
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.
Since 1927, Milady has been a leading provider of educational and business training resources for programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup, Massage Therapy, Salon & Spa Management and Business Training. Milady ...

Milady Director of Marketing and Training, Gerard McAvey
Since 1927, Miladyhas been a leading provider of educational and business training resources for programs in Cosmetology, Esthetics, Barbering, Nail Technology, Makeup, Massage Therapy, Salon & Spa Management and Business Training. Milady has helped more than 10 million beauty professionals achieve their license. There are also many resources available for instructors, including a library of videos and online ebooks and interactive materials. Recently, MODERN SALON spoke with Director of Marketing and Training, Gerard McAvey, about how Milady is evolving to respond to consumer demand and to trends, specifically the call for nail services in salons and the need for education that hairdressers can access anytime, from anywhere.
MS: Describe your approach to educating the aspiring nail technician.
GM: We’ve seen that the interest in becoming a manicurist and developing the artistic technique is growing. We recognized that we would need to revise our curriculum and work with subject matter experts to figure out what the market is demanding.
We just revised our whole nail technology curriculum and our stand-alone programs to keep up with what the market is providing and the consumer is requesting. We want to continually accommodate and inspire today’s nail technician student.
Milady released an updated edition of our textbook, “Milady Standard Nail Technology.” It’s the number one book in the marketplace of nail tech programs. In conjunction, we’re also going to be releasing training videos and content on our MiladyPro.com site. Nail technicians have professional development needs and they need hours to keep their license and we want to help them meet them.
MS: The Milady Education Network is now MiladyPro.com. Tell us more about this professional learning site.
GM: Milady has always been synonymous with high quality education for the beauty and wellness industry and MiladyPro is the next-generation platform to deliver that education. MiladyPro.com is an incredible resource, offering hundreds of articles, webinars and videos from the industry’s top talent.
We know what a day in the life of a stylist is like. Oftentimes, there is very little, if any, free time to take advantage of educational resources that can be digested in five, 10 or 15 minutes. With robust search functionality, better content filters and a mobile-friendly design, all of the information, resources and tools professionals need for success will be at their fingertips.
MS: Milady announced that future classes on MiladyPro will cover topics such as customer service, marketing techniques, increasing retail and service sales as well as infection control. What will we be seeing coming from some of your expert voices?
GM: We just announced the release of Razor Cutting Online with Nick Arrojo, four all-new online classes available exclusively through MiladyPro. These four classes include Razor Basics, where stylists will learn how to properly handle a razor and three classes focused on different razor haircuts.

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.