HairCon powered by Fresha returns with its biggest, boldest Social Stage yet...
HairCon powered by Fresha returns with its biggest, boldest Social Stage yet, partnered by Phenix Salon Suites, a brand leading the conversation around the future of independent hair and barbering businesses.
Expect a high impact line-up of industry leaders, creative icons and rising voices, all stepping up to tackle what it really takes to run a successful salon, barbershop, or independent business in today’s climate.
Forget standard panels - this is real talk, live and unfiltered. The Social Stage delivers conversations across both the commercial and creative sides of the industry. From pricing and burnout, to AI, social media and sustainability, it’s a programme built around candid, thought-provoking sessions led by the people driving change.
Sessions including The Cost of Staying Busy and Money Talks take on the financial and emotional pressures behind the industry. Hear from the likes of Charlie Collinge, Jamie Brooks and Jayne Lewis-Orr as they dig into the reality of being fully booked, understanding your numbers, hiring apprentices and building a business that’s both profitable and sustainable. As the industry continues to evolve, The Rise of the Independent Stylist reflects the shift towards freelance and flexible careers, while Diversify Your Income, Future Proof Your Business explores new revenue streams and modern business models, with insight from business owners including Jack Mead and Mark Woolley.
Digital culture steps into the spotlight with Is Social Media Still Relevant? - a fast-paced, debate-style session featuring Rob Wood and Sarah Louise Keane, unpacking algorithms, audience growth, and digital burnout in a no filter conversation.
Creativity remains at the core of HairCon. Creative Greats Assemble! brings together some of the most respected artists in the industry to share how they stay inspired, relevant, and at the top of their game, while The Making of the Legacy celebrates the impact of Trevor Sorbie MBE - not just as a pioneer of modern hairdressing, but through the generations of talent he’s influenced. The Social Stage also champions the next wave, with rising stars including Ashleigh Hodges, Chloe Swift, and Elle Foreman stepping into the spotlight.
Alongside this, The Power of Community with Fresha and Rascals Education founders Sam Rascals and Cal Christie, explores how collaboration and shared knowledge are driving growth across the industry, while Inside Out: Supporting Clients from Hair Health to Self Esteem presented by Glowwa, highlights the connection between hair, confidence, and mental wellbeing, bringing to the stage Sarah Louise Keane, Alan Beak and Ed Mascarenhas da Silva.
As innovation reshapes the landscape, AI Can’t Replace Us dives into the role of technology in hair, with contributors including Chris Foster and Fergal Doyle, exploring where AI can support creativity and business growth and where the human touch remains essential.
The programme also addresses the industry’s responsibility to drive real change. Textured Hair: The Education Gap brings together leading voices including Rio Agor-Watts, Patricia Davis, Claire Martin and Tariq Howes to spotlight the need for more inclusive education and representation, while 1948 to 9621: A New Future for Barbering explores the evolving standards shaping the next generation of barbers, with leading names including Josh Lamonaca and Dean Gleeson presented by brand-new barbering magazine, FADED.
And it’s not just talent taking to the stage - global brands are part of the conversation too. The Brand Builders shines a light on the people behind some of the industry’s biggest names, sharing the thinking, risks, and decisions behind building standout businesses. Meanwhile, Creative HEAD and ghd present The It List – Tomorrow’s Talent Finder, alongside the NHBF Top Hair Influencers, spotlighting the next wave of talent set to shape the future of hair.
Discover the full Social Stage line-up at HairCon.co.uk and stay tuned, because there’s still more to come.