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
Social Studies: How to Use #Hashtags
For a word only added to the dictionary in May 2014, the hashtag has really blown up.Definition in Merriam-Webster dictionary: “A word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text (such as a ...
Lauren Quick・Contributor
2 min to read
For a word only added to the dictionary in May 2014, the hashtag has really blown up.
Definition in Merriam-Webster dictionary: “A word or phrase preceded by the symbol # that classifies or categorizes the accompanying text (such as a tweet).”
Translation: A categorical tag represented by the pound sign that allows you to insert yourself into conversations happening across social media, become more relevant and be discovered by other users.
How it helps you:
Exposure—You know who searches by tag on Instagram? Potential clients, potential employers and even MODERN SALON. If you’re tagging your best balayage with #balayage and someone in your area is looking for a stylist with hair-painting expertise, you’re much more likely to pull in more clients.
Branding—Create your own hashtag that your clients can use when they snap a sel fie after their appointment. That way, when people search for your personalized hashtag, they’ll see work from your own Twitter, Instagram or Facebook accounts along with the work your clients have curated for you—like magic!
Dos
According to Jay York, senior digital marketing strategist for EMSI Public Relations, your goal on social media sites, such as Twitter and Instagram, should be to become part of the conversation and allow people to find your pro files. Hashtags allow you to be seen beyond the number of dedicated followers you have.
Use proprietary hashtags. “One of the advantages to a proprietary hashtag, such as Orange is the New Black’s hashtag #OITNB, is that it is linked directly to your brand,” York says. Use your name or salon name as a hashtag and encourage clients to tag their sel fies so others can find your work.
Think geographically. “If you are a local company that depends mainly on local clientele, a hashtag that links to your location works well,” York says. “Hashtags such as #Seattle or #Bangor drop you into numerous conversations about your hometown.”
Don'ts
Kelly Ehlers, social media expert and founder of Ideas that Evoke marketing and PR firm, notes that hashtags connect brands—including your own personal brand—to audiences in a big way, but there are a few things to avoid.
Runaway hashtags. People lose interest fast; stick to one to three hashtags relevant to your topic and purpose.
Broken hashtags. Tagging #every #other #word is #confusing to readers. See what we mean?
Run-on hashtags. Keep tags short and sweet—no more than three words. Otherwise, they’re messy and difficult to read.
#FollowForFollow. Your three to four rows of soliciting follows and likes makes your relevant audience want to do exactly the opposite.
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