
Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
Last night was very special for me. I had just wrapped up an interview with Lynn Tully, the lead hairdresser at American Idol (for the May 2 episode of Modernsalontv) and was invited to sit in the audience to watch the show. One of the highlights of the hour was the Rihanna performance. Wow...that chic chick can sing. But even more impressive was her HAIR!! "Wasn't her head shaved on one side last month?" asked the fan sitting next to me. Sure was...which is why I did some digging to find out what Rihanna's BFF, hairdresser and FHI Heat VisionMaker Ursula Stephen did to get the length, volume and gorgeous finish.

Last night was very special for me. I had just wrapped up an interview with Lynn Tully, the lead hairdresser at American Idol and was invited to sit in the audience to watch the show. One of the highlights of the hour was the Rihanna performance. Wow...that chic chick can sing.

But even more impressive was her HAIR!! "Wasn't her head shaved on one side last month?" asked the fan sitting next to me. Sure was...which is why I did some digging to find out what Rihanna's BFF, hairdresser and FHI Heat VisionMaker Ursula Stephen did to get the length, volume and gorgeous finish.
Obviously it was a wig, but Ursula would only spill the following beans: "The look was influenced by Diana Ross, really big and sexy, with lots of body, texture and just the right amount of movement."
Most interesting, I learned, is the collaboration between artist and artist. "At first, we weren't sure what to do, and we started throwing ideas back and forth. Ri said she wanted something sexy, and we almost went with a sleek, straight look. But I wasn't feeling passionate about that, so we switched to texture at the last minute, but decided to soften the curls from the look she's been wearing."
When asked how to get the look, Ursula offered: "All you need is the FHI Heat Curling Iron, spritz, tail comb and a pick. Take small sections of hair, spritz and then wrap around the outside of the curling iron to reinforce the curls. When you have completed the entire head, pull out curls with your pick."
Bottom line, the song AND her hair were total hits.

The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.

The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.

Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.

The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.

CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.

Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.

The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.

The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.