The skin care industry is in the midst of a busy summer. Some of the latest industry news includes new franchisees for Woodhouse Spas and new partnerships for Face Haus, Alpha Aesthetics Partners and Holden Timeless Beauty.
Related: Regulation Update: Estheticians Cited for Practicing Medicine
1. Face Haus Partners with Perfect Corp. to Offer AI Skin Analysis Technology
Face Haus now offers all guests its SKIN IQ analysis at facial bar locations. The experience is powered by Perfect Corp.’s AI Skin Analysis technology which was developed to capture precise details about each guest’s personalized skin care needs. The new data-driven SKIN IQ analysis enhances facial bar visitors’ consultation experiences by offering guests greater insights into their skin and helps determine the best facial and at-home product solutions
The advanced AI technology provides users with a comprehensive skin assessment in seconds, identifying key skin concerns such as redness, oiliness, pores, moisture, wrinkles, acne, texture and dark spots. This data helps Face Haus estheticians determine the best facial for each guest’s skin type, as well as helping to determine the best products to care for their skin at home.
The quick-acting technology can provide results on par with medical professionals, 20x faster than traditional hardware devices commonly used in medical spas. Face Haus estheticians will then combine these insights with their expertise to provide personalized recommendations for skin services and products— leading to a heightened overall guest experience and the best results possible for their skin.
2. Sola Salons Brings Together Largest Community of Independent Beauty Professionals at Flagship Event
Sola Salons hosted a live proprietary educational event, Sola Sessions, in Las Vegas, Nevada, this June. The two-day event was exclusive to Sola professionals and kicked off the brand's 20th anniversary with the industry's top leading experts and change-makers to provide its Sola beauty professionals with cutting-edge industry education and business acumen.
The 2024 Sola Sessions event commenced with a keynote address from “The Millionaire Hairstylist,” Cash Lawless, a renowned entrepreneur, owner of multiple
Photo courtesy of Sola Salons
Ensuring its community has access to the industry's top technical and business-focused voices, speakers included veteran hairstylists Eric Vaughn, and Collin Martin, and educator and platform artist at R+Color Collective, Jay Welsey Olson. Additional speakers included Innersense founders, Greg and Joanne Starkman, motivational speaker, renowned personal development expert and best-selling author, Jasna Burza, and Amika Pro Educators, Raylene Robertson and Jeffrey Allen.
To further celebrate the impressive technical skill and creative presentation from its community of over 20,000 independent beauty professionals, Sola hosted its second annual Sola Pro Awards with winners announced at Sola Sessions. The awards program was expanded this year to include two additional categories for Braids and Vivid Color, which accompanied the existing categories of Studio Design, Blondes, Nail Art Design, Transformation, Barber Cut, Texture, Skin, and Extensions.
“As an independent hairstylist myself, I’ve dedicated years to mastering financial literacy and entrepreneurship to build a thriving, enduring business,” said Lawless. “Partnering with Sola Salons, a brand that empowers beauty entrepreneurs through continuous education and supports their journey to financial independence, is an honor.”
“At Sola Salons, we believe that empowering our community of beauty professionals with ongoing education is crucial for their growth and success,” said Emily Alders, director of education at Sola Salons. “Sola Sessions provides continued learning opportunities and recognition of our beauty professionals’ high level of skill, keeping them at the forefront of their respective fields within the beauty and wellness industry. Our commitment to business and technical education not only elevates individual careers but also paves the way for the next generation of beauty professionals, ensuring our professionals continue to lead industry trends and innovation.”
2024 Sola Pro Award Winners:
- Studio Design - Kinley Hurst, Madison, AL
- Blondes - Eric Kelley, Baton Rouge, LA
- Nail Art Design - Raeanna Walterson, Owings Mills, MD
- Transformation - Miko Gemechu, Portland, OR
- Barber Cut - Quera Williams, San Diego, CA
- Texture - Dezarai Chadwick, Wichita, KS
- Braids - Claudia – Ann Arthur, Garden City, NY
- Skin - Niamh O’Connell, Dedham, MA
- Extensions - Jade Nicole, Wellington, FL
- Vivids - Jessica Powers, Ogden, UT
3. Woodhouse Spas Grows with Signing of Eight Franchise Agreements
Woodhouse Spas has announced the signing of eight franchise agreements that will expand its footprint in nine key markets across the United States. In 2024, the brand opened its 85th location, with numerous additional locations slated to open by the end of the year.
Woodhouse Spa's leadership team provides franchisees with tools for spa ownership, beginning with the development process and existing throughout the span of their franchise ownership. These tools and resources may include marketing and promotional materials, initial training and ongoing education, and more. Woodhouse recently celebrated the opening of three new locations in Peachtree City, GA; Charlotte, NC; and Savannah, GA.
The new Woodhouse Spas agreements signed include:
- Treasa and Tony Turnbeaugh - The Turnbeaughs are new Woodhouse Spa owners expanding with an agreement in Ellisville, MO
- Marc and Amy Adams - The Adams are current Woodhouse Spa owners in Minnesota expanding with an agreement in Roseville, MN
- Kim Stevens and Karen Coyle - Stevens and Coyle are current Woodhouse Spa owners expanding with agreements in Louisville, KY and Sarasota, FL
- Wayne and Kristi McCulloch - The McCullochs are new Woodhouse Spa owners expanding with an agreement in Adams County, CO
- New Woodhouse Spa owners are expanding with an agreement in Wilmington, NC
- Brooke and Chip McCulley - The McCulleys are new Woodhouse Spa owners expanding with an agreement in Rogers, AR
- Desiree Moore and Amber Long – Moore and Long are current Woodhouse Spa owners expanding with an agreement in Colorado Springs, CO
- Sonal Patel – Patel is a current Woodhouse Spa owner expanding with an agreement in North Carolina
"Woodhouse's sustained and remarkable expansion serves as a testament to the brand's more than two decades of experience in the wellness industry and its unwavering commitment to converting self-care into mood-enhancing experiences," said Lori Merrall, vice president of franchise sales for Radiance Holdings, the parent company of Woodhouse Spas. "As we maintain this positive trajectory into 2024, we're thrilled to continue supporting the growth of our existing franchisees and welcoming new ones to the Woodhouse franchise."
4. Alpha Aesthetics Partners & Holden Timeless Beauty Launch first 'Powered by Alpha' Location
Alpha Aesthetics Partners has opened the company’s first premiere partner location - Powered by Alpha with Holden Timeless Beauty (HTB). Alpha provides the resources and project management to help its partners realize their vision of expansion - through new brick-and-mortar locations. Representing the fifth location for HTB, a leading medical aesthetics practice in Southern California, this marks Alpha Aesthetics Partners' first land and expand growth partnership.
Holden Timeless Beauty has existing locations in San Marcos, La Mesa, Fallbrook and Oceanside, the newest location will be situated in Mission Valley. The Civita Blvd 2000 square foot location will feature five rooms, six providers, and four support staff to ensure a fluid customer experience.
“We’re thankful to have a partner like Alpha Aesthetics Partners to help us grow while also maintaining the integrity of our brand,” said Amanda Holden, M.D., founder of HTB. “We are passionate about helping people feel confident in their skin through procedures that enhance appearance without looking overdone. The De Novo program is helping us strategically expand our footprint to offer our services to a wider audience.”
“We’re focused on uplifting local brands and entrepreneurs and supporting their expansion goals,” said John Wheeler, CEO of Alpha Aesthetics Partners. “One of the biggest challenges small business owners face is scaling. We look for partners who consider themselves growth-minded renegades. We view the opening of a new location as the starting line for our partnerships, not graduation day.”
