Hairbrained Conversations

Chrystal L. (AKA @chrystalhairandmakeup) is not only a suite owner, working professional, educator and brand ambassador for Alfaparf, she's also a passionate humanitarian and activist. She founded the All Hair Academy and Beauty Collective—two programs focused on making our industry more diverse  and inclusive—and is co-founder of the BOLD Academy, a non-profit created to support, nurture and enha...

Salon owner, craft hairdresser and TikTok content creator/personality Richard McDade, AKA @badlyshaedape, shares the story behind his successful career and his growing presence on Tiktok. His humorous take on an insider's look at life in the salon has quickly garnered over 70k followers, 2.7 million likes, and even more views. Since TikTok is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the eve...

Aga Dondzik Tomkins (@agatomkinsbeauty) is a Hb podcast fan with a twist. The Chicago-based stylist and salon owner also travels the world doing hair and makeup for bands/artists like Carly Rae Jepsen's world tour. She recently introduced herself to Gordon in a Chicago restaurant, and what started out as a casual podcast-related connection led to a deep dive into her professional journey—for all t...

Founder and co-owner of the award-winning @aveda affiliated Gila Rut Salons, Keri Davis is also the founder of *Beauty BackBone*, a one-of-a-kind educational company helping salons to grow and succeed. A renowned business educator, coach and author, Keri shares pandemic-inspired learnings as well as reminds us of many important, long-proven best practices that have 'forever' served salon owners, i...

Salon owner, award-winning colorist, and L'ANZA Global Color Director Leah Freeman joins Gordon for a freewheeling, inspired conversation. From her challenges as a young learner with dyslexia and early days behind the chair to her journey to becoming a successful salon owner and renowned educator with L'ANZA, Leah shares the story behind her 20+ year career as well as lessons learned along the way...

@DarrenOramPro, L'Oréal Professionnel's Vice President of Education, and @MinKimColorist, master colorist, educator, and co-host of @lorealpro's Run Le Hair Show, discuss the huge transformation of education in the pro beauty space over the past two years and what it means for the future. As the industry continues to sort out the pandemic's long-term impact on salons and professionals, one big ide...

January is always a great time to consider new strategies and tactics for the year ahead. To help you have your best year ever, @Angie. Davines, Director of Business & Sales Training for Davines North America, offers her Top 10 ways to drive salon income and profits. The former working #crafthairdresser, salon manager and owner comes to the conversation informed by her real-life experience as well...

Business and career-building strategies and tactics for the salon are the focus of our conversation with Alfaparf Milano USA Senior Vice President Betsy Hamlett. From how you define success and the importance of clarity around goals, to creating and delivering a superb experience that encourages client retention and referrals (and much more!), we cover a lot of meaningful ground in this important...

To kick the new year off right, Gordon goes solo to share a sampling of highlights from the 2021 Industry Insight Report from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). Conducted in September (and presented by Gordon at the recent PBA Executive Summit), the full report gives great insights into the impact of Covid on salons and professionals, in addition to the state of our industry's ongoing reco...

Award-winning, international artist @TomConnell shares his journey from a young stylist working in his parents' salon in Manchester, England, to becoming Davines Hair Art Director. The former Trevor Sorbie artistic director shares the inspiration behind his love of editorial and session work as well as his growing passion for Davines, its evolving brand identity, unique culture, and commitment to...

@WhitneyVermeer is a renowned men's groomer, educator, award-winning editorial stylist and entrepreneur. The Andis Creative Lead of Global Education & Mizutani platform artist shares her backstory, many of the lessons learned along the way as well as some great insights into creating a long, diverse career.  Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

One of Gordon's favorite pro salon industry thought-leaders is Dan Langer (@theoriginalDL), Group President of R+Co & IKG Hair.  Featured regularly in leading fashion and beauty publications to talk "trend," Langer joins us to discuss the pandemic-related evolution of the salon experience; shifting consumer expectations and behaviors; authenticity and flexibility; and so much more. A not-to-be-mis...

Celebrity colorist, Olaplex brand ambassador and educator @ChadKenyon goes deep into the very personal story behind his rise to success. Chad also offers up a lot of great insights and advice on building a long-lasting, fulfilling career. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Coby Alcántar (@CobyWon), the Brooklyn-based salon owner of @LittleAxeSalon, is a working professional and renowned @Oribe educator. Known throughout the industry as a master razor cutter, Coby shares her unique journey and lessons learned along the way—as well as a deep conversation about the influence on her career by Oribe Canales, co-founder of Oribe and one of the top editorial and celebrity...

John Mosley, @PaulMitchellPro Artistic Director, is one of the most sought-after barbers in the industry today. With diverse experience ranging from working in a shop to traveling with high-profile entertainers and athletes, forming brand partnerships and developing education, John brings a wealth of experience to his conversation with Gordon. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Global President of L'Oréal Professionnel Anne Machet and LP color guru and celebrity colorist Nabil Harlow join Gordon to discuss the changing face of education in the pro beauty space. We also take a deep dive into the big ideas behind the successful launch of L'Oréal Professionnel's groundbreaking YouTube docuseries, Run Le Hair Show. From the science behind hair color, to global trends driving...

A very special conversation with our friend Tabatha Coffey and humanitarian  Selina Tomasich, the founder of Hair Aid, an Australian-based charitable organization focused on lifting people out of critical poverty by sharing basic haircutting skills.  Please visit @hairaidinc on IG or  www.hairaid.org.au  for more information on how you can support this important work.  Note: Recorded pre-pandemic

A recipient of the prestigious NAHA Hall of Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award,  @GenoStampora is known for his considerable insights into creating career and business success. In this fast-paced conversation, Geno shares the story behind his iconic career as well as a long list of insights into creating and maintaining success.  Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

Jo Blackwell-Preston (@blackwelljo) is the owner of NYC's DopDop Salon and a L'Oréal Professionnel International Artist and Educator. Jo shares her considerable insights into a long list of topics that impacts the lives of salon owners and professionals alike. We also dig into the story behind her iconic career and lessons learned along the way. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

@PekelaRiley is a Dyson Brand Ambassador, Celebrity Stylist, Editorial Stylist, Educator, and Owner/Creative Director of Salon PK in Jacksonville Florida (named by Elle magazine as 1 of the top 100 salons in America). Known as a pioneer in the texture movement, Pekela shares her thoughts on the state of the movement today, the story behind her journey to pro beauty, her thoughts on how Dyson is re...

Richard Kavanagh is an award-winning, internationally renowned Redken artist & Session Stylist; Global Creative Director of New Zealand based salons Rodney Wayne Group;  Creative Director ghd (for Australia and NZ) AND the innovative co-founder/ceo of piiq Digital.  He was also 'squished by a dinosaur' as an actor in the movie King Kong.  Tune in to learn more about Richard's fascinating story. 

@LupeVoss, co-founder of @ColorSpaceHair, is the "color educators' educator," a mentor to more professionals than we can count and a legend in the world of hair color education. And now, along with business partner Ray Civello, Lupe has launched Color Space, an all-new color brand. One of the earliest Hairbrained Community members, Lupe began her career as an educator in 1998, and since then she h...

The legendary co-founders of @randco join Hairbrained (and a live audience) from their now-iconic "Vision On" event in Los Angeles to share their stories, talk about their journey together with R+Co as well as offer up views on the state of salons, creating success and standing out in these competitive times. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.

@Morrocanoil's Chief Executive Officer, Americas,  Jay Elarar started his career in beauty by way of a very successful but unexpectedly short job interview with the CEO of a Montreal-based haircare brand he had never heard of. As luck would have it, his sisters immediately recognized the company name as one of "the hottest names in hair" and encouraged Jay to make the leap. Leap he did—joining the...

Renowned independent educator and founder/co-owner of theFactory , @danieljosephmuldoon is a master of the craft who believes that 'Knowledge Destroys Fear'. The former Sassoon and JPMS educator shares his one-a-kind story and lessons learned along the way. Note: Recorded pre-pandemic.