The Hair and Beauty Congress (IHBC) 2026 concluded in Jaipur with over 5,000 professionals pledging to reject counterfeit products and promote Indian brands, skills and education.
IHBC 2026 Brings 5,000+ Hair and Beauty Professionals Together
The Indian hair and beauty industry has called for stronger support for homegrown brands, action against counterfeit products and greater investment in professional education. These priorities took centre stage at the Indian Hair and Beauty Congress (IHBC) 2026, which concluded at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC), Jaipur.
Organised by Hair and Beauty Federation India (HBF), the conference brought together more than 5,000 salon owners and beauty professionals from 54 cities across 18 states. A key outcome was a collective pledge by participants to stop using counterfeit beauty products and spread awareness about the risks associated with them.
The closing ceremony was attended by Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, who highlighted the role of hair and beauty professionals in strengthening India’s economy through the use of quality products manufactured in the country.
Why Did IHBC 2026 Focus on Indian Beauty Brands?
Addressing the gathering, Diya Kumari said that professionals across industries have a role to play in the country’s progress. She noted that greater use of quality Indian-made beauty products could benefit both consumers and the domestic economy, particularly when products are developed for Indian skin and hair needs.
She described the Vocal for Local initiative as more than a campaign, positioning it as a way for citizens and professionals to contribute to economic development.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde also emphasised the role salon professionals can play in taking Indian brands to consumers across the country. He said that such efforts could strengthen the objectives of Make in India and Vocal for Local.
KT CEO Dhruv Sayani added that Indian beauty products are gaining international recognition. He said that greater confidence in Indian brands among salon owners could help accelerate this progress, while emphasising the importance of building a professional community that supports collective growth.
HBF Calls for Action Against Counterfeit Beauty Products
Counterfeit and substandard beauty products were a central concern at the conference. HBF national president Ashok Paliwal called for effective measures to prevent their use and circulation.
He also highlighted the industry’s contribution to employment, noting that the hair and beauty sector supports livelihoods across the country. He called for greater recognition, protection and policy support for the industry.
Paliwal further sought an extension of the tenure of the Kesh Kala Board to four years and recommended that its chairperson be someone actively involved in the hair and beauty industry, with a clear understanding of its needs and challenges. According to the press release, Governor Bagde agreed to consider these demands positively.
MSME Schemes and the Future of the Industry
IHBC 2026 also hosted a panel discussion on Indian brands, government support and the future of the hair and beauty sector.
Ram Avtar Singh, Deputy Director associated with the National Commission for Women and MSME, Government of India, shared information about government schemes and MSME benefits available to entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector.
Industry representatives discussed current challenges, education, skill development, the growth of Indian brands and emerging opportunities. The discussion brought together stakeholders from across the professional beauty industry to examine areas where training, enterprise support and collaboration could contribute to its development.
MOU Signed to Strengthen Professional Education
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the conference between Monica Bahl, Director of BWSSC, and Madhumita Saikia, Vice President of HBF.
The agreement aims to expand foundational and vocational education within the hair and beauty industry. It is intended to support skill development, training and professional education, reinforcing the need for structured learning pathways in the sector.
Advanced Hair Training and Salon Support
The conference also included specialised technical training for hair professionals. London-based hair expert Desmond Murray conducted sessions on creative and advanced haircutting and styling techniques, giving participating professionals an opportunity to engage with advanced approaches to the craft.
In another initiative, the KT Group’s Salon Help Scheme offered financial assistance to salon owners. During the closing ceremony, attended by actor Celina Jaitly, a lucky draw was conducted for 250 salon owners to receive assistance of ₹10,000 each.
IHBC 2026: A Collective Push for Industry Growth
The Indian Hair and Beauty Congress (IHBC) 2026 brought together professionals, associations, educators and industry stakeholders around a common agenda: promoting Indian brands, addressing counterfeit products, strengthening education and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
The collective pledge against counterfeit beauty products emerged as a key message from the conference, alongside calls for policy support and structured skill development. By placing Vocal for Local, Make in India, professional education and industry collaboration at the centre of its discussions, IHBC 2026 highlighted the role that salon owners and beauty professionals can play in shaping the future of India’s hair and beauty sector.
