Long Beach, CA, January 28-30, 2012
The vibe at ISSE was decidedly sex, candy, and rock-and-roll. At least half of the exhibitors boasted a hot pink and black palette. Sugar-inspired concoctions were everywhere—as were bare-chested men, hair and feather extensions, and bling. The floor teemed with stylists that donned apparel, accessories, and hair reminiscent of 1980’s punk. Michael O’Rourke and countless other stylists plucked passersby from the crowd to give them instant (and occasionally unexpected) makeovers, with Michael’s new “Rock Your Hair” collection. The booth for Moroccan Oil was huge, vibrant, and lined with hundreds of stylists patiently waiting to purchase product, illustrating this “one-hit wonder’s” staying power.
Activity surrounding nail care seemed to be at an all-time high, with a flurry of colors, textures, and finishes. Appliance manufacturers have seemingly taken cues from nail care companies, showcasing flat irons, blowers, and accessories in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. All signs point to an interesting year for the professional beauty industry!
We will be tracking all these insights in our continuous research on Professional Skin Care – Global Series, and Salon Hair Care – Global Series. And we’re adding two exciting reports from the professional beauty arena to our 2012 portfolio; Hair Appliances 2012: Global Market Brief and Professional Nail Care 2012: Global Market Brief.
Be sure to read Carrie’s insights from Visit to Cosmoprof North America 2011!
