A sold-out crowd experiences two days of education, celebration and inspiration—plus the Global Creative Awards
Milan came alive with color, energy and creativity September 14–15, 2025, as stylists from around the globe gathered for ColorSphere—Goldwell's ultimate celebration of the professional color community. More than 1,200 colorists, salon pros and educators came together for two unforgettable days filled with artistry, inspiration and connection.
A Community Celebration of Learning and Upskilling
The event included trend talks, interactive workshops, masterclasses, model showcases, networking spaces, and the grand finale of the runway show and iconic Global Creative Awards. ColorSphere was packed with inspiration and education designed to spark new ideas, fuel creativity and help stylists take their craft—and their businesses—to the next level.
"The energy, creativity and community spirit we witnessed throughout ColorSphere surpassed all our expectations," says Dominic Pratt, President, Kao Salon Division. "What better place than in the fashion capital of Italy to experience the transformative power of beautiful color fueled by Goldwell's people, products and leadership for the future."
Masterclasses, Look and Learns, Collaborations Fuel Growth
Throughout the event, attendees experienced a multisensory journey of professional growth that has never been seen before.
Look-and-learn sessions by the world's most admired creative artists and educators gave professionals fresh techniques to apply on their clients.
Collaborations allowed participants to work side-by-side with educators and get direct feedback and personal guidance.
Business sessions equipped stylists with future-ready insights on tech, innovation, AI, and salon success.
Guests immersed in masterclasses by Seung Ki Baek and Kylie Bussing, Jessica Price and Ashley Hood, Marianne Jensen and Gianluca Spagnuolo, Nicci Welsh and Huub Eysink, Mio Sota and Didier Lachapelle, Sal McKinzie, AI expert Andi Alleman, and more.
Masterclass Highlights
New to ColorSphere, attendees participated in masterclasses led by many of the industry's best educators, who delivered info that was designed to inspire as well as dispense actionable techniques that participants could bring back and use in their salons immediately.
Spectrum Secrets
Kylie Bussing & Seung-Ki Baek
Stylists explored bold new coloring techniques with Goldwell Elumen, inspired by iconic Italian artistry.
Chroma Chronicles
Ashley Hood & Jessica Price
Participants mastered multidimensional Blonde, Brunette, and Red shades through demos, tips, and customizable formulations.
Check out Goldwell's New Sundipped Collection
Hair Color Exposed
Sal McKinzie
Attendees learned the "why" behind color choices, products, and solutions for everyday salon challenges.
Trends Translation
Marianne Jensen & Gianluca Spagnuolo
Stylists previewed 2026 trends in color, style, fashion and makeup to elevate their artistry and stay ahead.
Oribe X Goldwell
Nicci Welsh & Huub Eysink
Participants learned how to translate editorial techniques into the salon and stage them for photoshoots.
The Finish Line
Mio Sota & Didier Lachapelle
Participants elevated their styling, learning to create distinct hair fabrics using Goldwell finishing products.
AI-Powered Creativity
Andie Alleman
Attendees discovered how AI could enhance artistry, client engagement and salon innovation without replacing the human touch.
The Global Creative Awards Winners 2025
The event culminated with an unforgettable Milan-style runway show to celebrate the winners of this year's Global Creative Awards, Goldwell's thrilling color competition and a celebration of talents from around the world competing live and showcasing their most trendsetting work.
Goldwell is happy to announce the winners of the Global Creative Awards 2025 in the Technical and Editorial categories:
Technical Categories
New Talent Colorist of the Year
Designed for stylists with less than five years of experience.
1st GOLD: Marcus Liow, 8 PLUS HAIR STUDIO, Malaysia
2nd SILVER: Vincenzo Cascio, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
3rd BRONZE: Eve Chen, OHHO hair salon, Taiwan
Creative Colorist of the Year
Open to all stylists with the passion and drive to compete in the world of color.
1st GOLD: Svetlana Jouini, Studio S.Style, Norway
2nd SILVER: Rita Weng, OHHO hair salon, Taiwan
3rd BRONZE: Demelza Button, Sfumato Hair, Australia
Creative Haircutter of the Year
Precision cutting competition for all passionate haircutters.
1st GOLD: Alex Tant, The Upper Hand Salon, USA
2nd SILVER: Fiona Machaz, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
3rd BRONZE: Emma Jones, New Wave Hair, UK
Editorial Categories
Men's Hairstylist of the Year
Mastery and expertise in men's styling, barbering and grooming.
1st GOLD: Fiona Machaz, MD Hair Atelier, Switzerland
2nd SILVER: Benson Ku, N.BORN, Taiwan
3rd BRONZE: Mira Pitkänen, Hiusstudio Art, Finland
Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year
Pure unbridled creativity. Pushing the boundaries of conventional hairstyling.
1st GOLD: Heng Meng Hui, Decrypt Hairdressing, Malaysia
2nd SILVER: Zoe O'Day, The Upper Hand, United States
3rd BRONZE: Carlos Alvarez, Trademark Salon, United States
Looking Ahead
ColorSphere 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary—a joyful celebration of artistry, learning and community that left the Goldwell global color family buzzing with inspiration. From first-ever masterclasses to the thrill of the Global Creative Awards, every moment reminded us of the power and passion of our craft. And the celebration doesn't stop here—ColorSphere returns in 2026, so be on the lookout for the announcement and start planning your entry now!
Gilad Goldstein and Justin Toves-Vincilione Join Ulta Beauty Pro Team
Promotions highlight Ulta's ongoing commitment to fostering top talent and career growth
Gilad Goldstein
@myguiltycrown
Redken Partner
Justin Toves-Vincilione
@ahappyjustin
Moroccanoil Partner
Big news in the world of hair! Ulta Beauty today announced that Gilad Goldstein (@myguiltycrown) and Justin Toves-Vincilione (@ahappyjustin) have been named to the Ulta Beauty Pro Team.
Members of the Ulta Design Team since 2018, as Pro Team Members Gilad and Justin join an exclusive group of top artists who educate and inspire stylists on behalf of Ulta Beauty. Additionally, Gilad will represent essential backbar partner Redken and Justin will represent Moroccanoil, a newly announced Ulta Beauty backbar and brand partner.
Gilad Goldstein: A Journey Fueled by Education and Growth
Gilad started his career at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in Harrisburg, PA, in 2014, later relocating to Ulta Beauty NYC. "My journey with Ulta began when I was about 19 years old," he says. "It was my first step away from the salon I assisted at through high school. At the time, I wanted a salon with strong foot traffic so I could grow my clientele. The Salon at Ulta Beauty was the perfect fit."
Ulta Beauty has opened the doors to traveling, showcasing my work on stage, collaborating on photo shoots and introducing me to lifelong friends in the industry.
—Gilad Goldstein
Gilad auditioned for and joined the Design Team in 2014 in order to help achieve his dreams. "I had always envisioned traveling, showcasing my work on stage, and collaborating on creative photo shoots," he says. "Not only did the Ulta Beauty Design Team open those doors, but it also introduced me to lifelong friends and collaborators in the industry."
"I look forward to continue partnering with Ulta Beauty to create education that helps up-skill our stylists and give them fresh ideas to share with their guests," continues Gilad. "I'm also thrilled to begin a new partnership with Redken and connect with a legacy community of education icons. I can't wait to learn from them and continue developing my own skills through this collaboration."
Models, clients, peers—everyone has something to teach. Listen more than you speak and stay curious, and you'll continue growing both as an artist and a person.
—Gilad Goldstein
Justin Toves-Vincilione: Confidence, Growth and Paying it Forward
Justin began his Ulta Beauty journey in Roseville, CA, in 2014, and joined the Design Team in 2018. "I chose to work at Ulta Beauty because of the company's ability to support me as a stylist," he explains. "I started the day after earning my license and stayed because I consistently grew—financially and artistically—year in and year out."
I chose to work at Ulta Beauty because of their ability to support me, and I stayed because I consistently grew—financially and artistically—year in and year out.
—Justin Toves-Vincilione
Justin attributes his success to confidence, and is eager to help other hairdressers achieve confidence as well. "It takes a lot of nerve to step up and say, 'I've got something to show you,'" he relates. "I look forward to doing the exact same thing for hairstylists who may need some help believing in themselves. My plan is to lead with unfiltered education, ego-less mentorship and an authentic approach to helping others rise to what it means to be a hairstylist in today's world."
I look forward to reshaping what it means to be a mentor and a source of lasting change for others. My plan is to lead with unfiltered education, ego-less mentorship and an authentic approach to helping others.
—Justin Toves-Vincilione
Ulta Offers a Path of Growth and Achievement
"We're incredibly proud of Justin and Gilad as they continue to grow and inspire," says Megan Murray, VP of Events and In-Store Experience at Ulta Beauty. "Their journey reflects the empowering culture we strive to build, where every associate can dream big and achieve more."
Oftentimes, new hairdressers struggle to get good mentorship and on-the-job training. Ulta hopes that Justin and Gilad, as well as the company's many opportunities, help bridge that gap. "If someone is just starting in this industry, they can now look up to the icons on the Ulta Beauty Pro Team and see a clearly defined path of how to get there," Megan explains. "Justin and Gilad started as unseasoned stylists, worked hard and progressed beautifully through their careers at Ulta Beauty. From building a clientele, to auditioning to earn a spot on the Design Team, to becoming a mentor, they have taken full advantage of every opportunity Ulta Beauty provides to learn, lend expertise and be creative."
As members of the Pro Team, Gilad and Justin can relate to and speak about careers at Ulta Beauty from their own successfully lived experience, says Murray. "They've grown with Ulta Beauty and now Ulta Beauty is growing with them."
To learn more about the many opportunities available at Ulta Beauty, visit
careers.ulta.com
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Paris Hilton Named Paul Mitchell Global Ambassador
HB Fest 2025 Palm Springs Event
Paris Hilton x Paul Mitchell: A Glamorous New Chapter
Paris Hilton Named Paul Mitchell Global Ambassador
The entrepreneur, global icon and philanthropist joins forces with Paul Mitchell to inspire the next generation of beauty.
August 25, 2025
We'll always have Paris! Paul Mitchell is proud to announce Paris Hilton as its new Global Ambassador. The partnership kicks off August 25, 2025, with an unapologetically glam, multichannel campaign that spans digital, social and in-store activations. The Paul Mitchell x Paris Hilton campaign is a bold celebration of beauty, confidence and reinvention—from glossy packaging upgrades to must-have product innovations. What's more, Paris' head-turning looks are created by celebrity hairstylist and Paul Mitchell School alum Sienree Du, who offers exclusive behind-the-scenes content and expert styling tips to give fans VIP access to Paris' glam routine.
Shot through Paris' signature lens of luxe-meets-playful, the campaign features the heiress with flawless hair in unexpected, instantly iconic locations, from tennis courts to gas stations (that's hot!). A dedicated Paris Hilton display will roll out at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide, spotlighting the Paul Mitchell essentials used to achieve each of her signature looks. Beauty lovers can expect dazzling visuals, step-by-step tutorials, and surprise content drops across digital platforms, social media and live appearances.
Beauty with Purpose
In addition to slaying the style game, this partnership is rooted in purpose. Paul Mitchell and Paris Hilton are proud to support the LA Wildfire Relief Fund, aiding victims of the devastating Southern California fires earlier this year. With a shared passion for philanthropy, both brands are committed to using their platforms for impact, proving that real beauty goes deeper than great hair.
"Paris Hilton has been setting trends and breaking boundaries for decades. Her passion for beauty, authenticity and giving back aligns perfectly with our values. We're excited to partner with an icon who not only defines style but also champions purpose."
— Michaeline DeJoria, CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems
Celebrating the Artistry
At the heart of the campaign is a tribute to professional hairstylists who are the visionaries behind every great transformation. Through the newly launched XO Your Pro initiative, Paul Mitchell celebrates the artistry and human connection that happens behind the chair. Sienree Du, who styled every campaign look, brings her talent and perspective to the forefront, sharing her journey from Paul Mitchell School graduate to sought-after celebrity stylist.
"I've used Paul Mitchell products throughout the years and their products leave you feeling empowered and glamorous. This campaign is all about giving back to causes that are close to my heart, celebrating confidence and having fun with your look! I'm so excited for fans to see all the incredible moments we've created together!"
— Paris Hilton
A Legacy of Innovation
With this partnership, Paul Mitchell and Paris Hilton bring together decades of legacy and innovation, proving that timeless glamor and fearless reinvention never go out of style.
Introducing Goldwell's SunDipped Color Collection
A range of luminous hues for glowing hair color all year round
For some, it's about maintaining a year-round glow. For others, it is all about quiet luxury. Within its "Unique Colors, Unique You" initiative, Goldwell proudly unveils its SunDipped Color Collection, a symphony of light and shadow, creating soft and luminous hues that highlight natural beauty. The collection enables color-loving stylists around the world to fulfill their client's wish for a personalized glow-up, creating long lasting, light-infused styles tailored for every client.
SunDipped Color: A Symphony of Light and Shadow
The SunDipped Collection was inspired by the brand's seasonal trend "Nocturnal Glam", which revolutionizes neutrals and classic tones, infusing them with jewel-like opulence and an intense depth of saturation.
Alongside the beloved Topchic and Topchic Zero hero shades, the SunDipped Color Collection includes eight stunning new shades:
9NP Topchic
6NP Topchic
7NP Topchic
8GN Topchic Zero
10GN Topchic Zero
9KN Topchic Zero
7KN Topchic Zero
6GN Topchic Zero
Designed to mimic the interplay of light and shadow, the palette ranges from warm golden hues to cool, pearlescent naturals, offering stylists an array of options to craft effortlessly refined, low-maintenance styles.
The Looks
These are looks that both stylists and salon clients will fall in love with, created with Goldwell's SunDipped Color Collection using Glow Framing. Glow Framing is a technique to enhance the clients' natural beauty by adding luminous highlights around the face and crown.
01
Copper Glow
Model: Jamu
A radiant and fiery look that blends rich copper tones with warm highlights to create depth, dimension, and a luminous finish. An exciting blend of red, orange, and brown tones with a reflective finish that mimics the richness of bronze.
Warm Tones
Rich Copper
Bronze Finish
02
Moonstone Glow
Model: Jasmijn
A captivating look inspired by the iridescent shimmer of moonstones, combining soft pastel hues with radiant shine. Loose waves or sleek straight hair with a high-gloss finish to mimic the stone's reflective surface. The iridescent glow mimics the natural shine of pearls, creating a sophisticated and luminous effect.
Iridescent
Pearl Finish
Soft Pastels
03
Dawn Glow
Model: Line
Dawn Glow accentuates the natural features of the face with micro-weave highlights on the hairline and stretched highlights throughout the rest of the head. A balance between a warm blonde and a hint of pearlescent undertones, creating a luminous, fresh, and ethereal effect.
Warm Blonde
Pearlescent
Micro-Weave
04
Sunrise Glow
Model: Molly
Sunrise Glow is a warm, vibrant blonde color featuring rich golden undertones. Typically, a medium to light blonde shade that can range from soft, honey-toned blondes to more intense, buttery golds. For a warm, bright, and glowing effect.
Golden Blonde
Buttery Tones
Vibrant Finish
"At Goldwell, we believe that hair color is more than just a style -- it is a journey of self-expression. Our latest SunDipped Color Collection brings this belief to life by equipping stylists with the tools to create personalized, luminous looks that their clients will fall in love with and that will enhance their natural beauty."
— Bettina Schupp, Vice President Brand Development Salon Global
Goldwell's Color Portfolio: The Foundation of Excellence
The SunDipped Color Collection is complemented by Goldwell's iconic portfolio of hair color:
✨
Topchic & Topchic Zero
Offering best-in-class performance for vibrant, natural results
💎
System @Pure Pigments
Enhancing shades with multidimensional, high-definition brilliance
Making the SunDipped Look Last
Goldwell is committed to achieving salon excellence and enhancing at-home care, which is central to every campaign. The high-performance Dualsenses haircare products ensure that the unique SunDipped looks remain vibrant and intense over time.
StyleSign serves as the perfect styling complement to Goldwell's color and care products. It is safe for color-treated hair, allowing clients to effortlessly achieve visible, touchable, and long-lasting styling results. With both product ranges, salon clients can easily maintain their unique SunDipped look at home, extending the beauty of their salon transformation into everyday life.
Discover Your Perfect SunDipped Look
Explore the artistry of Goldwell's SunDipped Color Collection and follow the journey on social media
#SundippedColor
#UniqueColors
#MyUniqueColor
4 Essential Ways to Become a Better Hair Colorist
Whether you're new to the industry or remember when everyone wanted Kelly Clarkson's chunky highlights,
becoming even more adept at hair coloring is a must. Not only is color one of the biggest moneymakers
in the salon, but when applied expertly, it builds client retention and loyalty.
1
Continuous learning (and relearning)
If there's one thing to be said about the hair industry, it's that it's continually evolving.
That means you need to evolve too. Be sure to seek out top educators who can help
you break out of creative ruts and stay relevant.
In fact, Hb Fest has more than 30 top-tier educators
you can learn from! Learn cut, color, extensions, style and more—all at the gorgeous JW Marriott
in Palm Desert, September 13-15, 2025. Just sayin'!
2
Learn the Whys behind the formulas
Move beyond copying or memorizing formulas and foil placement. Understanding the science behind color
will help you customize, troubleshoot and elevate your results and reputation.
Foiling Masterclass with Tabitha Dueñas
: Learn when—and why—to use vertical, diagonal, horizontal placement.
Color Correction with Confidence with Cassandra McGlaughlin
: Advanced color theory, chemistry and technique.
3
Master the art of the consultation
Whether your client is a ride-or-die or brand-new, asking, "So what are we going to do today?" is NOT a consultation!
Find out the hair's chemical history, including relaxers, keratin treatments, past color—clients may not
understand that rinse they put on their hair was color, but bleach don't lie.
Review inspo images together. Ask your client to describe—in detail—what they like or dislike about
their inspo photos. These tactics will help you manage expectations and effectively communicate costs.
4
Document and reflect on your work
Consider starting a formula journal or digital portfolio. By taking notes and photos of what worked
(and what didn't), every client becomes a learning opportunity.
Over time, patterns will emerge, and your ability to make smarter, better and faster decisions will grow.
Ready to Master Your Craft?
Discover world-class education and take your skills to the next level
Explore Education
This Is Why You Forget Everything
Master the art of retention and transform your hairdressing education
Have you ever binge-watched a series, only to find that a week later you can't remember details or plot points? This phenomenon of forgetting info over time is known as the "forgetting curve." In fact, studies show that when there's no attempt to retain information, we forget an average of 90% of what we learned within the first seven days! So what's a knowledge-hungry craft hairdresser like you to do?
Master hairdresser Gerard demonstrating precision techniques
Four Ways to Beat the Forgetting Curve
1
Learn in Spurts
Since the biggest drop in memory happens almost immediately after learning—within an hour, you could forget up to half of what you just studied!—breaking up courses into smaller chunks and reviewing what you learned after each segment will improve memory retention.
2
Space Out Learning Times
Longer gaps in between learning sessions can further help increase memory, especially if you recall what you've learned previously before moving onto the next session.
3
Be Interactive
By printing out headsheets, taking notes and following along on a mannequin, you will be actively engaged and more apt to retain information for longer.
4
Try Interleaving
Interleaving, or mixing up different concepts while you're learning rather than focusing on one topic at a time, can help improve your ability to tell different concepts apart and make them easier to recall.So, for example, if you're focusing on how to cut a bob →, switch it up and throw in a course on how to style curly hair →.
Start Your Learning Journey Today
Be sure to check out the wide range of online courses on the
Hairbrained Live Academy →
And if you want free education (and let's face it, who doesn't?!), then be sure to sign up for
FLOW →
our Free Lesson of the Week! Save hundreds of dollars a year while getting tons of top-notch education!
Vagaro Launches Textured Hair Badge to Help Stylists Showcase Curl Expertise
The new feature allows clients to more quickly and easily locate salons and stylists who specialize in textured hair services.
NEW FEATURE
Although the beauty industry has made meaningful strides toward inclusivity—especially in textured hair—it can still be challenging for clients to find hairdressers who are trained and confident in providing textured hair services. That's why Vagaro is proud to announce their recently introduced "Textured Hair" business-type badge, which allows salons and independent pros to easily advertise their expertise in caring for coils, curls and waves.
"The ability to easily signal textured hair expertise helps clients—especially those in the Black community—feel seen."
— Charity Hudnall, CMO, Vagaro
From straight to stunning curls—this client's joy underscores the transformational power of stylists like Mona Baltazar of The Mona Cut, who specialize in textured hair. Thanks to Vagaro's new badge, finding these professionals is easier than ever.
Photo courtesy of The Mona Cut
The new badge from Vagaro, the leading software for beauty businesses, can be toggled on within a business profile, helping clients quickly identify stylists who are trained and confident in working with textured hair.
"Hair is deeply personal, and textured hair requires specialized knowledge," says Charity Hudnall, CMO at Vagaro. "The ability to easily signal that expertise helps clients—especially those in the Black community—feel seen, while also helping to elevate industry standards."
Textured hair is varied and requires specialized knowledge, says Charity Hudnall.
Photo courtesy of The Mona Cut
This effort builds upon Vagaro's recent activation in the UK at HairCon. During the trade show, a dedicated mainstage showcase with Project Afro and a braiding bar in partnership with Braids Gang highlighted the artistry and expertise of textured hair professionals, bringing visibility to both stylists and consumers.
This also comes as an increasing number of states are passing new legislation requiring cosmetology schools to teach textured hair education. Several states, including Washington, Vermont, Maine, California, Minnesota, Connecticut, Louisiana and New York, now officially require beauty schools to train across all hair types.
As more recognize textured hair education as a professional necessity rather than an optional skill, tools like this badge reflect an important factor in what quality hair care truly means: inclusion, education and accessibility.
Ready to Showcase Your Expertise?
Join the movement toward inclusive beauty standards.
Activate Your Textured Hair Badge