When it comes to maintaining healthy, long-lasting extensions, the right brush can make all the difference. Extensions need daily detangling to stay smooth and tangle-free, but brushing too harshly, or with the wrong tool can lead to pulling, snagging, and unnecessary stress on the bonds. Enter the Olivia Garden Fingerbrush: the cult-favourite brush that’s as gentle as it is effective. Loved by professionals and clients alike, its flexible, finger-like design and curved body follow the scalp’s natural shape, gliding through the hair without tugging or pulling. No pain, no breakage, just smooth, shiny, healthy hair. Why It’s Extension-Friendly The Fingerbrush’s unique design allows stylists and clients to detangle from root to tip with control and care, protecting both natural hair and extension bonds, not just through softness, but through intelligent design. Here’s why it works so well: • Flexible, scalp-hugging shape: The brush bends with the head’s contours, absorbing and dispersing tension across the brush rather than concentrating it at the bond. This helps reduce micro-pulling that can weaken attachments over time. • Bristle spacing that works around bonds: The Fingerbrush’s finger-like layout allows it to move between tapes, wefts and nanos, helping prevent matting and “bridging” between attachment points …

As the Year of the Horse ushers in energy, strength and forward momentum, Great Lengths is helping stylists and salons take the reins to elevate their business with the world’s most trusted hair extension systems. Symbolising power, freedom and growth, the Year of the Horse not only aligns with Great Lengths’ commitment to supporting professionals to enhance their skills and grow their businesses, but serves as a reminder that a new year is the perfect time to charge forward with refreshed focus. The Mane Event Great Lengths offers a variety of professional extension systems: Pre-Bonded Keratin Extensions are precision-engineered with flexible GL Keratin bonds for long-lasting wear, natural movement and impeccable blending. GL Tapes Natural Cut Tapes feature tapered ends and bespoke layering for ultra natural finishes, ideal for volume, length and trend transformations. From effortless luxury length to fuller texture or discreet enhancement, Great Lengths gives stylists the confidence to create bespoke results that meet their clients’ needs. Well Groomed Hair integrity doesn’t stop at application. Great Lengths’ professional aftercare range is specifically formulated to support both natural hair and extensions, while also presenting a powerful retail opportunity for salons. The range includes a heat protector, leave-in conditioner, conditioning …

Introducing AROVE, a promising new haircare brand by celebrity hairstylist and groomer MichaelDueñas, offering the world’s first encapsulated, water-free, concentrated products for hair and scalp care —including the self-emulsifying AERIOUS Shampoo and Conditioner and the ILLUMINOUS Ultra-Hydrating Hair Oil (coming soon) —that transforms hair by providing everything it needs: strength, moisture, and shine, all in a vegan, clean, encapsulated formula without unnecessary additives. AROVE’s products are color safe, made for all hair types, and fueled for performance for consumers who want a more powerful, more effective, cutting edge formula. By eliminating water and excess bulk, AROVE’s products are delivered in a 2.3oz container, that are travel-friendly and less than half the size oftraditional liquid hair care bottles, yet delivers 60 to 80 uses with more powerful results. With its concentrated formulas and the elimination of water from its products AROVE reduces plastic waste by approximately 88.5% per year compared to buying non-recycled products and larger bottles. “As a celebrity hairdresser, my clients and I travel a lot and most products on the market contain water that restrict the ability to bring them. I wanted to create something better, something that had better efficacy, reduced plastic and carbon emissions, a better …

Wella RED Business Network Live once again proved to be the highlight of the year for salon owners and their teams.  More than 300 delegates gathered at the exclusive Belfry Hotel & Resort in The Midlands for two days of learning, collaboration and inspiration.    Hosted by Industry influencer and podcast host, Dom Lehane, guests enjoyed a packed agenda engaging with professional speakers, insightful panel discussions and thought-provoking conversations. In true Wella style, there were also dedicated moments to unwind, share experiences and build meaningful connections with peers. Each speaker had been perfectly positioned to deliver business building content for the audience of salon owners, managers, and their teams.  Over the years, Wella RED BNL has established itself as the premier hairdressing event that uniquely blends business expertise, visionary thinkers, creative innovators, and industry professionals with inspiring real-life experiences. It delivers practical insights and actionable strategies that truly resonate with its audience. The 2026 Speaker Programme covered an impressive range of topics designed to inspire and drive growth, from understanding consumer behaviour through insights, to future proofing business with AI technologies. Topics included persuasive technology, creative problem solving, strategic planning, brand building, delivering exceptional customer experiences, and selling luxury. The …

Emerging HairTech brand takes modern education platform at Cosmoprof Miami and Premiere Anaheim HairTracker co-founders Tracey Aitken and David Carboni have been on the U.S. trade show circuit this month, introducing their digital education platform to educators, salon professionals, and industry leaders at Cosmoprof Miami and Premiere Show Anaheim. Built by hair professionals for hair professionals, HairTracker Education, which will launch later this year, is designed to modernize how cosmetology students learn, document client work, and track progress, replacing outdated paper record cards with a secure, app-based system aligned with today’s digital salon environment. The U.S. shows bring together leading educators, schools, brands, and innovators from across the global beauty industry, giving the HairTracker team an opportunity to connect directly with the American education market. Interest from overseas continues to grow, with more than one third of users of the original HairTracker client record app for professionals already based internationally With a foundation in both the beauty industry and technology, the HairTracker products are designed to support cosmetology schools, instructors, salons, and students by enabling clear client documentation, service history tracking, colour formula storage, and skill development monitoring, all in one digital platform. In 2025, HairTracker gained further industry recognition. Co-founder Tracey Aitken was named Scotland Women in Technology Career Changer …

Introducing KCRIO™ Restorative Keratin System: Stronger straightening, extraordinary shine, and faster services designed to help stylists thrive.  Keratin Complex, the pioneers of professional keratin smoothing,introduce KCRIO™ Restorative Keratin System, a breakthrough innovation that raises the bar for smoothing performance.  Inspired by the vibrant energy and diversity of Rio de Janeiro, KCRIO was built to thrive in humidity, delivering straighter, sleeker, smoother results with luminous, glass-like shine. Formulated without formaldehyde, the system delivers results that last up to three months.  For more than a decade, Keratin Complex has led the smoothing category, setting the standard for performance and stylist business growth. With KCRIO, the brand pushes the category forward once again, taking the time to thoughtfully developing its most advanced system to date, engineered to deliver superior curl reduction, visible restoration, and long-lasting results in a faster, more efficient service.“Smoothing is in our DNA. It’s where Keratin Complex began and where we  continue to lead,” said Zoe Hyams, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Keratin Complex.  “With KCRIO, we set out to raise the bar by combining unmatched performance,  formaldehyde-free innovation, and salon-driven efficiency. This launch was built to support how stylists work and grow today.” Inspired by Rio. Engineered for Real Life. Like the city that …

 Premium wellness-focused hair care now available in convenient travel sizes for on-the-go protection  Malibu C, a leading wellness-focused hair care brand trusted by professionals and consumers worldwide, announces the launch of travel-sized versions of its bestselling products, including Hard Water Wellness and Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and Conditioners, along with the cult-favorite Un-Do-Goo Shampoo and Replenish Hair Masque. The new compact 3.4 fl oz sizes make it easier than ever for consumers to maintain healthy, protected hair wherever their travels take them.  The travel sizes feature the same powerful, laid-back, lab-backed formulas that have made Malibu C a favorite among hair care professionals and wellness enthusiasts. Hard Water Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner are specifically designed to help remove mineral buildup and prevent discoloration caused by hard water, while Swimmers Wellness Shampoo and Conditioner help gently remove chlorine, copper, and other pool and spa chemicals that can damage and discolor hair. The Un-Do-Goo Shampoo is Malibu C’s clarifying formula that helps remove resin and buildup from styling products such as hairspray, gel, and dry shampoo. The Replenish Hair Masque delivers deep hydration for damaged, dry hair.  “We’ve heard from our loyal customers that they want to take their Malibu C regimen with …

Subscribe or get a copy of this edition here! Check out the digital version here. SalonEVO North America Issue 36 is OUT NOW! Winter is slowly thawing, and Spring is coming through! Here, this issue brings together the artistry, innovation, and inspiration shaping our industry’s future.  ON THE COVER – We welcome Farouk CHI’s Ombra Di Luce Collection on the front cover and final cut with Global President of Marketing, Shows and Education for CHI & BIOSILK haircare, Mego Ayvazian’s artistic work. IN THE CHAIR | STYLIST ABROAD – We catch up with Ulta Beauty Pro Team and Moroccanoil Global Ambassador, Justin Toves-Vincilione, for our In The Chair spotlight. And we visit the UK for our Stylist Abroad, profiling Trevor Sorbie Creative Director, Giuseppe Stelitano. NEW YEAR – Across New Year, we have Shelley Lane’s stunning Pantone collection with milk_shake and Goldwell’s Color of the Year with the peach-toned Bellini. While Tom Smith and Satin Hair Color share their top trends for the months ahead. EXTENSIONS – In Extensions, we hear from Habit Salon and Hair by Chrissy, alongside Adored Hair Extensions, McKenzie Turley, Sarah Page, and Olivia Thomson. INTERIORS – Across interiors, we feature Dusty Schlabach and Curly Hair Salon and spotlight some …

 Finalists will be honored at the 37th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards, presented by JCPenney, in Orlando, FL, on May 31  The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) revealed the Finalists for the 37th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), presented by JCPenney. Widely regarded as the most prestigious honors in North American professional beauty, NAHA celebrates the artists whose work sets the creative, technical, and cultural standard for the industry.  “PBA NAHA honors more than beautiful work. It honors the courage to lead creatively,” said Leslie Perry, CEO of the Professional Beauty Association. “This year’s Finalists demonstrate what happens when mastery, vision, and purpose intersect. Their work challenges convention, raises the bar for our industry, and inspires what’s possible next.”  The 2026 PBA NAHA Finalists represent an extraordinary range of creative vision, technical mastery, and innovation. Across hair, makeup, education, and team-based artistry, these artists have pushed beyond trend to create work that is bold, intentional, and unmistakably forward-looking.  Each Finalist earned their place through months of conceptual development, technical refinement, and creative execution. Submissions were judged anonymously by a panel of industry-leading experts and evaluated on technical excellence, cohesion, originality, and artistic impact.  To be named a PBA NAHA Finalist …

Alfaparf Milano Professional presents LIGHTS CO by Semi di Lino, a new line of luxury, professional, salon-exclusive products embracing the latest biotechnological haircare innovations from the ALFAPARF MILANO laboratories. Created especially for hairdressers seeking a truly salon-exclusive offering, the range includes 15 products and a special layering treatment service, combining the power of beauty in expert hands with exceptional performance. To stock the range, salons must meet specific criteria and agree to the Lights Co contract, which includes carrying the full range and ensuring all salon team members complete an online education certification. ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY LIGHTS CO by Semi di Lino introduces two new cross-functional active ingredients: STEM BIO-MATRIX An innovative biotechnological matrix based on proteins and lipids from wild olive tree stem cells, combined with Chia oil. In nature, plants have mastered resilience. While humans can escape environmental stressors, plants must adapt to survive rain, sun, heat, and harsh conditions. Stem Bio-Matrix technology harnesses this natural intelligence to protect and strengthen hair like never before. At the heart of this technology are wild olive tree stem cells, renowned for thriving in extreme environments. Combined with nutrient-rich Chia oil, the result is a high-performance complex that actively supports the hair’s natural defense systems. Stem Bio-Matrix …

OWER WITH CONTROL • COOL-SCALP & COOL-TOUCH • NO HEAT DAMAGE¹ Step into the fast lane with the latest breakthrough innovation in hair, NEW ghd speed; ghd’s ultra-fast hair dryer featuring new ghd halo™ dual-airflow technology for power with control, cool-scalp, cool-touch and no heat damage.¹ Experience salon-level results with the perfect balance of power with control. This is not just another hair dryer; it’s a leap forward in professional hair innovation. Designed for professionals, by professionals, new ghd speed delivers powerful, yet controlled, ultra-fast drying. Featuring new ghd halo™ dual-airflow technology, this breakthrough innovation in hair uses hot and cool dual airflow that delivers a cool-scalp feel and cool-touch exterior even during extended use. Say goodbye to heat damage¹ and hello to smooth blow dries that last all day with ghd speed. “At ghd, innovation is at the heart of everything we do. The launch of ghd speed marks more than just a new product – it represents a significant leap forward in beauty-tech. Developed in our Cambridge R&D labs, the dual airflow technology in ghd speed is the result of years of scientific research and engineering excellence. We’re proud to bring this innovation to market and continue leading …

featuring four new products, this uncomplicated range delivers everything your noggin’ needs for a healthy scalp and happy strands. if you’ve ever dealt with an itchy, dry, flaky, oily or irritated scalp, chances are, your scalp microbiome (the eco-system atop your head) has suffered at the hands of a lack of balance, a busted barrier or life doing its life-like thing (age, stress, environmental nonsense). enter evo scalp, the restorer of balance, the strengthener of barriers and, fixer of dysfunctional follicles. this four-step system contains no added fragrance, just peppermint and eucalyptus leaf oils to cool and calm. no harsh sulfates or parabens, just a scalp-saving scalp complex and plant-based prebiotic to replenish, regulate oil and restore the scalp to its once former glory. 01. exfoliate head start scalp exfoliator the ultimate clean slate for your scalp, this exfoliator deeply cleanses to remove product build-up, dry, flaky skin, and excess oil leaving the scalp feeling balanced, clean and refreshed. use: weekly 02. cleanse common ground scalp shampoo get your scalp back to a state of balance with this oh-so-gentle shampoo that will cleanse and hydrate your scalp and hair to keep things like dryness, flakiness and oil under control. use: …

Margot Robbie stunned at the Wuthering Heights premiere tonight in Los Angeles at TCL Chinese Theatre with a Brontë Bun styled by Bryce Scarlett using Schwarzkopf Professional. The look perfectly complemented Margot’s “Gilded Blonde” hair colored by Schwarzkopf Professional’s U.S. Hair Color Trend Ambassador, Jacob Schwartz. Schwartz is behind some of Margot’s most iconic blonde looks – most notably, her “Barbie Blonde.” Schwarzkopf’s BlondMe Care Range paired with BlondMe Precision Lightener were the dynamic duo behind the look working as a fully integrated system. To achieve Margot’s Brontë Bun, Bryce applied Schwarzkopf Professional’s BlondMe Bondfinity Deep Repair Oilthrough the mid-lengths and ends to deliver a polished, high-shine finish with integrated heat protection — helping extend the hair’s integrity between color services. He then created soft, non-uniform curls using a 1¼-inch curling iron, setting each section in flat clips to cool. Once cooled, Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Dust It was worked into the roots to build texture and grip, while a boar bristle brush gently broke up curls at the crown, sides, and nape without disrupting the ends. The hair was then lightly backcombed and set with Schwarzkopf Professional’s OSiS+ Freeze Hairspray before being gathered into two low ponytails and pinned to form an effortless updo.  Bryce finished the look by …

KIKU Salon is entering 2026 with big ambitions, positioning itself at the forefront of creative hairdressing in the Highlands. Since opening in Inverness in 2024, the salon has become a destination for clients seeking premium, design-led hair services, combining Japanese precision and Scottish inspiration, with a philosophy rooted in listening. The name “KIKU,” which means “to listen” in Japanese, perfectly encapsulates the salon’s approach. Every appointment begins with understanding the client’s hair, lifestyle, and personal style, creating a tailored experience that has already earned the salon a loyal following. A major highlight for the year is the salon’s full refit, set to be completed in mid-2026. This transformation will not only expand the space but also reflect KIKU’s design philosophy, blending Japanese minimalism with Scottish warmth to create an environment that is calm, functional, and luxurious. Every detail, from lighting to styling stations, has been carefully considered to improve both team workflow and client experience, ensuring the salon remains a benchmark for creativity and innovation. Paul Ralph, co-founder and Artistic Director, said: “Our goal with KIKU has always been to create a space that feels premium and welcoming, where every detail is intentional. The refit is an extension of that philosophy; it’s about elevating the …

 More access. More inspiration. More possibilities for stylists.  KEVIN.MURPHY today announced the strategic expansion of its professional footprint through a new partnership with SalonCentric, significantly increasing access for stylists across North America. Beginning this month, KEVIN.MURPHY products will be sold in all SalonCentric, SalonCentric Franchise and StateǀRDA stores across the U.S., as well as online at SalonCentric.com. For over two decades, KEVIN.MURPHY has been built, elevated, and beloved by its stylist community. As the industry evolves — with independent salon growth, new purchasing behaviours, and shifting education needs — stylists are asking for more: richer education, broader access, and greater connectivity to the brands they trust.  This expansion meets that need. U.S. stylists will now be able to shop more than 200 KEVIN.MURPHY SKUs in stores and digital channels nationwide, creating a more seamless path to product, support, and education.  “We want stylists to feel connected to the brand wherever they are,” said Peter McDonald, CEO. “This is about removing barriers and giving stylists more space to create. When access feels effortless, inspiration naturally follows.”  Designed as a growth engine for the entire KEVIN.MURPHY ecosystem, the move strengthens brand visibility and creates new opportunities for stylists to discover the brand, …

Beautynova Americas, the North American home of premium professional haircare brands milk_shake®, DEPOT®, and Medavita, continues to strengthen its footprint across the U.S. and Canada with expanded professional salon distribution for milk_shake and DEPOT in 2026.  The sought-after brands have recently welcomed new distribution partners including Capilex (Quebec), Maly’s @ManocoBlue (Michigan and Ohio), Salonwax Beauty Supply (Alaska), and International Beauty (Manitoba and Saskatchewan), while also expanding the territories of existing distributors DePasquale Salon Systems (now including downstate New York, Connecticut), Sullivan Beauty (now including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire)and Beauty Craft (now including Colorado). Renowned for its high-performance professional color, care, and styling products, milk_shake blends results-driven formulations with sensorial scents and textures, delivering a uniquely indulgent salon experience that continues to resonate with stylists and consumers alike. “We are committed to growing alongside like-minded industry partners who share our dedication to serving salon professionals, salon owners, barbers, and educators,” said Cory Couts, President of Beautynova Americas. “This continued expansion brings us closer to our goal of making our brands accessible to every professional salon in the U.S. and Canada.” “Strong distributor partnerships are essential to our success,” added Scott Guinter, SVP of Sales, Beautynova Americas. “Our distributors are trusted leaders in the professional beauty industry and play a critical role in connecting our brands with hairdressers. We are aligned in values, leadership, and a shared commitment to …

Holly Fairley, founder of Rio Hair, is launching a brand new business course for 2026, offering a practical training programme designed to help hairdressers, salon owners and hair professionals harness the power of social media to grow their business, brand and income. Post to Profit is born from Holly’s personal journey, from surviving on a £10 overdraft to scaling a multi-six-figure business. The course is built on real, hard-won experience in both the salon chair and online space. Holly wants hair professionals to step confidently into 2026 with tools that transform their visibility, bookings and profitability. Holly said: “Social media changed my business and now I want it to help others to do the same. Post to Profit is about more than pretty photos. It’s about building a brand that attracts clients, communicates value, and turns your content into consistent income.” The course includes: Defining your content pillars and strategy Connecting with your audience How to create content that connects A filming and editing workshop Captions, hooks and call to action inspiration Understanding social growth, analytics and sales psychology The course reflects Holly’s signature approach, practical, no-nonsense, and rooted in the strategies that helped her build a strong personal brand …

This awards season, biotech haircare brand K18 invites the world to discover their greatest hair ever with the launch of a bold, culture-driving global campaign celebrating its revolutionary K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. Led by red carpet personality and GlamBOT director Cole Walliser, the campaign taps his signature flair for capturing iconic glam moments — especially the hair flip. Bringing his cinematic eye to K18, Cole transforms the brand’s viral flip into a global movement. Anchored by the Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask — a breakthrough in real hair repair — the 360° launch blends science, creativity, and culture. Running from 22nd January to 28th February, 2026, it features global social activations, creator collaborations, in-person events, and a unifying community moment at its heart. Five years after the original viral #K18HairFlip moment that took over social media, K18’s new campaign kicks off with a hero video featuring Walliser and introduces “Flip It,” a new original song created exclusively for K18 that will ignite social content and storytelling. The campaign rallies a diverse global roster — from beauty creators and hairstylists to science communicators — to bring K18’s hair repair story to life across TikTok and Instagram in fresh, culturally …

DermapenWorld has announced the launch of the RE:GEN Roadshow: The Future of Skin & Hair — a nationwide education and networking event that will tour six major U.S. cities this March. Bringing together global industry leaders in hairdressing, aesthetics and medical science, the RE:GEN Roadshow is designed to empower salon and clinic professionals with the latest breakthroughs in scalp health, fine and thinning hair solutions, and regenerative science-based treatments. The Roadshow offers attendees access to world-class education to elevate client results and business growth. Attendees will experience a vibrant evening of community, learning, inspiration and connection, with complimentary canapés and drinks plus a Goodie Bag valued at over $300. A Transformative Event for the Professional Industry The roadshow will host approximately close to 1000 salon and clinic professionals nationally, with 100+ attendees per city, across Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and Dallas, uniting: Hairstylists & barbers Beauty & aesthetic clinic owners Medical aesthetics practitioners Trichologists Business leaders Global Experts Headline the Stage The event is led by internationally respected industry icon: Tracey Hughes, Global General Manager for EXO-GROW and Hall of Fame Hairstylist. Guest speakers include: Andrew Hansford (London, UK) — Medical expert, Trichologist and Global Educator in hair restoration Corri Marshall (Sydney, Australia) — Co-Founder of …

Celebrity hairstylist, Kim Vo, has died aged 55, his husband Adeel Khan, shared on Saturday, January 24th. Sharing the sad news on Instagram, he wrote: “My beloved husband, best friend, partner in life & business, Kim Vō, has taken his final breath. “Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2018, he fought valiantly, winning many battles along the way and exceeding all medical expectations under the care of Dr. Lawrence Piro and his incredible team at Angeles Clinic and Cedars-Sinai. Ultimately, God decided it was time for our angel on earth to return home. “Kim kindly requested in lieu of flowers & other tokens of condolences after his passing, to please channel your love & efforts towards donations for Kim Vō Foundation in support of hair, beauty, and fashion creatives also affected by cancer. “ Kim was best known as a blonding specialist and was a stylist to the stars, with a client list including the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Gweneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, and more. He was also known for being a judge on Bravo’s reality competition series Shear Genius, as well as for starring in Paramount+’s Blowing LA. Tributes flooded in for the star across the industry, as Nick Stenson penned: …

Additional Lengths Ltd has made a huge accomplishment becoming officially certified as a B Corporation, becoming the first hair extension company in the UK to achieve this globally recognised standard. The certification applies across the entire group, including Remi Cachet, Additional Lengths and Qute. B Corp certification is one of the most rigorous benchmarks for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. It requires an independent assessment across governance, people, ethics, community, environmental impact and customer trust — offering verified assurance in an industry where transparency is increasingly important. As the UK’s market-leading professional hair extensions brand, Remi Cachet views this milestone as an opportunity to help raise standards across the sector. “Anyone can say the right things, but B Corp certification means we’re not marking our own homework,” said Victoria Lynch, Founder of Remi Cachet. “As the UK market leader, it’s important to us that our values, supply chains and practices are independently verified, giving salons, stylists and clients confidence not just in the quality of our extensions, but in where they come from and how they’re produced.” Globally, fewer than 40% of businesses that apply achieve B Corp certification, and only around 10,000 companies worldwide currently meet the standard. …

Beauty Changes Lives (BCL), the nonprofit championing access to beauty and wellness careers through education and opportunity, is excited to announce the launch of the “The Possibilities are Beautiful” Ulta Beauty Cosmetology Student Scholarship, made possible by the generous support of Ulta Beauty. This is Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with BCL, building upon years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission. “We’re excited to expand our long-standing partnership with Beauty Changes Lives in a new way. After years of supporting the Gala and Mentorship Program, we’re thrilled to now help empower future beauty professionals through two scholarships.” Megan Murray, VP Events & In Store Experience, Ulta Beauty. This scholarship reflects a shared belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of expanding access to career training in cosmetology. Aspiring beauty professionals are encouraged to apply for one of two (2) $10,000 awards, designed to help cover education-related costs and propel students toward their professional dreams. Application Information: Application Windows: ▪ WINTER SEASON: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 ▪ SUMMER SEASON: June 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026 Apply & Learn More “We are deeply grateful to Ulta Beauty for setting such a beautiful …

For more than four decades, Rainbow Room International has set the standard for hairdressing in Scotland. From the first salon on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street in 1979 to today’s award-winning network of salons, training academies, and professional product company, Rainbow Room International has become synonymous with innovation, excellence, and opportunity. Now, Rainbow Room International is bringing that same spirit of forward-thinking into its 2026 course programme, designed for qualified stylists who want to refresh their skills, explore new techniques, and push their creativity to the next level. Guided by award-winning mentors, these courses are more than a training day; they are an invitation for stylists to immerse themselves in the culture, ethos, and expertise that have defined Scotland’s largest salon group for decades “Our courses aren’t just about learning a technique, they’re about discovering what stylists can do with it,” explains Suzie McGill, International Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International. “We give stylists the space to experiment, make mistakes, and leave feeling confident, creative, and inspired. Every course is hands-on, and every mentor is there to guide, support, and challenge stylists.” This approach reflects the philosophy instilled by Linda Stewart, co-owner and driving force behind Rainbow Room International. Since joining the company in 1983, Linda has championed training, mentorship, and innovation, creating systems …

Does your salon use disposable towels, but perhaps not vegan ones? Or are you a salon that uses reusable cotton towels? Below, we catch up with Enki Towels Director, Nilofer Aydinli, about the importance of using vegan disposable towels. She discusses not only how they are more environmentally friendly and help save costs in the salon, but also how they enhance brand reputation, increase hygiene and are gentler on clients’ skin and hair, to name a few benefits. Saves water and energy – eliminates the constant washing and drying associated with traditional cotton towels therefore reducing the salon’s water consumption and energy usage. Biodegradable – Crafted from natural plant fibers like Enki, vegan disposable towels break down naturally, returning to the earth as nutrient-rich compost rather than lingering in landfill for centuries. Enhanced brand reputation – clients are becoming more and more eco-conscious. Adopting sustainable practices and communicating these benefits to clients can attract new customers, build loyalty, and enhance the salon’s brand image as an environmentally responsible business. Gentle on client’s hair and skin – the smooth texture and high absorbency of vegan disposable towels made from 100% natural plant fibres like Enki, allow for less friction on the …

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) has responded with concern to the UK Government’s recent decision to reverse planned increases in business rates for pubs in England, saying the move highlights a growing policy gap that leaves independent hairdressers, barbers and salons without equivalent support. The Government’s U-turn — driven by pressure from the hospitality sector and a potential rebellion by Labour backbenchers unhappy with heavy tax rises — would ease or delay sharp business rates hikes for pubs after industry outcry over bills that were set to increase by more than 70 per cent. NHBF calls for inclusive rates reliefSam Silver, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NHBF, said the hair and beauty sector — which contributes £9 billion to the UK economy and employs over 275,000 people — has been “completely overlooked” in discussions about targeted business rates relief. He stressed that independent salons, barbershops and clinics face the same premises-based cost pressures as pubs, including rising energy and labour costs. Crucially, unlike pubs, they also grapple with a VAT threshold that constrains growth and leaves the Treasury out of pocket, Silver added. “If the Government is serious about supporting high-street businesses and economic growth, they need to extend this relief to all independent, …