TITLE PARTNER, STREAX PROFESSIONAL, BACKS INDUSTRY REFORM AT HBF INDIA’S FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION, MANTHAN
As the title partner of the Hair & Beauty Federation (HBF) India’s first National Convention, Manthan, Streax Professional played a defining role in supporting a moment of collective introspection and direction-setting for the Indian hair and beauty industry. Held on January 7, 2026, in Udaipur, the convention brought together voices from across the country to address long-standing challenges and chart a structured path forward.
For Streax Professional, association with Manthan reflected a clear alignment with its core belief that industry growth must be collaborative, responsible, and future-facing. Nearly 250 selected delegates from over 15 states, including salon owners, educators, artists, and association leaders, gathered to engage in meaningful dialogue around regulation, education, safety, and sustainability.
A key highlight for Streax Professional was the presence of Rochelle Chhabra, Founder, who addressed the audience and participated in an important panel discussion. Speaking to industry professionals, she underscored the responsibility brands and practitioners share in shaping a credible and ethical ecosystem. She emphasised that true industry progress begins when professionals come together with honesty and intent, noting that platforms like Manthan are essential to move from fragmented voices to collective action.
The convention featured a series of panel discussions, presentations, and creative showcases, reflecting both the artistic and structural dimensions of the industry. Thirteen critical national-level issues were discussed, with a strong focus on the urgent need for National and State-Level Hair Art Boards to provide regulatory and developmental frameworks for the sector. One of the most impactful conversations centred on the growing menace of counterfeit and fake beauty products in the market. During the panel discussion, Chhabra highlighted the serious risks these products pose, not only to consumer health but also to professional credibility.
Education, skill development, and health and safety formed the backbone of discussions. Delegates collectively acknowledged the importance of standardised training, certification, and continuous learning, along with improved awareness around chemical safety, hygiene protocols, and workplace wellbeing. Conversations also extended to long-term social security measures, reinforcing the need to build sustainable careers within the sector. Leadership from HBF India also outlined a clear roadmap, confirming that resolutions from Manthan would be formally presented to government bodies through a national committee, ensuring industry concerns are represented at policymaking levels.
As the convention concluded, Streax Professional reaffirmed its commitment to supporting platforms that drive unity, professionalism, and global recognition for India’s hair and beauty industry. Manthan stood not merely as an event but as a defining step, transforming dialogue into direction and reinforcing the collective responsibility to build a more organised, ethical, and future-ready professional ecosystem.
DERMALOGICA BRINGS GLOBAL SKINCARE EDUCATION TO CIDESCO CLASSROOMS AT LTA
Reinforcing its commitment to international-standard education, LTA School of Beauty recently hosted a Dermalogica Look & Learn seminar for its CIDESCO students. The session was designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world professional practice, offering students a closer understanding of how a globally recognised skincare brand operates in examination and salon environments.
Devangi Vala, Technical Manager at LTA School of Beauty, explained that the objective was clear: to prepare CIDESCO students for international expectations. As Dermalogica forms an integral part of the CIDESCO skin curriculum, it was essential for students to go beyond textbooks and experience the brand in a professional context.
The seminar focused strongly on product knowledge, with detailed discussions around hero products, key ingredients, and how Dermalogica formulations perform across diverse skin types, both in India and globally.
A key highlight of the session was training in face mapping, a cornerstone of Dermalogica’s professional approach. Using headlamps and magnifying lenses, students learned to analyse the skin zone by zone, ensuring accurate identification of skin types and concerns before product selection. The workshop also emphasised hands-on practice, with students performing full routines using cleansers, exfoliants, moisturisers, and hydration mists to understand texture, absorption, and skin response. The session was further strengthened by expert guidance from Hinaa Khan, who demonstrated correct headlamp usage and facial zone division.
Through initiatives like this, LTA School of Beauty continues to align its education with global benchmarks, building confidence, competence, and career readiness for the next generation of skincare professionals.
VC ACADEMY INTRODUCES VC OPEN HOUSE FOR THE HAIRDRESSING COMMUNITY
VC Academy has unveiled VC Open House, a new knowledge-sharing initiative designed to foster open dialogue and collective learning within the professional hairdressing community. The first edition was held on January 5, 2026, in Mumbai, marking a shift from conventional education formats toward conversation-led engagement.
The inaugural session featured Adhuna Bhabani, who reflected on her three-decade-long journey in hairdressing. Rather than focusing on technique alone, the discussion explored personal evolution, professional resilience, and the importance of continuous learning in an ever-changing salon ecosystem. Commenting on the experience, Bhabani said, “The format felt intimate and meaningful. Platforms like VC Open House are essential for today’s industry professionals.”
The session drew a strong turnout from senior industry names, including Aalim Hakim, Avan Contractor, Shine Janardhan, Sumit Malkotia, Creative Head at Ikonic Professional, and Nitin Manchanda from Wella Professionals.
Sharing his perspective, Hakim said, “Listening to Bhabani’s journey reinforced the value of staying a lifelong student.” Contractor stated, “The open-house setting encouraged honest conversations and a meaningful exchange.”
Curated and hosted by Vipul Chudasama, Founder of VC Academy, the Open House format is intentionally informal prioritising dialogue over instruction. According to Chudasama, “The initiative aims to create ongoing spaces where professionals learn from lived experience rather than prescribed curriculum.”
VC Academy has confirmed that the next VC Open House will be held on April 6, 2026, continuing its commitment to reflective, experience-driven learning for the hairdressing community.
PBHJ