MATRIX HAIR TRANSFORMERS 2026: ELEVATING HAIRDRESSING FROM THE ROOTS UP

Uncomplicating Color, Driving Artistry at Scale & Empowering India’s Next-Gen Profluencers

Editor's letter

Dear Readers, For years, the beauty and wellness

NATIONAL

India’s Beauty Industry Eyes USD 42 Billion Milestone

INTERNATIONAL

FDA Weighs Loosening Peptide Restrictions, Hims & Hers

CIPI

Metal Roller Tubes: Taking Lip Applicators Beyond the

digital

ANIME HAIRCUTS Walking into salons today, clients now

The Art of Becoming

Men’s Hairdresser of the Year 2025 and Co-Founder

THE DAPPER MALE: The New Economics of Men’s Grooming

As men become more informed, more invested, and more discerning, salons are discovering a client who wants expertise, not just a service. Charlene Flanagan explores what this means for the future of men’s grooming and the evolving salon business.

New on the Block

We bring you a selection of the newest and best products from the beauty world this month!

The Prevention Prescription

As more men embrace preventative hair health, salons have an opportunity to position themselves as trusted partners in long-term care rather than simply providers of hair services. Charlene Flanagan speaks to Dr Mrunal Shah Modi, Dermatologist, Trichologist, Dermatosurgeon, and Founder, Shine Clinic, about why prevention, education, and collaboration are reshaping the future of men’s hair health.

THE MODERN EDGE

A showcase of talent, technique, and trends.

A Cut the above rest

Modern Barber Competition Hair Tattoo winner, Kunal Raut, shares his journey from mastering the fundamentals to national recognition, as Nakiya Sadikot explores the artistry, discipline, and vision behind his craft.

THE WINNING EDGE

Featuring the standout winning looks from the Modern Barber Competition at PBI Delhi 2026, this collection reflects the rising standards, bold creativity, and technical mastery defining modern barbering.

Wazid Ali on Men's Grooming Today

In conversation with Nakiya Sadikot, Wazid Ali, Owner, Clo & Flo Salon, Delhi, reflects on the evolving craft of men's grooming, where trust, consultation, and personal identity now define every visit to the chair.

New on the Block

We bring you a selection of the newest and best products from the beauty world this month!

Decoding Skincare for the Modern Male Client

Today’s male clients are asking smarter questions about ingredients, treatments, and routines, and salons are well-positioned to become trusted educators. In conversation with Dr Shilpa Patil, Consultant Dermatologist and Cosmetologist, and Director, Ethoski Cosmetology Clinic, Nakiya Sadikot breaks down this shift, translating how salons can turn it into business opportunities.

The New Face of Masculinity

As men’s aesthetics shifts from vanity to self-care, Dr Trishna Gupte walks Charlene Flanagan through how prevention, confidence, and wellness are redefining the male patient experience.

Why Men are Embracing Subtle Complexion Enhancements

As male clients seek healthier-looking skin rather than noticeable cosmetic changes, Charlene Flanagan speaks to Rahul Shah, Founder, Yaan Man, to understand how invisible grooming is creating valuable opportunities for forward-thinking salons.

The Homegrown Brand Redefining Professional Skincare

As skincare evolves beyond gendered marketing, science is taking centre stage. Charlene Flanagan speaks to Oscar Pereira , Founder and Formulator, CodeSkin, about skin biology, Indian innovation, and the future of professional skincare.

The Trust Equation

The most successful salons of today are not simply delivering exceptional services; they are cultivating loyal clients. Charlene Flanagan speaks to Gary Rom, Founder and CEO, Gary Rom Group of Companies, about the principles of client mastery and why trust remains the industry’s most valuable currency.

Marketing to Men: The New Salon Playbook

Dr Vijaya Salunkhe shares why winning today’s male client has little to do with masculine branding and everything to do with expertise, trust, and business strategy.

PBI Mumbai 2026: Where the Industry Came Alive

From boundary-pushing hair artistry and bridal beauty to precision barbering, emerging talent, and the launch of Beauty Garage’s Chroméra, PBI Mumbai 2026 put the breadth and ambition of the professional beauty industry firmly in the spotlight.

How Men’s Wellness Is Creating New Opportunities for Spas

As Indian men increasingly seek recovery, stress management, preventative care, and holistic wellbeing, spas have an opportunity to redefine their role in the wellness ecosystem. In conversation with Reena Sheth , Founder & Chief Wellness Strategist, Gaiia – Regenerative Wellness Systems, Charlene Flanagan explores the business potential of this growing market.

What It Means for Beauty, Spa and the Business of Wellbeing

Reena Sheth, World Wellness Weekend Ambassador for India & Asia Pacific, explores how India’s evolving wellness landscape is creating new opportunities for beauty, spas, hospitality, and wellbeing.

Building India’s Next Wellness Economy

As wellness moves across hospitality, fitness, technology, design,

The Gentleman’s Pause

Inside Truefitt & Hill’s Royal Service, Nakul Nansi discovered that the ultimate grooming experience is as much about slowing down as it is about looking your best.

Building the Complete Men’s Hair Professional

The modern men’s hair professional needs more than technical skill. As clients become more informed, individual, and experience-driven, education must evolve to develop the person behind the professional. In conversation with Charlene Flanagan, Reginald Laws, CEO & Cofounder, PR at Partners Salon Group & Academy, explores what it takes to build the complete men’s hair professional.

Sukhreet Gill on Mastering the Scissor-Only Cut

In conversation with Nakiya Sadikot , The Modern Barber Challenge - Delhi’s Creative Scissors winner, Sukhreet Gill , talks about patience, precision, and why he chose the scissor over the clipper in a craft that leaves no room for shortcuts.

Foundations for the Future

Bharti Ravaria , Whole Time Director, Beauty Garage Limited (BGL), walks Charlene Flanagan through how the company’s investment in improving an Ashram School’s living facilities is helping create safer, more dignified spaces for learning and brighter futures for underserved children.

Why Cosmetologists are betting big on Baobab Oil

As the skincare industry shifts toward ingredient simplicity and science-backed naturals, baobab oil is emerging as a credible contender for modern beauty routines. Nakiya Sadikot explores what makes this African native a worthy addition to both your skincare and haircare shelf, with insights from Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar.

Inside Marie Claire: Where Parisian Elegance Meets Modern Luxury

Nakiya Sadikot speaks with Vandana Bhardwaj, Director and Spokesperson, Marie Claire Salon India, on how the brand brought contemporary Parisian elegance to life at its first Mumbai salon, blending luxury, function, and identity into every corner of the space.

Beauty, WELLNESS & Beyond

LAKME SALON × JEUDERM UNVEIL THE NEXT WAVE