In April 2024, the SASSI team headed to the annual America’s Beauty Show in Chicago alongside our 2024 Salon Star Wellness Champion, Crown Extension Studio Founder and CEO, Jenna Bowden. Leading up to the show, the team’s focus was on identifying new trends and services, learning about advancements to existing services and networking. A month removed from the show, I am happy to share that we left with this information and much more.
Focusing on the Future
Whether discussions focused on innovative new trends, the future of talent or the longstanding industry efforts to support mental health and wellness, speakers at the America’s Beauty show shared insights and a wealth of information with industry members and students alike. Important takeaways from the show include:
Innovation Abounds: Finding new products, revealing new trends and learning about ways to improve existing products and services are all keystones of what keeps the beauty industry moving forward. The innovation on display at the 2024 America’s Beauty Show did not disappoint. For example, we visited exhibitors highlighting advancements in permanent jewelry, such as diamond implants for teeth, a tooth whitening station and a booth dedicated to preventing and aiding hair loss in children. As to advancements on existing products, we noticed a particular focus on skincare this year. We explored innovative skincare products on display and equipment, including a skin rejuvenating machine that works with stem cell products. From our time at the show one thing was clear; innovation in the beauty industry continues to move forward.
The Future of Talent: Industries across the globe are struggling with a growing talent gap, and the beauty industry is no exception. Leaders throughout the industry saw the America’s Beauty Show as a chance to combat the war on talent by encouraging the next generation to explore the industry’s potential for the future. This year, the attendee makeup for the show was more diverse than in years past. In addition to more tenured beauty industry members, there were new faces on the show floor and in educational sessions, including male stylists, barbers and students from across the industry. While teachers have historically encouraged students to attend shows such as the America’s Beauty show to reap the benefits of discounted products, it was encouraging to see students getting more out of the show – learning new techniques through classes offered onsite and exploring new products.
Prioritizing Health and Wellness: Industry challenges brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, including burnout and high rates of turnover, have put a spotlight on health and wellness in recent years. This emphasis on health and wellness was noted and reflected on the show floor and in programming at this year’s America’s Beauty Show. This emphasis was evident in the addition of a new Health and Wellness Pavilion, as well as through new educational programming, with sessions on topics spanning from chronic pain and digestive solutions to managing mental health.
While the America’s Beauty Show looks to highlight innovation and reveal the next, fresh trends, the event also looks to inspire and provide insightful resources and learnings through the educational programming. The 2024 event introduced us to new products and services while the educational sessions shared best practices on how we as an industry can combat challenges and continue to grow. The learnings were plentiful and the SASSI team looks forward to utilizing those learnings to better provide insurance solutions for our clients in the beauty space.
Kathy Lopez, Account Manager for SASSI, the Salon and Spa Specialty Insurance program at Brownyard Group. She can be reached at klopez@brownyard.com.
