Unlocking the secrets to salon success at the Business Live Stage, sponsored by Revlon Professional
Running a successful salon in today’s landscape requires more than just creative talent; it demands sharp business acumen and a forward-thinking strategy.
At this year’s Salon International, the Business Live Stage, sponsored by Revlon Professional, brought together salon owners, managers and aspiring entrepreneurs for two days of practical advice and expert insight.
Across Sunday 4 and Monday 5 October, the stage, hosted by Chris Moody, featured a series of dynamic panel discussions tackling some of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
From exploring how AI can streamline salon operations and discussing how to build a brand that attracts and retains talent, to weighing up the pros and cons of self-employment, the expert line-up shared practical guidance and strategies to help salon professionals navigate today’s business landscape.
Keep reading to find out more about the panels that took place on the Business Live Stage...
The Business Live Stage at Salon International 2026 is sponsored by
Sunday 4 October
11.00 - 11.40am Why Most Salons Are Leaving Money on the Table
A discussion on how small changes e.g. pricing, consultation time, and service structure can improve profitability.
Grace Patel, Melanie Beech, Carolyn Sweeney, Ian Egerton and Andrea Dorata
12.00 - 12.40pm Build a Salon Brand People Want to Work For
How workplace culture, training investment, and career progression reduce staff turnover e.g. culture as a recruitment tool, leadership, team retention.
Santiago Figueroa, Benjamin Shipman, Tilly Capel, Billy Ryan and Andrew Jose
13:00
Curious or Cautious? Understanding AI in the Salon
Discover how artificial intelligence is supporting salons, where it adds value and what to consider before adopting it.
Ian Egerton, Fergal Doyle & Noel Halligan
14:00
The Future of Professional Colour – Are Client Habits Changing?
Explore how changing client behaviour is shaping professional colour services and how salons can adapt.
Cheryl Bowes, Steven Smart, Charlotte O’Flanagan, Chloe Nolan-Smith
15:00
Hair Loss and Scalp Health – The Salon’s Role in Supporting Clients
Understand how salon professionals can recognise concerns, support consultations and know when to refer clients.
Lisa Caddy, Dr. Amy Vowler, Anneliese Hesse & Jerome Wilson
16:00
Why Am I Not Making Money From Retail?
Identify common barriers to retail success and discover practical ways to improve sales performance.
Maxine Davy, Michael Van Clarke, Daniel Rice, Sophie Gibson & Marc Trinder
Monday 5 October
11:00
HJ’s Business Boardroom in Partnership with L’Oréal Professionnel
Sean Hanna presents an exclusive discussion on the key issues shaping the future of the hairdressing industry.
Sean Hanna
The mentees from HJ’s Business Boardroom, in association with L’Oreal Professionnel, gathered at the Business Stage with mentor Sean Hanna to talk about their experiences of being part of the 2026 programme. Winners Liza Raby and Hannah Lowndes revealed the big changes they have made to their business due the advice, knowledge and guidance they have received from Sean and the panel of experts on the programme.
12:00
Where Can a Hairdressing Career Take You?
A panel for emerging hairdressers exploring the opportunities, pathways and possibilities available within the industry.
Amelia Evans, Maria Evangelou, Martyn Wady, Pete Burkill & Naomi Brooks
13:00
What Young Hairdressers Really Think About the Industry
Hear honest perspectives on workplace expectations, culture and the future direction of the industry.
Bailey Snowdon, Jude Taylor, Ella Fisher & Lewis Dunn
14:00
Everything You Need to Know About Opening Your Own Salon
Practical guidance covering planning, investment, location and the key risks and rewards of salon ownership.
Emma Jarvis, Samuel Palmer, Emma Marcey & Lorenzo Colangelo
15:00
Mastering Colour Services
Explore emerging trends, education, product innovation and service delivery models shaping the future of colour.
Sacha Jayne-Fleming, Ceri Cushen, Jo Lomax & Heffy Wheeler
16:00
Is Self-Employment and Chair Rental Right For You?
Discover the realities of self-employment, including financial planning, flexibility and working within shared salon spaces.
John Gillespie, Antoinette Ale, Dionne Smith & Jade Hayter
