Hairbrained Articles

How a 16-location blowout bar found a clean brand that actually performs behind the chair.

  Ulta Beauty has unveiled the Ulta Beauty Artist Collective, a newly unified team of 28 artists that blends respected industry names with high-performing in-store talent. But beyond the headline, the move represents something bigger: a retailer doubling down on artists as the core of its professional strategy. For an industry grappling with staffing shortages, shifting career expectations, and the growing importance of education, Ulta’s message is clear — investing in artists isn’t just culture, it’s infrastructure. According to the company, the Collective formalizes its commitment to “artist advocacy and professional excellence,” positioning beauty as a viable long-term career with real advancement opportunities.  A Platform — Not Just a Team Unlike traditional platform teams, the Artist Collective merges external industry veterans with Ulta salon associates, including several rising stars recently elevated into national visibility roles. Some members come from the brand’s former Design or Pro Teams, now reimagined under a single umbrella.  The result is a hybrid model that mirrors how careers actually evolve today — behind the chair, online, onstage, and in brand partnerships simultaneously. Collective members will appear across campaigns, major industry events, education programs, and digital channels, leading trend conversations and demonstrating techniques.  For stylists working inside large salon environments, that visibility matters. It suggests that platform-level opportunities no longer require stepping outside corporate structures. Education as Retention Strategy Ulta leaders emphasized that education fuels confidence and inspiration — language that resonates deeply in a profession where burnout and attrition remain real concerns. By creating visible pathways from salon floor to national stage, the Collective functions as both inspiration and retention. It shows newer professionals that growth doesn’t have to mean leaving. Importantly, the initiative also reinforces beauty as a “first-career choice,” not a fallback — a framing the industry has been working to reclaim for years.  Representation of the Modern Professional The Collective spans a wide range of specialties, backgrounds, and aesthetics, reflecting the increasingly diverse definition of what a “top artist” looks like today. Ulta describes the group as representing the full spectrum of skills the industry offers — from texture expertise to trend leadership to digital storytelling.  That inclusivity is not accidental. It aligns with a broader shift toward authenticity and relatability over traditional platform hierarchy. Why It Matters Large retailers occupy a unique position in professional beauty: they employ thousands of licensed stylists but have historically struggled to integrate them into the broader pro conversation. The Artist Collective suggests a new approach — one where scale becomes an advantage for nurturing talent, not just selling product. For independent professionals, it may also signal increased competition for attention, education, and cultural influence. For artists within Ulta’s ecosystem, it offers something equally powerful: visibility, community, and a roadmap. The Takeaway Ulta Beauty’s Artist Collective isn’t just another team announcement. It’s a statement about where professional beauty is headed — toward hybrid careers, expanded platforms, and organizations that understand artists are the engine, not the accessory. In an industry built on passion, skill, and human connection, that may be the most strategic investment of all.  Ulta Beauty Artist Collective Alycia Moorman @coifrejuvenatorAmanda Diaz @aesteheticbyamandaAna Remon @anitabeautypageBeto Sanchez @betoloveshairBianca Donahue @biancad.beautyDanielle Keasling @danielle.keaslingDavid Lopez @davidlopezzzDominique Johnson @dominiquenjohnsonDruhan Parker @druhanestheticsEvan Raymie @evangolightlyEvgeniya Karpova @jenyahairGalyna Poczcwinski @ufiramiJanelle Eyre @jeyre.hairJerwin Carlos @jwinclosJustin Toves-Vincillione @ahappyjustinKayla Matusek @itskay_lalaLaura Gunter @lauragunterbeautyLeonardo Valencia @leo.valenciaLuis Rodriguez @luisfernando_hairMat Wulff @matwulffMeghan Felicione @meghanfelicionehairMichelle O’Connor @michelleoconnorbeautyQuiarah Shing @styledbyqssReva Haga @reva_danielleSean Crutcher @damnsean__Sean Godard @seangodardSonya Dove @thesonyadoveVernon François @vernonfrancois

Goldwell proudly unveils the relaunch of its brand with the Goldwell Glow Up, marking a bold new era for the professional hairdressing industry. When Hans Erich Dotter started Goldwell in 1948, his vision was to create a company built around the professional hairdressing community and to rebuild a sense of beauty in the people around him.

Discover 7 reasons why Schwarzkopf's IGORA VIBRANCE Pastel Toners are essential for modern salons—from innovative care technology to content-worthy results.

Why top colorists combine IGORA ROYAL and VIBRANCE: gray coverage, healthier ends, seamless blending, and versatile creative results.

5 reasons IGORA VIBRANCE® is essential: alkaline demi-permanent color with up to 25-wash longevity, ammonia-free formula, and moisture protection

Dyson is rewriting the rules of pro haircare with intelligent heat control, precision airflow, and ergonomic tools like the Supersonic r. Learn how this science-first approach helps stylists deliver faster, healthier finishes while keeping clients impressed and salons eco-conscious.

MythBusters, Hair Edition: Separating Fact from Fiction About Dyson Hair Tools MythBusters, Hair Edition Separating Fact from Fiction About Dyson Hair Tools Despite Dyson’s growing popularity, many myths persist in professional hair circles. Here, we separate fact from fiction. Myth: Faster hair drying requires extreme heat. Fact: Dyson technology demonstrates that controlled heat, combined with powerful, precise airflow, achieves faster results without compromising hair health. Extreme, uncontrolled heat can lead to hair damage. Precision airflow meets intelligent heat control. Myth: When blowdrying, airflow is less important than heat. Fact: Dyson proves that airflow is equally, if not more, important for effective drying. The Supersonic’s design channels high-velocity air in a controlled pattern, which allows for quicker evaporation of water while minimizing frizz and cuticle damage. The result is smoother, healthier hair that holds style longer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hairbrained (@hairbrained_official) Myth: Dyson is “just hype.” Fact: Properly used, Dyson tools reduce over-drying, enhance shine, and shorten styling time. Misuse, however, can lead to poor results. For instance, applying heat in one stationary spot for too long, or ignoring proper attachments, can compromise styling and the tool itself. Educating yourself on correct usage, including diffuser or smoothing attachments, is key to unlocking the full potential. By separating fact from fiction, hairdressers can embrace tools that enhance performance, protect hair, and elevate the client experience. Understanding the engineering behind Dyson dispels skepticism and shows that investing in smart, science-backed technology is not a trend—it’s a professional advantage. Discover the Dyson difference Now available at Hairbrained Shop Now →

Why Should Hairdressers Invest in a Brand Like Dyson? Why Should Hairdressers Invest in a Brand Like Dyson? In today's salon world, technology is no longer a luxury—it's a key driver of results, client satisfaction, and business growth. Yet many hairdressers are reluctant to invest in technology. They may assume that all tools are essentially the same, that heat alone determines efficiency, or that investing in premium devices is unnecessary. In reality, high-quality tools like Dyson are designed with a deep understanding of hair science, offering performance that cannot be replicated by traditional devices. "For most of my career, I just assumed all professional dryers were basically the same — heavy, loud, and built for power, not comfort. I never thought you could have one that was both light and strong—until I tried the Supersonic Pro. Then the Supersonic r came along and somehow leveled it up again: It's even lighter, perfectly balanced, and just effortless to work with all day." Gerard Scarpaci, Hairbrained cofounder and 30-plus year craft hairdresser The Dyson Supersonic Pro measures air temperature more than 40 times per second! Dyson approaches hair tool engineering differently, focusing on airflow, heat control, and intelligent design. The Supersonic Pro hair dryer, for example, measures air temperature over 40 times per second, regulating heat to prevent damage while still drying hair efficiently. Science shows that consistent heat regulation significantly reduces hair damage, preserving strength, shine, and elasticity. For salon professionals, this translates into healthier, more manageable hair for clients—and fewer complaints, corrections, or dissatisfaction. Moreover, investing in higher-quality technology impacts business growth: clients recognize the value, are more likely to book repeat appointments, and often perceive the salon as premium. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hairbrained (@hairbrained_official) When deciding if a tool is worth the investment, evaluate durability, engineering, performance consistency, and hair health outcomes. A tool that protects hair, improves efficiency, and enhances client experience is more than a gadget—it's a long-term business asset. For forward-thinking salons, prioritizing science-backed technology isn't just smart; it's essential. Discover the Dyson difference Now available at Hairbrained Shop Now →