SalonCentric Becomes the Premiere Shows’ First-Ever Presenting Sponsor for San Antonio event, Bringing Unparalleled Value to Beauty Professionals

Premiere Beauty Shows, the nation’s leading network of professional beauty events, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with SalonCentric, a premier distributor of salon professional products, as the first-ever presenting sponsor of Premiere San Antonio. This historic collaboration unites two industry leaders to deliver an elevated and transformative experience for beauty professionals in the Southwest.

Premiere San Antonio presented by SalonCentric: August 30-31, 2026

This partnership represents the coming together of two leaders in the beauty industry, each with a proven track record of empowering professionals and driving innovation. Premiere Beauty Shows has long been recognized as the gold standard for professional beauty events, while SalonCentric is celebrated as the go-to distributor for salon professionals, offering access to the most sought-after products and education. Together, these two leaders are redefining what regional beauty events can achieve, creating a platform that inspires, educates, and connects beauty professionals like never before.

A Historic Collaboration to Elevate the Industry
As the first-ever presenting sponsor in Premiere Beauty Shows’ history, SalonCentric’s involvement marks a pivotal moment for the beauty industry. This partnership is not just about hosting an event—it’s about leveraging the combined strength of two industry giants to empower beauty professionals and advance the profession.

SalonCentric’s role as presenting sponsor will amplify the event’s impact, bringing attendees exclusive access to cutting-edge products, world-class education, and immersive experiences that reflect the shared commitment of both organizations to excellence and innovation.

What Happens When Two Powerhouses Join Forces?
The collaboration between Premiere Beauty Shows and SalonCentric promises to deliver an unmatched experience for attendees, including:

●      Unrivaled Expertise: With Premiere Beauty Shows’ legacy of hosting world-class events and SalonCentric’s deep knowledge of professional products and education, attendees will benefit from the combined expertise of two industry leaders.

●      Expanded Opportunities: SalonCentric’s involvement will bring a broader range of brands, educators, and activations to Premiere San Antonio, ensuring beauty professionals have access to the best the industry has to offer.

●      A Shared Vision for Growth: Both organizations are committed to empowering beauty professionals, driving innovation, and fostering meaningful connections that elevate careers and businesses.

A Partnership Built on Leadership and Innovation
Randy Field, Senior Vice President of Premiere Beauty Shows, emphasized the significance of this collaboration:
“This partnership is a true meeting of the minds between two industry powerhouses. Premiere Beauty Shows and SalonCentric share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and supporting beauty professionals. Together, we are creating an event that will set a new standard for regional beauty events and inspire professionals across the Southwest.”

LeAnn Bobitt, SVP of Brand Strategy for SalonCentric, echoed this sentiment:
“SalonCentric and Premiere stand at the forefront of our industry, and our partnership is a powerful testament to our unified vision of empowering beauty professionals. By merging our strengths, we are poised to deliver an exceptional experience that equips beauty professionals with the essential tools, cutting-edge education, and creative inspiration they need to thrive.”

A Must-Attend Event for Beauty Professionals
Premiere San Antonio 2026 will feature more than 100 brands, diverse education sessions spanning hair, barbering, spa & wellness, nails, makeup, and more, as well as show-stopping Main Stage presentations, hands-on workshops, and immersive activations. With SalonCentric as presenting sponsor, the event will deliver an elevated experience that reflects the combined strength and vision of two industry leaders.

Visit Premiere San Antonio presented by SalonCentric

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative event in the heart of Texas. Show passes for Premiere San Antonio Presented By SalonCentric (August 30-31, 2026) will be available March 2026 at premieresanantonioshow.com, and SalonCentric/State RDA retail locations in Texas.

Visit the premieresanantonioshow.com for more information and updates.

The beauty and barbering world is changing fast. The most influential professionals are no longer just stylists or barbers. They’re founders, educators, creators and brand builders with global audiences.

Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, is bringing some of those voices together through the expansion of its global Brand Ambassador programme, welcoming a new generation of industry talent helping redefine what success in beauty looks like.

From multi-location salon owners and global educators to founders of grooming brands and academies, the newest ambassadors represent a wave of professionals building businesses that extend far beyond the chair.

Collectively, the new cohort reaches more than 200 million people online each month, reflecting the growing cultural influence of beauty professionals who have become creators, entrepreneurs and industry leaders in their own right.

Meet the operators shaping the next era of beauty

Leading the expansion is Josh Lamonaca, co-founder of MENSPIRE and one of the most recognisable figures in modern barbering. A British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year and now Fresha’s Head of Hair Education, Lamonaca has helped turn barbering into a global education movement.

“We’re at a turning point,” Lamonaca said. “The next generation of leaders won’t just be known for their craft, but for how intelligently they build and scale their businesses.”

Joining him is Chloe Ferry, founder of The Beauté Lounge, who brings major cultural visibility alongside the experience of building a consumer beauty brand from the ground up.

The ambassador network also welcomes:

Thaddeus Jayaseelan, founder of barbering academy Gradient and a rising voice in education-led barbering

Andrea Amighetti, a respected multi-location salon owner and educator operating across Europe

Alexi Michael, founder of the global barber education platform Learn to Cut

Jordan Tabakman, an Australian entrepreneur operating businesses across multiple markets

Kochi Faraj, founder of Kochi Dubai and haircare brand Kochi Haircare

Yadiel Alberto Rodriguez (A-Rod), co-founder of international grooming brand L3VEL3

Across salons, academies, product brands and social platforms, these operators represent the modern blueprint for success in the industry.

“As an entrepreneur, alignment matters,” said Thaddeus Jayaseelan. “Fresha represents simplicity, structure and growth, and helps barbers unlock their business potential without costly mistakes.”

Where creativity meets infrastructure

The beauty industry has always been driven by talent. What’s changing is how that talent builds and scales businesses.

Today’s professionals are managing global audiences, launching product lines, opening multiple locations and running education platforms alongside their day-to-day work. Technology is increasingly what enables that growth.

Through Fresha’s platform, ambassadors use integrated booking, payments, reporting and marketplace tools to manage operations and understand customer behaviour as their brands expand.

“At scale, talent alone isn’t enough. Structure is everything,” said Andrea Amighetti.
“Fresha gives our business the visibility needed to grow across multiple locations without compromising quality.”

A global community of beauty leaders

The newest ambassadors join an established group of partners already helping shape the programme, including Sam Bentham (Rascals Barbershop), Mark Maciver (SliderCuts), Hester Wernert-Rijn (Mogeen), Lydia Wolfe, and Jack Mead.

Together they represent a growing global community of professionals pushing the industry forward, combining creativity, entrepreneurship and influence.

“Fresha is rapidly transforming the United States and Canada,” said Alexi Michael. “It’s becoming the system of choice across the industry because the product continues to evolve and support businesses month after month.”

With more than 140,000 partner businesses worldwide, Fresha continues to invest in the professionals shaping the next chapter of the selfcare economy.

Spring is reset season, and your scalp is first in line. Months of heavier winter haircare products can leave buildup behind, while rising humidity and unpredictable weather can throw everything off balance, leading to flakiness, itchiness and irritation. Fatboy, a leader in short hair care and high-performance styling, created its award-winning Honey Putty to tackle scalp concerns head-on. Designed as a dual-purpose styling putty and leave-in scalp treatment, Honey Putty calms irritation while delivering flexible hold, natural matte definition and touchable texture. It’s the one product you will want within arm’s reach all season long.

Honey Putty (2.6oz. / $21) was born from founder Tyson Kennedy’s vision to combine styling and scalp care into a single step. No layering. No complicated routines. Just high-performance styling with real scalp benefits. Lightweight and non-greasy, the formula is built for short to medium styles and safe for color-treated hair, delivering a sexy matte finish, natural texture, and soft, workable hold while helping address dryness, itchiness, and flaking and supporting healthier-looking hair over time.

Made with clean, key scalp care ingredients, Honey Putty draws inspiration from Tyson Kennedy’s New Zealand roots, featuring powerful natural extracts sourced from the region. Manuka Honey works as a natural humectant with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritation, reduce buildup and support a balanced scalp. Kiwi Extract delivers vitamin C to support collagen production and elasticity, while its naturally occurring iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help soothe flakes and defend against environmental stress. Paw Paw (papaya) adds vitamins A, C and E to soften strands, smooth frizz and protect against heat damage. Together, these ingredients not only bring the scalp back into balance but keep it there.

To use Honey Putty, warm a pea-size amount between your palms, work through dry or damp hair to shape and style, then massage the remainder into the scalp and leave it in. One simple step that simplifies your routine while nourishing the hair and scalp with each use. Consider this your spring reset. Hair stays sharp. Scalp stays balanced all season long.

To learn more about Fatboy and to purchase Honey Putty, visit www.fatboyhair.com/

When your tools work as hard as you do, upgrading isn’t about chasing the newest release — it’s about choosing equipment that keeps pace with your craft. The Recon™ Clipper and Recon™ Trimmer have quickly proven themselves behind the chair, earning a place in daily rotations thanks to their balance of power, control, and customization.

If your current setup is starting to feel limiting, Recon™ delivers the performance upgrade your station has been waiting for.

Power That Performs, All Day

At the core of both tools is vector motor technology, designed to maintain speed and torque even under heavy load.

• Recon™ Clipper: A 9,000 SPM motor delivers smooth bulk removal, confident fades, and seamless blending — even through dense hair.
• Recon™ Trimmer: An 8,500 SPM motor offers sharp detailing, clean lineups, and precise bald work without drag or hesitation.

The result is consistent cutting performance from your first client to your last.

Precision You Can Feel

Control matters — especially during fades, tapers, and finishing work.

• Adjustable Phaze blade on the clipper: Choose click or no-click lever control for personalized cutting.
• DLC-coated T-blade on the trimmer: Reduces friction for smooth, snag-free lines and is zero-gap capable for crisp detailing.

Both tools feature compact metal housings that reduce vibration and hand fatigue, helping you stay steady during long sessions.

Built to Match Your Style and Workflow

Recon™ doesn’t just perform — it fits your station.

• Interchangeable housings: Customize the look of both tools with black chrome, gold, or matte black covers.
• Premium charging stands: Quick-release stands keep your tools powered, accessible, and your station clutter-free.
• USB-C charging: Fast, convenient recharging that works with modern setups.

With long cordless runtimes — up to 4 hours on the clipper and 2 hours on the trimmer — interruptions stay off your schedule.

A Smart Upgrade for Serious Professionals

Whether you’re refining fades, sharpening lineups, or powering through packed days, the Recon™ Clipper and Trimmer elevate both performance and presentation. They’re not about hype — they’re about reliability, control, and confidence behind the chair.

If your current tools are holding you back, upgrading to Recon™ isn’t just a refresh — it’s an investment in your craft.

Upgrade your lineup. Cut with confidence. Recon™ is ready when you are.

Shop Now USA // Shop Now UK & Ireland

The latest issue of BarberEVO is OUT NOW!

Grab your copy here or subscribe for the full year here.

This edition is a true celebration of versatility – not just in technique, but in mindset. Barbering has never been a one-lane industry, and the features in this issue highlight just how dynamic the modern barber has become.

Cover: L3VEL3 & Drasticart

Our cover star for this edition of BarberEVO is Carlos Pagan aka Drasticart, the L3VEL3 Ambassador for whom the word perseverance is a way of life. This edition, you can dive into his story behind the scenes – the side of Drasticart that we don’t often see.

In the Chair: Mr Official

In this chair this edition, we have one of our newest columnists, Mr Official. Owner of Official Cuts Academy, BaBylissPRO and L3VEL3 Educator, and Booksy Ambassador, Yahia Jaber, AKA Mr Official has a story to tell, and wisdom to share.

Our ‘One to Watch’ this edition is Lili Fades. The JRL Educator, The Cut App Ambassador and owner of Fade Inc in Texas. And our Barber Abroad is Chris Taulanga who will soon be travelling from Canberra, Australia to Chicago, Illinois for the Wahl Professional Global Stage.

Grooming & Shaving

What sets a barber apart from the rest of the hair industry? It is the time-honoured ritual and practice of the traditional shave. But how has the shave evolved over the years? And how are today’s top barbers taking this classic service to the next level? This feature shares it all, featuring shops like Barbour3, Lauren the Legend as well as product launches like BROSH’s new Beard & Shave products.

World of ROLDA

If you flip through this magazine, you will find a surprise fold out from ROLDA . In it, you can learn a little more about the brand history, the team, and their global domination. Also find out more about their new shave and grooming products.

Interiors

Next stop: The Barber Station. As our barbershop of the edition, we check out NYC’s newest subway themed barbershop. In New Jersey we show off Heritage Barbers’ Collins chairs, and hop across the pond to Dean Gleeson’s Japandi styled UK haven.

Business

It’s always important to mind your business. This issue, DL Master Barber shares his first column – talking about the value of pricing, and how to not undersell your skills. We share about the launch of Panasonic’s new THE BARIKAN tools in Anaheim, and new UK-based columnist Hayden Cassidy shares her secrets of marketing.

Long Cuts & Color

As we live in the age of the mullet and the shag, barbers are needing to sharpen their skills in longer hair cutting, as well as understand the opportunities available when you open your eyes to color services. We speak to industry leaders like Andrew Does Hair, Yoshi and the team from Floyds.

The GTX-EXO II Trimmer just dropped—and it’s a game changer. Sharper hits. Cleaner lines. Less friction. More control. Straight out of the box. This isn’t a refresh. It’s a redesign, and it’s built to keep up with the way you work. 

Why You’ll Want This in Your Station 

M-Force Magnetic Tension System

Zero-gapped out of the box. No springs—just magnets for consistent blade tension andsharp, even corners. That means cleaner lines, smoother feel, and no extra setup. 

Lighter Body, More Control 

Andis redesigned the EXO housing to cut weight by 6% and increase airflow. The upgraded yoke helps prevent hair from getting caught—because nothing should slow you down mid-fade. 

Power Meets Endurance A high-speed brushless motor cranks out 7,200 SPM, and the upgraded Li-Ion battery keeps it running longer—20% more run time to be exact. Cord or cordless, this thing doesn’t quit. 

Sleek New Look 

Choose between two bold looks: 

Black Chrome – sleek and professional (U.S. only)

Gold Housing – stand out with flair (EU/UK only)

Premium Charging Stand 

Because your tools should look as sharp as your cuts. Keeps your trimmer ready and on display. 

From the Chair 

Global Educator Sean Casey says it best: “Out of the box, it’s already dialed in. Sharp, but not aggressive. I can use it on kids, sensitive skin—any client. Andis is listening. They’re not just building tools. They’re building for the next generation.” 

Get Ready The GTX-EXO II just landed—and it’s built for barbers who want speed, precision, and performance without the guesswork. Follow @andisclippers and @barberevo for first looks. 

 Make It With Wahl is a celebration of the barbers and stylist’s that have chosen to trust and rely on WAHL tools, whilst also celebrating Wahl’s legacy. A legacy that speaks to dedication, craftsmanship, and the highest standards in the industry. 

Featuring the inspirational stories of 4 barbers, the campaign calls for the barber and stylist community to share their own stories using #MakeItWithWahl. Whether they’ve come to barbering later in life as a second career or want to use barbering to uplift their community, Wahl Professional is excited to hear and share these stories. 

Multiple opportunities will be presented for the Wahl community to be involved in the campaign, with Wahl uplifting and sharing voices across the community on social media platforms. 

Excitement! Energy! Education! Community! Growth!

April 5-7, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

The 102nd America’s Beauty Show 2025 (ABS), held April 5-7, 2025 at the prestigious Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, showcased the beauty industry’s ongoing growth, unity, and innovation. This year’s theme, GROW, was a reflection of the collective spirit of the beauty community, which emphasized professional and personal growth.

With another record-breaking 20,000+ attendees, ABS brought together beauty professionals from across the globe to learn, network, and celebrate the beauty community. The event featured 320 classes, the majority FREE with an ABS ticket. 2025 is a renewal year, and courses offered a diverse range of education from haircare to skincare, barbering, nails, makeup, health and wellness. Over 100 world-class educators shared their global expertise, and 400 exhibitors, including 130 new exhibitors, a Global Nail Competition, and Student Power Hour hosted by Beauty Cast Network.

ABS 2025 highlighted the international nature of the beauty industry, with a strong presence of international exhibitors. The Fruitful Yield Health and Wellness Pavilion showcased 40+ leading brands, offering the latest in wellness products and services, designed to care for those that have dedicated themselves to caring for others.

Evening entertainment added to the excitement, with the famous ABS Global Image Awards. ABS Global Image Awards provided a glamorous celebration of talent and creativity. Winners from around the world were recognized for their submissions and artistry. Live music and dancing with Libido Funk Circus created an unforgettable atmosphere, and the official ABS Sunday Night Party, in collaboration with

Chrystofer Benson’s CBC Productions L.I.V.E. 312, brought a standing-room-only crowd together for an evening of high-energy fun with industry leaders, influencers, and professionals celebrating the best of the community.

“America’s Beauty Show 2025 was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when our beauty community comes together. It was pure joy — experienced by tens of thousands throughout the weekend. I’m so proud of our beauty community, which has made this non-profit event possible for over 102 years. Now more than ever, community is the path to sustainable growth. We all need to take note of the magic that happens when we show up for each other. That’s America’s Beauty Show, and to us, community is everything,”

Commented Frank P. Fulco, Chief Executive Officer of America’s Beauty Show.

ABS 2025 featured stunning presentations by top-tier artists and world class educators, including The Ulta Beauty Pro Team, Tabatha Coffey, Guy Tang, Chrystofer Benson Collective, Sam Villa, Social Art House, Salon Centric, J Ladner, Ted Gibson, Nick Arrojo, A-ROD, Kenny Duncan, Candy Shaw, George Alderete, and many more!

Brands included Amika, Ulta Beauty, CHI by Farouk Systems, BabylissPro, L3V3L 3, Wahl, Ergo Styling Tools, Hairtools, Oliva Garden, Wet Brush, Framar International, Stylecraft Gamma+, Andis, Wahl, FarmHouse Fresh, CIDESCO Section USA, Repechage, Fruitful Yield, Cuccio, Henkel Corporation, Colortrak, Keratin Complex, and DNA Hairtools.

Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the next America’s Beauty Show, April 18, 19 & 20, 2025, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL.

The winners of the 2025 America’s Beauty Show (ABS) Global Image Awards were announced on Saturday, April 5, 2025, during an electrifying evening at America’s Beauty Show. 

The celebration, held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, brought together salon professionals, beauty industry leaders, and artists for a night filled with excitement and recognition.

The ABS Global Image Awards honor creativity, artistry, and dedication in the beauty industry, recognizing both emerging and seasoned professionals for their talent and innovative work. The competition features multiple categories, showcasing a broad range of beauty disciplines, including hairdressing, makeup artistry, and salon team collaborations. This year’s competition saw a significant increase in participation from international artists, underlining the global reach and impact of the event.

Proudly announcing the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards Winners:

• Barber – Professional: Salvador Oliver – Spain

• Creative Color – Professional: Chrystofer Benson – USA

• Full Concept – Professional: Anthony Negron – USA

• Haircutting – Professional: David Barron – USA

• Team Collaboration – Professional: Rafael Bueno & Manuel Mon – Spain

• Texture Expert – Professional: Lukas Press – USA

• Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award: Chrystofer Benson

The ABS Global Image Awards celebrate more than just talent—they are a reflection of the community spirit that defines America’s Beauty Show. The event was hosted following the Cosmetologists Chicago President’s Party at 6:00PM CST. The evening was filled with live music by Libido Funk Circus and a high-energy celebration that brought beauty professionals together to honor their peers. The event is the signature celebration for America’s Beauty Show.

Each category’s winner received a prestigious award from America’s Beauty Show. The Leo Passage Gold Trophy Award, in honor of the late Pivot Point International founder and Cosmetologists Chicago member, Leo Passage, was also presented to an extraordinary artist who exemplified the highest standard of artistry.

“The ABS Global Image Awards continue to grow each year, elevating artists and professionals from around the world,” said Jessi Marshall, VP of Events and Education. “We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent, creativity, and passion that our finalists and winners have contributed to the beauty industry. This event is a true reflection of the growth and collaboration that define our community.”

The ABS Global Image Awards were anonymously judged by an esteemed panel of industry experts, media, educators, and elite artists. More information regarding the 2025 ABS Global Image Awards, visit americasbeautyshow.com and follow ABS on social media.

Two Captain Fawcett products have been announced as Finalists in the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2025. Huzzah!
Both Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Eau De ParfumSignature Series with Ricki Hall and Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder have been chosen in the Best Fragrance and Best Hair Prep or Styling Product categories respectively. Winners will be selected by world-leading professionals on the Pure Beauty Global Awards international judging panel.
The Pure Beauty Global Awards Winners 2025 will be announced on 8th May 2025 at an exclusive gala event in central London. Captain Fawcett founder, Richard Finney MBE, said-

“To have not one but two products named as Finalists by the renowned Pure Beauty Global Awards team is an incredible achievement for our small but truly mighty team. Following last year’s UK success in both Hair and Fragrance categories, reaching the same heights on the global stage is beyond exciting. Competing against major players, it is hugely rewarding to see Captain Fawcett consistently demonstrate that products made with true craftsmanship and global appeal can stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest names in the industry. The entire Captain Fawcett crew is absolutely thrilled!”

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series Eau De Parfum with Ricki Hall

“The ‘Booze & Baccy’ Signature Series with Ricki Hall was Captain Fawcett’s first collaboration and it has been a phenomenal success. Over ten years, sales have consistently climbed, with the Eau De Parfum in ever-increasing demand. ‘Booze & Baccy’ was crafted to exceptional standards as a tribute to Ricki’s Dad. As such, it’s a story bridging generations, blending contemporary sophistication with a rich, lived-in nostalgia. It celebrates the hard-working, big-hearted men of the 70s and 80s who knew how to graft and still turn up looking sharp. Everyday heroes, one and all!”

Richie Finney

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder Captain Fawcett’s ‘Expedition Reserve’ Matt Styling and Volumising Hair Powder is part of the acclaimed ‘Hair Couture’ styling range, created for use in salons, barbershops and also at home.

“Captain Fawcett’s ‘Hair Couture’ range is tested, used and recommended by professionals across the world. Hair Powder is a versatile ‘must-have’ product, but often it has a neutral aroma. Captain Fawcett’s version is imbued with the delectable ‘Expedition Reserve’ fragrance making it just the ticket for refreshing hair on no-shampoo days and scent-layering with companion products in the ‘Expedition Reserve’ range. As such it offers to the contemporary gentleman both convenience and an outstanding sensory experience to boot.”

Richie Finney

The Pure Beauty Global Awards announcement comes following a bumper start to the year with the Captain Fawcett brand picking up prestigious awards month on month, including an MBE for company founder Richie Finney. Watch this space for more news soon!

For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visit www.captainfawcett.com