Creating three individual looks that feel distinct while still working together as a cohesive story has never been easier, thanks to the versatility of STMNT Grooming Goods. For the Camp Rock 3 Premiere, Celebrity groomer Marissa Machado styled The Jonas Brothers. Each look was designed around the individual texture and personality of the hair, using strategic styling techniques to create effortless, camera ready finishes.

Kevin

For Kevin’s look, I start by blow drying the hair smooth, then flattening it out to emphasize length and texture. Once I’ve achieved the desired shape, I work STMNT Fiber Pomade through the hair, really focusing on the roots to create structure and control.

From there, I pull out individual pieces throughout the hair, creating separation and movement. The goal is a messy-but-put-together finish that feels effortless rather than overly styled.

Joe

For Joe’s look, I begin with the hair quite damp and apply STMNT Curl Cream throughout. As I work the product through the hair, I scrunch the ends back upward, encouraging and enhancing his natural curl pattern.

I then use a dryer on a low heat, medium speed setting to gently shape the curls while maintaining their natural movement. Once the hair is dry, I go back in with a dime sized amount of STMNT Curl Cream, working it through individual pieces to add definition and polish. I continue refining the curls until I get that perfect piece of hair falling forward.

Nick

For Nick’s look, I started with  STMNT Fiber Pomade worked through damp hair, using a generous amount to accommodate his thicker texture. I then blow dry the hair low and slow, taking it to about 95% dry while creating the desired shape.

Once the overall silhouette is established, I go back in with the STMNT Fiber Pomade, working through each individual curl to enhance its shape, bounce, and shine. The result is a defined finish that still has movement and personality, allowing the natural texture of the hair to be part of the look.

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. Through a groundbreaking collaboration with SalonCentric, this year’s show will offer expanded education, enhanced programming, and exciting new experiences, making it the go-to destination for beauty professionals and students across the Southwest.

More than just a beauty show, Premiere San Antonio is a cornerstone industry event uniting attendees with over 115 exhibiting brands across hair, nails, barbering, spa & wellness, brows, lashes, and makeup for two days of education, shopping, and networking. Beauty professionals and students will discover new products and trends, build skills, strengthen relationships, and engage with the industry’s top brands and most influential educators.

“There’s something special about the beauty community across the Southwest, and we’re honored to be coming back to San Antonio,” said Erin McDonald, Event Director, Premiere Shows. “This isn’t just another show—it’s where top artists, educators, and brands who make this industry thrive come to share their expertise, and where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs gain unparalleled access to education, connections, and opportunities that move careers forward. We’ve lined up incredible brands, inspiring experiences, and real ways to elevate your craft and build your business. Show up ready to learn, make genuine connections, and leave energized about what’s possible.”

Exhibit Floor Experience – New Activations 

Premiere San Antonio continues to evolve with exciting new activations designed to deliver immersive education and hands-on experiences.

The SalonCentric Pavilion, will feature brand partners including Bumble and bumble, Color Wow, Framar, House of Foils, Redken, and more, offering product discovery, education, and interactive experiences. Attendees can stop by the SalonCentric booth to participate in the Gamified Experience for a chance to win exclusive custom swag and future education opportunities. Those ready to grow their expertise can also enroll in SalonCentric’s Dry Head Spa Certification, gaining specialized training in one of the beauty industry’s fastest-growing service categories.

“SalonCentric is proud to bring an exceptional lineup of our brand partners and the latest product innovations to Premiere San Antonio,” said LeAnn Bobitt, SVP Brand Strategy at SalonCentric. “We’re committed to providing Southwest beauty professionals with access to the tools, trends, and education they need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions with the educators and brands shaping professional beauty, we’re here to empower attendees with the resources and inspiration that translate directly into salon success.”  

For the first time ever, the Demo Stage will spotlight live demonstrations across spa & wellness, nails, makeup, lashes, and brows, giving attendees an intimate look at emerging techniques and trends from brands and educators such as LeChat Nail Products, Lashbomb and IAMA Artistry LLC. 

Exhibit Floor Experience – Returning Favorites 

Inside the Premiere Lounge, Ulta Beauty will offer ear piercing and brow services alongside exciting interactive activations like Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and The Premiere Charm Bar by OUTCHARMED, where you can design a custom charm bracelet.

The Color Stage returns with live demonstrations from leading color brands and educators showcasing advanced techniques, emerging trends, and creative inspiration. 

Attendees can explore the expansive show floor to shop and discover cutting-edge innovations and trends from more than 100 exhibitors, including industry leaders such as CHI by Farouk, Kokoist, T3 Micro, Panasonic, and Procell Therapies, offering the latest products, tools, and technologies to elevate their businesses.

The popular Value Center also returns, offering exclusive show-only deals and deep discounts on professional tools and products giving attendees the chance to stock their salons, spas and barbershops.

Education – Unparalleled Learning Opportunities

Education remains at the heart of the Premiere experience, with more than 180 complimentary classes included with every show registration. From hands-on workshops to live demonstrations, attendees will gain practical skills they can immediately bring to their salons, spas, barbershops, and businesses.

This year’s educational lineup features industry-leading talent including educators such as SalonCentric, Rachel Bynum, Presley Poe, Leysa Carrillo, Nicck Townsend, Kirsty Meakin, Savannah Hicks, Olivia Thompson, Wayne Tuggle, and many more.

Texas beauty professionals may also complete state cosmetology continuing education requirements through approved onsite CE classes. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for Barbering and Cosmetology will be available to assist with licensing questions.

The Main Stage and Barber Stage programming will feature high-energy demonstrations and presentations from some of the industry’s most recognized artists and educators, including Bumble and bumble, David Lopez for Ulta Beauty, Anna Cantu for CHI by Farouk, Byrd Mena, Ivan Ross for WAHL, Matty Conrad, Danny Amorim, and more.

Competition, Community & Connection 

Throughout the weekend, attendees will connect with peers, educators, brands, and industry leaders while engaging in competitions and live programming.

Professional and Student Barber Battles, powered by L3VEL3 and sponsored by JRL, will provide emerging and established talent with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and gain industry recognition.

The celebration continues Sunday, August 30th at 5PM with the official Premiere San Antonio After Party at Howdy Sore Loser, featuring line dancing, live DJ sets, happy hour specials, and exclusive merch giveaways—bringing the beauty community together for networking and celebration in true San Antonio style.

Early Bird pricing for Premiere San Antonio is now available, purchase show passes on or before August 6th to save $40. Beauty professional, student and instructor bundles can be purchased online or in person at a local SalonCentric or State | RDA stores. For registration and additional event information visit premieresanantonioshow.com

Award-winning British gentleman’s grooming company Captain Fawcett proudly introduces the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual. Created for gentlemen seeking targeted support for thinning or fine hair, the new Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo and Stimulating Hair Serum unite clinically recognised actives with the luxurious Maharajah Signature Series fragrance, bringing modern follicle science to one of the Captain’s most celebrated collections.

The Hair Growth & Scalp Stimulating Shampoo combines Adenosine, Caffeine, Keraveg™ and Castor Oil to create the foundation of the ritual, helping invigorate the scalp and strengthen hair fibres, promoting growth and the appearance of stronger, fuller-looking hair. Complementing it, the precision daily Stimulating Hair Serum pairs Capixyl™, Capilia Longa™, Pro-Vitamin B5 and Betaine in a fast-absorbing leave-in formulation that provides daily support for a healthy scalp environment and denser, healthier-looking hair.

Specifically formulated to work together, whilst also performing exceptionally in their own right, these two additions open a distinguished new chapter for Captain Fawcett, bringing together advanced formulation with the craftsmanship, fragrance and storytelling for which the brand has become renowned worldwide.

For founder Richard Finney MBE, modern formulation is a natural evolvement in the Captain Fawcett story.

“Captain Peabody Fawcett was first and foremost an explorer, botanist and inveterate plant hunter,” says Richie. “He was forever pressing on, voyaging across the globe in search of curious specimens and extraordinary discoveries, meticulously keeping journals to record each new wonder seen. He belonged to a glorious age when adventure, scientific enquiry and botanical discovery were all part of the same remarkable journey. I’d wager the Captain would have been hugely fascinated by the latest advances.”

Created in close collaboration with Viraj Singh of The Jodhpur Company, the Maharajah Signature Series honours India’s rich traditions of gentlemanly grooming, fine fragrance, generations of botanical wisdom and the unhurried ceremony that turns everyday grooming into a savoured moment of sanctuary.

Inspired by the tale of an ancient elixir entrusted to Captain Fawcett by a Maharajah famed for his magnificent mane, the new Hair Growth Ritual brings that legendary exchange into the modern age.

“The Captain Fawcett gentleman has always been a fellow of curiosity,” says Richie. “He enjoys the theatre of fine grooming as much as anyone, but also wants to understand what’s inside the bottle and why it’s there. Frankly, I expect nothing less. The Captain’s esteemed barbering partners stake their hard-earned reputations on every recommendation they make, so he owes it to them to create products every bit as impressive in performance as they are in presentation. I trust the Maharajah Hair Growth Ritual will prove a most worthy addition to Captain Fawcett’s arsenal of simply ‘First Class Gentleman’s Grooming Requisites’.”

Renowned international session stylist, Richard Phillipart chooses sustainable styling brand to create 48 unique looks celebrating natural texture and individuality

Mane Origin officially announced its arrival on the global grooming stage by making its backstage debut at visionary designer Colm Dillane’s highly anticipated KidSuper Spring/Summer 2027 runway show in Miami, staged as part of the FIFA World Cup celebrations.

Richard Phillipart, hair lead, selected Mane Origin’s styling collection to create 48 completely individual looks that embraced each model’s natural texture while delivering a fresh, lived-in finish worthy of both the runway and the football pitch.

Presented at Nu Stadium, in association with FIFA, the show, titled Resenha, took its name from the Brazilian expression describing the conversations, stories, friendships and moments of connection that happen around football rather than the match itself. Bringing together fashion, football, music and creativity, the show celebrated the spirit of international unity, with each of the 48 looks representing one of the competing nations while showcasing the diversity, culture and individuality that make the global game so powerful.

Setting the tone for the evening, Austin Millz opened the show with a live pre-show performance before guests experienced one of the season’s most talked-about runways. Walking in the show was UK DJ Barry Can’t Swim, followed by a highly anticipated closing set from Sean Paul.

Rather than creating a uniform look, Phillipart celebrated individuality, ensuring every hairstyle reflected the personality, movement and identity of the wearer while remaining connected through a single creative vision. He said:

“For the looks at this season’s KidSuper show I was inspired by the collection’s vision to include the 48 countries of the World Cup. With each look representing a country, I wanted to echo this in the hair looks.

“Each of the 48 models had separate hair looks that celebrated and featured the natural movement and texture of their hair. Embracing the idea that each model had just played football, showered and then walked out to the pitch wearing their country’s look, I purposely gave each model’s hair a ‘damp’ effect without allowing the hair to appear wet or flat.

“Looks included shaved heads, daring mullets and long flowing hair alongside intricate braiding and locs. No two looks matched, but they were all perfectly in tune with each other.”

The backstage debut introduced Mane Origin to the international fashion industry through one of the season’s most talked-about shows while demonstrating that high-performance styling and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand.

Founded by Beth Gowland and James Taylor, Mane Origin was created for those who refuse to compromise between exceptional styling performance and protecting the planet. Built around premium formulations and sustainable innovation, every product has been developed to deliver professional results while reducing environmental impact.

Launching with a curated collection of essential styling products, the range includes Matte Clay, Matte Hair Spray, Deluxe Hair Pomade and Sea Salt Spray. Each formula is sulphate-free, paraben-free and cruelty-free, while every product is packaged without a single trace of plastic.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the brand. Through its partnership with Treeapp, Mane Origin plants one tree for every ten products sold, while the forthcoming Mane Origin Foundation will support environmental initiatives alongside projects focused on men’s mental health and wellbeing.

Following its runway debut in Miami, the complete Mane Origin styling collection is now available from £18.99/$26.00, offering professional-quality styling solutions for every hair type and finish without compromising on sustainability.

For more information visit www.maneorigin.com

Instagram: @mane.origin

Thoughtfully built, designed specifically with hairdressers and barbers in mind, the newly launched ChairPro offers a more intentional approach to booking. 

What Happens Between Appointments

A client finishes their service. You send an invoice by text as they’re checking the mirror. Payment is completed from their phone before they even leave the chair.

At the end of the week, you want to boost bookings for an upcoming slow period. Instead of scrolling through hundreds of client records, you pull a list of top spenders, frequent visitors, and clients who haven’t booked recently, then send each group a tailored text message in minutes.

The next day, a client cancels an appointment. Rather than manually reaching out and hoping to fill the opening, the appointment is automatically offered by text to clients on your waitlist. Before you’ve had time to think about the lost revenue, the schedule is full again.

The modern professional is no longer just managing appointments. They’re building a brand, cultivating client relationships, and creating a business designed to grow. The most successful professionals are leveraging technology that works quietly in the background while they focus on delivering exceptional service.

That’s the philosophy behind ChairPro Studio. Beyond online booking, the platform combines waitlist automation, integrated payments, client segmentation, targeted marketing tools, and a beautiful online presence for your brand—all included in a single platform designed to help professionals grow their income and deepen client relationships.

ChairPro arrives at a moment when many beauty professionals are beginning to expect more from the tools they use every day. Across the industry, there’s a noticeable shift away from generic booking systems toward platforms that better reflect the identity, professionalism, and operational needs of modern salons and barbershops.

“Throughout the years I have listened to the frustrations with booking software for barbers and salons: hidden and surprise fees, clunky interfaces, unclear payment systems. And I thought… I want to do better for the professional,” said founder Robert Lawson. 

What Makes ChairPro Different?

The service is still the star of the show. ChairPro helps ensure every opportunity around it is captured. Here’s what makes this platform stand out from the rest. 

Elevated Booking Experience: ChairPro focuses on clean, modern, booking pages that reflect the quality of a professional’s work.

Waitlist Automation: Built-in waitlist functionality helps professionals fill cancellations automatically; turning lost time into booked revenue.

Built-In Marketing Channels

ChairPro includes:

• On-page announcements (free, for all visitors)
• Email campaigns
• SMS outreach

Direct Payment Ownership: Professionals connect their own Stripe account and receive payments directly; maintaining full control over their business and customer relationships. Built-in invoicing is included, allowing payments to be collected via QR code or to clients by text.

Ease of Use / Setup: Set-up is designed to be simple and fast. Professionals can be up and running in under 10 minutes, directly from their phone. 

“My business philosophy is providing a good services at a fair price, and that’s what I want to do at ChairPro,” Robert said. 

Learn more about Chair Pro Today 

On May 30, 2026, during Premiere Orlando, one of the beauty industry’s largest professional events, Booksy welcomed barbers, hairstylists, creators, educators, and industry leaders to its annual brand party, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people shaping the future of beauty and barbering.

Booksy’s Big Top Event hosted guests in a vibrant, circus-inspired venue with thoughtfully curated activations including custom fragrance experiences, a caviar bar, and photo booths. More than a party, the event brought together professionals from across the country for a night of connection, conversation, and community, while highlighting a growing industry shift. Today’s beauty and barber professionals are increasingly operating as entrepreneurs, educators, content creators, and personal brands, in addition to providing services behind the chair. While technology continues to transform business operations, beauty services and barbering remain fundamentally a human profession built on trust, creativity, confidence, and connection.

The event served as a platform to showcase how technology can support—not replace—the professionals driving the industry forward. In 2025 alone, Booksy powered more than 215 million appointments and helped providers save an estimated 7.7 million hours annually through automated scheduling, payments, marketing, and business management tools.

“At a time when AI and automation dominate conversations across industries, beauty and barbering continue to prove that human relationships remain at the center of exceptional experiences,” says Gus Murillo, Director, Global Creative & Community at Booksy. “Technology can simplify operations, but it can never replace the creativity, culture, and personal connections that professionals create with their clients every day.”

Beyond efficiency, attendees discussed how those time savings translate into opportunities for growth, education, creativity, and personal well-being.

The evening also highlighted the stories of several Booksy ambassadors whose careers reflect the changing landscape of modern beauty and barbering:

• Joel Torres, an internationally recognized hairstylist and educator, shared how simplifying business operations has allowed him to focus on traveling, teaching, and inspiring professionals around the world.
• Timmel Horne discussed his journey from managing appointments through direct messages and phone calls to building a business that extends beyond barbering into podcasting, education, and personal brand development.
• Lonnie Horne spoke about leveraging technology to create operational consistency, enabling him to pursue additional entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to grow his influence within the industry.
• Mr. Official, a respected figure in barber culture, reflected on the evolution of barbering from traditional shop management to modern entrepreneurship, while maintaining the strong sense of identity and community that has always defined the profession.

As the industry continues to evolve, Booksy remains focused on helping professionals spend less time managing administrative tasks and more time building businesses, careers, and communities.

“Behind every appointment is a real person, a real relationship, and a real story,” added Murillo. “The conversations throughout the evening reinforced that the future of beauty isn’t less human—it’s more intentional, more connected, and more empowering for the professionals who make this industry what it is.”

Download the Booksy Biz mobile app for free or visit booksy.info/learn-more to learn more.

Two-day international event brought together elite barbers from 14 countries for education, competition and the debut of new Wahl Vapor CE 

Wahl Professional crowned U.S. competitor Cristian Botello winner of the first-ever Wahl Global Barber Battle following a two-day international event that brought together elite barbers, educators and industry professionals from around the world in Chicago. 

Held May 3 and 4 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture, Wahl Global Stage welcomed competitors from 14 countries to showcase their creativity, technical skill and artistry in front of a live audience during a red-carpet-style championship event. The weekend also featured advanced education sessions, business insights, networking opportunities and the exclusive debut of the new Wahl Vapor CE (Championship Edition) clipper. 

Botello earned the title of Wahl Global Barber of the Year after advancing through head-to-head competitions and representing the United States on the global stage. 

“It’s such an honor to represent the U.S. and accomplish something like this on a global stage,” said Botello. I’ve worked really hard for an opportunity like this, so I’m incredibly grateful.” 

As the winner of the first-ever competition, Botello will now travel to Los Angeles to participate in Wahl Future Makers, the brand’s creative platform focused on mentorship, education and elevating the next generation of talent. 

“I’m most excited about being surrounded by so much talent,” said Botello. “I’m always striving to learn, and I’m looking forward to growing alongside the team.” 

Botello also encouraged aspiring barbers to continue building relationships and investing in themselves throughout their careers. 

“My advice is to network as much as possible, attend events, shake hands and continue believing in yourself,” said Botello. “You never know when an opportunity to compete on a global stage might come your way.” 

Beyond the competition, Global Stage also highlighted the evolving future of barbering culture, from content creation and branding to entrepreneurship, artistry and global collaboration. 

“The energy in the room was unmatched by any industry event I’ve seen in a long time,” said Missy Jacobs, Education Leader for North America at Wahl. “We had attendees from all over the world and at every stage of their careers, from students to seasoned artists and educators, all connected by the same passion for creativity, growth and the industry itself.” 

Jacobs said one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was the trust artists continue to place in Wahl tools at the highest levels of performance, whether competing on stage, creating content under pressure or working behind the scenes in real-time environments where consistency, precision, and reliability matter most. She also noted the growing influence of individuality and global culture throughout the industry, both on stage and behind the scenes at the event. 

In addition to the competition, attendees had the opportunity to experience the debut of the Vapor CE, a limited-edition professional clipper inspired by the energy of global competition and designed for precision, control and performance. Limited quantities of the new tool were made available for purchase at the event. 

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.

BarberEVO issue 49 is out now!  

On the Cover: Rolda  

At the heart of this issue, we’re honored to feature Rolda on the cover – an iconic brand that has made waves across multiple generations. Their journey is a powerful reminder of how legacy, innovation and global vision can come together to shape not just a brand, but an entire movement within barbering.  

In the Chair with El Bori Barber  

We also sit down In the Chair with El Bori Barber, whose story, skill and perspective capture the passion that continues to drive the craft forward. It’s voices like his that keep the culture authentic while inspiring the next wave of talent.  

Traditional V Modern  

Our Traditional v Modern feature explores the ever-evolving spectrum of barbering – from old-school barbershops rooted in heritage to contemporary spaces redefining education, experience and identity. It’s a conversation that sits at the core of where our industry is right now.  

Interiors  

The theme of Traditional carries on into our Interiors feature with an in-depth look at the Gentleman’s Den Barbershop in California. We also look at how Collin’s chairs have become an international sensation in the oldest barbering business around the world, and we touch base in London to see how OS Lifestyle approach sustainability.  

Business  

In our Business feature, we also take a closer look at sustainability, highlighting barbershops and practices that are making conscious efforts to reduce their environmental impact – an increasingly important topic for the future of our industry.  

And for those looking to grow their business, we dive into marketing automation and how streamlining your strategy can create more consistency, efficiency and impact.  

As always, this issue is about informing, inspiring and pushing boundaries.

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.