Product Launches
New ranges and tools land constantly, and not all of them earn a place on your shelf. This hub follows the product launches relevant to UK salons — colour, care, styling, tools and treatments — with an eye on what genuinely improves results or margins. We cover what is new, what it claims and where it fits in a professional setting, so you can decide what is worth stocking or recommending. Keep this hub bookmarked to stay current without buying into every launch.
126 articles

Amorepacific AI Tool Cuts Cosmetics R&D Time by 99 Percent
Amorepacific's new AI tool, Lemon, slashes R&D and regulatory review times from days to minutes, signalling a faster, more innovation-led future for beauty products.

Wella TrendVision 2026: Why Competition Matters for Salon Growth
Wella Professionals announced the TrendVision 2026 finalists, shifting the focus to a two-day event that highlights how creative competition fuels salon growth.

From Salon Floor to Global Brand: Scaling Your Hair Business
Hadley Yates illustrates how salon owners can diversify by moving from chair-side services to global product development while managing the challenges of leadership.

UNITE Hair and Salon Services Runway Ready Education Course
UNITE Hair and Salon Services are offering a £700 runway training course that includes a place on their fashion week styling team for successful participants.

Jamie Benny Introduces BLONDERA System Pro at Newcastle Event
Jamie Benny debuted the BLONDERA System Pro to 85 stylists in Newcastle, focusing on bespoke blonding techniques rather than just product features.

UNITE Hair Runway Ready Course Offers London Fashion Week Access
UNITE Hair's new two-day Runway Ready course offers a guaranteed backstage role at London Fashion Week for a £700 fee, opening new paths for session stylists.

Wahl Senior 2.0: Is the Upgrade Worth the Investment?
Wahl’s new Senior 2.0 brings an 8,000 RPM brushless motor and updated blade tech to the classic clipper, but does it offer enough to justify an equipment refresh?

K18 Launches FutureIQ Serum: A New Era for Hair Longevity
K18’s new FutureIQ serum targets premature hair aging, signalling a shift for UK salons toward preventative, biology-led hair wellness consultations.

Keratin Complex UK Launches Professional Salon Resource Hub
Keratin Complex UK has debuted a professional-only hub aimed at streamlining access to technical training, business tools, and new product resources for salons.

Captain Fawcett Expands into Hair Growth Tech for Barbers
Captain Fawcett enters the hair growth market with its new Maharajah ritual, blending clinical actives with luxury fragrance for the professional barbering sector.

OSMO IKON Bleach Seeker: pH-Sensitive Tech for Better Blondes
OSMO IKON's new pH-sensitive shampoo provides visual confirmation that bleach residue is removed, helping stylists ensure consistent results for blonde services.

Mane Origin Launches Sustainable Styling at KidSuper SS27
Mane Origin debuts at KidSuper SS27, highlighting the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance hair styling products in the professional salon sector.

UK Beauty Businesses Watch Global M&A and R&D Trends
Global beauty giants are consolidating and innovating. UK salons must watch these shifts for impacts on supply, competition, and emerging trends.

UK Salons: Top Hair Colour Trends for 2026 Revealed
Explore the hair colour formulas and creative techniques predicted to be big in 2026, offering UK salons a glimpse into upcoming trends and skill development.
Salon International 2026: Colour Focus for UK Hairdressers
Salon International 2026 in London spotlights hair colour with expert demos, masterclasses, and brand showcases, offering UK salons fresh inspiration and practical skills.

GHD Pink Collection Backs Breast Cancer Now With £10 Donation
GHD's 2026 Pink Collection donates £10 from each tool sale to Breast Cancer Now, offering UK salons a chance to support a key charity.

Cosmetics Giants Invest, Innovate Despite Retail Slowdown
Global beauty giants are investing heavily in sustainability and retail tech amid mixed consumer demand. UK businesses can learn from their focus on eco-practice, data, and strategic partnerships.

Chanel's Selfridges pop-up highlights experiential retail for UK beauty businesses
Chanel's Selfridges pop-up for its new lip gloss collection demonstrates the power of experiential retail and hybrid beauty products for UK businesses.

Consumer wants hybrid skincare, tests texture in-store
A consumer's preference for hybrid skincare and in-store texture testing highlights opportunities for UK beauty businesses. Discover how to meet evolving client needs.
Douglas cuts sales forecast: UK beauty businesses face weaker demand
German retailer Douglas cuts sales forecast amid weaker demand. UK beauty businesses should brace for similar consumer caution and adjust strategies.

AI, Acquisitions & Brand Expansion Shake Up Beauty Sector
Major beauty groups are prioritising AI, acquisitions, and brand expansion, forcing UK salons and beauty businesses to adapt and innovate.

Express Salon Services Boost Revenue Under 30 Minutes
Four express salon add-on services deliver visible results in under 30 minutes, boosting revenue and keeping clients returning between main appointments.

Nail Tech's "Dream" Product Launches Wellness-Focused Brand
A UK nail technician launches a wellness-focused nailcare brand, Nail Medicine, with a unique syringe-inspired cuticle oil pen.

STMNT Grooming Expands into Shave Care for Barbershops
STMNT Grooming expands its professional line with Hydro Shampoo, Shave Gel, and Aftershave Lotion, targeting comprehensive shave care routines.

AI Nutrition Firm Nourished Secures £14M for Expansion
AI-driven nutrition brand Nourished raises £14M for international expansion, underscoring the growing consumer demand for personalised wellness solutions.

US Nail Brand Launches UK-Facing Recycling Scheme
US nail brand Beetles Gel Polish launches a recycling program for all brands' empty polish bottles, with tiered rewards for participants.

Paul Mitchell launches fragrance-free line for sensitive scalps
Paul Mitchell launches a five-piece, dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free haircare collection for sensitive scalps.
New App Aims to Solve Hairdressing Cutting Confidence Crisis
Melissa Timperley launches MT MasterClass app with 15-minute tutorials to address a UK hairdressing cutting confidence crisis.

Sassoon Future Creatives Showcase for Charity
Sassoon Future Creatives showcase live cuts and colours from the INTERFERENCE collection for charity on July 13th.

PNT Brand Aims to Cut Salon Time and Costs
Precision Nail Technology launches with over 200 HEMA/TPO-free gel shades and aims to save techs time and money.

The Body Shop Appears on Lookfantastic for First UK Third-Party Retail Launch
The Body Shop launches on Lookfantastic, its first UK third-party retail platform, signalling a shift in its distribution strategy.

NHBF Survey Seeks Employer Views on Sector Pressures
NHBF launches employer survey to gather evidence on financial pressures impacting UK hair and beauty businesses for Autumn Budget talks.

OPI Launches Chrome and Glaze Toppers for Reflective Nails
OPI introduces new Chrome Effects powders and Infinite Shine Glaze Toppers to meet the growing demand for reflective nail art.

Great Lengths Adds Cutting Course for Extension Specialists
Great Lengths launches a one-day Foundation Cutting Course for certified extension stylists, focusing on blending and natural movement.

Philip Kingsley Partners with Nicola Clarke Salon
Philip Kingsley has launched its trichology products into Nicola Clarke's London salon, a strategic move to engage more deeply with professional hairdressing.

Lukas Payne Launches Wolverhampton Appointment-Only Studio
Award-winning stylist Lukas Payne launched a private, appointment-only hair studio in Wolverhampton on May 19th, 2026, focusing on personalised client care.

The GelBottle Inc now in 487 US CosmoProf stores
UK nail brand The GelBottle Inc has launched in 487 US CosmoProf stores, expanding product accessibility and educational offerings.

Amorepacific Unveils AI-Powered Flagship Store in Seoul
Amorepacific's flagship AMORE YONGSAN store in Seoul has reopened, featuring AI diagnostics and personalised beauty experiences.
Osmo Ikon Launches Glossing Training Course
Osmo Ikon launches 'The Gloss Edit', a training course focusing on its Glossy Gloss Demi Colour System, for colourists of all levels.

Francesco Group Salon Launches 'Glam Punk' Hair Collection
Francesco Group's Church Lane salon launches its 'Glam Punk' hair collection, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the UK punk rock movement.

Salon Owner Launches Podcast Amidst Franchise Expansion
Mooeys founder Amy Lewis launches 'Moo Chats' podcast to bridge disconnection as her franchise targets 50 locations.

New Masterclass Aims to Boost Early Career Stylist Finances
Anna Manukyan launches "Licensed to Thrive," a masterclass for new stylists focusing on financial literacy and career strategy.

Biotech, New Peptides Dominate Cosmetic Ingredient Innovations
In-cosmetics Global 2026 highlighted biotechnology, new peptides, and multifunctional ingredients, with 233 launches in its Innovation Zone.

Salon Payment Processing: Fees, Features, and Business Pitfalls
Integrated payment processing systems offer crucial revenue protection and operational efficiency for UK salons. Key features like card-on-file and deposit collection can recover thousands annually.

UK Beauty Brands Target China With Shanghai Festival
The British Beauty Festival launches in Shanghai in April 2026, aiming to showcase UK beauty brands in China's vast market.

Award-winning nail educator launches podcast
Melanie Lewendon launches The Nail Tech Society podcast to demystify nail sector topics and answer common industry questions.

Crate Cheshire Rebrands to Crate Collective
Crate Cheshire rebrands to Crate Collective, reflecting expansion and the successful launch of its Manchester barber co-working space.

Keratin Complex Launches KCRIO Smoothing System
Keratin Complex launches its new KCRIO Restorative Keratin System, boasting a fast application and long-lasting smoothing results.

Free Allergy Training for Hair Professionals Launched
Free one-hour online allergy awareness courses are available for UK hairdressers from April 22-28, offered by TrichoCare Education and Colourstart.

DESIGNME Haircare Launches in UK with Alan Howard Partnership
Vegan haircare brand DESIGNME has launched in the UK via an exclusive partnership with distributor Alan Howard, offering over 50 professional products.

Wunderbar Launches Vegan Hair Colour with 120+ Shades
Wunderbar's new vegan hair colour line boasts over 120 shades, offering salons a wide palette for creative colour services.
BHBD Hair Extensions Now Distributed in UK by ADSN
BHBD hair extensions have launched in the UK with ADSN Solutions Ltd as the appointed distributor for its sustainable product line.
2025 F.A.M.E Team Unveils Symbolic Hair Collection
The 2025 F.A.M.E Team, under Christel Barron-Hough's creative direction, has released its 'Symbolic Collection' featuring work from four stylists.

Remi Cachet Launches Extension Colour Blending Service
Remi Cachet's new 'Buy and Blend' service encourages hair extensionists to offer custom colour consultations, focusing on shade mixing over chemical treatments.

K18 Unveils Global Pro Artist Program for Hair Educators
K18 launched its global Pro Artist Program on April 8th, 2026, to support and elevate hair educators and stylists in the industry.

Enki Launches Disposable Capes for Greener Salons
Enki Towels now offers disposable, recyclable hair cutting capes as a sustainable alternative to traditional salon linen.
Wahl Senior 2.0 Clipper Refines Iconic Design with Tech Upgrades
Wahl Professional's Senior 2.0 clipper launches, upgrading its iconic 1953 design with a new motor, lever system, and blade technology for £227.99.

Wella BlondorPlex 9 Targets Metal Damage in Lightening
Wella Professionals launches BlondorPlex 9 lightener, featuring Metal Purifier Technology to reduce metal-related damage and breakage.

Extensions Education: Spectrum One Launches Butterfly Cut Course
Spectrum One Hair Extensions founder, Katy Grimshaw, launches 'Beyond The Blend', an education platform for extension cutting techniques.

Investment and AI Drive Beauty Sector Shifts in March 2026
March 2026 highlighted beauty sector shifts with SEMCAP's investment strategy launch and AI-driven retail expansion by Sephora.
Charley Henery Launches 'Illumina' Collection with TONI&GUY
Charley Henery, in collaboration with TONI&GUY London, has unveiled the 'Illumina Collection', a new showcase of hair artistry.

Violet Grey arrives in UK with Harvey Nichols pop-up
Violet Grey launches UK shipping and a Harvey Nichols pop-up on April 20 as part of its international expansion.

SEMCAP Targets $6.8 Trillion Market with New Beauty & Wellness Fund
SEMCAP launches a new Beauty & Wellness investment platform, targeting the $6.8 trillion global market with industry veteran Vasiliki Petrou at the helm.

9 Steps to Launching Your Independent Hair Styling Business
Nine essential steps guide aspiring independent hairstylists, from defining a niche and handling legalities to marketing and continuous learning.

Sally Beauty Embraces TikTok Shop for Social Commerce Growth
Sally Beauty launched on TikTok Shop on March 10, adding over 1,000 products to its social commerce presence.

HOB Salons CEO Launches Women's Industry Collective
HOB salons CEO Natasha Grossman, backed by Wella Professionals, has launched a new collective for women in hairdressing.

Government unveils £1bn drive to boost youth jobs
The government launches a £1bn employment drive to create 200,000 jobs for 16-24 year olds amid an 11-year high in youth unemployment.

Scottish Women Launch Talc Cancer Lawsuit Against J&J
Scottish women are suing Johnson & Johnson over talcum powder cancer claims, alleging asbestos contamination and decades of company knowledge.

Vegan Haircare Brand DESIGNME Launches in UK
Canadian vegan haircare brand DESIGNME has launched in the UK with exclusive distributor Alan Howard, offering over 50 professional products.

BASF price hikes, APR India launch, L'Oréal AI push highlighted
BASF raises prices, APR launches in India, and L'Oréal expands AI partnerships, reflecting ongoing industry shifts.
Kleek Launches Ambassador Scheme for Hair and Beauty Apprentices
Kleek Apprenticeships has launched a 6-month ambassador programme for up to 12 apprentices, supported by L’Oréal Professional Products.

Government pledges 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for youth
Government launches £1bn drive to create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships for young people, with sector-specific support.

British Hairdressing Awards Creates New Wales Category
The British Hairdressing Awards introduces a dedicated Wales Hairdresser of the Year category for 2026, offering Welsh stylists a distinct platform.

Symrise Unites Health, Beauty and Wellbeing in New Division
Symrise has launched a new Care & Wellness Division, merging cosmetic ingredients with health actives and biotics to meet growing consumer demand for integrated health and beauty solutions.

Hair Stylist Builds Portfolio Collection With Zero Budget
Jo Haywood created a professional hair collection, Apricity, with a zero-budget by collaborating with creatives and using salon space.

Thailand Targets Wealthy with Wellness Tourism Push
Thailand expands wellness tourism, launching Wellness Hub Thailand to attract affluent travellers and boost its economy.

JD.com launches Joybuy e-commerce in UK, Europe
JD.com launched its Joybuy e-commerce platform in the UK and Europe on March 17, 2026, to compete with Amazon.

Amorepacific Integrates Shopping App with ChatGPT
Amorepacific launches Amore Mall, an AI-powered shopping app, directly on OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform, reaching over 900 million users globally.

Ulta Beauty Joins TikTok Shop to Reach Younger Consumers
Ulta Beauty is launching an exclusive brand assortment on TikTok Shop to attract Gen Z and Gen Alpha shoppers as part of its digital growth strategy.

TONI&GUY's Dialekt Collection Interprets Hair as Personal Language
TONI&GUY's 2026 Dialekt Collection presents hair as a personal language, exploring individual expression through cut and colour.

Akt London Lands Major US Retail Deal with Sephora
UK body care brand Akt London is launching on Sephora.com March 17 and in 288 stores April 6, marking its largest U.S. retail expansion.
London Fashion Week AW26: Textured Hair Takes Centre Stage
London Fashion Week AW26 highlighted textured hair as a key element in collections from Annie's Ibiza, Labrum London, and Simone Rocha.

Aestura's European Sephora Push: 680 Stores Launch K-Beauty
Amorepacific's Aestura skincare brand launches in 680 Sephora stores across 17 European countries, boosting K-beauty's international reach.

Harper Ellis Hair Co. Launches High-Density Weft for Faster Extension Installs
Harper Ellis Hair Co. launches Volume Elite Weft, offering higher density for faster, fuller hair extension services.

L'Oréal Professional Joins HJ for Salon Owner Business Mentorship
L'Oréal Professional and HJ launch a free, year-long business mentorship programme for UK salon owners focused on growth and profitability.
TONI&GUY Creates Sculpted Chignon for Paul Costelloe LFW AW26
TONI&GUY created sleek, sculpted chignons for Paul Costelloe's AW26 collection at London Fashion Week using LABEL.M hairspray.

Aveda adopts AeroFlexx for refillable packaging innovation
Aveda partners with AeroFlexx, launching a new refillable packaging system designed to use 70% less plastic.

Lisa Farrall Launches Creative Mentorship Programme
Lisa Farrall launches 'Mentored by Lisa Farrall', a programme offering creatives ten intensive mentoring days, portfolio development, and industry access.
Hooker & Young on BHA Entry: Experience Refines Strategy
Michael Young of Hooker & Young discusses the evolution of their British Hairdressing Awards strategy, from early nerves to refined collection planning.
Clarins AI Shade Finder achieves 96% foundation match accuracy
Clarins introduces an AI Shade Finder using spectroscopy, boasting 96% foundation match accuracy across 100+ locations.

J&J Neutrogena Skin Scan Case Settled for US$4.7m
Johnson & Johnson settles US$4.7m lawsuit over Neutrogena Skin360 facial scans, highlighting risks of AI data collection without consent.

New accredited menopause massage method launched for UK salons
Alison Bladh launches accredited Meno Massage Method™ to support women through perimenopause and menopause, integrating massage, nutrition, and lifestyle advice.

Olive Young Targets K-Wellness with New 'Olive Better' Concept
CJ Olive Young launched its first wellness-focused concept store, 'Olive Better,' in Seoul, expanding beyond K-beauty into the K-wellness market.

RRI Podcast Shares 47 Years of Salon Culture
Rainbow Room International launched a podcast to share its 47-year legacy of education, standards, and culture with staff and the wider industry.

Wella Professionals Launches SmoothFiller Smoothing Service
Wella Professionals' new SmoothFiller service offers clients up to three months of frizz-free, smooth hair, presenting salons with a new revenue opportunity.
Evo Launches Four-Product Scalp Care System
Evo introduces a four-product scalp care system using plant-based ingredients and essential oils to balance the scalp microbiome.

GHD Unveils New Ultra-Fast Hair Dryer with Halo Airflow Tech
GHD's new ghd Speed hair dryer uses halo™ dual-airflow technology for faster, cooler drying and reduced frizz.

Goldwell Relaunches with $1 Million Stylist Fund
Goldwell relaunches with a US$1 million Future Fund for emerging colourists and a new Colour CoLAB initiative.

Keratin Complex launches formaldehyde-free KCRIO smoothing system
Keratin Complex launches KCRIO Restorative Keratin System, a formaldehyde-free treatment promising stronger straightening and faster salon services.

Avlon Europe Launches Pure Form 2026 Textured Hair Collection
Avlon Europe unveils its 2026 Pure Form collection, celebrating authentic textured hair and real clients.