Hairbrained Conversations

In this episode, Gerard chats with hairstylist and Schwarzkopf Professional content creator Paige Schrick, who has built a thriving career blending salon work with social storytelling. Paige shares how she turned Instagram into her modern-day portfolio, the moment content creation clicked, and why education and experimentation keep her inspired behind the chair. Together, they explore how stylists can grow their careers through creativity, confidence, and connection — whether it's learning a new color line, embracing the power of social media, or finding balance as a working parent. Paige's journey proves that with passion and persistence, you can design a career that fits your life and your artistry.   THE BEST DON'T SETTLE, THEY SWITCH. Discover tools and tips for every step of your Schwarzkopf Professional journey. Ask your Schwarzkopf Professional rep or visit switchwithskp.com to learn more.

In this inspiring episode of Hb Conversations, Gerard sits down with Patricia Nikole—better known as @paintedhair —and her daughter Alyse for a heartfelt look at craft hairdressing across generations. Patricia, a Schwarzkopf Artistic Brand Ambassador with a massive following, opens up about building a career rooted in artistry, education, and community. Alyse shares what it's like to follow in her mom's footsteps, from high school dreams of working with horses to discovering her own passion for hair behind the chair. Together, they talk about: The unique challenges and rewards of working as a mother–daughter team Apprenticeship and alternative paths into the beauty industry Lessons they've learned from each other about artistry, discipline, and passion Behind-the-scenes stories from Schwarzkopf shoots and global education events Whether you're a seasoned stylist or just starting out, this episode shines a light on family, craft, and the future of hairdressing. THE BEST DON'T SETTLE, THEY SWITCH. Discover tools and tips for every step of your Schwarzkopf Professional journey. Ask your Schwarzkopf Professional rep or visit switchwithskp.com to learn more. September only: Buy any BLONDME Lightener at Cosmoprof and receive a free IGORA VIBRANCE Warm Up or Cool Down Kit.  

In this episode of Hb Conversations, guest host Jacob Khan talks with celebrity stylists and Nine Zero One founders Nikki Lee and Riawna Capri. They share hilarious Hollywood stories, how they rose from assistants to A-list favorites, and the key role Great Lengths extensions played in their success. Plus, they reveal the one thing that truly set them apart. Packed with laughs, inspo, and real talk—don't miss it! Elevate your extension services with Great Lengths when you attend the 2-day, pre-bonded keratin training experience which includes one-on-one training segments.  Choose the thermal method or the innovative Ultrasonic Touch method, which provides the greatest extension versatility.  Great Lengths offers more than 70 dimensional, no-fade colors.   https://www.greatlengths.com/en-us/become-a-certified-salon  

In this episode of Hb Conversations, Gerard chats with Josie Vilay—a salon owner, Schwarzkopf Professional Digital Artist, and expert in color correction. Josie tells the story of how one Instagram post helped launch her career and how she built a busy salon while raising two kids. She gives easy tips for making content that feels real and grabs attention, using movement and strong openings. They also talk about the return of Schwarzkopf Professional's IGORA® COLOR10® and how quick color services are changing the way stylists work. Whether you're a hairstylist, teacher, or content creator, Josie's story is full of helpful advice and inspiration.  

Gerard Scarpaci talks with Aveda icons Antoinette Beenders and Kevin Molin about the upcoming Aveda Congress, happening August 16–18 in Minneapolis. They share the event's deep roots, this year's standout lineup, and why Congress is more than a hair show—it's a full-on creative and cultural experience.  

In this episode of Hb Conversations, we sit down with Shane Wolf, Global President of Aveda and Hair Care at Estée Lauder Companies. From his roots as a hairdresser to leading one of the industry's most mission-driven brands, Shane shares insights on sustainability, creativity, and Aveda's deep commitment to salon professionals. A candid and inspiring conversation about craft, leadership, and honoring the legacy of the industry's pioneers.

Description: In this episode of HB Conversations, we sit down with the always entertaining and insightful Jacob Khan, who has just taken on the role of Hairbrained's first-ever Creative Director! Jacob shares his journey from hairdresser to social media sensation, educator, and brand ambassador—now stepping into a leadership role that will shape the future of Hairbrained's content and events. Jacob opens up about the turning point that skyrocketed his career on Instagram, his unique approach to blending humor with hair education, and the lessons he's learned about balancing creative freedom with brand partnerships. He also gives us an inside look at his vision for Hairbrained's future, working closely with the team to elevate education, empower hairdressers, and create opportunities for emerging artists. Key Topics Covered: ⏩ How a viral moment led to 22K followers overnight ⏩ The evolution of hair education & making learning fun ⏩ Navigating brand partnerships without losing authenticity ⏩ The power of social media in building a personal brand ⏩ Jacob's new role as Hairbrained's Creative Director and what's next ⏩ The future of content creation for hair professionals With his signature humor and unfiltered honesty, Jacob breaks down what it takes to thrive in today's industry—whether you're behind the chair, behind the camera, or building a brand. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more HB Conversations with industry leaders! #JacobKhan #HairEducation #SocialMediaSuccess #HairdresserLife #HB    

In this episode of Hb Conversations, Gerard Scarpaci sits down with Ashley Mooney to discuss Areté, a groundbreaking beauty brand focused on sustainability and innovation for hair professionals. Ashley shares her journey from intern to CEO and the inspiration behind creating Areté, a brand that champions clean, high-performance products while staying true to the needs of stylists and their clients. They dive into industry trends like scalp care, the importance of balancing artistry with sustainability, and how mentorship and collaboration shape the future of the beauty world. Don't miss this conversation full of passion, purpose, and practical insights.

  At age 29, Carlos Rojas (@colorbycarlos) shifted gears into hairdressing. His years in the food service industry served him well—as did his touch of theatrical flair. Now Carlos is one of the industry's most relatable voices. Carlos discusses how inspiration in the moment helps him craft his Instagram and TikTok posts, which blend education with comedy and resonate deeply with hairdressers and clients alike. He also talks about @schwarzkopfusa's versatile IGORA COLOR10 range and explores how his content showcases its many uses, beyond just quick root touch-ups.

Connections build opportunities, and no other industry proves that point more than the hairdressing industry. In this episode, we're joined by @stef_fox and @jenbaudier, co-founders of Talent Match (@mymatchable), a groundbreaking platform that works like a dating app to match salon owners and hairdressers. Learn how they're using data to solve the industry's biggest hiring challenges, the lessons they've learned along the way, and what's next for this innovative tool. Whether you're a salon owner or a stylist, this episode is packed with ways to help you find the perfect match.

In this episode, we chat with Ian Mayer-Marszalek @ianhairspray, Senior National Trainer for Schwarzkopf Professional, about his journey from hairdresser to educator. Ian shares insights on career paths beyond the salon chair and how he's reshaping education by adapting to hairdressers' needs. We also explore the science behind Schwarzkopf's Fibre Clinix range, designed for personalized hair care, and dive into their latest innovations like anti-yellow toning drops and bonding oils. Plus, Ian shares expert tips on how to choose and use these oils based on hair type. 

A quick glance at Ben White's Instagram bio (@benmichahwhite) reveals his unique perspective. From his tongue-out profile pic to identifying his business as a Grocery Store, you can immediately sense Ben's irreverent approach to life. In this episode, we explore how his creative mind works, how his background as a musician and singer (he's in three bands!) has shaped his outlook on hairdressing, and what surprises he has in store for the lucky hairdressers attending Hb Fest. (Hint: It may involve giving away some @babylissprousa tools!)    

In this episode, Brittany Bird @blondebybritt, owner of @blondifystudio, discusses the growing trend of clients taking to social media to criticize their hairdressers—whether justified or not. Brittany recently faced a viral TikTok post from a client upset about pricing, but thanks to her well-established systems, she was able to post a detailed rebuttal that protected her reputation. Together, Gerard and Brittany explore the importance of having strong systems in place to safeguard your business against online backlash and share tips on how to navigate the challenges of social media.    

With decades of experience in the hair industry, Stephen Moody, Artistic Director of Paul Mitchell, is a celebrated educator and innovator. Stephen's recent wins at the North American Hairstyling Awards have garnered attention, particularly for his bold hair and model choices. In this interview, he discusses his frustration with "Lego" hair, and how this spurred him to enter and showcase textured hair and more mature models with attitude. Tune in as we explore Stephen's journey, his passion for redefining beauty standards, and his insights into the future of hair and education.    

After 10 + years of salon ownership with all it's ups and downs Amanda and Jamie decided to build a "home " salon on their property in Florida. We discuss the process from all angles and what the outcome is like after  nearly 4 years of work and planning. Ro Style House isn't like any "home" salon you may have seen before and Amanda & Jamie are loving their new venture.

Sometimes hardships break a person; other times, they make a person. Such is the case with Fady "Fred" Helou (@fredhelou), whose difficult origin story propelled him to create the billion-dollar company Vagaro (@vagaropro). After leaving war-torn Lebanon at 18 and having his life savings pickpocketed en route to the U.S., Fred quickly got a job and began attending night school. In this episode, Fred shares how he started climbing the corporate ladder while fostering the idea of a system to facilitate online booking for salons and barbershops. Discover what finally compelled him to create Vagaro, the lessons he learned along the way, and his invaluable advice for other budding entrepreneurs.

This Mother's Day, we're giving it up to @ashleenormanhair, who juggles motherhood along with her roles at Schwarzkopf and K18. Of course Ashlee's family (her husband in particular) is central to her success, but she also attributes the diversity of her background as a key factor. She shares how obtaining a degree, interning at a fashion magazine and pursuing advanced education, including at Vidal Sassoon and Bumble and bumble, helped shape her unique approach to hairdressing, education and presenting—not to mention her high standards. We talk about how Ashlee is paying these lessons forward, not only to hairdressers through her leadership and education, but also to her three children by showing that, with the right support, education and determination, women (and mothers) can have it all. 

In this episode, we celebrate Aveda's newest line, Be Curly Advanced. We're joined by scientist Christine Hall (@christinebhall) and textured hair expert Renée Gadar (@reneesrh), who, along with their teams, co-created the groundbreaking line to meet the needs of curly and coily hair types. We discuss the new range's technology and ingredients as well as how Aveda is supporting hair pros through education and training so they can excel with services for curly and coily hair.  

In this episode, Gerard Scarpaci chats with Ray Civello (@raycivello), renowned salon owner and founder of the environmentally friendly brand, Back of Bottle (@backofbottle). Ray talks about his background, what led him to product manufacturing and what sets BOB apart. From sustainability to products, they talk about the impact that product choice has not only on the client, but also the stylist, the environment and the health of the future. 

    Meet Allison Daza (@allisondazahair), a salon owner and @davinesnorthamerica educator who is committed to sustainable beauty and regenerative agriculture. Allison shares how she puts her beliefs into practice at her studio and how she embarked on a journey of documenting sustainable beauty in partnership with Davines in a short-film series called "Stories From the Field."