America's Beauty Show or ABS for short is a beauty expo that takes over the McCormick convention center with three days of madness by the beauty industry. Manufacturers of hair products, goods, tools and equipment show up to compete for a hairdresser's attention and hard earned bucks but common were hairstylists so we love to spend it on hair stuff.

Complete With models, mannequins, hair stars of the industry and nightly events, ABS will keep you on your toes and running on andrenaline and excitement. You will leave feeling inspired, energized and ready to kick some hair butt but if you work the show you are ready to crash.

I can't say enough good things about working backstage my first ABS show. I had the pleasure of being lead again for Lindsey Olson and this time accompanied by Redken artist, Michelle Monday. This was Michelle's first show so it was even more special.

Show time Selfie with Redken artist, Lindsey Olson

I arrived early for prep which was in make shift model rooms in the back of McCormick's convention center. You would be surprised at how amazing everyone that works the convention center can clean up the space like no other. It's like a post-apocalypytic hair show before he first attendees arrive. The model room is spaceous compared to our last venue each area a different program with different Redken Artist.

finishing touches Ellen observed by Parnelli and Jill

Being apart of the Redken tribe is like being part of a family only everyone does hair. So every so often I get to see some familiar faces and new ones.

Lindsey facilitating a color technique for a captive audience

This ABS would be a first of many new experiences created by Redken. We did "hands on" experiences at the Redken show booth ranging from haircutting, to styling to hair color placement. Programs ran 45 minutes and were a first come first serve basis complete with tools for the attendee to experience an NYC Redken Exchange experience. Each hour Redken styled models and dancers swarmed the Redken booth around a faux NYC subway complete with street dancing and drum players. The energy was alive and overwhelming.

first ever hands on training at the Redken booth

Each hour Redken styled models and dancers swarmed the Redken booth around a faux NYC subway complete with street dancing and drum players. The energy was alive and overwhelming.

Selfie time with Michelle and Ellie the mannequin

With three show days, call times were early and the days ranged from 12-14 hours. We had ample mannequins from our last show and new ones that we tweaked the cuts and styling on.

morning pic with Redken artist, Twylla and Noah Jon Woehrel

I saw so many of my artist friends that work for other companies. The show room was so loud it was hard to hear yet alone keep your attention span. (I'm pretty sure a lot of us artist/hairdressers folks have some for of AAD.) haha, but it was high energy and exciting.

we fancy Michelle and Lindsey ready to rock "Beyond Brunette"

posing with Beauty Launchpad editor Alyson Kerr

these rockstars Artists Tim Cowan and Jill Leitz

Selfie with Redken artist Michelle Monday

I ran into Esthetica Magazine editor, Sergi Bencells. He asked if I would do a quick tutorial which I creating a whimsical fun style.

my inspirational look I created for Esthetica

backstage is the life!! With Michelle and Lindsey

knocking out these mannequins with Lindsey

Jackie Litscher, Evie Rivera-Peterson and Sam Villa

ABS was a blast that I will never forget I look forward to the opportunity to work it in 2019. Next stop see you at Premier Orlando. With three show days, call times were early and the days ranged from 12-14 hours. We had ample mannequins from our last show and new ones that we tweaked the cuts and styling on.

Selfie with Redken artist and NAHA 2018 Men's Finalist Jamie DiGrazia

hair friends Dilek Onur-Taylor and Chrystofer Benson

ABS was a blast that I will never forget I look forward to the opportunity to work it in 2019. Next stop see you at Premier Orlando.

With three show days, call times were early and the days ranged from 12-14 hours. We had ample mannequins from our last show and new ones that we tweaked the cuts and styling on.

BTS video America's Beauty Show (ABS) 2018 Backstage Redken. MCCormick Center, Chicago, Illinois

Chicago you been swell until next time. Beyond grateful for the many opportunities.

xoxo @hairbymatt