Salon International 2021’s return to ExCeL London was a triumphant occasion, with three days of inspirational hair and engaging education. Networking combined with an atmosphere of celebration to mark British hairdressing returning to its best after an unparalleled 18 months.
From 16-18 October, Salon International 2021 saw brands at the heart of the show. There was a host of leading manufacturers coming together to share their latest innovations and product insight. There was ground-breaking styling tools powered by the latest in cutting-edge technology. Also everyday salon essentials meant the show provided hairdressers with the perfect opportunity to stock up, and to learn more about the newest market launches that will help drive business forward, fuel festive retail and get clients excited about returning to the salon.
The best hairdressers never stop learning, which is why education is always a focus for the Salon International weekend. As well as insight from brand ambassadors and educators on their stands, the show provided free stages with carefully-curated schedules of diverse guest artists. Across the HJ, Modern Barber and Colour Stages, free shows covered everything; from time-saving, money-making colour techniques as well as avant-garde artistry created to inspire. The Fellowship for British Hairdressing stage also included a packed schedule. This included leading industry names, as well as the exciting live finals for the F.A.M.E. Team 2022.
Mark Hayes for Sassoon Academy 
Mahogany 
Cos Sakkas for TONI&GUY
Seminars and Business Live
For those serious about education, the Salon International Seminars (above) also provided the opportunity to go deeper. It presented in-depth, intimate sessions from Mahogany, Patrick Cameron, Sassoon Academy and TONI&GUY. These up-close-and-personal look and learn classes gave hairdressers the opportunity to indulge in the latest techniques; these covered cut, colour and styling and left guests empowered with new ideas for both creative and commercial work.
The Business Live sessions were another must-attend for salon owners over the weekend. Packed full of relevant, practical ideas and advice, the expert panels covered a number of topics; these included sustainability, mental health, inclusivity and the shifting freelance model. There were also insights into launching a brand, recruitment and managing and maintaining a motivated team.
Salon International also provided attendees with the opportunity to view and be inspired by the finalist and nominee collections for HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. A highlight of the show every year, the 2021 gallery of work proved beyond all doubt that British hairdressing is back to its best with outstanding creativity on display across all categories.
“It was incredible to be back at ExCeL for hairdressing’s biggest weekend,” says HJ’s Executive Director, Jayne Lewis-Orr. “We are so proud of everyone involved in Salon International – from the stage teams to the brands – for coming together and providing such a fantastic show. From really practical business advice to inspirational hair looks, this year’s event was full of ideas to help salons and hairdressers across the country not just get back to their best, but to thrive both creatively and commercially. We’re thrilled to have been able to reunite everyone under one roof, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for a show that’s even bigger and better.”