
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.
It’s been a busy and successful three days at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago. MODERN SALON Editors have been in full force going around the show floor learning about the newest products, hottest trends and capturing all of the excitement in our blogs, articles and videos. Read about the demos at MODERN SALON's booth, CND's Shellac Couture Runway Show and the Texture Pavilion.

It’s been a busy and successful three days at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago. MODERN SALON Editors have been in full force going around the show floor learning about the newest products, hottest trends and capturing all of the excitement in our blogs, articles and videos. Today was no different, lots went on at the MODERN SALON Booth—including demos by Aquage featuring Shawna Parvin, Malibu C featuring Nicole Parillo, Agadir featuring Shisla Castro and Salon Tech featuring Steven T. Lightfoot.
Each of stylists demonstrated different hair techniques using products from their brand. Malibu C’s Nicole Parillo used Malibu C Blondes on her model, while Agadir’s Shisla Castro used Agadir products to curl and add shine to the hair of one of our booth managers. Salon Tech’s Steven T. Lightfoot gathered a crowd when he demonstrated how to add hair pieces using minimal bobby pins (four to be exact), volume with teasing and more! Models from GK Hair stopped by the booth to show off their amazing new color, too.
The Texture Pavilion (booth #233) drew curly enthusiasts for a third day in the row with presentations from Curly Hair Solutions, Hair Rules, Ouidad, Universal Beauty, Farouk and Jane Carter. To celebrate the launch of the Texture Pavilion and its success at ABS this year, many of the curly brands located in the pavilion gathered together for an evening of networking at the W Hotel off of Lakeshore Drive in Chicago the night before. After talking to many of the curly brands at the event, I learned that they all have one thing in common—spreading curl education to stylists all over the nation is a necessity. Many of the brands expressed their desires and hopes of getting involved with offering texture education in academies, conducting special seminars and more.
The Runway held a couple hit events today—one was the Student Conference which featured both celebrity stylists, beauty icons (and MODERN’s own Alison Shipley!) talking about how beauty has changed their lives to an audience of students starting out in the beauty industry. Following the conference was the prime event for nail enthusiasts—CND’s Shellac Couture show.
Presenting approximately 75 shows per season, Creative Nail Design (CND) says they are all about elevating the status of nails and the nail professional as an expert in style and beauty. Leading designers knock on their door with their individually hand-crafted nails. “With every nail we create we are pioneering the nail future,” says CND CEO Jan Arnold. “Nails influence fashion…and fashion influence’s nails. It’s the hottest accessory.”
The show featured the predicted new nail trends of the season: New Rock N’ Roll (intensely hued/amped up color, and dangerously long); Organi-tech (inspired by nature and futuristic flashes of high shine); and Treasured Antiquity (tribe, embellished/tarnished with precious metals gleaming with different textures). Models flashed these trends and more on the catwalk. CND Design Team members Candace Manacchio, Shelena Robinson, Kristina Estabrooks and Roxanne Valoniti also took turns at showing the audience exactly how to achieve their favorite looks. From color blocking to snakeskin to playing with adhesive foil –the presentation had audience members “oohing” and “ahhing” the entire time.
That’s it for Day Three! We hope that all of you that did attend had a great time just like we did! Make sure you check back on modernsalon.com for more blogs/articles and PHOTOS of America’s Beauty Show in the upcoming week.

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.