Salon International 2024 was a dynamic showcase of innovation, offering workshops and captivating exhibitions where attendees explored the latest hair care trends and new products.
“A significant highlight of the event was the emphasis on coloration, underscored by a dedicated color stage that hosted spectacular shows from leading brands, such as Revlon Professional, Kevin Murphy, and Moroccanoil,” noted Kristina Pěkníková, Beauty Researcher at Kline + Company. “This aligns with Kline’s latest data, which shows hair color products as the second-largest and fastest-growing category in the United Kingdom, despite a significant slowdown from last year’s strong growth.”
From trending blonde shades to advanced hair tools and a focus on diversity and mental well-being, here are the key takeaways from the event:
Commitment to Diversity and Mental Health in Hair Care
Diversity was a key theme at Salon International 2024, as many brands shifted their focus beyond hair to embrace a more holistic, inclusive approach. Advertising campaigns celebrated people of all backgrounds—across color, gender, age, and ability—demonstrating a commitment to reflecting the full spectrum of beauty.
Mental health was also in the spotlight; Henkel took the lead by hosting discussions on the significance of supporting the mental well-being of both customers and professionals within the professional hair care industry, all from the event’s largest stand.
Henkel talks drew crowds
Blonde Here to Stay
Blonde hair took the spotlight at Salon International 2024, with brands unveiling innovative products to achieve the perfect blonde. Noteworthy among these were Revlon’s Magnet Blondes range, NXT’s Blonde FX Instant Neutralizing Fluid, and Indola’s latest additions to the Blonde Expert line.
Left to right: Revlon Professional’s Magnet Blonde, NXT’s Blonde FX, Indola’s Blonde Expert
Furthermore, Blonde Solutions stood out with its prominent stand, an impressive feat given its recent foray into the United Kingdom market in mid-2023. Founded in Chicago in 2020, this black-owned brand offers lightening products that work on a diverse range of hair textures. At this year’s event, Blonde Solutions teamed up with the rising global star K18 to the synergistic potential of their combined product offerings. Together, they showcased how K18’s Peptide Prep Pro Chelating Hair Complex prepares, repairs, and protects hair, setting the perfect foundation for Blonde Solutions’ specialized lightening and toning services.
Blonde Solutions’ stand and toning products
K18’s stand and hair care products right across from Blonde Solutions
The Brighter the Hair Color, the Better
Beyond blonde shades, the Salon International 2024 was a vibrant display of the entire color spectrum. Many exhibitors, including the likes of Manic Panic, demonstrated the vast possibilities of using rainbow hues through engaging performances, reinforcing the message that vivid hair colors are for everyone. Among the standout 2024 hair color trends, mermaid hair took center stage—featuring dazzling highlights in shades of blue, green, and teal that draw inspiration from the sea.
Manic Panic’s color selection and live show
Keeping Hair Natural
As consistently highlighted in Kline’s annual Salon Hair Care Global Series, the demand for natural hair care ingredients remains on the rise with such products continuing to drive sales growth across categories. Moreover, with government regulations increasingly targeting harmful ingredients, companies are investing in cleaner, more natural formulations. At this year’s event, natural hair oils took center stage, with both established and emerging brands showcasing their latest offerings. Schwarzkopf Professional unveiled additions to its Oil Ultime range—100% natural, vegan finishing oils inspired by aromatherapy, which promise to add shine, fragrance, and smoothness to dull, brittle hair.
Schwarzkopf Professional’s Oil Ultime products
Meanwhile, Hair Loving, a small vegan British brand, introduced oil-based treatments aimed at addressing hair loss during postpartum and menopause, aligning with the growing trend toward personalized hair care.
Hair Loving’s oils
Revlon Professional highlighted the debut of Revlonissimo Color Sublime, the latest version of its flagship color line, now enhanced with organic cold-pressed oils. This ammonia-free color formulation, presented in recycled packaging, reflects Revlon’s commitment to sustainability in professional hair care.
Revlon Professional’s Revlonissimo Color Subline
At the Forefront of Technological Innovation
Hair tools were another highlight of the event, with stands showcasing an array of scissors, brushes, and hot and styling tools. Dyson drew particular attention with its sleek booth, unveiling the Supersonic r hairdryer—a lightweight, stylist-tailored tool featuring radio frequency-controlled heat and airflow.
Dyson’s Supersonic r showcase
The professional hair care market in the United Kingdom is on a promising trajectory, with a projected CAGR exceeding 3% through 2028, according to Kline’s data. Rising consumer awareness around hair health, coupled with growing demand for natural and sustainable hair care products, is set to drive sustained growth. Additionally, personalized hair care products and ongoing technological advancements will further propel the market forward.
