Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
by Anne Moratto
Phenix Salon Suites to be Featured in Undercover Boss on CBS
On Friday, January 9 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. CST, Phenix Salon Suites and its founder, Gina Rivera, will be featured on CBS' Undercover Boss show. The Emmy Award-winning reality series puts high-level corporate executives in the ...
Lauren Quick・Contributor
Left: Gina Rivera || Right: Rivera as "Ashley"
2 min to read
On Friday, January 9 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. CST, Phenix Salon Suites and its founder, Gina Rivera, will be featured on CBS' Undercover Boss show.
The Emmy Award-winning reality series puts high-level corporate executives in the shoes of those working for them by disguising them to work at their own businesses. The idea is to expose what really goes on in their business on a non-corporate level and give the boss a feel for what it's like to be one of his or her employees.
"It was an honor to meet and see the salon professionals working in Phenix Salons," Rivera says. "Like most everyone else in America, I'd seen Undercover Boss before, but getting into my disguise and meeting these members of the Phenix family was life-changing for me."
In the episode, Rivera ditches her platinum-blonde faux hawk and signature cat-eye liner for a mousy brown wig, glasses and little makeup. As "Ashley," she faces the challenges her employees face in their day-to-day, including a straight-edge shave (relatively new to her), less-than-ideal pedicure and more. Rivera is a licensed cosmetologist and grew up in her parents' salon; she still styles alongside her father two to three days per week.
"I think we always know how [our employees] are with us, but to be with them and see their lives was truly a gift to me," Rivera says. "Some of them have some serious challenges in their lives, but they were still working hard, taking care of their families, following dreams. They were an inspiration to me."
Phenix was named in Entrepreneur magazine's 2014 Top 500 Franchise List for its success in the salon suite industry—a success Phenix attributes to putting "the needs of the salon professionals first in making every business decision."
"We truly strive to put the salon professionals first in our business model," Rivera says. "I'm the president of my company, and I still style hair every week, but this got me even closer to the people who work in our salons, and that was invaluable."
More In The Know
The Doux Launches Roblox Hair Salon Game Celebrating Textured Hair and Entrepreneurship
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric Achieves Record-Breaking Success in Historic Partnership Year
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
by Anne Moratto
House of Wella Los Angeles Brings Fall/Winter 2026 Trends to the Stage and Innovation to the Salon
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
by Anne Moratto
The Industry Remembers and Mourns Educator and Artist Dominique LyVar
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
by Angela Reich
Brad Johns Dies at 70: A Friend Remembers the Celebrated Celebrity Colorist
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
by Anne Moratto
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
Looking Inward: With Community at Its Heart, Davines Reinvents Its Pro Channel for North America
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
by Anne Moratto
RÜTE Wash Launches Shower Cap Designed for Crown Washing and Hair Extensions
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
by Anne Moratto
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
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.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
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.
by Anne Moratto
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.
by Anne Moratto
Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
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.
by Staff
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
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.
by Stacey Soble
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
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