
Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
The acquisition brings the tool brand back to its salon roots.

Kossof Beauty, LLC announced today the acquisition of Solano, one of the most trusted and dependable hair dryer brands in professional beauty, from Beauty By Imagination (BBI Company), a dynamic global platform company specializing in category-leading hair care, tools and accessories. Founded in the early 1970’s, Solano is one of the most respected brands dedicated to manufacturing high-quality hair dryers that meet the demands of stylists working in a busy salon environment.
Alan Kossof, founder of Kossof Beauty, LLC and co-owner with his father Teddie Kossof, of the Teddie Kossof Salon & Spa, celebrates 48-years on Chicago’s North Shore, located in Northfield, IL. As a dedicated and involved salon owner, Alan has a keen understanding of the demanding environment hairstylists work in and the need of tools that are designed to meet those demanding expectations. That is where Solano excels.
“Alan has been one of Solano’s top customers for years. His father Teddie Kossof, founder of his namesake salon, was very close with the original owners of Solano,” said Francesca Raminella, CEO of Beauty by Imagination. “When Alan and I first talked about Solano and its future, it was clear to me that he would be a passionate supporter of the development and growth of the brand. I am happy Solano moves under Alan’s ownership and leadership, and wish him great success,” added Raminella.
“The acquisition of the Solano brand is near and dear to my heart, and loyal Solano customers are already recognizing our renewed commitment to the beauty industry,” said Alan Kossof, Founder of Kossof Beauty, LLC, and President and CEO of Solano. “We recognize Solano’s past success was very much due to the commitment from the stylist who invested in a Solano hair dryer. We want to carry that forward, respecting the relationship that has been built for years,” added Kossof.
Kossof partnered with BBI Company in early 2020 to distribute Solano products to beauty professionals and consumers through the newly formed website, www.solanousa.com. The website became an instant success in reconnecting the professional beauty community with Solano and educating them on Solano’s extensive model line-up and supporting customers through the reactivation of the Solano Care and Repair Warranty program.
Solano hair dryers are beloved by users for their durability and long lifespan. Solano offers a multitude of hair dryers to suit all stylists needs. With an extensive Solano Care and Repair Warranty program, coupled with unmatched customer service, any issues that users may have with their hair dryer will be supported with friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive customer service.
If you own a Solano, the Solano Care and Repair Warranty program offers you the option to renew your warranty so you can protect your investment for years to come. Kossof is committed to sustainability and the environment, and by 2025 Solano’s manufacturing facility in Italy will be 100% solar powered. Solano also offers repair service for nearly all makes and models of hair dryers.
Kossof estimates there are more than 1 million Solano hair dryers currently in use worldwide, with many being 10 to 15+ years old. This a testament to the quality of the Solano hair dryer. Salon professionals who are attending America’s Beauty Show, April 15-17, 2023, in Rosemont, IL, can learn more, test and purchase Solano products at the show. Visit the Solano exhibit, booth #1135.
Solano’s manufacturing facility is in Italy, with distribution across the USA through solanousa.com. Contact (800) 733-7902, sales@solanousa.com, or visit solanousa.com. Distributors interested in more information on bringing Solano products into their portfolios should contact Alan Kossof directly at alan@solanousa.com.
ABOUT SOLANO: Solano has always stood for power. A relentless dedication to providing the high-quality salon tools has made Solano one of the most trusted and dependable brands in the professional beauty industry. Solano is a high-performance dryer brand focused on serving the needs of the professional stylist and salon clients. Solano tools offer a long lifespan due to the reliable, high-quality manufacturing process. The ionic technology, unique proprietary componentry and infrared heat dries hair in minutes and leaves the hair healthy and shiny. Since the 1970’s, Solano brand has been synonymous craftsmanship, quality, and durability. Many who have a Solano have had it for decades, due to Solano’s superior manufacturing and best-in-class Solano Care and Repair Warranty program. For information, please visit the flagship website www.solanousa.com or call 800-733-7902.
Originally posted on Salon Today

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.

Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.

Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.

Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.

As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.

The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.

RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.

Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.

One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.

According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.

Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.

The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.

The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.

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.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai