
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.
In recent years, a new culture of beauty has bloomed, and it’s grown into a rich garden of diversity & inclusivity. The beauty industry is saying goodbye to the Eurocentric standard of beauty—tall, young, thin, blonde, and blue eyed—and hello to present-day values of inclusion. Along with this shift is the rise of genderless fashion, and hair stylists are helping to shape this new narrative.

*This article was repurposed with permission from Vagaro.
In recent years, a new culture of beauty has bloomed, and it’s grown into a rich garden of diversity & inclusivity. The beauty industry is saying goodbye to the Eurocentric standard of beauty—tall, young, thin, blonde, and blue eyed—and hello to present-day values of inclusion. Along with this shift is the rise of genderless fashion, and hair stylists are helping to shape this new narrative.
Revamp Salon, a gender-neutral booking boutique, has been leading the way in embracing genderless practices. Huy Le, hair stylist & founder of Revamp, takes pride in catering to a person’s hair needs, regardless of their gender. He considers the time and effort put into a hairstyle as his determining factors for pricing & marketing.
“We charge based on time and effort we put in, not on your gender.” –Huy Le
This is an innovative approach, as most hair salons are still using antiquated procedures when it comes to listing & describing services/products. This can be problematic for customers that identify as nonbinary or transgender, as it leaves their specific needs unmet. It can also lead to a loss of business and revenue for hair salons, considering the growing population of nonbinary people.

Within the last five years, Revamp has successfully launched a genderfluid business model that highlights gender neutrality. For example, non-gender specific naming conventions are used to describe their services, such as short haircut vs. men’s haircut. This may seem like a small difference; however, it holds large significance and impact.

“Some men prefer long hair, and some women prefer short. It seems imbalanced when gender labels are involved.” –Huy Le
To further embrace the importance of inclusivity, Huy also talks with his clients about why he implemented gender neutrality methods at Revamp. He calls it “chair education” and uses the time as an opportunity to talk and learn more about customer experiences.
Hair & beauty are synonymous and as the idea of glamour shifts, hair trends follow. Creating a safe space for clients where they can comfortably be themselves is a recipe for success. And having service options that appeal to all can help a business stand out, get noticed, and get booked.
*To get more tips on how make your business more inclusive, click here.

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.