Our Highlights From The Phorest Salon Owners Summit 2026

Fresh ideas, sharp strategies and a whole lot of buzz

by ZURI | INFORM

Over three days in Dublin, the Phorest Salon Owners Summit put the industry firmly in the spotlight. From breakthrough tech to powerhouse speakers, every session had salon owners and stylists snapping up ideas, brushing up their strategies and leaving feeling freshly inspired. If the goal was to future-proof salons, consider it a flawless finish.

1. Where The Real Buzz Started: Phorest’s Newest Features

Excitement built quickly as Phorest unveiled its latest features, including WhatsApp integration, tipping tools, zero-minute add-ons and team goals. Live demonstrations gave attendees a clear, hands-on view of how these updates fit seamlessly into real salon workflows.

These updates aren’t about flashy tech for tech’s sake. They’re designed to simplify daily operations, support teams and free stylists up to focus on what they do best: creating exceptional client experiences. No more chasing deposits or battling scheduling chaos, just smart, intuitive tools built specifically for the realities of running a modern salon.

2. Caroline Hirons And The Power Of The 3 T’s

‘Queen of skincare’ Caroline Hirons delivered a hilarious, no-nonsense talk on running a business and working with Gen Z. She highlighted the importance of language in the beauty industry, the second-largest employer of women after the NHS, and showed how she built a community on honesty, not hype.

Her 3 Ts – Trust, Truth and Transparency – are a masterclass in marketing without fluff. Whether promoting a salon or growing a personal brand, her message was clear: authenticity wins, community matters and knowledge beats gimmicks.

3. Front Desk AI – The Innovation Owners Can’t Stop Talking About

Of all Phorest’s latest innovations, Front Desk AI stole the show, and it’s easy to see why. Handling SMS bookings, cancellations, reschedules and general queries, it answers more than 85 per cent of messages automatically, freeing stylists and front desk teams to focus on clients instead of juggling phones, chats and social media. Paired with cheat sheets summarising client history, colour notes, retail purchases and service preferences, teams walk into appointments fully prepped, confident and present. Finally, technology that actually getswhat running a salon is like! And yes, the default name is IVY, but it responds just as well to ‘miracle worker’.

4. Calvin Stovall: Never Lose The Beat

Motivational speaker Calvin Stovall had the crowd on their feet from the start. Using music as a metaphor for business, he dropped his ICONIC framework: be unique, be authentic, be passionate and be consistent. They’re the keys to keeping teams inspired, connecting authentically and running a salon that hits every note.

He kept it moving with lines that landed like chart-topping hits:

• Audio must match your video: stay authentic, keep it you.

• Life is 10 per cent what happens and 90 per cent how you react: stay in rhythm.

• Keep releasing new records and finding new fans: never stop growing.

• Never lose the beat: in business, just like in music, it’s all about timing, flow, and energy. Everyone needs to contribute in harmony; miss a note and it’s a disaster… zero streams on Spotify!

By the end, the crowd was pumped with ideas and inspiration, a reminder that running a salon isn’t just strategy; it’s about keeping the team in rhythm.

5. Katie Piper: Resilience That Resonates

Activist Katie Piper closed the Summit to a standing ovation, leaving the room united in awe. With honesty, humour, and grace, she courageously recounted her journey through trauma, having survived an acid attack at 24. What could have broken her instead became a source of strength, a reminder that we are not defined by what happens to us, but by how we choose to move forward.

At the centre of her message was the call to find your why. Who are you when the lights go down? Why are you here? What legacy do you want to leave? Katie reminded us that while the past cannot be changed and the future can’t be controlled, today is where our power lies. How we show up in this moment – with purpose, presence and conviction – is what truly shapes who we become.

The Phorest Salon Owners Summit left one thing crystal clear: technology exists to enhance human connection, not replace it. From AI that preps appointments to tools that simplify tipping, booking, and upselling, the future of salons is about saving time, empowering teams, and creating unforgettable client experiences.

And just when attendees thought the Summit couldn’t get any better, Phorest dropped the ultimate tease: next year’s event is heading west to Killarney! Keep your eyes peeled for more…