Hightlights from the 2015 Redken Symposium

Cutting-edge techniques and product innovations took center stage at Redken’s biannual educational extravaganza.

More than 10,000 beauty pros from 32 countries gathered at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Hotel in January to witness a legion of top hair talent pull out all the stops at the 2015 Redken Symposium. They called on 657 models, 125 boxes of wardrobe, some 70,000 tubes/bottles of haircolor, 5,500 styling products, and 350 shampoos, conditioners and treatments to take artistry to new heights.

as0415-SB_A_Sam-rev_C2_fmt_1_0.jpegThe event kicked off with an exhilarating Grand Opening featuring a posthumous tribute to Redken founder Paula Kent Meehan before segueing into fashion-forward hair presentations. The following two days, attendees increased their skill-sets with more than 25 learning opportunities led by a roster of acclaimed educators. Offerings ranged from The Color Panel with David Stanko, Tracey Cunningham and other renowned colorists; Philip Barwick, Richard Kavanagh, Jorge Joao and Justin Isaac’s The Trend Report class, which spotlighted the 3-D world of color and design; and Legendary Designs with Sam Villa and Chris Baran. A number of business gurus, including Michael Cole and Peter Mahoney led classes about ways to build a more successful salon.

as0415-SB_A_Brits mode_fmt_0_0.jpeg“This biannual event was an incredible opportunity to have the most creative and powerful professionals working together under one roof to further shape this industry,” said Sheri Doss, vice president of education, Redken and Pureology Education Worldwide. “In June, our industry lost one of its greatest pioneers, Redken co-founder Paula Kent Meehan. As we celebrated our 36th year of Symposium, our goal was to reflect upon how far the salon industry has come since the days of Paula’s Amino Pon Shampoo and, together, prepare for where we are headed.” ✂ —Kelley Donahue >