Salon International 2023, the pinnacle of the professional hairdressing industry, once again graced ExCeL London from October 14th to 16th, marking a sensational return to innovation, creativity, and education in the global hairdressing sphere.
With 33,698 visitors flocking to Salon International and 13,305 to Olympia Beauty, which ran alongside, this year's event made a resounding statement in the world of hairdressing and continued to be the ultimate destination for everyone involved in the industry. From an immersive retail experience featuring hundreds of brands to jaw-dropping stage performances by hairdressing's brightest stars, this three-day spectacular had it all.
Education and networking opportunities abounded, with live hairdressing shows and the HJ's British Hairdressing Awards Gallery, proudly sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, inspiring attendees at every turn.
This year's event showcased leading brands from various sectors of the industry, including colour houses, software systems, education providers, equipment manufacturers, distributors, and more, with the crowd seeing first-look product launches, exclusive offers, and hands-on demonstrations.
For those coming for the education, the Masterclass line-up did not disappoint, offering intimate sessions with industry giants like Mahogany, Patrick Cameron, Sassoon Academy, and TONI&GUY. These sessions covered the latest techniques in cutting, colouring, and styling, equipping attendees with fresh ideas for both the creative and commercial sides of their businesses.
The stages at Salon International were as captivating as ever. The Colour Stage returned with branded colour pods, offering exclusive backstage access to the entire colouring process hosted by Marie Nieuwoudt. Eleven Australia brought Autumn trends to the Colour Stage while Uberliss ambassador, Claire Chell, demonstrated an incredible colour correction on her model, taking her from magenta and deep purples to an icy blonde. Mood brought Barbie inspired looks to the stage with an Avant Garde twist, and Joseph I’Anson took to the stage for Revlon Professional to showcase his “Super sexy, seamlessly beautiful, and effortless look.”
The HJ Stage featured an array of talents, from cutting and styling to hair wrapping and wig techniques while the Modern Barber stage was a visual feast of barbering trends, techniques, and education, catering to a wide range of interests within the industry.
Business Live sessions provided crucial insights for salon owners navigating economic challenges, covering topics including self-employment and chair rental, to recruitment and creating a robust business plan, these sessions were a valuable resource for salon owners and freelancers alike seeking to build and maintain a successful business.
Salon International as always featured a diverse array of brands, from pioneering styling tools to salon essentials, ensuring hairdressers had access to the latest innovations from leading brands such as Schwarzkopf Professional, Denman Brushes, Dyson Professional, and Treatwell, the event’s headline sponsor, were present, among others.
The event also hosted various competitions, including the Denman Stage Star competition, where the UK’s Emma Dixon was announced as this year's winner, earning a transformative year of perks and opportunities. The HJ's Extensions Specialist of the Year, sponsored by Great Lengths, crowned Beverley Rosser and Jack Litherland as winners in the Classical and Creative categories.
One of the highlights for many attending, is the chance to view the finalist collections for HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional for the first time, offering a glimpse of exceptional creativity across all categories.
Jayne Lewis Orr, HJ's Executive Director, expressed her heartfelt pride, saying, "I could not feel prouder of the team who worked tirelessly to deliver such a buzzing, upbeat and impactful show, and we are hugely grateful to the exhibitors and industry who supported in their tens of thousands."
Salon International will return to ExCeL London from 12th – 14th October 2024. For further details, please visit www.salonshow.co.uk.
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