Every great salon eventually faces the same question: Who comes next?

For Intercoiffure America Canada members, succession is about far more than ownership. It’s about preserving culture, protecting legacy, and preparing the next generation to lead exceptional businesses into the future.

That vision inspired the ICA NEXT Salon Leaders initiative, an exclusive program that brings together emerging leaders selected by Intercoiffure member salons. Some are future owners within family businesses. Others are key executives and rising leaders who will one day guide some of North America’s most respected salon organizations.

Each participant has been identified by their salon owner as someone with the potential to shape both their business and our profession.

Throughout the year, NEXT participants come together at Fall Atelier and Spring Gathering for programming created specifically for their stage of leadership. Equally important, they build relationships with one another, creating a trusted network of peers who will grow together throughout their careers.

As the program enters its second year, we’re gathering feedback from both salon owners and participants to help shape its future. Our vision is to build a more connected, year-round experience that combines education, mentorship, collaboration, and community.

Leadership will always be central to the program, but tomorrow’s salon leaders need a broad understanding of what it takes to build exceptional businesses. From finance and marketing to technology, operations, culture, communication, and team development, NEXT is designed to expose participants to the many disciplines that define long-term success.

One of the program’s greatest strengths will be access to the remarkable experience found throughout the Intercoiffure community. Participants will have opportunities to connect with accomplished Intercoiffure members who can serve as mentors, sharing their perspectives, lessons learned, and decades of leadership experience.

NEXT also provides participants with a pathway into the broader Intercoiffure family. They’ll gain a deeper understanding of our history, our values, and the unique role Intercoiffure continues to play in advancing professional salon excellence. Along the way, they’ll be encouraged to become active participants in the organization many will one day help lead.

Ultimately, ICA NEXT is about stewardship. We’re investing in future owners, executives, mentors, board members, and leaders who will help shape both their businesses and the future of Intercoiffure America Canada.

We are pleased to recognize the generous support of KAO (Goldwell and Oribe), sponsor of ICA NEXT for 2026. Their investment reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of salon leadership, and we are grateful for their partnership.