
Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
Karlene Smith and Bianca Martinez have been selected as the winners of the NovaLash annual LashOff Competition.

NovaLash eyelash extensions have announced the winners of their annual LashOff Competition. The win puts two deserving lashionistas on the beauty map. For 2014, Karlene Smith, owner of Lifestyles Massage and Skin Care in Bellingham, WA, has been named Lash Artist of the Year. Smith’s success, the judge’s board attested, was due to her dedication to a superior NovaLash application technique, not to mention a great “eye” for what makes extensions elegant. As the winner of the 2014 competition, Smith will receive $10,000 in premium prizes, including a full-page advertorial in one of the industry’s biggest magazines and a featured spot on NovaLash’s much-clicked “Find a Stylist” page.

Also awarded was Bianca Martinez, proprietor of Yuma, AZ, favorite: Lashes by Bianca. Martinez was selected as the Fan Favorite, a Facebook-based contest that allowed eyelash-experts everywhere to vote for their favorite before and after lash extension photos. As the Fan Favorite, Martinez is entitled to her own package of prizes, valued at $5,000, and includes NovaLash products for use in her work.
“Selecting the winners of our third annual contest was the toughest decision we’ve had to make. We have never had more entrants to our contest, nor have we ever seen such a variety of lashing style and finesse,” said NovaLash CEO Sophy Merszei. “I am truly thrilled to see how many talented professionals have taken up this lucrative beauty career.”
To see the top talent in action for yourself, visit NovaLash’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/novalashUS. NovaLash’s Fourth Annual LashOff Contest opens up in November 2014.

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.

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.