Hairbrained Articles

Kao Salon Division has reached an exciting new chapter with the appointment of Andrea DeLeon as General Manager of its U.S. business. This pivotal move positions the company to accelerate growth in the U.S., one of its most vital markets.   “Andrea is one of the most experienced and respected members of our U.S. organization, with an extraordinary track record of orchestrating strategic wins and generating new growth for the business,” says Trevor Attenborough, Vice President, Salon Commercial, Kao Salon Americas Division. “There is no one better to energize our US Salon business to reach our ambitious goals, and I am delighted that work is in her capable hands.” When DeLeon joined Kao USA back in 2005, she had one goal: to make an impact. Nearly two decades later, she’s poised to lead the team into a bold new future. In 2019 DeLeon began serving as Division Vice President, Commercial Marketing and Commercial Strategy and Planning for Salon Americas. While in this position, she was instrumental in fueling the success of Kao Salon brands across the Americas region, steering marketing, commercial strategy and planning initiatives. Her background also includes significant experience in global marketing, sales development, key customer marketing, and guiding organizational change and market expansion projects. Prior to joining Kao USA, she held positions of increasing responsibility — including as Marketing Director — at DAP, Inc. “We have an exciting year ahead of us, and I look forward to getting to work alongside my US Salon colleagues to reach our goals, continue innovating and drive growth for the business and our partner salons,” says DeLeon. “I will continue to closely collaborate with the Americas regional leadership team to deliver on our promises to customers and stakeholders.” Want to know more about DeLeon’s plans for Goldwell and the entire Kao Salon Division in 2025? Stay tuned for her upcoming Hairbrained Conversations podcast episode with Hb Co-Founder Gerard Scarpaci.   

Ellen Devine shares three easy types of fringe that can change up a hairstyle without having to change the entire cut.

Schwarzkopf Professional partners with top athletes to celebrate the relaunch of Igora Vibrance

Nina Tulio shares why hairdressers should never charge their worth—but rather their value.

Goldwell announces the top five semifinalists in three categories for the Global Creative Awards 2024

Men’s haircuts can range from shaggy, to short and cropped. But if you’re going for a classic style, The Facon could be the perfect fit. Here, Julian Perlingiero, Master Educator, shares his step-by-step instructions for creating this fundamental Sassoon shape, with ease. “This is a great shape,” says Perlingiero. In fact, he adds, it was one of the first cuts he studied when learning how to “build a square shape with a scissor over comb throughout the perimeter. It’s a core foundation cut.” Step 1: The crown. To get started on your shape, begin in the crown area. Taking horizontal sections, implement a square cut. Step 2: The sides. Next, take vertical sections in the front-side area, and cut a flat layer. Continue by taking parallel sections until you reach the natural curve of the head, using minimal over direction. Repeat this step on the opposite side. Step 3: The back. Move to the back of the head, and in the center area, cut a flat layer. Continue to cut, implementing parallel sections as you work towards the ear; make sure to blend well into the side area. Repeat this step moving from the center towards the opposite ear. Step 4: Cross check. Begin to cross check your work in the side areas. Taking horizontal sections, slightly graduate the hairline, creating soft layers. Complete this process on each side of the head. Step 5: Blend. To give the cut a seamless, blended look, refine using a scissor over comb technique. Step 6: Finishing touch. Complete the look by refining the hairline, which will give a natural finish. Julian Perlingiero hosts Hairbrained’s Facebook Live: West Coast Sessions. He’s currently demonstrating ‘The Classic Cutting Foundations,’ as interpreted by his time spent teaching at Sassoon. To catch more episodes in this series, visit: www.facebook.com/pg/hairbrained.me/videos