HairCon powered by Fresha is back — and this year, its Social Stage is bigger, bolder and more unmissable than ever. Partnered by Phenix Salon Suites, the programme puts the spotlight firmly on the future of hair and barbering businesses, bringing together industry leaders, creative icons and rising talent for two days of honest conversation, debate and insight.
Forget predictable panels and polished soundbites. The Social Stage is designed to reflect the realities of modern hairdressing and barbering – live, unfiltered and unapologetically relevant. Covering both the commercial and creative sides of the industry, the programme tackles everything from pricing pressures and burnout to AI, social media and sustainability, with sessions led by the people actively shaping change.
Business realities take centre stage in sessions including The Cost of Staying Busy and Money Talks, where Charlie Collinge, Jamie Brooks and Jayne Lewis-Orr unpack the financial and emotional pressures behind running a successful business. From understanding numbers and pricing properly to apprenticeships and long-term sustainability, these conversations are set to deliver practical insight with no sugar-coating.
As freelance and flexible careers continue to reshape the industry, The Rise of the Independent Stylist explores the growing shift towards self-employment, while Diversify Your Income, Future-Proof Your Business looks at new revenue streams and evolving business models, featuring salon and brand leaders including Jack Mead and Mark Woolley.
The role of digital culture is also firmly under the spotlight. Is Social Media Still Relevant? brings together Rob Wood, Lisa Farrall and Sarah Louise Keane for a fast-paced debate on algorithms, audience growth and digital burnout — cutting through the noise to ask whether social media is still serving the industry, or exhausting it.
Creativity, however, remains at the heart of HairCon. Creative Greats Assemble! unites some of the industry’s most respected artists including Nick Irwin, Errol Douglas MBE, Cos Sakkas, Efi Davies and Sally Brooks, to discuss how they continue to evolve, stay inspired and remain relevant at the top of their game.
Meanwhile, The Making of the Legacy celebrates the enduring influence of Trevor Sorbie MBE, exploring not only his impact on modern hairdressing, but the generations of talent inspired by his work.
The next generation is also stepping into the spotlight, with rising names including Ashleigh Hodges, Chloe Swift and Elle Foreman showcasing the fresh perspectives shaping the future of the industry.
Community and collaboration remain key themes throughout the programme. The Power of Community, presented by Fresha alongside Rascals Education founders Sam Rascals and Cal Christie, explores how shared knowledge and collective support are helping businesses grow and evolve.
Elsewhere, Inside Out: Supporting Clients from Hair Health to Self-Esteem, presented by Glowwa, examines the relationship between hair, confidence and wellbeing, with contributions from Sarah Louise Keane, Alan Beak and Ed Mascarenhas da Silva.
As technology continues to influence the sector, AI Can’t Replace Us tackles one of the industry’s biggest conversations. Contributors including Chris Foster and Fergal Doyle will explore how AI can support creativity and business growth, while reinforcing why human connection, craft and creativity remain irreplaceable.
The programme also addresses the industry’s ongoing responsibility to drive meaningful change. Textured Hair: The Education Gap brings together Rio Agor-Watts, Patricia Davis, Claire Martin and Tariq Howes to discuss the urgent need for more inclusive education and representation across hairdressing.
Meanwhile, 1948 to 9621: A New Future for Barbering, presented by new barbering title FADED, explores the evolving standards shaping the next generation of barbers, featuring master barbers including Josh Lamonaca and Dean Gleeson.
Global brands are joining the conversation too. The Brand Builders lifts the lid on the thinking behind some of the industry’s most recognisable names, exploring the risks, decisions and innovation involved in building standout businesses.
Creative HEAD and ghd also present The It List – Tomorrow’s Talent Finder, alongside the NHBF Top Hair Influencers, celebrating the next wave of talent set to shape the future of hair.
Discover the full Social Stage line-up at HairCon.co.uk — with even more announcements still to come.
