TONI&GUY’s Big Bet on Education, Healthcare and the Next Wave of Stylists

When you’ve been in the beauty industry long enough, you start to see who’s really moving the needle. When I say moving the needle, I don’t only mean when it comes to artistry (because there’s a lot of talent out there), but I also mean with the heart. For me, TONI&GUY is one of those rare leaders that makes me stop and say: this is what it looks like to give back to an industry you truly love.

The reality is that traditional cosmetology schools primarily prepare students for an exam that was created in 1935 rather than for the actual demands of working in a modern salon. TONI&GUY set out to change that.

Fixing Beauty Education

When I asked Zak Moscolo, CEO of TONI&GUY, about his vision, he told me he doesn’t want cosmetology to be treated like a hobby elective. He wanted to solve the ultimate question of: “How can we equip young people with real skills that create a pathway straight from high school into a reputable, sustainable career?”

I admire the fact that he took real, concrete steps to put it into action. After speaking with superintendents of local schools, he was able to push to elevate cosmetology programs in high school - to the point that it’s now one of the top three programs taught in public schools in the area. That’s a complete gamechanger.

Creating Salon-Ready Professionals

When I talk to salon owners, I hear time and time again that they’re eager to hire, but so many applicants don’t have the hands-on experience to step right up to a chair. That’s where TONI&GUY really stands out to me. Their education program bridges the gap by producing salon-ready professionals at a time when salons everywhere are struggling to hire because of lack of experience.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for hairstylists, barbers, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 7% through 2033 (faster than most careers). TONI&GUY’s CTE/ISD program is directly helping to solve that workforce demand.

Expanding Nationwide

What excites me most is how quickly this program is growing. Today, the program is active across eight high school districts from Texas to Pennsylvania, with plans to open 50 new locations across the U.S. next year.

I hear from salon owners all the time that they’re eager to hire, but new graduates often struggle to transition smoothly from the classroom into the salon. It can feel like a trial by fire, and that pressure makes it difficult for both the business and the new stylist. That’s why I think TONI&GUY’s program is so powerful. Each graduate leaves not only with tools and techniques, but with the confidence and preparation to step into a salon and start contributing right away. That’s a win for the students, salons, and ultimately for the entire industry.

Supporting Stylists Beyond the Chair

But they’re not stopping there. TONI&GUY is addressing another gap in the industry: healthcare. They’re offering an affordable membership plan that makes insurance accessible for students and hairdressers entering the industry.

I can’t tell you how often I hear this concern when speaking with professionals across beauty and wellness. Lack of access to healthcare is one of the biggest unfilled gaps and one of the hardest realities for people in this industry. It’s something that keeps coming up in my conversations with stylists, salon owners, and educators. For a space where benefits have historically been lacking, this is huge.

The way I see it, addressing healthcare isn’t just about supporting individual stylists, but more about the survivability of the industry as a whole.

As Joshua Marzioli, President of TONI&GUY, explained: “This is a key employment retention strategy for salons. It’s the last missing piece.”

Without solutions like this, we risk losing incredible talent to other fields that can offer stability and benefits. By stepping into this space, TONI&GUY is helping make beauty and wellness sustainable, long-term career path.

Building a Full Ecosystem

TONI&GUY is taking a holistic approach by building a remarkable mind, body, and soul full-circle concept. Between their CTE/ISD education program, healthcare partnerships, salon franchising, and even a new product line, they’re creating a complete ecosystem for beauty professionals to thrive.

I’ve had the chance to see firsthand how these pieces come together, and I’m constantly impressed by how intentional they are in addressing every stage of a stylist’s journey. I truly believe this kind of full-circle approach is exactly what the industry needs right now to retain talent and set new pros up for long-term success.

Or as Zak put it best, “We’re continuing the legacy of turnkey operations inside of ISD high schools. It’s the synergy of brands combined to create something new.”

Why I’ll Always Admire Them

At its core, TONI&GUY is still that cool brand people turn to for inspiration and motivation. But today, they’re also the ones leading and shepherding the way the industry needs. They’re showing us that if you invest in education, sustainability, and people, you upgrade not just careers but the entire industry.

That’s why I admire them, and why I’ll always cheer on the work they’re doing to make sure beauty professionals can thrive today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.