MENU
SEARCHIt’s been said that Nicholas French, Matrix Artistic Director, Matrix Global Design Team Member and Creative Director of She By SO.CAP USA Hair Extensions, is a king of NAHA.
It’s been said that Nicholas French, Matrix Artistic Director, Matrix Global Design Team Member and Creative Director of She By SO.CAP USA Hair Extensions, is a king of NAHA. In addition to his numerous nominations—nine—and awards, French is, again, a contender in this year’s Avant Garde category. A former salon owner (he owned several in his native United Kingdom) French devoted himself exclusively to editorial work and sharing his knowledge. He has traveled the world educating both advanced and novice salon professionals, and his work has graced covers around the world.
about me
BORN AND RAISED: Chelsea, London, UK. Currently resides in the Hamptons, New York.
FAVORITE FASHIONS: My vintage Versace gold-studded jacket originally created for Elton John. I bought it from his stylist 25 years ago. My favorite item in my wardrobe is my Dior suit. I sold a house and bought a suit.
THE COOLEST LOOK I EVER CREATED: In 1976 I had a 10-page story in Vogue on an African American/ British model. I Marcel-waved her hair but the heat of the studio moved it into a marvelous V shape!
FAVORITE TOOLS: My Nicholas French Pin-Ups Magnetic Wristband and, of course, my small hands.
THE BEST THING ABOUT MY JOB: To see young people grow and self-start their creative engines.
THE BEST JOB I EVER HAD AS A HAIRDRESSER: Making a Pink Floyd pop video of which I made a appearance in, dressed as a sailor in the Falklands War.
MY PERFECT DAY INVOLVES: Playing a lot of tennis in the sun.
MY SECRET WEAPONS: My energy and patience.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Champagne.
MY MENTOR: I have two. My father, Freddy French of French of London and, of course, our “Hairdressers’ Hairdresser,” global spokesman and ambassador for our industry,Vidal Sassoon. I worked with him in the early days of my career.
I AM INSPIRED BY: The multi-faceted artists, painters and photographers of the 1950s, like Cecil Beaton, Norman Parkinson and my father Freddy French who produced many Vogue covers in the ’50s.
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.
