Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- BeautyCouncil (formerly the Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia) | Around for nearly 75 years, the BeautyCouncil oversees the growth and development of training, certification, advocacy and events for Western Canada's beauty professionals. Check out their News section for the latest industry news and regulations.
- Allied Beauty Association | The ABA acts to represent all Canadian beauty professionals and raise the standards of the beauty industry through speaking on members’ behalf about government regulatory changes and through education and advocacy. Check out their educational initiatives and events, including the #ABABarberChallenge.
- The Beauty Council Canada | The Beauty Council’s mission is to raise and maintain the educational standards for the Canadian beauty industry, educate consumers and professionals on cosmetic ingredients, and increase the safety of both consumers and professionals. Check out their list of approved beauty education institutes.
International Associations
- Intercoiffure America & Canada | The North American chapter of this international beauty association brings together salon owners of high moral and ethical character. It strives for excellence in the beauty and hair salon industry. Check out ICA events showing off work in the industry, including the Spring Gathering and Fall Atelier.
- Professional Beauty Association | This US-based beauty association represents workers from across the entire spectrum of the beauty industry, including stylists, makeup artists, salons, spas, freelancers, manufacturers and distributors, and more.Much of the research is at discounted cost for members. Check out their Education Library for online classes from industry professionals.
- Associated Hair Professionals | Offering memberships to professional hairstylists and barbers, AHP provides a knowledgeable community, education, and business planning support. Their membership includes access to small business planning tools, marketing toolkits, career toolkits, and more.
- American Barber Association | The ABA aims to be the “leading source of information, education, support, connection, recognition and advocacy for our members and the barber industry.” Check out their business development tools, including financing, insurance, and web page development.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Canadian Pro Beauty Magazine | Formerly “Canadian Hairdresser Magazine, Canadian Pro Beauty publishes passionate stories and inspiring images of work from around the entire beauty industry, and includes segments on Beauty & Spa, Nails, and Men’s Hairdressing and Beauty Trends in each issue.
- Salon Magazine Canada | Salon Magazine covers several different industry sectors of interest to professionals, including hairdressing trends & professional beauty news including updates, nail how to's, job postings & more. It is published 8 times per year and many pieces are available online.
- Modern Salon | Published 5-6 times a year, Modern Salon “provides salon professionals with how-to education, creative inspiration and validation of their work and passion.” Free to read online, though you can also subscribe to the print issues.
- Nails Magazine | This magazine, devoted to nail beauty professionals, discusses trends, gear, and business and finance topics. Published 13 times per year.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
- Barbers Profile
- Nail Technicians Profile
- Personal Care Products
- Cosmetology
- Personal Care and Services Jobs
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
Confessions of a Hair Stylist | This blog follows Jenny Strebe, who has been doing hair for over 20 years, taught at Toni & Guy, and established her own high-quality hair product line. She offers advice on business, trends, hairstyles, and everything in between.
Mane Addicts | Founded by Jen Atkin, Mane Addicts is the voice of the digital hair community. Blog posts profile industry professionals, spotlight the latest tools, and deliver how-to videos and cutting edge education, all in a cool, modern tone.
The Beauty Department | This blog, laid out in an eye-catching Instagram-tile style, features blog posts and tutorials on hair, makeup, nails, and skin.
Beauty Talk | The blog associated with online salon product Salon Services, this blog has advice on becoming a hair stylist, beautician, or esthetician, as well as advice on beauty and salon products.
Podcasts
Thriving Stylist Podcast | Britt Seva, a hairstylist turned social media manager and marketing manager for hairstylists, chats with successful hairstylists about strategic marketing, building a salon business, pay structures, and the realities of the industry.
The Beauty Business Podcast | Adam Chatterley of Beauty Business Secrets brings his knowledge of the hair and beauty salon to listeners who want to know the secrets to growing their independent salons by mastering salons, growing client lists, and more.
Beyond the Technique Podcast | Kati Whitledge’s titular mission is to go beyond the techniques of styling hair to the practical and pragmatic realities of marketing and running a salon. Industry professionals share their thoughts with Whitledge and listeners on consistent growth and success.
Salon Secrets | Industry news from seasoned professionals, in bite-size chunks for the busy professional on the go. Interviews feature industry professionals as well as influencers in the hair, beauty, and nail space.
The Beauty Edit | Award winning beauty salon owners, Amanda and Shelby, sit down and chat with inspirational guests and industry leaders from the nail community and beauty industry.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.