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SEARCHMODERN took on the trends, celebrated with annual recognition programs, and offered career-building advice in some of the most popular pieces from 2023.
Every year comes with its unique events, concerns, and trends, and they are often reflected in the articles that resonate with readers of MODERN SALON.
In 2023, the MODERN SALON audience wanted to see who was being celebrated with our annual recognition program, the MODERN SALON 100, while also being curious about our newer Indie Pro Awards which were launched to spotlight the growing segment of independent artists. Business-building and personal growth remained important topics, with financial management (especially as the memory of COVID challenges remain) being a big one and fortunately, we had an expert in Anna Manukyan to guide us.
Our long-term content contributor, Carlos Valenzuela, writes blogs that speak to the heart of the hairdresser and his pieces were some of your favorites this year. He spoke about toxic clients, keeping secrets in the salon, and even a little known fear, "coiffurephobia."
These 10 articles made the list because while they attracted many eyeballs, they also represent a complicated, beautiful year and the things MODERN SALON readers care about. Enjoy!
10.
How to Build a Brand: Winning Marketing Strategies from Elyse Rox
Salon owner and stylist life coach Elyse Rox gives us tons of insight on how she built herself a winning brand, and how you can do the same. Watch Elyse on "Hairstyle: The Talent Show," a new entry into the genre of beauty competition programming.
9. Recovering Out Loud: Overcoming Addiction, One Day at a Time
Stylist Meghan Blanchette’s life story nearly ended with a period…instead it continues with a semi-colon. She talked about her struggles with drugs and alcohol at Sport Clips National Huddle, sharing her experience of recovery, and giving hope to others who may think their life is at an end, when, in fact, recovery can start a whole new chapter.
8. Coiffeurphobia: Fear of a Hairdresser
Being nervous about getting a haircut or coloring your hair, especially with a new hairdresser, makes sense. Author Carlos Valenzuela, a former educator, platform artist, and stylist, gets to the heart of hairdressing issues and in this blog, he explains why "Coiffeurphobia" is a thing.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Indie Pro Awards! We love being able to celebrate this growing community of creatives.
6. Breaking Down the Scandi Hairline Trend
It is a hair coloring technique that creates a halo-effect around the hairline --but is it right for everyone? We were spotting this trending on TikTok and thought, "What's the deal? Is this a trend, or just another name for a long-established technique?"
Get the complete guide to navigating the world of professional beauty careers. This experiential article continues to be a reference tool for stylists at every stage of their career.
4. Winter 2023 Nail Trend Alert: Aurora Nails
This winter is bringing a host of nail trends to the forefront, including our favorite, aurora nails! This entry into our list was published in November and it shines bright!
3. 3 Tips for Avoiding Future Financial Headaches
Financial coach Anna Manukyan shares three financial tips she wishes she new earlier. We benefitted from Manukyan's financial wisdom and guidance this year, big time!
What you eat matters, but when you eat it matters, too. This article made its way into this list with new attention being paid to gut health and how it contributes to overall wellness.
1. Announcing the MODERN SALON 100 of 2023
We loved celebrating these 100 gamechangers in the beauty industry as we inducted them into the MODERN SALON 100 Class of 2023!
These "Honorable Mention" articles included a new series with Business Energetics Coach Yara de la Torre, an introduction to the physical-fitness duo of Industry Aligned, the concern with A.I. and how it impacted artists in entertainment, and how it can be an ally, plus how representation of Black hairstyles was addressed in the world of gaming.
This Project Is on a Mission to Give Black Gamers Better Digital Hair Options
What the Strike in Hollywood Means to Hairstylists Who Work There
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.
The 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
Though their Astronaut of Hope collection of brushes and clips, ERGO Styling Tools raises $33,000 to support HairToStay, the first and only national nonprofit dedicated to making scalp cooling treatments affordable for cancer patients.
A new professional smoothing collection designed to help stylists control frizz and humidity while maintaining natural-looking results.
At the America’s Beauty Show press conference—hosted in collaboration with Cosmetologists Chicago—these standout professionals were recognized for their contributions to the industry.
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
A new report criticizes the regulations' impact against students and entrepreneurs.
As rich red-violet tones continue trending, the brand introduces two new demi shades designed for depth, shine, and dimensional color.
amika's new Stylist Circle is a community-first model designed to reflect and support the full spectrum of today's working stylists. Find out how you can join.
