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SEARCHAnother ABS is in the books. Here are some of our our favorite moments, and favorite memories, from the show floor, in the classroom, and onstage.
Taking a pause from education at America's Beauty Show.
America’s Beauty Show (ABS) 2025 took place from April 5–7, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
This year's theme, GROW, emphasized personal and professional development, community building, and innovation within the beauty industry. The event focused on expanding skills, networks, and overall well-being for beauty professionals.
300+ classes offered across various disciplines, including hair, nails, skincare, esthetics, makeup, and business development
On the show floor, a dedicated section hosted by Fruitful Yield offered classes on topics like hair loss, weight management, mental health, fitness, and stress management, highlighting the importance of holistic well-being in the beauty profession.
The ABS Global Image Awardscelebrated creativity and artistry across multiple categories. The awards ceremony featured live entertainment by Libido Funk Circus, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
At the ABS Press Conference, Van Council, renowned American hairstylist, salon owner, and industry educator, best known as the co-founder of Van Michael Salons, a prominent salon group based in Atlanta, Georgia, received the Jerry Gordon Salon Business Leadership Award. Since opening the first location in 1984 with his brother Michael, Van has expanded the brand to include multiple salons in the Atlanta area and numerous affiliated salons internationally.
Reflecting on his years in business, Council said: “Anybody who can run a salon for 40 years deserves an award.”
One of the educators in the classroom, Meg King from Empowering You, shared the importance of investing in education:
“To borrow from Benjamin Franklin, for every coin invested in your mind, your purse will overflow.”
One the show floor, a brand out of Virginia, Veg Out Organics, an organic clean beauty plant-based skincare line, impressed attendees with its efficacy. Katie Wynne, co-founder with her husband, Brad, shared:
“A woman bought a tube of our Magnesium Body Lotion and she came back the next day to buy more. She said her husband has a chronically painful neck, but he applied and was so happily surprised to feel so much relief.”
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
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.
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.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
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.
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
