Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
On March 5-6, 2028, The Hair Project will bring together the professional hair community at Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium. This event serves as a platform for hairdressers to discover the latest trends, attend shows, and connect with over 120 leading suppliers in the hairdressing industry.
The unique event concept combines creative stands, trendy shows, technical presentations, and vibrant bars, creating a dynamic atmosphere for all attendees. The Hair Project 2028 takes place in Kortrijk, Belgium.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Hair Project 2028 takes place on March 5-6, 2028 at Kortrijk Xpo, Belgium.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier event gathers over 120 leading suppliers from the hairdressing industry.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Xpo Group, with registration available at the official website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Targeted at professional hairdressers and their staff from the Benelux region.
- 5Entry Access: Tickets are available online for €25, with discounts for early registration.
Why visit
The Hair Project is where Benelux salon owners, colourists and barbers compare professional ranges in one hall: permanent and demi-permanent colour, lighteners and developers, care and treatment lines, styling tools, clippers, extensions and salon furniture.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will benefit from direct access to a targeted audience of professional hairdressers, showcasing their products and services in a vibrant environment. This premier event gathers over 120 leading suppliers from the hairdressing industry. Targeted at professional hairdressers and their staff from the Benelux region.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hair salon owners and salon managers sourcing colour, care and styling lines
Independent and chain hairdressers comparing professional product ranges
Distributors and wholesalers serving the Benelux professional hair channel
Barbers and men's grooming specialists looking at clipper and shave lines
Beauty and hair education professionals seeking training programmes and stage content
Nail and beauty salon operators attending alongside hair categories
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Professional hair care and colour brands (including names such as Erase Color Cosmetics and Curly Secret on the exhibitor list)
Hair styling tool and clipper suppliers such as Wahl Nederland
Salon furniture, equipment and sharpening services such as De Slijperij
Nail and beauty product suppliers exhibiting alongside hair ranges
Benelux and French distributors representing international hair brands, e.g. Trinity Haircare Benelux & France
Salon software, retail display and booking-service providers
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Professional hair colour and bleaching products
Shampoos, conditioners, masks and intensive care treatments
Styling products, gels, waxes and finishing sprays
Curly-hair and texture-specific product lines
Clippers, dryers and electrical styling tools
Salon furniture, trolleys and sharpening equipment
Nail and beauty products presented alongside hair
Professional education and stage demonstration programmes
Location & Facilities
Venue
Kortrijk Xpo
Doorniksesteenweg 216, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
Facilities
Parking
Kortrijk Xpo in Kortrijk typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Kortrijk Xpo in Kortrijk typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Kortrijk Xpo for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Online registration price.
25General admission
Online registration with discount code.
20General admission
On-site registration price.
30
Who runs the show
Organisers
Xpo Group
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Last edition
2026
Completed
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Kortrijk, Belgium
Why it matters
On 2028-03-05 to 2028-03-06, The Hair Project 2028 in Kortrijk covering Professional hair colour and bleaching products, Shampoos, conditioners, masks and intensive care treatments, Styling pr gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Beauty and Personal Care in Belgium - Euromonitor
ReadBelgium Beauty and Personal Care Research
ReadBelgium Beauty and Personal Care Products Market 2026-2031
ReadThe Hair Project 2028 | TradeShowIntel
ReadThe Hair Project - 5 & 6 March 2028 | Kortrijk Xpo
ReadThe Hair Project - 5 & 6 maart 2028 | Kortrijk Xpo
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Brussels Airport
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
ibis Styles Kortrijk Expo
midscale
Kortrijk Xpo districtClosest option at roughly 400 m from the halls; 3-star with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking, bar and restaurant. Book early for the Sunday-Monday show dates.
Bell Expo - Kortrijk
midscale
Kortrijk Xpo districtAbout 590 m from Kortrijk Xpo; free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking, pet-friendly policy and an on-site restaurant.
Parkhotel Kortrijk
upscale
Kortrijk city centre4-star city-centre hotel with pool, fitness centre, spa and parking; suitable for exhibitors hosting client dinners, 2-3 km from the venue.
ibis Kortrijk Centrum
midscale
Kortrijk city centre3-star city-centre base with breakfast, bar and restaurant; paid parking and airport shuttle, with bus line 1 or taxi to the halls.
Limehome Kortrijk Gentsestraat
apartment
Kortrijk city centreServiced apartment style stay about 2.7 km from Kortrijk Xpo; useful for exhibitor teams staying several nights during build-up.
Hostel Groeninghe
budget
Kortrijk city centreBudget, eco-certified hostel with breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking and bar; practical for students and junior salon staff.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
bus
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forKortrijk city centre and station to Kortrijk Xpo, De Lijn line 1
De Lijn line 1 links central Kortrijk with the Xpo stop. Buy via the app, contactless card or ticket machine and validate before boarding; Sunday service is reduced.
train
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forBrussels Airport (BRU) to Kortrijk Xpo
NMBS/SNCB intercity service with a change in Brussels or Ghent; from Kortrijk station take bus line 1 or a taxi for the last 4-5 km.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 15-25 for the 4-5 km ride; confirm meter fare
Best forKortrijk station or city centre to Kortrijk Xpo
Metered taxi from the station rank or booked by your hotel. Ride-hailing coverage is limited in Kortrijk, so do not rely on an app at closing time.
car
Estimated costApprox. EUR 5-10 per day; confirm rate at the barrier
Best forKortrijk Xpo on-site car park
Parking is next to the halls, with P+R Expo capacity on busy show days. Arrive before 9:30 to park close to the entrance.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
Early March in Kortrijk, West Flanders, is early spring and changeable. Long-term averages put daytime highs near 9-11 C and night lows near 2-4 C, with roughly 12-14 rain days across the month and a cold wind over the flat coastal plain. Frost is still possible at night. Treat these as climatological averages, check the daily forecast before travel, and note that the walk from the car parks and bus stop to the Kortrijk Xpo halls is exposed.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Belgian mobile networks cover Kortrijk and the Kortrijk Xpo site, and 4G/5G is normal in the city. EU roaming rules apply for travellers from other EU member states; non-EU visitors should arrange an eSIM or prepaid data plan before arrival. Belgium uses 230 V, 50 Hz with type C/E plugs, so UK and US devices need an adapter. Ask at Kortrijk Xpo reception about visitor Wi-Fi access, as venue networks often require a show-specific code.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language at the fair
Kortrijk is in Dutch-speaking Flanders. The organiser publishes in Dutch, French and English, and most Benelux exhibitors will switch to English, but a Dutch or French greeting helps with salon owners.
Show rhythm
The 2028 edition runs Sunday 5 and Monday 6 March. Many Belgian salon owners close on a Sunday or Monday, so confirm appointment times rather than assuming a weekday-only schedule.
Business etiquette
A handshake and surnames are standard at first meetings. Keep appointments punctual and confirm dinner invitations in advance, as Belgian business contacts often separate work and social time.
Tipping and payment
Card payment is widely accepted in Kortrijk and service is normally included in Belgian restaurant prices, so tipping is modest rather than expected at every meal.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: BRU
There are no commercial flights into Kortrijk; search for Brussels Airport (BRU) as the main destination, or Lille (LIL) if you are coming from France. Book a flexible fare where possible, as early-March weather in West Flanders can cause delays, and leave at least 2 h between landing and a booked train to Kortrijk. Compare the total cost of flying to BRU plus rail against flying to Lille plus a car transfer, and book NMBS/SNCB rail tickets in advance for lower fares.
Visa
Belgium is in the Schengen area. EU/EEA and Swiss visitors do not need a visa for a short trade-fair visit. Many other nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays, while visa-required travellers apply for a Schengen short-stay visa through the Belgian diplomatic post or visa application centre for their place of residence. Apply well before March 2028.
Estimated cost: Schengen short-stay visa fee set by EU regulation; confirm the current amount in local currency with the application centre.
Processing: Schengen short-stay applications are typically lodged weeks ahead of travel; confirm current processing times with the Belgian visa application centre for your country.
Carry an invitation or registration confirmation from The Hair Project and proof of accommodation for the show days. Passport validity and travel-insurance rules follow standard Schengen entry requirements.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Brussels Airport (BRU). Allow road or rail time to Kortrijk Xpo; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Kortrijk Xpo: Kortrijk Xpo district: ibis Styles Kortrijk Expo; Kortrijk Xpo district: Bell Expo - Kortrijk; Kortrijk city centre: Parkhotel Kortrijk.
Ride-hail: International ride-hailing apps have limited driver coverage in Kortrijk compared with Brussels, so check the app before relying on a pickup. The safer options are the taxi rank at Kortrijk station or a taxi booked by your hotel. Allow 10-15 min for a car to reach Kortrijk Xpo at opening time, and expect demand around hall closing.
Public transit: Kortrijk Xpo is served by De Lijn bus line 1 from Kortrijk city centre and the station, with a stop at the venue. Buy a single ticket via the De Lijn app, contactless card or ticket machine, and validate before boarding. Trains from Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels city reach Kortrijk station with a change in Brussels or Ghent; from there take bus line 1 or a taxi. Sunday 5 March 2028 will have a reduced timetable, so check the De Lijn and NMBS/SNCB planners for the exact show-day schedule.
Parking: Kortrijk Xpo has on-site parking next to the halls, with additional P+R Expo capacity on busy show days; expect to pay roughly EUR 5-10 per day, and confirm the rate at the barrier. Arrive before 9:30 on Sunday and Monday to park close to the entrance, and use the marked pedestrian routes rather than crossing the access road. Accessible spaces near the halls are limited, so contact Kortrijk Xpo in advance if you need a reserved bay.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2028 in Kortrijk, early spring in West Flanders
Temperature: Approx. 2-11 C (36-52 F) average low to high; frost possible at night
Seasonality: March is changeable with frequent showers; West Flanders typically records around 12-14 rain days in the month. Snow is uncommon, but a cold snap can bring sleet and a sharp wind.
Packing: Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood, layers, comfortable shoes for two days on concrete floors, and a small umbrella for the walk from the car park or bus stop. Bring a warm coat for the evening and a business-casual outfit for meetings; halls can be cool near the loading doors.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The Hair Project 2028 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
T-14: Register online at thehairproject.eu and save your badge; the online rate is lower than on-site registration.
T-2
T-14: Book a refundable hotel in Kortrijk; ibis Styles Kortrijk Expo and Bell Expo are walkable to the halls, while city-centre options need bus line 1 or a taxi.
T-3
T-10: Price rail tickets from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Kortrijk and check whether your ticket covers the De Lijn bus connection.
T-4
T-10: Build a stand shortlist by category - colour and bleaching, care and treatments, styling tools, barbering, salon furniture - and note hall positions.
T-5
T-7: Check the stage timetable on thehairproject.eu and block the demonstrations you want to see; Sunday and Monday slots can clash.
T-6
T-7: Confirm your salon cover if you are travelling from outside West Flanders, as the show runs Sunday 5 and Monday 6 March 2028.
T-7
T-5: Check the March forecast and pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for the walk from parking or the bus stop.
T-8
T-5: If you are bringing a colleague, split the halls by product type so you cover colour, care and equipment in one day.
T-9
T-3: Download the De Lijn and NMBS/SNCB apps for live bus and train times; Sunday frequencies are lower than weekdays.
T-10
T-1: Charge your phone and prepare a lead-capture note or business-card folder for distributor meetings.
T-11
On the day: arrive at Kortrijk Xpo before mid-morning to park easily and start with the busiest colour and care stands.
T-12
After the show: log supplier contacts and follow up within 48 hours while launch details and show offers are fresh.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Kortrijk Xpo
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2The Hair Project 2028 registration concourse
Kortrijk Xpo
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Kortrijk Xpo
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 25 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 25 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether The Hair Project 2028 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For The Hair Project 2028, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want to compare professional hair brands and see stage demonstrations in one two-day trip to Kortrijk.
Best for
Salon owners, stylists and distributors sourcing professional hair colour, care and styling lines for the Benelux market.
Min. budget
$300.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before 5 March 2028 for travel and hotel booking.
Risks
The 2028 show programme is published with day filters but session timings were not captured in full - check before booking travel.
exhibit
You have a product launch or distributor recruitment goal for the Benelux professional hair channel.
Best for
Professional hair care, colour, tool and salon equipment brands targeting Belgian, Dutch and French salons.
Min. budget
$2,000.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking through the exhibitor portal, freight and stage scheduling.
Risks
Stand rates are not published publicly - confirm costs and hall placement with the organiser.
skip
Your assortment is consumer mass retail or unrelated to salon hair, nail and beauty products.
Best for
Mass-market retail buyers or teams outside the professional hair and beauty channel.
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is The Hair Project 2028?
The fair runs 5 and 6 March 2028 at Kortrijk Xpo in Kortrijk, Belgium, according to the official site thehairproject.eu.
Who exhibits at The Hair Project?
The exhibitor list includes professional hair care and colour brands, styling tool suppliers, salon equipment and sharpening services, and Benelux or French distributors representing international hair brands.
How do I reach Kortrijk Xpo?
Kortrijk Xpo publishes accessibility and parking guidance; the city also runs a P+R Expo site for event days, and bus line 1 connects central Kortrijk with the venue. Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main international gateway.
Is The Hair Project open to salon professionals only?
The show is built around the professional hair and beauty trade, with exhibitors, stage sessions and product launches aimed at salons, distributors and stylists; check the official plan-your-visit pages for registration conditions.
Where can I see the show programme?
The organiser publishes a show programme page at thehairproject.eu/en/plan-your-visit/show-programme/ with day filters for the fair.
Glossary
- The Hair Project
- Professional hairdressing and beauty trade fair held at Kortrijk Xpo in West Flanders, Belgium, scheduled for 5-6 March 2028.
- Kortrijk Xpo
- Exhibition and event complex on the edge of Kortrijk, about 2-3 km from the city centre, served by De Lijn bus line 1 and on-site parking.
- Professional hair care
- Shampoos, conditioners, masks and treatments formulated for salon use and sold through professional distributors rather than mass retail.
- Colour and bleaching
- Salon colour products including permanent and demi-permanent tints, lighteners, developers and toners used for full-head colour, highlights and correction work.
- Salon-only distribution
- The channel in which brands sell to registered salons and hairdressing distributors instead of supermarkets or drugstores.
- Barbering
- Men's cutting, beard, shaving and grooming services, plus the clippers, razors, blades and styling products that support them.
- Salon furniture and equipment
- Backwash units, styling chairs, trolleys, mirrors, dryers, reception desks and other fit-out items bought when a salon opens or refurbishes.
- De Lijn
- Flemish public transport operator running buses and trams in Flanders, including the bus link from central Kortrijk to Kortrijk Xpo.
- Benelux
- Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, the core buying region for this Kortrijk hair show.
- Trade registration
- Advance online sign-up for professional visitors; the show lists a lower online rate than on-site registration, so register before travelling.
- Brussels Airport (BRU)
- Belgium's main international airport, about 95 km from Kortrijk and the usual arrival point for international visitors to the show.
- Schengen short-stay visa
- Permit allowing non-EU visitors to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen area, including Belgium.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- The Hair Project Kortrijk
- The Hair Project 2028
- hair fair Kortrijk
- Kortrijk Xpo hair fair
- professional hair fair Belgium
- salon equipment expo Kortrijk
- The Hair Project tickets
- hairdressing expo Flanders
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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The Hair Project
- event_website
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.