INSTYLE ISSUE 2 2026

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28 – 29 JUNE 2026

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EDITORIAL

There’s a quiet weight that comes with running a business right now - one that isn’t always visible to those on the other side of the chair, the mirror, or the content.

Looking back on my editor’s letters from years past, there’s a noticeable shift in tone. Then, there was optimism for the new, an energy around the carefully curated and a sense that hard work naturally translated into momentum. Now I find myself wondering, have we changed, have the times changed, or has it been a combination of both?

What used to be straightforward now feels layered. It’s no longer just doing the job well. It’s doing the job, capturing and posting the content, checking and fixing the content, reposting the content, and providing six forms of proof for someone checking metrics and wanting to see your books at the same time. It’s either the admin train, the government or the ATO – who, at times, feels like they’re more interested in pulling apart what you’ve built and want they can take from it instead of giving you a break to help you move forward.

From the street, a salon can look full. Lights on. Chairs turning. Hair being crafted with the same creativity and care this industry has always been known for. But behind the mirror, a different reality is unfolding and it’s why many of us are searching for solutions. Sometimes running a business feels as laboursome as peeling every single potato in the store individually. Rising costs. Shifting client behaviours, longer gaps between appointments. The pressure to stretch further, do more, absorb more, and still deliver at the same standard, all while maintaining the sanity and the creativity that you’ve always loved. For many salon owners, it’s not just tiring, it’s relentless.

The conversation inside the business is no longer just about growth. It’s about endurance and boundaries, about how long passion alone can carry the weight of an industry that has never asked more of its people than it’s asking right now.

The role of a business owner has never been more complex. You’re no longer just a creative or a leader. You’re a strategist, a financial controller, a marketer, a mentor, and often, the emotional anchor for your entire team. That level of responsibility doesn’t switch off when the doors close.

And that’s where the real challenge lies. Because while the industry celebrates growth, expansion and success, we don’t often talk about the heartache and discipline it takes to sustain it. The resilience required to keep showing up, the mindshift reset we need to just get us to the next deadline, how to show up with clarity when the margins are tighter. Or the courage it takes to make decisions that protect the business, even when they’re uncomfortable. I constantly find myself thinking ‘I really hope someone doesn’t ask me how I am today’, because I want to be able to keep aligned to the fun, the upbeat energy and the reason we chose this industry in the first place. I know some days are hard for all of us but our role at INSTYLE, styleicons and Hair Festival is to inspire and showcase opportunity in all its realms for the hairdressing professional and keep you moving forward.

Hair Festival 2026 is out biggest yet, with more than 100 brands, multiple stages, unique education offerings, HAIR The Movement and the Wonderland party creating an energy that only hairdressers and barbers know. We are here for the salon owner, the budding barber or hairdresser who wants to compete, and the business mind who wants financial growth.

The businesses that will thrive in this next chapter of our industry won’t be the ones that give the most, they’ll be the ones that protect the most important things: their time, their standards, their energy, and their vision. Whether that’s refining your booking structure, being clearer with pricing, managing late arrivals, or simply creating space to think and plan, these decisions aren’t restrictive, they’re strategic, and it’s this value that will be our focus for Hair Festival REALTalk 2026 and beyond.

In doing so, we have to hope that one day we won’t just survive, we will continue to lead. Hope to see you all soon!

UPFRONT

MATT TRONSON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FACTORY 3013

Matt Tronson is passionate about education and accessibility. He wants to see education pricing that includes the lower end of the scale, to accommodate newly minted hairdressers at the beginning of their careers.

Matt started at his mother’s Salon Fresh, experiencing the running of a small business from the inside. He also learned to value speed as well as accuracy. “I am very fast, because at the start of my career, we had to be quick. Yeah, I am quick,” he said. He appreciates speed to this day. Does he let others cut his hair? “Anyone can have a go. They’ve just got ten minutes. Because I am ADD I hate sitting in the chair. I’m the worst client. Ten minutes only. Yeah, that’s all they got.”

Matt is conscious of the discrepancy between an apprentice or student wage, and the price of great education and industry events. “I completely respect what everyone does. I’m just a solution based person. So I thought, hey, why don’t I ask some really amazing hairdressers if they would be willing to come into the shop and put on a free two hour, three hour session for people that are financially vulnerable in our industry,” he said.

‘The shop’ is The Factory 3013, which was a run-down Methodist Church from 1881 until Matt renovated it. He had been operating his first salon, Studio Warhol. “It was just a little hole in the wall. It was pretty much me in a shop begging for clients,” he said. He noticed the empty church around the corner from him. When he moved in, “It didn’t feel like a studio anymore. It kind of felt like The Factory. That’s how I envisioned it to be a cultural space,” he said.

Matt’s connection to Andy Warhol began in 2006. Barely into his teens, he watched Factory Girl, the George Hickenlooper-directed film starring Guy Pearce and Sienna Miller. “I got obsessed with this movie, and I tinfoiled my whole room with black and gold tinfoil from IGA. And then MySpace was a really big thing. And my name was Andy Warhol Jr on MySpace because the cool kids all had cool nicknames, and I suppose it was the early onset of branding, but we didn’t know it was, like personal branding in MySpace days, you just sort of did cool things,” he said.

Matt is still doing cool things. His innovative approach to education sessions is inspiring skill sharing, igniting conversations and opening doors. From the beginning when he “just asked the people, the hairdressers who love the industry” and they said yes to providing free sessions, to now having over 500 people walk through his doors, it is clear there is a need for this bridge between a freshlyminted Cert III in Hairdressing to becoming a professional with a sustainable career.

“Sustainability in the industry is my main focus, making sure these young hairdressers and these students have access to a work life balance, and have access to great education and have access to great things to grow their career. And I think that is a big issue in our industry, a lot of people are leaving it because we aren’t focusing on a sustainable plan for our new and upcoming hairdressers,” he said. What can attendees expect at these education sessions? “It is a free-flowing conversation throughout the whole day. It’s not just people teaching, it’s questions. A lot of the audiences are talking to the educators. It feels like more of a workshop of ideas, rather than a standard sit alone education. Access to industry leading educators, and being included in the industry and education space, apart from the studies that they’re already doing, getting techniques, meeting other people in the industry, creating opportunities for themselves.”

VANESSA MEGAN UNVEILS EAU DE PARFUM

Vanessa Megan is an award-winning natural skin and haircare brand, now unveiling their first Eau de Parfum collection.

In a considered evolution of the brand’s six cult botanical fragrance, the collection is expressed in certified organic alcohol. This gives greater diffusion, longevity and presence. Each Eau de Parfum is distilled to the highest standard, composed using whole essential oils, precious absolutes and the finest certified organic ingredients, anchored in organic sugarcane alcohol. Every component is plant or herb derived, transparently sourced and fully disclosed. There are no synthetics, no nature-identical aroma molecules or isolates, and no concealed ‘parfum’.

“The Monarch Fragrance was one of my very first creations, nearly 20 years ago,” said Founder and Formulator Vanessa Megan. “I am proud that we can now offer a longer lasting all-natural alcohol based Eau De Parfum. These perfumes are not constructed from shortcuts. They are built slowly, with respect for the plant and for the wearer. You smell the difference because nothing has been stripped out or replaced.”

At the heart of the Vanessa Megan fragrance philosophy is the belief that scent should do more than smell good. Each perfume is intentionally formulated to support mood and emotional wellbeing, drawing on the aromatherapeutic properties of botanicals to energise, ground, calm or clarify.

The Eau de Parfum enhances this experience, allowing the complexity of the oils to unfold gradually on skin while preserving the depth, texture and nuance only whole plant materials can provide. www.vanessamegan.com

VIRTUE LABS LAUNCHES STRENGTH & SHIELD LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

Virtue Labs is the luxury biotech haircare brand which has won more than 80 editorial and industry awards since its creation in 2017. The aim of its products is to change the health and quality of hair, using a proprietary healing protein Alpha Keratin 60 ku which is bio-identical to the keratin that makes up hair.

Virtue Labs has a range of hair treatments, including Hair Oil, Overnight Scalp & Hair Elixir, and Damage Repair Serum which was one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024

Virtue Labs has now launched their Strength & Shield Leave-In Conditioner. This is a lightweight, leave-in formula made to detangle and strengthen hair, while boosting elasticity and shielding against damage. Keratin is lost due to daily damage, and this conditioner is intended to restore the strands. With a fragrance of coconut and yuzu, it is made with purpose for all hair types. Virtue Labs is also introducing ColorKick, the first hair filler made from pure human keratin. Its purpose is to refill the keratin eroded through the colouring process. It is mixed into the colour bowl to minimise breakage, to improve grey coverage, and add vibrancy and shine.

www.virtuelabs.com

CURATE AWARDS 2026 WINNERS

The CURATE Awards is a unique competitive platform, created to discover and celebrate Australia and New Zealand’s emerging hair artists. The awards were founded by Justin Pace, renowned Brisbane-based hairdresser, salon owner, and educator who was named the 2023 AHIA

Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year.

THE AWARD WINNERS FOR 2026 ARE:

New Zealand Colour & Style

Mia Cribb, Meche Hair and Academy

Regional Australia Colour & Style

Sandhya Silwal, Kabuki Haircutters

Regional Australia Cut & Colour

Nikita Wells, Cooper & Co Hairdressing

Urban Australia Colour & Style

Jasmin Warren, LNDN Hair

Urban Australia Cut & Colour AUSTRALIA

Greta Baxendale, The Factory 3013

Congratulations to all the winners, who received a full-day photo shoot workshop in Sydney. The $60,000 prize pool also included AHIA Creative Awards Gala tickets, Redken Colour prize packs, ACCESS Hair Education by L’Oréal vouchers, ghd Professional electrical tools and brushes, Matsui scissor kits, ANGEL Extensions Full Head Streetwear packs, Sustainable Salons goodie bags, personalised press kits from Lily Blue Communications, and industry exposure throughout 2026

“Mentoring last year’s winners was a real career highlight, and it reinforced just how important these awards are for the future of our industry,” said Justin. “Hairdressing is such a rewarding, creative and inspiring profession, and I want every apprentice - and future apprentice - to see the incredible opportunities it can offer. I’m so excited to collaborate with this year’s five outstanding talents and bring some truly special ideas to life together. Stay tunedthere’s so much to come!”

CURATE is supported by the Australian Hairdressing Council, MIG Training, Taylorweir Hairdressing & Barber Training, and Official Media Partner Mocha Group. www.curateawardsplatform.com

Greta Baxendale, Urban Cut & Colour Winner 2026

Sandhya Silwal, Regional Colour & Style Winner 2026

OPICONS

SOPHIE BAKER AWARDED SALON LANE FUTURE ENTREPRENEUR SCHOLARSHIP

Salon Lane, Australia’s leading workspace provider for independent hair, beauty and wellness professionals, has partnered with The French Beauty Academy to establish the Future Entrepreneur Scholarship, a program designed to support hair and beauty graduates towards sustainable business ownership.

Selected from a competitive cohort of graduating students, Sophie Baker, founder of SXPHIELASHES, is the first recipient of the scholarship. Sophie stood out in the application and interview process for her commercially-driven mind-set, the establishment of a client base, and strong digital presence. These qualities are increasingly essential in an industry where more than 70 percent of new clients discover services online.

While technical standards across beauty and hair education remain high, it is business capability, rather than technical skill, that is the strongest predictor of long-term success.

Recognising this industry reality, Salon Lane and The French Beauty Academy designed the new scholarship to create a direct pathway from education to entrepreneurship. It provides an emerging professional with access to structured mentoring, commercial training, community and professional infrastructure from day one. Its aim is to accelerate early-stage business success.

“What emerging professionals need is guidance, systems, and real world support,” said Jared Keen, Co-Founder and CEO of Salon Lane.

“Our partnership with The French Beauty Academy creates a bridge between education and entrepreneurship so graduates can launch with confidence.”

“Being awarded this scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful to Salon Lane and The French Beauty Academy for their support,” said Sophie. “Starting my business in this stunning work environment at Salon Lane, Teneriffe, that champions both creativity and long-term success is so exciting, and I can’t wait to share my journey.”

sxphielashesbeauty.gettimely.com and salonlane.com.au

To celebrate the 45th anniversary of OPI, the brand is delivering a love letter to the fans. The new collection OPIcons reimagines 24 of their most viral shades in fresh new ways. OPI has listened to the salon floor and created OPI’m A Bubble Bunny, a perfect blend of two cult favourite neutrals – Funny Bunny and Bubble Bath. Nail technicians have been layering these two shades for years to achieve an ideal milky pink finish. OPI’m A Bubble Bunny is also available in a limited edition set of OPI xPRESS/ONS.

The collection includes 12 Infinite Shine shades, featuring Kyoto Oyster, inspired by the globally-loved Kyoto Pearl, first launched in 1989

DYSON SUPERSONIC™ TRAVEL

Dyson has launched the Supersonic™ Travel hair dryer. It is 32 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter than the original Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer. The Supersonic™ Travel goes from home to hotel room, gym to airport lounge, weekend getaway to wellness retreat, for healthy hair drying on the go.

“We didn’t just shrink a dryer, we re-engineered it for travel,” said James Dyson, Founder and Chief Engineer.

“The Supersonic™ Travel delivers high-performance styling, while protecting hair from extreme heat. It is built for performance, portability, and hair health.” Excessive heat is one of the biggest causes of hair damage, and uncontrolled heat can weaken hair over time. The Dyson Supersonic™ Travel hair dryer has intelligent heat control that measures airflow temperature. This prevents heat damage, while its precisely engineered airflow dries hair quickly and evenly. Hair stays healthy and glossy.

The dryer is supported by travel-friendly formulas that protect and nourish hair in changing climates. Paired with the Dyson Omega™ leave-in conditioning spray mini, hair can be protected and replenished. The spray delivers deep nourishment, reduces frizz, and protects against humidity.

“We’re seeing a rise in low-maintenance, high-impact travel styles, like the air-sculpted wave,” said Irinel de Leon, Global Styling Ambassador. “Using the new Supersonic™ Travel dryer, you can create your preferred style with maximum shine. It’s perfect for humid destinations or dry cabin air, and the airflow precision helps lift roots while smoothing ends. It’s the kind of style that looks intentional but effortless, ideal for the modern traveller.”

www.dyson.com.au

THE HAIRDRESSER WHO CHANGED AUSTRALIAN SALONS FOREVER

Before Just Cuts became one of the biggest salon brands in the country, Denis McFadden was just a young hairdresser from Western Sydney chasing opportunity across the other side of the world.

When he left Australia in the late 1960s, he didn’t board a flight — he worked his passage on a liner and landed in London right as hairdressing was changing forever. Vidal Sassoon was redefining cutting. Twiggy was everywhere. London was loud, creative, rebellious and full of possibility.

Denis wasn’t standing on the sidelines. He was living it. When he eventually returned home, he brought back more than inspiration. He brought back a completely different way of thinking about hairdressing business.

Then came the moment that would change the Australian salon industry.

A spare Sydney salon lease in 1982. No appointments. Fixed pricing. Six-dollar haircuts. The queues stretched around the block. That simple but disruptive idea became Just Cuts — now more than 230 salons strong across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, with Canada next on the expansion list.

Long before convenience hairdressing became an accepted category, McFadden saw the gap and had the confidence to build something entirely different.

Now, the hairdressing pioneer is telling the full story in Just Cuts: The Power of Showing

Up — an honest, funny and surprisingly emotional look at the people, pivots and persistence behind one of the industry’s most recognisable brands.

Packed with iconic industry names, business lessons and moments that will resonate with salon owners and hairdressers alike, it’s part memoir, part industry time capsule. Heading to Hair Festival 2026? Denis will be there and would love to say hello.

TOGNINIS SALON DESIGN BY J.AR OFFICE SHORTLISTED

The Australian Interior Design Awards recognise outstanding work across residential, commercial and public sectors. The awards highlight the depth and calibre of Australian interior design. Now in its 23 rd year, the awards are widely regarded as the industry’s leading benchmark for excellence and innovation, celebrating Australian interior design nationally and internationally. The shortlist for the 2026 Australian Interior Design Awards has been announced. Togninis salon in Newstead, Queensland, designed by J.AR Office, has been selected in the Retail Design category. “It’s 3 pm on a Saturday, the phone is ringing off the hook, stylists are oscillating between blow-out sets, and Miss Thing just arrived 15 minutes late, requesting a full scalp bleach. Precision, durability and spatial efficiency allow Togninis to have new do’s out the door by 4:55 pm. Through an unabashed approach to economy and restraint, Togninis champions interior design as a catalyst for change. Not solely concerned with aesthetics, excellent interior design considers operational pragmatism, longevity, and the end-user experience,” said Jared Webb, Director, J.AR Office. Presented by the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media’s InteriorsAu, the 2026 shortlisted works reflect the continued evolution of the interior design industry, showcasing creativity, authenticity and thoughtful design. These projects offer a compelling and diverse narrative, reflective of the contemporary Australian interior landscape.

The winners will be announced on 5th June 2026 www.togninighair www.jaroffice.com www.design.org.au

CURLS, CONSIDERED

Mr. Smith luxury haircare has unveiled their new Curl Collection, four essentials designed for waves, curls, and coils. Featuring the Curl Shampoo, Curl Masque, Curl Enhancer, and Curl Lotion, this range is positioned at the intersection of care and styling. The products are formulated to support curl health, definition and form while enhancing overall manageability and finish.

“Curls don’t behave the same way every day, or on every individual,” said Freda Rossidis, Mr. Smith Creative Director and globally acclaimed hair stylist. “We wanted to create a collection that feels supportive rather than strict, products that adapt to the hair, instead of asking the hair to adapt.”

Infused in each product is the Mr. Smith Curl Complex, a signature blend of scientific ingredients and Australian botanicals. It’s designed to help curls feel softer, look more defined, and hold their shape with ease, even in the impact of humidity or the intensity of heat styling. The intention is simple: softer texture, easier manageability, and curls that feel naturally supported in all their forms. www.mr-smith.com.au

MODERN EVOLUTION OF A CULT FAVOURITE

NAK Hair made its start in Australia in 2003 . NAK Hair utilised salon floor expertise into its haircare. Success arose from a community of stylists and colourists, and a loyal clientele. From those very salon floors to shower shelves all over the globe, NAK Hair has grown with the support of that community, and it remains a brand born of passion for professional results.

This birthday, the brand turns the celebration back to the people who made it possible.

NAK is unveiling a limited-edition Replends Watermelon Conditioning Mist. It is the modern evolution of the brand’s cult favourite Replends Crème Leave-In Moisturiser. The lightweight mist is formulated to deliver nourishment, and soft, manageable hair that feels as good as it looks.

Replends Watermelon Conditioning Mist gives the hair a gentle, summery fragrance. It is designed to be hydrating, detangling, smoothing, and protective.

Proudly Australian born, NAK Hair prides itself in blending heritage with innovation, in listening to its community, and in refining great haircare. The launch of the Replends Watermelon Conditioning Mist is a celebration of 23 years in the industry. NAK Hair invites a new generation to experience the brand’s ethos in a vibrant, contemporary way. www.nakhair.com.au

Photographs by Jessie Prince

ELEVEN AUSTRALIA UNVEILS MIRACLE ELIXIR

ELEVEN Australia has unveiled its new Miracle Elixir. The Elixir is the latest addition to the ELEVEN Australia Miracle range. This lightweight treatment oil is designed for all hair types. It aims to deliver hair which is smooth and healthy-looking, without being weighed down.

Miracle Elixir combines antioxidant protection with advanced peptide technology to support stronger hair. It is formulated to reduce frizz, improve manageability, and prevent the appearance of split ends. It helps to shield hair during heat styling, even on colour-treated hair.

As well as peptides for strength and vitality, Miracle Elixir contains other high-performance ingredients. Marula oil nourishes and softens, and argan oil enhances shine.

Miracle Elixir promises smoothness, shine and heat protection in a lightweight oil.

www.elevenaustralia.au

MANE LAND 2026

MANE LAND 2026 was an immersive day-to-night experience, with the mission to bring together the brands and creatives shaping the future of hair, and savvy hair lovers from all over Australia and beyond.

More than 3,700 attendees, a blend of Hairdressers and consumers, thronged Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion during the ten hour event in April. It showcased global hair artistry, trends and techniques, with brands delivering engaging activations and experiences.

“The industry showed up in force, with real commitment, and an energy that was palpable. MANE LAND 2026 wasn’t just an event. It was a defining moment where leading brands, educators and the community came together like never before. We can’t wait to do it all again,” said Events Director Elli Julia.

The focus of the day was Mane Stage, the education hive for the event, featuring more than 60 Australian and International hair educators. TONI&GUY, celebrating 30 years in Australia, headlined the show, led by Efi Davies, and Cos Sakkas, named AHFA icon of the Year, supported by the TONI&GUY Australian Artistic Team. Engagement elevated the attendee experience, and gave brands an opportunity to showcase the value of professional haircare in a competitive market. Brands delivered interactive demonstrations, live styling sessions, personalised consultations, and hands-on product experiences.

On the forecourt, DJ decks and food trucks created a vibrant festival atmosphere which extended beyond the activation floor. On stage, the Schwarzkopf Professional show delivered one of the day’s most memorable moments with a surprise live set by Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, elevating the experience beyond a traditional industry event.

“MANE LAND surpassed every expectation – truly a ‘Hairchella’ like no other,” said David Mannah, M DIVISION CEO, of the success of the inaugural event.

The DHA Creator Stage was a major drawcard, where attendees could learn from some of the industry’s most influential content creators. Sessions focused on optimising digital presence and leveraging social media to build sustainable careers, reflecting the evolving landscape of the hair industry and the growing importance of online platforms.

MANE LAND 2026 sought to bridge the gap between the professional hair industry and the highly engaged, beauty-savvy consumer who is informed and invested in professional haircare.

LIBERTINE PARFUMERIE

Libertine Parfumerie is renowned for its curated portfolio of more than 60 luxury perfume and lifestyle houses from around the world. They have unveiled their Melbourne flagship on High Street in Armadale, a design-led boutique conceived by acclaimed Australian interior designer Tamsin Johnson.

“When the opportunity in Armadale became available, it felt like a natural fit,” said founder Nick Smart. “The area has a strong appreciation for quality, design and thoughtful retail experiences, which aligns beautifully with the Libertine approach to fragrance.”

Offering personal fragrance, home scent, bath and body, and design-led objects, the range brings together avant-garde makers and storied heritage brands within a thoughtfully considered retail environment.

In-store masterclasses provide an immersive gateway into the world of fine fragrance. Attend an intimate bridal masterclass, designed to guide the bride-to-be in selecting their signature wedding fragrance, or enjoy a private consultation for a personalised journey through the boutique’s hand-picked collections.

With a network of 13 boutiques across Australia and a comprehensive e-boutique, Libertine Parfumerie continues to refine the art of fragrance retail through curation, expertise and immersive design. www.libertineparfumerie.com.au

DAVINES EVOLUTION

Davines is the haircare brand founded in Parma, Italy in 1983 . It started as a research laboratory, producing high-end hair care products for renowned cosmetics companies worldwide. Davines is committed to preserving natural ecosystems. Starting in 2014 with a partnership with Slow Food, they have continued to support biodiversity. They are now moving to an even bolder goal of promoting not only the protection but the regeneration of natural ecosystems. Regenerative organic agriculture presents a pathway to reverse the damage done by intensive farming by using techniques that have the potential to restore soil health. Their iconic and best-selling Essential Haircare range has evolved. The new active ingredients are Regenerative Organic Certified™, which means they have been sourced from farms that practice regenerative organic agriculture, a holistic farming approach. The new products also have improved formulations, and new bio-circular packaging. The texture of the products has been fine tuned, especially the conditioners, to make them more fluid, while preserving a rich, refined, and perfectly balanced sensorial experience.

Dr Simon Jackson, Davines pharmacognosist, talked through the research and development behind the nine lines of Essential Haircare, sharing his expertise in fusing natural medicine with modern science at a launch of the evolved products at The Apartment, Centennial Hotel Sydney. MOMO / is moisturising, caring for dry or dehydrated hair. MINU / is colour protective. Its active ingredient is green coffee, protecting hair against fading and damage, and keeping colour vibrant.

NOUNOU / is nourishing for processed and brittle hair. LOVE SMOOTHING / is anti-frizz. Apple pulp extract contains carbohydrates that lock in moisture and smooth hair, as well as antioxidants that protect and keep it healthy. LOVE CURL / has Baobab pulp extract which also moisturises and smooths hair with antioxidants to protect and keep it healthy.

VOLU / is volumising for fine hair, detangling without weighing the hair down. MELU / delivers anti-breakage to damaged and long hair.

DEDE / is a delicate daily for all hair types, ideal for frequent use. DEDE / contains white hibiscus extract, which keeps hair resilient and healthy. SOLU / is clarifying, locking in moisture and shielding hair from dryness, damage, and breakage. www.world.davines.com

MOROCCANOIL X EUROVISION

Moroccanoil revolutionised the beauty industry with the original Moroccanoil Treatment, their star product made with argan oil. Now, as part of their ongoing partnership with the Eurovision Song Contest, they have brought out a special edition to showcase the festive, joyful inspiration of Eurovision. A reflection of the Contest’s glitz and glamour, this special edition spotlights the iconic Moroccanoil Treatment, with a glittery effect to encourage everyone to celebrate their talent, creativity, confidence, and individuality. au.moroccanoil.com

O&M FLEX & SHINE

O&M have launched a dynamic styling duo, designed to redefine how hair is finished. With Flexible Queenie and S-Spray ‘it’s not how you finish, it’s how you show up’.

Flexible Queenie is O&M’s first lightweight, flexible hairspray, offering a soft, reworkable hold that moves with the hair. It is designed to be antifrizz, with a weightless hold, brushable finish, and touchable texture.

It has been formulated using native Australian extracts Quandong and Lilly Pilly, known for their nourishing and protective properties. These ingredients help support hair health while styling. Flexible Queenie delivers control without stiffness, making it ideal for layered looks, waves, and everyday styling.

S-Spray is a dry shine spray that delivers instant radiance with a silky, grease-free finish. This lightweight formulation delivers a brilliant shine, frizz control, a silky finish, a gloss boost, and instant radiance. To achieve the weightless feel of S-Spray, O&M uses Camelina Oil, known for its high omega content.

Inspired by O&M Founder Jose Bryce Smith, Flex & Shine captures the dual energy of the modern woman, to be flexible when you need to and shine when it matters. “At O&M, we’re always thinking about how people actually wear their hair,” said Jose. “Today’s consumer wants versatility, flexibility when they need it and shine when it matters. Flexible Queenie and S-Spray were created to give you that balance, so you can customise your finish depending on how you want to show up.”

With this launch, O&M continues to build out its styling portfolio, addressing key gaps in flexibility and shine while strengthening its position in finishing essentials. The products are suitable for all hair types, and are designed to support a wide range of looks, from undone texture to polished, high-shine styles.

www.originalmineral.com.au

EXPO4BARBERS

Australia’s premier barbering event EXPO4BARBERS invigorated the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18th to 20th April. It united educators, global brands, and the industry’s rising talent across the happening in a fusion of education, competition, innovation, and culture. The highly-anticipated Barber Battle launched the weekend. It is the largest competition of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. There were over 1400 spectators at the Battle, which drew talent from across Australia and around the world. 150 contestants competed in the Apprentice, Senior, Old School, and New School divisions. The competition is a showcase of precision, creativity, and performance under pressure, with over $35,000 in prizes on offer. Battle Sponsors were Matsui, Tuft, Karma, Suavecito.

Two prestigious Most Valuable Barber Awards were presented. Keanu Potatau won a professional tool kit and an education experience with Josh O’Meara-Patel. Enele Niupalavu won the opportunity to attend the CT Barber Expo in the US, including flights and accommodation.

EXPO4BARBERS has a commitment to recognising talent, and creating global pathways for growth and success.

The Expo Floor was packed with over 70 leading brands featuring tools and grooming products, furniture and software, innovations and educational pathways. With live demonstrations, education, exclusive product launches, event-only discounts and interactive experiences and giveaways, attendees experienced the future of barbering. Education remained at the heart of EXPO4BARBERS, with a carefully curated program designed to deliver value at every level. Sessions were given on advanced cutting techniques and structured breakdowns; tool efficiency and product knowledge; and business growth, branding, and mindset.

Globally recognised educators including Josh O.P, CJ Da Barber, Jay Majors, and Mr Official ensured that the Australian industry remains connected to international standards and trends.

Beyond the stages, EXPO4BARBERS delivered an atmosphere defined by energy, engagement, and community. The over 2,750 attendees were treated to continuous giveaways and exclusive deals, VIP experiences and premium activations, and direct access to industry leaders and innovators.

EXPO4BARBERS has positioned itself as “no longer just an event—it’s a movement shaping the future of barbering”.

www.expo4barbers.com.au

WAHL PROFESSIONAL SENIOR 2.0 LAUNCH EVENT

Wahl Professional launched the Senior 2.0 at Wax Music Lounge in Melbourne in April.

The launch was hosted by Wahl in collaboration with Uppercut Deluxe. The event brought together barbers, educators and industry professionals for an evening of live education, entertainment, giveaways, goodies and merch. The Uppercut Deluxe team and Ambassadors were there, as well as Wahl Ambassador and Educator Charles Lomu.

Nasir Sobani, The Streets’ Barber, gave a live demonstration of the Senior 2.0, using his own apprentice as a model. The attendees crowded the stage to get a close look at Nasir’s work, and to ask questions.

The Senior 2.0 is designed to be the next evolution of one of the most iconic clippers in professional barbering. It combines the power and reliability of the Wahl Senior, with modern technology designed to elevate cutting performance.

It can switch between five click positions or be released for free-flow. This gives professionals greater flexibility and control when creating seamless fades and tapers.

“The Senior has been a trusted tool on barbers’ benches for generations, known for its power and reliability behind the chair,” said Shaun Geddes, Managing Director of Wahl Australia. “With Senior 2.0, we’ve taken everything professionals love about this iconic clipper and refined it for the modern craft. By listening closely to the needs of barbers today, we’ve evolved the design to deliver the strength, precision and control professionals rely on every day.

The clipper is designed for a wide range of cutting techniques including precision fading, tapering and bulk hair removal, making it a versatile tool for modern barbers.

“We’re proud to continue supporting the barbering community with tools that help them do their best work,” Shaun said. For more information visit au.wahl.com

KIN COSMETICS

KIN Cosmetics enters the Australian market with haircare that is both carefully considered for the professional, and refreshingly on-trend, writes Cameron Pine.

KIN Cosmetics Australia has developed a comprehensive range of products covering styling, treatment, care and colour.

The range includes KINACTIF, KINESSENCES, KINSTYLE, KINCOLOUR and KINGLOSS. The products have been created under the globally respected full salon service brand. With KIN Cosmetics, colour, haircare, styling, treatment, and sustainability intersect with a fully customisable range. The products are Spanish-engineered for long-lasting haircare for every hair type or concern.

The KIN Cosmetics Australia launch was held at the Sunsets Rooftop in Kangaroo Point in Queensland. Leading distributor Conceptual Brands ensured a coming together of influencers, media and hair lovers. The launch featured hair touch ups, scalp camera analysis, and an appreciation for the craft, teamed with the love for a hair journey beyond the norm.

Attendees heard from the Conceptual Brands team, including educators, Founder Penny Bebb, and Brand Ambassadors Taylah Jones and Sarah Van Daalen.

Each provided an unforgettable sensory experience, and got to the root of ‘why KIN and why now’. From salon to sole operator to consumer, guests took home their customised KIN prescription.

What sets KINactif apart in the Australian landscape is its ability to bridge the gap between treatmentdriven haircare and accessible luxury. KIN Cosmetics encompasses clinical and lifestyle branding. The formulations are sophisticated yet clean, drawing on highperformance actives and vegan-friendly compositions. The branding and in-salon experience remain synchronised, intuitive and elevated.

Each product is formulated with ingredients targeting specific hair and scalp concerns, from hydration and repair through to balance and protection.

For Australian hairdressers, this represents a powerful retail and backbar opportunity in a climate that is notoriously harsh on the hair. Exposure to UV, salt water and heat means clients are seeking products that actively improve the integrity of their hair over time.

All KIN Cosmetics products are 100 percent vegan, and the packaging is sustainable. The KINactif treatment boasts nine different lines that can be customised according to the needs of the client. They allow for an exclusive and completely transformational service for individual salons. The textures, fragrances and overall user experience elevate everyday haircare into something that is more personal. It is this duality of science and sensibility that gives KIN Cosmetics its competitive edge, and makes every client feel individually loved.

“Conceptual Brands is only 10 years young and we’ve really been working towards this major launch, gradually growing this full-service brand and I’m really proud of our whole team bringing this together,” said Conceptual Brands Founder, Penny Bebb. “What really drew us to KIN is the slow beauty movement and the fact it’s very focused on scalp health as well as hair health.”

“The feedback from hairdressers is they’ve never used anything like it, it really goes to the next level. Clients love the look, feel and honest ethos. Not only this, there are three colour ranges, which meet all the current demands that salons are looking for, right now from glossing to ammonia-free, we have it,” said Penny.

With the launch focused on imparting the true health benefits of KIN Cosmetics, the No.8 Scalp Balance and Wellbeing range was extensively demonstrated. This allowed attendees to leave more confident in the use of the product, as well as investing professionals with the ability to prescribe long-term solutions for their clients.

Beyond formulation, what truly elevates KIN Cosmetics as a brand is its intelligence and its scalp first philosophy. The whole range is 100 per cent vegan, rich in naturally derived ingredients, and backed by research and development. It gives the stylist the tools for true customisation, and a client experience that delights all the senses.

For more information visit www.kincosmetics.com.au and www.conceptualbrands.com.au

GOLDWELL CELEBRATION OF COLOR

Celebration of Color Powered by Goldwell was held in Sydney over two days from 15th to 16th March. This high energy event was experienced by over 300 stylists from Australia and New Zealand’s vibrant hairdressing community.

Celebration of Color is dedicated to creativity, innovation and connection, headlined by three internationally renowned Goldwell artists alongside Australia’s leading artistic talent. They delivered a powerful combination of live artistry, advanced education and creative inspiration.

The celebration included the fresh new Goldwell rebrand, a bold evolution of the brand’s identity that signals a new era of artistry and innovation. Attendees also received an exclusive preview of the 2026 product launches, including new Colorance Gloss Tones and LightDimensions product upgrades, designed to take colour services to the next level.

DAY ONE: GOLDWELL ARTISTS ON THE MAIN STAGE

Day One featured an impressive line-up of International and Australian Goldwell Artists at Illumina Sydney, highlighting emerging colour trends, advanced techniques and fashion-forward styling from a global and local perspective.

Among other Australian artists were Allanah Jade from Ella&Jade and Jools Purchase from Haus of Jools, both from Queensland, with Piet Pantano from Wild Life, Nathan Yazbek from Salon Yazbek, Shane Henning from Noddy’s on King, and Yoav Cohen from Cov Hair, all from NSW.

DAY TWO: BUSINESS BRILLIANCE AND COLLABORATIVE MASTERCLASSES

Day Two delivered an elevated education experience, beginning with an empowering workshop from Laura Higgins, a seven-figure business coach known for helping creative service providers grow with confidence. Laura shared practical, proven strategies designed to help stylists attract clients, increase revenue, and build businesses that support long-term freedom, fulfilment, and fun.

Orbe Hair in South Australia is celebrating 30 years of hairdressing, and Ida Tirimacco, Orbe’s Founder and Director, brought ten of her team to experience the event. “It’s been a great weekend.

It’s been an awesome way for team to be exposed to the highest calibre in our industry. Especially from being young apprentices, some that have only been in the industry for a year, to fresh seniors. It’s just been an awesome weekend. really, for them to be able to experience something that they don’t get enough of,” said Ida. “They’ve just now got an amazing standard or level to achieve. For us it’s really special. I’m bringing our team here and everyone’s absolutely loved it. Everyone’s had their own little thing of total creativity, something technical, the marketing, the discussions about apprentices interstate and overseas. This morning was awesome.”

MASTERCLASSES

The afternoon continued with a series of collaborative masterclasses, where the international Goldwell Artists partnered with leading Australian talent for immersive, technique-driven learning. The topics were Editorial Impact with Kylie Bussing from Kylie Bussing Hair, Boston, and Amanda Magistro from Salon Alm WA; Fantasy Unleashed with Casey Coleman from Chair Salon, Cardiff, and Ali Holmes from Wild Life; and Modern Brilliance with Kirby Lago from Pelo By Lago NSW, and Jack Mead from Jack & The Wolfe, Lymington UK. These collaborations showcased the power of shared artistry across continents, blending global innovation with Australian expertise to deliver some of the most anticipated education moments of the event.

Throughout the weekend, Celebration of Color 2026 fostered meaningful connection and community. Stylists from across the country gathered to share ideas, hone their skills and celebrate their passion for creativity, craftsmanship and the evolving future of hair.

“Powered by Goldwell, the Celebration of Color weekend is about levelling up the artistry of our industry, and this year truly raised the bar,” said Chris Hudson, General Manager of Kao Salon Division ANZ. “We were proud to showcase our rebrand and introduce the new era and future of Goldwell to our community. Seeing our international icons take the main stage with such impact, and collaborate so seamlessly with our local talent, was inspiring. The energy from our sold-out audience perfectly showcased the passion, creativity, and innovation that are driving and shaping the future of hairdressing in Australia and New Zealand.”

Powered by Goldwell Color, Celebration of Color 2026 delivered an unforgettable fusion of creativity, education and connection, inspiring stylists across the region and setting a powerful tone for the year ahead in colour artistry and salon success. For more information visit www.goldwell.com/en-au/home/

Shane HenningNoddy’s on King

Nathan Yazbek from Salon Yazbek

Yoav Cohen

Kirby Lago

AUSTRALIAN HAIR FASHION AWARDS 2026

The Australian Hair Fashion Awards returned in 2026 with a splendid Gala night at Sydney Town Hall in April.

More than 800 industry professionals attended the AHFA Awards, with Joint Presenting Partners Wella Professional and ghd, along with AHFA Principal Partner Seamless1, making the event’s commitment to craft, education and industry progression a reality.

Lyndal Salmon was named Australian Hairdresser of the Year, the second time she has won the prestigious award. Jaimee Smith of UKIYO Salon was named New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year.

A host of international talent lauded the winners, including Cos Sakkas, who was named Icon of the Year, and Errol Douglas MBE, named Global Hairdresser of the Year. Joining them in the revelries were Efi Davies, Kevin Murphy, Priscilla Valles, Suveen Sahib, Tom Smith, Amanda Baldwin, Mustafa Alan, and Pablo Kuemin, as well as many more renowned names from across the industry.

Two major runway presentations anchored the creative program. Wella Professionals and ghd enabled a dedicated creative vision to be brought to life on stage, with Hair Director Renya Xydis steering the artistic vision.

The second runway show was led by TONI&GUY Australia to mark its 30th anniversary here. It was guided by global icons Cos Sakkas and Efi Davies alongside the TONI&GUY Australia Creative Team. The runway delivered a stunning showcase of the brand’s enduring influence, combining retrospective with future-facing work.

From editorial imagery and avant-garde collections, to salon performance and product and tool design, the flair on display puts a spotlight on the depth and diversity of the industry.

This year, the Gala introduced balcony-style seating, designed to make the event more accessible, and to open the experience to a broader cross-section of the industry. The AHFA platform is committed to remaining inclusive, relevant and representative of the community it serves.

The award for Australian Hairdresser of the Year recognises an outstanding body of work, and a contribution that resonates beyond the stage, impacting peers, clients and the wider industry. The Australian Hair Fashion Awards also distinguishes the individuals and teams shaping the future of hairdressing, recognising excellence across creative, business, product and technical disciplines.

For more information visit www.australianhairfashionawards.com

AUSTRALIAN HAIR FASHION AWARDS 2026 WINNERS

CREATIVE CATEGORIES

AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Presented by ghd

Lyndal Salmon, BIBA Academy

AHFA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Presented by Wella Professional Jaimee Smith, UKIYO Salon

AHFA Icon of the Year 2026

Presented by M DIVISION

Cos Sakkas

AHFA Global Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Presented by Davroe

Errol Douglas MBE

AHFA Apprentice of the Year 2026

Presented by Aveda

Jake Pafumi, Helmet Hair Co.

AHFA Artistic Team of the Year 2026

Presented by K18

Hairhouse Creative Team

AHFA Creative Colourist of the Year 2026

Presented by ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

Jack Morton, TONI&GUY

AHFA Hair Shot of the Year 2026

Presented by Seamless1

Marilyn Guarino, BIBA Academy

AHFA Editorial Runway Stylist of the Year 2026

Presented by Schwarzkopf Professional

Richi Grisillo

AHFA Men’s Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Harrison Sansom, A.H Salon

AHFA Newcomer of the Year 2026

Presented by Dyson

Jelena Vasic, Joey Scandizzo Salon

AHFA Commercial Colourist of the Year 2026

Presented by O&M

Grace Kelly, Grace Kelly Hair

AHFA People’s Choice 2026

Gregson Gastar

STATE CATEGORIES

AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Nicole Kae, Nicole Kae

AHFA QLD Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Louise Graham, Fruition Hair

AHFA SA/TAS Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Maria Cotroneo, Zink The Element of Hair

AHFA VIC Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Presented by Floractive

James Morris, Biba Gertrude St

AHFA WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year 2026

Presented by OZDARE

Jaimme-Lee Hallgath, Salon Jaimmelee

BUSINESS CATEGORIES

AHFA Digital Influencer of the Year 2026

Presented by Natalie Anne Haircare

Ashleigh Bailey, Splendid Hair

AHFA Educator of the Year 2026

Presented by Rogue Beauty

Nicole Kae, Nicole Kae Education

AHFA Salon of the Year 2026

Presented by Alfaparf

Milano Professional Fruition Hair

PRODUCT CATEGORIES

AHFA Best New Colour Innovation 2026

Hylo

AHFA Best New Hair Care Product 2026

Alfaparf Semi Di Lino

Reconstruction

AHFA Best New Hair Styling Product 2026

Natalie Anne Slick and Smooth Balm

AHFA Best New Hair Tool 2026

Cloud Nine The Contouring Wide Iron

AHFA Best New Packaging and Design 2026

Dyson Chitosan Pre-Styling Cream and Post-Styling Serum Range

AHFA Best New Hair Essential 2026

Hylo Next Generation

Highlights

Lyndal Salmon BIBA - AHFA Hairdresser of the Year

Jaimee Smith UKIYO Salon - AHFA NZ Hairdresser of the Year

REDKEN GLOSS BOSS 2026

Redken has crowned the winners of the highly anticipated 2026 ANZ Gloss Boss Awards, following a high-energy day of education and a high-fashion runway competition, held at the iconic White Bay Power Station in Rozelle, Sydney.

REDKIN Gloss Boss Masterclass was held during the day. The panel of renowned Redken Pro judges shared their elite technical craft and creative insights using Shades EQ.

Leading the session were industry powerhouses Kaine Vakai, Sara Briscoe, Sheree Knobel, Michael Kelly, Diane Gorgievski, and Justin Pace.

Joining the local line-up were international guests Michelle Marshall, Redken Global Artist, and Brayden Pelletier, Director of Artistic Development, Redken US. They took a deep dive into the versatility and artistry of Shades EQ - the world’s number one demi-permanent hair colour.

The prestigious Gloss Boss Runway took place in the evening. Sixteen elite finalists had been flown in from across the country, and they competed across three categories: Blonde, Brunette, and Creative.

Following a rigorous judging process, Redken announced the 2026 Gloss Boss Champions. Jenna Iliou from Jenna Iliou Hair was the Blonde Category winner; Jennifer Good from Drake Auckland was the Brunette Category winner; and Chloe McDowell from Haven Hair won the Creative Category.

“From the technical mastery shared during the daytime Masterclass to the electric atmosphere of the runway at White Bay Power Station, this event was a true celebration of the Redken community,” said Anthony Palazzolo, Redken PR Communications Manager.

“The talent from our 16 finalists was world-class, and Jenna, Jennifer and Chloe truly embodied the Redken spirit of technical excellence and creative edge using Shades EQ.”

For more information visit ww.redken.com.au

Blonde Winner Jenna Iliou (middle) and Lara Woolley, Business and Education Development Director (far right).

Creative Winner, Chloe Mcdowell (middle) and Wes Van Tonder, PPD NZ Market Director (far right)

Brunnette Winner Jennifer Good (left) and Kelly Li, ANZ Redken Brand Director (far right)

AHIA 2026 FINALISTS

The ANZ Hair Industry Awards Creative finalists for 2026 have been announced.

The program continues to expand its impact across Australia and New Zealand, honouring visionary talent within the industry. This awards platform from Mocha Group also celebrates their enduring legacy as a driving force and trusted voice.

Finalists have been announced across 26 categories, including the prestigious AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year, AHIA Creative New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, and AHIA Creative International Hairdresser of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 AHIA Creative Gala, which will be held in the ICC Sydney Ballroom on Monday 29th June. The evening promises an atmosphere of red-carpet glamour and world-class production.

Entertainment will feature three live showcases from some of the most celebrated names in hair, each performance pushing the boundaries of artistry, technique and imagination.

Congratulations to all the 2026 AHIA finalists

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Presented by Mocha Group

Ann Marie Young, Jingles Hair Design

Danny Pato MNZM, D&M Hair Design

Jock Robson, Dharma

Kylie Hayes, Moha Hairdressing

Mana Dave, Blaze Hair

Michael Beel, Salute Hair Skin Spa

Sara Allsop, Dharma

Sarah McGuigan, Savvy Hair

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Presented by Mocha Group

Bernadette Beswick, Beswick Education Services

Bill Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair

Dee Parker Attwood, Wieselmann Salon

Paul James Graham, Paul & Paul Salon

Pauline McCabe, Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio

Scott Sloan, Sloans

Scan here for a full list of the finalists

Bernadette Beswick, 2025 AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year, will open the evening with a showcase sponsored by ELEVEN Australia, celebrating precision cutting, modern shape work and colour innovation.

Natalie Anne will return to the AHIA Creative stage with a performance of editorial artistry, modern glamour and raw creative energy, sponsored by Natalie Anne Haircare and supported by BKT Nanoplasty and Perlino Hair.

International guest Jean-Baptiste Santens will unveil a collection of avantgarde sculptural masterpieces that blur the line between hair, fashion and art.

The evening will also reveal the 2026 HOT SHOTS Team, the industry’s most exciting under-31 emerging talents, sponsored by Joico, Matsui, Gamma+ and Amazing Hair.

“When we launched the AHIA Creative Awards, we aimed to inspire the industry to dream big, push boundaries, and be seen,” said Linda Woodhead, founder of Mocha Group. “Witnessing an additional 30 percent growth in entries this year, and bringing this celebration to the ICC Sydney, is testament to the extraordinary creative talent within our industry. The standard of work, storytelling and imagination just keeps getting better.

Congratulations to all finalists!”

Entries were judged by a panel of international icons including Mark Leeson, Candy Shaw, Darren Ambrose, Jean Baptiste and Vivienne Mackinder, as well as international media including Janie Tongue, Independent Beauty Professional Magazine, Nicky Pope, Tribute Magazine, and Veronica Boodham, Salon Magazine Canada.

AHIA Creative 2026 Awards Gala will be held on Monday 29th June 2026 from 7pm to 12am at ICC Sydney. The Gala Awards Event ticket includes Red Carpet arrival, the awards, and the after party, and includes a 3 course a la carte dinner, a 5 hour drinks package of beer, wine and soft drinks, entertainment and more.

For more information visit www.mochagroup.com.au

Scott Sloan

Bill Tsiknaris

Bernadette Beswick

Danny Pato

Michael Beel

Dee Parker Attwood

O&M GROWTH & GLOW RETREAT 2026

A close-knit character-filled community, conversations that flowed effortlessly, product and service deep dives, and moments of genuine connection defined the unmistakable spirit at the O&M Growth & Glow Retreat 2026. Spread across three days, it was less like a conference and more like a collective mindset upgrade for creatives and business owners. We went front row at one of the industry’s biggest glow ups, writes Cameron Pine.

In an industry driven by speed, trends and a celebrated level of salon burnout, O&M’s philosophy has always felt refreshingly different. The brand’s mantra - to create clean, performance-focused products without the unnecessary extras - is garnering a greater number of salons and stylists who share a similar mindset. They’re curious, not afraid to back themselves and fiercely individual. Making changes like the new brand handle, away from Original & Mineral to O&M, the brand continues to do what many can’t, and that’s pivot.

Taking over the sprawling Sheraton Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast on 6th to 8th March, more than 140 O&M trend-aware creatives digested bite size sessions that didn’t leave them slouching in their chairs for

hours on end. Instead, they left feeling recharged, encouraged and enlightened. Ideas and stories were shared, about the realities of running a team, the current salon environment and managing staff in a constantly shifting industry. This intrinsic openness created an atmosphere that felt collaborative rather than competitive, a simple reminder that some of the best ideas in hairdressing still come from simply spending time together. This mindset is further verified by Jose Bryce Smith, the brand’s Founder, whose heartfelt disposition is more about listening and fixing problems and less about leading with ego. Such masterful moments are embedded in the brand’s slogan ‘Made for Originals’.

The schedule started with mornings of breathwork, meditation and yoga, and led into panels with ambassadors from across the country, and guest speakers from fashion, wellness, beauty, and human design. Why such a short, sharp program? Even Jose admits she stops listening after 45 minutes, so the entire schedule sat synergistically with the brand’s ethos of care. That care extended to not forcing attendees to be locked in a room for too long. It was a program as much about mindfulness as it was about levelling up at all levels in the business - the backroom, front of house, and the backbar, and most importantly of course, in the mind.

Jose shared her incredibly personal journey of the brand, born with a handful of retail product at its first Hair Expo in 2007, to a roadblock-filled decade that led to one of the biggest achievements – the launch of CØR Color in 2018. CØR Color revolutionised the industry by offering a cleaner alternative, and sparked what was tipped as the ‘clean colour movement’ - colour that was free of ammonia and the harmful dye chemical, PPD.

The first round of CØR Color had its challenges, but Jose has never backed down from her mission to prove that performance and colour are no longer competing ideas and can exist congruently, each strengthening the other. Her mission to uplift hairdressers’ image globally while advocating for the

Jaye Edwards, Lucas Di Oslo, Sheridan Rose Shaw, Jose Bryce Smith, Mary Alamine, John Pulitano, Jordan Doroschuk.

industry and providing high-performing, clean hair products, has led to a presence in over 20 countries in 2026. O&M has a significant hold on the industry, driven by its community of CØR.creators, and with a wide scope of salon users from solos to super salons where process, wellness and aesthetic are paramount. Jose’s gratitude for the brand’s ambassadors and the CØR. creators’ panellists Jaye Edwards, Lucas Di Oslo, Sheridan Shaw, Mary Alamine, John Pulitano and Jordan Doroschuk, was truly palpable. It highlighted the brand’s commitment to improving the lives and businesses of hairdressers, as well as its own development and global reach.

“We’ve had hundreds of people just this year approach us wanting to be part of the CØR.creators team, so we’re off to a great start. We’ve also got seven new USA CØR. creators joining us as part of our American launch. We’re working with some great people and it will be awesome to see some new faces at some of the events, and some new collaborations,” said Jose.

This significant support for independent education continues to set the standard with ambassadors like Jaye conducting 30 classes in the US in 2026, educating more than 1,300 people, while Amelia, also hit the road for a grand tour, while parenting. Other CØR.creators like Jordan Doroschuk, Carl Dawson, Dane Wakefield, and Charlie Gauci are actively involved in global education. Some creators will be attending the Made For Originals event in Croatia in October this year, the first of the modern educational event to go offshore, further solidifying the brand’s global commitment.

The pretty soft pink and burgundy packaging of the new PS Shampoo and Conditioner has also launched. They join the Balm and PS Spray for the ultimate in smoothing. In 2027, a completely new colour range Resistant Naturals will join the portfolio. From the successful Sunset Blondes launch this year to a smarter approach to salon life, O&M’s growing portfolio is proving that conscious ingredients and luxury performance don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

O&M’s notable increase in their own events began with the appointment of Luke Dean in 2024. Jose and Luke met with an agency to work with the brand. There, she received confirmation that Luke truly understood the ‘why’ behind O&M and O&M Pro.

“There were 12 people in the meeting I hadn’t met before, and Luke had only been with me maybe a couple of weeks. And I said, I’m really sorry the big 12-page

proposal looks great but I don’t want to do that. And they were like, what do you want to do? And I said, ‘I want to make the hairdresser the star’. Made For Originals was one of my first trademarks, because I used to go into salons and say I have an ammonia free colour, and they would say, ‘oh, ammonia free doesn’t work.’ I got fed up with that, so I did a whole campaign around the hairdresser as the hero and the importance of originality in the hairdressing industry,” Jose said.

Connecting with every single one of the Australian and international attendees in the room at the Growth & Glow Retreat was paramount, and who better to do it than long-time salon partner from Kundalini Hair in Canberra, Susie Dimov. A longtime friend of Jose and applauded for her

successful salon Canberra salon with her innovative systems and procedures, Susie had the audience’s full attention when she told them she got rid of her coffee machine in the salon.

“One of my biggest gripes with hairdressing is that we extend so much of ourselves and really, for me, my motto is that I want to create beautiful, wearable, healthy hair. And so my focus needs to be on that, so I just said to my clients, in order to provide you with a service that you’re accustomed to we want to focus on hair. And the coffee machine is taking up way too much time for my team. And they just said, that’s fine. They’ve since fallen in love with our signature tea station that they often help themselves to, and are asking to take home,” Susie said.

Kundalini salon assistants now also step up and do a lot of client colour, and a lot of conversation hit the floor around the role and structure with juniors doing a lot more than in previous years. “After COVID I realized I couldn’t maintain profitability without making some changes and one of my big things is educating the market and our consumers about different pricing and service options in the salon,” Susie said.

The transition of salon assistants to handle tasks like colour removal, allows senior staff to focus on technical work and increasing the salon’s profit margin. She also introduced a 12 percent Saturday surcharge which clients supported, and has reduced opening hours to 38 per week. A fierce commitment to client education and maintaining a structured service timeline, they also discussed the challenges of training apprentices and the success of their retail and treatment sales, with staff selling $1000 in treatments a week just by implementing improved structure.

Human Design by Samantha Healy explained the concept of personal maps that reveal individual strengths, weaknesses, and unique energy patterns across four personality types. 68 percent of people are Generators, while Projectors make up 22 percent. Manifestors are nine percent, with Reflectors only one percent. Generators and Manifestors are action-oriented, while Projectors excel at guiding others. Reflectors provide critical feedback. Samantha emphasised the importance of trusting one’s gut for Generators and Manifestors, waiting for invitations for Projectors, and informing others for Reflectors. A practical exercise involved participants discussing strategies for responding to a business challenge, and highlighting different approaches based on their human design type.

“Human Design talks about your strengths, your weaknesses, your purpose and how you move your energy, but what we’re going to talk about today is the most important aspects of it. So hopefully you go away with something really practical that you can understand and even apply in your life. What it also tells us is that we’re all different,” Samantha said.

The conversation covered the importance of rest and energy management, explaining that some need to exhaust their energy daily, while others need to conserve it. Practical advice included delegating tasks and ensuring work aligns with personal energy levels.

Sarah Di Lorenzo positioned her expertise on the importance of protein for hairdressers; its role in energy production, hormone balance, the immune system, bone health and mood regulation. The conversation also explored the benefits of protein bars, while cautioning against sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. Practical advice was shared on how to incorporate more protein into daily meals, emphasising the value of front-loading protein earlier in the day, and avoiding late-night eating. Two hairdressers then hit the stage to make two types of Sarah’s TV-celebrated protein balls, using the ingredients of her finest quality supplements.

“I wanted to show people how they can still eat a lot of food, be healthy and not gain weight. I have done so many recipes and diet plans for people with salons which are very protein focused.”

Onsite installs from partners Salon Snack Co, Molly Vie Anti Bleach Fashion, Three Warriors Tan and Sarah Di Lorenzo’s Protein Bars made it even easier for attendees to immerse themselves, to level up and take a few new ideas home.

No alcoholic drinks on the first night of conference was a brilliant addition so guests were fresh for the morning speakers. The gourmet food at the Sheraton was savoured, with barramundi, lamb oysters and prawns featured. The proteinpacked meals backed up the information shared throughout the program.

The Human Side of Building a Brand panel closed the Retreat formalities. Megan Ziems, founder of disruptive bridal fashion brand Grace Loves Lace, and Corbin Halliday, founder of Three Warriors spoke with Jose Bryce Smith about how they started their brands.

“I was so unwell when I was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) caused by toxin exposure, which forced me to stop using chemical heavy products,” Corbin said. “I was so unwell from memory loss and everything in between. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I lost my whole career in hairdressing and I had bills to pay.”

Megan can recount the moment she first saw a bride wear her creation and realised it could be a viable business. She shared the story of a particular store that rejected her creations, then later became one of her best supporters.

Like Jose, their personal struggles became a huge part of not only their journey, but also their product ethos and disruptive approach.

Looking to the future, O&M’s greatest strength will remain artists and product performance. The new colour product line is designed to provide superior coverage in time for its 2027 official launch. All the while the company is expanding its reach. CØR.creators continuing to travel to various regions from Australia and beyond, taking risks with international events including in the UK, Ireland, the US, Croatia, New Zealand, and Europe. O&M unfailingly supports its CØR.creators, and provides them with the resources they need to not just succeed but Glow & Grow together.

For more information visit www.originalmineral.com.au

Fiona Williams, Gary Prigge, Emily Camilleri, Jose Bryce Smith, Signe Ögren Kull, Wayne Lewis.

Jose Bryce Smith, Trish Spessa, Cameron Pine

AVEDA OWNERS FORUM 2026

The Aveda Owners Forum 2026 held in Sydney on 16 March landed with clarity and conviction, with the heartfelt Aveda community at its core, writes Cameron Pine.

The Aveda philosophy is an approach rooted in belief that beauty and business are inseparable. Long before sustainability became a marketing term, Aveda built its hairdressing identity around caring for people and the planet. It was founded with a mission to create high performance plant-based products for professionals. All pillars of education, retail, team culture and client experience moved in

synchronicity. Aveda builds a framework for personal journeys, with an approach that doesn’t compromise the planet, people or performance. Their education model, from foundational training through to advanced business programs empowers salons to think creatively and strategically.

Throughout the Forum, education remained a cornerstone. From empowerment to step-by-step instruction, speakers and educators moved beyond the ‘how-to’ and into the ‘why now’.

They challenged attendees to interrogate their habits, leadership styles and longterm vision.

Aveda Brand General Manager Corinne Duffy opened by discussing Aveda’s significant growth in social engagement. Salon exclusive innovations have continued to drive sales and salon loyalty between appointments. The advanced Botanical Kinetics range set the tone for a day of growth and success. Earth Month initiatives include a new limited-edition

candle benefiting Charity Water, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the cause.

“We’ve really seen colour accelerate, and hopefully you’re seeing healthy business growth as well, because our colour category is up 4 3 percent and is an increasing share of our brand,” Corinne said. “And I know a lot of you are excited about this – we have the exclusive 500ml size bottles just for you, and these remain the best value of anything that you can get from Aveda.”

Consumers with curls are forever searching for the ultimate products, and not surprisingly Aveda has remained a clear leader in the curl space. The Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer sits as the number one seller in the industry in the styling category. It boasts product loyalty among repeat buyers. On top of product performance, Aveda has seen a significant increase in social engagement.

Building up excitement among the network for the upcoming Artist’s retreat from 17th to 19th August this year, and celebrating a milestone 50 years of Congress in Minneapolis in August 2027, Aveda have plenty to look forward to among the loyal professional salon network.

There was a focus on the importance of a 360-degree approach to retail, an emphasis on visual communication, product assortment maximisation, and education for team members. For Aveda, retail growth correlates with customer retention. Repeat services and add-ons potentially increase annual revenue by nearly $60,000 for some salons.

The digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with clients discovering brands through various platforms, highlighting the need for consistent messaging across all touchpoints. In addition, the non-linear

journey of today’s client is helped along by creative recommendations, and service is a key stronghold for Aveda partner salons’ loyalty.

Nicole Healy, Melbourne hair blogger and owner of Social Salon School, went beyond social media metrics into a masterclass dedicated to creating content with a difference. Nicole shared her personal journey as a hairdresser, and as one of the only people teaching social media for hairdressers 10 years ago.

From updating salon websites and social profiles to include clear niche specialties and evergreen keywords, Nicole’s aim was for digestible, step-by-step content. “You need to make sure your social media strategies are created around what the client is looking for and not just posting for the sake of it, plus what you’re posting online must match up with your keyword searches. This way you’re making content that has context behind it,” Nicole said.

Optimising social media strategies for business came to the fore. There was an emphasis on the effectiveness of voiceovers and carousels over reels, with a recommended posting time of early morning. “Stay consistent with highquality content, including educational videos and transformations,” Nicole said. “Additionally, ensuring all digital platforms are updated and linked correctly will enhance visibility and bookings.”

Data shows 64 percent of Australian female beauty consumers use Facebook daily and 53 percent use Instagram daily. Nicole stressed expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness, along with the need for detailed service listings, staff bios, and reviews. The importance of instant booking options and timely responses to reviews cannot be

underestimated. The goal is to be findable, credible, and available to attract clients in the flooded digital landscape. “There is a 75 percent increase in video listings in Google, which highlights the opportunity for salons to use video content to engage,” Nicole said.

Owner of Frankie Salon in South Yarra Pete Dunn presented ‘Profit is Power,’ sharing his story of vulnerability from successful salon owner being approached by Mecca to have his brand in the number one retail store in Melbourne, to how he continues to thrive with an engaged salon team.

“I thought that we had this amazing company that Mecca came knocking on my door and wanted me to be the salon in Bourke Street in Melbourne, the biggest beauty supplier in the world, but it turned out to be a very big lesson that I wasn’t making money,” Pete said. “My fear is if we don’t change as an industry there won’t be a salon culture anymore. There will just be a salon, a solo booth and nothing to drive excitement to our industry,” Pete said. “I have been with Aveda pretty much my whole career. I love Aveda, my team loves Aveda and I’ve been with them for more than 23 years.”

After this failed partnership with Mecca, Pete invested in business education and introduced an add-on system which incentivises upselling services and retail products for his team which has led to an increase in add-on revenue from $178,000 in 2024 to $281,000 in 2025. His salon also saw a 10 percent revenue growth without adding staff.

Frank Cannataro and Glenn Tucker

Frank Cannataro and Glenn Tucker presented Aveda Business College, a benchmark and revenue-based business course. Launched 12 years ago, it has brought great success to both of their salons. Glenn and Frank are bringing Business College around the country this year.

“Aveda Business College is not just elevating business experience but also elevating pay cheque for your salon and staff,” Frank said. Frank and Glenn position themselves firmly within the wider world of Aveda, existing as the brand’s sharpest expression of what modern salon ownership now demands - clarity, accountability and a redefinition of success that goes far beyond the chair. Less classroom, more recalibration, Aveda Business College is where creative businesses are asked to think like businesses first, without losing the soul that built them. Conversations moved quickly from inspiration to

Produce one high-quality repurposable video asset such as an Instagram reel, and distribute it across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and embed it on the website to maximise discovery.”

TEAM SPARRO

implementation. Pricing strategies, team performance, retail behaviours, client retention were all unpacked with a level of honesty that doesn’t always surface on the salon floor.

“Who loves a team huddle? A huddle a day is a simple, high impact activity that gets team members thinking about how they can elevate the guest experience and create more revenue for themselves and the salon. It’s our time to check in, set the tone for the day, and imagine what’s possible. It’s a true win for the team guests and salon,” Glenn said. “We like to start by sharing salon announcements and getting the team focused on the priorities for the day, then team updates and celebrations from the previous day come into play.” Glenn used active examples on how to better engage the team with the Aveda culture.

Sparro is an independent Australian digital marketing agency that specialises in data-driven campaigns. They uncovered the changing landscape of search and how a salon needs to be seen to be booked, with a segment titled ‘From Search to Salon Chair - winning online in 2026’. “Produce one high-quality repurposable video asset such as an Instagram reel, and distribute it across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and embed it on the website to maximise discovery,” Team Sparro said. “Block five to 15 minutes daily for staff to read and reply to all reviews, positive and negative, and follow up to resolve issues where possible,” they said.

Angelo Russo is the owner of Oxygen Salon. He shared his journey at the helm of one of the largest salons in the UK that he runs from Australia. Running remotely sounds impossible, but Angelo spoke about his journey and team engagement with key advice on how to build a salon brand and thrive no matter where you are. Long before ‘wellness’ became industry shorthand, Russo positioned Oxygen

as something more immersive than a traditional hair space. His Beaconsfield flagship was designed not just for service, but for journey, a deliberate flow from light-filled cutting zones through to darker, cocooned backwash areas and into a spa environment that invites pause.

Guided meditations focusing on breathing techniques and body awareness enhanced communication and leadership skills throughout the day. Participants were instructed to sit tall, close their eyes, imagining the release of pressure through their bodies. This led to the emphasis on importance of intentional speech, suggesting that strong leaders speak with clarity and purpose and take the time to breathe and listen in order to flourish.

To close the day, a summary from Corinne Duffy reiterated Aveda’s mission of wellness as a core part, with everything they do centred around a human touch. From the importance of innovation and the significance of social media engagement, to the alignment with Charity Water and the launch of monthly initiatives, staff confidence and ease in selling retail remain the cornerstone of being an Aveda salon. While the landscape is changing, being present, both personally and with the team as well as across multiple platforms, is the key to longevity. It encourages all salon staff to reflect on key trigger points for sales, and to implement them in their businesses. It distils what the brand has long stood for: a meeting point of purpose, performance and people. Across the sessions the message was clear: modern salon success is no longer defined by technical excellence alone, but by leadership, culture and the ability to build businesses that are both profitable and values-driven. From grounded financial frameworks to elevated client experience strategies, Aveda harnesses this intelligent, holistic way of operating. For more information visit www.aveda.com.au

PARTY AFTER THE

From left: Amika wears Tokyo Foxtrot dress, Joe wears stylists own, Monique wears Sass and Bide dress.

The After Party encapsulates the high-energy and versatility of professional haircare and styling brand, PUMP Haircare. From sport-luxe to evolution of the everyday, gorgeous glam to lived-in allure – we invite you to think elevated texture, undone movement and style that lasts long after the daily grind. Designed to take hair from the spotlight to the afters, Pump Haircare proves that true styling power is not just about the entrance, but the unforgettable afters. Modern, confident and unapologetically bold, Pump Haircare is the ultimate backstage essential for those who know that style always starts with great hair.

Zara fur coat

Zara satin backless gown

Joe wears own jacket, Amika wears Zara vest and pants

Zara sequin top, Cotton On Jeans, Ruby glasses

WIZDOM WESTLAKE X PUMP HAIRCARE

Wizdom Westlake from Pump Haircare took himself from brand development to the tools to reimagine your best hair from day to night – think glossy, weightless, visibly transformed hair that truly encapsulates the Pump haircare brand.

DEFINE WHAT THE PUMP HAIRCARE BRAND MEANS FROM AN EDITORIAL STANDPOINT?

Pump gives me the tools I need to work confidently with whatever the brief calls for. On this shoot I created 6 looks across three models, and Pump gave me the confidence to create without hesitation. What I love professionally is the layering. Purpose-built products for each hair type, but designed to work together. I’ve seen ranges fight each other and you end up with horrible flaking when formulas clash. With Pump, everything plays nicely.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT THE SHOOT CONCEPT?

So many hair brands are chasing a high-brow aesthetic that feels untouchable. For me, Pump represents the everyday woman. They’re bold, approachable whilst delivering absolute performance, and this shoot leaned into that beautifully. That balance is rare and exactly what the professional haircare industry in Australia needs right now.

WHAT WERE YOUR GO-TO PUMP PRODUCTS ON THE SHOOT?

On a shoot, prep is everything. The Full Volume Volumizing Spray is a game changer. Spray it on, dry it in. It expands the shaft and gives the hair real guts. Light, but buildable. I used it on both models.

For Tamika’s first look, I reached for the Curly Girl 2-1 Soft Curl Gel, and Spring Back Curl Spray as I really wanted to work with her natural texture.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERALL VIBE OF THE SHOOT?

Chic, elevated but approachable. Which, honestly, is exactly how I’d describe Pump as a brand.

WHERE DOES PUMP HAIRCARE LOOK FOR INSPIRATION?

Real women. Pump isn’t designing for some idealised version of beauty. They’re designing for women to embrace themselves exactly as they are.

IF YOU COULD PICK JUST ONE PUMP PRODUCT TO USE DAILY, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

The Leave-In Hydrate Cream. Every single time. It’s perfect for coarse hair as a base before smoothing products, or use it on fine hair as a lightweight styling cream.It also gives the most beautiful shine, tames frizz, blocks humidity, and never feels greasy in the slightest.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT COLLABORATING ON AN EDITORIAL SHOOT?

Getting to put a professional lens on products I genuinely rate. Editorial is where you really test a brand. Anything can happen on the day. Briefs can change, hair doesn’t cooperate, things run over, and you need products that can keep up. Pump kept up.

WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE SHOOT DAY?

It was amazing to work alongside such a talented group of creatives and be immersed in such a genuine brand. One that has the performance to move through six different looks on a shoot day without missing a beat. That confidence is everything on set.

EVERYDAY APPROACHABLE STYLING.

Wizdom Westlake

WELCOME. WELCOME TO HAIR FESTIVAL 2026 — BIGGER, BOLDER AND MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER BEFORE.

In June each year our industry arrives at Darling Harbour with renewed energy, creativity and purpose, but this year feels especially significant, celebrating five years of an event we started from the ground up to give the industry a platform for everyone to enjoy no matter what your level in hair. With an expanded hall space, more exhibiting brands than ever and a diverse education line-up that reflects every corner of our industry, not just the elite, Hair Festival continues to cement itself as the meeting place for Australian hairdressers, barbers, salon owners, creatives and those looking for our industry’s true culture year after year.

What began as a celebration of connection and craft has evolved into a true industry movement that expects more than 8,000 visitors in 2026. The continued growth of Hair Festival is a reflection of the strength of our professional community, their resilience, innovation and a continual willingness to evolve. From emerging brands to global leaders, from first-year apprentices to some of the most respected names in hair, this event brings everyone together under one roof with a shared passion for creativity and business.

There’s a unique energy to Darling Harbour during Hair Festival weekend, it’s where ideas are exchanged, careers are shaped, trends are born, relationships are strengthened and where Wonderland – the Party of the Year unfolds. Whether you’re here to discover new products, invest in education, build your business or simply reconnect with your industry peers, Hair Festival offers something meaningful for you.

As the industry continues to navigate rapid change, technology integration and online support, one thing remains certain - our community thrives when we come together. That spirit of collaboration, inspiration and momentum is exactly why Hair Festival continues to grow every single year.

Thank you for being part of Hair Festival 2026 - from the entire Hair Festival team that work tirelessly at all hours to bring you this multi-faceted event, we can’t wait to welcome you!

SHOP, LEARN, COMPETE and CONNECT like only Hair Festival knows how.

The Hair Festival Team

MEET THE HAIR FESTIVAL TEAM…

SAMANTHA EWART National Sales Manager INSTYLE, Styleicons & Hair Festival

DESSIE DELA ROSA Senior Event Coordinator

JOANNE COWAN National Sales Director INSTYLE, Styleicons & Hair Festival

BRITTANY HUGHES Marketing Manager

APPLE SOMONTINA Event Coordinator EILEEN STO DOMINGO Marketing and Social Media Coordinator

CHRISTINE GRACE RUTA Senior Marketing & Social Media Coordinator KATY BRACK Art Director INSTYLE, Styleicons & Hair Festival

KYLIE TRIPET Events Manager TAZLIN CANTRILL Hair Festival Coordinator

CAMERON PINE Editorial and Creative Director

RENITA COLLINS Group Director, Events and Marketing

THANKS TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

HEAR FROM OUR REALtalk SPEAKERS

LEARN WITH OUR EDUCATORS

Salon Snackco

WHERE IS IT?

FESTIVAL HUB, REAL talk, EDUCATION

AND COMPETITIONS

FESTIVAL HUB THE H UB | THE STAGE . THE EXCHANGE. | Business HUB Barber HUB

SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026 9:00AM - 5:00PM MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026 10:00AM - 4:00PM

ICC SYDNEY - HALL 1, 14 DARLING DRIVE, SYDNEY 2000

HUB

EDUCATION HUB Education Sessions REALtalk Business Forum HAIR The Movement

WELLNESS LOUNGE

GET THE OFFICIAL FESTIVAL APP

Exclusive to Hair Festival attendees, the official App is your go-to guide for the weekend. Access the app to plan your schedule, explore the full program, connect with fellow attendees, and stay up to date with all the latest Festival announcements, activations, competitions, and giveaways. All registered Hair Festival attendees will receive an email invitation with instructions to download and access the app prior to the event.

SHOP.

BARBER HUB

Designed for barbers, powered by expertise

Presented by Sonder Mens & BLAK Haircare

Showcasing the very best in barbering, the Barber HUB brings together a dynamic line-up of diverse educators leading skills, creativity and culture forward Barbering. At the Barber HUB you’ll find BLAK Haircare, plus premium education, offering a hands-on experience with the industry’s best. Designed as both a learning and a discovery destination, it is your go-to space to refine your skills, gain real-world insights and explore new opportunities for growth in the evolving barbering industry.

THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF WHAT’S NEW IN THE INDUSTRY

Welcome to the heartbeat of Hair Festival – where trends are born, brands unite and hairdressers and barbers combine to elevate their passion. Step inside the Festival HUB and immerse yourself in the latest product launches, major brand showcases, bite-sized education sessions across multiple stages and live activations designed to inspire, energise and elevate your craft. From fresh ideas to game-changing innovations, the Festival HUB is where the hair industry comes alive - all in one electric space. Best of all, registration is FREE and includes an exclusive Swag Bag filled with exciting offerings from leading industry suppliers.

KEY EVENT DETAILS

SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026 | 9AM – 5PM

MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026 | 10AM – 4PM ICC SYDNEY – HALLS 1 AND 2

BUSINESS HUB

For your business needs

Step into the Business HUB and connect directly with leading companies who can support every corner of your business journey. From payroll, insurance and accounting through to education, marketing, branding, AI and beyond, this is your one-stop destination for practical solutions and expert guidance.

THE STAGE. & THE EXCHANGE.

Two Stages. Double the Inspiration

THE STAGE. Powered by Fresha THE EXCHANGE. Powered by Maryana Beauty New in 2026, Hair Festival is bringing you two dynamic stages, THE STAGE. & THE EXCHANGE., delivering double the action and endless opportunities to learn, be inspired and get up close with industry talent. Across both spaces you’ll find bite-sized education sessions, live demonstrations, workshops, model showcases and the coveted Hair Festival Competitions. Both stages offer the perfect spot to soak up fresh ideas, sharpen your skills and enjoy free education all day long.

THE HUB

By INSTYLE & Styleicons

Centrally located in the Festival HUB, this will be the industry’s connection point. Ideal for meetings and networking plus information about all things Hair Festival. Buy a subscription to INSTYLE or renew your subscription. Check out the business management books available to purchase.

WELLNESS LOUNGE

Powered by Mindshiftr

Wellness is more than just a statement, it’s a culture of consciousness and vitality at the core of our Hair Festival community. Your wellness mindset fosters a sense of community we are all part of, for now and in the future. This is your sanctuary for mindful downtime. Meet Glenn Conley from Mindshiftr sponsor of the Wellness Lounge who will be in the lounge each day. Glenn will share with you insights into an alternative view of life and wellness.

SHOP. EXHIBITORS

Aloxxi - Stand 220

Aloxxi is making waves in Australia, and Hair Festival is the perfect opportunity for salon professionals to see why. The Luminexx™ Permanent Gel Cream Hair Colour, powered by advanced Surface Intelligence Technology, delivers vibrant, long-lasting colour, exceptional grey coverage and incredible shine. Formulated with skincare-grade ingredients, it helps protect the scalp while supporting long-term hair health. Aloxxi are also bringing their international leadership team alongside their Australian education team to share expert knowledge, hands-on support and real salon results. As a familyowned brand, committed to innovation, boutique service and empowering salons, If you’re ready for a smarter colour system, experience Aloxxi.

AMR Hair & Beauty - Stand 312

(Backbar, Barber Culture, Beauty Supply Co, Dumb Blonde, Hey Stacey, Kyoko, Polaris)

AMR is excited to return to the trade show floor after almost 10 years, bringing back the energy and excitement customers have been waiting for. Stand 312 will showcase a huge range of salon essentials and accessories, including brushes, combs, mirrors, scissors, towels, capes and trolleys — all at the competitive prices AMR is known for. They want visitors to discover professionalquality products without inflated price tags, while keeping the experience fun, busy and full of value. They are proud to be back and can’t wait to reconnect with the industry.

AMR Beauty Supplies - Stand 242

Harvest, Limitless, E18ghteen and Dyeverse will take centre stage at Stand 242, where visitors can explore the ranges through exclusive trade show offers and hands-on product experiences. Limited quantities of Harvest, Limitless and E18ghteen retail products will be available at heavily discounted pricing, giving attendees the chance to trial the brands firsthand. The stand will also showcase colour kits from Harvest, Limitless and Dyeverse, designed to introduce visitors to the performance and versatility of each range while discovering new and genuinely affordable salon solutions.

Ana Hair Care - Stand 283

Ana Hair Care is an Australian-made professional haircare brand founded on science, innovation and Brazilian hair expertise. Created by Ana, a Brazilian hairdresser with years of hands-on salon and formulation experience, the brand was born in Australia through laboratory research and real-world testing. Specialising in advanced smoothing and hair treatment technologies, our signature nanoplasty solutions combine cutting-edge cosmetic chemistry with high-performance results, delivering shine, softness and long-lasting hair alignment without compromising hair health. Proudly developed and produced in Australia, Ana Hair Care serves professionals who value quality, credibility and results backed by science and experience.

Artav - Stand 179

(Anti-Frizz, Colourance, ColourArt, Curly Boost, Daily, Hairfood, Ice Blonde, Intensive, LuminArt, Natural Look, Oasis, Purify, StyleArt, X-Ten)

Founded in 1954, Natural Look Australia is a third-generation South Australian company trusted globally, supplying more than 1,000 professional hair and beauty products to salons worldwide. At Hair Festival 2026, the brand will showcase its new Australiana Hair Food campaign, inspired by the natural beauty and restorative energy of the Adelaide Hills. Visitors will experience the Hair Food cleanse, condition and care collections within an immersive stand featuring earthy tones and natural textures. The stand will also showcase key salon ranges including Static Free, Ice Blonde, StyleArt and ColourArt.

BB Sleek - Stand 193

At BB Sleek, we’re more than just another haircare brand — we’re innovators, game changers and advocates for sleek, healthy hair every day. Their products are meticulously crafted to address specific hair concerns while infusing every strand with the nourishment it needs to thrive. Say goodbye to dull, lifeless hair and hello to smooth, healthy and shiny locks with BB Sleek.

Be Foils - Stand 224

Launched in 2020 Be Foils started as a pop-up hairdressing foil business after noticing limited suppliers and unnecessary distribution costs within Australia. As a hairdresser and salon owner, it was important to create a premium, cost-effective alternative by cutting out the middleman. Today, Be Foils ship directly to both the east and west coasts for faster delivery. Be Foils are fully recyclable and produced in sustainable, low-carbon emission factories, while the packaging is free from plastic and metallic coatings. Foils by Jessica Sain combines quality, durability, efficiency, sustainability and aesthetics in one premium salon solution.

bhave® - Stand 208

bhave was created by a hairdresser who understood the real challenge behind the chair: delivering exceptional results while building a sustainable, profitable business. Built in Australia, bhave is designed as a hybrid system, with fewer products that do more, giving hairdressers greater control over workflow, bespoke services and outcomes. From smoothing and repair to colour and care, bhave’s multi-functional systems allow salons to customise services, elevate quality and maximise profitability without added complexity. Science-led and education-driven, every formula is engineered to protect hair integrity while supporting long-term hair health and professional performance.

BKT - Stand 147

BKT is a salon professional haircare brand specialising in hair straightening treatments. Founder Leticia developed BKT nanoplasty alongside a range of aftercare products designed to deliver customisable results for all hair types. Vegan, cruelty-free and formaldehyde-free, the system is created to reduce frizz and smooth hair while prioritising sustainability and hair health. BKT aims to empower women through effective, confidenceboosting haircare while supporting salon success and long-term client relationships. The products are user-friendly, customisable, pleasantly fragranced and suitable for all hair types. Visit their stand to learn more.

Blondie - Stand 226

Blondie is a premium blonde toning shampoo designed to keep hair brighter, cooler and free from unwanted brassy tones. Infused with violet pigments, it gently neutralises yellow undertones while enhancing luminous blonde shades. Blondie not only tones but also helps revive dull blonde hair, restoring a radiant, salon-fresh glow. The nourishing formula leaves hair feeling soft, smooth and healthy while maintaining vibrant colour between salon visits. Perfect for natural blondes, highlights, bleached hair and extensions, Blondie keeps blonde hair bold, balanced and beautifully bright.

Busy at Work - BH 292

Busy at Work - The Apprenticeship Community is one of Australia’s largest apprenticeship support services providers, with decades of experience helping people build rewarding careers through apprenticeships and traineeships. They partner with businesses to develop skilled workforces and provide support across a wide range of qualifications and industries. Whether you’re exploring a career in hairdressing or looking to grow your salon team, they offer tailored guidance, sign-up support and ongoing mentoring to help create successful apprenticeship pathways.

By Allure Hair Extensions - Stand 252

The By Allure Hair Extensions booth is a professional destination for wholesalers, hairdressers, salon owners and industry stylists seeking premium hair extension solutions, specialised tools and high-performance salon products. They will showcase their luxury range of extensions, including tape-ins, clip-ins and wefts, alongside professional-grade accessories designed for flawless application and exceptional results. Attendees can also explore their stylist-focused care and maintenance products, plus accredited education programs offering advanced training in professional extension methods. The space reflects innovation, craftsmanship and industry excellence, creating opportunities for product sourcing, education and business growth.

Clever Curl - BH 289

Clever Curl is proud to support Enable Women Africa (EWA), a not-for-profit organisation working across Australia to address the deep-rooted impact of hair discrimination on Black girls and women. EWA is helping redefine professional hair standards, while the book ENOUGH: How One Woman’s Truth Became a Roadmap for Change encourages stylists to develop a deeper cultural understanding beyond technique, into trust, identity and lived experience. This partnership reflects Clever Curl’s commitment to inclusivity, representation and education within the industry. Visit the stand to connect, learn and celebrate the beauty of all textures.

Costaline Hair & Beauty Supplies – Stand 68

Costaline is a leading Australian supplier to the professional hair, barbering, and beauty industry. Based in Sydney, Costaline services salons, barbershops, and beauty professionals nationwide with a wide range of professional products, salon furniture, equipment, and exclusive brands. With a strong focus on innovation, industry trends, and customer relationships, Costaline continues to support professionals through quality products, reliable service, and a growing portfolio of internationally recognised and in-house brands.

Creative Skills Retail Council - BH 291

The Creative Skills Retail Council (CSRC) is the national business council for Australia’s professional hair, barber and makeup industry. Supporting the industry into a bold new era where creative skills, passion and purpose thrive, strengthening the sector and its people while delivering positive social impact. Industry-led and supported by impact partners, CSRC focuses on advocacy, business capability, workforce development, research, career pathways and skills recognition. As a modern not-forprofit, CSRC is committed to delivering meaningful change and giving back to members. Come and say hello at Hair Festival.

Dermapenworld - Stand 146

DermapenWorld™ revolutionised the industry a decade ago by inventing the world’s first automated microneedling treatment — the original and trusted Dermapen™. Since then, the brand has continued to raise the bar, delivering the gold standard in skin rejuvenation.

Dreame Technology Australia - Stand 210

Dreame Technology Australia empowers individuals to realise their beauty potential through advanced technological innovation. In 2025, Dreame surpassed 5 million units in annual deliveries, reinforcing its strong market leadership and continued growth. By combining high-performance engineering with advanced AI systems, Dreame develops professional-grade hair dryers and stylers designed to support hair health while delivering efficient results. Its technology helps reduce heat stress during drying and minimises styling damage, supporting long-term hair and scalp health. Each product is engineered for precision, efficiency and consistent, health-focused performance.

Dyson - Stand 145

Dyson has become a major force in the beauty industry, particularly with its innovative haircare tools. Known for its engineering-led design, Dyson creates high-performance products that help protect hair health while delivering salonquality results. The Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer offers fast drying with controlled airflow to reduce heat damage, while the Dyson Airwrap™ uses the Coanda effect to curl, smooth and volumise without extreme heat. Dyson’s Corrale™ straightener features flexing plates for greater control and less breakage, while the Dyson Airstrait™ straightens and dries hair simultaneously using only air.

Elite Cosmetics - Business HUB 303

Elite Cosmetics are an Australian-owned and operated hair cosmetics manufacturer based in Victoria, specialising in high-volume production of professional salon products. Their expertise includes peroxide cremes, shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments. Developed with a strong focus on the chemistry behind product performance and hair health. Passion - creating formulations that not only support exceptional colour results, but also enhance overall hair quality, condition, and manageability. With a commitment to consistency, innovation and manufacturing excellence, they work closely with brands and salons across Australia to deliver reliable, high-performing products at scale. Offering large-volume toll blending and white label solutions, helping businesses bring their own branded hair care ranges to market with confidence.

SHOP.

Elvies Studios – BH 302

Elvies Studios is a Melbourne-based hair and education studio specialising in textured, curly and Afro hair care, inclusive beauty services, and culturally informed hair education. Founded by Ella Rowe, the studio combines premium salon experiences with advocacy, training, and community empowerment. Elvies Studios is known for trauma-informed practices, anti-racism education within the hair industry, and championing hair as a form of identity, culture, and self-expression. Through services, workshops, and the “From Roots to Revolution” education platform, Elvies Studios supports clients, apprentices, and industry professionals to build confidence, cultural competency, and more inclusive salon environments across Australia.

Enable Women Africa sponsored by Ethical Brand Co/Clever Curl - BH 289

At Hair Festival Australia, Enable Women Africa (EWA) stands for more than representation — it is about reshaping how coilytextured hair is seen, understood and respected across the industry. Through advocacy, storytelling and community, EWA challenges the long-standing norms around what is considered “professional” hair. ENOUGH: How One Woman’s Truth Became a Roadmap for Change extends this mission by equipping stylists with deeper insight into the lived experiences behind coilytextured hair, moving beyond technique into trust, identity and cultural awareness. Together, EWA and ENOUGH encourage the industry to create spaces where every client feels seen, respected and valued.

E-One - Stand 72

E-One specialises in manufacturing and distributing professional tools, including hairdressing and pet grooming shears. Our commitment to excellence, innovation and customer support has helped establish a strong presence across the European and American markets. They welcome the opportunity to connect and look forward to building partnerships that support mutual growth and long-term success.

Expo4Barbers - Stand 96

The Expo4Barbers stand at Hair Festival this June will be a highenergy destination showcasing the future of barbering. Expect major giveaways, exclusive free merchandise drops and interactive games designed to engage and excite attendees. Visitors will also get a first look at our tailored education bootcamps, created for salons looking to elevate their teams. Throughout the event, attendees will have the chance to win epic prizes, including a trip to the Gold Coast for Expo4Barbers 2027. This is where community, education and opportunity come together.

FlagSalon - Stand 175

Transform your salon with FlagSalon. If your salon chairs are emptier than you’d like but high marketing costs are holding you back, FlagSalon offers affordable and effective digital marketing tailored specifically for hair salons. Their proven strategies leverage Google and local SEO to help position your salon as the go-to destination in your area — driving bookings without overspending on advertising. Rather than relying solely on social media visibility, FlagSalon focuses on measurable business growth and long-term results. Visit them at Hair Festival 2026 for exclusive show specials and discover how we can help your salon thrive.

Forest Spa - Stand 76

Forest Headspa brings the authentic Korean head spa experience to Australia, combining scalp wellness, beauty and business. Discover a complete head spa system featuring AI scalp analysis, premium scalp care products, luxurious Verspa shampoo chairs and handson training. More than just relaxation, Forest delivers a structured and profitable head spa model tailored for modern salons. Visit the stand to experience a live demonstration and learn how to transform your salon into a premium scalp spa destination.

Floractive - Stand 73

Floractive is a global professional haircare powerhouse operating across multiple international markets and firmly established in Australia since 2019, when it pioneered the introduction of nanoplasty to the local industry. As the brand that set the benchmark for this transformative methodology, Floractive has led the market through advanced education, rigorous safety standards and technical excellence. With a high-performance portfolio designed for modern salons, nanoplasty remains a key pillar of the business. Having trained more than 3,000 professionals and earned the trust of over 10,000 Australian salons, Floractive continues to lead through innovation and expertise.

Foxy Blondes - Stand 99

Since 2020, Foxy Blondes has been redefining the hairstyling experience with high-quality, stylish and reliable foils. Designed by hairdressers, for hairdressers, the brand balances functionality and creativity to help stylists work efficiently while expressing their artistry. From vibrant designs to salon essentials, Foxy Blondes prioritises durability, affordability and sustainability. Proudly Australian and embraced globally, the community-driven brand continues to thrive through innovation and collaboration. Whether in a busy salon or home studio, Foxy Blondes supports hairdressers every step of the way — one perfectly placed foil at a time.

Fresha - Stand 234

Fresha is a leading software platform for the hair, beauty and wellness industries, trusted by more than 130,000 businesses globally. The all-in-one platform combines seamless bookings, integrated payments and a dynamic marketplace, connecting clients with leading salons and spas in their area. Effortless, powerful and built for growth, Fresha helps businesses streamline operations, attract new clients and thrive in a competitive market.

Gamma+ - Stand 97

Gamma+ leads the professional barbering and hair tools industry through innovation and technology. More than 40 years ago, the brand set out to create high-performance hair tools designed for maximum creativity. Development, production and quality control are all managed within its Italian factory, ensuring exceptional craftsmanship and reliability. Entering the barbering category just five years ago, Gamma+ quickly made its mark with the launch of the Alpha Clipper and Hitter Trimmer. Today, the brand continues to lead with professional-grade clippers, trimmers and shavers designed to exceed expectations.

Guava Bay Premuim Silk - Stand 155

Founded in Australia by a professional hairdresser, Guava Bay Silk creates premium mulberry silk essentials designed to elevate everyday rituals. Specialising in high-quality 30 Momme silk, the brand combines beauty, wellness, and luxury through products that support healthier hair, smoother skin, and better sleep.

Trusted by salons and beauty professionals, Guava Bay Silk offers an elegant range including silk pillowcases, bonnets, eye masks, and accessories. With a refined, minimalist aesthetic and a strong focus on quality craftsmanship, the brand brings a modern, elevated approach to self-care while helping clients extend salonquality results beyond the chair.

ghd Professional - Stand 263

For more than 20 years, ghd has empowered women to have a good hair day, every day, through its range of transformative, awardwinning heat styling tools. Born in the salon and embraced by creative artists worldwide, ghd remains deeply connected to its professional hairdressing roots and recognises the vital role salons have played in building the cult beauty brand it is today. There’s a reason ghd continues to be Australia’s number one hair tool brand.

Global Scissors - Stand 216

Australian-owned and family-operated for 10 years, Global Scissors was founded by a barber with more than 30 years of experience in the hairdressing industry. The brand was created from the understanding that scissors are one of the most important and personal tools in a stylist’s kit. Global Scissors specialises in high-quality, affordable professional hairdressing and barber scissors crafted from premium Japanese metals. Backed by industry expertise and hands-on experience, the brand is committed to delivering performance, value and reliability — because they are not happy unless you are.

Gold Hair Collection - Stand 164

Gold Hair Collection is Australia’s largest hair topper retailer and is bringing its popular crown clip-in hair extensions to Hair Festival. Offering more than 30 shades, the human hair toppers can be coloured and styled just like natural hair. Designed to clip seamlessly over the crown, they help conceal regrowth, add volume, refresh colour and extend time between washes. Gold Hair Collection makes achieving fuller, fresher-looking hair quick, easy and natural-looking.

Guild Insurance - BH 300

Guild Insurance was launched in 1963 when Mr Alan A. Russell OBE met a distressed hairdresser facing legal action after a customer slipped and fell in her salon. Today, Guild Insurance remains dedicated to protecting the livelihoods of hairdressers across Australia. By understanding the unique challenges faced by salon professionals, their insurance policies are tailored specifically for hairdressers and business owners. With flexible coverage designed to evolve with your needs, you can focus on every cut, colour and style with confidence, knowing you’re protected while doing what you do best.

Hair Aid - Stand 19

Hair Aid is an Australian-based, 100% volunteer-run charity that believes a haircut can change a life. Through the power of hairdressing, the organisation helps restore dignity, confidence and hope to people experiencing hardship both locally and internationally. Its two core initiatives include Community Cuts, which provides free haircuts across Australia, and International Projects, where disadvantaged communities are trained in basic hairdressing and barbering skills to create sustainable income and long-term opportunities. Hair Aid is making a difference — one haircut at a time.

Hair and Beauty Kingdom - Stand 12 & 55

(Barber Marmara, Caliber, Cocco, Cree, Gummy, Immortal, Karma, Tuft)

Hair and Beauty Kingdom is an Australian family-owned and operated business striving to be the nation’s premier hair, beauty and barbering wholesaler. From the beginning, the company aimed to fill a gap in the market by providing affordable, highquality products paired with old-school customer service. Over time, Hair and Beauty Kingdom has grown from a promising start-up into a trusted industry partner known for reliability and service. Its mission is to deliver superior products at competitive prices while sourcing the best globally and maintaining an unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service.

Hair Wonderland - Stand 115

Hair Wonderland believes great hair has the power to transform confidence. As one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming hair extension brands, creating professional-grade tape and weft hair extensions designed for salons who refuse to compromise on quality is Hair Wonderland’s mantra. Give your clients the seamless, natural finish they deserve and be part of the movement that’s redefining what Australian hair extensions can be.

HairCo - Stand 92

HairCo Australia is a family-run wholesaler serving the hairdressing, barbering and beauty industries for more than 15 years. Backed by over 50 years of collective experience, the team offers the latest innovations, exclusive brands and exceptional customer service. With more than 10,000 products, same-day despatch and click-andcollect options, HairCo delivers a seamless shopping experience. The company is also the exclusive distributor of leading brands including JRL, Brazilian Bond Builder, Reuzel, Modern Pirate and Difiaba. Founded by Tony and Connie Alessi in 2005 and now operated by their sons, HairCo continues its legacy of quality and service.

Hairology Salon & Supplies - Stand 284

Hairology Salon & Supplies is a proudly established brand with more than 15 years of experience in the Australian hair industry. As a leading professional salon, specialising in Advanced Nano Matrix Keratin Treatments that deliver transformative, highperformance results, beyond salon services, Hairology is also a trusted wholesale supplier offering premium keratin systems and exclusive seaweed-based haircare products designed to nourish, repair and enhance shine. With a strong focus on quality, innovation and education, the brand has become a go-to destination for clients and industry professionals seeking exceptional results and reliable product solutions.

HeadSpa Solutions & HeadSpa Solutions AcademyStand 181

HeadSpa Solutions is proudly Australian-owned and operated, eliminating the language barriers, shipping delays and inconsistent quality often experienced when sourcing from overseas suppliers. As the exclusive distributor of premium Korean head spa brands across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, HeadSpa Solutions helps salons introduce luxurious scalp treatment services with ease. From products and equipment to training and support, HeadSpa Solutions simplifies every step of the setup process by acting as a single point of contact. Salons can quickly launch profitable head spa services while elevating the client experience and overall salon offering.

SHOP.

Heiniger - Stand 211

Power. Precision. Performance. Swiss. Introducing Shake It — the revolutionary non-aerosol dry shampoo designed to deliver effortless, professional results and set a new standard in haircare for 2026. Heiniger Australia is the official distributor of Shake It, bringing this innovative product to hair professionals nationwide. Alongside Shake It, Heiniger offers its premium range of Swissengineered clippers and trimmers, trusted for their precision, power and quiet performance. The company also distributes the award-winning Smash It styling paste, designed for versatile finishing and styling. For more than 75 years, Heiniger has led hair cutting innovation from the heart of Switzerland.

Indie Hair Academy - Stand 171

Supporting one of the industry’s fastest-growing movements, Indie Hair Academy is the home for independent hairdressers. The platform supports Australia’s solo operators with the structure, education and community they need to build sustainable businesses. From business foundations and compliance to salon setup, pricing, marketing and mindset, Indie Hair Academy provides a clear pathway from start-up to long-term success. Through its Business Academy and salon start-up solutions, the brand is helping reshape the narrative around independent hairdressing — proving solo can still mean structured, professional and profitable. Visit their stand at Hair Festival to learn more.

Inspire Brands - Stand 97

Inspire Brands is an Australian-owned company specialising in the development, importation and distribution of professional haircare brands. While operating within the beauty market, the company’s haircare portfolio is designed to be layered and multidimensional, reflecting the individuality of the people using the products. Inspire Brands prides itself on giving consumers options to create their own rituals around self-expression.

Joiken - Stand 202

Joiken is a family-owned and operated business based in Sydney, proudly serving the industry since 1986. Originally established as a local supplier to hairdressers, Joiken has grown into a leading manufacturer, importer and distributor of high-quality salon furniture, equipment and accessories. Known for its reliability and innovative solutions, Joiken partners with global brands such as Takara Belmont to bring world-class head spa products to Australia, alongside locally designed and manufactured equipment. With a strong focus on quality, value and customer satisfaction, Joiken continues to deliver tailored solutions for salons of all sizes and budgets.

justcuts - Stand 51

Meet Denis McFadden founder of justcuts. Denis is launching his book The Power of Showing Up. This is an honest, funny and surprisingly emotional look at the people, pivots and persistence behind one of the industry’s most recognisable brands. Packed with iconic industry names, business lessons and moments that will resonate with salon owners and hairdressers alike, it’s part memoir, part industry time capsule. Say hello to Denis at his stand.

K HeadSpa - Stand 172

K HeadSpa is a professional head spa brand specialising in systematic scalp-to-hair care solutions for salons and professional environments. Their structured three-step system focuses on scalp conditioning, wet hair repair and dry hair balance to support healthier hair from root to ends. By combining dedicated devices, professional techniques and performance-driven formulations, they help salons deliver efficient treatments and consistent results. K HeadSpa CryoKera technology is designed to stabilise and seal the hair surface through controlled lowtemperature care, improving durability and manageability. Developed for professional use, our solutions support scalable services, treatment customisation and reliable performance.

KalugaHair - Stand 70

KalugaHair is a premium hair manufacturing company specialising in 100% natural Russian donor hair. With more than 25 years of industry experience, the company has built one of the largest hair production networks across Europe and the Middle East. By owning its factories and retail stores, KalugaHair maintains control over every stage of production, from donor hair selection to final finishing. The brand is known for its Invisible Tape Extensions, hand-tied wefts, micro flat wefts and customised solutions for salons and distributors worldwide. KalugaHair partners with professionals across the GCC, Europe, the USA and Australia, delivering luxury-quality results and consistent supply.

KN10 - Stand 156

KN10 is a premium haircare brand designed to restore, strengthen and maintain overall hair health. The range combines highperformance botanical ingredients with science-backed formulations to target common concerns including dryness, breakage, thinning and scalp imbalance. Each product is created to deeply hydrate, repair damage and support stronger, healthierlooking hair from root to ends. Focused on long-term results, KN10 helps improve texture, shine and manageability while promoting a balanced scalp environment. Suitable for all hair types, the brand is designed to deliver soft, resilient and visibly healthier hair with every use.

Lavish Cosmetics - Stand 191

Lavish Cosmetics is redefining beauty with innovative, chemicalfree products designed to simplify everyday routines. The brand’s range of lash, brow and haircare essentials delivers effective results without harsh ingredients, making beauty both safe and effortless. Focused on enhancing natural beauty, Lavish Cosmetics combines high-performance formulas with nourishing ingredients to support healthier lashes, brows and hair. From brow perfection and lash enhancement to instantly fuller-looking hair, the brand offers easy-to-use solutions designed to elevate confidence and self-care.

Lil J Haircare - Stand 176

Lil J Haircare is an Australian-made, treatment-first haircare brand founded by Jason, a professional hairdresser with more than 20 years of salon experience. Lil J was created to rethink the traditional haircare routine, starting with targeted prewash treatments designed to support stronger, healthier and more balanced hair. Each range is formulated to address specific concerns, including volume, hydration and scalp support. Lil J formulas are naturally derived, vegan, cruelty-free and free from sulphates, parabens and silicones

Lin Shin Hair - Stand 254

At Lin Shin Hair, quality comes first. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Lin is known for providing premium hair extensions trusted by both clients and salons. Trained and qualified in Australia and China, she brings a strong understanding of global hair standards and techniques. Lin works closely with individual clients and professional salons across Melbourne, offering carefully selected, high-quality extensions. She personally visits suppliers to inspect and select each batch of hair, ensuring consistency, durability and beautiful results every time.

Lock Luxe Hair - Stand 221

Lock Luxe Hair is a premium hair extension manufacturer based in Indonesia, with production facilities in Cikarang and its main office in Jakarta. The company creates a refined range of human hair extensions, including Tip, Tape-In, Wefts, Halo and Ponytails, designed for seamless integration and natural-looking results. All hair is ethically sourced, with advanced research and development and strict quality control underpinning every product. Combining Indonesian craftsmanship with international luxury standards, Lock Luxe Hair delivers consistent quality to discerning global markets.

Masha Kis Studio – Stand 189

Founded by Russian mentor Mariia Kiseleva, Masha Kis Studio brings Australia a new vision of keratin bond extensions — shaped by Slavic craftsmanship and a deeper understanding of the emotional connection women have with their hair. Unlike the standard extension methods built around speed and visual transformation, the Slavic approach focuses on how hair truly lives with a woman — through regrowth, movement, scalp comfort, and long-term wearability. This concept is especially meaningful for women experiencing hair loss or postchemotherapy regrowth. Masha Kis Studio was established to educate a new generation of artists and share Slavic Extension Culture built on detail, safety, and craftsmanship — because higher-level technique creates higher-value clients, stronger demand, and significantly higher income.

Matsui Hair - Stand 104

Matsui Hair has been supporting hairdressers and barbers across Australia for over 25 years with professional tools they can rely on every day. Known best for premium Japanese steel scissors, Matsui Hair has a growing range of high-performance clippers and trimmers, professional hair foils, brushes and essential salon accessories. From apprentices starting out to seasoned pros refining their craft, Matsui offers dependable, great-value tools that deliver comfort, performance and consistency behind the chair. Matsui Hair is passionate about supporting the industry through education, community and products designed to make your work easier. Come and check out our full range and exclusive show specials at Stand 104.

Mr. Jones - Stand 218

Mr. Jones is a premium men’s grooming brand that balances luxury, class and quality. Proudly 100% Australian-owned and made, the brand combines native botanical extracts with Western science to create clean, high-performance formulations that support healthy skin, stronger hair and everyday confidence. The range is free from parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for even sensitive skin types. Designed for the modern man with classic values, Mr. Jones represents timeless style without compromise, delivering simple, effective grooming routines that leave men feeling clean, fresh and confident every day.

Nano Kare - Stand 194

At the Nano Kare stand, hair professionals will experience live demonstrations of their nanoplasty treatment, showcasing visible results in real time. Their team will educate visitors on the benefits of nanotechnology for hair smoothing, repair and long-lasting shine, while highlighting what sets Nano Kare nanoplasty apart from traditional treatments. They will connect with salon owners and stylists, answer questions and discuss how nanoplasty can elevate salon services and boost client satisfaction. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience the products firsthand, receive expert advice and explore partnership and wholesale opportunities with Nano Kare.

Osaka Scissors - Stand 157

Osaka Scissors are engineered for precision, balance and effortless cutting, and they are bringing them to life at Hair Festival 2026. Visit their stand to watch all day live demo cuts from two of Australia’s most in demand stylists, Ultrafade by Rich and Marco Bortoli, showcasing their skills, control and craftsmanship their tools deliver. Come meet the team, ask questions, get hands on with their tools and experience the difference for yourself. Stay for the energy, stay for the talent, and don’t miss your chance to win exclusive prizes throughout the day.

Phorest Salon Software - Stand 153

Phorest Salon Software was born on the salon floor and built to help owners and their teams thrive. Founded by CEO Ronan Perceval in Dublin, Ireland, in 2003, Phorest has partnered with salons, spas and clinics for more than two decades. Today, the platform supports 12,000 businesses and more than 155,000 hair and beauty professionals across ten global regions. Phorest’s technology integrates every aspect of salon management, including appointments, staff management, marketing, reporting and payments. By working closely with salon teams, Phorest continues to develop innovative solutions that improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and support business growth.

PinkChic Hair Care - Stand 222

PinkChic Hair Care is an Australian brand founded by Brazilian professionals — a cosmetic chemist and a qualified Australian hairdresser — blending science, salon expertise and real results. Its hero product, Liss Brazil nanoplasty, is a safe, one-step straightening system designed to deliver up to 100% straight hair across all hair types. Formaldehyde-free and free from harsh chemicals, the system is fully compliant with Australian cosmetic regulations, including TGA and AICIS requirements. PinkChic proudly supports small businesses with affordable, professionalgrade solutions, leading with transparency, performance and science-backed innovation.

Professional Use - Stand 94

Professional Use represents the pinnacle of luxury haircare in Australia, offering an exclusive range of premium haircare and styling tools. As the exclusive distributor, the full collection is available only through Professional Use. Discover Mizutani Scissors, handcrafted in Japan since 1921 using centuries-old craftsmanship and premium materials. Y.S.Park Professional offers brushes, combs and accessories designed by hairdressers and barbers for industry professionals, while Janeke brings more than 70 years of Italian expertise in innovative styling tools, including the iconic Superbrush. Join them for look-and-learn sessions and discover professional tools designed for exceptional performance and precision.

SHOP.

RIWA Appliance - Stand 219

Founded in the vibrant heart of Shanghai in 2012, RIWA has been dedicated to redefining hair styling through creativity and innovation. Specialising in hair appliances including straighteners, curlers, trimmers and shavers, the brand focuses on delivering reliable tools that make styling effortless and enjoyable. Recognised with the Red Dot Design Award, RIWA products are thoughtfully designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind, helping users achieve salon-quality results at home with ease and precision.

Salon & Co - Stand 69

Salon & Co was established to bring high-quality, affordable salon essentials to the hairdressing and barbering community. The brand offers a wide range of professional products, including Italian bleach, peroxide, foil and, more recently, salon furniture solutions. At Hair Festival, attendees will be able to explore the latest additions to the Salon & Co furniture range, including barber chairs, salon chairs, illuminated mirrors, stools and basins. Be sure to visit the stand and speak with the team to learn how Salon & Co can support your salon needs.

Salon Cosmetics - Stand 159

Community is a word synonymous with Danger Jones and Colortrak. The team at Salon Cosmetics is proud to bring these two passionate, artist-focused professional hair brands to Australia and Hair Festival. Danger Jones was founded by David and Alexis Thurston and, in less than a year, has become a haven for artists searching for their own colour asylum. Colortrak offers one of the industry’s largest ranges of professional hair tools for inspired artists seeking innovative and exciting colour tools to elevate their craft. Designed for creativity and performance, Colortrak products help hair professionals take their artistry to the next level.

Salon Pro Aus - Stand 262

Salon Pro Aus (SPA) is a boutique hair and beauty company supplying innovative and creative products to the professional industry. Founded by Simon Pitt, who brings more than 40 years of experience as a stylist and leader across sales, education and marketing, SPA is dedicated to elevating salon performance. By partnering with premium brands such as Goddess Haircare, featuring its patented dual peptide approach to hair protection, and Matter of Fact Skincare, SPA delivers high-quality, resultsdriven solutions for both hair and skin. SPA is committed to supporting salon partners with professional products that enhance the client experience and drive meaningful revenue growth.

Salon Snack Co - Stand 285

Founded by hairdresser Rachael Kitto, Salon Snack Co was created to elevate the everyday salon experience through thoughtful, beautifully packaged snacks designed specifically for hair and beauty spaces. Built by a stylist who understands the rhythm of the salon floor, the brand stands for care, convenience and intention, turning a simple snack into a memorable moment of indulgence. With a set-and-forget subscription model, Salon Snack Co removes the hassle of restocking, last-minute shopping trips, uninspiring options and food waste, helping salons consistently enhance the client experience. Visit the stand to explore the range and taste-test the salon-perfect snacks.

Sarah K - Stand 198

Sarah K Australia is a premium professional haircare brand specialising in advanced nanoplasty, hair Botox and highperformance hair treatments that deliver transformative results without compromising hair health. Focused on maintaining colour, strength and shine, the brand is trusted by hundreds of salons nationwide. Driven by innovation, safety and ethical standards, Sarah K Australia continues to develop professional solutions designed to support both salon performance and longterm hair integrity.

Savvy Style & Training - BH 290

Savvy Style & Training equips hairdressers with the confidence and skills to navigate real client conversations. Specialising in mental health awareness, healthy boundaries and practical inchair communication techniques, the training helps professionals respond appropriately when clients share more than just small talk. Designed to be real-world, evidence-based and immediately applicable in salon, the programs teach hairdressers how to support clients without overstepping, while also protecting their own wellbeing. Visit the stand to discover how Savvy Style & Training can help strengthen your skills, confidence and impact behind the chair.

Seamless1 - Stand 173

Seamless1 was born in Australia with a mission to empower stylists with better tools. Today, the brand’s homegrown innovation is trusted by salons around the world. Discover the full ecosystem of professional hair products, from haircare and extensions to styling tools and colour, all designed to deliver the reliability and high-performance results that have built the Seamless1 reputation.

Shampoo Boy - Stand 18

Shampoo Boy is a leading Australian distributor of premium Japanese professional haircare brands, bringing innovative salon solutions from Japan to the local market. The company specialises in advanced technologies including micro-bubble systems, high-performance hair colour, perms and Japanese treatment ranges designed to elevate salon results and enhance the client experience. At Hair Festival, Shampoo Boy will showcase a curated selection of Japanese products and equipment, alongside live demonstrations and expert insights into how these solutions can improve hair quality, elevate salon services and create new revenue opportunities.

Shortcuts Software - Stand 265

Shortcuts is Australia’s leading salon management software, trusted by hundreds of salons globally. The award-winning platform helps salon owners increase revenue, streamline operations and deliver exceptional client experiences. From intelligent online booking and Reserve with Google integration to automated marketing campaigns and comprehensive business analytics, Shortcuts provides the tools salons need to thrive in a competitive market. Backed by 24/7 phone support from real people and continuous innovation, Shortcuts empowers hair professionals to focus on what they do best — creating exceptional results for their clients.

Sonder Mens & Blak Haircare - Barber Hub

Sonder Academy is a fast-growing educational space offering oneon-one, group and online training. Blending precision barbering with contemporary men’s hairdressing, Sonder Academy delivers a range of in-person courses covering clipper control, fading, lining up, shape, anatomy, graduation and layering. Sonder Academy’s mission is to raise the standard of the Australian barbering industry through transformative education that empowers barbers and hairdressers with the confidence, knowledge and skills to elevate their craft.Blak Haircare was born from the vision of Ji Ratnagopal and Samuel Raffaele. As men’s hairstylists, Sam and Ji saw the need for a styling brand that could meet the diverse needs they faced in salon every day after years of struggling to find products that complemented every style and look they created.

Superior Hair Extensions - Stand 174

Superior Hair Extensions are more than just a hair extension brand — a global e-commerce powerhouse with 21 years of industry experience. Unlike many others, Superior Hair Extensions manufactures all elements surrounding hair, allowing them to deliver salon-quality extensions directly from their factory to consumers and salons worldwide. Proudly stocked in more than 3,000 salons across Australia and New Zealand, private label solutions are available with no minimum order quantities. Whether you’re an established salon or just starting out, tailor making solutions to suit your unique business needs is what is offered.

Sustainable Salons - Stand 223

Sustainable Salons is a for-purpose organisation that specialises in collecting up to 95% of salon waste and redirecting it through reuse, recycling and repurposing solutions. To date, more than 2.2 million kilograms of waste have been diverted through its network of 1,500 members. We also reward members for their recycling efforts with useful business savings and incentives, while 100% of recycling proceeds are donated to charitable organisations OzHarvest and KiwiHarvest to help feed those in need.

Thickin Hair Fibres - Stand 163

Transform the look of your hair in seconds with Thickin Hair Fibres — an innovative solution designed to instantly conceal thinning areas and boost visible density. These lightweight, electrostatically charged fibres cling seamlessly to existing strands, creating a fuller, natural-looking finish that blends undetectably. Perfect for everyday confidence or special occasions, Thickin Hair Fibres deliver immediate volume without mess or commitment. Simply shake on, style and go — no complicated routine required. Resistant to wind and light moisture, the fibres stay in place until washed out, helping you achieve thickerlooking hair with believable results every day.

Timely - Stand 188

For hair and beauty professionals, Timely is a booking and payments system designed to help you focus on your passion, not your admin. Beautifully manage your clients, business and daily operations all in one streamlined platform.

Vish - Stand 192

Designed by salon owners, for salon owners, Vish is the ultimate solution for modern salons seeking seamless colour management. The innovative app, combined with a smart Bluetooth scale, enables accurate formula tracking, inventory management and colour profit insights. Integrated with leading salon software platforms, Vish keeps essential information at your fingertips wherever you are.

Vybe AI - BH 293

What if the future of salon success wasn’t built on guesswork, burnout or chaos — but clarity? Vybe AI is a world-first innovation created exclusively for the hair industry, designed to transform how independent stylists and salon owners grow, manage and thrive. Unlike anything currently on the market, Vybe AI is built to support the future of the modern salon business. This Hair Festival weekend, step into what’s next for the industry and discover why the smartest operators will be vibing with Vybe AI.

Wahl - Stand 42

Wahl is a global brand founded more than 100 years ago in America by Leo Wahl and remains family-owned today. In 1919, Leo invented the first electromagnetic clipper and later introduced personal massage products that were first used in American barber shops. Wahl continues to focus on innovation, delivering high-quality personal grooming, self-care, pet grooming and professional barber and stylist products designed to stand the test of time.

Washi - Stand 20

Washi Scissors offers a versatile range designed for professionals who value comfort, precision and style. Featuring innovative swivel thumbs that rotate 180° or 360°, the scissors promote smoother movement and help reduce strain during long hours behind the chair. Crafted for ergonomic ease, they enhance control while minimising fatigue. Beyond performance, Washi Scissors brings creativity to your toolkit with a wide selection of stylish designs and vibrant colours. Combining functionality with fashion, the range delivers reliable, high-quality cutting performance while adding personality and enjoyment to everyday salon work.

XTEND Hair Extensions - Stand 264

XTEND Hair Extensions specialises in premium quality hair extensions designed to deliver seamless blends, luxurious volume, and confidence for every client. At hair Festival the signature range of shades, textures, and innovative extension methods trusted by stylists and salons will be showcased. As a passionate brand focused on education, quality, and creating hair that looks and feels natural, visitors can explore custom colour blends like Mocha Melt, while learning professional application techniques and salon opportunities. XTEND is more than hair extensions — it’s about empowering stylists and clients with beautiful, transformative results that elevate every look.

WELLNESS LOUNGE

Wellness is more than just a statement, it’s a culture of consciousness and vitality at the core of our Hair Festival community. Your wellness mindset fosters a sense of community we are all part of, for now and in the future. This is your sanctuary for mindful downtime. Meet Glenn Conley from Mindshiftr sponsor of the Wellness Lounge who will be in the lounge each day. Glenn will share with you insights into an alternative view of life and wellness.

LOCATED NEAR PARKSIDE 2 –EDUCATION SESSION ROOM

CHARGE YOUR WORTH, UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL LEARN.

The REALtalk Business Forum is where salon business strategy meets creativity. Built for salon and barber owners, managers and ambitious stylists, it’s your space to explore the business of hair – from marketing and client retention to leadership, sustainability and emerging trends. This year, we’re deep diving into the importance of charging your worth, having an e-commerce strategy, brand advocacy and talking all things exceptional client service. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, every REALtalk session delivers real insight, actionable strategies and honest conversations about what it takes to future-proof your salon. Expect fresh ideas, powerful connections and practical takeaways, plus a networking lunch to remember.

Don’t just run a salon – Charge Your Worth for a Stronger Future!

KEY EVENT DETAILS

SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026 | 9AM – 1PM

PARKSIDE 1

2026 REALtalk BUSINESS FORUM PROGRAM

8.30am – 9.00am Registration and coffee

9.00am – 9.05am Welcome to REALtalk Business Forum 2026

• Cameron Pine, Editorial and Creative Director, INSTYLE, Styleicons, Hair Festival

9.05am – 9.50am Actionable AI: More clients. Less effort

• James Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Programming, SMK Presented by SMK

9.50am – 10.20am Marketing your worth ‘How to stay booked out and cash in’

• Charmaine Schembri, International Business & Marketing Strategist, Mentor, International Speaker

10.20am – 10.55am Pricing your worth

• Aygun Sana, Head of Sales and Operations – AUS/NZ, Vish

• Jose Bryce Smith, Founder, O&M

• Sonia Tomas, Founder, The Salon Dr

• MJ, Founder, Floractive Australia

• Shakira Jade, Founder, Owner & Creative Director, Hair Candy Australia

Presented by Floractive, The Salon Dr., O&M, Vish, Hair Candy

10.55am – 11.10am Networking Morning Tea, Presented by Antiwrinkle Hair

11.10am – 11.30am The numbers behind a profitable salon

• Kate Slater, Business Advisor/CEO, Camtech & Slater Presented by Camtech & Slater

11.30am – 11.50am Building the salon of the future

• Chris Hunter, Willomina

• Hannah Jones, Key Account Manager, Fresha Presented by Fresha

11.50am – 12.25pm Realise your potential

• Mary Alamine, Ambassador, Royals Hair

• Mana Dave, Ambassador, Blaze Hair

• Helen Owens, Ambassador, Tigerlamb Salons

• Tracey Hughes, General Manager – Global HairCare, Dermapenworld

• Paul Dare, Ambassador, Dare Hair Presented by Dermapenworld

12.25pm – 1.00pm Your industry your future

• Sheridan Shaw, Representing Pivot Point; Creative Director, MAMAWEST

• Jane Barrett, CEO, Pivot Point

• Jessie Alice, Founder, EverCircle

• Alisha Jeram, Global Product Marketing Manager, Timely

• Fiona Beamish, CEO AHC Presented by Timely, Evercircle, Pivot Point, AHC

1.00pm – 1.05pm REALtalk recap

SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

REAL talk SPONSORS

• Cameron Pine, Editorial and Creative Director, INSTYLE, Styleicons, Hair Festival

1.05pm – 2.00pm Networking Lunch. Presented by Antiwrinkle Hair

Up to date program can be found at www.hairfestival.com.au/realtalk

REALtalk SPEAKERS

ACTIONABLE AI: MORE CLIENTS. LESS EFFORT

JAMES FITZGERALD Managing Director, SMK

James helps businesses make sense of how artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, client relationships and digital discovery. James translates complex AI trends into real-world opportunities, relevant on the salon and barber floor. At Hair Festival 2026, he shares a practical and forward-looking perspective on working smarter with AI while staying visible and competitive.

MARKETING YOUR WORTH ‘HOW TO STAY BOOKED OUT AND CASH IN’

CHARMAINE SCHEMBRI

International Business & Marketing Strategist

Charmaine is the Founder of Elevate Marketing + Communications. She works with beauty-based businesses, helping them increase profits and become fully booked. She’s partnered with over 500 businesses, helping them scale and achieve consistent success. Her handson, no-nonsense approach and extensive experience have made her a trusted expert in business growth.

THE NUMBERS BEHIND A PROFITABLE SALON

KATE SLATER

Business Advisor /CEO

Camtech & Slater

Kate Slater brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as CEO and Senior Client Manager. Kate is driven by a passion to help clients achieve their business and personal goals. She collaborates closely with clients to implement effective strategies that drive peak performance.

PRICING YOUR WORTH

BUILDING THE SALON OF THE FUTURE

YOUR INDUSTRY YOUR FUTURE

Aygun Sana

Chris Hunter

Mary Alamine

Shakira Jade

Hannah Jones

Mana Dave

Jose Bryce Smith

Helen Ownes

Sonia Tomas

Tracey Hughes

Jessie Alice Alisha Jeram

Sheridan Rose Shaw

Fiona Beamish

MJ

Paul Dare

Jane Barrett

EDUCATION SESSIONS

EDUCATION SESSIONS

LEVEL UP YOUR SKILLS

Education is where the future of hair is shaped. Hair Festival’s education sessions are more than just classes - they’re concentrated and immersive experiences designed to ignite creativity, sharpen technical excellence and push every hair professional to think bigger. From world-class hairdressers and barbers to visionary colourists, stylists and business leaders, the industry’s brightest talents come together to share ideas, trends, business opportunities and techniques defining the next era of hair. Each session blends high-impact creativity with practical skills techniques to help you take your craft to the next level.

KEY EVENT DETAILS

SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026 | 9AM – 5.30PM

MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026 | 8.30AM – 4PM

PARKSIDE 1, PARKSIDE 2, ROOM C2.2 & C2.3

SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

EDUCATION SPONSORS

DAY 1 | SUNDAY 28 JUNE

ROOM C2.2+C2.3

9.00am – 10.00am

BOOKED TO BANKED: THE 40K SALON REVENUE EXTENSION FOR SALON OWNERS

Your Educators: Ray Zahner, Emma Winen, Chloe Wilson Presented by Shortcuts and Showpony

12.00pm – 1.00pm BKT MASTERY

Your Educator: Leticia Prado Presented by BKT Beauty

1.30pm – 2.30pm

THE CONTROL SHIFT: FROM BUSY TO PROFITABLE

Your Educators: Sherri Ponisi, Sheridan Rose Shaw, Ayden Vakai Presented by Timely

3.00pm – 4.00pm THE POWER OF SHOWING UP

Your Educator: Denis McFadden Presented by justcuts

4.30pm – 5.30pm FROM ROOTS TO REVOLUTION

Your Educator: Ella Rowe Presented by Elvies Studios

DAY 1 | SUNDAY 28 JUNE

PARKSIDE 1

1.30pm – 2.30pm

BUILDING AN EXTENSION EMPIRE: MASTER THE TECHNIQUE. MULTIPLY YOUR INCOME

Your Educators: Shakira Jade, Ashlyn Savage, Milly Rose

Presented by Hair Candy Australia

3.30pm – 4.00pm

SESSION PRESENTED BY LAUREN MC COWAN & JULES TOGNINI

Your Educators: Lauren McCowan, Jules Tognini

Presented by Lauren McCowan & Jules Tognini

4.30pm – 5.30pm LOOK & LEARN WITH PHILIP WOLFF

Your Educator: Philip Wolff Presented by Matsui

PARKSIDE 2

9.00am – 10.00am THE EXTENSION EXPERIENCE

Your Educator: Sarah Emilia Presented by Seamless1

10.30am – 11.30am TRANSFORMATIVE BLONDES: SHAPE, DIMENSION

Your Educators: Tommy BealeBurchell, Grace Kelly

Presented by O&M

12.00pm – 1.00pm THE NEW LUXURY OF HAIR EXTENSIONS – 2026 EDITION

Your Educators: Naomi Panizza, Rachel Vitullo, Pete Thomsen, Kirby Lago Presented by Fringe Brands and Great Lengths 1.30pm - 2.30pm THE ART OF PLACEMENT

Your Educators: Louise Graham, Jordan Doroschuk Presented by O&M

3.00pm - 4.00pm BUILDING CLEAN MID FADES WITH INTENTION

Your Educator: Brittany Calzada Presented by Wahl Professional 4.30pm – 5.30pm METHOD + MINDSET

Your Educators: Olivia Thompson, Carolyn Gahan Presented by JOICO

DAY 2 | MONDAY 29

JUNE

11.30am – 1.30pm THE EMPOWERED INDIE

Your Educators: Angela Rose, Fiona Beamish, Rob Aubin, Katy Reeve, Jen Harwood, Amanda Thompson, Cheryelle King, Paul Frasca Presented by Indie Hair Academy 9.00am – 9.15am - FREE SESSION MINDFULLNESS AND HYPNOSIS

2

Your Educator: Glenn Conley Presented by Mindshiftr

9.30am – 10.30am

THE MIND BEHIND THE CHAIR

Your Educator: Glenn Conley Presented by Mindshiftr

11.00am – 12.00pm THE POWER OF SHOWING UP

Your Educator: Denis McFadden Presented by justcuts

12.30pm – 1.30pm

PRESTIGE COLOUR TRANSFORMATION: THE COLOUR KICK EFFECT

Presented by: Virtue Labs partnering with Stefan Hair Fashions

2.00pm – 3.00pm

CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE

Your Educators: Rob Szincsak & Luke Munn Presented by INSTYLE & Styleicons

WHERE EDUCATION BECOMES IMMERSION, AND CRAFT MEETS ITS NEXT EVOLUTION.

In 2026, two defining forces of the professional hair industry converge to create something more powerful. HAIR The Movement joins Hair Festival in a meeting of vision and velocity –an experience designed not just to educate, but to awaken.

Set within the iconic ICC Sydney, this one-day elevated education experience invites the industry into a space where technique is elevated, creativity is boundless, and the future of hairdressing is actively shaped. On Monday, June 29, from 8:30am to 5:00pm, the stage is set for a new era of learning, one that moves beyond the expected and into the extraordinary craft of hair.

At its core, HAIR The Movement is about rediscovery, a return to the artistry, the discipline, and the deeply human craft that defines hairdressing at its best. In collaboration with Hair Festival, this vision expands even greater, bringing together a global collective of leading artists and educators whose work doesn’t just follow trends, but redefines them. This is education reimagined: Immersive, intentional, and unapologetically high-level.

ABOUT HAIR THE MOVEMENT

Founded by legendary hairdressing visionary Sharon Blain, HAIR The Movement was born from a desire to restore depth, precision and creative integrity to industry education.

More than an event, it is a global collective, uniting artists who are committed to advancing technical excellence while nurturing the creative spirit. It is here that knowledge is shared generously, ideas are challenged, and the boundaries of hairdressing are pushed forward.

THE EXPERIENCE

This is not passive learning. It is a full-spectrum immersion into the art and business of modern hairdressing.

KEY EVENT DETAILS

MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026

8.30AM – 5PM | PARKSIDE 1

LEARN. WATCH. MASTER. EVENT SCHEDULE

8.30am – 9.30am A.H Salon Team

• James Akers

• Suzy Kershaw

• Kristina Russell

• Harrison Sansom

9.45am – 10.45am Australian Cut & Colour Teams

+ Global Master

• Bernadette Beswick

• Rachel Vitullo

• Katy Reeve

• Louise Graham

• Lyndal Salmon

• Marilyn Guarino

• Traci Sakosits (USA)

11.00am – 12.00pm Ben Brown (UK) Global Cutting Master

12.00pm – 1.00pm Lunch Break Time to recharge and connect with peers

1.15pm – 2.15pm Sylvestre Finold (UK) Global Avant-Garde Master

2.30pm – 3.30pm Australian Styling Team

• Richard Kavanagh

• Sarah Laidlaw

• Jelena Vasic

3.45pm-4.45pm Leoni (BR) Global Hair Art Master

4.45pm-5.00pm Event Close

A final moment to close the day and celebrate the energy of HAIR The Movement

SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

by Louise

Hair

Graham

COMPETE.

SHOW OFF YOUR SKILLS AND WIN!

The Hair Festival competitions are where the industry steps into the spotlight and creativity reaches its peak. Electric, fast-paced and fiercely inspiring, these live competitions celebrate the artistry, precision and innovation shaping the future of hair. From razorsharp cutting and transformative colour work to avant-garde styling and high-fashion editorial looks, every category is designed to push boundaries and ignite imagination.

Be there and enjoy the energy or be a part of the next wave of hair talent delivering looks that are bold, fearless, and unforgettable.

Competitions kick off at 11:00am, with presentations from 12:00pm.

KEY EVENT DETAILS

MONDAY 29 JUNE 2026 | 11AM – 1PM

LOCATED IN THE FESTIVAL HUB AT THE STAGE. + THE EXCHANGE.

SCAN FOR FULL DETAILS AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE

TWO STAGES. DOUBLE THE EXCITEMENT.

In 2026, the live competitions will take place across two stages: THE STAGE. and THE EXCHANGE., located in the Festival HUB, with more opportunities, more action and more chances to win both prizes and prize money!

BECOME A 2026 CHAMPION

By entering multiple competitions you gain extra points which leads you to secure your spot at the top and be awarded:

Hair Festival Barber Champion 2026

Hair Festival Stylist Champion 2026

Emerging Talent (Apprentice/Students) Champion 2026

2026 COMPETITIONS ON OFFER

BARBERS

Barber Street – for seniors or more confident up-and-coming

Barbers (cutting competition)

Ultimate Look Men (Pre-done)

Colour Innovator (Pre-done)

STYLISTS

Women’s Street Style – senior and confident up-and-coming Hairdressers (cutting competition)

Colour Innovator (Pre-done)

Ultimate Look Women (Pre-done)

Bridal Master – (Pre-done)

Avant-Garde – your creative interpretation

EMERGING TALENT (APPRENTICE/STUDENTS)

Emerging Talent Women Street Style (Cutting Competition)

Emerging Talent Barber Street (Cutting Competition)

Emerging Talent Blow Dry (Pre-done)

PRIZE MONEY BREAKDOWN PER COMPETITION

1st Place: $300

2nd Place: $200

3rd Place: $100

Highest points accumulated from 2 or more of the competitions will be awarded either: Hair Festival Barber Champion 2026, Hair Festival Stylist Champion 2026 or Hair Festival Emerging Talent (Apprentice/ Students) Champion 2026.

CONNECT.

SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2026 | 7PM TIL LATE

ILUMINA , SYDNEY

THE INDUSTRY’S MOST GLAMOROUS NIGHT OUT: A FUSION OF FORWARD FASHION, ARTISTRY AND CONNECTION WHERE CREATIVITY SHINES

Immersive brand experiences, memorable moments, flowing drinks and a fantasy of food options, there’s no other party in the industry like Wonderland. Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s historic Martin Place, this state-of-the-art venue sets the scene for a night of wonder, celebration and unforgettable memories that only Wonderland can create. Here, hairdressers, barbers, creatives and industry leaders come together to connect, celebrate and let their artistry shine. Everyone’s invited and everyone belongs.

*Festival Wonderland is a licensed event with alcohol service, and attendance is strictly 18+. Proof of ID will be required on entry.

HOW TO BOOK TICKETS.

Hair Festival promises to be an action-packed weekend of fun for the entire hair and barber industry, so don’t miss out and make sure you’ve got the ticket to your hair dreams and more! Don’t miss out. Get your tickets today!

SCAN TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS

FESTIVAL HUB

Shop until you drop with FREE access to the Hair Festival HUB

HAIR FESTIVAL ALL ACCESS PASS

Ticket includes access to; Festival HUB, Realtalk Business Forum, all Education Sessions and Festival Wonderland

BUSINESS FORUM PASS

Includes access to all REALtalk sessions, breakfast, morning tea and lunch

EDUCATION SESSION PASS

Includes access to one session of your choice

EDUCATION SESSIONS – SPECIAL OFFER

Buy 5 Get 1 FREE

WONDERLAND PARTY

Inclusive of food,beverages and entertainment

HAIR THE MOVEMENT DAY PASS + HAIR FESTIVAL ALL ACCESS PASS

Ticket includes: Six (6) sessions at HAIR The Movement, Festival HUB two-day exhibition, REALtalk Business Forum, All Education Sessions, Wonderland Party

HAIR THE MOVEMENT DAY PASS – VIP

Ticket includes: Six (6) sessions at HAIR The Movement, Priority VIP seating, Post-event networking drinks, Exclusive VIP inclusions

HAIR THE MOVEMENT DAY PASS

Ticket includes: Six (6) sessions at HAIR The Movement

HAIR THE MOVEMENT SINGLE SESSION PASS

Ticket includes: one session of your choice – an hour of pure inspiration. Six (6) sessions of HAIR The Movement available

*Festival Wonderland is a licensed event with alcohol service, therefore, attendance is for over 18s only. Proof of ID will be requested on entry. Note, all prices are in Australian dollars, exclusive of booking fees and GST.

RESTORE WHAT’S BROKEN

muk Haircare’s expanded Treat Plus+ Bond Restore System Pro takes evidence-backed bond repair beyond the salon chair and onto the takehome shelf. Let’s get to know the science and the results.

Engineered with advanced bondbuilding science, the muk Bond Restore System works deep within the hair fibre to repair, strengthen and protect, while extending the in-salon experience into a results-driven take-home ritual that maintains integrity, shine and long-term resilience, long after the first salon appointment.

“Every time a client sits in your chair for a colour, bleach, or straightening service, they’re placing their trust in your expertise to give them the result they want but without compromising the long-term condition and integrity of their hair. A Bond building service works to protect and rebuild disulfide bonds, essential for keeping hair strong, resilient and in peak condition for clients. Introducing the Bond System Pro into your colour service will not only improve hair texture but also add strength and manageability,” said muk’s Technical and Education Department.

The constant challenge and now increasingly important expectation for

the pros has always been, ‘how do you maintain hair integrity while delivering the results clients love?’.

muk Haircare’s current in-salon and take-home system is the answer. The brand’s Treat Plus + Bond Restore System Pro, already well received in salons, has now been extended to include a full suite of take-home products, giving clients the tools to maintain bond health between visits. The result is a complete system: five retail products working in conjunction with three in-salon treatments, powered by the same proprietary technology.

THE SCIENCE OF A TRUE BOND

At the heart of the range sits QuatProRice.A Peptide Complex (QPC) – a fusion of Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Sodium PCA, Arginine and Proline. The complex works at a molecular level, targeting the hair cortex to repair damaged disulfide bonds and rebuild structural strength as only a peptide knows how. It’s the kind of ingredient story that resonates with today’s increasingly savvy clientele, who want to understand why and how something works, not just that you tell them it does.

START TO FINISH

The retail range begins with the Bond Detox Shampoo, a step that every pro and

hairdresser will immediately appreciate to start their service with a clean base free of build up. Trace metals such as chlorine, limescale, and pollutants can compromise colour results and impede treatment uptake, so this step ensures a clean base for premium results. Lab testing shows this formula removes up to 38 per cent of calcium and 68 per cent of chlorine ions from the hair. For swimmers, frequent travellers, or clients on tank or hard water, it’s a practical pre-service ritual that sets everything else up to perform.

Post-service, the Bond Restoring Mask and Bond Regenerating Leave-In Cream continue the repair work at home. The mask, a rinse-off treatment applied after shampooing leaves a smooth as silk finish while repairing compromised bonds, with testing showing up to 36 per cent protection against bond breakage and 88 per cent less breakage overall. To keep the smoothness while on the move, the leavein cream extends those benefits further, working across both the cortex and the cuticle to deliver hydration, radiance and ongoing bond protection long after the salon visit.

PROTECTING COLOUR INVESTMENT

For colour-treated clients, the Bond Post Colour Shampoo and Conditioner make a compelling retail pairing. Used together, the duo delivers 93 per cent colour retention after 12 washes, 85 per cent less breakage, and 83 per cent improved combability ensures the conversation at the basin is straightforward and stressfree. Enriched with amino acids, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, both formulas work to fortify, smooth, and restore elasticity to chemically treated hair.

So next time you complete an in-salon service, ask yourself if it not only gets clients back in the chair, but ensures they take their professional trust in you home with them. Not only is it a cohesive and stress-free retail opportunity to achieve your client’s desired results, but your professional confidence gains a boost at the same time.

COLOUR LEADERS

French blending and French glossing by L’Oréal Professionnel redefines modern colour with an effortless Parisian sensibility - delivering soft dimension, luminous shine and seamlessly lived-in results that feel both luxurious and wearable. We take 5 with some of L’Oréal Professionnel’s French Glossing experts.

What makes French glossing particularly appealing in salon is its versatility at any level of a colour transformation. It can refresh faded colour, neutralise unwanted warmth, add reflective shine between appointments and elevate overall hair quality without the commitment of a major colour service. It’s the modern answer to clients wanting lowmaintenance luxury and healthier-looking hair in one appointment. For salons, the approach speaks directly to clients seeking low-maintenance luxury and elevated, healthy-looking colour, proving that sophisticated hair is often at its most powerful when it appears effortless

Peter Thompson

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL’S FRENCH GLOSSING TECHNIQUES?

The fact that it’s simplified and not overcomplicated with high impact allowing the hair to look and feel luxurious.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING A COLOUR LOOK THAT FEELS BOTH TREND-DRIVEN AND PERSONAL TO THE CLIENT?

I always start by understanding the client’s lifestyle, features, and personal style, then I tailor current trends to suit them in a wearable, flattering and on-trend way.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION FOR FRENCH BLENDING AND FRENCH GLOSSING?

Inspiration for me is about suitability. If I see something on social media, on a celebrity, on the streets that is beautifulwhere hair matches skin tone and personality. And healthy-looking hair is a must to catch my eye.

WHAT’S THE BOLDEST OR MOST MEMORABLE COLOUR TRANSFORMATION YOU’VE EVER DONE?

One of my most memorable transformations was from dark brown to

platinum blond for a client on Next Top Model. The end result was a healthy soft milky blonde. We were obsessed.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE CREATIVITY WITH COMMERCIALITY ESPECIALLY WITH THE FRENCH BLENDING OR GLOSSING TECHNIQUES?

I focus on creating colour that feels creative and modern but is still wearable, low maintenance, and tailored to the clients everyday look. That is what French Blending is about.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL COLOUR SERVICES?

I love the innovation behind the products and how they deliver beautiful, healthylooking results with incredible shine and dimension.

HOW DOES L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR COLOUR JOURNEY?

L’Oréal Professionnel constantly inspires me through education, trend direction, and advanced colour innovation that helps me keep evolving creatively and commercially

HOW DO YOU SHOWCASE TRENDS AND INFLUENCE YOUR CLIENTS TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITH COLOUR?

I showcase trends through consultations, social media, and personalised colour recommendations that help clients feel confident trying something new.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE COLOURS AND INNOVATIVE FORMULAS?

I love soft expensive brunettes, creamy blondes, and rich gloss tones, especially formulas that create shine, softness, and seamless blends.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST EXCITING COLOUR MEMORY TO DATE?

My most exciting colour memory is seeing a client completely light up with confidence after a transformation that perfectly suits them.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHADES FOR WINTER 26?

My favourite shade for Winter 26 is rich glossy mocha brunette with soft caramel dimension for warmth and shine.

Kelly Manu

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL’S FRENCH GLOSSING TECHNIQUES?

How elevated and effortless the finish feels. French Glossing isn’t about masking the hair with tone - it’s about enhancing what’s already there and creating that expensive-looking, light-reflective finish. I love that it gives hair movement, softness and dimension while still feeling modern and wearable. It’s very ‘cool girl hair’ to me.

HOW DO YOU APPROACH CREATING A COLOUR LOOK THAT FEELS BOTH TREND-DRIVEN AND PERSONAL TO THE CLIENT?

I always start with the person before the trend. Skin tone, eye colour, personal style, maintenance level and even personality all influence the result. Trends are amazing for inspiration, but the magic happens when you tailor them to the individual. I want clients to feel like the best version of themselves, not like they’re wearing someone else’s hair.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION FOR FRENCH BLENDING AND FRENCH GLOSSING?

A lot of my inspiration comes from fashion and editorial imagery - runway shows, photography, fabric textures, makeup, even lighting. I’m constantly looking at how light interacts with surfaces and tones. French colour techniques feel very fashion-led to me because they’re subtle, intentional and layered rather than overly ‘done.’

WHAT’S THE BOLDEST OR MOST MEMORABLE COLOUR TRANSFORMATION YOU’VE EVER DONE?

One of the most memorable would definitely be transformations I’ve created for competition work and editorial collections. Those moments where you completely shift someone’s identity through colour are always exciting. I love pushing contrast, placement and tone in a way that feels emotional and artistic, while still technically beautiful.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE CREATIVITY WITH COMMERCIALITY, ESPECIALLY WITH FRENCH BLENDING OR GLOSSING TECHNIQUES?

I think that balance is where great colour lives. French Blending and Glossing are perfect examples because they allow you to create something elevated and fashion-

forward while still being soft, wearable and low maintenance. I love creating colour that feels aspirational but still works in real life.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL COLOUR SERVICES?

The innovation. L’Oréal Professionnel is constantly evolving and creating technology that allows us to work smarter and more creatively behind the chair. I also love how versatile the colour portfolio is - you can create everything from soft, expensive brunettes to high-fashion editorial colour while still maintaining incredible condition and shine.

HOW DOES L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR COLOUR JOURNEY?

L’Oréal Professionnel has given me opportunities that genuinely changed my career. From education and mentorship to international experiences and creative platforms, they have allowed me to grow not only technically but creatively as well. Competing globally in Paris after winning Style & Colour Trophy NZ was one of those huge full-circle moments for me.

HOW DO YOU SHOWCASE TRENDS AND INFLUENCE YOUR CLIENTS TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES WITH COLOUR?

I think education and storytelling are everything. Clients are much more open to trying something new when you can show them how it works for them specifically. Social media also plays a huge role - showing lived-in colour, glossy finishes and dimensional placements in a relatable way helps clients feel inspired rather than intimidated.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE COLOURS AND INNOVATIVE FORMULAS?

I’m obsessed with rich reflective brunettes, expensive coppers and soft diffused blondes at the moment. I love working with DiaLight because the finish is so glossy and seamless, especially for French Glossing techniques. I also love combining tones unexpectedly to create dimension rather than relying on one flat formula.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST EXCITING COLOUR MEMORY TO DATE?

Representing New Zealand in Paris for the global Style & Colour Trophy finals is

definitely up there. It was such a surreal experience being surrounded by some of the best colourists in the world and seeing creativity celebrated on that level. It reminded me how powerful hair can be as an art form.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE SHADES FOR WINTER 26?

I’m loving deep velvety brunettes, smoked caramels, expensive mocha tones and muted auburns with soft warmth. I think we’ll also continue seeing really glossy, light-reflective colour becoming hugehair that looks healthy, touchable and luxurious rather than overly processed. Blondes are leaning softer too, with creamy diffused ribbons instead of super bright contrast.

For more information visit www.lorealprofessionnel.com.au

2

INHAIR

THE LATEST SALON ARRIVALS

1. DAVROE Multi Styler www.davroe.com

2. FABRIQ Quick Fix Rehydrate www.fabriqhair.com

3. MOROCCANOIL Moroccanoil X Eurovision Treatment Oil au.moroccanoil.com

4. NATALIE ANNE HAIRCARE Smooth & Slick Balm www.natalieanne.com

5. REF STOCKHOLM AHA Scalp Detox Treatment www.refstockholm.com

6. R+CO On A Cloud Bond Building + Styling Oil www.randco.com

7. ELEVEN Miracle Hair Treatment Oil Elixir elevenaustralia.au

8. K18 Triple Bright www.K18hair.com.au

9. MR.SMITH Luxury Oil mr-smith.com.au

10. DAVINES Essentials world.davines.com

6 1 10 4 11 5 7 9

11. NAK HAIR Resplends Conditioning Mist nakhair.com.au

3 2 7 8 6 12 1 10 5 11 4 9

1. LEVEL3 Styling Powder www.lv3.com

2. OLAPLEX No.3 Plus Complete Repair Treatment au.olaplex.com

3. QIQI Porosity Play Spray qiqiglobal.com

4. OUIDAD Shaper Plumping and Defining Cream www.ouidad.com

5. VIRTUE LABS Strength & Shield www.virtuelabs.com

6. MUK Treat plus+ mukhair.com

7. AVEDA Tousle Texture www.aveda.com.au

8. BHAVE Smooth XT www.bhavehair.com.au

9. PURE Lamellar Eternity www.purehairaustralia.com

10. O&M Flexible Queenie and S-Spray originalmineral.com.au

11. GOLDWELL Glow to Go www.goldwell.com.au

12. EVO Colour Protect www.evohair.com

THE VISION BEHIND MALIBU C

There are few figures in professional haircare that bring the same depth of intellectual curiosity and scientific grounding as Tom Porter of Malibu C. Known for a career that bridges chemistry, wellness and salon innovation, Tom’s story is as compelling as the brand that continues to push the limits of hair condition and salon security, writes Cameron Pine.

Tom Porter is a man of positivity and effervescence mixed with scientific knowledge few entrepreneurs carry, and as we sat down to discuss the thinking behind Malibu C and the discipline that drives him, we learned how solo travel continues to shape both his life and leadership style that shows no sign of dwindling.

Haircare research and development is often more technical than we give it credit for, especially now being such an intersectional playground of science backed ingredients and global knowledge – a stronghold Tom and his brand has maintained throughout the decades. Five minutes with Tom reveals the biology behind why his brand was the first to use Vitamin C, driving layers of global success. For Malibu C, it’s far more than just haircare, it’s biology, chemistry, and human experience all at once. Malibu C was a natural extension of global problem solving in haircare – its solutions are grounded in science but designed for real people and real results.

Sitting down with Tom it becomes immediately clear that Malibu C was

never about simply launching products for products sake, but solving problems. From its earliest days in Indianapolis, the brand pioneered the use of ascorbic acid - Vitamin C - as a targeted solution for hair, scalp and skin concerns, effectively rewriting how professionals approached mineral build-up, environmental damage and wellness-led haircare.

The first product Malibu C launched was in 1985 when Tom was midway through a doctoral program in Instructional Systems Technology at Indiana University, and it was the discovery behind this product that became the precursor to why he ended up leaving that program. Instead he started to build what turned out to be the largest wellness centre of its kind in the world. This worked so successfully that he and the centre were recruited to Los Angeles, which is what made Malibu part of the brand’s journey today. His game changing product has led to a lot more research and development in haircare and ingredients than what meets the eye – catapulting the brand to become not just experts in scalp wellness, but colour safe formulas and Crystal Gel Treatments.

Tom is now building digital curriculums and websites, leveraging AI to improve efficiencies based on the very fundamentals that founded Malibu C, not just a product and brand but a wellness centre. He is still promoting a second edition of his 1999 book on oxidation and vitamin C that further emphasises the importance of oxidation management in haircare and skin health, advocating wellness and secure profits for salons as well as scalp health.

Now available in more than 20 countries globally the benefits of using Malibu C products like ‘un-do-goo’ and ‘colour prepare’ are widely applauded to enhance

colour retention and prevent oxidation – with oxidative stress being one of the biggest causes of damage degradation.

“If I was sick of travelling, I would be sick of my life,” said Tom. “I embrace it because that part of my life has taken me from my garage in Indianapolis to the world,” Tom said.

“We really started out of a bedroom, ended up in a garage to now making products in our own warehouse to the world. We make over 1,000 products for other brands,” Tom said.

With more than 60 employees, Tom takes great satisfaction in the fact that all employees are given shareholder profits in the company so they are not just an employee but a complete brand partner. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan allows employees to accumulate shares over time.

“At our core, we solve problems - that has always been in the Malibu C DNA. Whether it’s hard water, mineral build-up, scalp concerns or maintaining colour longevity, we exist to create meaningful solutions that hairdressers can trust.”

“We’ve never chased trends for the sake of relevance. Instead, we focus on science, performance and education. When you consistently deliver results, professionals remember that,” Tom said.

Tom stands firm on the belief that hairdressers, especially in Australia have the opportunity of creating more wellness focused salons.

“I’m blown away about what I learned about Australia and the opportunities for skin that the hairdresser can adopt by understanding the statistics around scalp issues, and I’m still learning 30 years on after teaching hairdressers.”

Tom is now writing a book about his products and the loyalty of his team, thanks not only to the success of the product, but to the business model of Malibu C and its company headquarters. The book is a real coming together of his personal journey and professional expertise.

“I have a theory that every disease even internal is rooted in the spark of oxidization and ageing that creates the cascade that leads to the free radicals - this we understand better through research,” Tom said.

Right now, Tom believes Australian colourists have an opportunity to elevate their services by confidently offering colour and hair health guarantees, giving clients greater trust and peace of mind– a mantra that is deep rooted in the values of Malibu C.

TURN TIME INTO TURNOVER

For salons looking to turn every appointment into a smarter business opportunity, bhave Hair delivers a complete in-chair ecosystem designed for the modern salon. With its innovative Hybrid Colour system, transformative Rescue Therapy and sleek Smooth XT treatment, bhave redefines the salon service menu for superior profit and results.

As clients space out appointments, retail becomes increasingly competitive and lengthy processing times place pressure on schedules, many salon owners are asking a smarter question. It is no longer simply about attracting more clients, but about creating greater value within the time already available.

For years, the professional hair industry has often equated salon growth with abundance:

more products, more stock, more steps and more complexity. Yet more does not always translate to better business. Excess inventory can restrict cash flow, clutter workspaces and slow down the very services designed to generate revenue and keep staff empowered.

That is where bhave is offering a more modern perspective. Rather than asking salons to stock more, the brand has built a complete professional system focused on capability, versatility and efficiency. It is a shift from quantity to intelligence – products designed to work harder, perform across multiple services and adapt to the client in the chair.

At the centre of this philosophy is Hybrid Colour, a colour system engineered for speed without sacrificing results. Toners, glosses, demi and semi services can be completed in as little as one to ten minutes, full colour in ten minutes, and resistant grey coverage in up to twenty. For salons, that means less downtime, more flexibility and the ability to maximise appointments throughout the day.

Rescue Therapy extends the concept further, delivering a multi-functional treatment system powered by bioactive keratin. With five in-salon service options - repair, protection, strengthening, equalising and refinement - this premium therapy supports hair before, during or after chemical services. The result is healthier-performing hair and fewer single-use products lining the back bar. Not to mention more confident and loyal clients coming back to ensure their hair is always at its best.

Then there is Smooth XT, a dual-purpose smoothing system that gives salons the flexibility of keratin smoothing or nanoplasty from the one formula. It is a tailored approach that allows stylists to customise outcomes for the client, all from the same bottle.

Why does this matter now? Because in a tighter market, the salons that thrive are not thriving by chance. They are the businesses working with greater precision and more service options that suit the modern client – reducing unnecessary stock, improving service efficiency, personalising treatments and increasing return per client visit.

This is not about cutting corners. Less stock does not mean fewer services or flexibility, it just makes business more agile and provides the ability to spend more time and money on what’s important to the business. It is about creating premium services that feel intentional, results-driven and worth every dollar.

bhave will showcase its complete professional system at Hair Festival Sydney, where visitors can experience 10-minute colour technology, multiuse repair services and dual-result smoothing innovation firsthand, all from friendly and approachable team at bhave. For salon owners ready to rethink how their business works, not simply what they stock, the time is now to bhave. For more information visit www.bhavehair.com.au

RE:GEN USA: THE ROADSHOW REDEFINING THE FUTURE OF HAIR

The future of hair restoration has officially arrived and DermapenWorld is leading the conversation on a global scale.

Following successful tours across Australia and the UK, EXO-GROW by DermapenWorld has concluded its landmark RE:GEN USA Roadshow: The Future of Skin & Hair, delivering a high-energy, multi-city education experience that united the worlds of hairdressing, barbering, aesthetics and medical science under one roof.

Spanning Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, the sold-out roadshow attracted close to 1,000 salon and clinic professionals eager to explore the rapidly evolving category of regenerative scalp health and hair restoration. Hosted in immersive evening-style formats across premium venues, the tour combined advanced education, elevated networking and experiential brand partnerships, reflecting the growing sophistication of the regenerative beauty category.

More than just a traditional educational series, RE:GEN USA positioned itself as a movement — one designed to reshape how the professional industry approaches thinning hair, scalp wellness and long-term client transformation.

Leading the tour was global industry icon Tracey Hughes, alongside an international lineup of experts including Eden Sassoon, Candy Shaw, Andrew Hansford and Corri Marshall.

Additional speakers across the tour included Leysa Carrello, Bonnie Conte, John Simpson, Christopher Dove, Dr Gregory Zengo, Rita Perna Allor, Jenna Jeffories and Zachery Goldberg, highlighting the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of the regenerative hair and scalp category.

“This was never just about education — it was about shifting the mindset of an entire industry,” said Hughes.

At the core of the roadshow was a strong focus on regenerative science, advanced consultation strategies and scalp-first treatment philosophies, with education sessions exploring exosome technology, treatment innovation, consultation mastery and

Importantly, RE:GEN USA also highlighted a broader industry shift towards collaboration. Hairdressers, clinic owners, aesthetic practitioners and medical professionals came together in an environment designed to break down traditional silos and open new pathways for referrals, education and revenue diversification.”

business growth opportunities within the hair restoration space.

Attendees also gained insight into the growing global demand for preventative and restorative hair solutions, with discussions centred around thinning hair, scalp wellness and non-invasive treatment pathways increasingly being sought by consumers across both salon and clinical environments.

A major focus throughout the tour centred on practical, client-ready solutions for hair thinning and hair loss, alongside strategies designed to help businesses integrate regenerative treatments into existing salon and clinic offerings.

Importantly, RE:GEN USA also highlighted a broader industry shift towards collaboration. Hairdressers,

Fuller hair. Renewed confidence. With patented Exosome technology, EXO-GROWTM goes beyond a hair loss solution. It empowers vitality, confidence, and change through advanced bioscience.You Will Believe.

clinic owners, aesthetic practitioners and medical professionals came together in an environment designed to break down traditional silos and open new pathways for referrals, education and revenue diversification.

The experience itself reflected DermapenWorld’s premium positioning, with curated partner activations and networking experiences from brands including Ergo Styling Tools, Showpony Hair Extensions, Phorest Software, Fast Foils and DP Derm.

From immersive venue styling through to live demonstrations and peer-led discussions, the RE:GEN Roadshow was designed to create an atmosphere that felt both aspirational and commercially relevant — reinforcing the growing momentum behind regenerative haircare globally.

Following successful tours across Australia, the UK and now the USA, EXO-GROW continues to expand rapidly through DermapenWorld’s regenerative treatment platform and is now available in 107 countries.

As the professional beauty and hair industries continue evolving, one message remained consistent throughout every RE:GEN stop: regenerative haircare is no longer an emerging niche. It is rapidly becoming one of the industry’s most significant future growth categories.

For more information visit www.dermapenworld.com/ en-au/dermapen-professional/exo-grow-hair

Unlock advanced hair solutions for your salonstart your EXO-GROW journey and scan to learn how to bring it to your salon.

INBEAUTY

BEAUTYLYTES

The beauty industry’s most coveted, glowing skin now comes in a sachet. Meet Avive Hydration, an Australian-made, Bondi-born brand that has bridges the gap between clinical hydration and luxury beauty supplements. Avive is a world-first beauty electrolyte formula, with sodium at the perfect level for daily hydration, plus beauty-loving ingredients like marine collagen, Vitamin C and the ‘ancient beauty mushroom’ tremella, to support radiant, dewy skin. Born in Bondi, the brand leans into a distinctly Australian approach to beauty – effortless, intentional and deep-rooted in getting the most out of the Australian lifestyle. Each formula is built on evidence-informed dosing and manufactured in accredited Australian facilities, with a focus on purity, bioavailability and minimal additives. “We built what we couldn’t find,” said Founders Georgia May and Thomas Malucelli. In a market increasingly defined by ‘inside-out’ beauty, Avive Hydration bridges the gap between wellness and aesthetics, and proves that the future of glow may just start with what you drink. www.avivehydration.com

CALL MR JONES

PHANTOM IN RED

Paco Robanne has reinvented its cultfavourite Phantom with a striking twist, enter Phantom in Red Parfum Elixir. A bold evolution of the original scent, this latest drop leans into intensity, sensuality and a high-voltage masculinity that feels perfectly aligned with the now. Phantom in Red pulses with addictive warmth. Think vibrant citrus lifted by deeper, ambery undertones and a confident woody base that lingers long after first spray. It is designed for the man who wants to be bold and noticed. The signature robotic bottle is reimagined in a fiery red gradient, dialling up its futuristic appeal while nodding to passion and power. It’s collectible, it’s conversation-starting, and it taps directly into the growing appetite for fragrance as both identity and accessory. www.rabanne.com

BEAUTYNEWS

In the ever-expanding landscape of men’s grooming, Mr Jones Skincare is sharpening its focus on results-driven simplicity with its latest hero. The Mr Jones Face Serum is a streamlined, high-performance formula designed to cut through the noise of overcomplicated routines. Positioned as a ‘one-and-done’ treatment step, the serum reflects the brand’s broader philosophy – clean, Australian-made skincare that prioritises efficacy without excess. B Vitamins target fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts and hyperpigmentation, Panthenol provides hydration, and Niacinamide improves collagen production and high potency Hyaluronic Acid supports overall skin health and hydration. This oil control symbolises a luxurious investment in the skins’ well-being by elevating the routine in just one step. www.mrjonesskincare.com.au

RETINAL V8 FUSION

Australian Cosmedical skincare powerhouse O Cosmedics continues to push the Vitamin A conversation forward with the launch of its Retin-A alternative, the new Retinal V8 Fusion serum – a next-generation formula designed for serious skin results without the traditional retinol downtime. Powered by retinaldehyde, a more advanced form of Vitamin A that works significantly faster than classic retinol, the formula is paired with the brand’s signature V8 Peptide Complex to target everything from pigmentation and breakouts to fine lines and overall skin longevity. This groundbreaking serum to cream combines a potent retinal formula with the unique V8 Peptide Complex, designed to support skin longevity, even tone, refine texture, hydrate, and improve skin firmness, youth and radiance. Retinal V8 Fusion supports a daily regime, that offers long-term skin benefits without triggering adverse reactions.

www.oscosmedics.com

AMANDE SUBLIME

The reimagined Amande Sublime collection is an indulgent body care offering, prioritising exquisite textures and warm, nutty aromas which are coveted globally. To truly elevate skin’s glow and unveil a flawless complexion, start with the iconic and loved Almond Shower Oil to cleanse and rehydrate the body. Once towel dried, moisturise with the Almond Supple Skin Oil to help boost skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and reveal the skin’s natural glow. The brand’s cult ritual following - the pump bottle, the oil-to-milk transformation, the signature scent - collectively taps into that everyday luxury space where a basic routine feels indulgent. au.loccitane.com

PRECISION SKIN RENEWAL

In a beauty landscape where downtime is often the deal-breaker and results are everything, the evolution of laser technology has taken a decisive leap forward with the DEKA Tetra PRO laser, a next-generation fractional CO₂ platform redefining what it means to resurface, refine, and restore skin with minimal interruption to modern life.

The latest talked-about treatment, CoolPeel™ has quickly become one of the most talked about new advances in laser resurfacing because it solves a long-standing tension in aesthetic skin treatments: how to deliver the power of CO₂ resurfacing without the traditional burden of downtime. CoolPeel™ is a globally recognised ten-minute, almost no downtime, often no anaesthetic skin resurfacing treatment that delivers many of the benefits of CO₂ fractional resurfacing treatments without the considerable downtime associated with most ablative laser treatments.

At its core, CoolPeel™ utilizes a refined delivery mode on the DEKA Tetra PRO laser with ultra-short, high-energy pulses to precisely target the superficial layers of the skin. Instead of creating broad thermal injury which is what typically

drives prolonged peeling, redness, and recovery, it confines the heat in a far more controlled, strategic way. The result is controlled ‘micro-injury’ that stimulates collagen without overwhelming the skin’s healing response.

This breakthrough delivery mode allows practitioners to harness the power of ablative laser resurfacing without the traditional intensity of recovery. Instead of prolonged redness, peeling, and social downtime, CoolPeel™ delivers controlled energy in ultra-short pulses, targeting the superficial layer of the skin with remarkable precision. The result is a fresher, clearer, more refined complexion without the weeks of visible healing historically associated with CO₂ treatments.

For those serious about skin quality, The Tetra Pro system is where science meets versatility – engineered to customise depth, density, and intensity, allowing treatments to be tailored across a spectrum of concerns, from fine lines and texture to sun damage, pores, and overall skin laxity. It is this adaptability that positions it as a superior option for both preventative skin maintenance and more corrective rejuvenation.

menus and not only this but the DEKA Tetra PRO is 30 per cent faster thanks to increased power and a larger scanner area, saving not only the downtime but also precious time!

What sets the system apart is not just its efficacy, but high accuracy and sense of control. In an era where over-treatment is increasingly under scrutiny, the ability to achieve meaningful collagen stimulation while preserving epidermal integrity is a defining advantage. Patients are reporting smoother texture, improved luminosity, and tighter skin appearance after just a single session, with cumulative improvements building over time.

For clinics and practitioners, the DEKA platform represents more than a device, it is a business opportunity anchored in demand for high-performance, lowdowntime treatments. As clients continue to prioritise skin health over quick fixes, technologies like CoolPeel™ are becoming the cornerstone of advanced aesthetic

Ultimately, the DEKA Tetra PRO laser signals a shift in expectation: that powerful results no longer need to come at the cost of recovery. For those committed to skin quality at a deeper level, it is not just an upgrade, CoolPeel™ is in fact as the name suggests, a cool new way to address skin ageing while representing a smarter way forward, where time, results, and recovery are no longer at odds. It streamlines what once required multiple treatments and extended downtime into a single, efficient solution that addresses texture, tone, and early signs of ageing in one go. For today’s customer, that means less time out, more consistency in results, and a treatment that fits seamlessly into real life. It’s this ability to do more, with less disruption, that positions CoolPeel™ not just as an innovation, but as the new holy grail for those truly invested in longterm skin quality with less hurdles. For more information visit www.hightechmedical.com.au

NOTHING NEW. JUST A MIND SHIFT.

There is a particular kind of exhaustion that exists in the hair industry that rarely gets namedGlenn Conley founder of Mindshiftr works with busy hair professionals to build awareness of the patterns that lead to burnout.

It is not just the physical demand of long days behind the chair, that leads to burnout. It is the constant, quiet requirement to read people, hold space, and carry energy that is not your own. From the moment a client walks in, hairdressers are adjusting, responding, and absorbing. They are not only delivering a service, but they are also managing emotions, expectations, and experience in real time.

For many, this becomes second nature. In fact, it is often what makes great hairdressers exceptional. But over time, it creates a layer of pressure that sits beneath the surface of the work and impedes on your quality of life.

A Sydney-based salon owner described it as a constant hum. From the outside, everything appeared successful, a strong business, loyal clients, a respected presence in the industry. Yet underneath, there was an ongoing sense of responsibility, of always needing to be ‘on,’ and of carrying more than was visible to others.

What changed for him was not his strategy, his pricing, or his business model. It was his thinking. Working with Glenn Conley, founder of Mindshiftr, he began to recognise the internal patterns shaping how he responded to pressure, decision-making, and leadership. Conley’s approach draws on hypnotherapy, neuroscience, and mental-performance work, but its application is grounded and practical. Rather than adding more tools or techniques, it focuses on identifying the underlying patterns that drive behaviour and shifting them at their source.

The shift was subtle, but noticeable. A greater sense of calm. Clearer thinking under pressure. A more grounded way of leading both himself and his team.

This is something many in the industry quietly recognise.

Burnout does not always look like burnout. It can look like a stylist who cannot switch off, a salon owner who feels constantly responsible, or a team leader who absorbs tension without realising the impact it is having.

The biggest change wasn’t in my business. It was in my thinking. That mind shift changed how I handled pressure, how I led, and how I showed up every day.”

DAVID, SYDNEY-BASED

SALON OWNER

These are not always operational issues. They are often patterns of thinking that have never been questioned. But patterns can change. Through Mindshiftr, Glenn Conley works with professionals to build awareness of these patterns and create more stable, intentional ways of operating under pressure. The work is not about motivation or surface-level change. It is about creating a different internal baseline, one that supports clarity, resilience, and sustainable performance.

For those wanting an in-depth experience, Glenn regularly runs workshops at salons (check his website for the latest details). These workshops are focused and immersive, allowing participants to engage directly with the work and experience the shift for themselves in an intimate small-group setting. Early registration is recommended to secure early bird pricing and limited spaces.

Glenn will also be bringing this work to the Hair Festival in Sydney in June, hosting an education session on Monday 29 June and proudly sponsoring the Wellness Lounge, reinforcing his commitment to supporting the wellbeing of salon professionals at every level.

Because sustainable success in this industry does not come from pushing harder. It comes from thinking differently. For more information visitmindshiftr.co

MORE CONSCIOUS

Rita Marcon is the Founder and Chief Engagement Officer of I.AM CONSCIOUS LIVING. She sat down with Cameron Pine to talk emotional labour, being intentional, and taking a GAP year – that’s Growth and Practice.

YOUR WORK SITS AT THE INTERSECTION OF WELLNESS, CONSCIOUSNESS AND DAILY LIVING. WHAT LED YOU TO THIS?

There wasn’t one single moment. It was a series of quiet realisations over time. From the outside, my career looked successful. I spent 30 years in the hair industry, leading teams, building brands, travelling globally. But internally, the body was keeping the score of constantly pushing, and moving at a high pace.

Taking my GAP year — I termed it my Growth and Practice year — was the defining turning point. It gave me space to step off the treadmill, to listen, to reflect, and to reconnect with myself. That’s where I.AM CONSCIOUS LIVING was born.

CONSCIOUS LIVING CAN MEAN DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE. HOW DO YOU DEFINE IT?

Conscious living is about awareness before action. It’s the ability to slow down enough to notice how you’re thinking, how you’re feeling, and how you’re showing up, and then choosing your response. It’s about being intentional.

WAS THERE A PERIOD IN YOUR LIFE WHERE YOUR PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL HEALTH FORCED YOU TO RETHINK EVERYTHING?

Yes. My health was a big part of that shift. Over time, I had normalised a level of pressure, pace, and responsibility that simply wasn’t sustainable. It wasn’t one dramatic moment, but a growing awareness that the way I was operating was taking a toll. I stopped pushing and

started paying attention. To my energy, my nervous system, and how I wanted to live and lead moving forward.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT LIVING CONSCIOUSLY?

That it’s slow, soft, or disconnected from ambition. Conscious living doesn’t mean you step back from success. It means you become more intentional about how

There’s a moment in coaching or facilitation where something shifts; where someone moves from overthinking, doubt, or pressure into clarity. That moment never gets old.”

you achieve it. It’s a daily practice, in conversations, decisions, reactions, and how you lead yourself and others.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

Watching people come back to themselves. There’s a moment in coaching or facilitation where something shifts; where someone moves from overthinking, doubt, or pressure into clarity. That moment never gets old.

HOW DO YOU THINK CONSTANT DIGITAL STIMULATION IS IMPACTING OUR NERVOUS SYSTEMS?

We’re overstimulated and under-aware.

Our nervous systems are constantly switched on. We’ve normalised that level of activation. What people don’t always recognise is how this shows up: shorter patience, reactive communication, decision fatigue, and feeling on edge without knowing why.

We think it’s workload. But often, it’s nervous system overload. Without space to reset, we lose access to clarity and creativity.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE HAIR INDUSTRY THAT HAS LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

The hair industry teaches you people, fast. You learn how to read energy, build trust quickly, communicate clearly, and hold space for people in real time. It’s also an industry built on creativity, connection, and resilience. That foundation shaped everything I do today, especially how I work with leaders and teams.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CREATIVE PEOPLE?

Their ability to see possibility. Creative people don’t just follow structure. They feel, interpret, and create. Hairdressers, in particular, have this unique combination of technical skill and emotional intelligence. They’re not just delivering a service. They’re holding space, building confidence, and influencing how someone feels about themselves.

WHAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR CREATIVE PEOPLE IN THEIR CAREERS?

They give a lot, often without real boundaries. There’s emotional labour, long hours, and a constant need to be on. Many creatives are also driven by passion, which can blur the line between commitment and overextension. Without self-leadership, that can lead to burnout, inconsistency, or feeling disconnected from the very work they once loved.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS YOU NOW MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF NOW? I’ve become much more intentional with my time and energy. Creating space in my day rather than filling every gap. Walking without my phone, building in thinking time, and saying no more easily. In my previous career, everything was scheduled and fast-moving. Now, I protect space, because that’s where clarity and creativity come from.

For more information visit www.iamconsciousliving.com.au

MIRACLE MASKS

Treatment-led haircare is rapidly becoming one of the most commercially important categories in professional hairdressing, with masks evolving far beyond the traditional ‘weekly treatments’ into targeted, results-driven solutions designed to support colour longevity, hydration, repair and scalp health.

For salons, this shift is creating new opportunities in premium retail, maintenance-based haircare routines and personalised product prescribing, particularly as consumers increasingly seek salon-quality results at home.

Natural Look Australia is tapping directly into this movement with a treatment-focused portfolio designed to target some of the industry’s biggest hair concerns – from colour fade and frizz through to blonde maintenance and bond repair.

COLOUR PROTECTION MEETS BOTANICAL REPAIR

As colour services continue to dominate salon revenue, maintaining tone, shine and condition between appointments has become a key focus for both clients and stylists. Increasingly, consumers are looking for treatment products that not only preserve colour vibrancy but actively improve the overall health and feel of the hair.

Leading the charge is the ColourArt Deep Mask, positioned as a hero treatment within the range for colour-treated, dry and damaged hair. Combining more than 95 per cent naturally derived ingredients with Native Australian Plant and Flower Extracts, the replenishing formula delivers intensive hydration while helping minimise colour fade and maintain softness and luminosity.

Key ingredients include antioxidant-rich Papaya Extract, known for its conditioning properties, nourishing Coconut Oil to support moisture retention, and vitamin-packed Desert Lime Extract, which helps leave hair looking smoother, shinier and healthier. Designed to deeply penetrate and revive stressed strands, the mask can also be used daily as a conditioner for extra dry or damaged hair.

The formula reflects growing consumer demand for naturally inspired, performance-led haircare, with botanical ingredients continuing to resonate strongly within the professional retail category.

THE ANTI-FRIZZ TREATMENT TARGETING DAMAGE AND DRYNESS

Smoothing and anti-frizz treatments remain a high-performing salon category, particularly as clients increasingly seek lower-maintenance styling solutions that improve manageability and long-term hair condition.

The Static Free Anti Frizz Reconstructive Mask focuses on deep repair for stressed, chemically treated and dry hair types. Powered by moisturising Shea Butter, strengthening Wheat Amino Acids, conditioning Jojoba Oil, antioxidant Vitamin E and Active Botanical Extracts, the intensive treatment is designed to help eliminate frizz and static while restoring softness, shine and hydration.

Importantly, the mask reflects the ongoing shift towards hybrid products that deliver both cosmetic styling benefits and deeper reparative support in a single step.

BLONDE TONING GETS A BOND-BUILDING UPGRADE

Blonde maintenance remains one of the most treatment-intensive categories within professional haircare, with consumers increasingly expecting toning products to also deliver strengthening and repair benefits.

The Ice Blonde Anti-Yellow Toning Mask combines concentrated Violet and Blue Pigments with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and Iceplex Bond Builder technology, a complex of Amino Acids designed to help rebuild keratin within the hair cortex. The formula works to neutralise unwanted brassiness while helping repair compromised strands, smooth the cuticle and lock in moisture.

Designed for colour-treated, lightened and grey hair types, the mask reflects the broader rise of multifunctional treatments that combine visible toning results with long-term hair health support. For more information visit www.naturallook.com.au

LIVED-IN LUXURY

Tamsin Kirkus left school when she was 15 to start her apprenticeship. From the start, she knew she was looking beyond standing behind the chair. She spent years refining her craft, working seven days a week to build her clientele, learning resilience, and forging deep connections with her clients.

She wanted to create an experience; to create a beautiful, calm space where clients would feel seen, and where hairdressing was elevated beyond simply being a service.

Opening her first salon at the age of 23 required not just a space, but the creation of a brand. Sakara Collective was built on intentions, growth, and connection. It reflects how she wants people to feel. It has also transformed into something far bigger than she ever imagined.

“Over time, that vision has evolved into something more holistic. Sakara is now not just a salon, but a space that blends luxury hair with wellness, mindset, and personal growth for both clients and my team,” said Tamsin.

The Melbourne site was more than just an address. “The location felt right because it allowed us to build something that stood out, a destination rather than just a convenience. It gave us the space to expand creatively and offer more than a traditional salon experience.”

Asked how it feels walking into the space, Tamsin said, “Proud, but also grounded. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, but also how much I’ve grown as a person. There’s a sense of calm in the space now that reflects where I’m at in life. Less about proving, more about presence.”

The intentional nature of everything about Sakara Collective extends to the

products that are used and sold. Australian brand O&M (Original & Mineral) aligns with values around clean products. Everything that is used in the salon supports health for the stylists and clients, as well as long-term results.

Describing the salon aesthetic as “Soft luxury, elevated, warm, feminine, and intentionally calming”, Tamsin went on to say, “I wanted to create a space that felt safe, inspiring, and elevated. Not rushed, not transactional. Somewhere clients could slow down, feel taken care of, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves. The energy of the space is just as important as the service.”

Tamsin has developed her way of working over the past few years. She has shifted away from doing everything herself to creating systems, structure and a strong team culture. We integrate mindset and personal growth into our culture, which creates a completely different energy within the team and the client experience.”

“There’s been a big focus on efficiency, intentional colour work, and creating sustainable workflows, not just for business growth, but for team wellbeing,” she said. “I’ve also leaned more into education and sharing what I know, which has become a huge part of my purpose.”

Clients come to Tamsin for effortless, lived-in luxury. She creates dimension, softness, and colour that works with the client’s natural base. The goal is hair that looks expensive, but feels wearable and low maintenance.

“Our clients value quality, experience, and connection,” she said. “They’re busy women who want to feel elevated but also comfortable. They trust us, they invest in their hair, and they appreciate the full experience, not just the result.”

It is the combination of experience, intention, and education that sets Sakara Collective apart.

“Education is a huge part of what I do,” Tamsin said. “Through Hair by Tamsin Education, I offer in-salon shadow days, online education, and in person workshops. My approach goes beyond technique. I focus on mindset, efficiency, pricing, and building a sustainable career. I believe education should feel empowering, not overwhelming, and something that stylists can actually implement immediately.”

Creativity and connection excite Tamsin. She looks for attitude, self-awareness, and willingness to grow in her team. “Skill can be taught, but energy, accountability, and alignment with our values are nonnegotiable,” she said. “I look for people who are open, driven, and genuinely care about the client experience.”

“My journey has been shaped by experience more than anything. The challenges, the risks, the seasons of growth , they’ve all shaped how I lead, how I create, and how I show up. I’ve also been influenced by strong women in the industry and outside of it, but ultimately, it’s been about learning to trust myself.”

For more information visit https://sakara-collective-au.myshopify.com/

WORDS OF WISDOM

5 MINUTES WITH NICK WHITICKER

At home at Annandale’s elevated Gentry Barbers, Nick Whiticker comes across less like a traditional barber and more like a precision cutter within a prolific grooming culture. With a background in luxury fullservice hair salons and a strong passion for precision cutting, Nick is a detail-driven, quietly confident barber whose work sits at the intersection of classic techniques and contemporary customisation. We take five minutes to learn why he wants barbers to slow down and focus more on scissor cutting and why it’s always so much more than just a haircut.

WHAT ARE YOUR ‘NEW YEAR, NEW YOU’ GOALS IN THREE WORDS?

Consistency, balance, growth.

WHAT STILL MOTIVATES YOU WITH HAIR AND THE BARBER BUSINESS YOU WORK IN THE MOST?

My clientele and my new approach to balance behind the chair. Building new relationships and maintaining long-standing ones is what keeps me focused and passionate. The connection you build with clients over time is what makes this industry so special and hard to match.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN 2025?

That the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Moving interstate made me realise how lucky I am to work at Gentry Barbers and how important the right environment and team really are to your personal happiness and balance in life.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES FOR YOU IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

Transitioning from high-fashion, high-end salons into a boutique barbershop setting. I stepped away from chemical services and refined my focus purely on men’s hair, which has allowed me to deepen my technical skills and return to the fundamentals of barbering.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE HAIR THAT WALKS OUT OF YOUR SHOP?

Detailed, precise, and thoughtfully structured. Every cut is built on strong sectioning and techniques, so clients leave looking sharp and feeling confident.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN HAIRDRESSING?

More men’s hairdressers slowing down and perfecting their scissor work. The craftsmanship we were taught 25+ years ago really helped us solidify this approach. Technique should always come before speed.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU THINK A LOT OF MEN’S CUTTERS MISS?

Creating an experience. It’s never just a haircut – it’s time set aside for someone to feel looked after, relaxed, and confident when they walk out that you have created something that is custom to them.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL CLIENTELE AND HOW DO YOU FIND THEM. HAS YOUR CLIENTELE CHANGED?

The everyday guy. Men today take more pride in their appearance and self-care, and that’s become normalised in a really positive way. My clientele has evolved with that shift – clients are more engaged and invested in how they present themselves and the conversations around it.

IF YOU COULD CANCEL YOUR DAY JUST TO SIT WITH SOMEONE IN THE INDUSTRY AND TALK, WHO WOULD IT BE?

My former boss, Anthony Nadar from RAW Hair. I learned so much from him, and I’d love to talk about the last 20 years – how he’s sustained success and maintained such genuine passion for the industry.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself early on to be the best, enjoy the journey and keep learning.

WHAT EVENTS AND COLLABORATIONS EXCITE YOU FOR 2026?

Hair Festival is always a highlight, and it’s exciting to see Barber Expos growing alongside it. It’s great recognition for the evolution of barbering within the industry.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

My clients. Their energy feeds mine. I genuinely love the conversations, the connection, and being part of helping someone feel their best.

For more information visit www.gentrybarbers.com.au

GET THAT PUMP

In an industry where time is currency and simplicity matters more than ever, Pump Haircare has built a loyal following among professional salons by understanding one very important thing: hairdressers do not need more complication - they need products that work instantly, perform consistently and fit seamlessly into modern salon life.

That ease-of-use factor is a major reason Pump Haircare continues to resonate so strongly with professionals. From cleansers and conditioners through to styling and treatment products, hairdressers can confidently prescribe it without needing an overly technical consultation or a lengthy education process for clients. The products are approachable, but still salon-quality – a balance many brands struggle to achieve. When the Prevention Beauty Awards 2026 named Pump Haircare’s Curly Girl Shampoo a winner, it wasn’t a surprise to the salon professionals who’d already been using it. The core Pump range includes:

Full Volume – Created for fine or flat hair needing body and lift without heaviness. Includes volumizing shampoos, conditioners, sprays and masks that help hair appear fuller and thicker.

Blonde Perfect – Purple-toning care for blonde, grey and silver hair to reduce brassiness while maintaining softness and shine.

Rich Repair – A moisture-focused range for dry, damaged or colour-treated hair, helping improve softness, manageability and hydration.

Curly Girl – Developed for curls and textured hair to boost hydration, reduce frizz and improve curl definition without stripping moisture.

Scalp Therapy – Targets oily, itchy or flaky scalps with soothing and balancing ingredients designed to calm irritation and support healthier scalp function.

Styling & Treatments – Includes volumizing sprays, anti-breakage treatments, masks, curl creams and refresh products that support salon styling while remaining easy for clients to recreate at home. Through targeted solutions for every type of client, Pump has been quietly building a reputation among an expanding salonpartner network for creating products that stylists love to use. According to Pump, when a product works, it doesn’t need to be sold – clients feel the results and ask for it themselves.

REFINED BEHIND THE CHAIR

Pump was born from a question the beauty industry had stopped asking: what if a product actually did what it claimed? Founded by someone who understood firsthand what it felt like to search for product that worked and find nothing but empty promises. Fed up with ineffective formulas and vague results, they stopped waiting for the industry to catch up and started building their own solution – Pump went into salons first, tested on real client problems, real hands, and in real appointment times. From bleached hair, curl patterns that don’t behave the same twice, and clients whose expectations have been shaped by a decade of social media transformations - that pressure either exposes a brand or validates it, and Pump passed the test.

WHAT SEPARATES PUMP

Pump builds systems. Every range is designed around how a real appointment flows. What goes on before, what comes after, how each product interacts with the next – a treatment that won’t compromise the blowout, a curl product that works with the definition already in the hair and a colour care range conceived with the colour service in mind. For professionals, that coherence means fewer mid-service corrections, more predictable results, and consultations you can stand behind six weeks later.

THE TRUST ADVANTAGE

Here’s what Pump’s salon partners have noticed an advantage: the conversation at the basin is different now. Clients arrive having already done their research. They’ve watched the content, read the results, shortlisted the products they want to try. By the time they sit in your chair, they’re not waiting to be sold to, they’re waiting for confirmation from someone they trust even more than an algorithm.

Consumer confidence that arrives pre-built is the hardest thing to manufacture. Pump brings it through the door with your clients.

WHAT PARTNERSHIP LOOKS LIKE

Pump isn’t asking salons to take a chance on an unknown brand. The retail is in demand, the formulas perform, the community of 210,000+ customers across 100 countries with over 39,000 five-star reviews is real, vocal, and growing. What the partnership adds is the professional layer and the fact the brand was always designed to sit within a professional space.

In today’s beauty market, clients gravitate toward brands that feel modern, aspirational and easy to incorporate into their lifestyle. Pump Haircare taps into that clean, effortless Australian beauty aesthetic that consumers instantly connect with. It feels contemporary without being intimidating, premium without feeling inaccessible. In many ways, Pump Haircare represents where the professional industry is heading – less confusion, more usability, stronger client connection and products that support both salon creativity and salon business simultaneously. For more information visit www.pumphaircare.com

NURTURE+ FOR INDEPENDENT STYLISTS

As freelance and self-employed hairdressing continues to rise across Australia, Cloud Nine has unveiled a new industry programme designed to help stylists and salon owners unlock additional income, exclusive pricing and greater professional support.

The Australian hair industry is evolving rapidly, and so too are the ways stylists choose to work.

With more professionals embracing freelance, sole trader and independent salon models, brands are increasingly being challenged to rethink how they support the modern hairdresser beyond the traditional salon structure. Now, hair tool brand Cloud Nine is responding to that shift with the launch of Nurture+, a new industryfocused programme designed specifically to support self-employed professionals and salon businesses.

Created as part of the brand’s ongoing investment in the professional hair sector, the initiative offers both salon owners and independent stylists access to exclusive pricing, retail opportunities and additional income streams, reflecting the changing economics of the salon industry.

The timing is significant. According to the Australian Hairdressing Council’s 2022 Single Operator Survey, more than 50 per cent of Australian hairdressers now operate as sole traders, with some industry reports placing the figure closer to 70 per cent. Flexible working models, rising operational costs and changing lifestyle priorities have all contributed to a major shift in how stylists structure their careers.

For many professionals, success today is no longer defined solely by column bookings. Retailing, affiliate income, education and personal branding are increasingly becoming part of the modern stylist toolkit.

Cloud Nine’s new Nurture+ Programme has been developed with exactly this evolution in mind.

Through the programme, salon owners can access 35 per cent off salon retail stock, while independent stylists receive

50 per cent off salon tools, alongside the ability to earn commission through recommending the products they already use professionally.

The model is designed to create lowbarrier additional revenue opportunities without increasing operational overheads or requiring extra hours behind the chair.

Members also receive complimentary promotional materials including Affiliate Cards, QR code stickers and table talkers designed to help facilitate client purchases and referral sales within the salon environment.

According to Cloud Nine Professional Account Manager Beth Crawley, the programme was created to better recognise the influence and expertise professional stylists already hold with their clients.

“I’m so excited to launch our industryfirst Nurture+ Affiliate Programme, created to help stylists turn their Cloud Nine recommendations into significant additional income with no extra hours worked or additional operational costs,” she said.

“For me, this is about celebrating our industry properly — rewarding expertise beyond the chair and giving clients exclusive Cloud Nine pricing through their stylist they love and trust.”

Importantly, the initiative is not limited to one type of business model. Whether working within a salon team, operating independently, renting a chair or running a solo studio, the programme has been structured to support professionals at multiple career stages.

Beyond pricing incentives, the launch also reflects a broader industry conversation around sustainability in hairdressing careers, particularly as younger professionals seek greater flexibility, autonomy and diversified income streams.

Founded by salon professionals, Cloud Nine has long positioned itself as a brand focused on stylist wellbeing and healthy hair technology, with education and professional community remaining central to its salon strategy.

The Nurture+ launch further reinforces how professional brands are adapting to a more entrepreneurial generation of hairdressers — one where influence, recommendation and retail education are becoming increasingly valuable business assets in their own right.

Hair professionals can apply for the program directly through the official Cloud Nine Professional website.

For more information visit www.cloudninehair.com.au/pages/professional

LIGHTWEIGHT STYLING

For clients who love the Dreame in-salon experience and want to ensure they take it everywhere, the Dreame Pocket Uni combines lightweight portability with fast, high-performance hairdrying in a compact, foldable design. Weighing just 330g, it packs easily for everyday use from salon to vacation. Stable performance across different regions, while the dual air-duct design, five styling modes, and smart attachments mean the pocket Uni brings professional drying and styling wherever you go. email: customercare@dreame.com.au

INSALON

THE LATEST TOOLS, TERMS AND TECHNOLOGY

SHARP STYLE

Sharp style starts with sharper tools. Global Scissors creates premium scissors for hairstylists and barbers who demand precision, comfort, and performance. Built for everyday professionals and creative artists alike, the range combines quality craftsmanship with modern design. Visit Stand 216 at Hair Festival for exclusive offers, new releases, and hands-on experiences. www.globalscissors.com.au

MIDNIGHT LUX

The COLORTRAK Midnight Lux Collection includes Pop-Up Hair Foils, Firm Bristle Brushes, Color Bowls, Croc Clips, and Continuous Spray Bottles. Great hair is conjured, and these shimmering foils, stain-resistant brushes, sleek bowls and clips, and ergonomic spray bottles elevate artistry with bold design. Visit Salon Cosmetics Stand 159 at Hair Festival, and the first 25 customers to mention this article receive a free Colortrak Pack. www.saloncosmetics.com.au

ITALIAN COLOUR

Fanola has built a global reputation for high-performance colour formulations from Italy that deliver both creative freedom and consistent, salon-ready results. Available to the Australian market exclusively through Dateline Imports, the brand has cultivated a strong following among stylists for its ability to balance creative freedom with dependable performance across both colour and care. Enriched with Ginkgo Biloba and formulated with low ammonia, it supports hair integrity while delivering vibrant, true-to-tone colour across an extensive, intermixable shade range. www.datelineimports.com.au

EFFORTLESS SOPHISTICATION

The Karma Ballarat Basin Unit is fitted with the Karma Enviro Head, designed to reduce water consumption without compromising performance. Together with the Karma Nundle Salon Chair, they are designed to bring effortless sophistication into the modern salon space, and create a seamless, elevated aesthetic. Visit Hair & Beauty Kingdom Stand 55 at Hair Festival to see the range. hairandbeautykingdom.com.au

NO RESISTANCE COLOUR

O&M has expanded its award winning CØR. color range with the launch of CØR.color.rn, a new six shade permanent colour category engineered specifically for resistant grey and white hair. Designed to strengthen and protect while respecting the integrity of both hair and scalp the result is rich, even coverage with predictable performance. www.originalmineral.com.au

GAMMA+ LAUNCHES ASSOCIATE PROGRAM

Gamma+ has announced the launch of its new Ambassador and Associate Program across Australia and New Zealand, reinforcing its commitment to education, innovation, and connection with working barbers and hairdressers.

Founded in Italy, Gamma+ creates high-performance grooming tools for barbers and stylists, combining precision engineering with modular design and powerful motors. Its reputation has been built by a global Ambassador network through education, competition, and real-world testing. This has quickly evolved the brand, and establish it across Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Since 2020, Gamma+ Australia and New Zealand has been led by Carmelo Francese, who says the new program marks an important step forward for the brand in the region.

“This program is about backing the barbers who are doing the work every day in shops, on stage, and in the industry,” he said. “It’s not just about visibility, it’s about skill, credibility, and contribution. We’re building a network that genuinely supports the industry and helps shape where it’s going.”

The Gamma+ Ambassador and Associate Program brings together a curated network of respected barbers from across Australia and New Zealand, selected for their technical ability, professional reputation, and commitment to raising standards.

Ambassadors act as educators, mentors, and brand representatives, delivering demonstrations, workshops, competitions, in-shop education, and digital content. Their role is not only to showcase tools, but to share practical techniques, workflow efficiencies, and insights drawn from real barbershop environments.

The program also creates a relationship between working professionals and the Gamma+ product team, ensuring tools continue to evolve in line with the needs of modern barbering.

The Lead Educator for the Gamma+ Ambassador and Associate Program is Jordan Tabakman, winner of the 2026 ANZ Modern Barber Award Industry Appointed Business Person of the Year. He is a second-generation barber and one of most influential educators and stylists of modern barbering, with over a decade of experience. He has performed at major stage show, expos and on television, and is known for his technical excellence and creativity. Jordan is also the founder of The Barber Club Global and TBC Salons and has built a leading grooming brand with salons and academies across Australia, Bali, and India.

Joining Jordan are Teegan Dyson, Aidan Sloan, and Lorenzo Manuele from Victoria, Joe Forkan and Maeve Rice from Western Australia, Damon ‘The Chief’ Tue, Stevie Williamson, and Kurt Land from Queensland, and from New South Wales Luke Kelso, Rich Saunders, and Adam Insill the winner of the 2026 Gamma+ Fade Off competition recently held at Expo4Barbers.

A key feature of the program is the introduction of Associates, designed to support emerging and next-generation barbers.

Associates work alongside Ambassadors, contributing to content, education, and community engagement while building their professional profile within the industry. The role provides a clear pathway for progression into the Ambassador program.

Ambassador and mentor for the Associates is Teegan Dyson, a barber with 14 years of industry experience who began his career when he was 16 years old. Originally from Tasmania, Teegan now works at The Barber Club in Port Melbourne.

From 2027, barbers interested in joining the next generation of Gamma+ talent can apply for the Associate Program via the Gamma+ website.

For more information visit www.gammaplus.com.au

LACE HAIR STYLING

Carolyn Baker founded Lace Bridal Hair in 2015. Her children were young, and working from a home-based studio allowed her to balance motherhood and work, but she was always building towards something she was passionate about, creating a relaxed, welcoming space where her clients felt looked after. As the business grew so did her vision, which led to opening a salon space that reflected everything she had built. Carolyn generously took time to answer our questions.

WHAT WAS THE ORIGINAL VISION BEHIND LACE HAIR STYLING, AND HOW HAS THAT EVOLVED SINCE OPENING?

The original vision was simply to create a job for myself that aligned with my lifestyle and passion. When I opened Lace Hair Styling in Robina in 2020, it was just myself and one team member, but demand quickly grew and within two years I had built a team of ten.

WHAT MADE ROBINA THE RIGHT FIT AS A LOCATION FOR YOUR BRAND?

Robina felt like the right fit due to its accessibility, convenient parking, and strong community feel. Over time, the vision has evolved into something much bigger than I first imagined; not just a salon, but a supportive, welcoming space for both clients and staff. I now feel very confident in the direction we’re heading, with a strong focus on hair health and effortless, lived-in styling.

WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO ACHIEVE WITH LACE HAIR STYLING?

I wanted to create a space where clients could relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy the experience just as much as the result. It was about building something personal that reflected my values, while also creating opportunities for others as the business grew.

WHAT SETS LACE APART FROM OTHER SALONS IN THE AREA?

The atmosphere is a big part of what makes Lace different. We’ve created a space that feels inviting, calm, and genuinely enjoyable to be in. There’s a positive energy in the salon that comes from our team and the way we work together, making it feel more like an experience than just an appointment.

WHAT BRANDS DO YOU USE AND RETAIL, AND WHY?

We use and retail O&M, Original & Mineral, which aligns closely with our values. Supporting an Australian brand is important to me, and I love that their products focus on cleaner formulations while still delivering beautiful, high quality results. It allows us to prioritise both hair health and performance.

WHAT IS THE LACE AESTHETIC IN THREE WORDS? Effortless, natural, and lived-in.

WHAT THINGS HAVE YOU DONE DIFFERENTLY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS?

In recent years, we’ve refined our direction to focus more on hair health and low-maintenance, wearable colour. We’ve also placed a stronger emphasis on client experience and building a team culture that feels supportive and aligned. Looking ahead, I am also placing a strong focus on grey blending. This is an area I’m personally passionate about, and I’ve been investing in further education to continue upskilling. It’s something I’m excited to develop further within the salon as part of our evolving service offering.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LACE HAIR STYLING SIGNATURE?

Soft, seamless colour and natural styling that grows out beautifully. Our work is designed to feel effortless and tailored to each client.

WHAT DO CLIENTS COME TO YOU FOR THAT THEY CAN’T GET ANYWHERE ELSE?

Clients come to us for a personalised experience and results that feel natural and easy to maintain. It’s not just about the hair it’s the way they feel when they’re in the salon and when they leave.

WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTELE?

Our clients are those who appreciate a relaxed, welcoming environment and value natural, low-maintenance hair. They trust us to enhance their look in a way that suits their lifestyle.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR WHEN BUILDING A TEAM?

I look for people who align with our values a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine care for clients. Team culture is incredibly important to me.

WHAT STILL EXCITES YOU ABOUT HAIRDRESSING TODAY?

I still love the creativity and the connection with clients. Being able to make someone feel confident and comfortable is what continues to inspire me.

WHAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR JOURNEY THE MOST?

My journey has been shaped largely by my experiences as a working mum and business owner. Balancing both has influenced the way I run my business and the environment I’ve created. For more information visit lacehairstyling.gettimely.com

The power of beauty in expert hands

Elevate performance, illuminate confidence.

Beauty is more than what meets the eye. It’s a force, a light, a transformation. And its power is in the hands of those who know how to reveal it every day with talent and passion: hairstylists. Discover LIGHTS CO by Semi di Lino, the new line of professional hair products that combines high performance formulas with sensorial luxury to set a new standard of performance and wellbeing

THE TREATMENT ECONOMY

In a climate where time, margins and client expectations are under constant pressure, in-salon treatments have quietly become one of the most powerful business drivers a salon can leverage. They bridge the gap between service and retail, elevate every appointment beyond a transactional visit and, most importantly deliver results clients can both see and feel immediately. In short, treatments are no longer an add-on, they’re an essential strategy.

For salons looking to work smarter, not harder, treatments create value without extending the clock. Whether integrated into colour services or positioned as standalone rituals, they maximise chair time, strengthen client loyalty and open the door to meaningful retail conversations. When a client experiences a tangible transformation in the basin, the pathway to at-home maintenance becomes intuitive, boosting both trust and spend simultaneously, a mindset deeply rooted in the ALFAPARF Milano partnership.

Clients aren’t just booking colour or cuts. They are seeking longevity, shine, strength and that elusive ‘expensive hair’ finish that lasts well beyond the appointment. This is the new treatment culture, and it’s reshaping not only client expectations, but how you build loyalty with clients while immersing them in an ingredient and performance story like never before.

ALFA PARF Milano Semi di Lino Lights Co is a system that feels perfectly aligned with this evolution. It doesn’t just sit alongside colour services. It enhances them, protects the colour investment, and crucially, monetises the time in between every salon visit and for every hair concern.

Lights Co speaks directly to a modern salon reality when clients are stretching appointments, yet expecting better results and more from the one appointment than ever. ALFA PARF firmly believes clients are requesting ‘skincare inspired’ treatments as not an add-on, but an essential step within a full salon service, shifting the treatment need from optional to indispensable, and that’s where this range excels.

Lights Co is designed to work with any hair colour or lightening service, addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges –maintaining hair integrity while achieving lift. Rather than compromising on condition for the sake of brightness, it reinforces the fibre during and after the chemical process.

The power of beauty in expert hands

Elevate performance, illuminate confidence.

Beauty is more than what meets the eye. It’s a force, a light, a transformation. And its power is in the hands of those who know how to reveal it every day with talent and passion: hairstylists. Discover LIGHTS CO by Semi di Lino, the new line of professional hair products that combines high performance formulas with sensorial luxury to set a new standard of performance and wellbeing

This is where a salon-exclusive partner like ALFA PARF Milano comes into its own. With a heritage grounded in professional performance and a firm commitment to the salon channel, the brand offers treatment systems that are both technically advanced and active ingredient rich for premium performance. Designed to complement in-salon services rather than compete with them, ALFA PARF Milano’s treatments empower stylists to prescribe with confidence while maintaining the exclusivity that keeps clients returning.

When a client sits in your chair after a longer gap, the hair often tells the story – faded colour, compromised

condition, scalp imbalance. This is where in-salon treatments become essential, not optional. By integrating targeted rituals into every service, salons can correct, rebuild and elevate the result in one sitting, rather than chasing it across multiple appointments. The range is also set apart by a streamlines Pure Bliss fragrance - inspired by fine perfumery to enhance mood and wellbeing, it creates a moment of ritualistic calm at any salon basin, allowing radiance to not be just seen, but felt.

From a business perspective, the impact is just as significant. Adding a treatment into a stretched appointment increases the average service spend without requiring more clients or longer days. It transforms a standard booking into a premium experience, one that justifies both price and loyalty. More importantly, it positions the stylist as a problem-solver -someone who doesn’t just maintain hair, but actively improves it.

The Lights Co line is built around three pillars; GLOW, NOURISH and RESCUE.

GLOW is suitable for all hair types and envelopes hair with a treatment for unsurpassed shine, hydration and an airy weightless feel, using the brand’s signature ingredient in the line – Semi Di Lino extract across a Glow Shampoo, Glow Dual Conditioner and Glow Mask.

NOURISH is the ritual for dry hair that nourishes the hair fibre with intense moisture, improving manageability and taming frizz, using a biomimetic lipid

throughout a Nourish Shampoo, Nourish Dual Conditioner, Nourish Mask and Nourish Luxe oil.

RESCUE is the regenerating treatment that reconstructs the structure of damaged hair, restoring fibre integrity with a biomimetic peptide derived from the LUPIN plant. A Rescue Bond Shampoo, Rescue Bond Mask and Bond Protection Cream make up the range.

The entire range underscores the brand’s commitment to responsible beauty via biodegradable rinse off products made with Vegan formulas and 99.5 percent naturally derived ingredients; with actives obtained through eco -friendly processes and careful production.

The opportunity for salons is both ritualistic and doesn’t end at the basin. When treatments are prescribed professionally, particularly through a salon-exclusive backbar ritual, clients understand the real benefits and the inexplicable link to at-home care that keeps them coming back. Clients who see and feel the in-salon transformation are far more inclined to invest in the recommended take-home products, extending the life of the service and reinforcing the salon’s expertise long after the first appointment.

Just one of the many reasons why Lights Co by Semi Di Lino is sure to light up your revenue both in personalized layering treatments and recommended haircare rituals.

For more information visit alfaparfmilanopro.com

HAIRCARE WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Harvest is proudly Australian-owned. The brand aligns with a more mindful approach to haircare without compromising on results. Their formulations reflect a commitment to both efficacy and conscious beauty.

Harvest wanted to create a considered addition to its treatment range with a product for hair in need of renewal. The Recover & Rebuild Collagen Mask is formulated with collagen and restorative botanicals. This intensive mask is made to replenish moisture, smooth the cuticle and reduce the appearance of breakage and frizz. The aim is for hair that is left strengthened and resilient.

What was unexpected was the response from consumers. Word of mouth recommendations has seen the Recover & Rebuild Collagen Mask fly off the shelves, going home with new and returning users alike. For many, it has become an essential. Whether incorporated as a weekly maintenance treatment or used as an intensive repair solution, this mask restores vitality while supporting stronger, healthier-looking hair over time.

Designed as an intensive replenishing treatment, the formula works deep within the hair fibre to reinforce weakened strands while enhancing softness, luminosity and overall manageability. Plant-derived bioactives replenish lost moisture and defend against the effects of heat styling, chemical processing, environmental stress and daily wear.

Made from a blend of hydrolysed

wheat and soy proteins which mimics the fortifying benefits of collagen, this concentrated complex helps to rebuild and support the hair’s internal structure, strengthen hair fibres, improve elasticity, and support repair. Botanical bioactives provide nourishment and replenishment, smooth the cuticle and enhance shine.

This conditioning blend deeply moisturises hair to restore softness and reduce dryness, and the emollient complex assists in reducing frizz, improving manageability and silkiness.

At its core, this is a treatment designed with intention. A response to hair that feels overworked, depleted, or simply in need of renewal. The formula centres around a collagen-inspired complex of hydrolysed plant proteins, working deep within the fibre to reinforce weakened strands and restore structure from within. Paired with restorative botanicals and an intensive conditioning system, it replenishes what hair loses over time— moisture, strength, and resilience.

The experience is immediate, and far more than superficial. Hair feels softer, smoother, more composed after the first use, followed by a cumulative effect that sets Recover & Rebuild Collagen Mask apart. With continued use, strands appear stronger, more uniform, quietly

luminous, frizz softens, breakage becomes less apparent, and texture refines. Hair behaves better.

The results speak for themselves. The hair surface is refined for improved manageability and shine. The appearance of breakage caused by dryness and damage is reduced. It assists in smoothing flyaways and improving overall hair composure. It also works to help fill and repair porous areas for a more even texture and enhanced natural shine. This versatile treatment ritual is ideal as a post-colour recovery mask or as a weekly deep care treatment for ongoing resilience.

Recover & Rebuild Collagen Mask is professional-grade haircare, suitable for colour-treated and heat-styled hair. It restores elasticity and hydration without weighing the hair down. Developed with a modern clean-beauty approach, it delivers high-performance results while excluding unnecessary harsh ingredients.

Harvest haircare seamlessly combines cutting-edge technology with the essence of nature. The products do not compromise. They are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from sulphate, paraben, mineral oil and artificial colourant. Their aim is for a modern formulation that respects both performance and conscious beauty. For more information visit www.amr.com.au

THE CULT BALM

At the centre of the brand’s momentum is the Slick&Smooth Balm, recently awarded Best New Hair Styling Product at the 2026 Australian Hair Fashion Awards.

Compact, vegan and Australian-made, the balm has quickly become a cult favourite among stylists and clients alike. Designed to smooth flyaways, sculpt sleek looks and refresh second-day hair, it delivers soft hold and glossy shine without stiffness, residue or white cast.

“I wanted to create a handbag essential that actually worked - no crunch, no mess, just instant polished hair in 30 seconds,” says Natalie Anne. Unlike traditional styling sticks that can leave the hair feeling coated or rigid, the Slick&Smooth Balm melts seamlessly into the hair fibre, creating polished styles that remain touchable and reworkable throughout the day.

Fresh from winning Best New Hair Styling Product at the 2026 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFAs), Natalie Anne Haircare Slick & Smooth Balm is fast becoming one of the industry’s most in-demand styling products, combining flexible hold, glossy finish and treatment-led performance in one salon-ready essential.

There’s a noticeable shift happening in hair styling, and Natalie Anne haircare is at the head of its redefinition. Heavy finishes, flaky flyaways and stiff styling products are being replaced by a new generation of formulas designed to deliver polish, softness and flexibility without compromising hair health.

Australian-born brand founded by celebrity hair artist Natalie Anne in 2017, Natalie Anne Haircare was developed from real salon experience - a range was created to bridge the gap between luxury styling results and effortless everyday wear.

Its treatment-led formula also sets it apart. Infused with Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Sea Algae Extract and Saw Palmetto, the balm helps hydrate and condition the hair while supporting scalp health.

Importantly for salons, its versatility extends far beyond slick buns and ponytails.

“I didn’t call it a ‘slick stick’ because it’s so much more than that,” says Natalie Anne. “It’s a Slick&Smooth Balm because there are so many ways you can use it – whether that’s to rehydrate and smooth waves or to create hold and shine.”

From refining editorial up-styles to taming hairlines and reviving texture, the product adapts to multiple styling moments, helping drive strong retail appeal both in salon and online.

The AHFA win further cements the product’s status as one of the standout styling launches of the year and reinforces Natalie Anne Haircare’s growing influence within the professional hair category.

The Slick & Smooth Balm and the full Natalie Anne Haircare collection are available exclusively through Haircare Group. www.thehaircaregroup.com

THE REALITY OF SALON SCALING

For many hairdressers, success begins behind the chair, but it doesn’t end there. As your client list grows and your confidence builds, so does the ambition to create something of your own. Stepping into salon ownership is an exciting evolution, but it comes with new challenges that go beyond creativity. Growing a business isn’t just about moving forward – it’s about doing it in a way that’s sustainable, strategic and built to last. BizCover helps tackle some of the hidden risks.

THE HIDDEN RISKS OF GROWTH

As your business grows, so too do the risks you’re exposed to. When you’re working solo, the stakes are relatively contained. As you expand, those risks multiply.

A successful salon owner understands that risk is part of running a business. For many, this often means choosing business insurance options to help protect your income, reputation, and everything you’ve worked to build.

HIRING STAFF

Hiring staff often brings more income potential, more freedom, and the ability to grow your brand – but it also means stepping into a new role as a leader. You’re now responsible not just for your own work, but for your team’s performance, safety, and client experience. Your first hire changes everything Moving from stylist to employer means you take on responsibilities like wages, super, contracts and workplace safety, along with training and supporting your team. Management Liability insurance is one option some salon owners consider to help manage the risks associated with their salon and staff.

Managing people - and expectations

Building a team means managing personalities, performance and consistency. You’ll need to handle challenges like lateness, service quality or client feedback while maintaining a strong salon culture.

Protecting your business as your team expands Expanding your team potentially increases risk, making it important to put the right safeguards in place. Clear processes, defined roles, and strong agreements help to prevent issues with staff.

LEASING OR BUYING A SPACE

Moving into your own salon space is one of the most exciting steps in your growth journey. This is where you get to let loose and indulge your creativity as you bring your own brand to life. But alongside this creative freedom comes a new level of financial commitment and responsibility. The real cost of a salon fit-out Fit-outs, furniture, basins, chairs, mirrors, and tools can quickly add up, and they can also be expensive to replace if they are damaged. Contents insurance - a cover option available in a Business Insurance Package - can help replace business items like stock, equipment, machinery, fixtures, fittings, and furniture, if they are damaged by a fire, storm, break in, or other covered event.

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Location, foot traffic and liability

A physical space means you’re now accountable for what happens within it, from client slip-and-fall incidents to burns from hot tools or damage to property. Public Liability insurance covers you if a third-party claims that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage. This includes defence costs cover. Protecting your space and tools

From professional tools to the building itself, putting the right protections in place helps minimize downtime and keeps your business running if something unexpected happens, such as a freak storm or a break-in. Business Insurance options such as Building, Glass, and Theft can help you cover these common salon risks.

MANAGING CASH FLOW

As your business grows, cash flow becomes one of the biggest factors in whether you thrive or... not. But with more overheads and commitments, even busy salons can feel financial pressure without careful planning.

Income isn’t always predictable

Running a salon comes with fixed costs. At the same time, income can fluctuate due to cancellations, seasonal slow periods, or quieter weeks. Understanding these patterns and planning for them is key to running a successful business.

Balancing growth with stability

Growth often requires upfront investment. The challenge is expanding without overextending. Keeping a close eye on expenses and pacing your growth helps ensure your business remains stable as it scales.

Planning for the unexpected

Every business faces surprises, from sudden drops in bookings to storm damage forcing you to temporarily shut your doors. Having a financial buffer and clear contingency plans can help you weather many storms. Business Interruption insurance, another Business Insurance Package option, can be another safety net, covering the loss of income and increased costs of operating your business caused by a specified insured event. It is designed to assist your business to recover from an insured event by paying ongoing expenses, like wages or rent.

THINKING LIKE A BUSINESS OWNER, NOT ONLY A STYLIST.

Running your own salon means stepping beyond the role of stylist and thinking like a business owner.

From cash flow and team management to protecting your space, each decision plays a role in your long-term growth. Having the right safeguards in place, including business insurance, can help protect what you’ve built and give you the confidence to keep moving forward.

The types of cover suitable for your business will depend on your individual circumstances. However, insurance is one way you can help safeguard the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

For more information on business insurance for hairdressers, visit www.BizCover.com.au or call 1300 805 821.

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