HJ Reports: Redken on Stage
With a live DJ, a competitive scavenger hunt and a packed programme of education, take a look inside the fourth annual Redken on Stage
Redken on Stage returned for its fourth year on Sunday 20 September, bringing together stylists and salon teams from across the UK and Ireland for a day of technical education, business insights and creative inspiration. Hosted at the L’Oréal Academy in London, the event transformed the space into a Redken-inspired hub for learning, from the Redken Library to the 5th Avenue Store.
Following ‘Redken Energy’ – a staple at any Redken meeting, event or gathering – a selection of models took to the catwalk, offering guests a first glimpse of some of the looks they would be exploring throughout the day. During his morning welcome, Jimmy Wright-Green, Redken Education Manager for the UK & Ireland, encouraged attendees to get involved and make the most of the opportunities on offer, highlighting: “What’s really important is that you take away as much as you possibly can from the day – so don’t be shy with any questions.” There was plenty to keep guests engaged beyond the stage, too, with virtual challenges running throughout the day, from treasure hunt-inspired tasks to formulation trivia, all with prizes up for grabs.
With two spaces hosting a varied programme, in addition to breakout areas highlighting new products and cult-favourites, attendees could shape their day around their interests, moving between creative demonstrations on the Mainstage and more intimate business sessions in the New York Lounge.
Redken Artists Michelle Marshall and Simone Macchie opened the Mainstage programme with demonstrations in copper contouring and colouring textured hair, respectively. Redken Advocates Beckie Miller and Sienna Wetteland then made their Redken on Stage debut, tackling two familiar salon challenges through their work on blonde models: ‘blonde blindness’ and helping clients maintain their colour for longer between appointments.
In another first for Redken on Stage, Nashville-based salon owner and Redken Global Artistic Ambassador Philip Foresto took to the Mainstage to share his journey into hairdressing, reflecting on the importance of building confidence and his commitment to education. Alongside these insights, he put his colour expertise into practice with a live demonstration that drew a packed audience, with attendees filling the space to watch him work.
Over in the New York Lounge, the conversation turned to the business side of salon life, with sessions exploring the trends and strategies shaping the industry. Harriet Muldoon from Larry King London looked ahead in ‘Future Trends’, while Zara Morgan, owner of Zara Morgan Hairdressing, explored ‘Premium Retail’. Hannah Cleaver, owner of Crown Perfect, rounded out the programme with ‘Social & Business’.
Following the Redken Symposium in Las Vegas, which brought together talent from across the globe, Redken on Stage offered a more intimate learning experience for UK and Ireland stylists, putting local talent in the spotlight while giving attendees the chance to get closer to the artists, ask questions and learn directly from their expertise.