Schwarzkopf Professional, a global leader in hairdressing, unveiled the inaugural Pro Hair Kollektiv Roundtable, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to drive meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of the hairdressing industry. Bringing together renowned industry experts, business leaders, and top hair professionals, the event served as a knowledge hub for emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the craft.

For over 125 years, Schwarzkopf Professional has been at the forefront of empowering hairdressers through cutting-edge products, education, and industry insights. With The Pro Hair Kollektiv, the brand reinforces its commitment to fostering collaboration and thought leadership while equipping professionals with the tools needed to excel in a rapidly evolving market.

Kartik Kaushik, Country Head, Henkel Consumer Brands - India & South Asia, added:

"At Schwarzkopf Professional, we believe in continuously pushing the boundaries of hairdressing by fostering innovation, expertise, and collaboration. The Pro Hair Kollektiv serves as a dynamic platform to spark dialogue, share knowledge, and inspire the next wave of industry pioneers. As consumer expectations evolve, it is crucial for professionals to stay ahead with the right tools, education, and insights. Through initiatives like these, we are committed to strengthening the hairdressing community, empowering stylists, and setting new benchmarks in the industry."

Industry Experts Leading the Conversation:

The roundtable featured thought-provoking discussions led by some of the most influential voices in hairdressing:

• Sandhya Chipalkatti (Panel Moderator), Founder, Editor-in-Chief, and Publisher at Style Speak & Spa Manta, C&E Media, “The true evolution of the hairdressing industry lies in collaboration—between salon owners, artists, brands, and educators. Standardizing education across the board is not just a goal but a necessity, and it requires a collective commitment from all stakeholders to nurture talent, set industry benchmarks, and elevate professional standards.”

• Spoorthy Shetty, CEO & Director at BBlunt, “Do not only focus on hiring top talent. You don’t just need racehorses. Hire artistes with good attitude, who keep learning and improving and mentoring the new tribe. You can create great hairdressers if the brand is invested in education. The question is, do we farm and nurture talent, or do we simply hunt for it? True standardization comes when brands commit to continuous learning as a culture, not just see it as a cost.”
• Vikram Bhatt, Founder and Director – Growth & Strategy at Enrich Salon, “Education is the fundamental pillar of the beauty business. It fosters skill development and creativity and ensures high industry standards. When we train a team member, it’s not just about teaching techniques; it’s also about instilling confidence, professionalism, and self-esteem in the individual. Investing in education creates empowered professionals, leads to better salons, and enhances the client experience. This investment is what drives transformation in the industry.”
• Vaishakhi Haria, Founder of Splash salons, Mumbai, Co-founder of Very V Salon, Educator & HAK Meister for Schwarzkopf Professional, “Education is directly proportional to our code of ethics. A well-trained stylist won’t just chase sales targets—they will prioritize doing the right thing for their clients. That’s the difference education makes in this industry.”

• Samir Srivastav, CEO, Looks Salons, former CEO Jean Claude Biguine Salons, & Kaya Clinic commented, “If you want to command premium pricing in this industry, expertise is the key. And expertise only comes from years of training, not shortcuts. We need to institutionalize education, not talent as a commodity.”

Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion

• Standardization in Hairdressing Education is Crucial – Industry experts emphasized the need to move away from informal learning and establish structured education models to elevate skills and ensure consistent service quality across salons.
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• Expertise, Not Just Talent, Commands Value – Panellists stressed that long-term success in the hairdressing industry comes from continuous education and training rather than relying solely on innate talent or experience.
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• Collaboration is the Future of the Industry – The discussion underscored the importance of salons, brands, and educators working together to create an ecosystem that nurtures talent and drives industry-wide growth.

Continuing the Conversation

The success of The Pro Hair Kollektiv marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue between Schwarzkopf Professional and the hairdressing community. Stay tuned for exclusive content, expert interviews, and industry insights across Schwarzkopf Professional’s digital platforms.