Fresha, a leader in beauty booking platforms, proudly returns as Mega Sponsor for HAIRFEST, showcasing global barbering talent this October.

The Pike HairFest   Sunday, September 6, 2026 ∣ Gates 11AM / Show 12PM   Upgrades: Reserved Parking ∣ Pre-Show Cruise ∣ Slater's Concert Club   Lineup: Ozzmosis (Ozzy Osbourne tribute) Van Hagar (Van ...

Thousands of barbers, hairstylists and industry pros gathered at The Theatre at Great Canadian Resort Toronto on June 28, 2026, for a full-day of look-and-learn education from more than 40 international influencers and educators. The event also featured more than 100 vendors, along with stage presentations, barbering competitions and more. Presented by Iconic Men Grooming Co. and powered by Fresha, the event took place at The Theatre at Great Canadian Resort Toronto in Etobicoke, Ont., bringing together more than 40 international influencers and educators, more than 130 vendors, educational presentations, barbering competitions and private classes. Presented by Iconic Men Grooming Co. and powered by Fresha, the event was hosted by barber and educator Byrd Mena. Iconic Men Grooming Co. owner Rob Singh welcomed and thanked attendees for their support for the day dedicated to education, competition and community. Celebrity barber, influencer and educator Jay Majors encouraged attendees to make the most of every opportunity, emphasizing the importance of being present and taking action in the moment. “Today is now. Today you’re here. Talk to that person next to you. Get their Instagram. Find out who’s a salon owner. Talk to a distributor,” he shared, encouraging attendees to connect with others and take advantage of the opportunities available at the event. As the event’s headlining sponsor, Fresha also took to the stage to share the story behind its platform and its mission to connect service providers with clients. Peter Gosling, owner of Glassbox Barbershop, also discussed how Fresha has helped his business, particularly when it comes to monitoring product consumption and inventory. Throughout the day, education took place across the event floor, including a full schedule at the BaBylissPRO Canada booth, while more than 130 vendors showcased products, tools and innovations for the professional barbering industry. On the main stage, Josh Hawkins and Brandi Lashay kicked off the educational lineup with insights on technique, consultations and building confidence in the shop. Hawkins emphasized the importance of making sure the barber and client are aligned before completing a haircut. Rather than waiting until the end to reveal the finished look, he demonstrated how checking in with the client after completing one side can help ensure everyone is on the same page. Lashay shared advice for newer barbers looking to build confidence and create opportunities in the shop, recommending that they start by mastering the perimeter and creating a clean foundation before moving into the rest of the haircut. Sam Rascal and Alexi Michaels followed with demonstrations focused on longer haircutting techniques, while Alan Beak later took the stage to demonstrate how razor work can be used to create a textured “warrior” men’s cut with an emphasis on fringe and movement. Josh LaMonaca of MENSPIRE Academy debuted his latest collection, showcasing high-fashion cuts across a range of hair types and textures. Yahia Jaber, also known as Mr Official, shared beard-trimming techniques and tips for determining the most suitable beard shape and length based on a client’s face shape. Carlos Estrella, known professionally as Los Cut It, closed out the education lineup with techniques for speeding up a haircut without sacrificing quality. Business and leadership were also major themes throughout the day. From the Tomb45 team, Nathan Galan shared advice on finding the right location for a barbershop, while Chris Bossio discussed the difference between mentorship and management. At STMNT Grooming Goods booth, attendees had the opportunity learn more about techniques for making a tapered fade stand out from educators including Scott Ramos, and connect with STMNT co-founder Julius Caesar. Among the attendees was Henkel’s curriculum manager Megan Nevins, creative manager Michelle Oliver, and Amanda Belasco, head of brand strategy and integrated marketing. At the barbering stage, barber battles brought another layer of competition and energy to the event as barbers and shop owners gathered to watch artists put their skills to the test. From technical cutting and fading to business, mentorship and social media, the event offered attendees a full day of opportunities to sharpen their skills, connect with industry leaders and find inspiration for their work in the salon and barbershop. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ontario-based distributor CanRad Beauty held its annual HairFest event on May 4, 2026. Held at the Red Rose Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ont., the full-day event was hosted by master of ceremonies, Vanity Affair, and featured educational presentations from CanRad’s top brands and industry leaders including Moroccanoil, Oligo Professionnel, Paul Mitchell, DesignMe, amika, Alcôve, Biotop Professional, Farouk Chi/Biosilk and L’Anza. Among the mainstage artists was celebrity hairstylist Alfredo Lewis, who’s based in Los Angeles and is an omni-channel brand ambassador for Oligo Professionnel. For amika, global education and events specialist Mallory Jones and pro educator Makenzie Savery took the stage with styling demos. Global artist Liza Espinoza and educator Chelsea Macaulay presented editorial-hair demos and curly-hair tips for Biotop Professional. For Moroccanoil, Toronto-based global colour ambassador Lisa Dinh and editorial hair educator Cree Barrocks shared the stage with Montreal-based artistic team member Tania Lecoste-Major and colour pro Genevieve Nillas, who is based in Mississauga, Ont. Natalie Caruso, Liza Lee and Lawrence Sarmenta presented for Montreal-based brand, DesignMe. Additional presenters included Chelsea Shields and Catherine Cournoyer for Paul Mitchell; Julie Dobbin and Kailey Eliuk for Farouk/Chi; and Jessica Doninelli and Tausha Ostrander for L’Anza. Also in attendance were BaBylissPRO, Framar, Kasho, […]

Ontario-based distributor CanRad Beauty held its annual HairFest event on May 4, 2026. Held at the Red Rose Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ont., the full-day event was hosted by master of ceremonies, Vanity Affair, and featured educational presentations from CanRad’s top brands and industry leaders including Moroccanoil, Oligo Professionnel, Paul Mitchell, DesignMe, amika, Alcôve, Biotop Professional, Farouk Chi/Biosilk and L’Anza. Among the mainstage artists was celebrity hairstylist Alfredo Lewis, who’s based in Los Angeles and is an omni-channel brand ambassador for Oligo Professionnel. For amika, global education and events specialist Mallory Jones and pro educator Makenzie Savery took the stage with styling demos. Global artist Liza Espinoza and educator Chelsea Macaulay presented editorial-hair demos and curly-hair tips for Biotop Professional. For Moroccanoil, Toronto-based global colour ambassador Lisa Dinh and editorial hair educator Cree Barrocks shared the stage with Montreal-based artistic team member Tania Lecoste-Major and colour pro Genevieve Nillas, who is based in Mississauga, Ont. Natalie Caruso, Liza Lee and Lawrence Sarmenta presented for Montreal-based brand, DesignMe. Additional presenters included Chelsea Shields and Catherine Cournoyer for Paul Mitchell; Julie Dobbin and Kailey Eliuk for Farouk/Chi; and Jessica Doninelli and Tausha Ostrander for L’Anza. Also in attendance were BaBylissPRO, Framar, Kasho, Curl Keeper, ProAddiction and more, who were exhibit artists with booths for attendees to learn more about the brands and products. Attendees also received access to special deals, a catered lunch and a swag bag worth $250. _Browse a gallery of photos from the event._ * * * * * * * * * * * * _Photos courtesy of CanRad Beauty, Instagram_

Canadian barbers, hairstylists and grooming professionals have the chance to attend one of the country’s biggest barbering events for free. Salon is giving away 10 tickets to Toronto Barber Expo: Hairfest Chapter IV on Instagram. Click here to learn how to enter. Presented by Iconic Men Grooming Co. and powered by BabylissPRO, the fourth annual Toronto Barber Expo: Hairfest Chapter IV will take place on June 28, 2026, at The Theatre at Great Canadian Resort Toronto. The event brings together leading barbers, educators, influencers and brands for a full day of education, artistry and competition. Attendees can expect educational presentations, barbering competitions, private classes and access to more than 120 vendors showcasing the industry’s latest innovation in products, tools and more. Guests can also enjoy the venue’s restaurants, hotel and casino, as well as a cash bar throughout the day. This year’s event will feature more than 40 influencers and educators from around the world, led by an all-star lineup of barbering talent. The event will be hosted by Bryd Mena, with additional artists and educators scheduled to take the stage throughout the day. Featured Educators Josh LaMonaca Co-founder and head educator of MENSPIRE, LaMonaca has trained barbers in more […]

This year, Frank Pupillo is helming four radio-sponsored “Fest” events at Indian Ranch in Webster, beginning June 29 with the the Local CountryFest.