REPORTS
HJ Reports: Redken Symposium 2026
HJ headed to Vegas for two days of high-energy education at the Redken Symposium
Held at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada, Redken Symposium brought together more than 6,000 hairdressers from around the world for the brand’s bi-annual education event. Featuring 34 artists on stage across two days, alongside the launch of the Business Forum, the event celebrated artistry, education and business in an atmosphere defined by high energy.
Welcoming attendees during the event’s opening celebration, Darren Oram, VP of Education for Redken USA, shared: “It’s such an exciting time to be a part of this industry, but it’s important that we continue to embrace what is coming. It’s important we don’t just stick to the methods and habits we have, but we learn something new. By being here right now, you are investing in your future, and you are leading the way.” The theme for this year’s Symposium was Ignite Your Passion. Expanding on the concept, Darren explained that every element of the event was designed to elevate the professional difference hairdressers make. “Everything you’ll see here has been curated to ignite your passion, from new information to new techniques, so you can take them straight back to your business, earn better and ultimately live your very best life,” he added.
With a live guitarist, two catwalk shows and the announcement of the Redken Hair Color Awards winners, the opening celebration set the tone for an energetic two days.
During the first full day of the event, the Mainstage hosted a series of trend-driven sessions designed to equip hairdressers with the latest techniques. Highlights included Danilo Bozic’s masterclass on the airtouch technique for creating a seamless blend, Georgia Garcia’s Blonding Blueprint, and Patricia Nikole’s demonstration of Power Placement – an approach that combines painting and foiling to elevate artistry while delivering a truly bespoke service.
ELECTRI-CITY BASH
GEORGE GARCIA
SOPHIA HILTON
ADINA DOSS
SEAN GODARD
LORI ZABEL
Meanwhile, the Business Forum saw keynote speaker Ken Hughes discuss what every business can learn from Taylor Swift’s brand identity, before Samantha Cusick stepped up to discuss how salons can make sustainability sexy, and Sophia Hilton shared her thoughts on how salon culture is evolving as a result of the incoming Gen Z workforce.
That evening, guests returned to a magenta-lit Caesars Forum for the Electri-city Bash. DJ Natty Rico took to the decks with a live saxophonist, while the Revival House Project kept the celebrations going with a deep-groove set and surprise entertainment.
On day two of Redken Symposium, Brayden Pelletier explored the personalisation of cutting on the Mainstage, inviting questions from the audience to tailor the session to the real-life challenges hairdressers encounter in the salon. He was later joined by Stephen Gregory Carter, who showcased his clipper expertise with a taper demonstration. Supported by on-screen diagrams and live video feeds of multiple models, the session introduced attendees to hybrid cutting techniques and dynamic finishing approaches. Other topics discussed throughout the day included working with wigs and colour, how to repackage and reanimate a haircut, and common formulation challenges.
Redken Symposium 2026 also saw some exciting new launches taking centre stage, with the announcement of the three new ShadesEQ Glosses – Honey Butter, Honey Bee and Honey Comb – plus the launch of Redken’s Principles of Design, an education system which will delve further into customisation of cutting.
From technical education and business insights to product innovation and community, Redken Symposium 2026 reinforced the brand’s commitment to supporting hairdressers both behind the chair and beyond it. As attendees returned home armed with fresh ideas, new techniques, practical strategies and the latest products, the event stayed true to its Ignite Your Passion theme, encouraging professionals to continue investing in their craft and their businesses.