
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.
With the new KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System from Keratin Complex, it only takes three steps to give your clients the smoothest, softest, shiniest hair of their lives.

KCMAX comes in a liter sized system containing 24 treatments, or a 4 oz system containing 4 treatments.
Courtesy of Keratin Complex
Sleek, silky locks are as easy as 1-2-3 with the transformative three-step KCMAX Maximum Keratin Smoothing System. Thanks to the most advanced technology yet, KCMAX is Keratin Complex’s most powerful smoothing treatment that delivers ready to wear hair for up to three months.
What’s more, each liter adds a nice chunk of change to your bottom line: potentially $9,900 to be exact. What’s not to love?
Keratin Complex has a full portfolio of keratin treatments that deliver luxorious results. KCMAX is perfect for salons and stylists who have clients looking for the sleekest results and wanting to repair hair damage from the cold, winter months. This 90-minute professional smoothing treatment not only eliminates frizz and creates manageability, but also increases the strength of damaged hair.
Formulated with our proprietary keratin technology for stronger, healthier hair, KCMAX Maximum Smoothing Treatment eliminates frizz and increases manageability for all hair types, while delivering luminous shine and silky softness. KCMAX dramatically increases the strength of damaged hair and produces straighter, smoother results in just oine treatment. Post-treatment blow-dry and styling time is much shorter, plus clients can pull hair back or put in clips immediately.

Before and after of the KCMAX smoothing treatment on a model.
Courtesy of Keratin Complex
Pre-Treatment Shampoo - Before starting each treatment, shampoo hair twice with KCMAX Maximum Keratin Pre-Treatment Shampoo. During the second shampoo, allow shampoo to saturate the hair for five minutes. Rinse completely but do not use conditioner. After thoroughly towel-drying the hair, shake, measure and pour treatment into a bowl (1 oz. per application based on texture, porosity and condition of the hair).
Treatment Application – Gloves should be worn. Divide hair into six sections. Starting at the nape, part hair into ½ to 1-inch subsections. Apply treatment evenly, beginning ¼-inch from the scalp through to the ends. Continue combing to ensure even distribution. Be careful not to oversaturate the hair. Cover with a plastic cap and allow treatment to process for 30 minutes. Divide hair into six sections and use your fingers to blow-dry hair 80% before finishing with a vent brush.
Treatment Spray - Starting at the nape, part the hair in two-inch sections and mist with one to three pumps of KCMAX Daily Treatment Spray from base to ends. Comb through each section to ensure even distribution. Divide hair into six sections. Flat iron ½ to 1-inch subsections. For fine to medium hair, the temperature range should be 380 to 400 degrees F while the number of passes from base to ends should be 7 to 10. For coarse, virgin and resistant hair, the temperature range should be 400 to 450 degrees F while the number of passes from base to ends should be 10 to 12.
After the service is complete the stylist provides the clients with the remainder of the bottle of the KCMAX Daily Treatment Spray to go home with to maintain the longevity and effectiveness of the treatment. The KCMAX Daily Treatment Spray is formulated with Signature Keratin and is the essential aftercare for the KCMAX service and should be used after every shampoo and before any restyle.
KCMAX is available in two sizes: A liter system, which has 24 applications and can generate up to $9,900 in revenue and the 4 oz. KCMAX Smoothing System Kit that includes 4 applications.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.