
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.
Recently, editors were invited to sit in master colorist Kim Vo’s chair at his Montage Beverly Hills salon and receive a Schwarzkopf Professional color service performed by Vo, Schwarzkopf’s Global Blonding Ambassador. It was ...

Recently, editors were invited to sit in master colorist Kim Vō’s chair at his Montage Beverly Hills salon and receive aSchwarzkopf Professionalcolor service performed by Vō, Schwarzkopf’s Global Blonding Ambassador. It was an opportunity for the press to experience the talents of an industry innovator and leader, while also learning more about the recently re-launched Schwarzkopf BLONDME, a lightening color and care collection for blondes.
Karen Lawton, National Education Manager for Schwarzkopf Professional, explained that Schwarzkopf is quickly gaining wider exposure. “I meet with all kinds of salon owners and chains and everyone is so excited to get their hands on us,” said Lawton. “Once colorists try the line, they are amazed that it is so simple. If they are not using Schwarzkopf and they are afraid of change, like so many people, I will walk them through all the resources that are available including our Essential Looks Collection and our App, which helps them with formulation, remembering client birthdays and gives a great brand overview.”
Vō, with three salons to oversee, works seven days a week seeing clients. His celeb list of famous blondes includes Kate Hudon, Britney Spears and Katherine Heigl. He has perfected the blonde finish that looks ultra-expensive and high-maintenance but is achieved in a short time and requires less upkeep. His efficiency is impressive.
“What I do well is focus on a task-- I am single-minded,” says Vō. “You have to be myopic and really engaged. This is an accelerated look but it isn’t rushed; it very thoughtful and very artistic. It is to sustain a look in-between the times when you are able schedule a double-process. We call this ‘The Surrender’ because in the consultation, we listen to what the client needs and then we ask them to surrender and trust us."

After a single process on the roots, he painted some lows and some highs and conditioned throughout where there was sensitized hair that needed some help.
"We don’t have to connect the dots to the scalp and we can blend a little," says Vō " Everything needs to finish processing at the same time. It's like making a TV dinner--the peas have to be ready at the same time as the brownies.
"Color is about continuity, consistency and control. If you know what it can do you are able to color with confidence and build your business.”

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.