A sold-out two day education extravanganza, a renewed brand vision and a programme stacked with global and local talent. Goldwell’s Celebration of Color 2026 wrapped this week with the kind of energy that lingers long after the final look leaves the stage.
Held at Illumina Sydney on March 15 and 16 (with the non-negotiable afterparty taking place at the picturesque MCA Harbourside), the two-day event drew more than 350 stylists from across Australia and New Zealand, delivering a tightly curated mix of artistry, education and connection. This year’s edition also marked a significant moment for the brand, with the unveiling of its reimagined identity – heralding in a new era for Goldwell – alongside a preview of upcoming 2026 innovations, including new Colorance Gloss Tones and LightDimensions upgrades.
Day One set the tone with a main stage line-up that balanced international perspective with homegrown strength. UK artists Casey Coleman and Jack Mead, alongside Boston-based Kylie Bussing, joined a roster of leading Australian names to deliver trend-led colour work and technique-driven sessions that felt both directional and grounded in salon reality. The evening unfolded into an after-hours celebration at the MCA, where the industry gathered against the harbour to toast both the work and the wider community.
“We were proud to showcase our rebrand and introduce the new era and future of Goldwell to our community.”
Chris Hudson, KAO ANZ General Manager
Day Two shifted focus to the business behind the chair. A session led by Laura Higgins offered practical strategies for growth, before the programme moved into collaborative masterclasses – a clear highlight of the weekend. International and Australian artists paired up to deliver immersive education, blending global insight with local nuance in sessions that prioritised technique, adaptability and creative exchange.
Across both days, what emerged was a clear through-line: collaboration as catalyst. Whether on stage or in the room, the event fostered a sense of shared momentum, with stylists connecting not just over craft, but over the evolving shape of the industry itself.
Reflecting on the weekend, Chris Hudson, General Manager of Kao Salon Division ANZ, said: “Powered by Goldwell, the Celebration of Color weekend is about levelling up the artistry of our industry, and this year truly raised the bar. We were proud to showcase our rebrand and introduce the new era and future of Goldwell to our community. Seeing our international icons take the main stage with such impact, and collaborate so seamlessly with our local talent, was inspiring. The energy from our sold-out audience perfectly showcased the passion, creativity, and innovation that are driving and shaping the future of hairdressing in Australia and New Zealand.”
For Goldwell, the larger than life Celebration of Color 2026 shone a light on the brand’s brilliant, bright future and exactly where it’s heading next.
