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SEARCHLandmark Events in the Industry & Timeline of Issues
A selection of SALON TODAY’s major issue themes that appeared in the past 15 years mirrors the industry progress during that period:
>1994
“Compensation 101: Paying for Keeps” recognized that the commission structure was only one of the options open to progressive salon owners.
>1995
“The Costs of Converting” took a microscope to the process and expense that a salon faced in choosing to add day spa services.
>1996
“Make Your Space” updated salon owners on the latest trends in using natural materials and clued them into the critical role of both traffic flow and retail merchandising.
>1997
“Nail Care: Counting on Fingers” anticipated the exploding mani/pedi market.
>1998
“Can You Clone Your Success?” offered a blueprint for launching additional locations.
>1999
“Tax Facts” helped owners cope with newly stringent requirements for both salons and staffers in reporting tips on IRS tax returns.
>2000
“10 Salons on Warp Speed” presented meaty examples of how salons were applying a host of cutting-edge technologies.
>2001
“Retail State of Mind” pulled retail out of the corner, giving at-home maintenance its own profit center chair at the salon industry table.
>2002
“Higher Learning” celebrated the benefits of ongoing training with inspirational words from educators and a helpful list of advanced academies.
>2003
“Niche Marketing” identified 20 target markets that posed great potential for the savvy salon owner who could address those distinct needs.
>2004
“Get Down to Business: Writing Your Plan for Growth” urged owners to fuel continued success and not rest on the laurels of their recent good fortune.
>2005
“Male Call” helped spas to tap into the burgeoning mens’ market.
>2006
“Prescription for Medispa” examined the spa industry’s cautious but steadily developing partnership with the medical field.
>2007
“Brand Your Business” enlightened owners still engaged in traditional marketing about the rewards of branding strategies.
>1984
First World Championships of Hairdressing, the precursor to HairWorld
>1985
Merge of manufacturers’ associations to create a unified voice through the American Beauty Association (ABA)
>1987
Industry’s first national lobbying group, the NCAPAC, developed by the National Cosmetology Association
>1989
Launch of the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA)
>1990
First International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conference
>1991
First ISPA conference
>1993
Expanded reach of NAHA under the new direction of the Beauty and Barber Supply Institute (BBSI)
After moving to Colorado and teaching at a cosmetology school, Allison Stock joined Zandi K as a stylist, eventually becoming part of the Leadership Team, Education Team and Master Bridal Team. Today, as Director of Operation, Stock is Owner Nicki Wenz's right hand, managing human resources and operations, education and career development, and coaching and culture.
The company's Concealed Bead Method is raising the bar for what professional extension education can deliver.
Scott maximized her micro-salon by transitioning from stylist to strategic owner, focusing on recruiting and station-sharing. By prioritizing her ownership role over behind-the-chair work, she grew her team to six stylists within the two-chair, 150-square-foot space before eventually moving to a larger facility.
The former CFO of Perdue Farms and owner of Hardy Seafood, Terry Owens delivers a wealth of wisdom and strategies for entrepreneurs in his new book, "Business is Simple."
After scaling her single-location salon business, SALON TODAY 200 Honoree Amy Pal recently sold her six-location Whip Salon for seven figures. Using the six Ps for maximizing a business's value, she's ready to help her peers do the same.
Buried inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are federal solar tax credit changes that deserve your attention now. Two of the credits that matter most to commercial property owners, the Investment Tax Credit and the Production Tax Credit, are still available, but only if you move fast. A third, the Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Deduction, has a hard termination date that is closer than most people realize.
Up to 40% of hair stylists ghost the salon interview stage, leaving owners trapped playing endless phone tag with uncommitted applicants. This data-driven report breaks down why traditional job boards create recruitment friction and reveals the modern messaging strategies high-growth salons use to get pre-qualified talent to actually show up. Learn how to transition from cold calling to high-conversion conversations that protect your time and fill your chairs.
Sponsored by Beautista
Spit fests, hostile threats, and even an overachieving matchmaker--SALON TODAY readers share their craziest client tales and how their team handled these tough situations with professionalism and grace.
Keeping your appointment book full when clients are in vacation mode takes more than a good Instagram post. It takes a plan. The 2026 Summer Marketing Calendar from Meevo gives salon, spa & med spa owners a month-by-month roadmap with sharp themes, key opportunity dates, and campaign ideas specifically designed for the beauty & wellness industry. Here’s to your summer season working as hard as you do!
Sponsored by Millennium Systems International
AI is transforming the beauty and wellness industry, and the future is about empowering people, not replacing them. Discover how Phorest AI helps salons, spas, and med spas across North America respond faster, personalize every visit, and keep human connection at the heart of the client experience.
Sponsored by Phorest
Owner Michaella Blissett-Williams credits her General Manager Gloria Hortua with [salon] 718's year-over-year, double-digit growth and says she's been able to scale the company to eight locations because she can rely on Hortua to manage daily operations.
Shine Time: Aluram’s High Shine Line Delivers Moisture and Shine with Clean Ingredients
Sponsored by Aluram
Elyse Rogers is an uplifting presence at The Headroom who makes the team feel heard even in stressful situations. Owner Danielle Cherewyk sings her praises in this installment of Meet the Manager.
Despite a slight and predictable decline in client traffic for Q1, resilient pricing power is driving year-over-year revenue growth in salons. The KIM Report's Alain Audet reviews the data and what it's telling us about the state of professional beauty.
Same-store revenue grew just 2% for the second straight year—and new guest visits declined across every segment of the industry. The 2026 Benchmark Report reveals where growth is actually happening, which verticals are pulling ahead, and what the data says about where your business stands right now.
Sponsored by Zenoti
Hair restoration is entering a new era driven by regenerative science. This paper explores how Exosome technology is transforming treatment outcomes by targeting hair loss at a cellular level. Discover why EXOGROW is leading this shift.
Sponsored by Dermapenworld
A salon brand is much more than a logo. In this thought-provoking blog, Leon Alexander, Ph.D., walks you through the difference. SALON TODAY suggests sharing this article with your team and leading a discussion at your next huddle, asking the team to define your business's brand.
