
U.S. Beauty Artists Win 10 Medals at the OMC Hairworld World Cup 2026 in Paris
Makeup, brow and hair artists from across the United States won 10 medals at the OMC Hairworld World Cup 2026, held October 11–12 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Insight into the techniques and business of curl from our roundtable of texture experts will turn you into a texpert!
AJ Johnson

Stylist for Strawllers
Top techniques for curlies: I use a very small amount of foam mousse and AJ’s of Chicago Hydrating Mist and then set the hair on Strawllers. This gives the client soft and natural-looking curls.
Must-have texture products: AJ’s of Chicago Moisture-Rich Conditioner, the Leave-in Hydrating Mist and Strawllers. Combined, the products can enhance any hair texture.
How I acquired my “texpertise”: I have always had a passion for natural hair. I feel it is healthier and more versatile, so I was determined to create different techniques and products to enhance, add softness and infuse fun and life back to natural curls.
My best advice for working with texture: Avoid cutting textured hair while it is wet, because when the hair dries it will be shorter than anticipated and the cut will not be as precise. Also, apply some tension to relax the curls while cutting, and use a diffuser or blow out the hair a little on a cool setting before cutting.
Textured looks for spring: This spring there are no rules! The short, cropped, naturally curly or wavy look is always sexy and very cute in spring, while the big, funky, naturally curly look complements this spring’s bright, bold colors.

Makeup, brow and hair artists from across the United States won 10 medals at the OMC Hairworld World Cup 2026, held October 11–12 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

In this role, Parsons will oversee Sales, Marketing and Education, driving growth across Kao's professional salon, distributor, retail and e-commerce channels while advancing the company's long-term vision for the North American market.

Premiere Anaheim announces SalonCentric, a leading distributor of salon professional products, as its newest education and show pass sales partner, marking SalonCentric's first-ever presence at the Anaheim show.

Two of our favorite looks from the LACMA Gala were elegant, timeless takes worn by actresses Nicole Kidman and Anya Taylor-Joy.

At its core, Bumble and bumble is about giving people the tools, the confidence, and the freedom to express themselves through hair.

Premiere Show Group has announced IN FOCUS, the creative campaign behind the Premiere 2027 Show Tour, developed in collaboration with award-winning Ashlee Norman Hair & Team.

Next stop, Portugal! These winners will represent North America at the Wella Destination Event in the Global TrendVision Awards.

Stylists Yene Damtew and Jamal Edmonds launch Coil Event, a textured hair event for working stylists with hands-on education, live demonstrations, industry conversation, and networking.

Powered by mya, the zero-commission matchmaking tool connects clients with suite owners, setting a new tech benchmark in the salon suite industry.

A reimagined Press Conference and Official Show Launch will feature the artistry and creative direction of the Chrystofer Benson Artist Team, an exclusive first look at America’s Beauty Show 2027, and an invitation to EXPERIENCE the PULSE - The Heartbeat of the Professional Beauty Industry.
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.

This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.

Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.

Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.

This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.

The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.