Beauty Systems Holdings President Mark Spinks to be Honored with City of Hope’s Prestigious Spirit of Life® Award
City of Hope, a world-renowned independent cancer and diabetes research and treatment center, announced that its National Professional Salon Industry Group will honor Mark Spinks, president of Beauty Systems Holdings, with its 2017 Spirit of Life® Award. The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to an industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and philanthropic achievement.
Mark Spinks has dedicated his career to the advancement of the professional beauty industry. Since 2005, he has been a leader at Beauty Systems Group, the world’s largest professional beauty distributor, and in 2015, became president of the organization. Under Mark’s leadership, Beauty Systems Group has focused on strengthening the connection among stylists and becoming an industry leader for superior product assortment and service. He is passionate about the industry and serving his customers—the suppliers, salon and stylists.
“We are proud to honor Mark Spinks as our ‘Spirit of Life’ recipient and are thankful for the great contributions Mark has made to our industry. We look forward to enjoying a wonderful City of Hope event and continuing our efforts to help those who are fighting cancer,” said Harlan Kirschner, CEO of the Kirschner Group and City of Hope’s National Professional Salon Industry Group’s Council President.
Spinks will receive The Spirit of Life Award on July 8, 2017, at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada. This year’s event, titled “The Beauty of Innovation, the Beauty of Hope,” and will celebrate the hope of a cure for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
The event, one of the industry’s best networking evenings, will include a hosted cocktail reception, dinner and entertainment. For information about becoming a sponsor, purchasing tickets or to make a donation, visit www.cityofhope.org/salon-spirit or contact Andrea Courtney at (800) 272-2310, acourtney@coh.org.
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Andis® Total Look Competition Highlights Top Barbering Talent at Bronner Brothers 70th Anniversary Show
The Andis® Total Look Competition featured 26 of the top barbers from across the United States during the Bronner Brothers International Beauty Show on Sunday, February 12, 2017, held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Johnnie Akons of Legacy Cutz, in Chicago, Illinois, earned first place and $500 in cash and product for his re-creation of a jazz-era look, complete with a saxophone.
“The Andis Total Look Competition challenges some of the best barbers in the industry to tap into their creativity and pull together not just an innovative and well-executed haircut, but also a total fashion look,” says Andis Educator and past winner Erik Cheek. “Akons’ jazz-inspired look hit high marks with the judges, and creatively it was the most original concept.”
In front of a large professional audience, the 26 contestants had to execute a complete haircut in just 30 minutes, using the Andis ProAlloy® Clipper and the GTX T-Outliner® Trimmer, in addition to the head-to-toe fashion look. Contestants were judged on technical execution of styles, originality, suitability and head contour.
“I want to thank Andis for the chance to flaunt my creative ability at the Total Look Competition,” says Akons. “This honor is no doubt a step in the right direction toward a bright future.”
Jason Chapman of Above Average Barber Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana was awarded second place ($250 in cash and product); and Samuel Simpson of Strictly Skillz Barbershop in Hollis, New York, took home third place ($150 in cash and product). www.andis.com
Caption: Winners, Johnnie Akons, Jason Chapman and Samuel Simpson stand alongside each other, and again with their creative concepts.
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Wahl Global Educators Traveled to Russia and China to Bring the Latest in American Barbering Education
Wahl Education and Artistic Team (W.E.A.T.) members Christina Goree, Rick Morin and Jose Barba have extended global education by sharing their knowledge in classrooms and events around the world. Last fall, these members traveled to Russia and China to lead educational classes on American barbering and represent Wahl Professional. Wahl Clipper Corporation is the global leader in the professional beauty and grooming industry.
“Our global education team strives to not only uphold the high standards established by Wahl as a global leader, but to maintain best practices for clipper education,” says Laura VanderMoere, Director of Education, Wahl Professional.
Christina Goree, barber and Emmy Award-winning artist, attended Russia’s biggest beauty show in Moscow: InterCHARM, held last October, to meet with educators, barbers and stylists and present a Master Class. Goree served as the guest artist from the United States, proudly representing Wahl Professional with her three decades of experience as a master barber and stylist.
“I demonstrated fading, blending and advanced texturizing and bulk removal, utilizing the All-in-One blade,” says Goree.
Stylists and barbers were focused and eager to learn from Goree. Attendees reveled in a variety of techniques, resulting in amazing “before and after” transformations, from long to shaved sides.
Recognized as one of the top 50 barbers in the U.S., Rick Morin brought his talents worldwide to China to demonstrate basic fading and blending techniques, with a heavy focus on his Wahl clippers.
“They were amazed at how I was able to complete entire haircuts using only Wahl clippers. Most of them use shears for ALL their haircuts,” says Morin.
Industry barber Jose Barba led effective hands-on demonstrations using his favorite Wahl
tools.
“I brought a range of my favorite clippers, and after the attendees examined them, they loved them,” says Barba. “The most popular ones include the Detailer and Magic Clip, but I predict the Icon clipper will soon surge in popularity.”
The tools were all well-received and routinely sold out. All three educators saw major appeal from the attendees to explore more tools Wahl has to offer.
“We are proud to spread our message of American barbering to all corners of the world,” says Lance Wahl, Global Vice President Professional Products, Wahl Clipper Corporation. “We are finding that many international professionals appreciate what Wahl has to offer from both a product and education standpoint.”
Language barriers were shattered—all spoke the universal language: hair. The fusion of international and local trends and techniques unified the educators and attendees.
Goree recognized fresh trends during her visit to Moscow. “One trend I’d like to see evolve in the United States is a cool twist on conservative cuts.”
Global industry professionals were excited to incorporate and adapt American elements to their styles. “There’s huge interest in American culture such as barbering, skateboarding, coffee shops and fashion. They’re hungry for what they call hip hop style barbershops,” says Barba.
As educators and professionals, the team thrived during demonstrations and seminars, bringing Wahl education worldwide. The Wahl tools gained substantial popularity, reinventing global hair executions.
“With the inaugural Global Education Leadership Summit hosted at our Global Headquarters in Sterling, Ill., March 2017, along with our continually growing Global Artistic Teams, Wahl Professional is staying true to their reputation as the leader and go-to resource for clippers and education in the professional industry,” says Laura VanderMoere. www.wahlpro.com
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Wahl Professional Launches New Website as Hub for Industry Professionals
Wahl Professional tools have always helped barber-stylists execute the ideal style transformation. Wahl Professional unveils their new website at wahlpro.com, propelling Wahl forward while maintaining their classic aesthetic. The new design is a sleek homage to the rich history of barbering and styling—classic with a modern twist.
“With the launch of our new website, we are able to communicate in ways that ease the process for professionals to find, use and share information to best fit their needs,” says Lance Wahl, Global Vice President Professional Products, Wahl Clipper Corporation. “This includes a user-friendly experience across multiple devices, a clean interface and intuitive design, sharing capabilities, interactive product pages and social interaction.”
The modern website reinforces Wahl’s strive toward excellence and position as the
industry standard.
“I like the functionality of the site and that it is mobile friendly,” says Aaron Flick, Marketing Associate at Wahl Clipper Corporation. “With more and more people accessing information via their smartphone, we needed a website that was easy to navigate and esthetically
pleasing. I think the visual theme fits the brand we have established for 98 years.”
Within the redesign accompanies new features and original content. Visitors to the site have access to what’s happening in the beauty and barber industry through Wahl’s new blog “Wahl Street,” with new content posted weekly. Here, visitors will find the latest industry news, as well as stories, photos and videos about Wahl Professional and the Wahl Education and Artistic Team (W.E.A.T.).
The products are the real spotlight on the website. Committed to education, Wahl is proud to spotlight their Product Selector, a tool to help pair the artist with the right tool. To enhance artists’ cutting-edge skills, the Product Selector works to deliver the perfect tool to help artists be their best.
“Wahl is committed to supporting professionals through quality, innovative products, topnotch education and superior customer service. We needed a website that reflected this
commitment to excellence,” says Flick. Now, professionals can look to Wahl’s website for everything hair. www.wahlpro.com
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Interview with Daniela Ciocan, Marketing Director Americas, Cosmoprof
What are some of the up-and-coming trends in professional beauty that are being answered at Cosmoprof North America 2017?
The success of social media and online influencers has made its way to the professional beauty sector. With a multitude of new indie mass and prestige beauty brands making their start online, professional stylists are taking a cue. There is a growing trend of professional brands emerging out of the digital social scene. Having a thorough understanding of the market needs, stylists are creating products that meet demand and connecting online with the stylist community.
Whether through its showcases or education programs, Cosmoprof North America (CPNA) has built a legacy on creating programs that are in line with current market needs. For example, CPNA added Discover PRO to its 2017 lineup, a new curated area carried out in conjunction with PBA (Professional Beauty Association) dedicated to the professional beauty market. The showcase will feature 15-pre-selected brands, like Evox from Evolution Proof, Theorie and Peter Coppola, that meet varying needs. From nail and haircare products to tools and makeup, Discover PRO will be a trend directional showcase for inspiration in the professional beauty market
Those looking to better understand the advent of social influence on the professional beauty market should add the Influencers & Social Media: Transforming professional beauty business conference to their CPNA event agenda. Moderated by Gordon Miller, Publisher for American Salon, the session delves into how socially savvy brands like Pulp Riot and B3 have successfully navigated the online sphere and what they learned along the way. And how smart distributors like BSG CosmoProf leverage on the reach of the professional beauty companies they feature to engage and connect with the stylists community to build loyalty 
and ultimately sell more products.
Last year multicultural beauty had a strong presence at CPNA. Any key learning and what’s in store for this year’s event?
Multicultural beauty is constantly evolving and growing, with more and more brands jumping into the space. However, products are not only being created for specific skin tones, we are seeing a greater shift towards solutions created to meet a more diverse population. One session at CPNA tackling this topic is titled: Unlocking the Kingdom of Success. Featuring Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, and Tristan Walker, Founder & CEO at Walker & Company Brands, Inc., the session will highlight best practices for breaking into the multicultural market segment. Attendees will also learn more about the evolution forcing more brands to meet a specific ‘problem’ rather than ‘color.’
Tones of Beauty will also be making its return and promises to feature another stellar showcase of brands answering industry demands. For example, exhibiting brands like Mixed Chicks and Twisted Sista are great examples of on trend brands that have had success broadening their client base. By answering the challenges of all curly hair types, these two brands were able to successfully appeal to multiple skin tones.
You recently launched a new award program, can you provide some details?
The Beauty Innovation & Design Awards was created in association with Beauty Packaging Magazine to recognize innovations in packaging and formulation in the beauty industry. Several categories are dedicated to the professional beauty market (with specific categories in packaging innovation for hair, nail and skincare). Enrollment closes April 24th and is open to the industry at large. One winner will be chosen per category and an additional Grand Award and Audience Choice Award winner will also be selected to receive a unique prize package valued at nearly $20,000. Winners will be announced during an onsite reception on July 10th during Cosmoprof North America, taking place July 9-11 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
To enroll, visit http://beautyidawards.com/. To purchase tickets to the award reception or general admission, visit www.cosmoprofnorthamerica.com. Note a 25% discount on general admission tickets is available if purchased before June 9th, 2017.
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Beard Guyz Releases New Product Collection
Beard Guyz is thrilled to launch a new collection of products. Available this spring, the three new products are detailed below.
Beard Butter with Grotein 20
A proprietary blend of extracts and peptides are formulated to nourish existing hair while stimulating hair growth with cell-to-cell signaling. This unique blend of natural and organic actives in a hydrophilic base is specially formulated to help stimulate hair growth for a fuller and thicker beard.
- Benefits: Moisturizes skin beneath the beard to prevent and repair itchy, flaky skin; thickens and softens beards; hydrates without leaving a greasy feel; absorbs quickly; stimulates and maintains consistent growth; prolongs the lifecycle of hair.
Beard Serum with Grotein 20
This product helps promote healthy hair growth, working to fill in patchy areas and assisting new growers in starting full, thick beards. The serum contains a blend of natural and organic active herbals, peptides and extracts to help nourish facial hair and revitalize skin in preparation for incoming follicles.
- Benefits: Facilitates facial hair growth; rehydrates dry or brittle hair; rejuvenates skin and hair cells to prolong hair’s life cycle; light and fresh fragrance; intense growth formula works as users sleep.
Beard Scentz
Product helps eliminate unwanted smells that build up in facial hair like fast food, smoke and pollutants. Beards will feel clean and smell great with just a few spritzes. Additions of natural and organic ingredients like Tea Tree, Manuka and Thyme Oils help ensure that beards retain moisture and keep their luster. The spray fits in users’ pockets for on-the-go freshness.
- Benefits: Eliminates the scent of undesirable odors; helps free beards of germs and bacteria; keeps beard and skin hydrated; safe for sensitive skin; no residue. www.beardguyz.com
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New “Beauty Innovation & Design Award” Program Opens to Industry at Large
Competition to Recognize Cosmetic Trend Setters in Packaging and Formulation
The new Beauty Innovation & Design Awards (BeautyID Awards) will recognize creativity in packaging design, material and product formulation in the ever-growing beauty segment. The Awards will cover all cosmetic product categories (hair, nail, skin, color, personal care, fragrance and sustainability) across professional, prestige and mass market segments. In addition, one category is dedicated specifically to cosmetic contract manufacturing. Enrollment opened in early March to the industry at large. Created by Cosmoprof North America and in collaboration with Beauty Packaging Magazine, the awards honor suppliers in the beauty industry.
“CPNA is one of the most awarded shows that recognizes indie beauty brands, which notoriously innovate with their packaging and formulation,” says Eric Z Horn, Trade Show Director, Cosmoprof North America.” As such, it was a natural evolution to provide a platform to recognize such creativity.”
The BeautyID Award submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges that includes representatives from: Aware Products, Badger Winters, Barney’s, Clemson University, Estee Lauder, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Hatch Beauty, Mary Kay, Mintel, MSLK, Stylus, ThisThatBeauty and Walsh House. The judges will be looking for that unique combination of distinctive design and user functionality. Whether answering a demand or creating a new trend, product submissions of any type are accepted. Design, branding and PR agencies as well as suppliers and product manufacturers can all apply. However, package and/or formulation cannot be in a conceptual stage and must have been launched during April 1, 2016 – March 1, 2017.
Winners will be announced at the celebratory Cosmprof North America event on July 10, 2017 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. The judging panel will select one winner from each of the 11 categories as well as one Grand Award winner. In addition, an Audience Choice winner will be selected through public online voting scheduled to open late April.
“We are thrilled to provide this unique opportunity to our beloved industry and grateful to our esteemed judging panel for lending their talent,” says Daniela Ciocan, Marketing Director Americas, Cosmoprof. “To the participants, the opportunity to be seen and heard by these influential individuals is tremendous. However what also sets the award apart, is not only the recognition it provides, but also the unique prize package that grants winners access to tools that will assist in enhancing future creativity.”
In addition to the winners receiving a custom trophy and exposure through CPNA and Beauty Packaging magazine market channels, we are also working with several sponsors who will provide a number of prizes to be announced throughout the course of the program.
To learn more or enter, visit: www.beautyIDawards.com. For more information or to contact us directly, email us at info@beautyidawards.com.
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Achieve Color Perfection with New Sparks HidraColor
Beauty Perfection Launches 50 Shades of Permanent Hair Color
Beauty Perfection announces the release of Sparks HidraColor, a new protein-based permanent hair color. In addition to its category leading, vibrant color Sparks Long-Lasting Bright Hair Color, Sparks HidraColor brings over 50 hair color shades to the consumer market, from the brightest of blondes to deep, rich brunette tones. With the added ability to combine shades for ultimate customization, Sparks HidraColor also incorporates nourishing ingredients in its formulas for healthy, beautiful hair. Fully cover roots to ends, blend and conceal grey; combine with Sparks Long-Lasting Bright Hair Color to create on-trend, vibrant looks. There are no limitations to how Sparks HidraColor can be used.
Nourishing ingredients found in Sparks HidraColor—wheat protein, rice amino acids, oatmeal amaranth seed, aloe vera and honey deliver stunning, enduring color with ultimate hydration and high-gloss shine. Sparks HidraColor provides excellent coverage while conditioning the hair, and any Sparks HidraColor shade can be used as demi-permanent or permanent color with the choice of either an activator or developer, respectively.
Sparks HidraColor is available through beauty supply stores beginning April 2017.
Since 2013, Beauty Perfection has been dedicated to using ingredient-focused formulas that deliver nutrients to the hair while providing vibrant, long-lasting color. The new Sparks HidraColor collection finds itself right at home with its ease-of-use, top-notch ingredients and wide color range. Follow @shopbeautyperfection on Instagram and YouTube.
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Dark and Lovely Celebrates 45 Years of Catering to the Beauty Needs of African American Women
Dark and Lovely Commemorates 45 Years of Beauty with Brand Ambassadors Teyonah Parris and Demetria McKinney, The 
Tom Joyner Foundation and its 2017 Scholarship Recipients
Dark and Lovely, the brand that caters to the hair care and styling needs of women of color, celebrated the kick-off of its 45th Anniversary with a commemorative event in New York City. The festivities, which highlighted Dark and Lovely’s rich heritage and impact within the African American community, were attended by leading beauty media and influencers.
Dark and Lovely was introduced 45 years ago as the first hair color product formulated specifically for African American women. Now, decades later, Dark and Lovely has grown to include a complete collection of deep conditioning treatments, shampoos, fade-resistant hair colors, relaxers, stylers and a full line of products specifically designed for naturally curly hair. Most recently, Dark and Lovely Au Naturale, which takes the guesswork out of styling and caring for natural hair, was introduced to consumers with curly, wavy, kinky and coiled hair textures.
“Since its inception in 1972, Dark and Lovely has helped women of color embrace their unique and highly individual styles by offering innovative products and technology exclusively designed to meet their needs,” said Melinda Johnson, Assistant Vice President, Marketing, Dark and Lovely. “Regardless of hair type—whether naturally curly, straight, color-treated or in a protective style—we pride ourselves on offering an array of regimens and treatments to manage these hair styles and textures.”
“I am thrilled to be able to help Dark and Lovely celebrate their 45th anniversary and I am so excited to be the newest brand ambassador,” said actress Teyonah Parris. “I grew up using Dark and Lovely products and I’m so proud to be able to represent the brand as an ambassador. It is a privilege to celebrate this significant milestone during Black History Month.”
As part of the Young Women with a Purpose Project, and in partnership with The Tom Joyner Foundation, the brand awarded five dynamic students with scholarships totaling $10,000 and assigned them to L’Oréal USA senior-level executives, who will serve as mentors throughout the school year. Scholarship winners include: Ashani Scales of Delaware State University, Renea Young of Mississippi Valley State University, Hollye Weekes of Wiley College, as well as Kimberly Burton and Cherise McAdoo of Hampton University.
Thomas Joyner Jr., president and CEO of the Tom Joyner Foundation, said this program is a great opportunity for these students. “We’re really glad that these outstanding students from HBCUs are getting a once-in-lifetime experience to get scholarships to help them complete their education, and to get mentors who will help them succeed today—and in their careers.”
In this anniversary year, Dark and Lovely has also launched two new collections: Dark and Lovely Color-Gloss Ultra Radiant Color Crème, a no-ammonia natural-looking hair color infused with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Pomegranate, that gives natural looking color, while delivering a glossy shine—and Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Clumping Curl Clay Cleanser and Clumping Curl Crème Gel, a care and styling duo formulated with Coconut Oil and Argan Oil, to help define naturally curly hair and reduce frizz.
“Reflecting back on the past 45 years fills me with tremendous pride,” says Erica Bowen, Senior Vice President, Marketing, L’Oreal USA Multi-Cultural Beauty Division. “This brand has been a staple within the African American community; and we are proud to have established a long-lasting, trusted relationship with our core consumer. While we celebrate Dark and Lovely’s rich heritage, we’re excited to continue to elevate the brands innovation and offerings to meet the growing needs of women of color.”
“To have 45 years of excellence, to have 45 years of beauty, to have 45 years of empowerment—that’s what Dark and Lovely is,” said actress and singer Demetria McKinney. “To be a brand ambassador for this brand has been an awesome, awesome journey!”
For more information about Dark and Lovely, visit DarkAndLovely.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Also, follow the trend with #WEAREDARKANDLOVELY.
