12-year-old entrepreneur wins Spud Bros backing for haircare brand

A youth-led haircare story is making waves in Lancashire: Preston-based 12-year-old entrepreneur Xaveer has gained support from the local social-media personalities, Spud Bros, as his hair products move from a simple idea to a certified product in just over a year. While the original report is understandably focused on the human-interest headline, it also taps into something bigger happening in UK beauty right now: a new generation of founders learning faster, testing smarter and building communities earlier than ever.

For readers, it’s a timely reminder that “haircare” isn’t only about what sits in your shower caddy. It’s also about the standards behind products, the importance of safety and compliance, and how education and good practice can help promising ideas become real-world solutions people can trust. At Hairporium, we’re always interested in stories that spotlight craft, curiosity and responsible progress—especially when they help demystify what it takes to turn a haircare concept into something legitimate.

From idea to “certified” product: why that detail matters

The standout line in the report is that Xaveer’s products became “certified” within a year. Without further specifics in the RSS summary, it’s worth treating this carefully: “certified” can mean different things depending on the route taken—ranging from documentation and safety assessment requirements through to independent testing or standards schemes.

In a UK context, putting any cosmetic product on the market typically involves robust steps around formulation, stability, packaging compatibility, labelling requirements and safety assessment. Many founders work with cosmetic chemists or specialist manufacturers to ensure the product is suitable for consumer use and correctly documented. In other words, that “certified” milestone (whatever it refers to in this particular case) signals a shift from homemade experimentation to a more formal, accountable process.

For consumers, this is where trust is built: clear ingredients, proper instructions, realistic claims and a traceable production process. For young founders in particular, it’s also a strong example of how adult supervision, professional guidance and correct compliance pathways can support creativity without compromising safety.

Spud Bros support: what influencer backing can (and can’t) do

Local influencer support—especially from recognisable, community-rooted figures like Spud Bros—can give a small business immediate visibility. In haircare, that visibility often translates to:

• Awareness: helping a new name cut through a crowded UK beauty market.
• Credibility-by-association: encouraging people to pay attention because someone they know and like is paying attention.
• Community momentum: sparking word-of-mouth, which remains one of the strongest drivers for haircare purchasing.
• Feedback loops: accelerating real user feedback—what people love, what they’re confused by, and what needs refining.

But it’s equally important to keep perspective. Influencer backing is not a substitute for good manufacturing practice, accurate labelling or responsible messaging around results. The healthiest beauty ecosystem is one where hype never outruns standards—and where a young founder’s big moment is accompanied by the right mentoring and guardrails.

What’s encouraging about this story is the combination: early-stage ambition paired with an emphasis (at least in the reporting) on moving towards a certified, more formalised product.

What this says about UK haircare in 2025: speed, standards and storytelling

Xaveer’s journey—from idea to market-ready product in just over a year—fits a broader UK trend: founders are building more quickly, but consumers are also demanding more transparency. Today’s hair shoppers are savvy. They want to know what a product is designed to do (define curls, reduce frizz, add slip for detangling, support heat styling), how to use it properly, and whether the brand communicates responsibly.

Across salons and social feeds, we’ve seen the conversation shift away from miracle promises and towards practical performance—how a product behaves on wash day, how it layers with other items, how it feels on the hair over time, and whether it suits different textures and porosities. Many stylists also urge clients to focus on basics before chasing the newest launch: gentle cleansing, consistent conditioning, mindful heat usage and protective styling that reduces unnecessary friction.

Stories like Xaveer’s matter because they highlight the “behind-the-scenes” work people don’t always see: product development, the learning curve, and the discipline required to translate a personal idea into something other people can safely use.

A practical next step: how to assess any new hair product before you buy

If this story has you curious about trying an emerging brand—or you simply want to be a more informed shopper—here are sensible checks you can do in a few minutes:

• Read the label properly: look for clear directions, warnings and ingredient listing (INCI). If the use-case isn’t stated—leave it.
• Match the product to a hair goal: define what you want (moisture, protein support, hold, shine, scalp comfort) and choose accordingly.
• Patch and strand test when possible: especially if you’re reactive or trying a new styling product before an event.
• Check the claims: be wary of unrealistic promises. Many results depend on routine, technique and hair type.
• Start small: use a modest amount first—over-application is one of the most common reasons hair feels coated, limp or greasy.

In real-world terms: the next time a new product pops up on your feed, pause and decide what problem you’re solving—then buy and use it like a stylist would, with intention and consistency rather than impulse.

Key Takeaways

• A Preston 12-year-old, Xaveer, has drawn attention with Spud Bros support as his haircare idea progressed into a certified product within a year.
• In the UK, “certified” can imply a move towards formal cosmetic compliance—safety assessment, correct labelling and documented processes matter.
• Influencer or community backing can accelerate visibility, but it should never replace product standards or responsible claims.
• The UK haircare conversation is increasingly focused on transparency, realistic performance and using products with the right technique.
• You can shop smarter by checking labels, aligning products to a specific hair goal, and introducing new formulas gradually.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “certified” mean for a haircare product in the UK?
It varies by context. Generally, UK cosmetic products should meet regulatory requirements around safety, labelling and documentation. Some brands may also reference independent testing or a specific standards scheme, depending on the product and business model.

Is influencer support a sign a hair product is high quality?
Not necessarily. It can be a useful signal that a product has attention and momentum, but quality is better judged by clear labelling, responsible claims, and how well a product performs for your hair type and routine.

How can I tell if a hair product is right for my hair type?
Start with your main goal (hydration, definition, volume, repair feel, frizz control), then look at the product format and directions. If possible, do a strand test and introduce one new product at a time.

Do I need different products for different seasons in the UK?
Many people find they adjust routines through the year—winter heating and cold air can increase dryness and static, while summer humidity can affect frizz and curl pattern. Small tweaks (richer conditioner, lighter leave-in, different hold product) often help.

What’s one simple way to improve results from styling products?
Use less than you think, apply on damp hair in sections, and focus on even distribution—then assess after drying. Many “doesn’t work” experiences come down to application technique rather than the formula itself.