
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.
As many of you know, Modern editor Laurel Smoke is getting married this November and Chicago-area stylists have been eager to prove their updo prowess on her tresses.

As many of you know, Modern editor Laurel Smoke is getting married this November and Chicago-area stylists have been eager to prove their updo prowess on her tresses. Our first excursion for the bridal hair adventure was to Wicker Park's Ruby Room, where stylist Toni Scott worked (with a broken pinky -- there's some dedication!) to create an elegant and sophisticated updo, and then completed the look with smokey eyes, using shades of deep purples and charcoals. Here's a look at how she created the style and her must-have bridal tools, plus don't miss the detailed step-by-step below!
Steps

1. Toni started by sectioning hair and creating two ponytails to build off of as a base.

2. She then started curling strands from the two ponytails, alternating between a 1/2 inch and 1 inch curling iron.

3. Before wrapping each tendril, she sprayed Bumble and bumble Thickening Spritz to help it set. After releasing each curl, she pinned them loosely to cool.

4. After setting the whole head, she released the clipped pieces. She then began backcombing the strands, using Bumble and bumble Hair Powder to thicken and add texture. This also allows her to reduce the amount of backcombing, so the style is easier for the bride to remove later on. Toni also added in small braids throughout the style to break it up and add texture and interest.

6. Then, Toni began sculpting the hair, tucking and pinning the curls. She worked from the nape up and forward, filling in holes and building on the base of the hair.

7. To finish the front of the style, Toni added the sparkly headband Laurel brought. She then smoothed the rest, making it sleek and tying it together with the back. She finished by flatironing the side-swept fringe.

8. For hair trials, Toni uses Bumble and bumble Spray de Mode, a medium hold hairspray. For the day of the wedding, she ups the ante with a strong hold spray, Bumble and bumble Classic.
After


Related:
Wedding Updo #1, Ruby Room
Wedding Updo #2, Salon Coccole
Wedding Updo #3, Salon 1800
Wedding Updo #4, Avalon Salon
Wedding Updo #5, Michael Anthony Salons
Wedding Updo #6, Prink Salon

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.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.

Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.

The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.

CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.

Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.

The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.

The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.