Hairbrained Articles

@colorbykriss How Krista Fell in Love with the Beauty Industry Krista Bartik didn't always plan to become a hairdresser. While Krista loved makeup and brows growing up, she had serious concerns about financial stability in the beauty industry, and initially planned to pursue dental hygiene instead. Taking the Leap It wasn't until a close friend suggested they go to cosmetology school together that Krista gave the beauty path serious consideration. Touring the Aveda Institute of Chapel Hill in North Carolina, she made a decision that would change her life. "It was a leap of faith," Krista says, "but having someone to do it with gave me the confidence to try." "It was a leap of faith, but having someone to do it with gave me the confidence to try." Finding Her Passion She launched her career in 2018, right as the industry was shifting toward a more collaborative, community-driven approach. Quickly discovering her passion for blonding, balayage and creative color, Krista also found a love for teaching, inspired by childhood memories of watching her mom lead dance classes. Krista instinctively knew how to break down complex ideas and communicate them clearly. "Other hairstylists would say, 'You're really good at explaining that.' And over time, it just became something I loved even more." Embracing the Challenges But along with passion comes pressure—and Krista learned firsthand that burnout is an inevitable part of a high-achieving career. "Burnout is one of those things in this industry we're taught to prevent. But I think no matter how hard you try to prevent it, you're going to reach a point of burnout," she muses. "I think that we just need to embrace it and know that it's not going to last forever." "I think that we just need to embrace it and know that it's not going to last forever." The constant drive to succeed can easily snowball, she says. So whenever she feels burnout coming on, Krista focuses on reflecting how far she's come and being creative. For Krista, collaborating with models on free-form projects helps reignite her passion. "It sounds so silly to tell somebody to work more during burnout, but it allows me to open up that creativity again and push through." Balancing Creativity & Education Today, Krista balances her passion for creating beautiful hair behind the chair with her growing commitment to independent education. She is also a proud member of the Fancy Team, Jacob Khan's scissor brand. "Joining the Fancy Team was the best thing that happened to me," she says. "After going independent, I felt so lonely. Jacob took me under his wing, and it brought the fun back to my career." "Joining the Fancy Team was the best thing that happened to me... it brought the fun back to my career." Sharing Knowledge: Upcoming Education Next up, Krista is leading her own independent education series. She's teaching a class in Sarasota, Florida on May 18, followed by Eugene, Oregon on June 29, Raleigh, North Carolina on July 13, and a soon-to-be-announced New York City class in September. "I'm super excited," she grins. "If you want to learn more, definitely head to my Instagram page." What's more, Krista will teach at Hairbrained Sessions in Minneapolis on June 23rd, leading a class that blends two of her strengths: color and social media. "I'm excited to show stylists not just how to place color beautifully, but also how to style, pose and capture it for social media — "because today, that's how we connect and grow," she says. Krista will also appear at Hairbrained's upcoming Hb Fest in Palm Springs, with more details to come. Krista's Education Schedule May 18: Sarasota, Florida Get Tickets June 23: Hairbrained Sessions in Minneapolis Get Tickets June 29: Eugene, Oregon Get Tickets July 13: Raleigh, North Carolina Get Tickets September: New York City (Coming Soon) Connect & Learn Early bird tickets for the Minneapolis event are available now, and Krista couldn't be more excited. "I'm just so thrilled to help stylists not only create beautiful work, but also share it confidently with the world," she says. "I'm just so thrilled to help stylists not only create beautiful work, but also share it confidently with the world." Follow Krista on Instagram Get Event Tickets

The Comedian Turned Hair Artist Who's Redefining Education Jacob Khan (@jacobhkhan) didn't grow up planning to become one of the most sought-after educators in the pro beauty world. In fact, before he was educating thousands of stylists around the world, launching his own scissor brand and becoming a social media standout, he was just a 15-year-old punk kid with a pair of clippers and a fearless attitude. Punk Rock Beginnings "I was in a bunch of punk bands," Jacob recalls. "All my friends wanted crazy hair but couldn't afford to get it done. I wasn't nervous about it—I'd just say, 'I'll do it.' So I kind of became the unofficial hairdresser of the local punk scene." "I kind of became the unofficial hairdresser of the local punk scene." From Comedy to Cosmetology By the time he turned 18, Jacob enrolled in cosmetology school—not because he saw a clear future in hair, but because he thought it might help fund his true dream: stand-up comedy. "I figured I'd do hair until comedy took off. But then I fell in love with it," he says. The creativity, the energy, the opportunity—it all clicked. "It was more than just cutting friends' hair in a bathroom—I saw what was possible in this industry, and I threw myself into it." However, his performer's spirit never left. "I've always wanted to be on stage," he says. "If I wasn't going to pursue entertainment full time, hair needed to scratch that itch." For Jacob, education was the way in. "I started at a Paul Mitchell school, and all eyes were on the platform artists, the ones on the DVD covers," he remembers with a laugh. "That's who I wanted to be." A Unique Approach to Education His teaching style, like his career, is anything but conventional. Known for his sharp technical skills and quick wit, Jacob brings humor into education in a way that's entirely his own. "I don't think we ever sat down and said, 'Let's be funny but not too goofy,'" he explains. "It's just who we are. Most of the stuff we say on stage is off the cuff. What you see on social media is what you get in real life." "What you see on social media is what you get in real life." The Stage & Social Media He credits social media with expanding the stage—but it's the real-time reaction from audiences that still lights him up. "At ABS, I styled some bangs on stage and got an actual applause break," he laughs. "That kind of moment is electric." In the classroom, he says that while the rewards are quieter, they're just as meaningful. "When someone tells me they used something they learned in class and it changed their business? That's everything." "When someone tells me they used something they learned in class and it changed their business? That's everything." The Fancy Brand Jacob's passion for supporting hairdressers extends beyond education. With his business partner Matt—who isn't a hairdresser—they launched Fancy, a brand that offers high-quality scissors without eye-watering prices, as well as a razor and apparel. "The name is sarcastic," Jacob says. "Matt would watch these super serious platform artists in suits and be like, 'Wow, they're so fancy.' We don't take ourselves seriously—but we do take the craft seriously." At its core, Fancy isn't about undercutting the market—it's about honoring the artist. "We price things fairly and we support education," Jacob says. "We want this to be a business, not a charity, but we also want to feel good about what we're putting into the industry." "We don't take ourselves seriously—but we do take the craft seriously." Looking Forward As he looks ahead, Khan is focused on deepening the impact of cutting education and continuing to inspire the next generation of hairdressers. His parting words? "Come to Hb Fest in Palm Springs!" Spoken like someone who knows that the most powerful education still happens in real life, in community, with scissors in hand. Follow Jacob on Instagram

Legendary hairstylist Alfredo Lewis partners with Oligo Professionnel to expand digital presence and elevate professional beauty education. With 30+ years of expertise and 2.6 million social followers, this powerful collaboration promises to transform the professional hair industry.

Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Color10: The Game-Changer in Permanent Hair Color When it comes to professional hair color, time and results are everything. Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Color10 is redefining the industry by delivering 100% gray coverage while maintaining hair health and incredible shine—all in just 10 minutes. The Science Behind IGORA Color10's Speed Many assume that a faster processing time requires a higher developer, leading to potential hair damage. However, as hairstylist and color specialist Paige Schrick (@paige.ashtonkc) explains, IGORA Color10 works differently. "The magic in IGORA Color10 comes from glycine and arginine amino acids pairing with the color pigment. These amino acids are small enough to penetrate directly into the hair cortex, allowing color pigment to latch on and deliver immediate results." 100% White Coverage and Vibrancy in Just 10 Minutes Completely covering gray and white is a key concern for stylists working with permanent hair color. So how can IGORA Color10 do it in just 10 minutes? "There is more color pigment packed into each tube compared to traditional permanent color lines. Even though the processing time is shorter than average, the increased pigment load ensures full coverage. The longer it sits, the richer the color. A 10- to 15-minute processing time is ideal for achieving optimal results." Additionally, IGORA Color10 can be intermixed like traditional color lines, allowing stylists to blend natural shades with secondary colors for customized coverage. Despite the quick processing time, IGORA Color10 ensures long-lasting, vibrant color. How so? "Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and protein is essential for strong, healthy hair. When paired with the higher pigment concentration, the amino acids help to lock in color for superior vibrancy and longevity—all in a fraction of the time of traditional color." 100% Gray Coverage Quick Processing Amino Acid Technology Long-lasting Results Hair Health Boosting Salon Efficiency and Client Satisfaction For stylists, time is money, and IGORA Color10 allows you to maximize productivity without compromising results. "The 10- to 15-minute processing time is a complete game changer. It allows for a quicker turnaround, benefiting both the stylist and the client." But just because the service can be done faster, doesn't mean it's cheaper. "This is a luxury express service, meaning stylists can charge more while taking on more clients in a day—without adding extra time behind the chair." For those new to the line, Schrick recommends experimenting with different techniques. "Play around with it, get creative! One of my favorite ways to use it is at the shampoo bowl. Apply it like a root smudge on damp hair, let it process for 15 minutes, and you'll achieve seamless gray coverage without a harsh line of demarcation." With its innovative formulation, rapid processing time, and high-performance results, Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Color10 is setting a new standard in the hair color industry. Whether you're looking to boost efficiency in your salon or offer premium, timesaving services to your clients, this express color solution is a must-try for every stylist. For more information about IGORA Color10 and other Schwarzkopf Professional products: Visit Schwarzkopf Professional © 2025 Schwarzkopf Professional. All rights reserved.  

The Benefits of Being Faster: How Igora Color10 Transforms the Salon Experience In today's fast-paced world, clients crave high-quality hair services—but without the lengthy appointments. Juli Bjornson (@julidoesmyhair), Schwarzkopf Professional USA Artist Team Member, shares how Igora Color10 is revolutionizing salon efficiency, offering full permanent color results in just 10 minutes without compromising quality. Meeting the Demand for Express Services The demand for instant beauty solutions has skyrocketed in recent years. Clients love getting their hair done, but many struggle to fit color services into their busy schedules. "It's a well-known truth that we inhabit an 'instant' world. While our guests continue to crave our offerings, they often find themselves bound by the lengthy rituals of traditional permanent color. Enter Igora Color10, a magical solution that delivers a permanent hair color transformation in just 10 minutes—one-third of the usual processing time!" With faster services becoming a must, salons that incorporate Color10 can better accommodate time-strapped clients while increasing their revenue potential. How much time can hairdressers using Color10 save? The difference in timing per service is dramatic, says Bjornson. "Let me put it this way: My typical timing for a 6-week regrowth service, including the process, haircut and blowout, is around 2 hours. However, when I use Igora Color10, I can complete the same service, beginning to end, in just 50 minutes." This means stylists can fit in more clients per day while still delivering the high-quality color results they're known for. Salon Services That Benefit Most from Igora Color10 From root touch-ups to color corrections, Igora Color10 speeds up a variety of services without compromising results. "Any service can thrive with our lightning-fast processing time! We've got high-lift shades for face framers, money pieces and base shifts, plus shades perfect for root touch-ups and gray coverage that blend like magic with Igora Royal. Color10 is also your secret weapon for color correction!" For stylists looking to create a chic, lived-in color while blending grays, Bjornson offers this pro tip: "I love using Color10 for that effortlessly chic, lived-in vibe while tackling pesky greys. First, I highlight to add dimension. Once the hair is lifted to the perfect level, I shampoo and rough dry. Then, I swoop in with Color10 and a blending comb to create a gorgeous gradient that's full-coverage perfection." Root Touch-ups Gray Coverage Face Framers Color Correction Lived-in Color Decreasing Appointment Times While Increasing Revenue (and Happiness!) One of the biggest advantages of Igora Color10 is its ability to boost salon profitability without sacrificing results. "With significantly less processing time, we are able to fit more clients into our schedule with ease. When clients see they can receive the same services with the same results in less time, they are happy to rebook." More efficient scheduling means stylists can serve a higher volume of clients while maintaining top-tier results. What's more, clients love the idea of high-performance hair color without the long wait. "They are thrilled! While many guests dream of a day at the salon, life often interferes with such plans. Providing this service to clients eases their minds and creates time in their busy schedules for various activities." So no need for clients to take a day off work or find a babysitter just to keep up with their hair color—making it a game-changer for those with busy lifestyles. Should salons charge a premium for express services? Absolutely! Bjornson says she firmly believes that express color should be positioned as a luxury service. "I consistently invest in premium services that improve my quality of life, and hair color is no exception. Clients appreciate having the choice and are generally receptive to a price increase in return for regaining time in their schedules." By marketing Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Color10 as a time-saving, high-performance service, salons can increase their value and pricing while giving clients what they want most—stunning color in record time. For more information about IGORA Color10 and other Schwarzkopf Professional products: Visit Schwarzkopf Professional © 2025 Schwarzkopf Professional. All rights reserved.  

Beyond The Gray: Unlocking the Full Potential of IGORA Color10 Beyond The Gray: Unlocking the Full Potential of IGORA Color10 When it comes to express hair color, Schwarzkopf Professional IGORA Color10 is known for delivering full gray coverage in just 10 minutes. But its benefits go far beyond root touch-ups. Nikki Torpe (@nikkitorpehair), Artist for Schwarzkopf Professional USA, shares how stylists can push the boundaries of IGORA Color10, incorporating it into a variety of services to enhance efficiency and profitability in the salon. Beyond the Basics: Creative Ways to Use IGORA Color10 While root touch-ups and gray coverage remain the foundation of IGORA Color10, its versatility makes it an essential tool for modern stylists. "Color10 is such a helpful tool behind the chair. Touch-ups and gray coverage are the heroes for Color10, but I love using it for lowlighting and even adding a few highlights using the Speed+ series." Stylists looking to optimize their workflow can integrate Color10 into multistep color services like balayage, toning and quick touch-ups between highlights. "There are so many opportunities to add Color10 to your services, from mini highlight and lowlight applications to color touch-ups between highlights for those that lift quickly. And let's be real—sometimes your guest is running late, and you still want to squeeze them in for their regrowth touch-up. Color10 makes that possible!" The ability to cut processing time without sacrificing quality allows you to take on more clients while still delivering premium results. For clients in need of quick refreshes between full-color appointments or color corrections, Color10 is a go-to solution. "Color10 is a very versatile tool. It works beautifully for quick regrowth touch-ups and pairs perfectly with IGORA Vibrance when guests need their mid-lengths and ends refreshed or toned during a color correction." By combining these two lines, stylists can create a seamless all-over color while keeping services efficient. Customization: Intermixability and Express Vibrant Colors One of Color10's standout features is its intermixability with the rest of the IGORA color portfolio, allowing for fully customized color services. "What I love so much is that Color10 uses the same numbering system as our other IGORA shades. That means if I use a Color10 shade for a retouch, I can use the same IGORA Vibrance shade on the mid-lengths and ends to create a cohesive, all-over color service." This consistency makes it easy for stylists to personalize formulas and match tones across different hair color lines. Intermixability Customization Consistent Numbering Seamless Color While Color10 excels at natural tones, it also offers bold, vibrant shades for express fashion colors. "Color10 has everything. From natural shades to vibrant reds and coppers, there's a shade for everyone." With express processing, clients can achieve head-turning fashion colors in record time—an appealing option for those who want stunning results without spending hours in the chair. Elevating Express Services to a Luxury Offering Speed isn't just a benefit—it's a luxury that clients are willing to pay for. By incorporating IGORA Color10 into express services, salons can increase revenue while maximizing efficiency. "IGORA Color10 will never replace your permanent hair color line, including IGORA Royal. But having Color10 allows stylists to fit more guests into their day, and I've found that most people will pay more for a service that's convenient and gives them time back." Positioning express services as a premium offering not only attracts busy clients but also boosts profitability. By embracing Color10's versatility, stylists can expand their service menu, optimize their workflow and offer clients the convenience of express color—without sacrificing quality. For more information about IGORA Color10 and other Schwarzkopf Professional products: Visit Schwarzkopf Professional © 2025 Schwarzkopf Professional. All rights reserved.

This Valentine’s season, fall in love with your craft all over again! From February 14 to 18, 2025, the Hairbrained Pro Shop is offering an exclusive 20% off all tools—because every great hairdresser deserves the best tools to create magic behind the chair. At Hairbrained, we believe that the right tools don’t just make a difference—they elevate your artistry. “A well-crafted tool isn’t just an accessory; it’s an extension of a hairdresser’s hands,” says Gerard Scarpaci, Hairbrained Co-Founder. “This sale is an amazing opportunity to invest in the tools that truly bring out your best work.” From precision shears to high-performance blow dryers and everything in between, the Hairbrained Pro Shop is stocked with top-tier tools handpicked by professionals, for professionals. Whether you're a seasoned stylist or just starting out, this is your chance to upgrade your kit and reignite your passion for the craft. Don’t miss out—this limited-time sale runs for just five days! Head to the Hairbrained Pro Shop and grab the tools you need to keep the love for hair alive. ❤️ https://hairbrained.pro/collections/best-sellers  

Hb Sessions Orange County, Hairbrained’s inaugural one-day event, brought together over 200 top hairdressers at The Richland, a boutique hotel and event venue in Orange, California, on January 27, 2025. Sponsored by Eleven Australia, Virtue Labs and Olivia Garden, the sold-out event delivered nearly five hours of top-tier education and inspiration through dynamic mainstage presentations from some of the industry’s leading educators—all in a luxurious setting. The event opened with Hairbrained cofounders Gerard Scarpaci and Randy Taylor pausing to reflect on the horrific wildfires that Southern California recently experienced. “Many of our friends, family members, neighbors and clients have faced unimaginable loss,” Scarpaci said. “Let’s take this opportunity to find inspiration, not just for our craft, but for how we can make a difference, however small, in the world around us. You’ll leave today not only with new skills, but also I hope with renewed energy and a deeper sense of community.” In fact, following the wildfire outbreak, Hairbrained donated 100% of remaining ticket sale proceeds to the Professional Business Association’s Disaster Relief Fund, raising $5,000 for the charity that directly benefits hairdressers. First to the stage was Hb’s new Creative Director, Jacob Khan, as well as Ben White, both of whom had the challenge of teaching on eight live models in less than an hour! The team opened their presentation by cutting the hair of fellow presenters, Briana Cisneros and Emily Chen. Khan channeled Chen’s former “scene style” by chopping her long tresses. “We want to take her back to her dark, emo roots and give her some of that ‘shreddy’ action that she’s looking for,” Khan explained. Meanwhile, White razor-cut Cisneros’ bixie, being sure to “keep some extra weight through the lengths and ends,” he explained. The duo then taught the rapt audience techniques on cutting fringe, creating Oasis-inspired men’s crops, shaggy curls, carving curves into long layers, and cutting hair extensions, which Khan explains some stylists are reluctant to do. “I think a lot of [hairdressers] are really afraid to cut extensions after they install them because extensions cost 450 thousand dollars,” Khan said with a smile. Next up was Ambrosia Carey on behalf of Olivia Garden. “I really want this to focus on foundational basics for craft hairstyles,” Carey explained of her segment. Over the course of four models, Carey demonstrated tips and tricks to achieving elevated hairstyles using the wide range of Olivia Garden tools, including irons, shears, dryers and of course the brand’s ubiquitous round brush. Then taking the stage with her new ’do was Emily Chen on behalf of Eleven Australia. On her first model, whom she had glossed the day before, Chen cut an on-trend shaggy style, breaking down her technique to approaching each section. On her second model, she refined a bob while offering insight on how to cut it evenly, no matter where the client parts her hair. Jayne Matthews’ models all had the same essential razor cut, but each was tailored to their unique personality and face shape. Onstage, Matthews demoed her signature carved petals in her model's long, curly surfer-blonde hair. “I like to say I cut the hair like a bonsai tree, where you carve and you take away space so the hair has its own unique, organic shape,” she explained. “All of my haircutting focuses on features of the face. It’s framing the features of the face and helping them pop.” Closing out the show was Briana Cisneros, who demonstrated a range of techniques, including razor and scissor cutting as well as coloring tips. “My color story today is everything gold,” she said. “I wanted to expose underlying pigments, but in a way to celebrate them.” She also offered advice for budding hairdressers: “Cut as many heads of hair as you possibly can! Because, let me tell you, even once you get to your 10,000 hours of mastery, there’s still more to learn. I feel like I’m still just scratching the surface of what I could do.” After the mainstage presentations were completed, eager attendees queued up to grab their special Eleven Australia gift bags and imbibed on complimentary beer, wine or custom Eleven cocktails. Light bites also contributed to the festive atmosphere, as hairdressers mixed and mingled in the cool evening air. “The first-ever Hb Sessions was an incredible success, bringing together passionate hairdressers for an intimate day of education and inspiration,” says Scarpaci. “We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of our sponsors—Eleven Australia, Virtue Labs and Olivia Garden—and a huge thank you to all the attendees who came ready to learn, connect and elevate their skills. We’re excited to continue this journey with upcoming Hb Sessions in New York and Minnesota, leading up to our premier event, Hb Fest, this September in Palm Springs. We can’t wait to see you there!" For more information on future dates, visit https://hairbrained.pro/collections/event-tickets-1