MENU
SEARCHThis 2011 International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) is turning out to be an amazing show. Chock full of education, product launches and industry celebs, you need at least 2 days to do this show justice.
This 2011 International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) is turning out to be an amazing show. Chock full of education, product launches and industry celebs, you need at least 2 days to do this show justice. Thousands of people are here in Long Beach, California, learning more about Kim Vo's new color education program, the new "Vibe" clipper by Oster, hottest tools by HOT and the purest ingredients by Bioken. There's so much education in and around the show floor that you really have to be off your game to not come out a better artist after spending some time at this show. Thousands of salon professionals are here to up their skills and bring better services to their clients.
There's an entire floor devoted to Esthetics America and Wellness. I learned more about Romane, the very first fragrance line devoted to the salon industry. The first offering (with two more planned later this year) is called Jet 365. It is the most delicious scent and delivered in a small roll on. The very cool display is meant to make the impulse purchase impossible for your client to resist. It's pretty, affordable, profitable and smells great. What's not to love?
Many new products here are sulfate free or made with "green" ingredients lo designed to make your services even better like the Malibu water purifying crystals. I've loved learning about all the new extensions, nail services and products, brushes, wet lines and accessories.
I have two favorite moments from ISSE so far. The first was when Brig Van Osten, Shear Genius star and owner of P!ay Hair Lounge in Smii Valley, California, stopped by the Modern Salon Media booth to say hi. Before you knew it, a crowd formed to have their picture taken with the Season 3 winner. Dozens of fans lined up to shake her hand and a bit of a frenzy broke out. Poor Brig…it was the end of the day she was just trying to get out of there! But graciously, she stuck around for a bit more than one hour until EVERYONE was kicked out.
The other incredibly exciting moment was when Pierce Austin, celeb hair stylist (he's been doing Will Smith for years) stopped by our booth. He was there with Sacha Quarels (the famed lead hairstylist for dozens of films including the most recent Wall Street film and the latest Men In Black and the Sex and City tv series). While chatting, Frank and Shannon Peters, newlyweds and owners of the Bqute salon in Palmdale, California came to the booth to meet the Modern editors. Frank and Shannon's "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" is going to be aired tonight. Pierce was so excited to meet THEM because he's been captivated by the commercials showing Shannon slugging someone in the salon! Pierce grabbed my microphone (ok, I gave it to him) to interview the couple. Turns out, Frank and Shannon have not yet seen the finished episode. They are as excited as the rest of us! This interview will be up in our gallery soon (I'll let you know…it's a good one!)
Tabatha, Derek J, Damien Carney, Martin Parsons, Michael O'Rourke are here; Sherri Jesse is doing a presentation for Rusk and Marco Pelusi is doing a technical class for Aloxxi...The place is crawling with thousands of salon professionals. I really can't wait to get back to the show because in addition to meeting with Jan Arnold of CND who is going to show the latest in nail artistry and trend, I am going to watch Nick Arrojo demonstrate his new appliance line.
Nick Arrojo
Sherri Jesse
Tabatha Coffey
Gotta go. Will give a full wrap up when the show wraps up tonight!
Photos from Naz Kupelian:
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
