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SEARCHThe 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries encompass industry leaders driving innovation and meaningful change on their own terms.
The 2026 Faces of Sola.
Credit: Sola Salon Studios
Sola Salons, the largest salon studio concept in the country, proudly announces its 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries, nine beauty and wellness entrepreneurs driving industry change and community impact. This year’s visionaries include a bridal hairstylist who founded the Sensory Chair Project, a hair stylist and educator who’s been with Sola Salons nearly two decades and a Google-employee-turned-hairstylist who founded a trauma-informed medical sanctuary that engineers custom, texturally accurate cranial prostheses, ensuring no one has to compromise their cultural identity to heal.
With nearly 100 years of combined industry experience, this year’s diverse class of recipients comes from all walks of life with expertise spanning hair, tattoo, skincare, and more, but they share one common thread: their commitment to excellence both in and outside the salon.
“Every year, this long-standing program gives us the chance to recognize a group of incredible Sola Pros who represent the heart of this community,” said Daryl Hurst, President & COO of Sola Salons. “I love how our professionals always show up with passion, creativity, leadership and a real drive to raise the bar for what it means to build a business independently.”
Bridal Hair Abbey Jae | Wilmington, DE
Barber Alex Sharkey | Cedar Knolls, NJ
Tattoo Artist Alex Quinn | Warwick, RI
Color Specialist and Hair Stylist Caroline Kim | Los Angeles, CA
Esthetician Emily Clark | Chicago, IL
Hair Stylist Pich Seng | Houston, TX
Barber Rashleigh Béaton | Euless, TX
Hair Stylist Rachel Swire | Atlanta, GA
Hair Stylist and Cranial Prosthesis Victor Scotti, Jr. | Arlington, VA
Each of the 2026 Faces of Sola Visionaries brings a distinct expertise and mastery of their craft, from mentoring and educating the next generation of beauty professionals to leading nonprofit initiatives and driving meaningful change across the industry. This talented team has also participated in some of pop cultures’ biggest moments including the GRAMMYs, New York Fashion Week, the Emmy Awards, Milan Fashion Week and more. They will have the opportunity to represent Sola Salons at a variety of events, photo shoots and editorial opportunities, while helping inspire the next generation of independent business owners.
In its 11th year, the Faces of Sola is an annual program that spotlights some of the impressive entrepreneurs who make up the more than 21,000 beauty and wellness professionals in their community. With the company’s mission focused on not just providing spaces, but supporting beauty and wellness independents with tools, education and technology needed to build thriving businesses, this program gives Sola the chance to celebrate the achievements of some of the industry’s brightest.
Powered by mya, the zero-commission matchmaking tool connects clients with suite owners, setting a new tech benchmark in the salon suite industry.
A reimagined Press Conference and Official Show Launch will feature the artistry and creative direction of the Chrystofer Benson Artist Team, an exclusive first look at America’s Beauty Show 2027, and an invitation to EXPERIENCE the PULSE - The Heartbeat of the Professional Beauty Industry.
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.
This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
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.
