
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.
Actress, singer and style trendsetter Vanessa Hudgens received the honor of Matrix/ULTA Beauty SOCOLOR Cult Icon award at the ULTA Beauty General Manager Conference.

Nick Stenson styles Vanessa Hudgens backstage at the ULTA Beauty General Management Conference.
Actress, singer and style trendsetter Vanessa Hudgens received the honor of Matrix/ULTA Beauty SOCOLOR Cult Icon award at the ULTA Beauty General Manager Conference in front of a crowd of 3,000 attendees.
Hudgens was chosen because of her fearless and enthusiastic approach to beauty and fashion, which reflects the energy of the brand’s new SOCOLOR Cult hair color line, launching this summer.
“I’m always looking for inspirational and cool ways to feel confident," said Hudgens as she accepted the award, sporting vibrant pink hair created with SOCOLOR Cult. "We all know the importance of being able to express ourselves freely; I am thrilled to thrilled to be the Cult icon—because what better way to express yourself than by changing your hair color? Pink today, violet tomorrow—isn’t it great how many options we have to explore color?"
Matrix SOCOLOR Cult is a 28-shade vibrant color collection that gives stylists the freedom to customize color longevity with options for semi-permanent/direct, demi-permanent and permanent formulations. Colors range from pastels to grays to dusty hues and neons plus 11 core, vibrant hues.
Nick Stenson, ULTA Beauty Vice President, Salon Services and Trend and Matrix Celebrity Stylist, presented the award, and then conducted a question and answer session with Hudgens. During the course of the Q&A, Hudgens noted the importance of working with trusted hairdressers.
“I work with hairdressers I really trust," she said. "They understand that when I change my hair, it can affect not only my look, but my career. And believe me, there are people out there who really want to see you mess up. So, you have to be sure your hairstylist gets it and puts your best interests first.”
SOCOLOR Cult will be available in fine salons in summer, 2018 and Ulta Beauty Salons in August 2018.

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