Beauty Expo 2025 to ‘Refresh, Rejuvenate, and Reset’ industry

The press launch held recently at the HEART College of Beauty Services kicked off October as Cosmetology and Wellness Month. The series of events will showcase the latest trends, products, and professional expertise across the realms of beauty, skincare, wellness, barbering and holistic self-care. 

The NAHC was founded by practitioners who secure recognition for beauty industry professions as viable and essential trades, establish a code of ethics governing compensation and the quality of service, provide training and unite various sectors under one umbrella. The NAHC acknowledges salon operators as pioneers in Jamaica’s small business sector, making a vital contribution to the national economy. 

President Marcia Harris said the overall launch is the beginning of new things, where people will have the opportunity to know more about the organisation, their objectives and their plans for the future. 

“We really want to engage more people in the industry. We cover a wide range of areas including barbers, and hairdressers, nail technicians, tattoo artists, make-up artists and people that are involved in manufacturing. Basically, we are affiliated with people that have an interest in the beauty interest,” said the NAHC president. 

Harris has expressed optimism that the participation from the associations members will be positive, while anticipating adding more members over the period. 

The National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists has been established as an umbrella organization representing varied interests of the sector that brings its work to public attention, establish linkages of various segments of the media, and maintain a high level of awareness among members regarding industry matters.

Kaydia King-Newman, principal at the HEART College of Beauty Services, said with the beauty services industry surpassing over $600 billion, there is renewed focus in this area of business. 

“Consumers are not just seeking products,” King-Newman said. “They are looking forward to experiences that will help them to live better. There is a science behind the business, and Jamaica must step up to the plate and hold its rightful place along with global competitors.”

Consumers are looking for new ideas and new techniques, and Jamaica, she added, must chart a future of culture and commerce that showcase our best talent and creativity in the marketplace. 

Meanwhile, Kerensia Morrison, newly minted State Minister in the Ministry of Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, said the industry should not only celebrate its creative skills, but also empower greatness with strong leadership and dedication. 

“Beauty and wellness are essential parts of how individual see themselves. As Jamaicans we are not about following trends but setting them. We are original and dynamic, and must continue to take our stance in the global marketplace,” Morrison said. 

Jamaica has created a name as a fashion centre in the Caribbean and today, our beauty industry is a major contributor to the national economy, generating millions of dollars in goods and services. The sector includes a wide range of professionals, such as hairdressers, cosmetologists, barbers, beauty therapists and manufacturers of health, skin and hair products.

Sponsors for the event include Arc Institute, Design Essentials, Beauty Plus Academy and Supply Store, Jahmek Beauty Systems and Flavours of the Past. 

Dr Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica, in endorsing the month-long celebrations, said beauty is a physical manifestation of how we see ourselves. 

“It is important that we practice self-care, and take care of ourselves. There are many companies here that I did not know about; and they have very creative products and services that people can utilise to be the best version of themselves. The expo should be quite an interesting and creative avenue for many other exhibitors to showcase their creativity and talent,” the beauty queen said.