<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://wwd.com/tag/fairchild-studio/">Fairchild Studio</a>: How have Glamsquad’s services evolved since inception? What are some major milestones?&nbsp;David Goldweitz: When we launched Glamsquad in 2014, the vision was twofold: to make high-quality beauty services easily accessible and to build a modern network that gives beauty professionals greater flexibility and ownership over their careers. We focused on connecting talented artists with clients through our proprietary technology, thereby enabling the artists to grow their businesses in meaningful ways.&nbsp;We launched the business in New York City with at-home blowouts and have since expanded to 15 cities across the U.S. Our menu offerings have expanded too — nails have become one of our most requested services.&nbsp;Glamsquad has also become the premier service provider for weddings, corporate events and luxury brand activations. Our partnerships with beauty brands have also become an important part of the business, helping companies launch products and connect with highly engaged beauty professionals through our platform.&nbsp;Fairchild Studio: How do the company’s services stand out in a competitive beauty and wellness market?&nbsp;Giovanni Vaccaro: What differentiates Glamsquad is that we deliver salon-quality services via an easily navigable technology platform. Clients can book professional hair, makeup and nail services to arrive directly to their home, hotel or office but the experience is highly personalized and artist-driven.&nbsp;Our curated network of more than 2000 beauty professionals, who go through a rigorous vetting process, allows us to maintain consistent quality across markets. That level of trust is incredibly important to our clients and us.&nbsp;We think about beauty through the lens of real-life moments, from a weekly blowout to a black-tie event, a wedding to an important career milestone. By combining exceptional talent, hospitality and technology, we’re able to provide professional services that are elevated yet personal.&nbsp;Fairchild Studio: What are the major brands the company has partnerships with? How have these driven growth?&nbsp;G.V.: Partnerships are a natural extension of the service experience at Glamsquad. We collaborate with brands our artists trust and use every day, including Olaplex, Shark Beauty, JVN Hair, Rare Beauty, Glossier and Bubble Skincare.&nbsp;These relationships allow us to present our clients with culturally relevant brands and allow them to discover new products from a trusted beauty professional.&nbsp;These collaborations have also resulted in co-branded activations, events and retail partnerships. Ultimately, the idea is to connect with the broader beauty ecosystem while delivering more value for both our clients and our brand partners.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://fantastic-warmth-e6d2868614.media.strapiapp.com/230427_SHOT_08_330_V2_1_607ff8c69e.jpg" alt="230427_SHOT_08_330_V2 1.jpg" srcset="https://fantastic-warmth-e6d2868614.media.strapiapp.com/thumbnail_230427_SHOT_08_330_V2_1_607ff8c69e.jpg 245w, https://fantastic-warmth-e6d2868614.media.strapiapp.com/small_230427_SHOT_08_330_V2_1_607ff8c69e.jpg 500w, https://fantastic-warmth-e6d2868614.media.strapiapp.com/medium_230427_SHOT_08_330_V2_1_607ff8c69e.jpg 750w" sizes="100vw" width="750"></figure>&nbsp;Fairchild Studio: What is your approach to corporate and private events? What are the perks of booking with Glamsquad?&nbsp;G.V.: Events are exciting for us because beauty plays such a big role in how people show up for important moments. We’re called upon to support everything from large corporate activations to brand pop-ups, runway shows to editorial shoots.&nbsp;We’re able to scale while maintaining quality by deploying coordinated teams of hair, makeup and nail pros. We manage the logistics internally so the experience feels seamless for both hosts and guests.&nbsp;We also offer flexible formats. Sometimes we work with a brand to create a beauty bar, other times it’s a private glam suite for VIP talent. We’re always looking to creatively apply our know-how to enhance the overall event.&nbsp;Fairchild Studio: With the demand for personalized and experience-driven beauty services, how is Glamsquad staying ahead of the curve?&nbsp;D.G.: Personalization has become increasingly important. Every appointment matches a beauty professional who has been vetted specifically for that service experience and also takes into account the client’s style preferences and the occasion they’re preparing for.&nbsp;We have gained so much insight from conducting over a million appointments over the years, which allows us to continuously refine our services and understand how beauty needs are evolving.&nbsp;At the same time, we’re expanding the experiential side of the business —from group bookings, to brand partnerships, pop-ups to community events. Consumers are looking for beauty experiences that feel convenient, social and personalized; our focus is to meet them at those moments.&nbsp;Fairchild Studio: What initiatives does Glamsquad have planned for the rest of the year?&nbsp;D.G.: For the rest of the year, we’re focused on growing our reach through new corporate partnerships, experiential community events, launching new markets and expanding the service areas in our existing markets.&nbsp;We’re also investing in technology that makes the booking experience even more seamless for clients, which creates more opportunities for our beauty professionals to do what they do best.&nbsp;Additionally, we are incorporating AI into our booking platform to help match clients with pros who have been proven to have a particularly high level of skill with the client’s specific hair and skin needs, thereby enhancing the client-pro relationship and establishing greater intelligence in the way we deliver our services.

David Goldweitz, cofounder and chief executive officer of Glamsquad, and Giovanni Vaccaro, cofounder of Glamsquad, discuss with Fairchild Studio how the beauty services platform is shaping the future of beauty experiences with tech-driven personalization and brand partnerships.

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Glamsquad Is Redefining the Beauty Experience

Held on May 28 and 29, the luxury suite served as the ultimate pre-Swim Week destination, preparing guests for a packed week of runway shows, events, and appearances—including Ocean Drive’s highly anticipated Swim Issue cover celebration honoring cover star Erin Michelle Cummins.&nbsp;Among those stopping by the Penthouse at The Shelborne were Ocean Drive Editor in Chief Paige Mastrandrea and Cummins herself, alongside Duda Teixeira, Evangeli Anteros, Jenah Yamamoto, Kelley Flanagan, Melissa Odabash, Nicole Williams English, Sophia Culpo, and Tika Camaj.&nbsp;Upon arrival guests were greeted with a gorgeous black silk robe from locally founded brand, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://eberjey.com/">Eberjey</a>, along with a coordinating pair of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.havaianas.com/">Havaianas</a> flip flops. From there guests enjoyed sips from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://loonen.com/">Loonen</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pressed.com/">Pressed Juicery</a> before moving through a curated series of beauty, wellness, and styling activations.&nbsp;Beauty prep was front and center, beginning with skin preparation from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youthtothepeople.com/?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20331872323&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADiMnI-XQZhOxrEcshq62ZSxbgUA8&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw2_TQBhCnARIsAF3-XhzZbByaFxE3vGjfspaD1g8wUTICqgJpWZLYVxDHYRv86q7OIV41dZ4aArMjEALw_wcB">Youth to the People</a>. Guests then received foundation color matching and complexion application from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lawlessbeauty.com/?srsltid=AfmBOop-1oEb67VdUJl0jw3fdZKp-T0zwQyNhbzJWdyUiaRy-ewVXt9K">LAWLESS</a>, while <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.glamsquad.com/?g_acctid=310-775-8230&amp;g_adgroupid=143456863620&amp;g_adid=629576491344&amp;g_adtype=search&amp;g_campaign=search_brand_core_exact&amp;g_campaignid=18656338473&amp;g_keyword=glamsquad&amp;g_keywordid=kwd-329826220771&amp;g_network=g&amp;tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=629576491344&amp;tw_campaign=18656338473&amp;tw_kwdid=kwd-329826220771&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=18656338473&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADqlTo1wva1K392w7lAy9euqGuQ4z&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-UqJT25FFGSD7kIeneHqWCS3Utt_smdD5gYUxVNeg15wUMvyHVC1usaAsLREALw_wcB">Glamsquad</a> artists created eye and lip looks using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.urbandecay.com/best-sellers/?gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20160181619&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADowEfv-AAEq80JzDDepl7joKdfsC&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-Wukpf2CCCx7vbJ7Azc0xDP5RcZtHov1xURQFJyBEcaoIRvfm9DV4caAgIfEALw_wcB">Urban Decay</a> favorites including the iconic NAKED palette, Tube Job Mascara, smudge-proof Liquid Stick Eyeliners designed to withstand Miami’s heat and humidity, and the brand’s newest obsession, Lip Toy lip staining oils.&nbsp;Hair styling was led by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sexyhair.com/">SexyHair</a> Artistic Ambassador Richard Mannah, while wellness brand Spritz Health introduced guests to its fast-absorbing oral spray designed to support performance, recovery, function, and longevity.&nbsp;“There is a sun-soaked energy that only exists at Miami Swim Week, where style meets creative vision in a way that lights up the algorithm,” said Zack Tanck, Bollare VP. “We curated the coolest mix of creators, tastemakers, and editors to join us for a GRWM experience. The sweeping views of the ocean were the perfect backdrop for waves of content, brought to life by immersive beauty and fashion moments, to kick off summer in style.”&nbsp;Once camera-ready, attendees moved into the fashion styling portion of the experience, selecting and trying on looks from an impressive roster of brands including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://12pmstudios.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorGP3Egjc1_dRtpjUciCOk_HDBGLRV1iSHPMGIGrE4atm8DpeGr">12 pm Studios</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shopafrm.com/?source=pepperjam&amp;publisherId=206204&amp;clickId=5496780373&amp;utm_source=PJ&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;gad_source=1">AFRM</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blacksuedestudio.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=20290805195&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApEvEgzJ9Ec9eVYwihGprSczxYJPf&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-V058QZH_IYQkYzYVsXO3CgjL0BrN7geiIKV0GV_aqapuIbPR_czvsaAo28EALw_wcB">Black Suede Studio</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://dondeesteban.co/">Donde Esteban</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hansenandgretel.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooERh-Juf1IHTLB1gB4mvuH3TZkMl_OfQA0DsoFJP4YvH068X7B">Hansen &amp; Gretel</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.walmart.com/cp/kacey-lee/2930264">Kacey Lee Musgraves x Lee</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.pjsalvage.com/?tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=598581037435&amp;tw_campaign=814526537&amp;tw_kwdid=kwd-716450770&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=814526537&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADLpAj5ZgROGsSeITO3xCDOB2PEmB&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwxITRBhBYEiwA6mZm7WQWVWZ8TgMBBVDJsSRIhp8YIbZCaGy1rdHDDXosUzOvviRtLcOusRoCE_8QAvD_BwE">P.J. Salvage</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lornamurray.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOopFq5gefX6mKKSS1H05g3fIp68WXJJWMVFa4YtKUf98hPJIXrEA">Lorna Murray</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nightcapclothing.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqb2eRolQLhe-1AjzKMy0ps8iDy8_25KVllDTHaYaQ_okAEhCQv">Nightcap Clothing</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shop-resa.com/">RESA</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://straitthelabel.com/">Strait the Label</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sandekids.com/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=23224186247&amp;gbraid=0AAAABB8pUv0e7-XcA_CajZezogIQbSFko&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwlerQBhDMARIsAB16H-VHN8jD9ZHDtUHgJ0r2qn9u6vVClRzgxexyjkSdv7CBtIwjyEexBhwaAuM2EALw_wcB">Sande</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://spanx.com/">SPANX</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://uncommonjames.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor-vAXpMzUXv1lkMZjkOfnnltBYHbD6FzunjfNuHs3tCbqmGPzM">Uncommon James</a>.&nbsp;Before wrapping up their time at the suite, guests explored a vibrant floral installation showcasing a selection of standout beauty and wellness brands. The immersive display featured products from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cleanskinclub.com/">Clean Skin Club</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.isdin.com/us">ISDIN</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6Z1PLKT/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;pd_rd_i=B0G6Z1PLKT&amp;ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_ssd_img&amp;qid=1780176260&amp;pd_rd_w=Jj0wu&amp;content-id=amzn1.sym.2fb72bc8-96ef-420d-b08f-c04b69f36507%3Aamzn1.sym.2fb72bc8-96ef-420d-b08f-c04b69f36507&amp;pf_rd_p=2fb72bc8-96ef-420d-b08f-c04b69f36507&amp;pf_rd_r=AGX11RSK2W5QT0EQ66NV&amp;pd_rd_wg=3zaew&amp;pd_rd_r=a3155b7b-c20c-4c0a-8d7a-384511fc5ecb&amp;pd_rd_plhdr=t&amp;th=1">Knock</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://luxunfiltered.com/">Lux Unfiltered</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/stores/MISEENSCENE/page/ACA466A6-CDD6-4BB6-9AEB-64BC19A4085A?lp_asin=B081JHTPKP&amp;ref_=ast_bln&amp;store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandlogo_sto">Mise en Scene</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://summerfridays.com/">Summer Fridays</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tanningclub.com/">Tanning Club</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vyrao.com/">Vyrao</a>, offering one final moment of discovery before attendees headed out to Miami Swim Week’s packed schedule of events. Guests left with all these beauty must-haves plus <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bodyfortress.com/">Body Fortress</a>’ Hydration Powder.&nbsp;For Bollare Founder Alle Fister, the annual Swim Week gathering remains one of the most exciting moments of the year.&nbsp;“Returning to Miami Swim Week is pure joy,” said Fister. “It is a vibrant celebration of sun, style, and the electric energy that only Miami can deliver! I love spending time here with our Bollare team and brand partners. From our styling suite, to the incredible events and runway shows we had the pleasure of working on, it is an electric weekend of work!”&nbsp;Beyond the suite itself, Fister also celebrated another meaningful milestone during the week: the debut runway show for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://shop-resa.com/collections/festival?tw_source=google&amp;tw_adid=&amp;tw_campaign=21822470092&amp;tw_kwdid=&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21822471073&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADPFjxuQeV6UrSh2VuIFqbOhMYrSk&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw2_TQBhCnARIsAF3-Xhw6hu8V6j0tEbdxaVXMZeRhRMW2ABnwF1CyTmktgymzJD7OWISQR-EaAov5EALw_wcB">RESA</a>’s collaboration with Uncommon James.&nbsp;“In addition to our suite, I was so proud to work with my dear friend, Suzanne Marchese, on her debut runway show for her brand RESA, celebrating their collaboration with Uncommon James,” Fister continued. “We have been friends for over 20 years (back when she was an editor) – so seeing her shine so brightly…this moment felt particularly prideful!”&nbsp;With fashion, beauty, wellness, and content creation all under one roof, Bollare’s two-day takeover set the tone for a glamorous week ahead while celebrating the talent, brands, and personalities shaping this year’s Miami Swim Week conversation.

As Miami Swim Week kicked off in full force, Bollare brought together a stylish mix of content creators, designers, models, and industry insiders for a two-day immersive styling experience at The Shelborne by Proper in South Beach.

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The Bollare Penthouse Was THE Place to Prep for Miami Swim Week

What We’re Wearing is an intimate look inside the closets of ESSENCE editors. Beyond the labels, we’re sharing how we personally style our lives—for everything from high-profile galas to effortless weekend vibes. Our mission is to spark your creativity and empower you to show up as your most authentic, unapologetic self, no matter where you’re going.&nbsp;If I could choose a brand that embodies my essence, I would probably pick House of Aama.&nbsp;And this is not only because Akua Shabaka, one half of the brand’s founding duo, is one of my friends and major inspirations. It’s also because I feel their pieces make me feel like my most authentic self—free, comfortable, elegant, regal, and confident.&nbsp;I think it all really comes down to their vintage-like silhouettes that pay homage to the African diaspora and the style muses of the past, combined with fun pops of color and patterns that modernize it all. Additionally, knowing each piece is Black-owned and sustainably made in Los Angeles by a mother-daughter duo, makes it all feel even more meaningful.&nbsp;All that to say, when it came down to selecting something to wear for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fashionweekdaily.com/all-the-glamorous-pics-from-inside-the-boom-met-gala-after-party/">The Met Gala BOOM After Party</a>, that Questlove spun at (he had me dancing all night!), on Monday night, I immediately knew this pink dress would be the perfect choice.&nbsp;I wanted something that somewhat embodied the theme “Fashion Is Art.” Or rather, my interpretation of it, in an understated way, of course, given I didn’t attend the gala itself. When I think about the theme this year, I think back to times when I felt my most artistic, creative, and free. Childhood certainly comes to mind, as, for me, it was filled with creative writing, drawing, singing, dancing, and, of course, playing dress up. This House of Aama dress feels like the grown up version of the “dress up” dresses from my youth.&nbsp;Accompanying the look, I wore this Chanel pink clutch, that was technically a makeup bag the Chanel Beauty team gifted me last year, but it looks so cute as a purse as well! On the feet, I opted for my pink <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.kendallmilesdesigns.com/">Kendall Miles</a> heels.When it came to my glam, I have to give love to my <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://glamsquad.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorIpUPbxasK5FovdMmQRx4zCmHYZWLTq1dYxKEnHOQMDALsHc3Y">Glamsquad</a> family for this! Specifically, they gave me the best pink pedicure earlier that day, and sent makeup artist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/prissykhrissy_/">PrissyKhrissy</a> to do my makeup. She did an amazing job and made my skin look and feel so hydrated, and as though I wasn’t even wearing much makeup at all (shout out to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;ai=DChsSEwjz28rUp6iUAxWXNggFHWhGNo8YACICCAEQBBoCbWQ&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWWXUSNOjkiBkGe4kRWOuPPekdgfRulbZaayixDyVmo0tliDjBrZIW0aAhVXEALw_wcB&amp;cid=CAASZuRoQyu3k7buoW5ILVA0PY4xAGEN2yOVqFyQ6S6Hvs9lsTq2E_na534ikMOztblfziNasvuW4bV81BxjBQNdp53JVc9RzCtwJunjw-XWwhWc3WL39dDdchpvfTYty3NrPQ1zlN6rVg&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_1oYlBBBdBWe5uNYL2ESY1zCInEPQ&amp;ctype=5&amp;q=&amp;nis=7&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjnksLUp6iUAxVchIkEHfzHJH0Q5bgDKAB6BAgJEAs&amp;ch=1&amp;adurl=">Juvia’s Place Concealer</a> she put me on to).&nbsp;All in all? I felt playful and pretty! In my opinion, that’s the perfect recipe for a great night out.

ESSENCE’s Senior Beauty & Fashion Editor shares why she opted for this elegant pink House of Aama dress for the Met Gala after party. 

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What We’re Wearing: Met Gala After Party Edition

Case in point? The hair and makeup artists working behind the scenes at the museum with the performance artists scheduled throughout the night. It took dozens—led by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.maccosmetics.com/">MAC</a> global director of makeup artistry Romero Jennings, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.glamsquad.com/">Glamsquad</a> cofounder Giovanni Vaccaro, and hairstylist <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://talent.maworldgroup.com/beauty/dre-demry-sanders">Dre Demry-Sanders</a>—to outfit the crew.&nbsp;The brief for performance artists mostly focused on individuality, much like artists who are experts in their own fields. First came the troupe that performed a cover of Whitney Houston’s famed “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” on the Met steps—lifts, harmonies, high kicks, and all. “Their look is an elevated take on the clean-girl aesthetic that is still so popular,” says Jennings about the ensemble’s styling direction. “It’s a slight wash of color on the eyes with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sephora.com/product/mac-multisculpt-matte-liquid-eyeshadow-and-all-over-colour-P520529?skuId=2944106&amp;keyword=Multisculpt%20Matte%20Liquid%20Eye%20Shadow">Multisculpt Matte Liquid Eye Shadow</a> and the lipstick shade <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/FtXebJ4xqVaiKDV1CtZMJZXbUJpkc1f9JdxXngcnRDxsrynmH97KiHkGSBpHoeY5qGww8AFTmnY4eTJo4wt7qFgiLZYxwedUJGicurNNHsaZaWwveubgszR2LnV3NDdrZbhbDbnfwp2JUCTPmJ2V2XUdxhiFGt9992Bre2s1aC6FAB9zfcc1CwVo3whnDtBWw9fPdST9Gw9ekvmMGSPAAzA4ondD6wxoaiFHUbAJoAoXN9jJcRwYLyhRJS5cAJbpFAeKQJDbXpKM7knMv5kzTtkchBhGPDTADuWLeqd7KVkC6kpzn93fmfszbL9iLap7M7CbKwTdpumGLrcv44ryT3TadAnECsDn8Pa?xid=fr1781729599175gbg">Habit</a>, which is basically like your lips but a little bit more.” Hair was kept simple too. “We kept the hair natural, working with the texture by enhancing it,” Vaccaro shared, adding that the Shark SpeedStyle hair dryer and products from Oribe and Olaplex helped to get the looks just right—simple and stylish.&nbsp;Inside the museum, a melody of harpists awaited the Met Gala guests. Their hair and makeup were a bit more art focused. Jennings described the makeup look as “Dutch Masters meets ’90s cool-toned shades,” which included more Mutisculpt Eye Shadow and a focus on highlighting the cheeks and collarbones with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cna.st/affiliate-link/P5DkZRf1FvK8HTDaYexRsPgecZ1vAUsEukwRyGbbQffyP7eCmNjxSSThznnCmeo73kLDYhauepvMHuriHqxsPwWFH4xz5Miy85smk9VDSLf63wGv2sk1Va7bbDY17mu6YGfiieR67caTr94PpvvdE71o6UYngCgee86KWB46HpsyxPoW3PEBSsZw7uD217NazGvoPQCT9PfpgbSKbPcuufx1JywD7jpnF1MGeQx2prthFyRyt4h1Dpq2QVFgR57h9CPgBi8VAmFyRVi5T5gLvf2PBK3tkQvrHz3Wz3igaH6swELUmuRdV3vhQcEcfrH1Vvkwa4TtxCK2o1S1DC9Va1HfRo92QeA8SMi9xt8?xid=fr1781729599175jic">Extra Dimension Blush in shade Into the Pink</a>. “It gives a glow you can see from across the room,” Jennings adds. The hairstyle from Demry-Sanders also had an art buzzword: Botticelli, specifically, The Birth of Venus. “The harpists are wearing these beautiful dresses that look like they just came out of the water,” she says. “I wanted to give them hair to match, which means that hair should look like it has movement, even when it’s gelled in place.” Swirling tendrils curled across cheeks and foreheads to get the desired effect.&nbsp;Whether simple or more artful, each look made the case for beauty being an art too—total masterpieces.

Last night, some of fashion’s biggest names walked the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the 2026 Met Ball, with the theme of “Costume Art.” But the night started with—and featured throughout—many forms of art beyond those found inside the museum’s hallowed halls.

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Beauty Was Art, Too, at the 2026 Met Gala

In my exploration of luxury Black hair experiences, I came across Glamsquad, an on-demand beauty service that brings professional hair, nail, and makeup artists directly to your door. Recently, the beauty service collaborated with celebrity stylist Johnny Wright to launch their silk press services, so I had to give it a try.&nbsp;The booking process was refreshingly straightforward. I opted for a $90 silk press, then created an account to view my assigned stylist and pre-appointment guidelines. Days later, my beautician Sheena arrived to my freshly washed, product-free hair, wrapped in a cotton T-shirt, ready for glam.&nbsp;She introduced me to some of Glamsquad’s favorite tools for transforming textured natural hair into a silky press: the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling &amp; Drying System, Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother, No. 7 Bonding Oil, and, of course, a sleek straightener.&nbsp;As she worked through my detangled hair section by section, Sheena explained the key to a silk press is tension and a quality blow-dryer. The Shark FlexStyle is a multi-purpose styling tool that converts from dryer to wand with just a swivel. In wand form, the FlexStyle attaches to a range of stylers, including the round brush, which left me with the best blowout I’ve seen in this apartment. A great tool for anyone who struggles to press their hair on their own.&nbsp;After the blowout came the straightening; Sheena explained that a silk press should be achieved with just one pass of the straightener per small section to avoid damage. Between passes, she walked me through product recommendations for maintenance, discussed which hair tools actually deliver on their promises and demonstrated how to properly use the Olaplex products I added to my service.&nbsp;She concluded my service by evening out my tresses with a precise trim and gifted me the bond oil to support my at-home routine. And because the tip was already included in my total, I didn’t have to worry about the awkward mental math at the end of the appointment.&nbsp;As I sat barefoot in my living room, I contemplated how this wasn’t just a silk press; it was proof that professional results don't require professional settings. Black women deserve personalized, professional care that understands our hair, delivered with the convenience we've always needed.&nbsp;Whether you're navigating stylists with strict “no additional people” policies, tied to your home managing childcare, or simply overstimulated by the thought of the traditional salon experience, Glamsquad offers a convenient alternative. No hunting for parking spots, no sitting in waiting areas wondering if your 2 p.m. appointment will actually start at 2 p.m., no sensory overload from overlapping conversations and competing playlists. Just you, your stylist, and a silk press so smooth it makes you wonder why you ever thought the salon was your only option.

Just in time for silk press season, this beauty writer opens up her home to the on-demand beauty service to experience their new service.

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Glamsquad Launches Silk Press Services For Textured Hair—Here's What To Know

This week, I checked in with execs and analysts to better understand the changes within the hair-care space that are driving today’s marketing, seeding and sales. Accessing professionals is a tentpole of most strategies today, so I sat down with Olaplex CMO Katie Gohman to learn about the brand’s new partnership with on-demand beauty services app Glamsquad. Additionally, E.l.f. Beauty expands its value retail footprint, mall ear-piercer Claire’s files for bankruptcy again, and Soko Glam pops up within 30 Space NK stores in the U.K. Brands tap pro stylists as competition within the hair-care space grows...

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Glamsquad Launches Silk Press Services For Textured Hair—Here's What To Know

Beauty & Wellness Briefing: Olaplex taps Glamsquad as competition in the pro space heats up, plus industry news

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