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SEARCHTexture! panel: This presentation, hosted by MODERN’S Editor-in-Chief Laurel Nelson and Michelle Breyer, founder of NaturallyCurly.com, was packed with all kinds of curly-haired information from a panel of texture experts including: John Benedetto, director of education for GK Hair; Shari Harbinger, director of education for Deva Concepts and color director for Devachan Salon and Departure Lounge; Ouidad, salon owner and product developer; Anthony Dickey, founder of Hair Rules hair care line; Veronique Morrison, director of education for Mizani; American Crew’s International All-Star Erica Grabczyk; and Artistic Director and Educator for Ouidad, Ana Daniel.
Texture! panel: This presentation, hosted by MODERN’S Editor-in-Chief Laurel Nelson and Michelle Breyer, founder of NaturallyCurly.com, was packed with all kinds of curly-haired information from a panel of texture experts including: John Benedetto, director of education for GK Hair; Shari Harbinger, director of education for Deva Concepts and color director for Devachan Salon and Departure Lounge; Ouidad, salon owner and product developer; Anthony Dickey, founder of Hair Rules hair care line; Veronique Morrison, director of education for Mizani; American Crew’s International All-Star Erica Grabczyk; and Artistic Director and Educator for Ouidad, Ana Daniel.
Panelists at the Texture Event.
CND Trend on The Runway@ABS.
AACS’s Beauty Changes Lives Ambassador, Ted Gibson.
The panel discussed keratin treatments, dry cutting vs. wet cutting curly hair, transitioning clients to their natural texture and how to understand/build and market to curly-haired clients. After the panel discussion, curly-hair demonstrations were conducted throughout the room on models where attendees could get up close to watch the techniques.
“The Texture live panel was just what all of us curly hair professionals needed!” said attendee Melanie Day from You’ve Got Curls Salon in Lexigton, Kentucky.
NaturallyCurly.com founder Michelle Breyer said, “It is not often that you get some of the top experts in texture in one room. This was a unique opportunity to see and learn about a variety of philosophies for working with waves, curls and kinks. Many stylists said it was the single most valuable event they attended because of the real-world techniques they learned.”
Student assembly & AACS bringing beauty to life: This presentation on the ABS Runway featured testimonials from seasoned salon professionals on how beauty changed their lives for the better. There were presentations from American Association of Cosmetology School’s Beauty Changes Lives Ambassador Ted Gibson, FIRST CHAIR Editor Alison Shipley, Shear Genius 3 winner Brig Van Osten, Aquage’s Luis Alvarez and words of wisdom from International Artistic Director for Pivot Point International Yolly ten Koppel, among others. Dedicated to students, this assembly provided inspiration, advice and tips to those who are just entering the beauty industry. “It was such a powerful event! I wish I could have attended when I was still a student,” said Van Osten.
On the runway: The Runway at ABS showcased superstars including the Sassoon Academy Creative Team, Toni & Guy, Nick Arrojo, Matrix artists Brian and Sandra Smith, and many more. And this year, the Runway also hosted the CND Shellac and Fashion Fusion event.
This nail event showcased the brand’s 2011 spring nail trends and how-to Shellac demonstrations with the 12 new Shellac colors on a big screen. Co-founder and Style Director Jan Arnold talked about each of the new trends, which include: Flesh- Forward—chick, fl oral bohemian fabrics accentuated by clean, modern nails; Effervescent Effect—graphic brights, intricate beading and vibrant colors in lightweight gossamer fabrics for nails with multidimensional effects; and Diplomatic Darks—tonal shades of blue, oxblood, red and berry pairing with global prints, ’70s inspired silhouettes or textured evening gowns.
Last word: “Why did we choose McCormick Place as the venue for America’s Beauty Show? It allows for 800,000 gross square-feet of space, the main stage and all exhibitors are on one level, and it allows for better technology capability and traffic patterns,” said Paul Dykstra, CEO of America’s Beauty Show. “When we polled attendees, three out of four say they love ABS at McCormick Place!”
Related:
Best of the Windy City: ABS 2011 (Part 1)
Best of the Windy City: ABS 2011 (Part 2)
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.
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.
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.
