For more than a century, Cosmetologists Chicago has existed to serve one purpose: support licensed beauty professionals.
From the energy and connection experienced at America’s Beauty Show to the everyday work professionals do with their clients, one thing remains true. This industry thrives when professionals feel seen, supported, and connected to something bigger than themselves.
At America’s Beauty Show 2026, over 20,000 beauty professionals came together in a spirit of education, inspiration, and community. That same spirit continues with the launch of The Color Study 2026.
This is more than a survey. It is an opportunity to listen, align, and move forward together.
Why This Study Matters Now
Every day, licensed professionals make decisions that impact their clients, their business, and their future.
Which color line to trust.
Where to invest time in education.
How to deliver consistent, high-quality results.
These decisions are often made independently, without a clear view of what others in the industry are experiencing.
The Color Study is designed to change that.
By bringing together the voices of professionals across different backgrounds, experience levels, and business models, we can create a shared understanding of what is working, what is evolving, and where there is opportunity to better support the community.
A Collective Voice That Moves the Industry Forward
Individually, each professional has valuable insight.
Together, those insights become something far more powerful.
This study will help illuminate:
- What professionals value most in color products and support
- Where brands, education, and distribution are meeting needs
- Where there is room for growth, innovation, and alignment
The goal is not to critique. It is to create clarity.
Clarity leads to better decisions.
Better decisions lead to stronger outcomes.
Stronger outcomes benefit the entire professional beauty community.
Designed With Intention, Built for Professionals
The Color Study is:
- In-depth and thoughtfully designed
- 100% confidential
- Focused on real-world professional experience
It reflects the complexity of the work professionals do every day and honors the expertise that comes with it.
This is not surface-level feedback.
This is meaningful insight that can help guide the future of professional color.
From Insight to Impact
When we take the time to listen as a community, something important happens.
We begin to align.
Professionals gain clearer benchmarks and perspective.
Brands gain a deeper understanding of real needs.
Educators can focus on what truly matters.
And together, we create an industry that is more responsive, more supportive, and more connected.
Our Role as Cosmetologists Chicago
Cosmetologists Chicago is proud to serve as both advocate and connector.
As a nonprofit owned by beauty professionals, our role is to:
- Listen with intention
- Represent the voice of the community
- Help bring alignment across professionals, brands, and education
We believe that when the industry works together with focus and purpose, everyone benefits.
Because when we collaborate, align, and support one another, we all thrive in this beautiful industry.
Be Part of the Study
Your experience matters.
Your perspective matters.
Your voice matters.
By participating in The Color Study, you are contributing to a clearer, stronger future for professional beauty.
Take the survey and be part of what’s next.
