Salon International has once again closed its doors on three sensational days of hairdressing inspiration, education and innovation. No fewer than 40,219 guests from home and abroad came through the doors of ExCel in London’s Docklands to experience the biggest and best event dedicated to our indutry in the UK.
This year’s extravaganza was also proud to play host to Wella’s International TrendVision Finals, as well as maintaining its usual commitment to showcasing the finalists of the British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, in a gallery which attracted literally thousands of visitors.
Hairdressing legends were on hand throughout the show to inspire guests and share their knowledge, both with creative presentations on the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and HJ Stages, and in the Legends Lounge, where Lee Stafford, Charles Worthington, Errol Douglas, Andrew Collinge and Beverly C told the stories of their success.
Elsewhere in the show, inspiration was to be found at every turn of the head, with leading names including Robert Cromeans, Zoe Irwin and Hooker & Young demonstrated the latest launches from brands and gave the newest additions their stamp of approval through trend-led presentations. Salon Live also saw Trevor Sorbie, Patrick Cameron, Sassoon Academy and Toni&Guy all presenting on-stage, as well as Mahogany and BaByliss PRO hosting seminars. Out of hours, several hundred guests also experienced RUSH Live a truly awe-inspiring creative and technical show which helped contribute to the huge sums of money that RUSH raises every year in support of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
In terms of new product releases, there was plenty to experience at this year’s Salon International: Wahl Pro presented a brand new women’s styling range, with a hairdryer and styling iron, while for ghd it was all about the Contour; their updated take on a crimping iron for texture and volume. BaByliss PRO presented the Perfect Curl MKII to create effortless curls, waves or ringlets at the flick of a switch, and label.m unveiled their range of accessories – the perfect addition to their newly-launched blow-dry menu.
“It was another action-packed weekend of hairdressing inspiration, education and excitement,” commented Managing Director of Hairdressers Journal, Mark Moloney. “The show grows each and every year and we’re delighted to attract guests from all over the globe to come and celebrate what’s great about British hairdressing. Salon International is a cornerstone of the industry and it’s an honour to know that it’s such a huge event in the calendar for hairdressers. This industry is worth £6billion and we’re immensely proud to be able to contribute to that.”
