What Hairstylists Are Looking for in 2026: Education, Community, and Independence

Everyone who attends an industry event is looking for something. Sometimes it’s education. Sometimes it’s the community. Sometimes it’s reassurance that they’re headed in the right direction.

That was one of my biggest takeaways from Hairbrained Sessions Austin this year, where I had the opportunity to represent Sola Salons. While it was my first Hairbrained event and my first time working at a trade show, the conversations happening throughout the day reminded me of why events like these continue to matter.

I have always loved attending industry events. I feel the most alive when I’m connecting with people, catching up with mentors, meeting new peers, and learning something new. There is something special about bringing people together who genuinely care about our industry. Events like these help bridge the gap between brands and artists while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations.

Throughout the day, we set up our booth, attended classes, conducted a few interviews with attendees, connected with Sola Pros, and met beauty professionals from all different backgrounds. While everyone’s journey looked different, many of the conversations centered around similar themes: growth, education, independence, and what comes next in their careers.

One thing I noticed was how much curiosity there is around independence. Many attendees wanted to know what life looked like outside of a traditional salon environment. Some were actively considering opening a suite, while others were simply gathering information and exploring possibilities for the future.

What stood out to me wasn’t that everyone was ready to make the leap. It was that people were looking for options. They wanted mentorship, education, and a better understanding of what building a career on their own terms could actually look like.

At the same time, I heard many conversations about community. One of the biggest misconceptions about independence is that it means doing everything alone. In reality, most beauty professionals aren’t looking to isolate themselves. They’re looking for freedom while still having access to support, education, and connection.

That’s one of the things I appreciate most about Sola. Independence doesn’t have to mean isolation. Through opportunities such as Hairbrained, Premiere, Barbercon, continuing education, networking events, and programs like Faces of Sola, beauty professionals can continue learning, growing, and building relationships throughout their careers.

These conversations reminded me of my own journey. I remember attending industry events alone while working at a commission salon. At the time, I was looking for inspiration and trying to understand what was possible for my future. I wanted answers. I wanted direction. Mostly, I wanted proof that the career I envisioned for myself could actually exist.

In 2023, I met one of my mentors, Jacob Khan, at an industry event. Meeting someone whose work I admired didn’t magically change my career overnight, but it planted a seed. It made the possibilities feel more tangible. It showed me that there was a path forward.

Fast forward to today, and Jacob is now the Creative Director for Hairbrained. Seeing him again while working on my first Hairbrained event with Sola felt like coming full circle. We have both grown in our careers, and it reminded me of how important it is to keep putting myself in rooms that challenge me to think bigger.

One of the most rewarding parts of the event wasn’t simply what I learned in the classes. It was the conversations I had throughout the day. Some people were exploring independence for the first time. Others were established salon owners looking to connect with their peers. Many were simply looking for encouragement and confirmation that they were headed in the right direction.

I think that’s what events like Hairbrained do best. They create space for people to exchange ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another. They remind us that growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

Looking back, what I’ll remember most about Hairbrained isn’t any single class or conversation. It’s the reminder that every beauty professional is somewhere on their journey. Some are just getting started. Some are considering independence. Others are building the next chapter of their careers.

As an independent salon owner myself, I know how meaningful it can be to have people who believe in you before you fully believe in yourself. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one class, or one connection to change the trajectory of your career.

I’m extremely grateful for opportunities like this. I started this career in my mid-twenties and consider myself a late start in the industry. I didn’t know anyone when I began, and I didn’t have anyone opening doors for me. Every opportunity I’ve received has come from continuing to show up, stay curious, and invest in my education.

Hairbrained was a reminder that our industry is full of people doing exactly that.

Thank you to Sola Salons for investing in opportunities that support education, community, and professional growth. Independence doesn’t mean going it alone, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to help beauty professionals learn, connect, and grow throughout their careers.