SalonCentric is inviting licensed salon professionals to a virtual world of beauty on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), and Monday, Oct. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (ET). 

The Beauty Connect virtual show allows attendees to transport themselves to an immersive digital experience from the comforts of their home, salon or office. The event will include classes, platform stage presentations, the ability to connect with other industry professionals, and even the ability to shop an exhibit floor. All that is needed is a ticket, and a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone or tablet.

“Because education is at the core of all we do, we will offer stylists the ability to be inspired and learn from an array of talented, exceptional artists and educators,” said Brittany Hickman, VP of Education & Shows for SalonCentric. “There will be classes, a platform stage and – unique to this event – a keynote presentation by social media influencer Brad Mondo. We really believe there will be something for everyone – from technique and trend classes to inspirational stage presentations and meaningful conversations about our industry and the importance of the work we do.” 

One of the highlights of the Beauty Connect event is keynote speaker Brad Mondo. Mondo, a New York stylist, is known for his “Hairdresser Reacts” series on social media and his haircare brand, XMONDO Hair. He has nearly 6 million subscribers on YouTube; 5.7 million followers on TikTok; 1.3 million followers on Instagram; and 6.4 million followers on Facebook. He is always honest but most importantly kind, narrating color-gone-wrong (or right) do-it-yourself submissions with a sense of humor, professional perspective and compassion. Mondo will share the story of his rise to international popularity – from apprentice at his father’s salon to successful entrepreneur – and give his advice on how to establish a digital presence and build a brand through social media.

“I'm so excited to be one of the keynote speakers for SalonCentric's Beauty Connect virtual show this year!” Mondo said of the virtual event. “Now more than ever we need to embrace the power of social media and all it can do for you as a stylist. I can't wait to get your imaginations running wild!”

In addition to Mondo, there will be a number of other educators and artists participating in the Beauty Connect event, including: Wayne Grund, Min Kim, Sam Villa, Tippi Shorter, Philip Wolff, Daniel Mason-Jones, Ruth Roche, Tabatha Coffey, Justin Isaac, Matt Swinney, Leah Freeman, Michelle O’Connor, Danielle Keasling, Jamie Wiley, Sean Godard and more.

A virtual exhibit hall will enable attendees to move through the event floor as an avatar, interacting with the industry’s top beauty brands. You’ll be able to get the latest product knowledge from brand experts, and even shop deals on professional products, including hair, nails, tools, makeup and skincare. Exhibiting brands include: Access, Agadir, Alterna, American Crew, Amika, Andis, Artistic Nail Design, Authentic Beauty Concept, Bio Ionic, BaBylissPRO, Biolage, CND, Dermalogica, Design.ME, Dyson, Fatboy, Grande Cosmetics, Kasho Shears, Keratin Complex, L'ANZA, L’Oréal Professionnel, Malibu C, Matrix, Mizani, Morocanoil, Norvell, Olaplex, Olivia Garden, Ouidad, Perron Rigot, Pravana, Product Club, Pulp Riot, Pureology, Redken, Sam Villa, Sexy Hair, Sparks, Surface, Verb, Wahl, Wet Brush Pro.

Finally, virtual classrooms will provide more than 60 digital interactive live classes in barbering, business/retailing, color, curls/texture, design/cut, finishing/styling/updos, nails/skincare/waxing. There will even be Spanish classes available from Matrix, Bio Ionic and Keratin Complex. Brands providing education include: Alterna, American Crew, Andis, Artistic Nail Design, BaBylissPRO, Baxter of California, Bio Ionic, Biolage, CND, Daniel Mason-Jones, dermalogica, Dyson, Keratin Complex, L'ANZA, L'Oreal Professionnel, Matrix, Mizani, Norvell, Olaplex, Ouidad, Perron Rigot, Pravana, Product Club, Pulp Riot, Pureology, Redken, Sam Villa, Sexy Hair, Sparks, Summit Salon Business Center, Surface, Wet Brush Pro, Wahl.

Two-day show passes can be purchased by Thursday, Oct. 22, for $25 in SalonCentric Stores, through a Salon Success Consultant or by visiting http://stores.saloncentric.com/fl/digital-live-interactive/SCS-0085/ .

About Brad Mondo

Brad Mondo is a digital creator, professional hairstylist and entrepreneur. Originally known for his Hairdresser Reacts videos, the 25-year-old Brad has since launched his own hair care company and has amassed a loyal audience of nearly six million subscribers who watch his videos for the wealth of knowledge he possesses on hair and industry trends, and to have a great laugh while doing it. Hilarious, charming and just the right amount of extra, Brad is the premier digital creator leading the intersection of hair and humor. As an entrepreneur, Brad is the Founder & CEO of XMONDO HAIR, a line of innovative, salon-quality hair care products. What first began with XMONDO’s signature Glitterati styling serum has since grown into a full range of products, from shampoos and conditioners to intensive treatment balms, creams and oils. After being born into a family of hair professionals and apprenticing at his father’s salon from a young age, Brad took his breadth of experience from Massachusetts to New York City, where lent his expertise as a veteran hairstylist to various salons, as well as backstage at New York Fashion Week. Now, Brad proudly uses his platform to share the experiences he’s had along his journey from salon apprentice to digital star in the hopes of educating and inspiring those watching him.

About SalonCentric

SalonCentric, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., is the premier distributor of salon professional products in the U.S. Created by L’Oréal USA in 2008 and operating in 48 states, SalonCentric has more than 650 sales consultants, 572 SalonCentric stores and 272 State and RDA stores. SalonCentric’s vision is to be an inspirational force in the development and success of beauty professionals by providing the best brands, the best education, the best technology and the best business-building support. Our commitment to the industry also extends to proactively fighting diversion, and protecting authorized channels of distribution. Brands distributed by SalonCentric include: Alterna, Amika, Bioelements, Bio Ionic, Creative Nail Design, Design.ME, Dermalogica, Fatboy, FHI, Hempz, Kenra, L’ANZA, label.m, L’Orèal Professionnel, Matrix, Mizani, Moroccanoil, Olaplex, Pravana, Product Club, Pulp Riot, Pureology, Redken 5^th Avenue NYC, Sam Villa, Sebastian, Sexy Hair, Surface, Tressa and many other fine brands. For more information, visit www.saloncentric.com.