Held over an electric weekend at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse, this year’s HairCon pulled in more than 7,600 attendees, reimagining what a hair and barbering event can be. Think three powerhouse stages, after-dark performances, immersive activations—and one unforgettable sense of creative energy pulsing through it all.
Salon Gold was there on the ground, soaking up every moment. Here’s our take on a show that’s already redefining the global hair calendar.
More Than a Trade Show
From the get-go, HairCon set the tone with a star-studded, invite-only Opening Night that played host to the International Hairdressing Awards, broadcast live from the UK for the first time.
Big names like Keune, the Trevor Sorbie Creative Team, Menspire, James Earnshaw, and Errol Douglas MBE for Innersense kicked off the weekend with high-impact performances fusing fashion, art, and hair in genre-bending displays. And that was just Friday!
The weekend delivered over 90 sessions across three dynamic stages—Main, Fellowship, and Social—where professionals from every corner of the industry connected, learned and left creatively recharged. There was no shortage of stand-out inspiration: from TONI&GUY’s fearless “PROVOKE” to Wella’s trend-setting “Surreal Colour” and Crazy Color’s unapologetically bold showcase with Sophia Hilton.
The iconic Sassoon Academy, whose Art and Vision of Vidal Sassoon show brought together Senior International Creative Director Mark Hayes and newly appointed International Creative Director Richard Ashforth on stage for the first time, was a 45-minute deep dive into the philosophy, discipline and legacy of Sassoon’s world-renowned techniques—an editorial masterclass and a reminder of the foundations that continue to shape our craft today.
Community at the Core
HairCon wasn’t just about visual spectacle. Education and business insight took centre stage on the Social Stage, where leading voices tackled everything from salon sustainability to social media mastery. We loved the Vagaro-led panel “Breaking the Mould,” where trailblazers like Lisa Farrall challenged beauty norms, and the NHBF’s countdown of the Top 50 Hair Influencers of 2025, with Efi Davies topping the list.
For industry pros, this was more than a show—it was a meeting of minds. “HairCon has this creative edge that really understands the artist community,” said Danger Jones Founder, David Thurston. “It’s a real community—not just a convention.”
A Festival Vibe with Serious Purpose
From DJ sets and dancers to fire performers and brand takeovers, the after-dark atmosphere felt more like a music festival than a trade event—and that’s what made it special. But beneath the vibrant surface was a serious mission: to connect, educate and celebrate a constantly evolving industry.
Major players like Dyson, Alfaparf Milano Professional, Revlon Professional, Wella and American Crew were out in force, while emerging voices and indie innovators found new audiences and opportunities. It was a place for ideas, partnerships, and discovery.
HairCon 2026, Here We Come
With earlybird tickets already on sale for next year’s return (14–15 June 2026), one thing is clear: HairCon has landed. At Salon Gold, we’re proud to support an event that puts the heart, hustle, and artistry of our industry centre stage.
We’ll see you there!
https://haircon.co.uk/
