Each year Keune Haircosmetics North America hosts its top salons on an international education experience as part of its Keune Loyalty Club (KLC) program, designed to reward Keune salons for brand loyalty. This year, 30-plus KLC colorists, salon owners and industry professionals were treated to more than a week of intimate seminars, mainstage inspiration, parties and education in Sydney, Australia.

As Sydney’s annual Vivids lights festival lit up the city in vibrant displays of light illusions, and the continent’s largest beauty show, Hair Expo, drew in thousands, the KLC crew experienced Sydney to its fullest, and MODERN SALON was honored to go along on the journey.

In addition to exploring the city’s major attractions—including Bondi Beach, the Taronga Zoo, whale watching, climbing the Sydney bridge, and a dinner cruise along the Harbour— KLC trip attendees were treated to private educational workshops and a look at the global influence of the color-strong Keune brand.

“The opportunity to join Keune on these reward trips is absolutely wonderful,” said Mary Lawrence, co-owner of Solutions Day Spa in Kokomo, Indiana. “We get sneak peeks at product launches, hair presentations and the opportunity to network with other salon owners. It’s constant education.”

Solutions co-owner Annie Bedwell said she not only brings home the knowledge and techniques to share with the rest of her salon staff, but her clients also get excited about her travel.

“These trips make me feel more connected to the Keune brand,” Bedwell said. “My clients think it’s amazing that we get to be so involved with a company. It shows that our salon is close to trends, and closer to the cutting edge of what’s happening in the world.”

Day with Keune

KLC attendees joined stylists and artists from across the globe in celebrating the creative spirit during Keune Australia’s Day With Keune, a bi-annual hair and fashion show featuring local and international session stylists and colorists.

Indonesia’s “Royal Majesty” Cathy Christopher delighted the audience with model after model in a presentation of hair couture inspired by Indonesian provinces. The team transformed hair into architecture and sculptural art.

Roberto Tarla, Keune Creative Director, and Sam Rizzo, Keune Creative Artistic Ambassador, presented Beyond True Beauty, with models showcasing new color shades in the Keune family, and cutting, styling and texturizing techniques. The audience cheered upon learning the new shades and formulations that will be available in the coming months.

Brazilian brand ambassador Tiago Aprigio, a celebrity colorist in Brazil, a regular at Sao Paulo Fashion Week and has more than 100,000 Instagram followers, shared his signature highlighting technique inspired by iconic Brazilian supermodels and celebrities.

In addition to other highlights, the headliner was Spain’s X-Presions Creativos, the team responsible for creating the pixelated color technique that made global headlines, who showcased the evolution of the pixel through Disruption—three-dimensional coloring techniques and styling, all created layer by layer.

Day With Keune closed with a Harajuku-themed Tokyo Neon Disco party benefiting the Keune Foundation Ball, which was established in 2005 to provide emotional and financial assistance to Australian families who have children diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

Balayage Workshop

In a private training session hosted at Keune Australia’s headquarters, Aprigio showcased multiple lightening effects using Keune’s new Ultimate Blonde Lightener.

Aprigio took two models—including MODERN Editor in Chief Alison Alhamed—from a balayaged finish to a seamless gradation of color that progressed from a natural shadow root to icy ends.

Aprigio detailed his team-based service technique that allows him to work on up to 15 clients a day by utilizing multiple assistants and expert timing.

“For all the salon owners out there, the struggle is extremely hard,” said KLC’s Johnna Rightmyer, co-owner of Juel Salon in Franklin, Tennessee. “We’re so used to working with friends and we get put in this position to lead. KLC has helped me find a connection with other owners through these trips—what a great way to bond and experience something so amazing.”

Social Studies

Alhamed hosted an intimate workshop detailing how to take stylists’ Instagram presence to the next level. Topics included creating the ideal social media handle, how to capture the perfect image, captions, hashtagging and favorite apps.

“Even if your goal isn’t to become the industry’s next big superstar, Instagram is an important tool in building your clientele,” Alhamed said. “Not to mention access to limitless education from tutorials and formula posts, connecting with major beauty brands and forming friendships with like-minded stylists.”

Country Club

“It gives me so much inspiration to be here in Sydney,” said Ilham Mestour, Keune’s global creative artistic director. “The people of Sydney truly enjoy their quality of life, the way they dress shows they’re open to new shapes and silhouettes before they become trends. From the people and street fashion to the architecture and the Vivids color festival—the energy here is insane.”

Through the KLC Rewards program, Platinum level salons ($80,000 with Keune in retail and color) earn two tickets including tuition, air, hotel, meals and entertainment, to experience an international trip each year. Titanium level salons ($120,000 in retail and color) earn four tickets. Learn more at keuneloyaltyclub.com.