The International Beauty Show is back and heading to Las Vegas from June 15-17. Get ready for the country’s fastest growing beauty show, boasting 350 exhibitors, two new pavilions and countless opportunities to network and learn from the best in the industry.
In anticipation of the three-day event, we spoke to some of the educators presenting on the Main Stage and teaching a variety of classes classes ranging from cutting techniques to coloring, wellness and more. Featured here is Nicholas French, a seasoned IBS educator and expert in hairstyling. He’ll be headlining on the Main Stage on Monday and teaching two technique-based classes on both Saturday and Sunday.
How would you explain your class at IBS without spoiling the surprise?
It’s the pathway to being a successful hairdresser. It’s all about passion, attitude and technique.
What can attendees expect to take away from your mainstage presentation?
On the main stage, I’ll be doing a segment called 'Future Rising Stars.' I’ve found a group of really great hairdressers that come from all different parts of the industry—colorists, stylists, barbers, etcetera. They’re all young people either coming up through school or fresh out of school. The purpose of the segment is simply to promote and learn from a bunch of young artists that are doing great things.
What’s been your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moment thus far is winning four Avant Garde North American Hairstyling Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s sort of the pinnacle of what one does, you know?
Who are your beauty influences/icons?
I watched Vidal Sassoon as a young boy, but my father probably had the biggest influence on what I do with styling. He was incredibly creative with his styles. I keep archives of all of his photoshoots and covers he did throughout the years.
What’s something people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m a fanatical tennis player—I’ve got my own clay tennis court out here in The Hamptons. I just got my hip replaced and the weather is warming up, so I’m finally able to run around again.