
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.
Steve Waldman has been training salon professionals and educators for more than two decades.

Steve Waldman has been training salon professionals and educators for more than two decades and he brings his innovative approach and creative insight to his new role as Director of Technical Training at Ratner Companies.
Whether in salons, on stages or even online, he has created and delivered content packed programs with passion and style all over the world. Sharing his comprehensive experience as a hairdresser/colorist, salon owner, session stylist and creative consultant, he most recently was with Matrix, a brand of L’Oreal, as a Technical Director and Global Artist.
“It's in the synergy of our artistic vision, an analytical approach and inherent talents where we find the ability to be our best and experience growth for maximum effectiveness,” Waldman says.
About Ratner Companies
Ratner Companies is the largest family-owned and operated chain of hair salons in the country, operating nearly 1,000 salons in 16 states, and employing more than 12,000 stylists. Its diverse brands include Hair Cuttery, BUBBLES, Salon Cielo, Salon Plaza and Cibu for Hair. Led by co-founders Dennis Ratner and Ann Ratner, the Ratner family also includes nephew Gary and daughters Kelly and Lauren, who serve in capacities ranging from licensed stylists to Resource Center leaders. For more information visit ratnerco.com.

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.

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.

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.