L’Oréal Saudi Arabia inaugurated its landmark L’Oréal for the Future Summit in Jeddah on April 24, reaffirming its commitment to empowering Saudi women and advancing sustainability within the Kingdom’s beauty industry.

The event brought together government stakeholders, sustainability experts, environmentalists, and key industry leaders to exchange knowledge and insights on building a more inclusive and responsible future for the sector.

A key highlight of the summit was the formal launch of the professional certification program for hairdressers under the L’Oréal Professional Hairdressing Academy.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in establishing industry standards across Saudi Arabia, reflecting L’Oréal’s dedication to empowering local talent, promoting skill development, and supporting the Vision 2030 goals of Saudization and increased female workforce participation.

The certifications will be offered in cities such as Jeddah and Riyadh for technical examinations, while theoretical assessments will be conducted at affiliated centers of the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) across the Kingdom.

The program is subsidized by the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF). L’Oréal aims to certify over 300 hairdressers by the end of 2025, with the number expected to grow by more than 360% over five years—reaching a total of 1,440 certified professionals by 2029.

“Through this partnership, we’re not only investing in the upskilling of Saudi talent, but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and future-forward beauty sector—one where women play a leading role in shaping the industry,” said Laurent Duffier, Managing Director of L’Oréal Saudi Arabia.

“The L’Oréal for the Future Summit reinforces our commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem in the Kingdom—one that combines professional development, environmental responsibility, and meaningful opportunities for Saudi women to thrive.”

The certification initiative is designed to make professional training more accessible, supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce and opening new opportunities — particularly for women — to enhance their capabilities and contribute to the growth of the beauty sector in line with national priorities.

This program builds on L’Oréal’s ongoing efforts to empower Saudi women and champion sustainability. Through collaborations with leading Saudi universities, the L’Oréal Hairdressing Academy has already contributed to strong employment outcomes and the upskilling of local beauty professionals.

In parallel, L’Oréal’s sustainability initiatives are already making a tangible impact in the Kingdom. Garnier, in collaboration with Naqaa Solutions and Panda, has launched a large-scale recycling campaign that has successfully recycled 340 tons of waste in Saudi Arabia.

The initiative also promotes the use of refillable products, significantly reducing material consumption.

L’Oréal remains committed to driving a purpose-led beauty industry that aligns with the Kingdom’s vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.