Salon International 2026 brings together over 40,000 professionals in London
The event at ExCeL London has consolidated itself as Europe's largest autumn gathering for the hair industry, with a focus on education and new trends.
Salon International returned to the ExCeL exhibition centre in London (UK) on October 4th and 5th. The trade show recorded 34,173 visits over these two days, with 18,971 on Sunday and 15,202 on Monday. Organizers highlight that the audience was three times larger than that of the country's second-largest hair business fair. Combined with Professional Beauty, the event welcomed more than 40,000 visitors.
Mark Moloney, Managing Director, stated: "Our ambition is to establish Salon International and Professional Beauty as Europe's largest autumn gathering for the professional hair and beauty industries." The massive turnout demonstrates that this goal is becoming a reality, offering a crucial space for those working in the sector.
The event highlighted emerging talent with the British Hairdressing Awards gallery, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, which hosted the second round of judging for regional and specialized categories. The new #BHA scholarship allows creatives under 30 to participate, while eight finalists from the F.A.M.E. Team 2027 performed live challenges on stage.
Technical education was a central pillar, with masterclasses in a dedicated auditorium seating 350 people. Sessions covered cutting, color, barbering, and commercial hairdressing. Professionals such as Jack & the Wolfe worked with real clients, while Kevin Luchman blended barbering techniques with men's grooming. The Menspire Academy debuted its STRAWMAN collection, and James Earnshaw revealed the techniques behind his viral looks.
A new addition for 2026 was Salon Live, held in a 700-seat auditorium specifically built on the exhibition floor. The Sassoon Academy explored strength and softness, while Jack Howard redefined gray hair treatment with the French Blending technique. TONI&GUY's international artistic team launched the Our World campaign and the Elements collection.
Six live stages offered two days of continuous training. On the HJ Colour stage, Niamh Hayden shared her cream blonde toning technique. The new Trends Stage presented the Anthropology collection from Tribe Salons and three-dimensional creations by Enrica Russo. The fair also featured hundreds of brands exhibiting technology, extensions, and men's care products.
BarberRicci newsroom, with information from Estetica Magazine.