The Future of Beauty with Katelyn Ellsworth

After exploring the artistry of hair, the creation of The Roslyn and the story behind Active COCO, our four part series with Katelyn Ellsworth concludes with a look ahead. In this final instalment, Katelyn shares her vision for where the beauty industry is heading, from sustainability and education to empowering the next generation of stylists. With two decades of experience and a career built on authenticity, she reflects on what it means to evolve while staying true to timeless craft. For Katelyn, the future of beauty is not about reinvention but about refinement, understanding and purpose.

As a senior educator and UNITE trainer, what drives your passion for teaching and passing on your expertise?

Since Covid, I have not been back with UNITE, focusing on my businesses and family. But, I still have a passion for educating and passing on the excitement of hairdressing. I love seeing everybody so uniquely work through hairdressing. Young stylists are some of the most creative and eager learners and it’s amazing at the same time what I learn from them alongside educating them. 

How do you see consumer expectations around hair and beauty shifting in the next decade?

The expectations of consumers coming in is of course vast. Clean and sustainable products are still on the rise, especially on the West Coast, and natural texture with easy styling is making a big comeback.  

Sustainability is a growing conversation in the beauty world. What steps do you believe salons and brands should be taking to meet those expectations?

I think there’s many little steps along the way, and throughout the process that can contribute to sustainability.  I think post consumer recycled packaging is one of the biggest and easiest ways that companies and brands can contribute to sustainability. 

When you look at the next generation of stylists, what excites you about the way they approach the craft?

I think what excites me most about the next generation is their access to education, which is at their fingertips. When I was younger, and even up until the last five years education was extremely expensive for this generation. Although, classes and hands-on education are still a pretty penny, online education is bigger than ever and more affordable than ever, making it easier to connect with others to strengthen their craft. I also feel like this day and age stylists are far more understanding and concerned about the integrity and damage that can be done to hair, than previous generations that were more excited about Avangard and didn’t care what it took to get there. 

What do you feel is the most important lesson you have learned from working with clients that you now pass on to your students?

I still think some of the most important things that I learn from working with people is to stop and listen. I always encourage younger stylists to learn a little bit about psychology because it will help you immensely with working so intimately with clients. Understanding a bit about non-verbal cues, body language, their lifestyle, as well as activity level will help you define a style that works for them. And if you create something that fits all of those, you have a client for life.  

How do you stay ahead of trends without losing sight of timeless beauty principles?

I feel like having a classic foundation of haircutting and coloring gives you the tools and know how to do just about anything. As styles evolve and shift, tweaking the classics is really very simple.  When you enjoy art and fashion, keeping an eye on what’s coming up is actually very easy. It’s almost instinctual to see and know where things are going.  But being a late 80s baby, and seeing the 90s hit again like it did then… is one of the most full circle moments for me.  

If you could redefine one part of the beauty industry for the future, what would it be and why?

I would love to redefine the overall cost of goods for the beauty industry, I feel like it has gone so overboard on for the every day person. I would love for it to be far more attainable for everyone.

In this final chapter of our series, Katelyn Ellsworth offers an inspiring reflection on the direction of the beauty industry and the lessons learned along the way. She shares her thoughts on the rise of conscious consumers, the importance of accessible education and the renewed focus on sustainability shaping the next decade. Katelyn’s insight reminds us that beauty is not only visual but emotional, rooted in confidence, connection and care. Her hope for the future is simple yet powerful — a world where education, creativity and empowerment remain at the heart of every salon, brand and stylist.