Chris Baran's Headcases

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You talk about a classic triple play—this episode is it. Each of these powerhouse women have been my guest in the past, but I could not resist the opportunity to bring these three best friends together for one epic conversation. So settle in and get ready for some laughs, some insight, and some pure inspiration.

One is an international hairstyling legend and five-time Hall of Fame award winner from Australia. Another is affectionately known as The Balay Lama, she's from the US and is the founder of Sunlights. And the third, representing the UK, is a We...

I had such a great talk with my guest this week. She is a powerhouse influencer with a mission to elevate and amplify the real life impact of artists, salon owners, and educators on all of us. 

She hosts her podcast, coaching, and personal development retreats under the Hair Love University umbrella. I can't wait to share with you this week’s guest: Elizabeth Faye. 

• Elizabeth shares the emotional story of how a hairdresser changed her world right when she needed it at 12 years old 

• She became ill durin...

Welcome to another episode of Head Cases! This week’s guest is a little different from the norm, and his story is one you’ll never forget. Before I introduce him, let me share a quick story. Back when I used to sail, we had this tradition after races, we’d hand out two awards at the bar: the Aw Shit Award for the one who really messed up, and the Done Good Award for the one who nailed it. And let’s be honest, we’ve all had our “Aw Shit” moments in life, as well as those “Done Good” ones...

Welcome to Head Cases! Today’s guest took an incredible path into the beauty industry, after a five-year stint in the Army, she set her sights on becoming a creative force in hair. She’s the former Creative Director for Pureology, a global educator and brand ambassador for BaBylissPRO, and she’s brought her artistry to the runway at New York Fashion Week for over 70 designers.

Her editorial work has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and even made waves on 60 Minutes. She’s a multi-award winner and finalist at NAHA, American Beauty Vision, Be...

Today’s guest is a seasoned salon owner who recently celebrated a diamond milestone—25 years in the business. He now serves as the Director of Business and Leadership Development for the Salon 124 Group out of Atlanta, Georgia—an impressive company with over 200 team members, a cosmetology school, and more than $11 million in annual sales.

He’s a lifelong learner, a John Maxwell certified speaker and educator, and an outstanding coach. He also co-founded the industry-leading Shop Talk podcast and the 124Go Salon and Spa Business Academy, helping salon owners and professionals level up across the glob...

Today’s guests are the husband and wife team from Salon 27 in Mesa, Arizona. They added a virtual element to their consultations that has completely changed their business. They’re here to tell us how it's done with a simple four-step process.

As the salon's Creative Director, Amber brings the artistry and training. With Chet's background in marketing and data analytics, he's driving the innovation. Together, they balance business and creativity beautifully. They are profitable owners, phenomenal educators, and inspiring leaders—fresh off the huge honor of winning NAHA’s Inspiring Salon of the Year award—and they are g...

Today’s guest brings the perfect blend of heart and business savvy to the salon industry. With a business degree in hand, he helped elevate his salon both culturally and financially—earning a place in Salon Today’s Top 200 nearly every year since. As a business coach he helps good salons become great, guiding them to award-winning success.

He is an inspiring keynote speaker, a grounded thought leader, and a trusted common-sense coach. If you want your salon to have the culture where clients say, “I love the way this place makes me feel,” then you’ll want to lean...

Today’s guest is an absolute firecracker in the salon industry and you’ll feel it the moment she starts speaking. Her systems, strategies, and no-nonsense approach have helped salon owners hit seven-figure success and service providers reach six-figure incomes—without burning out.

She has empowered thousands of professionals to break through their limits, boost their profits, and build thriving businesses. She is a dynamic speaker, master transformation coach, and true industry disruptor, and as the founder and CEO of Inspiring Champions, one of the most respected coaching companies in the professional beauty industry, she’s here to help...

This is the second time we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming this incredible guest to Headcases, and for good reason. We started with a powerful conversation about the role of questioning in the salon, as owners, as educators, and as leaders, and it became something much deeper. His perspective as a corporate executive coach carries so much insight I knew I had to bring him back and share even more of that wisdom with you.

Jay Williams is an executive coach who’s worked with Fortune 500 companies. He’s also a dynamic, funny, and thought-provoking speaker. He’s t...

Welcome back to Headcases! Part 1 of our conversation with Celene Dupuis was incredible - she came in strong, busting industry myths and dropping leadership wisdom that every salon pro needs to hear.

In Part 2, we’re picking up right where we left off. Celene continues to challenge the status quo, offering real talk, practical strategies, and powerful insights to help you grow as a leader and build a sustainable, high-performing business. It's time to rethink the way our industry works - Let’s dive back in with Celene Dupuis!

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Hi, and welcome once again to Headcases. For a long time now I've wanted someone on the show who could bust some of the biggest myths that still haunt our industry—and today we have the perfect guest. She is an award-winning entrepreneur and leadership coach known for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. While mentoring leaders, entrepreneurs, and teams across the beauty world, she also built a high-performing, sustainable business as CEO of Revamp Salon Company. She’s a go-to speaker for conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits—and today, she’s with us to dive into the...

My friends, welcome to another episode of Headcases — and this one’s a good one. My guest is a true powerhouse in the beauty industry. You probably already know her as a celebrity stylist, with a client list including Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams.

She made history as the first African American beauty professional spokesperson for Pantene and as Aveda’s first Global Artistic Director for Textured Hair. Today, she’s the Global Artistic Director for Mizani and a proud member of the L’Oréal Professionnel Color Artistic Team. Get ready f...

Today’s guest is making a real impact in our industry. She’s the Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), bringing her unique blend of experience as a licensed aesthetician, makeup artist, and business owner.

Before stepping into her role at PBA, she ran a successful cosmetics and skincare business in Michigan, and spent 15 years in corporate communications and community relations in the health and wellness space, including with the YMCA. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State, and a master’s from Saginaw Valley State University. This week’s HeadCase is Leslie...

She co-founded the highly successful Julian August Salon in California, where she spent 32 years perfecting her craft behind the chair. Her passion for teaching—combined with her unmatched technical skill—made her one of the most sought-after colorists and educators in North America.

While working full-time in the salon, she also founded Hair Color Magic, an education program that helped colorists around the world thrive. Most recently, she co-founded both CCB Collective Color Brands and Color Space. If you ask me what Lupe Voss represents, the answer is simple: creativity, quality, dedication, discipline, and inspiration. Let’s get in...

If anyone deserves the title of GOAT in hair color, it’s today’s guest. Fresh out of university and beauty school, she was appointed Director of Education at Clairol. She later consulted for brands like Redken and Joico to help develop major professional color lines. She has traveled the globe, training thousands of colorists. She co-owned the famous Minardi Salon in New York. A true celebrity stylist, she has worked with stars like Mandy Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, and Brad Pitt.

Her list of awards is just as impressive: NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award, Empowerment’s Ceil...

This week on Headcases we are joined by a true force in the beauty industry. He’s built a remarkable career as a celebrity hairstylist, a master colorist, a brand ambassador, and a business executive. He’s taken his expertise worldwide, teaching sold-out classes around the world. Specializing in balayage, blonding, and advanced color techniques, he has not only perfected his craft but also mastered the social media game, amassing an impressive 3 million followers. Today, we’ll dive into his journey and share his insights, plus the secrets of his success.

Let’s get into this week’s HeadCase...

Today’s guest on HeadCases is a third-generation hairdresser, a salon owner, and internationally recognized artist with over 40 years behind the chair. In that time, he’s traveled more than 3 million miles, sharing his knowledge and passion.

He is a visionary philanthropist committed to protecting the health of clients and hairdressers both. He made it his mission in creating his own brand, Surface, promoting personal health, respect for the Earth, and helping others to grow.

Let’s get into this week’s HeadCase with the one and only Wayne Grund.

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his week I'm chatting with someone I admire very much as a no-nonsense truth teller who leads with love. She is a published author. She is a world-renowned keynote speaker. She owns three schools and three salons where her mission is not to hire employees but to develop future partners. This mindset makes her a key part of the John Maxwell Team, one of the world's top leadership training organizations. She led nationwide values-based leadership initiatives for 25,000 leaders with Maxwell at the invitation of the governments of Guatemala and Costa Rica. And she co-hosts the Next Level Salon Podcast...

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Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

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✅ Exclusive content on how to implement and scale your salon training the easy way

✅ Save time and learn what works from people just like you

✅ Get back to your mission of building the salon business and creating more jobs

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"What would you do if a person with autism sat in your chair for a haircut? What if the sounds of the salon triggered an episode—causing them to holler, scream, or bounce? Or if they were terrified of clippers? Would you know how to help?

That’s exactly why I’m so excited about today’s guest. Welcome to another episode of Head Cases! Our guest is not only a visionary but also the founder and CEO of Sensory Safe Solutions. With 24 years in the salon industry, she brings not just professional expertise but also a deeply p...

This week I’m speaking with a Harvard and Wharton Business School grad and founder of Busy Salons. He is president of Salon Ninja, and the creator of A-Game Mastery Coaching. He is a Hi-Performance coach and has worked with many high profile salon artists. It’s my honour today to chat with Andrew Finkelstein.

This week I'm with a great friend who is a 13-time NAHA finalist and winner. His work has appeared in almost every industry magazine in the world. He’s been on Oprah, CNN, and Good Morning America. He has styled for movies, music videos, and fashion runways. Here is Mr Nicholas French!

• One of the best pieces of advice that Nicholas got from his father when he was only 10 years old: “Keep your eyes open 24 hrs a day because you never know what you are going to see”. You have to always be on the lookout for inspirat...

Today I sit down with the Midwest Hairstyling Awards Hairstylist of the Year, NAHA Educator of the Year and Director of the Hair Labs Detroit Barber School, Mr Rodrick Samuels. 

Rodrick shares some great nuggets of wisdom this week including his top 3 list for students - you have to show up, you have to work hard and you have to listen. 

He shares how education has changed so much from when he was in school, how teaching is 1000% different now. 

Hear about the importance of failure and how this has always pushed Rodrick in...

Today’s guest is not just a dear friend but a certified visionary who has left an indelible mark on the beauty industry. He’s an award-winning colorist and stylist, a former Global Artistic Director for Matrix, and a creative force whose work has graced international magazine covers, advertising campaigns, and stages worldwide.

But that’s not all—he’s also an internationally acclaimed photographer, capturing breathtaking moments with his own creations and those of other exceptional artists. His passion for creativity and community led him to establish the CBC, a global collective of beauty talents and brands, sp...

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.

Today's guest is especially exciting for me - not just because he’s an incredibly talented hairdresser, but because his passions extend far beyond hair to art, music, and fashion. Based in the UK, his creativity and vision have landed his work in TV and top industry magazines.

Recently, Creative Head Magazine honored him with the Business Thinker Award for building an outstanding multi-faceted brand. They even called him a ‘genius and an inspiration,’ and once you hear about his journey, you’ll see why. From salons and studios to academies and even a farm that sources ingredie...

I’m excited to chat with my next guest, a Lifetime Achievement winner and a Hall of Heroes award winner, Ginger Boyle. 

• Ginger shares how she lived off the grid for a year waiting for her cosmetology license 
• She took a chance and moved across the country to work for Horst
• How sometimes on the road for hair shows, they would have to get their “models” in the mall or bar
• Hear how Ginger took having an affirmation to help her through a rough patch, to a daily online affirmation for thousands of people

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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 chat with him about how he got started.

-Benni's realization that sports and hairdressing are similar, with patterns in the training, practicing, and...

My guest is an Aveda Global Master and NAHA Master with an impressive list of accolades, including Hairdresser of the Year, Avant-Garde Stylist of the Year, Salon Team of the Year, and twice Makeover Stylist of the Year. He’s been named one of the top 20 salon owners in the U.S. and one of the top 75 educators of the century.

He’s earned Lifetime Achievement Awards from Aveda and the Art and Fashion Group and is an Aveda World Master Award winner. With nine Atlanta-area salons, 250+ service providers, and a partnership with 40 salons in Japan, he’s trul...

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 their own, this week’s Headcases is a true hair hero! In this week’s episode we learn more about Nick’s journey into the industry and how he invests in himself.

Welcome to Headcases. Today’s guest is one of the most recognizable faces in the salon industry. He is a celebrated platform artist and educator, known for mixing fun, irreverence, and incredible skill in his teaching. His work has been published worldwide, and he has collaborated with top brands like Aveda, Revlon Professional, TIGI, Rusk, and Scruples.

A two-time NAHA Hairstylist of the Year and the first-ever NAHA People’s Choice Award winner, he boasts an astounding 27 NAHA nominations. He’s also winner of the Canadian Mirror Awards International Hairstylist of the Year. He trained under runway legend...

From horse training to hair styling, Ammon Carver joins us to talk about learning to love yourself and your craft, plus his transition from teaching behind the chair to mentoring on stage and to becoming a father. 

Ammon Carver has gained recognition in the hair and beauty industry for his refined aesthetic, his continued passion, and his portfolio of flawless looks. With 7 nominations and awards for Master Hairstylist of the Year and Salon Team of the Year in 2015 by the prestigious North American Hairstyling Awards, Ammon is one of the most highly regarded hair stylists in the b...

We celebrate our ONE HUNDREDTH EPISODE with one of my true hair heroes. He’s a brilliant hairdresser, editorial stylist, photographer, and industry icon. The former Creative Director of Sebastian Professional Hair Products has worn many hats: hairdresser, salon owner, product creator, painter, and visionary artist. His work has graced the pages of nearly every major beauty magazine both nationally and internationally. I'm delighted to celebrate this Headcases milestone with the legendary Robert Lobetta!

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My guest is a true industry icon. He is the former president of L'Oréal Professional Products Division, overseeing the growth of major brands like Redken, L'Oréal Professionnel, Matrix, and Shu Uemura. He’s part of the ownership group behind Tippy, the digital tipping system, and he has earned the prestigious Legend Award from the International Salon Spa Business Network — a testament to his commitment in supporting people throughout the industry. He is also co-owner of Artist On Go, a groundbreaking concept for independent stylists while helping salon owners fill open chairs. He’s my friend, my mentor, and I am...

Today we’re joined by a true marketing powerhouse in the beauty and wellness industry. She’s a keynote speaker, a podcaster, and the founder & CEO of Maya, which is a cutting-edge client recruitment and marketing platform that has already matched over half a million clients with beauty professionals, driving an incredible $20 million in revenue. Her ambitious mission is to generate $500 million for her members by the end of 2025 and I have a feeling she just might do it. She’s here to revolutionize support for beauty businesses. Let’s dive into this week’s Headcase with modern marketing guru, Kati...

This week on Headcases I'm thrilled to welcome a true powerhouse of the beauty industry. With more than 30 years of experience as a master stylist, a brand educator, a business owner, and a leadership development coach, she has inspired thousands to believe in themselves and transform their careers. She is a certified Little Voice Mastery Facilitator and a Blair Singer Certified Educator known for her ability to elevate and empower those around her. Listen in as she shares her insights on rebuilding stronger after a walkout. Here is Holly Fox.

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Welcome to another episode of Headcases. My guest got his start at Vidal Sassoon, where he quickly rose through the ranks of the organization to General Manager. To top that he went on to run no fewer than 320 salons in the UK. He launched AVD Cosmetics and grew it to $40 million in sales. He founded Eurisko Design, focused on crafting spaces to meet consumers' emotional as well as functional needs. With a doctorate in behavioural psychology, he has given TED Talks and been featured as a speaker at major industry events. You may know his books "A Window Into...

This is Part 2 of the wildly informative and entertaining session with the great Sonya Dove, Sharon Blain, and Candy Shaw.

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Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraining

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✅ Save time...

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Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraining

✅ Exclusive content on how to implement and scale your salon training the easy way

✅ Save time and learn what works from people just like you

✅ Get back to your mission of building the salon business and creating more jobs

Learn more here - https://bit.ly/trainersplaybook

Join our FB group - https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtr...

He's a well-rounded stylist, he cuts, he finishes, he colors. He is a four-time NAHA winner including Hairstylist of the Year. He is a two-time winner of BTC's One Shot Award. He travels the world sharing his creativity at hair shows and professional beauty shoots. His work has been shown in countless publications, and recently Elle Magazine named him The Beauty Genius. Please welcome our next guest on Headcases: Matt Swinney.

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Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook...

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Check out more episodes and the videos at https://chrisbaran.com/podcast

⭐️ Join our FREE Facebook community for Salon Team Trainers today. https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtraining

✅ Exclusive content on how to implement and scale your salon training the easy way

✅ Save time and learn what works from people just like you

✅ Get back to your mission of building the salon business and creating more jobs

Learn more here - https://bit.ly/trainersplaybook

Join our FB group - https://facebook.com/groups/salonteamtr...

Can’t wait to share this week’s podcast guest. He is a salon owner with over 170 employees across six brands, a former VP and president of Intercoiffure America and Canada, and a board member of Summit Salon Business Center. His salon has been voted Best Barber Shop in America multiple times and he’s recognized by Self magazine as one of the top 30 hairdressers in America. He is the co-founder of Strictly Business Seminars and is a sought-after public speaker. Let’s welcome Frank Gambuzza! 

5:13 Frank’s journey in the beauty industry 
12:32 The evolution of Men’s hairdr...

This week’s Headcase has accumulated over 40 years of 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 and predict trends in digital marketing and management, and translate them into systems for salons to achieve dramatic growth.

In this episode we go back to the beginning and learn how Michael got to the place he is now and how he found his voice in the industry.

My guest this week is Shane Price, founder and CEO of Green Circle Salons, which helps salons become sustainable through the four pillars: be green, gain clients, build revenue, and save money. With over 16,000 members, they reclaim and repurpose more than 1 million pounds of beauty waste every year.

Join us and Shane and I discuss what salons can do to reduce their environmental footprint and make a real difference.

To learn more go to GreenCircleSalons.com
Interested in becoming a Green Circle Salon? Mention Chris Baran’s Headcases podcast and receive a special membership di...

Today I’m chatting with a true entrepreneur. She is a hairdresser, a school co-owner, a school franchise co-owner, and her 25,000 square foot salon and med spa has been voted one of the top 100 salons by Elle Magazine no less than four times. I am so pleased to bring you my good friend Jill Krahn.

 ⁃ How did she get from a 3-chair boutique to her current 25,000ft salon with med spa and restaurant?
 ⁃ She had a detailed plan for running a very successful large salon, but no exit strategy. How will she know when it’s time to st...

This week’s guest is the Global Creative Director and Senior Vice President of Creative for Aveda. She is a winner of British Hairdresser of the Year, and she’s done hair for models for Mu Mu, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Dolce and Gabanna and the list goes on. It is my great pleasure to chat with Antoinette Beenders. 

 ⁃ Antoinette shares how she got started in hairdressing, and what lead to her impulsive leap to London to work for Trevor Sorbie
 ⁃ She shares about the move to Aveda and the perfect fit of their philosophies, and the role th...

My guest this week owns multiple successful salons, he is a lead educator, and he provides solutions to other salons looking to level up. And in his spare time he’s a prize-winning body builder! I’m so pleased to sit down with my personal friend, Jayson Morgan. 

⁃ Jayson started young - his grandmother would give him old mop heads to cut, and she would hunt yard sales for Barbie heads for him to cut and style

⁃ He shares the importance of having a plan and sticking to it

⁃ Jayson talks about his tried and t...

This week I spoke with a hair color transformation virtuoso, most famous for her magic touch with textured hair. She founded the Forever Curls Academy. She is a double nominee and winner of the American Influencer Awards, and is hailed by Modern Salon as one of the Top 100 Salon Media Influencers. She is the first woman to win two Behind the Chair Awards in one night. She is a Redken and Mizani Brand Ambassador and she was nominated for NAHA's Educator of the Year. Here is the extraordinary Leysa Carrillo.

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This week’s guest is GQ’s “Coolest Barber on Instagram”, a 4-time winner of Canadian Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, and has worked behind the scenes with the hottest actors in film and television. He has a very successful line of shops and products under the Victory Barber and Brand banner, and I feel very fortunate that I knew him before he was even a hairstylist. Our guest is Matty Conrad!

- Why Matty doesn’t believe in “fake it til you make it”
- He once lost sight of his true purpose until he realized he w...

My guest today is a seven time Emmy nominated stylist. He is the department head of So You Think You Can Dance, American Idol, and America’s Got Talent. He has worked with celebrities like Lionel Richie, Leeza Gibbons, Simon Cowell, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, and so many others. He is The Hollywood Hair Guy: Dean Banowetz!

1:53 - How Dean got into the hair industry through unconventional means

12:56 - Dean’s beard, beard competitions, and charity fundraising

41:48 - The daily life of a hairdresser on American Idol: the...

This week’s guest is doing amazing things. She rose from homelessness to being one of the country’s most celebrated and respected stylists. She is a certified tricologist,  a salon owner, a NAHA finalist, ABS Global Image award nominee,  Behind the Chair One Shot finalist and so much more. I’m very happy to sit down with Evie Johnson on Headcases. 

I was very honored to speak with my next guest. She has remained relevant in the hair industry for over 5 decades and she continues to win awards and accolades including two time Hair Expo Hall of Fame and the Order of Australia. She has traveled the world educating thousands of stylists. She is the undisputed queen of hairstyling. She is generous, creative, and unstoppable in her love of the industry. I can’t wait to share with you my chat with Sharon Blain!

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This week on Headcases, my guest is a special friend, and he has won so many awards I don’t know where he has room to keep them. He is Australian Hairdresser of the Year. He has won Australia’s Educator of the Year no less than four times. He has two wins apiece for Hair Technician of the Year and Best Salon Team Training. He is the national hair director at Australia Fashion Week. He serves as a judge for national and international awards. And he is the founder of the Curate Apprenticeship Awards in Australia. Please welcome my g...

You will probably guess this week’s Headcases guest from my first hint. He is the cofounder of Hairbrained.pro and the Hairbrained Teach-In, and HBLive.me. He shares his passion for the craft by teaching every chance he gets. My guest this week: Gerard Scarpaci.

4:18 - Gerard’s personal journey into haircutting including the struggles and his influences

15:51 - Developing taste and an eye for hairdressing

20:14 - Creativity at hair shows

31:30 - Marketing strategies for salons

42.58 - Creating the Hairbrained Live education platform, and its evolution from live clas...

Today’s guest specializes in professional and consumer product development. He is a three-time winner of Haircolor USA’s Most Inspirational and Best Educator Award, a founding member of the Intercoiffure American Canada Haircolor council. He is the author of Formula Boss and Color Conversions Made Easy. In my opinion, he is one of the best top hair color experts in the world. It’s your friend and mine, Mr David Stanko.

0:00 - David's start in the hairdressing industry and early career experiences with his sister’s influence
18:34 - Mentors, learning, and adapting in the corporate world Duration: 01:01:17

I’m delighted to bring back such an inspiring guest with so many wonderful insights about the state of the hairdressing industry today. Welcome back to Headcases, Gordon Miller!

4:39 - Industry passion and data analysis

9:36 - Industry challenges, including economic inflation and unemployment

19:43 - Work-life balance in the beauty industry

37:32 - Pricing strategies in the beauty industry

48:16 - Improving client retention in the beauty industry

1:05:45 - Industry trends, opportunities, and challenges

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The tables are turned for this week’s guest. For 26 years he has been the one doing the interviews. I can't hope to live up to that standard but we'll manage. He is an author, a school owner, a motivational speaker, a philanthropist, and an awards show host. He has won the NAHA Hall of Leaders, and American Salon said he is one of the five industry leaders who has revolutionized education. He is the Dean and Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Schools. Please welcome to Headcases: Winn Claybaugh!

• 4:51 Unconventional wisdom in education and the beauty indus...

I’m thrilled to have this person on my podcast this week. She is a Wella Global Top Artist and part of the Ulta Beauty Pro Team. She is a Hairdreams Ambassador, a session stylist, a celebrity stylist, a runway stylist for New York Fashion Week and she worked on such films as The Hunger Games. She was the winner of NAHA's first Master Hairstylist of the Year, and she received the Leo Passage award for education excellence. She was Haircolorist of the Year two years in a row, and she won the PBA International Icon of the Year. My...

I'm really excited about today's guest. She learned how to build and lead teams as a sergeant in the Israel Defense Forces. Her seven-figure Maxime salon boasts six-figure net profits. As a business growth consultant she has worked with fast growing startups and Fortune 100 companies like Coca Cola. Through her Salon Cadence community she teaches owners how to scale their business and achieve next generation freedom. To date, Salon Cadence members have generated $3.5 million in pure profit. Her book “Profit First for Salons” is a bestseller. Let’s welcome Ronit Enos!

• Ronit shares her story of success from new...

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 mediocre in this industry 

- Hear how Michelle believes that we all are put here to serve

- “You need to...

My guest this week is my mentor, my teacher, and my friend. He has trained hundreds of thousands of people around the world, and is a best selling author. He is a huge role model in my life - Blair Singer!

This week we have a formidable stylist. She is a global educator for Redken, a Sam Villa ambassador, and a member of the Redken/Mizani Texture Squad. She has won NAHA, and The Big Shot, and she is your L’Oreal Color and Styling winner. She is equally at home in salon seminars as she is on the main stage in front of thousands. Here is Lindsey Olson!

• Falling into the industry, and her experience with education-driven salons (0:00)

• Balancing creativity and simplicity in the beauty industry (12:23)

• Working with diverse hair textures (16:52)

• Th...

He is a top editorial stylist frequently to be found on set, styling for top magazines like Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Lucky, and Oprah Magazine. He’s a go-to artist at New York Fashion Week and a lead stylist in the bridal business. He’s a Redken International Artist, an entrepreneur, and the creator of Tear Sheets. He’s also a good friend, and it’s been too long since I last spoke to him. Please welcome Giovanni Giuntoli.

 Giovanni slipped into the hair business completely by accident, striking up a conversation with a salon owner while serving him ice cream...

This week my guest Headcase is a multi award winner, International Stylist of the Year, British Hairdressing Award winner, and NAHA winner. He was lead stylist for American’s Next Top Model. I could go on and on! I’m so pleased to sit down with Damien Carney and hear about his career. 

⁃After years as a successful stylist, Damien felt something was missing. So he decided to chuck it all and go work for Trevor Sorbie and completely retrain as a stylist.

⁃He shares the most powerful wisdom he gained...

I’m excited to welcome to Headcases an ambassador for Andis, SalonCentric, Feather, Vagaro, and for L’Oreal Texture of Change. He is a barber extraordinaire and a celebrity hairdresser. He won NAHA Educator of the Year. He started the “Popular Nobody” brand to mentor hair artists, musicians, and people in the movie industry. He’s been published in GQ, New York Times, Style, British Vogue, and the cover of Billboard Magazine. I’m thankful for the opportunity to chat with my guest John Mosley.

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You’re going to love this week's guest. He is an executive coach who helps leaders at every level from small business to Fortune 500 companies to achieve their goals. He will help you shift your thinking and get you to the truth. He's written two books and I absolutely recommend them both. A hearty Headcases welcome to Jay Williams.

• find him online at jaywilliamsco.com

• Jay started out in the beauty industry working for Bumble and Bumble; first in sales, and later in their business school.

• Jay’s background is in leadership training and that’s...

This week’s guest is a global ambassador for Redken, a multiple NAHA nominee and winner. She has trained thousands of stylists around the world, she is one of the top colorist in North America, and she is the Creative Director for Dop Dop salon in New York city. I’m ecstatic to chat with Lori Zabel this week for Headcases. 

Lori landed in cosmetology school after her uncle signed her up for it and she got accepted. 

She travelled from Saskatoon to Victoria on her own to try to get hired at...

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My guest this week is a multiple NAHA winner, a global brand ambassador for Redken, an Ulta Beauty Pro team member, an editorial stylist, and a celebrity stylist. Let’s welcome my friend, Sean Godard! 

-Sean says to seize all opportunities as they come along, some might be unpaid but offer greater payout in the future 

-Sean was handpicked to do Redken Artist Training very early in his career and although he was hesitant at first, he took the chance and found out that he had this ability he wasn’t even awa...

My guest this week is the author of 15 books, he holds multiple Guinness Book of World Records including the most haircuts in 1 hour, the most haircuts in 24 hours and the fastest haircut. He is the CEO of Zootcuts, has a successful YouTube channel, he is a coach, trainer and mentor, and I can’t wait to sit down and hear Ivan Zoot’s story. 

Before he was even a haircutter, Ivan realized that the haircutting business was really a sales business. 

Ivan says “You are in the business of building and maintainin...

My guest this week is a ten-time Emmy nominated hairstylist, a four-time Guild Award winning hairstylist. She is the key hairstylist and department head hairstylist for shows such as The Voice, Shark Tank, and Legendary. She is a hair thinning and hair loss expert, and author of The 5 F Words to Manifesting Your Life.  I can’t wait to chat with Jerilynn Stephens about her career path in this interesting industry. 

Jerilynn shares how she became a Hollywood hair and makeup artist in the 1990’s while living in Seattle. It was as if a light bulb we...

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.

 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 and so much more!    

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This week’s Headcases guest has over 32 years experience in the professional beauty industry, starting as an administrator at a beauty school and moving on to Pivot Point International, CEO of Milady Publishing, and Executive Director at the National Cosmetology Association. Meet my new best friend Gordon Miller!

• Gordon shares how he was a young closeted gay guy in the 70s and found acceptance in the beauty industry

• The significance of events in the beauty industry and Gordon’s passion in bringing people together

• Gordon shares what he thinks of the game changing shifts in...

My guest this week was only a student when he became a NAHA finalist. He spent 10 years as an educator internationally and established technical academies across the globe. Today, he oversees the education team at Floyd's 99 Barbershops and this year he publishes his first book in collaboration with his sister Melissa. I've known him for years and I am so excited to share him with you on Headcases. Here is Patrick Butler.

• While at NAHA, he introduced himself to Irvine Rusk and, as a student, asked for career advice. Irvine told him to do go...

She is the resident master colorist at the Butterfly Studio salon in New York and she is a L'Oréal Professionnel International Artist. Thousands of hairdressers around the world have used her training videos. She is a corrective color expert and she is my next guest on Headcases: meet Min Kim.

• She thought she was destined to be a doctor, but she was always drawn to the beauty industry.

• In her earliest days as an educator for L'Oréal Professionnel, she realized you have to be true to your authentic self, and not tr...

My guest this week is someone really special to me. I've known him since he was a little kid, traveling around to hair shows with his dad. Since then he has won Australian Hairdresser of the Year three times, and Educator of the Year four times in a row. He is a globally recognized educator, and a great guy. Today I'm catching up with Jules Tognini!

• Jules grew up around many enormously successful artists in the hair industry, thinking of them as aunties and uncles. It wasn't until years later he would realize how cool the...

Our podcast guest this week is a former CPA and has owned multiple salons internationally. He is recognized as a trusted financial expert and leader in the beauty and wellness business. He is a board member for Beauty Changes Lives, and is the founder of Qnity for Salons, Qnity for Schools, and Qnity Institute. He is known for his talent for simplifying finance and money matters, making them visual and approachable for creative professionals. His latest study with the Qnity Institute is very revealing, and we're going to get into it right now with Tom Kuhn.

While...

I’m deeply honored this week to sit down with my ultimate hairdressing hero, four times winner of the British Hairdressers Award and Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Trevor Sorbie. This one was extra special for me, as Trevor as been a true inspiration both creatively and personally in my life.

• Trevor shares the origin stories of his well-known cuts, the Wedge and the Scrunch
• hear about his private audience with the Queen. Did he cut Liz's hair?
• Trevor discusses minimum standards at his salon

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When he was just 22 years old, this week's guest was appointed Creative Director at Sassoon's. He was named Educator of the Year in his first year at Paul MItchell. His no-fluff approach to teaching and his ability to break down the what, when, why, and how in haircutting have made him one of the world's most sought-after educators. It was a genuine pleasure to get to know him better. Here is DJ Muldoon.

• He got started in the 90s at Sassoon's in Santa Monica, where the motto was "you do it until you can't do...

Speaking with my guest this week was such a pleasure. She is a NAHA winner and 5-time finalist. She is the founder and co-owner of the Hair Lab Barber School in Detroit, and she is frequently sought after as a freelance educator and public speaker. She has been featured in magazines as a curly hair specialist. She recently won the Midwest Hairstyling Awards trifecta as Texture Artist of the Year, Master Stylist of the Year, and Hairstylist of the Year. Please join me in conversation with my new friend, Lauren Moser-Samuels.

• She met Rodrick Sa...

One word sums up my guest this week - ambition! He is, right now, taking exclusive appointments at no less than seven different salons in the US and Switzerland. Hailed by the professional beauty press as a rising star from his earliest days, he now has his own shears line and is world-renowned as a pioneer of dry cutting. I am excited to sit down with this week's Headcase, Mike Karg.

- from the first time he saw Trevor Sorbie on stage in London he knew he wanted exactly that

...

This week's guest is a long time friend of mine. He is a New York City-based session artist, a world-traveling brand educator, and a truly passionate editorial artist. Please welcome Drew Schaefering!

• Drew went to college for finance and marketing and his future looked set when his dad told him to let the finance job go and go to cosmetology school

• Listen to Drew's approach to the unique challenges of editorial work

• How does Drew work with his team on editorial fashion shoots?

• How does he keep the avenues...

My guest this week is Great Lengths USA Executive Artistic Director, L’Oreal Global Artist, Ulta Beauty Prosumer Ambassador, 13x NAHA winner and finalist, 10x Bigshot winner and finalist, and so much more! Please welcome to Headcases: Danielle Keasling!

• Danielle says you can only do and be yourself. Don’t waste energy trying to be what you think other people want to see.
• The keys to her success according to her: be flexible, be in the moment, be true to yourself.
• Danielle says it is essential to set boundaries to protect her energy, making sure she is abl...

I had such a great talk with my guest this week. She is a powerhouse influencer with a mission to elevate and amplify the real life impact of artists, salon owners, and educators on all of us. 

She hosts her podcast, coaching, and personal development retreats under the Hair Love University umbrella. I can't wait to share with you this week’s guest: Elizabeth Faye. 

• Elizabeth shares the emotional story of how a hairdresser changed her world right when she needed it at 12 years old 

• She became ill during the four year...

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.

We've got a very close friend of mine this week. He's the Director of Education of L'Oréal Professional Products Division. He is a leadership team builder and a personal development specialist. He has traveled the world helping people find peace and purpose in their lives. And he once tried out as pitcher for the New York Yankees. Please welcome to Headcases: Johnny Stellato.

• John grew up in Yonkers, New York. He was into music and sports and really was scouted by the Yankees

• He shares his concept of the quiet mind and h...

Seven-time NAHA winner and 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.

Today I get to sit down with Ruth and talk and laugh with her as we share her hair journey.

My very special guest this week is so committed to elevating the salon industry that he wrote a best-selling book about it called "Beautiful Business". He won NAHA's Lifetime Achievement Award and Editorial Stylist of the Year, and was inducted into the London Hairdresser Hall of Fame. He has a very successful salon in Manhattan and I am proud to call him a good friend. Please welcome Sam Brocato.

• Sam became hooked on the beauty industry at 16, when his mom took him to her part-time job at a local beauty school

• early in h...

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 and reconized with the NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, he is known for doing things differently to challenge, to inspire, and to motivate change.

Today we dig deeper into Sam Villa the human being, talking beauty school, becoming a father and the movement that is hairdressers supporting hairdressers.

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Get ready for this superstar. Her accolades are awe inspiring. Seven-time NAHA winner. Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Intercoiffure Icon and first female director for Intercoiffure North America. Creative Director for Trevor Sorbie. She is a film documentarian and I know her best as a brilliant editorial stylist. I could go on and on, but I can't wait to introduce to you my guest, Vivienne Mackinder.

- her evolution from painfully shy child to working on stage in front of thousands

- the importance of knowing the history of hair and fashion, because...

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 biggest names in the industry, in this episode learn about his start in hair and his breakdown of becoming succ...

I have been really looking forward to today. My guest is the author of the best-seller "Profitable Salon Owners" and the co-founder of High Performance Salon Academy. He has led wildly successful training events for Redken, Matrix, Massage Envy, Nordstrom, Baskin Robbins, and the US Army. He is my business coach and a very dear friend: Mr Jason Everett.

• Three words that capture Jason's essence for me -  Positivity, Energy, and Mindset.

• Jason’s energy comes naturally to him, and he loves to encourage others. Where other coaches tear you down, he builds you up...

A friend of mine opened his own salon at just 23 years old. Since then he has styled hair for Hollywood celebrities and music icons. He is known as a leading expert in textured and curly hair and, in fact, he won the 2022 NAHA award for texture. Here he is: Jamal Edmonds.

• Even as a child he was constantly creative with the love and support of his family.

• Hear how Jamal got into education in the hair industry, how it fills his cup, and how it pushes him further in his creativity.

• Jamal h...

This week I'm with a great friend who is a 13-time NAHA finalist and winner. His work has appeared in almost every industry magazine in the world. He’s been on Oprah, CNN, and Good Morning America. He has styled for movies, music videos, and fashion runways. Here is Mr Nicholas French!

• One of the best pieces of advice that Nicholas got from his father when he was only 10 years old: “Keep your eyes open 24 hrs a day because you never know what you are going to see”. You have to always be on the look...

Today I sit down with the Midwest Hairstyling Awards Hairstylist of the Year, NAHA Educator of the Year and Director of the Hair Labs Detroit Barber School, Mr Rodrick Samuels. 

Rodrick shares some great nuggets of wisdom this week including his top 3 list for students - you have to show up, you have to work hard and you have to listen. 

He shares how education has changed so much from when he was in school, how teaching is 1000% different now. 

Hear about the importance of...

Today I’m chatting with a true entrepreneur. She is a hairdresser, a school co-owner, a school franchise co-owner, and her 25,000 square foot salon and med spa has been voted one of the top 100 salons by Elle Magazine no less than four times. I am so pleased to bring you my good friend Jill Krahn.

⁃How did she get from a 3-chair boutique to her current 25,000ft salon with med spa and restaurant?

⁃She had a detailed plan for running a very successful large salon, but no exit strategy. How will she know w...

This week’s guest is a personal friend, a successful salon owner, a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, a NAHA winner as Men’s Hairstylist of the Year, and a key contributor to the Hair Has No Gender movement. She is someone I admire very much: Jamie DiGrazia.

⁃Jamie discusses the importance of gender-free pricing and breaks down the method used at their salon to price their hair cuts.

⁃Logan Parlor’s consultation is different. It’s a premium service in itself.

⁃Jamie shares how to...

This week’s guest is doing amazing things. She rose from homelessness to being one of the country’s most celebrated and respected stylists. She is a certified tricologist,  a salon owner, a NAHA finalist, ABS Global Image award nominee,  Behind the Chair One Shot finalist and so much more. I’m very happy to sit down with Evie Johnson on Headcases. 

-Listen to Evie’s amazing journey, how she started in beauty school at age 13 

-Evie has such a drive that she was appointed Artistic Director at age 23 

Duration: 01:09:32