Want a sneak peek at the future of hairdressing? Then join us behind the scenes at our world-first exclusive event: the Wella Pro Artists Lab Experience 2026.
From October 19–21, New York City played host to 13 Wella International Artists and a global community of hairdressing talent, united by their ambition to connect more deeply, grow together, and create what’s next.
Three days. 13 artists. One global community. This was an experience like no other. But if you missed it, don’t panic – we’ve got the full lowdown on every trend, every product launch, and every unmissable moment…
But First, What is Wella Pro Artists Lab?
Wella Pro Artists Lab (WPAL) is Wella Professionals’ global, invitation-only creative community, bringing exceptional artists together to learn, create, inspire and shape what’s next in professional hair. They are innovators in their field, world-renowned not only for their expertise, but for their commitment to empowering others to elevate their craft. Some of the biggest names in hair are part of WPAL – and attended the New York experience – including Global Ambassadors James Earnshaw, Nikki Lee, Romeu Felipe and Briana Cisneros and ANZ editorial icon Renya Xydis.
Explore the Wella Pro Artists Lab Experience
Day 1: House of Wella New York – Celebrating Industry Talent
The three-day experience kicked off at HOUSE OF WELLA NEW YORK, an electrifying celebration of artistry, innovation and performance at Chelsea Industrial.
From bold creativity by Sebastian Professional to visionary looks brought to life by Wella Professionals artists on stage, the evening showcased the truly transformative power of professional hairdressing.
Highlights included a look at the latest ammonia-free permanent hair color Pure Perfection, and the 2026 TrendVision Awards, celebrating emerging talent in the world of hair. Attendees also got a demonstration of this season’s most directional trend, Monochromatic Color – a celebration of tone-on-tone dimension in shades of espresso brown and vibrant copper.
For WPAL artist and France Ambassador Ivan Arniaud, the evening was a reminder of the passion that unites the industry:
“It's so amazing to see all the passion and artistry that all the talented artists bring to the stage."
Ivan Arniaud
Day 2: The Edit By Renya Xydis & Keiren Street – Learning From Each Other
Day two was dedicated to THE EDIT, an educational seminar led by renowned Australian hairstylist and Wella Artist Renya Xydis, alongside her creative partner, Keiren Street. Editorial icons in their own right, the duo have crafted looks for ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar and beyond – an incredible body of work that set the tone for the creativity on display.
Together, they explored the art of editorial hairstyling, creating bold, expressive looks that pushed the boundaries of modern hair. Wefts were transformed with a kaleidoscope of pastel hues, hair fabrics were positioned with architectural precision, and blow-dries took on an almost sculptural quality.
“I learned a lot of editorial tips and tricks which I normally don't do from this amazing talented artist.”
Daniel Mora
It was a perfect illustration of the WPAL philosophy: different creative signatures coming together to share ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible in hairdressing.
Day 3: Community Day – To Create. To Learn. To Connect.
The final day put the artists at the heart of the experience through collaborative workshops, stage presence training, creative exchanges and dedicated photo and video shoots.
From finding their voice on stage to sharing ideas for the future, artists stepped outside their comfort zones and explored what they could achieve together.
But beyond the workshops, it was the human connections that made the biggest impact.
“I've fallen in love with hairdressing all over again somehow. You sometimes forget it's not just about the craft, but it's the people.”
Jordanna Cobella
“It's one thing to try and force connection, and it's another thing to develop deep and meaningful relationships!”
Briana Cisneros
Inside the Artists’ NYC Kit: ULTIMATE REPAIR
Healthy-looking hair is the foundation of the most flawless creative looks, and our Wella Professionals artists couldn’t be without the iconic ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue. Repairing hair damage in just 90 seconds*, the leave-in treatment offers transformative results, making it an essential ally for creative styling that withstands anything.
New York Was Just the Beginning
More than an event, New York brought the Wella Pro Artists Lab vision to life: a global community where individuality is celebrated, expertise is shared and genuine relationships fuel creativity.
As Nikki Lee said:
“These past few days were filled with so much creativity, inspiration, laughter, and most importantly, genuine connection.”
The conversations, creative ideas and collaborations sparked in New York are only the beginning. Stay tuned for more stories from the artists and discover what this global creative community will bring to life next.
SEE DIFFERENT. THINK DIFFERENT. CREATE DIFFERENT.
This is Wella Pro Artists Lab. And we're just getting started.
* When using ULTIMATE REPAIR Miracle Hair Rescue.