Latest news with #NickMackenzie
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Man who went bald at 26 astounds social media with jaw-dropping hair transformation - and no surgery or drugs are involved
A series of viral TikTok videos showcasing incredible hair transformations have taken the internet by storm. TikTok users have been wowed by astonishing before and after pictures that are the result of a revolutionary, non-surgical hair loss treatment that involves no medication. One video, which shows the hair piece in use and has over 260,000 views, shows Brad Baker, 40, revealing his completely bald scalp. Yet moments later, he appears not only younger, but also with a full head of curls. Known as hair systems, the wigs are said to be especially realistic because they are formed of individually woven strands of hair. Starting at around £150, hair systems are gaining in popularity across the UK, as a safer and less invasive alternative to hair transplant surgery that can involve weeks of recovery, meticulous after care and life-long medication. In a video that gained over 24,900 views posted to TikTok, Nick Mackenzie, an ambassador for hair systems specialists Lordhair, documented his at home-transformation, after he started to lose his hair at 17-years-old. The clip shows how in just 30 seconds, he completely transforms his appearance. In the video, Nick uses a fabric pen to mark the hairline before applying adhesive tapes around the side and back of the hair-system. The hair piece is then seamlessly folded on to the scalp and blended into the remaining hair. The caption simply reads: 'Hair: champion'. Brad Baker, an award wining hairstylist, from Clapham, London has suffered with hair loss since his early teens. As the founder of B-Spoke Systems, whose tag line reads 'hair loss never looked so good', Brad is dedicated to breaking the stigma associated with male pattern baldness. He said loosing his hair at such a young age was like 'loosing his identity'. After trying everything from hair loss creams, tablets and at-home hacks, in 2022, he started wearing hair systems full time. He said: 'Hair is a form of self-expression. When I was growing up, it was the era of the mohawk, something I used to only be able to dream of. Now, I wear a system because I want to connect to the real me, not because I am hiding or insecure.' @braddersbaker Install Day coming soon! Bspoke system @B-Spoke Hair Systems Base system @Lordhair Use my discount code checkout BRAD321 If you or someone you know has experienced hair loss & would like to try a non surgical solution - head over to to see all the options available. Use my code at checkout to get a discount on your order BRAD321 #bspokesytems #bespoke #hairsystems #lordhair #hairsystems #hairreplacement #balding #nonsurgical #bspokesystems #bespoke #customised #london #soho #privatehairlab #BRAD321 #queerlad #naturally #bald #baldisbeautiful #time4achange #colourist #wigcolour #colourexpert #hairunit #hairsystem #menshairreplacement #haircolour #fullfrenchlace #lacefront #hybrid #wigtape #extenderbond #nonshine #fyp #fy #fypage #viral ♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem The non-surgical hair pieces can be made from real or artificial hair which is affixed to the scalp with an adhesive that is scrubbed off after three to six months and reapplied. The systems are said to last longer than traditional toupees and can even be worn in the shower, overnight or during exercise. But, the hair stylist warned, all these activities will reduce wear time. 'There are all those things you should be doing to maintain hair, as you normally would. Obviously, the more chlorine and sweat that builds up, the more you have to wash it,' said Mr Baker. 'But, the technology is getting so much better. I went through a bit of a wig hiatus before but now, the systems are so good, allowing people who suffer with hair loss to look better than ever,' he added. Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, is believed to affect between 40 and 50 per cent of men worldwide. The condition is caused by a combination of genetic factors and an imbalance of sex hormones that gradually lead to the permanent loss of hair follicles. Having suffered with thinning hair since the age of 13, Mr Baker was open to trying anything to regain his self-confidence. 'I noticed after that, my hair really started to thin and fall out. By 25 I really didn't have much left,' he said. Mr Baker sought help from a hair loss specialist who prescribed a treatment that has been proven to reverse genetic hair loss. Minoxidil, sold under the brand name Regaine in the UK, increases blood flow to the hair follicles, which in turn enables hair to grow for longer and at an accelerated rate. However, it is not intended to treat hair loss caused by other factors including stress, illness or even iron deficiency, the NHS warns. Users also need to take minoxidil for life to have a lasting benefit. 'When I stopped taking the treatment, all the hair that I had managed to grow began to fall out,' he said. 'I tried to mask it for as long as I could, using hair mascara, bleaching and combovers. But one day I went for a hair cut and there was basically nothing left. 'I shaved it all off and cried for two days straight. It was a total Britney moment', he recalled. @braddersbaker Christmas Party install Base System customisation @ If you or someone you know has experienced hair loss & would like to try a non surgical solution - head over to to see all the options available. Use my code at checkout to get a discount on your order BRAD321 bspokesytems bespoke hairsystems lordhair hairsystems hairreplacement balding nonsurgical bspokesystems bespoke customised london soho privatehairlab BRAD321 queerlad naturally bald baldisbeautiful time4achange colourist wigcolour colourexperthairunit hairsystem menshairreplacement haircolour fullfrenchlace lacefront hybridwigtape extenderbond nonshine fyp fy fypage viral ♬ Pop beat BGM / long version(1283324) - nightbird_bgm But he missed the look of having real hair. 'In the moment it wasn't a difficult decision, I just grabbed the clippers and it was gone', he said. 'But afterwards I felt this real sense of loss, I was grieving the hair I had grown up with and everything I knew. It was a loss of that person looking back at you in the mirror. 'When I kept my head shaved, people would see me in the street and turn the other way because they assumed a skin-head with tattoos is a certain kind of person, but that's not me. 'Hair is a sense of self-expression, so saying goodbye to it definitely felt like loosing my identity', he added. Then, Mr Baker came across hair-systems. 'I bumped into one of my clients who had been suffering with thinning hair for quite a while, but he had this amazing blonde quiff. That's when I first learned about hair systems' he said. He says he now has the courage to really make a difference, helping people of all ages, from 24 to 60 through their hair loss journey. He has since opened his own salon, B-Spoke Systems in Elephant and Castle, London, dedicated to creating a safe space for anyone experiencing hair loss. He also shares videos of him redoing his hair on TikTok, gaining over 25,000 views on his installation videos. The hairstylist says he has seen a positive shift in the way in which men are starting to open up about their appearance and are more happy to talk about how they feel about hair loss.
Metro
23-04-2025
- Business
- Metro
'Unreal' BBQ fast food chain owned by UK pub to open 10 new restaurants in 2025
Serving up burger stacks, steaks, and gooey mac and cheese, an American-inspired fast food chain branded 'unreal' is opening 10 new branches across the UK in 2025. The first Hickory's Smokehouse opened in 2010, born out of a US road trip that saw founder Neil McDonnell travel across the likes of Texas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It all started in Chester, a year to the day that he returned from the trip of a lifetime – and since it was acquired by pub chain Greene King in 2022, its dreams have got even bigger. In 2024, Hickory's opened six new restaurants – bringing the grand total to 26 as part of a £25,000,000 investment from the 2600-strong pub chain. So far in 2025, a new location in Milton Keynes has already opened. The chain has plans to introduce 10 each year until at least 2027, some of which will see existing Greene King pubs converted into smokehouses. 'We knew Hickory's was a brilliant brand with a unique proposition when we made our initial investment, but it has been great to see the expansion of the brand really resonate with guests,' said Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie. 'At a time when the sector is facing significant pressures and layering of costs, Hickory's growth provides a blueprint for our investment strategy to drive the brand's expansion, unlock value and delight Hickory's guests.' Thinking about popping down? Its smokehouses stretch across the UK, including Derby, Lincoln, Wrexham, Leeds, and Huddersfield, with new locations set to open in Swindon and Sheffield later this year. It's no secret that fast food lovers have long been fangirling over Hickory's, which is known for Southern-inspired dishes including brisket popcorn bites, corn dogs, Memphis-style back ribs and smoked brisket. Burgers are also a menu staple, including the famous 'Go Big or Go Home' tower with three toasted buns, two beef patties, a Southern fried chicken fillet, streaky bacon, pork collar, hash brown, and not one but three slices of cheese. And of course, brunch is served every day until 2pm, offering American classics including homemade pancakes, steak and eggs, and a chicken fried waffle. We'll have ours sunny side up, please. Over on Reddit, @Dear_Hornet_2635 said they 'love[d]' their visit to Hickory's and recommended the 'pulled pork baked beans and the cheese and jalapeno sausages.' @AfternoonPenalty recently stumbled across the Gloucestershire restaurant and immediately 'grabbed the brisket sub with gravy,' which they thought was 'bloody lovely.' More Trending 'Deffo worth a visit – and we will be going back,' they added, while @ihavenoimaginaation labelled their 'brisket and bacon bites with the blue cheese sauce' 'top tier.' Visiting Solihull's location after it opened in 2023, TikToker @westmidlands_foodie described the food as 'incredible,' while @user751117768 said it was their 'absolute favourite place' and @jamesbcfc84 labelled the combo 'unreal.' And Priya Holland, who visited the new smokehouse in Milton Keynes earlier this month, wrote in a Facebook post that 'the food was delicious' and with 'good-sized portions.' View More » 'I have never experienced proper American-style food,' she added. 'I'm planning my next visit already.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: McDonald's is bringing back '10/10' discontinued menu item and three other fan-favourites MORE: McDonald's is bringing back 'utterly genius' burger and launching exclusive new menu item MORE: WeightWatchers 'filing for bankruptcy' after rise of weight-loss drugs
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular US-style fast food chain that rivals McDonald's to open 10 new restaurants a YEAR in UK
LOVIN IT Popular US-style fast food chain that rivals McDonald's to open 10 new restaurants a YEAR in UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR US-style smokehouse chain that's fast becoming a rival to McDonald's is planning to open 10 new restaurants a year across Britain. Hickory's Smokehouse, which already has a buzzing new branch in Milton Keynes, is firing up big plans to expand across the UK. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The chain, founded in Chester in 2010, has been growing rapidly ever since pub giant Greene King bought it in 2022 Credit: PA 3 In 2024 alone, Hickory's opened six new restaurants, bringing the total to 26, and there's no sign of slowing down Credit: Getty The chain, founded in Chester in 2010, has been growing rapidly ever since pub giant Greene King bought it in 2022. Bosses say they see a 'huge opportunity' to open more sites, even with the rising costs and economic pressures hitting the hospitality sector. While many businesses are struggling, Hickory's says its sales have stayed 'strong' thanks to heavy investment and a focus on quality. In 2024 alone, Hickory's opened six new restaurants, bringing the total to 26, and there's no sign of slowing down. A £25million cash boost from Greene King has helped fuel the rapid expansion, with even more to come. Excited fans in Milton Keynes were quick to praise the newest opening, with one diner raving online: 'Wow, it's finally open and what a great location with free parking – the food was amazing!' Greene King and Hickory's plan to keep the pace up by opening 10 new restaurants every year until at least 2027. They hope to triple the size of the chain by 2030, including converting some existing Greene King pubs into smokehouses. John Welsh, managing director of Hickory's, said the company's focus on customer experience is keeping it strong even in a tough market. 'I don't think we've had a single year without big challenges,' he said. 'But we're seeing strong performance because we stay focused on giving customers a brilliant experience.' The expansion drive will see another £10million invested this year alone. This includes a £1million revamp of the original Hickory's in Chester, where it all began. Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie said Hickory's was proving to be a winning formula. 'Hickory's is a fantastic brand and its success proves there's a real appetite for its smokehouse experience,' he said. 'At a time when the sector is under pressure, Hickory's shows how strong investment and brilliant guest service can deliver real growth.' He added: 'We're excited to build on this success and grow Hickory's into a truly national brand.'
The Sun
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Popular US-style fast food chain that rivals McDonald's to open 10 new restaurants a YEAR in UK
A POPULAR US-style smokehouse chain that's fast becoming a rival to McDonald's is planning to open 10 new restaurants a year across Britain. Hickory's Smokehouse, which already has a buzzing new branch in Milton Keynes, is firing up big plans to expand across the UK. 3 The chain, founded in Chester in 2010, has been growing rapidly ever since pub giant Greene King bought it in 2022. Bosses say they see a 'huge opportunity' to open more sites, even with the rising costs and economic pressures hitting the hospitality sector. While many businesses are struggling, Hickory's says its sales have stayed 'strong' thanks to heavy investment and a focus on quality. In 2024 alone, Hickory's opened six new restaurants, bringing the total to 26, and there's no sign of slowing down. A £25million cash boost from Greene King has helped fuel the rapid expansion, with even more to come. Excited fans in Milton Keynes were quick to praise the newest opening, with one diner raving online: 'Wow, it's finally open and what a great location with free parking – the food was amazing!' Greene King and Hickory's plan to keep the pace up by opening 10 new restaurants every year until at least 2027. They hope to triple the size of the chain by 2030, including converting some existing Greene King pubs into smokehouses. John Welsh, managing director of Hickory's, said the company's focus on customer experience is keeping it strong even in a tough market. 'I don't think we've had a single year without big challenges,' he said. 'But we're seeing strong performance because we stay focused on giving customers a brilliant experience.' The expansion drive will see another £10million invested this year alone. This includes a £1million revamp of the original Hickory's in Chester, where it all began. Greene King CEO Nick Mackenzie said Hickory's was proving to be a winning formula. 'Hickory's is a fantastic brand and its success proves there's a real appetite for its smokehouse experience,' he said. 'At a time when the sector is under pressure, Hickory's shows how strong investment and brilliant guest service can deliver real growth.' He added: 'We're excited to build on this success and grow Hickory's into a truly national brand.' 3
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Rise in national insurance will hit jobs and investment, high street bosses warn
Retail and hospitality leaders have today warned of large scale job losses and cuts to investment following the national insurance hike. The increase in employer NICs from 13.8 per cent to 15 per cent, coupled with the government's lowering of the salary threshold at which companies begin paying NICs, has sparked concern. Retailers are particularly worried about the impact on part-time hiring plans once the changes come into force today. The increased cost of employing staff could lead to a reduction in available positions, potentially impacting employment opportunities within the sector. The hospitality industry is also feeling the pressure. The head of a major pub group revealed that investment plans are being scaled back to absorb the rising costs. This suggests that planned expansions, renovations, or other improvements may be delayed or cancelled due to the NICs hike. The combined impact of these changes could have significant repercussions for both the retail and hospitality sectors, potentially affecting employment levels and future growth. The fresh tax increase comes days after businesses were hit by a 6.7 per cent increase in the national minimum wage. Many high street firms have also faced higher costs from an increase in business rates due to a reduction in current discounts for more than 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure firms. It said it will cost shops 10 per cent more to employ workers due to the changes, and 13 per cent higher for part-time staff. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: 'A recent survey of retail finance directors showed that half were planning to reduce hours and workers as a direct result of the employer NIC hike. 'It will be part-time jobs which take the biggest hit. 'Part-time retail jobs hit their lowest level since records began in 1996, and have fallen by 200,000 in the last seven years. 'While the Government's welfare reforms aim to increase the numbers in work, this week's cost increases will kick away the ladder for many who are just getting their first foothold.' Meanwhile, the chief executive of pub giant Greene King said its investment plans would be impacted as a result of swallowing larger-than-expected costs following the October budget. Nick Mackenzie told the PA news agency: 'Everyone in the industry is facing a barrage of costs that are hitting them at the same time, with the minimum wage rise, NICs, business rates. 'We are still investing heavily but there are areas where we have trimmed our investment plans because we have to be sensible about managing these costs.'
