Four performers with big, colorful wigs and black outfits dance on stage under blue lights at a L'Oréal Professionnel event celebrating 100 Years of Intercoiffure Mondial, as ICA Members in the audience watch and take photos. - Intercoiffure Canada America

One hundred years is a milestone worthy of a grand celebration. And hairdressers never shy away from a party. So when Intercoiffure Mondial marked its 100th anniversary, they threw the party of the century. 

From May 31-June 1, Intercoiffure Mondial feted its centennial with a World Congress, featuring shows, events and networking opportunities for its members across the globe.

Intercoiffure America Canada’s president, Scott Buchanan, attended the event in Hamburg, Germany, held in the city of Intercoiffure Mondial’s founding in 1925. 

“We had 35 guests from ICA attend,” he said. “I got to meet the presidents from other countries and regions and learn about their operations and how we can collaborate and learn from each other.”

He added, “We hosted a beautiful breakfast for our North American contingent at the hotel before the event kicked off, which was a wonderful bonding experience.” 

Five people, including ICA Members, smiling and posing for a selfie at an indoor event; one man in a floral jacket with a large red flower, and four women, one with a striking black headpiece, celebrating Intercoiffure Mondial’s 100 Years. - Intercoiffure Canada America

A Global Celebration

Nearly 1,000 beauty professionals from 40 countries gathered for three days in Hamburg for shows and events in landmark locations across the city.

From artistic presentations at the Congress Center Hamburg to a Parade of Nations at the city’s legendary Fish Auction Hall, attendees were treated to a celebration like none they’d ever seen before. 

“One presentation that was particularly memorable was from the students who came over from Cape Town, South Africa, as part of ‘Education for Life,’ a global initiative of Mondial’s that builds schools in underprivileged areas,” said Buchanan. “Students were sponsored by manufacturers and presented under the direction of mentors. It was very heartfelt and touching.”  

Brianna Rademacher of Frank Anthony Salon said, “Spending time with and getting to know the South African students was extremely humbling and left me wanting to learn how we can give back and share more.” 

Other presentations featured hair artists from Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Hong Kong/Macau, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay. 

At the center of it all were three gala shows hosted by Intercoiffure Japan, Markus Herrmann (for host country Germany), and L’Oréal.

“The haircut Markus Herrmann presented on stage left me star struck,” Rademacher said. “But EVERY SINGLE presentation over the weekend was remarkable—they all showed the quality of work our members offer as Intercoiffure salons.”

Salvatore Minardi, World Talent Exchange Ambassador for ICA, said, “Among the many presentations, the Japanese team’s story of a traditional husband and wife ceremony—complete with exquisite hair, garments, and ritual—touched me profoundly. It was poetic, soulful, and beautifully respectful of heritage.”

Better Together

Minardi’s role as World Talent Exchange Ambassador is a new one envisioned by Scott Buchanan and ICA vice president Sheila Wilson. 

“I was deeply moved to be able to help build bridges of connection and collaboration across our global family,” Minardi said. “And it was one of the greatest honors of my career to introduce our esteemed president Scott Buchanan to the presidents and artistic directors of more than 40 Intercoiffure nations.” 

Buchanan said, “Every salon owner is facing the same issues and challenges, and they have the same passions and frustrations—we’re all in the same boat.

“Growing out transactions, engaging our team members, learning to be flexible—these are universal issues,” he added. “It was great to be together with other countries to talk about best practices and growth strategies.”  

The celebrations culminated the last evening with a 100 Years Party, where members came together to celebrate in global style.

Six people pose together indoors, dressed in formal and stylish evening attire, celebrating 100 Years of Intercoiffure Mondial. White walls and a closed door with a lit exit sign are visible in the background. - Intercoiffure Canada America

“The whole anniversary weekend was priceless,” Rademacher said. “My team and I were able to experience beauty, culture, and passion from friends all around the world. We’re extremely grateful for the relationships we’re able to form and grow during these events.”

Minardi added, “It was a celebration of legacy, creativity, and global unity—one I will carry in my heart as I continue to serve our membership with pride and dedication.”

From the opening Parade of Nations to the artistic presentations, Buchanan says it was an unforgettable experience.

“Even though there were 40 different countries, we’re all the same and connected,” he said.

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