SalonEVO North America Issue 21 (August/September 2023)

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Hair// Garren. Products// R+Co Bleu.

Photography// Michael Schwartz.

GARREN

R+CO BLEU COLLECTION

Hair// Garren.

Products// R+Co Bleu.

Photography// Roberto Ligresti.

Nails// Lauren, Wireman, Valerie Ducharme.

Photography// Jean Ho Products// CND

CND BIZARRE BEAUTY

Nails// Lavette Cephus.

Photography// Jean Ho

Products// CND

ANDREW BREWSTER & DAVID FOSTER | CO-FOUNDERS

SUMMER WAS INCREDIBLE. WE FLEW TO SHOWS ACROSS THE GLOBE, FROM LIVERPOOL AND LONDON TO ORLANDO, NYC, AND CONNECTICUT. WE ALSO HOSTED OUR FIRST EVER EDUCATION EVENT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BABYLISSPRO UK. HERE’S MORE...

EVO is an ever-expanding enterprise. Our impressive, innovative 104-page print BarberEVO and SalonEVO publications are our bread and butter – print is where this journey began and it’s a medium that you guys have come to know and love just as much as we do. But we are a business built on big ideas – and we’re making every one of them a reality. EVO is officially going multimedia! Think Vogue interviews at the top of the Met Gala stairs – but BIGGER. Yep, we said it. We told you we have big ideas…

We’re blown away by the talent in the UK, Ireland, and North America. We believe you all deserve recognition beyond our pages now. Which is why we’ve been filming bespoke interviews at every event in partnership with the likes of ULTA Beauty Barber Strong and Collins –huge thanks to these guys for supplying the gorgeous and comfortable chairs for our media zone, complete

Also, our friends at Booksy and Williamsport Bowman for providing our Out the Box quick-fire games. AND our photobooth , which makes you the next SalonEVO coverstar thanks to Ulta Beauty and Wahl Pro

Our first ever education event, EVO on the Road, powered by BaBylissPRO UK , was a sell-out! Our hometown barber Pete Cranfield and session stylist Tariq Howes shared some super valuable work. From football stars to Love Island... they’ve done it all. We’re buzzing to do more of these for the salon industry next year!

Watch out for in-depth interviews from our travels, with big names from the teams at BaBylissPRO, Dyson, American Crew, Wahl, K18, our EVO columnists and more. We have an incredible bank of video content for you to feast your eyes and ears on. Advice, news, behind the scenes, red carpets, announcements, and lots of fun guaranteed. You know where to find us! @salonevomag// salon-evo.com // YouTube // @evoenterprises

IT’S ISSUE 21 OF SALONEVO NORTH AMERICA! THIS ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT ICONS. HOW DO YOU BECOME AN ICON? HOW DO YOU CREATE ICONIC LOOKS? WELL, THE FIRST STEP IS GETTING YOUR WORK ON THE PAGES OF OUR BEAUTIFUL, PREMIUM QUALITY MAGAZINE!

It’s that funny time of year. Summer is starting to wind down, but it’s not over yet! So we talk about transitioning trends and how to stay up to date with the latest. Remember to stock up on and get ready for the season of pumpkin spice and coppers galore. Kicking off our feature on icons, we have an in-depth interview with the wonderful and inspiring Garren. From Audrey Hepburn to Madonna, Naomi Campbell to Lady Gaga, this man knows about icons, and creating iconic looks. We also feature the likes of John Moroney, Vice President of Global Education for Olaplex, our star columnist and founder of Kolour Kulture, Keya Neal, and Wahl Professional’s latest campaign – The Wahl Icons. Never underestimate the value of great nails and the value of a great nail artist! This is one thing that the CoFounder and Style Director of CND knows to be true. Check out the interview we did with Jan Arnold at Premiere Orlando! We also talk about the latest styles

and trends in nail art, and how to achieve anything from a successful studio to becoming a celebrity manicurist.

Hair loss can be an emotional and sensitive subject for a lot of people out there. By becoming educated on hair loss and how to help your clients, you are doing more than just giving them their hair back, you are giving them their confidence back. This feature, we give you the advice you need, and some tools and tricks to help your clients achieve healthy hair.

Lash and brow services are one of the fastest-growing and most popular sectors of the beauty industry these days and they shouldn’t be overlooked or underestimated. Our experts tell you why.

Finally, let’s talk interiors and salon furniture. We feature several salons, with very different vibes, each showing off their unique style and sensibility, from glam to rustic, and classic to exotic.

JENNIFER PAXTON | EDITOR

Short

SONYA DOVE LAUNCHES MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Mentorship with Sonya Dove is the personalized, high-touch, all-inclusive type of coaching experience that will illuminate, empower and simplify your professional journey. You’ll receive game-changing 1:1 mentorship with Sonya to develop your full potential as a stylist, colorist, and beyond. Grow your professional skills and business acumen from a wealth of 40 years of experience in the industry. In this tailored 1:1 mentorship with Sonya, you can learn about the following and more:

• Being a platform artist

Stage performance

Collection launches

anufacturer relationships

uilding a clientele

Photography and photo shoots

Salon ownership

Actual techniques

Space is limited for this exclusive opportunity to learn from a global icon. Find out more and sign sonyadove.com/ to get started.

SONYA DOVE is a globally recognized icon in the salon industry and forever pushing new expressions of wonder and beauty. Fueled by her

DR. FAROUK SHAMI CELEBRATES OVER 35 YEARS OF GIVING BACK

passion for teaching and education, her curiosity continues to inspire her stylist community through the art she creates and her unwavering commitment to developing others to find their own voice within the beauty industry. Sonya’s effervescent curiosity for learning, and warm, generous teaching style, give her the perfect juxtaposition of mentor/ mentee to garner accolades.

For over 38 years, Sonya has been a Global Creative Ambassador for Wella Professionals. She plays an integral role in the brand’s presence with color innovation, inspiration and education. As a celebrity colorist, she has an impressive roster including Sophie Turner. Sonya has found herself in the consumer eye, advocating the craft and professionalism that exists within the stylist community.

Representing Wella Professionals on the Ulta Beauty Pro Team Sonya collaborates with educators from a range of professional haircare brands creating editorial/ competition shoots, as well as education and trend development designed to inspire and educate Ulta Beauty stylists across the country. sonyadove.com

VAGARO LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL BRAND PARTNER PROGRAM

Vagaro, leading business management software for businesses in the beauty, wellness, and fitness industries, has announced the official launch of its international brand partner program.

Some of the most recognizable faces in hair are coming together to support and promote the brand and platform offerings that Vagaro provide, making life easier for the stylist and salon owner.

Names were taken from across the US and UK & Ireland hair and beauty communities, with members such as John Mosley (aka @popular_ nobody), Nicholas Romero of Thank My Barber!, and Color, Extension & Healthy Hair Specialist, Alyssa Hare. Also YouTube beauty blogger and makeup artist, Damilola Adejonwo, and salon owner Dominique-Dibenedetto, to name a few.

All practicing brand partners use Vagaro’s software for their business. Through this program, the software company aims to continue its tradition of developing and implementing new features on its platform based on direct feedback.

Vagaro CEO Fred Helou said: “At Vagaro, our product roadmap is heavily influenced by the needs and direct requests from the businesses who use our platform. We want our customers to not only feel heard, but also acknowledged and responded to. We want them to know that the product is genuinely theirs. By collaborating with trusted leaders in their industries, whom they may even look up to, we hope to keep those lines of communication open and facilitate innovation.”

Chairman and Founder of one of the largest haircare companies in the world, Farouk Systems, Inc., Dr. Farouk Shami has dedicated his life to giving back. Dr. Shami is a successful businessman and innovator. He owns 61 total patents with 22 pending, creating beauty discoveries like the first ammonia-free hair color, the first ceramic flat iron, and the first-tomarket digital color lab, the LG CHI Color Master Factory. He was the first to utilize NASA technology in the development of professional styling tools and haircare. He is also the first hairdresser to receive a Doctorate of Beauty – an honorary Ph.D. of Arts by SeoKyeong University in Korea.

On July 10th, he was the Spirit of Life Honoree at the upcoming fundraising gala called the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Celebration. The Spirit of Life Award is presented to individuals whose professional and humanitarian accomplishments are worthy of celebration. It is the highest honor given by City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute designated comprehensive cancer center for diabetes, cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Dr. Farouk Shami and Farouk Systems, Inc. have donated millions of dollars and resources to support various philanthropic causes, including COVID-19 relief to healthcare professionals, first responders, homeless shelters, and food banks. He was also a rapid responder when events and disasters – such as the 9/11 attacks, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods – struck nationally.

He is a global frontrunner in the beauty industry who loves sharing his knowledge and his expertise with others. His partnership with Lone Star College at the CHI School of Cosmetology in Houston, TX, helps impact the development of future hairstylists and expand career opportunities for graduates. “Giving back is the art of transforming lives and creating a ripple effect of positive change in our world,” said Dr. Shami. “It’s a powerful force that ignites hope, uplifts communities and shapes a brighter furture for generations to come.”

JALIA PETTIS IS DENMAN’S NEW STAGE STAR USA

Denman Stage Star has grown to be one of the world’s leading creative hairstyling competitions. Each country’s winner will travel to London, UK during the month of October and compete for that global title on October 16, 2023.

As a result of being titled Denman’s Stage Star USA, Jalia Pettis will represent the US in the upcoming Global Competition solidifying her status as a leading figure in the beauty industry.

Two stylists were selected as finalists in the USA, and each were assigned 15 minutes to showcase their best work in styling and finishing LIVE on Instagram. Jalia showcased her creativity, and knowledge of products all while allowing her personality to shine through.

Jalia has been a force to be reckoned with relating to her skills as a Makeup Artist for the last three years. She said: “I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to represent the US on a global stage. I get to flex my muscles as a hair stylist which I don’t take lightly so I am spending the next few months preparing for that global stage. This win means so much to me and I plan to BRING it!”

By winning the Denman Stage Star USA, Jalia will showcase her work at Salon International. In addition, she will go head-to-head against talents representing Asia, Europe, UK, and Ireland. This exceptional opportunity will not only allow Pettis to showcase her skills on an international platform but also contribute to the recognition and growth of the hair industry in the United States.

Denamn said: “As Jalia gears up for the global competition, her dedication to her craft and artistry will continue to inspire both aspiring stylists and beauty enthusiasts nationwide. Her success serves as a testament to the flourishing talent within the American hair community.”

ELIZABETH FAYE ANNOUNCES THE 2023 HAIR LOVE RETREAT

This event is designed to inspire transformation in attendees, touching all aspects of their business and personal wellbeing. Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Zion National Park, the retreat is scheduled from September 9th to 13th, 2023, and will welcome an exclusive group of 44-50 attendees.

This unique retreat offers a rare opportunity to mastermind with high-level business owners, absorb wisdom from industry-leading coaches and speakers, and engage in spiritual development through breathwork and yoga. All of these enriching experiences will be complemented by a deep dive into hair education, ensuring a holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

The Hair Love Retreat will host a remarkable lineup of speakers who will offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of hair care, styling, wellbeing, and business management.

The retreat breaks away from the conventional conference format. There will be no grand stage, no dazzling lights, and no booming microphones. Instead, the focus will be on fostering genuine connections and deep learning. The retreat will feature women’s circles, business mastermind sessions, intimate coaching, and hands-on workshops, all designed to create a profound and transformative experience.

COLORDESIGN HAIR COLOR ANNOUNCES ERIC ALT AS NEW BRAND AMBASSADOR

ColorDesign, the high-performance Italian-made professional hair color brand, is delighted to announce celebrity hair colorist Eric Alt as their new brand ambassador.

With an impressive career spanning over 30 years, Eric Alt has become widely recognized for his hair color mastery, which has attracted a clientele of renowned personalities including celebrities, models, and influencers such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, Ricky Martin, and the stars of Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise.

Eric has also worked with Ralph Lauren, DKNY, and Asher Levine, earning him frequent mentions in esteemed publications like Vogue, Us Weekly, and InStyle Magazine. In his role as brand ambassador for ColorDesign, Eric will showcase the brand’s core values – quality, innovation, and excellence. He will share his invaluable talents and insights on how to best utilize ColorDesign hair color to achieve beautiful and creative results for various hair types and styles.

Eric said: “I am deeply honored and thrilled to become an integral part of the ColorDesign family. Since I began using ColorDesign, I have witnessed firsthand their ability to deliver vibrant, long-lasting color while simultaneously preserving the hair’s health and imparting a

remarkable shine. ColorDesign transcends being a mere hair color brand; it embodies a lifestyle that passionately celebrates beauty, creativity, and luxury for aspiring and experienced hair colorists.”

ColorDesign encompasses a versatile portfolio of Italian-made professional hair color that is renowned for exceptional performance. Powered by the finest quality ingredients and the patented Ceramide A2 Technology, ColorDesign ensures long-lasting results while simultaneously rebuilding and nourishing the hair throughout the coloring process. The extensive product lineup includes permanent colors, ammonia-free colors, direct dyes, lighteners, developers, reconstruction treatments, toning shampoo, and a range of accessories.

Denise Shedrick, Vice President Sales for ColorDesign, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Eric Alt as our esteemed Brand Ambassador. With his remarkable talent and respected reputation as a colorist, he perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering beautiful and healthy hair results. Eric Alt’s influence extends beyond his seven successful salons in the New York City area, as he continuously educates and inspires the next generation of and

Included in this transformative journey are gourmet farm-to-table meals, a magical stay at a private mansion in Zion National Park, wellness adventures, and guided meditations. These elements are carefully curated to nourish the body, mind, and soul, further enhancing the retreat experience.

Endorsed by some of the world’s leading beauty brands, the 2023 Hair Love Retreat is more than a learning and networking event. It’s a celebration of the hair industry, a journey into personal wellbeing, and a guide to infusing embodiment into your business and bank account.

WAHL PROFESSIONAL EXPANDS FADE IT FORWARD® SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

TO BARBER STUDENTS IN ST. LOUIS AND HOUSTON

THIS YEAR WAHL EXPANDED ITS ONE-OF-A-KIND PROGRAM TO HOUSTON, NOW PROVIDING BARBER SCHOOL STUDENTS IN FIVE UNDER-RESOURCED COMMUNITIES WITH HOLISTIC SUPPORT, INCLUDING BARBER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS, LOCAL BARBER MENTORS, DEDICATED TUTORING TO PASS THEIR STATE LICENSING EXAMS AND MORE. WE SPOKE TO MICHAEL JOHNSON, ONE OF THE LUCKY STUDENTS TO RECEIVE THE SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR.

Wahl Professional, the leader in professional and home grooming electric hair clippers, trimmers, and shavers, recently held celebratory events in St. Louis and Houston, bringing together barber professionals, local leaders, and aspiring barbers. The purpose of these gatherings was to commemorate the awarding of Wahl’s Fade It Forward® scholarships to new barber students. The Wahl Fade It Forward® program is renowned as the most extensive philanthropic initiative in the barber industry. Its primary goal is to alleviate the financial burdens that hinder barber students from achieving their dreams of becoming professional barbers. Since its launch in 2018, The Wahl Fade It Forward® program has granted nearly $500,000 in scholarships and support to more than 30 barber students in Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, San Diego, and Houston.

This year marked the expansion of the Wahl Fade It Forward® program to Houston for the first time. Wahl Professional collaborated with Franklin Institute to award a scholarship to Jeremy Adams and joined forces with Texas Barber College to provide scholarships to Warren Duckworth and Ronald Shepherd. In St. Louis, Wahl Professional partnered with St. Charles Barber College to award Michael Johnson a Wahl Fade It Forward® scholarship. These new students are expected to complete their mentorship and graduate from barber college later this year.

We spoke to Michael about how the Wahl Fade It Forward® program has changed his life. Michael was drawn to barbering because of his love for people. He said: “I just love talking to people and building relationships, and I found barbering was the perfect fit for me.”

But achieving this dream was no easy feat for Michael. He explained: “I was working 60 hours

a week and two jobs to save up for school, but it wasn’t enough. That’s where the scholarship came into play. I figured I might as well try for it, and I got it. It was like a dream come true.”

Julie Gustafson, Senior Manager of Global Marketing at Wahl Professional said: “Since 2018, Wahl Clipper Company has helped Michael, and nearly 30 other students, through our Fade It Forward® program. By eliminating the financial burden of tuition, and pairing scholarship recipients with barber mentors, we’re helping the next generation of professionals get a solid, debtfree start within the profession they love.”

Michael said: “I think the mentorship part of the scholarship is just as important because it shows you what it’s like to be a licensed barber. And you get to work one-on-one with a barber, to see how

the typical day in the shop works, and how to run a shop, which you just can’t beat.”

Beyond providing scholarships for barber school, the Wahl Fade It Forward® program offers personalized tutoring to help students pass their state licensing exams. It also connects them with social services if needed. Additionally, the program offers one-on-one mentorships with local professional barbers, who are also community role models, to help students understand how to navigate the business world as a professional.

Leo D. Price, Sr., owner of St. Charles Barber College said: “The Wahl Fade It Forward Scholarship Program provides a very unique opportunity for students who are serious and passionate about the professional barber industry. It gives students the opportunity to build a strong foundation toward becoming a licensed barber – not just skill wise –but more importantly, how to deal with people.”

Finally, I asked Michael what goals he has for his career in barbering. He said: “I hope to continue to build a relationship with Wahl Professional and many other people throughout my career. I also want to be financially free and be able to take care of my family and friends. I want to make a positive difference in my community and become a trustworthy barber in my area. I will try to help any young and upcoming barbers in my community and in the Fade It Forward program, just like the Wahl community has done for me.”

As the program continues to expand its reach, Wahl Professional remains committed to making a lasting impact and fostering a brighter future for the next generation of barbers. More information can be found at www.wahlpro.com/fade-it-forward

Photography // Wahl Professional

“I WANT TO MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN MY COMMUNITY AND BECOME A TRUSTWORTHY BARBER IN MY AREA. I WILL TRY TO HELP ANY YOUNG AND UPCOMING BARBERS IN MY COMMUNITY AND IN THE FADE IT FORWARD PROGRAM, JUST LIKE THE WAHL COMMUNITY HAS DONE FOR ME.”

– MICHAEL

WAHL EDUCATION- ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

Despite existing for more than 104 years as an iconic and globally respected brand for barbering and hairdressing, Wahl continues to adapt, evolve, and progress for the benefit of the industry. Education is a crucial part of Wahl Professional’s brand identity, having opened The Wahl Barber Academy, offered the Wahl Fade It Forward® scholarship program, and held countless live events. However, in this increasingly ondemand and globalized world, Wahl felt it was time to create a platform of education that could be accessed by professionals anytime, anywhere.

We caught up with Stephanie Polansky, Wahl’s Director of Global Education, and Garrett McGuire, Wahl’s Global Brand Director, to talk about the newly launched Learning Management System (LMS).

Stephanie explained: “Wahl Professional tools are available in over 170 countries, but we noticed that each market had its own separate website, with its own separate content. So, we thought, what if we made a platform that was accessible to professionals globally? A single place where they could not only access their region-specific information but education from global Wahl educators, too?

“At Wahl, we know how important inperson education is, and we are certainly not intending to replace that with this platform. Instead, our goal is to create accessible education for everyone as a supplement and resource to our customers everywhere.”

If you are new to barbering, selecting and investing in the right clipper can be a daunting task. Why are there so many? What are the differences? Which one is right for me? These are all questions you may ask yourself. Stephanie explained: “This is another reason the LMS is an important tool, as it offers a wide variety of on-demand videos of each of the Wahl Professional tools in action, with explanations from each educator for why and how they are using that specific tool. This way, customers can understand the details and differences of the tools before they make their purchase, so they can be confident they have made the right choice for them.”

Garrett added: “Education is a core value for Wahl Professional. It’s not just about the products we sell; it’s about showing professionals what they can do with the product and how it can help them take their career that next step further. With the LMS, we hope it will help introduce the next

generation of professionals to Wahl and provide them with everything they need to be successful.”

There is a lot to be accessed from the homepage of the LMS while all being very user-friendly and accessible. Professionals can access on-demand content from Wahl’s vast library of educational videos for barbers and stylists of all skill levels. The platform will also feature monthly ‘Lives,’ where instructors from all over the world will offer

demonstrations to the global audience. The platform will also be a place where professionals can access information such as details about in-person global events and sign-up information, as well as details about Wahl and its list of Global Educators.

If professionals want to attend a Wahl course, such as the Future Maker Classes but don’t have the ability to travel to attend in person, they can also pay to experience these classes through the platform as ‘Premium Content.’

As barbers and stylists make their way through the courses on the platform, they can track and celebrate their progress by receiving badges. With one course watched, they receive a bronze badge; with three watched, they receive a silver badge; with five courses, they receive gold; and after 10, viewers receive a platinum badge.

Stephanie said: “The ‘gamification’ and badge system is great because it is something that professionals can share on their social media to show their clientele that they are continually investing in education and keeping their skills sharp.”

For Stephanie, making the platform user-friendly and intuitive was important. She said: “When you are a busy barber, and you get a 10-minute break, you might want to spend that time watching a segment of one of the educational videos. But there is nothing more frustrating than every time you go back to that video, it restarts at the beginning. When building this website, we thought of all of these little details, like making it easy to go back to your ‘in-progress’ videos or mark videos you want to watch in the future.”

The LMS platform will only continue to adapt and grow from here. Stephanie said: “We intend to keep a close eye on the user experience of the LMS and pull data about what content is the most popular and what people are loving, so we can continue to offer professionals the content and education they want.”

Check it out at education.wahlglobal.com

Garrett concluded: “The LMS is intended to be a hub of connection. It is just another example of Wahl bringing people together from around the world to share common interests, while moving the industry forward. That is Wahl’s goal in the industry; to create a common ground where professionals can come together, share techniques, share their love for their craft, and gain the best education and the best quality tools.”

AS A GLOBALLY RENOWNED BRAND WITH PROUD EDUCATORS AND A LOYAL CLIENTELE AROUND THE WORLD, WAHL PROFESSIONAL HAS MADE THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR EVOLUTION BY CREATING AN ON-DEMAND EDUCATION PLATFORM. THE BRAND HOPES TO BRING THE GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL BARBERING AND STYLING COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO SHARE KNOWLEDGE, TIPS, AND INFORMATION TO HELP ELEVATE THE INDUSTRY.

“THE LMS IS INTENDED TO BE A HUB OF CONNECTION. IT IS JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF WAHL BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO SHARE COMMON INTERESTS, WHILE MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD.”

TEXTURE VS RACE

Keya Neal is a former stylist of 30 years turned color educator, speaker, and DEI consultant. This powerhouse is breaking the textural and racial boundaries segregating the pro hair industry. She is now the proud founder of the Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race movement, both focused on teaching stylists how to identify and work with hair of all textures. She told us: “I am dedicated to empowering beauty professionals to meet the evolving needs of a diverse clientele. Our mission at Texture VS Race is to assist stylists in honing their textural skills and building cultural competence, ultimately creating an inclusive beauty industry that embraces and celebrates texture and race both behind the chair and behind the scenes.”

Additionally, Keya’s REPAIRations program partners with Texture VS Race Collab Coaches to provide Black stylists with equitable education, while championing diversity and inclusion behind the chair and behind the scenes of the salon industry. 2023 sees an elevation in the educational service offerings from the Texture VS Race movement, at the Texture VS Race Summit in Baltimore, MD, December 10th to December 12th.

Keya gave us some insight: “This year's Texture VS Race Summit is a full hair show experience where attendees can connect with partnered brands on the exhibit floor, participate in independent and branded education sessions, and attend a rotation of breakout sessions, classes, panels, and stage demonstrations.

“OUR MISSION IS TO ASSIST STYLISTS IN HONING THEIR TEXTURAL SKILLS AND BUILDING CULTURAL COMPETENCE, ULTIMATELY CREATING AN INCLUSIVE BEAUTY INDUSTRY THAT EMBRACES AND CELEBRATES TEXTURE AND RACE BOTH BEHIND THE CHAIR AND BEHIND THE SCENES.”

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for this firstof-its-kind event that celebrates diversity, creativity, and inclusion in the beauty industry!”

Attendee trainings include texturally-inclusive cut, color, wellness, and styling education alongside DEI coaching while forming connections with partnering sponsors. Attendees training includes stage demonstrations, breakout classes, hands-on education, and our trademark Hydro Discovery Curl Clinic™ session.

Keya told us why this year’s summit is different: “We are putting a bigger focus on the exhibitor floor, inviting brands to come and connect with different communities of people who desire to work on all textures of hair. These brand partners are focused on the performance of their products across all textures while networking and creating relationships – not sales.”

You can expect a constant cycle of education at the Texture VS Race Summit, from influencer education and brand education to independent education and valuable classes from the Texture VS Race team – Keya and her incredibly talented teams are providing it all. The especially unique offering this year is the hands-on Signature Curl Clinic from Keya. Here’s more: “This hands-on round-robin activation will be done with live models for a full spectrum of texture experiences.”

There’s also a winter social where stylists can have fun, let loose, and form comradery with fellow artists over food, drink, and music. YOU get to enjoy a holiday party for once, instead of styling someone else for their holiday celebrations! Keya added: “We also have what we call Mastermind Classes, which focus on education for the teachers and school owners and the directors. So it’s a real 360° approach!”

This year is especially special to Keya because: “Texture vs Race has evolved from being a movement to becoming an actual hub of education and resource. We’re calling on the industry to come together with the aligned message that hair is a fabric, not a race. That products are for performance, not people. If we can come together as a group of stylists, owners, schools, and brands, we can send a clear message that we all want the industry to be diverse and inclusive and show that we’re doing our part in ensuring that… I’ll see you there!”

THE VIP EXPERIENCE

This is what’s included in the Texture VS Race Summit experience.

• A rtist Exhibition Highlight

• E xhibition Floor Browse

• Round-Robin Hydro Discovery Curl Clinic

• Choice of Speciality Hands-On Classes

• Holiday Social Dress Up

• Breakout Sessions

• SWAG Bags

DIAMOND TICKET – MASTERMIND

This is what’s included:

• Everything included in VIP ticket

• Morning Mastermind session with Keya Neal: A deep dive into taking DEI to the next level and how business of diversity affects you. Sessions will cover how to create service menus, inclusive salon and front-desk practices, and creating a core value system and salon culture. Attendees will work through their own business questions and challenges with Keya during this intimate consultation session. Hosted on day one.

WE SPOKE TO KEYA NEAL , FOUNDER OF TEXTURE VS RACE, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE EDUCATION MASTERCLASSES AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE TEXTURE VS RACE SUMMIT IN BALTIMORE THIS DECEMBER. HER GOAL IS EQUALITY – AND YOURS SHOULD BE TOO.

Get your tickets at kolourkulture.com/eventdetails/texture-vs-race-summit-2023

CREATING SPACE FOR A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE INDUSTRY THROUGH EDUCATION.

TEXTURE VS RACE IS A MOVEMENT TO CREATE A MORE DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE BEAUTY INDUSTRY THROUGH TEXTURALLY-INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AND ANTIRACISM COACHING. BY PROVIDING STYLISTS WITH A STANDARDIZED TEXTURE CURRICULUM AND CREATING SPACE TO LEARN ABOUT THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANTS OF NATURAL HAIR, TEXTURE VS RACE SEEKS TO MAKE THE INDUSTRY A SAFER SPACE. JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

HAIR IS A FABRIC, NOT A RACE

PREMIERE BEAUTY SHOW 2023

IF YOU’RE DEALING WITH PREMIERE SHOW GROUP FOMO, FEAR NOT! WE’VE GOT ALL THE INTEL YOU NEED. KEEP READING FOR SOME INSIGHT TO THE BEST EVENT AROUND, WITH WORDS FROM SOME OF THE BRIGHTEST TALENTS IN THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY.

Premiere Orlando is the place to explore everything that’s happening in the beauty industry – from the hottest hair color trends and cutting techniques to high fashion nail art and edgy barber designs.

According to Trade Show News Network, Premiere Orlando is the largest beauty show in the United States. With inspiring education from the best beauty experts and top exhibiting companies, Premiere Orlando is a venue with multiple resources for discovering all of the latest techniques, trends, and products. SalonEVO took a flight across the Atlantic to visit some of our fabulous readers, columnists, cover stars, future features, and industry celebs. Here’s what a few of our interviewees had to say about the biggest event in the bizz...

The legendary Sam Villa , Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer for the Sam Villa brand, said that he always looks forward to Premiere Show Group events. “Their passion and commitment to inspiring stylists through education is admirable. As one of our most respected educational organizations, we’re proud to support and partner with them to help elevate our industry through learning.”

Nick Stenson, Brand Founder of Nick Stenson Beauty, Brand Ambassador for Matrix, and SVP Store & Services Operations for Ulta Beauty, said: “I love coming to events like this because you get inspired and motivated by actively seeing what’s happening in the industry. You’re learning different trends and techniques that you can bring into the salon and share with your clients. It’s about making the best parts of our industry accessible for the client via the professional’s own skills development and getting to know the talent, products, and brands outside of your own salon.”

Olivia Thompson, BaBylissPRO USA Ambassador and Joico Global Brand Storyteller told us why she loves going to Premiere shows: “Every once in a while, I lose motivation, and it’s difficult to re-build when you aren't surrounded by creatives. I ask you, PLEASE, go to a Premiere hair show to bond with the community and get invigorated about your passion! This is the best life ever! If you’re feeling down in the dumps, community is the way to go, and education is the way to stay motivated.”

Alifia Young is founder of Gilded Coils and K18 Pro Educator. She told us: “Coming to a show this big is your opportunity to watch educators, speak to pros you respect, and connect with your favorite brands. So come in, work with other pros, see some amazing stylists and education so that you can stretch and grow as a professional!”

Haley Estep, award-winning colorist, Elite Educator for Keratin Complex and owner of The Beauty Lounge by Haley, told us what she loves about Premiere: “It’s so much fun to see people in the professional hair, beauty, and cosmetology world; it’s high energy and there’s so so much to learn. It’s a real string to your bow as a professional – and a great way to start building relationships with your favorite brands.”

Next, we touched base with Sherette Fabi-Parker, New York-based blonding specialist and Brand Specialist and Educator for Truss Professional. She gave us a look into the Premiere life... “The energy for Premiere Orlando this year was just off

the charts. I think it’s so important to come along to these events and stay updated with product releases, tool innovations, new education, and so many cool shows and collections. Everyone is hyped up and invested in leveling up their skills. It really is THE place to be every year.”

Finally, the lovely Shallynn Johnston, Beauty Education Manager for Dyson North America, dropped by the SalonEVO booth to tell us what value she lifts from these events, and why Premiere is 100 steps ahead of the rest. “This show is INSANE. So much fun and the perfect opportunity to meet cool people that have probably inspired you, and you’ve seen their work on the internet. If you ever have the opportunity to come along to any Premiere event, definitely sign up for it because you will not regret it!”

KEEPING IT BARBER

STRONG

The Premiere Orlando tradeshow this year gave barbers the opportunity to strengthen their skills with a variety of educational classes, exhibiting brands, hands-on workshops, and competitions – plus, an exclusive BARBER STAGE. This was an incredible opportunity for barbers to grow their personal brand and gain valuable knowledge.

Barber Strong stood, well, strong on the exhibitor’s floor with their Barber Strong Stage, showcasing the very best apparel and cutting skills in the game, from barber jackets to capes, with some of their best barbers hitting the education stages. Including Jovanni Rosado (@jrthebarberx_), the iconic Steven Rivera (@ canesbarber), the masterful C the Barber (@ cycStylz), and NFL barber Sway Styles (@ swaystylez_). Master barbers Wes Lane (@ wesslanehaircuts) and Ace Barber (@acebarber_) held some top-quality demos too.

We personally want to say a massive THANK YOU to the Barber Strong team for helping us bring together the EVO booth and media zone this year. We had a top-level collection of their best capes and apparel behind us in our interview zone.

Support from this performance-focused brand showed that we’re legit and are as committed to creating quality content as Barber Strong are committed to designing the best capes in the game. They also made the booth look sick as hell too. We showed some of the Barber Strong capes, polo shirts, and barber jackets and vests to our

BARBER

friend DG Cuts (@dgcuts) on camera. She’s an artist with STMNT and BaBylissPRO and told us what she thinks of the Barber Strong Barber Jacket and Barber Strong Shield Collection Cape. The cape: “I love the length, the light weight, and the elasticated neck. Capes can be super heavy and feel like blankets on my clients, so this is refreshing. The hair repellent technology is perfect because I hate hair sticking to everything – it’s messy and unhygienic. So these are a dream come true,” she laughed.

The jacket: “I like how there’s pockets on the bottom and I think the collar is cool. I like the longer length – super comfy. The design is just cool. Sometimes barbers will keep combs etc in their pockets as they work, which gets hair in their clothes. Any barber jacket I bought just gets gross. However, this zip I see on the bottom of the Barber Strong Barber Jacket allows you to easily remove hair that comes off of combs when you put them in your pockets as you work – that’s real innovation.”

Trevor Moots (@tailorfade) told us what he thinks of Barber Strong's The Barber Vest: "The difficulty as barbers is that we want to look good, but we do get covered in hair. Half the time, I don't want to wear my nice clothes, but with The Barber Vest and the The Barber Polo too, I can still look good and protect me from the mess. So, I'm still able to wear my nicer stuff every day, feeling good, performing well, protecting my clothes, and still be comfortable." Find Barber Strong on Instagram @barberstrong or visit barberstrong.com

“PREMIERE ORLANDO WAS A WEEKEND FULL OF THE BEST GEAR, CUTS, AND BARBERS IN THE GAME! WE WANT TO THANK OUR BARBER STRONG FAMILY FOR SHOWING UP AND MAKING IT THE BEST YET.”

STRONG BELIEVES BARBERING IS AN ART, A SPORT, AND A CULTURE. THEY CRAFT PERFORMANCE BARBER APPAREL TO OPTIMIZE THE BARBER’S EXECUTION. THIS IS HOW THINGS WENT FOR THEM ON THE BARBER STRONG STAGE AT PREMIERE ORLANDO.

Photography // Gost Media

EVO X ULTA BEAUTY TAKE ORLANDO

We have attended numerous salon and beauty shows this year, from ABS and NAHA to Premiere Orlando and Cosmoprof. There’s no energy quite like that of a beauty industry tradeshow! The talent is astounding, the education is invaluable, and the products and tools on offer are the peak of innovation. The thing we love most about these shows, though, is the opportunity to connect in-person with our favorite interviewees, the brightest stars in hair, our brilliant columnists, and of course, our readers.

This year, we have explored the teams – true visionaries – behind some of the pro world’s biggest brands, namely Ulta Beauty. They are an industry powerhouse, creating education and job opportunities for the pros whilst satisfying the consumer with an online store filled with arrays of beauty brands. Seeing possibilities is what they did when they first created All Things Beauty, All in One Place® — a store experience that connected with how beauty lovers actually shopped. And it forever changed the game. Not to mention the incredible caliber of stylists at the various ‘The Salon at Ulta Beauty’ locations, where licensed beauty professionals are committed to bringing client’s visions to life. Hair, skin, makeup, brows, ear piercing — all in one place.

At Premiere Orlando 2023, Ulta Beauty’s education stage sat right at the heart of the event, backdropped by multi-feet tall TV screens showing up-close angles of the educators’ work across the weekend. Each day, they used the power of beauty to bring to life the possibilities that lie within every stylist and hair professional — allowing associates to build a fulfilling career.

Salon professionals, students, and some curious barbers were stopped in their tracks as Ulta Beauty’s Pro Team and Design Team took to the stage to educate on all things styling. There was also a masterclass section just along from the stage, offering attendees the chance to learn hands-on after the presentations.

Nick Stenson, Brand Founder of Nick Stenson Beauty, Brand Ambassador for Matrix and SVP Store & Services Operations for Ulta Beauty, told us a little bit about the Ulta Beauty stage: “The Ulta Beauty stage held some incredible education across the Premiere Orlando weekend. I love coming to events like this because you get inspired, motivated, and are actively looking to see what’s happening in the industry. You’re learning different trends and techniques that you can bring into the salon and share with your clients. It’s really about making the

best parts of our industry accessible for the client via the professional’s own journey through continually boosting their skills and getting to know the talent, products, and brands outside of your own salon.”

And that stands true with the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. This dedicated collection of professionals aims to educate and enhance the skillsets of stylists under the Ulta Beauty banner, hoping to enrich the stylists of today and ready them for the beauty industry of tomorrow. Head to page 50-51 to read more about some of Ulta Beauty’s most impressive team members, Sonya Dove, David Lopez, and Sean Goddard.

Nick continued: “Drawing from our extensive industry expertise, the Pro Team works together to bring The Salon at Ulta Beauty’s vision to life in photo shoots and support the company’s team of stylists with education and trend development. They also collaborate on editorial collections used to position the strength and talent of the team’s artistry.”

We’re endlessly proud of our partnership with Ulta Beauty, who helped us bring together the SalonEVO media zone at this year’s biggest events (so far) as well as gracing the front cover of our SalonEVO Cover Photobooth, where we asked the question: are you the next six-figure stylist? With Ulta Beauty, the possibilities are beautiful® and our incredible set-up for both ABS and Premiere Orlando are testament to that. We 100% couldn’t have done it without this talented team – and we can’t wait to show you what

ULTA BEAUTY IS ONE OF THE MOST LOVED BEAUTY DESTINATIONS AND RETAILERS. AN INCREDIBLE TEAM OF BEAUTY ASSOCIATES, COMMUNITIES, PARTNERS, AND INVESTORS ARE WHAT MAKE THEIR EDUCATION SO POWERFUL. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THEM AT PREMIERE ORLANDO AND ABS TO TALK ALL THINGS ULTA BEAUTY.

“EACH DAY, ULTA BEAUTY USES THE POWER OF BEAUTY TO BRING TO LIFE THE POSSIBILITIES THAT LIE WITHIN EVERY STYLIST AND HAIR PROFESSIONAL — ALLOWING ASSOCIATES TO BUILD A FULFILLING CAREER.”

Photography // ISP Creative

ENTRY IS OPEN FOR THE 2024 NORTH AMERICAN HAIRSTYLING AWARDS (NAHA)

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA), whose mission is to advocate and fight for the rights and professionalism of the beauty industry, is excited to announce that entry is open for the 35th North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) now through September 21, 2023. NAHA 2024 will be held June 2nd at the Orange County Convention Center in the Chapin Theater in conjunction with Premiere Orlando.

The move to Orlando marks the first year in NAHA’s history the event will take place on the east coast. “We are thrilled NAHA will now be in conjunction with Premiere Orlando,” shared PBA Executive Director Nina Daily. “Premiere Orlando is the largest beauty show in the United States, and this move will allow an expanded audience of beauty professionals to leverage the power of two leading industry events in one place.”

KEY DATES FOR NAHA 2024 ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Entry Deadline: September 21, 2023

Finalist Announcement: March 6, 2024

NAHA 2024 Award Ceremony: June 2, 2024—Orlando

Categories for the 35th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) are as follows:

• Avant Garde

• Barber of the Year

• Editorial Stylist of the Year

• Educator of the Year

• Haircolor

• Haircutting

• Hairstylist of the Year

• Inspiring Salon of the Year

• Makeup Artist of the Year

-

CAREY // AVANT GARDE 2023, HAIRSTYLIST OF THE YEAR 2022, NEWCOMER 2020

NAHA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE ORLANDO AS A NEW HOME FOR THE 35TH ANNUAL EVENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH PREMIERE ORLANDO FOR BEAUTY’S BIGGEST WEEKEND!

"NAHA HAS OPENED SO MANY DOORS FOR ME, AND ALLOWED ME TO EXPAND MY NETWORK IN A WAY THAT WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN POSSIBLE BEFORE, WITH PEOPLE WHO SHARE MY PASSIONS, WHICH IS REALLY RARE."

CASSIE

ANDIS CENTENNIAL BESPOKE TRIMMER

Newly launched with revolutionary induction charging and next level design, with futuristic ergonomic shape, sleek lines and modern, metallic color palette. With a unique charging tech, the beSPOKE has a high speed rotary motor and lithium-ion battery for 1.5 hours of cordless freedom.

$250.00 // andis.com

WASHI THE KNOCKOUT MASTER SET

Masterfully crafted medium weight shear combo forged from Japanese V-10 steel. This shear features Washi’s Anti-Push Edges for smooth cutting action and performs most of your favorite cutting techniques. Sculpted handles designed for comfort.

$349.00 or 15% with coupon EVO15// washiscissors.com

COLORTRAK PERI TWINKLE WAND

Featuring a one-of-a-kind ergonomic grip, stain-resistant handles, and both feather and firm bristles; Peri Twinkle Wands were created by stylists for stylists.

$9.99 // colortrak.com

ACUT ABOVE

ULTA BEAUTY COLLECTION X EENI EDIT EYE SHADOW PALETTE VAULT

Ulta Beauty Collection’s Artist Series celebrates individuality, creativity and self-expression by shining a light on talented artists through unique, exclusive beauty collaborations. This collection was designed by the artist behind Eeni Edit.

$25.00 // ulta.com

WAHL PROFESSIONAL POWER STATION

A single cord and v-cord channel removes barber station clutter and allows the Power Station to sit flush against the wall. Charge any combination of three cordless 5V Wahl Professional clippers, trimmers, and shavers in the time it takes to charge a single tool.

$199.00 // wahlpro.com

GOLDIE LOCKS® HAIR GROWTH SUPPLEMENTS

Prevent future hair loss with Goldie Locks® powerful blend of all-natural ingredients designed to promote longer, stronger, healthier hair. Helps reduce stress, improve energy levels, boost immune support, and regulate mood.

$70.00 // goldielock.com

WAHL 5 STAR CORDLESS LEGEND® AND HERO® BARBER COMBO

Hero® - Soft line fading and seamless blends allows for longer blend range with extended blade lever.

Legend® - Extremely close trimming creating crisp, clean lines reach tight area with ease and accurac. Great for facial hair detailing and design.” wahlpro.com

ANDIS CORDLESS REVITE CLIPPERS

The uniquely designed reVITE clipper includes a stainless-steel blade design combining functionality of a removable blade and adjustable blade in one tool, allowing a quick change between a taper and fade blade. Features Constant Speed Technology which means it won’t drag or stall.

$188.00 // andis.com

OLAPLEX VOLUMIZING BLOW DRY MIST

Elevate your blowout with the reparative blow-dry mist for lasting body and bounce that protects hair for soft, shiny, and visibly healthy blowouts.

$30.00 // Pro.olaplex.com

FALL

THE TIME FOR COLOR AND CREATIVITY IS NOW. WE SPOKE TO THE EXPERTS TO FIND OUT WHAT THE TRENDS FOR THE SEASON ARE AND HOW YOU CAN MAXIMIZE YOUR SKILLS FOR A FRUITFUL FALL.

RIDE OR DYE COLOR

MEGO AYVAZIAN IS ARTISTIC CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR CHI WITH FAROUK SYSTEMS AND FOUNDER OF PAUL AND MEGO HAIR SALONS . THIS IS HIS GUIDE TO COLORING FOR FALL, WITH SOME ESSENTIAL ADVICE ON HOW TO LIFT AND LIGHTEN WITHOUT DAMAGE.

// Mohamed Fawzi Lebanese Armenian-born Mego began his career at 19-years-old as a hairstylist apprentice in his father’s business, Salon Paul Ayvazian . He believed in education and art as a key for success, so attended many master classes in France, England, Italy, Germany, and Spain with the biggest companies in the beauty industry.

At 21-years-old, Mego opened his first Paul and Mego Salon in Beirut, Lebanon. In 2012, he was voted the Best Hairdresser in Lebanon and the Middle East. He began working with Farouk Systems, Inc. in 2014 as Global Creative Artist, and has grown to now hold the title of Artistic Creative Director and Color Director at Farouk Systems, Inc. “I continue to push boundaries,” he said. “I aim to inspire fellow stylists, create cutting-edge looks, and play an important role in the creation of new hair color products.” 

Photography

We wondered what drew Mego to this innovative brand? “I met Dr. Farouk Shami, founder and chairman of Farouk Systems, Inc. at a CHI conference in Cancun, Mexico,” he began. “After having a conversation with him, I realized how much he cared about hairdressers and their safety in the workplace. His commitment to quality, technology, and sustainability aligned so well with my own values.”

Versatility of products and teams is essential as trends and techniques change throughout the seasons. The award-winning hair expert told SalonEVO what you can expect from colors this Fall.

“I anticipate we’ll see a blend of warm and cool tones that create depth and dimension. Rich and earthy shades like golden beige, chestnut, caramel espresso, and violet beige will be popular choices.

“We’ll also see a resurgence of red hues, ranging from velvet copper to cinnamon blond, adding warmth to the hair. Subtle balayage and babylights will continue to be in demand, offering a seamless blend of color that enhances the natural beauty of the hair.”

We asked which CHI offerings are Mego’s favorite. He said: “I genuinely love ALL the CHI Haircare products. My must-have is the Bleach & Shine by

I love too. I adore working with the LG CHI Color Master Factory because it takes color services into the digital age, making hairdressers lives easier to create any hair color they can imagine. It saves time and cost overall in the salon!” And CHI treatments? “All Royal Treatment lines are incredible because they’re high-end, professional-grade collections of products that have the Royal Treatment Signature Complex ingredients like white truffle, pearl, and aloe vera. This keeps the hair shiny and healthy.” How does he use these products in real time? “During my stage presentation at the Premiere Orlando show, I showcased a stunning updo inspired by vintage Hollywood elegance. I chose to create this specific up do because it showcases the artistry and versatility of hairstyling. I aimed to inspire hairstylists to embrace their creativity, explore different techniques, and push hairstylists to add additional services in their salon to increase their bottom line.

Mego also created beautiful summer-inspired colors like pastels and blondes with the first-tomarket LG CHI Color Master Factory. “With this digital color lab, I can create any color I desire

AT PREMIERE ORLANDO, I SHOWCASED AN UPDO INSPIRED BY VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD. I SHOWED THE ARTISTRY AND VERSATILITY OF HAIRSTYLING,

HEALTHY HAIR, HAPPY CLIENT

How to minimize damage when lightening hair.

1. Assess hair condition

Check for previous chemical treatments, and the impact they’ve had on the hair. Also consider your desired level of lightness to determine the best approach.”

2. Always go pro

“Opt for professional-grade lighteners like Bleach & Shine by CHI. It’s formulated with aloe and natural oils to prevent breakage and keep hair nourished during lightening.”

3. Bond and seal

“Incorporate products like Bond & Seal by CHI to help strengthen and protect the hair before, during, and after lightening services. By spraying Bond & Seal by CHI you can protect the scalp, strengthen the bonds in the hair, and equalize the porosity and pH of the hair.”

4. Encourage proper aftercare

“Educate clients on the importance of using sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos and conditioners like Royal Treatment Bond & Repair by CHI. They also need to add mask or deep conditioning treatments to maintain hair health and vibrancy. It’s good to use the Royal Treatment Pearl Complex by CHI and the Royal Treatment Bond & Repair Leave-In Treatment by CHI to continue to protect the hair against UV damage.”

WE’LL ALSO SEE A RESURGENCE OF RED HUES, RANGING FROM VELVET COPPER TO CINNAMON BLOND, ADDING WARMTH TO THE HAIR. SUBTLE BALAYAGE AND BABYLIGHTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN DEMAND, OFFERING A SEAMLESS BLEND OF COLOR THAT ENHANCES THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE HAIR.”

SUSTAINABLY CHIC

GLOBAL LEADER IN HAIR COLOR INNOVATION, GOLDWELL , HAS INTRODUCED ITS NEWEST ADDITION TO THE ICONIC TOPCHIC LINE OF PERMANENT IN-SALON COLOR:

As more consumers seek sustainable choices and lifestyles, Topchic Zero allows professionals to address new client priorities without compromising efficacy or performance. Goldwell leveraged its nearly 50 years of experience in hair color innovation and artistry to develop a portfolio that stays true to its high-performance heritage while providing more options for color services.

As an already well-known and loved hair color line, Goldwell have shown its commitment to innovative, powerful, and responsive product advancement, by adding Topchic Zero to its list of offerings. Developed by color experts for color experts, Topchic Zero is the high-performance1 and responsible color that delivers.

What can colorists expect from this latest addition?

• Natural, reliable grey coverage – up to 100%

• Natural-looking, even color results with Topchic’s trusted durability

• Smooth and glossy hair with up to 2x more shine 2

• A vegan 3 formula that contains up to 94% naturally-derived ingredients 4

• 27 versatile shade options that allow maximum creativity while maintaining hair’s healthy look and feel

• Acai extract, a powerful antioxidant and natural remedy against hair breakage

• W hite tea essence, known for intensified conditioning effects and natural moisture

• M aximum hair protection during the coloring process or color service thanks to patented IntraLipid and BondPro+ Technology 5

• 0% ammonia, silicones, ethanol, or animalderived ingredients

RESPONSIBLE. INSIDE AND OUT.

From the drain-safe formula that is up to 98% biodegradable 6 to sustainably and responsibly sourced packaging made from up to 100% recycled and recyclable materials, Topchic Zero is the responsible choice for salon hair color.

In cooperation with ClimatePartner, Topchic Zero is contributing to efforts to slow climate change and promote sustainability. Topchic Zero products produce fewer carbon emissions from raw materials, packaging, production, transport, and disposal and are offset to zero by supporting an independently certified climate protection7,8 , wind energy project in South Africa.

Here's what National Goldwell Artist, Steven Picciano had to say: “Goldwell has and always will be in my eyes at the forefront of innovation.

Just when I think we’ve hit the pinnacle, something new sets the bar even higher. Not only does the product outperform all competitors but is environmentally conscious in more ways than one. Over the last few years Goldwell and its parent company Kao have reached incredible sustainability’s benchmarks, all while providing superior products with tons of options.”

I asked Steven’s thoughts when he first heard about the launch TopChic Zero. He said: “When I first heard about Topchic Zero I was honestly anticipating something good, but relatively niche, a product I would take in and use on a few people. What I saw was completely different. Topchic Zero performs like Topchic, if not better. It contains no ammonia, parabens, or silicones while promising beautiful, shiny hair. Its packaging is environmentally conscious and the product itself is vegan. A total home run and has me thinking that this is (or should be) the direction for haircolor in general moving forward.”

Steven continued: “The Topchic line is very diverse with a relatively wide range of color options. They are also compatible with pure pigments (a direct dye additive to oxidative color) which gives me unlimited options. How nice for fall tint backs to be durable and nurturing to the previously lightened hair.”

Steven’s favorite features? “My favorite feature of the Topchic line is the array of options, as well as the overall product performance. It contains key ingredients that create brilliant color and smoother, shinier hair. The line is comprised of 2-10 level N series as well as 5-9 level NN for grey coverage. In addition, we have a relatively large range of warm and cool brown shades as well as blondes and even eight copper. And two shades I’ve wished for in permanent color 9V (violet) and CLEAR. Which means canceling unwanted warmth in blondes has just gotten easier, more durable, and damage free.”

Finally, I asked Steven how Topchic can be used as an upselling service in the the salon. He said: “In my salon I see an overwhelming need for products that are safe and can perform. The promise of both is already assumed to be an upgrade. I think clients have no problem paying a premium price for a superior product with premium performance. Especially when they’ve come to trust and love Goldwell.”

TOPCHIC ZERO. NOT ONLY DOES THE NEW FORMULA OFFER SUPERB COLOR RESULTS, BUT ITS RESPONSIBLY DEVELOPED AND AMMONIA-FREE FORMULA ALLOWS STYLISTS TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEIR SUSTAINABLE CHOICES.

“MY FAVORITE FEATURE OF THE TOPCHIC LINE IS THE ARRAY OF OPTIONS, AS WELL AS THE OVERALL PRODUCT PERFORMANCE. IT CONTAINS KEY INGREDIENTS THAT CREATE BRILLIANT COLOR AND SMOOTHER, SHINIER HAIR.”

INNOVATIVE. POWERFUL. RESPONSIBLE. THE NEW TOPCHIC ZERO.

Goldwell introduces the incredibly caring, ammonia-free addition to Topchic. Topchic Zero stays true to its iconic heritage while giving you more options for your color services. The vegan formula* offers incredibly natural, reliable grey coverage –up to 100% – while providing natural looking, even color results with up to 2x more shine**. Discover more at goldwell.com

Scan to learn more about Topchic Zero.

SELF-DESCRIBED

HAIRSTYLIST, EDUCATOR, AND CONTENT SLAYER

LYNDA PETERSON (GALICIA) HAS 8.5 YEARS OF COLOR EXPERIENCE UNDER HER BELT. SHE LOVINGLY EXECUTES INCREDIBLE COLOR CREATIONS AT THE AWARD-WINNING BLANK CANVAS SALON & TATTOO PARLOR IN OGDEN, UTAH. THIS

IS HOW TO EXECUTE

VIVID COLOR FOR THE SEASON AHEAD...

FOR THE SOUL COLOR

What drew this creative powerhouse to color? “Color is a mathematical game and my brain gets a good scratch with every new color client that sits in my chair. I’m constantly challenged – I get to be a scientist and artist all at the same time!”

Understanding color as a concept takes time and patience. Understanding how to apply it to hair takes creativity and experimentation. At the heart of vivid application is an understanding that to get really creative, you have to understand the theory of color. Once you’ve done that, hair can become your playground.

Lynda told us how to use color theory to mix showstopping color that lasts: “People generally understand what complementary colors are (ones sitting on opposite sides of the color wheel). Tertiary colors, however, are the two colors that sit beside the complementary color. For example, yellow sits across from purple, but either side of

that, you have a violet and magenta. If you mix the yellow and shades of violet or vice versa, you can create muted shades like mauves or golds depending on how much you mix of what. And that's how I approach mixing my colors! In order to achieve high vibrancy in your vivids, you have to be purposeful and strategic in how you place different colors together across the color wheel so that every tone that makes up the final color on the hair is defined and rich in its own right."

Lynda continued: "How you prepare your canvas and how your client maintains their hair will help avoid fading. As toner sitting underneath color begins to fade between appointments, use purple shampoo to pick up the slack and maintain that vividness. This will not alter what’s left of the vivid color molecules, but tone the underlying pigment in the hair keeping the vivid colors on top true to tone.”

With the changing of the season just around the corner, we asked Lynda what trends she thinks will take forefront. She told us that she doesn’t usually follow trends because they can curb her creativity. “But I love seeing and executing fall inspired colors,” she began. “I typically enjoy utilizing complimentary and tretiery colors. For example, colors that kind of work around orange on the wheel, so teal and amber. Remember! The beauty of vivids is that you get to play with the tertiary colors beside and opposite orange, which takes you into indigos, greens, and blue-based violets. You can also pair mauves and coppers as well."

Lynda continued: “Muted pastels will come back in style as well. I’m seeing pastel sage greens, moody mauves, and coppers… those kinds of combos! Ultimately, I think we should take the classic colors of Fall and get creative with tertiary shades to kind of rejuvenate the classics.”

Images source: Lynda Luz Peterson

In terms of placement: “I think vivids will be integrated with naturals using color blocking and money pieces. Clients are asking about splitting the head (aka half and half hair), so on one side, you can have a deep chocolate and on the other side, a cool vivid color.

“Clients will also lean into the hidden surprise kind of deal, like color block sections by the nape and playful shadow box placement. Using a strikingly different hair color around the nape of the neck adds a splash of excitement when tied up, in a halfdo, or with pigtails. Like a hidden surprise!” Lynda laughed. “Sectioning is less work for the client and they feel like they have something different going on at all times – there’s less stress on the client to be able to maintain their hair at home in between appointments.”

The practicalities of applying color can get pretty complicated and a lot of stylists can feel intimidated by the risk of things going wrong. The stakes are higher for the client and the colorist (nobody wants color transfer or scalp irritation). Who does Lynda trust to provide the high quality she needs? “I see color as a tool, so just as you need sharp, precise scissors for cutting, you need well-formulated and well-tested products. Danger Jones is my go-to because of the versatility of the

THE KEY TO

COLOR

1. Start with clean, dry hair.

2. Colors are most vibrant when hair is pre-lightened.

3. Apply desired color(s) in ¼ - ½ inch sections making sure to completely saturate from roots to ends.

4. Process at room temperature for approx. 35 minutes.

5. No heat.

6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and high pressure.

7. Do not shampoo.

8. Condition ends if needed.

shades as well as their commitment to quality. This goes beyond what’s in the bottle. It can be difficult to truly understand a vivid color without seeing the product on the hair first – the shades and tonality are never the same as what you see in the picture.” Danger Jones worked really hard to make sure colors across the boxes, the packaging, and the actual product are verbatim. For example, the color previews on the outside of the boxes will accurately reflect what's going to come out of the tube, which is really cool. If it’s almost any of their vivid colors, the color swatch will have a matte texture. Similarly, if it’s neon, the bottle will have a gloss to it because a matte layer would inaccurately reflect what your final colors will settle as on the hair. That’s why you’ll always find the neon shades in a glossy box rather than the matte finish.”

Finally, Lynda told us what she believes is the key to executing vivid color that is as lasting and healthy as it is stunning: “You just gotta chuck it in the fuck it bucket and find out!” @lyndadidit

9. Style as you please!

DANGER JONES IS MY GO-TO FOR COLOR BECAUSE OF THE VERSATILITY OF THE SHADES AS WELL AS THEIR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, WHICH GOES BEYOND WHAT’S IN THE BOTTLE, TO WHAT’S ON THE BOX TOO.”

RISE OF THE ROCKSTAR

ANDIS INTERNATIONAL ARTISTIC TEAM LEAD, KEVIN LUCHMUN DEBUTED HIS 2023 FALL TREND PREDICTIONS IN HIS MOST RECENT COLLECTION.

In his newest collection of looks, Kevin created and captured two retro-inspired rockstar haircuts, predicting that the longer cuts are not yet longgone, and the mullet is here to stay.

His styles display a controlled chaos that perfectly complements the edgier autumn looks predicted to take hold in the coming months. Inspired by the shag and the wolf style haircuts that have taken over, Kevin’s newest work refines those styles into wear-anywhere looks that add elegance to the timetested styles of 1970s rock and roll.

Kevin said: “Step into a world where rock star fashion meets contemporary cool. Inspired by the legends of the past, this men’s hair collection infuses high fashion with a modern twist. Against a backdrop of dark and moody feel, three models

embody the rebellious spirt of rock, showcasing different lengths and textures, vibrant colours and details throughout.”

Keeping the volume, but leaving the length behind, Kevin brings a unique and unquestionable sophistication to the upcoming season with his Andis tools by his side. To create these looks, Kevin used his Andis reVITE, Andis reSURGE and Andis beSPOKE

What else should we expect for Autumn 2023?

Kevin said: “I would say what’s coming into this season for trends is versatile haircut that can be worn natural and effortless. People are going for hair styles that can be worn in many different ways depending on what they’re doing whether they’re going on a night out or down the gym.”

STEP INTO A WORLD WHERE ROCK STAR FASHION MEETS CONTEMPORARY COOL. INSPIRED BY THE LEGENDS OF THE PAST, THIS MEN’S HAIR COLLECTION INFUSES HIGH FASHION WITH A MODERN TWIST.”

COLOR ME

COPPER

AMBER TODARO (AKA @COLORMEAMBER) IS A SELFCONFESSED COPPER QUEEN AND OWNER OF COLOR ME AMBER STUDIO IN SAINT JAMES, NEW YORK. WITH OVER 65K FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM, AMBER IS REVERED FOR HER SKILL IN CREATING GORGEOUS COPPERS, GINGERS, AND STRAWBERRY BLONDES, REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A REDHEAD.

While today your timeline may be full of beachy blondes, as the cooler weather moves in, warmer colors will take the limelight. If you’re looking for inspo, look no further than Amber’s Instagram page.

Having graduated from beauty school in 2013, Amber has spent the last decade refining her coloring skills and, throughout that, fell in love with the world of coppers.

She first went copper herself in 2020, and that changed everything. She explained: “Copper was a color I had never been to before, and at that time, I still found that end of the color spectrum quite intimidating. It was during the pandemic, and I figured if I didn’t like it, no one would see me anyway! But, I winded up absolutely falling in love with the color and decided I wanted to overcome my fear of reds, and because of that, I started my journey of specializing in red/copper hair. I studied all about reds and coppers and practiced A LOT!”

In 2021, Amber took to Instagram with the goal of being a source of inspiration for other colorists and aspiring redheads. “I wanted to be able to give other people red hair and the confidence that came along with the color!”

Becoming a ‘blonding specialist’ is something we have seen a lot of in the past few years, as colorists acknowledge the depth and skill that comes with creating flawless natural color. But red/ copper specialists are few and far between. Amber said: “I find working with reds and coppers to be so fun and unique. Working with reds/coppers will also help grow your clientele even further!

“As with learning any new method or technique, the more you do them and put out there that you do them, the more clients you’ll attract who want what you’re offering. I have built a very large and healthy clientele since specializing in reds.” Don’t underestimate the reds, Amber urges. “There are a lot more people out there that want red hair than people think!”

There are also a lot more variations of ‘red hair’ than most would appreciate. I asked Amber what some of her favorite trending coppers are.

Cow Girl Copper

“Right now, the ‘Cow Girl Copper’ is a BIG trend! I love this color, especially for those looking to ease into warmer tones without drastically changing their look. I always recommend not going too far off your client’s natural base. Especially if they are naturally a brunette, It’s more about enhancing their natural color by adding copper to it.”

Pumpkin Spice

“This is my personal favorite variation of copper/ red. It is a true level 7 copper. My biggest piece of advice when creating this color would be to find the perfect and equal balance between red and gold!”

Strawberry Blonde

“This is a great color for that transition from Summer to Fall! I’ve found that there are so many different variations and interpretations of strawberry blonde, so make sure your client brings in lots of inspirational pics!”

Throughout her copper journey, Amber has found her favorite products that help her create and maintain the perfect coppers. “My favorite color products for creating coppers would be the Wella Koleston Perfect Color Line and Redken Shades EQ!”

For haircare and keeping coppers vivid and bright, Amber says: “I recommend a depositing shampoo and conditioner, such as Celeb Luxury Gem Lites Colorwash. I typically recommend the colors: 'Fire Opal’ and ‘Tourmaline.’

“A color-safe shampoo and conditioner is also a must-have in order to help prevent hair color from fading, such as Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Cleanser and Conditioner. I always recommend a good heat protectant too!”

AMBER’S TIPS FOR CREATING COPPERS

1 Make sure you are taking your client’s skin tone into consideration! Reds and coppers are some of the most versatile colors as long as it goes with your client's complexion. You can create the most beautiful color, but if it’s not the right tone for your client’s complexion, it won’t look good.

2 Gold is your best friend when creating copper. I always recommend two parts gold to one part red.

3 Avoid adding too much neutral in your formula. This will dull your color and create a less vibrant result.

4 Use at least two different formulas. The most beautiful reds/coppers are the ones with natural dimensions!

Photography // Amber Todaro

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QUITE OFTEN, WE LIKE TO ASK THE STYLISTS WE FEATURE ABOUT THE CURRENT TRENDS AND HOW TO KEEP UP WITH THEM. BUT IT IS NOT VERY OFTEN THAT WE GET TO SPEAK TO THE PERSON WHO IS THE FATHER OF MANY OF THE TRENDS WE KNOW AND LOVE TODAY. THAT MAN’S NAME IS GARREN.

You may know him as one of the co-founders of the legendary haircare brand R+Co and as the inspiration behind the couture-caliber collection R+Co BLEU Or, you may know him as the man behind countless iconic looks, transforming pop star Posh Spice into fashion designer Victoria Beckham with her ‘90s pixie. He was the one who ironed down (quite literally) Farrah’s “wings.” He gave Karlie Kloss her “Chop” and transformed Lady Gaga for Versace. But he is probably best known for the ever-changing cuts and color on THE Supermodel, Linda Evangelista. From Audrey Hepburn, Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Katy Perry and Madonna, the only person more iconic than these women is the man behind the scenes who gave them the confidence (and the hair) to change the course of fashion and hair trends, forever.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE ICONIC? CREATING A MEMORABLE STYLE? MAKING A LONG-LASTING IMPACT ON THE INDUSTRY? CREATING TRENDS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME? IN THIS NEW REOCCURRING EVO FEATURE, WE EXPLORE THE ICONS OF THIS INDUSTRY, WHETHER THEY BE TRENDSETTERS, INFLUENTIAL EDUCATORS, OR THE TOOLS THAT MOVE US FORWARD.

Trends, as you all know, are cyclical. How many names have there been for ‘the bob’ or ‘the shag’ in the last 50 years? But so many of these trends, well, they must have started somewhere and by someone. And for so many, that someone is Garren. But we wanted to know where Garren’s career started.

It was the 1960s in Niagara Falls, New York and Garren was 13 years old: “My mother went prematurely grey in her 30s. And every time she would go to the hairdresser, she would come out looking like Queen Elizabeth, with these little pin curls. I was obsessed with magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and those 1960s looks had a big influence on me. I just couldn’t understand why the hairdresser would give Mom these short, matronly hairstyles instead of a big bouffant – like the movie stars. 

Photography // Roberto Ligresti

Photography // Patrick Demarchelier Model// Jerry Hall

Photography // Steven Meisel, Vogue Italia Feb 1991 Model// Madonna As Marilyn Monroe

Icons Garren

“So, when she would get home, I would brush it all out, teasing it all up to make a coiffure. Before long, all my mother’s girlfriends were asking her, ‘Who does your hair’?’ And she would say to them, ‘If I told Eventually, they would get it out of her, and everyone was shocked to find out it was her youngest son!”

From that point on, more and more of Garren’s mother’s friends would come to the house on Friday nights and Saturdays for Garren to do cuts and sets. Word got around his little town, and Garren’s clientele became so regular that his father built him his very own salon in the basement.

“When I was 16, it was time for me to go to the guidance counselor to discuss my college and career plan. I told him that I was going to be a hairdresser. He looked at me and said: ‘Well, no men are hairdressers; this is the '60s.’ So, the guidance counselor called my father in for a meeting. Mr. McLaughlin said to him, ‘Do you know what your son wants to be when he grows up?’ and my father said, ‘Yes, I do. He wants to be a hairdresser.’

The teacher was shocked. He said that wasn’t a man’s job, and I needed to go to college. My father stopped him and paused for a minute.

I’ll admit I was momentarily worried, but he said, 'My son is going to be a hairdresser. And one day, you’re going to read about him.'"

With his family’s support, he enrolled in beauty school, where he attended night and weekend classes while still in high school. Before long, Garren was entering his work into hair competitions and finished in second place on his first try. And the next, he won first place.

Garren explained: “It just so happened that the judge was the iconic Christiaan from New York. He invited me to have dinner with him, and I told him how much I wanted to move to New York. He said, ‘Well, when you come to New York, here’s my number. Look me up, and I’ll introduce you to some people.’ That was my first big break.” A first of many.

Garren confessed to ‘bothering Christiaan like crazy’ in the following months. When he finally made it to New York, he was introduced to the Finkelsteins, who owned Glemby International at the time. The company had roughly 1,800 salons globally, all based in major department stores and hotels, from Harvey Nichols to Harrods, to the Plaza Hotel. From these connections, Garren was offered a job under the condition that he spend two-years at one of their Buffalo salons.

“I built up my clientele there and really built out the salon. After two years, I was very ready to move to New York with my husband. At first, they didn’t want me to leave because I was bringing in so much money. But eventually, they caved and gave me a job at Bergdorf Goodman, and my husband a job at Henri Bendel.”

Garren was working in the salon, as well as for the creative department, under the Chadwicks and later

Signed Photo of Farrah for Garren

THERE WAS A HUGE PICTURE OF FARRAH FAWCETT ON THE FRONT COVER OF EVERY NEWSPAPER, WITH HEADLINES THAT READ: ‘FAMILIAR FACE, NEW LOOK.’”

Stephen Alberts

Roger Thompson, as one of their top educators and creators. And that’s when opportunities for editorial work started to flow in. Garren’s story truly is the epitome of the American Dream.

“It all happened within six months. I get to New York, I’m at Bergdorf Goodman, and I’m starting to work for Vogue, Glamour, Mademoiselle.”

The Makings of an Icon Garren became a favorite of the beauty editors at publications like Glamour Magazine and was booked regularly to do makeovers and cover shoots. Before you knew it, Garren was working with the likes of Polly Mellen (fashion editor for Vogue) and world-renowned fashion photographers, such as Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, Bill King. Garren was then named Creative Director of Glemby, and in turn, Garren was offered his own salon at the Plaza Hotel, called Garren at the Plaza.

“It was 1976, and I was booked to do a Vogue shoot with Patrick Demarchelier, Polly Mellen, and Way Bandy – who was a terrific makeup artist –but they wouldn’t tell us who the model was. Way and I were waiting in the studio joking around about who we thought it could be, and I said: ‘Wouldn’t it be funny if it was Farrah Fawcett?’ and Way asked why, and I said, ‘Well, my whole time in Buffalo, every woman in my chair brought in a picture of Farrah with her flips. And after a while, I was like, I am gonna lose it if I have to do this haircut one more time… ’” Garren laughed.

Lo and behold, who walks in the door, but Farrah Fawcett, feather winged hair and all. “We both immediately burst into laughter.”

Garren explained that for the first day of shooting, he went along with her iconic flippy style. But the second day, Garren arrived at the studio early and said to Polly: “I would love to do her hair straight, in a pageboy style.” And Polly got all the men’s-style suiting together to match the new hair. When Farrah came in, Garren explained his plan as she nervously said: “Well, I’ve never worn my hair like that….”

But Garren reassured her that if she didn’t like it, we could go back to her regular style.

“I blew her hair all out, and then I pressed it on an ironing board – with a real iron.

(Many of today’s tools hadn’t been invented as yet.)

When she saw the result, she thought it looked so cool that she actually let me cut her hair to fit the style. We did the second half of the shoot like that.”

That night, Farrah was heading to an event at Studio 54 to announce her haircare line. And she showed up with her new straight hair.

“I remember that night there was a huge blizzard in New York City. And the next morning, I walked down to my local bodega to pick up some breakfast, and I looked down at the newspaper, and there was a huge picture of Farrah Fawcett on the front cover of every newspaper, with headlines that read: ‘FAMILIAR FACE, NEW LOOK.’” Farrah remained a lifelong client and close friend to Garren.

Garren also told us about the time that he turned popstar Posh Spice into designer Victoria Beckham.

“Victoria had told her friends, Naomi (Campbell), Amber (Valletta) and Linda (Evangelista), that she was looking for a new look, and they all suggested me. Victoria called and we talked for a while about what her vision was. She was quite nervous, but she wanted a new look as she was making her debut as a fashion designer. I told her if she wanted a change, we needed to start fresh. No

more severe haircuts, no more extensions (she was all about the extensions in those days).

"I told her that I would get a portfolio of pictures together, and she could come into the salon, and we could talk through them. I pulled images of Mia Farrow and Jean Seberg, and knew that this short haircut would really show off her natural features. She came into the salon on a Thursday night, and we took out all of her extensions. I said, I’m just going to start cutting, and we will stop when we hit the right note. I started with a longer shape but went shorter and shorter. She was watching the transformation, and you could see how, as you took away more and more hair, how much of her natural beauty shone through. She put her hand over her mouth and started giggling! I told her, take your hand away from your face; you’re going to need to smile more now!” 

“I WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WAS LIKE THE BENTLEY OF HAIRCARE. SO, THAT’S WHEN R+CO BLEU WAS BORN.”

When Victoria emerged at the Marc Jacobs fashion show the following Monday with her brandnew look, Jennifer Lopez arrived at the hotel to pick her up. When she opened the door, Jennifer said, ‘Oh my God! You look amazing. Who did this?’

Victoria said: ‘Garren.’ To which Jen replied: ‘Figures. He’s the right guy for a transformation.”

Garren has also collaborated with Madonna on many projects for over 30 years. It all started in 1991 for the cover of Vogue Italia with Steven Meisel and continued on throughout the years.

Some highlights were covers of Vogue, Vanity Fair, campaigns for Versace, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, as well as working on her SEX Book. You know that iconic image of Madonna as Marilyn Monroe? You guessed it, that was Garren too.

Icons Going Rogue

Over the course of his career, Garren has worked with countless iconic clients and iconic magazines and created iconic styles. So when Garren was offered the opportunity to team up with other iconic hairdressers, including Howard McLaren, he felt it was time to go rogue. Ever wondered what the ‘R’ in R+Co stands for?

Following the enormous success of R+Co, Garren was then inspired to create an offshoot of the brand, something that was a little more luxurious and editorial inspired. He said: “I wanted to create something that was like the Bentley of haircare. So, that’s when R+Co BLEU was born.”

Since launching R+Co BLEU in 2020, the brand has established itself in luxury salons and stores around the world, and Garren is excited about growing the brand and the product range more and more in the future.

Garren said: “The whole R+Co journey has been pretty amazing so far.”

The R+Co brand is known not only for its highperformance, sustainable, and vegan products but for the education and wisdom behind the brand. From its non-toxic ingredients to its 100% recyclable packaging, it is clear that every aspect of the line has been carefully crafted to reflect R + Co’s commitment to sustainability.

Garren and the team are busy traveling around the world educating stylists, colorists, and salon owners not only about the product range but imparting a little bit of their infinite wisdom too. •

THE WHOLE R+CO JOURNEY HAS BEEN PRETTY AMAZING SO FAR.”

BY HAIRDRESSERS FOR HAIRDRESSERS

AS VICE PRESIDENT FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION FOR OLAPLEX, JOHN MORONEY BRINGS THE FINEST IN EDUCATION TO STYLISTS ACROSS OCEANS, FROM NORTH AMERICA TO LATIN AMERICA AND EUROPE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM AT ABS TO FIND OUT WHAT’S IN STORE FOR OLAPLEX THIS YEAR…

This industry powerhouse has been hairstyling and hairdressing since the ‘80s. His first ABS show was in 1991, so he knows a thing or two (probably more than two) about how to make the most of a show!

When John joined us in the media zone this year, we welcomed him into our barber chair interview hotseat, where he gave us all the intel about the power of beauty trade shows and the education they offer.

He told us: “It’s so wonderful to see this whole new generation of hairdressers on the floor but also new media partners like SalonEVO and BarberEVO, who bring an entirely new energy to the industry.” Thanks John! “I really love seeing how much things have changed. It’s such an amazing industry and I guess that’s why I’ve been part of it for so long.”

Speaking to dozens of industry icons over the last year at these events has opened our eyes to the importance of embracing education in a place where so many talented hair artists and business experts come together. Really making the most of networking opportunities with hair’s biggest brands – like Olaplex – is a massive part of the event circuit, too.

John’s role as Vice President for Global Education with Olaplex sees him taking the amazing heritage and success of Ulta Beauty and using it to help the Olaplex team amplify their education offerings and take their brand to the next level. He continued: “I’ve been educating for 30 years now and joining Olaplex really is a huge achievement of mine. I believe it is one of the single most innovative and exciting companies out there AND one of the biggest phenomenon that beauty and haircare have ever seen. Who doesn’t want to be part of that?”

We wanted to know what truly sets Olaplex 100 steps ahead of other brands. With risk of sounding short, we asked John, ‘what makes Olaplex so special?’ He answered: “It plays beautifully with anybody. It doesn’t matter what color line you use, Olaplex is going to make sure that whatever service you do, the hair is in its best possible shape, that it’s the strongest it can be and remains strong enough for ongoing treatments. This ensures safety for the professional behind the chair and really lets them unleash their creativity!” Great answer!

So, what’s new with Olaplex? John gave us the lowdown: “In summer, we released Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo, which is our innovative new dry shampoo offering. It’s weightless, residue-free, benzene-free, and absorbs oil.” For context, John was sporting a gorgeous dark two-piece suit when we interviewed him… “If I had a bottle here with me today, I would spray it on my suit and have zero residue!”

Next, this master educator told us about the Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum, which is a lashes product. Here’s more: “Olaplex has added its patented bis amino technology, a new peptide complex technology, along with hyaluronic acid and biotin to create the optimal environment to support and sustain the natural growth cycle and lash retention for the look of longer, thicker, stronger, and healthier lashes.” Science-backed product development is music to a beauty expert’s ears. By ensuring they’re prepping and priming their client’s hair and lashes with expert-approved products means they can work confidently in the knowledge that their client can withstand any process you need to do to create the styles, colors, and cuts that they desire. When it comes to the Olaplex Lashbond Building Serum: “It gives clients the appearance of longer, thicker, stronger lashes in as little as four weeks!”*

Finally, John told us that at the core of Olaplex and their product development is the hairdresser. Every range is made by hairdressers for hairdressers. “They’ve grown from coloring, perming, relaxing, thermal straightening – all those sorts of things are where Olaplex started. They have the historical foundation from which to build products that they know tackle every kind of treatment in the chair and enhance the hairdresser’s work as a result. Without the professional stylist, it’s just another haircare line – but it's not, and that’s the point.” John concluded: “I’m just thrilled to work with Olaplex advocates, the team, and media partners to share the truth about bond building, which is a category we created!”

*Results may vary. As reported by participants at the conclusion of a 12-week consumer perception clinical study of 33 subjects with 2x daily use.

Photography // Jonas Huckstorf

“I’M THRILLED TO WORK WITH OLAPLEX ADVOCATES, THE OLAPLEX TEAM, AND MEDIA PARTNERS TO SPREAD AWARENESS AND REALLY SHARE THE TRUTH ABOUT BOND BUILDING, WHICH IS A CATEGORY WE CREATED!”

ULTA

ICONS

THE ULTA BEAUTY PRO TEAM HAS OVER 100 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE FROM ALL CORNERS OF INDUSTRY. THE TEAM SUPPORT, EDUCATE, AND INSPIRE

ULTA BEAUTY STYLISTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO ACHIEVE THEIR ULTIMATE ARTISTIC POTENTIAL. WE SPOKE TO THE ICONS THEMSELVES TO FIND OUT WHAT THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS.

“

The Ulta Beauty Pro Team is the brainchild of multi award-winning hairstylist and industry icon Nick Stenson, who has thrived under the Ulta Beauty banner for many years. An expert in styling and finishing, Nick has artfully built a team that overflows with talent in everything from editorial and color to haircare and cutting.

As the Ulta Beauty Pro Team continues to grow, we had the absolute pleasure of speaking to three long-standing members, who are each icons in their own right.

First up, we chatted to Sonya Dove. This platform educator, session stylist, and color expert represents the Wella Professional brand as part of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. Even with the many accountabilities she holds within the salon industry, this globally recognized icon always prioritizes inspiration, education, and mentorship for her stylist community.

This hair powerhouse collaborates with educators from a range of professional haircare brands creating editorial and competition shoots as well as education and trend development designed

ULTA BEAUTY IS ONE OF, IF NOT THE, BIGGEST BEAUTY COMPANY IN THE USA WITH CLOSE TO 1,200 LOCATIONS. THINKING ABOUT THE NUMBER OF STYLISTS IN EACH OF THOSE SALONS, I AM OVERWHELMED AND SO EXCITED BY THE PROSPECT OF HELPING AS MANY OF THEM AS POSSIBLE REALLY THRIVE.”

SEAN GODARD

Photography // Roberto Ligresti Studio

to inspire and enrich the minds of stylists, old and new. Her heart still belongs behind the chair and so Sonya continues to offer her client’s salon services as an Elite Designer at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in Santa Monica, CA.

We absolutely loved catching up with this true styling icon at NAHA in April and again at Premiere Orlando in June. Sonya shared some essential advice for how you can have a successful 45-year career like hers. Here goes: “Be patient. It doesn’t happen overnight. Soak up everything you see – take everything in. If you have a question in your head, just ask it. If someone is a great educator, that’s what they’re there for, to answer questions. Never be afraid to ask. Also, you must be consistent, have strength, have fun, and enjoy! Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. We’re in an industry of glitz and glamor and it’s all about inspiring others.”

Sonya on the Ulta Beauty Pro Team: “What’s interesting about the team is that every single person has their own talents and is working with different brands in tandem with the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. You know everybody’s work just by looking at it. Everyone brings something unique to the team, and that’s the key; celebrating people for their individuality and their ability.” Find Sonya on Instagram as @thesonyadove

Our next Ulta Beauty Icon is the one and only David Lopez (he/they). An esteemed hair extensions specialist, celeb stylist, and color pro, they are powered by passion and a commitment to help every single person feel comfortable and fabulous in their own skin. In David’s own words, they are here to: “Help you feel good and degenderize the beauty space.” David is Puerto Rican and operates in the US today. They were trained in the French techniques of haircutting. This beauty powerhouse also has expertise in non-gendered self-care. They’ve worked with some of the biggest salons and brands in New York City, and counts Chrissy Teigen, Ashley Graham, and Anne Hathaway as clients. What makes David unique is their in-depth understanding of the beauty industry from both the feminine-presenting and masculine-presenting perspectives – they toy with the power of makeup as well as the transformative nature of hair. They can be anyone they want – and so can you! David told us what the Ulta Beauty Pro Team means to them: “The Ulta Beauty Pro Team’s creative process really encourages all of us to express our unique talents and abilities. Some of us are great at thinking about the ‘bigger picture’ and overall vision. Some of us are superstars at the logistical details of bringing a style to life.”

The Pro Team is a shimmering melting pot of talent, no? “Yes! We tend to manage styles that are best suited to our capabilities and style strengths but that doesn’t mean we don’t share ideas or add final tweaks. It all feels very collaborative and synergistic.” Find David on Instagram as @davidlopezzz

Canadian-born and NYC-based Sean Godard is an award-winning hair colorist, celebrity stylist, global Redken ambassador, and another iconic member of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. His color work is incredible, specializing most recently in shades of copper and auburn – true elements of the season! Sean has a very refined talent for adding vivaciousness to classic techniques like balayage and highlights. We especially love his unique ability to make every color he works with seem like the model’s natural hair color. What do you mean no one is born with pastel peach locks?! Sean told us what lead him into the world of hair… “I was actually lured toward a career in hair because of a terrible experience I had at a salon!”

He told the story: “I went in with a picture and asked for something that was maybe a little unrealistic – but the stylist’s job is to know what is achievable and how it happens, so I can’t be blamed!” he laughed. Obviously, we wanted to know what style it was. He admitted: “Oh, it was probably a frosted tip – it was the 2000’s, let me be! Anyway, I ended up leaving the salon with not-so-frosted tips – they were orange. Now as a seasoned professional, I know that obviously she didn’t leave the bleach on long enough or saturate it enough… I noticed that often, these blunders are caused by lack of knowledge in stylists – something was missing… That something is quality education! That’s why I do what I do with the Ulta Beauty Pro Team! To help stylists and colorists be the absolute best versions of themselves.”

What makes Sean so passionate about being an educator? “Honestly, it’s because stylists are interested in what I have to say, and value the knowledge that I share. What I might think is the smallest detail can change someone’s game for the next 15 years. It’s about providing another perspective – backed up by real experience, of course – and opening their eyes to fresh ways of doing things.

“Ultimately, seeing techniques and trends through the eyes of someone different to yourself can transform how you work, give better results, create a buzz around your work, bring in clientele, and really make you money. It’s a full love connection here!”

Why Ulta Beauty? “I have access to help so many people through the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. Ulta Beauty is one of, if not the, biggest beauty company in the USA with close to 1,200 locations. I have never worked with a salon company who invest so much into their stylists in terms of education and support. Our campaign for the six-figure stylist seems so unreachable to some salon stylists, but you better believe there really are stylists working in Ulta Beauty locations who earn six figures! Ulta Beauty gives them the tools they need to refine their practical skillset while boosting their business acumen too. We really are an all-rounder when it comes to empowering and supporting the stylists of today.” Find Sean on Instagram as @seangodard

“ WHAT’S INTERESTING ABOUT THE ULTA BEAUTY PRO TEAM IS THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON HAS THEIR OWN TALENTS. YOU KNOW EVERYBODY’S WORK JUST BY LOOKING AT IT. EVERYONE BRINGS SOMETHING UNIQUE TO THE TEAM, AND THAT’S THE KEY: CELEBRATING PEOPLE FOR THEIR INDIVIDUALITY AND THEIR UNIQUE ABILITY.” SONYA DOVE

“THE ULTA BEAUTY PRO TEAM’S CREATIVE PROCESS REALLY ENCOURAGES ALL OF US TO EXPRESS OUR UNIQUE TALENTS AND ABILITIES. SOME OF US ARE GREAT AT THINKING ABOUT THE ‘BIGGER PICTURE’ AND OVERALL VISION. SOME OF US ARE SUPERSTARS AT THE LOGISTICAL DETAILS OF BRINGING A STYLE TO LIFE.”

DAVID LOPEZ

Barber ICons

WE SPOKE TO THREE OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN BARBERING TO FIND OUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR GAME IN 2023. PLEASE WELCOME OUR BARBER ICONS, HAYDEN CASSIDY, BRANDI LASHAY, AND TAYLOR LEVEN.

We’ve had hundreds of talented barbers grace the pages of EVO, and every month we are blown away by the talent of the pros who form the beating heart of this industry, whether they’re working behind the chair, styling on photoshoots, or presenting onstage.

Between them, Brandi, Hayden, and Taylor have traveled across multiple continents educating and cutting as major faces in the barber revolution. These three huge names each boast an iconic style and innovative approach to modern barbering that sets them apart from the rest. Hayden, Brandi and Taylor prove that together we are stronger, and how powerful having a strong support network is in this industry.

Irish-born and London-based Hayden is a multiaward-winning barber with many accolades under her belt, including Barbercon’s Female Barber of the Year. She’s owner of UNIT8 by Hayden Cassidy in East London, an Ambassador for Andis and works closely with SQUIRE, the barbershop management platform.

Brandi is a multi-talented force to be reckoned with, not only an expert in barbering and educating, but also as a writer and artist. She makes magic with BaByliss PRO and Booksy, and is owner of The Barber Doll House in Atlanta, GA.

BarberEVO columnist, Taylor is a master platform educator with a passion for color. She’s owner of

Headspace Barbershop in Chicago and works with Cocco Hair Pro to transform the way barbers use hairstyling tools, helping to bring the best tools in the business to every pro out there.

It has been a while since this power trio has been in the same room together. But at CT Barber Expo, the trio made time (at long last) to star in their own photoshoot. And we’re glad they did, because we got one hell of feature out of it!

The trio orchestrated a badass shoot amongst the pool tables and slot machines in Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun Casino. The building itself is a sight to behold, glamorized by bright lights, high stakes, and the opportunity to win big – much like the world of barbering… It was a no-brainer to stage their shoot in this iconic spot.

Hayden said: “I met Brandi and Taylor while working for a clipper company in the very early days and since then, we’ve all made sure we stay in constant contact. Our amazing photographer, Kat Fernandez, who co-owns Mobo in Boston, captured us like boss bitches (she’s a force to be reckoned with as well) in a male dominated atmosphere – really a reflection of how hard we have worked to pave our ways.”

From Brandi’s POV: “The inspiration came from the night itself! We were at Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut dressed for an evening to remember and to celebrate barber culture. My colleaguesturned-best-friends (who happen to be two badass barbers, with crazy drive and passion for our craft) are some of my very favorite people. Kat captured each of our personalities on steroids,” she laughed.

Taylor told us: “We wanted it to be an empowering photoshoot where we defy gender roles and break boundaries. We’re saying that we don’t care if this is a man’s industry or even a man’s world. We know what we’re capable of – and we’re taking over!”

Photography // Kat Fernandez

Hayden agreed. She said: “We wanted this shoot to represent female empowerment. A lot of the time – in this industry in particular – you see women pinned against each other. But instead, we need to come together and build each other up! Since we met, we have stayed connected and supported one-another. It is so important to have high profile mentors within this industry and to find your tribe. And we certainly have found ours.” When we spoke to the trio, they had some things to say about the journey toward eradicating gender-based stigma in barbering. Hayden began: “This is something that often comes up in conversation between us. I’ve pushed myself to be OK with the term ‘female barber’ and these two girls have helped me massively with that. I always felt like it was a negative term starting out. Both Brandi and Taylor have shown me the empowerment behind it. Every event, battle, and showcase I go to, I see more and more of a female presence. It’s incredible. Personally, I feel the whole industry should stop focusing on gender. We really should be past that as a society.”

Taylor: “When I started doing hair, I couldn’t find a single barbershop in Chicago that would hire me. Today, I think that everyone is so much more respectful and accepting. We’re definitely moving in the right direction!”

Brandi: “Change is in motion – as it should be. Barbers are not only therapists, image consultants, and groomers; we are trend setters and have to know when it’s time to shift. I remember when there used to be a man’s haircut price and a woman’s haircut price. Can you imagine?! I’m glad we shifted our thinking because now I’m doing fades and designs on women and I’m helping men with length and color. Art isn’t a gender…it’s a vibe and freedom of expression. Let’s keep the innovation going.”

What’s next for these legendary barbers? Hayden: “I have Las Vegas in September and my big one this year is Tokyo with Mizutani in November for their 100th anniversary. It’s my first time in Japan so I’m super excited. I have some incredibly exciting things in the near future, but I’m bound to a contract so I can’t speak much.. what I will say, is it’s game changing!” We asked Hayden how

she manages her studio with traveling so much. “SQUIRE has given me the ultimate flexibility and freedom when traveling. I’m in complete control of my scheduling and communication with clients, even when I’m not in the shop. This lets me free up time for shows and push education and other avenues that I’m passionate about.”

What’s in store for Taylor? “I’ll be on stage at the Behind the Chair event with Victory Brand. Educating is my passion, whether it be training my apprentices, hosting education courses at my barbershop, or private one-on-one education.”

Brandi: “I’ll be in Dallas TX for BarberCon’s 20th anniversary. LV Barber Expo is in September, The BarberCon retreat in Palm Springs, and my own project will be the first look at my new book titled Milk & Steak, created for women who are fed up with the BS and are ready to take accountability over their lives.” We’re so stoked to write about what these three get up to. Until next time!

Follow the trio on Instagram @hayden_cassidy @theoriginalbarberdoll and @badgirltaytay_

“I’ve completely stripped my tool kit down – and it feels good. The release of the new Andis reVite, has made everything so much easier. Mine is black and grey! I have one with the taper blade and one with my fade blade too. I also love my GTX EXO and my reSURGE Foil Shaver. It’s been nice traveling lighter whilst knowing I have every tool to create a perfect trim. I cannot recommend the reVITE enough. To anybody who already tried it: I pair it with my Purple Magnetic Attachment Combs – this combo really makes changers your game!”

“The new FXONE Clipper and Trimmer by BaByliss is on its way and to say I’m excited is an understatement! This baby is going to be a game changer and I can’t wait to get my hands on this sexy duo. I’ve currently got my hands on my Gold Snap FX Clipper and Trimmer Combo as my everyday go-tos. My Snaps are insane. They are zero gapped to perfection and give me the absolute cleanest line work for my designs. I love symmetry and BaByliss has me spoiled because your girl doesn’t

“The Cocco Pro BLDC Clippers are genuinely the best clippers I’ve ever used! They are as powerful as detachables and fade so softly. They have sped up my fade times tremendously and are the only clippers I use, from debulking to fading, wet to dry hair, and all different hair textures, these clippers do it all!

“The Cocco Pro BLDC Trimmers are amazing for detailing work too. They are powerful and sharp, but what sets them apart is their longevity. I’ve had them for months and they still cut like they’re fresh out of the box.”

ICOn S

Of Wahl

WAHL PROFESSIONAL HAS SOME OF THE MOST ICONIC BARBERING CLIPPERS AND TRIMMERS IN THE WORLD. INSPIRED BY THE UNIQUE BUZZ AND HUM OF THESE INDUSTRY FAVORITES AND SOUNDSCAPES OF BARBERSHOPS AROUND THE WORLD, THE BRAND HAS CREATED ACTUAL SONGS TO CELEBRATE THE TOOLS AND PROS BEHIND THEM.

Did Wahl Professional just drop an EP?

We spoke to Garrett McGuire, Wahl Professional’s Global Brand Director, to talk a bit about the “Icons of Wahl” campaign. “Every barbershop and salon has a musical backdrop that sets the tone for their spaces, experiences, and clients. But that backdrop is more than just the radio playing in the

background; it’s the chatter, the laughter, and the distinct sound of Wahl Professional clippers.

“Every Wahl Pro clipper has its own distinct vibration, tone, and pitch. Factor in the variable speeds, swappable blades, along with a variety of cutting techniques, and you have a rich sonic palette of iconic sounds.

“So, Wahl Pro asked, ‘what if we turned those sounds into real songs as iconic as the clippers that inspired them, to celebrate the identities and diversity not only of each tool but of each barber in the industry, and how beautiful, fun, diverse, and inclusive this industry truly is.’

Photography // Wahl Professional

What makes Wahl Professional tools so iconic?

Garrett explained: “Like Wahl, many barbers dedicate their life and their purpose to barbering. Because of that shared passion for the industry, Pros love Wahl and it’s inspiring – I can’t count how many Wahl tools I’ve seen tattooed on people! That level of fandom speaks to the connection we’ve created through a history of solving real problems for Pros around the world.”

As Garrett mentioned, Wahl has been around for 104 years. He said: “There are not a lot of brands out there that have existed that long, nor have the quality and credentials behind them that have stood the test of time. Wahl tools have proven their value for professionals and that they will help pros to get the job done in the best way possible. There is an expectation of quality that is associated with Wahl tools and a consistency that makes barbers fully believe in every Wahl tool they purchase.”

Garrett continued: “So, when we came up with the Icons of Wahl campaign, we wanted to think of a way to celebrate and reintroduce Wahl’s most-loved tools and to have a little fun with it too.”

For this campaign, Wahl has selected five barber tools to be represented as ‘The Icons.’ Garrett explained: “We chose these five because they are globally recognized and admired tools that most barbers can identify immediately from their distinct look and unique sounds. This includes the Wahl Cordless Senior®, the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip®, the Wahl Super Taper®, the Wahl Cordless Legend®, and the Wahl Detailer® Li. “The world has shown us that they love these tools. It’s not us saying that these are iconic tools; it’s the members of the industry who have used and will keep using these tools throughout their careers, always going back to them. No matter how trends and the industry evolve, professionals always come back to the icons.”

And not only is the industry evolving, but these tools are evolving too. Since these tools were first

launched, they have evolved from being corded to cordless. Still to this day, both versions of the tools are still popular. But as we have entered a more cordless world, Wahl has adapted its tools, so they still have the quality and power professionals rely on, but with a more versatile and ergonomic cordless model.

Creating the Music

To carry out this campaign, Wahl matched some of the most iconic Wahl Educators to the iconic tool that best fits their style to then create a unique sound for each tool.

Garrett told us more: “We brought in educators who have been working with Wahl for many years. These are top educators in our industry, people who live and breathe barbering and styling, and they have become just as iconic as the tools they use on a daily basis. So, in this campaign, we wanted to celebrate each of them and their unique style and vibe just as much as the tools they use.”

Garrett shared a bit about the process of creating the songs: “We held two shoots in Chicago, both hosted at the Wahl Barber Academy. We brought the production crew in, along with a music producer, to

capture the sounds of the clippers in natural action. We had the educators cut in different styles, on different hair types, and with different techniques to capture the wide variety of tones, hums, and buzzes that the tools create.”

He continued: “Then the producer took all the sounds back to the studio to weave the unique sounds of the tools into songs. Each song was inspired by the sound of the tool, leading to a mix of genres and global sounds.”

With the Wahl Senior®, they worked with Rick Morin to produce an ‘80s Rock song called ‘Rock the Look.’ With the Wahl Super Taper®, they worked with Fernando Ibanez to create a Latin song called ‘El Cabello,’ (‘The Hair).’ With the Wahl Legend®, they created a jazz song with Garland Fox called ‘Style Standards.’ With the Wahl Magic Clip®, they worked with Kristie Faulkner to create an Alt HipHop song called ‘Abracadabra’, and finally, with the Wahl Detailer® Li, the team worked with Nieves to create an electro-pop song called ‘Fine Tune’.

Each of the songs have just been released at the end of July and can be checked out and listened to on the Wahl website and socials. Each of the sounds will also be available on Instagram and TikTok so that members of the industry can use them as the soundtrack to their own videos, stories, and reels. You can also check out what went on behind the scenes and learn more about the creation of the videos with the educators at wahlpro.com/icons

Garrett concluded: “The goal of this campaign is to celebrate the industry, celebrate the iconic tools we all love, connect in a new way, and have a little fun! We want people to remember why they are here, why they love working in this industry, and why they love what they do. Professionals have given us so much of their love and loyalty to Wahl, and this is small way we can return some of the joy and fun back to them.”

“THE WORLD HAS SHOWN US THAT THEY LOVE THESE TOOLS. IT’S NOT US SAYING THAT THESE ARE ICONIC TOOLS; IT’S THE MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY WHO HAVE USED AND WILL KEEP USING THESE TOOLS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS, ALWAYS GOING BACK TO THEM. NO MATTER HOW TRENDS AND THE INDUSTRY EVOLVE, PROFESSIONALS ALWAYS COME BACK TO THE ICONS.”

BY COREY GRAY AND TONY STUART

ON MARCH 25, 2023, HAIRDUSTRY, THE POPULAR HAIR AND BEAUTY PODCAST HOSTED BY COREY GRAY, TONY STUART, AND KATIE MAY BLOUNT, HELD THE PRESLEY POE AND FRIENDS EVENT IN FREDERICK, MD. THE EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED INDIVIDUALS IN THE HAIR AND BEAUTY INDUSTRY FOR AN EVENING OF INSPIRATION, EDUCATION, AND NETWORKING.

What a blast it was to have been part of such a special event! Hosting a podcast is one thing, but getting to host an event to truly bring the industry and our friends together was another. We are delighted with the success of the Presley Poe and Friends event. Our aim has always been to inspire and educate professionals in the hair and beauty industry, and this event was a perfect reflection of that. We invite everyone to visit our website at Presleypoeandfriends.com to stay updated on our future events.

Our friend, Presley Poe, a renowned stylist, was joined by a line-up of special guests, including celebrity hairstylist Sam Villa, colorist Rebecca Taylor, and other notable industry figures. The event featured live hair demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions on industry trends and techniques.

"I'm thrilled to have been a part of such an incredible event," said Presley Poe. "It was an honor to share the stage with such amazing talent and to have the opportunity to inspire and educate fellow professionals."

Educator Rebecca Taylor (@rebeccataylorhair) said: “As an educator, I found the Presley Poe and Friends Event to be so incredibly intimate not only for myself but all of the attendees. It really felt like a community and family from the second I got there until the moment I left. Not only at the actual event but all of the afterhours, downtime get-togethers. The energy was so freaking amazing. I really haven’t experienced that level of inclusivity, family vibes, AND top-tier education at another event. Take me back immediately!”

A very pleased attendee, Inhye Kim (@inhye_ inspired), said: “Ok, so imagine entering a room full of people that you don't know. But you feel this exhilarating energy and feel comforted. Music is playing. Everyone is smiling with excitement. And you feel… right at home. Home called Presley Poe and Friends!

2023 is now my 3rd year attending. Each year it gets better, and believe me when I say this year was amazing and definitely one to beat!

I have connected with so many new friends from all over the country. Thanks to Hairdustry, the talented and eager stylists and barbers that love this community help build this bond and create a space of acceptance, gratitude, and love. I mean, what better way to learn and grow your craft than to have hands-on classes that are taught by industry masters? Presley and her "friends" like Sam Villa and Rebecca Taylor are among the leaders that I look up to. I get to see

them give tips and tricks and get to see snip bits of their genius on Instagram.

But to actually see them in person… and in the same room… And get to interact and speak with them?? Not to mention, give them hugs and take selfies too?? C'mon! It doesn't get better than that!

It's so easy to see a mini version of their big personalities on my iPhone screen. And to hear the voices of Corey and Tony on their podcast. But what an emotional revelation to talk to them and realize they are even cooler in person. Down to earth, kind, and funny! And best of all, they are so good at what they do, which is to Educate, spread awareness and connect the community stronger.

I have always wished for more education to come to the DMV area. So, I applaud Hairdustry for taking the lead in providing top-class education and helping build a stronger community across our industry!

Corey, Tony, Katie, and the whole crew of Hairdustry are, in my opinion, a powerhouse! I cannot thank them enough. I look forward to another year of kick-ass from them and wouldn't expect anything less.

The event was a resounding success, with attendees leaving feeling inspired and empowered, having gained valuable insights from some of the industry's most innovative and creative minds. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to network and connect with fellow professionals, forming new relationships and strengthening existing ones.”

IT’S TIME TO GET

UNCOMFORTABLE

BY KEYA NEAL

CURL SPECIALIST, EDUCATOR & FOUNDER OF THE KOLOUR KULTURE AND TEXTURE VS RACE

KEYA IS AN ABCH CERTIFIED COLORIST, EDUCATOR, TEXTURE SPECIALIST, AND FOUNDER OF THE TEXTURE VS RACE COLLABORATIVE, KOLOUR KULTURE, AND REPAIRATIONS. NOW A SALONEVO COLUMNIST, SHE TOLD US WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO LOOK INTROSPECTIVELY AND EMBRACE DISCOMFORT WHEN TALKING ABOUT RACE AND EQUALITY IN THE HAIR INDUSTRY.

At the beginning of June, the Texture vs Race team and I flew out to Premier Orlando with Salon Centric where we showcased new education classes and held panel discussions on our very own stage! I personally held classes in blonding, texture-inclusive education, and took to the main stage with the Queen of Statement hair, Naeemah Lafond, for an industry pulse check. Naeemah is an Equity Advocate and Creative Director and we spoke at length about the industry’s DEI progress over the years.

Post-racial uprising in 2020, Black Lives Matter really took the forefront of public consciousness and motivated a lot of changes regarding representation and equality in the hair and beauty industry. Yes, we have made much progress, but there is still much work to be done before we can call ourselves truly inclusive and diverse!

The main way we can keep the needle spinning towards achieving true inclusivity, and to empowering all stylists and clients, is to talk and listen to one another. Listening is a key component in changing and bettering one's understanding and behavior, and talking is the most accessible way for us to communicate across industry sectors and across continents through panels, education, online classes, live streams – anything that makes our voices heard.

The common barrier to these conversations is fear – fear of saying the wrong things, asking the wrong questions, and not doing right by your clients. But we need to use this discomfort as a springboard to dive into learning and education. A lot of people are afraid of confrontation, and I have a lot of stylists coming to me and saying, look, I want to have these conversations, but I want to feel safe doing it. One

thing I can’t emphasize enough is that your safety is never in jeopardy; safety is always guaranteed – it’s your comfort that is not. If you understand the price that your comfort is causing someone else, maybe that will help you engage in harder conversations. I love saying the hard stuff because a lot of people won’t! It takes a lot of emotional intelligence to have hard conversations, and everyone has to come to the table with the mindset of resolution. I am a resolution-driven person, so every aim of my work and conversations is about coming to an understanding. Can we share information amongst each other and get each other to consider another view? The only way to destroy ignorance is with knowledge. So, I am always here to offer education, more insight, provide more resources, and give actionable steps towards reaching the ultimate goal. The way I work with Texture vs Race and Kolor Kulture is that we present at some of hair and beauty’s biggest shows. One of our biggest activations, though, is the Texture vs Race Summit, which is happening December 10th to the 12th this year!

I’m super excited about the summit because Texture vs Race has evolved from being a thought, a movement, a question, to becoming an actual hub of education and resource. We’re calling on everyone in the industry to come together with the aligned message that hair is a fabric, not a race. That products are for performance, not people. If we can come together as a group of stylists, owners, schools, and brands, we can send a clear message that we all want the industry to be diverse and inclusive and show that we’re doing our part in ensuring that. Keep up with all of my projects and education on Instagram @keyaartistically. Texture vs Race is @texturevsrace if you want to find out more about the Texture vs Race Summit. Catch you in the next one!

“WE’RE PULLING ON EVERYONE IN THE INDUSTRY TO COME TOGETHER WITH THE ALIGNED MESSAGE THAT HAIR IS A FABRIC, NOT A RACE.”

ICON JAN ANOLD

LOOKING BACK JUST 10 YEARS AGO, NAIL ART WAS NOWHERE NEAR WHERE IT IS TODAY. THE RESPECT NAIL ARTISTS HAVE GAINED DUE TO THEIR CREATIVITY AND TECHNICAL ABILITY IS INSURMOUNTABLE. WE HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL LOOK BACK ON THIS TIME AS THE NAIL ART RENAISSANCE. ARE YOU THE NEXT NAIL ART MICHELANGELO?

NAIL ART

FROM THE BEAUTIFUL TO THE BIZARRE

IS THERE ANYONE IN THE NAIL INDUSTRY MORE ICONIC, THAN THE LEGEND HERSELF JAN ARNOLD? WE CAUGHT UP WITH JAN AT PREMIERE ORLANDO TO TALK ABOUT SUMMER TRENDS, FROM THE BEAUTIFUL TO THE BIZARRE.

The Co-Founder and Style Director of CND started the company 44 years ago and has been at the helm of the iconic brand ever since.

While at Premiere Orlando in the bustling EVO Media Booth, we were lucky enough schedule. She said: “I absolutely

share new ideas, go through new innovations, and get inspired!”

Jan's weekend was nonstop. She said: “Saturday I was teaching for most of the day in our CND classroom, showing nail pros all our new and exciting advances. This morning we were at the Bubbles and Beauty Brunch, where 25 winners joined me for a champagne brunch. It was my favorite thing because I got to hear their personal stories, their interests and their passions." 

“I’M ENCOURAGING ARTISTS AND CLIENTS TO PUSH LENGTH AND PUSH THE SHAPE TO A STILETTO SHAPE IF YOU CAN DO IT. THAT GIVES YOU THE PALETTE FOR MORE ART. NEVER RESERVE ART FOR ONE NAIL – GO FOR ALL 10! IT'S THE TIME TO HAVE FUN AND BE CREATIVELY EXPRESSIVE.”

Photography // Jean Ho

I asked Jan how she stays so passionate and energetic about the industry 44 years later. She said: “If you're surrounded by the brilliance of today's nail professional, every day is a new day. It's creative inspiration, it's artistry. I mean, our little tiny canvases offer endless inspiration. So, long story short, I've been having a blast. The energy here is amazing. And everybody's just so excited to learn and soak up as much as they possibly can.”

Jan is passionate about helping nail artists make the most out of their career, and be proud of what they do. She said: “Back when we started our business, a lot of nail artists were sitting in a corner of a full-service salon. Things have evolved so much. Now, they’re right up front, they have their own businesses and studios. The nail industry is made up of 98% female entrepreneurs living their dream. Nails are a first-choice career. We want to help them take their businesses further.”

So, what exciting things are happening at CND these days? Jan said: “My office is actually connected to our research and development laboratory, which we've had in Vista, California for almost 40 years. And so, I see our young chemists inventing new molecules, creating new gels. As the creator of CND's Shellac, which was one of our biggest breakthroughs, we have learned so much about adhesion with gels, resiliency, strength, and wearability. And so I'm incredibly excited about the launch of our latest innovation in the Brisa line of hard gel: CND Brisa Glass. It is crystal clear. So, nail pros can extend nails and make them look like crystals. I mean, it's amazing. CND Plexigel Shaper is another innovation we launched recently that has crystal clear clarity which is lighting the world on fire! Nail pros can use this to fix, crack, repair a broken edge, or do a thin reshaping of the nail before using CND Shellac gel polish!”

For Summer 2023, CND has launched a beautiful new summer collection called Bizarre Beauty. Jan said: “For the photoshoot, I contacted my wildest nail friends to do the photography for the shoot. And it's so avant-garde, so Salvador Dali. But the colors are richly pigmented, with incredible shimmer and shine in the undertone. I think that's what women want in the summertime. They want bold colors. They want high shine. And they want to wear their nails perfectly for three-plus weeks.”

Whether you are going on your holiday, to a wedding, or to the beach, you want your nails to last and stand out. You

could be wearing a wedding dress or a bikini, the only accessory you need is your nails. “I believe nails are 20 accessories that every person, any gender, can adopt and stand out.”

What nail trends will we be seeing this summer? Jan said: “Pushing length this summer will be a really good trend. I’m encouraging artists and clients to push length and push the shape to a stiletto shape if they can do it. That gives you the palette for more art. Never reserve art for one nail – go for all 10! It's the time to have fun and be creatively expressive.”

What do you think is going to be the winning product this summer? Jan said: “We've been in the laboratory for almost 20 years creating an odourless monomer liquid and we have finally achieved this with our newest launch, CND Odorless Sculpting Liquid. Now, for spas, day spas, and salons that want to really create a comfortable environment, no more stinky monomer smell! It's a game-changer. And what's really cool about this liquid is you blend the liquid with the powder. With our new CND Perfect Color Powder shades, the bead goes into the nail, and it behaves like a gel. It removes the labour and elevates the art.”

Another priority Jan has for CND products is to ensure that the integrity and health of the nail are kept intact. She said: “That’s what we are known for at CND. Our standards are really high in that if you wear enhancements or a coating, when they come off (if you choose to remove them) the nails will be flawless.

“The idea that you need to give your nails a ‘break’ from coatings is a misconception. The natural nail plate is layers of dead keratin, so the best thing you can do is to keep them coated. It could be a thin coat of CND Shellac or a full-blown enhancement. As long as you go for regular refills, and maintain them, you’ll be good for another three and a half weeks.”

Despite CND having been a name at the top of the game for 44 years, they are still continuously innovating and inventing. “Still at the root of who we are as a brand, we are committed to science, and we are really focused on nail health. Through elevated innovation with smart science, we are actually producing products that are lighter, thinner, more adhering, and even better for your natural nails. For me, this is the most rewarding thing. And to be able to give our nail pros these elevated products, helps them to charge what they're worth, make more money, not work harder, but work smarter.” •

I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO BE EXPERIMENTAL WITH MY (NAIL) ART AND I KNOW A SALON SETTING WOULDN’T BE CONDUCIVE TO THE EXTREMES I LEAN TOWARDS. THE CELEBRITY SIDE OF THINGS JUST KIND OF FELL INTO PLACE, I NEVER SPECIFICALLY SOUGHT IT OUT.”

TRULY MADLY DEEPLY IN

LOVE

WITH NAILS

SONYA MEESH (THEY/THEM ) IS A NON-BINARY MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST FROM NEW YORK CITY. THEY BOAST AN INCREDIBLE PORTFOLIO OF EDITORIAL WORK THAT REFLECTS THEIR CREATIVITY AND UNIQUE STYLE. WE SPOKE TO THEM ABOUT TRENDS, BRANDS, STYLE, AND WHY THEY FELL IN LOVE WITH NAILS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Photography // Amy Lombard and Sonya Meesh

Melding their background in photography, sculpture, glass, ceramics and woodworking, Sonya's approach to nail design is rooted in experimentation and a meticulous eye for detail. Working from the studio to the red carpet, they have a star-studded client list that includes iconic Hollywood names like Natasha Lyonne, and theatre legends like Jordan Roth. What rings true between Sonya and each of their clients is their absolute individuality. This nail artist puts their clients and models at the heart of their design process. Sonya has a refined ability to reflect both themselves in their work whilst illustrating the personality of the person at their station. The resulting work is impressive, bold, truly artistic, and even when working with neutrals, they somehow manage to make the nail stand out from the rest… We wanted to know how their journey into nails began. Sonya gave us the 411: “My interest in nail art actually started when I first saw the September/ October 2000 issue of American Girl Magazine. I was nine years old, and an obsession started! I fell completely and deeply in love 10 years later when I went to Japan and witnessed first-hand the wild nail innovations and trends circulating in that part of the world. Little did I know it would eventually move into the mainstream over West, too.”

Now, their work has made it to the cover of Vogue and Nylon Mag, into collections with Chanel, and onto iconic red carpets including Anna Wintour’s Met Gala entranceway. Sonya is a true specialist in their craft. When did they know they wanted to take their nail art into the world of editorial and celebrity work? Sonya told us: “I’ve always wanted to be experimental with my (nail) art and I know a

SONYA TOLD US WHAT THEIR TOP THREE PRODUCTS ARE RIGHT NOW.

1

Augustinus Bader Hand Cream

This is a light, refreshing, deeply hydrating daily moisturizer that supports cellular renewal and dramatically improves the skin’s appearance. It is powered by TFC8® with sustainably sourced ingredients using Sustainable & FSC certified packaging. Augustinus Bader are One Tree Planted partners with a focus on carbon placing paper. What’s not to love?

2

salon setting wouldn’t be conducive to the extremes I lean towards. The celebrity side of things just kind of fell into place, I never specifically sought it out.”

What are some of the most ‘pinch me’ moments Sonya has had throughout their career? With a CV like that, they MUST have a had a few! “Honestly, having the opportunity to assist artists I admire and look up to and can now call friends is quite incredible to me.”

Next, we wanted to explore the realm of nails –how has it changed, where does Sonya see it going, and how social media has elevated this beautiful sector of the beauty industry. Social media makes no allowances for famous faces – they all have stories, timelines, and ads on their phones just like everyone else! If they love your work, they’re surely going to reach out... Sonya gave us some insight:

“Social media has leveled the playing field so to speak when it comes to opportunities because anyone can showcase their work to an international audience and have access to unending inspiration. You never know who is going to see your work.”

Out of curiosity, we wanted to know what trends Sonya sees and is loving right now. They said: “Chrome – forever and always my standard manicure. 3D sculpted art! Anything negative space!”

Sonya’s path has taken many twists and turns, but one thing’s for sure, the journey is worth it. Their future is as shining as the nails they create – and we can’t wait to see what they do next. Find Sonya on Instagram as @sonyameesh

Orly’s Builder In A Bottle

This all-in-one soak off nail sculpting gel in a bottle was made for nail extensions. ORLY Builder In A Bottle is self-levelling, applies like a soft gel but wears like a hard gel without the odor, pain, and cracking of acrylic extensions.

3

I’Zemi Resin 99.9 Top Gel (High)

Extremely high shine and nonyellowing, this topcoat has a purity of 99.9 resulting in ultra-HD clarity. It has the highest viscosity and thickest top coat in the resin 99.9 line. This must be wiped with alcohol or gel cleanser after curing, though!

“SOCIAL MEDIA HAS LEVELED THE PLAYING FIELD SO TO SPEAK WHEN IT COMES TO OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE ANYONE CAN SHOWCASE THEIR WORK TO AN INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE AND HAVE ACCESS TO UNENDING INSPIRATION. YOU NEVER KNOW WHO IS GOING TO SEE YOUR WORK.”

Photography // Sonya Meesh

Photography // Amy Lombard

BY STEPHANIE YAGGY LAVERY, MIA SECRET EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER ADVISOR

TIP TO TOE NAIL TRENDS

IT’S STILL SUMMERTIME! THAT MEANS CLIENTS WILL BE CLAMORING TO BEDECK THEIR TIPS AND TOES IN BRIGHT COLORS AND, OF COURSE, AMAZING NAIL ART!

When it comes to summer nails, there are always a few trends that you can absolutely count on: bright colors, adorable florals and #mermaidnails. And while this season is no different, there are always new iterations to old favorites that make this summer’s styles feel fresh and new.

Color - While we’ll never say no to neon, this year we’re seeing that brightness toning down a bit in favor of more muted hues. Pastels, while always popular for spring, are hanging on as we move into summer 2023, with matcha (or pistachio) green and vibrant lavender taking top spots on the color charts. Pink is also having a moment, from unmistakable Barbie pink (thanks to the film release this summer) to pastel tones to barely-there blush. And when we do see vibrant shades, they’re in the form of sheer jelly color, offering all the brightness while keeping a translucent quality.

Length & Shape - Whether due to all of the outdoor activities of summer or post-COVID PTSD (when clients couldn’t maintain their ultra-long nails), lengths are mostly staying conservative and wearable. And while square shapes are desperately trying to make a comeback, elegant and fingerflattering almond is still the number-one pick.

Art - In terms of on-trend nail art looks, there really is something for everyone. The ‘no nail art’ nail art trends, like glazed donut and lip gloss nails, are still super popular thanks to social media — although for summer, the glazed donut is turning into glazed cherries or glazed citrus (i.e., adding iridescent chrome powders to brighter, more summery hues). For those who like to dabble in art, dotted daisies are another big trend. Nothing fancy, quite versatile and super easy to design. Daisies created with a dotting

FOR QUICK & EASY NAIL ART

These products are great for giving big effect with little time and effort.

BLOOMING GEL

tool in both monochromatic and multi-hued versions are adorable and on par for summer. And of course, for those who cannot get enough on their nails, mermaid- and beach-inspired looks are still wildly popular. Perhaps because we can’t help but be wooed by the beach, or maybe because there are so many options — from simple glitter mermaid tail scales to over-the-top 3D embellishments piled high like a pirate’s treasure chest — these types of designs are always trending in summer.

Finding Inspiration - Thanks to social media, Instagram and TikTok in particular, there’s no shortage of amazing and inspirational nail art looks to get your creative juices flowing. Utilizing social media is also a great way to stay on top of burgeoning nail trends so you can be prepared when clients come in asking for them. These days, many of the most popular nail trends aren’t really anything new or particularly groundbreaking; they’re often older trends that have been made popular through a celebrity or TikTok video that gains traction. Still, it's a good idea to stay up on the subtle differences (and the names of these trends) so you can deliver them.

Of course, while you as a nail professional look to social media to get inspiration, so do your clients. This means they could pull out all kinds of nail art pictures that may or may not be in your wheelhouse. In order to prepare yourself for these situations, there are a few things you can do. First, if you feel like you’re lacking in a certain skill level, it’s always a great idea to take continuing education classes. Whether online or in-person, there are always plenty of opportunities to enhance your skill level.

FOR EXPERT ARTISTS

These quality products give more advanced artists the pigmentation and design payoff they’re looking for:

KOLINSKY BRUSH

Use this real kolinsky nail art brush to create aweinspiring threedimensional nail art with ultimate control.

GEL PAINTS

These gel paints are ultrapigmented, which means you won’t have to apply multiple coats to achieve intricate designs.

A drop of this clear gel product over Gelux gel polish can create beautiful effects, from roses to those oh-so-popular mermaid scales.

2 IN 1 DOTTING & NEEDLE

The dotting end of this tool will be a goto for all your summer daisies, cherries and polka-dot looks.

GRANITE EFFECT TOP COAT

Get the look of speckled granite with just a swipe of top coat. Use it over a marbleized gel design for a true stone effect, or use it to add dimension to other types of art.

ACRYLIC NAIL POWDER COLLECTION

Add instant eye-catching art with glitter — and who doesn’t love some sparkle?

4D NAIL PLASTILINE

Ideal for artists who love to play with 3D looks, this thick viscosity white gel allows you to create everything from flowers to lace to shells and more!

BUSINESS

OF

BRITT HIGGINS HAS SPENT 13 YEARS REFINING HER SKILLS IN NAIL ART AS WELL AS MASTERING THE ART OF RUNNING A BUSINESS. THE PROUD OWNER OF CONNECTICUT’S #1 RATED NAIL SALON, NAIL BAR COLLECTIVE, TOLD US WHAT NAIL TRENDS SHE SEES FOR FALL, WITH SOME ADVICE ON HOW TO BUILD A TREATMENT MENU THAT CATERS TO ALL POTENTIAL CLIENTS.

“There are five of us working under The Nail Bar Collective,” Britt began. “After opening in 2017, we moved to a bigger space in 2022 and rebranded the salon from Britts Nail Bar to a more inclusive name. I’ve been

painting nails since 2010 and am so proud to have a salon where we can celebrate one another, and I can maintain a mentorship role to the artists who call my salon home.” Britt has years of experience owning and running a nail

Photography // Kat Drake

salon that provides space for artists to thrive. Her entrepreneurial spirit motivated her to launch, but it is her natural intuition for trends and styles that allows her to identify essential treatments that should be on every salon menu. “Structured gel manicures are a must. Clients are obsessed with how long they can grow their natural nails and not have to have them removed each visit like a traditional gel manicure. Soft Gel extensions are a big one. These allow you to give clients length without having to sculpt or use tips and overlay product. The consistency of shape is a bonus!”

Nail art is exactly that – art. Staying creative can be difficult, especially with trends changing so often. Britt gave some advice on staying inspired: “Focus on getting inspiration outside of the nails world. This is a great way to get out of your own

LENGTH

“Clients will be rocking shorter lengths. People are enjoying a more practical length recently!””

SHAPE

“I've seen a few celebrities wearing the duck/flared nail look recently, so I’m dreading being asked to do that shape soon!”

COLORS

“Darker nudes will continue to be a big hit, but with a twist. Think glazed chocolate donut.”

DESIGNS

“We’ll see more 3D embellishments for sure.”

head and try something you haven't seen on nails before. Fabrics, nature, book covers, and album covers are some of my favorite items to draw inspiration from!” Another way to stay creative in this line of work, Britt said, is to layer techniques, putting unexpected things together: “Even if it winds up not looking too cute, you can learn something or have another lightbulb moment. It's all about playing around.”

What tools does Britt use to execute these looks?

“I was recently gifted a Gelish GoFile IQ E-File and I am so impressed with it – especially because it is a wireless device. For a corded, workhorse of an e-file I love the Saeshin Strong 210. I use and love Gelish lamps, especially the Gelish 18G Unplugged Portable LED Lamp model, and have been using them for my entire nail career.

“I love ordering diamond bits from Nail Master Dallas (very budget-friendly and I replace them often). My favorite gel brush is the My Nail Stuff Flat #00 Application Brush.”

In terms of products: “Luminary Nail Systems builder gel. I'm obsessed with the color 'Balance' but occasionally use clear. The consistency, retention, flexibility and strength are what keep this my numberone product. The other thing is a little bit vaguer, but nail art supplies from my favorite company, Profiles There are very few services where I'm not reaching for one of their liners, foil gel, stamping polish etc. As someone known for nail art, they carry all the things I need to create amazing looks!”

Britt gave some advice on how to refine your nail artistry: “The boring answer is: practice, practice, practice! Most people are not great when they first start out; its natural! Don’t get hung up on comparing yourself to other artists.” Finally: “If you want to be great at hand painting or character art, practice drawing on paper first. If an artist wants to branch out from single color or minimalist art, try layering different easy techniques. Think foil, blooming gel, pigments, color blocking/abstract… push yourself and get your name out there. The rest will fall into place!” Find Britt on Instagram as @britts_nail_bar

WHAT TRENDS DOES THIS NAIL AFICIONADO SEE FOR FALL. BRITT BROKE IT DOWN FOR US…

“AFTER OPENING IN 2017, WE MOVED TO A BIGGER SPACE IN 2022 AND REBRANDED THE SALON FROM BRITT’S NAIL BAR TO A MORE INCLUSIVE NAME. I’VE BEEN PAINTING NAILS SINCE 2010 AND AM SO PROUD TO HAVE A SALON WHERE WE CAN CELEBRATE ONE ANOTHER, AND I CAN MAINTAIN A MENTORSHIP ROLE TO THE ARTISTS WHO CALL MY SALON HOME.”

UNDER THE SEA

) HAS BEEN A NAIL TECHNICIAN SINCE 2002. IN THE YEARS SINCE, HE’S SPECIALIZED IN NAIL ART, ENTERING COMPETITIONS, AND MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF. THIS IS HIS GUIDE TO FALL TRENDS AND WHY GELISH IS HIS GO-TO FOR CREATING SHOW-STOPPING LOOKS THAT LAST.

Gelish released a brand-new line for summer, titled A Splash of Color. The shimmery, uplifting collection celebrates The Little Mermaid, taking inspiration from the colors and movements of the ocean. To create the mermaid look, nail techs generally will use a fine dust that when applied to any color, gives it an iridescent, shimmering glow. We wanted to know how Jesse uses Gelish’s new collection to create the iconic mermaid look: “I love this summer collection! I’d recommend Corally Invited, Tail Me About It and All Sands on Deck for backgrounds and Ride the Wave is beautiful for scales. Let’s Crab A Bite is a beautiful summer red that is perfect for Ariel’s hair. Gelish Blooming Gel is perfect for water-inspired looks.” Playing with color, topcoats, gems, and techniques is a great way to create mermaid-esque ocean schemes. “I recommend taking inspiration from other places than just nail designs. It helps to come up with original ideas. I use Pinterest and Google. Digital art is nice to follow for beginners compared to a live pictures because the artist has already simplified the colors and shading so it’s easier to convert it with nail products.”

Building loyalty with a brand is a huge deal – if your products aren’t up to scratch, your work won’t be, either. What drew Jesse to Gelish? “I love Gelish because it has a wide range of colors and are always coming up with innovative products to make my job easier! My go-to’s are Structure Gel, PolyGel and ProHesion acrylic. I’m able to offer reliable coatings to any natural nail type and any desired length with these three products.”

Photography // Jesse Bruner

“I LOVE GELISH BECAUSE IT HAS A WIDE RANGE OF COLORS AND ARE ALWAYS COMING UP WITH INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS TO MAKE MY JOB EASIER! MY GO-TO’S ARE STRUCTURE GEL, POLYGEL AND PROHESION ACRYLIC. I’M ABLE TO OFFER RELIABLE COATINGS TO ANY NATURAL NAIL TYPE AND ANY DESIRED LENGTH WITH THESE THREE PRODUCTS.”

GRANITE EFFECT CLEAR TOP GELMIA SECRET’S CLEAR

Top Gel with Black Particles

Creates a unique granite effect. Its top coat formulas trengthens the natural nails while allowing for a lasting shine.

$12.00 // miasecretstore.com

CND BIZARRE BEAUTY COLLECTION

Celebrate self expression through bold colors and whimsical texture this summer. Available in both CND™ SHELLAC™ Gel Polish and CND™ VINYLUX™ Long Wear Polish. cnd.com

OPI WELCOME TO BARBIE LAND POLISH

A perfect shimmery pink nail polish for a perfect pink place. Up to sevem days of wear, postprofessional treatment. Super ontrend and perfect for the iconic Barbie lovers!

$11.49 // opi.com”

COLOR

FINALLY, WHAT TRENDS DOES JESSE SEE FOR FALL? LENGTH

"Jewel tones, metallic and chrome effects, and matte finishes seem to continue to be on trend."

SHAPE

Length is very much based on lifestyle and what you can live with. Among younger clients, long nails seem to be in style, but most clients just want consistent, reliable nails that are all one length."

"I’m seeing more requests for oval and round shapes. Also coffin or ballerina for longer nails. I think it’s a result of so many years of wide, square nails being the standard (at least in the USA)."

ULTA BEAUTY COLLECTION X EENI EDIT NAIL SET

Ulta Beauty Collection’s Artist Series celebrates individuality, creativity and self-expression by shining a light on talented artists through unique, exclusive beauty collaborations. This collection was designed by the artist behind Eeni Edit.

$18.00 // ulta.com

MOMENTUM Keeping

BY NINA TULIO

OUR INCREDIBLE COLUMNIST IS BACK WITH ESSENTIAL ADVICE. THIS IS HOW TO STAY BUSY AND PRODUCTIVE DURING QUIET PERIODS IN THE SALON. EVERYTHING FROM BRAINSTORMING NEW CLIENT PROCESSES

TO STRENGTHENING YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY.

During the months of September and October, you may notice the salon start to slow down a bit. In most cases, it’s just the calm before the storm. But I want to ensure you do not go into panic mode! Go into proactive mode instead! Honestly, when I was a new salon owner, I would go into panic mode when we were slow. It would make me so nervous. But then around year five or six when we would slow down a bit, I would say: “Thank you for giving me a moment to focus on the things I can't focus on when I’m busy.”

Here are four tips to get you through a minor slow down.

1 Reassess and improve your marketing strategy

Analyze your target audience, social media presence, website, and promotions. Maybe you have been wanting to implement a new referral program but haven’t had the time. Referral programs are one of the most cost-effective ways to bring in new clients; ones that actually fit your target client.

It's also said that referrals become more loyal clients as well. Who is better to promote you than a client who already knows, loves, and trusts you? Maybe you have been looking into running ads on Facebook or Instagram. A great area to dive into is your email campaigns. Are you sending out two email campaigns a month? One should be promotion/event based. And one should be education/tutorial based.

3 Engage with your community. Actively engage with your local community to build relationships and increase awareness of your salon. Maybe you start to participate in local events, sponsor charitable causes, or partner with local businesses that share your target market for crosspromotion.

Put yourself out there. Spend time getting to know other business owners and talk about ways in which you can help each other get in front of each other's audience. This is such a powerful yet cost effective way to increase revenue and build relationships.

If you live in an area with a chamber of commerce, start to put your feelers out. Start going to networking events and getting your brand and your face out there. It is a great way to meet other like-minded people and potential clients.

4 Reach out to long lost clients. Sending a ‘We miss you!’ email or text is a great way to reengage with long lost clients. Clients like to wander off at times and in a lot of cases want to come back to see you, but get nervous to reach out. Send a quick note letting them know how much you miss them and how you would love to have them back in your salon or your chair. This opens the door for them to reach out and hopefully schedule an appointment with you.

2

Elevate the client experience. Slow periods provide an excellent opportunity to focus on improving the overall client experience in your salon. Maybe you carve out more time to train your team on new techniques or offer additional coaching sessions. This is also a good time to look at your blind spots. What does your retention rate look like? If you are having an issue retaining NEW clients, I suggest looking into these three areas: 1) Quality of work. 2) Price vs. value. 3) Total client experience. What does your shampoo experience look like? Do you follow up with clients within 24-48 hours of their first visit? What does your booking process look like? Is it easy and convenient? 4) Stay in touch with your clients in between services via email campaigns.

“CLIENTS LIKE TO WANDER OFF AT TIMES AND IN A LOT OF CASES, WILL WANT TO COME BACK TO SEE YOU, BUT GET NERVOUS TO REACH OUT. SEND A QUICK NOTE LETTING THEM KNOW HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM AND HOW YOU WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THEM BACK IN YOUR SALON OR YOUR CHAIR.”

CHOOSING A FINANCE PROFESSIONAL Questions to Ask When

BY ANNA MANUKYAN

AS A SALON OWNER OR HAIRSTYLIST, YOU ARE AN EXPERT IN YOUR FIELD. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCES, SOMETIMES YOU NEED A LITTLE PROFESSIONAL HELP WHEN IT COMES TO MANAGING AND PROTECTING YOUR FINANCES. BUT HOW DO YOU SELECT THE RIGHT FINANCE PROFESSIONAL FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?

Working with a finance professional can have many benefits! First and foremost, they can provide valuable guidance and advice on financial matters, such as budgeting, investing, and tax planning. They can analyze your financial situation and suggest strategies to help you achieve your financial goals and maximize your wealth. A good financial professional can help you navigate any complex financial issues that you may struggle with navigating alone.

Additionally, a finance professional can help you stay on top of changes in the financial industry and ensure that you are making informed decisions with your money. Overall, working with a finance professional can provide peace of mind and lead to a greater sense of control over your financial future, and make sure that the money you work so hard for is working for you.

There are many types of finance professionals that offer different services depending on accreditations and their areas of expertise. Here are some examples:

1 Financial Planner: A financial planner can help you create a financial plan, which includes a detailed budget, savings, and investment strategies, and insurance recommendations. They can also help you plan for long-term goals like retirement or education.

2 Investment Advisor: An investment advisor can manage your investment portfolio, suggest investment options that align with your goals, and provide guidance on market trends.

3 Tax Advisor: A tax advisor can help you navigate complex tax laws, prepare your tax returns, and optimize your tax strategies to minimize your tax liability.

4 Accountant: An accountant can help with bookkeeping, financial statements, and taxes, in addition to providing financial analysis and advice on business operations.

5 Wealth Manager: A wealth manager can offer a comprehensive approach to managing

1 ARE YOU LICENSED AND REGISTERED?

2 WHAT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE, AND HOW CAN YOU HELP ME REACH MY GOALS?

your finances, including investment management, financial planning, retirement planning, legacy planning, and tax services.

6 Credit Counselor: A credit counselor can help you with debt management, credit counseling, and financial education to help improve your credit score.

7 Estate Planner: An estate planner can assist in developing a plan for passing on your assets, either during your lifetime or after your death.

8 Insurance Agent: An insurance agent can help with a range of insurance needs, including life insurance, home insurance, auto insurance, and disability insurance, among others.

9 Financial Analyst: They can perform financial analysis to help a company or an individual make better financial decisions, including analyzing financial statements, economic trends, and investments.

10

Financial Educator: A financial educator can provide education on financial topics, including investing, saving, budgeting, and managing debt, through various mediums, such as online courses, workshops, and seminars.

11

Financial Coach: A financial coach can help individuals establish financial goals, develop a budget, plan for retirement, and make decisions to improve their financial well-being.

As you just read, there are many different areas of expertise in finance. Just like you wouldn’t go to most barbers for a balayage, it’s important to know who can help you with what you need from finance professionals. Outside of their accreditations, make sure you work with one you like working with and feel at ease with. Being able to ask questions without fear of judgment, being clear when you don’t understand something, and being educated along the way are all key factors in choosing the right one for you.

3

WHAT IS YOUR FEE STRUCTURE, AND WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THAT FEE?

4

WHAT IS YOUR FIDUCIARY DUTY?

5

WHAT IS YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE, AND HOW OFTEN CAN I EXPECT TO MEET WITH YOU?

6 CAN YOU PROVIDE REFERENCES FROM OTHER CLIENTS?

HERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK BEFORE SELECTING A FINANCE PROFESSIONAL:

HAIR LOSS

HAIR LOSS IMPACTS MORE PEOPLE THAN YOU’D EXPECT. INSTEAD OF TURNING AWAY CLIENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING WITH HAIR LOSS, WHY NOT EDUCATE YOURSELF AND PREPARE YOUR SALON SO THAT YOU CAN HELP CLIENTS THROUGHOUT THEIR JOURNEY, WHETHER THAT’S THROUGH EXTENSIONS, HAIR SYSTEMS, WIGS, FINDING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS, OR GETTING THEM THE HELP THEY NEED FROM A TRICHOLOGIST.

HAIR LOSS & EXTENSIONS

ARE THEY FRIENDS OR FOES?

BY DANIELLE KEASLING

MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMAN SUFFER FROM HAIR LOSS DUE TO MANY FACTORS INCLUDING GENETICS, STRESS, HORMONES, AND MOST RECENTLY POST-COVID SYMPTOMS. I AM HERE TO DEBUNK THE MYTH THAT HAIR EXTENSIONS ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO HAIR LOSS AND QUITE OPPOSITELY, CAN AID IN MAKING HAIR ACTUALLY GROW! WITH OVER 18 YEARS AS A CERTIFIED HAIR EXTENSION EXPERT, I AM HERE TO LET YOU KNOW THE IN’S-AND-OUT’S OF HAIR EXTENSIONS WHEN IT COMES TO HAIR LOSS AND HAIR HEALTH.

Let’s talk hair loss and hair extensions — are they friends or foes?

Friends! Hair extensions have the ability to transform your entire look, whether that’s with a long hair makeover, a volumizing and densifying service, or a chemical-free color application (think balayage without the bleach!) With so many benefits that hair extensions have, it’s hard to believe they can get a bad rapport. Unfortunately, due to improper education and non-certified hairstylists offering these high-end services, the reality can be true. Hair extensions can be a culprit to thinning hair mostly due to improper application. It’s really a shame when I hear people just assume it’s the extensions themselves wreaking havoc on hair when in fact, it has mostly to do with the

Is it a myth that hair extensions can cause hair loss?

Not exactly! They most definitely can cause hair loss when improperly installed! I see it all the time and so do many of us when we are looking at those beautiful long locks on Instagram but fail to notice the extremes redness of the scalp! Take a close look when swiping through social, if the scalp shows any signs of redness; RED FLAG! That is tension on the hair and improper application that can increase the risk of hair loss. The scalp should never be red or sore after an application. If it is, its most likely a sign that the tension is too tight and the hair is being pulled. Another issue that I see is poor hair quality. Poor hair quality can lead to tangling which can then lead to matting, therefore putting unnecessary stress and tension on the scalp. 

Photography // Headshot: Roberto Ligresti, Models: Richard Monsieurs

How can extensions help clients who are suffering from hair loss?

I would highly recommend a proper strand by strand application as it can be customized to be seamless and undetectable. I would also recommend not waiting too long in between applications. If your client has delicate hair and suffers from breakage, keep their applications at a three-month maximum. This way you don’t risk any unnecessary matting from hair that has shedded, but is trapped in the bond itself.

What advice can you give clients to ensure their extensions don’t cause damage?

Do what you’re supposed to do and trust the professionals. Hair extensions are a big investment and should be treated as such. You don’t put regular gas in a G Wagon! You need to properly care for your investment and follow the recommendations. Proper brushing is also a huge practice that helps prevent any matting that could potentially cause breakage over time. And lastly; as we always say, hair is the crown you never take off, wear it loud and proud. It’s yours, you bought it!

Are extensions just for length?

Hair extensions are not just for length! Over fifty percent of my extension cliental wears hair extensions to bulk up their existing length and to add more volume. Think about the majority of clients that want that slightly angled bob, you can use extensions to create more density in that perimeter and really enhance that corner with bulk and boldness. Also, I use hair extensions a great deal for color enhancements. Everyone has clients

that would love to rock a bombshell balayage, but is afraid of bleach. Also, think of those clients with level two and three bases that bring in those platinum blonde balayage pics and want that look yesterday! Now you have an answer and it’s literally one of my FAVORITE color options from Great Lengths! The rooted 1B melted into 59. It’s platinum perfection for dark bases and you don’t have to worry that it’s going to get brassy after a few shampoos! It’s the best answer to one of the most challenging blonding services in the salon!

For clients who have experienced chemical damage and hair loss, how can extensions remedy this? Bleach free haircolor is a huge highlight (no pun intended) when it comes to using hair extensions! You can be as blonde as you want without the damage and also the added benefit of your blonde not oxidizing is cause enough to entertain this option with many clients. I also prefer using hair extensions when clients want fashion colors. You skip the lightening portion of the service as well as confident that their fashion tones are not going to wash out or fade to an undesirable tone.

Does the quality matter?

Yes, the quality of hair is important to avoid tangling and matting. Make sure when you’re choosing to work with an extension company that you know what their quality guarantees are as well where the hair is sourced (what kind of hair you’re purchasing) and what the chemical process is to depigmentize and re-color it. A lot of hair is unfortunately sourced unethically so if that matters to you, ask ALL of the questions Make

sure the hair extensions have not been stripped of color and treated with loads of silicone, because after it’s washed a dozen times, it could turn into a nightmare of tangles! This all factors into how long the hair will last for your guest. Great Lengths is always a safe, ethical and high-quality choice. Factor in all of this: If you have to replace the hair often, you may be better off going with a higher quality. The cost upfront will be more, but you’ll pay less over time.

If hair extensions are not the right option for your client, what other options can you provide?

If your guest is severely thinning and open to a wig, it may be an option in extreme cases where it’s hard to camouflage the attachment site of a hair extension. Hair toppers are also great for thinning on the top and close to a part line and some can be integrated within the client’s hair (you pull your clients hair though them) creating a virtually impossible detection of the topper. I also love using toppers in conjunction with hair extensions when working with clients who need lots of hair on top but don’t feel comfortable wearing wigs or want to feel lighter and cooler. The topper allows coverage through the part and recession areas while the hair extensions bulk up the hair below the occipital bone. In conclusion, hair extensions can be a game changer for any and all clients. Whether it’s used as a protective method to the client’s thinning hair, a new and fun way to experiment with color or a drop-dead drool-worthy do, extensions can be a solution for many problems and your current cliental is a great place to start incorporating some of these ideas with. •

“HAIR EXTENSIONS CAN BE A GAME CHANGER FOR ANY AND ALL CLIENTS. WHETHER IT’S USED AS A PROTECTIVE METHOD TO THE CLIENT’S THINNING HAIR, A NEW AND FUN WAY TO EXPERIMENT WITH COLOR OR A DROP-DEAD DROOL-WORTHY DO, EXTENSIONS CAN BE A SOLUTION FOR MANY PROBLEMS AND YOUR CURRENT CLIENTAL IS A GREAT PLACE TO START INCORPORATING SOME OF THESE IDEAS WITH.”

MAKE SURE THE HAIR EXTENSIONS HAVE NOT BEEN STRIPPED OF COLOR AND TREATED WITH LOADS OF SILICONE, BECAUSE AFTER IT’S WASHED A DOZEN TIMES, IT COULD TURN INTO A NIGHTMARE OF TANGLES! THIS ALL FACTORS INTO HOW LONG THE HAIR WILL LAST FOR YOUR GUEST. GREAT LENGTHS IS ALWAYS A SAFE, ETHICAL AND HIGH-QUALITY CHOICE.”

SCIENCE OF HAIRCARE

BY JACQUI MCINTOSH

THE ROLE OF THE TRICHOLOGIST IS TO BE THAT DEDICATED PERSON WHO KNOWS HAIR AND SCALP HEALTH INSIDE OUT.”

OUR COLUMNIST

JACQUI MCINTOSH IS A QUALIFIED EDUCATOR, A MENTOR, EDUCATION DIRECTOR FOR AVLON EUROPE, A SPECIALIST IN TEXTURE MANAGEMENT, AND A CERTIFIED TRICHOLOGIST. SHE TELLS US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HAIR HEALTH FOR ALL TEXTURES, AND WHY WHAT YOU PUT IN YOUR HAIR AND YOUR BODY MATTERS.

Why I got into Trichology.

I have always been intrigued by the science of hair and want to gain a deeper understanding of what impacts hair from the inside out. As hairdressers, we are constantly assessing our clients, both their mental health and hair health, and helping them to feel better, whether it is chatting with them through their problems, or helping them on their hair health journey.

This interest in learning more about the inner workings of hair was what naturally led me to study trichology. I wanted to have a deeper understanding of the impact of what I do as a hairdresser on the hair and scalp, and what sort of things my clients are doing that is causing effects as well. People often just think of trichology as just about hair loss, but, by the time that client comes to a trichologist, it is usually at such a late stage that a lot of the damage is already done. So, my goal was to educate myself to get that head start so that I could notice the signs of hair loss before they even start. To be preventative, rather than reparative.

What is a Trichologist?

As a Trichologist, you are the middle ground between a medical professional and a hairdresser. Hairdressers learn a little bit about hair loss during training, enough to spot the signs, but not enough to understand the internal causes behind it. On the other hand, medical professionals can take blood tests and understand what is going on in the body that is triggering the hair loss, but, let’s be honest, a GP isn’t likely to spend the time investigating those tests if there isn’t anything life-threatening going on. So, the role of the trichologist is to be that dedicated person who knows hair and scalp health inside out. We can look at blood results and help determine where the client is nutrient deficient, and what they need to do to help restore hair health.

My goal is to be able to stop hair loss before it even becomes irreversable. So, I recommend my clients in the salon to visit a Trichologist routinely, perhaps once a year, the way you see your optician. So that we can pick up issues at the root!

What is a hairdresser’s role in hair loss?

Hairdressers are the best route to noticing the signs of hair loss and investigating what might be the cause. The first thing you do in a hair service is a consultation. In the consultation you are naturally investigating their hair and scalp condition. Is the hair in a strong enough condition to color? What condition is the scalp in?

If the client is experiencing some changes in their hair condition you can ask, have they changed up what they’ve been eating or gone on a diet? Have they been experiencing an especially stressful time at work? Are they going through menopause? All of these things can trigger changes to the hair.

Hair loss can also be triggered by chemical damage and mechanical damage. Has your client been box-dying their hair? Have they been using a shampoo or conditioner with a pH that is too high? With textured hair, you need to be very careful when selecting products, as the hair can be very brittle. A shampoo that can be great on a type one or type two hair type, can cause a lot of damage to a coily hair type.The good thing is, when damage is caused chemically or mechanically, a hairdresser is the one to help the client get back on the journey to healthy hair.

What should you be looking for in products?

Choosing the right products for your clients is essential to good hair health. You need to be informed of the ingredients and processes behind the products you are using, and how they are going to work on a variety of hair types. Working with a

brand like Avlon is great because you know that every product is backed by science, and the most innovative ingredients are being used.

Some ingredients I always suggest looking for ingredients such as Biotin (B7) which helps to stimulate keratin production, Ceramides, which help with hair strengthening, and restoring damage. Saw Palmetto which is used for its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation on the scalp, while strengthening the hair follicle, enabling help the hair to grow stronger and thicker. And Copper Tripeptide will act to increase follicle size, which gives your hair greater volume and enhances its thickness.

Knowing your ingredients and how they can help your clients is the best way that you as a professional can help support your clients and help them get on a healthier hair journey.

GROWING IN CONFIDENCE

BY MCKENZIE TURLEY

DO:

BEFORE AFTER

• Pay attention to the scalp – check the scalp elasticity and make adjustments necessary.

• Keep your sectioning clean – a clean parting will make a huge difference in the health of the scalp as well as the comfort level for your guest.

HAIR LOSS AFFECTS OVER 80% OF MEN AND 50% OF WOMEN ACROSS THE WORLD. SINCE THE PANDEMIC IN 2020, WE HAVE SEEN NUMBERS SKY ROCKET EVEN FROM THERE. OUR COLUMNIST MCKENZIE TURLEY TELLS YOU HOW TO USE EXTENSIONS TO TACKLE HAIR LOSS.

Numerous things can cause hair loss, from stress and sickness to hormone imbalances and conditions.

Those affected often seek advice from a hairstylist, hoping to restore their hair and self-confidence through extensions. As licensed professionals, we have an opportunity to re-build their confidence whilst building our businesses behind the chair.

The goal is to truly rehab the client's natural hair to allow their scalp to heal and create a safe and healthy foundation from which hair can grow. As such, you must focus on using a method that works best with fine hair and can be customized based on your guests needs. You will need to provide hair loss solutions that take the weight of the extension hair into consideration, making sure you properly match density to density. I created Invisible Bead Extensions® with these exact issues in mind –something that is versatile enough to provide real solutions, not just aesthetic transformations.

In theory, all licensed cosmetologists are able to perform hair extension services, but methods are not readily taught in-depth in cosmetology school.

• Match textures – a healthy install will properly match textures, providing easier maintenance for your guest. If the guest has curly hair, install a curly extension. Improper texture matching will require the guests to apply more heat to their hair and they may experience additional hair loss due to heat and styling damage.

• Show empathy – guests dealing with hair loss may experience emotional trauma, so be patient and kind.

When it comes to choosing methods and installing extensions as a means of combatting hair loss and thinnning, it's essential that we invest in quality education. 90-second How To’s and free downloads on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube just don't cut it!

I had been trained in multiple methods at cosmetology school but still left with so many questions! Educators couldn't tell me WHY the foundation was the way it was, and I constantly wondered why some clients struggled with loose beads or hair loss. The more I studied and researched, the more apparent it became that keeping hair in its natural state without tension or over-direction was going to be integral in creating a successful and healthy extension install. That's why I developed the IBE® Method, motivated by the incredible guests in my chair.

In IBE® education, we discuss scalp health and the effects of tension on hair loss. Now, those with hair loss can receive an extension method that they can trust will make them look good without sacrificing their health.

DON’T:

• Rush through installs – we can get caught up with “instant gratification”. Remember, it takes five hours to stitch the steering wheel on a Bentley! Take time to know your client.

• Attempt a method without training – athough you may see quick tips and tricks for extension installs on the internet, in order

to offer this luxury service, you need to educate yourself fully.

• Never install without proper consultation – gather all information to properly recommend a hair loss solution. Understand a client’s lifestyle, what their current hair wash/ style routine is, what they’re specifically looking for by adding hair extensions.

Photography // Leah Carrera & Bonnie Sholock

The fantastic news is that providing hair extensions can truly open doors for guests. Those who suffer from alopecia or Trichotillomania can cover bald patches with strategic extension placement. IBE® specifically provides guests with a hair loss solution that restores confidence. It has been incredible to watch this idea grow across all extensions brands, that hair extensions are NOT just for contestants on the Bachelor, but for REAL women struggling with REAL hair loss.

After you’ve installed the extensions method of your choice, make sure you set up your guest for success by recommending the best products to help them maintain a healthy scalp and continue to heal their natural hair out of your chair. Goldie Locks was specifically created with the guest in mind. The Goldie Locks Clarifying Shampoo is important for extension wearers to use once every two to three washes to keep the attachment points clean and free of build-up. I also recommend the Goldie Locks Dry Shampoo, which is chemical/propellant-free, making it perfect for the guest who wants to keep their scalp healthy and their hair follicles clear of pollutants. I don’t let my guests leave the salon without telling them 101 reasons why they should be on Goldie Locks Hair Supplements. We as licensed professionals should be teaching our guests about healthy hair starting from the inside, then out! If we do not have these conversations with our guests, they will look elsewhere for guidance.

Just one haphazard install can cost a guest already suffering from hair loss an extremely significant blow. Let's level up together as an industry and truly step into our role as hair loss specialists!

“

THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM ALOPECIA OR TRICHOTILLOMANIA CAN COVER BALD PATCHES WITH STRATEGIC EXTENSION PLACEMENT. IBE® SPECIFICALLY PROVIDES GUESTS WITH A HAIR LOSS SOLUTION THAT RESTORES CONFIDENCE.”

UNLOCK YOUR HAIR'S POTENTIAL: THE BENEFITS OF GOLDIE LOCKS® SUPPLEMENTS

Hair health begins from the inside out. As professionals, we're becoming increasingly aware that healthy hair is not solely determined by what we apply externally to our strands (although that is undeniably important!). We're recognizing that the impact of what we put into our bodies directly affects the future of our hair growth and health. That's why there has been a significant uptick in the popularity of hair supplements, and we're here to share our favorite professional brand with you: Goldie Locks®. While maintaining a balanced diet and staying properly hydrated are crucial for overall health, sometimes our clients may not be getting enough of the necessary nutrients and vitamins specifically required for optimal hair health. This is where supplements come into play! Goldie Locks® Supplements are designed to bridge the nutritional gaps, providing essential building blocks to support hair growth and vitality.

Taking a daily supplement is one of the easiest ways to give your body the nutrients it needs. In fact, supplements can provide benefits beyond what you may be getting from your diet alone. Goldie Locks® supplements are designed to help you achieve your best hair, skin, and nails while also supporting your overall wellbeing.

Who can benefit from taking supplements? Anyone who wants to support their body's natural processes can benefit from taking supplements. This includes individuals who are looking to improve the condition of their hair, skin, and nails, as well as immune system, mental clarity, and focus.

Not all supplements are created equal and when it comes to choosing the right one for your client’s hair growth goals, it's important to do your homework. Take easy and convenient gummy supplements, for example. While they may seem fun and delicious, many of them come loaded with unnecessary ingredients like sugar and food colorings. That extra sweetness falls short in nutritional value.

Let's talk about over-the-counter biotin. Sure, it's been hailed as a hair growth superhero, but is it really enough? The truth is, biotin alone won't provide your body with the balanced support it needs to target your specific hair growth goals. Your hair is unique, and it deserves a tailored

approach. Goldie Locks® supplements go beyond basic biotin, offering a comprehensive blend of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that work synergistically to nourish your hair follicles and promote optimal growth. It's like giving your client’s hair a VIP treatment that's tailored just for them, because your business and your clients deserve nothing less.

Goldie Locks® supplements provide your clients with the boost their hair needs. Our supplement formula includes biotin, vitamins A, C, D, and E, iodine, selenium, and zinc, which work together to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. Additionally, our formula includes collagen from various sources, including marine, bovine, bone broth, and eggshell, to support hair strength and improve hair texture.

Our supplements also contain ashwagandha, basil, rhodiola rosea, gingko, bacopa, turmeric, gotu kola, rosemary, lavender, and peppermint. These natural ingredients have been carefully selected for their ability to reduce stress and inflammation, promote relaxation, and improve cognitive function – all factors that can contribute to healthier hair. Remember: mention to clients that it takes time to see results, so consistency is key when taking supplements!

As a professional hair stylist or salon owner, stocking Goldie Locks® Supplements on your retail shelves makes you a one-stop destination for holistic hair wellness, creating a loyal customer base and increasing revenue opportunities as well as demonstrating your commitment to offering a balanced approach to their hair care needs. By recommending Goldie Locks® supplements to your clients, you can take their hair health to the next level. Goldie Locks® offers the highest affiliate commissions in the industry to all registered salon professional’s. Want to become a Goldie Locks®

Professional? Head to srp.goldielocks.com

SALONEVO COLUMNIST MCKENZIE TURLEY LEADS US THROUGH THE BENEFITS OF GOLDIE LOCKS® SUPPLEMENTS – THE ANSWER TO HAPPY HEALTHY HAIR, ALL YEAR ROUND.

Please note that while Goldie Locks® supplements are made with high-quality ingredients, they are not FDA-approved and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It's important to consult with a physician before beginning any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.

Photography // Invisible Bead Extensions ®

QUESTIONS FOR A TRICHO

MAYBE HAIR LOSS AND THINNING HAIR IS ON THE INCREASE, OR MAYBE WE’RE JUST TALKING MORE ABOUT WHAT USED TO BE A TABOO SUBJECT. BUT ARE YOU ARMED WITH THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO SPOT THE SIGNS OF HAIR LOSS, AND DO YOU KNOW THE BASICS WHEN IT COMES TO TRICHOLOGY? MARK BLAKE, (MIT WTS IAT), LEADING GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED TRICHOLOGIST AND NIOXIN AMBASSADOR OFFERS SOME BITE-SIZED PIECES OF ADVICE TO HELP IN EVERYDAY SALON LIFE.

What are the main reasons for hair loss?

Mark explained: “There are many types of hair loss, which can range from Alopecia Areata (random bald spots) through to Trichotillomania (self-inflicted hair loss from hair pulling), and of course the likes of chemotherapy and certain medication can result in hair loss. However, in my experience, when a client visits the salon and is experiencing hair loss unexpectedly, it is usually hormonal or nutritional reasons. Stress is also a major factor in thinning hair, so it’s a good idea to get your client to do a quick sense check. Are they stressed? Have they recently been affected by death, financial worries, exam pressure, relationship problems? These are all major contributors to hair loss.

Assuming the issue is hormonal, nutritional or stress, what’s the best advice to give? Mark said: “The good news is, it will pass. But your client needs to manage it. Did you know that hair is the second most prolific cell producer in our bodies, other than bone marrow? So, in order to grow good hair, we need to be putting good food into our bodies.

“Advise your client to cut back on processed food and salt, recommend a balanced rainbow diet full of brightly colored foods, with plenty of eggs and protein. A Mediterranean diet and particularly olive oil is really good for your hair. Our bodies get dehydrated, and this has a knock-on effect on the quality of our hair and scalp, so drinking two litres of water a day is essential for growing great

hair and keeping a healthy scalp.

“If their hair loss is hormonal then I would recommend products to help manage this, such as Nioxin’s systems. There are six different kits designed for all hair types. It’s important to manage your clients expectations though. Often using products that are designed for hair loss will not magically replace the hair that your client has lost, but it will prevent it getting worse. I always say that if after using the products for six months your client says nothing has changed, then that is a big success. Hair loss left untreated gets worse, so the aim should be for the hair loss to not get any worse, as opposed to getting much better.”

We asked Mark what general advice you should give clients to maintain a healthy scalp and hair? He said: “Scalp health is directly linked to hair health. People with thinning hair tend to wash less and gently because they worry about it falling out, however they should be exfoliating their scalp and washing their hair frequently. Most women will shed around 100-150 hairs a day. That amount depends on if you wash your hair every day. It’s advisable to wash your hair every one to two days. We see more

LOGIST

problems in our trichology clinic from people who don’t wash their hair enough as opposed to those that wash it every one to two days. You are less likely to have any scalp problems if you wash frequently. By not washing you will just build up yeast and bacteria on your scalp leading to a smelly and unhealthy scalp.”

Is a good scalp routine advisable?

“Yes. Your skin doesn’t end where your hairline starts, so it makes sense to treat the scalp like the face (skinification is this year’s buzz word) and getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating the scalp will make an incredible difference and give you a clear canvas to grow hair. I highly recommend having a scalp exfoliation treatment in the salon to revive the scalp and help create the best clean environment for hair to grow. Nioxin has an in-salon treatment called Dermabrasion

which is like a facial for the scalp which I am a big fan of. You could also recommend a night-time regime, such as Nioxin’s Night Density Rescue, which is an overnight leave-in treatment, clinically proven to boost hair density.”

After recommending a haircare regime, what should a pros next steps be?

“I would advise taking a photo of the hair loss and see if in six months’ time it looks worse. If your client suspects their hair loss is down to hormone changes, then blood test with their GP should determine this. For hair loss that’s more severe, then you could point them towards the Institute of Trichologists trichologists.org.uk or The Association of Registered Trichologists theart.org.uk to find a trichologist.”

“I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING A SCALP EXFOLIATION TREATMENT IN THE SALON TO REVIVE THE SCALP AND HELP CREATE THE BEST CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR HAIR TO GROW. NIOXIN HAS AN IN-SALON TREATMENT CALLED DERMABRASION WHICH IS LIKE A FACIAL FOR THE SCALP WHICH I AM A BIG FAN OF.”

Lash & Brows

THE BENEFITS OF BROWS AND LASH SERVICES IN YOUR SALON GO WAY BEYOND HELPING YOUR CLIENTS GET AN ALL-ROUND BEAUTY SERVICE. WE SPEAK TO EXPERTS IN BROWS AND LASHES TO FIND OUT HOW EXPANDING YOUR SERVICE OFFERINGS CAN BOOST YOUR BUSINESS AND ENHANCE CLIENT EXPERIENCE.

THE BUSINESS OF BROWS & LASHES

LOUISE BUTLER IS AN AWARD-WINNING BROW AND LASH ARTIST, COMPETITION JUDGE, AND OFFICIAL BEAUTIFUL BROWS EDUCATOR. AFTER TWO DECADES IN THE INDUSTRY, WE SPOKE TO HER ABOUT HOW YOU CAN LEVEL UP YOUR BUSINESS WITH LASH AND BROW SERVICES.

Photography // Louise Butler @ Louiseb.beautifulbrows

Let’s get straight into it. What are the benefits of adding lash and brow services to your beauty or hair salon menu? Louise said: “I absolutely love doing brows and lashes! Both are a treatment that shows the customers instant results, the before and after "wow" from your clients is so rewarding. You can offer a brow and lash package which is a duo treatment. With Beautiful Brows and lashes brand you can use the duo sachets and compete both the lash and brow service, which is cost affective as well as the short treatment times, this means you can fill smaller gaps in your diary.”

Let’s take the next step. Now that we know the benefits, what should professionals consider when setting up their lash and brow space in the salon? We wanted to know about what elements

are necessities; what are some nice touches to consider adding to add to client comfort? Louise gave her insight: “The workstation is very important. Ensure you have a good set up, an uncluttered station looks better, and you can work easier being more organized. Disinfectant sprays and wipes is a very important essential. Having your aftercare on display is vital for lash lift and brow treatments it is an easy upsell. I sell a lot of brow Toxx and brow powders. I discuss these products during the treatment, so it doesn’t add any more time to the treatment slot. I love to visit home department stores and find lots of nice matching pots and decorative items that are aesthetically pleasing to the overall look of my lash and brow room.”

Louise continued: “Ensure the area is big enough for the clients to feel relaxed whilst having a brow or lash treatment, the chair/bed comfort is important. Some prefer to use a bed; I personally like using a Chloe chair as I suffer with my back and I can stand without being compromised. My clients like the chairs as some also suffer with their backs and the chair enables them to get on and off with ease, I added footrests and a pillow for extra comfort.”

The very making of a beauty professional is getting a strong education; learning the ropes from the best of the best and expanding your knowledge so that you can expand your service menu and extend client pool as a result. The Beautiful Brows education courses range from Lash Lifting, Brow

“I ABSOLUTELY LOVE DOING BROWS AND LASHES! BOTH ARE A TREATMENT THAT SHOWS THE CUSTOMERS INSTANT RESULTS, THE BEFORE AND AFTER “ WOW ” FROM YOUR CLIENTS IS SO REWARDING.”

“I LOVE SEEING MY STUDENTS SUCCEED AND TO SEE SOMEONE ELSE’S BUSINESS START THRIVING BECAUSE THEY HAVE DONE THEIR TRAINING WITH ME AND I’VE HELPED THEM PERFECT THEIR TECHNIQUE IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING THINGS ABOUT MY JOB.”

Lamination, and Conversion Courses to the Duo System (Lash & Brow Course). Bespoke to the beauty professional, these classes give those budding to be lash and brow professionals the best possible foundations for thriving in the industry. Louise is passionate about sharing her passion and wisdom with new generations of beauty professionals. Why? “I love seeing my students succeed and to see someone else’s business start thriving because they have done their training with me and I’ve helped them perfect their technique is one of the most rewarding things about my job. I am their biggest hype girl!”

Once you establish yourself as a creative and professional force (that’s the goal, isn’t it?!), you may be approached by brands for advertising opportunities, partnerships, and brand deals. We asked Louise what professionals should consider before selecting a course or brand to work with? She said: “I find social media and forums a good place to start looking, follow your idols and look into reputable brands. I like to find brands that are vegan friendly, cost effective and give good results; brands who do in-house training with ongoing after-support, look for courses that insist case studies are submitted and check the course is accredited and insurable. I like to ensure my students get the best from their training days and go on and get the best results as no one can do a 1-day course and be excellent. It takes time with ongoing support.”

Now, let’s move into the mind of the consumer. Professionals should ask themselves, what are my clients seeing on their phones and computers every day? What services and styles will they be wanting as seasons and trends change? We

asked Louise what seasonal trends she predicts for Fall 2023? She revealed: “The trending brows for me now are a snatched brow, giving them a more raised brow at the tails. Tints have evolved in the last few years and there are many tints available on the market that are allowing us to really get the best results from the brows. We have gone from a block brow affect to a more natural, fluffy ombre look. The skin staining affect and the ability to custom blend the tints, to suit the client, is amazing. I feel people are opting for a more natural approach and lash lifting is fast becoming popular treatment, especially how low maintenance it is.” Find Louise on Instagram as @louiseb.beautifulbrows and on Facebook as LB beauty by Louise •

MYTH BUSTING

Louise takes on some common misconceptions about brows and lashes.

1. Lash lifts are painful

“Lash clients can think that a lash lift can sting and be uncomfortable but this is maybe down to the product going into the clients eyes. Professionals need to ensure the product is not on the client’s waterline and ensure they are comfortable.”

2. Lamination is only for young people

Don’t alienate your mature clients! The most misconceptions with the brow or lash services, especially brows, is that they think a brow lamination is too young for them. In fact, I think a brow lamination is perfect for anyone as you can tame the brows and give people a fuller look without giving them that typical, fluffy brow effect. It can be a very natural subtle look if discussed at consultation.”

3. Lash lifts are complicate and time consuming

“My clients don't get discomfort with my lash lifts. People don’t realise how many elements there are to a lash lift, flipping water line or a slight tweak to your shield/ product placement can have a huge impact on the overall results. It’s all about being careful and intentional with how you prep and prime the lashes and lids before carrying out the service.”

Photographed: Kirsty Howard, Head of Education at Beautiful Brows & Lashes // Jessica Ashley, Miss England // Louise Butler, Beautiful Brows & Lashes Educator

Antoinette michael

Antoinette has a gift of harboring a genuine human connection while maintaining the utmost level of professionalism. I started seeing Antoinette for brow lamination because I have curly, sparse eyebrows. I also tint them in the same session since some of the hairs are blonde it makes them look even thinner than they actually are. I am sold on this combo for life Antoinette worked part-time in salons in college while obtaining her bachelor’s degree. Thankfully for me, she pivoted from her first career as a Human Resources Generalist into the world of brows.

brow-raising business

BY KRISTIN KAIDE

KRISTIN KAIDE SPOKE TO LIZA ESPINOZA , OWNER OF SALON FLUXX IN NAPERVILLE, IL, ABOUT HOW TO ADD BROWS AND LASHES INTO YOUR TREATMENT MENU. SHE ALSO ASKED HER OWN BROW TECH, ANTIONETTE MICHAEL , TO SPILL SOME INDUSTRY SECRETS ON EXECUTING LAMINATION.

When we’re aware of what trends are out there, we have the opportunity to network with adjacent providers. Building a professional community can lead to infinite referrals to your business. Eyebrow lamination is a key trend and revenue generator. It is a treatment that relaxes, repositions, and conditions the hair resulting in fuller, smoother, and more flexible eyebrows. The process is similar to a perm where you redirect the hairs while the solution is on, then neutralize them to reform the bonds. Not only does this help tame coarse, unruly, and curly eyebrows, it allows the technician to artfully direct hair to fill in thinning areas. Lamination lasts around six weeks. I get it done about four times a year, planning around a week before major events. That’s why I drive 1.5 hours each way to see my brow technician, Antoinette Michael. I interviewed the talented specialist for my feature this month and she filled me in on her industry secrets. I also interviewed Liza Espinosa, the co-owner of the salon Antionette operates from. Antoinette breaks down the technical details while Liza provides some insight into incorporating these services as an owner.

How do you prep first-time clients for an event, like a future bride? "I always recommend trying new treatments for the first time 10 to 12 weeks before a big event. This allows you to see if you like the service and see if you want any adjustments."

Are lamination and tinting safe for everyone? "In general, laminations, lifts, and tints are not suitable for pregnant women, clients with eczema, psoriasis, Alopecia, ultra sensitive skin, and anyone on Accutane or had recent eye surgery. To prevent any risks, I do a patch test."

Lamination is a fairly new trend. What made you specialize? "I decided to get certified in Elleebana lash lifts and tints five years ago. Elleebana then came out with a gentler system that can be used on lash lifts and brow laminations, so it made sense for me to start offering this service. Brow lamination has definitely helped me grow my business. Lamination is a good solution for anyone who wants naturally fuller brows – the before and after results are very marketable!"

How did you choose what certifications to get and what brands/products to work with? "I aim to use gentle products. I chose to get certified with Elleebana for all my lash and brow services because their tint and lift system is one of the safest. They’re paraben free, formaldehyde free, hypoallergenic, and never tested on animals. It’s a great product that delivers consistent, dependable results."

Outside of being a salon owner, Liza Espinoza is a published artist in consumer and industry magazines and a global educator. She has traveled all over the world performing educational seminars, working runway shows, and being a platform artist. In 2008, she and her husband Rey Achurra opened Salon Fluxx in Naperville, IL. It’s no wonder Antoinette was drawn to work in their salon, and that Liza found someone so skilled to do so!

What made you decide to offer brow and lash services at your salon?

"We had a treatment room available for stylists that wanted to perform basic waxing services but we never had a dedicated specialist prior to Antoinette. Finding the right person to transform that room into the destination was key."

How should you approach recruitment when adding new services?

"Brow and lash services were a little out of our realm, being a very hair focused salon. To even consider a new treatment – especially if it’s out of your area of expertise – one would have to believe in and trust the service provider implicitly. We were very impressed with Antoinette’s expertise, demeanor, energy and attitude, and knew if anyone could make it happen it would be her!

Liza Espinoza

Lining Up for Lashes

LASH EXTENSIONS PROVIDE THE LOOK OF WEARING MASCARA WITHOUT HAVING TO APPLY IT DAILY, BUT WITH THE RIGHT TECHNIQUE, IT’S ALSO POSSIBLE TO CREATE AN EYELINER EFFECT, BOOSTING THE INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF LASH EXTENSIONS EVEN FURTHER.

In this step-by-step, Shannon Renee Murphy, Lash Expert, and NovaLash Trainer based in Long Island, New York, will explain how to achieve maximum thickness along the lash line without having to follow a complicated map or use a difficult technique. Plus, this method allows extensions to last longer and look better when shedding, which keeps clients coming back for more. Also, keep in mind that you can apply the following technique to classic or volume lashes.

Step 1

The first step is to assess your client’s natural lashes and determine which lengths and diameters are appropriate. Choose at least three different lengths.

In this technique, you will use a majority of the shortest length in the set, so grab double the amount of the shortest extensions you normally would. To keep the natural lashes healthy and to have the set last longer, I recommend adding no more than 40% additional length to the natural lashes. For added thickness, try matching the length of the natural lashes.

In this set, I used 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm lengths in C curl. For the diameters, I mostly used .07mm for fans in varying dimensions. I also used .10mm to create 2D fans to create texture.

Step 2

After selecting the appropriate extensions, take your shortest length and begin bonding all of the shortest natural lashes. This can take up to 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how quickly you work. This is the most important step in the process. The shorter the extensions you apply, the darker the lash line will appear when the eyes are open.

Step 3

Once you feel you have a solid base of the shortest lengths across the lash line and you are struggling to find more remaining short natural lashes, you can begin applying the medium and long extensions to the longer natural lashes.

During the application process, I recommend going through the set lash-by-lash to fully separate lashes at least 2-3 times. No two extensions or lashes should ever be stuck together.

Step 4

Once you have applied all medium and long lengths, the final step is to go back through the lash line and bond all remaining short natural lashes you can find. Ideally, you will have bonded all lashes possible when the appointment finishes.

Top tip:

If your client requests a cat eye style with longer extensions on the outer corners like in this example, you still need to bond all the short natural lashes in the outer corners with the shortest extensions to fully achieve the eyeliner effect.

Your clients will love the results they get from having a dark lash line that mimics the results of wearing eyeliner. I notice my clients feel more confident and pretty wearing this style of extensions. This technique also produces longerlasting results, which they also appreciate.

Photography // Shannon Renee Murphy

Specializing in all things lashes, brows, skincare, and permanent makeup, The Beauty Society is the place to go in the Indianapolis, IN, area. Sasha explained: “We are unique because we put a huge focus on educating our clients and students on maintaining natural lash health while wearing lash extensions long-term through proper aftercare, lash sizing, and placement. We are unique as not only are we a salon servicing guests, but we are also a lash and brow training academy. We are one of Indiana's small handful of IN Department of Health Approved Lash Extension Training Facilities, and we are Indiana's Exclusive Beautiful Brows and Lashes brand Educator.”

While they may once have been thought of as an additional service or an add-on, now they are some of the most popular beauty services. I asked Sasha why she believes these services deserve their own space in the industry. She said: “Salons offering solely lashes and brows have proved to be able to stand on their own and scale tremendously, especially in the last three to five years. Lashes and brows alone create six-figure service providers and seven-figure salons, keeping up with the rest of the hair, nails, and skincare businesses in the industry.”

However, The Beauty Society is not your average beauty salon. I asked Sasha to walk us through

AT THE BEAUTY SOCIETY INDIANAPOLIS, THE MISSION IS TO EMPOWER BOTH THEIR CLIENTS AND STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR FULL BEAUTY POTENTIAL THROUGH THEIR LASH AND BROW STUDIO AND ACADEMY. WE SPOKE TO SASHA HAUGHN, LASH AND PERMANENT MAKEUP EXPERT, EDUCATOR, AND OWNER OF THE BEAUTY SOCIETY, ABOUT WHY EDUCATION IS EVERYTHING.

the client experience. “What makes us different is that we will not apply lash extensions on a client that the natural lashes cannot handle in a healthy manner; we will not perform microblading on someone whose skin will not heal well but rather opt for powder or nano brows and educate the client on why. This is natural to us as we are a Training Facility for the state as well. We are not a money-grab lash and brow salon like many are, unfortunately. Our guests continue to return to us because they know that we have their best interest in mind and provide continued education to them at a guest level and to our staff and students on a professional level. Our students return to us for multiple training classes due to the high level of support they receive not only during but after class.”

While clients speak highly of The Beauty Society’s welcoming atmosphere and professional vibe of both salons, Sasha explained the two locations are polar opposites when it comes to design. “We have our location in Greenwood, and it is an open-concept lash salon in front with 10 lash beds and then four private rooms in the back for brows, facials, and permanent makeup. Our lash beds are Earthlite Massage tables. We prefer this over lash recliners or a curved lash bed that does not fold up due to the ease of being able to fold these up and store them if ever needed.

“Clean was the vibe when designing this space. Upon entering, you will be greeted with a lot of high gloss white cabinetry and shelving that is contrasted with jet-black leather lash beds and furniture. A pop of shades

BEAUTIFUL BROWS & LASHES LASH AND BROW TOXX AFTERCARE SERUM

Luxury conditioner designed to provide care after lamination appointments. Enriched with highly nourishing ingredients such as Biotin, Keratin and Castor Oil. Brows and lashes will look instantly nourished.

$25.99 // beautifulbrowsandlashes.com

of pink is found in the neon sign and artwork on the walls to give it a feminine touch without going too overboard. Lighting is key, but with 10 lash beds, not everyone can be by the front window for natural light, so carefully situated ring lights make the entire front area a bright workspace. Our front lash area can double as the training facility on the weekends.

“Our second location is located in a small up-and-coming neighborhood called Bates-Hendricks, currently being revived into a trendy pocket of downtown. This space is like a speakeasy lash lounge almost. You have to know it's there to know that it's there. Located in a renovated historic building, the vibe is much different here than in our other space. This is more intimate and quieter as this space features two lash beds. No high gloss white and acrylic here. You will find exposed brick walls, black cabinetry, and a dark/moody feel. This fits the neighborhood well and also offers a different type of experience to our guests who are looking for something smaller or more intimate than our flagship location.”

Finally, I asked Sasha for her best advice on how to stay on top of the latest brow and lash trends. She said: “PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I love the lash and brow industry because of how customizable all the looks really are based on the guest. Lashes and brows are not easy. Those that regularly practice a new skill and continue to always learn through inperson and online education no matter where they are at in their career are the ones that excel in this industry.”

NOVALASH ROYAL PLATINUM BOND LASH EXTENSION ADHESIVE

Royal Platinum Bond is NovaLash’s fastest - drying adhesive and an excellent choice for experienced lash artists. This patented formula is instantly oilproof, waterproof, and extremely durable, giving clients 4 - 8 weeks between infills. novalash.com

BROW CODE PROFESSIONAL STAIN HYBRID BROW DYE

Designed to achieve richly pigmented and longlasting results like Henna. This offers the power and intensity of henna with the ease of a tint.

browcodepro.us

THE LASH & BROW SOCIETY V90 VOLUME TWEEZER

Hand-made and hand-tested, these tweezers are perfect for fan creation and pick up. With a strong grip and beautiful finish. V90 is ideal for both beginner and advanced volume lash artists.

thelashandbrowsociety.com

THE EYEBROW COMAPNY BOLD BROW

Rollerball applicator of oils that infuse the eyebrows with nutrients. The goto product for fuller and bold eyebrows.

$20.00 // theyebrowcompany.com

“OUR GUESTS CONTINUE TO RETURN TO US BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT WE HAVE THEIR BEST INTEREST IN MIND AND PROVIDE CONTINUED EDUCATION TO THEM AT A GUEST LEVEL, AND TO OUR STAFF AND STUDENTS ON A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.”

FURNI

IT’S WHAT IS INSIDE THAT COUNTS. DOES YOUR SALON INTERIOR MATCH YOUR VIBE AND FILL YOU WITH CREATIVE INSPIRATION? DOES YOUR FURNITURE ADD TO THE CLIENT’S COMFORT AND OVERALL EXPERIENCE? IF NOT, MAYBE IT’S TIME FOR AN UPGRADE!

STUDIO A SALON

The a-list salon

CREATING THE PERFECT SALON SPACE IS LIKE CHOREOGRAPHING A DANCE. IT NEEDS TO BE NOT ONLY BEAUTIFUL BUT POWERFUL, MASTERFUL, AND SKILFULLY EXECUTED AND LEAVES EVERYONE INVOLVED FEELING STRONG, CONFIDENT, AND INSPIRED. FOR FORMER DANCER AND CURRENT OWNER AND FOUNDER OF STUDIO A SALON IN HOUSTON, DAVID ARMENDARIZ , CREATING HIS DREAM SPACE HAS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

David has been familiar with the setting of a hair salon since he was just nine years old, hanging out in his older sister’s hair salon. But he went his route into music and dance, becoming a successful professional dancer. But when he tragically tore his ACL, David was left to consider his next career.

David said: “I had a degree in music, and so I was toying with the idea of going back to university and getting my Masters, but I just didn’t want to lose that connection with people that I had had in my dance career.

“I had always loved hair and spending time in the salon, so I called my sister to ask for her advice about going into hair. She said, ‘You know, it’s not as easy as it looks! But give it a try. So, I enrolled at the Aveda Institute, and it immediately felt so natural to me.”

From there, David fully immersed himself in the industry, training with different brands and becoming an educator for brands like L’Oréal Professionnel and Hot Heads Extensions. He said: “I learned a lot about hairdressing and the industry through educating, but I got to a point where I just wanted my own space. I have to give my mom some credit here because she prayed a lot for me. But soon enough, I had my first studio space just across the street from where I lived. It was only 200 square feet, but it was just my niece, who was my assistant, and me. But even at that time, despite the space

being small, I wanted to make sure every guest felt pampered, with a warm welcome, soft music, champagne, expensive bottled water, all the little things that add to the experience.”

It was only a matter of time until David was ready to expand. Luckily, a space opened up just next door in a cute 1930s bungalow. He said: “We were able to expand from just having two chairs to seven chairs.”

With a little more room came more space for creativity. David chose his furniture very carefully. He said: “When I was educating at a trade show in LA, I met the American team for Gamma & Bross I immediately fell in love with their designs, which were beautiful but simple and to the point.”

David kitted out his salon with Gamma & Bross furniture, which thrived in that environment for a decade until it was time for the next expansion. “After ten years in that space, we had outgrown it. My husband, who is now my business partner as well, and I wanted to take the salon to the next step. So, thankfully, a space became available in the neighborhood where we live. It was a 2,500 square foot space, so a lot bigger than we were used to, but we were ready for the challenge.”

However, the year was 2020. So, just as the salon plans were taking shape, well, you know what happened. David explained that this meant that the permit department was shut down for 90 days, meaning that it took two years to finally open the salon. But it was well worth the wait. 

Photography // ©LauriePerez.com & Andrew Hemingway.

David said: “This is our dream salon. While it is a commercial space, it is still situated in a little neighborhood. So, it feels like a home, just how we wanted it to feel. We collaborated with Brinn Miracle; our architect created the space so that it would flow nicely and feel open with beautiful cathedral ceilings in the middle room. And for finishing touches, we used long time client and friend Despina Scrutchin of Stone Fox Interiors, she helped with waiting area and accents such as pillows, furniture, and styling throughout salon.”

At Studio A, even the restrooms are noteworthy, with floor-to-ceiling rose-colored glass. The color scheme throughout the salon is pink, rose gold, and white, making it fun and playful yet luxurious and expensive looking.

Again, there was no question for David but to go with Gamma & Bross for the furniture. He explained: “This time, we decided to go with the premium collection, MG Bross 2021 collection. It is just gorgeous. As soon as I saw it, it reminded me of my dancing years. The mirrors were inspired by ballerina tutus. The trimmings are all gold to

match the arches and details in the salon as well. We also had details like our beautiful terrazzo tile in the reception area. I just wanted it to feel like old-school glamour when you walked in.”

For all 12 stations, David has the gorgeous Gamma & Bross chairs with the Brass Queen Mary gold bases and the Ballet 2 Collar Island Stations. The shampoo bar also features Gamma & Bross shampoo bowls and shiatsu massage chairs – a much talked about feature.

The goal for David at Studio A is to elevate everyone, both artists and clients. He explained: “I don’t want it to be a place that is competitive or ego-filled. This has been a family business since the beginning. So, that is what our culture is based on, trust, loyalty, and growth. Every Friday, we have all staff members in for a team meeting where we share what we have each learned with one another, what our wins are, and what our goals are.

“For our clients, we want everyone to feel like they are ready to go to a red carpet and that they have been pampered like an A-list celebrity. That’s why we use the best brands, offer exceptional service, and create a curated look for each guest. No matter who comes in our door, we treat them all like celebrities, pampering them with wine, champagne, snacks, all sorts of things.”

Now that David has this fantastic space, the next goal is to get more involved in the industry and hold more educational events in the salon. In the process of setting up this salon, I have had to step away from industry events and educate, so now that we are all set up, the next goal is to get back into it. So far, we have had brands like Brazilian Blow Out holding classes, and it was great. I hope to host more classes and events like that it.”

It has been a few months of celebration at Studio A, having celebrated their grand opening, a pride event with over a hundred guests, as well as David’s birthday too.

Finally, I asked if David had any advice for salon owners who are looking to create their dream space. He said: “The first thing I would say is if you have the money, spend it. We always try to save money in the beginning, but as you go on, if you don’t do what you truly want from the beginning, you will look back to regret it. Save up to buy the furniture you want; hire a professional to help you make it right. Go with the things you want the first time, or else you will end up losing more money down the line when things aren’t exactly as you wished they were. Just go in, don’t be scared of spending. You know what they say; if you build it, they will come. And remember, take your time; Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took me 10 years to get to my dream salon. Start small, and then just keep building.” •

“THIS IS OUR DREAM SALON. WHILE IT IS A COMMERCIAL SPACE, IT IS STILL SITUATED IN A LITTLE NEIGHBORHOOD. SO, IT FEELS LIKE A HOME, JUST HOW WE WANTED IT TO FEEL.”

“WE DECIDED TO GO WITH THE PREMIUM COLLECTION, MG BROSS 2021 COLLECTION. IT IS JUST GORGEOUS. AS SOON AS I SAW IT, IT REMINDED ME OF MY DANCING YEARS. THE MIRRORS WERE INSPIRED BY BALLERINA TUTUS.”

BUFFALO CO.

AT HOME WITH BUFFALO CO.

WITH A DECADE OF EXPERIENCE, CO-FOUNDERS TRAVIS MITCHELL AND JESSICA MITCHELL OPENED BUFFALO CO YEARS AGO. INSPIRED BY THEIR SURROUNDINGS IN CALIFORNIA, THE SPACE IS WELCOMING AND RUSTIC. THIS IS WHY THEY USE TAKARA BELMONT CHAIRS TO BRING THEIR VISION TO LIFE.

Hairdressing and barbering exist in the same world in Buffalo Co. , which is housed in the historic Vail Headquarters shopping center in Temecula, CA. The 10-chair barber-salon hybrid space is cultivated by a stellar crew of stylists and barbers who believe that every person who comes through the Buffalo Co. doors should be treated with kindness and grace. Jessica said: “We welcome everything from skin fades to colorful mullets to beachy blond extensions. We want everyone to feel like not only did they walk into a super cool looking space, but that they are cool enough to be there.”

Travis said: “Ultimately, we found that there was no one else doing what we thought needed to be done… which is combining the community cultivating feel of a barber shop with the luxury experience of a salon. Some barbershops can be intimidating to walk into if you’re a woman or mom with kids. A high-end salon can be intimidating for a man who just wants a quick fade. We wanted to provide an environment where every family member will feel welcomed and comfortable.”

Photography // Andrew Meer

That’s why Travis and his team cut, style, and color hair based on client personalities and desires, not on classically masculine or feminine cuts. “We're hair artists who take our craft seriously. We take the time to build relationships with people on a foundation of communication and trust. It’s about creating a community vibe where our clients will not only hang out with some pretty cool people but will leave feeling inspired to look better and live better. We do awesome hair all day, every day.”

Jessica told us that the natural light and character of the building enhance the welcoming environment. Buffalo Co. stays true to the rustic industrial ambiance of the mid-1800s building, with a touch of modern sophistication. But it’s more than just a place where people come to get their hair cut: “It’s a space where like-minded creatives can come together for inspiration or just kick ideas around,” Travis said. The initial inspiration for the interior design came from the desire to compliment the aesthetic of the historically significant shopping center. “You can almost imagine the wild west as you walk

through the center,” Jessica said. “The best way to honor that for us was to keep the rustic vibe and add a little luxury. From the floors and ceiling to the shelving and tabletops, we used a lot of wood elements that add a lot of warmth to the space. To add some luxury, we installed a waterfall quartz countertop for the stations. Our furniture is a perfect blend of masculine and feminine styling, with our light gray dainty barber chairs complementing gray hexagon floor tiles that are intricately placed to meet the wideplank wood floors in a fun and inviting pattern.”

Chairs are the beating heart of every barbershop and salon – it’s where the client sits for up to hours at a time. Comfort is key, and aesthetic makes all the difference. “Our chairs are an absolute showstopper, and they were one of the first things we purchased for our salon. We saw the Takara Belmont Dainty Barber Chair at ISSE in Long Beach and knew they were perfect for our aesthetic…” Slimmed down barber chairs that are beautiful without compromising any of the functionality of a hardworking barber chair is what the Buffalo Co. duo were looking for. “Takara Belmont is an incredible company that has the best quality chairs on the market, and we are so happy with our chairs. Six years since opening, the chairs are still looking amazing after tons of use!”

Jessica summed up the Buffalo Co. ethos: “Some hair shops can feel intimidating, but we are not one of those shops! Our bright and cheerful space will always have fun music playing, you will be greeted with a warm smile from our staff, and you will be offered a local beer, wine, or coffee. We encourage everyone to hang out like they’re family. We care about our clients as much as we care about the success of our business.” Find the team on Instagram as @buffaloco.co

“ TAKARA BELMONT IS AN INCREDIBLE COMPANY THAT HAS THE BEST QUALITY CHAIRS ON THE MARKET, AND WE ARE SO HAPPY WITH OUR CHAIRS. SIX YEARS SINCE OPENING, THE CHAIRS ARE STILL LOOKING AMAZING AFTER TONS OF USE!”

NEIL BARTON MARBELLA

THE spanish SALON

NEIL BARTON IS A GOLDWELL INTERNATIONAL ARTIST AND OWNER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF TWO GLOBALLY AWARD-WINNING SALONS, NEIL BARTON HAIR IN EDINBURGH AND MARBELLA, SPAIN. HE TOLD US HOW HE APPROACHED INTERIOR DESIGN AND THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR MOVING YOUR BUSINESS ABROAD.

Neil is a multi-award-winner and international trainer. An expert in cutting and coloring, he ensures that the salon experience is relaxed and empowering for every client who walks through his doors in

Marbella. The first Neil Barton Salon opened in Edinburgh and after Covid, Neil realised how much effort it was taking him to travel between Scotland and his partner’s home country of Spain. 

Photography // Stefan Randholm

OUR FURNITURE AND DESIGN HAVE HAD A MASSIVE IMPACT ON CLIENT EXPERIENCE. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON’T EVEN THINK OUR BUSINESS IS A SALON, WHICH I LOVE...”

“Opening a salon abroad with my partner meant we could share something incredible together.” Why Marbella? “Spain is one of the best countries in the world; year-round sunshine, great food, and endearing culture.” We wondered: are clientele desires and expectations different? He revealed: “Client expectations are so different to my salon in Edinburgh. Clients are more classic with their style and color choices. They’re also aware of what products you use. Vegan is the thing in Spain. It’s all about the best ingredients and high quality. We do a lot of color blow dries and treatments. Bond building, conditioning, keratins, and de-frizzing.”

Every client wants a treatment as an add-on to their service, Neil advised. “Men are really into their treatments, too. Hot towels, beard trims, massages, and waxing. They love the experience. The big difference for me is that in Edinburgh, I was always fully booked. Then I went to having no clients again, not speaking the language, and having to prove my skills. It was a lot, but you

just have to take it one step at a time and don’t put too much pressure on yourself!” Do trends differ between countries? “Yes! The trends are totally different in Marbella – much more classic and elegant. Nobody has red hair or bright colors either! Blondes are warmer and not ash. There’s more underlying red pigment with their hair being so dark. We use browns on a 5,6,7 level with warmer tones on the ends. Really beautiful.”

The interior in Marbella reflects these classic, minimalist trends. The focus is luxe, yet homely; classy with an earthy color palette. “I wanted to be conscious of what material we use to promote the eco feel and respect for the environment. I wanted it warm and modern. “We were inspired by Spanish designer Carolina Gual. The shop was a lawyer’s office, so we spent seven months on the renovations. Carolina has designed a few salons for a product brand called Secreto del Agua . She did the whole salon from top to bottom.

“Our furniture and design have had a massive impact on client experience. A lot of people don’t even think our business is a salon, which I love. Our furniture was custom made, but we bought our basins and chairs from Comfortel, an Australian salon furniture company.”

As an International Artist for Goldwell, Neil said it’s easier to be versatile with service offerings because he has access to such amazing products. “I’m obsessed with everything Goldwell! The Colorance range will always be my favorite. It’s perfect for my Spanish clients because they’re into high quality and ethical products. This range is vegan and ammonia-free and the shine impresses all my clients – especially when adding that luxe sheen to their natural looks.” Find the salon on Instagram as @neilbartonmarbella •

“OUR FURNITURE WAS CUSTOM MADE, BUT WE BOUGHT OUR BASINS AND CHAIRS FROM COMFORTEL , AN AUSTRALIAN COMPANY SALON FURNITURE.”

COLLINS ZADA STYLING VANITY

The Zada Styling Vanity features an oversized stainless steel work surface. There are plenty of storage options to keep everything in it’s place, including a builtin tool holder that is perfect for holding your blow dryer and curling irons.

COLLINS COLOR DISPENSARY

This features both upper and lower storage cabinets with adjustable shelves, a smooth countertop ideal for supplies or retail product display, a full extension drawer, three color options for the metal drawer/cabinet pulls and a finished toe-kick for a custom look.

$1,495.00 // buyritebeauty.com

FURNITURE

KELLER INTERNATIONAL VINTAGE BARBER CHAIR

Your customers will be able to relax comfortably. The headrest is easy to remove. The chair is loadable up to 300 kg. The round bottom plate and lockable hydraulic pump complete the retro barber chair.

TAKARA BELMONT DAINTY CHAIR

Strikingly attractive and a versatile long-term partner, the Dainty chair is a firm and comfortable barber chair that brings forth a classic appeal.

$2,100.00 // store.takarabelmont.com

RETAIL DISPLAY

Discover the display rack product range of Gamma & Bross with hanging display,

COMFORTEL CLUB SAND WASH LOUNGE

Includes a ComfortNeck for extra comfort at the basin. Customisable tapsets include: Eura GunMetal Stainless Steel with Short Showerhose or Chrome with Long Showerhose. Add an Ottoman space - to allow your clients to put their feet up!

£1,350.00 +VAT // comfortel.co.uk

VANTAGE STAINLESS STEEL SHAMPOO SYSTEM WITH WHITE BOWL

Completely covered in smooth vinyl and stainless steel, the Vantage shampoo system features polished chrome arms, a ceramic tilting bowl, faucet, soft spray hose, silicone neck rest, drain assembly with strainer, and memory foam cushioning.

$799.00 // minervabeauty.com

Creating an Oasis

Owners Haley and Beth first established M&Co in 2014 to create a high-quality and comfortable space in their local Wheaton area. Having thrived in their cozy salon space for nearly a decade, the owners are now working on creating and expanding into a new and upgraded space.

I asked Beth to tell us a little bit about their philosophy when it comes to M&Co. She said: “We like to keep things simple here and stick to all things hair. We find it simplifies a lot for us to only offer hair services in addition to basic facial waxing. We have stylists that specialize in curly hair, blonding, extensions, men’s cutting, and everything in between.”

Words that you might use to describe M&Co are rustic, natural, warm, and welcoming. Beth said: “As you enter the salon, guests will continue to find a mixture of exposed brick, plants, and natural wood. We love combining different textures to give a warm and cozy environment. You will always be welcomed by smiling faces and good vibes.”

M&Co salon has featured Collins chairs for the past few years, and in their recent updates, they decided it was time to give their chairs and upgrade too! Beth said: “We decided to update our styling chairs recently and landed on Collins’ Lila All-Purpose Styling Chair. The chairs feature timeless black leather upholstery with modern-style arms. The

option to have a black chair base was a must for the look we were going for.”

For Haley and Beth, it is important that the salon feels welcoming and trendy at the same time. So, Beth explained: “Guests are welcome to relax in one of four seating areas with comfortable couches and chairs while they wait for their appointment. We also have two coffee bars and even a washhouse that is separate from the rest of the salon. Calming music and dim lighting help our clients relax while.”

Quality is key for Haley and Beth, from the furniture and fittings to the product ranges they use. Hotheads are M&Co’s extension brand of choice, and they also offer the Brazilian Blowout in-salon treatment. But for everything else, Davines is their go-to. Beth said: “Davines is our go-to line for all things color, lighting, styling products, and treatments. They are a company that offers many benefits for salon owners and stylists. Another great thing about them is that they are salon-exclusive and family-owned. Davines believes in sustainable beauty, which we value greatly; they are B-Corp certified. It goes with our earthy and plant-loving vibe!”

Beth’s advice for creating a cozy space for your clients? “Number one: have an amazing staff who will create a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Number two: lots of plants!”

Photography // M&Co

CHICAGO-BASED M&CO SALON IS A DAVINES EXCLUSIVE HAIR SALON BASED IN WHEATON, JUST OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO. WITH PLENTY OF PLANTS AND NATURAL YET LUXURIOUS FITTINGS AND FURNISHINGS, M&CO IS LIKE A LITTLE OASIS WHERE CLIENTS CAN ESCAPE THE CITY AND GET COMFY IN ONE OF THEIR COLLINS SALON CHAIRS.

“WE DECIDED TO UPDATE OUR STYLING CHAIRS RECENTLY AND LANDED ON THE LILA BY COLLINS CO. THE CHAIRS FEATURE TIMELESS BLACK LEATHER UPHOLSTERY WITH MODERNSTYLE ARMS. THE OPTION TO HAVE A BLACK CHAIR BASE WAS A MUST FOR THE LOOK WE WERE GOING FOR.”