs looking to discover and build relationships with industry talent.
• Performers work mates, friends, clients and hype crews ready to clap and cheer.

Capture killer stage footage for you socials (Photography by Darren Lehane)

How to get involved?

• To Perform: Join the lineup by grabbing your 10‑minute performers slot — click Book 10 Min Stage Set Or Audience Tickets and then select from dropdown  '10 mins Performers Slot‘ + 1. 
• Team Up: Want stage time as a duo or art-team trio—or have a wildcard idea? Ping us here at info@howtocut.it; if it aligns, you’ll receive an access code.
• Cost: Each performers slot costs £10 to perform, and +1 model goes free.
• To Watch: Grab General Admission. Clap, cheer, and help crown the night’s standouts.

Spaces are limited—don’t delay.

Grow your industry profile and stage presence (Photography Darren Lehane)

1. Expect live gig vibes and noise.
2. Models don’t need to be pros—bring a colleague, friend, or family member with enough swag to carry your hair look.
3. Performers get 30 minutes in the live-room prep area to prep, fine‑tune, and hype.
4. Strict 10-minute stage sets: your techniques, your artistry, your rules—no restrictions.
5. No need to talk during performance—the DJ plays bangers and the MC keeps the crowd hyped.
6. When time’s up: model reveal, then a quick breakdown of your look.
7. Plan action, not filler—bring drama. Use hair pieces, wigs or bold colour ideas to amp it up.
8. All performers to arrive 6:45pm for time-slot allocation (names drawn from a hat).
9. Enter the prep area only 30 minutes before your stage time.
10. Prep area: in the main room with limited lighting; no wash basins—use toilet sinks and clean any colour off surfaces immediately.
11. Spot prizes throughout the night for Performers—stay to the end to see if you’ve won.
12. Finish is 10:30pm; bar stays open for networking while stage packdown starts at 10:30pm.
13. Travel and parking info: see The Water Rats website.
14. All attendees and performers receive a goody bag from our headline sponsors.
15. 18+ venue; 16-17yrs can attend must be accompanied by an adult.
16. Good vibes only—be respectful and supportive, or it’s goodnight.

Where new industry stars get spotted (Photography Darren Lehane)

If you have any questions, drop us an email here

Headline Supporters

trade.denmanbrush.com

keratincomplex.com

cloudninehair.com

getspotdapp.com

Pivot Point UK

SHAIR THE STAGE / TALENT / PASSION / MOMENT