Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
by Anne Moratto
Amika Names Naeemah LaFond as Global Artistic Director
Professional hair care brand amika has appointed Naeemah LaFond as its Global Artistic Director. In this newly created position, LaFond will be responsible for executing the creative hairstyling direction for the amika brand as well as continue to oversee the amika Education Program and the global team of amika stylists and educators.
January 28, 2014
2 min to read
Professional hair care brand amika has appointed Naeemah LaFond as its Global Artistic Director.
Professional hair care brand amika has appointed Naeemah LaFond as its Global Artistic Director. In this newly created position, LaFond will be responsible for executing the creative hairstyling direction for the amika brand as well as continue to oversee the amika Education Program and the global team of amika stylists and educators.
LaFond first joined amika in January 2013 as the brand’s National Education Manager, Professional Division. Combining her passion for the art of hairstyling and a commitment to education, LaFond developed the amika Education Program with the objective to engage the inner artist in every stylist. Launched in Fall 2013, the program’s curriculum works to equip stylists with the power to execute the ever-evolving industry trends—providing stylists with the knowledge and tools to thrive and develop their craft.
As the Global Artistic Director, LaFond's capacity will extend itself to platform styling, campaign styling, as well as leading the amika team backstage at New York Fashion Week. She will also continue to advance the professional education program towards global expansion, and manage the brand’s national and international styling teams.
"Naeemah offers a fresh perspective on the industry and intuitively brings the brand's artistic vision to life. As an integral part of our team, she is a driving force for amika as our brand continues to evolve," states Shay Kadosh, CEO of amika. "As an artist, Naeemah seamlessly strengthens the bond between our brand and the professional stylist."
Established in over 30 countries, amika commits to its mission of infusing innovation with creativity. “amika has a unique positioning that aligns perfectly with my ambition for always creating something different and venturing into uncharted creative territory, " says LaFond. “I intend on building upon amika’s inimitable brand identity as we earn our place as industry frontrunners in education and artistry.” LaFond will lead amika into the new year working alongside Vita Raykhman, amika's Creative Director, to style the brand's advertising campaigns. She will also maintain her focus on building the amika Pro Team to fulfill amika’s education initiatives.
For more information about amika, visit www.loveamika.com.
More In The Know
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.
by Staff
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
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.
by Stacey Soble
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
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.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
Wear Your Wellness: Wearable Patches for Energy, Sleep, Stress, and Recovery
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.
by Anne Moratto
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Improving Texture Skills for All: Ulta Beauty and BBR Announce Pilot Launch of All Textures Certification (ATC) and Training
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.
by Staff
Mireya Villarreal Announces From Chair to Boss Live, a New Business Education Event for Beauty Professionals
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.
by Anne Moratto
Universe Walker to Host The Art of Dry Cutting Workshop in Brooklyn on July 20
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.
by Staff
Staying Informed: Why the Financial Conversation in Beauty Is Changing
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.
by Anne Moratto
Dippity-Do Celebrates 60 Years of Hair Styling Innovation with Girls with Curls Collection
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.
by Anne Moratto
Covet & Mane Expands Hair Extension Color System with New Color Boost Drops
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.
by Staff
Sam Villa Receives the Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award
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.
by Staff
CND Relaunches SHELLAC with New Visible Light Lamp Technology
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
by Staff
Curl Cult Launches Community Investment Round, Inviting Stylists and Clients to Become Owners
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.
by Staff
The Professional Beauty Association Announces Winners of the 37th Annual North American Hairstyling Awards
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
by Staff