SA’s Own Grant Harper Reports Back on Salon International 2025, London

Salon International 2025: The Hairdressing & Beauty Event of the Year

Grant Harper Gives Us the Latest on Three Sensational Days of Hair & Beauty

The ExCeL London, Oct 11-13 was the place to be for 2025’s Salon International: where trendsetting artistry met business-boosting education, with a prime opportunity for all stylists, barbers, brands, buyers, salon owners, exhibitors, and learners to elevate their expertise, identify the next major industry shift, and connect with the leaders who are defining the future of hair.

It was not only a chance to explore the latest trends, techniques, and products in the hairdressing and hair design industry, but featured Salon International’s legendary live education stages, opportunities to network with industry professionals, and explore the latest innovations from both established and new brands.

Our own SA stylist Grant Harper was thrilled to attend this fantastic London event:

It was with a great sense of adventure that I headed off to London eagerly to see the latest hair trends at Salon International. This year it ran concurrently with an amazing British Beauty Council Exhibition which drew a huge crowd and created an enormous sense of energy and dynamic excitement.

After arriving at the venue early on Saturday morning, I set off to familiarise myself with the many vendors, food halls and presentation stages, the actual competition area, the Wahl's Men Stage, Morden Barber Stage, Vidal Sassoon, Denman, YS Park (best quality combs)…the list seemed endless! There was an enormous variety of scissors and hardware on display with the most exclusivity pair of sheers priced at GBP 10 00!

After checking out the programme of events of the day, I headed to the Wahl Men’s stage to watch the European Barber of the year finals.

It was a fine display of craftmanship with men’s hair, entered by both men and woman barber finalist. There’s strong move towards gender neutrality in all aspects of hairdressing which I find refreshing. Vidal Sassoon launched their new ABC educational platform as well as with gender neutrality techniques.

Later on that day I found myself at the Hairdressers Journal Stage in time to see the “Mood” team presentation and that of “Blue Tit”. I also enjoy the many textured hair specialists and Afro hair experts coming into and being recognised at the event.

On Sunday I returned to the venue and back to Wahl stage to see what was on offer - the young and dynamic team have so much to offer and are passionate about the industry.

In the afternoon, I attended the Sassoon Master at the sold-out venue upstairs, where the entire creative team demonstrated their current collection, influence and techniques live on stage.

Afterwards I hurried back to the main stage to see HOB presentation with Akin Konizi and the team, and was able to catch up with him at the press office for a quick catchup and a close-up view of the models. It was an educational opportunity I am so thrilled to have had.

On my return to S.A, I headed straight back into my Salon to execute the new ideas that I had seen. I can’t wait to return to Salon International 2026!