Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
by Anne Moratto
Battle of the Strands Goes Live in Vegas and Filmed for TV Series
“Battle of the Strands” is the World Cup of Beauty - the world's most extreme hair, makeup and wardrobe competition. On Oct. 6, 2014 at 5 p.m. PST, 16 winning salon teams from around the globe will converge in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino's LIGHT Nightclub to compete in all areas of beauty, using breakthrough techniques and the hottest consumer trends.
Elizabeth Jakaitis・Assistant Editor
3 min to read
2013's Battle of the Strands winning look
“Battle of the Strands” is the World Cup of Beauty - the world's most extreme hair, makeup and wardrobe competition. On Oct. 6, 2014 at 5 p.m. PST, 16 winning salon teams from around the globe will converge in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino's LIGHT Nightclub to compete in all areas of beauty, using breakthrough techniques and the hottest consumer trends.
This salon showdown features extreme talents from the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Japan as they compete against each other on one stage. Thousands of the industry's finest enter the competition. Hundreds qualify to compete and show off their skills, until the contestants are reduced to 16 teams that make it to the final showdown in Las Vegas.
This final “Battle” will push the boundaries of hair, makeup, nail art and fashion, as teams showcase the ultimate in creative coiffure.
Kim Vo, international stylist icon and co-host, remarks, “These contestants are true artists who will be confronting the biggest beauty challenges of their lives. The teams are magnificent and I have no doubt that the audience will be astonished when they see the magic these teams are capable of creating.”
Thanks to new partnerships, “Battle of the Strands’” grand finale will be live streamed to 400 plus movie theaters nationwide, courtesy of Fathom Events' Digital Broadcast Network. Additionally, this year's event will be filmed as the centerpiece for a four-part television series on the Discovery Fit and Health Network. The no-holds-barred “Global Beauty Masters” will offer viewers a sneak peek into what really goes on behind the salon cape and throughout the competition. It is set to air weekly on Tuesdays at 5pm EST beginning Dec. 2.
“Battle of the Strands” would not be complete without the support of top beauty brands. Presenting partners Farouk Systems Inc. - CHI, Millennium Systems International, Ultratress, Kryolan Professional Make-up and Bhumi Makeup Brushes are working in concert to ensure this “Battle of the Strands” season is the most ambitious to date and a tough act to follow.
“Battle of the Strands is going to open the door for more people to be attracted to the profession and to see that hairdressing is much more than the stereotype,” said Mr. Farouk Shami, Founder and Chairman of Farouk Systems. “It’s an art, it’s a science and it’s a business. This platform will introduce the public to the real hairdresser.”
This year's competition is backed by tremendous support from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, Rock Your Hair, Hot Tools, GROH, Gelish-Nail Harmony, Sexy Hair, Hattori Hanzo Shears, Fromm Beauty, Doucce, Enzo Milano, LeChat, Royal Cup Coffee, Lamborghini Las Vegas,Audi Henderson, IBS New York & Las Vegas, Premiere Shows, Daily Nails, Spa Week, the American Association of Cosmetology Schools, Televisa Publishing & Digital and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
For more information, visit www.BattleOfTheStrands.com.
More In The Know
The Doux Launches Roblox Hair Salon Game Celebrating Textured Hair and Entrepreneurship
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric Achieves Record-Breaking Success in Historic Partnership Year
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
by Anne Moratto
House of Wella Los Angeles Brings Fall/Winter 2026 Trends to the Stage and Innovation to the Salon
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
by Anne Moratto
The Industry Remembers and Mourns Educator and Artist Dominique LyVar
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
by Angela Reich
Brad Johns Dies at 70: A Friend Remembers the Celebrated Celebrity Colorist
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
by Anne Moratto
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
Looking Inward: With Community at Its Heart, Davines Reinvents Its Pro Channel for North America
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
by Anne Moratto
RÜTE Wash Launches Shower Cap Designed for Crown Washing and Hair Extensions
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.
by Anne Moratto
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
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.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
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.
by Anne Moratto
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
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