BACK-TO-SCHOOL BEAUTY TURN ONLINE TRENDS INTO IN-STORE SALES WINS
HOW
AI IS CHANGING BEAUTY RETAIL
JAW CLIPS
THE ACCESSORY DRIVING ADD-ON SALES
SCAN ME
10 - Back-to-School Beauty Blueprint-How TikTok Trends Can Transform Your Store Into a Beauty Destination
40 - Back-to-School Must-Haves: Why DREAM Jaw Clips Are the Accessory Your Customers Will Reach For
50 - How AI Is Reshaping Daily Operations for Small Business Owners
16
Five Meeting Rules That Give You
Back a Full Workday Each Week
Cross-silo rules that turn scattered voices into one future ready plan
By Joe Curcillo
Most leaders you meet are losing almost a full workday every week to meetings that go nowhere. Same people. Same topics. Same problems. No real movement. You have seen it in boardrooms, and job trailers; different settings, same pattern. The problem is not that you have meetings. The problem is that your meetings are built for silos, not for the whole business. Everyone shows up to speak for their lane, but no one is asked to hold the entire picture.
by Joe Curcillo
Beyond the Prompt: Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI
22
Small Steps, Big Impact
How to Foster Incremental Innovation at Work
By Kate Zabriskie
When people hear the word “innovation,” they often think of groundbreaking products, disruptive technologies, or revolutionary ideas. But not every improvement needs to reinvent the wheel. Small changes may seem insignificant at first, but their cumulative effect can be transformative.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Ampro Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of personal care products for the consumer and hair care professional. Since its founding in 1947, Ampro’s stability and consistent growth has been fueled by the Ampro Pro Styl family of gels, also known as –“America’s #1 Gel" and the award-winning Shine 'n Jam brand of products. Over the years, Ampro Industries, Inc., has continuously expanded its hair care line by adding such highly sought after products as; the beloved Shine 'n Jam Magic Fingers™ for Braiders, the wonderful Ampro Pro Styl Olive Oil Styling Gel, and our newest line specially formulated for kids, Ampro's Beautiful Child™. With everything from shampoos to sheens on the market, our consumers can trust that we have them covered from root to tip.
CEO: Ann Jhin
Editor: Allyson Leak
Art Director: Sam Choi
Columnists: Sophia Winston
Contributors: Joe Curcillo, Kate Zabriskie
To subscribe, call us at 678-805-3291 or visit www. otcbeautymagazine.com .
Subscriptions are no charge for businesses (including retailers, manufacturers, and distributors) in the U.S. of the beauty and barber supply industry.
For all other subscribers, yearly subscriptions (12 issues) are $48.00.
Please send a check payable to OTC Beauty Magazine to: OTC Beauty Magazine; attn: subscriptions; 3587 Oakcliff Rd.; Doraville, GA 30340. Cover price is $6.00.
OTC Beauty Magazine offers useful business tips and effective selling tools to boost revenue and customer traffic for OTC retailers. The magazine also provides invaluable product knowledge, industry news and insights for retail store owners, manufacturers, distributors and professionals in the barber and beauty supply industry.
OTC Beauty magazine is published monthly by Jinny Corp. Postage paid at Auburn, AL and at additional mailing offices. Reproduction in whole or in part of any text, photographs or illustrations without written permission from a staff member is strictly prohibited.
Post Master: Please send address changes to: OTC Beauty Magazine Attn: Subscriptions 3587 Oakcliff Road, Doraville, GA 30340
Tel: 770-734-9222 Fax: 678-805-3292
The Power of the Pause
Over the years, in conversations with others, I’ve heard people say: “I wish I had taken better care of myself,” or “I wish I had slowed down.”
I know how hard it is to make time for self-care. We all have busy schedules and so many things going on and the truth is, many of us know we need rest, we just struggle to make room for it. Many times, caring for ourselves becomes the very thing we push to the bottom of the list.
But you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Making your mental and emotional well-being a priority isn’t optional—it’s essential. Burnout is hard to recover from, which is why the goal should be to care for yourself before you reach that point. When your inner world is out of balance, your outer world will reflect it. When you take time to rest, reflect, and reset, you give yourself the capacity to think clearly, respond calmly, and show up fully in every area of your life. One simple way to begin is by becoming more intentional with your time and energy.
ALLYSON LEAK EDITOR
Before saying yes to something new, pause and ask yourself:
• Do I truly have the capacity for this right now?
• Will this bring me peace or create more stress?
• Is this aligned with what matters most to me?
• If I say yes to this, what am I saying no to?
Another simple practice is daily reflection. It doesn’t have to be complicated. You can open a notes app, write the date, and jot down one sentence about how you’re feeling. These small moments create space for you to protect your energy, and help you make decisions that support your well-being instead of draining it.
In this issue, we’re highlighting ways to help you stay inspired, informed, and ahead of the curve. From turning back-to-school beauty trends into real in-store sales wins, to exploring how AI is helping beauty supply owners run smarter, more profitable businesses, this issue is filled with practical insights you can apply right away.
This week, try and take a few moments each day to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect. You deserve it.
expert ADVICE
Back-to-School Beauty Blueprint
How TikTok Trends Can Transform Your Store Into a Beauty Destination
Back-to-school shopping has always been about more than notebooks and school supplies. For today’s students, it is also about confidence, self-expression, and creating a personal style for the first day back. And increasingly, those style decisions are being influenced by what customers discover online.
From viral hairstyles to must-have accessories, TikTok has become one of the biggest trend drivers in beauty. Customers are walking into stores looking for products they have seen online—and beauty supply owners have an opportunity to turn that curiosity into sales by bringing the online shopping experience into the store. The key is not just carrying trending products. It is creating a shopping experience that makes customers feel like they are discovering the next big thing.
Create a “Trending Now” Section
Retailers have long used displays like “As Seen on TV” sections to highlight products customers recognize. Beauty supply stores can create a similar experience by dedicating a section of the store to products customers are seeing across social media.
A “Trending Now” or “TikTok Made Me Buy It” display can become a destination that encourages shoppers to stop, explore, and discover new products.
Consider featuring:
• Viral hair accessories and styling tools
• Popular edge controls and styling products
• Heatless curl solutions
• Protective styling essentials
• Hair oils, scalp care, and hydration products
• Affordable beauty finds customers can easily add to their routine The goal is to make the display feel current and exciting. Change the products regularly so customers know there is always something new to discover.
Turn Your Merchandising Into Content
Today’s best retail displays are not just meant to be seen—they are meant to be shared. A creative back-to-school display can become a photo opportunity for customers and even generate free exposure when shoppers post their finds online. Think beyond a shelf of products and create a complete experience:
The Back-to-School Beauty
Bar
A section featuring everything customers need for their first-week looks.
The 5-Minute Morning Routine
Highlight products that help busy students get ready quickly before class.
The Protective Style Prep Station
Show shoppers how to maintain braids, twists, locs, and other popular styles.
The Dorm Room Beauty Corner
Feature compact, affordable essentials perfect for students heading away to school.
Adding simple signs, product pairings, and QR codes linking to tutorials can also help customers understand how to use the products and inspire additional purchases.
Merchandise Around the Look, Not Just the Product
Traditional merchandising often groups products by category. But today’s shoppers are thinking about the final result.
Instead of asking: “Where are the hair clips?” They are asking: “How do I create that sleek bun I saw online?”
Instead of: “Where is the edge control?” They are asking: “What do I need for this hairstyle?”
Create displays that solve a beauty goal:
The Clean Girl Look The Game Day Style The Weekend Refresh
• Sleek brushes
• Edge products
• Shine sprays
• Claw clips
• Headbands
• Ponytail accessories
• Sweat-friendly styling products
• Hair masks
• Oils
• Scalp treatments
• Hydration products
When products are displayed together as a solution, customers are more likely to purchase multiple items instead of just one.
Train Your Team to Be Trend Experts
A customer who walks in asking, “Do you have the product I saw on TikTok?” is already interested. Your team’s recommendation can turn that question into a larger purchase.
Encourage employees to stay familiar with:
• Popular beauty trends
• New product launches
• Products that work well together
• Solutions for common customer needs
A knowledgeable team can help shoppers recreate the looks they see online while building trust and loyalty.
Make Your Store the Place Where Trends Come to Life
Social media may introduce customers to new products, but beauty supply stores have the advantage of allowing shoppers to see, touch, compare, and purchase those products immediately. This back-toschool season, consider using TikTok trends as inspiration for your merchandising strategy. By creating interactive displays, highlighting viral favorites, and helping customers shop by style goals, your store can become more than a place to buy beauty products—it can become the place where the next trend begins.
Styling Mousse with Frizz ControlCurly Hair Mousse Ashley Marie Collection
The Ashley Marie Collection Styling Mousse is a fast-drying and versatile hair product that delivers silky-smooth results without flaking. This mousse not only adds body, bounce, and shine to your customers hair but also strengthens and moisturizes the strands.
• Fast Drying
• Leaves hair feeling silky
• No Flakes
• Strengthens & Moisturizes
• Adds body ,bounce and shine
• No hair breakage
1
• No combing discomfort
Bold Hold Lace Gelly – Lace Melt & Styling
2
Gel Flexible Hold for Natural Hairlines & Daily Styling By The Hair Diagram® Soft hold. Clean melt. Natural finish.
Bold Hold Lace Gelly is a lightweight, professional lace melt and styling gel designed to create a seamless, natural-looking hairline without stiffness, flakes, or buildup. Ideal for finishing installs, laying baby hairs, and daily touch-ups, Lace Gelly delivers flexible control while keeping lace undetectable.
• Flexible hold with natural movement
• Ideal for lace melt, baby hairs, and edges
• Dries clear with no residue or flaking
Made by The Hair Diagram® – Official Manufacturer
Refining the Routine
Where everyday styling meets clean finishes, flexible hold, and healthy hair
For best results, use after installing with Bold Hold Lace Adhesive.
Step-by-Step Application for Your Customers
• Complete your install using Bold Hold Lace Adhesive
• Apply a small amount of Lace Gelly along the hairline
• Use a brush, comb, or 3-in-1 spatula to melt lace and style baby hairs
• Tie down with an elastic melt band for best results
• Allow to set, then remove band Can be reapplied daily for touch-ups and styling.
Today’s customer isn’t just shopping for products, they’re shopping for results. In this feature, we spotlight standout products that help your customers achieve polished, everyday looks—from seamless installs and frizz-free curls to moisturized, well-maintained beards. These are the items that turn quick visits into repeat purchases, offering easy add-on opportunities and strong sell-through when merchandised with intention.
NEW BATANA OIL FORMULA™
PRO GRO
ENHANCES HAIR’S APPEARANCE DURING NATURAL SHEDDING CYCLES
TARGETS THE SCALP TO PROMOTE RESILIENT, THICKER, FULLER-LOOKING HAIR
BEVEL 2-IN-1 POMADE
Moisture, Hold, and Style in One. The Bevel 2-in-1 Pomade is butter-based for waves and beards, giving your customers a soft, all-day hold without the sticky finish.
Why They’ll Love It:
• 2-in-1 Formula: Works as both a wave pomade and beard styler.
• All-Day Hold: Keeps waves, locs, and beards polished without stiffness.
• Moisturizes + Strengthens: Conditions hair while promoting healthier growth.
• Clean Ingredients: Free of mineral oils, alcohols, and petroleum.
BEVEL BEARD CONDITIONER
Brittle isn’t really our style. A beard should be soft and clean. The nourishing Bevel Beard Conditioner helps soften rough hair, reduce breakage, and gently detangles — all in one product. Your customers can use this to condition and prep their beard without clogging their pores.
BEVEL BEARD OIL
The drip your customers’ beard needs. A non-greasy, lightweight solution that packs all the punch. Bevel Beard Oil adds sheen to your customers beard and reduces dryness, frizz, and breakage, all without clogging the pores.
BEVEL 2-IN-1 FACE & BEARD WASH
Fresh Skin. Fresh beard. The Bevel Face & Beard Wash is a 2-in-1 formula that cleanses, hydrates, and brightens—keeping skin and facial hair looking their best.
Why They’ll Love It:
• Deep Cleanse + Hydration: Tea tree oil, witch hazel, and aloe vera refresh skin without stripping moisture.
• Brightens + Evens Tone: Vitamin B3 helps fade dark spots for a smoother, more radiant look.
• Fights Breakouts: Tea tree oil and witch hazel combat acne and help prevent future blemishes.
• Gentle Formula: Removes dirt, oil, and impurities without irritation.
• All-Skin Friendly: Effective for dry, oily, and sensitive skin types.
BY JOE CURCILLO
FIVE MEETING RULES THAT GIVE YOU BACK A FULL WORKDAY EACH WEEK
CROSS-SILO RULES THAT TURN SCATTERED VOICES INTO ONE FUTURE READY PLAN
Most leaders you meet are losing almost a full workday every week to meetings that go nowhere. Same people. Same topics. Same problems. No real movement. You have seen it in boardrooms, and job trailers; different settings, same pattern. The problem is not that you have meetings. The problem is that your meetings are built for silos, not for the whole business. Everyone shows up to speak for their lane, but no one is asked to hold the entire picture.
That is where a generalist mindset helps. Not a new title. A new way of running the room. You treat every meeting as the place where the whole system comes together, not just a series of updates.
Here are five simple rules you can put in place this week. If you stick to them, you will get back hours you are now wasting in repeat conversations, clean up handoffs, and walk out of the room with one plan instead of six versions.
Rule 1: Every meeting gets one job
Most meetings try to do three or four things at once. You “update,” “brainstorm,” “decide,” and then “vent” for a while. No wonder nothing sticks.
hour. Split it or park the extra question for another time. One job gives you focus. Focus gives you time back.
Give every meeting one clear job. For example:
• “Decide how we will handle renewals for next quarter.”
• “Fix the delay between sales promise and delivery reality.”
• “Agree on the three messages we want customers to hear this month.”
If you hear yourself saying “and” then you are trying to fit too much into one
Rule 2: Invite roles, not just titles
Silos show up on your guest list. You invite the usual suspects by title, and you end up with a room full of people who all think the same way.
Instead, build your list by role, like this:
• Someone who lives closest to the customer
• Someone who runs the daily work
• Someone who watches risk and cost
• Someone who can tell the story to the rest of the company
Those roles might sit in four different departments. That is the point. You want different lenses in the same room. That is how you spot the land mines before you step on them. Ask yourself before you send the invite: “Which roles do we need so this decision works in the real world?” Then fill seats to match.
Rule 3: Start with the shared picture, not a status tour
Most meetings start with a long trip
around the table. Each person reports from their corner. By the time the last person speaks, the first point is forgotten, or half the room was too busy planning what they were going to say to hear it.
Flip that. Start with the shared picture. Take three to five minutes and answer, out loud, one simple question:
“What are we really trying to make true across the whole organization?”
It might be: “We want customers to feel one simple promise no matter who they talk to,” or “We need to cut the time from idea to delivery in half.” Keep it short. Use plain language. Once the room has the same picture in mind, the updates and ideas have a place to land. People stop fighting for their own lane and start asking, “Does this help the bigger promise or not?”
Rule 4: Use a straightforward path to decisions
We waste a lot of meeting time because no one is clear on how the decision will actually be made. So, you circle.
Give your team one simple path:
1. Zoom out. Ask, “If we get this right, what changes for the whole system six months from now?” Listen for impact across departments, not just in one area.
2. Zoom in. Ask, “Given that picture, what can we actually commit to between now and Friday?”
That two-step keeps you from getting lost in theory. It respects the future and the present. You do not need fancy language for it. You just need to use it every time. Over time, people will show up already thinking this way. That alone will shorten your meetings.
Rule 5: Leave with cross-silo promises, not loose ideas
The last five minutes of a meeting are where you win back your week. Or lose it.
Do not end with “Good talk” or “Let’s circle back.” End with spoken promises that cross the silos. I like to have each person say one clear sentence:
• “I will do ___ by ___ date, and I will loop in ___ so they are ready.”
Write them on the screen as they speak. Make sure at least one promise in the room links two departments. That is where you turn scattered voices into one plan. After the meeting, send a short note with those sentences only. No novel. No slide deck. Just the promises. That is your new scorecard.
What changes when you follow these rules
When you run meetings this way, three things happen fast:
• You stop having the same conversation three times in three different rooms.
• People start to prepare at a higher level because they know the meeting has a real job.
• You can cancel whole blocks of follow up because the “I will” sentences do the work.
Add up the time you save across your calendar, and a full workday comes back into view.
You do not need a new app or a new job title to be future ready. You need to treat every meeting as a place where the whole system gets in tune. One room. Many lenses. One clear plan walking out the door. Try these five rules for one month. Watch what happens to your schedule, your stress, and your team’s follow through.
Meet Joe Curcillo
Joe Curcillo is the Maestro of Integration—a strategist, speaker, and author of Beyond the Prompt: Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI, part of The Generalist’s Advantage Leadership Series. A former trial attorney turned leadership advisor, he helps leaders cut through noise, break silos, and lead with clarity. The book is on Amazon, but he offers it free at www.joecurcillo.com
BY KATE ZABRISKIE
SMALL STEPS, BIG IMPACT HOW TO FOSTER INCREMENTAL INNOVATION AT WORK
When people hear the word “innovation,” they often think of groundbreaking products, disruptive technologies, or revolutionary ideas. But not every improvement needs to reinvent the wheel. Small changes may seem insignificant at first, but their cumulative effect can be transformative:
• Improved Efficiency: Tiny adjustments to workflows can save hours of time over weeks and months.
• Higher Employee Engagement: When employees feel empowered to innovate, they take greater ownership of their work.
• A Culture of Continuous Improvement: Incremental innovation keeps teams focused on progress, even during challenging times.
Fostering incremental innovation doesn’t require large budgets or dramatic overhauls. Instead, it’s about building a culture that values and encourages small, meaningful changes. Here’s how to create an environment where these improvements become part of your team’s everyday mindset.
Step One: Redefine Innovation
The first step is to shift the mindset around what innovation means. Many employees shy away from suggesting improvements because they assume their ideas need to be groundbreaking to be worth sharing.
Practical Tips
• Highlight Examples: Share success stories of small changes that made a big difference. For example, a minor adjustment to a scheduling system that saved hours each week.
• Reframe the Goal: Emphasize that innovation can be as simple as finding a faster way to complete a task or improving customer response times.
Step Two: Make Time for Reflection
Day-to-day busyness often prevents teams from stepping back to evaluate what could be better. Creating dedicated time for reflection helps uncover areas ripe for improvement.
Practical Tips
• Hold Regular Improvement Meetings: Schedule short, recurring sessions where team members can discuss what’s working, what’s not, and what small changes could help.
• Use Questions to Spark Ideas: Ask things like, “What’s one step in our process that feels slower than it should?” or “What task would you love to automate or simplify?”
Step Three: Empower Employees to Experiment
To encourage incremental innovation, employees need the freedom to try new things without fear of failure. Small experiments allow teams to test ideas with minimal risk.
Practical Tips
• Give Permission to Test: Create a “pilot phase” for small changes. For example, if someone wants to try a new workflow, allow them to test it with a single project or team before rolling it out more broadly.
• Remove Red Tape: Simplify the approval process for lowstakes changes so employees can act on ideas quickly.
Step Four: Recognize and Celebrate Progress
Recognition is a powerful motivator. When employees see that their incremental improvements are noticed and valued, they’ll be more likely to keep innovating.
Practical Tips
• Share Success Stories: Highlight small wins in team meetings, newsletters, or company updates.
• Create an Innovation Wall: Dedicate a space (physical or virtual) where employees can showcase their ideas and the results they’ve achieved.
• Offer Rewards: Even simple acknowledgments, like gift cards or shoutouts, can go a long way in reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement.
Step Five: Provide Tools and Training
Employees may want to contribute innovative ideas but lack the tools or knowledge to act on them. Offering resources to help them learn and experiment can make all the difference.
Practical Tips
• Offer Training: Host workshops on problem-solving, process improvement, or creative thinking techniques.
• Introduce Collaborative Tools: Platforms like Miro or Trello can help teams brainstorm and track ideas for incremental changes.
• Provide Data Access: Equip employees with the metrics they need to identify inefficiencies or measure the impact of their ideas.
Step Six: Create Feedback Loops
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. Feedback is essential for refining ideas and ensuring small changes lead to meaningful improvements.
Practical Tips
• Establish a Feedback Culture: Encourage team members to regularly share input on each other’s ideas, focusing on constructive suggestions.
• Track Results: After implementing a change, review its
impact and discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved further.
Step Seven: Start With Quick Wins
Quick wins—simple changes with immediate benefits—build momentum and show employees that incremental innovation is both achievable and impactful.
Practical Tips
• Identify Pain Points: Ask employees, “What’s one small change that would make your day easier?”
• Prioritize Simplicity: Focus on ideas that can be implemented quickly without major disruptions.
Step Eight: Lead by Example
Leaders play a critical role in fostering incremental innovation. If employees see their managers embracing and acting on small improvements, they’ll feel encouraged to do the same.
Practical Tips
• Model Continuous Improvement: Share the small changes you’re making to your own work processes.
• Be Open to Feedback: Actively solicit input from your team on how you can improve your leadership or workflows.
Take Action
Revolutionary ideas might grab headlines, but incremental innovation is what keeps organizations moving forward.
Meet Kate Zabriskie
What’s one small change you or your team can make today? Look for those overlooked opportunities—the inefficient process, the recurring frustration, or the task that could be simplified. Act on them. One small step may seem insignificant, but together, those steps can transform your workplace in extraordinary ways.
Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Virginia-based talent development firm. She and her team provide onsite, virtual, and online soft-skills training courses and workshops to clients in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.
Skala Brasil Celebrates SUCCESS, STYLE, AND A WORLD CUP MOMENT TO REMEMBER
In beauty, the strongest partnerships are built on shared vision, dedication, and the ability to inspire those who bring brands to life every day. Skala Brasil recently celebrated that spirit through its exclusive World Cup Sales Incentive Program—an initiative that rewarded outstanding performance and created an unforgettable experience for six members of the Jinny Beauty sales team.
The program ran from May 1st through June 10th, encouraging sales excellence by driving incremental growth, expanding core SKU penetration, and increasing product momentum across key beauty categories. Designed to recognize top-performing sales professionals, the initiative rewarded those who achieved purchase goals while strengthening the presence of Skala’s signature collections in beauty supply stores.
Six Jinny Beauty sales representatives earned the ultimate reward: an all-expenses-paid World Cup experience, including airfare, hotel accommodations, and tickets to attend a match. The winners included David Jun from the Chicago branch; German Fiallos and Ken Sauceda Flores from the Miami
The Skala Brasil
World Cup Sales
Incentive Program was a celebration of commitment and teamwork.
branch; and Chloe Lee, Johnny Jung, and Brandon Ok from the New Jersey branch. On Sunday, July 5th, the winners gathered at the New York/New Jersey stadium to experience the excitement, energy, and unforgettable atmosphere of one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.
Beyond the celebration, the program highlighted the continued success of Skala Brasil’s product portfolio in stores. Beloved collections such as the Babosa, Crespo Divino, Mais Cachos, Fruitastic, Divino Potão, Mais Lisos, and Maracujá continue to connect with consumers seeking effective, accessible solutions for textured and diverse hair needs.
Known for combining quality formulas with accessible beauty innovation, Skala Brasil continues to build meaningful connections with consumers and industry partners alike. The World Cup Sales Incentive Program was more than a sales initiative—it was a celebration of commitment, teamwork, and the people behind the brand’s success at the store level.
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, partnerships like Skala Brasil and Jinny Beauty demonstrate the power of collaboration, recognition, and creating moments that extend beyond the shelf.
AN INTERVIEW WITH
Cyrene Tankard
The future of beauty is personal—shaped by real stories, individual expression, and communities that celebrate every texture and style. Cyrene Tankard is a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and fashion influencer, as well as a member of the Cantu Curly Crew. She has built a platform rooted in authenticity and inspiring others to embrace their natural beauty. From her experiences on camera to discovering confidence through her textured hair journey, Tankard understands the impact of seeing yourself represented and celebrated. We spoke with her about creativity, collaboration, the evolving beauty industry, and how she uses her voice to empower others to step into their curl confidence.
Can you start by sharing a short introduction about yourself and your current role within the Cantu Beauty team? What does your day-to-day look like in this space?
Hello, my name is Cyrene Tankard (@cyrenelovette). I am 30 years old. I just moved out to Los Angeles and I am a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and fashion influencer. I am currently a part of the Curly crew for Cantu Beauty and I love every part of it. As part of the Curly Crew, my role is to help show what thriving, textured hair looks like in everyday life with Cantu products - whether that’s through showing my BTS from wash day to styling, or just showing how I’m able to step into my curl power and go through my everyday routine. My day-to-day just looks like taking care of my hair, taking care of my body, my skin, making sure that I’m moisturized and have everything that I need to show up as my best self.
What was your personal journey into the beauty industry, and how did it eventually connect you to working with Cantu Beauty?
My personal journey in the beauty industry–I have always kind of been interested in and involved from a very young age. My mom is definitely a
beauty girl, so I was always meddling in her belongings, but I would say that my real journey probably started around 2011-2012 when my family was picked to be on a reality show called Thicker Than Water on Bravo. We had three seasons. It’s now available on Peacock, but you know, being on set and being on the show required me to consistently have my hair done and my makeup done. So I think that was where it kind of started and then I think as I grew up, got to college, went to Howard University, and was finally able to be around my other brothers and sisters, I was kind of awakened because at the same time, the natural hair movement was happening. So during this time, I started to explore. I’m from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which is not a very diverse place, mostly white, and so being able to be around my other black and brown brothers and sisters and be edified and be told how beautiful my curls were and how I should wear them more and then, you know, trying to figure out the perfect product, the right combination. And that Cantu Curling Cream, me and that go together real, real bad. So I think just having the opportunity and being encouraged to just explore my curly hair is what eventually brought me to Cantu Beauty.
When you think about your creative voice, how would you describe it—and how has it evolved since joining the Cantu Crew?
I think my creative voice is authentic, it’s transparent, it’s real, it’s relatable, but I also try and present it in a neat and, of course, digestible way. Since joining the Cantu Curly Crew, I feel like my voice has just continued to become more and more authentic and, you know, my hair journey is something that I’ve really shown openly to my followers and I’ve been honest about how Cantu has really made a difference in my routine and how I feel about my hair and the confidence that I carry through my hair.
Cantu has a strong legacy in textured hair care. What does being part of that legacy mean to you personally and professionally?
Being a part of this legacy professionally and personally is an honor truly to me because as I mentioned, where I come from, I come from a place where I used to want to straighten my hair and only wear straight styles or, you know, not really embrace my curls. So to go on my own personal journey of learning how to appreciate my hair, learning how to do my hair and learning just to be loved for it and now to be getting asked questions and, you know, being able to help others along their journey is truly an honor both personally and also professionally.
What’s something you’ve learned while working on campaigns or initiatives behind the scenes that most people wouldn’t expect?
Something I’ve learned while working on campaigns and initiatives behind the scenes is just the importance of storytelling, the importance of really connecting with your audience, and making sure that not only am I staying true to my voice but also sharing something that I know that my followers would want to see and something that they could also use for themselves. So if I’m sharing a piece of content or showing, oh my goodness, look at the results of this look, I want to make sure that I’m walking them through the process so that they could also try it and implement that same look and ideally be able to have that same confidence that the product and the styling gave me.
How do you approach storytelling when representing textured hair and the diverse experiences within the community?
I approach storytelling definitely from an authentic space and I think, again, going back to my background, working in television where I did mostly do weaves or straight hair, and then to be in a space now where I honestly probably get more compliments on my curly hair and I honestly feel more like myself with my curly hair. So I think being in this space and having the textured hair and learning how to love it and how to treat it with care and honor is something that I really think highly of and something that I enjoy when it comes to storytelling. Because I know I’m not the only one with this story and I know that there are other little girls or even grown women out there that are still trying to come to terms with their textured hair.
I think my creative voice is authentic, it’s transparent, it’s real, it’s relatable, but I also try and present it in a neat and, of course, digestible way.
What does collaboration look like for you inside the brand team and how do you make space for different perspectives during the creative process?
Collaboration for me looks like taking a bit of myself and also taking a bit of the Cantu aesthetic and trying to merge the two and make a beautiful marriage of it - still representing the brand properly but also making sure that my voice is clear in the communication and in the storytelling. And I think, you know, creating spaces for different perspectives is important as well. Of course, this being my personal page and my personal story, I get to tell my personal story but I do know that everyone’s story is different. Some people have been embracing their curls from the womb, some people maybe in their teenage years and others for the first time in their adult life. So I’m just happy to be on that timeline and to share love for curls and care, with other creatives and other followers and people that support it.
Is there a project, launch, or moment with Cantu Beauty that felt especially meaningful to you? What made it stand out?
I think the Cantu Curling Cream is really what got me addicted to Cantu and I think it’s kind of what got other people addicted to it, at least for my followers because I really was able to get the best braid out and honestly sometimes even Wash n’ go’s. And then just the moisture that it provides plus, just being able to kind of create that fluffy curly look is probably what stands out to me the most. The Curling Cream, it made my curls just look so good. And recently I got to team up with Cantu again to help introduce their new Ultra Moisture collection. What I really love about it is that it’s designed to deliver up to five days of nonstop moisture, so there’s no second guessing, no last minute check - you can just do your routine and know that your hair is staying hydrated. And as someone who can have a pretty busy schedule, that’s something that I’ve really come to love is having a collection that allows me to do my hair and then go out the door.
going with the flow of how do I feel and how do I want to present myself today.
What’s a personal ritual, habit, or mindset practice that keeps you grounded while balancing creativity and work? Something that keeps me grounded is definitely moving my body, prayer, journaling, and meditation. I’m big on affirmations too so just speaking life not just into my brain, my emotions, and my mentality but also into my body and my hair. My hair is an extension of my body so you know “my hair is healthy, my hair is beautiful, my hair helps other people,” and you know some people may look at that like “how can your hair help other people?” Representation, that’s how. Representation and letting people know that, hey, this is attainable too, I think is really, really important especially for the younger generation or for those who do not have that representation.
If I could give one piece of advice to emerging creators I would say be consistent, find your flow, don’t be afraid of no, don’t be afraid of falling short or maybe a piece of content not performing the way that you want it to.
Outside of your role, what influences your perspective on beauty, culture, or identity the most right now?
What influences my perspective on beauty, culture, and identity the most right now is probably me. I have so much going on. I’ve recently moved from Washington DC after 14 years to Los Angeles to essentially start over so everything in my life right now is new. My location, my apartment–everything is new and so I’m drawing just a lot of inspiration from this newness and just keeping an open heart and an open mind to everything around me.
If you could give one piece of advice to emerging creators or professionals entering the beauty space, what would it be?
How do you stay inspired creatively when trends shift so quickly in beauty and social media culture?
I stay inspired by sometimes taking a step away from social media, taking a nice walk away from my phone, and just taking time away - going into the city, people watching, observing, looking at other creatives. It’s a myriad of things that kind of inspire me and then I also try and kind of take inspiration from my own experiences and
If I could give one piece of advice to emerging creators I would say be consistent, find your flow, don’t be afraid of no, don’t be afraid of falling short or maybe a piece of content not performing the way that you want it to. Find your niche, find where people really connect with you most because I think sometimes people think that they’re more impactful when they have bigger followers or bigger numbers but no, you’re actually more impactful when you’ve been able to really create a niche group that is looking to you specifically for something, when they’re getting fulfillment from you directly, even if it is a group of a thousand people - that’s a lot of people that are commenting and engaging on every single one and letting you know how much of a difference that you’ve made in their lives.
n-cosmetics Korea has celebrated its biggest edition to date, welcoming almost 20,000 visitors and its highestever international attendance, reinforcing its position as the leading meeting place for K-beauty innovation. Held from 1-3 July 2026 at COEX, Seoul, in-cosmetics Korea was organised by RX Global and co-located with InterCHARM, the largest professional beauty platform in Korea. The event brought together the full beauty value chain, connecting ingredient suppliers, formulators, manufacturers and finished product brands. Nearly 400 exhibitors showcased innovative ingredients and the latest technologies, including Ashland, Bloomage, Croda, Samkwang Chemical and Hanbit Flavor & Fragrance. Visitors travelled from across Asia and beyond, with international attendees accounting for 18% of all visitors, the highest proportion in the event’s history, reflecting the growing global demand for K-Beauty expertise and innovation.
Spotlighting innovation
Record attendance was matched by a strong demand for ingredient discovery, trend insights and technical education. The dedicated Innovation Zone showcased 64 active and functional ingredients launched within the previous eight months, giving R&D professionals early access to the latest ingredients entering the market.
The K-Beauty Zone attracted strong interest with its focus on age-management solutions, while the returning Inner Beauty Zone reflected the growing convergence of beauty, nutrition and wellness as nutricosmetics continues to gather momentum worldwide.
Meanwhile, the seminar Future of K-Beauty 2026, presented by Hwajun Lee, Principal Analyst at Mintel, explored the trends shaping the future of K-Beauty, from longevity-led skincare and microbiome science to trusted suncare and inclusive colour cosmetics.
Awarding excellence across K-beauty
The in-cosmetics Korea Awards, presented on the opening day, celebrated excellence across science-driven ingredient innovation and K-Beauty development.
Gold winners included PROVITAL, S.A, which took home the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient – Actives category for INTENSILK™, recognised as the first cosmetic “caloric restriction” body active aligned with the GLP-1 trend. PolymerExpert, part of Solabia, won the Innovation Zone Best Ingredient – Functional Category for ViscoPure®, an innovative natural thickener. LABIO Co., Ltd. received the K-Innovative Ingredient Award for BIO-Placenta target, the highest-ranked active ingredient developed by a Korean company. Lastly, ALGAKTIV by ALGAKTIV® Exometics G took home the K-Beauty Standout Award for its contribution to nextgeneration age-management solutions.
Expanding the exhibition floor
The event also proved valuable for the 84 companies exhibiting for the first time, as Thomas Cresswell, Chief Business Officer at Melt & Marble, said: "We met all the brands we were hoping to see, from Chanel to LVMH, Amorepacific, LG, Kolmar and Cosmax. The show was overwhelming - in a very good way!"
Expert insights shared in-cosmetics Korea also delivered an extensive educational programme spanning the Marketing Trends, Technical Seminars, K-Beauty Seminars and Inner Beauty Talks.
Among the standout presentations was The Science of Longevity: A Perspective from Medical to Beauty, where Rodrigo De Vecchi, Research Director at L'Oréal Advanced Research, explored how advances in longevity science are reshaping skin health. The growing overlap between cosmetics and wellness was explored in the Inner Beauty talks during Beyond Cosmetics: Inner Beauty & Wellness Supplement Trends, with HyunJu Ji, Executive Director at COSMAX BIO, highlighting how beauty-from-within is creating new opportunities across cosmetics, supplements and K-Wellness.
Sarah Gibson, Exhibition Director of in-cosmetics Korea, said: "Massive visitor increase and an overwhelming positive response from the industry points to the fact that this is a must-attend event every year as K-beauty cross borders to become the innovation benchmark for the global beauty industry.” Looking ahead, the 2027 and 2028 editions of in-cosmetics Korea will relocate to Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon while COEX undergoes renovation. Located just 20 minutes from Incheon International Airport and with dedicated shuttle services, the new venue will provide easy access to international and Korean visitors. The launch of a Fragrance Zone will capture the imagination of the new wave of K-Scent.
in-cosmetics Korea will be taking place 22-24 June 2027 at Songdo Convensia, South Korea. To register interest in attending, visit www. in-cosmetics.com/korea.
A Day in the Life with Tiara Lee: Where Marketing, Innovation, and Customer Connection Meet
As Global Director of Integrated Marketing, Sales, & Customer Experience at AFAM Concept Inc., Tiara Lee plays a key role in bringing together the company’s marketing, sales, and customer strategies to drive growth worldwide. With more than two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Lee understands the importance of innovation, strong partnerships, and creating products that make a lasting impact. In this day-in-the-life, she takes OTC Beauty behind the scenes of her role and shares what inspires her journey.
What’s your name, title, and role at the company?
My name is Tiara Lee, and I serve as the Global Director of Integrated Marketing, Sales, & Customer Experience at AFAM Concept Inc. My role is to ensure our marketing, sales, and customer experience strategies work together seamlessly to strengthen our brands, support our customers, and drive growth around the world.
What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
At AFAM Concept, innovation is what guides us. We are passionate about creating high-quality hair care solutions for multicultural consumers while bridging the gap between the ethnic hair care market and the general beauty aisle. That mission inspires me every day to create meaningful marketing campaigns, build strong
customer relationships, and help deliver products that truly make a difference in people's lives.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
I have always had a passion for beauty and hair care. It was simply a matter of finding the right path. More than 22 years ago, I received a phone call offering me a position at a private label hair care manufacturer on the south side of Chicago. That opportunity changed my life, and I've been fortunate to build a career doing what I genuinely love ever since.
Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
Every morning starts with a caramel coffee while I read emails and review overnight e-commerce sales across our nine brand websites. From there, I connect with my integrated marketing, sales, and customer experience team to address priorities, check with our shipping department to ensure orders are moving on schedule, review production updates for inventory, process wholesale orders, monitor ongoing marketing initiatives, and finish by reviewing social media performance and influencer activity. Every day is different, which keeps it exciting.
How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
Organization is everything. I rely on a project management system to keep projects on schedule and ensure nothing gets overlooked. I always prioritize customer needs, time-sensitive orders, and business-critical initiatives first while keeping long-term marketing projects moving forward.
What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
My favorite part of the day is collaborating with our graphic design team to create new advertising campaigns, packaging, and social media content. There's something incredibly rewarding about bringing creative ideas to life and watching them connect with consumers.
Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
One project I'm especially excited about is a new brand campaign designed to support our wholesale distributors throughout Africa. It's an opportunity to strengthen our global partnerships while helping more consumers discover our brands.
What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
My favorite product is the Hawaiian Silky Argan Oil Hydrating Sleek Healing Oil Treatment. Made with pure argan oil, it keeps my hair looking healthy, smooth, and radiant. It's a staple in my daily hair care routine.
How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
I truly believe that when you love what you do, it never feels like work. Every day presents a new opportunity to solve challenges, create something meaningful, and inspire others. Staying connected to our customers and seeing how our products positively impact their lives keeps my creativity flowing.
Collaborating with our Logistics Coordinator, Mayra Sanchez, to review carrier quotes as we work to find the best shipping solutions for our customers.
the exterior of AFAM Concept Inc.’s headquarters in Chicago, where innovation comes to life and ideas are transformed into remarkable products.
Good food and great conversation! Enjoyed lunch with Brand Manager Matt Schober at our favorite Korean BBQ & Hot Pot restaurant. Taking time to connect outside of meetings is a great reminder that strong teams are built through collaboration, shared ideas, and a little great food along the way.
afternoon reviewing product orders
and a
Behold
A productive
with Jose Pizarro from our Small Parcel Shipping Department. Every order is another opportunity to deliver quality products
great customer experience.
How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
AFAM Concept is a family-owned and operated company, and that family atmosphere is something you feel every day. Our CEO, Akhtar Ali, is one of the hardest-working people I've ever met, and his dedication inspires everyone around him. That culture motivates me to lead with passion, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.
How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. Each department, from production and shipping to sales and marketing, plays a crucial role in serving our customers. Our success is built on collaboration, and I genuinely believe that outstanding results occur when talented individuals work together towards a shared goal.
Can you share any habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
My foundation is simple: I put God first, family second, and work third. When those priorities are in order, everything else has a way of falling into place. That perspective helps me stay grounded, focused, and motivated each day.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
I'm especially excited about our upcoming Q4 product launches and the continued growth of our global brands. We have some exciting innovations on the horizon, and I can't wait to see them reach consumers around the world.
After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
After a full day, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, reflecting on everything we've accomplished, and preparing for the opportunities tomorrow will bring. That balance helps me recharge and stay energized.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing an idea evolve into a finished product that people genuinely love. Watching something that began as a concept become part of someone's daily routine is an incredible feeling and reminds me why I'm so passionate about this industry.
While I’m passionate about my work, my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family and celebrating the milestones that matter most. Recently, I had the privilege of celebrating two incredible achievements: my daughter, Miara, earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and my son, Kivonte, began graduate school to pursue his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Leadership and Marketing. Watching them pursue their dreams with determination and purpose has been one of my greatest blessings.
time
Spent
today with our Social Media Marketing & Public Relations Assistant, America Puente Hernandez, and Ana Martinez from Accounts Payable reviewing department expenses and planning ahead.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL MUST-HAVES: WHY DREAM JAW CLIPS ARE THE ACCESSORY YOUR CUSTOMERS WILL REACH FOR
As the back-toschool season approaches, customers are looking for quick, stylish, and affordable ways to refresh their everyday looks—and accessories are leading the charge. This year, statement jaw clips are making a strong comeback, offering both function and fashion for students of all ages. The DREAM Jaw Clip collection delivers exactly what today’s shoppers want: ease, versatility, and eye-catching design.
Style Meets Convenience
Parents and students alike are prioritizing hairstyles that are fast and practical for busy mornings. Jaw clips provide an instant solution—no heat, no hassle, just clip and go. The DREAM Jaw Clips are designed in large sizes, making them ideal for securing wavy, curly, or coily hair with ease. This makes them especially appealing to a wide range of customers who value
both hold and comfort throughout the school day.
Trend-Forward Designs That Sell
What sets this collection apart is its variety of playful, on-trend designs that resonate with younger shoppers while still appealing to teens and adults. Each style taps into current fashion aesthetics:
• Ribbon (SKU: BR2730-10) –Feminine and classic, perfect for soft, polished looks or pairing with uniforms.
Loc in Moi ure
Quench thirsty locs with Black Vanilla Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner and bring out their natural shine.
Finish with Black Vanilla Moisture & Hold Jelly for a clean retwist — no buildup, no flakes, no crunch.
HYDRATION THAT SO F TENS.
SHINE THAT SHOWS.
• Flower (SKU: BR2730-11) – A bold, standout accessory that adds personality to simple hairstyles.
• Fairy (SKU: BR2730-12) –Whimsical and fun, ideal for trend-driven customers who love expressive details.
• Pigtail (SKU: BR2730-2) –Great for sectioning and styling, especially for younger students.
• Zigzag (SKU: BR2730-3) – A modern, edgy design that appeals to teens seeking a unique touch.
• Dot – A playful, everyday option that works across multiple age groups.
Perfect for Merchandising
Sold by the dozen, the DREAM Jaw Clips are ideal for beauty supply owners looking to maximize shelf space and profit margins. Their visual appeal makes them perfect for countertop displays, endcaps, or back-to-school feature sections. Grouping the different styles together creates a colorful, attention-grabbing presentation that invites customers to mix and match.
A Smart Add-On Sale
Accessories like jaw clips are excellent add-on items. Positioned near hair care staples like edge control, leave-in conditioners, or detangling brushes, they naturally increase basket size. Customers shopping for back-toschool essentials are already in buying mode, making this the perfect opportunity to introduce affordable style upgrades.
Stock Up and Stand Out
For beauty supply owners, the key to winning during back-to-school is offering products that are both practical and visually appealing. DREAM Jaw Clips check both boxes, giving your customers a reason to return for more styles while boosting your accessory category sales.
MONPURE London, the trichologist-backed British hair and scalp health brand adds Ulta Beauty to a growing US retail roster that already includes Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Mybeautyspace.com.
MONPURE London has launched on Ulta. com, bringing its trichologist-backed scalp and hair health range to one of the most influential retail platforms in US beauty.
The Ulta debut continues a deliberate expansion into the US market. Working with distribution partner PCA Companies, MONPURE has also launched at Bloomingdale’s, Mybeautyspace.com and Nordstrom online, building a retail footprint that reflects growing demand among US prestige buyers for the brand’s research-led approach to hair longevity.
Scalp health has shifted from niche interest to mainstream priority in the US, with bond repair following close behind. MONPURE’s position, built on clinical research and trichologist insight rather than trend, places it among a small number of brands with the credibility to lead that shift at retail.
“With scalp and hair longevity becoming such a focus for so many consumers, we’re thrilled to launch on Ulta.com with our partners
MONPURE LONDON ACCELERATES US RETAIL EXPANSION WITH PARTNER, THE PCA COMPANIES
at PCA Companies,” said Carly Osborne, Chief Executive Officer, MONPURE London. “Monpure is built on the belief that the scalp deserves to be taken seriously, as skin, as a living system, as something worth understanding properly rather than managing on the surface. That belief shapes our formulations, which are guided by clinical observation rather than what’s easiest to market, and by our work with trichologists treating hair and scalp conditions in all their forms. It’s also the foundation of what we call Hair Longevity Science: a focus on the scalp and follicle at the level of prevention and long-term health, not just short-term results.”
Carly Osborne, Chief Executive Officer, MONPURE London
“At PCA, we focus on identifying brands that address meaningful shifts in consumer behavior and helping them build scale within the US market. Monpure London stood out for its differentiated approach to scalp and hair health, a category that is rapidly evolving as consumers place greater emphasis on preventative care and long-term wellness. The brand brings a level of scientific rigor and category expertise that is both compelling and highly relevant to today’s consumer. Through our integrated market-entry, distribution, and retail development capabilities, we saw a clear opportunity to introduce a unique concept to our retail partners and expand our multi-category portfolio with a brand
positioned to drive growth in the prestige haircare space.”
Noah Rosenblatt, President, PCA Companies
Retail Availability
MONPURE London is now available across the following US retail partners: ulta.com • mybeautyspace.com • nordstrom.com • bloomingdales.com •
About The Brand
MONPURE London is a premium scalp and hair health brand at the forefront of Hair Longevity Science TM built on the principle that healthy hair starts at the scalp. Developed in collaboration with leading trichologists, the brand’s clinically informed range targets the root causes of hair and scalp concerns; from thinning and sensitivity to breakage and environmental stress. MONPURE operates across direct-to-consumer, Amazon and international retail channels in the UK, US and beyond. monpure.com
About The PCA Companies
The PCA Companies was founded in 1993 with a mission to be a valuable global partner in the beauty industry. Three decades later, it has developed into an enterprise with over 2,500 employees and more than 100,000 retail doors worldwide. The PCA Companies is known for its beauty distribution, logistics, marketing and brand licensing capabilities and is a trusted resource for brands.
“For years, beauty has been shaped by social media trends that rewarded more product, more contour, more definition. Paris Haute Couture Week suggests the industry is entering its next chapter of minimal makeup, clean skin, glowy finish — taking something that was once strictly minimal and adding that yearly statement.”
Glass skin becomes the foundation of luxury beauty 934,000 monthly searches | +202% year-on-year
Fresh, luminous skin was one of the defining beauty signatures across the couture shows, replacing heavy matte finishes with hydrated, healthy-looking complexions that allowed natural skin to shine through.
The trend was mirrored by celebrities including Cynthia Erivo, whose radiant complexion at the Balenciaga Couture show reflected the glowing, skincare-first aesthetic seen throughout the week.
Annabelle believes consumers are becoming far more focused on skin quality than simply covering imperfections.
PARIS COUTURE PREDICTS AUTUMN’S BIGGEST BEAUTY TRENDS
Glass skin, metallic eyes and statement hair accessories are all surging as Paris Haute Couture Week sets the tone for beauty this autumn
The beauty looks unveiled at Paris Haute Couture Week are already influencing what consumers are searching for online, according to new search trend data analysed by Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform.
Interest in several of the standout runway trends has accelerated over the past year, with searches for “glass skin” increasing by 202% yearon-year to 934,000 monthly searches.
Meanwhile, “metallic eyes” have surged by 300% to 14,000 monthly searches, “eye wing” has climbed 153% to 63,000 monthly searches, while “hair accessories” have increased by 111% to 607,000 monthly searches.
Even emerging runway terminology is beginning to gain traction, with “zero part hair” already generating 7,000 monthly searches, despite only recently entering the beauty conversation.
According to Annabelle Taurua, Beauty Expert at Fresha, who attended Paris Haute Couture Week, the collections signalled a clear shift away from heavily sculpted social media makeup towards polished, wearable beauty with one standout feature.
“Beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin. The complexion wasn’t overloaded with product; it looked healthy, hydrated and radiant. That’s why we’re seeing more people invest in skincare, facials and treatments that improve the skin itself rather than relying on heavier foundation.”
Metallic eye makeup appeared across multiple couture collections, with shimmering olive, champagne and antique gold replacing bright seasonal colours. Rather than bold glitter, reflective pigments were applied with a lighter touch, creating sophisticated definition around the eyes.
Annabelle says this is one of the easiest runway trends to recreate.
“The metallic trend isn’t about covering the entire eyelid in shimmer. It’s much more refined than that. A metallic liner, a wash of olive shadow or a touch of gold in the inner corner instantly elevates your makeup while still feeling wearable.”
• Green eyeshadow: 74,000 Monthly Searches | +113% Increase YoY
The soft eye wing takes over 63,000 monthly searches | +153% year-on-year
One of the biggest changes seen throughout Paris was the move away from perfectly sharp eyeliner towards softer, diffused eye wings with blended edges. The look was beautifully demonstrated by Cynthia Erivo’s Balenciaga beauty look, where softly smoked liner added definition without appearing overly graphic.
Annabelle believes consumers are ready for a more forgiving approach.
“We’ve spent years trying to perfect razor-sharp eyeliner because that’s what social media rewarded. The softer eye wing is much easier to wear and often more flattering because it enhances the eye without looking harsh. It also saves us a lot of time standing in front of the mirror.”
• Brown eyeliner: 125,000 Monthly Searches | +60% Increase YoY
‘Zero-part’ hair is the polished update to the middle parting 7,000 monthly searches
Hair swept directly away from the face without a defined centre or side part appeared repeatedly throughout Paris Haute Couture Week, creating sleek ponytails, polished buns and sculpted silhouettes. Rather than drawing attention to the parting itself, the style allows facial features and makeup to become the focal point.
Annabelle says it feels like the natural evolution of the centre-part trend.
“We’ve become so focused on creating the perfect parting over the last few years, but this feels fresher. Hair is simply brushed back naturally without drawing attention to where it’s parted. It’s polished, elegant and surprisingly versatile.”
She expects slick buns and softly brushed-back styles to become increasingly popular throughout autumn.
Oversized bows, sculptural clips and statement accessories featured throughout the couture collections, proving that accessories are becoming part of the hairstyle itself rather than an afterthought. While the runway versions were dramatic, Annabelle expects the high street interpretation to be considerably more wearable.
“We’re not all going to wear oversized couture bows, but polished clips, velvet ribbons and elegant pins are definitely making a comeback. They’re one of the easiest ways to update a hairstyle without changing your cut or colour.”
Annabelle says one of the biggest surprises from Paris Haute Couture Week was how wearable the beauty looks actually were. Rather than dramatic transformations, the collections focused on elevating classic techniques through healthier skin, softer makeup and more polished styling.
She points to celebrities including Cynthia Erivo and Zendaya, whose couture beauty looks embraced glowing complexions, refined eye makeup and sleek hairstyles, as examples of how these runway trends are already translating into real-world beauty.
“The celebrities who stood out weren’t necessarily the ones wearing the boldest makeup. The looks that felt most modern were beautifully balanced. Healthy skin, polished hair and one standout detail. That’s exactly how I expect beauty to evolve over the next few months.
The best thing about these trends is that they don’t require an entirely new makeup bag or a dramatic haircut. Updating one element, whether that’s adding a metallic eye, embracing healthier skin or swapping a sharp liner for a softer wing, is enough to make your whole look feel current for autumn.”
As autumn approaches, Annabelle believes the biggest influence from Paris won’t be the dramatic couture gowns, but the effortless beauty looks that consumers can easily adapt for everyday life.
About the data
Search trend data was analysed by Fresha using Glimpse (Google Search trend intelligence) in July 2026. Monthly search volumes and year-on-year growth figures are based on global Google search estimates. www.fresha.com
Search figures referenced in this release include:
About Fresha Fresha is the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, trusted by more than 130,000 businesses and over 450,000 beauty and wellness professionals globally. Consumers use Fresha to discover, book and pay for beauty and wellness appointments, while businesses benefit from an all-in-one platform including appointment scheduling, payments, marketing, point of sale and client management. Please visit www.fresha.com for more info.
Why Variety Matters When Merchandising Back-to-School Hair Accessories Bead It Your Way
Back-to-school season is a time when customers are looking for fresh ways to express their personal style. From students preparing for the first day of class to parents shopping for updated looks, hair accessories continue to be an easy way to refresh a hairstyle without a major commitment. One trend that continues to inspire creativity is the use of hair beads. Whether added to braids, twists, ponytails, loc styles, or protective looks, these beads allow customers
to personalize their hairstyles with color, texture, and personality. For beauty supply owners, the opportunity goes beyond simply stocking beads—it is about offering enough variety to inspire customers and encourage them to experiment with different looks.
Variety Creates More Styling Possibilities
When it comes to beads, one size does not fit all. Customers want options that match their style, their outfit, and the look they are
trying to create. Offering a wide selection of colors and finishes allows shoppers to customize their hairstyles and find the perfect combination for every occasion. The Dream Bead 8MM 200PC Assortment Collection gives customers the flexibility to create everything from bold, colorful styles to classic everyday looks. Available in options including black, clear, gold, mixed colors, and assorted combinations, these beads make it easy for customers to personalize their favorite hairstyles.
Merchandise Beads With the Complete Look in Mind
Beads are often a finishing touch, which makes them a great opportunity for crossmerchandising. Instead of displaying beads alone, consider creating a complete styling destination that helps customers envision the finished look.
Pair beads with:
• Braiding hair in coordinating colors
• Edge control and styling gels
• Parting combs and styling tools
• Hair elastics and accessories
• Hair jewelry and decorative pieces
A customer shopping for a protective style may not only need beads—they may also need the products that help create, maintain, and refresh the entire look.
Create a Back-to-School Bead Bar
A dedicated bead display can turn a simple accessory into an interactive shopping experience. Consider organizing beads by style inspiration rather than only by color.
Ideas include:
Classic & Everyday
• Black beads
• Clear beads
• Gold accents
Color Pop Styles
• Mixed pinks
• Mixed purples
• Assorted colorful combinations
Custom Creation Station
• Encourage customers to mix and match colors to create their own signature look.
A Small Accessory With Big Selling Potential
Beads are affordable, versatile, and allow customers to update their style with creativity. As trends continue to celebrate individuality and self-expression, accessories like beads remain an important part of the beauty conversation. This back-to-school season, make sure your store offers the variety customers are looking for.
expert ADVICE
HOW AI IS RESHAPING DAILY OPERATIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how small businesses operate, compete, and serve customers. From local retailers to service-based firms and online startups, small business owners are using AI to automate repetitive tasks, analyze customer data, and deliver faster, more personalized experiences. The result isn’t just efficiency—it’s leverage. But AI isn’t a magic switch. When adopted thoughtfully, it becomes a growth engine. When adopted carelessly, it can create confusion, compliance risks, and team anxiety. Here’s what matters most.
A Quick Snapshot for Busy Owners
• AI can automate routine administrative work, freeing up time for higher-value activities.
• Data-driven tools help small teams understand customers at a depth once reserved for large enterprises.
• Costs can drop in operations, marketing, and customer support—if tools are selected strategically.
• Ethical use, data protection, and workforce upskilling are essential to long-term success.
• The goal is augmentation, not replacement: AI should enhance your team’s capabilities, not undermine them.
The Core Shift: From Manual Effort to Intelligent Systems
Problem: Small businesses often struggle with limited staff, tight budgets, and growing customer expectations.
Solution: AI tools handle repetitive work—like scheduling, invoicing, chat support, and inventory tracking—while analyzing patterns humans might miss.
Result: Owners and employees can focus on strategy, creativity, and relationship-building instead of drowning in administrative tasks.
This shift is especially powerful in three areas:
• Operations: Automated bookkeeping, inventory forecasting, and workflow management.
• Marketing: AI-assisted content creation, email personalization, and campaign optimization.
• Customer Support: Chatbots, smart routing systems, and predictive service recommendations.
The key isn’t doing everything with AI. It’s identifying bottlenecks and relieving pressure where it counts.
Where AI Delivers Practical Value
Below is a simple comparison of common business functions and how AI can transform them:
Business Function Traditional Approach AI-Enabled Approach Potential Impact
Customer Support Manual email & phone responses
AI chatbots + smart ticket routing Faster response times
Even modest improvements in these areas can significantly increase profitability and agility.
Competing With Larger Organizations
Large companies have historically benefited from scale—bigger teams, bigger budgets, more data. AI narrows that gap.
Small businesses can now:
• Launch targeted marketing campaigns with minimal staff
• Offer 24/7 support without hiring overnight teams
• Analyze customer behavior patterns in real time
• Forecast trends using accessible analytics platforms
Most importantly, small businesses can maintain something large enterprises often lose: personal connection.
AI doesn’t eliminate personalization—it enhances it. By analyzing buying history, preferences, and feedback, businesses can tailor experiences more effectively than ever.
A Practical Adoption Checklist
Before investing in new AI tools, consider this step-by-step framework:
1. Identify friction points. Where are you or your team losing time?
2. Define measurable outcomes. Are you aiming to reduce costs, increase revenue, or improve customer satisfaction?
3. Start small. Pilot one tool before scaling across departments.
4. Train your team. Ensure employees understand how to use—and question—the technology.
5. Review data practices. Confirm customer information is handled responsibly.
6. Monitor results. Track metrics and adjust implementation as needed.
This structured approach reduces risk and increases return on investment.
Building Smarter Capabilities for the Long Term
For AI to remain a competitive advantage, small-business owners and employees must build strong technical foundations. Understanding IT systems, data security, and responsible AI practices makes implementation smoother and safer.
Flexible educational pathways can help working professionals deepen these skills without stepping away from their businesses. For example, pursuing a computer science degree online allows individuals to strengthen their technical knowledge while continuing to manage daily operations. Earning an online degree makes it easier to learn while you work, creating a more informed leadership base for technology-driven decisions. The stronger your internal expertise, the smarter your AI investments become.
Ethics, Trust, and Workforce Confidence
AI adoption isn’t only a technical decision—it’s a cultural one. Customers care about how their data is used. Employees worry about job security. Regulators are increasing scrutiny.
Responsible AI use should include:
Transparent communication with customers about data collection
Clear policies governing AI-generated outputs
Regular audits for bias or inaccurate recommendations
Ongoing employee training and role evolution
When positioned as a support system rather than a replacement strategy, AI builds trust instead of fear.
FAQ: Common Questions From Small Business Owners
Q: Is AI too expensive for a small business?
Many AI tools are subscription-based and scalable. Costs often decrease as efficiency improves.
Q: Will AI replace my employees?
In most small businesses, AI augments work rather than replaces it. It handles repetitive tasks, allowing employees to focus on higher-value responsibilities.
Q: Do I need technical expertise to use AI tools?
Basic tools are designed for non-technical users. However, deeper technical knowledge improves implementation and long-term strategy.
Q: How can I protect customer data?
Choose reputable vendors, implement cybersecurity best practices, and stay informed about privacy regulations.
A Practical Resource to Explore Next
If you want trustworthy, official guidance tailored to small-business digital and technological challenges, the U.S. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network offers comprehensive support on AI and tech adoption. Their AI for Small Business guide covers practical use cases, implementation considerations, and where to find free or low-cost training and professional advice through local SBDCs. Artificial intelligence is not reserved for tech giants. For small businesses, it’s a force multiplier. When adopted strategically, supported by ethical safeguards, and paired with workforce development, AI becomes a catalyst for smarter growth.
Defined, Set, Sold
Top-selling styling staples your customers rely on for polished, everyday looks
Back-to-school season brings a surge of customers looking for quick, reliable styling solutions, and these top-selling essentials deliver every time. From neat braids and laid edges to defined curls and healthy, manageable hair, these proven performers offer strong hold without flaking, moisture without buildup, and results that last through busy school days.
Aunt Jackie’s
Curl La La Defining Curl Custard
Say goodbye to frizz, unruly curls or lifeless coils. Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La Defining Curl Custard delivers longlasting control and definition to curls, coils, waves, frizzy hair and braid outs. It’s moisture-rich and blended with natural ingredients for healthierlooking and feeling ringlets. Curl La La won’t cause build-up, flake or leave hair stiff and dry.
Difeel Biotin ProGrowth Shampoo
This is the perfect hair growth shampoo. Biotin plays an important role in the health of your customers hair, skin, and nails. A lack of Biotin can lead to hair loss. It’s ideal for thinning hair and hair loss for men or women. The strengthening formula leaves the hair stronger, fuller and thicker while encouraging healthy hair growth. The Pro-Growth Biotin Shampoo works to keep your customers hair color vibrant while giving their hair manageability, softness and shine.
Shine ‘n Jam Conditioning Gel Extra Hold
This moisturizing, non-flaking gel has a firm, non-greasy hold. It’s enhanced with Honey Extract to help strengthen the hair and it’s great for soft waves, braids, locks, twists or any style your customers heart desires. It’s the gel your customers have been waiting for: free of alcohol, parabens, wax, petrolatum and silicones.
AllDay Locks™️ Braid Gel
It smooths and tames frizz while the improved extreme hold formula helps styles look better, for longer! It leaves braids, locs, twists, and cornrows looking sleek, lustrous, and defined. It’s fantastic for flake-free, extreme hold for all your customers go-to braided hairstyles and fabulously doubles as an edge control when they need it. It’s infused with lavender, peppermint, witch hazel, and sage to help alleviate dryness, itchiness and flakiness.These styling products were made specifically to celebrate every one of your customers unique styles and looks, to make them feel beautiful, confident, and one of a kind.
Fantasia Liquid Mousse
Super Hold Spritz Hairspray
This fast drying formula instantly locks hairstyles in place. It offers a flake free comb through with no build up. It is humidity resistant with excellent frizz control.
OTC BOOK CLUB
BOOK of the MONTH
Beyond the Prompt: Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI
By Joe Curcillo
Leadership isn’t being replaced. It’s being redefined. In a world where AI moves faster than strategy, Beyond the Prompt is the clear, human-centered guide every executive needs—not to chase tools, but to lead with clarity when it matters most.
This book isn’t about writing better prompts. It’s about thinking beyond them.
For CEOs and leaders who connect disciplines, navigate ambiguity, and carry the weight of highstakes decisions, this book delivers:
• Clarity to cut through AI hype and focus on what matters.
• Frameworks to align technology with strategy, ethics,and legacy.
• Strategies to balance boardroom pressures with long-term vision.
From boardrooms to global markets, generalist executives are built for this moment. Learn to lead beyond the machine, anchor your decisions in humanity, and shape a future that’s worth building. You don’t need to outrun AI.
You need to move beyond it—lead like it still matters. Because it does.
Beyond the Prompt helps you take control of AI—and lead the future with judgment, vision, and humanity.
Stock your shelves with the best from JBS Beauty Club!
JBS Beauty Club is your premier source for professional beauty supplies. JBS offers a carefully curated selection of accessories, barber tools, and general merchandise selected for salons and barbershops. From high-quality, professional-grade products to flexible purchasing options and competitive prices, JBS helps you give your customers the products they love—while keeping your business running smoothly. Call 800-361-0786 or visit 4300 Northeast Expressway, Doraville, GA to discover the difference.
Being a leader isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about making choices people can trust.
The Moisture you crave for your hair and your skin.
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Guangzhou, China
August 1–3 www.internationalhairfair.com
The International Congress of Esthetics & Spa
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Beauty Connect Expo
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
August 26–28 www.beautyconnect-asia.com
IECSC Florida
Fort Lauderdale, FL. USA
August 30–31 www.bewellshowflorida.com
Premiere San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
August 30-31 www.premieresanantonioshow.com
BeautyEurasia
Istanbul, Turkey
September 4–6 ........................... www.beautyeurasia.com
Beauty Days
Warsaw, Poland
September 4–6 www.beautydays.pl/en
Beauty Weekend (Beauty Business Expo)
Broward County, FL
September 25–27 www.thebeautyweekends.com
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