How to Ramp Up “Just-Out” Sales Grads: Why Your Onboarding Process Isn’t Built for Them
By Troy Harrison
There’s a generational trend reshaping B2B sales hiring, and most companies aren’t prepared for it. You probably aren’t.
More organizations are hiring “just-outs” - salespeople just out of college in their first professional job. This isn’t a typical entry-level hire who worked through college or spent time in another industry. These are people who went from graduation to the sales floor with essentially no meaningful work experience. And if companies treat them like traditional entry-level hires, they’re setting them up to fail.
Shock to the System: Reviving Decision-Making in a VUCA World
The 3–2–1 Reset
By Maartje van Krieken
Your market is shifting, your competitor just pulled ahead, and the one person who could execute the next move has resigned. You can’t get more data fast enough, yet the window to act is closing. In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, this is the moment that defines leadership, and indecision is the most dangerous move you can make.
It’s like waiting for a major software update to finish: you’ve been watching the progress bar for an hour, now stuck at 87%. Do you wait, restart? How do you know? And it doesn’t help when the colleague next to you says theirs was done in 15 minutes.
54 OTC BOOK CLUB
Sell Yourself Without Saying a Word: The Experts’ Guide to Placing Articles in Print and Online
By Russell Trahan
SKALA Brasil is inspired by the rich diversity of Brazil. Our products embrace and celebrate all hair types and styles, because for us, diversity is the heart of true beauty. We want our customers to feel powerful and confident, knowing that beauty is in the details, in daily care, and in self-love. Because beauty is, and always will be, for everyone. At SKALA, we’ve proven that quality doesn’t have to come at a high cost. While others saw sustainability as a challenge, we saw an opportunity— and turned it into a success story. Fueled by a passion for innovation, our team is constantly creating products that are both affordable and eco-friendly. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the planet while providing value to our customers.
PRE-STRETCHED BRAID
CEO: Ann Jhin
Editor: Allyson Leak
Art Director: Sam Choi
Columnists: Sophia Winston
Contributors: Troy Harrison, Maartje van Krieken
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.
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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
An Intentional Shift
When I go places, I talk to people. I talk to the lady at the counter ringing me up, I talk to the gas attendant, I talk to the person at the grocery counter. I am always sparking up conversations, and there is a common theme I am noticing. People are really trying to take better care of themselves. Many tell me they are watching the news less and putting wellness and their mental health at the forefront.
These are definitely uncertain times. Many consumers are feeling the weight of rising costs and everyday stress. However, one thing remains clear: how we show up for ourselves still matters. And for today’s man, his routine has shifted. While the grooming industry continues to grow, the story isn’t just about increased spending, it’s about more intentional choices. He is more discerning, more informed, and more selective than ever before. We’re seeing a rise in multi-functional products that do more with less. These formulas are designed to hydrate,
ALLYSON LEAK EDITOR
condition, style, and protect in a single step. It’s a reflection of the times: with many men using multiple grooming products daily, the focus has shifted toward efficiency without compromising results. From braids and twists to locs and fades, today’s routines demand products that not only enhance appearance but also support hair and scalp health.
In this issue, we take you inside the barbershop with Behind the Chair with Eddie Murawski, where one of today’s leading barbers and educators shares insight on consistency, customer expectations, and the importance of using tools that truly perform in real time.
We also celebrate texture and authenticity in Fro Power: Real Care, Real Confidence, a reminder that healthy hair starts with understanding. From moisture layering to simple, effective routines, this feature highlights how education, the right products, and real conversations can build lasting customer relationships.
Wishing you a wonderful month ahead.
The Beard Oil Bar: Turning Grooming into a High-Touch Retail Experience
Beard care continues to be one of the strongest and most reliable categories in men’s grooming, but the real opportunity for retailers today isn’t just in stocking products, it’s in how those products are presented and experienced. One of the most effective ways to elevate this category is by building a Beard Oil Bar, a dedicated in-store feature that focuses entirely on beard oils as both a grooming essential and a personal expression tool.
At its core, beard oil solves a simple but important problem. Many men deal with dryness, itchiness, and rough texture during growth phases, especially as they transition into fuller beards or maintain established styles. Beard oil provides hydration to both the facial hair and the skin underneath, improving comfort while also enhancing the overall appearance of the beard. When retailers center this category in a focused, sensory-driven display, it becomes much easier for customers to understand its value and incorporate it into their routine.
A Beard Oil Bar works best when it feels less like a shelf and more like an experience. Instead of overwhelming shoppers with too many categories at once, the focus stays on oils as the hero product. This allows customers to slow down and engage with the differences between blends, textures, and fragrances. Some oils are lightweight and designed for daily use, while others are richer and more conditioning, ideal for thicker or coarser beard types. By presenting these variations clearly and intentionally, shoppers are able to self-select based on their needs without feeling pressured or confused.
Scent becomes one of the most powerful drivers in this space. A well-designed Beard Oil Bar encourages shoppers to explore scent profiles in a hands-on way, whether they are drawn to warm woods, clean fresh notes, or slightly sweet or spicy blends. This sensory interaction often becomes the deciding factor in purchase, especially when customers are comparing multiple options. The setup itself should feel clean, intentional, and easy to navigate. Mirrors allow customers to see how their beard looks and feels after application, reinforcing immediate results. Test stations are equally important, giving shoppers the chance to apply a small amount of oil and feel the difference in softness and manageability. Even a simple moment of hydration on the skin or hair can shift perception and increase purchase confidence.
Ultimately, the Beard Oil Bar works because it simplifies decision-making while enhancing experience. It turns a crowded product category into a focused, sensory journey where customers can see, feel, and understand what works best for them.
This season, it’s all about luminous skin and effortlessly polished hair and the secret lies in the perfect blend of hydration, shine, and nourishment. From glow-boosting body oils and glosses to scalploving essentials designed for braids, twists, and locs, today’s beauty must-haves are redefining radiance from head to toe. Whether your customers are chasing that sun-kissed shimmer or maintaining sleek, healthy protective styles, these multi-tasking formulas deliver moisture, brilliance, and lasting care.
xpress in yourself .
with Aloe Vera
GLOW SEASON
Shimmer Radiance Body Oil
Shimmer and Glow with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Body Oil, crafted with intensively moisturizing Cocoa Butter and a kiss of shimmer for instant nourishment and gorgeous illuminated skin.
DOO GRO® BRAIDS• TWISTS• LOCS OIL
Formulated with their blend of effective ingredients including Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, and Aloe Extract to add extra hydration and seal in moisture while preventing breakage, add a silicone-free shine and smooth out frizz while protecting your customers braids, twist, and locs from dryness and damage all day.
Shimmer Radiance Shimmer Stick
Shimmer and Glow with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Shimmer Radiance Stick, crafted with ultramoisturizing Cocoa Butter and skin-illuminating pearls for nourished, ethereal glow-kissed skin.
DOO GRO® BRAIDS• TWISTS• LOCS MOISTURIZING SPRAY
Doo Gro® Braids • Twists • Locs Dandruff-Control Moisturizing Spray is blended with rich ingredients that give your customers hair maximum hydration and shine, with none of the flakes. This spray moisturizes and conditions locs, keeps a soft hold without causing flakes, and helps to relieve dry scalp.
Shimmer Radiance Body Gloss
Shimmer and Glow with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Radiance Body Gloss lotion, crafted with intensively moisturizing Cocoa Butter and skin-illuminating pearls for nourished, ethereal glow-kissed skin.
DOO GRO® BRAIDS• TWISTS• LOCS MOUSSE
Doo Gro® Braids • Twists • Locs Mousse is the perfect finishing touch to all of your customers’ protective hairstyles. Whether they have braids, twists or locs, this nourishing Mousse made with milk and honey will moisturize, hold, and seal their style in place without any flakes.
BY TROY HARRISON
HOW TO RAMP UP “JUST-OUT” SALES GRADS: WHY YOUR ONBOARDING PROCESS ISN’T BUILT FOR THEM
There’s a generational trend reshaping B2B sales hiring, and most companies aren’t prepared for it. You probably aren’t.
More organizations are hiring “just-outs”salespeople just out of college in their first professional job. This isn’t a typical entry-level hire who worked through college or spent time in another industry. These are people who went from graduation to the sales floor with essentially no meaningful work experience. And if companies treat them like traditional entry-level hires, they’re setting them up to fail.
The Critical Difference Between Today’s Just-Outs and Yesterday’s
When hiring a just-out, the company isn’t just teaching them how to sell a product or navigate a sales process. The company is teaching them how to be a professional salesperson. How to manage time. How to handle rejection. How to prioritize competing demands. How to conduct themselves in business conversations. In reality, Gen-Z is probably less prepared for this than past generations, but Gen-Z hires can be big wins, too.
Past entry-level salespeople might have been young and inexperienced, but they knew how to show up, manage a workload, and handle professional interactions. Just-outs don’t. They’re bright, enthusiastic, and eager - but they’re starting from zero.
This distinction matters enormously for onboarding, training, coaching, and ramp-up expectations. The onboarding process that works for someone with two years of experience
will not work for someone whose previous job was organizing study groups.
What Companies Are Getting Right
Companies hiring just-outs are likely selecting well. These young professionals are intelligent, coachable, and genuinely enthusiastic about learning. They’re not jaded. They haven’t picked up bad habits from previous sales roles.
More importantly, just-outs crave structure, knowledge, and training. They want experienced mentors - probably to a greater degree than past generations. They’re not resisting accountability or metrics. They’re actively seeking them.
This is an enormous asset. The window to capitalize on this eagerness is narrow. Companies need to act before frustration sets in or bad habits develop.
Where Most Companies Go Wrong
1. Compressed Onboarding
The biggest mistake is rushing just-outs into live prospect interactions. Some companies put young salespeople on the phone making cold calls within their first week or two.
This might work with experienced hires. It’s disastrous with just-outs who lack the foundational knowledge and professional confidence to handle live conversations. The result is persistent insecurity rooted in “not knowing what they don’t know.”
2. Lack of Structure and Tools
Just-outs understand they need to hit activity metrics, and in fact, they like the roadmap that comes with good activity metrics (which you have, right?). What they don’t have is the process knowledge and tools to consistently achieve those targets.
They need documented processes, quick-reference guides, standard timelines and procedures, and a structured weekly routine. Without these, they’re constantly making decisions that experienced salespeople make instinctively. Just-outs don’t have those instincts yet.
3. The Mentorship Gap
Leadership has good intentions but multiple responsibilities mean accessibility becomes an issue. Just-outs generate a high volume of questions about process, products, pricing, and professional norms. They need someone they can go to without worrying about interrupting something more important.
Without that designated resource, they either hesitate to ask and make mistakes, or they interrupt leadership constantly and slow everyone down.
Action Steps That Actually Work
1. Create Quick-Reference Resources
Develop internal guides covering products, services, and common
FAQs. Include product attributes, common objections and responses, pricing guidelines, and answers to questions that come up on most calls. It should cover 80% of what they’ll encounter in their first six months. Call them FAQ guides, call them cheat sheets, call them what you want – just have them available.
2. Document the Sales Process
Write down the steps and stages from initial outreach through close. Include standard timelines, clear definitions of each stage, and criteria for moving opportunities forward. A documented playbook becomes a training asset for every future hire.
“
6. Define a Weekly Routine
At this stage, just-outs need structure. Define what a productive week looks like: daily LinkedIn engagement, dedicated prospecting blocks, field time for in-person visits, networking events, and sufficient activity to generate meeting targets. Providing this structure isn’t micromanaging - it’s responsible development.
7. Give Them Real-World Experience
3. Establish a Structured Prospecting Cadence
Create a defined outreach cadence incorporating phone, LinkedIn, and email. Specify timing, sequencing, and messaging for each touchpoint. Just-outs struggle with “what should I do next?” A structured cadence removes that ambiguity.
4. Build a Buddy System
The companies that figure out how to properly onboard, train, and develop just-outs will build loyal, high-performing sales teams.
Pair each just-out with an experienced salesperson who serves as their designated go-to for day-to-day questions. Formalize this with scheduled ride-alongs, call observations, and regular check-ins. The best learning happens when just-outs can shadow experienced salespeople and debrief what they observed.
5. Invest in Real Sales Training
Role-playing exercises are useful, but they’re not a substitute for structured sales training. Just-outs need formal instruction in prospecting methodology, discovery questioning, objection handling, LinkedIn outreach, and full-cycle sales management.
”
If the company sells trade show exhibits, send them to trade shows. If selling manufacturing solutions, get them on factory floors. Justouts can’t sell with conviction when they haven’t experienced the environment their prospects operate in. This experiential learning accelerates development more than any training manual.
The Wins Are There To Be Had
Just-outs require more investment upfront than traditional entry-level hires, but they bring enthusiasm, coachability, and fresh energy that experienced salespeople often lack.
The companies that figure out how to properly onboard, train, and develop just-outs will build loyal, high-performing sales teams. The companies that treat them like traditional hires will burn through talented young people who deserved better.
The difference isn’t the people being hired. It’s the infrastructure being built to support them. Get that infrastructure right, and eager college graduates become productive salespeople faster than expected. Get it wrong, and companies will wonder why these smart young professionals can’t figure it out.
The choice - and the responsibility - belongs to leadership. That’s you.
Meet Troy Harrison
Troy Harrison is the Sales Navigator, a speaker, and the author of “Sell Like You Mean It” and “The Pocket Sales Manager.” He has trained salespeople from 23 different countries who live on three continents and has spoken all over North America and Europe. He helps companies navigate the Elements of Sales on their journey to success. He offers a free 45-minute Sales Strategy Review. To schedule, please visit www.TroyHarrison.com/ssr.
MAARTJE VAN KRIEKEN
Your market is shifting, your competitor just pulled ahead, and the one person who could execute the next move has resigned. You can’t get more data fast enough, yet the window to act is closing. In today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world, this is the moment that defines leadership, and indecision is the most dangerous move you can make.
It’s like waiting for a major software update to finish: you’ve been watching the progress bar for an hour, now stuck at 87%. Do you wait, restart? How do you know? And it doesn’t help when the colleague next to you says theirs was done in 15 minutes.
Now replace that update with a business-critical choice: You’re halfway through expanding production into a new product line, deposits paid and suppliers waiting. Tariffs might be coming,….or not. The operations lead you thought you’d secured hasn’t signed yet. Two main competitors might merge if that legislative bill passes, or might not.
Do you move now? Hit pause? Scale back? Consolidate? Or wait, and see?
This is where most companies slip into decision deadlock, sitting still while everything else moves. And in volatile markets, that standstill is rarely neutral; it’s a slow slide backwards. The numbers tell us this isn’t a rare problem:
• A major 2025 McKinsey + World Economic Forum report found 84% of executives feel underprepared for the unprecedented convergence of geopolitical, climate, AI-driven, and supply chain uncertainties.
• In a typical Fortune 500 company, decision paralysis costs about $250 million per year in wasted labor alone.
• A 2023 global study of business leaders found 85% suffer from “decision distress” and 59% face a “decision dilemma” more than once every single day.
The challenge will only grow as complexity, data volume, and operational pace increase. Leaders need a reset, a way to defibrillate their deadlocked decisions, fast, structured and before the window closes.
When a decision flatlines in the middle of volatility, the cost of standing still can be as damaging as getting it wrong. This reset, or ‘Decision Defib’ is a simple, countdown-style approach to move from paralysis to purposeful action, even when the situation is shifting under your feet.
3 – Shock: Break the Freeze and Aim True Restart momentum and confirm you’re solving the right problem.
• Spot the Flatline: Acknowledge the stall openly and declare intent to move. Then check whether you’re trying to make the right decision. Many teams freeze because they’re wrestling with the wrong question or one that’s too big to tackle in one move. Reframe if needed.
• Strip the Noise: Remove distractions, irrelevant options, and the overload of data and side issues that cloud the call. Indecision loves complexity.
• Call Time: Deadlines matter, but the why matters just as much. Ask: Why does this decision need to be made now? and What specifically must we decide by then? If missing information is holding you back, make a partial decision to keep progress alive while deferring the rest.
2
– Stabilize: Frame the Decision with Precision
Clarify what’s at stake and how you’ll measure the right outcome.
• (Re)Define Decision Criteria: Be explicit about what this decision must achieve and how it fits with your overall strategy. Is it about unlocking an investment, selecting the best supplier, safeguarding market share, or adjusting to legislation? Distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves so your criteria act as a compass.
• Surface and Quantify the Big Unknowns: Identify the major risks or moving parts. Discuss whether they affect all options equally or only some. Quantify where possible and decide what must be navigated without certainty.
1 – Surge: Decide and Drive Forward
Commit, communicate, and move.
• Throw the Switch: Once the noise is stripped, the unknowns are clear, and the criteria are set, it’s time to decide. Commit to the path, announce it to the right stakeholders, and trigger the first visible step. Momentum is your best guard against sliding back into paralysis.
Where AI Fits, and Where It Doesn’t
In complex decision making, AI can be a powerful ally, but only if you give it the right role. Use it to accelerate the heavy lifting: gathering and sorting data, mapping scenarios, stress-testing assumptions, and surfacing alternative options you may not have considered. Think of it as adding an extra analyst to the room, one who works at lightning speed. Don’t use AI to make the final call. It can’t account for trust, values, ethics, or team capacity, the human factors that decide whether a decision will hold in the real world. AI belongs in the Shock and Stabilize steps to clarify the picture, not in the Surge step where judgment and accountability must stay human.
When a decision flatlines, the silence can be deceptive — behind it, risk builds and momentum fades. This approach works to defibrillate decision deadlock, giving leaders a structured way to restart the heartbeat of progress. With the pulse restored, the task shifts to keeping that rhythm alive through each turn of uncertainty. After all, it’s the steady beat of decisive action that carries a business through the storm.
Meet Maartje van Krieken
Maartje van Krieken is the founder of The Chaos Games Consulting and host of The Business Emergency Room podcast. An international speaker, business triage expert, accredited coach, a Fractional CSO (Chief Strategic Officer), and former frontier oil & gas leader, she equips executives and leadership teams with tools to navigate chaos, drive decisions, and lead through volatility by unlocking powerful people dynamics with her infectious energy and decades of global experience. Learn more at www.thechaosgamesconsulting.com
• Features patented IN2 vector motors with intuitive torque control that idle at 8,500 and speed up to 11,500 RPM, to adjust for resistance from the thickest hair.
• Trimmer features a fixed Black DLC X-Pro Wide blade with “The One” Deep Tooth cutter, while clipper features a fixed premium DLC Echo blade with a Shallow Tooth 2.0 cutter for smooth cuts and an audible crunch.
• Lithium-ion battery delivers up to 3 hours of cordless run-time*. USB-C rechargeable for convenience and worldwide use.
• Removable magnetic drop tops allow for easy cleaning, maintenance, and lubrication.
*3 hours of cordless run-time based on intuitive torque control use
Behind The Chair With Eddie Murawski
For today’s barbers, success behind the chair is about more than just skill—it’s about consistency, customer satisfaction, and using the right tools to deliver results every time. Eddie Murawski, better known as Eddie the Barber, understands that balance. He has built a reputation not only as a barber but as an educator and content creator, reaching thousands through his YouTube Barber Academy and live training. His day-to-day reality blends shop work, education, and product testing, giving him a unique perspective on what actually performs in a real barbershop environment. We caught up with Eddie to talk about his approach behind the chair, what barbers are asking for right now, and why the right tools—especially his go-to picks from StyleCraft—make all the difference in both performance and efficiency.
Can you tell us your name, where you’re based, and how long you’ve been behind the chair?
My name is Eddie Murawski, also known as Eddie the Barber from YouTube Barber Academy. I’m based out of Naples, Florida at Uptown Barbershop, and I’ve been cutting hair since 2003. I’ve also spent over a decade educating barbers and helping grow the industry through social media, live education, and product development.
What originally inspired you to become a barber?
I originally got inspired by the creativity and the culture around barbering. I loved how a haircut could completely change somebody’s confidence. Early on, I realized barbering was more than just cutting hair—it was relationships, artistry, business, and community all combined.
What does a typical day in the shop look like for you?
A typical day is honestly nonstop. I’m balancing clients, filming educational content, testing tools, mentoring younger barbers, and running the business side of the shop. Some days I’m behind the chair all day, other days I’m filming YouTube videos or livestreams while still managing the atmosphere in the shop.
How would you describe your cutting style or approach when a client sits in your chair?
I’d describe my approach as efficient, detailed, and educational. I focus heavily on understanding head shape, texture, and growth patterns while also creating a haircut that fits the client’s lifestyle. I’m big on clean blends, structure, and making sure the haircut grows out well.
What are the most requested cuts or styles you’re seeing right now?
Textured crops, burst fades, tapers, and natural-looking blends are huge right now. Clients still want sharp cuts, but they’re moving toward softer transitions and more wearable styles instead of overly harsh lines.
How important are your tools when it comes to consistency and speed behind the chair?
Tools are everything. The right clipper or trimmer can save you serious time throughout the day while also improving consistency. When you’re doing multiple cuts daily, efficiency matters. Your tools directly affect your results, your speed, and even your body fatigue over time.
You work closely with StyleCraft—what drew you to the brand, and how has the partnership supported your work?
What drew me to StyleCraft was their willingness to innovate and actually listen to barbers. They weren’t afraid to try new technology or rethink what tools could do. Over the years, they’ve supported my education platform, my creativity, and allowed me to have input on products that genuinely help barbers in real shop environments.
Which StyleCraft tools are you reaching for the most in your daily routine, and why?
Right now I’m constantly reaching for the Reign Clipper, Saber Clipper, Saber Trimmer, and Xceed Shaver. The Reign gives me power and quiet performance, the Saber is extremely versatile for detailing and fading, and the Xceed is fast and efficient but also perfect for finishing sensitive areas without irritation.
What makes a tool “shop-worthy” for you—what do you need it to deliver every time?
Consistency, power, comfort, and reliability. I need a tool that performs the same way on the first haircut and the tenth haircut of the day. It also needs to feel balanced in the hand and handle all hair textures without slowing down.
How do you approach client education when it comes to maintaining their haircut at home?
I try to simplify things for clients. I educate them on brushing patterns, product use, scalp care, and how often they should
realistically be getting cuts. A great haircut is important, but maintenance between visits matters as well.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in barbering culture since you started?
Social media completely changed barbering. When I started, you learned mostly inside the shop. Now barbers can learn techniques from educators around the world instantly. The industry became much more connected, creative, and competitive.
What advice would you give to new barbers trying to build a steady clientele?
Focus on consistency, professionalism, and relationships before chasing popularity. Show up on time, communicate well, and keep improving your skills. Clients remember how you make them feel just as much as the haircut itself.
What’s one cut or service you’ll never get tired of doing?
A clean skin fade. There’s something satisfying about watching a blend come together perfectly. It still feels like art to me every single time.
Outside of the shop, what do you enjoy doing to unwind or reset?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, golfing, traveling, and creating content in different environments. Honestly, sometimes stepping away from the shop creatively helps me come back sharper mentally.
As an entrepreneur and barber, how do you stay balanced and manage both your career and personal life?
Balance is something I’m constantly working on. I’ve learned the importance of systems, delegation, and protecting personal time. When you’re passionate about what you do, it’s easy to work nonstop, so creating boundaries is important.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the barbering industry?
I want to leave a legacy of education, innovation, and inspiration. I want barbers to feel like they can build real careers, create opportunities for themselves, and elevate the industry as a whole. If I helped make barber education more accessible and inspired the next generation, that’s success to me.
Fro Power: Real Care, Real Confidence
There’s something about a good fro that just feels right. Behind what looks like an effortless silhouette is care, routine, and, most importantly, moisture. That’s where OTC beauty stores come in.
When a customer walks in with an afro asking about dryness or how to keep their hair soft, it’s a real opportunity to help and not just sell. Textured hair needs moisture more than anything else. Because of the curl pattern, natural oils don’t travel down the hair as easily, which means dryness can show up fast if the hair isn’t properly cared for. You don’t have to overcomplicate it. Keep it simple and real.
If someone asks about moisture, you can say:
“Start with water, then layer your products— leave-in conditioner first, then oil or cream to lock it in.”
From there, guide them through a basic routine. A gentle, sulfate-free shampoo keeps the hair clean without stripping it. A good leave-in conditioner adds that daily moisture. Then an oil or butter helps seal everything in so the hair stays soft longer. If they want more definition, a curl cream can help shape the fro without making it stiff.
You can also keep it relatable:
“If your hair feels dry halfway through the day, it usually just needs better moisture layering.”
Think about lifestyle, too. A lot of men want something low effort. So recommend products that fit like lightweight moisturizers, refresh sprays, and simple nighttime protection like a satin durag to keep moisture from drying out overnight.
And don’t underestimate how much it matters to feel understood. When customers see products made for their texture and hear advice that actually makes sense, they come back.
TARIK MOHALLEM ON LEADING INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AT SKALA BRASIL
In the offices of Skala Brasil, one phrase shows up often: Bora Brasil. In Portuguese, it translates to “Let’s go, Brazil,” a simple expression that reflects energy, momentum, and a shared drive to keep moving forward. At Skala and Lola, that spirit carries through everything from product innovation to global expansion across key markets like the U.S. As CEO of the International Division of Bora Brasil, the parent company of Skala Brasil and Lola from Rio, Tarik Mohallem’s role spans leading the international strategy, retail growth, and brand development across a fast-moving global portfolio. In this Day in the Life, Tarik shares how he approaches leadership, what a typical day looks like, and how Skala’s mission of accessible, inclusive beauty continues to shape its expansion worldwide.
OTC Beauty: What’s your name, title, and role at the company?
My name is Tarik Mohallem, CEO of the International Division of Bora Brasil Group, the parent company of Skala Brasil and Lola from Rio. My role is centered around leading the company’s global vision, driving innovation, expanding international growth, and ensuring we continue building brands that authentically connect with consumers around the world.
OTC Beauty: What is the company’s mission, and how does it drive what you do?
We believe that beauty is not a privilege; it is a universal right, and
that belief is at the heart of everything we do. Brazil has the most diverse population globally, containing all types of hair, and as the #1 hair care brand in Brazil and now present in over 85 countries, we want to keep bringing this expertise to consumers all over the world.
Our mission is to make high-quality, innovative, and inclusive hair care accessible to everyone, regardless of background, hair type, or budget.
As we continue expanding globally, that mission drives every decision we make; from product innovation and sustainability to retail partnerships and consumer engagement. We are committed to creating products that empower confidence, celebrate diversity, and deliver exceptional value without compromising quality.
OTC Beauty: What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty and hair care industry?
I started working in this industry back in 2005 at P&G, so it’s been a long and lovely journey, and what inspired me most about the beauty industry is its ability to positively impact people’s confidence and self-expression. Beauty is deeply connected to culture, identity, and individuality. I saw an opportunity to help build brands that not only deliver high-performing products but also create emotional connections with consumers globally.
the power of building relationships based on trust and in-person connections to drive the business.
OTC Beauty: How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities during the day?
I prioritize first based on long-term impact and alignment with our strategic vision, then on the urgent topics that require my attention. I focus on initiatives that strengthen the business globally, support our retail partners, enables our team to work at their best, improve operational excellence, and continue driving innovation. At the same time, I believe staying connected to the consumer is essential when making decisions.
OTC Beauty: Can you walk us through a typical day at work? What’s the first thing you do when you get to the office?
Being responsible for a global business in all parts of the world, no two days are exactly the same. Since the beginning of my career I have realized that no one does anything alone, it is all about the people and the talent we have the privilege to lead. So my mornings begin by reviewing with my direct team the updates from our international markets, sales performance, operations, and strategic initiatives across different regions. From there, my day may involve product development meetings, retail strategy discussions, global partnerships, innovation planning, or collaborating with teams across Brazil, the United States, Latin America, EMEA, Asia, and always visiting our markets to be close to the team, customers and consumers. It is not easy to keep up the intense travel schedule with all the work demands, but I’m a firm believer in
OTC Beauty: What’s your favorite part of the day at work, and why?
My favorite part of the day is collaborating with talented teams and seeing ideas evolve into reality, generating real value to our shareholders and transforming the lives of our consumers. Whether it’s launching a new product, entering a new market, closing a new deal or seeing positive consumer feedback, it is incredibly rewarding to witness the impact of the work our teams are doing globally.
OTC Beauty: Can you share an exciting project or initiative you’re currently working on?
One of the most exciting initiatives right now is the continued global expansion of Skala Brasil and Lola from Rio. We are focused on continuing to accelerate growth in the U.S. market, the biggest market in the world where we have multiplied the business and achieved the #5 position in hair treatments category in such a short period of
time, while continuing to strengthen our international presence through innovation, strategic retail partnerships, and multicultural consumer engagement.
OTC Beauty: What’s your favorite product, and how do you incorporate it into your daily routine?
One of my favorite collections is the complete Fruitastic line because it represents the brand’s commitment to provide exceptional products for all hair types, and also the Mais Cachos line (More Curls), which is our top seller and by far the best solution for curly hair consumers in the market. I appreciate products that combine innovation, quality ingredients, superior value and versatility for everyday use.
OTC Beauty: How do you stay inspired and keep the creative energy flowing throughout your workday?
I stay inspired by observing consumer trends, global beauty innovation, and cultural movements shaping the industry. Traveling, meeting with partners, and engaging with teams across different markets also helps keep fresh perspectives and creative energy flowing, listening to other’s perspectives and learning in every single day of the journey.
OTC Beauty: How would you describe the company culture, and how does it influence your approach to your work?
Our culture is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and purpose-driven. We encourage innovation, agility, accountability and authenticity throughout the organization. That culture pushes us to move quickly, think creatively, and continuously challenge ourselves to better serve consumers around the world.
OTC Beauty: How does collaboration and teamwork factor into your daily routine?
Collaboration is essential to everything we do. As a global company, we rely heavily on strong communication and alignment between teams across sales, marketing, operations, product development, and all functions of our international markets. Great ideas and sustainable growth come from working together with a shared vision.
OTC Beauty: Can you share any habits that help you stay balanced, motivated, and productive?
Discipline, consistency, clear communication and maintaining perspective are important habits for me. I also prioritize staying connected to my wife and daughters, working out every day and maintaining a healthy mind & body routine, and creating time to meditate, give back through social programs, and recharge through music.
OTC Beauty: Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future in the coming year?
I’m most excited about continuing to expand our global footprint and bringing our brands to even more consumers around the world. The beauty industry continues to evolve rapidly, and we see tremendous opportunities ahead through innovation, strategic partnerships, and deeper connections with multicultural consumers.
OTC Beauty: After a busy day, how do you unwind and recharge?
I enjoy spending time with my family, listening and creating music, reading and working on my personal projects with music and philanthropy. Those moments help me recharge and maintain a balanced perspective to become a better leader each day.
OTC Beauty: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part is seeing the positive impact our brands have on consumers globally, and on our teams in their career journey. Knowing that our products help people feel confident, represented, and connected is incredibly meaningful. It is also rewarding to see our teams grow, innovate, and build something with lasting global impact.
Tarik Mohallem’s Family
Bio Ionic Introduces AeroGravity™
Featherlight Dryer:
Power Meets
Weightless Performance
Bio Ionic, the professional styling brand known for its advanced heat technology and iconic pro tools, announces the launch of the AeroGravity™ Featherlight Dryer ($299.99), a next-generation hair dryer engineered to redefine what lightweight performance can deliver. Designed for stylists and beauty enthusiasts alike, AeroGravity™ combines powerful airflow, advanced ion technology, and travel-ready design, all in a tool that weighs less than one pound.
The AeroGravity™ Featherlight Dryer challenges the longheld tradeoff between power and portability. Delivering up to 40% more powerful air velocity* while being at least 30% lighter* than traditional dryers, this breakthrough tool proves that maximum performance no longer requires maximum weight.
For years, lightweight dryers have sacrificed airflow and efficiency in favor of portability, resulting in longer dry times and underwhelming results. AeroGravity™ is engineered with an aerodynamic, gravity-defying design, it delivers professional-grade power in a compact, effortless form, making it ideal for both salon use and styling on the go.
Built around Bio Ionic’s proven ion technology, AeroGravity™ emits over 2 million negative ions* to help reduce frizz by up to 40%*, leaving hair smoother, shinier, and healthierlooking after every use. The result is a faster, more efficient blow-dry experience with salon-quality results, whether at home, in the salon, or on the go.
About Bio Ionic:
Bio Ionic is a professional hair-styling brand built around its patented Moisturizing Heat™ technology, using a natural mineral complex to generate negative ions that break water into micro-fine particles to deeply rehydrate hair. These tools don’t just style—they lock in moisture, reduce frizz, and seal the cuticle to leave hair smoother, shinier, and healthier. Founded by stylist Fernando Romero, Bio Ionic bridges salon-grade performance with science-based care, helping you create long-lasting, beautiful styles without compromising hair health. www.bioionic.com
Unapologetically #BLACK
COLAB Dry Shampoo: The Time Saving Beauty Solution Available at Target
New COLAB Dry Shampoo Consumer Study Shows Busy Moms Are Washing Their Hair Less and Are Reaching for Dry Shampoo to Keep Up
For today’s busy families, every minute of the morning counts. For moms especially, hair washing is often the first thing to go. A new national consumer study by COLAB Dry Shampoo, the award-winning, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly dry shampoo expert, reveals just how rushed these moms really are. According to the study, nearly half only wash their hair a few times per week and 43.4% are turning to dry shampoo specifically to save time.
That’s where COLAB Dry Shampoo comes in. As the category expert, the brand’s dry shampoo innovations are designed to instantly refresh roots, absorb excess oil and grease, and revive hair in seconds. Infused with vitamin E for scalp care and dermatologically tested, the collection is formulated for everyday performance, delivering a clean, refreshed finish that never asks busy moms to choose between looking great and getting out the door. And that solution is available right where those moms already shop. Nearly half of participants visit Target stores or Target.com at least once a week1, making it the natural destination for a brand built around speed, convenience, and affordability without ever
sacrificing quality.
“Target is where busy moms shop for their trusted daily essentials, and COLAB is there when she needs us. Her mornings are packed, and we’re giving her back those precious minutes without ever compromising on beautiful hair,” says Jonathan Dee, Marketing Director of COLAB Dry Shampoo.
As daily routines get busier, COLAB Dry Shampoo delivers exactly what moms need: effortless, gorgeous hair without the fuss - no wash day required.
COLAB Dry Shampoo is available at Target stores nationwide and at Target.com for under $10.
About COLAB
COLAB is run by a collective of cosmetic scientists and creative haircare innovators based in Cheltenham, UK. With over a decade of dry shampoo expertise, COLAB creates “great hair days on demand” for consumers seeking instant results and convenience. The brand combines fun, affordable, and innovative products with science-backed performance, offering formulas for every routine.
COLAB
@colabhair | www.colab-hair. com
1 Attest, “Haircare Habits of Busy Moms - Target Shoppers,” May, 2026
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.
Singer & recipient of the Hitmaker Award, Tate McRae was spotted on the star-studded 2026 Billboard Women in Music Awards red carpet on April 29th wearing soft, lived in waves, complementing her sleek, structured dress.
“Understated, polished, and effortless. The goal was a soft, natural wave that feels lived in but still refined. Nothing overworked, just healthy hair with movement and light.”Celebrity Hairstylist, Chad Wood
Celebrity Hairstylist, Chad Wood created this signature, wavy look by drying the clean and prepped hair with the NEW Bio Ionic AeroGravity™ Featherlight Dryer ($299.99 at SalonCentric, BioIonic. com starting 5/1, and Amazon), creating lots of volume at the root. AeroGravity™ combines powerful airflow, advanced ion technology, and travel-ready design, all in a tool that weighs less than one pound - which is perfect for drying Tate’s long, thick hair. Built around Bio Ionic’s proven ion technology, and enhanced with Advanced
Tate McRae Brings Effortless Waves to the Billboard Women in Music Awards Red Carpet
Antistatic Ion Technology, AeroGravity™ emits over 2 million negative ions* to help reduce frizz by up to 40%*, leaving hair smoother, shinier, and healthier-looking after every use.
Next, he used the Bio Ionic Long Barrel 1.5” ($163 at ulta.com & amazon.com), ensuring each curl is smooth and glossy. The curling iron is 2” longer than a standard iron for fast, effortless curling and extended reach—delivering quick, flawless curls on all hair types. Infused with Bio Ionic’s signature Ion Mineral Complex, the iron helps condition and smooth while styling for visibly softer, smoother, and healthier-looking curls every time.
HOW CHAD WOOD CREATED THE RED CARPET READY LOOK:
• Step 1: Start with damp hair prepped with heat protectant + volumizing spray, rough dry to about 80% using the Bio Ionic AeroGravity Featherlight Hair Dryer, focusing on lift at the root.
• Step 2: Once dry, lightly brush through with a Wet Brush Original Detangler
• Step 3: With the Bio Ionic Long Barrel 1.5” Curling Iron, wrap the hair loosely around the barrel, leaving the ends out. As each section cools, gently pull to soften the wave.
• Step 4: Brush everything out with a Wet Brush, then finish with your favorite texture spray at the root + mid-lengths and a light hold hairspray.
SMOOTH
SHINE CONTROL
From lightweight moisture and soft hold to glossy, humidity-resistant finish, the Frizz Buster Styling Foam and Shine Serum work together to help tame flyaways, smooth texture, and leave hair feeling soft, manageable, and never greasy.
industry NEWS
Kimberly Massey, Head of Marketing & Growth Strategy at Strength of Nature, has been named to Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2026, recognizing rising leaders across Atlanta who are making a meaningful impact in business and their communities. Massey’s leadership has shaped Strength of Nature’s growth and innovation across the multicultural beauty, personal care, and consumer lifestyle categories.
Massey’s recognition comes as Strength of Nature continues to scale its brands through strategic growth and portfolio expansion across both multicultural and general market personal care categories. Her work spans a diverse portfolio of leading brands designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers across multiple market segments.
Additional initiatives across the Strength of Nature ecosystem have continued to reinforce the company’s focus on product innovation, consumer accessibility, and global brand expansion across both established and emerging markets. This includes the launch of Motions Xpress, an innovative 5-minute permanent hair color in shampoo format that is ammonia-free and designed to deliver fast, convenient gray coverage.
Launched in the U.S. in late February 2026, it introduces a more convenient approach to at-home hair color.
Kimberly Massey Named to Atlanta Business Chronicle’s
40 Under 40 Class of 2026
Strength of Nature continues to build on its legacy as one of the fastest-growing companies in the personal care category, with a diversified portfolio spanning multicultural and general market brands across hair care and personal grooming. The company’s hair care portfolio includes leading brands such as African Pride, Profectiv, MegaGrowth, Motions, Just for Me, TCB, Beautiful Textures, Dream Kids, Elasta QP, Proline, Soft & Beautiful, and Soft & Beautiful Botanicals. Its general market portfolio is anchored by Consort, the company’s top-selling men’s grooming brand and a key growth driver.
Recognized for driving innovation and portfolio growth across multicultural beauty, personal care, and consumer lifestyle categories
At Strength of Nature, Massey plays a key role in overseeing marketing strategies across the company’s dynamic portfolio of multi-category brands. Her work supports the company’s mission to deliver accessible, premium-quality products to multicultural consumers globally.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside such an inspiring group of leaders in Atlanta,” said Kimberly Massey, Head of Marketing & Growth Strategy at Strength of Nature. “This recognition reflects not only my work, but the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with at Strength of Nature. We’re in a moment of meaningful growth, and it’s exciting to help shape where these brands go next.”
Headquartered in the U.S. with manufacturing in Savannah, GA, Strength of Nature is committed to delivering high-quality, accessible personal care solutions to consumers across a wide range of needs and markets globally.
ABOUT STRENGTH OF NATURE
Strength of Nature is one of the fastest growing companies in the hair care category for women of African descent, driven by its strong commitment to consumer understanding and product innovation. A USA based company with manufacturing facilities in Savannah, Georgia, Strength of Nature is committed to providing value-priced, premium-quality hair care products to multicultural consumers around the world. Strength of Nature markets a number of leading brands including African Pride, Profectiv, MegaGrowth, Motions, Just for Me, TCB, Beautiful Textures, Dream Kids, Elasta QP, Proline, Soft & Beautiful and Soft & Beautiful Botanicals. www. strengthofnature.com
Tischoo Co. Expands Professional Grooming Line Designed for Modern Barbers and Everyday Consumers
Tischoo Co., a barber-engineered grooming brand trusted by barbershops and grooming professionals, is proud to introduce its expanding line of professional hair care and styling products built for performance, reliability, and everyday use.
Founded with a mission to elevate the grooming experience, Tischoo Co. began with its flagship barber neck strips, a simple yet essential product designed to promote hygiene, professionalism, and client comfort in barbershops. Building on that foundation, the company has expanded into a full professional grooming system created to support barbers and consumers alike.
The Tischoo Professional Grooming collection currently includes:
• Sea Salt Spray — Flexible hold with natural texture and volume
• Volume Powder — Lightweight lift and medium hold for fuller-looking hair
• Texture Clay — Strong hold with a matte finish for structured styles
• Matte Pomade — Smooth control with low shine for everyday styling
Each product is developed with barbers in mind, focusing on dependable performance, clean presentation, and consistent results in both professional and personal grooming routines.
“Tischoo was built from the barbershop up,” said Christopher Bevans, Founder of Tischoo Co. “Our goal is to create products that professionals trust and customers come back for. We believe grooming should be simple, reliable, and built on quality.”
With growing distribution across barbershops and beauty supply stores in multiple states, Tischoo Co. continues to position itself as a dependable partner for retailers and grooming professionals seeking accessible, high-quality products.
The brand remains committed to expanding its product line while maintaining the same focus that built its reputation performance, consistency, and professional trust.
About Tischoo Co.
Tischoo Co. is a professional grooming brand based in Nashville, Tennessee, specializing in barber essentials and styling products designed for modern grooming professionals and everyday consumers. The company is dedicated to delivering dependable products that support hygiene, style, and confidence in every chair.
MOCHA HAIR
IS TRENDING AS WARM BRUNETTE BECOMES SUMMER’S
MOST-WANTED HAIR COLOR
Searches for “mocha hair” have reached 119,000 over the past month, up 82% year over year, as warm, glossy brunette shades emerge as one of the biggest hair color trends of the summer.
The look sits somewhere between rich chocolate brown, soft espresso, and creamy caramel tones, creating a multidimensional brunette color that looks luxurious without feeling high-maintenance.
According to Danielle Louise, beauty expert at Fresha, the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, mocha hair is taking off because it offers a softer alternative to flat, one-dimensional brunette shades and a more wearable option than high-contrast balayage.
Danielle said:
“Mocha hair is popular because it gives brunette hair depth, shine, and softness without looking overly done.
It isn’t just one shade of brown. The best mocha hair combines warm brunette, coffee, caramel, and soft golden tones throughout the hair, allowing it to catch the light naturally rather than appearing flat.
It’s also a fantastic summer color because it feels glossy and expensive, while requiring less maintenance than bright blonde shades or heavy highlighting.”
How to Achieve Mocha Hair
Danielle says the best way to achieve mocha hair is to ask your stylist for a rich brunette base with soft, warm dimension.
She said:
“The key phrases to use at the salon are ‘soft mocha brunette,’ ‘warm chocolate,’ ‘espresso brown,’ and ‘subtle caramel dimension.
You don’t want chunky highlights or obvious streaks. Mocha hair should look blended, glossy, and tonal. The lighter pieces should be placed where the sun would naturally hit the hair, usually around the face, throughout the mid-lengths, and softly through the ends.”
For naturally darker brunettes, Danielle recommends a gloss treatment or toner to add warmth and shine without dramatically changing the color.
“For anyone with naturally dark hair, you may not need a complete color transformation. A warm gloss can make the hair appear richer, healthier, and more reflective. That’s one of the reasons mocha hair works so well. It can be customized for almost every brunette base.”
The Summer Mistake That Can Ruin Mocha Hair
Danielle warns that hot weather, UV exposure, chlorine, and hard water can quickly alter the tone of mocha hair if it isn’t properly protected.
She said:
“The biggest summer mistake is assuming brunette hair doesn’t need the same level of protection as blonde hair.
Mocha tones can fade, turn brassy, or lose their glossy finish when exposed to excessive sun, chlorine, or heat styling.
If you’re heading on vacation, swimming regularly, or spending long periods outdoors, you need to treat your hair color the same way you treat your skin. Protect it before exposure, rinse it after swimming, and keep it hydrated.”
Lesser-Known Ways to Keep Mocha Hair Glossy During Summer
Danielle recommends:
• Using a UV-protective hair mist when spending time outdoors
• Rinsing hair with fresh water before and after swimming
• Avoiding excessive heat styling on hair that has already been exposed to the sun
• Booking a gloss treatment between color appointments
• Switching to color-safe shampoo and conditioner
• Using a hydrating hair mask once a week during summer
• Avoiding purple shampoo unless advised by a professional, as it can dull warm brunette tones
Danielle added:
“A lot of people automatically reach for purple shampoo when they notice warmth in their hair, but mocha hair is supposed to have warmth.
If you over-tone it, you can lose the softness and richness that make the color look so luxurious.
The goal isn’t to make brunette hair ashy. The goal is to keep it glossy, warm, and balanced.”
Who Does Mocha Hair Suit?
Danielle says mocha hair is one of the most versatile brunette trends because it can be tailored to a wide range of skin tones.
“Cooler skin tones may suit a softer milk-chocolate mocha, while warmer skin tones can carry richer caramel and espresso shades beautifully.
The key is finding the right balance. Too much red can make the color appear harsh, while too much ash can make it look flat. A skilled colorist will adapt the mocha tone to complement your complexion, natural base color, and maintenance preferences.”
About Fresha
Fresha is the world’s leading beauty and wellness booking platform, connecting consumers with salons, spas, and wellness professionals globally through its marketplace and business management platform.
beauty Insider: Tamika Gibson An Interview with
Today’s customers aren’t just buying products, they’re looking for guidance, trust, and results. That’s exactly where Tamika Gibson, CEO of The Hair Diagram, has carved out her space in the industry. With more than 30 years of experience, Gibson focuses on simplifying hair care—breaking down techniques and helping both stylists and everyday customers better understand what works for their hair. That clear, education-first approach is what continues to set The Hair Diagram apart on the shelf. We spoke with Gibson about how her methods support retailers, what makes her products stand out, and why education remains key to building lasting customer confidence.
What is your name and current role at The Hair Diagram?
I’m Tamika Gibson, CEO of The Hair Diagram.
What inspired you to enter the beauty and hair care industry?
I grew up in a family of hairstylists, and I loved watching them help people look and feel their best. Seeing the confidence and happiness that hair could bring inspired me at an early age. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do.
Can you share the story behind The Hair Diagram?
Like most stylists, I loved attending hair shows, taking classes, and purchasing educational DVDs to learn new techniques. Education always inspired me, but I noticed that some information was being taught in a way that felt overly complicated. I believed there had to be an easier way for stylists to understand and apply techniques behind the chair. I’ve always had a unique way of breaking down complicated styles and making them simple, realistic, and easy to follow for everyday stylists. That passion led me to begin teaching and sharing my own methods with others. That’s how The Hair Diagram was born. The name came from the idea of simplifying hair education — creating a blueprint or “diagram” that made techniques easier to understand. We started by selling educational DVDs,
teaching hands-on classes, and eventually expanded into products designed to help both stylists and consumers achieve professional results. What began as a passion for education evolved into a brand built on making hair simple, accessible, and effective for everyone.
The Hair Diagram is known for its educational approach to hair care, why is education such a core part of your brand? After being a stylist for more than 30 years, education comes naturally to me. I remember being hungry to learn as much as I could as quickly as possible. I know there are many young stylists today with that same passion and desire to grow, and I truly enjoy sharing everything I’ve learned throughout my journey. Education has always been at the heart of what I do because empowering others with knowledge helps build confidence and success.
What are some of the most common hair concerns you see from your customers today?
One of the biggest concerns I see is consumers simply wanting to better understand their hair. There’s so much information available today that, in my opinion, hair care has become overly complicated. People are often overwhelmed by conflicting advice, trends, and techniques. My goal has always been to simplify hair care and help people understand what truly works for their individual needs.
How do you help customers better understand their hair type and choose the right products for their needs?
The best way for me to help customers is by demonstrating different hair care tips and techniques across a variety of hair types and textures. When people can see products and methods being used on hair similar to theirs, it becomes much easier for them to relate and understand what will work best for them. Education through visuals and tutorials helps remove the guesswork and builds confidence in the products and techniques.
What makes your approach to hair care different from other brands?
I focus heavily on educating consumers about our products and explaining why they are needed. We don’t just want customers to purchase products — we want them to fully understand how to use them correctly and achieve the best possible results. That educational foundation is what truly sets us apart.
Are there any key ingredients or product types that are especially important to your formulations?
What’s one piece of hair care advice you always find yourself repeating to customers?
One piece of advice I constantly share is to stop using alcohol to remove wigs or clean the skin. Alcohol can dry out and damage the skin, causing irritation and sensitivity over time. Using safer, skinfriendly products and removal methods is extremely important for maintaining healthy skin and achieving better long-term results.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work when you have downtime?
My favorite thing to do outside of work is spending time with my family. No matter how busy life gets, family keeps me grounded and brings me the most joy.
“ We’re continuing to focus on innovation, education, and creating products that truly solve problems for both stylists and consumers.
Yes, ingredients are extremely important to us. Customer safety and hair health always come first. We are very intentional about avoiding harsh ingredients such as formaldehyde and damaging alcohols that can negatively affect the hair and skin. Creating high-performing products while maintaining healthier, safer formulations is a major priority for our brand.
What are some of your top selling products that beauty supply store owners should know about?
Two of our top-selling products are Bold Hold Active and Bold Hold Liquid Gold. These products have built strong customer loyalty because of their performance, ease of use, and the education we provide around them. They continue to be standout products for both professional stylists and everyday consumers.
How do you support retailers in educating customers and improving product confidence at the shelf?
We have an extensive library of YouTube videos that demonstrate the proper application and use of each of our products. These tutorials help customers feel more confident and informed before and after purchasing. We also provide personalized customer support through FaceTime and Zoom consultations to help resolve any application questions or issues. That hands-on support creates a better experience for both retailers and consumers, while helping customers achieve the best possible results with our products.
”
What’s a hobby that keeps you inspired or grounded?
I love creating with hair. Whether it’s styling, experimenting with new ideas, or teaching techniques, working with hair has always been relaxing and inspiring for me.
What’s the best business or life advice you have ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received was to give myself grace and celebrate every accomplishment, both big and small. As entrepreneurs and creatives, we often focus so much on the next goal that we forget to appreciate how far we’ve already come. Learning to enjoy the journey has been incredibly important to me.
What’s next for The Hair Diagram? Are there any upcoming products or initiatives retailers should look out for?
We’re continuing to focus on innovation, education, and creating products that truly solve problems for both stylists and consumers. I’m especially excited about expanding the Bold Hold and Ashley Marie Collection lines with products that emphasize performance, healthier formulations, and hair protection. We’re also investing heavily in education through tutorials, digital content, and hands-on training opportunities designed to help stylists and customers feel more confident using our products. Another major initiative for us is increasing product education at the retail level through tutorials and authentic product awareness. Our goal is not only to provide great products, but to ensure customers fully understand how to use them successfully. At the end of the day, we want The Hair Diagram to continue being recognized as a brand that combines education, innovation, and trusted professional-quality products.
LIVE BEAUTY IS BACK!
THE MAKEUP SHOW NYC 2026
HOSTS ITS BIGGEST EVENT SINCE THE PANDEMIC
On May 3rd through the 4th, The Makeup Show returned to NYC with its largest show since the pandemic. Hosted at Metropolitan Pavilion, and sponsored by Alcone Company, Danessa Myricks Beauty, OMNIA, and ESUM Cosmetics, the event brought together over three-thousand beauty professionals – some traveling from as far as the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East – for a dedicated inperson experience focused on inspiration, education, and community.
At the door the first 100 attendees received a free gift from viral K Beauty brand The Face Shop. On the show floor, over eighty other industry-leading brands including Rare Beauty, INGLOT, Blend Bunny Cosmetics, ciele Cosmetics, Pat McGrath Labs, Rokael Beauty, Billie Gene Body, and Depot Chopra offered exclusive shopping with professional discounts on products and services in makeup, hair, skincare, and tools. With seven stages of education and a new curriculum of hands-on
Photos by Nadav Havakook
Delina Medhin
workshops and business classes, The Makeup Show NYC 2026 created more opportunities for artistic inspiration and career development than ever before. Presenting artists included Alexx Mayo, Kasey Spickard, SandyNicha, Delina Medhin, Kenya Alexis, Kayla Perez, Jordan Liberty, Mei Pang, Danessa Myricks, and more.
Beyond education, the show offered additional networking and community building experiences including iArtist 8.0, an intimate mentorship program; The Beauty Mixer, a VIP networking event; Perfect Pitch, a 1-on-1 portfolio review resource area; and Artists United, a special masterclass event featuring Danessa Myricks and viral creator @paintedbyesther.
“As a working makeup artist, events like this feel so necessary,” commented one attendee, “yes, the deals and makeup shopping are amazing...but what really stands out is the sense of community: being surrounded by artists who are on a similar path, navigating the same industry shifts, and just getting it.”
Following the success of NYC, The Makeup Show is already looking ahead to what’s next. The team is excited to announce that Creative Open House, a new traveling community event, will be coming to Los Angeles and Orlando this fall. The annual holiday pop up shop has also been scheduled to return to NYC, December 12-13. Further details will be shared via The Makeup Show’s newsletter and social media.
OMNIA
Kasey Spickard
Rare Beauty
CHETKA
INGLOT
Melanie Mills Hollywood
Performance Meets Texture: The Styling Essentials Driving Today’s High-Demand Shelves
In today’s beauty supply market, styling is no longer just about appearance, it’s about performance, versatility, and trust. Customers are looking for products that can define, hold, smooth, and protect without sacrificing the health or feel of the hair. From curls and coils to braids and sleek structured styles, the demand is clear: products must deliver results that last while keeping hair light, soft, and manageable.
Mousse Def Texture Foam
MOUSSE DEF Texture Foam® brings that perfect hold without the helmet hair energy. This award-winning foam defines curls, slicks edges, and keeps your customers’ style bouncing from sunrise to sunset. No crunch, no flakes, just pure texture magic.
RedOne Aqua Hair Wax
RedOne Aqua Hair Wax
Red offers a strong hold with a fresh, vibrant scent, perfect for creating bold and structured hairstyles. This water-based formula provides excellent control and shine without making your customers hair feel heavy or greasy.
Wrapp-It Shine
Foaming Lotion
It saves drying time, prevents hardening of the hair and hair breakage, eliminates combing discomfort for your customers and adds fantastic silky sheen instantly with Nairobi’s Wrapp-It.
BB Foam Wrap Lotion
BB Foam Wrap Lotion is a versatile styling foam that provides structure while also moisturizing and adding shine. This multipurpose product ensures your customers hair stays healthy and vibrant without leaving any residue. They can experience the versatility and benefits of BB Foam Wrap Lotion for healthy, shiny, and well-structured hair. It is perfect for all your customers’ styling needs.
AllDay Locks Braid Gel
This maximum hold braid gel is designed to provide a strong, long-lasting hold for braids, locs, twists, cornrows, and more. It keeps styling slick, extra defined, frizz and flakefree all day.
OTC BOOK CLUB
BOOK of the MONTH
Sell Yourself Without Saying a Word: The Experts’ Guide to Placing Articles in Print and Online
By Russell Trahan
Get Your Expertise in Front of Your Target Market
When your expertise—in the form of an article—is in print or online, readers can save the magazines, tear out the page, bookmark the URL, download a copy, or e-mail a link to a friend. This gives them the ability to react to your message the next week, the next month, or even the next year. Studies have shown that business owners, executives, entrepreneurs, and C-suite level decision makers read their industry publications and association magazines cover-to-cover every month—more often than they read an entire edition of The Wall Street Journal or an entire issue of Entrepreneur. To sell yourself without saying a word you need the third-party credibility of your content in print and online; this book shows you the proven ways to make it happen.
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.
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I. Purchase the required amount of the vendor’s products. Coupon good for ONE TIME PURCHASE ONLY.
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5. NO RETURNS will be accepted on coupon purchases.
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EVERY DECISION YOU MAKE, FROM WHAT YOU STOCK TO WHO YOU PARTNER WITH— SHAPES YOUR BUSINESS’S STORY.
We are pleased to announce that Jinny Beauty Supply is offering special pricing on SULFUR-8
Please contact your sales representative today to take advantage of this
reader FEEDBACK
Community Corner
Let your voice be heard!
매월 몇 가지 질문을 통해 의견을 수렴하여, 더욱 발전된 잡지를 만들어 가고자 합니다. 잠시 시간을 내시어 귀하의 생각을 공유해 주시기 바랍니다.
답변은 질문지 작성 후 저희 사무실로 보내주시거나, 이메일로 전달해 주시면 됩니다. (연락처는 본 페이지 하단을 참고해 주세요.)
What are some of the most popular men’s products in your store?
Why do you think those items have been successful?
Is there any other topic that you would like to see covered in OTC Beauty magazine?
In this segment, OTC Beauty Magazine wants to find out what is important to you, our loyal readers. Posing a handful of questions each month, our goal is to learn through feedback how to better serve you. We ask that you take a few minutes to share your thoughts; write responses on this sheet and mail it back to us, or send it via email. Mail this form to: ( 보내실곳: )
When we receive your feedback we will choose a few answers to feature in the next month’s issue. You could be famous just by answering a few questions – simple as that! We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for supporting this publication.
