
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
I want to share a fascinating conversation I just had with Mary Petillo, stylist and educator for the American Board of Certified Haircolorists. Mary was telling me about True Mirror. Ever wonder why we all think we look great, or terrible, in ...
I want to share a fascinating conversation I just had with Mary Petillo, stylist and educator for the American Board of Certified Haircolorists. Mary was telling me about True Mirror.
Ever wonder why we all think we look great, or terrible, in photos? It’s because we are seeing ourselves as the outside world sees us—not as we see ourselves, which is through a mirror--the exact reverse of how we really look. But you knew that.
True Mirror gives us the chance to see ourselves as others see us. Mary arranged for John Walter, creator of True Mirror, to bring his mirrors to last month’s ABCH Energizing Summit in Los Angeles and, she reports that stylists and colorists were mesmerized.
Plastic surgeons have long used a true mirror, but Walter has re-worked the concept into a table-top or wall-mounted version that contains two mirrors set at 90 degree angles to reflect a three dimensional view of our “real-life” image.
Mary reports that Summit attendees were lining up to see their reflections and the reactions ranged from very favorable to OMG!
Tom Dispenza of Chromastics invited Walter to demonstrate the mirrors in his hair color classes and Walter noted that this creative group really saw the value of True Mirror for their salons. The mirrors are expensive, but one is all that is needed in a salon to attract foot traffic.
“ I always tell my students to make their salon a destination," says Mary. " Promote the True Mirror and you will have people coming in to look at themselves who may also buy a retail product or make an appointment."
We know how most clients hate to part with their long-established part. “Now stylists can show clients how something as simple as changing their part can alter their true appearance,” Mary adds.
For total image makeovers, the mirrors are available in a full-length version.
With the melding of salon, spa, skin care and medi-spa services,True Mirror sounds like a sure bet.
And, if you want a more Zen take on it, what better way to find your true inner self?
I was intrigued—if you are, too, you can check the mirrors out at Truemirror.com.
To learn more about the American Board of Certified Haircolorists, visit haircolorist.com.

Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide

The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.

RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.

Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.

One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.

A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.

According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.

Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.

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.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai

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.