
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.
To further empower colorists, Schwarzkopf Professional has added noted colorist, Jack Howard, to their team as the new Global BlondeMe Ambassador so he can share his passion for beautiful blonde hair.

Schwarzkopf Professional's BlondMe range empowers hairdressers with high-performing products and blonding techniques to overcome any blonde challenge. BlondMe combines lightening, lifting and toning color products with a customizable, sulfate-free care range. To further empower colorists, Schwarzkopf Professional has added noted colorist, Jack Howard, to their team as the new Global BlondeMe Ambassador so he can share his passion for beautiful blonde hair.
“It is a real honor to join one of the fastest growing dynamic color brands covering blonde hair needs in the role of Global Blonde Ambassador," says Howard, who has been referred to as the King of Balayage, has trained hairdressers in the art of Balayage around the world. His work has been seen in the pages of Vogue, Tatler, Harpers, the Evening Standard and his client list includes Poppy Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Abbey Clancy and Gillian Anderson.
The Art of Hair Painting: Balayage
Balayage is a French word meaning ‘to sweep' or ‘to paint.’ In its truest form, Balayage is a freehand highlighting technique that applies color from root to tip. Using color in this way creates a very natural-looking, personalised highlight, yet because it’s so versatile, it can also be used to craft looks that are more intense depending on the desired result. An additional benefit of using this method is that it allows the color to grow out softly, without any harsh re-growth lines.
Howard has identified and developed four key balayage techniques:
• Classic – an everyday freehand highlighting technique for a range of softer looks, with low-maintenance and subtle regrowth
• Creative – working with a client's specific haircut and style to create bespoke contrast and depth
• Micro Balayage – for clients looking for a more intense highlighted look
• California – a heavier take on the classic, where more of the hair is colored with varying tones, roots are left feeling lived-in
Each of his techniques focus around the use of negative space to create depth and dimension, making every one of his looks 'pop', whilst keeping a natural softness and balance. Schwarzkopf Professional are excited to combine Howard's vision for blonde with a strong focus on balayage techniques throughout 2019.
"It is wonderful to welcome real talent to the growing world of Schwarzkopf Professional," says Simon Ellis, Schwarzkopf Professional's Creative Director. "Jack Howard is a true color master and his experience and creativity will bring a new dimension to the world of BlondMe, our fastest growing color brand dedicated to blonde hair needs."
In addition to his role as Schwarzkopf Professional Global BlondMe Ambassador, Howard has been working closely with Simon Ellis on the Essential Looks 1:2019 Collection.
BlondMe product details, iconic looks and how-to tutorials can be found on the Schwarzkopf Professional website and across digital channels, including the interactive House of Color App. The Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks 1:2019 Collection will be fully revealed from March 2019.

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.

SalonCentric has announced its expansion into Alaska, marking the distributor’s presence across all 50 states and bringing additional access to professional beauty products, education and business support to licensed salon professionals in the region.