Chris Baran's Headcases

This week on Chris Baran’s Headcases, I sit down with Michelle O’Connor: educator, 5-time NAHA winner, and Artistic Director for Matrix. Michelle is a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. Learn how Michelle got started in the industry after years of being a ballet dancer Michelle told to her parents that she was going to be a hairstylist, and vowed she would not be med...

This week’s guest is Nieves Almaraz, winner of NAHA Men’s Hairstylist of the Year 2021. With a barbering license and a cosmetology license, Nieves owns a barbershop and a barber school and thrives on inspiration.  Opened his first barbershop at 23 years old and was immediately swamped with bookings Started attending hair shows and was overwhelmed with inspiration  Became a volunteer at hair shows...

This week’s guest has inspired an entire generation of hairdressers. Benni Tognini is an Australian icon, considered the father of avant garde hairdressing  Benni and his team have won a string of international accolades, including World Master of the Craft. He’s the man behind the powerhouse Togninis brand.   I am so lucky to have Benni as a very good friend, and it was a pleasure to sit down and...

This week’s guest is Geno Stampora. He is considered an industry expert and Business Guru and has probably held every single job available in the beauty industry.  Geno has had his work featured in numerous salon and spa magazines and continues to be a keynote speaker, contributing artist, and consultant to the industry.   It was a great pleasure to sit down and talk to Geno Stampora and the time...

This week’s podcast guest is Dom Lehane, one of the leaders in the Podcast hair industry. Dom has a very popular podcast “How to Cut It” and I was excited to sit down and talk to him about his successes and his goals in the industry. Dom’s whole mission is to share insights, inspiration and information to take your hairdressing journey to the next level.   Join me on this entertaining and insightf...

This week’s guest is a NAHA Haircutter of the Year winner, spent 31 years with the Sassoon organization, and is currently John Paul Mitchell’s artistic director: Stephen Moody. Join me as Stephen shares his hairdressing journey from a small English town to Intercoiffure Hair Cutting Icon and NAHA winner. Stephen shares his time at Sassoon’s in London One of the many nuggets of wisdom that Stephen...

Daniel Mason Jones owns one of the hottest salons in the country. He is a world-class hairstylist, a transformative speaker, an exceptional educator, and a cheerleader to everyone he meets.   He has trained closely with top hair designers around the globe and his mission is to elevate the hair industry through inspirational education.  DMJ had an hour to chat and, let me tell you, the hour flew by...

A seven-time NAHA winner, Redken Master Artist Ruth Roche has traveled the world sharing her vast experience and knowledge with hairdressers. Known for her versatility, from cutting edge looks to low maintenance chic, Ruth has worn many hats: NYC salon owner, editorial stylist, top educator and celebrity stylist. I get to sit down with Ruth and talk and laugh with her as we share her hair journey....

Candy Shaw literally grew up in the beauty business as the daughter of former world-champion competition hairdresser Jamison Shaw. Trained in Paris, Candy’s been a French Cutter and Balayage Highlighter her entire life.    An icon that wins over the hearts and minds of everyone she meets, I wanted to sit down with Candy and talk about how it felt to grow up with a famous father and how she made he...

Ann Mincey Jetton is a prominent public speaker and trainer helping tens of thousands of people reduce stress, achieve success and enrich their lives. Today, her passion is “marketing with heart” to women. Ann received numerous awards including North American Hairstyling Awards Hall of Leaders, and the Intercoiffure Lifetime Achievement Award.   In this episode I sit down and talk to Ann about her...

This week’s Headcase has accumulated over 40 year’s experience as a stylist, manager, executive chain director and multiple salon owner. The key to Michael Cole’s success is his unique ability to observe current and future digital marketing and management trends and translate them into systems and methods by which salons achieve dramatic growth. In this episode we go back to the beginning and lear...

As a leading beauty innovator for more than 20 years, Nick Stenson has dedicated his career to creating and advocating for exceptional, inclusive beauty experiences, services and products. With multiple nominations and wins in the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards and a beauty brand of his own, this week’s Headcase is a true hair hero! In this week’s episode we learn more about Nick’s...

Whether teaching face-to-face in small hands-on classes, on main stage, or reaching his millions of social media followers, Sam Villa changes people. As the 2020 International Hair Influencer of the Year & 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner he is known for doing things differently to challenge, inspire and motivate change .   In this week’s episode we dig deeper into Sam Villa the hum...

Top artist for Davines, producing close to 100 cutting and creative collections globally, Michael Polsinelli has been pushing the creative boundaries in our industry for over 20 years. His creative designs have influenced hairdressers all over the world and has set trends that have been followed by hairdressers today. This weeks Headcase is one of the best avant garde artists I know. In this episo...

This week’s Headcase is one of Vidal Sassoon’s youngest creative directors, and founder of Elevation H. Cole Thompson’s passion for educating is evident in his work. He has travelled the world to educate professionals at all levels on hair cutting technique.  Join Chris and Cole as they discuss how he ‘fell into’ the hair industry, and what really drives him to succeed.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️    Check out mor...

 Even if literally dragged into her career by her father, barber and businessman himself, Anna has soared to the highest levels of international recognition in our industry. Today’s hair hero is Anna Pacitto. Her brain for business and artistic eye combine to create a multi award winning master stylist. Join Chris and Anna as they discuss her start in the industry, imposter syndrome, winning NAHA...

From horse training to hair styling today’s headcase, Ammon Carver, discusses learning to love yourself and your craft plus his transition from teaching behind the chair to mentoring on stage to becoming a father.  Ammon Carver has gained recognition in the hair and beauty industry for his refined aesthetic, continued passion and portfolio of flawless looks. With 7 nominations and awards for Maste...

Over the last 30 years, Eric Fisher has opened four salons that are repeatedly voted Best Hair Salon in Wichita and named among the Top 200 Salons in America. “Do you want to be good at what you do? Do you want to be great? Or do you want to be one of the best?”. Here on Headcases, we think Eric Fisher is one of the best! Hairdressing has taken Eric all over the world working with some of the bigg...