Streax Professional expands knowledge partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI
Streax Professional, the professional division of Hygienic Research Institute Pvt. Ltd. (HRIPL), has strengthened its Knowledge Partnership with Krishnashray Gurukul SEDI through a series of initiatives focused on skill development and industry readiness. The collaboration was advanced during a two-day visit by Rochelle Chhabra, Head of Streax Professional, on December 1 and 2, 2025.
A key highlight was the inauguration of the new Assistant Beauty Therapist (ABT) Lab, developed under the brand’s technical guidance. Designed to replicate a real salon environment, the lab enables trainees to build practical, job-ready skills.
Moreover, top-performing students from each batch will be selected for an exclusive three-day advanced training programme at the brand’s academies in Delhi or Mumbai. They also shared plans to formalise the partnership through a forthcoming MoU and outlined long-term initiatives to support sustained skill development.
Esskay Hairdressing School opens second training centre in Mumbai
Esskay Hairdressing School has opened its second training centre in Mumbai. The school positions itself in line with global hair education standards, with an emphasis on technical excellence, discipline, and consistency. The Mumbai centre aims to support local hair professionals in improving artistry and precision, which are key areas needed to raise industry benchmarks.
Esskay Hairdressing School offers structured programmes for both working salon professionals looking to upskill and new entrants aspiring to build careers in hairdressing, blending advanced technical training with business and salon management modules.
The expansion responds to industry-wide challenges, including limited access to formal training and increasing competition for skilled labour. By offering focused, industry-relevant education, the school aims to help bridge this skills gap.
Located at Tantia Jogani Estate in Mahalaxmi, the Mumbai academy features limited seating to ensure a personalised, hands-on learning experience with close instructor support.
Ikonic Professional launches digital campaign with Sahher Bambba
Ikonic Professional has announced a new digital campaign in collaboration with actor Sahher Bambba. The campaign features Sahher Bambba as the face of Ikonic’s next-generation styling tools, including the Dynamite+ Hair Dryer, Gleam 2.0 Hair Iron, and Curling Tong CT 2.0. Known for her contemporary appeal and growing influence among Gen Z and millennial audiences, Bambba brings relatability to Ikonic’s digital-first strategy.
Designed as a high-impact, digital-led initiative, the campaign focuses on convenience, performance, and accessibility. Through short-form videos and social media content, it demonstrates how professional-grade styling tools can be easily integrated into daily grooming routines. The visuals highlight multiple styling outcomes, such as sleek straight hair, defined curls, and smooth blow-dries, reinforcing the brand’s promise of salon-like results at home.
By partnering with Bambba, Ikonic aims to deepen engagement with younger audiences who value both functionality and aesthetics in personal care products.
Anastasia Beverly Hills plans omnichannel expansion to drive India growth
Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) is accelerating its growth in India through a strengthened omnichannel strategy, with plans to expand its offline retail presence to 250 premium stores over the next two years. The brand is retailed in India under House of Beauty and continues to strengthen its position in the country’s premium makeup segment.
As part of its next growth phase, ABH is scaling its offline footprint across metros and high-potential Tier II cities. The focus is on experiential retail through premium beauty destinations such as Sephora, Nykaa Luxe, Tira, and other multi-brand outlets, where consumers can test products, engage with textures, and access brow services and consultations.
Digitally, ABH maintains a wide presence across platforms. While offline retail currently contributes a larger share of revenue due to higher conversion and average order values, e-commerce is the fastest-growing channel, driven by convenience, digital adoption, and rising demand from Tier II and III markets.
VC Academy launches VC Open House to foster industry dialogue
VC Academy has introduced VC Open House, a new open-format initiative designed to encourage dialogue, reflection, and shared learning within the professional hairdressing community. The first edition was held on January 5, 2026, in Mumbai.
The inaugural session featured hairstylist and entrepreneur Adhuna Bhabani. Her session focused on professional evolution, personal experiences, and the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly changing salon environment.
The event saw attendance from several well-known names in the hair and beauty industry, including Aalim Hakim and Avan Contractor. Other attendees included Shine Janardhan, Sumit Malkotia, Creative Head at Ikonic Professional, and Nitin Manchanda from Wella Professionals.
The session was curated and hosted by Vipul Chudasama, Founder of VC Academy. Unlike traditional training formats, VC Open House is structured as an open conversation, creating space for honest exchanges, shared perspectives, and peer-led learning rather than formal instruction.
SUGAR Cosmetics launches a beauty-focused podcast ‘Sugarquoted’
SUGAR Cosmetics has launched Sugarquoted, a new podcast aimed at fostering informed conversations around beauty, culture, and the business of beauty in India. The podcast is developed in collaboration with YOSO Media and is hosted by Vineeta Singh, CEO and Co-founder, SUGAR Cosmetics.
Designed as a long-form format, Sugarquoted focuses on education and insight, moving away from trend-driven and viral beauty content, covering topics such as beauty science, entrepreneurship, identity, and wellness. The debut episode features content creator Ankush Bahuguna. Diipa Khosla, founder, Inde Wild, Dr Jamuna Pai, founder, Blush Clinic, and entrepreneur and investor Namita Thapar are among other guests.
With India’s beauty and personal care market projected to grow from USD 28 billion to USD 34 billion by 2028, Sugarquoted aims to offer a credible platform for deeper industry discussions.