Joyful Reunion at The Hair Project!

The Hair Project - Hair fashion show and workshops

On October 9 & 10, 2022, over 10,400 hairdressers visited The Hair Project at Kortrijk Xpo. There was a very positive vibe at the hair event, with 100 first-class exhibitors, dynamic shows, educational technical workshops and the new 'Barber Battle'.

This edition of The Hair Project was a joyful reunion with the hairdressing industry and the perfect opportunity to combine business & pleasure in the very dynamic spirit that characterizes the hairdressing world. The organizers of the event are confidently looking forward to the next edition, in 2024.

Renowned and new brands

After the pandemic and more than 3 years without a hairdressing trade fair in Belgium, the organizers were very much looking forward to creating a unique platform where professionals from the hairdressing industry could get together, reconnect with suppliers and network with a positive attitude.

For this first post-COVID edition, The Hair Project was more compact than previous editions, but the fair offered the highest quality, with both big names and new companies that have recently come onto the Belgian market. Exhibitors went to great lengths to give interesting product demonstrations. The main focus was on curls, colors and sustainability. The foundations were laid for the hair trade fair to continue to grow with the next edition.

Mainstage: full house and constant inspiration

Both technical workshops and shows were scheduled on the Mainstage.

Shows:

Long multicolor hair — Kris Diargo in collaboration with Marco Iafrate

- Kris Diargo, in collaboration with Marco Iafrate from Professional by Fama (Hairco), with "Thé Grid". A stylish show with glamorous models, (dance) performances and beautiful footage!

Bobhead hairstyles inspired by the 90s — Bobhead collection (Joico) inspired by the 90s

- The exclusive launch of the new Bobhead collection (Joico) inspired by the 90s, with both commercial hairstyles with innovative colors and cuts as well as pure creativity with avant-garde hairstyles.

Ludovic Beckers hair show — Ludovic Beckers

- Ludovic Beckers, with the "To evolve you have to transform" show. A mix of a high-end L'Anza show and education with the Beckers's trademark, which is now known worldwide.

Redken hair show — Nicole Van der Linden & Barber Birdman by Redken 5th Avenue for L'Oréal Professionnel Products

- Nicole Van der Linden & Barber Birdman by Redken 5th Avenue for L'Oréal Professionnel Products with the dynamic 'Transcendenze' show: a concept to challenge traditional gender construction and sexual identity and combine it with fashion design. A show with pure avant-garde hairstyles and make-up that provided plenty of inspiration.

Technical workshops:

Febelhair technical hair workshop — Febelhair

Febelhair delivered 2 great educational duo presentations: Geoganic (Thomas Laslo & Loredana Danese) with 'Nightclub', and Bess Uyttendaele & Valérie Marichal with 'Creative cutting with a twist'.

Redken scheduled a duo presentation featuring Gitte Gys & Martijn Vanzieleghem.

Another duo presentation (featuring Jelle Bogaert & Alison Soupart) was arranged by Matrix, which also held a workshop on color with 'The Color for Matrix'.

Barber Battle and Men & Barber big hits!

This year, the hair industry had clearly put men in the spotlight at The Hair Project! Among other initiatives, the first ever Barber Battle was held in collaboration with BaByLissPRO. On both Sunday and Monday, 10 barbers competed against each other, each day. The winners were Sebastien Liolios and Jessica Hollay. The two winners will become Junior BaByLissPRO ambassadors in the coming year.

There were also ongoing technical presentations on the Men & Barber stage of the trade fair. On stage: Barbier Tom, Kevin Boon (Köp), Cap Jo, Jordy's Barbershop, Dario's Barbers, Rob Slaats from the Barberstation, Kevin 50's Barber shop, Bendotti Barbershop, Anastasiiya Karpenko, Barbertime and Barber Ro (Wahl).

Next edition:

The next edition of The Hair Project will take place on March 10 & 11, 2024 at Kortrijk Xpo, Kortrijk, Belgium.

See also: More hair shows and events