COPIED

7 mins

THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS & EXPERIENCES

From the live competitions to the stands that are giving it extra, #Salon23 is set to be an extravaganza

Dowa International are offering scissor sharpening at the exhibition so bring along your trusty tools to make sure they’re in tip top condition for the year ahead.

If you’re thinking of updating your salon software, Salon International is the place to go with brands such as Vagaro, Treatwell, Zenoti, Timely, Beu, Shortcuts and Phorest all exhibiting with tempting offers and benefits.

In association with Mike Taylor Education, the Raw Talent Barbering Competition will be held on Sunday 15 October and Monday 16 October. Expect plenty of live clipper work and cool cuts.

Your ‘partner in craft’ will have big names on their stage including Tim Scott Wright, Sharon Malcolm, Siobhan and Philipp Haug. And don’t forget the 360° photobooth.

Olaplex, K18 and INNOLUXE will all be showcasing the latest in bonding technologies, drop by their stands to get your fill.

We’ve got many offers to celebrate our 50th anniversary, a range of brands are giving away 50 prizes or 50% off, so keep an eye out on @salon_int on Instagram and come and join the party.

Treatwell are our Headline Sponsor for 2023 and 2024. Their stand is a must-visit over the #salon23 weekend, where you can expect to see a DJ and 360° photobooth.

It wouldn’t be Salon International without seeing some game-changing colour innovations. Smart colour technology YUV Beauty allows you to create quarter shades, add tertiary tones and instantly save client preferences at the touch of a button. Meanwhile, Procare are featuring their Extra Wide Extra Long Pre-Cut Embossed Sheets to make your life as a colourist easier.

Our new online competition is launching at #salon23. See the selected finalists work in our gallery space (all shot on their phone! #nofilter) and watch the winners crowned on Sunday 15 October on the new Artist Spotlight stage. The winners will be given the chance to perform on that very stage the following year.

Sponsored by Great Lengths, this competition challenges hair pros to show off their creative and technical abilities on the Great Lengths stand. The winners of two categories – Commercial Look and Creative Look – will be crowned on the HJ Stage on Sunday 15 October at 17:15.

Furniture companies have gone all out with backwashes this year. Takara Belmont will be previewing two new backwash units, REM is profiling its Marina Relax Wash Unit and Salon Supplies are showcasing the Nubi Wash, a backwash that has a heated mattress.

At Sassoon Academy’s stand you can buy ABC+ book for £150 or both Cut and Colour books for £250 (RRP is £250 per book).

Visit the scissor stands: Slux (check out the Washi #CROWN scissor, pictured), Kamisori, Calligraphy Cut, Mattaki, Alfa Italia, Matsuzaki, Artero, Scissortech, and many more.

Four Reasons are launching Optima and Luxima Colour ranges, as well as Liquid Toners at #salon23.

You can find our British Hairdressing Awards Gallery next to our sponsors Schwarzkopf Professional stand. It’s the first time you can see the finalist’s and nominee's work, including the British Hairdresser of the Year nominees.

Get to the Denman stand to hear “Agony Uncle” Brandon Messinger's advice on all your brush dilemmas and meet their very special brush mascot...

The stands around the Modern Barber stage are always a barbering hub of creativity. Come to see American Crew, Barber .josh.o.p., Hair Development, Leaf Scissors, plus many more!

Manic Panic’s classic High Voltage Colours, Indola’s CreaBold and PCC range and Revlon Professional Color Excel and Color Excel Gloss will all be available to see at #salon23.

Don't miss Wahl UK with Barber Blades and JRL on the Chris and Sons stand.

Try out the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Professional Edition and see Alfa Italia’s Aurora Pro Ionic Smart Dryer, which features magnetic attachments.

It’s the 10 year anniversary of the competition which offers up and coming stage talent their moment to shine. The four shortlisted finalists from USA, Europe and Asia will showcase their looks on the HJ Stage on 27 Sunday 15 October at 12.45pm.

Suitable for a range of clients to add volume, colour and of course length, trusted extensions brands such as Great Lengths and Zen Hair will be on hand to help you with your needs.

Stock up and refresh your retail shelf with cult brand Amika (don't miss their Hydro Rush Mask) and Truss Professional.

Visit Ape the Label from Equip the Creative for durable, sustainable aprons, scissor pouches and bleach-free clothing.

2023 sees the launch of the HJ's British Hairdressing Awards Bursary, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional. This bursary gives the opportunity to enter a Regional or Newcomer category in the 2024 British Hairdressing Awards. To enter, come along to our #BHABursary selfie wall near the BHA Gallery at Salon International, take a video explaining why you should win, and upload a phone snap of a hairstyle you have created. Good luck!

Jack Winn Pro will make its UK debut at #salon23. Did you know that since 2015 it has returned over £6.5 million to US stylists thanks to its cash back scheme?

Back at ExCeL this year, the Alternative Hair Show fundraises for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer charities and is your chance to see global hairdressing teams work their magic live on stage. Get your tickets for Sunday 15 October at 7pm.

Don’t miss the Modern Barber Awards on Sunday 15 October. Held at Omeara London from 7.30pm, it’s set to be a night of celebrations.

Use our 50^th birthday filter on Instagram by using #salon50 and tagging @salon_int, and you 35 could win exciting prizes.

Student or lecturer? Download the college map to find out which brands have exclusive giveaways, competitions and demonstrations especially for students.

We have two salon owners lounges on the show floor, sponsored by Vagaro and Treatwell respectively. They’re ideally placed to allow a break away from the hustle and bustle and are serviced with refreshments.

Studex are offering 20% off all starter kits, ideal if you want to make ear piercing an add-on service in your salon. In addition, Inverness Piercing System is offering £50 off on orders over £500.

The Emirates Air Line Cable Car runs between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks. It connects ExCeL London to the O2 and North Greenwich tube station. Not got a head for heights? The Elizabeth line runs from central London to ExCeL in as little as 15 minutes.

Head to Olivia Garden to see their Think Pink Europe collaboration (ideal for on-the-go kit bags) and Hair Tools for Electric Head Jog’s Futura Hairdryer in two new colours.

Every day is a school day on the VTCT stand and at Saco Academy where you can learn about new courses and get help.

We're excited to run a shoot space for the stage teams with leading photographers this year. Stay tuned!

At vivid colour brand Directions’ stand you can get 25% off limited-time discount code for those who sign up and place an order over the event weekend. There will also be a DJ and a premier of their new film Groove is in the Hair.

On the Revlon Professional stand there will be, wait for it… a ball pit! Find a purple ball and you could win goodies.

Don't miss the lights, camera, action! American Crew will be doing a live photoshoot of their artists on the Modern Barber Stage.

With two brands bringing cars to their stands, it’s set to be a fast and furious show. Guess the number of straighteners in the car on the Supernova stand, for the chance to win a prize. Over on the Beu Scissors there’s a chance to win a BMWI8!

Including brands such as Olaplex and NXT – this year’s hair hamper* is set to be BIG. We will pick the winner on Friday 13 October on @salon_int

* last year's hamper pictured

If you’ve got a VIP ticket, don’t forget to pick up your special VIP goody bag which features brands such as Sassoon, Schwarzkopf Professional and Denman.

It’s not Salon International without a trip to the Champagne Bar. This year it’s sponsored by distributor Alan Howard, who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary.