Scale, creativity, and conversation define the 8th edition of India’s most dynamic professional beauty platform
The 8th edition of the StyleSpeak Hair & Beauty Show (HBS) 2026 concluded successfully at Nesco, Goregaon, Mumbai, bringing together salon owners, beauty professionals, educators, artists, distributors, and leading brands from across India. Held on April 13 and 14, the platform once again reinforced HBS’ position as one of the country’s most influential gatherings for the professional salon and beauty industry.
As StyleSpeak’s flagship property, HBS has steadily evolved alongside the industry it represents. This year’s edition reflected not just the scale of participation, but also the changing priorities of the beauty business itself, where creativity, education, technology, talent development, and business growth are becoming increasingly interconnected.
With over 300 professional brands participating, the exhibition floor became a space driven by discovery, networking, and business conversations. From established salon brands to emerging innovators, the showcase reflected the momentum currently shaping India’s professional beauty market. More importantly, it created opportunities for salon owners, distributors, and professionals to engage directly with the products, technologies, and solutions influencing the industry today.
One of the defining strengths of HBS continues to be its multi-format structure, designed to cater to different aspects of the salon ecosystem. Divided into Live Shows, Competitions, Conference, and Exhibition, the event balanced inspiration, education, creativity, and commerce within one platform.
The StyleSpeak Beauty Conference, powered by Dermalogica, brought together 120 attendees and some of the industry’s leading voices across 12 sessions. Speakers included Samir Srivastav, CEO of Looks Salons; Komal Puri, GM Dermalogica India; Vaishali Shah, Founder of LTA School of Beauty; and Vipul Chaturvedi, CEO Lakme Lever, among others. Discussions focused on evolving consumer expectations, consultation-led services, advancements in skincare and salon treatments, and the increasing role of technology within the beauty space.
The conference also reflected a wider industry shift towards more structured and knowledge-led growth. Salon owners, aestheticians, clinic professionals, and beauty entrepreneurs engaged in conversations that moved beyond trends, focusing instead on sustainability, customer experience, business strategy, and long-term industry development.
On stage, the 25+ Live Shows brought creativity and technical artistry to the forefront. Renowned artists such as Ojas Rajani, Cherag Bambboat, Elton Vessoaker, and Shirin Merchant presented showcases alongside creative teams from leading professional brands including Vega Professional, Ikonic Professional, Streax Professional, JRL Professional, Beauty Garage, RICA, and 3TENX. These presentations highlighted how stage platforms continue to influence salon trends, artistic direction, and professional inspiration across the country.
A significant part of HBS has always been its focus on encouraging emerging talent. The StyleSpeak Young Guns segment provided a platform for rising artists to showcase their work before an industry audience. Participants including Devyani Deshmukh, Saba Salim, Mangesh Lohor, Pooja Panvanda, and Shine Janarthanan reflected the confidence and creativity of the next generation entering the professional beauty industry.
At the centre of the event stood the HBS Competitions Arena, one of the platform’s most respected and anticipated segments. This year, 369 contestants competed across 17 competitions within five categories: Ladies Hairdressing, Barbering, Makeup, Nails, and Skincare. Judged by leading industry experts, the competitions evaluated not just creativity, but also technical precision, execution under time pressure, and overall stage presentation. Over the years, these competitions have become an important benchmark for professional skill and recognition within the industry.
The scale of participation at HBS 2026 further reinforced the platform’s growing national relevance. With over 13,500 visitors from 28 states and union territories, the event brought together professionals from across all regions of India, including far flung places like Anant Nag and Jammu in the North, Shillong in the North East, and Port Blair in the Andaman Islands, off the east coast.. This widespread participation reflects the growing demand for industry platforms that combine education, networking, business opportunity, and creative exposure under one roof.
The event was supported by a strong partner ecosystem, including Myorganics as Title Partner, Ikonic Professional as Powered By Partner, RICA as Hair Styling Partner, Mintree as Skincare Partner, Beauty Garage as Haircare Partner, Calyx as Nail Partner, 3TENX as Hair Grooming Partner, BlueSky as Nail Art Partner, and Dermalogica as Conference Partner.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandhya Chipalkatti, Founder and Editor, StyleSpeak, said:
“Every year, HBS serves as a premier gathering point for the Indian beauty industry’s most prominent decision makers and creative influencers. This platform not only showcases innovation but also creates an opportunity for talent to be recognised on a national stage.”
As India’s beauty industry continues to evolve, HBS remains a reflection of that growth — bringing together creativity, education, innovation, and business on one stage. More than an annual event, it continues to strengthen its role as a platform that supports industry conversations, recognises talent, and contributes to the future direction of the professional beauty and salon space in India.
