Hairbrained Conversations

Educator, creative colorist and celebrity stylist @Greg_Gilmore specializes in what he calls "Real Hair." A Global Color Ambassador for the all-new Moroccanoil color line, Greg has led an inspired professional journey that just keeps getting better. The now globe-trotting professional shares many of the lessons learned over the course of his career as well as his passion for the craft, education and living a great life.

Known throughout the industry as a color correction guru and educator, Cassandra McGlaughlin is back on the podcast, this time to discuss the evolution and ongoing importance of retail—a subject which she and Gordon share a passion for. The Redken brand ambassador, salon owner and coach talks about the many proof points around the power of offering clients at-home haircare solutions with pro products. What's more, chair-side education elevates the experience of in-salon purchasing, meaning the opportunity to grow a business and career through the sale of products remains as powerful as ever.

From "Prog Rock" vocalist/musician to hairdresser and multi-location salon owner, Laura Boton has incorporated her personal and professional values to build ongoing, sustainable success for her team, her business and family. At the core of those values are the big ideas of freedom, flexibility and fun—along with a never ending commitment to teaching and learning. Add to that the importance of mentorship (can we just say R+Co's Howard McLaren) and partnerships (@RandCo + @RandCoBleu), and you have a longstanding, proven formula for success in the professional salon industry—no matter which business model you choose to embrace.

How we think and talk about raising our prices—not to mention knowing when and how to actually do it—is an important conversation that's taken on a renewed significance since the pandemic. Conor James Doyle—an educator, colorist, content creator and @redken advocate based in Dublin, Ireland—has blown up big on social media, due in large measure to his refreshing perspective toward much of what we do every day professionally. Conor and Gordon dig into raising prices and the big idea that there is no "one size fits all" approach to such an important pillar of business.

Lauren Moser Samuels (@laurenmmoser) and Rodrick Samuels (@rodricksamuels) recently had the rare privilege of hosting the 2022 North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA), the most prestigious awards of their kind. Lauren is a NAHA-winning hairdresser, educator and artist, while Rodrick is an icon in the barber space as an artist and educator. Together they are barber school directors in Detroit, Michigan at @hairlabdetroitbarberschool. The husband and wife team take us behind the scenes on their journey to the NAHA stage as well as share a timely conversation about texture and race in the professional salon industry.