On March 21 and 22, 2026, TOP HAIR Düsseldorf once again impressively demonstrated why it is the leading event for the hairstyling sector in Europe. The motto “More Glow. More Glam. More Wow.” perfectly captured the positive energy among both exhibitors and visitors. Around 27,000 trade visitors traveled to the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany, to expand their technical and business expertise. Some 450 brands and companies from 24 countries presented their latest products and services, as well as the hottest hair trends from around the world.
With a new look and feel and more room for networking and community, the trade fair – organized in cooperation with Europe’s leading trade magazine TOP HAIR – also provided fresh impulses in terms of content. At the same time, the program featured more shows and educational sessions than ever before.
Hannes Niemann, Director of TOP HAIR, stated: “TOP HAIR Düsseldorf has shown once again just how much energy and innovative power this industry has – especially in challenging times. Launching new features such as the Masterclasses and the young talent initiative “Rock Your Future”, TOP HAIR steps in precisely where the sector needs it: in continuous education, talent promotion and exchange with the best in the industry. The trade fair is therefore not only a driving force but also a rock of stability for hairdressing.”
Rebecca Kandler, editor-in-chief and publishing director at TOP HAIR, added:
“The sector is in motion and transforming. All the more important is TOP HAIR. Getting together here are not only representatives of a skilled craft but a whole community – one that stands out with passion, sparkling creativity and the joy of real encounters reaching new heights time and again.”
Shows, stars and a festival vibe on the Main Stage
The center of the trade fair was the Main Stage in Hall 15: International top artists such as Patrick Cameron, Martin Dürrenmatt x Goldwell, Christoph Filser and the Wella Creative Team with James Earnshaw and Marco Firriolo inspired the audience with 15 high caliber shows and technical innovations that set new standards in both creativity and technology. With influencer Daniel Golz as presenter, the stage took a new, direct approach – close to the community and clear yet humorous in its presentations. Celebrity guests such as Sam McKnight and Jana Ina Zarrella added extra star power. Emotional highlights included the presentation of the “TOP Salon – The Challenge 2026” award held for the first time in the prime-time slot as well as the international live finale of the “European Barber of the Year”.
More education than ever and Masterclasses for the first time
The continuous education offering was extended further in 2026: alongside 40 workshops and 10 lectures, the nine new TOP HAIR Masterclasses provided an exclusive hands-on format: in small groups, participants worked on current dyeing and cutting techniques directly with experts such as Fabian Maier, Katrin Dederer, Cindy Loves Blonde and Barbercat. Central future topics were also in focus on the stages – ranging from artificial intelligence and social media to modern corporate strategies.
Focus on Young Talent: “Rock Your Future”
With its new initiative “Rock Your Future,” TOP HAIR DÜSSELDORF sent a clear message of support to the industry’s next generation. On Sunday, students and apprentices received free admission to the trade show and were able to experience the hairstyling trade firsthand, network, and explore career opportunities. The initiative met with great response, underscoring TOP HAIR’s role as a platform that not only showcases trends but actively shapes the future of the industry.
The next TOP HAIR will be held from April 10 – 11, 2027 concurrently in Düsseldorf, Germany – again concurrently with BEAUTY Düsseldorf as well as the B2C format The Art of Beauty and Health. For information on visiting or exhibiting at TOP HAIR 2027 visit www.top-hair-international.com and www.mdna.com.
TOP HAIR 2026 Exhibitor Statements
Nicole Grimm, General Manager Kevin Murphy Germany
“We were represented with two exhibition stands for the first time. Next to our fashion brand KEVIN.MURPHY we especially focused on launching our new, relaxed lifestyle brand ELEVEN AUSTRALIA as well as the EcoHeads shower heads – three Australian brands synonymous with especially innovative technologies and a strong environmental awareness that provide valuable impetus for the future. Also new was the launch of K18 for direct sales. We particularly appreciated the personal exchange, the avid interest taken in our concepts and the high quality of conversations. We welcomed many of our customers to the stand and made many contacts with interested parties in our industry. An exclusive community event on Saturday evening was the “icing on the cake” for our trade fair appearance.”
Dr. Peter Wenzel, Managing Director OLYMP
“TOP HAIR 2026 once again proved the biggest and most relevant event in the German hairdressing industry. Our latest product innovations in interior furnishings were very well received by the high-quality expert audience. Service, quality, design and professional functionality play an increasingly important role for future-oriented investment decision-makers seeking to successfully stand out from competitors with innovative service offerings such as HeadSpas, for example.”
