
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.
The third annual Battle of the Strands competition is being currently held in Las Vegas, with competitions running until October 14.
The third annual Battle of the Strands competition is being currently held in Las Vegas, with competitions running until October 14. Qualifying rounds were held in New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Billed as a “Project Runway for hair stylists,” Battle of the Strands features teams of hairdressers who compete by presenting styles that reflect wearable trends, couture looks and avant garde styling. Make-up and wardrobe styling completes the competition. This year, the 14 qualifying teams will represent The U.S., Mexico, Panama and Puerto Rico.
The top five teams from this round will compete in the Final Battle October 14 at the Pearl Theatre in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The event will be hosted by stylist Kim Vo and YouTube’s Kandee Johnson with celebrity stylist judges including Michael O’Rourke, Allen Edwards, James Harris, and Andrew Caruthers, director of education for Sam Villa, and more. Doucce Cosmetics has joined the event on the competition stage and in the classroom.
The final competition will be held October 14 at the Pearl Theatre in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Guests will be entertained by singers Marika and Anjali Dea and will be able to visit gifting and sampling suites complete with swag bags. For more information, visit BattleOfTheStrands.com.

Battle of the Strands is an international hair, make-up and wardrobe competition with finals held this week in Las Vegas.

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.

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.