Redken welcomes Patricia Nikole as Global Artistic Ambassador
Redken has announced the return of globally recognised colour expert Patricia Nikole as its new Global Artistic Ambassador. The appointment marks a full-circle moment for Nikole, who began several key career milestones with the brand, including her early years as an educator and mainstage artist.
Nikole is one of the industry’s most influential voices in colour education. Her signature PaintedHair™ techniques and modern, simplified approach to colour have built a strong global following among professional stylists.
In her new role, Nikole will contribute to Redken’s global artistic direction, working across trend development, advanced education, and product co-creation. She will join Redken’s network of artistic leaders to strengthen the brand’s focus on innovation and professional learning, with the goal of equipping stylists worldwide with science-backed techniques and practical, behind-the-chair expertise.
Singer Dua Lipa launches skincare brand with Augustinus Bader
Dua Lipa has entered the beauty market with the launch of DUA, a new skincare brand developed in partnership with Augustinus Bader. The line features three travel-ready essentials: the Balancing Cream Cleanser, the Renewal Cream, and the Supercharged Glow Complex. Each is powered by TFC5™, a proprietary technology created by the Augustinus Bader science team. TFC5™ is positioned as a gentler counterpart to Bader’s well-known TFC8® complex and is designed to support skin repair, strengthen the barrier, and maintain overall skin health.
Aimed at consumers aged 20–35, DUA focuses on preventive care rather than anti-ageing, offering a simplified routine suited to everyday use and travel. All formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and free from fragrance and common irritants. The brand emphasises sustainable practices, using recyclable packaging and digital QR-based product information.
CeraVe and L’Oréal win global award for scalp science research
CeraVe and L’Oréal Groupe have received the Applied Research Award at the 35th IFSCC Congress for a study that advances the current understanding of dandruff and scalp biology. The research compared dandruff-affected and healthy scalps of more than 200 participants from varied ethnic backgrounds. It examined clinical symptoms, ceramide profiles, microbiome composition, and inflammatory markers, producing one of the most detailed assessments of dandruff pathophysiology to date.
The study expands on earlier microbiome findings by analysing ethnic variations and conducting the first functional assessment of the scalp microbiome. Beyond Malassezia, the fungus commonly associated with dandruff, the researchers identified additional microbial contributors. Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus capitis were consistently higher in dandruff cases across groups, with S. aureus showing a strong correlation with severity. Dandruff scalps also displayed elevated virulence factor genes, particularly among Latin/Hispanic and Asian American participants. These insights provide a clearer direction for future, more targeted dandruff treatments.
Maybelline New York welcomes Miley Cyrus as its new face
Maybelline New York has appointed Miley Cyrus as its new global spokesperson, introducing a refreshed version of the brand’s long-standing “Maybe it’s Maybelline” jingle. The partnership marks a strategic move to connect the brand’s heritage with contemporary pop culture.
The launch film shows Cyrus entering a photoshoot, applying mascara, and recording the updated jingle, signalling her active role in shaping the campaign’s creative direction. The campaign rolled out globally across TV, digital, social media, and retail platforms. It highlights key Maybelline products, including Sky High Mascara, Super Stay Vinyl Ink, and Instant Age Rewind concealer.
Zenoti unveils industry’s first AI workforce
Zenoti has introduced what it calls the industry’s first AI Workforce, a suite of intelligent agents designed to automate operations and support growth across salons, spas, medspas, barbershops, and fitness centres. The launch shifts the company’s platform from traditional software toward fully automated workflow management.
The AI Workforce draws on data from more than 30,000 businesses in 50 countries, covering over USD10 billion in annual transactions. Each agent operates continuously, handling routine tasks so staff can focus on service delivery and customer interaction.
The lineup includes: an AI Receptionist that manages calls, appointment bookings, and FAQs; an AI Concierge that monitors customer interactions across channels and recovers missed bookings; an AI Lead Manager that automates lead capture, scoring, and follow-ups; an AI Marketer that builds campaigns based on guest behaviour and business needs; an AI Scribe that transcribes consultations and produces SOAP notes; and an AI Dispute Manager that compiles documentation to resolve chargebacks.
Luum launches ‘next-generation’ AI-powered eyelash extension robot
Luum, the beauty-tech company known for developing the first AI-powered eyelash extension robot, has unveiled its next-generation system and outlined plans for retail expansion. The new robot, set to roll out alongside partnerships with Nordstrom and Ulta Beauty in four major U.S. markets by Q1 2026, introduces significant improvements in application speed and operational efficiency.
The updated system can apply lashes to both eyes simultaneously, reducing a full-set appointment to approximately 33 minutes. This is less than half the time required by Luum’s previous model and substantially faster than traditional manual lash application. According to the company, the upgrade will enable lash artists using the technology to triple their service capacity while maintaining consistent application standards and improved client comfort. Further market expansion is expected following the initial rollout.