PALM SPRINGS, CA, JW Marriott Resort

Grow
Together

Sep 12-14, 2026
BOOK EARLY AND SAVE

Three days of advanced education, connection, and real takeaways to elevate your craft.

Early Access Sale - Ends August 1st
WHEN

Sep 12-14, 2026

WHERE

Palm Springs, CA JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Gerard Scarpaci
Gerard Scarpaci
Jacob Khan
Jacob Khan
Emily Chen
Emily Chen
Aly Davis
Aly Davis
Lupe Voss
Lupe Voss
Alfredo Lewis
Alfredo Lewis
Lisa Giles
Lisa Giles
Philip Wolff
Philip Wolff
Kara Williams
Kara Williams
Abbey Brookee
Abbey Brookee
Melvin Royce Lane
Melvin Royce Lane
Kendra Ali
Kendra Alia
Jamie Wylie
Jamie Wylie
Zach Jarid
Zach Jarid
Kylie Bussing
Kylie Bussing
Ethan King
Ethan King
Sean Bibeau
Sean Bibeau
Advanced, relevant education. Direct access to trusted educators. Clear takeaways you’ll use immediately. A community rooted in craft — not ego.
Sonna Brado
Sonna Brado
Ben White
Ben White
Traci Sakosits
Traci Sakosits
Lina Arrojo
Lina Arrojo
Conor Doyle
Conor Doyle
Tara Abramowicz
Tara Abramowicz
Johanna Freeman
Johanna Freeman
Teryn Tucker
Teryn Tucker
Bit Sanders
Bit Sanders
Leland Olson
Leland Olson
Devon Ramirez
Devon Ramirez
Dusty Schlabach
Dusty Schlabach
Darcee Rogers
Darcee Nice
Eric Coyle
Eric Coyle
Mick Lewis
Mick Lewis
Mick Lewis
Casey Voss

Choose Your Ticket

Payment Plans Available

General Admission: Early Access

$649 $549*
Includes:
  • General admission seating for all Mainstage presentations
  • Access to 3 Breakout Look & Learn classes
  • Access to all Brand Experience Rooms
  • Breakfast & lunch on Sunday and Monday + access to all Hb Fest parties
* plus fees
Get Ticket

General Admission: EARLY ACCESS GROUPS 2+

$649 $519*
Group Savings:
  • Register with 2 or more attendees and save an additional $30 per ticket
Includes:
  • General admission seating for all Mainstage presentations
  • Access to 3 Breakout Look & Learn classes
  • Access to all Brand Experience Rooms
  • Breakfast & lunch on Sunday and Monday + access to all Hb Fest parties
* plus fees, per ticket when you register 2 or more attendees
Get Group Tickets

Look & Learn Classes

Choose any 3

Full Throttle: Shifting Bases

MICK LEWIS, ERIC COYLE, SEAN BIBEAU & DARCEE NICE

Join all four, Alfaparf Milano Professional Ambassadors, for a high-octane masterclass on shifting bases, the color foundation behind the industry's most coveted reds, brunettes, and blondes. Each ambassador brings their signature lens: vibrant, dimensional reds; rich, multi-tonal brunettes; and luminous blondes that move with light. Together, they'll break down how to precisely shift underlying pigment to land your client's exact shade, every time. You'll watch their decision-making live, walking through formula selection, placement, and application, with candid Q&A throughout.

Luxury in Every Strand: Elevated Color & Texture with Goldwell

ZACHARY JARID, KYLIE BUSSING & ETHAN KING

When your clientele expects the extraordinary, every detail matters. In this collaborative presentation, three Goldwell artists known for delivering high-impact, luxury results share the artistry and technical precision behind their work with some of the industry’s most discerning clients. Together, they will demonstrate how thoughtful color design, strategic placement, and expert formulation using Goldwell can create stunning results across every hair texture. This session blends creativity, technical mastery, and real-world salon insight to help stylists deliver the kind of results that keep high expectation clients coming back.

Expect inspiration, advanced technique, and a fresh perspective on how color and texture can work together to create truly exceptional hair.

The Curly Bixie

KENDRA ALIA

The bixie is back and not going anywhere anytime soon! Curl Expert and DevaCurl Ambassador, Kendra Alia will teach you how to tailor this versatile haircut for curly hair clients. Kendra will also share her favorite products to set clients up for a wash & go service or a simple curl refresh after dry cutting.

The Art of Clean Color: Placement, Pattern & Purpose

LELAND OLSON & DEVON RAMIREZ

Join Innersense Education Manager Leland Olson and Pro Artist Devon Ramirez for a Look & Learn focused on one powerful idea: color should move with the hair, not sit on top of it.

You'll learn how intentional placement, density, porosity, and natural movement all affect your color results—and how to adjust your approach for straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair. This class will help you build color that is fluid, responsive, and consistent while still honoring each guest’s individuality.

If you want more control, better placement, and more consistent results across all hair types, this class will change the way you approach color behind the chair.

Bumble and bumble: ICONIC SHAPES, MODERN VIBES

PHILIP WOLFF & BIT SANDERS

What makes a haircut feel classic—or completely new?

Philip Wolff and Bit Sanders recreate iconic Bumble and bumble shapes, then reinterpret them through a different lens. Using razor and scissor techniques, they show how small changes in elevation, direction, tension, and reference points can completely transform a shape.

One shape. Two perspectives. Completely different vibe.

Learn how to shift weight without losing structure, carve texture to change the feel, adjust mid-cut, choose razor vs. scissor for movement, and refine a shape without overworking it.

This is not about copying a haircut—it’s about understanding it.

The Modern Salon Edit

Conor Doyle, Melvin Royce Lane, Abbey Brookee

Join Eleven Australia's Abbey Brookee, Brand Ambassador, Conor James Doyle, Brand Ambassador, and Melvin Royce Lane,  Artistic Director, for this session built around modern colour, cut and styling.

Abbey will showcase the signature transformations that have made her one of the most recognised colourists online, sharing the consultations, formulas and placement techniques behind her most requested looks. Conor will focus on his approach to creating richer, more expensive looking colour, alongside some of his favourite freehand techniques for building soft, seamless dimension.

Melvin will bring together the world of editorial and salon work, showing how runway and fashion influence can be translated into wearable, client-friendly looks that still feel current and modern.

Together, the three artists will show how colour, cut and styling work together to create a complete look, giving you practical techniques, fresh inspiration and ideas you can use straight away in the salon.”

Make Box Color your B*tch!

Lisa G.

Make Box Color Your B*tch is a live Look & Learn color correction class designed to help you confidently tackle artificial pigment.

Lisa Giles walks step-by-step through how to safely remove box color and stubborn artificial pigment while maintaining the integrity of the hair. You'll learn the chemistry behind color removal, which products and techniques actually work, and how to approach corrections with a clear plan.

Lisa also covers the business side—how to price color corrections, the waivers every stylist should use, and how to turn complex transformations into profitable services.

If you want to stop fearing color corrections and start making money from them, this class is for you.

Tools Don't Define You. Your Vision Does.

TRACI SOKOSITS & LINA AROJO

Lina Arrojo and Traci Sakosits, explore how razor and scissor are not opposing forces—but creative extensions of the artist. This seminar breaks down intention, approach, and execution—helping you understand not just how to cut, but why.

A modern, thought-provoking session built for hairdressers who are ready to refine their eye, trust their instincts, and experience a wealth of knowledge.

No weak Bobs Session

SONNA BRADO

The bob isn't going anywhere—but in 2026 it has to fit the face and feel light. In this creative look & learn session, Sonna will cut one modern “2026 bob” and show how small changes in length, layering, and subtle texturizing make it suit different face shapes. You’ll see where the line between classic, layered, and softly graduated really is, plus simple ways to add movement without collapsing the shape. Walk away with a clear map for cutting and lightly texturizing bobs clients can actually wear, with precise Angel Blades work in action.

Hair Color Magic; Formulation Control For Predictable Outcome

LUPE VOSS

What’s really controlling your color results?

In formulating, we gather information to reach a conclusion about a formula. Universally, there are variables that can take your formulas sideways. In this class, we will explore the variables a colorist can adjust to achieve more predictable results. A great colorist doesn't get it right every time; they know how to adjust the formula.

A Clean Approach to Curl Work

DUSTY SCHLABACH

Dusty Schlabach, also known as CurlVision, brings his approach to curls into a focused classroom session centered on consultation, execution, and results.

This class moves beyond isolated techniques to explore the full service flow—from consultation through product selection, application, and styling. Working on a live model, Dusty demonstrates how each step informs the next, shaping both process and outcome.

Powered by Innersense, the session emphasizes practical application and the decisions that define the guest’s result.

Crafted for the hands that create with intention

TARA ABRAMOWICZ & TERYN TUCKER

Go beyond the “how” and teach the why behind modern cutting and effortless styling—so you can make better decisions behind the chair every day.

You'll learn how to see shape, balance, and movement before you cut, remove weight with intention using razor and scissors, and create haircuts that fall into place air-dried or styled. Bumbel and bumble's Prime | Style | Set approach also simplifies product use, making recommendations easier and more profitable.

This is real salon education—stronger consultations, more confident cutting, better styling, and higher tickets.

When you can see it, you can create it.

The Art of Dry Cutting

EMILY CHEN

Take a deep dive into intentional texture and the power of dry cutting to create soft, seamless, and highly movable hair.

You'll learn how to read the hair in its natural state and make precise, purposeful decisions that enhance flow, remove weight, and build shape without compromising integrity. Emily will break down how to create lived-in finishes that feel effortless.

Mastering Shags

JACOB KHAN & BEN WHITE

They will demonstrate multiple approaches to create different types of “shag” haircuts with both scissor and razor to give options for everyone.

Curl Blonding, Simplified

KARA WILLIAMS

Learn how to safely lighten textured hair using a clean, simplified approach to placement and lifting. Kara breaks down how to approach blonding in a way that maintains the integrity of the curl pattern while still creating bright, dimensional results for all patterns.

You'll learn how to work with texture through controlled sectioning and intentional approachable placement, understanding how density and curl pattern influence the lightening process. This session is designed for stylists who want to simplify their approach, build confidence working with textured hair, and achieve beautiful results without over processing.

Luxury, Low Maintenance Hair Color

ALY DAVIS

You’ll learn Aly's signature approaches to creating dimensional, customizable luxury color that gives maximum longevity for your clients. This class covers strategic placement and how to customize accordingly utilizing a variety of blonding and low lighting techniques, along with top consultation tips to ensure your clients are in love with their hair.

Trend Masters: The Art of Cutting and Styling Modern Shapes

JAMIE WYLIE

Elevate your skills and stay ahead of the curve with this Trend Haircutting & Styling Class, designed for hair pros eager to master today's most sought-after looks. This comprehensive class offers a deep dive into the latest haircutting and styling techniques that will transform your approach behind the chair.

Intro to Twist Outs

JOHANNA FREEMAN

Discover the science and artistry behind twists outs. Learn the essentials of natural hair texture, curl theory, and how to choose the right DevaCurl products for lasting definition. Explore curl patterns, shaping techniques, and the unique benefits of twist outs as a protective style. Gain the confidence to create beautiful, healthy looks that celebrate natural hair.

Open Air Blonding Masterclass

ALFREDO LEWIS

Master the art of modern balayage with techniques including French balayage, two-point brick lay, hand-blended balayage, and foilyage. Learn placement, blending, and strategy to create seamless, lived-in blondes your clients will love.

Mastering Bobs

JACOB KHAN & BEN WHITE

They will demonstrate multiple approaches to create different types of “Bob“ haircuts with both a scissor and a razor to give option to everyone.

Blonding & Bookings

LISA G.

This results-driven class is designed for hairstylists who want to create high-end color and build a consistently booked-out clientele. Learn her signature plug-and-play placement—a fully customizable system that can be adapted to any client in your chair. Whether working on blondes or brunettes, this placement is designed to create seamless dimension, intentional brightness, and expensive-looking results every time. This isn't a one-size-fits-all technique. It’s a framework stylists can adjust based on the client’s starting point, goals, and maintenance level—allowing for consistency, efficiency, and confidence behind the chair. Beyond technique, this class also dives into the marketing strategies Lisa has used to build and maintain a fully booked business. From how to position these services to how to showcase them online, stylists will learn how to attract the right clients and turn their work into demand. This is for the stylist who’s ready to simplify their approach, elevate their results, and create color that not only looks high-end—but books itself.

Tech-nically Trained

TRACI SAKOSITS

Traci Sakosits is coming to you inspired by the possibilities of technology but led by the clarity and control of technique.

"Balancing technique and technology is an integral part of success."

With the rise of technology, the understanding of technique and the creative process is even more important than ever.

We will explore how precision cutting, texture and intentional finishing come together to create relevant wearable and individual results inspired by the boundlessness of technology.

Show All Classes

Know Hb Fest

What Makes It Special?

Mainstage Presentations

Big-stage presentations designed to inspire, challenge your thinking, and raise the level of your craft.

Breakout Classes (Look & Learn)

Close-up, interactive sessions focused on practical techniques you can use immediately behind the chair.

Parties & Community Events

Fun, high-energy events where you connect, celebrate, and build real relationships with other hairdressers.

Well-Being Session

Optional morning session to help you reset, recharge, and start the day focused and energized.

Food buffet

Meals

Delicious breakfasts and lunches are included on Sunday and Monday with your ticket, adding real value to the overall cost of attending.

JW Marriott Resort Palm Springs, CA
Hotel pool
Hotel bar
Hotel boat
Restaurant
Hotel cabana
Hotel at night
Hotel room

Warm desert air. Mountain views. Open space.

Hb Fest takes place at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Springs — a beautiful desert oasis with lakes, palm trees, restaurants, gondola rides, and even flamingos on the property.

Our Desert Oasis — JW Marriott

We’ve secured a special Hb Fest rate of $279 + tax per night for attendees. Valid from Sept. 11th-16th.

We recommend booking early, as the room block will sell out.

Book Your Stay Now

Bring your team. Grow together.

Reserve 3+ Tickets and save $100

Shared education builds shared standards. Shared standards build stronger salons.

Group Pricing Available

Hb Fest Reviews

“What an enriching experience! Excited to take what I learned back to my team and already excited for next years HBFest!”

Joelle K.

“My husband and I are already registered the HAIRBRAINED FEST 2026. We liked the representation of the BRANDS but it was more about the education from the artists. Brands were not overpowering, but engaging.”

Katherine C.

“I’ve seen other educators and been to other hair conventions and this one is by far the best. You actually learn things that are applicable to every day clients Without being boring. I definitely will be back in the future years!”

Justina N.

“HB Fest is an experience that elevates you as an artist. From top-tier education to invaluable networking, plus great food, it’s an investment in the future of your career.”

Reina D.

“HB Fest is surely to become the most sought after event of this time! A well orchestrated balance of education, networking, and brand engagement.”

Laura C.

“What an enriching experience! Excited to take what I learned back to my team and already excited for next years HBFest!”

Joelle K.

“My husband and I are already registered the HAIRBRAINED FEST 2026. We liked the representation of the BRANDS but it was more about the education from the artists. Brands were not overpowering, but engaging.”

Katherine C.

“I’ve seen other educators and been to other hair conventions and this one is by far the best. You actually learn things that are applicable to every day clients Without being boring. I definitely will be back in the future years!”

Justina N.

“HB Fest is an experience that elevates you as an artist. From top-tier education to invaluable networking, plus great food, it’s an investment in the future of your career.”

Reina D.

“HB Fest is surely to become the most sought after event of this time! A well orchestrated balance of education, networking, and brand engagement.”

Laura C.

“What an enriching experience! Excited to take what I learned back to my team and already excited for next years HBFest!”

Joelle K.

“My husband and I are already registered the HAIRBRAINED FEST 2026. We liked the representation of the BRANDS but it was more about the education from the artists. Brands were not overpowering, but engaging.”

Katherine C.

“I’ve seen other educators and been to other hair conventions and this one is by far the best. You actually learn things that are applicable to every day clients Without being boring. I definitely will be back in the future years!”

Justina N.

“HB Fest is an experience that elevates you as an artist. From top-tier education to invaluable networking, plus great food, it’s an investment in the future of your career.”

Reina D.

“HB Fest is surely to become the most sought after event of this time! A well orchestrated balance of education, networking, and brand engagement.”

Laura C.

EVENT Schedule

SEPTEMBER 2026

Sat
12
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Registration
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Pool Party
Sun
13
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM General Session
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM Break
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Break Out 1
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM General Session
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Brand Room Experiences
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Theme Party
Mon
14
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Break Out 2
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Break Out 3
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Lunch-Education Panel
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Brand Room Experiences

Powered By

Eleven
DevaCurl
Innersense
Goldwell
bumble and bumble
Boulevard
SexyHair
Alfaparf Milano Pro
GLOWWA
Eleven
DevaCurl
Innersense
Goldwell
bumble and bumble
Boulevard
SexyHair
Alfaparf Milano Pro
GLOWWA

About Hb Fest

What is Hb Fest?

Hb Fest is a 3-day experience for hairdressers who want to grow — in their craft, their career, and their community.

Over the weekend, you’ll experience:

  • Mainstage presentations (big ideas, inspiration, career perspective)
  • Look & Learn classes (practical technique and creative process)
  • Brand Rooms (interactive education and hands-on experiences)
  • Community events (pool party, theme party, wellness sessions)
  • Built-in networking and connection

Hb Fest is designed so you don’t just leave inspired — you leave with new ideas, new relationships, and new energy for your work.

What makes Hb Fest different from other hair shows?

Most industry events are built around show floors and large crowds.

Hb Fest is designed as a more intentional, more connected experience:

  • Mainstage and small-room Look & Learn sessions
  • Immersive Brand Rooms instead of traditional booths
  • A resort setting where everyone stays and learns together
  • Built-in community time and events
  • Education focused on real work behind the chair

It’s not just about seeing more. It’s about getting more from the experience.

What will I experience over the weekend?

Your weekend will include a mix of:

  • Mainstage presentations
  • Look & Learn workshops
  • Brand Room education and experiences
  • Pool party and theme party
  • Optional yoga and wellness sessions
  • Networking and community time
  • Meals included with your ticket

The event is designed to keep you engaged — not just sitting and watching.

What are Brand Rooms?

Instead of traditional booths, Hb Fest features Brand Rooms — curated spaces where brands host:

  • Education
  • Demonstrations
  • Conversations
  • Product experiences
  • Meet-ups with educators and teams

You’re not walking past booths — you’re stepping into experiences.

Can I attend by myself?

Yes — and many attendees do.

Hb Fest is designed to make connection easy through shared classes, meals, community events, and parties. Many people arrive alone and leave with new friends and industry connections.

How large is the event?

Hb Fest is intentionally designed to be more connected and more personal. We expect approximately 600 attendees.

This allows for:

  • Real interaction
  • Better access to educators
  • A more personal experience
  • A stronger sense of community

Location & Travel

When and where is Hb Fest?

September 12–14, 2026 JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa — Palm Springs, CA

Why Palm Springs?

Because environment shapes the experience.

Palm Springs creates space to step out of the day-to-day salon environment, think more clearly, connect more easily, and focus on your craft and career.

At the JW Marriott Resort, you move naturally between learning, community, and time to reset.

Where should I stay?

Hb Fest takes place at the JW Marriott Resort, and we have a limited room block available at a preferred rate.

Staying on property adds a lot to the experience — you’re close to everything and part of the Hb Fest community all weekend.

We strongly recommend booking early, as the room block will sell out.

When should I arrive?

We recommend arriving by noon on Saturday, September 12 so you can check in, get settled, and enjoy the Welcome Pool Party, which officially kicks off Hb Fest weekend.

If you are a VIP Experience ticket holder, you’ll also be invited to attend the VIP Champagne Toast on Saturday.

We have a special room block rate available September 11–16, so if you’d like to turn Hb Fest into an extended getaway, we highly encourage it. Many attendees arrive Friday and stay through Monday to enjoy the full resort experience and spend more time with the community.

For General Admission attendees, Saturday evening after the Welcome Pool Party is a great time to enjoy the resort’s restaurants or explore the many dining options in the Palm Springs area with new friends and fellow attendees.

How do I get there?

You have a few easy options:

  • Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) — about 20 minutes from the resort
  • Drive from Los Angeles — approximately 2 hours
  • Drive from Orange County — approximately 1.5 hours
  • Drive from San Diego — approximately 1.5 hours

Palm Springs is an easy drive for many Southern California attendees, which makes Hb Fest feel like a true getaway without a long travel day.

What should I wear?

Relaxed, creative, and comfortable.

You’ll be moving between sessions, brand rooms, and activities throughout the day. Pool party attire for Saturday, and theme party details will be announced soon.

Tickets & Registration

What’s included with my ticket?

All Hb Fest tickets include:

  • Mainstage presentations
  • 3 Look & Learn workshops
  • Brand Room experiences
  • Saturday Pool Party
  • Sunday Theme Party
  • Optional Sunday Yoga & Wellness
  • 4 Meals Included:
    • Sunday Breakfast & Lunch
    • Monday Breakfast & Lunch
  • Networking and community events
Can I attend just one day?

Hb Fest is designed as a full 3-day experience, and each day builds on the next. Attending the full weekend delivers the most value and the best experience.

What is the refund policy?

Hb Fest tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable to another person if you cannot attend.

If you purchased SPOT Refund Protection, refunds are handled directly through SPOT (a third-party provider). SPOT refunds 80% of the ticket price via PayPal or Venmo if the claim is approved.

Final Questions

How do I know if Hb Fest is worth it?

Hb Fest is for you if you want:

  • New ideas and inspiration
  • Practical education you can use behind the chair
  • Real connection with other hairdressers
  • Time to reset and refocus
  • To bring your team and grow together
  • To reconnect with your passion for the craft

It’s not just what you learn — it’s how you think, work, and connect differently after the weekend.

Who should attend Hb Fest?

Hb Fest is ideal for:

  • Hairdressers
  • Salon owners
  • Assistants
  • Suite renters
  • Educators
  • Salon teams
  • Independent stylists looking for community

If you care about your craft and your career, Hb Fest is for you.

When should I register?

As soon as possible.

Group pricing is limited. VIP is limited to 30 attendees. The hotel room block will sell out. Look & Learn sessions fill up.

The earlier you register, the more options you’ll have.

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