Two days of business insight, live education, and industry connection as Professional Beauty India (PBI Kochi) strengthens Kerala’s professional beauty ecosystem.
Professional Beauty Kochi 2026 concluded on a strong note with two focused days of education, live demonstrations, business discussions, and product discovery, reinforcing Kerala’s growing importance in India’s professional beauty and wellness landscape. Building on the momentum of the 2024 edition, which attracted over 2,000 attendees, the 2026 event again saw a strong attendance of 1,929 participants. The event brought together salon owners, professionals, educators, distributors, and brands, creating a platform that balances learning with practical business applications.
With over 50 brands, a packed Demo Stage, and the highly anticipated Salon Management Congress (SMC) roundtable format, PBI Kochi delivered content tailored to the evolving needs of a skilled, service-driven salon and wellness market.
Kerala’s beauty and wellness industry is defined by informed consumers, technically strong professionals, and a growing appetite for innovation. PBI Kochi addressed this maturity with conversations that went deep, focusing on salon challenges including staffing, operations, marketing efficiency, innovation, and retail viability, all rooted in regional business realities.
WHAT HAPPENED AT PBI KOCHI
Salon Management Congress – The Roundtable Series
A flagship feature of Professional Beauty India, the SMC emerged as a key knowledge pillar at PBI Kochi. Designed as a roundtable-style forum, SMC brought together experienced business owners, consultants, and industry leaders to address real-world challenges faced by salon and wellness entrepreneurs.
Staffing Challenges: Hiring, Retaining & Training
Panel 1 on Staffing Challenges: Hiring, Retaining & Training featured Dr Ajith Soman, Owner, Dr Ajith Soman’s Cosmetic Dental Clinic and Franchise Owner, Tony & Guy, alongside Jaji Sunil, Founder, Jaji’s Salon, and Nixon C George, Owner, Acua Salon & Makeup Studio, as they discussed recruitment realities, in-house training, leadership, and building workplace cultures that reduce attrition.
Marketing on a Budget
Panel 2 on Marketing on a Budget brought together Aankith Aroraa, Founder & CEO, 3TENX; Dr Vijaya Salunkhe, Business Consultant in Beauty, Aesthetics & Wellness, and Yadhu Krishna, Founder & CEO, UpSwing Digital, focusing on cost-effective growth strategies, digital visibility, and performance-led marketing approaches.
Said Aroraa, “Kerala is one of the most exciting regions for salon channel growth today. The conversations at the SMC roundtable were insightful, deeply practical, and learning from fellow panellists reinforced how important this market is for long-term brand building.”
The Salon Business in Kerala: Trends & Innovations
Panel 3 on The Salon Business in Kerala: Trends & Innovations saw Dr Preethesh, Founder, Ashtamudi Wellness Salons; Shanmugha Kumar, CEO & Director, Page 3 Luxury Salon, and Faraz Babu, Image Consultant and owner, La Bella Vita Unisex Salon, examine evolving consumer expectations, technology adoption, and also innovation-led service offerings across the state.
Dr Preethesh said, “I’ve been associated with Professional Beauty for several years across different cities, and being part of the Kochi SMC panel was especially meaningful. Discussing innovations, strategies, and emerging trends in Kerala’s salon industry was both relevant and rewarding.”
Salon Operations: Best Practices for Efficiency & Growth
Panel 4 on Salon Operations: Best Practices for Efficiency & Growth featured Rahufina Popy, Founder & Creative Head, Popyz Beauty Lounge; Renjith R Krishna, Director, Sini Mangatt Aesthetics Private Limited (SINIMA Salon), and Shobha Kunjan, Owner, Liv in Style Salon, shared, “Earlier, we had to travel outside Kerala for shows like this. Having Professional Beauty India in Kochi means salon professionals here can access brands, education, and opportunities without leaving the state.”
Retailing: Is This Still Viable for the Salon Business?
Panel 5 on Retailing: Is This Still Viable for the Salon Business? brought Fahima Muzavir, Managing Director, Luxe Ivy Salon, together with Mozma Muneer and Sajith Habeeb, Co-founders of The Glam Up Studio, for a candid discussion on consumer education, curated product ranges, and the continued relevance of informed retailing within salon businesses.
Says Habeeb, “Professional Beauty India Kochi offered a great experience, both through the exhibition and the panel sessions. It’s encouraging to see the show growing, and we’re excited to see it become even bigger in the future.”
Live Demo Stage
The PBI Demo Stage was a major highlight across both days, offering hands-on learning from leading artists and educators. Sessions spanned bridal makeup, haircutting, nails, barbering, skincare, and advanced hair treatments, combining technique with trend relevance.
Day 1 featured Anez Anzare showcasing an HD bridal makeup look using PAC cosmetics, while Virender Verma aced the art of festive hairstyling. Ravi KN and Gayatri Sharma, on behalf of Streax Professional, showcased the brand’s Evoque collection, and demonstrated a trending haircut. Rakhi Regunath used gel nail polish by Calyx and gave us some must-try spring/summer nails, while Fox Studio’s Shafi demonstrated glamorous Hollywood waves in an open hairstyle.
Day 2 featured Bob D John (aka Boban) demonstrating his signature bridal look. Anez Anzare returned to showcase airbrush glow makeup with IWATA Airbrush. Vihan Roy wowed the crowd with Keratin Botox & Nanoplastia using Crystal Tree Forever Shine products. But if that’s not all, Reena Nair demonstrated a whitening and brightening facial with Aroma Treasure products. Jaji’s Salon’s Karthik Sunil had the audience in an uproar with his demonstration of the butterfly layer cut with curtain bangs. Finally, the 2025 Modern Barber Winner – Delhi, Vinu & Team Fat Barber, took centre stage, demonstrating what a modern fade and punk street style really mean.
STRENGTHENING KERALA’S PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY ECOSYSTEM
With its balanced mix of business education, live demonstrations, as well as product discovery, Professional Beauty Kochi 2026 firmly established itself as Kerala’s most comprehensive platform for the professional beauty and wellness community. As the regional industry continues to mature, PBI Kochi stands out as a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and sustainable growth, bridging global expertise with local relevance.
