MENU
SEARCHWith heavy hearts the Neill family announce the passing of Neill Creative Director Michael "Baker," a celebrated stylist that also was the founder of 5x5 The: Stage, the DeBulker and the Second Hand Scissor Project.
It is with heavy hearts that the Neill family announced that visionary editorial hairstylist and Neill Creative Director Michael Baker, died unexpectedly November 26. “Baker,” as he is known to many in the beauty industry, had been battling depression for most of his life, ultimately losing that fight. Memorial arrangements are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Baker’s wife Debra, his son Myles, step-children Garrison and Paris, grandchildren Camden and Damon, and the entire Neill family ask that friends and colleagues allow them some time as they plan the next steps to honor Baker.
Baker was a four-time nominee for the North American Hairstylist Awards and currently the Creative Director of Neill, an Aveda distributor and longtime beauty industry leader and innovator located in Hammond, Louisiana.
In the 1980s, Baker was a sought-after editorial and celebrity stylist whose work appeared in Italian Vogue, W, Allure, Elle, Interview and Vogue. His client list included Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Nicks, Marisa Tomei, Johnny Depp, Don Henley, Brad Pitt, Billy Idol, Robert Palmer, R.E.M. Tom Petty and Janet Jackson to name a few.
Baker had a passion for educating young stylists, in the Aveda Institutes and elsewhere. He was the creator of 5x5: The Stage, an educational experience to help stylists perform at work, and was the inventor of the DeBulker, a texturizing trimmer and a whole new way to create hair art. He also founded the Second Hand Scissor Project, handing down tools to inspire the next generation of stylists.
The Neill family has asked that in lieu of sending flowers, donations be made to Beauty Changes Lives. Click here to donate on the website, or text MBaker to 44-321.
Originally posted on Salon Today
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.
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
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
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.
