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.

Phorest Software has officially concluded the Salon Owners Summit 2026, marking a milestone year for the global professional beauty community. Following the theme “Thrive: The Human Experience, Powered by Technology,” the event saw a record-breaking 750 attendees gather at the Royal Convention Centre in Dublin, surpassing the 2025 attendance by 15% and solidifying the Summit’s reputation as the premier global event for salon, spa and clinic leadership.

The two-day intensive was defined by high-energy networking and the exclusive unveiling of the Phorest AI suite designed to enhance human teams rather than replace them.

Innovation Spotlight: Phorest AI – Enhancing the Human Experience

The 2026 Summit served as the launchpad for Phorest’s most significant technological leap to date: the Phorest AI suite. Built on extensive global research and co-created with salon and clinic owners, this suite is designed to solve three core challenges of the modern beauty business: the need for team enhancement over replacement, the desire for trust and control, and the guest’s expectation for instant gratification. By automating administrative tasks – from summarising complex client histories to managing front-desk enquiries – Phorest AI ensures that teams can show up more prepared, more present, and more connected to every client.

“Our goal has always been to return the gift of time to salon, spa and clinic owners, allowing them to focus on the human connection and the artistry of the client experience,” said Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest. “Phorest AI isn’t just a tool; it’s an evolution in partnership. By automating admin, we empower our community to move from surviving the daily grind to truly thriving as creative entrepreneurs.” This year’s Summit was a powerful celebration of community, uniting salon owners, industry leaders, and innovators from across the field. Attendees enjoyed a standout experience filled with meaningful connections, shared learning, and collective growth – all set against a backdrop of inspiration and energy.

A Decade of Dublin: The End of an Era

After ten incredible years of hosting the Summit in Ireland’s capital, Phorest announced a major change of scenery for its next chapter. To accommodate the event’s rapid growth and provide a fresh, immersive experience, the Phorest Summit 2027 will move to Killarney, Co. Kerry.

“The energy in the room this year was electric.” continued Ronan Perceval. “Seeing our community grow this year proves that as our numbers increase, so does our ambition. After ten amazing years in Dublin, it’s time for our next chapter. We are so excited to be moving the Summit to the stunning landscape of Kerry in 2027 – it’s the perfect place to continue this journey of growth together.”

The move to the “Kingdom of Kerry” marks a new era for the Summit, trading the cityscape for the world-renowned beauty of Killarney’s lakeside landscapes.

2027 Dates: January 24th & 25th, 2027

Location: Gleneagle INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Don’t miss out on 2027! Secure your spot here – https://www.phorestsummit.com/

The UK Government has unveiled a new strategy  Backing Your Business: Our Plan for Small and Medium Sized Businesses outlining its long-term commitment to support small and medium sized businesses (SMEs).  

With hair & beauty comprising thousands of salons, barbershops, clinics and self-employed professionals, many measures in this plan will directly affect our sector. 

High Street Revival and Cost Relief  

The NHBF has campaigned for a reformed business rates system, and we cautiously welcome the announcement that Government plans to permanently lower business rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure premises with ratable values under £500,000 starting in April 2026.  

This change, alongside extended relief for 2025/26 and a freeze on the Small Business Multiplier, is a step towards providing financial relief to many hair and beauty businesses. 

However, this is just a first step in the right direction, the NHBF is working with the Government to secure significant levels of reform.  

Tackling the Issues of Late Payments 

One of the major announcements in the Government’s plan is new legislation to tackle late payments. 

This is a long-standing and serious issue in the hair and beauty sector. Many NHBF Members, particularly Solo Members, Assured Trade Members including educators, and brand ambassadors, report delays of 60 days or more when working with larger companies.  

These late payments can cause major cashflow problems and undermine trust. The proposed reforms will introduce stricter payment terms, mandatory interest on overdue invoices, and the power to fine large firms that consistently pay late.  

NHBF strongly supports this change by the Government, which has the potential to deliver fairer, faster payments across the supply chain and empower small business owners to focus on their work, not chasing invoices. 

Tackling Crime and Licensing Red Tape 

The plan also responds to growing concerns over safety on the high street, promising 13,000 additional community police officers and specific action against shoplifting and theft.  

We know that many Members are concerned about the impact on their businesses if an area is perceived to be high crime, so we welcome this investment.  

Support for Skills and Digital Growth 

The Government is investing in leadership training, digital adoption, and AI tools for small business owners.  

This includes specialist funding through the Made Smarter Adoption programme and expanded access to apprenticeships. These initiatives could help salons upskill staff, streamline bookings and marketing, and attract new clients. 

The NHBF will work closely with the Department of Business and Trade to understand what this means for our Members and the wider hair & beauty sector.  

Employment and Environmental Challenges 

Finally, NHBF is closely monitoring proposals under the Employment Rights Bill, which is mentioned throughout the Business Plan, which could increase costs for small employers. There are also new expectations around energy use and sustainability. While support is offered, compliance may be complex and costly for some. 

Caroline Larissey, NHBF chief executive, says, “We welcome this plan as a starting point. NHBF will be engaging directly with Government to ensure our Members, the hair & beauty sector’s voice is heard by championing policies that support, not strain, this vital part of the economy. We will continue keep members informed and provide resources to help navigate these changes.

Get your copy here!

Summer is in full swing – and so is the latest edition of BarberEVO UK. Packed with sun, style, and sharp ideas, Issue 51 brings the season’s boldest innovations, industry insights, and barbershop brilliance straight to your chair. This edition is all about evolution, expansion, and energy – and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. 

THE COVER: 
On the cover this issue is one of the striking collections fresh from our latest UK Roadshow – a powerful snapshot of talent, texture, and next-gen creativity on full display. 

IN THE CHAIR & ONE 2 WATCH: 
This edition, we get In the Chair with Charles Rose – owner of Crate Cheshire, and ambassador for both Matakki and STMNT. Charles shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in the game. Our One 2 Watch is rising star Kostas Mourgelas, Fox Barbers owner and SB Barbering Academy alum, fresh off the stage from our Roadshow in Newcastle. 

EDUCATION: 
From the future-forward ethos of Tomorrow Education, to Wahl’s revamped course lineup and Novo Cabelo’s tailored training approach, this issue is packed with progressive education insights. We also spotlight leading brands like Gamma+, Lovemore, and OSMO, all raising the bar in learning and development. 

INTERIORS: 
Pushing the boundaries of modern barbering, we take you inside two standout spaces: HAUS and Ex Studio – where design meets disruption, and style is always on point. 

BUSINESS: 
On the business side, we go Behind the Brand with heritage grooming legends PASHANA, hear from columnist Mark Maciver, and dive into the new-age business blueprint with UNDERFOUND. Plus, we unpack everything from retail to tech that’s helping barbershops scale smarter. 

GROOMING: 
This issue’s grooming game is strong – with features on Morgan Jones, an inside look at James Beaumont’s evolving approach, and a deep dive with Arturo in Kingston and the team behind the booming grooming brand Vines Vintage. 

All this and so much more in BarberEVO UK Issue 51 – the ultimate guide to making this summer your sharpest one yet. 

Don’t miss it. 

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

John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS) is expanding
their network of professional artists with the launch of their new Pro Partners program, an ongoing collaboration with prominent influencer hairdressers known for their passion and advocacy of JPMS products.

These skilled professionals will contribute to JPMS’s
educational curriculum and digital strategies, showcasing their artistry in haircutting, styling, and color. Utilizing platforms from social reels to live events, JPMS Pro Partners will share their expertise and exclusive content with fellow hairdressers and beauty enthusiasts while announcing new launches, highlighting favorite products, and providing insider tips and inspiration.

The program will kick off with three well-known hairdresser influencers: Janae Miller (@janaeraquelmiller), Lisa Giles (@lifeoflisag), and Wesley Palmer (@wesdoeshair).

More partners will be added to the roster as the program evolves.

“We are excited to launch the Pro Partners program and continue fostering meaningful collaborations with leading influencers in the hairdressing community. By teaming up with such passionate and skilled professionals, we aim to not only showcase the exceptional quality and versatility of JPMS products but also to empower hairdressers everywhere with top-tier education and inspiration.”

Tania Kingsrud, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing at John Paul Mitchell Systems.

The Pro Partners program will focus on ongoing content creation, complementing the existing Creator Club, which collaborates with a diverse group of hairdressers to produce specific, short-term content for new launches and activations. Together, these programs will broaden the awareness of JPMS brands among hairdressers and beauty aficionados while drawing attention to the high performance of JPMS products.

The new pro influencers join a distinguished team of hairdressers and educators led by Artistic Director of Professional Hair Color Colin Caruso (@colincaruso), celebrity stylist and Artistic Director Paula Peralta (@thepaulaperalta), NAHA Award winner and Artistic
Director Stephen Moody (@hairmoody) and 2x Emmy Award-winning Editorial Director Noogie Thai (@noogiethai). Additionally, newly appointed JPMS Artistic Ambassadors, Orlando Rodriguez (@theorlandosalon), Heather Walter (@heatherjwalter), and Chelsea Shields (@abstracthairartistry) will also play a pivotal role in driving artistry, innovation and education with the professional community.

About the JPMS Pro Partners:

Janae Miller – @janaeraquelmiller, Houston, TX. Specialty: Blonding & balayage on textured
hair.

Janae Miller is a blonding expert with over a decade of experience specializing in blondes and balayage on textured hair. With a keen eye for detail and a deep
understanding of hair chemistry, she creates seamless, dimensional blondes while prioritizing hair health and integrity. Having serviced over 3,000 clients, Janae has
refined her techniques to deliver customized blonding transformations that enhance natural beauty. Her expertise extends to corrective color, high-lift blonding, and advanced balayage techniques, ensuring each client achieves their ideal shade with long-lasting results. Her work has gained widespread recognition, with her techniques frequently shared and admired across social media.

Lisa Giles – @lifeoflisag, Orange County, CA. Specialty: Color corrections.

Lisa Giles is a self-made hairstylist turned CEO with 13 years of experience, fiercely committed to empowering stylists to build their own success from the ground up—just as she did. Through her experience as a professional educator and leading stylist teams
at Fashion Week, Lisa recognized the need for a new way to train stylists. This led her to create Straight Out of Cosmo, the first educational app for hairstylists. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa is a color correction expert, with expertise in cutting, styling and treatments that bring unmatched creativity and precision to every client.

Wesley Palmer – @wesdoeshair, Houston, TX. Specialty: Cutting & Color.

With over 15 years behind the chair and 12 years as an educator, Wesley Palmer has built a career traveling the world as an international educator, leading transformative classes and captivating audiences at the industry’s most prestigious events. Trained at the renowned Paul Mitchell Academy, Wesley’s expertise spans color, cutting, and advanced techniques, making him a versatile and sought-after force in the industry. He has held key artistic and leadership roles with top global hair brands, driving innovation and elevating professional education.

About John Paul Mitchell Systems:
John Paul Mitchell Systems, a top manufacturer of professional hair care products, has been serving the professional beauty industry for 45 years. The company produces salon-quality hair care, hair color and styling tools through a family of brands including Paul Mitchell, Paul Mitchell Tools, Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color, Neuro, Tea Tree, Awapuhi Wild Ginger, and MITCH. JPMS has a strong commitment to giving back, supporting a wide range of philanthropic causes both domestically and internationally.

For more information, visit us at paulmitchell.com | @paulmitchellpro | @paulmitchell.

Norfolk-based gentleman’s grooming brand Captain Fawcett is proud to announce his ‘Bianco Classico‘ Beard Butter has WON the category for ‘Men’s Grooming Products & Accessories’ at the prestigious Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 Awards.

The Cosmoprof Awards, in partnership with BEAUTYSTREAMS, celebrate excellence in the global cosmetics industry. Chosen from over 800 products, just 3 finalists make it though the judging process in each category.

Richie Finney MBE, founder of Captain Fawcett says: “To win from over 800 entries in the renowned ‘Oscars of Beauty’ is a truly remarkable achievement. Not least because up against the world’s biggest players, Captain Fawcett has won with a genuine small batch product, handmade here at Captain Fawcett HQ in Norfolk. So a special mention to the fantastic McCavity’s Crew, Terry, Ginni & Yolante, who actually make and package ‘Bianco Classico’ Beard Butter in situ in Norfolk, UK. In truth, there are very few companies who can claim to make their own products in house. Simply magnificent!

“A huge thank you to all involved, especially Bottega della Barba, the Captain’s superb distributors in Italy.

“It is a huge honour for Captain Fawcett to be a winner, standing tall amid the beauty and grooming industry’s world leaders. The Cosmoprof Awards are highly competitive, with impressive innovations from all across the world, so to win such acclaim is testament to the ambition and hard work of the whole Captain Fawcett team. Evivva!”

Products are independently judged on category criteria including Innovation, Creativity, Packaging & Design, Product Benefits, Ethics and User Experience.

Captain Fawcett’s ‘Bianco Classico’ is crafted for all hair types. Complementing the award-winning Beard Butter, the range includes a Moustache Wax and Purple toning Shampoo, crafted to highlight the brilliant gleam of silver, grey, blond and bleached hair.

Joanna Vital, Captain Fawcett’s Commercial Director, joined global industry leaders at the The Grande Soirée Cosmoprof & Cosmopack Awards Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on Friday 21st March.

She says “Grazie mille, Bologna! Italy has always led the way in style, and no one rocks the ‘silver fox’ look like an Italian man. Captain Fawcett’s Beard Butter was crafted for men who celebrate their age with confidence and sophistication, so to receive this award here is truly a huge honour. Thanks to the incredible Fawcett crew and to our loyal customers who inspire us every day. And to Italy for showing the world how to age with polish and flair! Salute!”

Joanna attended the glittering occasion with Valentino Bergamini, CEO and Founder of Captain Fawcett’s highly esteemed Italian distributor Bottega della Barba on behalf of Richie Finney, who is currently in the USA about to embark on an epic 6 week road trip tour for Captain Fawcett’s Great Expedition 2025. Thanks to Joanna for doing a fantastic job in representing Captain Fawcett at Cosmoprof.

For more information on Captain Fawcett, please visitwww.captainfawcett.com

The event confirms its role as the leading trade show for the global cosmetics industry, with growing attendance figures and highly positive feedback from professionals.

The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna concluded on a high note, reaffirming its status as the leading event for the global cosmetics industry. With over 255,000 beauty professionals from 150 countries and 3,128 companies from 65 countries, representing more than 10,000 brands, the exhibition once again proved to be an essential meeting point for industry stakeholders. Once more, Bologna became the world capital of beauty.

Key industry players returned to Bologna to seal new deals, exchange insights, and explore the latest trends and innovations. The exclusive Buyer Program by Cosmoprof, with its networking and matchmaking tools, helped professionals maximize their time at the event. Additionally, a rich program of educational sessions, training workshops, live demonstrations, shows, and special initiatives enriched the experience for attendees.

A RECORD-BREAKING EDITION

“We are extremely proud of the results of this edition… We have concluded a record-breaking Cosmoprof, confirming once again that the exhibition—through its initiatives and services aimed at optimizing business opportunities among industry professionals—is an essential tool for the growth of the sector. We recorded a 4.5% increase in visitors compared to last year, with a high number of international attendees of outstanding quality. This was made possible thanks to buyer recruitment programs targeting key markets and the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, which facilitated the presence of 80 delegations from major global markets. Cosmoprof is also a key platform for the growth of Made in Italy worldwide, demonstrating the industry’s strong health and professionals’ eagerness to discover new business solutions. Cosmoprof reflects the continuous growth of the global beauty industry… which is expected to exceed €612 billion in revenue by 2025, according to research by Euromonitor International. Our exhibition remains a crucial business partner for industry professionals.”

Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof

The 56th edition featured an exceptional and high-quality exhibitor lineup, showcasing the best of the global beauty industry. Thanks to the new hall layout, the exhibition expanded to include new product categories in line with the ever-evolving market, resulting in a 5.8% growth in exhibition space compared to last year. With 29 country pavilions and 78% of exhibitors coming from abroad, Cosmoprof reaffirmed its leadership as a strategic event for industry stakeholders.

“The numbers prove that the beauty industry is on the rise: in 2023, exports grew by over 20% compared to 2022, and in 2024, we observed a further 11.4% increase over the previous year… We can confidently say that beauty is one of the driving forces behind Made in Italy exports. While some sectors, such as automotive, have seen a decline, the cosmetic industry has contributed significantly to stabilizing the national economy. With €8.4 billion in exports, accounting for over 40% of the sector’s total revenue, beauty remains a strategic asset for Made in Italy—especially considering the €626 billion generated globally last year. For the 2025 edition, ITA played a key role in bringing 220 operators, buyers, and KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) from 80 countries to Cosmoprof, ensuring targeted demand that aligns with the needs of Italian entrepreneurs. Cosmoprof has also been actively present in key international exhibitions across Asia, America, and Africa, regions with high growth potential.”

Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA – Italian Trade Agency.

The partnership with Cosmetica Italia was also crucial.

“With a revenue of €16.5 billion, the cosmetic industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors within Made in Italy, with +12% export growth in just one year… The Italian cosmetic industry participated in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna with record-breaking numbers. A trade surplus nearing €4.7 billion confirms the strategic role of cosmetics within the Italian manufacturing sector. Internationalization efforts are key to positioning Italy among the top global players. By focusing on simplification, competitiveness, and innovation, we are working to further unlock the potential of Italian beauty companies, which already rank as the second-largest exporter in Europe and the fourth worldwide. During this 56th edition, thanks to the collaboration with BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, we proactively showcased the excellence of the Italian cosmetic industry. Beyond the economic results, the exhibition highlighted the sector’s importance in job creation, with 400,000 professionals working across the entire supply chain. Our dialogue with political and institutional representatives—including Adolfo Urso, Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Valentino Valentini, Deputy Minister of the same Ministry, alongside numerous institutions and Parliament members—brought crucial industry concerns to the government’s attention. A strong synergy between businesses and institutions is essential to tackle future challenges and secure the industry’s continued growth.”

Benedetto Lavino, President of Cosmetica Italia.

THE CRADLE OF NEW TRENDS

Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025 showcased the innovation and excellence of the beauty industry, highlighting the evolving needs and habits of consumers who are increasingly informed, responsible, and conscious of how their choices impact their well-being, society, and the environment. Visitors were excited by new eco-friendly solutions, highly personalized products, and cutting-edge technologies.

“Once again, Cosmoprof proves to be a hub for new trends and ideas. This year, our exhibition provided industry professionals from around the world with insights into the evolution of the beauty sector and the most impactful trends, from sustainability to the demand for products that cater to emerging consumer clusters, from wellness-focused solutions to the influence of new technologies and artificial intelligence on product experiences… In the coming months, we will continue to provide in-depth insights and updates to our global community, while laying the groundwork for an even more engaging and high-performing edition in 2026.”

Enrico Zannini, General Manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof

The next appointment is Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2026, in March 2026, with new initiatives and solutions to drive the growth of the beauty industry.

For more details, visit www.cosmoprof.com