Recap: PBA Presents ISSE 2016

World-renowned talent and 35,000 beauty professionals were brought together for The Professional Beauty Association’s 2016 International Salon and Spa Expo (ISSE) in Long Beach, California. And, the West Coast show didn’t disappoint with a Hairbrained Teach In, 400 global manufacturers on the show floor, some of social media’s most powerful influencers and sold-out education classes—including a social media panel lead by American Salon’s VP of digital, Gordon Miller. 

Social media is having an undeniable impact on the beauty industry and ISSE brought in the best of the best. American Salon’s social media panel packed the house with some of Instagtam’s most recognizable names: Iris Smith (@glamiris), Nina Kovner (@passionsquared), Lauren Wheeler (@lo_wheelhouse), Andrew Kozak (@andrewdoeshair) and Carlos Ramos (@sugarskulls). Social media superstars Linh Phan (@bescene), Jenny Strebe (@theconfessionsofahairstylist) and Rickey Zito (@hairgod_zito) taught live on stage at the b3 Brazilian Bond Builder booth. Celebrity hairstylist, Ted Gibson, returned to ISSE providing educational classes with his artistic team. The main stage also hosted Chrystofer Benson and Tabatha Coffey styling from their new collection; Lauren Moser, NAHA texture winner in 2015; and two-time NAHA Hairstylist of the Year Winner, Charlie Price.

The Sassoon Academy, led by Traci Sakosits and Mark Hayes, presented on the main stage and stirred up the crowd with live cutting. Both showcased their shear skills while walking everyone through each step.

Hairbrained shook up the main stage when they held their Teach In—where stylists and educators highlighted their skills. The lineup encompassed international talent, showcasing some of the best of French, English and American hairdressing. 

Mark your calendars now, the show will return to Long Beach, CA on January 28-30, 2017.