Professional Beauty India - PBHJ DEC - JAN 26 Edition

The December–January 2026 issue of Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal marks a defining moment for the beauty and wellness industry as it steps into a future shaped by both intelligence and intention. As the New Year unfolds, this edition explores an industry in evolution—where technology, data, creativity, and human connection are no longer separate forces, but part of a powerful convergence.

This issue looks at what sustainable growth truly means in today’s professional landscape. From smarter systems and tech-enabled operations to leadership that prioritises culture, trust, and long-term vision, it reflects a shift away from rapid expansion towards meaningful, well-structured progress. It captures how modern salons and beauty businesses are learning to scale with clarity—balancing innovation with empathy.

At the same time, artistry continues to evolve. Hair and beauty are moving towards authenticity, individuality, and wellness-led thinking, redefining what modern excellence looks like. Education, too, takes centre stage, reinforcing the role of disciplined training, science-backed learning, and institutions that prepare professionals not just for today, but for the years ahead.

As the industry steps into 2026, this edition serves as a thoughtful guide—celebrating progress, questioning convention, and spotlighting the ideas, systems, and sensibilities that will shape the next chapter of professional beauty.

The New Blueprint FOR GROWTH
Business expansion is not just about more outlets or new markets; it’s about building intelligent, technology-enabled systems that create consistent value across every touchpoint. As automation, AI, and analytics redefine how enterprises grow, India’s leading business minds are rewriting the playbook. From legacy brands adapting to digital ecosystems to new-age founders scaling through innovation and structure, Priyanka Parshurami spoke to five industry pioneers to decode what it truly means to expand with purpose, precision, and performance.
Editor's letter
51 38 30 41 Dear Reader, As Professional
NATIONAL
CALECIM Professional expands in India with multi-platform launch
INTERNATIONAL
Redken welcomes Patricia Nikole as Global Artistic Ambassador
CIPI
Matcha skincare surges as clean beauty demand rises
PBHJ DIGITAL
Head over to www.professionalbeauty.in for up-to-the minute industry news
New on the Block
We bring you a selection of the newest and best products from the beauty world this month!
THE GOLD EDIT
Embrace the versatility of Gold Class extensions with textures, colours, and lengths, all crafted to transform every style. Step into luxury where flawless blending is the standard.
ICONIC BEAUTY, REDEFINED
Celebrating the transformative power of hair, this standout collection blends craftsmanship, confidence, and contemporary femininity, setting a new benchmark for iconic, modern style.
“The Art of Imperfection”
In a world obsessed with flawlessness, Michel Baltazar, Global Hair Expert, Moroccanoil, is redefining hair artistry through emotion, authenticity, and education. In a tête-à-tête with Charlene Flanagan , he explains why celebrating individuality should remain a timeless principle for modern stylists.
Crafting TOMORROW
As Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal, India, celebrates its sixth anniversary, we’re shining a spotlight on the artists shaping the next chapter of Indian hairdressing. 2026 will mark a pivot, where precision-led cutting, sculptural shapes, soft-glam minimalism, culturally rooted textures, youth-driven colour stories, and conscious luxury coexist in a new creative synergy. In this Anniversary Special, Priyanka Parshurami decodes the textures, cuts, colours, shapes, and shifts redefining hair artistry, with insights from five creative forces defining one unified future of hair.
INDIA’S NEW POWERHOUSE in Performance Haircare
This anniversary-issue interview with 3TENX marks a continuation of a journey that Professional Beauty India has observed since the brand’s inception. In this conversation with Priyanka Parshurami, Founders, Megha and Aankith Aroraa outline the path that shaped 3TENX and the direction it continues to take within the professional haircare landscape.
SUBTLE SWAGGER
Minimalism meets mastery
Where Talent Meets Opportunity: THE MB CHALLENGE
Modern Barber Challenge by PBI empowers new barbering talent with exposure, recognition, and industry visibility. Priyanka Parshurami brings you highlights from MB Challenge Mumbai 2025 and heartfelt reflections from this year’s winners.
THE RISE OF THE Modern Barber
From the UK to India, JJ Savani shares insights on talent, creativity, and the evolution of modern barbering.
New on the Block
We bring you a selection of the newest and best products from the beauty world this month!
ASK OUR EXPERT
Get your skin and makeup-related queries answered by our expert Vaishali K Shah, Founder and Director, LTA School of Beauty.
WHEN SKINCARE Meets the future
Longevity is not just a trend; it is the future that skincare deserves. In conversation with Priyanka Parshurami, Shweta Parekh, Janssen Cosmetics, India , decodes how longevity in skincare is not about turning back time but helping the skin age on its own terms.
LTA SCHOOL OF BEAUTY: Where Skill Meets Science
Two decades after redefining structured beauty education in India, Biju Nair, Co-Founder, LTA School of Beauty , reflects on the institution’s impact and evolution. In an exclusive conversation with Priyanka Parshurami, the industry veteran discusses the future of professional beauty training in India.
WINTER-PROOF your skin
Charlene Flanagan tried the HydraFacial at Lakmé Salon, and came back with rejuvenated skin that felt hydrated, plump, and winter-ready.
PBI MUMBAI 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Unforgettable
Professional Beauty Mumbai 2025 returned with unstoppable energy. With over 300 brands and 21,922 visitors, here’s everything that unfolded during the two power-packed days of learning, networking, and creativity.
THE POWER-PACKED IMPACT: Hear it from the industry experts
Megha Arora, Co-founder, 3TenX, and Title Partner of
The Age of the SMART SALON
From automation and analytics to empathy and education, India’s leading beauty professionals decode what it takes to build resilient, future-ready businesses.
Professional Beauty India
RAISES THE CURTAIN ON 2026 SHOWS
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING TRENDS to watch out for in 2026
Key materials, design, and supply-chain innovations will define sustainable packaging for India’s professional beauty and haircare industry. The Professional Beauty Hairdressers Journal India gets a sneak peek into the sustainable packaging trends that will shape the next chapter.
New BEGINNINGS
Schwarzkopf Professional launched Shaping Futures, a four -week training programme that brings skill, dignity, and fresh hope to underprivileged youth.
Five Spa Rituals REDEFINING 2026
Healing-led, results-driven, and rooted in ancient wisdom these five therapies are set to shape how India unwinds in 2026. In an exclusive conversation with Priyanka Parshurami, Husnav Dasture, Spa Director, Novotel, Juhu sheds light on five spa rituals redefining 2026.
MODERN. Relaxing. LUXURIOUS.
Solastaa Salon, Dombivli, brings modern luxury to the suburbs with a design that balances beauty, comfort, and function. In a candid conversation with Priyanka Parshurami, Karan and Sanna Jounkani, Owners, Solastaa Salon spill the beans on the design journey behind this striking new address that’s setting a new benchmark in salon interiors.
On the Beauty Beat: A SNEAK PEEK!
RAAGA PROFESSIONAL CROWNS INDIA’S TOP THREE SKIN EXPERTS