
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
Salon Owner and Platform Artist Mary Brunetti offers a peer review of David Kinigson's latest edition of "The Haircutter's Handbook."


The Book: The Haircutter's Handbook
Written by: David Kinigson
Published by: Authentic Cutting Education
Foreward by: Vidal Sassoon
Reviewed by: Mary Brunetti
SALON TODAY: What is this book about?
Mary Brunetti: This is a leave-no-stone-unturned haircutting Bible, a handbook complete with technical explanations, glossary and language for every salon professional, and so much more. It is written by David Kinigson, who has not just proven himself an excellent educator technically, but also clearly proven himself a critical thinker. His thinking, as revealed in this book, will transform not just your thought process as you go about your day in the salon, but also how you think about how you perform in the salon on a daily basis, therby redefining your place in our industry.
ST: What did you like best about the book?
Brunetti: I immediately liked the path the book took me on, pivoting from technical and turning the page in your mind to the philosophical...thereby not just training you technically but training your brain to think about what you are thinking about, in a more enlightened way--that's pretty darn genius!

David Kinigson, the author of The Haircutter's Handbook.
ST: For you, what was the biggest takeaway message?
Brunetti: The section on page 164 titled 'What is the job?' It actually made me, after 48 years, walk into my salon and see it with fresh eyes...you'll see!
ST: Why would you recommend this book to peers, colleagues and team members?
Brunetti:
It is the best training guide and most concise manual I have ever read or seen. Everything is wonderfully explained so it is not only easy to learn from but if you are a salon owner it is easy to train from. David completely takes the onus of writing an extensive training manual off of you, and if you already have a training manual this is the perfect companion to fill in any blanks that may have been missed. David has explained the language of what we do in a way that translates to every stylist, at every level, across the country.
If you feel you or your stylists have become lulled into complacency or fallen into a rut where everything is learned by rote with no forethought, care or creativity, reading Davids handbook from front to back will put you on the right path…enjoy the journey!
Copies of the book can be found at amazon.com and thehaircuttershandbook.com. Signed copies and beauty school or team discounts can be requested to the author's email at DavidKinigson@gmail.com.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

In October, volunteers plan to walk and take the plunge during at the annual event, HairToStay Does the Bay. Find out how you can participate and support the organization that grants subsidies to cancer patients so they can receive cold cap treatments to save their hair during chemotherapy.
At Premiere Orlando 2026, SALON TODAY catches up with Easihair Pro's Angela Gilmore, who talks about why stylists lose clients who are suffering from thinning hair and hair loss, and how their new Hairlosophy line can help.

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In this rare essay, the president of a haircare brand takes us behind-the-scenes into a world we never see when we pick up a product off the shelves--the arduous, thought-probing, second-guessing journey of rebranding a legacy product line. Not only is her reflection fascinating, but it is also incredibly useful for any salon owner or manufacturer contemplating their own brand.

Twenty lucky winners will be selected July 30th, and each will be able to choose from three different service tray models.

Motivated by loved ones who have battled cancer, Phorest's Barry Quinn and two friends will embark on a three-day trek to the summit of the highest peak in North Africa in September, raising money for HairToStay. Find out how you can help them.

The company's Back to Business Sweepstakes is a direct investment in the stylists and salon owners who are building something that lasts.

Owners start to worry when a month's sales come up short compared to the same period last year, but that may have more to do with the days in the month than with an actual decline. The KIM Report's Alain Audet points to May 2026 as a prime example.