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!

MODERN SALON TOP TRENDING ARTICLES OF 2023

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.

7. The Winners of the 2023 Indie Pro Awards

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?" 

5. MODERN SALON Career Center

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!

2. Timing Your Foods for Stomach Health

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!

MORE of What Was Trending in 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. 

• Using AI to Write Captions

• This Project Is on a Mission to Give Black Gamers Better Digital Hair Options

• Industry Aligned Promotes Physical Health for Beauty Pros

• The Cosmos Update: What to Expect During Taurus Season

• What the Strike in Hollywood Means to Hairstylists Who Work There