For hair professionals, stepping outside the salon and immersing oneself in the vibrant world of hair shows and expos can be a game-changer. These events offer unparalleled opportunities to learn new techniques from industry experts, connect with fellow stylists, and stay ahead of the latest trends. Hair shows bring the best of the industry together in one place, creating a dynamic environment for growth and inspiration. If you're ready to elevate your self-care business, here's a comprehensive guide to hair show events.
Hair shows are a mix of classes, workshops, seminars, and exhibits, with a few excursions or parties thrown in for good measure. They provide a platform for hair professionals to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and network with like-minded individuals.
Conference season is a prime time for client-based business owners. Preparing ahead will help you make the most of every opportunity. To set you up for success, consider the Conference Season Survival Guide. It has actionable tips to help you stay organized, build stronger connections, and return home with fresh knowledge and new business leads.
Here's a detailed look at some of the best hair shows 2025 has to offer:
Premiere bills itself as “the ultimate beauty experience” and takes place in four different locations throughout the year.
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Anaheim, CA: February 23-24, 2025
Attendees can check out hundreds of classes and workshops, compete for prizes and industry recognition, and stock their shelves with the latest in beauty products.
Orlando, FL: May 31-June 2, 2025
Columbus, OH: September 14-15, 2025
San Antonio, TX: September 28-29, 2025
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With events in New York City and Las Vegas, it’s hard to deny the glamorous appeal of the International Beauty Show.
New York City, NY: March 23-25, 2025
Attendees get access to over 100 classes covering hair care, color, men’s grooming, wigs, hair extensions, technology, and more. Featured educators at the NYC convention include Candy Shaw, “the world’s foremost authority on balayage education”; celebrity stylist and The Monaè Life Academy founder Monaè Everett; and Sean Casey, an award-winning master barber who has trained over 10,000 students worldwide.
Las Vegas, NV: June 21-23, 2025
America’s Beauty Show, held in the Stevens Convention Center in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, is “the largest nonprofit beauty event in North America.” Haircare professionals can explore continuing education through hundreds of classes with topics like “Bolder Blondes,” “Elevating Your Artistry,” and “Don’t Fear the Beard.” Attendees can also walk the red carpet at the President’s Party and make vital connections to boost their network. With discounted rates for students, America’s Beauty Show is particularly newcomer-friendly. Those pursuing their cosmetology education can attend the Student Power Hour Conference and Career Showcase for guidance and inspiration about the next steps in their careers. This event, hosted by Cosmetologists Chicago, is a highly anticipated event for all beauty professionals. You can look forward to parties, exhibits, and live classes. Also, stick around to see the winners of the ABS global image awards.
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The Data-Driven Salon Summit, held in Scottsdale, Arizona, “brings together the owners and managers of salons, spas, and barbershops to understand how data can lead to better business decisions to fuel growth and success.” Expect discussions of five key “power metrics”: average ticket, productivity, client retention, client count, and retail add-ons. As the Data-Driven Salon Summit celebrates its eighth year in 2025, it’s also introducing a Modern Salon Boot Camp. The boot camp promises to be an immersive experience with seasoned business coaches providing valuable insights.
Can’t make it to Arizona in April? The Modern Salon Boot Camp will also be held in November 2025 in Nashville, TN.
Barbers, this one’s exclusively for you. Join your peers in Nashville or Dallas for live tutorials, a “vibrant vendor marketplace,” product demonstrations, and other events designed to help you hone your skills and grow your business. Those hoping to continue learning can purchase a VIP Education Package to gain access to exclusive classes taught by top educators from around the world. The flagship show in Dallas is also host to a number of prestigious competitions with cash prizes. Fades, braids, freestyle - those who want to go head-to-head to show off their skills are welcome to compete.
One of the longest-running hair shows in the world, Cosmoprof returns to Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Convention Center for its 22nd year. This business-to-business convention focuses on product awareness and innovation, connecting salon owners and retailers with suppliers and manufacturers from around the world. You can sit in on “Cosmo Talks,” i.e., speaker presentations on topics like mass distribution, the fragrance industry outlook, or indie beauty trends.
Those who want to spend a few extra days in Sin City can check out a number of expert speaker sessions on July 11.
Want to get an early start on the 2026 convention season? Cosmoprof North America is making a stop in Miami next January.
Cosmoprof North America is a B2B event for beauty professionals. The event focuses on professional retail and distribution of hair care, skincare, and beauty products.
“The mecca of men’s grooming” (also known as the CT Barber Expo) takes place in Uncasville, Connecticut, once again in 2025. From May 17 to 19, barbers can check out educational seminars about fading and blending, adding texture with tools, mastering freehand shaping, and more. Barbers with a competitive streak can sign up for the “Barber Super Bowl,” a series of contests with a prize of $500 (and some new supplies) at stake. You’ll also find the industry’s top vendors on the show floor. It’s time to clean your clippers! The Barber Expo is almost here. It won’t be all work and no play. At the expo, barbers take to the stage to compete and see who can produce the best cut.
