
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.
Set to launch in November, R+Co Bleu is a carefully edited, results-driven lineup of 21 formulations bringing sophistication, quality and ingredient innovation to hair care.


The iconic packaging boasts a juxtaposition of gloss and matte textures combined with a palette of rich, vibrant tones and artful design inspired by ’70s Yves Saint Laurent, where Garren was first introduced to the world of fashion meets fantasy, quality and excellence. Bottles and jars are made of 100% post-consumer recycled material, and tubes are constructed from recyclable bioresin sugarcane plastic, a first for the prestige hair care category. “All components of R+Co Bleu packaging are 100% recyclable” says Todd Hildum, President of Sales at Luxury Brand Partners. “By being recycled and recyclable, we’re creating a continuous circle of sustainability.”
Few artists are so iconic that they go by a singluar name. In music there's Madonna. In fashion there's Twiggy. And in hair there's Garren.
Garren has shaped the silhouettes of beauty icons including Linda Evangelista, Farrah Fawcett, Victoria Beckham, Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, and yes, Madonna. His work is featured consistently in global fashion campaigns and publications including Vogue, W, Interview and Allure. We also know him as one of the co-founders of R+Co, along with Thom Priano and Howard McLaren. And now, in partnership with Luxury Brand Partners and R+Co comes a product line of his own.
Designed around the perspective, editorial eye and incomparable beauty authority of Garren comes R+Co Bleu, a couture collection from R+Co, consisting of a carefully edited, results-driven lineup of 21 formulations.
“R+Co was based on the premise of a collective—bringing together hair and beauty’s top talent to create a super line based on a shared vision,” says Dan Langer, President of R+Co. “The beautiful thing about a collective is that it creates opportunities for collaboration, and also moments to showcase a singular vision. R+Co Bleu is a celebration of the career of Garren, one of the co-founders of R+Co, and is an unadulterated expression of the glamour and transformation that is synonymous with his work.”
“Garren, Thom and I started R+Co together as a way to debate about the perfect products and education—and learn from one another,” McLaren says. “We are all so excited to have Bleu join the world of R+Co.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Garren for many, many years,” Priano adds. “Watching him work is still something that brings me wonder. When he does hair, people stop and watch. R+Co Bleu is a labor of love and his expression of beauty.”
Named for the calming blue waters and restorative tranquility of destinations like Capri, Positano and the Caribbean islands, R+Co Bleu heals, rebuilds, nourishes and protects, addressing factors that compromise hair, from chemical processes to heat styling, enabling stylists and their clients to create looks infused with flexibility, movement and radiant shine.
According to Tev Finger, CEO of Luxury Brand Partners, the development of R+Co Bleu came from a request directly from the salon network. "Each salon is unique, as is their clientele—from downtown to uptown, rock ‘n’roll to tailored, trend-obsessed to timeless, salons want to offer lines that speak to all clients,” he says.
THE PRODUCTS
The 21-product range is divided into families according to benefit. Each category of care—from shampoos, conditioners and masks to stylers—has its own distinct shape and color-coded cap reflected in four color stories: blue for Essentials, orange-red for Color, green for Repair & Moisture, and purple for Volume. This conscious line is color-safe, vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified, and gluten-, sulfate- and paraben-free.
THE PACKAGING
The iconic packaging boasts a juxtaposition of gloss and matte textures combined with a palette of rich, vibrant tones and artful design inspired by ’70s Yves Saint Laurent, where Garren was first introduced to the world of fashion meets fantasy, quality and excellence.
Bottles and jars are made of 100% post-consumer recycled material, and tubes are constructed from recyclable bioresin sugarcane plastic, a first for the prestige hair care category. “All components of R+Co Bleu packaging are 100% recyclable” says Todd Hildum, President of Sales at Luxury Brand Partners. “By being recycled and recyclable, we’re creating a continuous circle of sustainability.”
“Within each product carton is a seed-infused card that will grow wildflowers when planted, showcasing R+Co Bleu’s One Tree Planted partnership supporting global reforestation,” says Elizabeth Langkraeher, General Manager of R+Co. “We look forward to hosting stylist-led tree planting events around the country to build community and environmental awareness.”
R+Co Bleu is now available for salons to pre-order at randcobleu.com.

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.