Biz Buzz: A Look at March's BIR

Each month, the Beauty Industry Report provides readers the information they need to predict industry trends, keep on top of leadership shifts and stay on the cutting-edge of an ever-changing industry. SALON TODAY provides you with a few highlights of the March issue of the Beauty Industry Report:

• Double-digit percentage increases in attendance at the new year's first shows—the New York International Gift Fair at 35,000 and the International Salon and Spa Expo at 40,000—kick off 2010 in a positive upswing. Another bright economic indicator is the solid gain registered in the last quarter of 2009 by the Professional Beauty Association's quarterly Salon/Spa Performance Index, which rose from 101.9 in Q3 to 102.6 in Q4.

• Michael O'Rouke plans to officially launch his namesake line of styling products at America's Beauty Show in Chicago, March 27-29. His "3Way" hair spray is one of four innovative and unique styling products in the collection. It features a specialized nozzle that allows for adjustment of the spray to create a soft, medium or firm hold.

• Vidal Sasson's son Elan and partner Larry Williams are in the process of launching a new hair care line under their Sojourn brand, in an effort to take the beauty industry back to a fundamental understanding of hair. Elan and Larry are teaming up with top salon industry distributors to introduce the professional line, which is committed to the protection of hair and the re-education of the industry.

• Viewers of the first episode of modernsalon.tv enjoyed a fast-paced presentation of ISSE highlights, an interview with salon and TV star Tabatha Coffey, the scoop on Beth Minardi's new alliance, and comments from Legends and Icons honrees Anne Mincey, Robert Cromeans and the Doves. MODERN editors were hands-on reporters in the polished production which featured professional hosts in a studio format—think Entertainment Tonight meets the beauty industry. MODERN Publisher Steve Reiss says the new initiative will follow an ambitious schedule to deliver compelling, timely programming. Click here to view current or archived episodes.

To preview a complimentary issue of the entire report, compiled by longtime industry specialist Mike Nave, click here to e-mail your contact information, including your name, whether you a salon owner or stylist, address, city, state zip cope and e-mail address.