Next Gen at Salon International: Launch Your Hairdressing Career

Updated on 05th Aug 2026 by Preeti Bhandari

Whether you’re in your first year of college, completing an apprenticeship, or honing your skills behind the basin, one thing is clear: you are the future of the hair industry.

As a newcomer, breaking into the industry can feel overwhelming, but building a dream career doesn't happen by accident, it happens by getting in the room with the people who’ve already done it. That’s where Salon International comes in.

For over 50 years, Salon International taking place on 4-5 October has been the ultimate home of professional hairdressing. Every autumn at ExCeL London, Europe’s biggest hairdressing expo brings together 35,000+ stylists, barbers, and creators from across the globe. We’re talking 150+ world-class brands, 6 free live stages, including the brand-new Trends Stage, along with exclusive Salon Live and Salon Masterclasses, and the iconic British Hairdressing Awards Gallery sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.

Mediocrity was never on your mood board, and you didn't get into this game just to blend into the background. That’s precisely why we curated the Next-Gen Experience for you! Consider it your ultimate platform to bridge the gap between where you are today and where you belong: at the absolute top of the industry. We’re handing you direct access to world-class education, real-world technique, and the kind of high-powered networks that usually take a decade to crack open.

Here is everything waiting for you (and why you can't afford to miss it):

1. Salon Live: Jack Howard NextGen Masterclass

Monday, 5 October 2026

Every great colourist started exactly where you are today. Join the industry's master of light, Jack Howard, for an interactive NextGen masterclass built specifically for students and apprentices. Jack is demystifying the absolute basics of professional hair colouring to give you the foundational toolkit you need to step onto the salon floor with total confidence.

What the NextGen Student Session Will Cover:

The Blueprint of Placements: Understanding the absolute basics of sectioning, head shape, and how simple placement choices create different visual results.
Application Excellence: The critical do’s and don'ts of working with color, from managing product saturation to maintaining clean work habits that prevent bleed marks and uneven results.
The "Why" Behind the Formulation: Demystifying color selection and understanding how to choose the right professional products for simple, predictable results.
Career Blueprint & Q&A: Jack's personal advice for assistants and students on how to maximize their training, stay inspired, and transition smoothly from a student to a busy salon colorist.

Bonus: Stick around after for a Meet & Greet with Jack to ask your burning questions, grab a photo, and connect! Student tickets for Jack's session are just £10 (£30 standard). (Please Note: A separate Salon International entrance ticket must be purchased beforehand to access the showfloor).

2. Crossover Competition In Collaboration with Luchmun Studios: Student Barbering

Monday, 5 October 2026

If precision cutting and barbering is more your vibe, step under the spotlight at the Student Barbering Crossover Competition in collaboration with Luchmun Studios and Modern Barber. Open to enrolled students, apprentices, and trainees, competitors will have 45 minutes to showcase any barbering or men’s hairdressing style using clippers, scissors, or both, with judges assessing technical execution, blending, shape, balance, and overall professionalism. Winning this isn't just about a trophy, it’s a total career cheat code. The prize bundle is career-changing:

£350 Cash Prize
2026 Crossover Competition Trophy
An exclusive, hands-on training day with Kevin Luchmun
Professional Andis clippers
A complete Denman Pro barbering kit
Press coverage across HJ print and social channels

Enter in four easy steps:

1.Purchase your competition entry ticket for £20

2. Select the category you want to enter and complete the form

3. Submit your images as per the guidelines in the form

4. Receive your FREE entrance ticket code to Salon International

3. Connections That Define Careers

The fastest way to elevate your craft is to build your network. Salon International gets your foot in the door with the creators, brand founders, and creative directors shaping the hair world today.

Explore interactive brand stands, get hands-on experience with the latest tech, and unlock exclusive student starter kits, brand incentives, and career transition support. Whether you're hunting for your next salon home or aiming to build your own brand, your future network starts right here.