Beauty Events in Chicago

Chicago's beauty calendar has something for every season, from a winter barber battle to one of the best known professional shows in the United States and a summer expo that the public can enjoy too.

America's Beauty Show is the anchor, held each spring in Rosemont. It welcomes trade visitors across hair, barbering, makeup, nails and skincare, with education, competitions, awards and a large show floor. Each July, the Polish and Beauty Expo heads to the Tinley Park Convention Center, where nail lovers, makeup artists and beauty fans can shop, learn and see demonstrations, and the public is welcome. Barbers have their own date in February, when Battle of the Champions brings competitive barbering to Alsip, south west of the city.

Every beauty show in and around Chicago is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend, so you can pick the one that fits your work and your diary.

Getting there

O'Hare International Airport is just minutes from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, and the CTA Blue Line links both the airport and downtown with Rosemont station. Midway Airport is the better choice for the south west suburbs. Tinley Park is served by Metra's Rock Island line from downtown, and Alsip is easiest by car or rideshare.

Where to stay

For America's Beauty Show, hotels on the Rosemont campus are the most convenient. For Tinley Park and Alsip, hotels in the south west suburbs keep travel short, while downtown works well if you want to explore Chicago between show days.

Tips for Chicago shows

• America's Beauty Show is trade only, so bring proof that you work or study in the industry.
• The Polish and Beauty Expo welcomes the public, which makes it ideal for bringing friends or clients.
• Rosemont and the south west suburbs are far apart, so plan one base per event.
• Chicago weather changes quickly between seasons, so pack layers.