HairCon wrapped an unforgettable 2026 edition after welcoming more than 11,600 hair and barbering professionals to Manchester’s iconic O2 Victoria Warehouse.
Published:From the invitation-only Opening Night on Saturday June 13 to two action-packed exhibition days the following Sunday and Monday, HairCon, powered by Fresha, once again proved it is far more than a traditional trade show – delivering a true festival experience for the professional hair community.
Across the weekend, visitors immersed themselves in world-class stage shows, hands-on education, live demos, thought-provoking discussions, product launches, social media sessions, podcasts, networking and unforgettable entertainment, with the venue coming alive long into the evening.
“We are incredibly proud to have welcomed over 11,600 guests across the weekend,” says Michael Dynan, Co-founder of HairCon. “More importantly, it was fantastic to see people fully embracing the experience. Visitors stayed all day, planned their schedules, moved from stage to stage discovering something new and became part of the community.
“With many brands reporting record sales and people staying late into the evening, the atmosphere was electric. Thank you to every guest, artist, brand and partner who helped make HairCon such a success.”
That sense of community was evident throughout the venue as visitors rubbed shoulders with industry icons, leading educators, salon owners, barbers, founders and emerging talent. Avant-garde models, live performances and creative showcases ensured inspiration was around every corner.
“HairCon is rapidly becoming the best trade show in the world,” said Errol Douglas MBE
Across every stage, internationally respected artists and educators shared their creativity, expertise and inspiration, including James Earnshaw, Richard Ashforth, Josh Lamonaca and the MENSPIRE team, Charlie Le Mindu, Giuseppe Stelitano, Suzie McGill, Darren and Jackie Ambrose, Jack Howard, Adam Reed, Tom Connell, Nick Irwin and many others.
Credit Snelsky
Credit Mauro Carraro
Credit Mauro Carraro
Credit Mauro Carraro
Credit Snelsky
The Main Stage delivered spectacular productions celebrating cutting, colour, barbering and avant-garde artistry. Opening Night featured the emotional Trevor Sorbie: Celebrating a Creative Legacy, culminating in The Final Curtain – the final creative vision Trevor had begun before his passing, brought to life by members of the Trevor Sorbie Creative Team.
Elsewhere, HairCon Unplugged offered intimate technical education, while the Social Stage explored leadership, profitability, social media, legislation and sustainability. New additions for 2026 included the Social Studio, in association with the NHBF, providing practical content creation advice, alongside Ask the Expert sessions covering tax, employment, apprenticeships and insurance.
Podcast Live gave visitors the opportunity to experience industry podcasts being recorded in front of a live audience, while a dedicated wellness area offered a welcome space to recharge between shows.
Throughout the exhibition floor, immersive brand activations, live demonstrations, education and product launches gave visitors plenty to discover before HairCon After Dark transformed the venue into a buzzing celebration with DJs and a packed dancefloor.
“HairCon was inspired by the festivals we love attending ourselves. We wanted to create an event where people plan their weekend, run between stages because there’s so much they want to see and experience it all together. That’s exactly what happened.”
With more than 70% of exhibitors already rebooked and new brands preparing to join, HairCon is set to return even bigger in 2027.
HairCon powered by Fresha returns from June 12 to 14, 2027.
